Reproductive Cycle Research Articles

Unraveling the Complexity of the N e/N c Ratio for Conservation of Large and Widespread Pelagic Fish Species: Current Status and Challenges.

Estimating and understanding the ratio between effective population size (N e) and census population size (N c) are pivotal in the conservation of large marine pelagic fish species, including bony fish such as tunas and cartilaginous fish such as sharks, given the challenges associated with obtaining accurate estimates of their abundance. The difficulties inherent in capturing and monitoring these species in vast and dynamic marine environments often make direct estimation of their population size challenging. By focusing on N e, it is conceivable in certain cases to approximate census size once the N e/N c ratio is known, although this ratio can vary and does not always increase linearly, as it is influenced by various ecological and evolutionary factors. Thus, this ratio presents challenges and complexities in the context of pelagic species conservation. To delve deeper into these challenges, firstly, we recall the diverse types of effective population sizes, including contemporary and historical sizes, and their implications in conservation biology. Secondly, we outline current knowledge about the influence of life history traits on the N e/N c ratio in the light of examples drawn from large and abundant pelagic fish species. Despite efforts to document an increasing number of marine species using recent technologies and statistical methods, establishing general rules to predict N e/N c remains elusive, necessitating further research and investment. Finally, we recall statistical challenges in relating N e and N c emphasizing the necessity of aligning temporal and spatial scales. This last part discusses the roles of generation and reproductive cycle effective population sizes to predict genetic erosion and guiding management strategies. Collectively, these sections underscore the multifaceted nature of effective population size estimation, crucial for preserving genetic diversity and ensuring the long-term viability of populations. By navigating statistical and theoretical complexities, and addressing methodological challenges, scientists should be able to advance our understanding of the N e/N c ratio.

<i>In-Silico</i> Screening of Prenylated Quercetin from <i>Globimetula oreophila</i> Against <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> Enzymes: Hope for New Antimalarial Drugs

Malaria continues to be one of the most devastating global health problems due to the high morbidity and mortality it causes in endemic regions. The search for new antimalarial targets is vital because of the increasing prevalence of drug resistance in malaria parasites. Malarial proteases constitute promising therapeutic targets as they play important roles in the parasite life cycle. The inhibition of these enzymes has pharmacological and therapeutic significance since they are involved in numerous processes, including the development, invasion, egress, and breakdown of host hemoglobin to release amino acids for parasite sustenance. In this study, <i>in silico</i> techniques were used to shed light on the mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of prenylated quercetin isolated from <i>Globimetula oreophila</i> on plasmepsin I and II, falciparum 2 and 3, <i>Plasmodium falciparum</i> calcium-dependent protein kinase 2, dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase, and serine repeat antigen 5. The test compound significantly interacts with key enzyme binding pockets through hydrogen bonds, van der Waals, and hydrophobic interactions, influencing protease specificity control. Crucial ligand features like carbonyl and hydroxyl groups were identified as essential for receptor interactions. Comparative analysis revealed the test compound's strong binding affinities with energies ranging from -6.4 Kcal/mol to -9.4 Kcal/mol, indicating competitive potential against various enzymes, particularly excelling against <i>Pf</i>DHFR-TS, plasmepsin-I, and SERA5 compared to native ligands. This suggests the compound's ability to competitively inhibit enzyme activity by targeting co-factor binding sites, especially with specific proteases, holding promise for therapeutic applications as potent inhibitors for the prevention and treatment of malaria.

Features of the dynamics of the reproductive cycle of female reindeer in the taiga and tundra zones

