White Breed Research Articles

The influence of the feed additive “Metisevit” on the activity of the antioxi-dant defense system of piglets under conditions of nitrate-nitrite load

The work aimed to investigate the effect of the “Metisevit” feed additive on the activity of the enzymes of the antioxidant system of the blood of piglets under conditions of nitrate-nitrite load. The research was carried out on 60-day-old piglets of the large white breed. For the experiment, 10 clinically healthy piglets were selected, from which 2 groups of five animals were formed. Piglets of the control group were fed sodium nitrate at a dose of 0.3 g NO3-/kg body weight for three months. Piglets of the research group were also fed sodium nitrate at a dose of 0.3 g NO3-/kg of body weight, together with Metisevit at a dose of 0.36 g/kg of feed for three months. The “Metisevit” feed additive was developed at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology Lviv, which contains vitamin E, selenium, and methiphene (methionine, phenarone, zeolite). Under the conditions of feeding piglets with sodium nitrate feed at a dose of 0.3 g of NO3ˉ/kg, a decrease in the activity of enzymes of the antioxidant defense system was established: superoxide dismutase by 14.8 %, catalase by 20%, glutathione peroxidase by 15.1 %. Metisevit in piglets increased the activity of the enzyme link of the antioxidant protection system, preventing the development of oxidative stress that occurs in nitrate-nitrite toxicosis. During our experiments, it was found that the introduction of Metisevit into the diet of piglets with excessive consumption of nitrates prevented the development of chronic nitrate-nitrite toxicosis. It was established that Metisevit increases the activity of enzymes – superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. These enzymes reduce the high level of lipid peroxidation products in the body of piglets under conditions of nitrate-nitrite load.

Identification and functional analysis of differentially expressed proteins in high and low freezing tolerance sheep sperm

The purpose of this study was to identify proteins associated with differences in the freezing tolerance of sheep sperm and to analyze their functions. Qualified fresh semen from four breeds of rams, the Australian White, white-head Dorper, Black-head Dorper, and Hu sheep breeds, were selected for cryopreservation. The sperm freezing tolerance was investigated by evaluation of the overall vitality, progressive vitality, and rapidly advance vitality of the sperm. A differential model of sperm freezing tolerance was constructed for sheep breeds showing significant differences. Differentially expressed proteins associated with sperm freezing tolerance were identified using iTRAQ and the protein functions were analyzed. It was found that sperm freezing tolerance was best in Hu sheep and worst in white-head Dorper sheep. These two breeds were used for the construction of a model based on differences in freezing tolerance and the identification of sperm proteins expressed differentially before freezing and after thawing. A total of 128 differentially expressed proteins (88 up-regulated and 40 down-regulated) were identified before freezing and after thawing in Hu sheep sperm (fresh/frozen Hu sheep sperm referred to as HL vs. HF), while 219 differentially expressed proteins (106 up-regulated and 113 down-regulated) were identified in white-head Dorper sheep (fresh/frozen white-head Dorper sheep sperm referred to as WL vs. WF). A comparison of these differentially expressed proteins showed that 57 proteins overlapped between the two breeds while 71 were only expressed in Hu sheep and 162 were only expressed in white-head Dorper sheep. Functional annotation and enrichment analyses of differentially expressed proteins down-regulated in Hu sheep involved in phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases, regulation of GTPase activity and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis signaling pathway. Up-regulated proteins of Hu sheep participated in oxidoreductase activity and oxidative phosphorylation process of sperm freezing. Furthermore, down-regulated in white-head Dorper sheep involved in the metabolic regulation of carbohydrate and nuclear sugar metabolism. Up-regulated proteins of white-head Dorper sheep involved in the ferroptosis and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Collectively, These proteins were found to participate mainly in oxidative phosphorylation as well as phosphorylation and metabolic processes in the mitochondria to affect the freezing tolerance of sheep sperm.

