Dorsal Sac Research Articles

Patterns of Spatial Variation in Rumen Microbiology, Histomorphology, and Fermentation Parameters in Tarim wapiti (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis).

The rumen is divided into multiple rumen sacs based on anatomical structure, and each has its unique physiological environment. Tarim wapiti preserved roughage tolerance after domestication, and adaptation to the desertified environment led to the development of a unique rumen shape and intraruminal environment. In this work, six Tarim wapiti were chosen and tested for fermentation parameters, microbes, and histomorphology in four rumen areas (Dorsal sac, DS; Ventral sac, VS; Caudodorsal blind sac, CDBS; Caudoventral blind sac, CVBS). Tarim wapiti's rumen blind sac had better developed rumen histomorphology, the ventral sac was richer in VFAs, and the dominant bacteria varied most notably in the phylum Firmicutes, which was enriched in the caudoventral blind sac. The ventral sac biomarkers focused on carbohydrate fermentation-associated bacteria, the dorsal sac focused on N recycling, and the caudoventral blind sac identified the only phylum-level bacterium, Firmicutes; we were surprised to find a probiotic bacterium, Bacillus clausii, identified as a biomarker in the ventral sac. This research provides a better understanding of rumen fermentation parameters, microorganisms, and histomorphology in the Tarim wapiti rumen within a unique ecological habitat, laying the groundwork for future regulation targeting the rumen microbiota and subsequent animal production improvement.

Exploring the reticulo-ruminal motility pattern in goats through medical barium meal imaging technology.

The motility pattern of the reticulo-rumen is a key factor affecting feed intake, rumen digesta residence time, and rumen fermentation. However, it is difficult to study reticulo-ruminal motility using general methods owing to the complexity of the reticulo-ruminal structure. Thus, we aimed to develop a technique to demonstrate the reticulo-ruminal motility pattern in static goats. Six Xiangdong black goats (half bucks and half does, body weight 29.5 ± 1.0 kg) were used as model specimens. Reticulo-ruminal motility videos were obtained using medical barium meal imaging technology. Videos were then analyzed using image annotation and the centroid method. The results showed that reticulo-ruminal motility was divided into primary (stages I, II, III, and IV) and secondary contraction, and the movements of ruminal digesta depended on reticulo-ruminal motility. Our results indicated common motility between the ruminal dorsal sac and ruminal dorsal blind sac. We observed that stages I (3.92 vs. 3.21 s) (P < 0.01), II (4.81 vs. 4.23 s) (P < 0.01), and III (5.65 vs. 5.15 s) (P < 0.05); interval (53.79 vs. 50.95 s); secondary contraction time (10.5 vs. 10 s); and were longer, whereas stage IV appeared to be shorter in the bucks than in the does (7.83 vs. 14.67 s) (P < 0.01). The feasibility of using barium meal imaging technology for assessing reticulo-ruminal and digesta motility was verified in our study. We determined the duration of each stage of reticulo-ruminal motility and collected data on the duration and interval of each stage of ruminal motility in goats. This research provides new insights for the study of gastrointestinal motility and lays a solid foundation for the study of artificial rumen.

Ageratina adenophora damages the rumen epithelium via inducing the expression of inflammatory factors in goats.

