• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.161-165
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• 2007

Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone which has multiple functions in mammals. Mainly, oxytocin regulates milk ejection and has an effect on uterine contraction and is related to maternal behavior. Maternal behavior is believed to be suppressed by stress and facilitated by oxytocin. In the cesarean section, oxytocin may be administrated into uterus to promote uterine involution. The present study aimed to test the effect of oxytocin into uterus on maternal behavior of rats with cesarean section. It was measured the effects on maternal behavior of oxytocin infused into uterus in rats with cesarean section as a stressor. In the first experiment, pup survival rate of between a control group and a group with laparotomy as a stress in natural parturition rats was compared. In the second experiment, survival rate for 2 weeks and maternal pup searching behavior (MPSV) were observed in one cesarean sectioned group without oxytocin and the other cesarean sectioned group with oxytocin. Infanticide was observed in stressed group in the first experiment while a normal maternal behavior was observed in a control one. In the second experiment, MPSV was only observed in a cesarean sectioned group with oxytocin and infanticide was observed in two groups except one rat which is thought to be affected by oxytocin as operated relatively late. This is the first study to show that the administration of oxytocin into uterus in the cesarean section is not involved in the regulation of maternal behavior in rats. In conclusion, this study proves the needs of oxytocin into brain in cesarean section related rats model and further study of maternal behavior list, like MPSV.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.899-909
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• 1997

The aim of this study was to assess the estimates of the time of ovulation and mating derived by plasma progesterone concentration. The 40 mature Korea Jin-do bitches were monitored to determine the plasma progesterone concentrations from proestrus to parturition. Gestation length in the 30 pregnant bitches was $63.9{\pm}2.3$ ($mean{\pm}SD$) days in multiparous bitches and $61.8{\pm}3.6$ days in primiparous bitches when Day 0 was timed from the first day of male acceptance, and $61.4{\pm}1.8$ days and $61.3{\pm}2.7$ days when Day 0 was timed from the day of first mating, respectively. Also, gestation length was $63.1{\pm}1.4$ days, $62.4{\pm}1.1$ days and $61.5{\pm}0.9$ days in multiparous bitches, and $62.6{\pm}1.4$ days, $62.4{\pm}2.0$ days and $61.6{\pm}2.3$ days in primiparous bitches when Day 0 was timed from the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0ng/ml, respectively, and $53.8{\pm}3.1$ days and $54.8{\pm}2.6$ days when Day 0 was timed from the last day of male acceptance, respectively. In 30 pregnant bitches, plasma progesterone concentration was $0.2{\pm}0.2ng/ml$ in multiparous bitches and $0.7{\pm}0.8ng/ml$ in primiparous bitches at the first day of vulval bleeding, $1.9{\pm}1.0$ and $3.3{\pm}2.7ng/ml$ at the first day of male acceptance, $7.0{\pm}4.0$ and $9.3{\pm}6.2ng/ml$ at the day of first mating, and $25.1{\pm}6.3$ and $22.8{\pm}10.3ng/ml$ at the last day of male acceptance, respectively. When Day 0 was timed from the day of parturition, plasma progesterone concentration at Day -62, Day -63 and Day -64 was $4.7{\pm}2.7ng/ml$, $3.5{\pm}2.2ng/ml$ and $1.7{\pm}0.9ng/ml$ in multiparous bitches, and $5.3{\pm}4.4ng/ml$, $3.2{\pm}3.7ng/ml$ and $2.0{\pm}1.9ng/ml$ in primiparous bitches, respectively. When Day 0 was timed from the day that plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 3.0ng/ml after the first day of vulval bleeding, plasma progesterone concentration at Day 61 and Day 62 was $2.7{\pm}2.2ng/ml$ and $1.4{\pm}1.9ng/ml$ in multiparous bitches, and $3.4{\pm}5.2ng/ml$ and $3.7{\pm}5.6ng/ml$ in primiparous bitches, and $0.8{\pm}0.7ng/ml$ and $0.9{\pm}0.4ng/ml$ at Day 63, respectively. It was that bitches were mated when plasma progesterone concentraion was 1.9 to 14.2ng/ml and 3.5 to 20.0ng/ml in multiparous and primiparous bitches, which was between first day before ovulation and fourth day after ovulation. And pregnancy rate was 92% (23/25). From these data, ovulation was estimated to occur the day when plasma progesterone concentration was first increased above 3.0ng/ml after the first day of vulval bleeding. It was estimated that mating time was the day when plasma progesterone concentration was between 1.9 and 20.0ng/ml, and best time for mating was between 3.0 and 8.0ng/ml of plasma progesterone concentration.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.823-831
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• 1995

