Novel Approach for Evaluating Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein and Inflammation Markers during the Postpartum Period in Holstein Friesian Cows.

We evaluated the relationship between decreased pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) levels, inflammatory parameters (serum amyloid A [SAA] and milk amyloid A [MAA]), postpartum inflammatory conditions (mastitis, ketosis, and follicular cysts), and the FOXP3 gene. Nineteen Holstein-Friesian cows were included in this study. Up to approximately eight weeks after delivery, weekly health examinations were performed for mastitis and ketosis, and reproductive organ ultrasonography was performed. The decreasing PAG rate was negatively correlated with SAA concentration (r = -0.493, p = 0.032). Cows with mastitis exhibited a slower trend of PAG decrease (p = 0.095), and a greater percentage of these cows had MAA concentrations above 12 µg/mL (p = 0.074) compared with those without mastitis. A negative correlation, although nonsignificant (r = -0.263, p = 0.385), was observed between the day-open period and decreased PAG rate. The day-open period was correlated with the presence or absence of follicular cysts (p = 0.046). Four cows that developed follicular cysts were homozygous for the G allele of the FOXP3 gene related to repeat breeders. These results indicate a relationship between a decreased PAG rate and inflammatory status during the postpartum period. Thus, suppressing inflammation during the perinatal period may improve reproductive efficiency in the dairy industry.

Measurement of serum short-chain fatty acid concentrations in cattle after oral administration of difructose anhydride III.

Background and Aim: We previously reported the mitigation effects of difructose anhydride III (DFA III) on mycotoxins, such as zearalenon and sterigmatocystin, based on the urinary concentrations of these molecules in calves. This study was aimed at evaluating the effects of dietary supplementation of DFA III and the fermented status of DFA III in the intestine by comparing serum levels of short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) in DFA III-supplemented cattle with those in non-supplemented control cattle. Materials and Methods: Serum SCFA concentrations were measured in 30 Japanese Black heifers, aged 9-10 months, from two herds, using gas chromatography on days 0 (before DFA III supplementation), 9, and 14 after DFA III supplementation. Results: A notably different trend was observed for isobutyric acid and enanthic acid, which may reflect the different fermentation status of supplementary DFA III in the intestine. Our results indicate the possibility that this trend observed in the intestinal tract following DFA III administration is associated with changes in the environment of intestinal bacterial flora, which may partially reflect the effects of DFA III supplementation on cattle. Conclusion: Difructose anhydride III supplementation for at least 2 weeks affects the trend of blood SCFA concentrations in cattle. Our results provide evidence supporting the effects of DFA III on the intestinal environment and intestinal barrier function.

Dried bovine placenta improves spermatozoa count in a rat model of male reproductive aging.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: In the male reproductive system, the aging process can lead to infertility. Recently, placenta and its derivatives have been researched as regenerative agents. This study aimed to describe the basic components of dried bovine placenta powder and its potential effects as a regenerative agent in a rat model of male reproductive aging with D-galactose induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We divided 15 male Wistar rats, 2 months of age, into three groups: A, the health control group; B, the D-galactose induction group, and C, the D-galactose induction and 10% dried bovine placenta supplementation group. We measured epididymal sperm concentration and testicular weight and volume and analyzed these using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Dried bovine placenta was rich in nutrients, with 61.98% protein, 21.25±2.07 carbohydrates, 8.58% water, 4.93% ash, and 3.27% fat. The mean epididymal spermatozoa concentration of the rats in Groups A, B, and C was 3026×106/mL, 1492.8×106/mL, and 2732.5×106/mL, respectively. The average total testicle weights were 2.44 g, 2.72 g, and 2.57 g, respectively. The average total testicle volumes were 2.29 cm3, 2.49 cm3, and 2.33cm3, respectively. CONCLUSION: Dried bovine placenta powder is rich in nutrients, especially protein. Supplementation with dried bovine placenta can improve epididymal spermatozoa concentration that is important in fertility.