A bidirectional selection experiment for high and low somatic cell count (SCC) was conducted over 14 generations with two selected lines (high line = HSCC, low line = LSCC) of mice. Seven secondary traits (milk yield, total white blood cell count, percentage of phagocytic cells in blood, endotoxin challenge response, percentage of females littering, number of young born alive, and percentage of young surviving to weaning) were measured to examine correlated responses to selection for SCC. Average response per generation for log2 SCC was small in both selected lines (HSCC = .0678 ±.0341, LSCC = .0384 ± .0390, P > .05). There was little per generation divergence between the selected lines (.0294 ± .0178, P > .05). Genetic and phenotypic selection differentials indicated that selection procedures did select the more extreme individuals for SCC, even though response to selection was poor. Phenotypic correlations among SCC and the seven secondary traits were generally small, and near zero. Correlation coefficients ranged from -.17 to .17. Milk yield was negatively correlated with SCC (-.07, P < .05). The correlation between endotoxin challenge response and SCC was also negative (-.17, P < .05). Components of genetic variance for SCC were estimated to explain the lack of selection response. Covariances between daughter and dam, and among full sibs were negative (-.1180 and -.0362, respectively). Analysis for offspring and maternal components for SCC yielded a negative estimate for the covariance between additive effects for the offspring and maternal components (-.1781). No biological explanation can be offered for its existence. Heritability from this same analysis was .05. / Master of Science

The effectiveness of on-farm tests for the detection of antibiotic residues in milk and urine was examined using the Virginia Tech dairy herd. Milk samples from treated cows were collected 72 hours post treatment and tested for residues by the Bacillus stearothermophilus Difco disc assay, the Delvotest-P, and the Penzyme test. Urine of cull cows was collected and tested with the Live Animal Swap Test (LAST). Results showed 21% to 24% of milk samples contained antibiotic residues past the recommended withholding period. In a comparison of the two on-farm tests to the officially recognized B. stearothermophilus disc assay, no significant difference was seen between the tests. An inordinately high (62.5%) level of urine samples from cull cows exhibited antibiotic combination with the LAST, although all animals had completed the recommended withholding period specified for each antibiotic. In the second phase of this study, cows in the Virginia Tech dairy herd were assigned to experimental or control groups. Milk from cows in either group whose linear somatic cell count score (SCC) ≥ 5 for the first time during that lactation was culture on blood agar plates to detect mastitis pathogens, and the SCC was determined. Experimental group cows were treated in those quarters with a SCC ≥ 5 while control cows had antibiotic therapy administered based only on clinical symptoms. Treatment group had no significant effect on milk production or SCC, however treatment of elevated SCC quarters did result in trends for decreased SCC and reduced milk yield loss. Treatment group significantly altered infection status of the cow. Of the quarters cured of infection, a greater percentage (63%) belonged to the experimental group. Results from this study indicate that the practice of administering antibiotic treatment based on elevated SCC should not be adopted until further studies on herds of higher infection rates are conducted. / M.S.