Meat productivity of broiler goslings when using feed additive of natural origin

Feed additives and biologically active agents of natural origin have been widely used in recent years to increase the productive potential of poultry and improve the quality of poultry products. The purpose of the work was to determine the eff ect of the dose of bentonite input into compound feed on the meat productivity of broiler goslings of Italian White breed. Scientifi c and economic experiment was carried out on broiler goslings of Italian White breed. The goslings were divided into three groups (control and two experimental) according to the principle of analogues. The broiler goslings of the control group received complete compound feed, and the herdmates of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups received compound feed with the inclusion of 1,25 and 1,50 % bentonite in its composition. It was found as a result of the research that at the age of 56 days broiler goslings of the control group were inferior to herdmates of the 1st experimental group by 6,39 % (p < 0,05), the 2nd experimental group by 9,13 % (p < 0,01). Total and average daily gains in live weight of broiler goslings of the 1st experimental group were 6,57 % higher (p < 0,05), of the 2nd experimental group by 9,38 % (p < 0,01) than in the control group. The weight of the gutted carcass of broiler goslings of the control group was lower than the carcasses of goslings of the 1st experimental group by 174,33 g or 10,65 % (p < 0,05), the 2nd experimental by 293 g or 17,90 % (p < 0,01). The yield of the gutted carcass in the control group was lower compared to the experimental groups by 1,51 and 3,26 (p < 0,01) abs.%, respectively. The most nutritious meat was obtained from goslings who consumed bentonite. The meat of goslings, whose diet included 1,25 % bentonite by 5,54 % (p < 0,05), and 1,50 % bentonite by 6,69 % was calorifi c compared to control herdmates. Thus, the introduction of 1,25 and 1,50 % bentonite into the diet of broiler goslings positively aff ected their meat productivity and meat quality.

Effect of rearing system (free-range vs cage) on gut and muscle histomorphology and microbial loads of Italian White breed rabbits.

The growing consumers' interest on animal welfare has raised the request of products obtained by alternative rearing systems. The present study was conducted to assess the influence of housing system on gut and muscle morphology and on microbial load in rabbits reared under free-range (FR) and cage system (CS). A total of forty weaned (35 days of age) male Italian White breed rabbits were allotted according to the rearing system, and at 91 days of age were randomly selected and slaughtered for the morphological evaluation of tissue from duodenum and longissimus lumborum. Morphometric analysis of the villus height, villus width, crypt depth, villus height/crypt depth ratio, and villus surface was performed. The microbial loads on hind muscle was determined by total mesophilic aerobic count (TMAC), Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae; whereas, total anaerobic bacteria count (TABC) and TMAC, E. coli and Enterobacteriaceae was determined on caecal content. Rearing system did not interfere with the duodenum and muscle histomorphology in both rabbit groups. Similarly, microbial load of caecal content showed no significant differences on the TABC and TMAC. Conversely, significant difference was found for E. coli strains in caecal content, with the lower counts in FR compared to CS rabbits (p<0.01). Microbiological assay of muscle revealed significant lower TMAC in FR vs CS rabbits (p< 0.05). All rabbit meat samples were negative for E. Coli and Enterobacteriaceae. Free-range could be considered a possible alternative and sustainable rearing system in rabbits to preserve gut environment and muscle quality.

CYP24A1 is associated with fetal mummification in pigs

Mummified piglets are among the leading causes of fertility loss and severely hamper reproductive performance in pigs. However, the contributions of genomic variation to the emergence of mummified piglets (MUM) have rarely been studied. This study aims to (1) elucidate the genetic architecture of MUM in sows of parity 1 - 3 using a single-step genome-wide association study (ssGWAS). The ssGWAS involved genotyping-by-sequencing of Large White and Landrace pig breeds. (2) Explore the biological role of the candidate genes at the cellular level. A total of 185 and 48 genome-wide significant SNPs are associated with MUM in Large White and Landrace pigs, explaining 0.01–36.52% genetic variance for different significant loci, respectively. All the significant SNPs are parity-specific, and the numerous, consecutive significant loci likely generated the nine significant peaks in different parities. Multiple candidate genes (including CYP24A1, FBXO30, and ARHGEF28) are associated with fetal congenital and maternal diseases. Collectively, CYP24A1 regulation contributes to steady-state levels of embryo development genes. CYP24A1 is involved in reproduction and, immune and gestational disorders. Thus, it is associated with known newborn death traits and MUM in Large White sows. Altogether, these results improve the current understanding of the genetic architecture of MUM and expand the knowledge on genetic variations for selecting against mummified piglets in pig breeding.

Fixing Collinearity Instability in Body Weight Estimation Based on Morpho-biometrical Traits of Rabbits Bucks

Morpho-biometric studies were conducted on 32 growing rabbit bucks comprising Chinchilla, New Zealand white and Dutch breeds to identify the estimation of body weight collinearity. The body weight and biometric traits taken were analyzed using statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Body weight and zoometrical factors had positive and highly significant bivariate relationships. The body weight and height at the withers showed the best relationship (0.826; p&lt;0.01), whilst the foreleg and ear length showed the lowest correlation (0.542; p&lt;0.05). Since none of the body measurements were greater than 10.00, the variance inflation factors (VIFs) displayed non-collinearity issues in all of the measurements. Tolerance (T) values greater than 0.10 in all of the same measurements served as confirmation of this. No collinearity was also evident in the eigenvalues of the correlation matrix, condition indices, or variance proportions. Body length was kept as the most crucial attribute for prediction among the variables. This study showed that there is no collinearity among selected morphometric traits. Stepwise multi-regression models showed that the best predictor of body weight was based on a combination of wither height, chest circumference, waist circumference, waist length, hind limb length, and head circumference (R2 and adjusted R2 =0.84). This research has the practical application that morphological indices can be utilized in the field to estimate body weight for selection and to estimate market values for rabbit bucks.

