Effect of fat supplementation on physiological and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian bulls during summer

A comprehensive review on potential role of selenium, selenoproteins and selenium nanoparticles in male fertility

Selenium (Se), a component of selenoproteins and selenocompounds in the human body, is crucial for the development of male reproductive organs, DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone, metabolism, and defence against infections and oxidative damage. In the testis, it must exceed a desirable level since either a shortage or an overabundance causes aberrant growth. The antioxidant properties of selenium are essential for preserving human reproductive health. Selenoproteins, which have important structural and enzymatic properties, control the biological activities of Se primarily. These proteins specifically have a role in metabolism and a variety of cellular processes, such as the control of selenium transport, thyroid hormone metabolism, immunity, and redox balance. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are less hazardous than selenium-based inorganic and organic materials. Upon being functionalized with active targeting ligands, they are both biocompatible and capable of efficiently delivering combinations of payloads to particular cells. In this review, we discuss briefly the chemistry, structure and functions of selenium and milestones of selenium and selenoproteins. Next we discuss the various factors influences male infertility, biological functions of selenium and selenoproteins, and role of selenium and selenoproteins in spermatogenesis and male fertility. Furthermore, we discuss the molecular mechanism of selenium transport and protective effects of selenium on oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation. We also highlight critical contribution of selenium nanoparticles on male fertility and spermatogenesis. Finally ends with conclusion and future perspectives.

Alleviation of heat stress by Chlorophytum borivilianum: impact on stress markers, antioxidant, and immune status in crossbred cows

Eighteen crossbred Karan Fries (KF) cows in mid-lactation (av. 130 days) were selected from the livestock herd of the institute. The treatment for the experimental cows was as follows: no supplement (control), a low dose of Chlorophytum borivilianum (CB) at a dose rate of 40 mg/kg BW/day (T1, n = 6), and a high dose of CB at a dose rate of 80 mg/kg BW/day (T2, n = 6) for a period of 90 days in hot-humid season. Physiological responses like respiration rate (RR), pulse rate (PR), and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded in the morning (8.00 A.M.) and afternoon (2.30 P.M.) at weekly intervals. The expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) in PBMCs, the plasma level of antioxidants (SOD, catalase, TBARS, and TAC), hormones (cortisol, prolactin), and energy metabolites (glucose, NEFA, urea, and creatinine) were determined. Dry and wet bulb temperatures and minimum and maximum temperatures were recorded, and the THI was calculated. The values of PR and RT were decreased (p < 0.01) in the T2 group in comparison to T1. Plasma glucose level was lower, and NEFA, urea, and creatinine level were higher (p < 0.01) in the control group as compared to T2 and T1 groups, respectively. Plasma cortisol and prolactin levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the control group and were lower in T1 and T2 groups. Feeding of CB in high dose decreased (p < 0.01) plasma SOD, catalase, TBARS, and improved TAC levels in T2 over the T1 group. The dietary supplementation of CB at a dose rate of 80 mg/kg BW/day was more effective in lowering the stress level and augments the immunity by downregulating pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels. Therefore, dietary CB supplementation could be used as an effective heat stress ameliorator in dairy cows.

Effect of Dietary Anthocyanin-Extracted Residue on Meat Oxidation and Fatty Acid Profile of Male Dairy Cattle

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of anthocyanin-extracted residue (AER) in the diet of cattle on meat oxidation during storage and on the fatty acid profiles of the meat. Sixteen male dairy cattle (average body weight 160 ± 10.6 kg) were allotted to feed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four levels of AER supplementation, 0, 20, 40, and 60 g/kg dry matter (DM) in the total mixed ration (TMR). These TMR diets were fed ad libitum to the cattle throughout the trial. At the end of the feeding trial (125 days), all cattle were slaughtered and meat samples from the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were collected to assess meat oxidation and fatty acid profile. The antioxidant effect of AER on meat oxidation was investigated during 14 days of storage based on color, myoglobin redox forms, lipid, and protein oxidation. The results showed meat from cattle fed AER had better color stability, lower oxidation of lipid, protein and myoglobin than did meat from cattle fed the control diet (0 g/kg AER). Furthermore, fatty acid profiles were affected by AER supplementation with an increase in the concentration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These results support the inclusion of AER supplementation as a natural antioxidant in cattle to reduce meat oxidation and increase PUFA in meat.

Effect of fans and showers on the physiological measures and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian bulls during subtropical summer

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of fans and showers on the physiological measures and reproductive performance of Holstein Friesian bulls during subtropical summer in Pakistan. Thirty-six bulls with an average body weight of 898.0 ± 135.2 kg (mean ± SD) and an average age (4 to 6 years) were randomly divided into three treatment groups: (1) CTL, bulls kept under shade only; (2) FN, bulls provided with fans under shade; and (3) FNS, bulls provided showers in addition to fans under shade. The trial was carried out for 6 months from April to September 2016 and was categorized into two seasons (dry summer and humid summer). Ambient temperature, relative humidity, temperature-humidity index, dry matter intake (DMI), water intake, rectal temperature (RT), pulse rate (PR) and respiration rate (RR) were recorded daily. Semen characteristics and selected blood metabolites were measured every 2 weeks. The results indicated that the DMI of the bulls was similar between the treatment groups. Water intake, RT, PR and RR were significantly lower in the FNS group than in the CTL and FN groups (P < 0.001). Semen characteristics, including semen concentration, post-thaw semen motility, progressive motility, amplitude of lateral head displacement, straightness, live-to-dead ratio, plasma membrane integrity, normal acrosomal ridge and DNA integrity, were not different between the treatment groups (P > 0.05). The FNS group tended to have a higher semen volume than that of the FN and CTL groups (P = 0.10). Blood glucose levels were significantly lower in the FNS group than in the FN and CTL groups (P < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen and testosterone were not different among the treatment groups (P > 0.05). The current results indicated that showers with fans improved the welfare of Holstein Friesian bulls by lowering physiological measures in addition to increasing trends in semen volume during subtropical summer.