Non-lactating Females Research Articles

Potency evaluation of different GNRH analogues on ovulation induction and reproductive performance of doe rabbit.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) -supplemented extenders have emerged as a welfare-orientated method to induce ovulation in the artificial insemination (AI) of rabbits. The main factor that limits the bioavailability of GnRH analogue on intravaginal administration is the proteolytic activity of enzymes present in rabbit seminal plasma. The use of GnRH analogues with higher biological potency would allow us to decrease their concentration in the seminal dose without compromising effectiveness. The current study was designed to assess the efficacy of various GnRH analogues concerning their ability to induce ovulation in rabbit AI. The base solution used for experimental extenders contained an aminopeptidase inhibitor. Four experimental groups were used, females from the Control group were induced to ovulate with an intramuscular administration of 1 μg of buserelin, while in the other three groups females received an intravaginal administration of 3.5 μg of buserelin (BUS), deslorelin (DES) or fertirelin (FER) within the seminal dose. Results showed that the ovulation frequency was similar in all groups studied. A concentration of 3.5 μg of the different GnRH analogues tested in this study showed similar potency in inducing ovulation in non-lactating females, yielding comparable results in terms of pregnancy rate at birth and prolificacy.

Reproduction results in parallel changes of oxidative stress and immunocompetence in a wild long-living mammal-edible dormouse Glis glis.

Oxidative stress (OS) and impaired immune function (IF) have been proposed as key physiological costs of reproduction. The relationship between OS and IF remains unresolved, particularly in long-living iteroparous species. We studied physiological markers of maintenance (OS, IF markers) in lactating, post-lactating and non-lactating females of edible dormice-a long-living rodent. We predicted the OS balance and IF to be compromised by lactation, especially in older females expected to face stronger trade-offs between life functions. We found that the age predictor (body size) correlated negatively with white blood cell level (WBC), positively with neutrophils to lymphocytes ratio and had no effect on OS markers. Oxidative damage markers (reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMs); but not antioxidant capacity) and body size-adjusted WBC were the lowest in lactating, higher in post-lactating and the highest in non-lactating females. Body size/age did not affect this correlation suggesting a similar age-independent allocation strategy during reproduction in this species. The path analysis testing the causal relationship between ROMs and WBC revealed that IF is more likely to affect OS than vice versa. Our study indicates the trade-off between crucial life functions during reproduction and suggests that immunosuppression reduces the risk of OS; therefore, mitigating oxidative costs of reproduction.

Characterising the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) pouch microbiome in lactating and non-lactating females

Wildlife harbour a diverse range of microorganisms that affect their health and development. Marsupials are born immunologically naïve and physiologically underdeveloped, with primary development occurring inside a pouch. Secretion of immunological compounds and antimicrobial peptides in the epithelial lining of the female’s pouch, pouch young skin, and through the milk, are thought to boost the neonate’s immune system and potentially alter the pouch skin microbiome. Here, using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, we characterised the Tasmanian devil pouch skin microbiome from 25 lactating and 30 non-lactating wild females to describe and compare across these reproductive stages. We found that the lactating pouch skin microbiome had significantly lower amplicon sequence variant richness and diversity than non-lactating pouches, however there was no overall dissimilarity in community structure between lactating and non-lactating pouches. The top five phyla were found to be consistent between both reproductive stages, with over 85% of the microbiome being comprised of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota. The most abundant taxa remained consistent across all taxonomic ranks between lactating and non-lactating pouch types. This suggests that any potential immunological compounds or antimicrobial peptide secretions did not significantly influence the main community members. Of the more than 16,000 total identified amplicon sequence variants, 25 were recognised as differentially abundant between lactating and non-lactating pouches. It is proposed that the secretion of antimicrobial peptides in the pouch act to modulate these microbial communities. This study identifies candidate bacterial clades on which to test the activity of Tasmanian devil antimicrobial peptides and their role in pouch young protection, which in turn may lead to future therapeutic development for human diseases.

Identification of Lipids and Cytokines in Plasma and Follicular Fluid before and after Follicle-Stimulating Hormone Stimulation as Potential Markers for Follicular Maturation in Cattle.

