Effect of nutrition on testicular traits of tropically adapted yearling beef bulls

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 950 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. J. C. Swanepoel ◽  
G. J. Taylor ◽  
E. C. Webb ◽  
A. Stroebel
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Fat Deposits ◽  
Linear Movement ◽  
Testicular Histology

The effects of different management practices on testicular development of young Bonsmara bulls fed a high energy (HE), medium energy (ME) and low energy (LE) diet after weaning were determined. Testicular histology and seminal traits were examined together with scrotal circumference (SC) development over an 84-day performance test trial period. The SC differed significantly (P < 0.001) between HE-, ME- and LE-fed bulls. Seminal traits, such as semen concentration were significantly (P < 0.001) lower in bulls fed the HE diet (1.3 ± 0.134) compared with those fed the ME diet (2.4 ± 0.18) and LE diet (2.6 ± 0.16). Similarly, linear movement of sperm was also affected by diet and movement was slower (P < 0.05) in bulls fed the HE diet (1.7 ± 0.30) compared with bulls fed the ME diet (2.2 ± 0.31) and LE diet (3.1 ± 0.23). The percentage total major (P < 0.001) and total minor (P < 0.05) sperm defects were also greater in the HE-fed bulls (27.1 ± 6.82 and 7.4 ± 0.91) compared with the ME-fed bulls (9.7 ± 1.45 and 5.5 ± 0.87) and for the LE-fed bulls (5.4 ± 1.26 and 3.9 ± 0.58). Dietary energy level (P < 0.05) influenced the percentage inactive seminiferous tubuli, with bulls fed the HE diet having 35% more seminiferous tubules classified as inactive compared with those bulls fed ME and LE diets. Scrotal fat deposits were higher (P < 0.05) in bulls fed the HE diet (243.4 ± 21.59 g) compared with those fed the ME (110.0 ± 12.1 g) and LE (88.4 ± 9.65 g) diets. Feeding HE diets to young bulls probably reduces their reproductive potential.

TESTICULAR DEVELOPMENT OF SALERS BULLS TO ONE YEAR OF AGE

1988 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 961-964 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. H. COULTER ◽  
D. R. C. BAILEY
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Statistical Model ◽  
Growth Performance ◽  
Key Words ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
One Year

Scrotal circumference measurements were taken on 255 Salers bulls located at five growth performance test stations at the 56-d (26.9 ± 0.2 cm), 84-d (28.8 ± 0.2 cm) and 140-d weighings (30.8 ± 0.2 cm) in 1986, and on 248 Salers bulls located at four test stations at the 140-d weighing (31.3 ± 0.1 cm) in 1987. The estimated scrotal circumference measurement for Salers bulls at 365 d of age was 29.4 cm. Test station, percentage of Salers breeding within test station, sire of bull within year and test station, and the covariate body weight all contributed to the variance in scrotal circumference measurements. Incorporation of sire of bull within year and test station into the statistical model accounted for a much higher proportion of the variance in scrotal circumference measurements (r2 = 65%) than when percentage of Salers breeding within test station was substituted (r2 = 32%). Key words: Testicular development, scrotal circumference, Salers bulls, recommendations

scholarly journals Larger Testes and Higher Inhibin B Levels in Finnish than in Danish Newborn Boys

2006 ◽  
Vol 91 (7) ◽  
pp. 2732-2737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina M. Main ◽  
Jorma Toppari ◽  
Anne-Maarit Suomi ◽  
Marko Kaleva ◽  
Marla Chellakooty ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sperm Quality ◽  
Genetic Difference ◽  
Reproductive Hormones ◽  
Inhibin B ◽  
Testicular Volume ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Testis Size ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Prospective Longitudinal

