Computational analysis of a class of singular nonlinear fractional multi-order heat conduction model of the human head.

The subject of the article is devoted to the development of a matrix collocation technique based upon the combination of the fractional-order shifted Vieta-Lucas functions (FSVLFs) and the quasilinearization method (QLM) for the numerical evaluation of the fractional multi-order heat conduction model related to the human head with singularity and nonlinearity. The fractional operators are adopted in accordance with the Liouville-Caputo derivative. The quasilinearization method (QLM) is first utilized in order to defeat the inherent nonlinearity of the problem, which is converted to a family of linearized subequations. Afterward, we use the FSVLFs along with a set of collocation nodes as the zeros of these functions to reach a linear algebraic system of equations at each iteration. In the weighted [Formula: see text] norm, the convergence analysis of the FSVLFs series solution is established. We especially assert that the expansion series form of FSVLFs is convergent in the infinity norm with order [Formula: see text], where K represents the number of FSVLFs used in approximating the unknown solution. Diverse computational experiments by running the presented combined QLM-FSVLFs are conducted using various fractional orders and nonlinearity parameters. The outcomes indicate that the QLM-FSVLFs produces efficient approximate solutions to the underlying model with high-order accuracy, especially near the singular point. Furthermore, the methodology of residual error functions is employed to measure the accuracy of the proposed hybrid algorithm. Comparisons with existing numerical models show the superiority of QLM-FSVLFs, which also is straightforward in implementation.

A machine learning system to identify progress level of dry rot disease in potato tuber based on digital thermal image processing.

This study proposed a quick and reliable thermography-based method for detection of healthy potato tubers from those with dry rot disease and also determination of the level of disease development. The dry rot development inside potato tubers was classified based on the Wiersema Criteria, grade 0 to 3. The tubers were heated at 60 and 90 °C, and then thermal images were taken 10, 25, 40, and 70 s after heating. The surface temperature of the tubers was measured to select the best treatment for thermography, and the treatment with the highest thermal difference in each class was selected. The results of variance analysis of tuber surface temperature showed that tuber surface temperature was significantly different due to the severity of disease development inside the tuber. Total of 25 thermal images were prepared for each class, and then Otsu's threshold method was employed to remove the background. Their histograms were extracted from the red, green, and blue surfaces, and, finally, six features were extracted from each histogram. Moreover, the co-occurrence matrix was extracted at four angles from the gray level images and five features were extracted from each co-occurrence matrix. Totally, each thermograph was described by 38 features. These features were used to implement the artificial neural networks and the support vector machine in order to classify and diagnose the severity of the disease. The results showed that the sensitivity of the models in the diagnosis of healthy tubers was 96 and 100%, respectively. The overall accuracy of the models in detecting the severity of tuber tissue destruction was 93 and 97%, respectively. The proposed methodology as an accurate, nondestructive, fast, and applicable system reduces the potato loss by rapid detection of the disease of the tubers.

Auditory steady-state responses in the auditory cortex of mice during estrus cycle.

Auditory-steady state responses (ASSRs) disclose the brain's potency to oscillate and have been suggested to serve as biomarkers in various psychiatric disorders. GABAergic neurotransmission, a critical component of brain oscillations, is strongly influenced by sex hormones. In line, the severity of symptoms in psychiatric disorders has been linked to changes in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle. However, how these sex hormones affect ASSRs remain largely unknown. This was addressed by performing chronic recordings of ASSRs in mice while monitoring its estrus cycle. Here, the stability of ASSRs during long-term recordings was validated and showed good reliability. 40 Hz ASSRs showed changes throughout the estrus cycle where it decreased in the metestrus phase compared to the diestrus phase. In contrast, other frequency ASSRs did not show significant changes throughout the estrus cycle. Taken together, our findings illustrate that the estrus cycle may influence the generation of ASSRs and that the phase of the estrus cycle should be taken into consideration when ASSRs are recorded in females.

Phosphorus-Containing Polybenzoxazine Aerogels with Efficient Flame Retardation and Thermal Insulation.

