Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences - 2018; 34(1)

Effect of thymoquinone on proliferation of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells

Uçkun Sait Uçan, Zafer Sayın, Aslı Sakmanoğlu, Ali Uslu — 2018-03-01

Aim: Thymoquinone (Tq) is the most important component of Nigella sativa and has positive biological effects on various cells of the mammals. At present study, a possible effect of Tq on the large ruminant immune system was investigated by in vitro assays. Materials and Methods: Thus, the effects of different Tq concentrations on both survival and proliferation of bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells were investigated by cell culture and ELISA methods in the presence or absence of two mitogens (Con A and PWM). In addition, phenyl boronic acid (PBA) was evaluated similarly. Results: Tq showed a blastogenic effect on peripheral mononuclear cells of cows when Tq was added to culture medium at a final concentration of 50 μg/mL. Following 5 days of proliferation of cells with 10⁷ cell/mL density in presence of 50 μg/mL Tq caused 0.485 ± 0.06 OD degree of blastogenesis (P <0.01). The mitogenic responses for Con A and PWM were 0,399 ± 0,084 and 0,397 ± 0,049, respectively. The combination of Tq with either of both mitogens (Con A or PWM) did not lead to a further increase in the proliferation. Mechanism of Tq's mitogenic effect on bovine immune cells is completely in dark at present. Additionally, PBA is present in cell culture medium at a final concentration of 2.5 μg/mL a significant degree of proliferation was measured (0,425±0,058) (P<0,01). Conclusions: These results support our hypothesis that Tq would be a candidate for being a component of a novel adjuvant or even a promising immunostimulant for therapeutic purposes in future. Moreover, PBA is concluded as another potential compound for mitogenesis of bovine immune cells.

Breed and Gender-related differences in Some Hematological Parameters of 3-Year-Old Horses in Flat Racing in Turkey

Berjan DEMİRTAŞ — 2018-03-01

Aim: Breed, gender, age and geographical locations affect the hematological values of horses. The aim of this study is to evaluate the breed and gender related differences in hematological parameters of 3 year-old horses running in flat racing in Turkey. A second aim is to establish a preliminary study for the normal ranges of hematological values in 3-year-old horses racing in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The hemogram data were collected from apparently healthy horses consisting of 40 Arabian (n:20 stallions; n:20 mares) and 40 Thoroughbred (n:20 stallions; n: 20 mares) 3-year-old horses who raced at Istanbul Veliefendi Racetrack in Turkey in 2017. Hemogram parameters were blood counts of red blood cell, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red cell dispersion width, white blood cells, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, basophil and platelet. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance method in SPSS for Windows version 13.0. The statistical model included breed, gender and breed x gender interactions as main effects. Results: Red blood cells (P<0.001), hemoglobin (P<0.001) and hematocrit (P<0.001) were found significantly higher in Thoroughbred than Arabian horses. Gender and breed x gender interaction did not have any significant effect on any parameters (P>0.05). Conclusions: Breed differences but not gender-related differences were observed in 3-year-old race horses. It seems there are some differences in some hematological parameters of both Arabians and Thoroughbred compared to their counterparts in other countries. It is advisable for researchers to determine their own reference ranges for breeds in their country.

Determination of the polymorphisms in the 8. exon of PPARGC1A gene of Anatolian Water Buffaloes

Yasemin ALYORUK, Metin ERDOGAN — 2018-03-01

Aim: PPARGC1A gene has an important role in glucose-lipid metabolism and energy balance. Also, PPARGC1A gene can be used as a candidate gene at milk quality and production at livestock animal. Therefore, this research has been conducted to determine the polymorphisms on 8. exon of PPARGC1A in Anatolian water buffaloes. Materials and Methods: The total of 183 blood samples taken from Anatolian water buffaloes bred in Afyonkarahisar city and the Anatolian Water Buffaloes in the frame of reclamation project by Animal Breeders were used as a research material in this study. ABI 3500 genetic analyzer was used to investigate the region of 739 bp that from 8. exon to 9. intron of PPARGC1A gene. GENETIX computer program was used for statistics analyses. Results: In this study, an SNP located at the c.1599A>T on the 8. exon of PPARGC1A gene was found. The population showed disagreement with expected Hardy-Weinberg balance by Chi-square (χ2) analyses (P<0.001). Frequencies of A and T alleles were estimated 0.768 and 0.232, respectively. Heterozigosities were calculated 24.59% in Anatolian water buffaloes population. Conclusions: As a result, c.1598 A> T polymorphism in exon 8 of PPARGC1A gene can affect the amino acid sequence. Thus, the structure and function of the protein would change the GAC codon encodes Aspartic acid (Asp) and the GTC codon encodes Valin (Val) amino acid. Therefore, determining the effects of c.1598 A>T and other SNPs in PPARGC1A gene on growth could have an effect on the initiation and maintenance of lactation, milk yield, quality of milk and milk fat in Anatolian Water Buffaloes.

