Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: S. Van Weyenberg Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Merelbeke, Belgium Author-Name: T. Ulens Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Merelbeke, Belgium Author-Name: K. De Reu Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Merelbeke, Belgium Author-Name: I. Zwertvaegher Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Merelbeke, Belgium Author-Name: P. Demeyer Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Merelbeke, Belgium Author-Name: L. Pluym Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Technology and Food Science Unit, Merelbeke, Belgium Title: Feasibility of Miscanthus as alternative bedding for dairy cows Abstract: Despite dairy farmers' awareness of the importance of correct bedding for the health and comfort of their cows, they are often frugal with respect to these bedding materials in order to reduce costs. In addition, farmers are currently dependent on the availability and price fluctuations of traditional bedding materials. For these reasons, the scientific literature as well as the trade press point to an intensifying search for affordable alternative bedding materials. The aim of this study was to investigate whether Miscanthus, a woody grass that requires low input but generates high yield, could replace straw in deep little dairy cow cubicles. The cows' cubicles were lined for two consecutive 14-day periods with straw/chalk/water bedding, followed by two consecutive 14-day periods with ground-Miscanthus/chalk bedding. No significant differences were found in the following parameters: loss/waste of bedding material, bacterial growth in cubicles, cow skin lesions (except for carpus lesions), cow cleanliness or cow comfort. Dust concentrations measured as PM10 were higher when cubicles were filled with straw-based bedding, but never exceeded workspace quality safety limits. Based on these results, one can conclude that Miscanthus has potential as a viable alternative to straw when used as a bedding material. On-farm cultivation of Miscanthus may increase dairy farmer self-sufficiency and could reduce bedding costs. Keywords: bedding material, cow comfort, bacterial load Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 121-132 Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Year: 2015 DOI: 10.17221/8059-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/8059-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201503-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:60:y:2015:i:3:id:8059-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: A. Nowak Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland Author-Name: K. Slizewska Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland Author-Name: M. Gajecka Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland Author-Name: M. Piotrowska Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland Author-Name: Z. Zakowska Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Fermentation Technology and Microbiology, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland Author-Name: L. Zielonka Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland Author-Name: M. Gajecki Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, Olsztyn, Poland Title: The genotoxicity of caecal water from gilts following experimentally induced Fusarium mycotoxicosis Abstract: The examination of caecal contents allows one to investigate the exposure of colon mucosa to dietary toxins and the chemical contaminants present in animal feed. The objective of the present study was to examine the influence of Fusarium mycotoxins (zearalenone, ZEN, and deoxynivalenol, DON), administered separately and as a mixture, on the genotoxicity of caecal water (CW) from gilts fed these mycotoxins. CW genotoxicity was evaluated with the comet assay using the LLC-PK1 porcine epithelial kidney cell line. It was shown that after the first week of the experiment, the presence of DON in animal feed led to increased CW genotoxicity in the proximal colon, while the presence of DON and ZEN + DON had a similar effect in the distal colon (ANOVA, P < 0.05). After the third week of experiment, elevated genotoxicity in the distal colon was observed for all experimental groups of gilts, and it was 62%, 52.4%, and 52.8% higher for ZEN-, DON-, and ZEN + DON-fed animals, respectively, than for control group animals. However, no effect on CW genotoxicity in the proximal colon was seen. After six weeks, the presence of ZEN in the proximal colon increased CW genotoxicity by 103% in comparison with the control group. In the distal colon, after the sixth week, CW genotoxicity in all groups of animals fed with mycotoxin was significantly (by 80% to 116%) higher than in the control group. ZEN and DON administered as a mixture did not lead to an increased genotoxicity compared to either agent administered separately. Generally, the mycotoxins clearly started to increase the genotoxicity of CW from the third week of administration. Keywords: zearalenone, deoxynivalenol, pigs, genotoxicity, caecal water Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 133-140 Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Year: 2015 DOI: 10.17221/8058-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/8058-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201503-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:60:y:2015:i:3:id:8058-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Z. Balounova Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic Author-Name: V. Brezina Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: K. Susterova Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Rajchard Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Agriculture, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic Title: Primary screening of potentially bio-active substances in the lyophilisate of Pectinatella magnifica biomass Abstract: The purpose of this research was to examine potential bio-active substances in the lyophilisate of Pectinatella magnifica biomass and its focus was on primary screening of the biomass. Extracts of lyophilisate were applied to murine cells and their effects on cell population growth, cell morphology and cell distribution were monitored. The inhibition of cytoskeleton repair reached its maximum after a 24-h exposure of the cells to the extract prepared at a temperature of 37 °C, whereas the 1-h application of the extract leached at a temperature of 37 °C resulted in quick repair of cytoskeletal function. When compared with the control, in which no extract was applied, the application of all treatments of the extract reduced the time needed for the duplication of cells. The lowest growth rate was found in the cells in the extract prepared at 37 °C for 24 h. The mitotic activity reached its maximum when using the extract prepared at 37 °C for 1 h. Under such conditions, the process of cell duplication was even faster than in the control sample, while it was the slowest using the extract prepared at 37 °C for 24 h. The study of potential biologically active substances of Pectinatella magnifica is highly topical due to the frequent occurrence of this organism in the water-supply and recreational reservoirs. Keywords: bryozoan, cell line L929, spreading, specific growth rate, cell proliferation, time-lapse cinemicrography, bio-active substances Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 141-146 Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Year: 2015 DOI: 10.17221/8060-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/8060-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201503-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:60:y:2015:i:3:id:8060-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: E. Gorajewska Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland Author-Name: A. Filistowicz Author-Workplace-Name: National Higher Vocational School in Leszno, Institute of Agriculture, Leszno, Poland Author-Name: S. Nowicki Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Animal Breeding and Biology, University of Life Sciences in Poznan, Poznan, Poland Author-Name: P. Przysiecki Author-Workplace-Name: National Higher Vocational School in Leszno, Institute of Agriculture, Leszno, Poland Author-Name: A. Filistowicz Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland Author-Name: K. Czyz Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Biology and Animal Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland Title: Hormonal response of Arctic fox females to short- and long-term stress Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the extent of the hormonal response of Arctic fox females exposed to two types of stress: short-term and long-term, combined with adaptation to new environmental conditions. Short-term stress (20 min) was investigated in 34 females on farm A in the Wielkopolska province. The testing procedure involved capturing of the animals, their immobilisation, phenotype evaluation, and placing in target cages. Blood for laboratory examinations was collected from the vena cephalica antebrachii three times: on the day of the test, directly after the procedure and after three days. Long-term stress (8 h), combined with adaptation to new environmental conditions, was examined in 30 females which were purchased from a farm in the Lodzkie province (farm B). The testing procedure involved selection and capture of the animals, immobilisation and transfer from the pavilion, blood collection and placing of animals in a transport cage. Transport of the animals to the target farm (farm A) lasted approximately 8 h. Blood was collected five times in total, i.e. before transport (on farm B), after the transport to farm A, and then after three days, whereas the last two samplings were conducted at a 5- and 15-day interval from the third blood collection. The control group consisted of 20 randomly selected females from farm A. Blood from these animals was collected twice - at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Changes in hormone concentrations (cortisol and testosterone) were adopted as a measure of sensitivity to a stressor. Blood hormones were analysed using a radio-immunological method. The course of stress reaction was affected by exposure time and stressor intensity, and significant changes in cortisol (P ≤ 0.01) and testosterone (P ≤ 0.05) concentrations were noted among individuals subjected to both short-term and long-term stress. Increased cortisol concentrations were maintained for a longer time in the group of Arctic fox females exposed to a long-term stress. In conclusion, the course of a stress reaction is affected by the duration of exposure and intensity of the stressor, and the strong stress reaction to zootechnical treatments and transport confirms the lack of complete domestication of this species. Keywords: cortisol, testosterone, stress, transport Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 147-154 Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Year: 2015 DOI: 10.17221/8061-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/8061-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201503-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:60:y:2015:i:3:id:8061-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: S. Kohutova Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: V. Jekl Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: Z. Knotek Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: K. Hauptman Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic Title: The effect of deslorelin acetate on the oestrous cycle of female guinea pigs Abstract: Deslorelin acetate, a GnRH agonist, is commonly used to prevent folliculogenesis in several species. However, little is known of the effect of deslorelin acetate implants on the oestrous cycle of female guinea pigs. Fifteen intact healthy female guinea pigs were investigated in this study. Signs of sexual behaviour, the presence of a vaginal membrane along with plasma concentrations of oestradiol (E2)and progesterone (P4), were monitored during two consecutive oestrous cycles. At the beginning of the third oestrous cycle each guinea pig was administered an implant of the GnRH analogue, deslorelin acetate, (4.7 mg). When compared to the untreated state, deslorelin implantation was associated with altered signs of oestrus. The average time to opening of the vaginal membrane was delayed. After opening, the vaginas were found to be variably opened and closed. A significant reduction in P4 (to less than 1.0 ng/ml) and cessation of P4 cyclical variation was observed. Plasma E2 remained high during the whole experimental period. This study shows that cessation of the oestrous cycle by the deslorelin implant might be useful in preventing pregnancy in guinea pigs. Keywords: guinea pig, deslorelin, progesterone, oestradiol, oestrous cycle Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 155-160 Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Year: 2015 DOI: 10.17221/8062-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/8062-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201503-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:60:y:2015:i:3:id:8062-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Kuchinka Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Biology, Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Kielce, Poland Title: Analysis of morphological variation of the internal ophthalmic artery in the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger, Molina) Abstract: The aim of this investigation was the analysis of the variability within the internal and external ophthalmic artery in the chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger, Molina). The head vasculature of 65 individuals was analysed, with particular emphasis on the internal ophthalmic artery originating from the central and rostral part of the cerebral arterial circle. Head blood vessels were filled with acrylic latex for vascular corrosion casting. The results showed ten variants of blood supply for the orbit, with a predominance of the first variant (66.1%) = bilateral presence of the external ophthalmic artery originating from the maxillary artery. Other variants differed in symmetry and asymmetry, sites of origination and the coexistence of both internal and external arteries. Vascularisation of the brain in chinchillas originates mainly from the vertebra-basilar system. The observed variability seems to confirm the role of the basilar artery in the arterial blood supply of the brain in this species. Keywords: variability, head arterial system, rodents Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 161-169 Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Year: 2015 DOI: 10.17221/8063-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/8063-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201503-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:60:y:2015:i:3:id:8063-VETMED Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: D. Nak Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey Author-Name: T. Gulten Author-Workplace-Name: Medical Faculty, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey Author-Name: M. Karkucak Author-Workplace-Name: Medical Faculty, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey Author-Name: R. Yilmaz Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey Author-Name: Y. Nak Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey Author-Name: G. Simsek Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Uludag University, Bursa, Turkey Author-Name: A.H. Shahzad Author-Workplace-Name: College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Jhang, Pakistan Title: SRY-negative XX sex reversal in an English Cocker Spaniel: a case report Abstract: A SRY-negative XX male describes a female karyotype with testicular tissue resulting from abnormal gonadal development. In such cases male gonad formation takes place in the absence of a Y chromosome which supports the hypothesis that some other genes are also responsible for testicular development. The present case report describes a one-year-old dog brought to the hospital with a complaint of no oestrus cycle. Apparently normal masculine bitch had an enlarged clitoris with an os on radiograph. A gonado-hysterectomy was performed. Instead of ovarian structures both testicular masses were present and a normal complete bicornuate uterus with a normal cervix was observed. The histology of both gonads showed two testes, each with its ductus deferens and the uterus with typical histological structure. Cytogenetic evaluation of peripheral blood lymphocytes revealed a female with a normal karyotype (78, XX). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of genomic DNA showed that the SRY gene was absent. Keywords: English Cocker Spaniel, intersexuality, SRY-negative, sex determination, XX male Journal: Veterinární medicína Pages: 170-173 Volume: 60 Issue: 3 Year: 2015 DOI: 10.17221/8064-VETMED File-URL: http://vetmed.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/8064-VETMED.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/vet-201503-0007.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlvet:v:60:y:2015:i:3:id:8064-VETMED