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of Ageratina adenophora on the expression of epithelium tight junction proteins and inflammatory factors in the rumen of goats. Twelve goats were randomly divided into three groups. The first group was the blank control group (n = 3, C) which was fed normal diet. The second group was fistulas control group (n = 3, RFC), which was fitted with rumen fistulas, and fed normal diet. The third group was the A. adenophora test group (n = 6, AA), which was fitted with rumen fistulas and fed a mixture of 60% of normal diet and 40% of A. adenophora grass powder. The feeding experiment lasted for 90d, after which all goats were sacrificed and samples were collected from the rumen dorsal sac and ventral sac. The relative expression of mRNA of inflammatory factors in the rumen epithelium (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α], interferon gamma [IFN-γ], interleukin 1 beta [IL-1β], IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10) and tight junction protein genes (occludin, claudin-1, and ZO-1) was measured by quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR. Expression of tight junction proteins in the rumen epithelium was measured by Western blot. A correlation was established between the expression of inflammatory factors and tight junction protein genes using Graph Pad Prism. The results showed that A. adenophora caused a significant increase in the mRNA expression levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 in the rumen epithelial (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The expression of tight junction proteins at both gene and protein levels was significantly decreased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Furthermore, the correlation analysis revealed that the changes in tight junction protein expression in the test group were closely related to the upregulation of the expression of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IFN-γ in rumen epithelial cells. In conclusion, the expression of inflammatory factors was increased and the expression of tight junction proteins was decreased in goats after feeding on A. adenophora, which caused some damage to the rumen epithelium.

Benefits of tributyrin on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract development, ruminal bacteria and volatile fatty acid formation of weaned Small-Tailed Han lambs

This study aimed to determine the effects of tributyrin on growth performance, gastrointestinal tract development, ruminal bacteria and volatile fatty acid (VFA) formation. Thirty healthy weaned Small-Tailed Han female lambs at 3 months old with BW 27.5 ± 4.1 kg (mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to five groups of six lambs each, and each group received tributyrin at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg in feed. Weights were measured before the start and end of the study. After 15 d adaptation, DMI, feed, faeces and urine were recorded every week. Lambs were sacrificed at d 75. Compared to lambs fed no tributyrin, lambs fed 4.0 g/kg tributyrin had higher average daily BW gain (P = 0.04) and DMI (P < 0.01). Tributyrin reduced nitrogen (P < 0.01), Ca (P < 0.01) and P (P < 0.01) losses derived from faeces and urine. The mostly important, tributyrin increased dorsal sac thickness (P < 0.01), papillae length (P = 0.04) and width (P < 0.01), ventral sac papillae length (P < 0.01) and width (P < 0.01), caudodorsal blind sac thickness (P = 0.02), papillae length (P < 0.01) and width (P < 0.01). Furthermore, tributyrin increased thicknesses of both the duodenum (P < 0.01) and ileum (P = 0.01), and villus heights of the duodenum (P = 0.01), ileum (P < 0.01), jejunum (P < 0.01) and caecum (P = 0.02), but tributyrin decreased duodenal (P < 0.01) and caecal crypt depths (P < 0.01). Tributyrin reduced rumen pH (P < 0.01) while promoting total VFA concentration (P < 0.01). Tributyrin improved the structure of rumen bacteria by enhancing Clostridium (P = 0.04), Butyrivibrio (P < 0.01), Streptococcus (P = 0.04), Prevotella (P = 0.04), Ruminobacter (P = 0.02) and Fibrobacter (P = 0.03). In conclusion, tributyrin could stimulate gastrointestinal tract development by enhancing colonization of rumen VFA-producing bacteria, and dietary supplementation of tributyrin at 4.0 g/kg of DM was recommended for the weaned lambs.

Controlled Release of Growth Factor from Heparin Embedded Poly(aldehyde guluronate) Hydrogels and Its Effect on Vascularization.

To deliver growth factors controllably for tissue regeneration, poly(aldehyde guluronate) (PAG) was obtained from alginate and covalently cross-linked with aminated gelatin (AG) to form PAG/AG hydrogel as a growth factors carrier. The prepared hydrogel exhibits a slow degradation rate and excellent cytocompatibility. Heparin was conjugated with gelatin and embedded into the hydrogel to reserve and stabilize growth factors. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was immobilized into the hydrogel and performed sustained release as the hydrogel degraded. The bFGF loaded hydrogel can improve vascularization effectively in a rat dorsal sac model. To summarize, heparin embedded PAG/AG hydrogels would serve as a promising biodegradable vehicle for the controlled delivery of growth factors and promoting vascularization in regenerative medicine.

