Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Rajchard Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic Title: Biologically active substances of bird skin: a review Abstract: Bird skin has a number of specific properties. The uropygial gland is a significant skin gland in many species. The secretion of this gland is particularly necessary for maintaining physical characteristics, including feather waterproofing. In some bird species this gland secretion has a repellent effect against potential mammalian predators; in other species it affects the final colour of feathers. In the investigated species of storks (genus Ciconia), secretions of the uropygial gland have been found to be mixtures of monoester waxes, diester waxes, triester waxes and triglycerides. Wax diesters were also found in the red knot Calidris canutus (order Charadriiformes). Lipid substances in the secretions of the rock dove (Columba livia) consist mainly of unsaturated fatty acids (59% secretion; mostly oleic acid - 37%, linoleic acid - 6% and arachidonic acid - 7%). Free fatty acids, which are decomposition products of epidermal lipids, can regulate microbial colonization of skin (e.g., by modification of pH); a shift of these values was detected in poultry in battery husbandry. Analysis of fatty acids from lipids shows the influence of age, diet, and also the relationship to feather pecking - the individual composition affects the smell and taste, and thus the attractiveness to other individuals. The antibacterial activity of skin secretions has been demonstrated. Secretions of the hoopoe (Upupa epops) have besides the function of maintenance of physical properties of feathers also a repellent effect on parasites and predators. Its active substance is a peptide bacteriocin, produced by strains of Enterococcus faecalis. This substance is active against a number of both G + and G-bacteria and helps to sustain the nest hygiene, it is also effective against Bacillus licheniformis that produces keratin-decompositing enzymes. A similar antimicrobial activity of uropygial secretion against bacteria which degrade feathers was demonstrated in the wild house finch Carpodacus mexicanus. Changes in skin microflora have been demonstrated in parrots kept for breeding in comparison with those living in the wild, which may have significance for husbandry practices and veterinary care. Passerines of the genus Pitohui and Ifrita living in New Guinea store in their skin and feather batrachotoxins, which they receive from food - beetles of the genus Choresine. These toxins are active against parasites (e.g. lice - Phthiraptera). In contrast, substances that act as potential attractants for hematophagous insects (e.g. mosquitoes of genus Culex) were found in the skin of chickens. Alcohols, ketones and diones were detected in these substances. The composition of uropygial gland secretions may be a guide in assessing the relatedness of bird species. Feather waxes can be analyzed also from old museum specimens. Lipid-enriched organelles, multigranular bodies in the epidermis mean that zebra finches (Taeniopygia castanotis) are facultatively waterproof, which appears to have a function in protecting the organism against dehydrating when water is unavailable. Keywords: bird skin, uropygial gland, secretion, repellent effect, antibacterial, antiparasitic Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 413-421 Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Year: 2010 DOI: 10.17221/2981-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/2981-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201009-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:55:y:2010:i:9:id:2981-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: B.M. Escribano Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary, Campus of Rabanales, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Author-Name: I. Tunez Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Medicine, Campus of Menéndez Pidal, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Author-Name: F. Requena Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary, Campus of Rabanales, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Author-Name: M.D. Rubio Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary, Campus of Rabanales, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Author-Name: R. De Miguel Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary, Campus of Rabanales, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Author-Name: P. Montilla Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Medicine, Campus of Menéndez Pidal, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Author-Name: P. Tovar Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary, Campus of Rabanales, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Author-Name: E.I. Aguera Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary, Campus of Rabanales, s/n., University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain Title: Effects of an aerobic training program on oxidative stress biomarkers in bulls Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aerobic training (16 weeks - T1 and 24 weeks - T2) on oxidative stress biomarkers. To this end, GSH, GSH-peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activity were analysed in plasma. Nine bulls (3-4 years), were