Reindeer remains one of the least studied animals from the point of view of genetics and reproduction of all animals that are use by humans in economic activities. In Russia, reindeer is use as a farm animal to produce environmentally friendly meat with high nutritional value. Reindeer is also the basis of economic activity for the indigenous peoples of the Arctic. Depending on the climatic zone, there are two methods of breeding reindeer - tundra and taiga. For more effective breeding and planning of reproduction work of this species of animals, it is necessary to have clear knowledge about the features of their reproductive cycle. Reindeer are animals with a pronounced seasonal reproduction; in addition, the timing of calving and rutting season can shift significantly depending on changes in weather conditions. According to researchers, the gestation period of northern females has a very high variability. The aim of this work was to conduct research on the differences in the timing of the beginning and end of the calving and rutting periods, their dynamics, as well as the duration of pregnancy in female reindeer in reindeer herding farms in the taiga and tundra climatic zones. To compare the dynamics and timing of calving and rutting, data were collected on the recording of matings and calvings in reindeer herding farms in the tundra zone of the Arctic regions of the Russian Federation (Taimyr Peninsula and Yamal Peninsula) and in the taiga zone (Buryatia). Because of the research, it was found that not only the timing of the rut, but also the timing of calving have differences in time in the tundra and taiga habitat zones of reindeer, in addition, they can shift even within the same climatic zone depending on weather conditions. The pregnancy period under unfavorable weather conditions can be shorten or extend.

Motility-dependent processes in Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites and bradyzoites: same same but different.

The tachyzoite stage of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii utilizes motility for multiple purposes during its lytic cycle, including host cell invasion, egress from infected cells, and migration to new uninfected host cells to repeat the process. Bradyzoite stage parasites, which establish a new infection in a naïve host, must also use motility to escape from the cysts that are ingested by the new host and then migrate to the gut wall, where they either invade cells of the intestinal epithelium or squeeze between these cells to infect the underlying connective tissue. We know very little about the motility of bradyzoites, which we analyze in detail here and compare to the well-characterized motility and motility-dependent processes of tachyzoites. Unexpectedly, bradyzoites were found to be as motile as tachyzoites in a 3D model extracellular matrix, and they showed increased invasion into and transmigration across certain cell types, consistent with their need to establish the infection in the gut. The motility of the two stages was inhibited to the same extent by cytochalasin D and KNX-002, compounds known to target the parasite's actomyosin-based motor. In contrast, other compounds that impact tachyzoite motility (tachyplegin and enhancer 5) have less of an effect on bradyzoites, and rapid bradyzoite egress from infected cells is not triggered by treatment with calcium ionophores, as it is with tachyzoites. The similarities and differences between these two life cycle stages highlight the need to characterize both tachyzoites and bradyzoites for a more complete understanding of the role of motility in the parasite life cycle and the effect that potential therapeutics targeting parasite motility will have on disease establishment and progression.

Morphophysiological Assessment of the Cervix during the Reproductive Cycle and Early Pregnancy in Does Using Computed Tomography and Oxytocin Receptor Immunohistochemistry.

This study aimed to elucidate the morphophysiology and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) expression in the cervix of doe goats during various reproductive stages to enhance reproductive management strategies. A total of 40 cervical samples were categorized into follicular (n = 15), luteal (n = 10), and early pregnancy (n = 15) stages. Utilizing advanced imaging based on functional and morphological markers, the study employed computed tomography (CT) scans, histochemical staining (Masson trichrome and alcian blue), immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) to assess structural changes in the cervix and in OXTR expression during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. CT scans revealed consistent cervical folds and a significant reduction in cervical width during pregnancy, suggesting structural adaptations for gestational integrity. Histochemical analyses indicated a well-organized collagen network and presence of mucins, essential for cervical function and integrity. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting demonstrated elevated OXTR protein levels during the follicular stage, which were markedly reduced during pregnancy, indicating a role in facilitating cervical relaxation and sperm transport during estrus and maintaining cervical closure during gestation. qPCR analysis showed stable OXTR mRNA levels during follicular and luteal stages with a slight, non-significant increase during pregnancy, pointing towards posttranscriptional regulatory mechanisms. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that cervical morphology and OXTR expression in doe goats undergo significant changes across reproductive stages, with elevated OXTR protein levels during the follicular phase and notable reductions in cervical width and OXTR protein levels during pregnancy, indicating structural and functional adaptations for both reproductive processes and gestational integrity.

