• Title/Summary/Keyword: Reproductive Management

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Efficacy of a Cue-Mate Intravaginal Insert and Injection of Prostaglandin $F_{a{\alpha}}$ for Synchronizing Estrus in Hanwoo Cattle

  • Cho, Sang-Rae;Kumar, Kuldeep;Yeon, Seong-Heum;Lee, Sung-Hwan;Kim, Ui-Hyung;Chung, Ki-Yong;Kim, Hyeon-Shup;Lee, Myeung Sik;Park, Chang-Seok;Yang, Byoung-Chul
    • Journal of Embryo Transfer
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    • v.29 no.4
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    • pp.321-325
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    • 2014
  • The present study was performed on farm animals to test the effectiveness of progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (Cue-Mate$^{(R)}$ 1.56 g) and injection of prostaglandin $F_{2{\alpha}}$ ($PGF_{2{\alpha}}$) for synchronization estrus in Hanwoo cattle. The cattle were at random stage of the estrus cycle. The cows were artificially inseminated at day 7 after Cue-Mate withdrawal, using commercial semen from Korean native bulls. There was a season effect on the estrus synchronization rate. It was higher in spring (94.3%) followed by winter (93.3%), autumn (90.4%) and summer (67.2%). In summary, The results of this study revealed that season has influences on estrus behavior of cattle with no significant effect on pregnancy rate. In summary, we suggest summer reproductive management to alleviate the effects of heat stress. It should be based on intensive cooling combined with hormonal treatment. Given that different subgroups of cows benefit differently from the treatments, selective hormonal administration should be considered.

Auto Dispatch Device of Parturition Beginning Signal by Temperature and a Load Sensor at Ubiquitous Circumstance in Pig Industry (양돈산업에 있어서 유비쿼터스 환경에서 온도 및 하중 센서에 의한 자동 분만 알림 시스템 개발)

  • Lee, Jang-Hee;Baek, Soon-Hwa;Yon, Seung-Ho
    • Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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    • v.33 no.3
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    • pp.139-146
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    • 2009
  • This study tried to develop the system (device) that automatically notify a manager of condition just before and after farrowing to extend ubiquitous-based technology and to increase efficiency of delivery care and productivity by reducing human labor and time on standby when farrowing management is done in the difficult and hard working environment of farrowing such as night or holidays in field sand especially in pig industry. In this test, selected 10 gilts were executed timed artificial insemination and were set up each temperature sensor and load sensor to them 3 days before the estimated farrowing day and were observed the farrowing situation. This study was embodied the NESPOT-based (KT Corporation) monitoring system, the system to transmit data in real time by utilization of wireless LAN and the sensor module to apply the ubiquitous environment to them. And this study was observed the situation to automatically notify situations of 10 gilts that first bore just before and after farrowing. The result obtained the farrowing situations of them in real time by setup of the NESPOT-based monitoring system to check farrowing situation directly is as follow. The average time of the automatic notice about situation just before farrowing by the temperature sensor was 27.5 minutes before the beginning of farrowing (the expulsion time of a piglet). 6 of 8 pregnant gilts that first bore automatically were notified situations just before farrowing and the temperature sensors inserted into 2 ones before farrowing were omitted. (The automatic notice rate 75%) The average time of the automatic notice of situation just after farrowing by the load sensor was taken 46.5 minutes after the beginning of farrowing (the expulsion time of a first piglet). The average gestation period of 8 ones that first bore and were tested by the automatic notice of farrowing situation was 115.6 days. This result found that the automatic farrowing notice system by the temperature sensor is more efficient than the load sensor as the automatic farrowing alarm device and sanitary treatment and improvement of the omission rate were required.

