Effect of colostrum feeding on the serum immunoglobulin level in Saanen crossbred kids

Generally the immune system of ruminant neonates is poorly developed and even during the pregnancy period maternal antibodies are unable to pass to the fetus. The offspring will be protected from the diseases if they received enough immunoglobulin present in the colostrum. The objective of the study was to determine the serum immunoglobulin G concentration in kids fed with single or divided doses of good quality colostrum. Ten newborn Saanen crossbred kids were divided equally into two groups fed with 200 ml of colostrum once within the first hour (0 hr) post kidding (C200-1, n=5) or 100 ml colostrum twice within the first hour and eight hours post kidding (C100-2, n=5). The amount of colostrum collected from the doe offered to the kids was calculated based on 10% of the kid's body weight. Results showed that the mean body weights of kids were not significantly different (P>0.05) among the feeding groups. There was also no significant difference (P>0.05) between C200-1 and C100-2 groups for Ig G concentration in blood serum at kidding, 8, 24, 40, 192, 288, 360 and 720 hours post kidding and calculated Apparent Efficiency Absorption (AEA) after 40 hours of first feeding. Concentration of Ig G in blood serum and AEA after 40 hours of first feeding of C100-2 group were higher (P>0.05) than those of C200-1 group. This study recommends that Saanen crossbred neonates be fed with colostrum twice (0 and 8 hours) on the first day of their life to make sure they received adequate amount of Ig G for their later immunity

Effects of varying energy levels on follicular development and time of ovulation in Kedah-Kelantan crossbred cows

Nutrition element such as energy can influence reproductive performance, and the difference in energy provided will lead to changes in follicular development in cows. Therefore a study was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying energy levels on the size of preovulatory follicles and ovulation time of Kedah-Kelantan (KK) crossbred cows. The cows were assigned into two treatment groups: 1M in which the cows were fed to meet their full daily metabolizable energy requirement above maintenance (n=15), and 2M in which the cows were fed twice the level for daily metabolizable energy requirement above maintenance (n=15). The diet contained protein level ranging from 13-15%. Cows were inserted intravaginally with controlled internal drug releasing device (CIDR), containing 1.38 g of progesterone for 7 days. Intramuscular injection of 25 mg prostaglandin was administered 2 days prior to CIDR removal. Each cow had their ovaries scanned at 6-hour intervals from the time of CIDR removal until ovulation (loss of dominant follicles). The day of ovulation at the beginning of emergence of new follicles was designated as Day 0. The ovaries were then scanned at 2-day intervals to determine the follicular wave development (FD). No significant difference (P>0.05) in preovulatory follicle size of 10.5 ± 0.07 mm and 11.1 ± 0.06 mm and ovulation time of 92.0 ± 3.63 h and 89.8 ± 4.08 h of cows fed the two energy levels of 1M and 2M, respectively. The number of follicular waves, length of oestrous cycle, growth and regression rates of dominant follicules and post-synchronized progesterone concentration were not significantly different (P>0.05) between 1M and 2M energy diets. The length of oestrous cycle was 20.6 ± 0.49 days, and mean growth and regression rates of dominant follicules were 1.4 ± 0.02 mm per day and 1.7 ± 0.03 mm per day, respectively. The cows in the present study were in active oestrus cycle evidenced from the presence of active corpus luteum as indicated by the serum concentration of progesterone of 1.3 ± 0.19 ng/ml and 1.5 ± 0.31 ng/ml in the 1M and 2M groups, respectively. The findings from this study seemed to suggest that cows that were offered higher levels of energy above their maintenance requirement would not develop preovulatory follicle of larger size, increase the diameter of the dominant follicles, reduce the number of follicular waves, and the time of ovulation to occur earlier. It may be concluded that the energy levels offered in this study were not sufficiently adequate to alter and affect the follicular development, particularly the preovulatory follicle diameter and time of ovulation of KK crossbred cows in a tropical condition

In vitro digestibility and gas production characteristics of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars as fresh fodder

