Efeito do período e temperatura de armazenamento de ovos férteis sobre o rendimento de incubação e características de qualidade de codornas neonatas / Effect of period and storage temperature of hatching eggs from breeder quails on hatching results and quality characteristics of neonate quails

Foram estudados parâmetros de incubação e de qualidade física de codornas japonesas neonatas oriundas de ovos submetidos a diferentes condições de armazenamento. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de combinações entre temperaturas e períodos de armazenamento dos ovos férteis. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados em arranjo fatorial 2x5, temperaturas (ambiente (28±1,5ºC) e refrigerada (14ºC)) x períodos de armazenamento (um, três, seis, nove ou doze dias), totalizando 10 tratamentos com 105 repetições, sendo cada ovo uma unidade experimental. Os ovos foram incubados nas condições de 37,9ºC e 60% de umidade relativa (UR). Houve aumento de perda de peso do ovo com o período de armazenamento, com efeito linear positivo. Observou-se maior taxa de eclosão/ovos férteis para os ovos armazenados sob refrigeração. Houve efeito linear negativo para o período de armazenamento sobre a taxa de eclosão somente para os ovos armazenados em 28ºC. Para o peso da codorna neonata, houve efeito linear negativo, independentemente da temperatura de armazenamento. O comprimento do intestino delgado em temperatura ambiente sofreu influência do período de armazenamento, sendo que o período de 12 dias apresentou pior resultado. O pior escore de qualidade física foi encontrado em codornas neonatas oriundas de ovos armazenados em temperatura ambiente por 12 dias. Pode-se concluir que, para melhorar a eclosão e a qualidade física da progênie, ovos de codorna devem ser armazenados por até nove dias e em temperatura de 14ºC.

Incubation parameters and physical quality of neonate Japanese quails hatched from eggs that were subject to different storage conditions were evaluated. The treatments consisted of a combination of temperatures and storage periods of hatching eggs from breeder quails. The experiments were conducted in a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement 2x5, with two storage temperatures (ambient temperature ± 28°C and refrigerated temperature 14°C) and five storage periods (one, three, six, nine and twelve days), totaling 10 treatments with 105 repetitions, each egg considered to be an experimental unit. The eggs were incubated at 37.9°C with 60% of relative humidity (RH). There was a positive linear effect between egg weight loss and storage period. Higher rates of hatching/fertile eggs were observed for eggs stored in refrigerated conditions. A negative linear effect was observed between storage period and hatching rate when the eggs where stored at a temperature of 28ºC. There was a negative effect for neonate quail weight, independent of storage temperatures. The intestine length was influenced by storage period and 12 days of storage showed the shortest intestine length. Lower scores of physical quality were observed in quails that hatched from eggs stored in ambient temperatures during 12 days. In this context, to improve hatching rates and physical quality of neonate quails the eggs should be stored up to nine days at a temperature of 14°C.

El Pennhip modificado y la sinfisiodesis juvenil pubiana como prevención de displasia de cadera canina en las Fuerzas Armadas / Modified Pennhip and juvenile pubic symphysiodesis as canine hip dysplasia prevention in the Armed Forces

INTRODUCCIÓN: La displasia de cadera canina es la principal causa física de exclusión de los perros de los programas de adiestramiento en las Fuerzas Armadas y los Cuerpos y Fuerzas de Seguridad del Estado, es por ello importante realizar una criba temprana de esta patología. OBJETIVO: Determinar la eficacia del procedimiento del Penn-Hip modificado y la sinfisiodesis juvenil pubiana como método para prevenir el desarrollo de la displasia de cadera canina. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo y ambispectivo que compara el porcentaje de displasia de cadera canina en una cohorte prospectiva, tras la realización de un programa de screening y cirugía profiláctica, con los resultados de una cohorte histórica. RESULTADOS: El porcentaje de displasia de cadera canina fue el doble en la cohorte histórica comparándola con la cohorte prospectiva tras la implantación del programa, siendo las diferencias estadísticamente significativas (OR: 2,20; IC 95%: 1,03-4,67). CONCLUSIONES: Es necesaria la instauración de programas de screening y profilaxis de displasia de cadera canina, en el ámbito militar al mejorar la producción de perros aptos para el trabajo en las Fuerzas Armadas y en los Cuerpos y Fuerzas de Seguridad del Estado

