Immunomodulation of Avian Dendritic Cells under the Induction of Prebiotics

Although the immunomodulatory properties of prebiotics were demonstrated many years ago in poultry, not all mechanisms of action are yet clear. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the main antigen-presenting cells orchestrating the immune response in the chicken gastrointestinal tract, and they are the first line of defense in the immune response. Despite the crucial role of DCs in prebiotic immunomodulatory properties, information is lacking about interaction between prebiotics and DCs in an avian model. Mannan-oligosaccharides, β-glucans, fructooligosaccharides, and chitosan-oligosaccharides are the main groups of prebiotics having immunomodulatory properties. Because pathogen-associated molecular patterns on these prebiotics are recognized by many receptors of DCs, prebiotics can mimic activation of DCs by pathogens. Short-chain fatty acids are products of prebiotic fermentation by microbiota, and their anti-inflammatory properties have also been demonstrated in DCs. This review summarizes current knowledge about avian DCs in the gastrointestinal tract, and for the first-time, their role in the immunomodulatory properties of prebiotics within an avian model.O

Three-Dimensional Avian Hematopoietic Stem Cell Cultures as a Model for Studying Disease Pathogenesis

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture is attracting increasing attention today because it can mimic tissue environments and provide more realistic results than do conventional cell cultures. On the other hand, very little attention has been given to using 3D cell cultures in the field of avian cell biology. Although mimicking the bone marrow niche is a classic challenge of mammalian stem cell research, experiments have never been conducted in poultry on preparing in vitro the bone marrow niche. It is well known, however, that all diseases cause immunosuppression and target immune cells and their development. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) reside in the bone marrow and constitute a source for immune cells of lymphoid and myeloid origins. Disease prevention and control in poultry are facing new challenges, such as greater use of alternative breeding systems and expanding production of eggs and chicken meat in developing countries. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic will draw greater attention to the importance of disease management in poultry because poultry constitutes a rich source of zoonotic diseases. For these reasons, and because they will lead to a better understanding of disease pathogenesis, in vivo HSC niches for studying disease pathogenesis can be valuable tools for developing more effective disease prevention, diagnosis, and control. The main goal of this review is to summarize knowledge about avian hematopoietic cells, HSC niches, avian immunosuppressive diseases, and isolation of HSC, and the main part of the review is dedicated to using 3D cell cultures and their possible use for studying disease pathogenesis with practical examples. Therefore, this review can serve as a practical guide to support further preparation of 3D avian HSC niches to study the pathogenesis of avian diseases.O

Physiological and Immune Functions of Punicalagin

The aim of this publication is to compile a summary of the findings regarding punicalagin in various tissues described thus far in the literature, with an emphasis on the effect of this substance on immune reactions. Punicalagin (PUN) is an ellagitannin found in the peel of pomegranate (Punica granatum). It is a polyphenol with proven antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic and chemopreventive activities, antiproliferative activity against tumor cells; it inhibits inflammatory pathways and the action of toxic substances, and is highly tolerated. This work describes the source, metabolism, functions and effects of punicalagin, its derivatives and metabolites. Furthermore, its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are described.O

Chicken Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Applications: A Mini Review

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells that adhere to plastic; express the specific markers CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105; and produce cytokines and growth factors supporting and regulating hematopoiesis. MSCs have capacity for differentiating into osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and myocytes. They are useful for research toward better understanding the pathogenic potential of the infectious bursal disease virus, mineralization during osteogenesis, and interactions between MSCs as a feeder layer to other cells. MSCs are also important for immunomodulatory cell therapy, can provide a suitable strategy model for coculture with pathogens causing dermatitis disorders in chickens, can be cultured in vitro with probiotics and prebiotics with a view to eliminate the feeding of antibiotic growth promoters, and offer cell-based meat production. Moreover, bone marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) in coculture with hematopoietic progenitor/stem cells (HPCs/HSCs) can support expansion and regulation of the hematopoiesis process using the 3D-culture system in future research in chickens. MSCs' several advantages, including ready availability, strong proliferation, and immune modulatory properties make them a suitable model in the field of stem cell research. This review summarizes current knowledge about the general characterization of MSCs and their application in chicken as a model organism.O

