Influence of spirulina supplementation on growth performance, puberty traits, blood metabolites, testosterone concentrations, and semen quality in Barki male lambs.

Background: The fertility and genetic value of the flock can be enhanced by selecting lambs with highly developed early puberty characteristics. Spirulina (SP) has been evaluated as a natural product supplement to boost lamb growth, immunity, and productivity. Aim: Study growth performance, blood metabolites, puberty development traits, semen quality, and seminal plasma biochemical concentrations of growing Barki lambs when supplemented with SP at different levels. Methods: in a 24 weeks study, 30 Barki male lambs weighing an average of 21.78 ± 2.56 kg, with a body condition score of 3.20 ± 0.55 and an age of about 16 ± 0.24 weeks were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to three groups (10 lambs each) of daily SP supplementation levels per lamb of 0 ml (control), 50 ml (SP1), and 100 ml (SP2). The SP powder was made into a water suspension using SP to water ratio of 1 g:10 ml. The growth characteristics, as well as the development of puberty, blood metabolites, and semen quality analysis of every lamb, were measured. Results: The growth performance was greater (p < 0.05) in SP2 lambs compared with other lambs. While daily dry matter intake was not affected by SP treatment, feed efficiency had significantly improved in SP2 groups. Furthermore, the SP2 lambs have attained puberty at early ages than the control lambs. The testes volume of SP2 lambs was bigger (p < 0.05) than other groups throughout the pre-pubertal up to the puberty stage. The addition of SP had no effects on the total protein, glucose, and triglycerides concentrations. Meanwhile, the cholesterol concentration was lowest (p < 0.05) in the SP2 lambs. The blood and seminal plasma levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase decreased (p < 0.05) in the SP lambs more than their control counterparts. The levels of superoxide dismutase reduced glutathione, and total antioxidants had increased (p < 0.05) in the treated lambs compared with the control group. Further, the malondialdehyde levels decreased (p < 0.05) in the SP-treated lambs. Additionally, the SP2 lambs produced better semen quality than the control lambs. Conclusion: SP supplementation (100 ml/head/day) enhanced growth performance, feed efficiency, and antioxidative status, exerting a positive influence on the physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty in Barki lambs.

Expression of Hormones, Cytokines, and Antioxidants in Heat-Stressed Subfertile Female Dromedaries.

The prevailing hot climate imposes heavy burdens on the productivity of the camel, goat, and sheep herds raised in the Gulf desert. Due to the lack of a reliable indicator for the various subfertility statuses in camel females, this study aimed to investigate the expression of inhibin, TGFά, ILß, FSH, sex and metabolic hormones, and antioxidants for the fertility status in camel females. Eighty-two subfertile and five fertile females were admitted to the university clinic with the complaint of repeat breeding with failed conception. The animal's genital tracts were examined for reproductive soundness. Blood samples were withdrawn for hormonal, cytokines, and antioxidants determinations. Subfertile females were categorized into six groups; endometritis (EN, 28), inactive ovaries (IO, 20), ovarian hydrobursitis (BU, 19), vaginal adhesions (VA, 7), salpingitis (SA, 4), and cervicitis (CE, 4). Results revealed a significant increase in inhibin in all groups compared to control (68.2, 66.4, 61.8. 58.8, 58.3, 55.8, and 36 pg/mL, in CE, VA, IO, BU, EN, SA, and CON, respectively). TGFά, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and progesterone were not different among groups, whereas IL-ß differed among groups. FSH, estradiol, nitrous oxide, and glutathione were higher in CON compared with other groups. In conclusion, reproductive failures in camel females are reflected in the imbalances of endocrine, cytokines, and antioxidants bio-indicators.

Spirulina Supplementation to the Semen Extender Influences the Quality and Antioxidant Parameters of Chilled or Cryopreserved Arabian Stallion Spermatozoa.