INTRODUCTION: Canine hip dysplasia is the main clinic cause of exclusion of dogs from training programs in the Armed Forces and Police Corps so it is important to make an early selection of this pathology. OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficiency of the modified Penn-Hip method and the juvenile pubic symphysiodesis as a way of preventing canine hip dysplasia development. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Ambispective descriptive study which compares the percentage of canine hip dysplasia between a historical cohort and a prospective cohort after the instauration of a screening and surgical prophylactic program. RESULTS: The percentage of canine hip dysplasia from the historical cohort doubled the one from the prospective cohort after carrying out the program, obtaining statistically significance differences (OR: 2,20; IC 95%: 1,03-4,67). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a screening and prophylactic program of canine hip dysplasia is needed to improve work-suited canine production in the Armed Forces and Police Corps

Selección de genes de referencia en semen equino criopreservado para su uso en estudios de expresión genética con la técnica de PCR cuantitativa / Reference genes selection in cryopreserved equine semen for its use in studies of gene expression with the quantitative PCR technique

INTRODUCCIÓN: La gestión de bancos de germoplasma implica la conservación y uso de dosis seminales, pero también pueden ser una fuente de estudio sobre la calidad de los sementales y las propiedades del semen para su empleo post descongelación. Un criterio para medir la calidad seminal puede basarse en las diferencias de expresión de algunos genes implicados en la espermatogénesis y la maduración espermática. OBJETIVO: Análisis de genes expresados en semen equino criopreservado que ofrezcan una adecuada amplificación, especificidad y estabilidad para su empleo como genes de referencia en futuros estudios de expresión genética. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Purificación de espermatozoides vivos mediante un gradiente de concentración discontinua a partir de pajuelas de semen criopreservado correspondiente a cuatro sementales. Extracción orgánica de ácidos ribonucleicos con tratamiento con la enzima desoxiribonucleasa y la amplificación selectiva de siete genes candidatos mediante retrotranscripción y reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real en un solo paso. RESULTADOS: Tres de los genes seleccionados, β-Actina, Ubiquitina B y proteína Ribosomal L32 se amplifican correctamente. β-Actina, Ubiquitina B manifiestan la mayor estabilidad. CONCLUSIÓN: En los espermatozoides procedentes de muestras de semen criopreservado equino se puede detectar la presencia de ARNm, siendo el gen de la β-Actina y de la Ubiquitina B los más indicados como genes de referencia de los siete candidatos analizados

INTRODUCTION: The germoplasm bank management involves the conservation and use of semen doses, but can also be a source of study on the quality of stallions and semen properties for use after thawing. A criterion for measuring the semen quality may be based on differences in expression of some genes involved in spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. OBJECTIVE: Analysis of genes expressed in equine cryopreserved sperm that can provide adequate amplification, specificity and stability for use as future reference genes in gene expression studies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Purification of live sperm through a discontinuous concentration gradient from cryopreserved semen straws corresponding to four stallions. Organic extraction of ribonucleic acids with deoxyribonuclease treatment and the selective amplification of seven candidate genes using a retrotranscription and a real time chain reaction of the polymerase in one step mode. Specificity is tested by melting curves and agarose gel electrophoresis. Also the stability of the genes is calculated. RESULTS: Three of the selected genes, β-actin, Ubiquitin B and Ribosomal protein L32 were properly amplified. β-Actin and Ubiquitin B showed the best stability. CONCLUSION: mRNA was amplified from equine cryopreserved semen samples, being the β-Actin and the Ubiquitin B genes the most suitable reference genes of the seven candidates analyzed

Behavior of renin angiotensin aldosterone axis during pulling exercises in euhydrated and dehydrated horses.