Relation of some biochemical parameters in Van (Turkey) cats with sex, age, eye colour and hair length

Vahdettin ALTUNOK, Nuri BAŞPINAR, Pınar PEKER AKALIN, Nazmi YÜKSEK — 2018-03-01

Aim: Van cats originate from eastern Turkey and they are a part of the national cultural assets. The most striking characteristic feature of the Van cats is the colour of their eyes (dischromatopsy). The aim of this study was to determine plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities, total protein, albumin, glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, urea/nitrogen, and creatinin levels and the relation of these parameters with sex, age, eye colour and hair length in Van cats. Materials and Methods: Healthy blood plasma, 47 Van cats (Van Cat House, Yuzuncu Yil University, Van), fed with standart cat food, were used. Cats were divided into groups based on sex (female-male), age (1-2; 3-4; above 5), eye colour (amber-amber, amber-blue, blue-amber, blue-blue, eyes described from left to right) and hair length (short; long). Plasma biochemical parameters were determined colorimetrically by spectrophotometry, with commercial kits. Results: There was no difference between the parameters regarding with sex. Albumin levels were higher in the short-haired cats compared to the long-haired cats (p<0.05). As regards eye colours, blue-blue eyed cat plasma glucose levels were much higher from than in the other eye colour groups (p<0,001). In age groups, creatinin levels were lower (p<0.05) in 1-2 year-old cats compared to the other age groups. Conclusions: Our results indicate that some of the plasma biochemical parameters of the Van cats may be related to their eyecolours, age and hair length. It also can be considered that the biochemical parameters obtained in the Van cat may be useful for the clinical diagnosis.

Fertility and Milk Yield Traits of Different Origins of Holstein Cattle 1. Fertility Traits

Kürşat Alkoyak, Orhan Çetin — 2018-03-01

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to determine the reproduction traits together with environmental effects on different Holstein breed reared in a private intensive dairy in Kırşehir. Materials and Methods: The material used in the study was comprised of the data between 2011-2014 of the pregnant Holstein heifers and their calves imported from the USA and Estonia in 2011-2012. In the study, records of 260 cows (118 from USA, 142 from Estonia) for reproductive performance, records of 79 cows from Estonia for first AI dates was analyzed. Results: At the result of this study the proportional reproductive parameters found as; pregnancy, calving, stillbirth and abortion rates were 95.8 %, 88%, 3.3% and 8.7 %for all cows; 94.3%, 85%, 4% and 10.1% for Estonian Holsteins; 98.5 %, 93.1 %, 2 %, and 4.9% for USA Holsteins respectively. Age at first insemination, interval from first insemination to pregnancy, number of insemination per pregnancy and first calving age of reproductive performance traits were 445.97±3.75 d, 13.04±2.96 d, 1.354±0.076 and 24.590±160 d for Estonian Hosteins. With regard to reproductive performance parameters; Origin of cows and calving season was significant (P<0.05 and P<0.001) on days to first service and first to last insemination interval (P<0.01 and P<0.05). Origin of Holsteins and calving year was also significant (P<0.001 and P<0.05) on days open and number of insemination per pregnancy(P<0.05 and P<0.05). Origin of Holsteins and calving age had effect on calving interval (P<0.05 and P<0.05). No significant difference was found for gestation length. Conclusions: It can be concluded from this study that USA Holsteins are preferable to Estonian Holsteins in Kırsehir region of Turkey.

Some Lactation Traits, Somatic Cell Count and Udder Characteristics of Pırlak Sheep

2018-03-01

Aim: Aim of the study was to determine milk yield, somatic cell count, udder traits and correlations among these traits in Pırlak sheep. Materials and Methods: This research has been carried out on 4 and 5+ years old aged 70 Pırlak ewes maintained Afyon Kocatepe University Livestock Research and Application Center, sheep breeding unit in 2009. Results: The least squares means of milk yield and lactation length were 76.98 ± 4.12 kg and 120.79 ± 2.52 days. Average daily milk yield, fat percentage and log somatic cell counts at 60 and 90 days of lactation were 680.28 ± 40.01 and 431.94 ± 27.37 g, 4.97±0.16 % and 7.88±0.27 %, 4.66± 0.11 and 5.66±0.13 respectively. Udder depth, udder circumference, right teat length, and right teat diameter were 15.25±0.26, 40.94±0.77, 2.77±0.07 and 1.58±0.04 cm for 60 days of lactation and 14.76±0.29, 34.79±0.66, 2.66±0.07 and 1.44±0.03 cm for 90 days of lactation, respectively. The significant coefficients of phenotypic correlations between milk yield and right and left udder cistern depths (0.49, 0.43) were positive and in desired way. Conclusions: It was concluded that the lactation milk yield was similar with other Turkish native sheep breeds and Pırlak ewes were suitable to machine milking. The correlations among milk yield, somatic cell counts and udder traits were in desired ways. Therefore mentioned milk yield and udder traits could be used in an advanced selection program.