Monthly milk production data collected by DHI supervisors in 28 Virginia dairy herds over a three year period were analyzed. Relationships between somatic cell count and milk production were determined. A curvilinear relationship between somatic cell count and daily milk yield was shown to exist. The relationship indicated daily milk yield declined more rapidly as somatic cell counts increased from 50 X 10³ through 300 X 10³ cells per ml compared to daily milk decline as somatic cell counts rose from 400 X 10³ through 1,200 X 10³ cells per ml. Daily milk yield declined at a slower rate at somatic cell levels above 400 X 10³ cells per ml. There was an apparent cumulative or continual relationship between somatic cell count and daily milk yield. Losses and declines in test day milk production were greater when cumulative somatic cell count was considered. Complete lactation records of 305-day, mature equivalent milk production were compared to weighted, lactational somatic cell counts. Lactational milk production losses were not as great as daily milk production losses, extended to full lactation, indicated. Design difficulties and inadequacies of models used in complete lactation evaluation may explain the discrepancies. A maximum somatic cell count of 150 X 10³ to 200 X 10³ cells per ml was indicated as an optimum level for somatic cell count. Above this level milk losses were excessive. / Master of Science

The layer of cells lining the outer surface of the mammalian ovary, the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), is a constant feature throughout the dynamic tissue remodeling that occurs throughout the reproductive cycle (follicle growth, ovulation, corpora lutea formation and pregnancy). Abnormal development of these cells is responsible for 90% of all epithelial ovarian cancers in women and epidemiological studies have shown that susceptibility to ovarian cancer is negatively correlated with increasing pregnancy. Little is known about how OSE cells are affected at each stage of the cycle, so the main aim of this study was to determine how the reproductive cycle affected proliferation and degeneration of OSE cells. This study utilised three animal models each with a different type of reproductive cycle: a mono-ovular seasonal breeder (Sheep), a mono-ovular polyoestrous breeder (Cow) and a poly-ovular non human primate (marmoset) to allow comparisons to be made. Comparison of OSE proliferative activity was made in sheep and marmoset at each stage of the cycle including pregnancy and anoestrous. The bovine model was used to investigate apoptotic cell death. Proliferative activity of somatic cells within the sheep ovary was monitored throughout the reproductive cycle by detection of cell cycle markers PCNA and Ki67 using immunohistochemistry. The pattern of OSE proliferation was correlated with the pattern of follicle development at each stage (sheep and marmoset). During pregnancy cell proliferation was significantly lower in OSE and in granulosa cells, reflecting a suppression of mature follicle development during these stages whereas in cycling animals proliferation was increased. Differences in OSE proliferation were observed in relation to the local underlying tissue environment in both sheep and marmoset. Epithelial cell rupture and regeneration enhanced the hormonal mitogenic action on epithelial cells, which showed highest proliferation over corpora lutea in each animal model. To test the hypothesis that these changes are mediated by hormones or growth factors ovine OSE cells were cultured and proliferative activity monitored after treatment with several factors: fetal calf serum (FCS), follicular fluid from follicles of varying sizes, corpora lutea extracts, recombinant human IGF-1, oestradiol and progesterone. IGF alone was demonstrated to have an affect on increasing proliferation of cultured OSE cells. Levels of FSHr and LHr were monitored by quantitative real- time PCR and it was demonstrated that the concentration of gonadotrophin receptors in OSE, increased prior to and after ovulation, at which time the in vivo OSE proliferation also peaked. The in situ apoptosis index was determined in bovine tissue using TUNEL throughout the regular cycle, and at mid and late-pregnancy stages. The results showed that pregnancy induced apoptotic activity in OSE cells and up regulated the tumour suppressor gene p53. Cultured bovine OSE cells also exhibited an increased level of apoptosis following progesterone treatment. Since p53/p53 gene expression in OSE over the corpora lutea producing progesterone also increased, this progesterone-mediated apoptosis may be mediated through an up-regulation of p53 synthesis. The effect of pregnancy and low production of gonadotrophins in the regulation of OSE cell morphology and activity was further investigated in the marmoset monkey (a non-human primate) treated with GnRH antagonist and infused with BrdU to monitor proliferative activity. OSE