The process of follicle maturation leading to ovulation is a key milestone in female fertility. It is known that circulating lipids and cytokines play a role in the follicle's ability to go through follicular maturation and the ovulatory processes. However, the specific mechanisms are not well understood. We posit that dysregulation of granulosa cells influences the ovarian environment, which tries to adapt by changing released lipids and cytokines to achieve follicular maturation. Eleven non-lactating adult females underwent estrus synchronization with two injections of PGF2α 14 days apart. Daily blood samples were collected for 28 days to monitor steroid hormone production after the second injection. To understand the potential impacts of lipids and cytokines during ovulation, a low-dose FSH stimulation (FSHLow) was performed after resynchronization of cows, and daily blood samples were collected for 14 days to monitor steroid hormone production until ovariectomies. The lipidomic analysis demonstrated increased circulating diacylglycerides and triacylglycerides during the mid-luteal phase and after FSHLow treatment. Cholesteryl esters decreased in circulation but increased in follicular fluid (FF) after FSHLow. Increased circulating concentrations of TNFα and reduced CXCL9 were observed in response to FSHLow. Therefore, specific circulating lipids and cytokines may serve as markers of normal follicle maturation.

Adjusting the Iodine Content of Iodized Salt to Meet the Recommended Intake for Females of Reproductive Age: A Simulation Study with a Reduced Sodium Scenario

BackgroundThe use of iodized salt is a key strategy to increase iodine intake worldwide. In many countries, including New Zealand, females of reproductive age are still at risk of being mildly iodine deficient. ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the level of iodization of salt needed to ensure that females aged 18 to 40 y have an adequate intake of iodine in 2 scenarios: current discretionary salt intake and reduced discretionary salt intake. MethodData from nonpregnant, nonlactating females aged 18 to 40 y (n = 795) who took part in the 2008/09 New Zealand Adult Nutrition Survey and completed a 24-h dietary recall were used. Iodine intake was determined from all foods except bread and discretionary salt, which are fortified with iodine. Iodine from bread and salt was estimated at different levels of salt iodization, starting at 25 mg iodine/kg salt and increasing incrementally by 5 mg/kg, and added to calculate total iodine intake. The simulation concluded when the appropriate iodine content in salt was found using the estimated average requirement (EAR) cut-point method. ResultsIn the 2 scenarios, current discretionary salt intake (i.e., 400 mg/d) and reduced discretionary salt intake (i.e., 304 mg/d), the iodine concentration of salt is required to be 55 mg/kg and 70 mg/kg for no more than 2% of females to have an iodine intake below the EAR of 100 μg of iodine/d, respectively. In both scenarios and at all levels of iodine concentration, no one was above the upper level of intake of iodine of 1100 μg/d. ConclusionsThis study found that females of reproductive age need to consume iodized salt at the higher end of the legislated range of 25 to 65 mg/kg. If strategies to reduce sodium intake were adopted, the range would need to increase, or iodized salt would need to be included in a wider range of staple foods.

A proposed model to evaluate how changes in body condition score and the fatty acid profile of a supplement affect physiology and metabolic responses of nonlactating females

Two experiments were designed to evaluate the effects of altering body condition score (BCS) and the profile of a fatty acid (FA) supplement on the metabolism of Bos indicus Nellore females. In experiment 1, 16 and 24 B. indicus heifers and nonlactating cows, respectively, were assigned to (1) maintenance diet (MNT-MNT; n = 10), (2) maintenance diet and BCS loss (MNT-LSS; n = 10), (3) maintenance diet supplemented with calcium salts of soybean oil for 30 d and BCS loss for 40 d (MNT+CFA-LSS; n = 10), and (4) maintenance diet for 30 d and BCS loss for 40 d with a diet containing calcium salts of soybean oil (MNT-LSS+CFA; n = 10). Following the BCS loss period, MNT-LSS, MNT+CFA-LSS, and MNT-LSS+CFA were fed a diet to promote the gain of BCS. In experiment 2, 40 Bos indicus nulliparous heifers were assigned to (1) maintenance diet (MNT-MNT; n = 10), (2) BCS loss followed by a BCS gain (LSS-REM; n = 10), (3) BCS loss followed by a BCS gain diet with CFA of palm oil (LSS-REM+PLM; n = 10), and (4) BCS loss followed by a BCS gain diet with CFA of soybean oil (LSS-REM+SOY; n = 10). Blood samples were obtained for serum haptoglobin and fecal samples for pH (experiment 2 only). In experiment 1, a treatment × day interaction was observed for BCS during the 60-d BCS loss and gain period. Animals assigned to MNT-MNT had a greater BCS than the other treatment groups on d 40 and 60 of the experiment, but no other differences were observed. Moreover, a treatment × day interaction was observed for serum haptoglobin, as on d 60, MNT-LSS had a greater mean serum haptoglobin concentration. In experiment 2, a treatment × day interaction was also observed for BCS. From d −4 to 0, LSS-REM and LSS-REM+SOY had a reduced BCS versus MNT-MNT, but also lower for LSS-REM versus MNT-MNT on d 1, and LSS-REM+PLM versus MNT-MNT on d −1 and 0. For serum haptoglobin, no treatment or treatment × day interaction was observed. A treatment × day interaction was observed for fecal pH. From d −10 to 0, MNT often had a lower fecal pH, but during realimentation, LSS-REM heifers had a reduced fecal pH on d 1, 4, and 10. In summary, we failed to demonstrate an increase in serum haptoglobin due to a BCS loss. Still, supplementation with calcium salts of FA alleviated the increase in haptoglobin and maintained fecal pH at more stable values during realimentation, regardless of the FA profile of the supplement.