The influence of hydration prior to exercise on hormonal response to exercise was investigated in horses, divided into two groups, control (n=11) and dehydrated (n=53). They were also classified according to their body weight in A (≈ 350 kg), B (351-450 kg) and C (≈ 451 kg). Horses covered 60 m on a track pulling a carriage loaded with 2, 2.25 and 2.5 times their body weight, for A, B and C. Blood samples were taken at rest, after exercise and during recovery. Electrolytes, albumin, renin, angiotensin and aldosterone concentrations were measured. Dehydrated and control horses had higher aldosterone in category A than B and C. Dehydrated horses presented higher albumin, Na, K, Cl, angiotensin and aldosterone in most of the sampling times. There were no differences in renin associated with body weight category, hydration status and exercise. In dehydration, the response of aldosterone to exercise was higher than in euhydration.

Dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-vasopressin axis in successful and unsuccessful endurance horses.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Limited information exists concerning the defence of homeostasis during endurance competitions and the relationship with performance. OBJECTIVES: This research analysed renin (REN), angiotensin II (ANG), aldosterone (ALD) and vasopressin (AVP) in horses covering different distances, assesses differences between successful and eliminated horses and evaluates correlations between hydration status, renal function, electrolytes, REN, ANG, ALD and AVP. METHODS: Packed cell volume (PCV), velocity and serum concentrations of REN, ANG, ALD, AVP, Na, K, Cl, Ca, Mg, P, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total proteins (TSP), albumin (ALB), serum uric nitrogen (SUN), creatinine (CREAT) and lactate were analysed in both successful horses (SH) and in horses eliminated due to metabolic problems (MH). Two types of competition were studied: 91 km in one day (Competition A: 20 SH, 9 MH) and 166 km in 2 days, 83 km/day (Competition B: 10 SH and 5 MH). RESULTS: Research analysed renin was not affected by exercise, whereas ANG, ALD and AVP increased. In the SH group, resting ALD and AVP concentrations at the beginning of the second day of Competition B were higher than preride values. Vasopressin did not change during the second day of Competition B, whereas ALD progressively increased. Metabolic problems of both groups showed more evident dehydration (higher PCV, TSP, ALB, SUN and CREAT) and electrolyte alterations (more intense decreases of Na and Cl) than SH at the different sampling times. Metabolic problems presented higher ALD and AVP concentrations. Angiotensin II was higher at certain sampling times in the horses. CONCLUSIONS: Endurance horses with dehydration and electrolyte disturbances showed a more intense activation of the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The study of the response of the REN-ANG-ALD-AVP axis during prolonged exercise in horses with different performance will aid to minimise the risk of metabolic diseases during competitions.

Use of biochemical parameters to predict metabolic elimination in endurance rides.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Endurance races are the competition with the biggest metabolic demands for the sport horse. During races, some horses show homeostasis alterations, having repercussions in diverse biochemical parameters and negative consequences on performance and health. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the utility of biochemical analysis in the early diagnosis of metabolic stress and to determine cut-off values of biochemical parameters to assist in the prevention of metabolic alterations in endurance horses. METHODS: This study involved 36 CEI races and 283 horses (41 eliminated because of metabolic disturbances). Blood samples were taken before competition, after the vet-gates and after finishing the race or veterinary disqualification. Packed cell volume (PCV), activities of CK, AST and LDH, and concentrations of total plasma proteins (PP), urea, creatinine (Cr), uric acid (UA) and plasma lactate were determined. Successful horses were compared with horses eliminated due to metabolic conditions in the values obtained in the phase prior to being removed from the competition. Factors associated with metabolic elimination were further analysed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Dichotomisation for each variable was made using the receiver-operating characteristic curve to enter into the model. RESULTS: PCV > 52%, PP > 82 g/l, standardised Cr > 30 mg/l 100 km, UA > 72 mg/l, standardised CK > 12.6 ui/l km and standardised AST > 6.2 ui/l km were associated with the development of metabolic alterations. Of the horses with an imbalance between PCV and PP, 30% had metabolic elimination in the following phases. Muscle enzymes and Cr were directly related to the distance covered. CONCLUSIONS: Selected biochemical markers are evident in some endurance horses before their elimination. However, most horses developed metabolic disturbances without any important alterations in the variables determined in this study. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of selected plasma biochemical parameters could be useful in the prevention and early diagnosis of metabolic stress in endurance horses.

