Characterization of reproductive hormones and related gene expression in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the egg-laying interval in White King pigeon.

The egg-laying interval (LI) directly reflects the laying performance of breeding pigeons, influenced by reproductive hormones. This study aimed to assess reproductive hormone levels in serum and the expression of related genes and their receptors in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in 4 stages: first (LI1), third (LI3), fifth (LI5), and seventh (LI7) days. The results showed that serum gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) level decreased from LI1 to LI7 (P < 0.01) and peaked in LI1. The serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels stayed at high levels from LI1 to LI5. The FSH level decreased slightly from LI5 to LI7 (P > 0.05), but the LH level decreased rapidly (P < 0.01). The prolactin (PRL) levels significantly increased in LI5 (P < 0.01) compared with LI1 and then stayed at a high level. The GnRH1 expression in the hypothalamus had no significant change in LI (P > 0.05). However, the GnRHR first decreased from LI1 to LI3 (P < 0.05) and then increased. The FSH mRNA level in the pituitary gland decreased from LI1 to LI3 and slightly increased in LI5 (P > 0.05). The change pattern of FSHR was similar to that of FSH and peaked in LI5 (P < 0.05). The LH expression level was the highest in LI5 and significantly higher than that in LI3 and LI7 (P < 0.05). However, the LHR mRNA level decreased in LI (P < 0.05). The expression patterns of PRL and PRLR were similar; they were upregulated in LI and peaked in LI7 (P < 0.01). The expression pattern of GnRHR was similar to that of FSH, LH, and FSHR, suggesting the critical role of GnRHR in LI. Furthermore, the expression levels of these genes peaked in LI5, closely correlating with the maturation of the first largest follicle in pigeons. PRL-PRLR signaling inhibited GnRH activity to promote ovulation. This study provided a basis for further investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of reproduction in pigeons.

Different amino acid supplementation patterns in low-protein diets on growth performance and nitrogen metabolism of goslings from 1 to 28 days of age.

The investigation aimed to explore the suitable amino acid (AA) supplementation pattern for goslings under low-protein diets. A total of 364 1-day-old male goslings were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups, with 7 pens containing 13 goslings each. The 4 groups were control (CP, 18.55%), LPM (CP, 15.55% + major AA), LPA (CP, 15.55% + all AA), and LPR (CP, 15.55% + AA content reduced proportionally to the control's CP). The corn-soybean meal diets are formulated according to the ideal AA model of goose and its nutritional requirements. The results indicated that the ADG and BW were the lowest, and the F: G was the highest in LPR (P < 0.05); the other three groups were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The ADFI and mortality were not different among all the groups (P > 0.05). Among the AA content in serum and breast muscle, lysine in serum significantly decreased compared with the control (P < 0.05). The UREA content was approximately 2-fold higher in the LPR group than in the LPM and LPA groups (P < 0.05). No difference in IgA, IgG, IgM, and IgE levels was observed among the groups (P > 0.05). The nitrogen excretion was decreased in LPM and LPA compared to the control and LPR (P < 0.05). Nitrogen deposition did not differ among groups (P > 0.05). Nitrogen utilization was highest in the LPA and LPM groups, followed by the control group and LPR (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the patterns of supplementation of major AA and all AA in low-protein diets (CP, 15.55%) had no adverse effect on the growth performance compared with the control (CP, 18.55%) of the goslings. Besides, the two patterns could decrease nitrogen excretion and increase nitrogen utilization. Furthermore, from the perspective of dietary cost and environmental protection, the pattern of supplementing major AA in a corn-soybean meal low-protein diet is suggested.

Effects of betaine supplementation on reproductive performance of breeding geese.