proliferation was correlated to ovarian events (follicular growth, ovulation and luteinization) and this was suppressed during pregnancy. Inhibition of gonadotrophin secretion by treatment with a GnRH antagonist also markedly inhibited OSE proliferation. Taken together these studies support the hypothesis that pregnancy and periods of anovulation reduce proliferation of OSE cells and alter the pattern of apoptotic cell death and that this effect is independent of species and reproductive pattern. Suppression of gonadotrophins and other growth factors during pregnancy could enhance p53-mediated apoptosis of damaged and mitogenic cells arising from repeated ovulations. This effect may partly explain why increasing number of pregnancies in woman reduces the chance of epithelial ovarian cancers.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo a análise microbiológica das amostras de leite de fêmeas bubalinas, a avaliação da quantidade de UFC/mL dos microrganismos isolados e a contagem de células somáticas/mL. Os quartos mamários foram submetidos ao teste de tamis e CMT e foram colhidas 262 amostras de leite de fêmeas bubalinas primíparas e pluríparas; para análise microbiológica, quantificação das UFC/mL e contagem de células somáticas/mL. A contagem das células somáticas foi realizada através da leitura em microscopia ótica dos esfregaços de leite. A leitura foi realizada utilizando-se a totalidade dos campos existentes no esfregaço de 1cm2. No teste do tamis, 99,6% das amostras apresentaram resultado negativo. No CMT, observamos resultado negativo em 88,2% das amostras; traços (8%), positivo 1+ (1,5%); positivo 2+ (1,15%); positivo 3+ (1,15%). A análise microbiológica apresentou amostras sem crescimento de microrganismos (75,6%); isolamento de Staphylococcus spp. (11,8%); Corynebacterium spp. (7,3%); Streptococcus spp, (3,1%) e crescimento de microrganismos associados (1,2%). A contagem total de células somáticas das amostras avaliadas apresentou mediana de 2300 células/mL de leite; a mediana da contagem de PMN e MN foi, respectivamente, 700 células/mL e 1500 células/ml de leite, com diferença estatisticamente significante (P<0,0001). As quantidades totais de células somáticas/mL e as quantidades de células polimorfonucleares e mononucleares nas amostras negativas ao exame microbiológico foram estatisticamente menores do que nas amostras que apresentaram isolamento de microrganismos. A mediana relativa às quantidade de UFC/mL foi de 550 UFC/mL para as amostras com isolamento de Corynebacterium spp.; 500 UFC/mL para as amostras com isolamento de Staphylococcus spp e 1100 UFC/mL para Streptococcus spp. ,sendo que não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre eles. Concluiu-se que a espécie bubalina, apresenta baixos índices de mastite; nas amostras com isolamento de microrganismos, o número de UFC/mL é pequeno.Existe um número de animais que apresenta resultado positivo no exame microbiológico do leite, sem contudo apresentar sinais de processo inflamatório. / The aim of the present study was the microbiological analysis of milk samples from female buffaloes, the amount evaluation of CFU/mL of the isolated microorganisms and the somatic cells counting/mL. The mammary quarters were submitted to strip cup test and CMT and 262 milk samples were colletected from buffalo cows to microbiological analysis, CFU/mL quantification and somatic cells counting. The somatic cells countings were obtained through optical microscopy reading of the milk smears, where all fields of the 1 cm2 smears area were considered. In the strip cup test, 99,6% of the samples had negative results. In the CMT, the negative results were observed in 88,2% of the samples; traces (8%), 1+ positive (1,5%), 2+ positive (1,15%) and 3+ positive (1,15%). The microbiological analysis resulted in samples with no microorganism growth (75,6%); Staphylococcus spp (11,8%); Corynebacterium spp (7,3%) and Streptococcus spp (3,1%) and associated microorganisms growth (1,15%). The total counting of somatic cells in the evaluated milk samples showed median of 2300 cells/mL; while PMN and MN counting median were 700 cells/mL and 1500 cells/mL respectivelly, with a significant statisticall difference (P< 0,0001). The total somatic cells counting/mL and the amount of PMN and MN cells in the microbiological negative samples were statistically smaller than the findings in the samples that showed microorganism isolation. Concerning the amount of CFU/mL, the median obtained for samples with Corynebacterium spp was 550CFU/mL; 500 CFU/mL for Staphylococcus spp samples and 1100 CFU/mL for Streptococcus spp results, with no statiscally significant difference between them. It follows that he buffalo species has a low rate of mastitis; the number of CFU/mL is small in the microbiological positive samples. There are a number of animals that despite presenting milk microbiological exam with positive results, showed no signs of inflamatory process.

