Possible genetic sign of heat stress adaptation in Hungarian Grey Bos taurus breed.

The synthesis of Heat Shock Protein 70.2 mRNA is also regulated by the Upper Promoter elements of the gene. This promoter region is polymorphic in cattle. These polymorphisms have a major effect on the activity of the mRNA transcription. In a comparison of quantity of transcribed mRNA from the wild type and AP2 mutant allele the wild type can produce 2-3-fold more transcripts.The Hungarian Grey Cattle (HG) and Norwegian Red (NFR) as control breed were genotyped with PCR-RFLP method. Our results showed that the frequencies of alleles in breeds (p(wt)HG = 0.859419, p(wt)NFR = 0.5) are different. The effective response to heat stress in the Norwegian Red seems to be less important than in the Hungarian Grey breed. The extensive keeping in hot and arid region during centuries could have been proved as selection pressure for the heat tolerance.Our results combined with the global climate forecasts emphasize the role of autochthonous, well adopted, heat tolerant breeds in the near future.

Population genetic study in Hungarian canine populations using forensically informative STR loci.

Allele frequencies for 10 short tandem repeats (STRs) were determined using the StockMarks® Dog Genotyping Kit (Applied Biosystems) from a pool of 668 unrelated dogs, consisting of 79 different breeds or breed variants from the Hungarian canine population. For the comparative statistical analysis, four pure bred, one mixed group - all individuals except from the four breeds - and considering to unequal representation of breeds the group of all pooled individuals ("All breeds") were distinguished. The forensically informative values - Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), observed heterozygosity (H(obs)), polymorphism information content (PIC), power of discrimination (PD), power of paternity exclusion (PE), linkage disequilibrium (LD) and fixation index (F) were determined. The Hungarian pure bred dog populations could be distinguished by comparing the allele frequency values using G-statistics and calculating the F(ST) indices with pair-wise comparisons of inter-population molecular variance (AMOVA). The results showed that these 10 loci can be adequate for individual identification in forensic cases even in relatively inbred dog populations.

Characterization of the WILMS-TF microsatellite marker in Hungarian dog populations.

Demand for correct and cost-effective genetic-based identification and parentage control has increasing importance in domestic animals, including dogs. In our study the applicability of a canine hyperpolymorphic microsatellite marker - which localized in the WILMS-TF (tumor factor) gene - was examined in mixed breed and purebred canine populations. The redesigned and shortened amplicons were genotyped using an allelic ladder which was constructed from sequence verified fragments. The nomenclature for allele calling based on repetition structures is suitable for international comparisons. Our study justified the potential use and efficiency of the marker D18S12 in parentage control.

Changes in daily energy amounts of main milk components (lactose, protein and fat) during the lactation of high-yielding dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to examine the changes of the daily energy amount of lactose, protein and fat throughout the lactations, and compare them to each other. A total of 309 Israeli Holstein-Friesian cows from one kibbutz were investigated in three lactations, and information was given for a period of five years from 1996 to the end of 2000. The distribution of milk components and milk yield during lactation, and changes of the absolute and relative energy amount in the different milk components were calculated and evaluated. The results showed changes in the energy content of milk and its different components throughout the lactation. Each component (fat, lactose and protein) is dominant in different periods during the lactation. The energy amount from fat reaches a peak first, between days 40 and 50. Lactose has a peak at about day 66 of lactation, and protein reaches the peak last, approximately at day 104 of lactation. It seems that this peak sequence is constant and it is considered to be physiological. It might be suggested that there is a regulation governing the secretion of the different components at different times, and only one component is dominant in a given period. Each component exerts negative and positive influences on the secretion of the other components, which interact with each other and are not fully independent.

Genetic variation within and relationships among five subpopulations of Slovak Thoroughbred.

Genetic variation at six microsatellite loci was analysed for five Thoroughbred subpopulations to determine the magnitude of genetic differentiation and the genetic relationships among the subpopulations. Significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were shown for a number of locus-population combinations, with all subpopulations. The genetic diversities and relationships of five Thoroughbred subpopulations were evaluated using six microsatellites recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG). The allele frequencies, the effective numbers of alleles, and the observed and expected heterozygosities were calculated. POPGENE v. 1.31 (Yeh et al., 1997) was used to test for deviations from the Hardy-Weinberg (H-W) equilibrium and to assign F(IS) estimates (Weir, 1990). The utility of microsatellites for evaluating genetic diversity of horses is discussed.

