Growth hormone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone regulation by neuropeptide Y in both sexes of the cichlid fish, Cichlasoma dimerus

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is considered the most potent orexigenic peptide, increasing before meal time and during fasting. In teleost, most studies on NPY action upon growth hormone (GH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were conducted in females or group of animals without sex discrimination. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether NPY modulates the expression and release of GH and gonadotropins in both sexes of Cichlasoma dimerus. By double-label immunofluorescence, we first determined the association between NPY fibers and pituitary cells. In addition, we performed in vitro studies to evaluate the effect of NPY on GH and gonadotropins expression by real-time PCR, and release by Western blot, in males and females separately. Contacts between NPY fibers and GH and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-producing cells were detected, indicating possible functional relationships. We observed an increase in GH release in the culture medium at 2 nM for males (p = 0.043) and 20 nM for females (p = 0.028). Pituitary FSH release was stimulated at 20 nM (p = 0.026) and 200 nM (p = 0.033) for males and females, respectively. Finally, NPY only increased β-LH mRNA expression at 20 nM in females (p = 0.028) and its release at 2 nM (p = 0.049) and 200 nM for males (p = 0.005) and 200 nM for females (p = 0.018). In conclusion, NPY acts as a GH-, LH- and FSH-releasing factor, in a dose- and sex-dependent way.Fil: Di Yorio, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Delgadin, Tomás Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Sirkin, Daniela Irina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Vissio, Paula Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentin

Caracterização da gestão de novilhas em rebanhos leiteiros do oeste de Buenos Aires, Argentina

The replacement program in a dairy farm represents the second or third largest cost in a dairy operation. This study aimed to characterize and typify the practices related to the dairy heifer replacement program and describe the growth, development, and health parameters during this period in commercial dairy herds in Trenque Lauquen. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, including 54 randomly selected dairy farms that were visited once to collect data about facilities and management through a semi-structured survey. Cluster and principal coordinates analysis were applied to classify the farms based on all variables collected, grouped in four main areas: pre-fresh cows, colostrum management, pre-weaning calf ’s management, and personnel. Additionally, growth, development, and health status were also recorded and described for calves and breeding heifers. Two similar-sized farm clusters were identified with differences in management and facilities in different areas of calves rearing. In one cluster there was a greater proportion of farms having a pre-fresh group, implementing appropriate health (colostrum, vaccination) and feeding management. Also, differences in personnel and technical support were relevant. The estimated body gain was 452 and 774 g/d for calves younger or older than 60 d of age, respectively. The age and weight farm averages in breeding heifers were 21.0 mo (range: 16.7-27.5) and 416.3 kg (range: 336.7-519.3), respectively. Diarrhea and respiratory affections were the major problems in pre-weaning calves and heifer rearing, respectively. The median mortality was 7.3, 7.6, and 2.9% at the calving, pre-weaning, and heifer rearing period, respectively. The results showed an improvement opportunity for producers, the design of precise and high impact programs that could lead to an improved replacement program.Nos rebanhos leiteiros, o programa de reposição representa o segundo ou o terceiro maior custo da atividade de produção de leite. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar e tipificar as práticas relacionadas ao programa de reposição de novilhas leiteiras e descrever o crescimento, desenvolvimento e parâmetros de saúde durante este período em rebanhos leiteiros comerciais localizados em Trenque Lauquen, oeste de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal incluindo 54 fazendas de produção de leite selecionadas ao acaso e visitadas uma única vez para a colheita de dados relacionados a instalações e manejo empregando-se um questionário semi-estruturado. Foi efetuada a análise dos agrupamentos e das coordenadas principais para classificar as fazendas com base em todas as variáveis colhidas e agrupadas em quatro principais áreas: vacas pré-parto, manejo de colostro, manejo pré-desmame de bezerros e recursos humanos. Os dados referentes ao crescimento, desenvolvimento e estado de saúde dos animais também foram registrados e descritos para bezerros e novilhas. Dois grupos de fazendas de tamanho semelhante foram identificados com diferenças no manejo e instalações em distintas áreas de recria de bezerros. Em um grupo houve uma maior proporção de fazendas que tinham um grupo de vacas pré-parto, com implementação de adequada manejo de saúde (colostro, vacinações) e manejo alimentar, também, foram relevantes as diferenças em termos de pessoal e suporte técnico. O ganho de peso estimado foi de 452 e 774 gramas por dia, respectivamente, para os bezerros jovens e os com idade superior a 60 dias. As médias das fazendas da idade e do peso das novilhas de reprodução foram, respectivamente, 21,0 meses (variação de 16,7 a 27,5) e 416,3 kg (variação de 336,7 a 519,3). A diarreia e as afecções respiratórias foram os maiores problemas de saúde, respectivamente, nos bezerros em pré-desmama e novilhas em recria. A média de mortalidade foi de 7,3; 7,6 e 2,9%, respectivamente, ao parto, na pré-desmama e durante a recria de novilhas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a existência de oportunidades de melhoria para os produtores, com o delineamento de programas precisos e de alto impacto que poderão propiciar um programa de reposição aprimorado.Fil: Demateis Lllera, Federico. Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Norte. Estacion Experimental Agropecuaria General Villegas. Agencia de Extension Rural Trenque Lauquen.; ArgentinaFil: Vissio, Claudina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Departamento de Patología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Turiello, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Departamento de Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Herrero, Alejandra. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Larriestra, Alejandro Jose. Universidad Nacional de Villa María. Instituto Académico Pedagógico de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Departamento de Patología Animal; Argentin

