Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: C. Liang Author-Workplace-Name: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, P.R. China Author-Name: X.Z. Xie Author-Workplace-Name: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, P.R. China Author-Name: Y.W. Zhou Author-Workplace-Name: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, P.R. China Author-Name: Y.Y. Jiang Author-Workplace-Name: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, P.R. China Author-Name: L.J. Xie Author-Workplace-Name: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, P.R. China Author-Name: Z. Chen Author-Workplace-Name: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Tropical Animal and Plant Ecology, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, P.R. China Title: Effects of γ-aminobutyric acid on the thymus tissue structure, antioxidant activity, cell apoptosis, and cytokine levels in chicks under heat stress Abstract: This study aims to investigate the effect of dietary γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) on the development of thymus tissue structure and function in chicks under heat stress. One-day-old male Wenchang chicks were randomly divided into control group (CK), heat stress group (HS), and GABA+HS group. The chicks from GABA+HS group were administered 0.2 ml of GABA solution daily by oral gavage (50 mg/kg of body weight). Chicks from HS and GABA+HS groups were subjected to heat stress treatment at 40 ± 0.5°C for 2 h every day. Blood and thymus tissue were collected from the chicks at the end of weeks 1-6. Results showed that the thymus weight and index, thickness of cortex, cortex/medulla ratio, number of lymphocytes, activity of superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase, and plasma level of tumor necrosis factor-α in HS group were significantly lower than in CK group (P < 0.05). The Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression in the late stage of heat stress, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, thymocyte apoptosis rate, number of lymphocytes in the S and G2/M phases, and plasma levels of interleukin-4 and interferon-γ in HS group were significantly higher than in CK group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the integrity of thymus tissue structure of GABA+HS group was improved compared with HS group. The TLR2 expression in the early stage of heat stress and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in GABA+HS group were significantly higher than in HS group (P < 0.05), and the MDA content, thymocyte apoptosis rate, number of lymphocytes in the S and G2/M phases, and plasma level of IL-4 and IFN-γ in GABA+HS group were significantly lower than in HS group (P < 0.05). We concluded that heat stress caused structure damage to thymus tissue of chicks, changed the plasma levels of cytokines, reduced the antioxidant activity, and increased cell apoptosis in chick thymus. GABA alleviated the negative effects on the development of chick thymus, improved the immune function of thymus, and played a protective role by regulating the plasma levels of cytokines and antioxidant activity of thymus tissue. Keywords: heat shock, GABA, chick thymus, immune function, development Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 539-550 Volume: 61 Issue: 12 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/67/2015-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/67/2015-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201612-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:12:id:67-2015-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M. Wencelová Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic Author-Name: Z. Váradyová Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic Author-Name: P. Pristaš Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic Author-Name: K. Čobanová Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic Author-Name: I. Plachá Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic Author-Name: S. Kišidayová Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Physiology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Košice, Slovak Republic Title: Effects of diet supplementation with herbal blend and sunflower seeds on fermentation parameters, microbial population, and fatty acid profile in rumen of sheep Abstract: The study evaluated the rumen fermentation pattern, microbial population, fatty acid composition, and antioxidant status in the rumen fluid and blood of sheep in response to a diet supplemented with herbal blend (HB), sunflower seeds (SS), and a combination of both HB and SS (HBSS). The HB consisted of medicinal herbs typical for Central Europe. Four rumen fistulated rams were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design and were fed a basal diet consisting of meadow hay (720 g dry matter (DM)/day) and barley grain (540 g DM/day) in the ratio of 60 : 40 and supplemented with no additive (Control), HB (10% replacement of meadow hay), SS (180 g DM/day), and HBSS (HB + SS). An increase in the molar proportion of iso-butyrate (P = 0.009) and iso-valerate (P = 0.034) was observed in the SS and HBSS diets as well as of ammonia N concentration in the HB, SS, and HBSS diets compared to control (P = 0.003). Concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids of the HB, SS, and HBSS diets were increased (P = 0.041) compared to control, whereas concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the SS and HBSS diets were decreased (P = 0.023). Phagocytic activity in the blood was higher with all the diets vs control (P = 0.001). Qualitative evaluation of microbial population by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed no effects of dietary treatments on the composition of both eubacterial and ciliated protozoal populations. However, in spite of the supplementation of forage-concentrate diet by HB in the presence of SS, no negative effects on the fermentation patterns and rumen microbial population have been detected. Keywords: 16S-PCR-DGGE, medicinal herbs, phagocytic activity, lipid metabolism, rumen fluid, PUFA source Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 551-559 Volume: 61 Issue: 12 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/17/2016-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/17/2016-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201612-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:12:id:17-2016-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: O. Šimoník 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: R. Rajmon 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: L. Stádník Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Šichtař 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. Beran Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Ducháček Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: P. Hodek Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: P. Trefil Author-Workplace-Name: BIOPHARM, Research Institute of Biopharmacy and Veterinary Drugs, Jílové u Prahy, Czech Republic Title: Effect of low-density lipoprotein addition to soybean lecithin-based extenders on bull spermatozoa following freezing-thawing - preliminary results Abstract: Soybean lecithin-based extenders represent an alternative to extenders containing egg yolk, but there has been discussion about their cryoprotective efficacy. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was proved as a cryoprotective agent, which can replace egg yolk in extenders. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LDL addition to the soybean extenders on their cryoprotective properties. The effect of the LDL of our production was verified using commercial egg yolk extender BULLXcell®, 6%, 8%, and 10% LDL (v/v) as an egg yolk replacement. The effects of LDL addition to the soybean lecithin-based extenders in concentrations of 4%, 6%, and 8% (v/v) were tested using extenders AndroMed® and Bioxcell®. In total, 64 samples from eight bulls were evaluated. Kinematic parameters of spermatozoa, resulting from Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis, and their viability, evaluated by fluorescent technique, were assessed immediately after thawing and after 2 hours. The quality of LDL compared to other studies was confirmed, and the beneficial effects of egg yolk replacement by LDL were proved in extender BULLXcell®. 8% LDL provided the best values for the majority of kinematic parameters (P < 0.05), without effect on total motility (P > 0.05). Furthermore, addition of 4%, 6%, and 8% LDL to the soybean lecithin-based extender Bioxcell® showed a positive effect on the majority of kinematic parameters of spermatozoa (P < 0.05) at both times of incubation. However there was no significant influence on total motility (P > 0.05). Viability was higher after thawing in the case of 8% LDL (P < 0.05). However, there was no consistent effect of LDL addition to the AndroMed® extender. In conclusion, cryoprotective properties of the semen extenders based on a soybean lecithin can be improved by the addition of LDL. Keywords: bull sperm, cryopreservation, sperm motility, viability, cryoprotectant Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 560-567 Volume: 61 Issue: 12 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/27/2016-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/27/2016-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201612-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:12:id:27-2016-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Kurykin Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia Author-Name: T. Hallap Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia Author-Name: M. Jalakas Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia Author-Name: P. Padrik Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia Author-Name: T. Kaart Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia Author-Name: A. Johannisson Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden Author-Name: Ü. Jaakma Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia Title: Effect of insemination-related factors on pregnancy rate using sexed semen in Holstein heifers Abstract: The objectives were to determine the effects of insemination with sexed semen at spontaneous and induced estrus, fixed-time insemination at synchronized estrus, the deposition site, estrous intensity, housing, age, body weight, and bull on the pregnancy rate in Holstein heifers, and to compare the quality traits of sexed sperm with those of unsexed semen. The study was conducted on 3206 heifers, housed in three free-stall barns and in four tie-stall facilities. After synchronization by two prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) treatments 14 days apart, 281 heifers were inseminated conventionally and 118 intracornually with sexed semen, and 532 and 148 heifers, respectively, with unsexed semen 80-82 h after the second treatment. At spontaneous estrus, 1129 heifers were inseminated with sexed and 529 with unsexed semen, and at estrus induced by a single PGF2α treatment 185 heifers were inseminated with sexed and 284 with unsexed semen. Heifers were inseminated conventionally with sexed semen 12 h after detection of estrus, and with unsexed semen according to the a.m.-p.m rule. Sexed and unsexed semen doses from five bulls were evaluated for motility, morphology, membrane integrity, and chromatin stability. Overall pregnancy rate with sexed semen (41.7%) was 80.8% of that with unsexed semen (51.6%) and was lower than with unsexed semen irrespective of the type and intensity of estrus, and deposition site. Insemination at spontaneous estrus resulted in a higher pregnancy rate (53.4%) than at induced (41.9%) or synchronized (44.7%) estrus. Pregnancy rates did not differ after intracornual (44.9%) or conventional insemination (48.4%). Strong estrus resulted in higher pregnancy rate (by 14.4% points) compared to weak estrus. The type of housing, age, and weight of heifers had no effect irrespective of the type of semen. The total, progressive and linear motility, and membrane integrity were lower and proportions of immotile sperm greater, for sexed than for unsexed semen. Keywords: Holstein, sex-sorted semen, estrus, sperm quality, intracornual insemination, fertility Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 568-577 Volume: 61 Issue: 12 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/12/2016-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/12/2016-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201612-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:12:id:12-2016-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Šichtař 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: A. Dokoupilová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Animal Science and Ethology, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: L. Vostrý Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: R. Rajmon 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 Title: Factors affecting reproductive efficiency in German Shepherd bitches producing litters for Police of the Czech Republic Abstract: The present study on German Shepherd bitches bred in the same environment of a private kennel and producing offspring for working purposes aimed to ascertain if any of the parameters: litter size, number of live puppies, stillbirth and mortality of puppies is determined by the month of whelping, parity, number of whelpings for one bitch over the course of one year, pregnancy length or bitch age at the time of whelping. Reproductive records of 73 bitches of German Shepherd breed (GSB) documented since 2001 till 2013 were processed. A total of 298 whelpings resulted in 2075 puppies; mortality of puppies was evaluated within the first 3 weeks of life. A significant seasonal influence on litter size and number of live born puppies, but not on stillbirth or mortality, was found. The parity of GSB significantly influenced litter size, live born puppies, and the incidence of stillbirths. The number of whelpings in one bitch over the course of one year significantly influenced litter size, while puppy losses were the same when bitches were bred once or twice a year. Litter size and number of live born puppies had a significant negative effect on pregnancy length. Furthermore, the number of stillbirths significantly increased when pregnancy was prolonged. Bitch age did not influence litter size, number of live born puppies and stillbirths, however it significantly affected mortality. Keywords: dog, reproduction, whelping, litter size, puppy losses Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 578-585 Volume: 61 Issue: 12 Year: 2016 DOI: 10.17221/89/2015-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/89/2015-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201612-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:61:y:2016:i:12:id:89-2015-CJAS