The composition of rumen volatile fatty acids(VFA) and the blood chemistry were investigated in 5 clinically health dairy cows(Group I) reared on dairy farms and in 5 cows with post-parturition(POP) primary ketosis(Group II). The determinations were performed on days 5 to 7 pre-parturition(PRP), immediately POP, and on days 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 POP. In both groups, the total VFA levels gradually increased starting from day 5 POP, but the levels were lower in Group II than in Group I. With regard to POP. changes in the composition of VFA, Group II occasionally showed lower levels of acetic acid and caproic acid than did Group I. Blood glucose levels decreased POP in both groups. In contrast, blood levels of ketone bodies and 3-hydroxybutyric acid were increased POP, but there was no statistically by significant difference between the groups. The aspartate aminotransferase level was transiently increased immediately POP in both groups, and the increase was more marked in Group II than in Group I. Both groups showed a tendency for total cholesterol, free cholesterol, ester cholesterol, phospholipid, and total bile acid to be increased POP, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Clinically healthy dairy cows also showed POP changes in the composition of VFA and blood similar to those in dairy cows with ketosis, suggesting that even apparently healthy cows are at risk of subclinical ketosis POP.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.745-752
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• 2007

A total of thirty sows(Landrace×Yorkshire) were used to determine the effects of plant protein source containing multienzyme on performance, nutrients digestibility and milk characteristics. A feeding trial was conducted for 21 days from parturition to weaning. Experimental diets were supplied for 1 week before the parturition day and throughout the experimental period. Dietary treatments included: 1) Control(CON; basal diet), 2) CGLT(included corn gluten) and 3) FSPM(included fermented soy protein containing multienzyme). Through the entire experimental period, backfat loss and return-to-estrus intervals were not affected by the treatments(P>0.05). Nitrogen digestibility was increased significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. Blood urea nitrogen(BUN) concentration was increased significantly (P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. At the initial  period, total protein content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CGLT treatment and at the final period, total fat content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FM treatment compared to CON treatment. Rectal temperature showed similar tendency of change among treatments. The final piglet body weight, weight gain and ADG were higher significantly in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. On diarrhea rate in piglet, just one piglet occurred in CGLT treatement. In conclusion, 2.5% dietary plant protein source containing multienzyme suppelmentation improved N digestibility, BUN concentration, fat and protein contents in milk and weight gain in piglet.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.773-782
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• 2007

A total of thirty sows(Landrace×Yorkshire) were used to determine the effects of plant protein source containing multienzyme on performance, nutrients digestibility and milk characteristics. A feeding trial was conducted for 21 days from parturition to weaning. Experimental diets were supplied for 1 week before the parturition day and throughout the experimental period. Dietary treatments included: 1) Control(CON; basal diet), 2) CGLT(included corn gluten) and 3) FSPM(included fermented soy protein containing multienzyme). Through the entire experimental period, backfat loss and return-to-estrus intervals were not affected by the treatments(P>0.05). Nitrogen digestibility was increased significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. Blood urea nitrogen(BUN) concentration was increased significantly (P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. At the initial  period, total protein content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FSPM treatment compared to CGLT treatment and at the final period, total fat content of milk was higher significantly(P<0.05) in FM treatment compared to CON treatment. Rectal temperature showed similar tendency of change among treatments. The final piglet body weight, weight gain and ADG were higher significantly in FSPM treatment compared to CON treatment. On diarrhea rate in piglet, just one piglet occurred in CGLT treatement. In conclusion, 2.5% dietary plant protein source containing multienzyme suppelmentation improved N digestibility, BUN concentration, fat and protein contents in milk and weight gain in piglet.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.7
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• pp.739-745
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• 2017