The present study attempted to investigate the effect of various concentrations of spirulina platensis additions to the semen extender on Arabian stallion spermatozoa quality. Semen samples were collected with artificial vagina from five fertile stallions and diluted with an extender containing spirulina (2, 4, 6, and 8 mg/100 mL) or without spirulina (control). Aliquots of diluted semen were cooled (5°C, 90 minutes) and frozen (-196°C, 7 days), then physical traits of thawed spermatozoa were examined. Furthermore, antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSR), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in post-cooling and freezing spermatozoa. The results indicated that spirulina supplemented with the extender had no effect (P >.05) on sperm quality parameters and antioxidant activities after cooling. However, adding 6 mg spirulina/100 mL to the freezing extender improved (P < .05) the speed parameters and total motility percentage of frozen/thawed spermatozoa. Besides, supplementation of freezing extender with the previous level increased (P < .05) TAC, SOD and GSR concentrations/activities (0.86 ± 0.32 mM/L, 323.70 ± 12.81 U/mL, and 38.65 ± 1.90 U/mL, respectively) compared with the control (0.70 ± 0.25 mM/L, 165.80 ± 8.12 U/mL, and 25.70 ± 1.83 U/mL, respectively). While, lipid peroxidation of the frozen-thawed semen was reduced (P < .05, 17.97 ± 1.30 µmol/ L) compared with the control (29.39 ± 1.89 µmol/ L). Accordingly, the present results revealed that additions of 6 mg spirulina/100 mL to the freezing extender improved semen quality and reduced cryodamage of the Arabian stallion spermatozoa.

Promoting viable twin birth on single-bearing ewes in the Arabian Gulf region: reproductive, nutritional, and economic perspectives.

Raising sheep and goats in the gulf region is a large entrepreneurial business. This is, of course, derived from the big demands of lamb and goat meats for citizens and expatriates. There is a major population living in the rural desert areas whose main income steps from rising local sheep and goats. Despite large number of farmers into sheep production, the country still imports from foreign countries to meet augment local demand. Thus, improving local sheep production is a means to reduce the importation of sheep from foreign land. The low twinning rates in the main two indigenous breeds (i.e., Najdi and Noemi) in the region motivated the researchers to pursue an avenue for maximizing the neonatal outcomes is a contributing factor to low level of sheep proliferation in the region. Thus, pursuing an avenue for maximizing the neonatal outcome per female is a good strategy. Application of hormonal induction protocol support reproductive efficiency by improving viable twin birth in single-bearing ewes. By applying this method, several sheep raisers could retain their business more effectively.

Utilization of blue panic (Panicum antidotale) as an alternative feed resource for feeding Barky sheep in arid regions.

This study aimed at elucidating effects of replacing sorghum with blue panic (BP) on total dry matter intake (TDMI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), apparent nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical constituents, rumen fermentation patterns and economic feasibility of Barky male lambs. Fifteen lambs (av. BW, 22.5 ± 1.6 kg) were randomly allotted into 3 treatments (n = 5/group). Control lambs were given a diet of concentrate mixture (CM) plus sorghum (S), BP50% lambs were given a diet of CM plus (S: PB 1:1) and BP100% lambs were given CM plus PB. The experiment lasted for 54 days. At the last week of the experiment, the apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients were determined using lignin contents of feeds and faeces as an internal marker. Blood samples were collected at weeks 3, 5 and 7 to determine serum biochemical parameters. Results showed that TDMI significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by diet, whereas ADG was not affected. Mean FCR values were 5.67, 5.46 and 5.86 for control, BP50% and BP100%, respectively. Neither nutrients digestibility nor ruminal fermentation parameters were affected (P > 0.05) by total replacement of sorghum with BP. Likewise, none of the serum biochemical constituents were different in BP than in control lambs. This study concluded that BP grass would be considered as one of the promising tropical green forages in the arid regions as an alternative feedstuff in case of shortage of green fodders.

Involvement of Quebracho tannins in diet alters productive and reproductive efficiency of postpartum buffalo cows.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of 10 weeks supplementation of Quebracho tannins (QT; 0 [control], 100 [QT100] or 200 g/[cow·d] [QT200]) to 30 multiparous postpartum buffalo cows (10 cows per group) on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and reproductive performance. Supplementation of QT100 had no significant effect on milk yield, whereas QT200 decreased (P < 0.05) this trait. Compared with the control group, both QT levels decreased (P < 0.05) fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield, but no significant effects were found on percentages of milk fat and protein. Contrariwise, yields of milk fat, lactose and milk protein were decreased (P < 0.05) when QT200 was supplemented. The solids nonfat (SNF) percentage and yield were decreased (P < 0.05) with QT100 supplementation. Moreover, QT tended to numerically reduce total number of ovarian follicles, number of small follicles, peripheral progesterone concentration and conception rate. Supplementation of QT200 numerically increased number of large follicles, mean diameter of large follicle, number and diameters of corpora lutea. The inclusion of QT200 shortened days open (DO) and decreased number of services per conception. Contrariwise, QT did not show significant effects on serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations. Supplementation of QT100 caused an increase (P < 0.05) of serum urea compared with that in control and QT200 groups. Generally, QT decreased (P < 0.05) serum creatinine concentration. Therefore, the supplementation of a commercial QT to early lactating Egyptian buffalo cows displayed negative consequences on their productive and reproductive performances.