The selection traits of mite non-reproduction (MNR) and Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH) show high variance in subsequent generations and require intensive time investment to evaluate

The honey bee ectoparasite Varroa destructor is the main cause of honey bee colony losses worldwide. Over the last decades, several projects have focused on improving the robustness of Apis mellifera against this parasitic mite. Selection traits, such as mite non-reproduction (MNR) and Varroa sensitive hygiene (VSH), are favored selection factors in Varroa resistance projects. VSH is a trait where adult honey bees remove the Varroa-infested brood. During this process, the female mites are arrested in their reproductive cycle leading to a reduction of the Varroa population within the bee colony. From 2019 to 2022, 1402 queens were instrumentally inseminated with single or multiple drones in a breeding program. Colonies headed by these queens were established annually, and the MNR and VSH levels were analyzed. VSH was evaluated in response to cells artificially infested with Varroa, and colonies with high VSH values were used to generate our selected VSH stock. Despite crossing high VSH drones and queens, we measured a remarkable heterogeneity of MNR and VSH in the next generation(s), most likely due to the well-described, high recombination rate in the honey bee genome. When assessed multiple times in the same colony, great variance between measurements was observed. Detailed evaluations of daughter colonies are thus required if selection programs want to breed colonies with reliable VSH traits. This constant need to evaluate all offspring to ensure the desirable resistance traits are present results in high workloads and great expenses in selection programs. Furthermore, such large-scale breeding programs are inefficient due to high fluctuations between measurements and generations, indicating we need to develop new approaches and improved methods for assessing Varroa resistance.

Estrogenic control of reward prediction errors and reinforcement learning.

Gonadal hormones act throughout the brain 1 , and neuropsychiatric disorders vary in symptom severity over the reproductive cycle, pregnancy, and perimenopause 2-4 . Yet how hormones influence cognitive processes is unclear. Exogenous 17 β -estradiol modulates dopamine signaling in the nucleus accumbens core (NAcc) 5,6 , which instantiates reward prediction errors (RPEs) for reinforcement learning 7-16 . Here we show that endogenous 17 β -estradiol enhances RPEs and sensitivity to previous rewards by reducing dopamine reuptake proteins in the NAcc. Rats performed a task with different reward states; they adjusted how quickly they initiated trials across states, balancing effort against expected rewards. NAcc dopamine reflected RPEs that predicted and causally influenced initiation times. Elevated endogenous 17 β -estradiol increased sensitivity to reward states by enhancing dopaminergic RPEs in the NAcc. Proteomics revealed reduced dopamine transporter expression. Finally, knockdown of midbrain estrogen receptors suppressed reinforcement learning. 17 β -estradiol therefore controls RPEs via dopamine reuptake, mechanistically revealing how hormones influence neural dynamics for motivation and learning.

Reproductive Cycle, Spawning, and Fecundity of Sebastes oculatus (Patagonian Redfish) in the Argentine Continental Shelf

Reproductive Cycle, Spawning, and Fecundity of Sebastes oculatus (Patagonian Redfish) in the Argentine Continental Shelf

Establishment of an immortalized sheep mammary epithelial cell line for studying milk fat and protein synthesis.

The mammary gland, crucial for milk production in mammals, presents challenges for in vitro study due to its complex structure and limited cell lifespan. We addressed this by introducing the SV40 large T antigen into primary mammary epithelial cells (MECs) from sheep, creating an immortalized T-tag MEC line. This line, stable for over 50 passages, maintained typical epithelial cell morphology during long-term culture. Through transcriptome sequencing and validation, we discovered 3833 differentially expressed genes between MECs and T-tag MEC line, encompassing key biological processes and signaling pathways like cell cycle, p53, and cancer. The cell line, expressing MEC markers (KRT8, KRT18, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, SV40, CSN2, and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha), proved capable of synthesizing milk fat and protein. Despite its infinite proliferation potential, the T-tag MEC line showed no tumor formation in mice or cell migration in vitro, indicating stability. This development offers a valuable resource for studying MECs in dairy sheep, facilitating the advancement of long-term culture systems and in vitro lactation bioreactors.

Monitoring of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Walker) Moth for the Determination of Efficient Chemical Control in Zea mays L.