Bisphenol A type benzoxazine (Ba) monomers and 10-(2, 5-dihydroxyphenyl)-10- hydrogen-9- oxygen-10- phosphine-10- oxide (DOPO-HQ) were employed to prepare flame retardant and heat insulated polybenzoxazine (PBa) composite aerogels. The successful preparation of PBa composite aerogels was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal degradation behavior and flame-retardant properties of the pristine PBa and PBa composite aerogels were investigated with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimeter. The initial decomposition temperature of PBa decreased slightly after incorporating DOPO-HQ, increasing the char residue amount. The incorporation of 5% DOPO-HQ into PBa led to a decrease of 33.1% at the peak of the heat-release rate and a decrease of 58.7% in the TSP. The flame-retardant mechanism of PBa composite aerogels was investigated by SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and TGA coupled with infrared spectrometry (TG-FTIR). The aerogel has advantages such as a simple synthesis procedure, easy amplification, lightweight, low thermal conductivity, and good flame retardancy.

[Simiaotongzhuo Decoction for the treatment of type III prostatitis: A clinical observation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Simiaotongzhuo Decoction (SMTZD) on the symptoms of type III prostatitis with damp-heat stagnation syndrome. METHODS: Using the randomized control method, we divided 140 cases of type III prostatitis with damp-heat stagnation syndrome into two groups and treated them orally with SMTZD at 200 ml per time bid (n = 65) and Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Sustained Release Capsules (THSRC) at 0.2 mg per time qd (n = 75), both for 6 weeks. Before and after medication, we recorded the counts of white blood cells (WBC) and lecithin bodies in the prostatic fluid, NIH-CPSI scores and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome (TCMS) scores, and compared them between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: Compared with the baseline, the WBC count and NIH-CPSI scores were decreased and the number of lecithin bodies increased in both the SMTZD (NIH-CPSI score: ï¼»18±6.47ï¼½ vs ï¼»9±5.02ï¼½) and THSRC groups after medication, with statistically significant difference only in the former group (P<0.05), the TCMS scores were significantly reduced in both the SMTZD (ï¼»21.97±5.12ï¼½ vs ï¼»6.4±4.88ï¼½, P<0.05) and the THSRC group (ï¼»20.73±4.97ï¼½ vs ï¼»11.33±5.93ï¼½, P<0.05), even more significantly in the former. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the SMTZD and THSRC groups (9.2% vs 9.3%, P>0.05), and all the adverse reactions were mild. CONCLUSION: Simiaotongzhuo Decoction is safe and effective for the treatment of type III prostatitis with damp-heat stagnation syndrome, which can reduce the WBC count in the prostatic fluid, increase the number of lecithin bodies and improve the NIH-CPSI and TCMS scores of the patient.

High ß-carotene concentration in plasma enhances cyclic progesterone production in nonpregnant Japanese Black cows.

ß-Carotene is an essential nutrient in cattle reproduction. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ß-carotene supplementation on ovarian activities throughout the estrous cycle in nonpregnant Japanese Black cows. The estrous cycles of eight nonpregnant Japanese Black cows were synchronized using a double synch protocol, and the cows were divided into two groups. The cows in the ß-carotene (BC) group received supplementation with 1000 mg/day ß-carotene for 46 days including the synchronization period. The cows in the control (C) group did not receive ß-carotene supplementation. The results showed that ß-carotene supplementation at 1000 mg/day was sufficient to maintain a high plasma ß-carotene concentration and increase the plasma retinol concentration and that ß-carotene supplementation had no significant effects on the dominant follicle diameter, total number of estrus behaviors, or length of the estrous cycle. In contrast, the areas under the P4 concentration curves in the BC group were higher than those obtained for the C group. In conclusion, a high plasma ß-carotene concentration in Japanese Black cows promotes P4 production in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle and total P4 production throughout the estrous cycle without changing the length of the estrous cycle.

Streptomycin treatment of genital carriers of Leptospira in experimentally infected sheep on different estrous phases.