Sows' Responses to Piglets in Distress: An Experimental Investigation in a Natural Setting.

Domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) possess complex socio-cognitive skills, and sows show high inter-individual variability in maternal behaviour. To evaluate how females-reared under natural conditions-react to the isolation calls of their own piglets or those of other females, we conducted observations and experimental trials. In January-February 2021, we conducted all-occurrences sampling on affiliation, aggression, and lactation (daily, 7:30-16:30 h) on six lactating and four non-lactating females at the ethical farm Parva Domus (Turin, Italy). The trials (30 s each, n = 37/sow) consisted of briefly catching and restraining a piglet. We recorded the sow response (none/reactive/proactive movement towards the piglet; self-directed anxiety behaviours such as body shaking) before and during the trial and under control conditions. Increased levels of anxiety behaviour in sows were accompanied by an increased frequency of responses. Less aggressive sows and lactating sows showed the highest frequencies of response. Finally, the isolation calls' maximum intensity had an influence on the type of response observed, with higher proactive response frequencies following lower intensity isolation calls. Our results suggest that being under lactation could play a key role in increasing sow response levels and that specific acoustic features may influence the response.

Prenatal factors affecting the probability of survival between birth and weaning in rabbits

The aim of this study was to analyse the relationships between kit birth weight and litter size with kit survival from birth to weaning, and to estimate the effects of place of birth, nest quality, cannibalism, lactation, parity order, season and sex. A total of 1696 kits from 82 females of the ITLEV2006 synthetic line were used in this study. A logistic regression was performed. Kit birth weight was directly related to the probability of the kit’s survival from birth to weaning, and increasing birth weight by one gram increased the likelihood of kit survival by 8% to 10% (P<0.001). In line with the decrease in birth weight of kits as the number of kits at birth increases, litter size showed a negative relationship to the probability of survival from birth to weaning, and increasing the litter by one kit at birth decreased the probability of survival of the kits by 5% to 9% (P<0.05). Regarding effects, cannibalism events in the litter decreased the probability of survival of the kits in the first week of life (P<0.01). Being born in the cage decreased the probability of survival of the kits from birth to weaning, and kits born outside the nest had a lower chance of survival than those born inside the nest (P<0.01). The order of parturition had a positive effect on probability of survival of the kits from 5 days of age to weaning (P<0.05). Female kits had a lower chance of survival than male kits, but only until 5 days of age (P<0.01). The lactation status displayed a negative effect on the probability of survival of the kits in the first week of life, and kits gestated in lactating females had a lower chance of survival than those gestated in non-lactating females (P<0.05). In conclusion, the probability of kit survival in the first days after parturition was affected mainly by its weight at birth, litter size, cannibalism events, place of birth of kit, parity order, sex and lactation status, while the probability of kit survival at weaning was directly related to its weight at birth, litter size, place of birth of kit and parity order.