Objective: To determine the population dynamics of the fall armyworm (FAW), identify the critical period of highest infestation and to determine the number of agrochemicals applications for its control. Design/methodology/approach: A monitoring and capture of male FAW moths was conducted using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones. A daily count of captured moths was performed during the crop season, the data were plotted to determine the period of highest infestation and the optimal timing for chemical control. Additionally, the number of insecticide applications for FAW control was evaluated, with treatments including none (T0), one (T1), two (T2), three (T3), and four (T4) applications. A randomized complete block design with nine repetitions was used. Before each application, the number of plants with visible damage and its intensity were counted using the Davis visual scale. Statistical analysis of the measured variables was conducted. Results: The results showed that moths were evenly distributed across the planted surface, and two periods of higher infestation were identified: between 32 to 35 and 70 to 76 days after planting, respectively. The biological cycle of the FAW was between 38 to 41 days. The analysis of variance showed statistical differences (p ≤ 0.001) among the treatments. Findings/conclusions: Using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones is an efficient method for capturing, monitoring, reducing the population, estimate the length of the biological cycle, and identifying the highest infestation period of the FAW. Moreover, two insecticide applications during the periods of highest infestation resulted in optimal control of FAW.

Tire Rubber Based Microplastic Particles Cause Adverse on Quality Parameters of Rainbow Trout Sperm Cells.

In the present study, we aimed to determine the parameters of oxidative stress markers, motility and kinematics of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) sperm cells exposed to different doses (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0, and 10mg/L, in vitro 4h) of tire rubber based microplastic particles (TRMP-Ps) the leachates procedure of rubber pieces. First of all, TRMP-Ps were prepared by abrasion method in accordance with the literature. Structural and morphological features of TRMP-Ps were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods, respectively. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis technique was used to characterize the elemental composition of TRMP-Ps. Particle size of microplastic structures was measured hydrodynamically with dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS). After exposure, the effect of TRMP-Ps was defined by the observations of kinematics and antioxidant activities in sperm cells. Our findings showed that the straight line velocity, the curvilinear velocity, the angular path velocity, and the amplitude of lateral displacement of sperm cells decreased. Moreover, while the level of superoxide dismutase decreased dose-dependently against the toxicity of TRMP-Ps, no significant change was observed in the levels of malondialdehyde and total glutathione. The 4-h median effective concentrations (EC50) of TRMP-Ps based on mobility parameters of sperm ranged from 0.31mg/L for reduced straight line velocity of sperm cells to 0.51mg/L for reduced amplitude of lateral displacement of the spermatozoa head. Therefore, we concluded that TRMP-Ps can be a risk for the reproduction cycle of fish in aquatic environments.

Geochemical Features of Organo-Accumulative Soils of Subtaiga and Subtaiga-Forest-Steppe Light Coniferous Forests of Northern Mongolia

Geochemical features of organo-accumulative (Eutric Regosols (Laomic, Ochric), Cambic Someric Phaeozems (Loamic)) soils widely distributed in the soil cover of the subtaiga and subtaiga-forest-steppe light coniferous forests forming the lower boundary of the forest belt in the mountain structures of Northern Mongolia are considered. Data on the microelement composition of soil-forming rocks are given. It was found that the paragenetic association of trace elements in them is represented by Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, V, Cr, Ni, Mn, Mo, Ba, Sr, Zr and B. It was found that, compared with the average content in the lithosphere within the subtaiga and subtaiga-forest-steppe forest-growing belt, the residual and re-deposited weathering crusts of igneous rocks are enriched with Zn, Cr, Mo, B, at the same time they contain less Pb, Co, Mn, Ba, Sr, Zr. The residual and re-deposited weathering crusts of carbonate rocks are enriched with Pb, Cu, Zn, V, Cr, Sr, B, they contain little Co, Ni, Mn, Mo, Ba, Zr. Data on the morphological structure of soils, their physico-chemical and chemical properties, as well as on the content of trace elements and their radial distribution in the soils under consideration are discussed. The data obtained indicate the accumulation of most trace elements in the surface organogenic and humus-accumulative horizons of soils, which is associated with both the heterogeneity of soil-forming rocks and the influence of soil processes that cause the accumulative redistribution of elements and their deposition on organo-sorption and carbonate geochemical barriers. It is shown that the studied soils differ not only in the absolute values of trace elements involved in the biological cycle, but also in the intensity of their involvement in biogenic migration.