included in this work. The exercise training protocol was performed in a track ("taurodromo") three days per week for 24 weeks and consisted of 400 m warming up, 1200 m to 4-5 m/s, two minutes' resting, 1200 m to 4-5 m/s and, finally, 400 m walking. The results reflected that GSH-Px activity was higher at T1 (6.18 ± 0.45) than at baseline (T0; 2.31 ± 0.08) while the GSH level (2.98 ± 0.37) was lower vs. T0 (14.59 ± 3.40). Moreover, there were significant increases in GSH-Px (18.23 ± 1.36) and CAT (2.52 ± 0.04) activities and the recovery of basal values in GSH (11.75 ± 2.84) in T2. In conclusion, the type of training carried out in this study involved two well-defined stages: (i) a period of perturbation, followed by (ii) adaptation. The former stage was characterised by the induction of oxidative stress manifested as a decrease in the GSH, and the latter (T2) by the recovery of this non-enzymatic antioxidant. Keywords: aerobic training, bulls, glutathione peroxidase, oxidative stress, reduced glutathione Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 422-428 Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Year: 2010 DOI: 10.17221/2979-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/2979-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201009-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:55:y:2010:i:9:id:2979-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: S. Martecikova Author-Workplace-Name: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Workplace-Name: Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: P. Hulinska Author-Workplace-Name: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: Z. Reckova Author-Workplace-Name: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: A. Pavlik Author-Workplace-Name: PLEBO CZ Company, Rajhrad, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Jeseta Author-Workplace-Name: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: M. Machatkova Author-Workplace-Name: Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic Title: Effect of acrosome reaction progress in frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa on the efficiency of in vitro oocyte fertilization Abstract: A good functional status of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa is very important for successful fertilization of porcine oocytes and in vitro embryo production. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the changes in functional status of boar spermatozoa separated from frozen-thawed semen and capacitated in vitro by caffeine. The effect of acrosome reaction development in spermatozoa on the efficiency of oocyte fertilization has been studied in boars A, B and C. Motile spermatozoa were separated by Percoll gradient, untreated (control) or treated with both 1mM and 2mM caffeine, and capacitated or co-cultured with matured oocytes. The motility, viability, chromatin and acrosome integrity, and fertilizing ability of spermatozoa were assessed. The separation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of viable spermatozoa in all tested boars and percentages of motile and acrosome intact spermatozoa in boars B and C. The capacitation significantly decreased (P < 0.05) the percentages of viable and motile spermatozoa, but after capacitation, the motility and viability were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for the caffeine-treated spermatozoa than for the untreated controls. A fall in the proportion of acrosome-intact spermatozoa was different for each caffeine concentration and each boar, but in all boars, acrosome reaction progress was faster and, similarly, monospermy and the total efficiency of fertilization were significantly higher (P < 0.01) for the spermatozoa treated with 1mM caffeine than for those treated with 2mM caffeine. It can be concluded that there is a potential relationship between the acrosome reaction progress in frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa and the efficiency of fertilization of porcine oocytes. A faster AR induced in spermatozoa by appropriate caffeine treatment resulted in a higher monospermy rate and total efficiency of fertilization. Thus, it is important to test sires before their semen is used for in vitro embryo production. The faster AR induced by 1mM caffeine was more effective in terms of monospermy and total efficiency of fertilization. Keywords: pig, cryopreserved sperm, assessment, capacitation Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 429-437 Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Year: 2010 DOI: 10.17221/2985-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/2985-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201009-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:55:y:2010:i:9:id:2985-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: P. Rauser Author-Workplace-Name: Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: L. Stehlik Author-Workplace-Name: Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: P. Proks Author-Workplace-Name: Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: R. Srnec Author-Workplace-Name: Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: A. Necas Author-Workplace-Name: Small Animal Clinic, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Title: Effect of seven-day administration of carprofen or meloxicam on renal function