Leptospirosis in ruminants presents as a chronic disease that causes several reproductive disorders leading to severe economic losses. The current recommended treatment can be efficient to eliminate the renal carrier state, however little is known about the effect of this drug in removing the genital carrier state and the hormonal influence on it. A total of 12 primiparous sheep experimentally infected with a strain of Leptospira santarosai serogroup Sejroe, FV52 strain, were used and distributed as group A (estrus; n = 5), group B (metaestrus; n = 4) and group C (control; n = 3). At D0, groups A and B were treated with streptomycin (25 mg/kg) single dose. Samples of cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) were collected on days 0, 3, and 35 post-treatment, while uterine fragment (UF) samples were collected on days 3 and 35, for PCR. Even after antibiotic treatment, all groups presented infected animals, at D3 and D35, with no significant difference between the treated and control groups. Based on these results, it was conducted a second protocol of treatment with streptomycin, IM (25 mg/kg) for three consecutive days, which was 100% effective to eliminate the genital carrier state; therefore, that protocol should be recommended.

Hypothalamic insulin expression remains unaltered after short-term fasting in female rats.

PURPOSE: Our previous study showed that 6-h fasting increased insulin expression in the hypothalamus of male rats. We, therefore, wanted to examine if this phenomenon occurs in female rats and whether it depended on the estrus cycle phase. METHODS: Female rats in proestrus or diestrus were either exposed to 6-h fasting or had ad libitum access to food. The serum, cerebrospinal fluid, and hypothalamic insulin levels were determined using radioimmunoassay. The hypothalamic insulin mRNA expression was measured by RT-qPCR, while the hypothalamic insulin distribution was assessed immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Albeit the short-term fasting lowered circulating insulin, both hypothalamic insulin mRNA expression and hypothalamic insulin content remained unaltered. As for the hypothalamic insulin distribution, strong insulin immunopositivity was noted primarily in ependymal cells lining the upper part of the third ventricle and some neurons mainly located within the periventricular nucleus. The pattern of insulin distribution was similar between the controls and the females exposed to fasting regardless of the estrous cycle phase. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that the control of insulin expression in the hypothalamus differs from that in the pancreatic beta cells during short-term fasting. Furthermore, they also imply that the regulation of insulin expression in the female hypothalamus is different from males but independent of the estrus cycle phase.

Yogurt Enriched with Inulin Ameliorated Reproductive Functions and Regulated Gut Microbiota in Dehydroepiandrosterone-Induced Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Mice.

The effects of synbiotic yogurt supplemented with inulin on the pathological manifestations and gut microbiota-bile acid axis were investigated using a dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-induced polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) mice model. Female C57BL/6J mice were injected subcutaneously with DHEA at a dose of 6 mg/100 g BW for 20 days to establish a PCOS mouse model. Then, the PCOS mice were treated with yogurt containing inulin (6% w/w) at 15 mL/kg BW for 24 days. Results showed that supplementation of synbiotic yogurt enriched with inulin to PCOS mice decreased the body weight gain, improved estrus cycles and ovary morphology, and reduced the levels of luteinizing hormone while increasing the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and interleukin-22 in serum. At the genus level, synbiotic yogurt increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia. PICRUSt analysis indicated that KEGG pathways including bile acid biosynthesis were changed after inulin-enriched synbiotic yogurt supplementation. Synbiotic yogurt enriched with inulin also modulated the bile acid profiles. In conclusion, inulin-enriched synbiotic yogurt alleviated reproductive dysfunction and modulated gut microbiota and bile acid profiles in PCOS mice.

Targeting GNAQ in hypothalamic nerve cells to regulate seasonal estrus in sheep.

