Feeding Flaxseed and Lupins during the Transition Period in Dairy Cows: Effects on Production Performance, Fertility and Biochemical Blood Indices.

Flaxseed and lupin seed were offered as an alternative dietary approach in dairy cows, through the partial substitution of soybean meal. Milk production and fertility traits were investigated. A total of 330 animals were allocated into two groups, treated ( = 176) and control ( = 154).

Clinical, Ultrasonographic, Bacteriological, Cytological and Histopathological Findings of Uterine Involution in Ewes with Uterine Infection.

The objectives of the study were (a) to study the characteristics of uterine involution in ewes that had developed subclinical uterine infection in the immediately post-partum period and (b) to evaluate effects of the infection in the subsequent reproductive performance of ewes. Uterine infection was induced in ewes (I, n = 10) by intrauterine inoculation of ; uninoculated controls were included (C, n = 12). Animals were examined at regular intervals before and post-inoculation.

A study on ghrelin and LH secretion after short fasting and on ghrelin levels at perioestrual period in dairy cattle.

In two experiments, we studied (a) the changes of LH secretion in heifers under different feeding schedules and (b) total ghrelin concentration at oestrus in cows and heifers. In experiment one, synchronized heifers were allocated in three groups (R, regularly fed controls; F, fasted; and F-F fasted-fed). One day after the completion of the oestrous induction protocol, group F and F-F animals stayed without feed for 24 hr; thereafter, feed was provided to R and F-F cattle; 2 hr later, GnRH was administered to all animals.

Effects of pregnancy and short-lasting acute feed restriction on total ghrelin concentration and metabolic parameters in dairy cattle.

The aims of this study were: to compare total ghrelin concentration throughout pregnancy between lactating cows and heifers, and to study the response to acute feed restriction in pregnant or non-pregnant heifers. Blood samples were collected each month of pregnancy from cows (n = 5) and heifers (n = 5) and analyzed for total ghrelin concentration. Compared to pre-conception values, ghrelin concentrations tended to be greater during 3rd month of pregnancy in heifers, whereas they were higher in the 7th, 8th and 9th months in lactating cows, but no difference was detected between lactating cows and heifers.