Indigenous cattle of Sri Lanka: Genetic and phylogeographic relationship with Zebu of Indus Valley and South Indian origin.

The present study reports the population structure, genetic admixture and phylogeography of cattle breeds of Sri Lanka viz. Batu Harak, Thawalam and White cattle. Moderately high level of genetic diversity was observed in all the three Sri Lankan zebu cattle breeds. Estimates of inbreeding for Thawalam and White cattle breeds were relatively high with 6.1% and 7.2% respectively. Genetic differentiation of Sri Lankan Zebu (Batu Harak and White cattle) was lowest with Red Sindhi among Indus Valley Zebu while it was lowest with Hallikar among the South Indian cattle. Global F statistics showed 6.5% differences among all the investigated Zebu cattle breeds and 1.9% differences among Sri Lankan Zebu breeds. The Sri Lankan Zebu cattle breeds showed strong genetic relationships with Hallikar cattle, an ancient breed considered to be ancestor for most of the Mysore type draught cattle breeds of South India. Genetic admixture analysis revealed high levels of breed purity in Lanka White cattle with >97% Zebu ancestry. However, significant taurine admixture was observed in Batu Harak and Thawalam cattle. Two major Zebu haplogroups, I1 and I2 were observed in Sri Lankan Zebu with the former predominating the later in all the three breeds. A total of 112 haplotypes were observed in the studied breeds, of which 50 haplotypes were found in Sri Lankan Zebu cattle. Mismatch analysis revealed unimodal distribution in all the three breeds indicating population expansion. The sum of squared deviations (SSD) and raggedness index were non-significant in both the lineages of all the three breeds except for I1 lineage of Thawalam cattle (P<0.01) and I2 lineage of Batu Harak cattle (P<0.05). The results of neutrality tests revealed negative Tajima's D values for both the lineages of Batu Harak (P>0.05) and White cattle (P>0.05) indicating an excess of low frequency polymorphisms and demographic expansion. Genetic dilution of native Zebu cattle germplasm observed in the study is a cause for concern. Hence, it is imperative that national breeding organizations consider establishing conservation units for the three native cattle breeds to maintain breed purity and initiate genetic improvement programs.

The effect of holstein on the productive longevity of cows’ black-and- white breed in the conditions of the Smolensk region

The aspects of productive longevity of crossbreeds of Black-and- White cows with Holstein were study in the amount of 9270 heads that completed the cycle of production use, and for various reasons culling of the herds in the period 1990-2020. The research was carried out using the method of groupings based on pedigree farms of the Smolensk region. Phenotypic correlations between the studied economic traits are calculated. As a result of crossing with the Holstein breed, there was an active taking of the Black-and- White breed by it through breeding bulls to 90,0 % and higher a blood relationship in the conditions of the Smolensk region. A regularity has been revealed - the higher the blood relationship to the Holstein breed, the lower the lifetime of cows. The difference in lifetime of cows with blood relationship by the Holstein breed from 17,6 % to 87,1 % was 4,36 lactation. The duration of productive life of cows come to 12-13 lactation, 50,9 % of animals culling between 2 and 4 lactations. With age, the ratio of milk and dry days changes in animals, and the longer the period of use, the greater the number of milk days on average for each year of a cow’s life. The main part of the animals’ lactates within the ratio of milking days to days of life from 50,1 to 75,0 %. The level of lifetime milk yield in cows is mainly presented in gradations from 10 thousand kg to 30 thousand. kg (56,7 % of the studied cattle number). As an detector of productive longevity of cows, it is important to use the milk yield indicator for one day of life, due to the high positive relationships (r=0,44-0,90) with age and economic traits. The inventory of the Black-and- White breed in the conditions of the Smolensk region showed the indicate of its replacement with the Holstein, and further breeding of these animals will be purebred with the participation of only the Holstein breed.

