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Conrad H, Pollock NB, John‐Alder H. Chigger mite ( Eutrombicula alfreddugesi) ectoparasitism does not contribute to sex differences in growth rate in eastern fence lizards ( Sceloporus undulatus). Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10590. [PMID: 37829181 PMCID: PMC10565727 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Parasitism is nearly ubiquitous in animals and is frequently associated with fitness costs in host organisms, including reduced growth, foraging, and reproduction. In many species, males tend to be more heavily parasitized than females and thus may bear greater costs of parasitism. Sceloporus undulatus is a female-larger, sexually size dimorphic lizard species that is heavily parasitized by chigger mites (Eutrombicula alfreddugesi). In particular, the intensity of mite parasitism is higher in male than in female juveniles during the period of time when sex differences in growth rate lead to the development of sexual size dimorphism (SSD). Sex-biased differences in fitness costs of parasitism have been documented in other species. We investigated whether there are growth costs of mite ectoparasitism, at a time coinciding with sex differences in growth rate and the onset of SSD. If there are sex-biased growth costs of parasitism, then this could suggest a contribution to the development of SSD in S. undulatus. We measured growth and mite loads in two cohorts of unmanipulated, field-active yearlings by conducting descriptive mark-recapture studies during the activity seasons of 2016 and 2019. Yearling males had consistently higher mid-summer mite loads and consistently lower growth rates than females. However, we found that growth rate and body condition were independent of mite load in both sexes. Furthermore, growth rates and mite loads were higher in 2019 than in 2016. Our findings suggest that juveniles of S. undulatus are highly tolerant of chigger mites and that any costs imposed by mites may be at the expense of functions other than growth. We conclude that sex-biased mite ectoparasitism does not contribute to sex differences in growth rate and, therefore, does not contribute to the development of SSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Conrad
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural ResourcesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Present address:
Department of Biological SciencesVirginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
| | - Nicholas B. Pollock
- Graduate Program in Ecology and EvolutionRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Present address:
Department of BiologyUniversity of Texas at ArlingtonArlingtonTexasUSA
| | - Henry John‐Alder
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural ResourcesRutgers UniversityNew BrunswickNew JerseyUSA
- Rutgers Pinelands Field StationRutgers UniversityNew LisbonNew JerseyUSA
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2
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Synergistic action of Viteselen with anti- Fasciola drug as a tool for improving fertility and hemato-biochemical biomarkers in Fasciola infected sheep. J Parasit Dis 2022; 46:103-112. [PMID: 35299915 PMCID: PMC8901816 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-021-01423-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasciolosis causes public health problems and economic losses all over the world. The present study aimed to evaluate the synergistic action between Viteselen (anti-oxidant) and specific anti-Fasciola drug [Triclalbendazole (TCBZ)] for improving the body condition of F. gigantica naturally infected sheep with reference to some hematological and biochemical biomarkers in their sera. Animals were divided into five groups include G-1 as control non-infected animals, G-2 to G-5 are Fasciola naturally infected animals. G-2 are non-treated animals, G-3 treated with TCBZ, animals in G-4 were injected by Viteselen and those in G-5 were treated by both TCBZ and Viteselen. The results revealed a significant decrease in mean eggs in feces and F. gigantica circulating antigens (FCAg) in sera of TCBZ treated sheep after the 1st week post treatment. Complete disappearance of eggs from feces of drug treated groups was recorded at 21st d.p.t. While the value of FCAg decreased to negative at 14th d.p.t. The highest significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the estimated hematological parameters (RBCs, Hb and TLC), liver enzymes (AST and ALT), oxidative stress and anti-oxidant markers (TAC, MDA, SOD and GSH) and reproductive hormones (Progesterone and Estradiol) was recorded in animals in G-5 followed by G-3. While non-significant improvement was recorded in animals in G-4 in comparison with those in the control group. This improvement increased with increasing the time post treatment. In conclusion; using of Viteselen in association with specific anti-parasitic drug improved the general health parameters and reproductive performance of the investigated sheep.