1. An experiment feeding three concentrations of betaine was conducted using breeding geese to analyse the reproductive performance, serum biochemical indexes, egg quality and intestinal immunity.2. A total of 450 female and 90 male Jiangnan White breeding geese were divided into three treatments, with five pen replicates each containing 30 female geese and 6 male geese.3. The results showed that there was no significant effect on the reproductive performance, serum biochemical indexes or jejunal villi goblet cells of geese with different levels of betaine in the diet (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the addition of 2.5 g/kg betaine to the diet showed a tendency to increase egg mass (P > 0.05) the betaine content in the yolk (P < 0.05). Feeding betaine significantly increased the height of jejunal villi and egg yolk total cholesterol content in female geese (P < 0.05).4. In conclusion, adding betaine to the goose diet was effective in its ability to improve intestinal structures. Adding 2.5 g/kg betaine to feed significantly increased the content of TCHOL and betaine in goose eggs.

Effects of betaine on growth performance, intestinal health, and immune response of goslings challenged with lipopolysaccharide.

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of betaine on growth performance, serum parameters, intestinal health, and immune performance of goslings in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. A total of 168 healthy male 15-day-old Jiangnan White Goslings were randomly divided into 4 groups, with 6 replicates per treatment and seven goslings per replicate. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement included 2 factors, that is, LPS challenge (injection of LPS or physiological saline) and betaine (added 0 or 0.06% betaine in diet). The results indicated that LPS challenge significantly reduced the average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and body weight (BW) at 21 D of the goslings, while dietary betaine supplementation tended to increase the ADFI during the LPS stress period (P = 0.08) and BW at 21 D of the goslings (P = 0.09). The LPS-challenged goslings showed higher pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1 [IL-1ß], interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and Interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]) and lower anti-inflammatory cytokine (Interleukin-10 [IL-10]) (P < 0.05) at 21 D of age. Dietary betaine supplementation alleviated LPS-induced increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. The LPS challenge significantly decreased duodenal and jejunal villus height (VH) and villus height and crypt depth ratio (VCR), while the addition of betaine significantly increased duodenal VH and VCR (P < 0.05). On the other hand, addition of betaine significantly alleviated decline of enzyme activity on lipase, amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin in the intestinal of goslings. The LPS challenge significantly increased the content of serum D-lactic acid (D-LA) and the activity of diamine oxidase (DAO) at 21 D of the goslings. The LPS challenge and betaine addition significantly increased the mRNA expression of Occcludin (OCLN) in jejunal mucosa at 28 D of the goslings (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our research demonstrated that betaine can alleviate the decline of growth performance and immune performance in goslings caused by LPS. The results also indicate betaine possesses anti-inflammation properties and improves intestinal barrier functions. We recommend that 0.06% betaine be added into the diet to improve the intestinal health and immune performance of goslings.

Dietary supplementation of betaine promotes lipolysis by regulating fatty acid metabolism in geese.

Supplementation of betaine in the diet appears to regulate fatty acid metabolism and decrease fat deposition. This study aims to identify the effects of dietary supplementation of betaine on zootechnical performance, fatty acid synthesis, abdominal fat deposition, and morphology. Three hundred healthy, male, one-day-old Jiangnan White geese of similar body weight were randomly divided into 5 groups, with 6 replicates per treatment and 10 geese per replicate, and given the following amounts of supplementary betaine: 0 (group A), 600 mg/kg (group B), 1,200 mg/kg (group C), 1,800 mg/kg (group D), or 2,400 mg/kg (group E). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), abdominal fat and sebum thickness, clinical blood parameters, hepatic enzyme activity, and abdominal fat morphology were monitored during the experiment. All geese had free access to feed and water throughout the study. Our results indicate that supplementation of betaine increased zootechnical performance at 21 and 42 d of age. The percentage of abdominal fat and sebum thickness of geese at 63 d of age decreased linearly with the addition of betaine (P < 0.05). The triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TCHOL) content of serum decreased with the increased level of betaine when measured at 63 d of age (P<0.05). Hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) increased with the level of betaine (P<0.05). However, dietary betaine appeared to decrease the activity of fatty acid synthase (FAS) in the geese at 42 d and 63 d of age (P<0.05). The percentage of total area of lipid droplet decreased with the increased level of betaine supplementation. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of betaine increased lipolysis and decreased fat deposition in the finishing period of geese via reducing feed intake. However, the precise mode-of-action is yet unclear and warrants further research.