In all mammalian species, progesterone is essential in the preparation for and maintenance of pregnancy. $20{\alpha}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase ($20{\alpha}$-HSD) predominantly converts progesterone into its biologically inactive form $20{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone ($20{\alpha}$-OHP), and plays a crucial role in the termination of pregnancy and initiation of parturition. In this study, we characterized the expression and localization of $20{\alpha}$-HSDinthe testis of MediKinetics $Micropigs^{(R)}$. The testes were collected at days 6, 9, 12, 18, and 21 after birth. The $20{\alpha}$-HSD mRNA was found to be expressed in the testis at day 6 after birth by RT-PCR. The highest level of mRNA expression in the testis was detected on day 21 after birth. However, the mRNA was not detected in the placenta after parturition. Western blot for $20{\alpha}$-HSD reveal that the specific 37-kDa band was detected in immature pig testis. However, this band was not detected in testis tissue at day 6 after birth. In the immunohistochemical analysis of the testis, $20{\alpha}$-HSD was detected in the Sertoli cells and Leydig cells. Taken together, our study shows for the first time that the $20{\alpha}$-HSD mRNA and protein are expressed in pig testis after birth. Further investigation is required to elucidate the functional mechanisms of $20{\alpha}$-HSD in pig testis after birth.

• Journal of Aquaculture
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.23-27
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• 2009

To understand the steroidogenic activities and plasma vitellogenin (VTG) profiles according to the reproductive phases in the oblong rockfish Sebastes oblongus, we examined changes in sex steroid hormones and plasma vitellogenin. Plasma levels of testosterone (T) was significantly higher value in only ovulation stage (P<0.05). In vitellogenesis, plasma estradiol-$17{\beta}$ ($E_2$) had a high level in August which was a similar higher level until ovulation than other ovarian development stages (P<0.05). However, $E_2$ was significantly decreased after embryo stage (P<0.05). This indicates that variability in $E_2$ at different stage is associated with the development of the oocytes. Plasma levels of $17{\alpha}$, $20{\beta}$-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) were significantly high at the stages of vitellogenesis and ovulation (P<0.001). It is assumed that DHP plays an important role in vitellogenesis. Also, We determined the plasma levels of vitellogenin (VTG) divided the development stage into four steps: immaturation, vitellogenesis, and ovulation and parturition. A significant lower levels of VTG were shown in immaturation and parturition (P<0.05), which did not discriminate between them. However, in vitellogenesis and ovulation were shown in a remarkable higher levels of VTG(P<0.05), but not significantly different between them. Consequently, plasma VTG levels were considerably increased after October and maintained a higher concentration until ovulation, but significantly decreased after ovulation. It is suggested that VTG plays also an important role in the development of vitellogenesis and oogenesis.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 1989

The changes in serum total protein and immunoglobulin levels, and BVD, IBR and PI-3 viral neutralizing antibody titers in colostrum-conferred Korean native calves during the first 12 weeks postpartum were studied, and the results obtained were summerized as follows: The Mean concentration of total protein, total immunoglobulin, IgG, IgM and IgA in sera of 9 calves at birth were $3.8{\pm}0.5g/dl$, $0.27{\pm}0.15mg/ml$, $0.06{\pm}0.08mg/ml$, $0.21{\pm}0.11mg/ml$, and extremely low concentration, respectively. Serum total protein level reached a maximum at 20 hours after birth, total immunoglobulin, IgG, and IgM levels at 24 hours, and IgA level at 28 hours, respectively. Serum IgA level reached a minimum at 4 weeks old, IgM level at 5 weeks, total immunoglobulin level at 8 weeks, and IgG level at 10 weeks, respectively. After then those levels had begun to increase, but total protein level was still decreasing at 12 weeks old. The half-lives of IgG, IgM, and IgA were 21.1 days, 4.0 days, and 2.6 days-respectively. In 10 Korean native cows immediately after parturition, serum neutralizing antibody titers specific to BVD, IBR and PI-3 virus were $8.7{\pm}1.5{\log}_2$, $5.7{\pm}1.2{\log}_2$, and $6.8{\pm}1.01{\log}_2$, respectively. And colostral neutralizing antibody titers against BVD, IBR, and PI-3 virus were $10.1{\pm}1.4{\log}_2$, $6.8{\pm}1.3{\log}_2$ and $7.8{\pm}1.7{\log}_2$, respectively. Before suckling the colostrum, SN antibody titers against BVD, IBR, and PI-3 virus were undetectable from all of 9 Korean native calves. Nevertheless SN antibody titer against BVD virus reached a maximum level ($9.2{\pm}0.6{\log}_2$) at 24 hours after birth, that against IBR virus ($6.1{\pm}1.0{\log}_2$) at 20 hours after birth, and that against PI-3 virus ($6.8{\pm}0.9{\log}_2$) at 32 hours after birth, respectively. In 12 weeks old calves, the SN antibodies against BVD and IBR virus were still decreasing, but that against PI-3 virus reached a minimum at 10 weeks, and increased after 12 weeks of age. The half-lives of SN antibodies against BVD, PI-3 and IBR, virus were 16.0 days, 22.6 days, and 25.5 days, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.167-170
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• 1981