Impacts of Organic Farming System on the Soil Microbial Population in Upland Soil (밭토양 유기재배가 토양 미생물 생태에 미치는 영향)

  • Lee, Young-Han;Sonn, Yeon-Kyu;Ahn, Byung-Koo;Lee, Seong-Tae;Shin, Min-A;Kim, Eun-Seok;Song, Won-Doo;Kwak, Youn-Sig
    • Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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    • v.44 no.5
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    • pp.819-823
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    • 2011
  • The present study evaluated the seasonal changes of the soil microbial population by selected media in an organic farming system (OFS) with rye rotation cropping management compared to those in a conventional farming system (CFS) with chemical fertilizers, pesticide and herbicide from May 2009 to October 2010 in an upland field. With the exception of fungi, populations of aerobic bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Bacillus spp. were higher in the OFS soil during soybean-growing stages. In addition, populations of aerobic bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Bacillus spp. in the OFS soil were nearly two times more than those in the CFS soil on reproductive growth stages. Our findings suggested that Bacillus spp. should be considered as responsible factor for microbial population differentiation observed between the OFS and the CFS in upland fields.

An Exploration on physiology of Vasa, Meda, Majja in Ayurveda w.s.r. to adipose tissue.

  • Agrawal, Sonam;Verma, Vandana;Gehlot, Sangeeta
    • CELLMED
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    • v.9 no.3
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    • pp.3.1-3.7
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    • 2019
  • Recent researches on adipocytes in human and mice model have reported that the adipocytes are not only the fat depots but having role in maintenance of physiology and metabolism through adipokines released by them in accordance to their anatomical location. Ayurveda scholars too have mentioned different tissues like Vasa (inter muscular fat), Meda (visceral fat) and Majja (bone marrow) which are predominantly rich in adipocytes similar to adipose tissues, with a different sites, functions, compositions and pathological outcomes. The metabolic effect of Meda and Majja Dhatu on other tissues like muscle (Mamsa Dhatu), bone (Asthi Dhatu) and reproductive tissue (Shukra Dhatu) shows their functional interdependence. The detailed description of therapeutic indications of Vasa and Majja under Snehakarma (oleation therapy) illustrates that clinical physiology of these tissues have been elaborated rather than general physiology. This article is an attempt to comprehend the physiological aspect of Vasa, Meda and Majja retrospectively on the basis of their therapeutic indication for the management of variety of disorders, in the form of Sneha through different therapeutic procedures. An effort has been also taken to distinguish Vasa, Meda, Majja based on the functional peculiarities of adipocytes present in different sites of body like omentum, muscle and bone marrow. Critical observation of explanations of Vasa, Meda and Majja in Ayurveda compendia and advanced research in field of adipocytes reflected that Ayurveda scholars had deep insights regarding the various dimensions of adipocytes, most of which are in consistent with the advanced physiology and biomolecular studies of adipocytes.

Relief of the negative effects of heat stress on semen quality, reproductive efficiency and oxidative capacity of rabbit bucks using different natural antioxidants

  • El-Ratel, Ibrahim Talat;Attia, Kandil Abdel Hai;El-Raghi, Ali Ali;Fouda, Sara Fikry
    • Animal Bioscience
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    • v.34 no.5
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    • pp.844-854
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    • 2021
  • Objective: The potential of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), betaine (BET), and ginger (GIN), as natural antioxidants, in reducing negative effects of heat stress on physiological responses, antioxidant capacity, semen quality and fertility of bucks under heat stress were investigated. Methods: Forty adult Animal Production Research Institute line rabbit bucks were distributed randomly into four experimental treatments of ten rabbits each. The first treatment was fed the commercial pellet diet (CPD) without supplementation and served as a control. The other three treatments were fed CPD supplemented with EVOO (300 mg), BET (1,000 mg), and GIN (200 mg) per kg diet for 3 consecutive months during the summer season. Results: Supplementation of EVOO, BET, or GIN improved (p<0.05) the sexual desire, progressive motility, vitality, intact acrosome and membrane integrity, sperm cell concentration, sperm outputs and fertility. Seminal plasma total proteins, globulin, total antioxidant capacity, glutathione and glutathione S-transferase, and initial fructose increased (p<0.05), while total lipids, aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and malondialdehyde decreased (p<0.05) compared with the control. In comparing the natural antioxidants treatments, GIN evoked the largest improvement. Conclusion: The inclusion of GIN (200 mg/kg diet) appeared to improve the sexual desire, semen quality and oxidative stress of bucks. This may be a beneficial supplement for the management of rabbit bucks used in natural mating or artificial insemination.