Protective effects of lycopene on mitochondrial oxidative injury and dysfunction in the liver of aflatoxin B1-exposed broilers.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of lycopene (LYC) on mitochondrial oxidative injury and dysfunction in the liver of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-exposed broilers. A total of 192 healthy 1-day-old male broilers were randomly divided into 3 groups with 8 replicates of 8 birds each. Birds in the 3 groups were fed basal diet (control), basal diet with 100 µg/kg AFB1, and basal diet with 100 µg/kg AFB1 and 200 mg/kg LYC, respectively. The experiment lasted 42 d. The results showed that AFB1 decreased average daily body weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio (G :F) compared to the control group, the LYC supplementation increased ADG and G/F compared to AFB1 group (P < 0.05). Broilers in the AFB1 group had lower mitochondrial glutathione (mGSH) concentration and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and thioredoxin reductase activities, and higher hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations than the control group (P < 0.05). The LYC increased mGSH concentration and GSH-Px and MnSOD activities, and decreased H2O2 and ROS concentrations compared to AFB1 group (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the AFB1 diet showed increased mitochondrial swelling and decreased adenosine triphosphate concentration than the control group, and LYC had opposite effects (P < 0.05). The AFB1 decreased the activities of mitochondrial electron transfer chain (ETC) complexes I, II, III, and V, downregulated the mRNA expression levels of hepatic MnSOD, thioredoxin 2, thioredoxin reductase, peroxiredoxin-3, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, nuclear respiratory factor 1, and mitochondrial transcription factor A compared with the control group (P < 0.05), and LYC increased activities of mitochondrial ETC complexes III and V, and upregulated mRNA expression levels of these genes in comparison to AFB1 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the LYC protected broilers from AFB1-induced liver mitochondrial oxidative injury and dysfunction by stimulating mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and maintaining mitochondrial biogenesis.

Assessment of vitamin A requirement of gosling in 0-28 d based on growth performance and bone indexes.

A dose-response experiment assessing 6 total dietary vitamin A (VA) levels (0, 3,000, 6,000, 9,000, 12,000, and 15,000 IU/kg) was conducted to study the effects of different levels of VA on growth performance and bone indexes of 0 to 28 d goslings. A total of 360 healthy 1-day-old goslings with similar body weights were randomly divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates in each group and 10 goslings in each replicate. The experiment duration was 28 d. The experimental results showed that the VA content in the serum and liver of gosling increased with increasing VA amount (P < 0.05). When the diet was supplemented with 9,000 IU/kg VA, the content of vitamin D in serum and the liver was higher than those in other groups (P < 0.05). The 28-day body weight and average daily gain in gosling in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group were higher than those in the 0, 3,000 and 15,000 IU/kg VA groups (P < 0.05). Growth hormone, thyroxine, and parathyroid hormone levels in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group were higher than those in the 0, 3,000, 6,000 and 15,000 IU/kg VA groups (P < 0.05). The insulin level in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group was higher than those in the other groups (P < 0.05). The osteocalcin (BGP) levels in the VA supplementation groups were higher than that in the no VA groups (P < 0.05). The tibia length and phosphorus content in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group were higher than those in the 12,000 IU/kg VA group and 15,000 IU/kg VA group (P < 0.05). The tibia shear hardness values in the 6,000, 9,000 and 12,000 IU/kg VA groups were higher than those in the 0, 3,000 and 15,000 IU/kg VA groups (P < 0.05). The tibia calcium content in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group was higher than those in the 0 and 15,000 IU/kg VA groups (P < 0.05). The tibia crude ash content in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group was higher than that in the 15,000 IU/kg VA group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimum dietary VA supplementation for 0- to 8 day gosling was 9,000 IU/kg.

Effects of cottonseed meal on slaughter performance, meat quality, and meat chemical composition in Jiangnan White goslings.