Changes in serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (s-GOT) activities, serum alkaline phosphatase activities and serum total protein amounts were investigated on seven Korean native cows having normal estrus cycle of 18~24 days after normal parturition, dividing estrus cycle into estrus (0~1 days), metestrus (2~6 days), diestrus (7~16 days), proestrus (17~20 days). The results were as follows. 1. Serum GOT activities at estrus ranged from 73.5 to 121.5 Ku with a mean of $89.14{\pm}17.16$ Ku, at metestrus 57 to 89 Ku with a mean of $67.01{\pm}10.81$ Ku, at diestrus 54 to 89.5 Ku with a mean of $67.05{\pm}10.05$ Ku and at proestrus 53 to 112 Ku with a mean of $73.00{\pm}20.05$ Ku. The activities were significantly increased at the estrus comparing with other stages (P<0.01). 2. Serum ALP activities at estrus ranged from 8.0 to 10.4 K-Au with a mean of $8.74{\pm}0.83$ K-Au, at metestrus 6.5 to 9.2 K-Au with a mean of$7.74{\pm}0.76$ K-Au, at diestrus 5.6 to 9.0 K-Au with a mean of $7.67{\pm}1.13$ K-Au, at proestrus 6.2 to 9.3 K-Au with a mean of $7.12{\pm}1.18$ K-Au. The significance was not recognized among the stages of estrus cycle. 3. Serum total protein amounts at estrus ranged from 6.45 to 8.0g/10dl with a mean of $7.25{\pm}0.57/100dl$, at metestrus, 6.37 to 7.9g/100dl with a mean of $7.65{\pm}0.50g/100dl$, fat diestrus, 6.56 to 8.67g/100dl, with a mean of $7.53{\pm}0.55g/100dl$ and at proestrus 5.94 to 7.71g/100dl with a mean of $6.54{\pm}0.65g/dl$. There was not significance among the stages of estrus cycle.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.684-692
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• 2001

To find out the effect of oxytocin on somatic cell count and milk production, 12 primiparous and multiparous Murrah buffaloes were selected, immediately after the parturition, from the Institute's buffalo herd. These were divided into two groups of 6 each. Buffaloes of group I did not receive oxytocin injection (control); whereas, buffaloes of group II were administered oxytocin during early lactation (av. 42.50 days). The oxytocin injection was given in doses of 2.5 IU i.m. before the start of milking, to let down the milk, for a period of 5 days. Samples of milk from individual buffaloes were collected for 5 days before (Period I), during (Period II) and after (Period III) from both the group of buffaloes. Milk samples of A. M. and P. M. milking were composited in proposition to milk yields for analysis of milk constituents. Normal values of somatic cell counts in group I of buffaloes varied from 0.54 to $0.75{\times}10^{5}cells/ml$. Mean cytoplasmic particles and epithelial cells varied from 3.68 to $7.19{\times}10^{5}cells/ml$ and 0.13 to $0.54{\times}10^{5}cells/ml$. On percentage basis the epithelial and the total leucocyte count were 60 and 40. Total leucocyte count, in the study varied from 0.17 to $0.69{\times}10^{5}cells/ml$. The differential cell count of milk indicated presence of lymphocytes (16.50 to $61.16{\times}1000$), neutrophil (0.00 to $2.00{\times}1000$) and monocyte (0.00 to $18.16{\times}1000$). Somatic cell count (p<0.01) and epithelial cells (p<0.05) varied between buffaloes and between periods of study. Total leucocyte counts of milk were also significantly varied between periods (p<0.05). The change in fat, lactose, chloride, EC and NEFA concentrations during different periods of study, were highly significant, indicated diurnal variations in different buffaloes during different days of experiment. Administration of oxytocin resulted in increase in somatic cell counts of milk (p<0.01) due to the increases in total leucocyte count (p<0.01) during the treatment period. The differential cell count indicated that oxytocin administration increased lymphocyte number significantly (p<0.01). However, secretion of neutrophil, monocyte and cytoplasmic particles were not affected by oxytocin. Eosinophil and basophil cell, though present in few samples, remain unaffected by oxytocin administration. There was no effect of oxytocin on milk production, composition, pH, EC and NEFA concentration.