Animal Sciences Commons^™

Loss Of Activity Mutations In Phospholipase C Zeta Abloishes Calcium Oscillatory Ability Of Human Recombinant Protein In Mouse Ooctyes, J. Kashir, C. Jones, H.C. Lee, K. Rietdork, D. Nikiforaki, C. Durrans, M. Ruas, S.T. Tee, B. Heindryckx, A. Galione, P. Desutter, Rafael Fissore, J. Parrington, K. Coward

Rafael Fissore

BACKGROUND: Mammalian oocyte activation occurs via a series of intracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) oscillations thought to be induced by a sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ). There is now strong evidence to indicate that certain types of human male infertility are caused by failure of the sperm to activate the oocyte in an appropriate manner. Molecular analysis of the PLCζ gene of a male patient with oocyte activation deficiency has previously identified a point mutation causing a histidine to proline substitution at PLCζ residue 398 (PLCζ(H398P)), leading to abnormal Ca(2+) release profiles and reduced oocyte activation efficiency. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the …

Laboratory Studies In Animal Diversity, Lee Kats, Cleveland Hickman, Susan Keen

Lee Kats

Laboratory Studies in Animal Diversity offers students hands-on experience in learning about the diversity of life. It provides students the opportunity to become acquainted with the principal groups of animals and to recognize the unique anatomical features that characterize each group as well as the patterns that link animal groups to each other.

Extruded Aquafeeds Containing Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles: Effects On Extrudate Properties And Processing Behaviour, Kamal Mjoun, Kurt A. Rosentrater

Kurt A. Rosentrater

BACKGROUND: The tremendous supply and low cost of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) make it an attractive feedstuff for aquaculture diets. Also, several studies have shown that DDGS can be successfully fed to various finfish. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inclusion rate of DDGS (0, 250, 500 g kg−1), feed moisture content (350, 450 g kg−1) and die opening area (die A = 18.85 mm2, die B = 3988.45 mm2) on the properties of the extrudates and on processing behaviour using a single-screw extruder.

RESULTS: Increasing the inclusion rate of DDGS resulted in …

Expression Analysis Of Hif-1a And Hif-2a Genes In Tibetan Chicken Under Normoxia And Hypoxia.Pdf, Yunzhou Yang, Ying Bai, Xinxing Dong, Jibin Zhang, Meiying Fang

Jibin Zhang

Autotomy Of The Posterior Foot In Agaronia Propatula (Caenogastropoda: Olividae) Occurs In Animals That Are Fully Withdrawn Into Their Shells, Samantha D. Rupert, Winfried S. Peters

Winfried S. Peters

Heifer Estrous Cycle Stage Impacts Luteinizing And Growth Hormone Response To Kisspeptin, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

The reproductive neuropeptide, kisspeptin (KP), may have a role in regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion. Expression of KP and its receptor (Kiss1r) are developmentally and hormonally regulated. This study was conducted to determine the effects of KP on plasma concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) and GH in pubertal heifers during different functional reproductive stages. Heifers received a single injection of KP (100 pmole / kg) or saline intravenously during proestrus, estrus, and diestrus, and serial blood samples were collected for 3 hours to determine the response of both LH and GH after treatment. Mean concentrations of LH were increased …

Aviation Wildlife Hazard - Uk Flight Safety Committee, Paul F. Eschenfelder

Paul F. Eschenfelder

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Kisspeptin On Regulation Of Growth Hormone, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Robyn R. Wilborn, Herris S. Maxwell, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

Kisspeptin ( KP ), a neuroendocrine regulator of reproduction, is hypothesized to be an integrator of metabolism and hormones critical to the regulation of reproduction. Lactation is associated with enhanced growth hormone (GH) responsiveness and reduced fertility. Our study was designed to determine the effects of lactation on KP-stimulated GH and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. Five non-lactating and five lactating dairy cows were used in the study. Experiments were conducted with lactating cows at weeks 1, 5 and 11 after parturition. The experimental treatments ( saline and KP [100 and 400 pmol / kg body weight]) were given intravenously and …

Will Getting A Pet Make You Healthier?, Harold Herzog

Harold Herzog, Ph.D.