Effect of increased intake of concentrates and sodium butyrate supplementation on reticulorumen macroanatomy and reticulorumen fermentation in growing rams

Increased ruminal butyrate production is considered to have mostly positive impacts on rumen macro- and microanatomy and its functions. However, excessive ruminal butyrate production may also affect the rumen negatively. Forty-two growing rams were allocated into six treatments and fed a diet with low (22.5% of diet DM; LOW) or high (60% of diet DM; HIGH) inclusion of concentrates in combination with no, low (1.6% of diet DM) or high (3.2% of diet DM) sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation to obtain low or high reticuloruminal (RR) pH with different concentrations of butyrate. Both absolute (L/day) and relative (% of BW) water intake increased linearly with increasing dose of SB (P ≤ 0.02). The RR fluid pH was lower for HIGH compared to LOW treatments (P < 0.01) but was not affected by SB supplementation (P = 0.35). Total short-chain fatty acid concentration, propionate and valerate concentrations in the RR fluid were higher for HIGH compared to LOW treatments (P ≤ 0.01), but were not affected by SB supplementation (P ≥ 0.22). Reticuloruminal butyrate was higher for HIGH compared to LOW treatments and increased linearly with increasing dose of SB (P < 0.01). High concentrate inclusion in the diet (P < 0.01) decreased and SB supplementation tended to (P = 0.10) decrease fibrolytic activity in the RR. Increasing doses of SB linearly decreased acetate, isovalerate and NH3-N concentrations in RR fluid, and RR digesta DM weight (g DM/kg BW; P ≤ 0.02). Relative RR and rumen tissue weights (g/kg BW) were higher for LOW compared to HIGH (P ≤ 0.03) treatments but were not affected by SB inclusion in the diet (P ≥ 0.35). Also, there was no impact of concentrates or SB inclusion in the diet on ruminal epithelium DM weight (mg/cm2), either in the ventral or dorsal sac of the rumen (P ≥ 0.14). Under conditions of the current study, SB supplementation in the diet decreased RR digesta DM concentration and weight, acetate, isovalerate and NH3-N concentration in the RR fluid, and tended to reduce fibrolytic activity in the RR. At least part of this response could be due to increased intake of water, and consequently passage of digesta from the RR to lower regions of the gastrointestinal tract.

Histological reinterpretation of paraphysis cerebri in Ambystoma mexicanum

Intraventricular and extraventricular choroid plexuses are neuroepithelial folds which arise from the roof of the diencephalon. We describe the circumventricular structure of the diencephalon roof (paraphysis cerebri) during the various development stages of Ambystoma mexicanum. The parasagittal sections of the larvae epithalamus exhibit the presence, in addition to the epiphysis, of two dorsal primordia in nearby areas, which appear to be extraventricular saccular evaginations of different origin that give rise to two structures we define as the anterior extraventricular choroid plexus (AEP) and posterior extraventricular choroid plexus (PEP). During larvae development, the primordia arise perpendicular to each other, grow and show luminal folds and invaginations. Later, the two extraventricular evaginations, which are separate units, become interrelated. As the PEP grows, it covers the AEP dorsally, but it is difficult to define the borders of these organs. AEP is formed by alveolar-acinar epithelial aggregates with evidence of secretion-like content. PEP structure is like a choroid plexus, but its position is extraventricular and dorsal to the AEP. The PEP is always between the AEP and the meninges and can be small or large in size. This means that in A. mexicanum, the paraphysis cerebri is made up of two adjacent organs, which arise almost simultaneously from two different primordia (the AEP and the PEP) and as the posterior one grows, it overlaps the anterior one and masks itself. In conclusion, we suggest that AEP and PEP are homologous to paraphysis cerebri and the dorsal sac, respectively.