Distinctive features of the allelofund of blood groups of various breeds of cattle

Purpose: to study the allelofund of blood groups of cattle of different breeds.Materials and methods. 3117 Holstein cows of the black-and-white breed were studied, 848 cows of the Simmental breed, 555 cows of the Hereford breed and 172 cows of the Aberdeen-Angus breed. Blood groups were determined using a hemolysis reaction using mono-specific serum reagents, a suspension of erythrocytes and rabbit complement. Blood groups consist of alleles – a set of antigens inherited concatenated. In total, 12 systems are isolated in the blood groups of cattle. In this study, the EAV system is used, since it has the greatest variety of alternatives.Results. It was revealed that the allelofund of the Holstein black-and-white breed is represented by 44 alleles, the Simmental breed – 87 alleles, the Geford breed - 53 alleles, the Aberdeen Angus breed – 38 alleles. The most common alleles of blood groups of cattle of Holstein black-and–white breed are G2Y2'E'1Q' and I2, Simmental breed – Q', Hereford breed – b and Y1D'I', Aberdeen-Angus breed O1Q'. The frequency of occurrence of these alleles exceeds 6% and in some cases reaches 44%. It should be noted that the most common alleles of breeds remain in the leading positions in frequency of occurrence over time and are not replaced by other alleles. It is also established that in each breed there are specific alleles inherent only to it, which can be called markers of the breed. So, in the Holstein black-and–white breed, these are the alleles O1Y1G'G" and O3J'2K'O', in the Simmental – D'E'3G'I' and D'G'I'Q', in the Hereford – Y1D'I' and I2Y2G'G", in the Aberdeen-Angus – P1Y1 E'3P'2Q'G".

Meat Nutritional Value of Puławska Fattening Pigs, Polish Large White × Puławska Crossbreeds and Hybrids of DanBred.

The nutritional quality of meat and the health-promoting properties of intramuscular fat from randomly selected rearing pigs of the native Puławska breed (PUL, n = 15) and its crossbreeds with the Polish Large White breed (PLW × PUL, n = 16) and the DanBred hybrids (DAN, n = 17) were compared. The typical commercial fattening period was carried out up to 80 days of age. The initial body weight of PUL weaners was 30.55 kg (±3.98 kg), that of PLW × PUL weaners was 30.00 kg (±4.29 kg) and that of DAN weaners was 30.70 kg (±3.40 kg). The protein content and energy value of the complete feeds (Grower and Finisher) were 165 and 155 g/kg, and 12 and 11.8 MJ/kg, respectively. The research material consisted of samples of Longissimus lumborum and Semimembranosus. The chemical analyses included the determination of proximate composition, fatty acid content and amino acid concentration. The lowest fat content was found in the meat of the Puławska pigs, while the highest was found in the DanBred fattening pigs. The highest content of SFAs and MUFAs was found in the meat of DanBred hybrids, while it was significantly lower in Puławska pigs. The genetic group did not affect the content of PUFAs, including n-3 and n-6. Significantly lower and more favourable atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were found for the intramuscular fat of Puławska pigs. The very limited effect of the genetic group on amino acid content was observed, except for that of serine, histidine and lysine. In general, the meat of pigs of the Puławska breed showed the highest nutritional value and the most favourable health-promoting properties.

The effectiveness of using whole and fermented milk in feeding of young animals

A dairy cattle breeding is one of the main directions of modern animal husbandry all over the world. The state of the industry is of great importance for the economy and food security of our state. The basis of dynamically developing dairy cattle breeding is the rearing of healthy young animals that will be able to realize their genetic potential and give high productivity. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of the use of whole and fermented milk in feeding of heifers. The research was carried out in LLC “Agrofirma Zarya” of the Kurgan region on heifers of Blackand- White breed. The feeding of the calves of the experimental groups was the same, according to the feeding standards. Immediately after calving colostrum were given to the calves on the farm. Drinking the fi rst portion of colostrum was carried out during the fi rst 1,5–2 hours after calving and lasted for 10 days. Then the animals of experimental group were transferred to drinking fermented milk. During the studies the calves of the control group were given whole milk, and the animals of the experimental group received fermented milk. Fermented milk was drunk until the heifers reached a live weight of 84 kg. It was found that the diff erence in live weight between the control and experimental groups of heifers was 3,9 kg at 3 months of age, 11,2 kg (p ≤ 0,05) at 6 months of age, 7,2 kg at 10 months of age, 11,2 kg at 12 months of age in favor of the experimental group. Thus, drinking fermented milk to heifers has advantages over whole milk such as during the period of preweaning rearing, young animals are healthier due to the preliminary splitting of proteins with acid, which minimizes the occurrence of diarrhea in calves, in this regard, the live weight gain of calves increases and their livability improves.