The impact of calving season, dams’ parity on milk yield and gestation length of dairy cows

Article Details: Received: 2020-10-06 | Accepted: 2020-11-27 | Available online: 2021-01-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2021.24.mi-prap.41-44The purpose of the study was to asses the effect of calving season and dams’ parity on milk yield and gestation length of dairy cows. We examined 93 animals of Slovak spotted breed from the farm located in western Slovakia (Lower Váh region), in years 2014-2017. The herds’ average 305-d milk yield was 8133±1380 kg. The calving season was divided into four categories: spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February). The factor of dams parity was divided into 4 groups: 1st parity cows, 2nd-3rd parity cows, 4th and higher parity cows. Calving season affected significantly milk yield of dairy cows (P 0.32). Dams’ parity was not significantly affected by 305-d milk yield (P > 0.22). Nevertheless, the animals on the 4th and higher lactation were numerically more productive (8481±259 kg) compared to the dairy cows on their 1st,2nd-3rd lactation (8123±264 kg; 7884±223 kg; resp.). The dams’ parity significantly affected gestation length (P < 0.02), with the shortest gestation length in 1st parity dams (278±2 days) and the longest gestation in 2nd-3rd parity dams (284±1 days).To sum up, our results suggest significant role of calving season in relation to milk yield and significant effect of dams’ parity on gestation length.Keywords:milk yield, gestation, calving season, parity, dairy cows ReferencesBARASH, H., SILANIKOVE, N. and WELLER, J. (1996). Effect of Season of Birth on Milk, Fat, and Protein Production of Israeli Holsteins. Journal of Dairy Science, 79(6), 1016–1020.DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(96)76453-6Ceyhan, A., Cinar, M. and Serbester, U. (2015). Milk yield, somatic cell count, and udder measurements in holstein cows at different lactation number and months. Media Peternakan, 38(2), 118–122. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5398/medpet.2015.38.2.118DAHL, G. E. and PETITCLERC, D. (2003). Management of photoperiod in the dairy herd for improved production and health. Journal of Animal Science, 81(3), 11-17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2527/2003.81suppl_311xDAHL, G. E., TAO, S. and MONTEIRO, A. P. A. (2016). Effects of late-gestation heat stress on immunity and performance of calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(4), 3193–3198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9990FROIDMONT, E. et al. (2013). Association between age at first calving, year and season of first calving and milk production in Holstein cows. Animal, 7(4), 665–672. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731112001577MACIUC, V. 2009. Influence of the calving season on the milk yield given by a friesian population, imported from the Netherlands. Lucrări Ştiinţifice - Seria Zootehnie, 52(1), 340–344.Mellado, M. et al. (2011). Effect of lactation number, year, and season of initiation of lactation on milk yield of cows hormonally induced into lactation and treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin. Journal of Dairy Science, 94(9), 4524–4530. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2011-4152Mikláš, Š. et al. (2019a). Association of chosen environmental and animal factorswith gestation length and lactation of dairy cows in two Slovak herds. In Cerkal R. et al. (eds.) MendelNet 2019. Brno : Mendel University in Brno (pp. 153–157). ISBN 978-80-7509-688-3.Mikláš, Š. et al. (2019b). Effect of calving season and temperature at calving on the gestation length. In Tóthová, M. et al. (eds.) Scientific conference of PhD. students of FAFR and FBFS with international participation. Nitra: Slovak University of Agriculture (p. 20). ISBN 978-80-552-2083-3.Mikláš, Š. et al. (2020). The effect of dams‘ parity on milk yield, birth and weaning weight of their daughters. In Chrenek P. (ed.) Animal biotechnology 2020. Nitra: Slovak Agricultural University (p. 54). ISBN 978-80-552-2145-8NORMAN, H. D. et al. (2009). Genetic and environmental factors that affect gestation length 72 in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 92(2), 2259-2269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0982RAY, D. E., HALBACH, T. J. and ARMSTRONG, D. V. (1992). Season and Lactation Number Effects on Milk Production and Reproduction of Dairy Cattle In Arizona. Journal of Dairy Science, 75(11), 2976-2983.RIUS, A. G. and DAHL, G. E. (2006). Exposure to long-day photoperiod prepubertally may increase milk yield in first-lactation cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 89(6), 2080-2083. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72277-9Storli, K. S., Heringstad B. and Salte R. (2014). Effect of dams' parity and age on daughters' milk yield in Norwegian Red cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(10), 6242-6249. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2014-8072Tančin, V., Mikláš, Š. and Mačuhová, L. (2018). Possible physiological and environmental factors affecting milk production and udder health of dairy cows: a review. Slovak journal of animal science. 51(1), 32-40.Tao, S. et al. (2019). PHYSIOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Effects of heat stress during late gestation on the dam and its calf. Journal of Animal Science, 97(5), 2245–2257. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz061TOMASEK, R., REZAC, P. and HAVLICEK, Z. (2017). Environmental and animal factors associated with gestation length in Holstein cows and heifers in two herds in the Czech Republic. Theriogenology, 87(1), 100-107. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.08.009WRIGHT, E.C. et al. (2014). Effect of elevated ambient temperature at parturition on duration of gestation, ruminal temperature, and endocrine function of fall-calving beef cows. Journal of Animal Science, 92(10), 4449-4456. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2014-805