Reproductive ecology of fire corals in the northern Red Sea

AbstractScleractinian corals, the principal architects of coral reefs, face substantial threats from ongoing and anticipated climate change and other anthropogenic disturbances. This underscores the significance of investigating alternative reef-building organisms and their contribution to reefs’ resilience. Among these alternatives, colonial hydrozoans of the genus Millepora, commonly called ‘fire corals’, play substantial roles in contributing to coral reef structure and functionality by depositing calcareous exoskeletons. Despite the ecological importance of fire corals, fundamental knowledge gaps remain regarding their biology and reproductive ecology. Here, we present a comprehensive study on the population dynamics, reproductive ecology, phenology, and sex ratio of the three Red Sea fire corals—Millepora dichotoma, M. exaesa, and M. platyphylla—in the Gulf of Aqaba and Eilat. The abundance of M. dichotoma and M. exaesa seems to have remained consistent over the last 50 years across two of the three depth zones surveyed, indicating their potential resistance or resilience. However, at the third depth surveyed, their abundance appears to have decreased. Our extensive in-situ monitoring of breeding events over six consecutive years has revealed a previously undetected relationship between Millepora species breeding events and the lunar cycle. Histological analyses indicated remarkably short reproductive cycles of only 2–3 weeks, recurring multiple times within a single season, in both M. dichotoma and M. exaesa, which is a unique reproductive aspect compared to other reef-building corals. These results highlight the high reproductive and resilience potential of Millepora species. Consequently, fire corals could assume a more substantial role as keystone species in changing environments and future reefs, emphasizing their importance in reef conservation and management.

Gene silencing in broomrapes and other parasitic plants of the Orobanchaceae family: mechanisms, considerations, and future directions.

Holoparasites of the Orobanchaceae family are devastating pests causing severe damage to many crop species and are nearly impossible to control with conventional methods. During past decades RNA interference (RNAi) has been seen as a promising approach to control various crop pests. The exchange of small RNAs (sRNAs) between crops and parasitic plants has been documented indicating a potential for the development of methods to protect them via the delivery of the sRNAs to parasites, called host-induced gene silencing (HIGS). Here we describe various approaches used for gene silencing in plants and suggest solutions to improve the long-distance movement of the silencing triggers to elevate the HIGS efficiency in parasitic plants. We also investigate the important biological processes during parasites life cycle with a focus on broomrape species, providing several appropriate target genes that can be used in, especially, multiplex gene silencing experiments. We also touch on how the application of nanoparticles can improve the stability and delivery of the silencing triggers, highlighting its potential for parasitic plants control. Finally, suggestions for further research and possible directions for RNAi in parasitic plants are provided.

Gonadal rematuration and sex-specific reproductive impairment in Manila clams under ocean acidification

Ocean acidification (OA) can affect marine bivalves at various levels of biological organization. Yet, little effort has been devoted to understanding how OA affects the reproductive events of marine bivalves during multiple cycles of maturation. Here, we tested sex-specific reproductive responses of Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) to OA during gonadal rematuration. Under acidified conditions, both male and female clams exhibited delayed gonadal rematuration following spawning and impairments in gonadal tissues, which can be likely ascribed to lowered concentrations of hormones and vitellogenin. The findings indicate that marine bivalves experience significant declines in reproductive capacity as a result of OA during their reproductive cycles, with clear sex-specific differences. Consequently, it is essential to consider sex-specific reproduction responses of marine bivalves to OA when developing conservation strategies and forecasting population sustainability in a rapidly acidifying marine environment.

Photoperiodism, testosterone and adult neurogenesis in canaries (Serinus canaria).