Napier grass was first introduced to Malaysia in the 1920?s and there were many cultivars introduced in Malaysia since 1950?s. However, there is a need to have comparative evaluation of these Napier cultivars so that definite recommendations can be made in the choice and management of the respective cultivars. The experiment was conducted to evaluate the in vitro digestibility and gas production characteristic of four Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) cultivars, namely Common, Silver, Red and Dwarf Napier. Common, Silver and Red Napier are classified as tall cultivars while Dwarf Napier is a short cultivar. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 32, 36, 48, 72 and 96 h of incubation period and its kinetics was described using the equation p = a + b (1 ? e?ct). Dwarf Napier had the highest (P 0.05) in the rate of gas production (C) of Napier cultivars which ranged from 0.024 to 0.035 h-1. The metabolisable energy (ME) was significantly higher in Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars (8.7 MJ/kg DM) compared to Silver and Common Napier cultivars. The cumulative gas production within 32 h was highest (P0.05) ranged from 52 to 73 mM, 88 to 70%, 6.2 to 6.8%, respectively.. Dwarf Napier cultivar had superior nutritional quality. Dwarf and Red Napier cultivars could be classified as high quality grasses due to their high digestibility, gas production and degradation rates compared to the other cultivars. The low quality of Common and Silver Napier cultivars is mainly reflected by the extensive lignification of their cell wall structure

Response of hepatic metabolizing enzymes and oxidative stress in orally administrated zerumbone against MIA-induced osteoarthritis in rats.

The main objective of this study was to elucidate the extent of hepatic oxidative stress following oral administration of zerumbone against monosodium iodoacetate induced Osteoarthritis (OA) in rats by monitoring microsomal cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase enzymes as well as determination of oxidative stress biomarkers i.e., glutathione and malondialdehyde. Forty rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Rats in the first and second groups were treated with two different doses of zerumbone. Rats in the third group (positive control) were given celecoxib whereas the fourth group (negative control) was given corn oil. Rats of the fifth group were untreated not induced with OA and were used as a basal group. Results showed significant induction of cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase and insignificant changes in both glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels in zerumbone treated groups compared to corn oil and basal groups. Levels of ALT and AST in zerumbone treated groups were comparable to the level in the basal group indicating absence of liver damage. Prostaglandin E2 level significantly reduced following zerumbone administration. Safety profile of zerumbone in this study, attract new investigation to explore its advantageous effect on using higher dosage regimen and/or longer duration against OA or other disease

Milk composition and fatty acids profile at different stages of lactation in Jamnapari crossbred goats

Milk is one of the essential products in the human diet, rich in nutritive components. The inter-specific differences of goat and cow milk composition clearly show that goat milk is rich in beneficial fatty acids content. The composition and fatty acids of milk is affected by various factors including stage of lactation. Thus, the objectives of this study were to evaluate milk composition (fat, protein, lactose and total solid) and fatty acid profiles at different stages of lactation in the dairy goats. Milk yield and samples were obtained from 33 lactating Jamnapari crossbred goats, aged between 2 and 4 y, from a dairy goat farm. Does were fed with the same diet (cut fodder and soy wastes) throughout the lactation period. Milk samples were taken from each goat on 10-15, 42-63 and 98-112 d postpartum and named as early, mid, and late lactation stage, respectively. Milk samples were analysed to determine milk composition and fatty acids profile. Results revealed that milk yield was the highest (P0.05) throughout this study. Low level of cholesterol-raising fatty acids in human nutrition known as myristic and palmatic acids were detected at early lactation stages (P<0.05) compared to mid and late lactation stages. However, the value of individual medium-chain triglycerides in particularly caproic and caprylic acids were also at low value (P<0.05) during early lactation stage. Oleic acid had a higher value at the beginning of lactation (P<0.05) until the mid-stage of lactation. The fat content which coincided with oleic acid was concentrated during early lactation stages with the expense of caproic and caprylic acids which were also beneficial in human nutrition. In conclusion, milk yield, composition and fatty acid profiles of Jamnapari goats were altered by the stage of lactation. Low levels of individual MCT, especially caprylic and capric acids, and including myristic and palmatic acids (long chain fatty acid) in goat milk during the early stage of lactation. The highest value of rumenic acid and the decrease in stearic and oleic acid levels in goat milk occurred during mid-stage of lactation

Assessment of mating behaviour associated with fertility in Boer bucks

A study on the mating behavior of Boer bucks using the serving capacity test was conducted. Ten healthy Boer bucks with no previous experience of sexual activity were randomly selected and kept in individual pens. Each buck was allowed to mate naturally with a restrained female in oestrus for 30 minutes. Data on the serving capacity test were collected every 2 weeks for 5 consecutive weeks. All occurrences of mount attempts, mounts with and without ejaculation and the frequency of each event occurred were recorded. Latency to first mount and first ejaculation and refractory period were calculated. Buck efficiency was calculated by dividing the total number of ejaculations by the total number of mounts with and without ejaculation. Results showed that there were significant differences (P<0.05) between weeks for the mean latency to first mount, number of mounts and mount attempts, latency to first ejaculation, refractory period, number of ejaculations and mating efficiency. The number of ejaculations and mating efficiency increased in the beginning of the study. It was noted that experience had a decisive effect on the ability of bucks to properly mount and successfully ejaculate. Sexual experience might have provided the opportunity for bucks to learn and recognize important behavioural cues from the females