Community-based baseline survey regarding prevalence of anemia among females of different age categories under Anemia Mukt Abhiyan in District Ambala, Haryana

Background: Anemia is the most common micronutrient deficiency. Despite repeated efforts taken under the national program, high prevalence of anemia still observed across various life stages of females in India over the past two decades. Methods: This cross-sectional study aimed to discern the prevalence of anemia in the non-pregnant and non-lactating females of Ambala, Haryana, between the ages of 6 months to 49 years using the gold standard cyan-met-hemoglobin method. Results: A total of 1, 21, 202 study subjects, with a mean age of 28.9±19.3 years were tested for hemoglobin across 524 villages, out of which 97,305 (80.1%) females were found to be anemic with mean hemoglobin level of 10.8±1.4 gm% with 53.2% of all females being moderately anemic. Conclusions: This study reported that anemia is extremely prevalent in all walks of life of females. Multipronged strategy is to be followed to curb anemia from various age groups of females.

In vitro and in vivo embryo production efficiency in Flemish and Holstein donor females.

The aim of this study was to compare embryo production efficiency in Flemish and Holstein donor females using ovum pick-up and in vitro fertilization (OPU-IVF) or in vivo production (superovulation; SOV) procedures. The study was conducted using a split-plot design, with eight Flemish and eight Holstein non-lactating cycling females. Females were subjected to ten weekly OPU/IVF sessions and/or two SOV/embryo collections sessions at a 63-day interval, for a total of 160 OPU-IVF and 32 SOV sessions. Mean numbers of follicles and corpora lutea, and cumulus-oocyte complex (COC) recovery rates were similar between breeds after the OPU and SOV sessions. However, Flemish donors yielded better quality grade II COCs (301, 41.9%) than Holstein females (609, and 202, 33.1%). Also, cleavage and blastocyst rates, and the total number and the mean number of viable embryos obtained after OPU-IVF were higher in Flemish (49.6% and 11.8%, and 63 and 11.8 per donor, respectively) than in Holstein (32.8% and 7.2%, and 34 and 7.2 per donor, respectively) females. Flemish females were also more efficient in yielding viable embryos after SOV (111, 7.3 per donor) than Holstein (48, 3.3 per donor) females. Overall, Flemish donor females had better responses to OPU-IVF or SOV procedures than Holstein counterparts. Irrespective of the breeds, SOV procedures were more efficient than OPU-IVF in yielding more viable embryos, under the conditions of this study. Both reproductive procedures were useful tools for the genetic conservation of the Flemish cattle breed in Southern Brazil.

Factors influencing productivity and recruitment of elk in northern New Mexico

AbstractDeclining recruitment in elk (Cervus canadensis) populations is a common issue faced by managers in western North America. To better understand a decline in calf:female (≥1 yr) ratios in northern New Mexico, USA, we investigated the influence of bottom‐up factors on the condition and productivity of 1,885 adult (≥2 yr), female Rocky Mountain elk (C. c. nelsoni) harvested on the Vermejo Park Ranch during December and January, 2009–2016. We used ingesta‐free body fat (IFBF) estimated from kidney fat mass as a measure of condition. Based on maximum likelihood model selection, age, harvest date, hunt zone, pregnancy status, lactation status (as determined in Dec–Jan), June–August precipitation, and December–March mean temperature were important variables for predicting IFBF and field‐dressed mass (FDM). Age, IFBF, FDM, harvest date, and June–August precipitation were important variables for predicting conception date, pregnancy rate, and lactation rate. Pregnancy status and lactation status were also important for predicting lactation rate and pregnancy rate, respectively. Older females (≥12 yr) had progressively lower IFBF and FDM and later conception dates than prime females (3–11 yr) and their pregnancy rates declined an average of approximately 9%/year after age 11. The probability of pregnancy in prime females generally exceeded 0.95 when IFBF was ≥12% and FDM was ≥155 kg in late December and early January. Lactating females had lower IFBF, FDM, pregnancy rates, and later conception dates than nonlactating females. The mean IFBF of females harvested on 1 December was generally 2.3–2.7 percentage points higher than values of females harvested on 31 January within age and lactation categories. There was strong evidence that greater IFBF and FDM, higher pregnancy rates, and earlier conception dates in nonlactating females and all adult females were related to increased June–August precipitation (P < 0.01) during the conception year, but, with the exception of conception date, there was little evidence in lactating females. Greater conception year June–August precipitation (P = 0.04) and greater mean annual IFBF of nonlactating females (P < 0.01), but not conception year IFBF of lactating females (P = 0.94), were related to higher subsequent September calf:female ratios. There was also strong evidence that earlier mean conception dates and higher pregnancy rates of adult females (P < 0.01) were related to higher calf:female ratios. The only birth year variables at least moderately related to higher calf:female ratios were lower mean IFBF (P = 0.03) and FDM (P = 0.02) of adult females that likely reflected negative lactation effects. Based on our bivariate models, September calves/100 females increased 10.7 calves per 0.1 increase in the annual adult pregnancy rate and 10.9 calves per 10‐cm increase in June–August precipitation during the conception year. Our results indicated that bottom‐up factors related to summer precipitation the previous year and age structure of the adult female population had meaningful effects on September calf:female ratios at Vermejo during our study. We found strong evidence of a nexus among summer precipitation, IFBF, conception dates, pregnancy rates, and following year calf:female ratios in nonlactating females but not in lactating females even though probability of pregnancy was primarily determined by IFBF irrespective of lactation status.