Inter-individual variability in reproductive success and somatic growth in Cichlasoma dimerus (Heckel, 1840)

Environmental factors and social interactions are known to affect somatic growth and reproduction in teleost fish. It has been described for Cichlasoma dimerus that only one pair is formed under a wide range of laboratory conditions. However, this was not observed in tanks composed of three males and three females, where multiple pair formation occurred. Thus, our objective was to evaluate somatic growth and reproductive performance in C. dimerus under this particular condition, in which more than one pair is expected to be formed. A clear sexual growth dimorphism, with males growing faster than females, and multiple pair formation, sometimes simultaneously, were observed. Both features were absent in previous studies with other aquaria structures. Additionally, there was a significant association between reproductive events and body size, where the bigger the fish, both male and female, the higher the number of reproductive events. Despite the sexual growth dimorphism, no differences were observed between males and females in IGF-I and GHR2 mRNA levels. The results obtained for this social species show a high inter-individual variability in the aquaria in regard to reproductive success and growth. This may have implications on experimental design, where a low level of heterogeneity between fish is desirable. If this variability is not taken into account, possible treatment effects may not be detected.Fil: Delgadin, Tomás Horacio. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Sirkin, Daniela Irina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Karp, Paola Julieta. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; ArgentinaFil: Fossati, Mariana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Laboratorio de Neuroendocrinología del Crecimiento y la Reproducción; ArgentinaFil: Vissio, Paula Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentin

Heifer management characterization in dairy herds from the west of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The replacement program in a dairy farm represents the second or third largest cost in a dairy operation. This study aimed to characterize and typify the practices related to the dairy heifer replacement program and describe the growth, development, and health parameters during this period in commercial dairy herds in Trenque Lauquen. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, including 54 randomly selected dairy farms that were visited once to collect data about facilities and management through a semi-structured survey. Cluster and principal coordinates analysis were applied to classify the farms based on all variables collected, grouped in four main areas: pre-fresh cows, colostrum management, pre-weaning calf ’s management, and personnel. Additionally, growth, development, and health status were also recorded and described for calves and breeding heifers. Two similar-sized farm clusters were identified with differences in management and facilities in different areas of calves rearing. In one cluster there was a greater proportion of farms having a pre-fresh group, implementing appropriate health (colostrum, vaccination) and feeding management. Also, differences in personnel and technical support were relevant. The estimated body gain was 452 and 774 g/d for calves younger or older than 60 d of age, respectively. The age and weight farm averages in breeding heifers were 21.0 mo (range: 16.7-27.5) and 416.3 kg (range: 336.7-519.3), respectively. Diarrhea and respiratory affections were the major problems in pre-weaning calves and heifer rearing, respectively. The median mortality was 7.3, 7.6, and 2.9% at the calving, pre-weaning, and heifer rearing period, respectively. The results showed an improvement opportunity for producers, the design of precise and high impact programs that could lead to an improved replacement program. Nos rebanhos leiteiros, o programa de reposição representa o segundo ou o terceiro maior custo da atividade de produção de leite. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar e tipificar as práticas relacionadas ao programa de reposição de novilhas leiteiras e descrever o crescimento, desenvolvimento e parâmetros de saúde durante este período em rebanhos leiteiros comerciais localizados em Trenque Lauquen, oeste de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Foi realizado um estudo  observacional transversal incluindo 54 fazendas de produção de leite selecionadas ao acaso e visitadas uma única vez para a colheita de dados relacionados a instalações e manejo empregando-se um questionário semi-estruturado. Foi efetuada a análise dos agrupamentos e das coordenadas principais para classificar as fazendas com base em todas as variáveis colhidas e agrupadas em quatro principais áreas: vacas pré-parto, manejo de colostro, manejo pré-desmame de bezerros e recursos humanos. Os dados referentes ao crescimento, desenvolvimento e estado de saúde dos animais também foram registrados e descritos para bezerros e novilhas. Dois grupos de fazendas de tamanho semelhante foram identificados com diferenças no manejo e instalações em distintas áreas de recria de bezerros. Em um grupo houve uma maior proporção de fazendas que tinham um grupo de vacas pré-parto, com implementação de adequado manejo de saúde (colostro, vacinações) e manejo alimentar. Também foram relevantes as diferenças em termos de pessoal e suporte técnico. O ganho de peso estimado foi de 452 e 774 gramas por dia, respectivamente, para os bezerros jovens e os com idade superior a 60 dias. As médias das fazendas da idade e do peso das novilhas de reprodução foram, respectivamente, 21,0 meses (variação de 16,7 a 27,5) e 416,3 kg (variação de 336,7 a 519,3). A diarreia e as afecções respiratórias foram os maiores problemas de saúde, respectivamente, nos bezerros em pré-desmama e novilhas em recria. A média de mortalidade foi de 7,3; 7,6 e 2,9%, respectivamente, ao parto, na pré-desmama e durante a recria de novilhas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram a existência de oportunidades de melhoria para os produtores, com o delineamento de programas precisos e de alto impacto que poderão propiciar um programa de reposição aprimorado.

The effect of anandamide on prolactin secretion is modulated by estrogen

Recent research has revealed that endogenous cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) react with the active ingredient of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Two endogenous ligands activate these receptors. The principal one, anandamide (AEA), activates CB1. AEA and CB1 are localized to various neurons within the brain. Because Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol inhibited prolactin (Prl) secretion following its intraventricular injection into male rats, we hypothesized that AEA would have a similar effect. Estrogen modifies many hormonal responses and is known to increase Prl secretion. Therefore, we hypothesized that responses to intraventricular AEA would change depending on the gonadal steroid environment. Consequently, we evaluated the effects of lateral cerebral ventricular microinjection of AEA (20 ng) into male, ovariectomized (OVX), and estrogen-primed (OVX-E) rats. AEA decreased plasma Prl in male rats, had little effect in OVX females, and increased Prl in OVX-E rats. The results were at least partially mediated by changes in dopaminergic turnover, altering the inhibitory dopaminergic control of Prl release by the anterior pituitary gland. Thus, dopamine turnover was increased in the male rats and decreased significantly in OVX and in OVX-E rats. The changes in Prl may be caused not only by altered dopamine input to the anterior pituitary gland but also by effects of AEA on other transmitters known to alter Prl release. Importantly, in OVX-E rats, the elevated Prl release and the response to AEA were blocked by the AEA antagonist, indicating that AEA is a synaptic transmitter released from neurons that decrease inhibitory control of Prl release.Fil: Scorticati, Camila. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; ArgentinaFil: Mohn, Claudia Ester. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; ArgentinaFil: de Laurentiis, Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; ArgentinaFil: Vissio, Paula Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; ArgentinaFil: Fernández Solari, José Javier. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; ArgentinaFil: Seilicovich, Adriana. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina; ArgentinaFil: McCann, Samuel M.. Pennington Biomedical Research Center; Estados UnidosFil: Rettori, Valeria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios Farmacológicos y Botánicos; Argentin