Effect of bacteria inoculants on corn silage quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of bacterial inoculants on fermentation rate and quality of corn silage. There are five lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from corn silage; Lactobacillus buchneri, L. hilgardii, L. kefiri, L. oris and L. rhamnosus which were applied at ~107-108 cfu/g of fresh corn forage. The inoculated chopped corn forage was stored in approximately 12 kg-capacity polyester containers for 14, 21 and 28 days. The temperature, pH, nutrient composition and aerobic stability was determined. Inoculation LAB improved the fermentation characteristics, increased nutrient digestibility and improved aerobic stability of corn silages. The bacterial inoculants did not significantly (P>0.05) decreased pH values of the corn silages. Addition of bacterial inoculants to corn silages increased its crude protein content significantly (P<0.05) with time. However, adding bacterial inoculants also significantly (P<0.05) decreased the neutral detergent fiber content with time. After 21 days, the process of fermentation appeared to be complete for all treatments. Among the five lactic acid bacteria used, L. buchneri was identified as the best inoculants for ensiling of corn forage

Microscopic changes of ovaries in relation to inflammatory mediators of blood plasma in superovulated rats

This study was aimed to evaluate the microscopic changes that occur within the ovary and to assess the level of inflammatory mediators in blood plasma in rats that are superovulated. Eighteen female 12 weeks old Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study whereby histological sections of ovaries were examined to study the morphology of the ovary and blood analysis was carried out to analyse the inflammatory mediators in the blood plasma. The number of large follicles and healthy follicles were significantly increased (P0.05) when compared to control rats. The levels of Interleukin 8 (IL-8) was up regulated (P0.05) from control rats. It can be concluded from this study that IL-8 indicates increased level of inflammation in superovulated rats. The finding of this study in the increased level of IL-8 in superovulated rats is useful in further studies addressing problems in the superovulation treatment

The effects of different timing of artificial insemination, the association of uterine tone and site of semen deposition on pregnancy rate following oestrus synchronisation in beef cattle

The pregnancy rate following induced ovulation at different timing of artificial insemination (TAI), and the association of uterine horn tone and site of semen deposition on pregnancy rate in Kedah-Kelantan (KK) and crossbred beef cows were studied. The cows were divided into three groups, each artificially inseminated either at 56 h, 65 h or 72 h following the removal of controlled internal drug release devices (CIDR®). The uterine tone was evaluated on a 4-point scale and pregnancy diagnosis was performed through rectal palpation. The percentage of cows that exhibited oestrus was not significantly different (p >0.05) between the groups studied. Group S56, S65 and S72 exhibited oestrus rates of 75, 73.7 and 70% respectively. Group S56 had a higher pregnancy rate compared to the other two groups. A total of 49.2, 37.3 and 13.6% cows were observed to have intermediate, extreme and slight condition of uterine tone respectively. The correlation coefficient indicates no relationship exists between TAI and the site of semen deposition, and pregnancy rate. However, a negative correlation exists between TAI and uterine tone condition. Thus, TAI can be performed between 56 h and 72 h after CIDR® removal, and uterine tone can be as indicator on the success of AI to pregnancy rate in KK and crossbred cows

Zerumbone significantly improved immunoreactivity in the synovium compared to Channa striatus extract in monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee osteoarthritis in rat

The main aim of this study was to compare the immunoreactivity of some osteoarthritis related neuropeptides following oral administration of two natural remedies that is Channa striatus extract and zerumbone against monosodium iodoacetate induced knee osteoarthritis changes in the rat’s synovial membrane. Assay of PGE2 and PGF2α in the serum were performed to evaluate their role during osteoarthritis events and post oral application of the treatment. Forty rats were divided equally into four groups. Rats in the first and second groups were received channa extract and zerumbone, respectively. Rats in the third group were treated with celecoxib, whereas the fourth group was treated with normal saline. Evaluation of immunoreactivity of the following neuropeptides: Protein gene product 9.5, calcitonin gene related peptide and neuropeptide Y in the synovial membranes was implemented with the aid of both histopathology and immunohistochemistry approaches. Results revealed lower pathology score in both first and second groups accompanied with markedly improved immunoreactivity in zerumbone treated groups compared to channa extract group. Significant different concentrations of PGE2 but not PGF2α were detected within studied groups. Both remedies significantly improved the immunoreactivity which appeared more apparent in the group treated with zerumbone. Prostaglandin E2 has a role in osteoarthritis development and regulation