Cottonseed meal (CSM), which is an unconventional protein material with abundant sources, high protein content, and a relatively cheap price, can be used in poultry diets. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of CSM on slaughter performance, meat quality and meat chemical composition in Jiangnan White goslings. A total of 300 healthy 28-day-old male goslings were randomly divided into 5 treatments, with 6 pens containing 10 geese each. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric experimental diets were formulated such that 0% (a corn-soybean meal basal diet, control), 25% (CSM25), 50% (CSM50), 75% (CSM75), and 100% (CSM100) protein from soybean meal was replaced with CSM (corresponding to 0, 6.73, 13.46, 20.18, and 26.91% CSM in the feed, respectively). On day 70, 1 goose from each pen (6 geese per treatment) was randomly selected and killed to measure the slaughter performance, meat quality, and the meat amino acid (AA) and fatty acid (FA) compositions. The results showed that dietary CSM did not affect the slaughter performance or meat quality of geese (P > 0.05). The fat content of breast muscle in the CSM100 group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). A concentration of 13.46% or more dietary CSM increased the threonine content but decreased the cysteine content, and 20.18% dietary CSM also decreased the valine content (P < 0.05). Dietary CSM concentration had no effect on the content of total saturated FAs (SFAs, P > 0.05), but 20.18 and 26.91% dietary CSM increased the content of total monounsaturated FAs and decreased the content of total polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs) and PUFA/SFA in the breast muscle of geese (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary CSM did not affect the slaughter performance or meat quality of geese, but the replacement of soybean meal with CSM in whole or high proportion altered the composition of AAs and FAs in breast muscle.

The effect of dietary vitamin A supplementation in maternal and its offspring on the early growth performance, liver vitamin A content, and antioxidant index of goslings.

This study investigated the effect of dietary VA supplementation on maternal and its offspring in terms of the early growth performance, antioxidant index, and tissue VA content of the goslings. Yangzhou geese aged 180 D were selected and randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups with 15 female geese and 3 male geese in each group. The geese were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 4,000, 8,000, 12,000, or 16,000 IU/kg VA. Eggs were collected from each group starting at 300 D. After hatching, 96 goslings were selected from each maternal group and randomly distributed into 2 experimental groups with factorial arrangement (6 replicates × 8 geese), including 2 levels of VA supplementations, 0 and 9,000 IU/kg. The results are as follows: (1) Different levels of maternal VA supplementation significantly affected the BW and weight gain of 7-day-old offspring (P < 0.05). The weight gain of offspring administered 9,000 IU/kg VA was significantly higher than that of offspring administered the basal diet (P < 0.05). (2) Maternal VA levels significantly affected the T3, T4, and insulin levels of the offspring (P < 0.05). (3) The GSH-PX, SOD, T-AOC, CAT, and tissue VA content of the offspring were significantly higher and MDA was significantly lower in the 9,000 IU/kg VA group than in the no VA group (P < 0.05). (4) Maternal VA levels had a significant effect on offspring GSH, GSH-PX, SOD, MDA, T-AOC, and CAT (P < 0.05). Maternal and offspring VA supplementation interact with the weight gain, tissue VA content, GSH, GSH-PX, SOD, MDA, and CAT of goslings (P < 0.05). Maternal supplementation with 12,000 IU/kg VA and offspring supplementation with 9,000 IU/kg VA was conducive to gosling growth.

Dietary selenomethionine increases antioxidant capacity of geese by improving glutathione and thioredoxin systems.