Identificación y distribución de la hormona hipofisaria Somatolactina en el pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis (Teleostei, Atherinidae) : Su relación con el ciclo gonadal"

La somatolactina (SL) es una hormona recientemente identificada en peces teleósteos. Por su estructura pertenece a la familia de la hormona de crecimiento (GH) y la prolactina (PRL). Su función es aún poco conocida, pero datos bibliográficos recientes la relacionan entre otros con los procesos reproductivos. Con el objeto de estudiar su participación en éstos se establecieron los _ siguientes objetivos: Estudiar la distribución de los diferentes tipos celulares de la adenohipófisis (ADH) y establecer la presencia de células productoras de SL en el pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis. Determinar la relación entre las variaciones morfométricas de las células SL y el ciclo gonadal tanto en machos como en hembras de pejerrey. Establecer si existe una relación entre SL y el neuropéptido liberador de gonadotrofinas (GnRH). Los resultados mostraron que las células productoras de las diferentes hormonas hipofisarias se localizaron en sitios específicos de la ADH. Las células productoras de PRL y de ACTH en la pars distalis rostral (PDR), las productoras de hormona de crecimiento (GH), de hormona tirotrófica (TSH) y de gonadotrofinas (GtHs) en la pars distalis proximal (PDP). Estas últimas también se encontraron en el borde externo de la pars intermedia (PI) junto con las células presuntivamente productoras de hormona melanocitoestimulante (MSH). Las células secretoras de SL, reconocidas específicamente con cuatro antisueros se ubicaron en estrecha proximidad con la neurohipófisis (NH) también en la PI. El área de las células productoras de SL mostró diferencias significativas entre hembras activas o vitelogénicas e inactivas o no vitelogénicas. Se observó también una correlación positiva entre el área de las células ir-SL y el Indice gonadosomático (GSI). En machos con altos valores de GSI las células productoras de SL eran más numerosas y de mayor tamaño en comparación con los individuos con valores menores de GSI. Sin embargo, esta diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. En este trabajo de Tesis se demostró una clara asociación morfológica entre las células productoras de SL y las fibras de GnRH. Por otra parte, se determinó la presencia de receptores a GnRH en estas células, utilizando un cultivo primario de hipófisis de pejerrey. Los sitios de unión se revelaron por autoradiografia de un análogo superactivo de GnRH ([125I]GnRH-A)y las células inmunoreactivas, ir-SL se identificaron por inmunocitoquímica. Una gran cantidad de gránulos de plata representando sitios de unión de [125I]GnRH-A se encontraron asociadas a estas células. Los resultados obtenidos aportan mayor información a la hipótesis sobre el papel que jugaría la SL en los procesos reproductivos de los peces teleósteos.A pituitary hormone, somatolactin (SL), belonging to the growth hormone (GH)/prolactin (PRL) family is a recently discovered polypeptide produced in the pars intermedia (PI) of teleosts. Its function is still uncertain but several authors propose that SL may be involved in some physiological aspects of reproduction. In the present work the following objectives were established: To analyse the distribution of different cellular types in the adenohypophysis (ADH) of pejerrey, Odontesrhes bonariensis and to determine the presence of SL producing cells. To study in both sexes the relationship between morphometric changes of SL producing cells and gonadal development. To determine the association between ir-GnRH fibers and the SL expressing cells and analyse the presence of GnRH binding sites in the same cells. Results showed that prolactin (PRL) cells were immnunostained in the external border of the rostral pars distalis (RPD). Immunoreactive (ir-) corticotrophic (ACTH) cells were identified in the same area and crossreactivity was observed in the pars intermedia (PI), corresponding to presumptive melanocyte-stimulating hormones cells. Ir-growth hormone (GH) cells were identified in close contact with the neurohypophysis (NH) in the proximal pars distalis (PPD). Ir-gonadotrophic (GtH) cells were distributed in the PPD and in the external border of the PI. Ir-thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH) cells were revealed in the PPD. Ir-somatolactin (SL) cells were recognised specifically using four different antisera in the PI in close contact with the neurohypophysis. The area of the cells ir-SL showed a significant difference between the area of ir-SL cells of resting/reggresing and sexually active (vitellogenic) females. A significant positive correlation between the ir-SL cellular area and the GSI was also observed. In males with the highest GSI values the ir-SL cells appeared more numerous and showed an increase in the immunostained area when compared to those of individuals with lower GSI values. However, the correlation between the area of ir-SL cells and the GSI in males was not statistically significant. A close association of GnRH fibers and SL cells was determined. In addition, GnRH receptors were observed in SL cells , using a pituitary primary cell culture system. GnRH binding sites were revealed by autoradiography of an iodinated superactive GnRH agonist ([125 I]GnRH-A)and pituitary cells were identified by immunocytochemistry using piscine antisera. Following autoradiography, silver grains representing specific [125I]GnRH-A binding were associated with SL cells. These results demonstrate the presence of GnRH binding sites in these cells.Fil:Vissio, Paula Gabriela. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina

Double-labeling immunofluorescence: A simple and effective tool to study pituitary regulation in teleost fish

Neuroendocrinology studies are fundamental to understand how external and internal information are integrated within the brain and, via the pituitary signals, allow the homeostasis of organisms. The teleost neuroendocrine system conserved all the major components and functions present in tetrapods, and the adenohypophysis (ADH) is directly innervated by neurosecretory fibers. This taxonomic group represents an excellent model to study the central regulation of vital processes such as reproduction, water balance, and growth, among others. Besides, further characteristics that distinguish teleost’s pituitary are the regional distribution of the different pituitary cell types, the presence of a hormone named somatolactin in cells of the pars intermedia, the lack of pars tuberalis, and two types of gonadotropes, one that produces follicle-stimulating hormone and the other, luteinizing hormone. Within these teleost characteristics, the lack of a canonical median eminence and a direct innervation with different types of associations between nerve terminals and pituitary cells simplifies neuroendocrine studies and allows the use of simple methodologies to understand the central regulation of pituitary hormones. In this chapter, we will first describe the hypothalamic–pituitary axis in teleost fish, and then, we will introduce the basics of double-labeling immunofluorescence as a simple and reliable method to initiate neuroendocrine studies. In addition, we will describe other experimental approaches to further study the effects of different neuropeptides on hormone secretion and receptor localization, which are necessary to complement these kinds of studies. Finally, we will present some examples of how we applied this protocol in our research lines.Fil: Vissio, Paula Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Pérez Sirkin, Daniela Irina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; ArgentinaFil: Di Yorio, María Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Ciudad Universitaria. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Instituto de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental y Aplicada; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental; Argentin

Association between age at first calving and productive performance in Argentinian dairy herds

The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of age at first calving (AFC) in dairy herds of Córdoba province and to evaluate the effect of AFC on productive indicators during the first lactation. A retrospective study was used to analyze data from 26,614 cows calved for the first time during the calendar year 2016. A total of 15,181 first-lactation cows were included in the analysis. Registers were stratified by age at first calving (AFC) into 5 groups: 1) 18?21 mo, 2) 22?25 mo, 3) 26?29 mo, 4) 30?33 mo, 5) 34?37 mo. Milk yield (MY) for first lactation cows having at least 5 milk test days was used to analyze production. The General Linear Mixed Models was applied to determine differences in start-up, peak and daily mean milk yield. The fixed effects evaluated were AFC category, calving season and herd size category, herd was fitted as a random effect. The effect of AFC on milk production during the 5 milk test days was evaluated including the random effect of cow nested within farm. The overall median and interquartile range (IQR) of AFC was 27 and 25?30 mo, respectively. Median milk yield per heifer was 27.1 kg/d (IQR = 23?31). MY, start-up and peak milk yield increased systematically from the 1st to the 5th AFC category (Table 1). Milk production adjusted by herd size and calving season for the 5 AFC categories showed lower MY for lower AFC categories at the beginning of the lactation but differences between AFC categories 3, 4Fil: Turiello, Paula. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Departamento de Producción Animal; ArgentinaFil: Vissio, Claudina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Departamento de Patología Animal; ArgentinaFil: Larriestra, Alejandro Jose. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria. Departamento de Patología Animal; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Villa María. Instituto Académico Pedagógico de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Heinrichs, A.J.. State University of Pennsylvania; Estados Unidos2019 American Dairy Science Association Annual MeetingCincinnatiEstados UnidosAmerican Dairy Science Associatio