Kazakh sheep are typical seasonal estrus animals. Their reproductive system regulation mainly involves the complex regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPGA), which is also closely related to reproductive hormone secretion. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), synthesized and secreted by the hypothalamus, is the key to controlling sheep reproductive activity. We studied how GNAQ (G protein subunit alpha q) regulates estrus in sheep by controlling GnRH expression and secretion. We used hypothalamic nerve cells as the research model. GNAQ overexpression and RNA interference vectors were constructed and transfected into the hypothalamic nerve cells of fetal Kazakh sheep. qPCR, western blotting, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect GNAQ gene expression in Kazakh ewe tissues and analyze its regulatory effect on GnRH expression in the hypothalamic nerve cells. The fetal sheep hypothalamic nerve cells were successfully isolated and cultured. qPCR and cell immunofluorescence showed that the purity of positive cells was >95%. The tissue expression profile showed that there were different degrees of GNAQ gene expression in the Kazakh ewe tissue. Expression levels were relatively higher in the hypothalamus, pituitary, brain, and uterine tissues. When GNAQ expression was downregulated in the hypothalamic nerve cells, the upstream genes KISS1 (kisspeptin), GPR54 (KISS1 receptor), and ER (estrogen receptor) were all upregulated, as were the downstream genes PLCB1 (phospholipase C beta 1), PRKCB (protein kinase C beta), and GNRH. At the same time, GnRH secretion levels were also upregulated. GNAQ regulated its downstream gene PLCB1 in the hypothalamic nerve cells, and directly regulated GnRH expression and secretion through the calcium and PRKC signaling pathways. GNAQ also regulated kisspeptin expression, subsequently regulating GnRH expression and secretion indirectly through the kisspeptin-GPR54 signaling pathway. Our results are of great importance for improving the reproductive performance of seasonal-estrus sheep.

Expression and characterization of the serum proteome from yak induced into estrus by improved nutrition.

Regulation of estrus plays a crucial role in the livestock industry. It is reported that providing better nutrition can induce early estrus in animals. However, little is known about the major endocrine and physiological mechanisms that could enhance estrus in anestrus animals. Hence in the current research two different groups of yaks, non-breeding season (February-June, NBS) estrus yaks as the experiment group and breeding season (July-September, BS) estrus animals as the control group were compared using the isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technique. Study displayed that cold season supplementation significantly improved growth performance, serum biochemical indicators and reproductive hormone concentrations in yaks. We also identified 25 differentially expressed proteins in yak serum using iTRAQ proteomics. Go and KEGG analysis indicated that calcium signaling pathway and beta-alanine metabolism may be candidate pathways for seasonal estrus induced by nutrition. Differential protein expression was validated using parallel reaction monitoring (PRM). The results of this study initially identified A2M, IGF2, A1BG and APOA1 as candidate proteins for seasonal estrus induced by nutrition. Altogether, In conclusion, our results show that providing additional nutrients in the cold season can improve yak productivity and reproductive efficiency, and provide a new reference.

Leonurine hydrochloride-a new drug for the treatment of menopausal syndrome: Synthesis, estrogen-like effects and pharmacokinetics.

This research aimed to investigate the estrogen-like effects of Leonurine hydrochloride (Leo). First, we developed a total synthesis of Leo from 3,4,5-trimethoxy-benzoic acid and the structure was confirmed through 1H NMR and mass spectrometry (MS). Then the estrogenic activity of Leo in vitro and in vivo was studied. The proliferation and proliferation inhibitory effects of Leo on MCF-7 cells and MDA-MB-231 cells indicate that Leo exerts estrogen-like effects through estrogen receptor α (ERα) and estrogen receptor ß((ERß) in vitro. Uterotrophic assay in juvenile mice showed that Leo has an estrogen-like effect in vivo, as it can promote the development of the uterus of juvenile mice, increase its uterine coefficient and the size of the uterine cavity, as well as the increased number of uterine glands and the thickened uterine wall. For further research, cyclophosphamide (CTX) was used to establish a mouse model of ovarian function decline. Through this model, we found that Leo can restore the estrous cycle of mice, increase the number of primordial and primary follicles in the ovaries of mice, and regulate the disordered hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPOA) axis of mice. Finally, the pharmacokinetics of Leo was studied and oral bioavailability of Leo was calculated to be 2.21%. Leo was synthesized and the estrogen-like effect in vitro and in vivo was confirmed as well as its pharmacokinetics.