Will Getting A Pet Make You Healthier?, Harold Herzog

Harold Herzog, PhD

Effects Of Conditioner Steam, Extruder Water And Screw Speed On Physical Properties Of Ddgs-Based Extrudates In Twin-Screw Extrusion, Parisa Fallahi, Kurt A. Rosentrater, Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Mehmet Tulbek

Kurt A. Rosentrater

A fractional factorial design with a replicated central composite point was used to investigate the effects of extrusion processing on physical properties of DDGS–based aquafeeds using a twin screw extruder. Extrusion cooking trials were performed using an ingredient blend for Nile tilapia, with 2 levels of screw speed (350 and 450 rpm), 2 levels of extruder water (0.236 and 0.302 kg/min) and 2 levels of conditioner steam (0.1 and 0.15 kg/min). The central point was 400 rpm screw speed, 0.271 kg/min extruder water, and 0.12 kg/min conditioner steam. Effects of these processing conditions on extrudate characteristics were extensively analyzed, and …

Single-Screw Extrusion Modeling Effects On Extrusion Processing Parameters And Physical Properties Of Ddgs-Based Nile Tilapia ( Oreochromis Niloticus ) Feeds, Ferouz Y. Ayadi, Parisa Fallahi, Kurt A. Rosentrater, Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan

Kurt A. Rosentrater

A single-screw laboratory extruder was used to conduct an L 18 (2 2 X 3 6 ) Taguchi fractional factorial study of aquafeed processing. The ingredients were based on a formulation for nutritionally-balanced Nile tilapia diets containing distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal as the main protein sources, in addition to constant amounts of corn flour, whey, and fish meal. The effects of three levels of DDGS (20, 30 and 40%), soybean meal (30, 40 and 50%), ingredient moisture content (20, 30 and 40% db), screw speed (100, 150 and 200 rpm), barrel temperatures (80-100-100°C, 80-120-120°C and …

The Effect Of Kisspeptin Receptor Agonist (Ftm080) On Luteinizing Hormone In Sheep, Brian K. Whitlock, Joseph A. Daniel, Maria Hes, Barbara P. Steele, James L. Sartin, S. Oishi, N. Fujii

Brian K Whitlock, PhD, DVM, DACT

Kisspeptin receptor (Kiss1r) agonists with increased half-life and similar efficacy to kisspeptin (KP) in vitro potentially may provide beneficial applications in breeding management of many species. However, many of these agonists have not been tested in vivo. This study was designed to test the effect of a Kiss1r agonist (FTM080) on luteinizing hormone (LH) in vivo. Sheep were treated with FTM080 (500 pmol/kg BW) or sterile water in a 2-ml bolus via the jugular cannula. Serial blood samples were collected every 15-min before (1 hr) and after (1 hr) treatment. Intravenous (IV) injection of FTM080 increased (P < 0.05) LH plasma concentrations through the 45-min sample following treatment. Moreover, the area under the curve of LH in the period from 0 to 60-min following FTM080 treatment was also increased (P < 0.05). These data provide evidence to suggest that FTM080 stimulates the gonadotropic axis of ruminants in vivo.

Phenotypic Divergence Despite High Levels Of Gene Flow In Galapagos Lava Lizards (Microlophus Albemarlensis), Mark Jordan, H. Snell, H. Snell, W. Jordan

Mark A. Jordan

The extent of evolutionary divergence of phenotypes between habitats is predominantly the result of the balance of differential natural selection and gene flow. Lava lizards (Microlophus albemarlensis) on the small island of Plaza Sur in the Galápagos archipelago inhabit contrasting habitats: dense vegetation on the western end of the island thins rapidly in a transitional area, before becoming absent on the eastern half. Associated with these habitats are phenotypic differences in traits linked to predator avoidance (increased wariness, sprint speed, and endurance in lizards from the sparsely vegetated habitat). This population provides an opportunity to test the hypothesis that reduced …

