Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: K. Zámostná Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Nevoral Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: T. Kott Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: R. Procházka Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Liběchov, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Orsák Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Šulc Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: V. Pajkošová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biological and Biochemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Pardubice, Pardubice, Czech Republic Author-Name: V. Pavlík Author-Workplace-Name: Contipro Biotech s.r.o., Dolní Dobrouč, Czech Republic Author-Name: T. Žalmanová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: K. Hošková Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: F. Jílek Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: P. Klein Author-Workplace-Name: Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University in Prague, Pilsen, Czech Republic Title: A simple method for assessing hyaluronic acid production by cumulus-oocyte complexes Abstract: The cumulus expansion of cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) is an essential regulating process of oocyte maturation and as such it is a possible biomarker of the in vitro maturing oocytes quality. Cumulus expansion is usually assessed by non-invasive methods based on visual evaluation with many inaccuracies. On the other hand, analytical measurement of the quantity of hyaluronic acid (HA), the most abundant compound of expanded cumuli, is one of possible methods to evaluate cumulus expansion precisely. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the applicability of HA analysis for evaluating the cumulus expansion and testing oocyte maturation. The COCs were cultured in modified M199 medium for 8-48 h. The samples for the HA analysis were prepared on an 8-hour time scale, and HA retained in COCs was measured using a spectrophotometric method adapted for this purpose. We observed an increasing quantity of HA during the in vitro cultivation. A comparison with expanded COCs' classification or expansion area proved the proposed method of HA analysis suitable for the evaluation of cumulus expansion in vitro. Our findings consider the quantity of HA-expressed cumulus expansion to be a valuable marker of COC quality enabling an adequate oocyte meiotic stage estimation. Keywords: oocyte, meiotic maturation, cumulus expansion, glycosaminoglycans, spectrophotometry Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 251-261 Volume: 61 Issue: 6 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/51/2015-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/51/2015-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201606-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:6:id:51-2015-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M.M.Y. Elghandour Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Mexico Author-Name: A.E. Kholif Author-Workplace-Name: Dairy Science Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt Author-Name: J. Hernández Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Engineering and Science, Autonomous University of Tamaulipas, Victoria City, Mexico Author-Name: M.D. Mariezcurrena Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Mexico Author-Name: S. López Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Production, Mountain Livestock Institute, CSIC-University of Leon, Leon, Spain Author-Name: L.M. Camacho Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Science, Autonomous University of Guerrero, Altamirano, Mexico Author-Name: O. Márquez Author-Workplace-Name: University Center of Amecameca, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Amecameca, Mexico Author-Name: A.Z.M. Salem Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Autonomous University of the State of Mexico, Toluca, Mexico Title: Influence of the addition of exogenous xylanase with or without pre-incubation on the in vitro ruminal fermentation of three fibrous feeds Abstract: The effects of the exogenous fibrolytic enzyme (ENZ) commercial preparation Dyadic® xylanase PLUS (Dyadic International, Inc., Jupiter, USA), containing endo-1,4-β-d-xylanase, on ruminal fermentation of maize stover, oat straw, and sugarcane bagasse were examined using the in vitro gas production (GP) technique. The ENZ commercial preparation was added at 0 (control), 60 (low), 120 (medium), and 240 (high) µg/g dry matter of substrate, and at two times of application (direct addition just before fermentation or with a 72-h pre-incubation before fermentation). Ruminal GP volumes were recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 24, and 48 h of incubation, and substrate degradability and concentration of fermentation end-products (volatile fatty acids, ammonia, methane) in the cultures were determined at 48 h of incubation. Increased (P < 0.05) GP volume was observed in fibrous feeds treated with ENZ compared with untreated substrates. The pre-incubation vs the direct addition of ENZ resulted in greater GP volume (P < 0.05) with the three tested feeds. Enzyme addition decreased (P < 0.05) rumen pH compared to control when maize stover and sugarcane bagasse were incubated. Ammonia-N and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were not affected (P > 0.05) by ENZ application in maize stover and oat straw. However, total and individual VFA concentrations, and CH4 and CO2 volumes were greater (P < 0.05) when sugarcane bagasse was incubated with 240 µg ENZ/g (P < 0.05). It can be concluded that the application of endo-1,4-β-d-xylanase enhances rumen fermentation of roughages, although the magnitude of the effects depends on the fibrous substrate fermented, the time of application, and the amount of enzyme added. Keywords: roughage, gas production, fibre degradation, rumen, fibrolytic enzyme Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 262-272 Volume: 61 Issue: 6 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/52/2015-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/52/2015-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201606-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:6:id:52-2015-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: H. Güralp Author-Workplace-Name: South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic Author-Name: K. Pocherniaieva Author-Workplace-Name: South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Blecha Author-Workplace-Name: South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic Author-Name: T. Policar Author-Workplace-Name: South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Pšenička Author-Workplace-Name: South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic Author-Name: T. Saito Author-Workplace-Name: South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic Title: Early embryonic development in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) related to micromanipulation Abstract: Recently, transplantation of germ cells has attracted attention as a potential technique for efficient reproduction of fish. One of the well-proven techniques to deliver donor germ cells into a recipient is the