A total of 200 healthy 28-day-old male Jiangnan White geese were used to investigate the free radical scavenging ability, reduced glutathione (GSH) and thioredoxin systems, and the concentrations of reactive oxygen metabolites (ROM), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) in geese fed diets with organic selenium (Se) (Selenomethionine, SeMet) and inorganic Se (sodium selenite, SS). All geese were randomly allotted into 4 groups with 5 replicates of 10 geese each, and received basal diet supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg SS, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 mg Se/kg SeMet until 70 D of age, respectively. Geese in the SS and SeMet groups exhibited similar growth performance. Diet with SeMet increased the scavenging abilities of 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt free radical (ABTS•+, P < 0.001) and superoxide radical (O2-•, P = 0.002) in the serum of geese, as well as the scavenging abilities of ABTS•+ (P = 0.023), hydroxyl radical (P = 0.009) and O2-• (P = 0.019) in the liver of geese. Compared to the SS group, SeMet increased hepatic GSH concentration (P = 0.002), the activities of glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.031), γ-glutamate cysteine ligase (P < 0.001), and thioredoxin reductase (P < 0.001), and decreased the concentrations of ROM, MDA, and PC in the serum and liver of geese (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary SeMet inclusion would be more effective than SS in increasing the antioxidant capacity of geese, possibly by improving GSH and thioredoxin systems, and 0.2 mg Se/kg SeMet in goose diet is recommended.

Effects of cottonseed meal on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, and serum biochemical parameters of geese.

Cottonseed meal (CSM), an oil industry by-product, is an attractive alternative protein source in poultry diets. To investigate the effects of CSM on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activities, and serum biochemical parameters of geese, a total of 300 healthy, 28-day-old, male Jiangnan geese were randomly divided into 5 treatments, with 6 pens of 10 geese each. Five isonitrogenous and isocaloric experimental diets were formulated to produce diets in which 0% (control), 25% (CSM25), 50% (CSM50), 75% (CSM75), and 100% (CSM100) of protein from soybean meal was replaced by CSM (corresponding to 0, 6.73, 13.46, 20.18, and 26.91% CSM in the feed, respectively). At 28, 42, and 70 d, BW and feed intake for each pen were measured. Blood, small intestine, and chyme samples were collected at 70 d. The results showed that dietary 13.46% CSM or more decreased BW at 42 d and ADG from 28 to 42 d but increased the feed/gain ratio (F/G) from 28 to 42 d (P < 0.05). From 42 to 70 d, geese in the CSM groups had higher ADFI and ADG than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Geese in the CSM75 and CSM100 groups had a higher ADG from 28 to 70 d and BW at 70 d and a lower F/G from 42 to 70 d than those of the control group (P < 0.05). Dietary 6.73% CSM also improved ADFI from 28 to 70 d (P < 0.05). Compared to the control, geese in the CSM groups had decreased pepsin and lipase activities, and those in the CSM25, CSM50, and CSM75 groups had increased villus height in the jejunum at 70 d (P < 0.05). All groups had similar concentrations of total protein, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, and phosphorus in serum (P > 0.05). In conclusion, excessive use of CSM (>6.73%) decreased growth performance at an early age (28 to 42 d) in geese, whereas 6.73 to 26.91% CSM in feed improved growth performance from 28 to 70 d.

Transcriptome analysis of hepatic gene expression and DNA methylation in methionine- and betaine-supplemented geese (Anser cygnoides domesticus).

Dietary methionine (Met) restriction produces a coordinated series of transcriptional responses in the liver that limits growth performance and amino acid metabolism. Methyl donor supplementation with betaine (Bet) may protect against this disturbance and affect the molecular basis of gene regulation. However, a lack of genetic information remains an obstacle to understand the mechanisms underlying the relationship between Met and Bet supplementation and its effects on genetic mechanisms. The goal of this study was to identify the effects of dietary supplementation of Met and Bet on growth performance, transcriptomic gene expression, and epigenetic mechanisms in geese on a Met-deficient diet. One hundred and fifty 21-day-old healthy male Yangzhou geese of similar body weight were randomly distributed into 3 groups with 5 replicates per treatment and 10 geese per replicate: Met-deficient diet (Control), Control+1.2 g/kg of Met (Met), and Control+0.6 g/kg of Bet (Bet). All geese had free access to the diet and water throughout rearing. Our results indicated that supplementation of 1.2 g/kg of Met in Met-deficient feed increased growth performance and plasma homocysteine (HCY) levels, indicating increased transsulfuration flux in the liver. Supplementation of 0.6 g/kg Bet had no apparent sparing effect on Met needs for growth performance in growing geese. The expression of many genes critical for Met metabolism is increased in Met supplementation group. In the Bet-supplemented group, genes involved in energy production and conversion were up-regulated. Dietary supplementation with Bet and Met also altered DNA methylation. We observed changes in the methylation of the LOC106032502 promoter and corresponding changes in mRNA expression. In conclusion, Met and Bet supplementation in geese affects the transcriptional regulatory network and alters the hepatic DNA methylation of LOC106032502.