A Novel Oral Endoscopic Biopsy Procedure to Obtain Rumen Epithelial Samples.

Most in vivo studies related to ruminal development in calves use invasive techniques involving rumen-fistulated or euthanized animals. In consideration of animal welfare, we developed an oral endoscopic biopsy procedure to allow the obtaining of rumen epithelial samples, thus serving as an alternative for measuring the height and width of rumen papillae in calves in a safe, quick, and efficient manner that allows the slaughtering of calves to be avoided. This procedure was tested on 12 Brangus crossbred calves randomly distributed in two groups, with one fed a meal starter and the other an extruded starter feed. Calves underwent a 12-h fasting period, were restrained in a squeeze chute, administered a dose of atropine, and sedated with xylazine before the oral endoscopic biopsy procedure. A 120 cm long Olympus® oral flexible video endoscope and forceps were used to collect cranial–dorsal sac rumen epithelial tissue samples of approximately 0.5 mm. Endoscopy was successful in all 12 calves and the collected tissue samples were placed in formalin (10%) for further processing for obtaining rumen papillae measurements. Consumption of the extruded starter feed resulted in the increased (p = 0.035) width of rumen papillae. The oral endoscopic biopsy procedure implemented in this study was demonstrated to be successful and is thus an alternative technique for studying rumen epithelial development and morphometric alterations in calf rumen tissue.

Changes in Rumen Bacterial Community Induced by the Dietary Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber Levels in Goat Diets.

Physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) is a concept that accounts for the particle length of NDF in a feed, sustaining the normal chewing behavior and rumen fermentation of ruminants. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of dietary peNDF on growth performance and bacterial communities in the rumen of goats through a high-throughput sequencing technique. A total of 30 male Lezhi black goats were randomly assigned to five groups, corresponding to five diets with identical compositions and nutrient levels but with varying forage lengths (the peNDF1.18 contents of the diets were 33.0, 29.9, 28.1, 26.5, and 24.8%, respectively). The whole trial lasted for 44 days. As results show, feed intake and average daily gain were highest when peNDF1.18 content was 26.5%, in which the papilla length of the dorsal sac in rumen was the highest. Chao1 and ACE indexes were similar among the treatments, while Shannon and Simpson indexes of the peNDF1.18 = 28.1% group were the highest (p < 0.05). As the level of dietary peNDF1.18 decreased, the dominant phylum transitioned from Bacteroidetes to Firmicutes. The top three dominant genera of rumen bacteria were Prevotella 1, Ruminococcaceae NK4A214 group, and Christensenellaceae R-7 group. They all showed a quadratic correlation with dietary peNDF1.18 level (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae UCG-011 was positively correlated, while that of Prevotella 1 was negatively correlated, with amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism (p < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary peNDF level influenced goat growth performance, rumen development, and rumen bacterial community structures, and a peNDF1.18 level between 26.5 and 28.1% was considered optimal for goat diet.

Anatomical and histological investigation of the pineal gland in the lake van fish (Alburnus tarichi (Güldenstädt, 1814)).

The pineal gland and melatonin secreted from the gland regulate the biological clock and adaptation to seasonal changes, glucose balance, nutrition and locomotor activities. In this study, the pineal gland of the Lake Van fish was examined anatomically and histologically. The melatonin level secreted from the pineal gland was determined in fish plasma sampled from both lakes and streams during reproduction migration. The pineal gland in the Lake Van fish, as in other teleost fish, is located in the head, under the translucent pineal window, which does not contain many pigment cells. The gland consists of pineal vesicle and pineal stalk parts on the dorsal sac in the Lake Van fish. It was determined that the pineal gland showed good vascularity. The presence of pinealocytes and different types of cells in the pineal organ was determined histologically. Pinealocytes were intensely localized in the lumen of the pineal vesicle. The plasma melatonin level increased in fish passing from lake to stream for reproductive migration.