Muscle damage, hydration, electrolyte balance and vasopressin concentrations in successful and exhausted endurance horses.

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is released in response to depletion of the effective circulating blood volume. Endurance horses might develop exhaustion because loss of water and electrolytes in sweat with hypovolaemia and electrolytes abnormalities. Therefore, AVP should act in the control of volemia in these animals. This research evaluates the differences in AVP, hydration, electrolyte status and serum muscle enzymes in successful endurance horses in comparison with those eliminated from the competition because of exhaustion. Eighteen endurance horses, divided into two groups, successful (n = 13) and eliminated at the vet-gates because of exhaustion, dehydration and/or lack of recovery of heart rate (n = 5), were studied during a competition of 76.2 km. Jugular venous blood samples were collected before the event (BF), and at the vet-gates, at 30 km (PH1), 53.6 km (PH2) and at the end (PH3). Endurance exercise in successful horses induced significant increases from BF in Na at PH1, in Mg, CK, LDH at PH2 and microhaematocrit (MHT), total serum proteins (TSP), albumin (ALB), creatinine (CREAT) and lactate (LA) at PH3, together with a decreased in Cl at PH2 and Ca at PH3. Exhausted horses had higher MHT, Na, Ca, TSP, CREAT, LA, and AVP than successful at PH2 and PH3, whereas Cl was lower in exhausted horses. Velocity during the ride was higher in the exhausted group. These results indicate that exhausted endurance horses have laboratorial findings corresponding with a deeper dehydration and increased release of AVP. Therefore, this parameter could be used as a biomarker of early exhaustion and hypovolaemia. Additionally, AVP does not appear to be affected by exercise velocity or covered distance in successful horses.

Estudio del hemograma en caballos de pura raza española ejercitados en cinta rodante / No disponible

No disponible

Estudio de la evolución del perfil enzimático en el músculo del toro de lidia con el entrenamiento mediante la utilización de la biopsia muscular / No disponible

No disponible

Estudio de la evolución del perfil enzimático en el músculo del toro de lidia con el entrenamiento mediante la utilización de la biopsia muscular / No disponible

No disponible

Test ergoespirométrico en el caballo pura raza español / No disponible

No disponible

Trot asymmetry in relation to physical performance and metabolism in equine endurance rides.

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Trot is a symmetric gait and asymmetry might appear or increase during endurance rides due to lameness, pain or excessive fatigue. HYPOTHESIS: To assess whether trot asymmetry increases during endurance competitions, whether it is possible to discriminate between horses with different performance and also its possible relationship with metabolism. METHODS: Fifty-eight horses were filmed at trot during the lameness examinations in the vet-gates, before the competition (BCO), and after phases 1 (at 29 km), 2 (at 59 km) and 3 (at the end of the ride, at 80 km) and stride duration (SD) measured in all 4 limbs. A locomotion symmetry index (LSI) was calculated by comparing SD in the diagonal pairs of limbs. In all the cases, the longer diagonal pair SD was compared to the shorter. Horses were classified as symmetric (SyH) when LSI was lower than mean + 2s.d. and asymmetric (ASyH) when LSI was higher than mean + 2s.d. of the data obtained in BCO. Venous samples were withdrawn in the vet-gates and PCV, WBC, creatinine, TPP, uric acid, CK, AST, LDH, Na, K and Cl were measured. Horses were divided into different performance groups: successful (SH), lame (LH) and metabolic (MH), and according to ride velocity, the SH group was also divided into faster finishers (FF) and slower finishers (SF). RESULTS: The percentages of SyH were high (>80%) and very similar between the different performance groups. LSI became more asymmetrical in the vet-gates, especially in the LH and MH groups. LSI presented negative correlations with the velocities during the rides and in the vet-gates and CK. The ASyH had higher velocities during the rides and plasma CK and lower velocities during the vet-gates and plasma uric acid concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Although trot asymmetry increases during endurance events, LSI calculated comparing SD in the two diagonal pair of limbs did not allow the differentiation of horses with different performance.