Effect of season and temperature before and after calving on the future milk production of born heifers

Article Details: Received: 2020-06-30 | Accepted: 2020-10-15 | Available online: 2020-12-31https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.04.224-229The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of birth season, average maximum temperatures 6 weeks before and after birth of heifers on their first lactation milk yield. In chosen herd, the effect of birth weight, weight gain until weaning on first lactation milk yield was also investigated. Additionally, the effect of the average maximum temperatures before birth, effect of birth season on birth weight were evaluated. The data were collected from the herd “A” in Orava region consisting of Slovak spotted breed (127 records), the herd “B” in Lower Nitra (150 records) and herd “C” in Upper Nitra (116 records) both consisting of black Holstein Friesian cows. Birth season tended to influence the heifers first lactation milk yield in the herd “C” (P 0.66, herd “A”; P >0.59, herd “B”; P >0.38, herd “C”). In the herd “B” there was insignificant effect of prenatal temperatures, birth season on birth weight of heifers (P >0.97; P >0.74). However, the heifers with the highest weight gains until weaning had numerically higher first lactation milk yield (P >0.20).Keywords: dairy calves, temperature, season, milk yield, gestation lengthReferencesCALLINAN P.A. and FEINBERG A. P. (2006). The emerging science of epigenomics. Human Molecular Genetics, 15(1), R95-R101. https://doi.org/10.1093/hmg/ddl095COLLIER, R. J. et al. (2006). Use of gene expression microarrays for evaluating environmental stress tolerance at the cellular level in cattle. Journal of Animal Science, 84(13), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.2527/2006.8413_supplE1xDAHL, G. E., TAO, S. and MONTEIRO, A. P. A. (2016). Effects of late-gestation heat stress on immunity and performance of calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(4), 3193–3198. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9990DAHL, G. E., TAO, S. and THOMPSON, I. M. (2012). LACTATION BIOLOGY SYMPOSIUM: Effects of photoperiod on mammary gland development and lactation. Journal of Animal Science, 90(3), 755–760. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2011-4630HEINRICHS, A. J. and HEINRICHS, B. S. (2011). A prospective study of calf factors affecting first-lactation and lifetime milk production and age of cows when removed from the herd. Journal of Dairy Science, 94(1), 336–341. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2010-3170KASARDA, R. et al. (2018). Estimation of heritability for claw traits in Holstein cattle using Bayesian and REML approaches. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 19(4), 784–790. https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/19.4.2338LAPORTA, J. et al. (2017). In utero exposure to heat stress during late gestation has prolonged effects on the activity patterns and growth of dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(4), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11993MIGLIOR, F. et al. (2017). Identification and genetic selection of economically important traits in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 100(12), 10251–10271. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-12968MOALLEM, U. et al. (2010). Long-term effects of ad libitum whole milk prior to weaning and prepubertal protein supplementation on skeletal growth rate and first-lactation milk production. Journal of Dairy Science, 93(6), 2639–2650. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-3007MONTEIRO, A. P. A. et al. (2013). Effect of heat stress in utero on calf performance and health through the first lactation. Journal of Animal Science, 91, 184. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-9990MONTEIRO, A. P. A. et al. (2014). Effect of heat stress during late gestation on immune function and growth performance of calves: Isolation of altered colostral and calf factors. Journal of Dairy Science, 97(10), 6426–6439. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2013-7891MONTEIRO, A. P. A. et al. (2016a). Effect of maternal heat stress during the dry period on growth and metabolism of calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(5), 3896–3907. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2015-10699MONTEIRO, A. P. A. et al. (2016b). In utero heat stress decreases calf survival and performance through the first lactation. Journal of Dairy Science, 99(10), 8443–8450. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2016-11072OSBORNE, V. R. et al. (2007). Effects of photoperiod and glucose-supplemented drinking water on the performance of  dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 90(11), 5199–5207. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2007-0402RIUS, G. and DAHL, G. E. (2006). Exposure to Long-Day Photoperiod Prepubertally May Increase Milk Yield in FirstLactation Cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 89(6), 2080–2083. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(06)72277-9SCHAEFFER, L. R. (2006). Strategy for applying genome-wide selection in dairy cattle. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 123, 218–223. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0388.2006.00595.xSOBERON, F. et al. (2012). Preweaning milk replacer intake and effects on long-term productivity of dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(2), 783–793. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2011-4391SOBERON, F. and VAN AMBURGH, M. E. (2013). Lactation Biology Symposium: The effect of nutrient intake from milk or milk replacer of preweaned dairy calves on lactation milk yield as adults: A meta-analysis of current data. Journal of Animal Science, 91(2), 706–712. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2012-5834STRAPÁK, P., JUHÁS, P. and BUJKO, J. (2013). The influence of health status in calves with subsequent growth of heifers and milk production in dairy cows. Journal of Central European Agriculture, 14(3), 347–356. https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/14.3.1326TANČIN, V. et al. (1994). Different nutrition of calves in relation to the levels of thyroid-hormones and some biochemical indexes. Živočíšna výroba, 39(11), 961–971.TANČIN, V., MIKLÁŠ, Š. and MAČUHOVÁ, L. (2018). Possible physiological and environmental factors affecting milk production and udder health of dairy cows: A  review. Slovak Journal of Animal Science, 51(1), pp. 32–40.TAO, S. et al. (2012). Effect of late gestation maternal heat stress on growth and immune function of dairy calves. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(12), 7128–7136. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2012-5697TAO, S. et al. (2018). Symposium review: The influences of heat stress on bovine mammary gland function. Journal of Dairy Science, 101(6), 5642–5654. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2017-13727TAO, S. et al. (2019). Effects of heat stress during late gestation on the dam and its calf. Journal of Animal Science, 97(5), 2245–2257. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skz061UHRINČAŤ, M. et al. (2007). The effect of growth intensity of heifers till 15 months of age on their milk production during first lactation. Slovak Journal of Animal Science, 40(2), 83–88.VACULIKOVA, M. and CHLADEK, G. (2015). Air temperature impacts on the behaviour of holstein calves in individual outdoor calf hutches according to age of observed calves. In O.  Polák, R. Cerkal and N. Březinová-Belcredi (Eds.), The Conference MendelNet 2015 (pp. 169–173). Brno: Mendel University in Brno.VAN EETVELDE, M. et al. (2017). Season of birth is associated with first-lactation milk yield in Holstein Friesian cattle. Animal, 11(12), 2252–2259. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731117001021VAN EETVELDE, M. and OPSOMER, G. (2017). Innovative look at dairy heifer rearing: Effect of prenatal and postnatal environment on later performance. Reproduction in Domestic Animals, 52(3), 30–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/rda.13019WIGGANS, G. R. et al. (2017). Genomic Selection in Dairy Cattle: The USDA Experience. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, 5, 309–327. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-animal-021815-111422WU, G. F. et al. (2006). Board-Invited Review: Intrauterine growth retardation: Implications for the animal sciences. Journal of Animal Science, 84(9), 2316–2337. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2006-156YATES, D., GREEN, A. and LIMESAND, S. (2011). Catecholamines mediate multiple fetal adaptations during placental insufficiency that contribute to intrauterine growth restriction: Lessons from hyperthermic sheep. Journal of Pregnancy, Article ID 740408, pp. 1–9. https://doi. org/10.1155/2011/74040