Characterization of Some Novel Antimicrobial Peptides from African Common Toad, Sclerophrys regularis

The growing number of antimicrobial resistant bacteria have necessitated urgent need for newer and effective antimicrobials. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which are also called host defense peptides are promising class of bioactives found in all living thing especially amphibians. A total of 355 Sclerophrys regularis were collected and each toad was weighed and 0.02mL/g of epinephrine (1mg/mL) was administered via the dorsal lymph sac of the toad. The skin secretions were washed, lyophilized and stored at -20°C. The secretion was purified using Sephadex G-50 gel purification column. The fractions showing antimicrobial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhii ATCC 14028, Citrobacter freundii ATCC 8090, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25913 and Candida albicans ATCC 3147 were further purified by RP- HPFC. The purified fractions were lyophilized and m/z ratio peaks were determined using MALDI TOF/TOF MS. The sequences corresponding to the peaks were determined using Mascot Peptide Mass Fingerprint which revealed novel AMP sequences: IHAGKTVPIVK, MHLLWR and LTGQIKNGLSGR which were named Regularin-2, Regularin-3 and Regularin-4 respectively. The MICs of purified fractions were between 50 – 200 µg/mL and the antimicrobial activities were maintained when stored at -20 °C for 180 days and was significant at p &lt; 0.05. Bioprospecting of Nigerian toad specie (S. regularis) could yield potential therapeutic AMP agents.

286 Effects of Supplementation of Quebracho Extract Supplementation on Ruminal Ph of Growing Beef Steers

Abstract Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic disorder occurring when organic acid production exceeds clearance capacity, reducing ruminal pH. Acidosis occurrence has been directly correlated to the ratio of concentrate to forage in the diet. However, the rates of substrate fermentation and acid absorption vary at different locations in the rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the pH in different locations of the rumen using 16 rumenally- cannulated steers (309 ± 43 kg) receiving quebracho extract (QT; Schinopsis balansae) within a grower-type diet [25:75 forage-to-concentrate, dry matter (DM) % basis]. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 4): QT at 0, 1, 2, and 3% of DM (QT0, QT1, QT2, and QT3). Animals were adapted to the basal diet (QT0) for 12-d before being introduced to predetermined treatments for four weeks, with feed provided twice daily to allow ad libitum intake. Weekly measurements of ruminal fluid pH and redox potential (Eh) were taken four h post-feeding using a portable pH and redox meter probe in four locations of the rumen (cranial sac, ventral sac, dorsal sac, and reticulum). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and week as repeated measures. The DM intake was included as a covariate. There was no interaction among diet, location, and week (P ≥ 0.925) on pH. Overall, ruminal pH was lower for QT0 and QT1 compared to QT3 (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Ruminal pH in the cranial sac and reticulum was greater than in the dorsal sac (5.98, 6.03, and 5.87, respectively; P = 0.001). Redox potential was lower for QT0 in week 1 than all other treatments (P = 0.042). This study indicated that pH differs among locations of the rumen regardless of QT supplementation level and days on feed.

Technical Note: The comparison of pH and redox potential in different locations in the reticulo-rumen of growing beef steers supplemented with different levels of quebracho extract.

Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic disorder occurring when organic acid production exceeds clearance capacity, reducing ruminal pH. The occurrence of acidosis has been directly correlated to the ratio of concentrate to forage in the diet. However, rates of substrate fermentation and acid absorption vary at different locations in the reticulo-rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the pH and redox potential (Eh) in different locations of the reticulo-rumen using 16 ruminally cannulated steers (309 ± 43 kg) receiving different supplementation levels of quebracho extract (QT; Schinopsis balansae) within a grower type diet (CP: 13.4%; total digestible nutrients [TDN]: 70.4%; and ME: 2.55 Mcal/kg, dry matter [DM] basis). Animals were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: QT at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of DM (QT0, QT1, QT2, and QT3, respectively), containing about 0%, 0.7%, 1.4%, and 2.1% of condensed tannins (CT), DM basis, respectively. Animals were adapted to the basal diet for 12 d before being introduced to predetermined treatments for 4 weeks (wk), with diets provided twice daily to allow ad libitum intake. Weekly measurements of ruminal fluid pH and Eh were taken 4 h post-feeding using a portable pH meter with two probes (pH and redox) in four locations of the reticulo-rumen (reticulum, cranial sac, dorsal sac, and ventral sac). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and wk as repeated measures, with DM intake included as a covariate. There was no interaction among treatments, location, and wk (P ≥ 0.882) on reticulo-ruminal pH. Overall, ruminal pH was lower for QT0 and QT1 compared to QT3 (P < 0.001). The pH in the reticulum was greater than those of the ventral and dorsal sacs (6.05 vs. 5.94, 5.89, respectively; P ≤ 0.001) but similar to cranial sac (6.00). Reticular pH was positively correlated with the ruminal locations (≥0.78; P < 0.001). The linear equation to estimate ruminal mean pH using reticulum pH had an intercept and slope different from zero (P ≤ 0.04), but CT (% DM) was not different from zero (P = 0.15), root mean square error of 0.15, and R2 of 0.778: 0.723 (±0.36) + 0.857 (±0.059) × reticulum pH + 0.033 (±0.023) × CT. The Eh was lower for QT0 in week 1 than all other treatments (P < 0.001). We concluded that reticulo-ruminal pH differs among locations in the rumen regardless of QT supplementation level and days on feed, with reticular pH being the highest.

Net energy requirement for maintenance of crossbred beef heifers (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) as measured with the washed-rumen technique and indirect calorimetry

The aim of this work was to determine the net energy requirement for maintenance (NEm) of commercial crossbred beef heifers. Six crossbred (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) heifers cannulated in the dorsal sac of the rumen and with an initial body weight (BW) of 414 ± 52 kg were used. Heifers had an adaptation period to ration and management of 28 days. They were fed daily with a maintenance ration based on chopped Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and a supplement, except on the days of fasting heat production (FHP) measurements. Cattle were fasted with the washed-rumen technique. All contents (dry, liquids) in the reticulo-rumen were evacuated through the rumen cannula. After rumen evacuation, heifers were fasted for 12 h and subsequently, oxygen (O2) consumption was measured for 23 h in open-circuit respiration chambers. FHP was calculated by the energy equivalent of each liter of O2 consumed (19.7 kJ/L). FHP measurements were made 4 times per animal (4 periods) with 13 days of rest between measurements to reestablish feed intake. Mean O2 consumption and FHP (n = 24) were 1,587 ± 231 L/d (CV = 14.54%) and 399.6 ± 58 kJ/kg0.75/d (CV = 14.69%), respectively. The data derived from the present study may contribute to the improvement in the estimates of net energy requirements for maintenance of commercial crossbred beef cattle in the tropics.

Effects of milk replacer and whole milk feeding on rumen development, expression of genes related to volatile fatty acid absorption, and rumen bacteria in calves

Abstract: This research examined the effects of liquid feeds on calf performance, rumen development, rumen cellulolytic bacteria count, and total bacteria diversity. Twenty Holstein bull calves were allocated to 2 groups either fed with milk replacer (MR) or whole milk. Calves fed milk tended to have higher (P = 0.058) average daily weight gain as compared to calves fed with MR during the entire experimental period. Starter mixture intake was not influenced by either milk or milk replacer feeding. Calves fed with milk had higher (P < 0.001) proliferative cells in the rumen papilla. The expressions of MCT1, MCT4, NHE1, NHE3, ACSS1, AceCS2, and ACSM1 genes, which are related to volatile fatty acid absorption, in the dorsal sac of the rumen were similar for calves fed either MR or whole milk. Fibrobacter succinogenes (P = 0.017) and Ruminococcus flavefaciens (P = 0.037) were significantly higher in the rumen of the milkfed calves. Moreover, denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)-derived dendrograms showed noticeable differences in ruminal microbial population between MR-fed and milk-fed calves. In conclusion, feeding calves with whole milk, which contains better quality protein and nutrients, instead of milk replacers, positively affects rumen development, cellulolytic bacteria numbers and total bacteria diversity.

