Booroola BMPR1B mutation alters early follicular development and oocyte ultrastructure in sheep.

Booroola ewes homozygous (BB) for a mutation in the bone morphogenetic protein receptor-1b (BMPR1B) gene exhibit higher ovulation rates, have larger diameter oocytes at earlier stages of follicular development (i.e. Type 3) and smaller diameter follicles at ovulation than wild-type (++) sheep.

Signalling pathways involved in the cooperative effects of ovine and murine GDF9+BMP15-stimulated thymidine uptake by rat granulosa cells.

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are oocyte-secreted factors known to be involved in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of granulosa cells during follicular growth. The aims of this study were to determine the signalling pathways used by recombinant forms of murine and ovine GDF9 and BMP15 in combination (GDF9+BMP15) and the molecular complexes formed by combinations of these factors. Differences in the molecular forms of combinations of murine and ovine GDF9+BMP15 were observed by western blot analysis.

Sesquiterpene lactones in Arnica montana: helenalin and dihydrohelenalin chemotypes in Spain.

An analytical RPLC method for sesquiterpene lactones in Arnica montana has been extended to include quantitative analyses of dihydrohelenalin esters. LC-ESI-MS-MS distinguished the isomeric helenalin and dihydrohelenalin esters. The dihydrohelenalin esters have lower response factors for UV detection than do helenalin esters, which must be taken into account for quantitative analyses.

Packaging Venison for Extended Chilled Storage: Comparison of Vacuum and Modified Atmosphere Packaging Containing 100% Carbon Dioxide.

Thirty red deer ( Cervus elaphus ) stags were slaughtered at three deer slaughter premises (plants A, B, and C) to determine the effects of initial microbial flora on the quality of chilled venison loins stored using three packaging methods: vacuum packaging (VP), modified atmosphere packaging using an ultra-high barrier outer barrier film (CO-UHB), and modified atmosphere packaging using a dual aluminized polyethylene outer barrier film (CO-MPET), all of which were stored for 6, 12, and 18 weeks at -1 ± 3°C. Carcasses slaughtered in plant B had higher aerobic plate counts than those killed at either plants A or C. Location of slaughter had little effect on loin quality except for drip loss, pH and anaerobic and lactic acid bacteria counts.