Semen evaluation: methodological advancements in sperm quality-specific fertility assessment - A review

  • Tanga, Bereket Molla;Qamar, Ahmad Yar;Raza, Sanan;Bang, Seonggyu;Fang, Xun;Yoon, Kiyoung;Cho, Jongki
    • Animal Bioscience
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    • v.34 no.8
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    • pp.1253-1270
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    • 2021
  • Assessment of male fertility is based on the evaluation of sperm. Semen evaluation measures various sperm quality parameters as fertility indicators. However, semen evaluation has limitations, and it requires the advancement and application of strict quality control methods to interpret the results. This article reviews the recent advances in evaluating various sperm-specific quality characteristics and methodologies, with the help of different assays to assess sperm-fertility status. Sperm evaluation methods that include conventional microscopic methods, computer-assisted sperm analyzers (CASA), and flow cytometric analysis, provide precise information related to sperm morphology and function. Moreover, profiling fertility-related biomarkers in sperm or seminal plasma can be helpful in predicting fertility. Identification of different sperm proteins and diagnosis of DNA damage has positively contributed to the existing pool of knowledge about sperm physiology and molecular anomalies associated with different infertility issues in males. Advances in methods and sperm-specific evaluation has subsequently resulted in a better understanding of sperm biology that has improved the diagnosis and clinical management of male factor infertility. Accurate sperm evaluation is of paramount importance in the application of artificial insemination and assisted reproductive technology. However, no single test can precisely determine fertility; the selection of an appropriate test or a set of tests and parameters is required to accurately determine the fertility of specific animal species. Therefore, a need to further calibrate the CASA and advance the gene expression tests is recommended for faster and field-level applications.

Development of Real-time PCR Assay Based on Hydrolysis Probe for Detection of Epichloë spp. and Toxic Alkaloid Synthesis Genes

  • Lee, Ki-Won;Woo, Jae Hoon;Song, Yowook;Rahman, Md Atikur;Lee, Sang-Hoon
    • Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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    • v.42 no.3
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    • pp.201-207
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    • 2022
  • Fescues, which are widely cultivated as grasses and forages around the world, are often naturally infected with the endophyte, Epichloë. This fungus, transmitted through seeds, imparts resistance to drying and herbivorous insects in its host without causing any external damage, thereby contributing to the adaptation of the host to the environment and maintaining a symbiosis. However, some endophytes, such as E. coenophialum synthesize ergovaline or lolitrem B, which accumulate in the plant and impart anti-mammalian properties. For example, when livestock consume excessive amounts of grass containing toxic endophytes, problems associated with neuromuscular abnormalities, such as convulsions, paralysis, high fever, decreased milk production, reproductive disorders, and even death, can occur. Therefore, pre-inoculation with non-toxic endogenous fungi or management with endophyte-free grass is important in preventing damage to livestock and producing high-quality forage. To date, the diagnosis of endophytes has been mainly performed by observation under a microscope following staining, or by performing an immune blot assay using a monoclonal antibody. Recently, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based molecular diagnostic method is gaining importance in the fields of agriculture, livestock, and healthcare given the method's advantages. These include faster results, with greater accuracy and sensitivity than those obtained using conventional diagnostic methods. For the diagnosis of endophytes, the nested PCR method is the only available option developed; however, it is limited by the fact that the level of toxic alkaloid synthesis cannot be estimated. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a triplex real-time PCR diagnostic method that can determine the presence or absence of endophyte infection using DNA extracted from seeds within 1 h, while simultaneously detecting easD and LtmC genes, which are related to toxic alkaloid synthesis. This new method was then also applied to real field samples.

Chemical Use and Associated Health Concerns in the Semiconductor Manufacturing Industry