Doppler Ultrasonographic Study of the Spleen in Live Post Natal Goats

Background: The Ultrasonograph of spleen in live goats were studied using a convex probe 2.5 to 5 MHz Colour Doppler Mylab onevet (e-saote) German Ultrasound Scanner in Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal.Methods: The extent of spleen in live goats when examined by USG revealed differences from the usual gross anatomical observations made in the embalmed or exsanguinated goats. The parietal surface of spleen was in direct contact with the pulmonary diaphragm while the ventral visceral surface lay over the cranial part of dorsal sac of the rumen.Result: The capsule was highly echogenic while the parenchyma consisted of numerous weak echoes distributed homogenously. The splenic vessels were anechoic with hyperechoic walls and appeared as longitudinal or cross sections. The greatest length was found at 11th intercostal space during the post-natal age of three to five months which was about 6 cm. The greatest length was found at 10th intercostal space during the post-natal age of eight to twelve months which was about 7 cm. The greatest length was found at 9th intercostal space during the post-natal age above one year which was about 9 to 15 cm. During the post-natal age above one year the smallest length was found to be behind the last rib which was about 4 cm in adult goats.

PSII-7 Complete genome analysis of a novel mucolytic bacterium, Prevotella mucinisolvens sp. nov., isolated from bovine rumen epithelium

Abstract We report the complete genome sequence of a novel mucolytic bacterium, Prevotella mucinisolvens sp. nov. Mucolytic bacteria were isolated from rumen epithelium of the dorsal sac of Korean cattle steer using a targeted cultivation on a mucin defined medium as a sole carbon source in anaerobic conditions. The genome of P. mucinisolvens was sequenced by means of both the Illumina HiSeq™ X and PacBio RSII platforms. The genome (2,730,135 bp) was found to contain 2,445 genes, 2,374 coding sequences, 61 transfer RNA, 1 transfer-messenger RNA, and 9 ribosomal RNA. The P. mucinisolvens had a total 51 glycoside hydrolases (GHs), of which 14 GHs, including β-galactosidases (GH2, GH20), α-N-acetylgalactosaminidases (GH101), α-N-acetylglucosaminidase (GH89), sialidase (GH33), and fucosidases (GH29, GH95), were identified as enzymes involved in mucin degradation. Following the KEGG pathways, the putative mucolytic pathway was constructed, including the metabolism of carbon sources such as galactose, N-acetylglucosamine, sialic acid (N-acetylneuraminic acid), and mannose. The presence of putative extracellular polysaccharide biosynthesis pathways, including Wzx/Wzy-dependent pathway (4 putative glycosyltransferases, 3 acetyltransferases, 1 flippase, 1 polymerase, 1 polysaccharide co-polymerase, and 1 outer membrane transport protein) and synthase-dependent pathway (1 putative synthase, 3 precursors of synthesis), was confirmed in P. mucinisolvens. Twelve putative virulence factors associated with adherence (hasB, KpsF, and htpB), stress reactions (clpP and clpC), antiphagocytosis (hasB and bcs1), O-antigen (gmd, fcl, and galE), and metabolic adaption (panD) were identified. This study contributes to a better understanding of epimural bacteria in putative mucin-degrading ability.