Abstract Context: Recent studies showed that male reproductive health problems, such as cryptorchidism, hypospadias, testicular cancer, and low sperm quality, are more prevalent in Denmark than in Finland. Objectives: We hypothesized that, if fetal testicular dysgenesis contributed to these observations, differences in gonadal development and the hypothalamus-pituitary-testis axis would already be detectable perinatally. Thus, we investigated healthy newborn boys in both countries. Design: This was a prospective, longitudinal population-based study. Setting: Two primary obstetric centers were included at the University Hospitals of Copenhagen, Denmark, and Turku, Finland. Participants: The participants of the study included 633 Danish and 1044 Finnish boys, born at term with appropriate weight for gestational age. Interventions: Ultrasound determination of testis size at 0, 3, and 18 months and blood sampling (n = 727) at 3 months were analyzed. Main Outcome Measures: Testicular volume and reproductive hormones were measured. Results: Testis volume was significantly higher at all ages in Finnish than in Danish boys (medians, 98 vs. 95, 185 vs. 119, and 188 vs. 136 mm3, respectively; P &lt; 0.00001). Testis growth from birth to 3 months was larger in Finnish than in Danish boys (mean, 75 vs. 26 mm3; P &lt; 0.0001). Serum hormone levels were higher in Finnish than Danish boys for inhibin B (median, 456 vs. 385 pg/ml; P &lt; 0.0001), FSH (1.33 vs. 1.21 IU/liter; P &lt; 0.036), and SHBG (143 vs. 136 nmol/liter; P &lt; 0.022). Inhibin B was significantly positively correlated to testicular volume (r = 0.25; P &lt; 0.006). Conclusions: The larger testes and higher inhibin B levels most likely represent a bigger volume of seminiferous tubules in Finnish compared with Danish boys. Although this phenomenon may be attributable to a genetic difference between the two countries, it may also reflect environmental factors influencing testicular development.

PRODUCTION POTENTIAL AND BREEDING SCHEMES OF SOME MEDITERRANEAN DAIRY SHEEP BREEDS

1991 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 13-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. P. Zervas ◽  
J. Hatziminaoglou ◽  
J. Boyazoglu ◽  
A. Georgoudis
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
Phenotypic Characteristics ◽  
Production Potential ◽  
Sheep Population ◽  
Sheep Breeds ◽  
Breeding Schemes ◽  
The Mediterranean

SUMMARYExaminded are some of the most important dairy sheep breeds, among the great diversity of the Mediterranean sheep population, by focusing on their phenotypic characteristics, their productive and reproductive potential as well as on the management practices and systems of testing. Information is also given on their genetic parameters, with emphasis on heritability coefficients, and the range of respective selection and breeding schemes, applied under their particular husbandry conditions.

RELATIONSHIPS OF SCROTAL CIRCUMFERENCE WITH BODY WEIGHT AND BACKFAT THICKNESS IN MULTIBREED SYNTHETIC POPULATIONS OF YOUNG BEEF BULLS

1982 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 1049-1055 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. K. SHARMA ◽  
R. T. BERG
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Backfat Thickness ◽  
Simple Correlation ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Synthetic Populations ◽  
Breed Group ◽  
Partial Correlations ◽  
Beef Bulls

Relationships of scrotal circumference (SC) with body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (FT) as measured from scanograms were studied. A total of 935 observations on growing multibreed synthetic beef bulls on a postweaning performance test were available from a commercial herd for this study. Significant breed group, period and group × period interaction effects were noted on SC, BW and FT. BW and SC increased significantly during the test in all breed groups, while FT showed no change in three breed groups. Repeatability pooled across groups for SC was estimated as 0.72; 0.66 after adjusting for BW. Significant correlations were noticed between SC and BW within each breed group. Partial correlations between SC and BW at constant FT were not different from gross correlations. Linear regression coefficients of SC on BW were significant in all groups and showed heterogeneity among groups but not between periods within groups. Adjustments of SC for BW should, therefore, be breed group specific. BW alone accounted for considerable variation in SC, from 38 to 76%. Simple correlation coefficients between SC and FT were low and significant in only two groups. A significant but low positive relationship was noted between SC and FT at constant BW in a group fed a high-concentrate diet during the postweaning gain period, but there was no relationship in four other groups. Results indicated that the method of adjusting SC for FT as an indirect way of adjusting for scrotal fat was not satisfactory. Key words: Bulls, scrotal circumference, growth

scholarly journals Biological Suppression of Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) in an Eastern Nebraska Soil