Effects of nickel supply on the fattening performance and several biochemical parameters of broiler chickens and rabbits.

Broiler chicken and rabbit experiments were carried out to study the effects of nickel (Ni) supplementation on growth performance and Ni metabolism. ROSS cockerels and New Zealand White female rabbits were fed a diet containing Ni in concentrations of 0, 50 and 500 mg/kg in dry matter (DM). Dietary supplementation of 50 mg Ni/kg slightly improved the body weight gain (BWG) and had a beneficial effect on the feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in broiler chickens. However, Ni added at a level of 500 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the BWG by 10% and resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) worse (2.3 +/- 0.2 kg/kg) FCE. The relative weight of the liver in cockerels was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased by Ni as compared to the control group (1.7 and 2.1% vs. 2.6%). The activity of AST and CHE enzymes was increased insignificantly by dietary supplementation of 500 mg Ni/kg, indicating damage of the liver parenchyma. The results of serum biochemistry were confirmed by a mild or moderate form of pathological focal fatty infiltration of the liver in broilers. Supplemental Ni of 50 mg/kg concentration resulted in non-significantly increased BWG in rabbits. Ni added to the diet at a level of 500 mg/kg reduced the digestibility of crude protein by 3-4% and that of crude fibre by 20-25% in rabbits. Approx. 98% of the ingested Ni was lost from the body via the faeces, 0.5-1.5% via the urine and approx. 1% was incorporated into the organs of rabbits. As a result of dietary supplementation of 50 and 500 mg Ni/kg, Ni accumulated in the kidneys (4.9 +/- 0.5 and 17.1 +/- 3.1 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.3 mg/kg DM), ribs (10.3 +/- 0.4 and 10.4 +/- 0.6 vs. 9.1 +/- 0.6 mg/kg DM), heart (1.4 +/- 0.2 and 2.5 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.1 mg/kg DM) and liver (1.3 +/- 0.1 and 2.2 +/- 0.2 vs. 0.9 +/- 0.05 mg/kg DM), as compared to the control animals. It can be stated that supplementation of the diet with 50 mg Ni/kg had slight but non-significant beneficial effects on the growth performance of broiler chickens and rabbits.

Influence of feeding intensity on the growth, body composition and sexual maturity of male New Zealand White rabbits.

An experiment was carried out with young male New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits to establish live body weight changes, body measurements, body composition and sexual maturity as a function of feeding intensity. Animals in Group 1 ('AL', n = 10) were fed ad libitum, while those in Group 2 ('RS', n = 10) received restricted feeding corresponding to 70% of the ad libitum level. The starting liveweights were practically the same (0.907 +/- 0.146 and 0.911 +/- 0.147 kg in Group AL and Group RS, respectively). The feeding trial lasted from 6 to 22 weeks of age. The average body weight was significantly higher in Group AL from 7 to 22 weeks of age. At 22 weeks of age the body weight of RS rabbits was 85.64% of the weight of AL animals (3.22 +/- 0.52 kg and 3.76 +/- 0.33 kg, respectively). Average body weights of RS males at 8, 9, 11, 19 and 21 weeks of age were similar to those of ad libitum fed (AL) animals at 7, 8, 10, 15 and 16 weeks of age, respectively. The growth of bucks fed restricted tended to be allometric. The most significant difference was found at 16 and 18 weeks of age, while the lowest difference occurred at 6, 12, 15 and 19 weeks of age. It can be stated that low-intensity feeding up to slaughtering weight causes backwardness in rear cannon length and this backwardness remains also after the 15th week, which is well over the optimal slaughtering age. Based on the present data, the 70% restricted feeding cannot be recommended either for the future breeding bucks or for broiler males reared for slaughter. To determine the major chemical components of the body, rabbits were euthanised. Original dry matter and crude fat content of the body significantly (P < 0.05) decreased under restricted feeding (41.42%; 32.48% and 16.73%; 7.35%) while the percentage of protein within the dry matter increased (49.6%; 65.0%) and fat decreased (40.17%; 22.1%) significantly. Libido unambiguously decreases as a consequence of feed deprivation. The most conspicuous difference was found in the level of blood testosterone. Although a few RS bucks produced semen but only much later than the rabbits fed ad libitum. On the other hand, there was no difference in the motility of spermatozoa and ejaculate volume in comparison with AL animals. There was no relationship between the body fat content and the reproductive status of bucks in the present trial.