Equine locomotor analysis on vet-gates in endurance events.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY: Fatigue during endurance rides might induce changes in gait pattern that could be difficult to distinguish from subtle lameness. OBJECTIVES: To assess changes in gait pattern en route, in fore(FL) and hindlimbs (HL) and establish differences between excellent (EP) and good performers (GP). METHODS: Seventy-five sound and fit horses that completed endurance rides of 80 km were filmed at trot in the vet-gates (VGs) prior to competitions (VGO), and at 29 km (VG1), 59 km (VG2) and 80 km (VG3). Mean gait velocity (V), stride length (SL), duration (SD) and frequency (SF) were measured. Also, stance (StD), swing (SwD), braking (BrD) and propulsion (PrD) durations were determined in the 4 limbs and expressed as % of SD. RESULTS: Horses trotted with a significant lower V at VG3 in comparison to VG0 (mean +/- s.d. 2.3 +/- 0.6 m/sec, 3.3 +/- 0.6 m/sec) and showed a shorter SL (1.5 +/- 0.4 m and 2.2 +/- 0.3 m in VG0 and VG3). Regression analysis confirmed that the reduced SL at VG3 was due to the lower V. Horses in VG3 presented longer FL-StD (46.2 +/- 4.7%, 38.1 +/- 4.6%), BrD (22.0 +/- 2.5%, 16.9 +/- 2.5%) and PrD (24.1 +/- 21%, 21.5 +/- 2.47%) compared to VG0. In VG0, HL-PrD (23.0 +/- 3.0%) and HL-BrD (18.7 +/- 1.8%) were longer than FL-PrD (21.5 +/- 2.47%) and FL-BrD (16.9 +/- 2.5%). EP showed fastest V and longer SL at VG0, and VG3 than GP (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sound endurance horses undergo changes in gait pattern during competition, mainly due to reduction of V. Some differences exist between FL and HL, and EP show higher V and SL in the VGs. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Understanding of the locomotor effect of fatigue will provide an objective basis for the assessment of soundness during endurance events.

Uric acid responses to endurance racing and relationships with performance, plasma biochemistry and metabolic alterations.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is limited understanding of the uric acid response to endurance races. OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate uric acid increments and its relationship to diverse biochemical and performance parameters, in horses subjected to a prolonged effort, with and without presentation of metabolic alterations. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from horses the day before, and 5-10 mins after, successfully finishing a 121 km (Assay 1, n = 24) or 164 km endurance race (Assay 2, n = 17), and from 19 animals eliminated by metabolic disorders during several endurance races (Assay 3). Plasma was obtained and determinations of CK, AST, LDH, AP, uric acid (UA), creatinine (Cr), urea, lactate (La) and plasma proteins (PP) carried out. Sex, age, time in competition, average speed and total recovery time were also recorded. Assays 1 and 2 were arithmetically subdivided into 3 groups each in order to categorise time in competition, average speed and total recovery time. Changes among the groups were evaluated with ANOVA and Fisher's PLSD test. Student's paired t test was used to assess pre- and post exercise differences. A value of P< or =0.05 was considered significantly different. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationship between all the variables and UA increases. RESULTS: Average speed of the sampled horses was significantly higher in Assay 1 compared to Assay 2. However, there were no significant differences in plasma biochemistry values between both groups. The fastest horses showed significantly higher UA levels, compared with the slowest (Assays 1 and 2) and medium horses (Assay 1). The animals with alterations in metabolism had significantly higher UA, CK and PP compared with those that adequately concluded the race. There were significant correlations between UA and CK in Assays 1, 2, and 3 and between UA and PP in Assays 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: UA rises in horses after a prolonged effort, this increase being higher in animals with metabolic commitment, and in the fastest horses. This increase has a direct correlation with CK. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: UA could be useful in the assessment of metabolic response during endurance exercise.