THE INFLUENCE OF THE FATHER'S GENETYPE ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF COWS AND THE PROBABILITY OF THEIR MASTITIS UNDER DIFFERENT HOUSING

Introduction. The purpose of the study was to determine the influence of genetic factors on the productivity of cows and the probability of their disease with mastitis under different housing technologies.&#x0D; Materials and methods of research. The work was carried out according to the data of two breeding plants for the breeding of the Ukrainian black and white dairy breed with free and stall housing. The data of more than 16,000 milk samples over the past six years were analyzed. Heritability of the average indicators of the quantity and quality of milk of cows according to the data of control milkings, yield for 305 days of lactation and the number of cases of diagnosis of mastitis using correlation analysis. Variability of milk quality of cows was monitored depending on the technology of housing. The research determined the influence of breeding bulls and their line on milk yield and milk quality indicators. To determine the influence of these factors, dispersion analysis was used. Processing of the obtained data was carried out according to basic statistical techniques using computer programs.&#x0D; Research results. According to the research results, it was established that the variability of daily milk yield during free housing was higher by 6.1%, fat content by 7% compared to stall housing, and protein content, the number of somatic cells and their evaluation was lower. The strength of the influence of housing on the parameters of daily milk yield was: on the daily yield – 1.8%, on the fat content – 22.8%, on the protein content – 0.8%, on the number of somatic cells – 1.6%, on their evaluation – 4.1%, on the reliability of cows for 305 days of lactation – 4.1%, on milk fat output – 13.6%, on milk protein output – 6.3%, on the frequency of mastitis diagnosis – 4.5%. The coefficients of heritability of daily milk yield under stall housing were 2.2 times higher, fat content – 3.5 times, protein content – 1.8 times, number of somatic cells – 2.7 times, estimates of the number of somatic cells – 2 times, milk yield for 305 days of lactation – 2.4 times, the amount of milk protein – 1.6 times, and the number of cases of mastitis diagnosis – 1.7 times. The influence of bulls on indicators of the quantity and quality of cow milk was significantly higher than on daily milk yield. The strength of the influence of this factor on indicators of daily milk yield during free housing was: the milk yield – 5.5%, the fat content – 2.5%, the protein content – 2.7%, the number of somatic cells – 2.5%, the estimation of the number of somatic cells – 2.8%, and for stall housing – 4.3%, 6.7%, 6.7%, 2.9%, 7.3%, respectively. The strength of the influence on productivity indicators per lactation was as follows: for free housing on milk yield – 13.4%, on the amount of milk fat – 20.1%, on the amount of milk protein – 13.5% and on the number of cases of mastitis diagnosis – 12.7%, and for stall housing 19.1%, 13.6%, 18.0% and 35.2%, respectively (Р &lt; 0.001). The influence of the factor "bull" was higher than the "bull line" factor on indicators of physical and chemical properties of milk and the frequency of cases diagnosis of mastitis in their daughters.&#x0D; Conclusions. The housing technology has a significant impact on the productive indicators of dairy cows, their variability and heredity. For free housing of cows, the genetic conditioning of indicators of productivity and milk quality of cows, the probability of their mastitis disease was lower in comparison with stall housing.

EFFICIENCY OF USING MALES OF DIFFERENT GENOTYPES AS PARENTAL FORM OF THE CROSS

Introduction. Rabbit meat production can be an important element in solving the problem of lack of dietary protein for the growing human population all over the world, especially in developing countries. Compared to other types of animals, the advantage of rabbits is that rabbit meat has a high protein content and low fat and cholesterol content, has excellent taste qualities, and is a product of healthy and dietary nutrition.&#x0D; Using crossbreeding increase the productivity of rabbits due to the effect of heterosis. However, taking into account the fact that the modern technology of industrial rabbit breeding involves the use of rabbits of various crosses, which are imported into our country, there is a need to investigate the possibility of using males of different genotypes as the parent form of the cross and their influence on the reproductive characteristics of female rabbits. Thus, the purpose of the study was to study the selection characteristics of males of different genotypes and the effectiveness of their use as parental forms of the cross.&#x0D; Materials and methods of research. The research was carried out in the conditions of "Krolikoff Farm" LLC, which is located in the Uman district of the Cherkasy region, during 2022. The research was conducted using males of four genotypes: males of the parent form of the Hyla – Hyla Max cross (HM, n = 15), males of the parent form of the Hyplus PS59 cross (PS59, n = 15), males of the Termon white breed (TB, n = 12), males of the Poltava silver breed (PS, n = 9). Males were used on female rabbits of the maternal form of the Hyla – Hyla NG cross, from which 4 groups were formed, depending on the genotype of the breeder, with the sperm of which the female rabbits were inseminated. Females of group I were inseminated with sperm of Hyla Max males, group II – Hyplus PS59, group III – Termon white breed, group IV – Poltava silver breed. The females of the experimental groups were similar in age, live weight, and number of hatchlings.&#x0D; Research results. Analyzing the results of research on the productivity characteristics of males of different genotypes, it was established that males of the Hyplus PS59 parental form had the highest live weight, it was 0.41 kg more (p ≤ 0.001) than males of the Hyla – Hyla Max parental form. The live weight of the males of the Termon white breed was 14% lower (p ≤ 0.001), and that of the males of the Poltava silver breed was 18% lower (p ≤ 0.001) than that of the Hyla Max males. This fact can be explained by the implementation of directed selection work with males of the original lines of crosses based on live weight indicators.&#x0D; Hyla Max males had the highest ejaculate volume values. However, it should be noted that the males of the Thermon white breed were slightly inferior to the males of the parent form of the Hyla cross in terms of this indicator. Males of the Poltava silver breed had the lowest value of ejaculate volume.&#x0D; As a result of the research, it was established that female rabbits inseminated with the sperm of Hyla Max males had the highest litter size. Rabbit does inseminated with PS59 males had 5.6% lower fertility than female rabbits inseminated with Hyla Max males, and rabbits inseminated with Termon White males had a 6.9% lower fertility rate. The highest value of high fertility was recorded in female rabbits inseminated with the sperm of PS59 males. There was no significant difference between the high fertility of female rabbits on which Hyla Max males and Termon white males were used. Female rabbits inseminated with males of the Poltava silver breed had the lowest fertility.&#x0D; Conclusions. According to the results of the conducted research, it can be stated that the most effective as a parent form of the cross is the use of Hyla Max males, however, the use of males of the Termon white breed of rabbits as a parent form of the cross is expedient due to the high cost of imported cross males. At the same time, the productivity of female rabbits remains at a high level, and according to some signs, female rabbits on which cross males were used prevail.