Breast Abscess as the Sole Presentation of Salmonella Typhi Infection: Case Report

A breast abscess is a common clinical entity most commonly caused by gram-positive cocci in the lactating breast. Here we present a bilateral breast abscess due to Salmonella Typhi in a young non-lactating female. The patient presented with on and off fever and a painful lump with discharge in the left breast, followed by similar complaints in the right breast after a few days. Incision and drainage were done, and the sample was sent for microbiological analysis. Salmonella Typhi was isolated. The patient had high titers of the Widal test though her blood culture was negative. The infection was successfully treated with a combination of surgical drainage and antibiotics. This case highlights that a systemic Salmonella infection need not always present with the typical symptoms and can solely present in a focal manner (breast abscess) and highlights the importance of microbiological analysis for accurate diagnosis and proper management. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 12(4):163-166.

In vitro production of buffalo embryos in Colombia – results of the addition of growth factors and antioxidants to defined culture medium

To increase the success rate of the in vitro production (IVP) system of embryos in buffalo, it is necessary to improve parameters. This field requires more research since its results are low compared to cattle. In this study carried out in Colombia, a modification of the methodology to produce buffalo IVP embryos is described, and 24 non-lactating females, aged 4 to 11 years old were included. Follicular wave was synchronised by ablation of the follicles within the ovary, seven days later all follicles were aspirated to obtain oocytes for maturation, fertilisation and embryo production. For all culture media used, animal protein was avoided. Culture media were supplemented with growth factors and other molecules associated with embryonic development. Special care was taken in adding supplements to protect the zygotes against the harmful effect of oxygen free radicals in the culture medium. Two aspiration series were performed 15 days apart. The average number of oocytes obtained by aspiration was 11.33, the number of blastocysts was 3.05, and the obtained blastocyst production rate (36.2%) was higher than literature reports for this species; we hypothesise that this increase is associated with the supplements added. It was possible to observe a female that produced 50 oocytes. Subsequent research is needed to evaluate the effect of the medium on embryo quality and pregnancy rates. A cost analysis of the new proposed medium is required, since all supplements must be imported and handled with a cold chain of up to -80oC, making it more expensive and restricting widespread use. Finally, it is shown that with three embryos per aspiration, at least one pregnancy can be successful after the aspiration, which is one of the objectives of the IVP system.

83 Impacts of Heifer Post-Weaning Intake Classification on Performance Measurements of Lactating and non-Lactating two-, Five- and Eight-Year-old Angus Beef Females

Abstract Data used in these studies were part of another project described by Parsons et al. (2021). These studies evaluated heifer post-weaning intake classification on performance measurements of two-, five- and eight-year-old lactating or non-lactating Angus females. We analyzed intake and production data of 57 pregnant, non-lactating (Study 1) and 54 lactating, non-pregnant (Study 2) females. Heifer post-weaning intake was calculated over 80 test days following weaning using GrowSafe units. Heifers were categorized based on intake as low (< -0.05 SD from the mean), average (± 0.05 SD from the mean), or high ( > 0.50 SD from the mean) within year. Non-lactating females showed an age effect (P ≤ 0.05) for cow body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI) rate (grams/minute), and time spent at the feeder (minutes/day). Intake rate was greater in five- and eight-year-old cows compared with two-year-old cows, and eight-year-old cows spent more time at the feeder than two- and five-year-old cows. Cow BW for non-lactating cows was significant for age (P < 0.001), intake classification (P = 0.03) and showed a tendency for age*intake interaction (P = 0.10), with older cows weighing more than younger cows. Milk production expressed as kilograms and grams per kilogram of BW of the cow had an age*intake (P < 0.001) effect. Two-year-olds with low and average intake classifications had greater milk production (P < 0.001) and milk produced as grams per kilogram of BW (P < 0.001) than two-year-old cows with high intake classifications. Additionally, five-year-old cows with average and high intake classifications had greater milk production (P < 0.001) and grams of milk produced per kilogram of BW (P < 0.001) compared with five-year-old cows classified as low intake. In summary, heifer post-weaning intake classification had minor impacts on performance measurements in three age classes of beef females at two different production levels.

