Browsing by Author "Melton, Crystal Sheree M."
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Item Expression of connexin 43 mRNA in porcine and equine ovaries(Texas Tech University, 1997-12) Melton, Crystal Sheree M.A major form of cell-cell communication is mediated by gap junctions, aggregations of intercellular channels responsible for the exchange of cytosolic materials (<1 kD) between adjacent cells. These channels are composed of connexins, a steadily growing family of highly related proteins. Several studies have suggested that connexin channels between granulosa cells and oocytes maintain meiotic arrest in growing follicles and mediate release of this arrest after the gonadotropin surge. Most major livestock species such as cattle, sheep, and pigs have been examined for the presence of gap junctions; however, extensive studies of ovarian gap junctions have been conducted mainly in the rodent, fish, and Xenopus species. Previously, a cDNA clone was isolated from ovaries of cyclic gilts and sequence analysis demonstrated that the fragment had 94.2% amino acid identity with mouse connexin 43. In order to determine the spatio-temporal pattern of expression for connexin 43 mRNA in porcine and equine ovaries, a 412 base fragment of the cDNA was used to synthesize probes for Northern and in situ hybridization studies.Item Influence of coated whole cottonseed on nutritional value and its potential for supplementation to ruminants(Texas Tech University, 2001-05) Melton, Crystal Sheree M.Whole cottonseed {Gossyplum hirsutum) is a valuable source of crude protein (CP) and energy in livestock feeds, but lint fibers on the seed coat make mechanical handling difficult. A commercially available starch coating process has improved mechanical handling of cottonseed. This coating might offer opportunities for incorporating other nutrients or feed additives to supplement grazing ruminants. Thus, four experiments were conducted to determine effects of the coating process on nutritional value and digestibility of whole cottonseed and its potential to act as a carrier. In the first experiment, potential minerals and feed additives that could be included in the coating were investigated for cattle fed sorghum (sorghum bicolor) stover supplemented with coated whole cottonseed (CWC). Our results indicated that most of the animal's nutritional needs were either met or exceeded when cottonseed was added to meet CP requirements. However, for a cow in late gestation, P was deficient. Growing cattle and cows in early lactation were borderline for dietary P and needs for additional sulfur (S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) were indicated. These minerals seem feasible for inclusion in the coating. Experiment two investigated effects of physical additions to the coating on coating integrity. Feed additives investigated included Rumensin® and Ascophyllum nodosum ground to United States Sieve Size (USSS) 100, 40, and 14 (Tasco-14), and a water-soluble extract (Tasco-EX). Particle size played a major role in physically adding material to CWC. The larger the individual particle of A. nodosum Kelp Meal and Tasco-14, the less chance each particle could property incorporate in the coating and adhere to the seed. Rumensin® with a small particle size and Tasco-EX, mixed readily with the cornstarch, and seed coating was successful. Effects of coating whole cottonseed on dry matter (DM) digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, and mineral metabolism were investigated in a metabolism trial with wether lambs (BW = 30 kg; SD = 2.3 kg) fed four forage silages. Twenty-four Rambouillet crossbred lambs were fed either corn {Zea mays) silage or 'Brown midrib-100', 'Fame', or 'Cow Vittles M' sorghum silages. Silages were supplemented with CWC, uncoated whole cottonseed (UCWC), or cottonseed meal (CSM) to meet CP requirements. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement of treatments. Dry matter digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for lambs supplemented with CSM than for the mean of CWC and UCWC. Coating whole cottonseed did not alter DM digestibility compared with UCWC and had no influence on blood serum mineral values. There seemed to be no negative effects of the coating process on DM digestibility or mineral status of the lambs. Apparent N absorption by lambs fed CWC was greater (P < 0.05) than UCWC expressed either as grams per day (P < 0.05) or as a percentage of intake (P < 0.001). Furthermore, at the beginning of the collection period, blood urea N (BUN) did not differ among lambs fed the different CP supplements; however, by the end of the collection period, BUN was greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed the whole cottonseed than CSM. Finally, a laboratory in vitro experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of CWC as a carrier to deliver feed additives and whether inclusion altered in vitro DM digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro volatile fatty acid (VFA) ratios. The IVDMD was greater (P < 0.01) for CWC than for UCWC. Including Tasco-EX either in the coating or in the substrate resulted in greater (P < 0.05) DM digestibility than when monensin was included or compared with CWC alone. Volatile fatty acid ratios showed that for acetic acid, UCWC was greater (P < 0.02) than for CWC while for butyric acid, concentration was greater (P < 0.02) for CWC than for UCWC. However, these differences were only observed in one of two runs (treatment x run interaction P < 0.001). Acetic acid (mol/I00mol) increased linearly (P < 0.001) over time. Propionic acid concentration (mol/100mol) decreased linearly (P < 0.01) over time but did not differ among treatments. Butync acid concentration (mol/IOOmol) increased initially then decreased (quadratic response; P < 0.001). Total VFA concentration (mmol/L) increased linearly (P < 0.001) over time. Coating of whole cottonseed did not alter in vivo DM digestibility and could enhance protein metabolism. The coating process seems to be a valuable tool as a delivery system for supplementation of feed additives and may be appropriate for supplementation of minerals as well.