Association between metabolic parameters and embryo production in superovulated dairy cattle.

This study aims to investigate the relationship between metabolic parameters and the number of embryos produced in superovulated cows with high genetic characteristics in milk yield. Eighteen Holstein donors were treated with classic superovulation protocols, AI and flushing. During superovulation, decreasing doses of FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) were administered at 12-h intervals for 4 days. Plasma insulin-like growth factor (IGF1), glucose (GLU), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and total protein (TP) levels were determined by using an autoanalyzer. The mixed model analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. As a result, plasma IGF1, BHB and BUN had significant interactions with both groups and days (p < .05). Additionally, plasma TP-days interactions were significant (p < .05). Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between the number of embryos and plasma BHB levels (p < .05). In conclusion, under appropriate environmental conditions, metabolic profile control of donors can contribute to the embryo production process and to the studies on the metabolic infrastructure.

Using ANI 35/L approach to evaluate the welfare status of locally adapted Anatolian Black cattle.

In this study, it was aimed to determine of the shelter conditions and welfare levels of Anatolian Black cattle grown in two different regions of Turkey. Accordingly, welfare assessment was made at the farm level according to the Animal Needs Index (ANI 35L/2000) method, a total of 76 in Ankara and Antalya provinces. The material of the research was composed of Anatolian Black cattle farms within the scope of the Project on Conservation of Domestic Genetic Resources. According to the ANI welfare assessment method, scoring was composed of a total of 30 criteria in 5 different categories, namely, locomotion, social interaction, flooring, light air and stockmanship. In the study, the average of all farms was determined as 22.73 points in winter and 41.36 points in summer. These values were found to be 22.00 and 23.98 in winter and 40.87 and 42.20 in summer, respectively, in Ankara and Antalya provinces. As a result of the study, it was found that the opportunity for animals to go to the courtyard and pasture has positive contributions to animal welfare. Moreover, it determined that factors such as stall size, available floor area, flooring and lighting adversely affected animal welfare in winter. The ANI 35L method can be recommended to determine the welfare levels of farms that have production by traditional methods and not possible to examine many animal-based parameters.

Effects of L-carnitine supplementation on ascites syndrome in the broilers grown at high altitude / Efectos síndrome de la suplementación con L-carnitina en el de ascitis en los pollos de engorde criados a gran altura

ABSTRACT Objective. Investigate the effects of L-carnitine as a potential means of reducing the incidence of ascites in broilers and its relationship with physiological and biochemical paramaters. Material and methods. One-day-old 300 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were used in the trial. The group without L-carnitine supplementation (0) was assigned as control and the groups that received 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg/L L-carnitine supplementation in water were assigned as treatment groups. The trial was completed in 35 days. Results. L-carnitine supplementation did not have any significant effect on live weight gain, feed consumption, water consumption and feed conversion ratio. Levels of blood plasma and hemogram parameters HDL, Triglyceride, CK, RBC and MCH were significantly affected by L-carnitine (p<0.05). Blood gas parameter pH value was significantly affected by L-carnitine supplementation in the broilers with ascites. Blood gas pH value significantly increased with 100 mg/L L-carnitine supplementation compared to that of control (p<0.05). While blood pH was 7.21 in the animals with ascites, it was determined as 7.48 in healthy animals. Concentrations of SO2 and ctO2 were higher in healthy animals, while ctCO2P and hemoglobin concentrations were higher in ascitic animals (p<0.05). Conclusions. Ascites mortality rates starting from the control group were calculated respectively as %; 20.00, 18.33, 26.67, 28.33 and 28.33%. 76.71% of total ascites deaths were in the 5th week. It was concluded that low doses of L-carnitine supplementation may have positive effects in the broilers grown at high altitude.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Investigar los efectos de la L-carnitina como un medio potencial para reducir la incidencia de ascitis en pollos de engorde y su relación con parámetros fisiológicos y bioquímicos. Material y métodos. Se utilizaron 300 pollos de engorde machos de un día de edad (Ross 308) en el ensayo. El grupo sin suplementación de L-carnitina (0) se asignó como control y los grupos que recibieron suplementos de 100, 150, 200 y 250 mg/L de L-carnitina en agua se asignaron como grupos de tratamiento. La prueba se completó en 35 días. Resultados. La suplementación de L-carnitina no tuvo ningún efecto significativo sobre el aumento de peso vivo, consumo de alimento, consumo de agua y tasa de conversión alimenticia. Los niveles de plasma sanguíneo y los parámetros del hemograma HDL, triglicéridos, CK RBC y MCH se vieron afectados significativamente por L-carnitina (p<0.05). El valor del pH del parámetro del gas en sangre se vio significativamente afectado por la suplementación con L-carnitina en los pollos de engorde con ascitis. El valor del pH del gas en la sangre aumentó significativamente con la suplementación de 100 mg/L de L-carnitina en comparación con la del control (p<0.05). Mientras que el pH de la sangre fue de 7.21 en los animales con ascitis, se determinó como 7.48 en animales sanos. Las concentraciones de SO2 y ctO2 fueron mayores en animales sanos, mientras que las concentraciones de ctCO2P y hemoglobina fueron mayores en animales ascíticos (p<0.05). Conclusiones. Las tasas de mortalidad por ascitis a partir del grupo control se calcularon respectivamente como %; 20.00, 18.33, 26.67 y 28.33. 76.71% de las muertes totales de ascitis fueron en la quinta semana. Se concluyó que dosis bajas de suplementos de L-carnitina pueden tener efectos positivos en los pollos de engorde criados a gran altitude.