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Johnson J, Kasimanickam VR, Kastelic JP, Kasimanickam RK. Reduced gastrointestinal worm burden following long term parasite control improves body condition and fertility in beef cows. Vet Parasitol 2020; 287:109259. [PMID: 33035775 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2020.109259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare effects of gastrointestinal parasite control over a long vs short term (PC-LT vs. PC-ST) on fecal parasite load, body condition and pregnancy in beef cows. On Day 0, fecal samples were collected from Angus cross cows (n = 1462) and they were assigned a body condition score (BCS: 1, emaciated; 9, Obese) and randomly divided into two groups (within location) to receive extended-release eprinomectin [PC-LT; n = 749; 50 mg/50 kg body weight (BW)] or pour-on ivermectin (PC-ST; n = 713; 25 mg/50 kg BW). All cows were synchronized with CO-Synch + CIDR [100 μg GnRH + progesterone vaginal insert (CIDR) application on Day 20, CIDR removal +25 mg PGF2a on Day 27, and artificial insemination +100 μg GnRH on Day 30 (66 h after CIDR removal)] protocol, artificially inseminated (AI; Day 30) and on Day 44, exposed to breeding bulls (1:40 bull to cow ratio) for the remainder of the 85 day breeding season. On Day 90, a second fecal sample was collected from all cows and the cows were examined to determine pregnancy/AI (P/AI). All cows were assigned a BCS on Day 180 and re-examined to determine pregnancy/breeding season (P/BS). Worm egg count per gram of feces (FEG) was determined by McMaster method. There were no differences (P > 0.1) between PC-LT and PC-ST groups on Day 0 for FEG (46.9 ± 13.1 vs 42.6 ± 15.2, respectively; mean ± SEM) or BCS (5.95 ± 0.12 vs 6.00 ± 0.20). The mean FEG (PC-LT, 12.3 ± 4.7 vs. PC-ST, 131.3 ± 10.9) on Day 90 and BCS (PC-LT, 6.04 ± 0.07 vs. PC-ST, 5.79 ± 0.13) on Day 180 differed (P < 0.05) between the two groups. Mean P/AI [PC-LT, 62.9 %; (471/749) vs PC-ST, 57.4 %; (409/713)] and P/BS [PC-LT, 92.9 % (696/749) vs PC-ST, 90.0 (642/713)] also differed (P < 0.05). Lower FEG at Day 90 resulted in moderate to good body condition at Day 180 and cows with moderate to good body condition at Day 180 had higher P/BS. In conclusion, lower worm burden with long-term parasite control reduced FEG and improved BCS, P/AI and P/BS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerimyah Johnson
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - Vanmathy R Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
| | - John P Kastelic
- Department of Production Animal Health, University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Ramanathan K Kasimanickam
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA.
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Scott H, Gilleard JS, Jelinski M, Barkema HW, Redman EM, Avramenko RW, Luby C, Kelton DF, Bauman CA, Keefe G, Dubuc J, Uehlinger FD. Prevalence, fecal egg counts, and species identification of gastrointestinal nematodes in replacement dairy heifers in Canada. J Dairy Sci 2019; 102:8251-8263. [PMID: 31326168 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2018-16115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Information is scarce regarding the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in Canadian dairy heifers. The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence and fecal egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy heifers, and using a novel deep-amplicon sequencing approach, to identify the predominant gastrointestinal nematode species in Canadian dairy replacement heifers. Fresh environmental fecal samples (n = 2,369) were collected from replacement heifers on 306 dairy farms across western Canada, Ontario, Québec, and Atlantic Canada. Eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were determined using a modified Wisconsin double-centrifugation sugar flotation technique. Predominant nematode species at the farm level were identified by deep-amplicon nemabiome sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer-2 rDNA locus of nematode third-stage larvae. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate predicted parasite prevalence and mean EPG in all heifers and by province, allowing for clustering within herds. Individual heifer egg counts ranged from 0 to 141 EPG (median: 0 EPG; interquartile range: 0 to 71 EPG). Gastrointestinal nematodes were detected in 20.9% (95% confidence interval: 17.2 to 24.6%) of heifers, and the predicted mean strongylid EPG accounting for clustering on farms was 1.1 (95% confidence interval: 0.6 to 1.6). The predominant parasite species were Cooperia oncophora and Ostertagia ostertagi. This is the first study in Canada to use a combination of deep-amplicon nemabiome sequencing and a traditional egg count method to describe the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in dairy heifers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Scott
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5B4
| | - J S Gilleard
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - M Jelinski
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5B4
| | - H W Barkema
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - E M Redman
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - R W Avramenko
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB, Canada, T2N 4N1
| | - C Luby
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5B4
| | - D F Kelton
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave. W, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - C A Bauman
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 28 College Ave. W, Guelph, ON, Canada, N1G 2W1
| | - G Keefe
- Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 50 University Ave., Charlottetown, PE, Canada, C1A 4P3
| | - J Dubuc
- Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC, Canada, J2S 2M2
| | - F D Uehlinger
- Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, 52 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, Canada, S7N 5B4.