in clinically healthy miniature pigs Abstract: Carprofen or meloxicam are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which may elicit a variety of renal disturbances. Prior to this study, the effects of carprofen or meloxicam on renal function in pigs were unknown. A total of 21 clinically healthy Goettingen miniature pigs (36.9 ± 7.22 kg) were divided into three groups based on what they were administered - carprofen, meloxicam or saline. First, blood was collected from the jugular vein and urine by ultrasound-guided cystocentesis. Serum urea (U) and creatinine (CR), fractional clearance of sodium (FCNa), urine gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, urine protein/creatinine ratio (UP/UC), urine gamma-glutamyltransferase/creatinine ratio (GGT/CR) and urine alkaline phosphatase/creatinine ratio (ALP/CR) and urine analysis - urine specific gravity (USG) and sediment microscopy were assessed before and seven days after daily intramuscular administration (IM) of saline (1.5 ml per animal), carprofen (2 mg/kg) or meloxicam (0.1 mg/kg). All animals had identical housing, feeding and unlimited water intake and had not undergone surgery or been administered any medication for three months prior to this. All pigs served as control groups for an experimental study of fracture healing using transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and scaffolds. The data were analyzed using a one way ANOVA and a Mann-Whitney test (P < 0.05). In pigs receiving carprofen, serum urea and creatinine were significantly decreased, compared to the control (P < 0.01) or meloxicam (P < 0.05) groups. In animals receiving meloxicam FCNa was significantly increased (P < 0.05) and urine specific gravity significantly decrease (P < 0.05) compared to the pretreatment values. Two carprofen-treated pigs had a slight increase in renal tubular epithelial cells upon urine sediment examination. Intramuscular administration of carprofen or meloxicam in healthy miniature pigs for seven days causes no clinically important changes in selected renal parameters (without azotemia). However these changes indicate mild damage of renal tubules. Despite these findings, meloxicam or carprofen are recommended for analgesia in healthy pigs. Keywords: wine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, renal safety Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 438-444 Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Year: 2010 DOI: 10.17221/2980-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/2980-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201009-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:55:y:2010:i:9:id:2980-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: M. Patschova Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: R. Kabes Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: S. Krisova Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Title: The effects of inhalation salbutamol administration on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic, pulmonary mechanics and oxygen balance during general anaesthesia in the horse Abstract: This research aimed to determine the effect of aerosolized salbutamol administration on systemic and pulmonary hemodynamic, pulmonary mechanics and oxygen balance in healthy horses during general anaesthesia. Six healthy Thoroughbreds (body weight range 471-587 kg) underwent two general anaesthesias in dorsal recumbency with and without aerosolized salbutamol administration in randomized order with a one month washout period. The anaesthesia was induced by 1.1 mg/kg of xylazine, 0.02 mg/kg of diazepam and 2.2 mg/kg of ketamine, maintained with isoflurane in oxygen and air and horses were mechanically ventilated. Measurement of arterial and pulmonary arterial blood pressures, cardiac output and arterial and mixed venous blood gas analysis was carried out. Spirometry was performed using a Horse-lite. After achieving a steady state, baseline (T0) values of cardiac output, systemic and pulmonary arterial blood pressures, heart rate, dynamic compliance, airway resistance and arterial and mixed venous blood gas values and pH were recorded in both groups. In the S-group (salbutamol), 2 µg/kg of aerosolized salbutamol were administered synchronously with inspirium into the tracheal tube. In both groups data were recorded at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min (T15, T30, T45, T60) after the baseline. PaO2/FiO2 ratio, oxygen consumption (VO2), oxygen delivery (DO2), pulmonary shunt values were calculated. Data were tested for normality and compared within each group: T0 value with T15, T30, T45, T60 values using Wilcoxon's test with Bonferoni correction (significance level 0.0125). For each time point, comparisons were made between the S- and C-groups (control) using Wilcoxon's test. In the S-group, there was a significant increase in values (mean ± SD) of cardiac output (l/min), T0 (38 ± 7), a peak at T15 (64 ± 25.5), significantly higher values persisted throughout the period of anaesthesia; heart rate (beats/min), T0 (32 ± 2), T15 (40 ± 6), T30 (38 ± 5); DO2 (l/min), T0 (5.8 ± 0.8), a peak at T15 (9.6 ± 3.2), significantly higher values persisted until the end of anaesthesia and VO2 (l/min), T0 (1.1 ± 0.5), T30 (1.6 ± 0.7) and T45 (1.8 ± 0.5). In the C-group, there was a significant decrease in