Time and behavioral adjustments to lactation: Insights from a marine predator

AbstractThe energetic costs of lactation have been studied in many marine mammals, but little is known about the behavioral adjustments needed to cope with this event. By simultaneously measuring foraging behavior of lactating and nonlactating Antarctic fur seal females, we estimate the behavioral changes necessary to cope with the constraints of lactation and include the first comparative record of dive behavior between lactating and nonlactating female otariids. Nonlactating females exhibited highly variable foraging trip durations and spent long times onshore between trips. In contrast, lactating females exhibited consistently shorter trips and spent half the time hauled‐out compared to nonlactating females likely to maximize offspring provisioning. Lactating females show a reduced mean time per dive but greater percentage of time per trip spent diving compared to nonlactating animals. The reduction in time onshore and trip duration, together with modifications in dive performance suggests additional effort of lactating females to compensate for the constraints of rearing a pup, which has not been observed previously due to the lack of simultaneous comparison of lactating and nonlactating individuals. When possible, future studies of maternal investment should also include nonlactating individuals, since lactation may have a strong synergistic effect with other aspects shaping foraging behavior.

Neuroendocrine regulation of female aggression.

Classically the neurobiology of aggression has been studied exclusively in males. Thus, females have been considered mildly aggressive except during lactation. Interestingly, recent studies in rodents and humans have revealed that non-lactating females can show exacerbated and pathological aggression similarly to males. This review provides an overview of recent findings on the neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating aggressive behavior in females. In particular, the focus will be on novel rodent models of exaggerated aggression established in non-lactating females. Among the neuromodulatory systems influencing female aggression, special attention has been given to sex-steroids and sex-steroid-sensitive neuronal populations (i.e., the core nuclei of the neural pathway of aggression) as well as to the neuropeptides oxytocin and vasopressin which are major players in the regulation of social behaviors.

Non-diphtheriae Corynebacteria Causing Breast Abscess in Non-lactating Females Seeking to Avoid Pitfalls in Diagnosis of Chronic Breast Infections Through Diagnostic Stewardship

Background: Consideration of non-diphtheriae Corynebacteria as an infective organism in mastitis, is usually neglected. So, infections due to Corynebacterium species may remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The aim of our study was to focus on non-diphtheriae Corynebacterium as causative organisms in breast infections using scientific logic and technology of Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDITOF MS) to categorize the isolates upto species level. The clinical correlation and response to management especially targeted antimicrobials was also recorded.
 Methods: All the consecutive pus/tissue samples from Breast abscess received during study period were processed as per the standard guidelines. The identification of the isolate was done by automated methods. The cytopathological/histopathological and clinical details of the patients with infection due to Corynebacterium sp. were recorded and analyzed.
 Results: Out of 52 non-duplicate samples, five showed growth of non-diphtheriae Corynebacteria. These were identified as C. kroppenstedtii and C. amycolatum. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed 100% susceptibility to Amoxicillin-clavulanate, Tetracycline, Vancomycin and Linezolid for all the five isolates. Histopathological examination was suggestive of chronic inflammatory mastitis/Granulomatous mastitis.
 Conclusion: Non diphtheriae Corynebacteria particularly lipophilic Corynebacteria have a predilection to cause infections of breast tissue and Breast abscess which may mimic as tubercular abscess or chronic non-specific mastitis leading to unnecessary usage of antimicrobials. So, these isolates from breast tissue/pus should not be ignored rather definitely identified. This would also ensure diagnostic stewardship.

Impacts of Heifer Post-Weaning Intake Classification on Performance Measurements of Lactating and Non-Lactating Two-, Five-, and Eight-Year-Old Angus Beef Females.