Canine STR analyses in forensic practice. Observation of a possible mutation in a dog hair.

In a case of the death of a 7-year-old boy, the police investigations revealed a possible dog attack contrary to the witness testimonies. DNA investigations were carried out from hairs, saliva and bloodstains with 10 canine-specific STR loci by the use of fluorescently labelled multiplex PCR and the ABI PRISM 310 genetic analyzer. The analysis of one hair sample revealed one allele deviation from the profile of the putative Rottweiler perpetrator possibly caused by a mutation. The PCR fragments in question at the PEZ20 locus were sequenced and compared with the alleles detected in the Hungarian canine population and identified on a repeat number basis. The allele frequencies were determined based on typing of 242 genetically independent canine individuals from 72 breeds. The results suggested that two of the canine individuals could be the perpetrators.

Resolution of parentage in dogs by examination of microsatellites after death of putative sire: case report.

A case of disputed paternity in dogs is reported. DNA examinations were carried out from hair samples of the individuals several months after the death of the putative sire. Ten short tandem repeat (STR) loci were analysed by fluorescence-labelled multiplex PCR using ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyser. Based on the results the candidate sire was included in the pedigree records as the biological sire. In spite of the genetic homogeneity of pedigree dogs due to inbreeding, canine microsatellites can provide an adequate basis for assigning paternity in pure breeds.

Study of soil-plant (potato and beetroot)-animal cycle of nutritive and hazardous minerals in a rabbit model.

Potato and beetroot were grown on soils previously treated with heavy metal salts. Each particular microelement had a high concentration in both potato and beetroot [cadmium (Cd) 3.7 and 55.4, lead (Pb) 8.1 and 3.0, and mercury (Hg) 5.8 and 6.8 mg/kg dry matter, respectively]. In a metabolic balance trial 16 New Zealand White rabbits were fed 50 grams of basal diet and potato or beetroot ad libitum. The apparent digestibility of major nutrients and the accumulation of the microelements in different organs were investigated. Both potato and beetroot samples of high Pb and Hg content had the significantly (p < 0.05) lowest digestibility of organic matter and nitrogen-free extract. The Cd ingested from both potato and beetroot accumulated in the kidneys and liver (2.85 and 1.48 as well as 0.459 and 0.265 mg/kg, respectively). All the microelements (Cd, Pb and Hg) accumulated in the testicles (0.196, 0.32 and 0.199 mg/kg, respectively), reducing the rate of spermatogenesis. The tissue retention of heavy metals depends not only on the element itself, but also upon the 'carrier' feedstuff.

Canine microsatellite polymorphisms as the resolution of an illegal animal death case in a Hungarian zoological gardens.

Several animal carcasses were found in the paddocks of a Hungarian County Zoo during 1 week. The 14 animals killed were thought to be the victims of a dogfight training. The primary suspect was the security guard of the Zoo with his guard dogs. DNA tests were carried out on hairs and bloodstains and 10 canine-specific STR loci were analysed by fluorescently labelled multiplex PCR using the ABI PRISM 310 Genetic Analyzer. The results confirmed that the killer was a single animal and all of the guard dogs were excluded.

Fertile estrus induced in bitches by bromocryptine, a dopamine agonist: a clinical trial.