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Bonadeo N, Becu-Villalobos D, Cristina C, Lacau-Mengido IM. The Notch system during pubertal development of the bovine mammary gland. Sci Rep 2019; 9:8899. [PMID: 31222104 PMCID: PMC6586787 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45406-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the mammary gland of cows during pre-weaning and puberty will condition its future productive capacity and warrants special study. In this respect, Notch signaling regulates tissue development and fate by modifying cell proliferation and differentiation and has been involved in stem cell maintenance, but has not been extensively studied in the developing mammary glands in cows. We therefore investigated Notch receptor expression and localization, as well as the expression of Notch ligands and target genes in the mammary gland of Holstein heifers in pre- and post-pubertal stages. Notch receptors 1 to 4 were detected by immunohistochemistry in the parenchyma and stroma of the developing gland. The subcellular localization of the four receptors was predominantly cytoplasmic except for NOTCH4, which was mostly nuclear. The membrane and the active intracellular domains of NOTCH paralogues were identified by western blot. NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 active domains increased during pubertal stages while NOTCH3 and NOTCH4 active domains decreased, suggesting strikingly different involvement of NOTCH paralogues in bovine mammary gland development and differentiation. The mRNA expression levels of the target genes HEY1 and HEY2 increased during peri-puberty whereas no variation of HES1 mRNA levels was observed. The mRNA levels of the Notch ligands JAGGED1 and DELTA1 also increased gradually during development. In conclusion, Notch signaling system dynamically varies throughout the development of the mammary gland during puberty pointing to specific time involvement of each component.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bonadeo
- Centro de Investigaciones Básicas y Aplicadas, Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Monteagudo 2772, Pergamino 2700, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Damasia Becu-Villalobos
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1428, Argentina
| | - Carolina Cristina
- Centro de Investigaciones Básicas y Aplicadas, Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia del Noroeste de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, Monteagudo 2772, Pergamino 2700, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Isabel M Lacau-Mengido
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME-CONICET, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 1428, Argentina.