Orientador: Edson Ramos Siqueira / Banca: Paulo Francisco Domingues / Banca: João Alberto Negrão / Resumo : Resumo: Delineou-se o presente trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de três sistemas de manejo, com diferentes idades à desmama dos cordeiros (48horas, 30 e 45 dias) sobre a produção, composição do leite e incidência de mastite. Utilizaram-se 68 ovelhas Bergamácia distribuídas em três grupos por ordem de parição e idade. A dieta utilizada para os sistemas foi composta de silagem de sorgo e concentrado, na proporção volumoso: concentrado de (40:60), segundo exigência do NRC (1985). Os sistemas foram denominados de acordo com a idade à desmama dos cordeiros, sendo D48h = desmama às 48 horas após o parto e aleitamento artificial até 45 dias; D30d = desmama aos 30 dias e as ovelhas submetidas à ordenha somente após este período; D45d= desmama aos 45 dias com ordenha simultânea à amamentação. Neste último sistema os cordeiros permaneceram com suas mães em pasto durante 8 horas/dia e foram separados no final da tarde. As ovelhas dos três sistemas foram ordenhadas mecanicamente uma vez ao dia, às 8h 00, com produção de leite mensurada diariamente durante 90 dias para os sistemas D48h e D45d e 60 dias para o sistema D30d. Amostras de leite foram coletadas semanalmente para determinação da composição centesimal e contagem de células somáticas. A produção média total de leite das ovelhas do sistema D48h foi similar às ovelhas do sistema D45d e D30d (28,26; 28,65; 18,79 kg/ovelha/lactação, respectivamente). Nas três primeiras semanas, quando apenas os sistemas D48h e D45d foram avaliados, o teor médio de gordura, proteína e sólidos totais apresentaram-se superiores no D48h quando comparados ao D45d. A contagem de células somáticas foi similar entre os sistemas e apenas na primeira semana de lactação as ovelhas do sistema D45d apresentaram menor CCS em relação as ovelhas do sistema D48h. / Abstract: This work aimed to evaluate the effects of three management systems, with different ages of lambs at weaning (48 hours, 30 and 45 days), on production, and composition of milk e incidence of mastitis. It was used 68 Bergamasca ewes allocated in three groups by order of parturition and age. The diet used for the systems was made up with sorghum silage and concentrate, in the volumous:concentrate ratio of (40:60), according to NRC (1985). Systems were named according to lambs' age at weaning, being D48h = weaning 48 hours after parturition and artificial nursing up to 45 days; D30d = weaning at 30 days of age and sheep submitted to milking only after this period; D45d = weaning at 45 days of age with simultaneous milking. In this latter system, lambs remained with their mothers in pasture during 8 hours/day and were separated in the evening. Sheep from the three systems were mechanically milked once a day, at 8h 00 with milk production measured daily during 90 days for D48h and D45d and 60 days for D30d. Milk samples were collected weekly for determination of centesimal composition and somatic cells counting. The final average milk production D48h ewes were similar for systems D45d and D30d, (28.26, 28.65 and 18.79 kg/ewe/lactation, respectively. In the first three weeks, when only systems D48h and D45d were evaluated, the percentage of milk fat, protein, lactose and total solids were higher in D48h when compared to D45d. Somatic cells counting was similar among systems and at the 1-wk test day the D45d ewe was lower SCC than D48h ewe. / Mestre

The goal of the current research was to examine the expression, signaling and function of the membrane progestin receptors (mPRs) in the ovarian follicular cells of the Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) and in human breast cancer cells. Multiple studies have examined the role of mPRs in the germ cells of several vertebrate classes, yet few studies have examined the role of the mPRs in the somatic cells of reproductive tissues. Therefore this research examines the mechanism of mPR action and its function in somatic cells of female reproductive tissues. Results from studies on the expression, localization and signaling of the mPR[alpha] in co-cultures of granulosa and theca cells from the croaker suggest that the mPR[alpha] is localized to the plasma membrane of both cell types and that the mPR[alpha] is associated with and signals via pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibitory G proteins to decrease intracellular cAMP and activate