Effect of feeding Rumen-protected capsule containing niacin, K2SO4, vitamin C, and gamma-aminobutyric acid on heat stress and performance of dairy cows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental rumen-protected capsule (RPC) on animal performance, serological indicators, and serum heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) of lactating Holstein cows under heat stress (HS). During summer months, 30 healthy multiparous lactating Holstein cows with a parity number of 3.1 ± 0.44, 70 ± 15 d in milk, an average body weight of 622 ± 62kg, and an average milk yield of 32.28 ± 0.96kg/d, were used. The cows were randomly allocated to two groups: a control group and an RPC-supplemented group (0.13373kg K2SO4, 0.02488kg vitamin C, 0.021148kg niacin, and 0.044784kggamma-aminobutyric acid per cow). During the 42-d experiment, ambient air temperature and relative humidity inside and outside the barn were recorded hourly every day for the determination of temperature-humidity index (THI). Milk and blood samples were collected every week, and body weight and body condition scoring were measured on day 0. Based on the THI values, the animals had moderate HS. On day 42, the RPC group had lower HSP70, adrenocorticotropic hormone (P = 0.0001), lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.0338), and IL-6 (P = 0.0724) levels than the control group, with no significant differences in creatine kinase, glucocorticoid, or IL-2 levels. Milk yield, energy-corrected milk, and dry matter intake were higher in RPC than in the control group (P = 0.0196). There were no significant differences in milk fat or daily protein levels between the two groups; however, daily protein and milk fat levels were higher in the RPC group than in the control group (P = 0.0114 and P = 0.0665, respectively). Somatic cell counts were no different between the two groups. In conclusion, RPC may alleviate HS and improve dairy cow performance.

Effect of selenium supplementation on pigeon reproductive performance, selenium concentration and antioxidant status.

The effects of dietary supplementation of sodium selenite (SS) on the reproductive performance and the concentration of selenium, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined, and expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and bone morphogenic protein 15 (BMP15) was evaluated. Paired pigeons (n = 864) were fed: T1 received no SS, while T2, T3, and T4 received 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mg of SS/kg of dry matter (DM), respectively. Treatments were performed in triplicate with 72 pairs in each replicate. The results showed that selenium supplementation significantly affected pigeon reproductive performance. Birds fed 1.0 mg of SS/kg displayed higher egg production (P > 0.05), higher birth rate, and lower dead sperm rate than the control group (P < 0.05). Selenium and biochemical analyses revealed a higher selenium concentration in the 1.5 mg of SS/kg group than in the control group (P < 0.05), while GSH-Px was higher in the 0.5 mg of SS/kg group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Neither the MDA nor the SOD content were affected significantly in liver, chest muscle, or leg muscle (P > 0.05); however, in plasma, MDA was lower in the control group (P < 0.05), while SOD was higher in the control group (P < 0.05). qRT-PCR results revealed up-regulation of GPx4 in hypothalamus, pituitary and testis tissues in supplemented groups (P < 0.05). However, expression in ovary differed; GPx4 mRNA levels were lower in the 1.5 mg of SS/kg and control groups than in the 1.0 or 0.5 mg of SS/kg groups (P < 0.05). Expression of BMP15 in the hypothalamus, pituitary, and testis tissues was unaffected (P > 0.05), while in ovary, BMP15 was down-regulated in the 1.5 mg of SS/kg group (P < 0.05). These results suggest pigeons supplemented with SS up-regulated GPx4, 1.0 mg of SS/kg exhibited superior reproductive performance, while 1.5 mg of SS/kg increased the selenium concentration, and 0.5 mg of SS/kg up-regulated GSH-Px activity.