Heifer post-weaning intake classification was utilized to evaluate subsequent intake and performance measurements of 2-, 5-, and 8-year-old lactating and non-lactating Angus females. For both studies, heifers were categorized based on voluntary feed intake (expressed as g/kg BW) as either low (<-0.50 SD from the mean), average (±0.50 SD from the mean), or high (>0.50 SD from the mean) within one year. Intake and production data of pregnant, non-lactating (n = 59; Study 1) and lactating, non-pregnant (n = 54; Study 2) females were evaluated. Heifer post-weaning voluntary feed intake was calculated over 80 test days post-weaning using GrowSafe feed intake units. Cow body-weight (BW) for non-lactating cows showed a tendency for age × intake interaction (p = 0.10), with older cows weighing more than younger cows. Milk production expressed as kilograms and g/kg BW of the cow had an age × intake (p < 0.001) effect. Two-year-old cows with low- and average-intake classifications had greater milk production (p < 0.001) and milk produced expressed as g/kg BW (p < 0.001) than 2-year-old cows with high-intake classifications. Additionally, 5-year-old cows with average and high-intake classifications had greater milk production (p < 0.001) and g/kg BW (p < 0.001) compared to 5-year-old cows classified as low-intake. In summary, heifer post-weaning intake classification had minor impacts on performance measurements in the three age classes of beef females at two different production levels.

Social roles influence cortisol levels in captive Livingstone's fruit bats (Pteropus livingstonii)

A critical component of conserving and housing species ex situ is an explicit scientific understanding of the physiological underpinnings of their welfare. Cortisol has been repeatedly linked to stress, and therefore used as an indicator of welfare for many species. In order to measure cortisol in the Livingstone's fruit bat (Pteropus livingstonii; a critically endangered keystone species) without disturbing the captive population, we have developed and validated a non-invasive, novel hormone extraction procedure and faecal glucocorticoid assay. A total of 92 faecal samples, 73 from the P. livingstonii breeding colony at Jersey Zoo, Channel Islands and 19 samples from P. livingstonii housed at Bristol Zoological Gardens, UK, have been collected and analyzed. Mixed-effect modelling of the influence of physiological state variables on cortisol concentration revealed that lactating females had higher cortisol levels than non-lactating females, indicating that our assay is measuring biologically relevant hormone concentrations. Males and older bats also had higher cortisol than non-lactating females and younger individuals. Further analysis applied social network methodology to compare the cortisol levels of bats with different social roles. We found that individuals that linked social groups possessed higher than average cortisol levels and conversely, individuals with high-quality, positive relationships had lower cortisol levels. These results demonstrate, for the first time in a bat species, social mediation of stress hormones. Lastly, the frequency of vocalisation was found to positively correlate with cortisol concentration in males, suggesting that this behaviour may be used by animal management as a visual indicator of a bat's hormonal status. Hence, this research has provided unique insights and empirical scientific knowledge regarding the relationship between the physiology and social behaviour of P. livingstonii, therefore allowing for recommendations to be made to optimise bat welfare at the individual level.

Differences in Diet and Gut Microbiota Between Lactating and Non-lactating Asian Particolored Bats (Vespertilio sinensis): Implication for a Connection Between Diet and Gut Microbiota.

In mammals, lactation is considered the most energetically costly phase for females. To meet nutritional and energy demands, lactating females usually change feeding patterns by eating food that is higher in protein and calories. Their gut microbes respond accordingly to help adapt to the changes in diet. In this study, we examined differences in diet and gut microbial composition between lactating and non-lactating Asian particolored bats (Vespertilio sinensis) using COI and 16S amplicon sequencing. When compared with non-lactating bats, we found that the diversity and composition of lactating bats’ diets differed; the proportion of Diptera increased and Coleoptera and Orthoptera decreased significantly. This could be attributed to the easy availability and high protein content of Diptera. Comparative analysis of the gut microbiota of lactating and non-lactating females showed that although the diversity of gut microbiota did not change, the relative abundance of specific gut microbiota associated with a particular diet did change. For example, when the consumption of Coleoptera decreased in lactating bats, the relative abundance of Lactobacillaceae was also reduced. Lactobacillaceae are thought to be involved in the digestion of Coleopteran exoskeletons. This study suggests that during lactation, Asian particolored bats eat a diet that yields higher levels of protein, and at the same time, the abundance of specific gut microbes change to help their hosts adapt to these changes in diet.