ERK. In addition, exposure of follicular co-cultures to progestins that activate the mPR[alpha] results in a decrease in serum starvation-induced cell death which is not replicated by progestins which activate the nuclear progestin receptor (nPR), indicating mPR mediation. Similar studies in two immortalized human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-468 and SKBR3, suggest that the mPR[alpha] is also present in the membranes of these cells and signals in human breast cancer cell lines via activation of a pertussis toxin-sensitive G protein to significantly decrease in intracellular cAMP and activate ERK. Progesterone exposure also decreased serum starvation-induced cell death in SKBR3 cells which are nPR positive and in MDA-MB-468 cells which are nPR negative. Synthetic progestins which activate the nPR but not the mPR were ineffective in inhibiting death in either cell type suggesting that the mPR is the mediator of this progestin action. mPR[alpha], mPR[beta] and mPR[gamma] expression analysis of paired normal and malignant breast tissue biopsies from thirteen women revealed that at least one mPR isoform was upregulated in the malignant tissue of 70% of the women. In addition the expression of mPR[gamma] was positively correlated with the expression of the nPR and CK19, a breast epithelial cell marker. / text

Introduction. Milk is one of the most important economies of the country. In 2002, milk contained 20% of the total value of agricultural economy products, and more than 30% of the total value of export of agricultural economy and alimentary products. Milk is going to stay the underlying branch of agricultural economy in the future. Today, 95.5 % of all Lithuanian farms have 1-4 cows. These farms contain 74.7% of the total number of cows. This producer group is the biggest and most problematic, because its contribution to production of milk is very important. It is important to emphasize, that pensioners contain 45% of milker holders. Objective of the study. The aim of this master‘s paper is to analyze the composition of Lithuania‘s recast companies according to the data taken from state lab Pieno Tyrimai of procurement raw milk. This paper will also analyze the dynamic of the most important quality parameters including: domain, season, the number of milk providers and the number of tested milk samples. Materials ant methods. In this master‘s paper the quality and the consistency of raw milk were analyzed according to parameters set by the state lab „Pieno tyrimai“. The subjects of research were the quality and composition data of 2002-2004 year samples of raw milk. Tendencies of resources of raw milk were analyzed according to the newest statutory requirements in Lithuania and in compliance with the main EU legislation. Findings. According to the analyses of the... [to full text]

Mūsų tyrimų duomenimis analizuotoje fermoje yra pakankamai aukštas išmilžis, kuris už 2007 metus sudarė 6234 kg per laktaciją. Karvių bandoje per mažą procentą sudaro pimaveršės (11,3%). Vyresnės karvės bandoje pasiskirsto beveik vienodai : antraveršės – 24,7 %, trečiaveršės- 39,1 % ir ketvirtos laktacijos- 24,7 %. Karvių sergamumas slaptuoju mastitu priklauso nuo produktyvumo. Mūsų tyrimai rodo, karvės, kurių produkcija per laktaciją buvo 3000 kg pieno - iki 200 tūkst./ml somatinių ląstelių turėjo 20,93 %, 3001 – 5000 kg – 55,8 % ir virš 5001 kg – 23,26 % karvių. Antroje bandomoje grupėje, karvių somatinių ląstelių skaičius buvo 201 – 400 tūkst./ml pirmaveršių buvo 20,0 %, 3001 – 5000 kg- 43,3% ir virš 5001 kg – 36,6 %. Trečioje bandomojoje grupėje ( 24 karvės) 401 tūkst./ml SLS turėjo 25 %, 3001 – 5000 kg – 16,7% ir virš 5001 kg – 58,3 %. Tyrimai rodo, kad didėjant karvių produktyvumui jos dažniau serga slaptuoju mastitu. Tuo mūsų tyrimų duomenys sutampa su J. Rudejevienės (2007), E Aniulio (2007), Sederevičiaus (2004) tyrimų duomenimis. Analizuojant pažeistus karvių tešmens ketvirčius pastebėjome, kad vienas ketvirtis buvo pažeistas pas 40,0 %, du ketvirčiai - 30 %, trys ketvirčiai - 16,7 % ir visi ketvirčiai 13,3 %. Šio tyrimo duomenys nevisiškai sutampa su J. Klimaitės (2005) duomenimis. Manome, kad pažeistų ketvirčių skaičius priklauso nuo karvių laikymo būdo, sanitarinių ir kitų priežasčių. Pieno sanitarinė būklė priklauso nuo tvarto higienos, spenių paruošimo melžimui... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / According to the data of our studies, there is quite high milk yield in analyzed farm. This milk yield composed 6234 kg per lactation during 2007. In the herd of cows there is a small percent of first-calf cows (11,3%). Older cows are spread in the herd almost equally: second- calf cows – 24,7 %, third-calf cows- 39,1 %, and cows of fourth lactation- 24,7 %. Cows’ morbidity with subclinical mastitis depends on productivity. Our study shows that cows whose production during lactation was 3000 kg- till 200 thousands/ml of somatic cells had 20,93 %, 3001 – 5000 kg – 55,8 % and over 5001 kg – 23,26 % of cows. In the second experimental group the somatic cells count 201 – 400 thousands/ml had 20,0 % of first-calf cows, 3001 – 5000 kg- 43,3% and over 5001 kg – 36,6 %. In the third experimental group ( 24 cows) 401 thousands/ml of SCC (somatic cells count) had 25 %, 3001 – 5000 kg – 16,7% and over 5001 kg – 58,3 %. Studies show that during the rise of productivity of cows they more often suffer from subclinical mastitis. According to this aspect our studies data are compatible with research data of J. Rudejevienė (2007), E Aniulis (2007), Sederevičius (2004). While analysing damaged udder quarters we noticed that one quarter was damaged at 40,0 %, two quarters - 30 %, three quarters - 16,7 % and all four quarters- 13,3 %. The data of this study are only partially compatible with data of J. Klimaitė (2005). It is clear that the number of damaged quarters depends on the way of cows’... [to full text]

Bandymas atliktas melžiamų karvių ūkyje, Marijampolės rajone. Pradžia – 2011 10 23. Trukmė – 90 dienų. Bandymui buvo sudarytos dvi juodmargių karvių grupės: kontrolinė ir tiriamoji. Abiejų grupių karvių laikymo sąlygos tiriamuoju laikotarpiu buvo vienodos – tiriamuoju laikotarpiu buvo šeriamos racionais sudarytais kompiuterine šėrimo programa „Hybrimin Futter 2008“ Racionų maistingumas atitiko karvių mitybos fiziologines normas. Apsaugotų riebalų produktas „NLM 66“ yra augalinės kilmės išgryninti riebalai, skirti pagerinti gyvulių energijos pasisavinimą, taip pat padidinti pieno primilžį ir pieno riebumą. Bandymo metu buvo stebimi ir užrašomi šie duomenys: karvių sveikatingumas, apetitas, įmitimas, sergamumas. Tyrimų duomenys apdoroti statistinės analizės metodu, statistiniu paketu „R 1.7.1.“ ir WinExcel programą. Tiriamuoju laikotarpiu tiriamosios grupės karvės sveikatos problemų neturėjo. Ganiavos pabaigoje (prieš bandymą) abiejų grupių karvės turėjo galūnių problemų (suskeldėjusios nagos, skausmingi sąnariai ir kt.). Bandomosios grupės karvėms šios problemos išnyko savaime. Šios grupės karvės neturėjo virškinimo problemų, kurių nebuvo išvengta kontrolinėje grupėje. Apsaugoti riebalai bandomosios grupės karvėms buvo duodami su koncentratais. Pradžioje ne visos karvės noriai ėdė koncentratus su apsaugotais riebalais. Per savaitę dauguma karvių priprato prie apsaugotų riebalų produkto ir noriai ėdė visus pašarus. Pagerėjus apetitui, sparčiai pradėjo didėti bandomosios... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The test was carried, in Marijampolė region. Test starts – 2011 10 23. Duration – 90 days. For the test was made two black-variegated cow groups: the control group and the researching group. Both groups of cows housing conditions during the investigation period was the same – during the investigation period was fed at rations, which are made with computerised feeding program „Hybrimin Futter 2008“. The food value rations matched cows nutrition physiological norms. Protected fat product „NLM 66“ is herbal origin purificated fat, which ar for increase the animals energy absorbtion and volume of milk and fat of milk. At the time of the test was monitored and recorded the following data: cows health, appetite, size, sickness rate. The data was processed using the method of statistical analysis, statistical package „R 1.7.1.“ and WinExcel program. In the investigation period researching group cows had no health problems. Before the test both groups cows had limbs problems (splited nails, painful joints etc.). For the testing group cows these problems disappeared by itself and had no digestive problems, which were in control group. The protected fat were given for cows with concentrates. At the beginning not all the cows ate concentrates with protected fats with desire. During the week, most of the cows got used to protected fat product and ate all the food with desire. When the appetite was better, rapidly began increasing testing group cows volumes of milk and these volumes... [to full text]