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6
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Andresen CE, Loy DD, Brick TA, Schulz LL, Gunn PJ. Effects of extended-release eprinomectin on productivity measures in cow-calf systems and subsequent feedlot performance and carcass characteristics of calves. Transl Anim Sci 2018; 3:273-287. [PMID: 32704799 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txy115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of a single injection of extended-release eprinomectin on economically relevant production variables in beef cows and calves as well as subsequent feedlot health, performance, and carcass traits of calves compared with a traditional, short duration anthelmintic. Animals from 13 cooperator herds across seven states were stratified within herd and assigned to one of two treatments; injectable doramectin (DOR; Dectomax; n = 828) or injectable eprinomection (EPR; Longrange; n = 832). Fecal samples were randomly collected from a subset of cows at both treatment and the end of grazing to evaluate fecal egg count (FEC). Continuous and categorical data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS, respectively. Cow treatment body weight (BW) and final BW were not different (P ≥ 0.40) between treatments. There were no differences (P ≥ 0.12) between treatments in cow ADG, change in BW, or body condition scores during the grazing season. While FEC at treatment did not differ (P = 0.18), cows treated with EPR had lower final FEC at the end of the grazing season (P = 0.02) and a greater reduction of FEC over the grazing season (P = 0.01). Calf treatment BW, weaning BW, and ADG did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.34). Incidence of pinkeye tended to be less (P = 0.06) for cows treated with EPR but was not different for calves (P = 0.43). Conception to AI, overall pregnancy rates, and calving interval were not different between treatments (P ≥ 0.45). A subset of calves from each herd was sent to Tri-County Steer Carcass Futurity (TCSCF) feedlot for the finishing phase. Calf BW did not differ at initiation of feeding (P = 0.20). While EPR calves tended to be heavier at reimplantation (P = 0.07), final BW and overall ADG were not different between treatments (P ≥ 0.13). Health records indicated lower morbidity for EPR calves (P = 0.05). Carcass performance including HCW, dressing percent, backfat, KPH, REA, YG, were not different between treatment groups (P ≥ 0.12). However, EPR calves had a greater marbling score, greater average quality grade (P < 0.01), and higher proportion of calves that graded average choice or greater (P = 0.03). Results of this study indicate no difference in cow or preweaning calf performance, however, carcass quality in the feedlot phase was improved. Thus, economic analysis indicates opportunities for return on investment if animals treated with EPR have improved health status and/or carcass quality during the feeding phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dan D Loy
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Troy A Brick
- Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Lee L Schulz
- Department of Economics, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Patrick J Gunn
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
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Bellet C, Green M, Bradley A, Kaler J. Short- and long-term association between individual levels of milk antibody against Ostertagia ostertagi and first-lactation heifer’s production performances. Vet Parasitol 2018; 256:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Lombardi D, Vasseur E, Berthiaume R, DeVries TJ, Bergeron R. Feeding preferences and voluntary feed intake of dairy cows: Effect of conservation and harvest time of birdsfoot trefoil and chicory. J Dairy Sci 2015; 98:7238-47. [PMID: 26277319 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2015-9427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Bioactive forages contain compounds, such as tannins, that are active against pathogens. They have been successfully used in ruminants to control parasite infections. Because cattle may find bioactive forages unpalatable, it is of interest to know if an afternoon harvest time, which has been shown to increase the percentage of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), hence palatability, may mitigate this. The objectives of this study were to quantify voluntary intake and preference of dairy cows for 2 bioactive forages, harvested in the morning and evening, in addition to determining their time spent grazing on each forage species. The forage species evaluated were fresh chicory harvested at 0700 h (FCAM) and 1800 h (FCPM), fresh birdsfoot trefoil harvested at 0700 h (FBAM) and 1800 h (FBPM), birdsfoot trefoil baleage harvested the previous summer at 0700 h (BBAM) and at 1800 h (BBPM), and third-cut alfalfa baleage harvested the previous summer and used as control (CON). Single forages were offered ad libitum in 30-min tests to 14 dairy cows to determine intake in a 7 × 7 Latin square (experiment 1). Every possible pair of forages (21 pairs) was then presented for a 30-min test to 8 different dairy cows, and feed intake was measured (experiment 2). Finally, time spent grazing on chicory and birdsfoot trefoil was measured on 12 dairy cows (experiment 3). The tests consisted of 2 d of restriction on 1 of the 2 fields for 1h, and 2 d of free-choice sessions (1h) between the 2 fields adjacent to each other. Grazing time and location of the animals on the field was assessed through 2-min scan sampling. In experiment 1, the highest voluntary intakes were for CON, BBPM, and BBAM. In experiment 2, BBPM was preferentially consumed over all other forages followed by CON and BBAM. Multidimensional scaling showed that preference for BBPM, CON, and BBAM in dimension 1 was positively associated with dry matter and nitrogen content, and negatively associated with hemicellulose and soluble N/total N. No relationships between dimension coordinates and any of the measured chemical composition variables could be found for the other 2 dimensions. In experiment 3, cows spent 71% of their time grazing in the birdsfoot trefoil field and 23% in the chicory field during the free-choice sessions. In conclusion, cows in the present experiments showed an overall preference toward baled forages compared with fresh forages, most notably toward birdsfoot trefoil baleage. Cow preference did not appear to be linked to harvest time (a.m. vs. p.m.).