Consolidating probiotic with dandelion, coriander and date palm seeds extracts against mercury neurotoxicity and for maintaining normal testosterone levels in male rats.

OBJECTIVE: Heavy metals are major elements polluting our universe. The inhalation, ingestion or even contacting human body with these elements results in huge health problems. The most common pollutant in our surrounding is mercury. Therefore, the present study aimed to elucidating the protective ability of hot water extracts of dandelion (DA), coriander (CO), date palm seeds (DS), probiotic supernatant (PS) and their combined mixture against mercury-induced neurotoxicity and altered testosterone levels in male rats. METHODS: Fifty six male rats were randomly allotted into seven groups (n = 8 rats/group). Group1 (negative control; NC) animals were fed on the basal diet only, group2 (positive controls; PC) animals were fed on the basal diet and given an aqueous solution of mercuric chloride (25 ppm mercuric) in drinking water. Animals of the antioxidant-treated groups (3-7) were fed on the basal diet and given an aqueous solution of mercuric chloride (25 ppm mercuric) in drinking water together with the herbal antioxidant extracts and probiotics (25 ml/rat/day) throughout the experimental period. Where, group3 (Hg/CO) given coriander extract, group4 (Hg/DA) given dandelion extract, group5 (Hg/DS) given date palm seeds extract, group6 (Hg/PS) given probiotic supernatant, and group7 (Hg/Mix) given mixture of equal quantities of probiotic supernatant together with the three herbal extracts. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks, animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Blood testosterone, enzyme activity and histopathological sections were performed. RESULTS: The obtained data exhibited that mercury intoxication revealed increases of lactic dehydrogenase and decreases of glutathione-s-transferase and testosterone. Light microscopic investigations of the brain cortex and cerebellum were suggestive of multiple foci of inflammation, cellular infiltration, gliosis and degeneration. Moreover, decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactivity and potential astrocyte toxicity both reflected impaired neuro-protective function of astrocytes necessary for maintaining the brain structure and function. CONCLUSION: Administration of the herbal extracts and their mixture with probiotics enhance the body defense and contain protective factor against mercury neurotoxicity and for maintaining normal testosterone levels in male rats. Also, treatment restored the normal control levels of biochemical attributes and histological architecture.

Azoospermia in male dromedary: Clinical findings, testicular biopsy, serum follicle stimulating hormone and seminal biomarkers.

Azoospermia is not an uncommon infertility problem in the male dromedary (Camelus dromedarius). Azoospermia was investigated via clinical findings, testicular biopsy as well as the evaluation of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), concentration of camel testis protein (TEX101) and camel epididymis-specific extracellular matrix protein (ECM1) in seminal fluids. Azoospermic male camels (AZOO group, n = 28) that had been detected to be infertile as a result of lack of resulting pregnancies after repeated mating's for at least one season were included in this study. Clinical examination, semen analysis and testicular biopsy sampling were conducted for each individual animal. Blood samples were collected from the AZOO and from reference fertile males (FERT group, n = 8) for the assay of FSH hormone and semen biomarkers (TEX101 and ECM1). There were bilaterally normal-sized testes in 42.8%, bilaterally small-sized testes in 35.7%, bilaterally large-sized testes in 7.1%, no testicles in 7.1% and only one testicle in 7.1% of azoospermic animals. Sertoli cell-only syndrome (SCO) and maturation arrest were observed in 78.6% and 21.4% of the animals, respectively. There were greater concentrations of FSH in the AZOO group compared with the FERT group (P = 0.01). In conclusion, azoospermia in dromedary camels is mainly associated with spermatogenic defects and greater serum FSH concentrations. Seminal biomarkers, therefore, might be feasible indicators for identifying azoospermia in the male dromedary camels and the condition of non-obstructive azoospermia was seemingly prevalent in the male dromedary camels in the present study.

Impotentia generandi in male dromedary camels: FSH, LH and testosterone profiles and their association with clinical findings and semen analysis data.