The Influence Of Historical Landscape Change On Genetic Variation And Population Structure Of A Terrestrial Salamander ( Plethodon Cinereus ), Mark Jordan, Douglas Morris, Scott Gibson

Mark A. Jordan

Forest loss and fragmentation is expected to shape the genetic structure of amphibian populations and reduce genetic variation. Another factor widely understood to have impacted these same parameters in North America is the range expansion that occurred following glacial retreat at the end of the Pleistocene. The Eastern Red-Backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) has been subjected to both processes. In this context, we investigated the historical events that are likely to have shaped genetic variation in this species using a panel of six microsatellite markers screened on individuals sampled across ten localities in northeastern Indiana, USA. We found low genetic diversity …

Historical Fragmentation And Genetic Drift In Populations Of Galápagos Lava Lizards (Microlophus Albemarlensis Complex), Mark Jordan, H. Snell

Mark A. Jordan

No abstract provided.

Mexican Axolotls ( Ambystoma Mexicanum ) Appear To Be Resistant To Ambystoma Tigrinum Virus (Atv), Crystal Paulson, Robert Visalli, Mark Jordan

Mark A. Jordan

No abstract provided.

Twin-Screw Extrusion Processing Of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) Feeds Using Various Levels Of Corn-Based Distillers Dried Grains With Solubles (Ddgs), Ferouz Y. Ayadi, Kasiviswanathan Muthukumarappan, Kurt A. Rosentrater, Michael L. Brown

Kurt A. Rosentrater

Increasing demand for seafood products and rising demand for fish meal for commercial fish feeds is driving the search for effective alternative protein sources. Twin-screw extrusion trials were conducted to study the production of nutritionally balanced feeds for rainbow trout fingerlings (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Six isocaloric (≈4.61 kcal/g) ingredient blends with a target protein content of >45% db were formulated with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and other feed ingredients. The moisture contents of the diets were initially adjusted to 5–7% db, and then extruded at 250 rpm using dual 1.9 mm dies …

T. Brucei Infection Reduces B Lymphopoiesis In Bone Marrow And Truncates Compensatory Splenic Lymphopoiesis Through Transitional B-Cell Apoptosis, Viki Bockstal, Patrick Guirnalda, Guy Caljon, Radhika Goenka, Janice T. Telfer, Deborah Frenkel, Magdalena Radwanska, Stefan Magez, Samuel J. Black

Janice C. Telfer

African trypanosomes of the Trypanosoma brucei species are extracellular protozoan parasites that cause the deadly disease African trypanosomiasis in humans and contribute to the animal counterpart, Nagana. Trypanosome clearance from the bloodstream is mediated by antibodies specific for their Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coat antigens. However, T. brucei infection induces polyclonal B cell activation, B cell clonal exhaustion, sustained depletion of mature splenic Marginal Zone B (MZB) and Follicular B (FoB) cells, and destruction of the B-cell memory compartment. To determine how trypanosome infection compromises the humoral immune defense system we used a C57BL/6 T. brucei AnTat 1.1 mouse model …

Determinants Of Local And Migratory Movements Of Great Lakes Double-Crested Cormorants, Alban Guillaumet, Brian S. Dorr, Guiming Wang, Jimmy D. Taylor Ii, Richard B. Chipman, Heidi Scherr, Jeff Bowman, Kenneth F. Abraham, Terry J. Doyle, Elizabeth Cranker

Brian S Dorr

We investigated how individual strategies combine with demographic and ecological factors to determine local and migratory movements in the double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus). One hundred and forty-five cormorants were captured from 14 nesting colonies across the Great Lakes area and fitted with satellite transmitters. We first tested the hypotheses that sexual segregation, density-dependent effects, and the intensity of management operations influenced home range size during the breeding season. The influence of these factors appeared to be limited in part due to random variability in foraging and dispersal decisions at individual and colony levels. We also designed a statistical framework to …

अंत:स्थलीय मात्स्यिकी - उत्पादन एवं संसाधन प्रबंधन (Inland Fisheries -Production And Resource Management), A. P. Sharma, M. K. Bhandhopadhyay, Ganesh Chandra, A. Roy

Ganesh Chandra

No abstract provided.