Response of growing goslings to dietary supplementation with methionine and betaine.

An experiment with a 2 × 3 factorial design with two concentrations of dietary betaine (0 and 600 mg/kg) and three dietary concentrations of methionine (0, 600 and 1200 mg/kg) was conducted using goslings to estimate growth, nutrient utilisation and digestibility of amino acids from 21 to 70 d of age. Three hundred geese were randomised at 18 d of age into 6 groups with 5 replicates per treatment and 10 geese per replicate. Increasing dietary concentrations of methionine gave a linear increase in body weight and average daily gain. The coefficient of crude fat retention increased as dietary methionine increased and there was a significant non-linear response to increasing dietary methionine. Similarly, increasing supplemental methionine gave linear increases in the digestibility of methionine and cysteine. The results of this study indicated that optimal dietary supplementation of methionine could increase growth performance and methionine and cysteine utilisation in growing goslings. Betaine supplementation had no apparent sparing effect on methionine needs for growth performance, but did improve the apparent cysteine digestibility.

[Effect of improved topical agents on healing time of deep second-degree burn wound].

OBJECTIVE: With the recognization of the mechanism of wound healing, some topical agents are created and applied in trauma to improve the healing rate of wounds. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of some topical agents on the healing rate of deep second-degree burn wounds. METHODS: One thousand five hundred and sixty-three patients with deep second-degree burn wounds(total burn surface area < or = 10%) were involved in this study from January 1982 to December 1999. According to the application time of different treating measures including supplement of Zn, application of growth factors and collagenase, the patients were divided into 3 groups, wound healing rates were compared. RESULTS: Before 1991, none of special topical agents were used, and the healing time of deep second-degree burn wounds was(23.8 +/- 3.5) days. From 1991 to 1996, with the topical application of SD-Ag-Zn, which can provide Zn for cells taking part in wound healing, the healing time of deep second-degree burn wounds was (20.6 +/- 3.2) days, earlier than no special topical agents (P < 0.05). From 1997 to 1999, growth factors such as basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF) and epithelial growth factor (EGF) and collagenases were applied in wound treatment combining with SD-Ag-Zn, wound healing time was (16.2 +/- 2.8) days, earlier than no special topical agents (P < 0.01) and simple SD-Ag-Zn application (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It indicates that the improvement of topical agents can accelerate wound healing speed.

Studies on Auxin Protectors: XI. Inhibition of Peroxidase-Catalyzed Oxidation of Glutathione by Auxin Protectors and o-Dihydroxyphenols.

Commercial horseradish peroxidase, when supplemented with dichlorophenol and either manganese or hydrogen peroxide, will rapidly oxidize glutathione. This peroxidase-catalyzed oxidation of glutathione is completely inhibited by the presence of auxin protectors. Three auxin protectors and three o-dihydroxyphenols were tested; all inhibited the oxidation. Glutathione oxidation by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of dichlorophenol and Mn is also completely inhibited by catalase, implying that the presence of Mn allows the horseradish peroxidase to reduce oxygen to H(2)O(2), then to use the H(2)O(2) as an electron acceptor in the oxidation of glutathione. Catalase, added 2 minutes after the glutathione oxidation had begun, completely inhibited further oxidation but did not restore any gluthathione oxidation intermediates. In contrast, the addition of auxin protectors, or o-dihydroxyphenols, not only inhibited further oxidation of gluthathione by horseradish peroxidase (+ dichlorophenol + Mn), but also caused a reappearance of glutathione as if these antioxidants reduced a glutathione oxidation intermediate. However, when gluthathione was oxidized by horseradish peroxidase in the presence of dichlorophenol and H(2)O(2) (rather than Mn), then the inhibition of further oxidation by auxin protectors or o-dihydroxyphenols was preceded by a brief period of greatly accelerated oxidation. The data provide further evidence that auxin protectors are cellular redox regulators. It is proposed that the monophenol-diphenol-peroxidase system is intimately associated with the metabolic switches that determine whether a cell divides or differentiates.