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Affiliation(s)
- D Lombardi
- Organic Dairy Research Centre, Université de Guelph, Campus d'Alfred, Alfred, ON, K0B 1A0 Canada
| | - E Vasseur
- Organic Dairy Research Centre, Université de Guelph, Campus d'Alfred, Alfred, ON, K0B 1A0 Canada
| | - R Berthiaume
- Valacta, Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue, QC, H9X 3R4 Canada
| | - T J DeVries
- Department of Animal and Poultry Science, University of Guelph, Kemptville Campus, Kemptville, ON, K0G 1J0 Canada
| | - R Bergeron
- Organic Dairy Research Centre, Université de Guelph, Campus d'Alfred, Alfred, ON, K0B 1A0 Canada.
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Cripps J, Beveridge I, Ploeg R, Coulson G. Experimental manipulation reveals few subclinical impacts of a parasite community in juvenile kangaroos. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2014; 3:88-94. [PMID: 25161906 PMCID: PMC4142266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2014.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 03/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Large mammalian herbivores are commonly infected with gastrointestinal helminths. In many host species, these helminths cause clinical disease and may trigger conspicuous mortality events. However, they may also have subclinical impacts, reducing fitness as well as causing complex changes to host growth patterns and body condition. Theoretically, juveniles should experience significantly greater costs from parasites, being immunologically naive and undergoing a significant growth phase. The aims of our study were to quantify the subclinical effects of helminths in juvenile eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus), which commonly harbour large burdens of gastrointestinal nematodes and are susceptible to associated mass mortality during cold, wet conditions. We conducted a field experiment on a population of free-ranging kangaroos, removing nematodes from one group of juveniles using an anthelmintic treatment. We then compared growth parameters (body condition and growth rates) and haematological parameters of this group with an age-matched, parasitised (untreated) control group. Treated juvenile kangaroos had significantly higher levels of plasma protein (albumin) but, contrary to our predictions, showed negligible changes in all the other parameters measured. Our results suggest that juvenile kangaroos are largely unaffected by their gastrointestinal helminth burdens, and may be able to compensate for the costs of parasites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jemma Cripps
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Ian Beveridge
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Richard Ploeg
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, Veterinary Clinical Centre, Werribee, VIC 3030, Australia
| | - Graeme Coulson
- Department of Zoology, The University of Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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10
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Perri AF, Dallard BE, Baravalle C, Licoff N, Formía N, Ortega HH, Becú-Villalobos D, Mejia ME, Lacau-Mengido IM. Cellular proliferation rate and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2 and IGFBP-3 and estradiol receptor alpha expression in the mammary gland of dairy heifers naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes during development. J Dairy Sci 2014; 97:4985-96. [PMID: 24931533 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2014-8070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Mammary ductal morphogenesis during prepuberty occurs mainly in response to insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and estradiol stimulation. Dairy heifers infected with gastrointestinal nematodes have reduced IGF-1 levels, accompanied by reduced growth rate, delayed puberty onset, and lower parenchyma-stroma relationship in their mammary glands. Immunohistochemical studies were undertaken to determine variations in cell division rate, IGF-1 system components, and estradiol receptors (ESR) during peripubertal development in the mammary glands of antiparasitic-treated and untreated Holstein heifers naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Mammary biopsies were taken at 20, 30, 40, and 70 wk of age. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunolabeling, evident in nuclei, tended to be higher in the parenchyma of the glands from treated heifers than in those from untreated. Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP) type 2 and type 3 immunolabeling was cytoplasmic and was evident in stroma and parenchyma. The IGFBP2-labeled area was lower in treated than in untreated heifers. In the treated group, a maximal expression of this protein was seen at 40 wk of age, whereas in the untreated group the labeling remained constant. No differences were observed for IGFBP3 between treatment groups or during development. Immunolabeling for α ESR (ESR1) was evident in parenchymal nuclei and was higher in treated than in untreated heifers. In the treated group, ESR1 peaked at 30 wk of age and then decreased. These results demonstrate that the parasite burden in young heifers negatively influence mammary gland development, affecting cell division rate and parameters related to estradiol and IGF-1 signaling in the gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Perri