Domestic strains of canaries (Serinus canaria) variably respond to photoperiod changes and apparently stay in breeding state for extended periods. Fife Fancy canaries are supposed to be similar to the native species living at 27-39° north where photoperiod significantly changes across the year. Our birds showed reproductive cycles when exposed to light regimes mimicking the annual cycle of photoperiod. However after 6 months in short days (SD: 8L:16D), males developed large testes, as observed by X-ray tomography, and intense singing. Switching to long days (LD: 16L:8D) did not further increase song rate nor testes size but increased song duration, number of syllables per song, and trill occurrence frequency. No sign of regression was observed after 12 weeks in LD but return to SD produced a rapid decrease in testes size and singing activity below values in birds maintained throughout in SD. Fife Fancy thus does not seem to develop absolute but only relative refractoriness. The relatively high singing activity expressed by SD-photosensitive males does not seem to depend on high testosterone (T) concentrations. Singing did not correlate with plasma testosterone (T). Treatment with ATD + Flutamide only marginally decreased song rate and did not affect song quality nor song control nuclei volume. These birds are either supersensitive to low T levels or their reproductive physiology is activated by other mechanisms. Neurogenesis is increased by T and by LD but the function of new neurons incorporated in HVC is poorly understood. We developed a procedure based on X-ray focal irradiation to deplete neural progenitors adjacent to HVC and study the functional consequences. The decrease in neurogenesis increased the variability of T-induced songs in females and decreased their bandwidth. Neurogenesis in HVC thus plays a role in song production and X-ray focal irradiation represents an excellent tool to analyze adult neurogenesis.

Plant probiotic microbes – trending microbes for plant growth and value addition of compost- a review

New agricultural approaches, including natural and organic farming, have developed organic and microbiological goods. Beneficial microbes known as plant probiotic microorganisms (PPM) are primarily found in soil and have coevolved with plants in a symbiotic or free-living relationship. By encouraging plant growth and health, these bacteria lessen the need for artificial fertilizers, support environmentally friendly agricultural practices, and improve plant health. Agroecosystem vigour, biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity are all enhanced by using plant probiotic bacteria in biologically based agriculture. By using beneficial bacteria to support the health and function of the host organism, plant probiotics aim to lessen the demand for toxic pesticides and fertilizers. Using these probiotic microorganisms will have a synergistic and advantageous effect on crop production. Plant probiotic microorganisms improve the overall quality of compost throughout the composting process by accelerating the breakdown of organic materials and introducing helpful bacteria. This rich compost adds beneficial bacteria to the soil, creating a healthy and productive environment. This review looks at the common plant probiotic bacteria, how they work, how they complement each other to improve compost quality and plant growth, how they might be used in agriculture, and how they could change how composting is done.

Overstayed Migratory Bird Species on The Coast of Banda Aceh City, Aceh Province

Bird migration is a critical ecological phenomenon influenced by various factors such as temperature changes, food availability, and reproductive cycles. Understanding the dynamics of migratory bird populations within specific regions is essential for conservation efforts. This study aims to identify migratory bird species within Banda Aceh City, focusing on the phenomenon of overstaying migratory birds. Conducted between April and June 2022, data collection took place in several locations, employing the concentration count method. Descriptive data analysis was performed to catalog bird species, and the Shannon-Wiener index was utilized to assess biodiversity. Results revealed the presence of four shorebird species. The study underscores the importance of protecting migratory bird populations in urban environments and highlights the potential impacts of their loss or disruption. Joint conservation efforts are crucial to safeguarding these species, and favorable conditions may encourage some individuals from commonly migrating species to remain in urban areas.

494 Long-term effects of canola meal inclusion in gestation and lactation diets on sow and piglet performance over two reproductive cycles