Weed Science ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Okalebo ◽  
Gary Y. Yuen ◽  
Rhae A. Drijber ◽  
Erin E. Blankenship ◽  
Cafer Eken ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Practices ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Nutrient Content ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Soil Suppressiveness ◽  
Plant Soil ◽  
Fusarium Lateritium ◽  
Heat Treated ◽  
Soil Feedback ◽  
Chemical Factors

Weed-suppressive soils contain naturally occurring microorganisms that suppress a weed by inhibiting its growth, development, and reproductive potential. Increased knowledge of microbe–weed interactions in such soils could lead to the identification of management practices that create or enhance soil suppressiveness to weeds. Velvetleaf death and growth suppression was observed in a research field (fieldA) that was planted with high populations of velvetleaf, which may have developed via microbial mediated plant–soil feedback. Greenhouse studies were conducted with soil collected fromfieldA(soilA) to determine if it was biologically suppressive to velvetleaf. In one study, mortality of velvetleaf grown for 8 wk insoilAwas greatest (86%) and biomass was smallest (0.3 g plant−1) in comparison to soils collected from surrounding fields with similar structure and nutrient content, indicating that suppressiveness ofsoilAwas not likely caused by physical or chemical factors. WhensoilAwas autoclaved in another study, mortality of velvetleaf plants in the heat-treated soil was reduced to 4% compared to 55% for the untreated soil, thus suggesting that suppressiveness ofsoilAis biological in nature. A third set of experiments showed that suppressiveness to velvetleaf could be transferred to an autoclaved soil by amending the autoclaved soil with untreatedsoilA; this provided additional evidence for a biological basis for the effects ofsoilA.The suppressive condition in these greenhouse experiments was associated with high soil populations of fusaria.Fusarium lateritiumwas the most frequently isolated fungus from roots of diseased velvetleaf plants collected fromfieldA, and also was the most virulent when inoculated onto velvetleaf seedlings. Results of this research indicate that velvetleaf suppression can occur naturally in the field and thatF. lateritiumis an important cause of velvetleaf mortality infieldA.

Stem cell factor protects germ cells from apoptosis in vitro

2000 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 161-168 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Yan ◽  
J. Suominen ◽  
J. Toppari
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Germ Cells ◽  
Stem Cell Factor ◽  
Primordial Germ Cells ◽  
Survival Function ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Dna Laddering ◽  
Survival Effect

Stem cell factor (SCF) plays an important role in migration, adhesion, proliferation, and survival of primordial germ cells and spermatogonia during testicular development. However, the function of SCF in the adult testis is poorly described. We have previously shown that, in the presence of SCF, there were more type A spermatogonia incorporating thymidine at stage XII of rat seminiferous tubules cultured in vitro than in the absence of SCF, implying that the increased DNA synthesis might result from enhanced survival of spermatogonia. To explore the potential pro-survival function of SCF during spermatogenesis, the seminiferous tubules from stage XII were cultured in the presence or absence of SCF (100 ng/ml) for 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours, respectively, and apoptosis was analyzed by DNA laddering and in situ 3′-end labeling (ISEL) staining. Surprisingly, not only spermatogonia, but also spermatocytes and spermatids, were protected from apoptosis in the presence of SCF. Apoptosis took place much later and was less severe in the SCF-treated tubules than in the controls. Based on previous studies showing that FSH prevents germ cells from undergoing apoptosis in vitro, and that SCF level is increased dramatically in response to FSH stimulation, we also tested if the pro-survival effect of FSH is mediated through SCF by using a function-blocking monoclonal antibody, ACK-2, to block SCF/c-kit interaction. After 24 hours of blockade, the protective effect of FSH was partially abolished, as manifested by DNA laddering and ISEL analyses. The present study demonstrates that SCF acts as an important survival factor for germ cells in the adult rat testis and FSH pro-survival effect on germ cells is mediated partially through the SCF/c-kit pathway.