Hormone response to training and competition in athletic horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: It is recognised that the amount of psychological stress that an animal encounters determines the degree of response of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In human athletes, the added emotive stress of competition is an important element in the adrenal response. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of show-jumping as well as dressage on stress levels by comparing horses' stress response at a horse show compared to their familiar home. METHODS: Fifty-one horses involved in competition were used. EDTA blood samples were collected before exercise, upon arrived to the schooling area (control), and k over a jump or dressage course. After sampling, plasma was separated and stored at -80 degrees C until determinations of cortisol and ACTH were performed. Fourteen healthy horses not involved in competition were used as control group. RESULTS: Competition induced a significant increase in cortisol and ACTH responses in both, jumping and dressage horses and this effect was more apparent in dressage horses. When horses were most experienced, cortisol and ACTH responses were much lower. CONCLUSION: This study shows that competition elicits a classic physiological stress response in horses and that different training programmes induce different responses. It suggests that horses involved in competition can provide a good model to study the exercise-induced stress response.

Effects of training on phagocytic and oxidative metabolism of peripheral neutrophils in horses exercised in the aerobic-anaerobic transition area.

Using simple techniques, the neutrophil function, in its phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism stages, was evaluated in horses. This was done before and after moderate exercise at the aerobic-anaerobic threshold (standardized heart rate 150 beats/min and lactate level of 3.07 +/- 0.21 mmol/L). The objective was to determine whether regular training and moderate exercise improved the neutrophil function. A group of 19 horses was used; 11 of these were untrained and the remainder trained for national jumping events. The exercise test consisted of a 5 min trot followed by a 3 min gallop on a long lunge. Blood samples were taken for analysis before, immediately after and 15 min after exercise. The results showed that (a) there is a difference in the internalization of particles (PI, PP and PE) by neutrophils from trained and untrained horses at a single time point during active recovery, and PP is higher in trained horses immediately after exercise; and (b) oxidative metabolism is significantly lower in untrained animals before and 1 min after exercise. The moderate exercise at the aerobic-anaerobic threshold did not have any influence on the peripheral blood neutrophil function of the phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism of particles.

Nonspecific immune response of peripheral blood neutrophils in two horse breeds (Anglo-Arabian and Spanish-Arabian): response to exercise.

The aim of the present paper was: (1) to find out if there were any differences in the nonspecific immunological pattern of peripheral blood neutrophil between two breeds of horses (AA and SA); (2) to evaluate the effects of an exercise in the aerobic-anaerobic threshold. This has been observed in a group of 11 untrained horses (6 SA and 5 AA) of 2.5 years old. No statistically significant differences were found in the different stages of immune response between the rest and immediately after physical exercise to two breeds. However, the chemotaxis was significant higher at rest in the AA than SA breed. A positive correlation was found at rest between the phagocytic and oxidative metabolism activity for AA breed and a negative correlation too between the adherence and chemotaxis with phagocytic capacity, immediately after exercise test, for the same breed.

Sexing in vitro produced bovine embryos, at different stages of development, using rat H-Y antiserum.

The male-specific H-Y antigen is present on mammalian cell membranes and has been identified by various methods, including antiserum cytotoxicity. The objective of the present study was to determine the sex of in vitro produced (IVP) bovine embryos, at varying stages of development, by culturing in the presence of rat monoclonal H-Y antibodies. Embryos derived from IVM/IVF were classified according to the interval after IVF (48, 96 or 120 h) as Category 1, 2 or 3 if they had 4 to 8, <32, and >32 cells, respectively. Embryos of each category were cultured for 24h in TCM-199 supplemented with bovine oviductal epithelial cells, fetal calf serum (FCS), and antibiotics (Control group), to which the following had been added: guinea pig serum (GPS; C' group); H-Y antiserum (HY group); or GPS and H-Y antiserum (C' + HY group). After culture, embryos were designated as "affected" when development was arrested or one or more blastomeres was degenerate; embryos lacking these changes were designated "unaffected." The sex of each embryo was subsequently determined by chromosome analysis. After 48h of IVF (Category 1), within each of the four treatments, the proportion of unaffected embryos was higher than the proportion of unaffected embryos (81% versus 19%, P < 0.05). Similarly, the Control, C' and HY groups of Categories 2 and 3 embryos had different proportions of unaffected versus affected embryos (75% versus 25%, P < 0.05). In all these groups, the male:female ratio did not significantly differ from 1:1. In contrast, in the C' + HY group of Categories 2 and 3 embryos, the ratio of unaffected versus affected embryos was 41% versus 59% (P < 0.05) and the male:female ratio differed (P < 0.05) from the expected 1:1 ratio (approximately 0.3:1 and 4.5:1 for unaffected versus affected, respectively). In conclusion, when bovine embryos were cultured in the presence of rat monoclonal H-Y antibodies and compliment, alterations occurred in embryos that were beyond the 8-cell stage; we inferred that the antibodies cross-reacted with H-Y antigens.