- Laboratorio de Regulación Hipofisaria, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - B E Dallard
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - C Baravalle
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - N Licoff
- Laboratorio de Regulación Hipofisaria, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - N Formía
- Esc. Inchausti, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, 6667, 25 de mayo, Pcia. de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - H H Ortega
- Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, 3080, Esperanza, Santa Fe, Argentina
| | - D Becú-Villalobos
- Laboratorio de Regulación Hipofisaria, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M E Mejia
- Laboratorio de Regulación Hipofisaria, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - I M Lacau-Mengido
- Laboratorio de Regulación Hipofisaria, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Vuelta de Obligado 2490, 1428, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Perri AF, Mejía ME, Licoff N, Diab SS, Formía N, Ornstein A, Becú-Villalobos D, Lacau-Mengido IM. Gastrointestinal parasite control during prepuberty improves mammary parenchyma development in Holstein heifers. Vet Parasitol 2013; 198:345-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2013.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 09/11/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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12
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Sahores A, Luque GM, Wargon V, May M, Molinolo A, Becu-Villalobos D, Lanari C, Lamb CA. Novel, low cost, highly effective, handmade steroid pellets for experimental studies. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64049. [PMID: 23691144 PMCID: PMC3655057 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The basic component of Silastic® glue (Dow Corning) used to prepare Silastic® pellets is polydimethylsiloxane. This compound is also present in other commercial adhesives such as FASTIX® (Akapol SA) that are available in any store for that category. In the present study we developed low cost, easy to prepare handmade steroid pellets (HMSP) by mixing 17β-estradiol, progesterone or other synthetic steroids with FASTIX® adhesive. We assessed serum levels of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, prolactin and luteinizing hormone in ovariectomized mice treated for 24 and 48 h or 7, 14 and 28 days with 20 µg or 5 mg of 17β-estradiol or 5 mg progesterone HMSP. We found a time dependent and significant increase in the levels of both natural hormones, and a downregulation of serum luteinizing hormone levels, while both 17β-estradiol doses increased serum prolactin. Uterine weights at sacrifice and histological examination of the uteri and the mammary glands correlated with estrogen or progestin action. Finally, we evaluated the biological effects of HMSP compared to commercial pellets or daily injections in the stimulation or inhibition of hormone dependent mammary tumor growth, and found that HMSP were as effective as the other methods of hormone administration. These data show that HMSP represent a useful, low cost, easily accessible method for administering steroids to mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sahores
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Guillermina M. Luque
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Victoria Wargon
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María May
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Molinolo
- Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | | | - Claudia Lanari
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Caroline A. Lamb
- Institute of Experimental Biology and Medicine (IBYME), CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- * E-mail:
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13
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Forbes A. LongRange™ (eprinomectin 5%) extended-release injection parasiticide and the utility of extended-activity antiparasitics in cattle. Vet Parasitol 2013; 192:308-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2012.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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14
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Charlier J, Van der Voort M, Hogeveen H, Vercruysse J. ParaCalc®—A novel tool to evaluate the economic importance of worm infections on the dairy farm. Vet Parasitol 2012; 184:204-11. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Revised: 08/24/2011] [Accepted: 09/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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15
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Mejía M, Perri A, Licoff N, Miglierina M, Cseh S, Ornstein A, Becu-Villalobos D, Lacau-Mengido I. Comparison of three methods for gastrointestinal nematode diagnosis determination in grazing dairy cattle in relation to milk production. Vet Parasitol 2011; 183:174-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2011.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2011] [Revised: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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16