Molecular Detection of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodid Ticks Infesting White Fulani Cattle in Zaria and its Environs, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Anaplasmosis, a disease caused by various species of Anaplasma, poses important economic constraints to animal breeders. In Zaria, molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens infecting cattle is very sketchy. Being hematophagous, ticks are capable of transmitting disease agents such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. This study was carried out to detect for the presence of Anaplasma pathogen in the various tick species infesting white Fulani breeds of cattle owing to their high population in Zaria and environs using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Three hundred and eighty-four (n=384) white Fulani breed of cattle of varying age and sex were sampled from 32 herds in 4 villages (Bomo, Tofu, Ungwan Dabosa and Majeru). The DNA was extracted using Qiagen commercial kit following manufacturer’s instructions. Genomic DNA of the species of ticks was amplified in a semi-nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA fragment of the Anaplasma spp at expected amplicon size of 711bp. The PCR products were purified using Gel Extraction Kit (Bioland, Scientific LLC) following the manufacturer’s protocol. All sequences were subjected to a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) to determined their identities and assess their homologues and similarities to those in the GenBank. A neighbor-joining tree was generated using the Molecular Engineering Genetic Analysis (MEGA 7.0) to derive the close relationship between the isolates. The result of this study implies that Anaplasma spp (MN044909) is present in all the five species of ticks infesting cattle in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria and pose a high risk on humans and animals health.&#x0D; Anaplasmosis, a disease caused by various species of Anaplasma, poses important economic constraints to animal breeders. In Zaria, molecular detection of tick-borne pathogens infecting cattle is very sketchy. Being hematophagous, ticks are capable of transmitting disease agents such as viruses, bacteria and protozoa. This study was carried out to detect for the presence of Anaplasma pathogen in the various tick species infesting white Fulani breeds of cattle owing to their high population in Zaria and environs using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Three hundred and eighty-four (n=384) white Fulani breed of cattle of varying age and sex were sampled from 32 herds in 4 villages (Bomo, Tofu, Ungwan Dabosa and Majeru). The DNA was extracted using Qiagen commercial kit following manufacturer’s instructions. Genomic DNA of the species of ticks was amplified in a semi-nested PCR targeting the 16S rRNA fragment of the Anaplasma spp at expected amplicon size of 711bp. The PCR products were purified using Gel Extraction Kit (Bioland, Scientific LLC) following the manufacturer’s protocol. All sequences were subjected to a Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) to determined their identities and assess their homologues and similarities to those in the GenBank. A neighbor-joining tree was generated using the Molecular Engineering Genetic Analysis (MEGA 7.0) to derive the close relationship between the isolates. The result of this study implies that Anaplasma spp (MN044909) is present in all the five species of ticks infesting cattle in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria and pose a high risk on humans and animals health.