values of PaO2/FiO2 ratio from T0 (176 ± 67) to a minimum at T60 (114 ± 36) and in DO2 from T0 (6 ± 2.3) to a minimum at T60 (4.3 ± 1.2). A comparison of the S- and C-groups did not reveal any difference in the baseline data. Subsequently, significantly higher values of cardiac output, heart rate, DO2, and the PaO2/FiO2 ratio were found in the S-group compared to the C-group. Pulmonary arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in the S-group. Aerosolized salbutamol administration in healthy horses during general anaesthesia caused hemodynamic changes which resulted in an elevation of oxygen delivery. It can have a positive effect on arterial oxygenation, but the effect varies between individuals. Keywords: horse, hypoxaemia, salbutamol, general anaesthesia, arterial oxygenation Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 445-456 Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Year: 2010 DOI: 10.17221/2984-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/2984-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201009-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:55:y:2010:i:9:id:2984-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: I. Tlak Gajger Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Author-Name: O. Vugrek Author-Workplace-Name: Institute Rudjer Boskovic, Zagreb, Croatia Author-Name: D. Grilec Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Author-Name: Z. Petrinec Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia Title: Prevalence and distribution of Nosema ceranae in Croatian honeybee colonies Abstract: Nosema disease of European honey bees afflicts bees worldwide. Nosema ceranae is a recently described microsporidian parasite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) and its geographical distribution is not well known. The disease may have many negative effects on bee colonies and cause high losses for apiculture and consequently in agriculture. With this in mind, a total of 204 samples of dead bees from different localities in Croatia were selected and investigated for distribution, prevalence and diversity of N. ceranae infection, using light microscopic examination and multiplex PCR. Our results show that N. ceranae is the only nosema species found to infect honeybees in our geographically varied collection. The nucleotide sequences of amplicons from Nosema-infested honeybee samples were 100% identical with the N. ceranae sequence deposited in the GenBank database. N. ceranae infected bees were found in samples collected from each of 21 districts, and in all three climatic areas, i.e., mediterranean, mountain, and continental parts regions of Croatia. Keywords: Nosema ceranae, Nosema apis, honey bees, distribution, colonization Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 457-462 Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Year: 2010 DOI: 10.17221/2983-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/2983-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201009-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:55:y:2010:i:9:id:2983-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: H. Ardag Akdogan Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey Author-Name: A. Sen Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey Title: Characterization of drug metabolizing enzymes and assessment of aging in the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) liver Abstract: Organic anthropogenic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, nitroaromatics, dioxins, various pesticides and natural compounds can enter the aquatic environment. These lipophilic compounds are readily taken up into the tissues of aquatic organisms where biotransformation via Phase I and Phase II metabolism can in part, determine the fate and toxicity of the xenobiotics. In this study on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), liver microsomal ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), methoxyresorufin O-demethylase (MROD), penthyloxyresorufin O-depenthylase (PROD), benzyloxyresorufin O-debenzylase (BROD), aniline 4-hydroxylase (A4H), N-nitrosodimethylamine N-demethylase (NDMA-DE), aminopyrine N-demethylase (APND), caffeine N-demethylase (CN3D) and erythromycin N-demethylase (ERND) were determined. A4H, ERND, NDMA-ND, EROD and PROD activities increased in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) liver microsomes of different ages, while CN3D and APND activities decreased. MROD activities were barely detectable in mature fish whereas BROD activities were not detectable at all ages studied. Results were also recorded at the protein level by Western blotting using anti-CYP1A, CYP2E and CYP3A antibodies. In conclusion, elevated levels of gilthead seabream liver microsomal CYP450 enzyme activities might reveal possible exposure to various exogenous compounds, which might affect the desired responses to drugs, hormones and dietary supplements used during breeding. Keywords: Sparus aurata, gilthead seabream, drug metabolizing enzymes, fish Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 463-471 Volume: 55 Issue: 9 Year: 2010 DOI: 10.17221/2982-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/2982-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201009-0007.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:55:y:2010:i:9:id:2982-VETMED