transplantation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) during the blastula stage. Nevertheless, the application of such techniques so far has been limited to model fish species such as zebrafish, due to the lack of information about early development in many fish species. We propose that pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) can be a useful model species for establishing this technique in the order Perciformes, which includes commercially and ecologically important marine species. In this study, we described the important events, namely, embryonic staging, yolk syncytial layer (YSL) formation, and midblastula transition (MBT) during the blastula stage in pikeperch to obtain basic information about early embryonic development. The chorion was softened by treating with 0.2% trypsin and 0.4% urea in Ringer's solution so as to remove it easily by forceps. Although the first cleavage occurred at about 2.5 h post fertilization, blastomeres divided approximately every one hour after this at 15°C. The YSL was formed after the breakdown of marginal cells during the 512- to 1k-cell stage. Cell division analysis by 4'-6-diaminido-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining revealed that transition from synchronous to asynchronous division occurred after the 10th cleavage (1k-cell stage). Our results indicate that zygotic gene expression (MBT) starts after this stage. Next, we performed blastodisc isolation assay to find the competent stage for embryonic manipulation. Embryos were manipulated by using a microneedle every hour from the 512-cell to the sphere stage, and then developmental rates were evaluated at the hatching stage. The highest survival rate was obtained when we performed this manipulation at the 1k-cell stage. These results clearly showed that the MBT is the best stage for transplantation of PGCs or any cells in pikeperch. Keywords: blastodisc isolation, blastula, cleavage, early embryogenesis, yolk syncytial layer, midblastula transition Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 273-280 Volume: 61 Issue: 6 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/35/2015-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/35/2015-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201606-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:6:id:35-2015-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Xiao Author-Workplace-Name: Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan Author-Name: E. Sakaguchi Author-Workplace-Name: Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan Author-Name: G. Bai Author-Workplace-Name: Division of Bioscience, Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan Title: Short-term supplementation with dietary fructooligosaccharide and dietary mannitol elevated the absorption of calcium and magnesium in adult rats Abstract: The effects of dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and dietary mannitol on the absorption of Ca and Mg in a short term feeding trial were studied. Adult Wistar rats were divided into three groups and fed diets containing 0, 8% FOS or 8% mannitol for seven days. Daily intake and feces were monitored for three days to determine the apparent absorption of Ca and Mg. At the last day of the feeding trial, blood sample was collected from cecal vein to assess Ca and Mg levels. The cecum and colon were removed to analyze the parameters. The results showed that both dietary FOS and dietary mannitol significantly increased the apparent absorptions of Ca and Mg. Both dietary FOS and dietary mannitol significantly increased Ca concentration in cecal vein plasma, but did not affect Mg concentration. They significantly decreased Ca concentration and significantly increased soluble Ca concentration in cecal content dry matter (DM). The Mg concentration in colonic content DM was significantly decreased by feeding dietary FOS and dietary mannitol. FOS fermentation in cecum led to low cecal pH and increases in cecal organic acids concentration. Mannitol was fermented in cecum to induce low cecal pH and cecal wall extension. In conclusion, short-term supplementation with dietary FOS and dietary mannitol improved the apparent absorption of Ca and Mg. FOS and mannitol were fermented in cecum to elevate Ca absorption from cecum and to elevate Mg absorption in colon in rats. Keywords: mannitol, FOS, Ca, Mg, absorption, cecum, rat Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 281-289 Volume: 61 Issue: 6 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/44/2015-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/44/2015-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201606-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:6:id:44-2015-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: E. Nasirifar Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author-Name: M. Talebi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Author-Name: A. Esmailizadeh Author-Workplace-Name: State Key Laboratory of Genetic Resources and Evolution, Yunnan Laboratory of Molecular Biology of Domestic Animals, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, P.R. China Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Author-Name: H. Moradian Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Author-Name: S.S. Sohrabi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran Author-Name: N. Askari Author-Workplace-Name: National Institute for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran Title: A chromosome-wide QTL mapping on chromosome 2 to identify loci affecting live weight and carcass traits in F2 population of Japanese quail Abstract: The Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) is a considerable species which is often used for animal modelling in breeding researches. This study aims to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying growth and carcass traits in Japanese quail. A three-generation resource population was developed using wild and white Japanese quail strains. The total mapping population consisted of 472 birds. Eight pairs of white and wild birds were mated reciprocally and 34 F1 birds were generated. The F1 birds were intercrossed to produce F2 offspring (422 birds). All of the animals from three generations were genotyped for four microsatellite markers on chromosome 2 in quail. QTL analysis was performed with the Least Squares interval mapping method. The results indicated significant QTL for breast weight, carcass weight, pre-stomach weight, pancreas percentage, head weight, intestine weight, spleen weight, and heart weight. There was also evidence for dominance QTL affecting pre-stomach weight, percentage of pre-stomach weight, and percentage of breast on chromosome 2. The proportion of F2 phenotypic variation explained by significant additive and dominance QTL effects ranged from 1.06 to 3.33% and 0.71 to 4.36%, respectively. There was no evidence for imprinting effect on the studied traits. Keywords: DNA markers, growth traits, QTLs Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 290-297 Volume: 61 Issue: 6 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/113/2014-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/113/2014-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201606-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:6:id:113-2014-CJAS