The dopamine agonist bromocryptine, probably through amplifying gonadotroph (mainly FSH) secretion, was found to be suitable for provoking fertile estrus during the anestrous phase in bitches without functional cycles and/or ovarian activity. We studied estrus induction in 48 bitches after treatment with semisynthetic ergot alkaloid bromocryptine. For habituation a fractional dose of 0.3 mg/bitch was administered for three days followed by larger doses within the range of 0.6 to 2.5 mg/bitch by selecting dose rates on the basis of individual responsiveness and body weight. The long-term daily bromocryptine dose did not exceed 0.6 mg/bitch and 2.5 mg/bitch in small and large sized bitches, respectively. Gradual habituation and individual dose rates have almost completely eliminated the unwanted side effect of emesis. The period between treatment and onset of estrus varied but the average was 19 days. After the onset of estrus bromocryptine administration was usually continued for another 3 to 6 days. Occurrences of estrus, ovulation and pregnancy were monitored by cytological evaluation of vaginal epithelium, rapid ELISA for plasma progesterone and ultrasonography, respectively. Samples for progesterone were taken on Days 7, 9, 12 and 15 and sonograms of ovarian follicles and of fetuses were taken on Days 0, 22 and 35. The bitches involved in the study either regular or irregular cycles. Bromocryptine treatment induced estrus in all of the bitches including 40 of 48 (83%) with ovulation within a regular estrus and 6 of 48 (12.5%) that showed estrus but did not ovulate. Mating or artificial insemination of bitches in their fertile periods twice at two day intervals resulted in an 83% pregnancy rate (40 cases) and 39 (97.5%) of them gave birth to puppies. However, the average litter size was small with 4.8 +/- 1.6 pups.

Influence of feeding intensity on corporeal development, body composition and sexual maturity in female rabbits.

Twenty-six 6-week old female New Zealand White rabbits were divided into two groups: ad libitum (AL) and 70% restricted (RS) feeding. At the beginning of the experiment the liveweights were practically the same: 0.99 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.01 +/- 0.08 kg in group AL and RS, respectively. At 18 weeks of age the body weight of Group RS rabbits was 84.7% (3.14 +/- 0.24 kg) of the group AL (3.71 +/- 0.31 kg). The apparent digestibility of crude protein was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in Group RS than in Group AL (76.5 +/- 1.4 vs. 73.0 +/- 2.7%). The daily water consumption was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (3.5 ml/g DM intake) in Group RS as compared to Group AL (1.9 ml/g DM). Since the average body weight in Group RS at 18 weeks was the same as that of Group AL at 14 weeks of age (3.14 kg), the comparison of the live body measures and indices was based on these ages. Animals fed ad libitum or restricted show no differences at the defined age in most live body measurements except in heart girth and rump width, which were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter in Group AL than in Group RS (29.3 +/- 0.8, 5.7 +/- 0.5 and 30.7 +/- 1.0, 6.2 +/- 0.3 cm, respectively). Body capacity was significantly (p < 0.05) smaller in Group AL, as the head capacity-body capacity proportion was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Group AL than in Group RS (1653.1 +/- 134.5, 22.0 +/- 2.5 and 1913.7 +/- 168.7, 17.7 +/- 1.9, respectively). Due to restricted feeding the growth of the head proved to be less intensive than that of the body at the same body weight. The body in these does tended to be wider. Since the head in comparison to length or capacity of the body was smaller in does fed 70% of ad libitum, it could be concluded that the development of body parts of restricted-fed does was unequal (allometric growth). The effect of feed restriction reflected in lower dry matter and fat, and a higher ash and protein content both in total body and in dry matter composition of rabbits at 18 weeks of age. Restricted feeding delayed sexual maturity (69 vs. 92% of rabbits) with later starting ovarian activity, weaker ovarian responsiveness, and a smaller number of tertiary follicles on the ovarian surface.

Dog feeding test for assessing the nutritional adequacy of practical diets.

The nutritive value of dog foods declared by the manufacturer as nutritionally complete and balanced can be best assessed by feeding trials with dogs. A protocol of a feeding trial has been developed and tested with working dogs fed two different commercial complete and balanced diets for 8 weeks. The parameters used for evaluating the effect of diets were general health status, body and hair coat condition, change of body weight, haematological parameters (white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume), and biochemical parameters in blood serum (alanine aminotransferase, urea, albumin). The trial protocol proved to be appropriate to monitor the dogs' nutritional status and to reveal differences between diets. This method of evaluation is recommended for use in supporting the nutritional claims (labelling) of dog foods.

Study of the soil-plant (carrot)-animal cycle of nutritive and hazardous minerals in a rabbit model.