Abstract The experiment was conducted to determine the long-term effects of dietary canola meal (CM) inclusion as the main protein source in gestation and lactation diets on sow and litter performance. Sows (n = 68) from two baches were randomly allotted 1 of 2 diets on d 80 of pregnancy. The two diets were a corn-barley and soybean meal control diet (CTRL) and a corn-barley and CM treatment diet (CCM). All diets were formulated to be similar in standardized ileal digestible amino acid and net energy contents. Sow body weight (BW) and backfat (BF) thickness were determined on d 1, 35, 80, and 111 of pregnancy, on d 1 and 21 post-farrowing. Piglets were weighed on d 0 and at weaning (d 21). Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS 9.4 for a randomized complete block design with repeated measures. Over the two reproductive cycles, dietary treatments did not influence sow BW and BF thickness on d 80 and 111 of pregnancy, as well as d 1 and 21 post-farrowing (P > 0.10). However, sows fed the CCM diet had less (P < 0.05) BW and BF thickness on d 1 and 35 of pregnancy in the second reproductive cycle than sows fed the CTRL diet. The CCM diet decreased gestation gain from d 80 to d 111 of pregnancy compared with the CTRL diet over the two reproductive cycles (P < 0.05). No dietary effect on litter size or litter performance was found during the experimental period (P > 0.10). However, reproductive cycle had significant effects (P < 0.05) on BW gain and BF thickness from d 80 to 111 of pregnancy as well as BW and BF thickness on d 1 of lactation. In addition, litter weight at birth and after cross-fostering were significantly improved during the second reproductive cycle compared with the first cycle (P < 0.05). An interaction between dietary treatment and reproductive cycle on BW gain and BW on d 1 of lactation was observed (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding gestation and lactation diets containing CM as the main protein source to sows over two reproductive cycles supported similar sow reproductive and litter performance as the control.

102 Combination and individual vaccines for bovine viral diarrhea virus and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis effects on reproductive cyclicity and immune response

Abstract Vaccines are known to impact both the immune and reproductive systems. The objective of this research was to identify immunological and cyclic differences following vaccination for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) and/or Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR). Brahman cows (n = 15) were administered PGF2α to regress corpus lutea on d -3. Animals (d 0) were immunized (2mL, intramuscular injection) with one of three treatments: 1) Modified Live Vaccine (MLV) for BVDV and IBR (BVD+IBR; n = 5), 2) MLV for BVDV only (BVD; n = 5), or 3) sterile saline (CON; n = 5). Blood samples (30 mL/cow) were collected (d -3, 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated. PBMC were incubated with propidium iodide and antibodies for specific surface cell markers (CD4, CD8, CD25, CD14, CD86, and CD335). An Amnis FlowSight flow cytometer determined cell type percentage. BVDV and IBR antibody concentrations were analyzed in serum samples (d -3, 0, and 14). Plasma samples (d 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14) were evaluated for interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, MIP-1β, IL-36RA, interferon-gamma-induced protein (IP)-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) A concentrations by a MagPix multiplex machine using a MILLIPLEX Bovine Cytokine/Chemokine Magnetic Bead Panel. Progesterone (d 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 14) and estradiol (d 0) concentrations were determined by RIA. Differences in antibody titers, PBMC populations, and cytokine concentrations were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SASv9.4). Forty percent of BVD+IBR animals experienced abnormal estrus cycles, but no BVD or CON animals did. There was a treatment effect on BVD titer concentration with BVD animals having greater titer concentrations than CON (P = 0.02) but similar concentrations to BVD+IBR (P = 0.18). There was a treatment by time interaction (P < 0.0001) on IBR titers with BVD+IBR animals having greater titer concentrations on d 14 compared with BVD and CON. Treatment had no effect on leukocyte populations (P ≥ 0.1409), but all populations differed over time (P ≤ 0.0045). Antigen presenting cells (CD14+) and natural killer cells (CD335+) were affected by a treatment and time interaction (P ≤ 0.0479). BVD animals had increased CD14+ cells on d 2, 4, 8, and 14 compared with CON, but CON had a greater CD335+ cell population compared with BVD and BVD+IBR on d 10. There tended to be or was a significant treatment by day interaction for IL-1α (P = 0.08), IL-1b (P = 0.03), IL-10 (P = 0.06), IFN-γ (P = 0.05), IP-10 (P = 0.02), MIP-1α (P = 0.02), MIP-1 b (P = 0.01), TNFα (P = 0.01), and VEGFA (P = 0.03). IL-1a, IL-10, IL-1b, and MIP-1 b increased in BVD+IBR from d 0 to 4 or 6 then decreased but not in CON or BVD. Increased VEGFA was observed in CON compared with BVD and BVD+IBR animals. Overall, BVD+IBR resulted in abnormal cycles and changes in cytokine concentrations and leukocyte populations. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.