Czech Journal of Animal Science, 2014 (vol. 59), issue 3

Composition of major proteins in cow milk differing in mean protein concentration during the first 155 days of lactation and the influence of season as well as short-term restricted feeding in early and mid-lactationOriginal Paper

K. Gellrich, H.H.D. Meyer, S. Wiedemann

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2014, 59(3):97-106 | DOI: 10.17221/7289-CJAS  

A variety of proteins contributes greatly to the unique nutritional and functional quality of dairy cow milk. Particularly, milk casein content and composition have substantial influence on the processing capabilities. In the present study, milk of 23 multiparous Holstein-Friesian cows, grouped as high- (3.49 ± 0.05%; n = 11) and low-protein (3.03 ± 0.05%; n = 12) cows, was sampled approximately weekly during the first 155 days of lactation to determine the course of relative milk protein composition (α-lactalbumin; β-lactoglobulin; α-, β-, and κ-casein). Furthermore, feed restrictions by...

The effect of non-phytate phosphorus and phytase levels on performance, egg and tibia quality, and pH of the digestive tract in hens fed higher-calcium-content dietOriginal Paper

M. Englmaierová, V. Skřivanová, M. Skřivan

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2014, 59(3):107-115 | DOI: 10.17221/7290-CJAS  

The effect of three levels of non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) (3.0, 2.1, and 1.7 g/kg) and two levels of 3-phytase (F) (0 and 150 phytase units (FTU)/kg) together with a high dietary calcium concentration (approximately 41.0 g/kg) on the performance characteristics, egg quality, pH of the digestive tract, and tibia bone quality of ISA Brown hens housed in enriched cages was evaluated. The diets with 3.0 g/kg of NPP with and without F and 2.1 g/kg of NPP with 150 FTU of F significantly increased egg production (P = 0.022) and daily egg mass production (P = 0.030). A low level of NPP decreased (P < 0.001) the body weight of...

Polymorphism, linkage mapping, and association analysis with carcass traits of four porcine candidate genes selected from gene-expression profiles of Czech Large White and Wild Boar musclesOriginal Paper

P. Chalupová, V. Dvořáková, A. Knoll, A. Stratil, H. Bartenschlager, R. Stupka, J. Čítek, M. Šprysl, A. Palánová, P. Horák, H. Geldermann

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2014, 59(3):116-127 | DOI: 10.17221/7291-CJAS  

Genes that are expressed in skeletal muscles may play a role in prenatal muscle development and postnatal muscle growth and can be considered candidates for economically important traits. Four porcine genes that were differentially expressed in skeletal muscles of Czech Large White and Wild Boar (SORT1, EMP3, IL18, and BTG2) were selected to search for polymorphism, linkage assignment, and association analysis with carcass traits. Through comparative sequencing of portions of the genes numerous polymorphisms were revealed (SORT1 - 21, EMP3 - 6, IL18 - 41, BTG2 - 9). Linkage analysis...

Effect of the first and second postpartum partial milking on blood serum calcium concentration in dairy cowsOriginal Paper

E.G. Salgado-Hernández, A. Aparicio-Cecilio, F.H. Velásquez-Forero, D.A. Castillo-Mata, J. Bouda

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2014, 59(3):128-133 | DOI: 10.17221/7292-CJAS  

Parturient paresis and subclinical hypocalcemia are frequent metabolic disorders in dairy cows postpartum. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of postpartum partial milking in the first two milkings on blood serum calcium concentration in dairy cows. Twenty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were randomized into two groups. Cows of group 1 (n = 10) were partially milked at the first and second milking postpartum. Cows of group 2 (n = 10) were completely milked. Blood samples were collected from all animals 5-7 days before calving, within 30 min after calving, and 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, and 32 h after calving for determination...

Distribution of tetraspanin family protein CD9 in bull reproductive systemOriginal Paper

P. Cupperová, M. Simon, J. Antalíková, K. Michalková, Ľ. Horovská, S. Hluchý

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2014, 59(3):134-139 | DOI: 10.17221/7293-CJAS  

The CD9 cell surface molecule has been found to be important for the fertilization process of mammals. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether the molecule CD9 is expressed on bull sperm during the spermatogenesis and maturation of spermatozoa as well as in bull reproductive organs and their secreta. The expression of bovine CD9 was examined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting. The histochemical studies using an anti-CD9 monoclonal antibody showed strong staining in the myeloid and collagenous tissue layer of testis and epididymis. Strong reaction was observed in the lumen of epididymal duct (the fluid of the duct)...

Melatonin receptor (MTNR1A and MTNR2B) expression during the breeding season in the yak (Bos grunniens)Original Paper

S.-D. Huo, R.-J. Long

Czech J. Anim. Sci., 2014, 59(3):140-145 | DOI: 10.17221/7294-CJAS  

Melatonin plays key roles in a wide range of mammalian body functions, which are mediated by the melatonin-specific cell surface receptor (MTNR1A and MTNR1B). To better understand the role of MTNR in the yak (Bos grunniens), we determined the melatonin receptor mRNA expression level. The analysis showed that the MTNR mRNA expression level was higher in the pineal gland tissue than in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovary (P < 0.01) during the breeding season. Immunofluorescence analyses showed that yak MTNR was located in the pinealocyte, synaptic ribbon, and synaptic spherules...