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Perri A, Mejía M, Licoff N, Lazaro L, Miglierina M, Ornstein A, Becu-Villalobos D, Lacau-Mengido I. Gastrointestinal parasites presence during the peripartum decreases total milk production in grazing dairy Holstein cows. Vet Parasitol 2011; 178:311-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetpar.2010.12.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 12/10/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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17
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Hersom M, Myer R, Carter J. Influence on weaning weights of nursing beef cattle calves de-wormed 90days prior to weaning. Livest Sci 2011. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2010.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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18
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Gasser CL, Behlke EJ, Grum DE, Day ML. Effect of timing of feeding a high-concentrate diet on growth and attainment of puberty in early-weaned heifers. J Anim Sci 2006; 84:3118-22. [PMID: 17032807 DOI: 10.2527/jas.2005-676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Precocious puberty (<300 d of age) can be successfully induced in a majority of heifers with early weaning and continuous feeding of a high-concentrate diet. The objective of this experiment was to determine the relative effects of timing of feeding a high-concentrate diet on age at puberty in early-weaned heifers. Sixty crossbred Angus and Simmental heifer calves were weaned at 112 +/- 2 d of age and 155 +/- 3 kg of BW and were fed a receiving diet for 2 wk. Heifers were blocked by age and BW, and assigned randomly to receive a high-concentrate (60% corn; H) or control (30% corn; C) diet during phase 1 (mean age 126 to 196 d) and H or C during phase 2 (mean age 196 to 402 d), resulting in 4 treatments (HH, n = 15; HC, n = 15; CH, n = 15; and CC, n = 15). Blood samples were collected weekly beginning at a mean age of 175 d and assayed for progesterone concentration to determine age at puberty. After 56 d on the experimental diets, BW of heifers fed the H diet during phase 1 were greater (P < 0.05) than those of heifers fed the C diet (mean age of 182 d; treatment x mean age, P < 0.01). After 70 d on the new diets (mean age of 266 d), heifers fed the H diet during phase 2 reached heavier BW (P < 0.05) than heifers fed the C diet, when compared within phase 1 diet groups (HH > HC; CH > CC). Body weights in HC and CH treatments differed from a mean age of 169 through 238 d, after which BW did not differ between these treatments. The ADG over the entire experimental period was greatest for the HH treatment (1.2 +/- 0.04 kg/d; P < 0.05), followed by the HC and CH treatments (1.0 +/- 0.03 and 1.0 +/- 0.02 kg/d, respectively), which were not different, and the CC treatment gained the least (0.7 +/- 0.04 kg/d; P < 0.05). Precocious puberty occurred in 67, 47, 47, and 20% of heifers in the HH, HC, CH, and CC treatments, respectively (HH > CC; P < 0.05). Mean age at puberty for the HH and HC treatments (271 +/- 17 and 283 +/- 17 d of age, respectively) was earlier (P < 0.05) than for the CC treatment (331 +/- 11 d of age). Age at puberty in the CH treatment (304 +/- 13 d of age) was intermediate to and not different from the other treatments. Heifers fed the H diet during phase 1 attained puberty earlier (P < 0.05) than heifers fed the C diet during phase 1. In conclusion, increasing dietary energy intake in early-weaned heifers, through feeding a high-concentrate diet from 126 to 196 d of age, decreased age at puberty regardless of the diet fed after 196 d of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- C L Gasser
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus 43210, USA
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Medeiros J, Baratella-Evêncio L, Simões M, Evêncio-Neto J. ASPECTOS MORFOLÓGICOS DOS OVÁRIOS DE RATAS (RATTUS NOVERGICUS ALBINUS) TRATADAS COM IVERMECTINA. ARQUIVOS DO INSTITUTO BIOLÓGICO 2006. [DOI: 10.1590/1808-1657v73p2152006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
RESUMO A ivermectina pertence ao grupo das avermectinas que são anti-helmínticos quimicamente catalogados, produzidos pela fermentação de um actinomiceto. O mecanismo de ação é potencializar o GABA (ácido γ-aminobutírico). O GABA tem sido um estimulador no efeito da secreção do hormônio luteinizante (LH). Neste trabalho, teve-se o objetivo de avaliar a morfologia e o peso dos ovários de ratas tratadas com ivermectina. Foram utilizadas 70 ratas albinas divididas em sete grupos, cada um constituído por 10 animais, recebendo diferentes dosagens, de 0,5 mg/kg até 10,0 mg/kg de ivermectina via oral. Os animais do grupo controle receberam apenas o veículo (água destilada) que acompanha a embalagem da ivermectina. Estes animais foram tratados durante 45 dias, com administração do medicamento a cada três dias, para cada animal. Após esse período foi feita a retirada dos ovários que foram pesados em balança analítica, e em seguida o material foi processado para microscopia de luz. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a ivermectina não provoca alterações significativas na morfologia nem no peso dos ovários de ratas tratadas.