Carrots were grown on soils polluted by heavy metal salts. Each particular microelement reached a high concentration [molybdenum (Mo) 39.00, cadmium (Cd) 2.30, lead (Pb) 4.01, mercury (Hg) 30.00, and selenium (Se) 36.20 mg/kg dry matter] in the carrot. In a metabolic balance trial conducted with 15 male and 15 female New Zealand White rabbits, the control animals (n = 5) were fed ad libitum with concentrate as basal diet, while the other rabbits received the basal diet and carrots containing the particular microelement. Blood samples were taken to determine the activity of serum enzymes. To investigate the metabolism of Mo, Cd, Pb, Hg and Se, samples were taken from the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, spleen, ovaries/testicles, entire digestive tract, adipose tissue, femur, hair, faeces and urine. Carrot had significantly higher digestibility for all nutrients than the rabbit concentrate. Carrot samples of high Pb content had the lowest digestibility of crude protein. The microelements differed in their rate of accumulation in the organs examined: Mo and Cd accumulated in the kidneys, Pb in the kidneys, liver, bones and lungs, Hg in the kidneys and liver, while Se in the liver, kidneys and heart. The proportions of microelements eliminated from the body either via the faeces and urine (Mo 80.18% and Se 47.41%) or via the faeces (Cd 37.86%, Pb 66.39%, Hg 64.65%) were determined. Pathohistological examination revealed that the rate of spermatogenesis was reduced in the Mo, Cd, Pb and Hg groups compared to the control. Lead, Cd and Hg intake resulted in a considerable decrease in gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and in an increase of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity because of damages to the kidneys and bones. All experimental treatments decreased the activity of cholinesterase (CHE) because of lesions in the liver.

Studies on the energy content of pigeon feeds II. Determination of the incorporated energy.

The effect of breed and sex on adult body composition of four pigeon breeds: Texan (TEX), Mondain (MON), Szeged Tumbler (SZT), and homing (HOM) and on the digestibility coefficients (DC) and metabolizable energy (ME) content of their feeds was studied. A total of eight groups, each comprising five males and five females of each breed, were used. All birds were fed the same pelleted pigeon feed (17.27% CP) ad libitum. After the metabolic study, the whole body was analyzed for dry matter (DM), ash, CP, and ether extract (EE) contents. The DC of DM, TEX, MON, and HOM pigeons did not differ significantly, whereas DC for the SZT breed were consistently lower. In the majority of cases, the DC values obtained for males were higher, irrespective of the breed. The body composition of the two sexes was first compared within a given breed, and no major differences were detected. Interbreed differences were greater. The DM content of the body of HOM pigeons exceeded that of the other three breeds for both sexes. For ash and CP content of the body, the reverse was found, i.e., the values of both parameters were lower in HOM pigeons. The HOM pigeons had significantly (P < 0.05) higher body fat (EE) content as compared with the other three breeds except TEX females. The NFE value for HOM also tend to be higher than in the other three breeds.

In vitro and in vivo motility studies of 99mTc HM-PAO labelled sperm cells.

The motility of 99mTc HM-PAO radiolabelled sperm cells, labelled as described previously (Balogh et al., 1992) was studied. The active migration of spermatozoa was demonstrated in capillary tubes containing bovine oestrous mucus, using an in vitro motility analyzer. Like nonlabelled sperm cells, the labelled spermatozoa covered a 4-5 cm distance in the capillary tubes during a 10-min run. In vitro motility testing of labelled spermatozoa from different animal species (cattle, rabbit, sheep, horse) did not reveal significant differences. The distribution of spermatozoa within the female genital tract was studied in a previously described animal model (rabbit) and in two new models (sheep, chicken). This method enables the determination and visualization of sperm distribution by a noninvasive technique. The results of in vivo motility tests pave the way for the introduction of a method of unprecedented specificity, which serves for studying the penetrability of the oviduct to spermatozoa.

[The diagnostic value of sonography in the clinical picture of pyometra in the dog]. / Der diagnostische Wert der Sonographie im Krankheitsbild der Pyometra beim Hund.

Experiences of the diagnostic value of ultrasonography of pyometra in the bitch are reported. The different ultrasound scans of the uterus are illustrated. Results are compared with clinical diagnosis and pathophysiological findings after laparotomy and surgical removal of the uteri. Very close correlation (r: 0.985, p < 0.001) was found between the postoperative macroscopic and the ultrasound scan measurements of the uterus. Accuracy of the ultrasound diagnosis and reasons for false and questionable results are discussed. In summary, ultrasonography is an accurate procedure for the qualitative and quantitative examination and diagnosis of canine pyometra.