Corrigendum to: IQ motif containing D (IQCD), a new acrosomal protein involved in the acrosome reaction and fertilisation

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 1033
Author(s):  
Peng Zhang ◽  
Wanjun Jiang ◽  
Na Luo ◽  
Wenbing Zhu ◽  
Liqing Fan
Keyword(s):  
Acrosome Reaction ◽  
Development Stage ◽  
Seminiferous Tubules ◽  
Testicular Development ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Iq Motif ◽  
C Elegans ◽  
Fertilisation Rate ◽  
Age Dependent ◽  
Mammalian Spermatozoa

The acrosome is single, large, dense-core secretory granule overlying the nucleus of most mammalian spermatozoa. Its exocytosis, the acrosome reaction, is a crucial event during fertilisation. In this study we identified a new acrosome-associated gene, namely IQ motif containing D (IQCD), expressed nearly in multiple tissues with highest expression levels in the testis. In mouse testis, Iqcd transcript accumulated from Postnatal Day (PND) 1 to adulthood. However, expression of IQCD protein at the testicular development stage started primarily from PND 18 and increased in an age-dependent manner until plateauing in adulthood. IQCD was primarily accumulated in the acrosome area of round and elongating spermatids within seminiferous tubules of the testes during the late stage of spermiogenesis; this immunolocalisation pattern is similar in mice and humans. IQCD levels in spermatozoa were significantly lower in IVF patients with total fertilisation failure or a low fertilisation rate than in healthy men. Anti-IQCD antibody significantly inhibited the acrosome reaction and slightly reduced protein tyrosine phosphorylation levels in human spermatozoa, but specifically blocked murine IVF. IQCD interacted with mammalian homolog of C. elegans uncoordinated gene 13 (Munc13) in spermatozoa and may participate in acrosome exocytosis. In conclusion, this study identified a new acrosomal protein, namely IQCD, which is involved in fertilisation and the acrosome reaction.

scholarly journals COMPARISON OF THREE METHODS FOR ADJUSTING SCROTAL CIRCUMFERENCE IN CHAROLAIS, LIMOUSIN AND HUNGARIAN FLECKVIEH YOUNG BULLS UNDER FARM CONDITIONS

1999 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-40
Author(s):  
J. T'zsér ◽  
M. Mézes
Keyword(s):  
Small Groups ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
The Self ◽  
Housing System ◽  
Maize Silage ◽  
Significant Growth ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Level Of Significance ◽  
Breeding Farms ◽  
Young Breeding

This study was conducted to compare three different methods for calculating scrotal circumference (ASC1, ASC2, ASC3) adjusted to 365 days of age in Charolais, Limousin and Hungarian Fleckvieh young bulls at the end of the self-performance test. Young breeding bulls from three Charolais, Limousin and Hungarian Fleckvieh breeding farms (farm A: n = 40; farm B: n = 9; farm C: n = 11) were used. The young bulls were kept in loose housing system, in small groups, and fed a diet based on maize silage and concentrate. The scrotal circumference of young bulls was measured at the widest part of the scrotum at the beginning and at the end of the test. Significant growth was observed (+13.6 cm; +8.9 cm; +10.5 cm, P < 0.001) in scrotal circumference (SC) for all breeds except the Hungarian Fleckvieh (ASC2-ASC3: 37.5 vs. 37.6 cm). All differences among the means of the measured and adjusted SCs were statistically confirmed at the P < 0.05 level of significance. A moderate to close positive correlation (r = 0.49-0.99) was calculated among the measured SC and the three types of ASC. The results suggest that method I (ASC1) and method II (ASC2) should be used by the breeders for adjusting scrotal circumferences in the practice.