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Díaz-Torga GS, Mejia ME, González-Iglesias A, Formia N, Becú-Villalobos D, Lacau-Mengido IM. Metabolic cues for puberty onset in free grazing Holstein heifers naturally infected with nematodes. Theriogenology 2001; 56:111-22. [PMID: 11467507 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00547-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Leptin is a new plausible candidate for the molecular link between nutritional status and the reproductive axis. In previous studies we described that continuous natural nematode infections in heifers retarded growth and delayed the onset of puberty, and that the insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) was involved. In the present study we monitored the leptin levels during development in heifers naturally parasitized versus those chronically treated with ivermectin and we investigated whether growth hormone (GH) accounted for the differences in IGF-I previously noted. Insulin levels were also measured. Prolactin hormone was recorded as an indicator of immune system activation. We found a direct correlation between leptin and body weight during development and a prepubertal surge of the hormone 2 weeks before the first progesterone peak that indicates the onset of puberty. This suggests that leptin may act as a signal for this event. Insulin did not vary during growth and prepuberty. On the other hand, GH as not responsible for diminished IGF-I levels in parasitized animals as levels were similar in both groups. The GH levels were high at birth and then diminished rapidly and remained constant during development and puberty. The last hormone studied, prolactin, followed seasonal changes of sunlight duration and presented sporadic bursts in infected animals. These were related to high nematode infection and are probably involved in the immune response of the host.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Díaz-Torga
- Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine, CONICET Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Janett F, Thun R, Ryhiner A, Burger D, Hassig M, Hertzberg H. Influence of Eqvalan (ivermectin) on quality and freezability of stallion semen. Theriogenology 2001; 55:785-92. [PMID: 11245265 DOI: 10.1016/s0093-691x(01)00443-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Eqvalan (ivermectin) on stallion semen quality and freezability. Experiments were performed using 22 Freiberger stallions, randomly divided into a control and test group. Semen was collected once a week for 17 weeks from October 1997 to February 1998. Eqvalan was given orally to all stallions of the test group at a therapeutic dose of 0.2 mg ivermectin/kg. Besides measuring the scrotal width, ejaculates were collected to determine the volume, concentration, and the motility and morphology (normal sperm, major defects, vacuoles and acrosome defects). In addition, the motility and viability (fluorescence staining with propidium iodide/SYBR-14) were tested in all frozen-thawed semen samples. During the experimental period, stallions treated with Eqvalan had significantly better concentration (P < 0.0001) and motility (P < 0.0001) in fresh semen compared to control animals. After freezing-thawing, the motility (P < 0.0001) and viability (P = 0.0003) of semen also increased significantly for treated stallions. Regarding morphology, normal sperm (P < 0.0001), major defects (P = 0.0027) and vacuoles (P = 0.0236) were significantly better in the Eqvalan group. In addition to group differences we also observed a time effect on morphological parameters as shown by a decrease of normal sperm and an increase of major defects in both groups during the experiment. Our results demonstrate that a single oral application of Eqvalan did not negatively influence the quality and freezability of stallion semen in the nonbreeding season. Rather, it seems that Eqvalan has a favorable effect on stallion fertility as most sperm parameters examined were significantly improved in treated animals compared to control.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Janett
- Department of Reproduction, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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