Transcriptome Analysis of Neuroendocrine Regulation of Ovine Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovary Axis during Ovine Anestrus and the Breeding Season.

Most sheep are seasonal estrus, and they breed in autumn when the days get shorter. Seasonal estrus is an important factor that affects the productivity and fertility of sheep. The key point to solve this problem is to explore the regulation mechanism of estrus in sheep. Therefore, in this study, transcriptomic sequencing technology was used to identify differentially expressed mRNAs in the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary of Small Tail Han sheep (year-round estrus) and tan sheep (seasonal estrus) among luteal, proestrus and estrus stages. There were 256,923,304,156 mRNAs being identified in the hypothalamus, pituitary and ovary, respectively. Functional analysis showed that the photosensor, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis pathways were enriched significantly. It is speculated that photoperiod may initiate estrus by stimulating the corresponding pathways in hypothalamus. ODC1, PRLH, CRYBB2, SMAD5, OPN1SW, TPH1 are believed to be key genes involved in the estrogen process. In conclusion, this study expanded the database of indigenous sheep breeds, and also provided new candidate genes for future genetic and molecular studies on the seasonal estrus trait in sheep.

Post-Transcriptional Regulation of Gnrhr: A Checkpoint for Metabolic Control of Female Reproduction.

The proper expression of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptors (GnRHRs) by pituitary gonadotropes is critical for maintaining maximum reproductive capacity. GnRH receptor expression must be tightly regulated in order to maintain the normal pattern of expression through the estrous cycle in rodents, which is believed to be important for interpreting the finely tuned pulses of GnRH from the hypothalamus. Much work has shown that Gnrhr expression is heavily regulated at the level of transcription. However, researchers have also discovered that Gnrhr is regulated post-transcriptionally. This review will discuss how RNA-binding proteins and microRNAs may play critical roles in the regulation of GnRHR expression. We will also discuss how these post-transcriptional regulators may themselves be affected by metabolic cues, specifically with regards to the adipokine leptin. All together, we present evidence that Gnrhr is regulated post-transcriptionally, and that this concept must be further explored in order to fully understand the complex nature of this receptor.

Plasma level and expression of visfatin in the porcine hypothalamus during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Visfatin appears to be an energy sensor involved in the regulation of female fertility, which creates a hormonal link integrating the control of energy homeostasis and reproduction. This study evaluates the expression levels of visfatin gene and protein in selected areas of the porcine hypothalamus responsible for gonadotropin-releasing hormone synthesis: the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) and preoptic area (POA), and visfatin concentrations in the blood plasma. The tissue samples were harvested from gilts on days 2-3, 10-12, 14-16, and 17-19 of the estrous cycle, and on days 10-11, 12-13, 15-16, 27-28 of pregnancy. Visfatin was localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of cells creating both studied hypothalamic structures. The study demonstrated that visfatin gene and protein expression in MBH and POA depends on hormonal status related to the phase of the estrous cycle or early pregnancy. Blood plasma concentrations of visfatin during the estrous cycle were higher on days 2-3 in relation to other studied phases of the cycle, while during early pregnancy, the highest visfatin contents were observed on days 12-13. This study demonstrated visfatin expression in the porcine hypothalamus and its dependence on the hormonal milieu related to the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.

Artificial lactation by exogenous hormone treatment in non-pregnant sows.

This study aimed to determine if lactation can be induced by exogenous hormonal treatment in non-pregnant sows. In experiment 1, pseudopregnant animals were divided into four groups and given: 1) 5 mg of estradiol dipropionate (EDP) 5 days before (n = 4), 2) 5 mg of EDP 10 days before (n = 3), 3) 10 mg of EDP 5 days before (n = 3) or 4) 10 mg of EDP 10 days (n = 3) before PGF2α treatment. Artificial lactation was induced in seven pseudopregnant sows (53.8%) by exogenous hormonal treatment. There was no significant effect of either an increased EDP dosage or interval from the EDP treatment to PGF2α treatment on the induction rate of artificial lactation. In experiment 2, milk samples were collected from artificial lactating and natural lactating sows (n = 6). IgG and IgA levels in the milk collected from both groups were significantly associated with time during the experimental period. Milk IgG levels 24 h after PGF2α treatment in artificial lactating sows were higher than those in the colostrum of lactating sows. In experiment 3, hormonal profiles in pseudopregnant sows with (n = 3) or without (n = 3) EDP treatment were determined. There was a significant difference in estradiol-17ß levels on days 8, 7 and 5 before PGF2α treatment between groups. Progesterone and prolactin concentrations did not differ between groups. The present study revealed for the first time that lactation could be induced by exogenous hormonal treatment in non-pregnant sows and that the milk collected from these sows contained high immunoglobulin levels.

Effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation in maternal diets on reproductive performance and the expression of genes that regulate lactation in sows.

One hundred Yorkshire × Landrace sows were randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments (diet ND: 6,000 IU vitamin D3 /d feed; diet 25-D: 200 µg/day 25OHD3 feed). The experiment began on d 90 of gestation and continued until weaning on day 21 of lactation. In sows that received 25OHD3 , the growth rate of the piglets before weaning was significantly accelerated (0.266 kg/day, p < .05). Sow serum was collected after weaning, and those in the 25OHD3 group were found to have significantly higher serum calcium (CA) and phosphorus (PI) levels (p < .05). Interestingly, the oestrus cycle of sows fed 25OHD3 was significantly shortened (p < .05), the oestrus time was concentrated on the fifth day after weaning, and the piglets were born with a higher degree of uniformity (p < .05). Colostrum was collected on the day of delivery, and the colostrum of sows fed 25OHD3 contained higher milk fat content than the control group (p < .05). 25OHD3 supplementation increased the mRNA and protein expression of INSIG1 and SREBP1, which regulate milk fat synthesis, in the mammary gland of lactating sows (p < .05). In conclusion, 25OHD3 supplementation in maternal diets improved reproductive performance, milk fat content and the mRNA and protein levels of genes regulating milk fat synthesis in lactating sows.

Effects of increased lysine and energy feeding duration prior to parturition on sow and litter performance, piglet survival, and colostrum quality.

A total of 467 sows were used to evaluate the effect of feeding duration of increased lysine (Lys) and metabolizable energy (ME) prior to farrowing on sow and litter performance, piglet survival, and colostrum quality. Sows were blocked by body weight (BW) and parity category on day 106 of gestation and allotted to one of three dietary regimens starting on day 107 of gestation: 1) Control: 2.0 kg/d gestation feed (12.5 g standardized ileal digestible [SID] Lys and 6.5 Mcal ME) until day 113 of gestation, then 2.7 kg/d lactation feed (28 g SID Lys and 9.4 Mcal ME) until parturition; 2) 2.0 kg/d gestation feed (12.5 g SID Lys and 6.5 Mcal ME) until day 113 of gestation, then 3.8 kg/d lactation feed (40 g SID Lys and 13.3 Mcal ME) until parturition; or 3) 3.8 kg/d lactation feed (40 g SID Lys and 13.3 Mcal ME) until parturition. Data were analyzed for treatment within parity effects using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Increasing the duration of feeding additional Lys and ME increased (P < 0.05) sow weight gain from day 106 to 113. Sow backfat gain from day 106 to 113 of gestation increased (P < 0.05) in gilts and sows fed 3.8 kg/d of the lactation diet starting on day 107 vs. the control regimen. Average total born and born alive piglet birth weight (BiWt) were greater (P < 0.05) in gilts fed 3.8 kg/d lactation diet starting on day 107 or 113 vs. control, with no evidence (P > 0.05) for the difference in piglet BiWt in sows or weaning weight in gilts and sows. Piglet mortality after cross-fostering to weaning was decreased (P < 0.05) in sows fed 3.8 kg/d lactation diet starting on day 113 vs. control or increased lactation diet starting on day 107 but not in gilts. Litter gain from cross-foster to weaning was decreased (P < 0.05) in gilts fed 3.8 kg/d lactation diet starting on day 107 compared with control, with no evidence for difference in sows. Colostrum immunoglobulin G was increased (P < 0.05) in gilts and sows fed 3.8 kg/d of the lactation diet starting on day 113 compared with control. There was no evidence that dietary regimen influenced (P > 0.05) piglet colostrum intake or colostrum yield. There was also no evidence for difference (P > 0.05) among regimens in wean-to-estrus interval, subsequent farrowing rate, or subsequent litter characteristics. In conclusion, feeding increased Lys and ME prior to farrowing increased BW and backfat. Feeding increased Lys and ME when gilts were moved into the farrowing room increased BiWt, but reduced litter growth to weaning, with little evidence that sow performance was influenced in this study.