Impotentia generandi (IG) is a major problem in male dromedary camels. The objective of this research was to characterize the FSH, LH and testosterone profiles and their association with clinical findings and semen characteristics in IG-male dromedaries. Semen was collected by electroejaculation from camels with IG (n = 17) and from a fertile group (FERT, n = 5) and was evaluated for motility, viability, abnormality and concentration. According to their sperm counts, the IG-camels were categorized into three groups: those with normal sperm concentration (IG-NC, n = 8), those with oligospermia (IG-OLIGO, n = 5) and those with azoospermia (IG-AZOO, n = 4). Jugular blood was collected from all camels for analysis of FSH, LH and testosterone (T) concentrations. Results showed that the FSH, LH and T levels were higher in the IG-OLIGO and IG-AZOO groups than in the FERT and IG-NC groups (P < 0.05). The IG-camels with small testes showed lower sperm counts (P < 0.01) and greater FSH and T levels (P < 0.05) than the IG-camels with normal-sized testes. Inverse relationships were observed between the sperm counts and both the FSH and the LH levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the IG dromedary camels with oligo- and azoospermia were characterized by high serum levels of FSH, LH and T, indicating a condition of spermatogenic failure. In addition, inverse correlations were observed between these hormones and testicular size and sperm count.

Mastitis outcomes on pre-ovulatory follicle diameter, estradiol concentrations, subsequent luteal profiles and conception rate in Buffaloes.

The objectives of this study was to investigate the outcome of mastitis, in its clinical or subclinical forms, on the mean diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (POF), plasma estradiol concentration on the day of estrus, subsequent luteal profile and subsequent conception rate in buffaloes. Sixty dairy buffalo (Bubalus bubalus) conducted in this study were divided into three groups {healthy (H), n=20; subclinical mastitis (SCM), n=18; and clinical mastitis (CM), n=22}. Ultrasonography of ovaries revealed that mean diameter of POF was larger (P<0.05) in H buffalo (14.35mm) compared to SCM (12.40mm) and CM (10.25mm). Also, plasma estradiol concentration on the day of estrus was higher (P<0.05) in H buffalo compared to SCM and CM counterparts; 34.95 vs. 32.87 and 27.50pg/ml, respectively. Besides, positive correlation was observed between the POF diameter with plasma estradiol concentration in H, SCM and CM buffaloes (r=0.64, 0.74, 0.72 respectively, P<0.05). Moreover, positive correlations (P<0.01) were found on days 9, 12, 16, and 21 post-ovulation between POF diameter and luteal profile. Thus, the conception rate in H buffalo was higher (P<0.05) compared with SCM and CM counterparts; 55% vs. 38.89 and 18.18%, respectively. In conclusion, mastitis in its clinical or subclinical forms disrupts the functioning of the pre-ovulatory follicle on the day of estrus, associated with low follicular estradiol production, resulting in suppression to subsequent luteal profile leading to substantial decrease in pregnancy consequence of buffaloes.

Erectile dysfunction in male dromedary camels: Clinical findings and changes in the nitric oxide metabolite, cardiac troponin I and testosterone concentrations.

This study aimed to clarify the phenomenon of erectile dysfunction (ED) in male camels and monitor the associated changes in nitric oxide metabolite (NOM), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and testosterone concentrations. A total 18 camels with ED and 10 controls were included in this study. The breeding history was recorded and a thorough breeding soundness examination was performed. Total nitrates and nitrites were determined in sera using the Griess assay. Serum cTnI and testosterone were assessed using ELISA. A complete blood count was also carried out. The results showed that 13/18 male camels with ED had no detectable pathologic lesions in the genital tract (ED-N), while 5/18 males showed pathology in the penis, prepuce, and testicles (ED-P). The ED-P group exhibited higher concentrations of NOMs (P = 0.003), white blood cells (P = 0.0001), and neutrophils (P = 0.001) than the ED-N and control groups. The ED-P and ED-N groups had higher concentrations of cTnI than the control group (P = 0.0001). Testosterone concentration did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, the ED in the camels was associated with a rise in cTnI, probably due to myositic damage. Most of the ED cases in the camels had apparently normal genital organs. In the cases of ED in male camels with detectable pathologic lesions on their genital organs, a rise in NOMs, white blood cells, and neutrophils was observed.