Benefits of moderate training to the nonspecific immune response of colts.

The aim of this work was to assess whether progressive training caused an improvement in the nonspecific immune response of colts because several unusual infections are due to defects inherent in the neutrophilic function among which respiratory diseases are a major defect in the performance of athletes taking part in professional sports activities. A group of 7 Anglo-Arabian colts belonging to the Army was selected. These animals carry out training programmes for their participation in National Jumping Competitions. During a submaximal exercise test (heart rate 150 beats/min and lactate levels maintained at aerobic-anaerobic threshold of 3 mmol/l), they were compared with 5 colts of the same breed, just beginning training exercises. Immediately after the test, the nonspecific immune capacity of neutrophilic polymorphonuclear cells was valued by adherence, chemotaxis, ingestion and digestion of foreign substances tests. The results showed significant differences between trained and nontrained animals for the adherence and foreign particle digestion tests and, beginning with a greater adherence in untrained animals, a superior effectiveness was achieved in the immune function in trained colts, whose digestive capactiy was increased with respect to the untrained ones. It was, therefore, concluded that moderate training and exercise improves and reinforces the response of the nonspecific immune system against future infections in the organisms.

Effect of training duration and exercise on blood-borne substrates, plasma lactate and enzyme concentrations in Andalusian, Anglo-Arabian and Arabian breeds.

Metabolic responses to exercise differ between Andalusian horses and other breeds, although changes in plasma muscle enzymes have not been reported and most useful information is obtained from animals subjected to different training programmes. The objectives of this study were to 1) describe the changes in plasma enzymes during exercise in different horse breeds in relation to other biochemical parameters (Experiment A) and 2) assess the effect of training duration on these measures (Experiment B). Twenty stallions, 9 Andalusian (AN), 7 Arabian (A) and 4 Anglo-Arabian (AA), age 5-10 years, were studied. They performed 3 exercise tests (ET), consisting of a warm-up of 800 m at 0.7 km/h and 4 workloads at 15, 20, 25 and 30 km/h, at respective distances of 1250, 1670, 2080 and 2500 m, with 5 min active recovery between each workload (Experiment A). Three ETs were performed at the beginning and after 2 and 6 months of training (Experiment B). Venous blood samples were collected during the ETs and plasma glucose (GLU), free fatty acids (FFA), lactate (LA), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBHD), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Na+, K+ and Cl- were measured. AN horses responded to exercise with greater increases in GLU, HBHD, LDH, CK and AST compared to the other breeds. An unexpected result in Experiment A was the lack of interbreed differences in plasma peak LA concentrations, since it is commonly accepted that AA and A horses have greater athletic potential. Although the glycolytic response to exercise was reduced after 2 months of training in the AA and A horses, and after 6 months of training in the AN horses, at the end of Experiment B, AN horses produced more lactate than the other 2 breeds. Most of the adaptations linked to training were found in the AN breed. The more striking changes in plasma enzyme activities corresponded to CK in AN horses after 2 months of training. The attenuation of CK response to exercise was related to lower extrafibrilar GLU utilisation with LA formation and greater fat metabolism. The results show that plasma muscle enzyme concentrations for the diagnosis of equine myopathies must be interpreted in relation to breed and training.