Study of selected genes of Wnt signaling pathway in relation to the parameters in the bone tissue of the laying hens

The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in almost all aspects of skeletal development and homeostasis. Many studies suggest the importance of this signaling pathway in connection with bone metabolism through many skeletal disorders caused by mutations in Wnt signaling genes. The knowledge gained through targeting this pathway is of great value for skeletal health and diseases, for example of increased bone mass in the case of osteoporosis. Our objective was to focus on the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms and investigate the associations between possible polymorphisms in selected genes that are part of those signaling pathways and parameters of bones in hens of ISA Brown hybrids (bone breaking strength, length, width, and bone mass). Different regions of the GPR177, ESR1 and RUNX2 genes were studied, using PCR and sequencing, in a total of forty-eight samples for each marker. Thirteen polymorphisms have been discovered in selected regions of studied genes, whereas these polymorphisms were only within the GPR177 gene. Eight of these polymorphisms were synonymous and five were in the intron. The tested regions of the ESR1 and RUNX2 genes were monomorphic. The only statistically significant difference was found within the GPR177 gene (exon 2) and the bone length parameter, in the c.443 + 86G>A polymorphism. However, this polymorphism was found in the intron, and no other one was found within the selected regions to show associations with the observed bone parameters.O

The effect of ewes relocation on milk composition and milk flow kinetics

The investigation of an influence of ewes relocation and milking in other parlour (treatment) on milk flow kinetics, milkability and milk composition was the aim of this study. In total 34 ewes of two breeds and crosbreeds Tsigai (14 heads) and Improved Valachian (20 heads) with Lacaune were tested. Two weeks after lamb weaning the ewes were milked in parallel milking parlour (1x16 stalls) under shelter. On the last evening milking (first experimental milking, EB) before relocation of flock to another parlour, and during next three continuous evening milkings (E0 - second, E1 - third and E2 - fourth milking of exp.) after relocation the milk flow kinetics were measured using electronic collection jar. On day E0 after morning milking the flock was moved on a pasture and milked in other parlour (1x24-stalls). During E0 we recorded a significant decrease of total milk yield in comparison with EB (0.527 ±0.04 and 0.647 ±0.04 L). Significant differences were also recorded in machine milk yield, machine stripping, milking time and in maximum milk flow rate. During E0 there was a higher number of nonbimodal and lower numbers of bimodal flow types. The response of ewe to E0 depended on its response to EB. Ewes with bimodal flow at EB responded more negatively to E0 than ewes with nonbimodal or plateau flow. During E2 there were significantly increased protein content and solids not fat in milk. Thus the treatment significantly influenced the milkability of ewes in a negative way, but more clear response was found out in ewes with bimodal flow response to machine milking before treatment. We could assume that relocation to other milking conditions caused only short-term changes in milk flow kinetic and milk yield

Reproductive toxicity of combined effects of endocrine disruptors on human reproduction

Confluence of environmental, genetic, and lifestyle variables is responsible for deterioration of human fecundity. Endocrine disruptors or endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may be found in a variety of foods, water, air, beverages, and tobacco smoke. It has been demonstrated in experimental investigations that a wide range of endocrine disrupting chemicals have negative effects on human reproductive function. However, evidence on the reproductive consequences of human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals is sparse and/or conflicting in the scientific literature. The combined toxicological assessment is a practical method for assessing the hazards of cocktails of chemicals, co-existing in the environment. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of studies emphasizing the combined toxicity of endocrine disrupting chemicals on human reproduction. Endocrine disrupting chemicals interact with each other to disrupt the different endocrine axes, resulting in severe gonadal dysfunctions. Transgenerational epigenetic effects have also been induced in germ cells, mostly through DNA methylation and epimutations. Similarly, after acute or chronic exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals combinations, increased oxidative stress (OS), elevated antioxidant enzymatic activity, disrupted reproductive cycle, and reduced steroidogenesis are often reported consequences. The article also discusses the concentration addition (CA) and independent action (IA) prediction models, which reveal the importance of various synergistic actions of endocrine disrupting chemicals mixtures. More crucially, this evidence-based study addresses the research limitations and information gaps, as well as particularly presents the future research views on combined endocrine disrupting chemicals toxicity on human reproduction.O