The effect of pre-breeding vitamin E and selenium injection on reproductive performance, antioxidant status, and progesterone concentration in estrus-synchronized Mehraban ewes.

The present study was conducted to assess the effects of pre-breeding vitamin E and selenium (ESe) injections on the reproductive performance, antioxidant status, and serum progesterone (P4) concentration in estrus-synchronized Mehraban ewes. During the breeding season, 38 ewes (3-4 years) were divided into two groups (n = 18), and the synchronization of estrus was achieved by intravaginal insertion of 0.3 g progesterone CIDR device for 13 days followed by 350 IU eCG at CIDR withdrawal. Ewes were kept under pasture conditions and exposed to Mehraban rams 48 h following CIDR withdrawal. The experimental treatments were control and ESe injection. The ESe group was received three intramuscular (5 mL) injections of Ese (0.5 mg/mL of selenium as sodium selenite and 50 IU vitamin E as DL-α- tocopheryl) once every 2 weeks. Specifically, Ese was administered at 2 weeks before CIDR insertion, at the times of CIDR insertion and CIDR withdrawal. Fertility, prolificacy, lambing rate, and birth weight were recorded after parturition. Blood samples were collected at CIDR insertion, CIDR withdrawal, 5, 10, and 15 days after ram exposure. Fertility, prolificacy, lambing rate, and birth weight did not improve by Ese treatment, but viability of lambs was higher in ESe than control (P < 0.05). Serum total antioxidant capacity at day 5 and P4 at day 10 after ram exposure was higher in ESe than control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, sheep breeders can use ESe at CIDR insertion and withdrawal times to potentiate antioxidant status and progesterone profile of estrus-synchronized Mehraban ewes.

Effect of n-3 PUFA-rich fish oil supplementation during late gestation on kidding, uterine involution and resumption of follicular activity in goat.

We have shown that dietary supplementation of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA)-rich fish oil (FO) around the breeding time improved the utero-ovarian functions in the goat. Here, we investigated the effect of FO supplementation during the periparturient period on serum n-3 PUFA, prostaglandin F2α metabolite (PGFM), placental expulsion, uterine involution, resumption of oestrus and neonatal vigour. Rohilkhandi goat in advanced gestation (n = 16) was divided into two equal groups. One group was supplemented with FO containing 26% n-3 long-chain PUFA at the rate of 156 mg per kg body weight, while the control group was fed isocaloric palm oil (PO) from -3 to +3 week of kidding. Dietary FO increased serum concentration of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) by 7.3- and 6.6-fold, respectively, after 6 weeks of supplementation. Goats in FO group expelled the foetal membranes 99.1 min earlier (p < .01) than those of PO group. Further, dietary FO significantly decreased the serum PGFM on day 7 post-partum. However, no difference was found on uterine involution, which was complete by day 20 post-partum in either group. Resumption of follicular activity by day 5 post-partum was 87.5% in the FO as compared to 25% in the PO group (p < .05). Similarly, occurrence of behavioural oestrus by day 90 post-partum was 57.1% in goats of the FO group while none of does was in the PO group (p < .01) expressed oestrus. It was concluded that feeding FO-rich diet during -3 to +3 weeks of kidding decreased the PGFM till day 7 post-partum, hastened the expulsion of foetal membranes and reduced the time from kidding to first post-partum oestrus in Rohilkhandi does.