A brief report on the development of dorsal air sacs in hand reared Von der Decken’s hornbills (Tockus deckeni)

Several species of hornbills are known to develop dorsal air sacs after hatching, which present as a pocket of air under their skin. These increase in size as the chicks grow, and gradually disappear as the chicks develop feathers. However, this feature is not well-described, nor do we know the extent it occurs in Bucerotids. Here, it is reported in a clutch of hand-reared Von der Decken’s hornbills ( Tockus deckeni) ( n = 5) at Jurong Bird Park, Singapore. Air sacs were not present at hatch, but developed within 24 h, increasing in size until about 10 days of age. They gradually recede from this age and are not always inflated, disappearing at about 16 days of age when the chick has considerable feather growth. The functions of this unique feature are largely unclear, but it is thought to be mostly related to thermoregulation. Further research is required to determine this, possibly using captive specimens from zoological institutions as it is more difficult to collect data from wild birds.

Technical note: Evaluation of the ororuminal FLORA sampling device for rumen fluid sampling in intact cattle

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the actual intraruminal sampling site of the ororuminal FLORA sampling device (Profs Products, Wittibreut, Germany), and to compare pH and volatile fatty acid (VFA) data obtained using FLORA and those obtained using a suction strainer introduced to the ventral ruminal sac via a rumen cannula. Five lactating multiparous Danish Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulas were used. All cows were fed the same diet once daily, and the diet was allowed ad libitum. Samples of rumen fluid and recordings were obtained 6 h after feeding at 3 occasions. Rumen fluid samples were taken using 2 devices: (1) the ororuminal FLORA sampling device and (2) a suction strainer inserted through the rumen cannula to the ventral ruminal sac and a 60-mL syringe for suction. Both sampling devices were inserted concomitantly, and samples of rumen fluid were obtained simultaneously with both devices. After sampling rumen fluid, the actual intraruminal placement of the FLORA sampling cup was manually assessed as being in either the cranial sac, the dorsal sac, the medial layer, or the ventral sac. Only VFA proportions, and not pH and VFA concentrations, were similar between rumen fluid samples obtained using FLORA and those obtained directly through the rumen cannula. The observed intraruminal sampling site of the FLORA sampling cup indicates that firm rumen digesta hampers the ability of the FLORA device to reach the ventral sac and impedes filling of the sampling cup and, consequently, increases the risk of saliva contamination of samples.

Effects of antibiotic residues in milk on growth, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community of preweaning dairy calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antibiotic residues in milk on growth, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community of dairy calves in their first 35 d of age. Twenty newborn Holstein bull calves were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments equally: milk replacer without antibiotics (control) and milk replacer plus 4 antibiotics: 0.024 mg/L of penicillin, 0.025 mg/L of streptomycin, 0.1 mg/L of tetracycline, and 0.33 mg/L of ceftiofur (ANT). Starter intake and fecal consistency scores of each calf were recorded on a daily basis. Body weight, withers height, body length, and heart girth were measured on d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 before feeding in the morning. Rumen fluid was collected on d 15, 25, and 35 to determine ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and NH3-N concentrations. A total of 10 (5 per treatment) samples of rumen fluid taken on d 35 were analyzed for microbial community. Rumen tissues from the cranial ventral sac and cranial dorsal sac were collected from 8 calves of each group for morphology analysis on d 35 after being harvested. The results showed that calves in 2 treatments had similar starter intake, body weight, withers height, body length, heart girth, and average daily gain. The ANT group showed a lower diarrhea frequency in wk 4, and no differences were found for other weeks. Calves in the ANT group exhibited a greater concentration of acetic acid in the rumen and no differences for other VFA, total VFA, rumen pH, or NH3-N. As for rumen morphology, the length of papillae from cranial ventral sac of the ANT group was longer than that of the control group. The results of ruminal microbial community showed that antibiotic residues had minor effects on bacteria phyla and bacteria diversity. At the genus level, calves in the ANT group showed lower richness of Prevotella and higher richness of Acetitomaculum. In conclusion, antibiotic residues stimulated the development of ruminal papillae and increased the production of acetic acid in rumen, which might be caused by the influence of antibiotics on the ruminal microbial community.