  • Yoon, Chungsik;Kim, Sunju;Park, Donguk;Choi, Younsoon;Jo, Jihoon;Lee, Kwonseob
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.11 no.4
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    • pp.500-508
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    • 2020
  • Background: Research on the status of many chemicals used in the semiconductor industry is needed. The purpose of this study was to describe the overall status of chemical use in the semiconductor industry in Korea and to examine it from a health perspective. Methods: Data on the status of chemical use and safety data sheets at 11 of 12 major semiconductor workplaces in Korea were collected. The number of chemical products and chemical constituents, quantities of chemicals, and trade secret ingredients used, as well as the health hazards were examined. Results: On average, 210 chemical products and 135 chemical constituents were used at the surveyed workplaces. Among all chemical products, 33% (range: 16-56%) contained at least one trade secret ingredient. Most of the trade secret ingredients were used in the photolithography process. Several carcinogens, including sulfuric acid, chromic acid, ethylene oxide, crystalline silica, potassium dichromate, and formaldehyde were also used. Only 29% (39 of 135) of the chemical constituents had occupational exposure limits, and more than 60% had no National Fire Protection Association health, safety, and reactivity ratings. Based on the aforementioned results, this study revealed the following. First, many chemical products and constituents are being used in the semiconductor industry and many products contained trade secret ingredients. Second, many products contained significant amounts of carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxicant materials. Conclusion: We conclude that protecting workers in the semiconductor industry against harm from chemical substances will be difficult, due to widespread use of trade secret ingredients and a lack of hazard information. The findings of the status of chemical use and the health and safety risks in semiconductor industry will contribute to epidemiological studies, safe workplace, and worker health protection.

The Effect of an Empowerment Program on the Health-promoting Behaviors of Iranian Women Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

  • Noori, Fatemeh;Behboodimoghadam, Zahra;Haghani, Shima;Pashaeypoor, Shahzad
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.54 no.4
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    • pp.275-283
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    • 2021
  • Objectives: The workplace is an ideal place for encouraging health-promoting behaviors. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of an empowerment program on the health-promoting behaviors of women workers. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted with 80 women workers employed at a food packaging facility in 2020. The subjects were selected using convenience sampling and were classified into intervention and control groups using block randomization. An empowerment program for women workers was conducted across 6 sessions based on an empowerment model. Data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire and the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile-II, which participants completed both before the program and 8 weeks after the last session. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 16 using descriptive analysis and inferential statistics. Results: There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in various health-promoting behaviors before the program. However, the intervention group's scores for nutrition (34.92±1.09 vs. 27.87±4.23), physical activity (24.40±2.94 vs. 17.40±5.03), stress management (26.35±2.60 vs. 23.05±4.27), spiritual growth (34.02±3.00 vs. 30.22±5.40), interpersonal relationships (30.82±2.38 vs. 27.60±4.61), and health responsibility (31.60±2.71 vs. 28.22±4.59) were significantly higher than the control group's 8 weeks after the program had ended. Moreover, there was a significant difference in the total score of health-promoting behaviors for the intervention group compared to the control group (179.00±9.22 vs. 151.42±20.25, p=0.001). Conclusions: An empowerment program for women workers led to significant improvements in the health-promoting behaviors of the participants. Similar programs can ultimately improve women's health in the workplace.

Management factors affecting gestating sows' welfare in group housing systems - A review

  • Jang, Jae-Cheol;Oh, Sang-Hyon
    • Animal Bioscience
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    • v.35 no.12
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    • pp.1817-1826
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    • 2022
  • Public concern on the methods of raising food-producing animals has increased, especially in the last two decades, leading to voluntary and mandated changes in the animal production methods. The primary objective of these changes is to improve the welfare of farm animals. The use of gestational stalls is currently a major welfare issue in swine production. Several studies assessed the welfare of alternative housing systems for gestating sows. A comparative study was performed with gestating sows housed in either individual stalls or in groups in a pen with an electronic sow feeder. This review assessed the welfare of each housing system using physiological, behavioral, and reproductive performance criteria. The current review identified clear advantages and disadvantages of each housing system. Individual stall housing allowed each sow to be given an individually tailored diet without competition, but the sows had behavioral restrictions and showed stereotypical behaviors (e.g., bar biting, nosing, palate grinding, etc.). Group-housed sows had increased opportunities to display such behavior (e.g., ability to move around and social interactions); however, a higher prevalence of aggressive behavior, especially first mixing in static group type, caused a negative impact on longevity (more body lesions, scratch and bite injuries, and lameness, especially in subordinate sows). Conclusively, a more segmented and diversified welfare assessment could be beneficial for a precise evaluation of each housing system for sows. Further efforts should be made to reduce aggression-driven injuries and design housing systems (feeding regimen, floor, bedding, etc.) to improve the welfare of group-housed sows.