Evaluating Glycerin Supplementation On Reproductive Performance Of Sheep, J.A. Walker, G.A. Perry, R. Salverson, P. Nester, C. S. Schauer, J. E. Held, K. C. Olson

Julie Walker

Results Of A Preliminary Shoreline Shellfish Sanitary Survey Near Banjul, Gambia Conducted On 18 June 2011, Kanyi Babanding, Michael A. Rice

Michael A Rice

A preliminary shoreline survey was conducted along the Bund Road (frequently referred to as Bond Road) levee and the Banjul-Serrekunda Highway in the northern Tanbi Wetlands oyster harvesting area in the metropolitan Banjul area. In part this was designed as a training exercise for Gambian officials will be assuming responsibility for future shoreline surveys in the Gambia. Key identified areas of concern include the Banjul fish landing area on Bund Road utilized by a number of artisanal fishers; an over-water toilet facility for fishers near the fish landing site; evidence of illegal waste and rubbish dumping along Bund Road; an …

बाधकृत मैदानी आद्र क्षेत्रो में मातस्यकी प्रबंधन (Fisheries Management In Floodplain Wetlands), Ganesh Chandra

Ganesh Chandra

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Management On Double-Crested Cormorant Nesting Colony Fidelity, Bronson K. Strickland, Brian S. Dorr, Fred Pogmore, Gary Nohrenberg, Scott C. Barras, John E. Mcconnell, John Gobeille

Brian S Dorr

No abstract provided.

North American Pollinator Partnership Conference: Public Lands Task Force, Tammy Horn

Tammy Horn

No abstract provided.

Description Of The Larva And Female Genitalia Of Trechus Gamae With Data On Its Ecology, Ana Reboleira, Vicente Ortuño

Ana Sofia P.S. Reboleira

The third instar larva and the female genitalia of Trechus gamae Reboleira et Serrano (Coleoptera Carabidae Trechini) are described, illustrated and commented. Larvae and imagos were collected in deep parts of caves from Estremenho karstic massif in the centre Portugal. The work provides the first study on hypogean beetle larvae from Portugal, increasing the knowledge about hypogean microendemic species from the Lusitanic district of the Iberian Peninsula. The morphological diagnostic characters of the female genitalia corroborate the inclusion of T. gamae in the “T. fulvus-group”. Some new data on the ecology of this species are also given.

Food For Thought: Flying Foxes And Bush Regeneration, Kristin A. Den Exter, Angus Underwood, Billie Roberts, Len Martin

Dr Kristin den Exter

No abstract provided.

Carbohydrate Response Element Binding-Protein Is Activated By Elevated Glucose Levels In The Normal Murine Liver Cell Line Nmuli, Jackson Adams, Daniel G. Peterson

Daniel G. Peterson

Carbohydrate response element (ChRE) binding protein (ChREBP) is a transcription factor that is regulated by intracellular glucose levels and activates several lipogenic genes including acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC). Previous studies of the ChREBP system have used both in vivo models as well as isolated primary hepatocytes. Due to the difficulties in isolation and genetic variability of primary cell culture, we propose the use of a normal murine liver cell line (NMuLi) as a convenient alternative to primary isolated hepatocytes. We show that high (25 mM) but not low (0.5 or 5 mM) glucose activates a luciferase reporter driven by 4 …

Ca2+ Signaling During Mammalian Fertilization: Requirements, Players, And Adaptions, Rafael Fissore, T. Wakai, V. Vanderheyden

Rafael Fissore

Changes in the intracellular concentration of calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) represent a vital signaling mechanism enabling communication among cells and between cells and the environment. The initiation of embryo development depends on a [Ca(2+)](i) increase(s) in the egg, which is generally induced during fertilization. The [Ca(2+)](i) increase signals egg activation, which is the first stage in embryo development, and that consist of biochemical and structural changes that transform eggs into zygotes. The spatiotemporal patterns of [Ca(2+)](i) at fertilization show variability, most likely reflecting adaptations to fertilizing conditions and to the duration of embryonic cell cycles. In mammals, the focus of this review, …