ЯКІСТЬ І БЕЗПЕЧНІСТЬ М’ЯЗОВОЇ ТКАНИНИ ТА ПЕЧІНКИ СВИНЕЙ ЗА ВИКОРИСТАННЯ ТРИТИКАЛЕ В РАЦІОНІ

The research is devoted to the justification of the use of grain mixtures containing different amounts of triticale in the diets of young pigs of the large white breed and determining their impact on the quality and safety of pig farming products during t

The use of iron-containing drugs for the prevention of alimentary anemia in sows and their offspring

As a result of a scientific and economic experiment conducted in the conditions of the industrial pig complex of Bryansk Meat Processing Plant LLC in Vygonichi district, the effectiveness of the use of iron–containing preparations Ferrolong and Ferzaks-forte for the prevention of alimentary anemia of pregnant sows and piglets was studied. The object of the study was pregnant sows of a large white breed with an average live weight of 150-160 kg at the age of two years, and piglets obtained from them. At the first stage of the research, two groups of sows were formed, 3 heads each. 15 days before farrowing, the sows of the experimental group received the drug Ferrolong (iron content III 200 mg/ml, vitamin B12 - 0.1 mg/ml) at a dose of 4 ml intramuscularly. Sows of the control group did not receive injections of iron-containing preparations.The effect of the drugs on the growth and safety of piglets, on biochemical (iron, total iron binding capacity of serum (OHSS), % saturation of transferrin) and hematological parameters was analyzed. Based on the conducted step-by-step studies, it was found that the introduction of Ferrolong 15 days before farrowing stimulates hematopoiesis in sows, but does not significantly affect the red blood indicators of suckling piglets. Intramuscular administration of Ferrolong to piglets at a dose of 1 ml in the first three days of life is accompanied by a pronounced antianemic effect, and is characterized by a high content of hemoglobin in erythrocytes and a saturation coefficient of serum transferrin. This scheme is recommended for the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in the household. Ferzaks-forte, due to its vitamins, has a broader effect on metabolic processes, but laboratory indicators indicate that a single intramuscular injection of this drug is not enough to prevent anemia.

Genetic parameter estimation for pork production and litter performance traits of Landrace, Large White, and Duroc pigs in Japan.

We estimated genetic parameters for two pork production and six litter performance traits of Landrace, Large White, and Duroc pigs reared in Japan. Pork production traits were average daily gain from birth to end of performance testing and backfat thickness at end of testing (46,042 records for Landrace, 40,467 records for Large White, and 42,920 records for Duroc). Litter performance traits were number born alive, litter size at weaning (LSW), number of piglets dead during suckling (ND), survival rate of piglets during suckling (SV), total piglet weight at weaning (TWW), and average piglet weight at weaning (AWW) (27,410, 26,716, and 12,430 records for Landrace, Large White, and Duroc, respectively). ND was calculated as the difference between LSW and litter size at start of suckling (LSS). SV was calculated as LSW/LSS. AWW was calculated as TWW/LSW. Pedigree data for Landrace, Large White, and Duroc breeds contained 50,193, 44,077, and 45,336 pigs, respectively. Trait heritability was estimated via single-trait analysis and genetic correlation between two traits was estimated via two-trait analysis. When considering the linear covariate of LSS in the statistical model for LSW and TWW, for all breeds, the heritability was estimated to be 0.4-0.5 for pork production traits and below 0.2 for litter performance traits. Estimated genetic correlation between average daily gain and backfat thickness was small, ranging from 0.057 to 0.112, and those between pork production traits and litter performance traits were negligible to moderate, ranging from -0.493 to 0.487. A wide range of genetic correlation values among the litter performance traits was estimated, while that between LSW and ND could not be obtained. The results of genetic parameter estimation were affected by whether the linear covariate of LSS was included in the statistical model for LSW and TWW or not. This finding implies the necessity of carefully interpreting the results according to the choice of statistical model. Our results could give fundamental information on simultaneously improving productivity and female reproductivity for pigs.

Components of physicochemical properties and chemical composition of mus-cle tissue of young pigs of different growth intensities, the level of their pheno-typic consolidation, and correlation

The work presents the results of the study of some biochemical indicators of blood serum, physicochemical properties, and chemical composition of muscle tissue of young pigs of the large white breed and the calculation of correlations between the main quantitative characteristics. The work was carried out in the agricultural formations of the Dnipropetrovsk region, the research center for biosafety and environmental control of agricultural resources of the Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, LLC “Globynskyi Myasokbinat” of the Poltava region, the zootechnical analysis laboratory of the Institute of Pig Breeding and Agro-industrial Production of the National Academy of Sciences and the animal husbandry laboratory of the state institution “Institute of Grain Crops of NAAS”. Studies of the fattening and meat qualities of young pigs of the large white breed show that the animals of the controlled population belong to the elite class by the age of reaching a live weight of 100 kg. This indicator in the animals of the experimental group ranges from 167 to 188 days. It was established that the number of samples of the longest back muscle of high quality according to the indicator “moisture retention capacity” is 12.0 %, “fat content” – 16.0%, “tenderness” – 12% and “color intensity” – 16%. A high level of phenotypic consolidation was established in the animals of the II experimental group (the age of reaching a live weight of 100 kg is 177–188 days) according to the content of total moisture (K1 = +0.458, K2 = +0.456), air-dry matter (K1 = +0.492, K2 = +0.500), ash (K1 = +0.527, K2 = +0.534), fat (K1 = +0.559, K2 = +0.518) and calcium (K1 = +0.385, K2 = +0.415). Reliable correlations were established between the following pairs of traits: moisture-holding capacity × protein content (r = -0.484, tr = 2.65), age at which live weight reached 100 kg × calcium (Ca) content (r = -0.392, tr = 2,15), age of reaching a live weight of 100 kg × moisture retention capacity (r = +0.447, tr = 2.40), age of reaching a live weight of 100 kg × loss during heat treatment (r = -0.390, tr = 2.14). This indicates the effectiveness of using the indicator “age of reaching 100 kg live weight, days” for early prediction of calcium (Ca), moisture retention capacity, and loss of muscle tissue during heat treatment in young pigs of the large white breed.