Effect of mastitis on luteal function and pregnancy rates in buffaloes.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of mastitis on CL development and function and pregnancy rate in buffaloes. Sixty-six buffaloes (Bubalus bubalus) reared in a commercial farm at El-Beheira governorate, north of Egypt were used in this study. According to the visual observation of milk, physical examination of the udder and actual somatic cell count in milk, buffalo cows were divided into three groups: without mastitis (W), n = 23; subclinical mastitis (SC), n = 18; and clinical mastitis (C), n = 25. All buffalo cows were synchronized by double dose of PGF2α (11-day interval) and inseminated by frozen-thawed semen of fertile bull. Mean CL diameter was ultrasonically examined on Days 5, 9, 12, 16, 21, and 25 after artificial insemination (AI). Blood samples were taken on the days of ultrasonography for progesterone (P4) assay. Results indicated that pregnancy rates were lower (P < 0.05) in C (28.00%) and SC (55.56%) compared with W (69.57%) on Day 25 after first AI. Pregnancy rates reduced to 60.87%, 44.45%, and 16.00% in W, SC, and C, respectively, at Day 45 after insemination. Thus, the embryonic loss was 8.7%, 11.11%, and 12.00 % in W, SC, and C cows, respectively. Pregnancy rates decreased between 44.32% and 50.51% when mastitis occurred during Day -15 before to Day +30 after AI, compared with 59.22% in the uninfected cows. The diameter of CL was greater (P < 0.05) in W than SC and C cows starting at Day 9 postbreeding onward. Likewise, P4 concentrations on Days 9 through 25 after AI were greater (P < 0.05) in W cows as compared to SC and C cows. Positive correlations (P < 0.01) were found on Days 5, 9, 12, 16, 21, and 25 after AI between CL diameter and P4 concentrations. Similar trend was found among CL diameter, P4 concentrations, and pregnancy rate. Accordingly, incidence of mastitis revealed suppression to both CL diameter and function leading to significant reduction in pregnancy outcome of buffalo cows.

Dystocia in dromedary camels: Prevalence, forms, risks and hematobiochemical changes.

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of dystocia in camel herds, its forms in primi- and multipara, the risks to fetus and dam, and the associated hematobiochemical changes. A total of 1890 calvings were surveyed for the prevalence of dystocia. Cases with dystocia (n=107) were examined for causes and treated with traction, fetotomy or Cesarean section. Logistic regression was performed to identify risk factors. The dependent variables were the fetal and maternal mortality, while the independent variables were parity, duration of dystocia, causes of dystocia, and method of treatment. Blood samples were collected from all dystocia camels and six controls for hematology and concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), estradiol-17ß (E2), progesterone (P4), total protein, albumin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The overall prevalence of dystocia was 8.6%. Risk of dystocia was higher in camels managed in an intensive system than in those in a free system (Odds ratio=1.9, P=0.0003) and higher in primipara than in multipara (Odds ratio 1.7, P=0.005). Abnormal posture was the most important cause of dystocia (51.4%). Uterine torsion was the second most important cause (23.4%) and was mainly observed in multipara (P=0.0006). Dystocia was linked to high fetal mortality (87.9%). A significant relationship was found between fetal death and duration of dystocia (Odds ratio=8.04, P=0.005). The percentage of dam mortality was 17.8%. Significant associations were detected between dam mortality rate and the duration of dystocia (Odds ratio=4.74, P=0.03) and fetal viability (Odds ratio=5.82, P=0.02). Increasing duration of dystocia was associated with significant increases in SAA, Hp, BUN and AST, but with decreases in E2 (P<0.05). After a transient period of elevation, the white blood cell and neutrophil counts decreased (P<0.05). In conclusion, abnormal posture and uterine torsion were found to be the common causes of dystocia in dromedary camels, and fetal and maternal deaths were mainly associated with the duration of dystocia.

Phimosis in male dromedary camels: Clinical findings and changes in the hemogram, nitric oxide metabolites, and testosterone concentrations.

The objectives of this study were to elucidate the clinical findings in male dromedary camels with phimosis (PHI, n = 43) and to investigate the association of this syndrome with the hemogram, nitric oxide metabolites (NOMs), and testosterone concentrations. History and signalment were obtained, and a breeding soundness examination was performed. The penis was exteriorized after administration of a pudendal nerve block. Abnormal masses obtained from the prepuce and penis were prepared for histopathology. Blood samples for hemogram assessment were taken from the diseased animals and from 10 healthy control males. Total nitrates/nitrites were determined in sera using the Griess assay. Testosterone was estimated in sera using ELISA. Phimosis associated with detectable pathologic lesions, mainly including ulcerative posthitis and lacerated glans penis, was present in 34 (79.1%) of the 43 cases (PHI-P), whereas the remaining nine (20.9%) of the 43 cases had no noticeable lesions (PHI-N). The PHI-P group showed higher leukocyte counts (P = 0.001), especially neutrophils (P = 0.0001), and greater NOM concentrations (P = 0.002) than the PHI-N and control groups. However, testosterone concentrations did not differ among groups. In conclusion, PHI in the male dromedary camels was mainly associated with ulcerative posthitis and laceration of the glans penis. The presence of pathologic lesions in cases with PHI was associated with leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and high NOM concentrations.