Effect of Dry Aging Application on Sarkomeric Structure of M. Longissimus Thoracis and M. Longissimus Lumborum in Akkaraman Male Lambs

2018-03-01

Aim: In the study, it was aimed to determine the changes in sarcomere lengths of M. longissimus thoracis (LT) and M. longissimus lumborum (LL) obtained from Akkaraman breed male lamb. Materials and Methods: The LT and LL muscles obtained from Akkaraman breed male lambs of 11-month old were used. For dry aging, meats were aged for 14 days at +1 °C with 0.2-0.5 m/s airflow and 85% humidity. Samples were taken at the beginning (0), 7th and 14th days of the aging process, stained with Crossmon's triple staining method after routine histological procedures. Cross-sections were evaluated under a light microscope and sarcomere lengths were measured. Images were recorded digitally. Results: It was determined that mean sarcomere lengths of LT and LL muscle groups ranged from 1,71 to 1,87 μm during the aging period. It was detected that the sarcomere lengths of LT muscles was increased up to 7th day, following it remained constant. The sarcomere lengths of LL muscle increased until the 14th day. It was also found that the mean of sarcomere lengths of LL muscles were longer than LT muscles during the aging period. There were significant differences among the muscle groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: The results show that dry aging has significant effects on the sarcomere lengths of LL and LT muscles of Akkaraman male lambs. It is believed that the knowledge of the sarcomere length of different muscle groups is important for demonstrating the tenderness differences between muscle groups and for being able to obtain more tender meats.

Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 By IMS-PCR Techniques In A Cattle Slaughterhouse

Sabri DATLI, Nurhan ERTAŞ ONMAZ — 2018-03-01

Aim: This study was conducted to investigate the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and to detect its virulence genes, including; stx1, stx2, eaeA and ehlyA, on cattle carcasses, intestinal contents and swabs from environmental samples (conveyors, knives, aprons, saws, hooks, hands) in a beef slaughterhouse in Kahramanmaras, Turkey. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 samples, collected from commercial abattoirs, were examined for the presence of E. coli O157:H7 by enrichment/immunomagnetic separation (IMS) with plating of recovered immunobeads onto CHROM agar with cefixime and tellurite. Suspicious E. coli O157:H7 colonies were analysed with anti-O157 and H7 antisera and were confirmed by (Polymerase Chain Reaction) PCR targeting a range of genes including; rfbO157, fliCH7 stx1, stx2, eaeA and ehylA region of bacteria. Results: In the study, E. coli O157 was isolated from one (2%) of the intestinal content samples whereas E. coli O157:H7 was found in two (4%) intestinal content samples and two (4%) carcass samples. All isolates contained stx1, stx2, eaeA and ehylA genes. Conclusions: The isolation of E. coli O157: H7 from the intestinal contents and carcass specimens revealed that the carcasses were contaminated by stool. It was concluded that all E. coli O157: H7 isolates may constitute a potential risk for human health due to the presence of stx1, stx2, eaeA and ehylA genes.

Changes of hematological parameters and serum iron levels in calves with systemic inflamatory response syndrome

2018-03-01

Aim: The aim of this study was to determined to changes of serum iron level and hematological parameters in newborn calves with systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Materials and Methods: In this study, 19 calves with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and 8 healthy calves for control were used. Routine clinical examination of all the calves was performed. Hematological analyzes and serum iron levels were determined. Results: Blood iron level and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly lower (P<0.05), while white blood cell (WBC) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in calves with the systemic inflammatory response syndrome compared to the control group. Conclusions: It is stated that serum iron level calves may be accepted as an indicator of systemic inflammatory response syndrome in calves.

Unilateral Uterine Torsion in A Pregnant Bitch

Gökhan Doğruer, Ayşe Merve Köse, Ece Koldaş Ürer, Azime Doğruer — 2018-03-01

This report describes the diagnosis and treatment of a case of unilateral uterine torsion, which was detected at the caesarean section of a pregnant bitch. A one-year-old, 34 kg half-breed Kangal dog, with signs of apathy, anorexia and emesis for the past two days was the material of this case report. The dog only displayed a mild apathy. Mucous membranes colour, capillary refilling time, heart and respiratory rates were within the physiological ranges. The body temperature was 37.5°C. A mucoid brown-greenish coloured vaginal discharge was determined. The measured biochemical values fell within the physiological ranges. Both live and dead foetuses were determined ultrasonographically then the number of dead foetuses increased half an hour later on second ultrasonographic examination so it was decided to perform a caesarean section. One female and two male live foetuses from the right uterine horn and two dead female foetuses from the left uterine horn were removed. The left uterine horn displayed hyperaemia, haemorrhage and fragility with a 1800° torsion along its long axis, near the uterine bifurcation. The amniotic fluids appeared normal, the chorioallantoic fluid was haemorrhagic in the left horn. Total ovariohysterectomy was performed. The uterine torsion cases may be manifested with nonspecific clinical signs such as anorexia and emesis. In the event of increased number of dead foetuses in repeated ultrasonographic examination, the presence of uterine torsion should be considered. In such cases, the pregnant animal can be saved by surgical intervention, as was in this case study.