The effect of single and repeated doses of rivastigmine on gastric myoelectric activity in experimental pigs.

Rivastigmine is a pseudo-irreversible cholinesterase inhibitor used for therapy of Alzheimer's disease and non-Alzheimer dementia syndromes. In humans, rivastigmine can cause significant gastrointestinal side effects that can limit its clinical use. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of rivastigmine on gastric motor function by means of electrogastrography (EGG) in experimental pigs. Six experimental adult female pigs (Sus scrofa f. domestica, hybrids of Czech White and Landrace breeds; 3-month-old; mean weight 30.7 ± 1.2 kg) were enrolled into the study twice and created two experimental groups. In group A, a single intragastric dose of 6 mg rivastigmine hydrogen tartate was administered in the morning to fasting pigs before EGG recording. In group B, rivastigmine was administered to overnight fasting animals in a dietary bolus in the morning for 7 days (6 mg per day). On day 8, an intragastric dose of 12 mg rivastigmine was given in the morning to fasting pigs before EGG. EGG recording was accomplished by means of an EGG standalone system. Recordings from both groups were evaluated in dominant frequency and EGG power (areas of amplitudes). In total, 1,980 one-minute EGG intervals were evaluated. In group A, basal EGG power (median 1290.5; interquartile range 736.5-2330 μV2) was significantly higher in comparison with the power of intervals T6 (882; 577-1375; p = 0.001) and T10 (992.5; 385-2859; p = 0.032). In group B, the dominant frequency increased significantly from basal values (1.97 ± 1.57 cycles per minute) to intervals T9 (3.26 ± 2.16; p < 0.001) and T10 (2.14 ± 1.16; p = 0.012), respectively. In group B, basal EGG power (median 1030.5; interquartile range 549-5093) was significantly higher in comparison with the power of intervals T7 (692.5; 434-1476; p = 0.002) and T8 (799; 435-1463 μV2; p = 0.004). Both single as well as repeated intragastric administration of rivastigmine hydrogen tartrate caused a significant decrease of EGG power (areas of amplitudes) in experimental pigs. EGG power may serve as an indirect indicator of gastric motor competence. These findings might provide a possible explanation of rivastigmine-associated dyspepsia in humans.

Osseointegration properties of domestic bioactive calcium phosphate ceramics doped with silicon

Abstract Introduction The relevance of this study lies in the fact, that today the search for biocompatible materials for the management of bone defects is of importance. Such materials could become an alternative to transplants. For the replacement of bone defects, two-phasic bioactive ceramics of hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate is a very attractive biomaterial due to its excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity, but the results of its use are quite controversial due to insufficient bioactivity. The purpose of this work is to investigate the osseointegration properties of two-phase bioactive ceramics doped with silicon (HTdSi), both as a single component and a component in combination with platelet-rich fibrin, as well as in comparison with the well-known imported analogue – BIO, which consists of β-tricalcium phosphate, also as an independent component and a component in combination with platelet-rich fibrin. In the experiment, the rabbits of the New Zealand white breed at the age of 3 months and with an average weight of 2.5 kg were used. The terms of implantation are 30, 60, 90 and 180 days. The advantages of the domestic bio-composite are substantiated on the basis of clinical, radiological and histological studies. Material and methods In the experiment, the rabbits of the New Zealand white breed at the age of 3 months and with an average weight of 2.5 kg were used. The terms of implantation are 30, 60, 90 and 180 days. Results The osteointegration properties of two-phase bioactive ceramics doped with silicon (HTdSi), both as a single component and in combination with platelet fibrin, were investigated, as well as in comparison with the known imported analog - BIO, which contains β-tricalcium phosphate, both as a single component and in combination with platelet fibrin. Conclusions The advantages of domestic biocomposite are substantiated on the basis of clinical, radiological and histological studies.