Effects of milk replacer supplementation to whole milk fed to Holstein dairy calves during the first month of life on intake, performance, and health under 2 feeding programs

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding milk replacer to milk fed to calves during their first month of life on intake, performance, and health under 2 milk feeding programs. Materials and Methods: Sixty female Holstein calves were blocked at birth by dam parity and assigned in a randomized block design to 1 of 4 treatments (n = 15/treatment). Calves were fed whole milk under either a conventional (CF) or a step-up/step-down (SF) feeding program for 8 wk. Both feeding programs were tested with (+MR) and without 0.5 kg/d of milk replacer during the first 28 d. Results and Discussion: The maximum rate of liquid feed supply was ~1.5 kg of DM. No difference in intake was found during the last week of the experiment. Daily gain varied among treatments. Heifers on SF+MR were the heaviest at the end of the experiment, although they were not different from those on CF+MR. There was no difference in final BW between CF+MR and SF. No difference in diarrhea status was observed. Implications and Applications: Under the conditions of this experiment, calves achieved greater nutrient intake by concentrating the milk feeding during the first month, inducing a greater daily gain during the entire liquid feeding period, neither compromising starter intake at weaning nor affecting diarrhea incidence. Milk replacer supplementation only during the first month of life can be used under both feeding programs, with the conventional being more practical and less time consuming.Fil: Bogni, Agostina. Teknal S.a.; ArgentinaFil: Vissio, Claudina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud. - Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto para el Desarrollo Agroindustrial y de la Salud; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria; ArgentinaFil: Larriestra, Alejandro Jose. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Villa María. Instituto Académico Pedagógico de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas; ArgentinaFil: Turiello, María Paula. Universidad Nacional de Villa María. Instituto Académico Pedagógico de Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Instituto de Formación E Investigación En Nutrición Animal; Argentin

Conservation of Three-Dimensional Helix-Loop-Helix Structure through the Vertebrate Lineage Reopens the Cold Case of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone-Associated Peptide

GnRH-associated peptide (GAP) is the C-terminal portion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) preprohormone. Although it was reported in mammals that GAP may act as a prolactin-inhibiting factor and can be co-secreted with GnRH into the hypophyseal portal blood, GAP has been practically out of the research circuit for about 20 years. Comparative studies highlighted the low conservation of GAP primary amino acid sequences among vertebrates, contributing to consider that this peptide only participates in the folding or carrying process of GnRH. Considering that the three-dimensional (3D) structure of a protein may define its function, the aim of this study was to evaluate if GAP sequences and 3D structures are conserved in the vertebrate lineage. GAP sequences from various vertebrates were retrieved from databases. Analysis of primary amino acid sequence identity and similarity, molecular phylogeny, and prediction of 3D structures were performed. Amino acid sequence comparison and phylogeny analyses confirmed the large variation of GAP sequences throughout vertebrate radiation. In contrast, prediction of the 3D structure revealed a striking conservation of the 3D structure of GAP1 (GAP associated with the hypophysiotropic type 1 GnRH), despite low amino acid sequence conservation. This GAP1 peptide presented a typical helix-loop-helix (HLH) structure in all the vertebrate species analyzed. This HLH structure could also be predicted for GAP2 in some but not all vertebrate species and in none of the GAP3 analyzed. These results allowed us to infer that selective pressures have maintained GAP1 HLH structure throughout the vertebrate lineage. The conservation of the HLH motif, known to confer biological activity to various proteins, suggests that GAP1 peptides may exert some hypophysiotropic biological functions across vertebrate radiation