scholarly journals Drivers and Barriers to Industrial Energy Efficiency in Textile Industries of Bangladesh

Energies ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1775 ◽  
Author(s):  
A S M Monjurul Hasan ◽  
Mohammad Rokonuzzaman ◽  
Rashedul Amin Tuhin ◽  
Shah Md. Salimullah ◽  
Mahfuz Ullah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Efficiency ◽  
Energy Management ◽  
Energy Demand ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Capital Expenditure ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Energy Prices ◽  
Energy Service ◽  
Textile Industries

Bangladesh faced a substantial growth in primary energy demand in the last few years. According to several studies, energy generation is not the only means to address energy demand; efficient energy management practices are also very critical. A pertinent contribution in the energy management at the industrial sector ensures the proper utilization of energy. Energy management and its efficiency in the textile industries of Bangladesh are studied in this paper. The outcomes demonstrate several barriers to energy management practices which are inadequate technical cost-effective measures, inadequate capital expenditure, and poor research and development. However, this study also demonstrates that the risk of high energy prices in the future, assistance from energy professionals, and an energy management scheme constitute the important drivers for the implementation of energy efficiency measures in the studied textile mills. The studied textile industries seem unaccustomed to the dedicated energy service company concept, and insufficient information regarding energy service companies (ESCOs) and the shortage of trained professionals in energy management seem to be the reasons behind this. This paper likewise finds that 3–4% energy efficiency improvements can be gained with the help of energy management practices in these industries.

261 HIGH NUTRITION DURING EARLY LIFE IMPROVES REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL OF HOLSTEIN BULLS

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 220
Author(s):  
A. Dance ◽  
J. Thundathil ◽  
R. Wilde ◽  
P. Blondin ◽  
J. Kastelic
Keyword(s):  
Early Life ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
National Research Council ◽  
Developmental Competence ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Bull Calves ◽  
Fertilizing Ability ◽  
Holstein Bulls ◽  
Dairy Bull

The objective was to determine effects of early-life nutrition on reproductive potential of Holstein bulls. Twenty-six bull calves were randomly allotted to 3 groups and fed ~70, 100, or 130% of National Research Council recommendations for both energy and protein from 2 to 31 wk; thereafter, all were fed a 100% diet (adequate vitamins and minerals were constantly available) until slaughter (72 wk). Growth rate, scrotal circumference, and paired testis volume were determined every 4 wk during the differential feeding period. Once scrotal circumference reached 26 cm, semen collection was attempted (to confirm puberty). Post-pubertal semen quality was monitored; once bulls were producing 70% morphologically normal sperm, semen was cryopreserved (programmable freezer). These semen samples (3 bulls per group and 3 ejaculates per bull) were used in an IVF system to determine the fertilizing ability of sperm and developmental competence of resulting embryos. In the low-, medium-, and high-nutrition groups, respectively, bulls were 369.3 ± 14.1, 327.4 ± 9.5, and 324.3 ± 11.7 days at puberty; their paired testes weights were 561.6 ± 23.1, 611.1 ± 59.1, and 727 ± 33.0 g; cleavage rates were 68.0 ± 8.7, 77.1 ± 3.5, and 68.7 ± 4.5%; and blastocyst rates were 31.5 ± 5.6, 41.4 ± 4.9, and 33.7 ± 4.6% (no significant differences among the 3 nutrition groups for rates of cleavage or blastocyst formation). We concluded that early-life supplementation of energy and protein hastened puberty (P < 0.05) and increased testicular size (P < 0.05), without compromising sperm fertilizing ability. Therefore, feeding dairy bull calves a high plane of nutrition early in life is recommended as a management strategy to improve their reproductive potential.

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