This study examined the impact of cow body condition on the quality of bovine preimplantation embryos. The embryos (n = 107) were flushed from dairy cows and classified according to a five-point scale body condition score (BCS2 n = 17; BCS3 n = 31; BCS4 n = 11) on the 7th day after insemination and then analyzed for development, dead cell index (DCI), cell number and actin cytoskeleton quality. The highest embryo recovery rate (P < 0.05) was recorded in the BCS3 group and the lowest in the BCS4 group. More transferable (morula, blastocyst) embryos were obtained from the BCS4 cows (79%), compared with the BCS2 (64%) or BCS3 (63%) animals. However, cell numbers were higher in the BCS2 and BCS3 groups (P < 0.05) compared with the BCS4 embryos. Conversely, the DCI was lowest in the BCS2 (3.88%; P < 0.05) and highest in the BCS4 (6.56%) embryos. The proportion of embryos with the best actin quality (grade I) was higher in the BCS2 and BCS3 cows compared with the BCS4 group. Almost 25% of all embryos showed fragmented morphology and a higher DCI (5.65%) than normal morulas (1.76%). More fragmented embryos were revealed in the BCS2 (28.6%) and BCS4 (31.25%) groups, and less (19.15%) in the BCS3 group. The cell numbers in such embryos were lower in the BCS4 (22.57) than in the BCS2 (46.25) or BCS3 (42.4) groups. In conclusion, the body condition of dairy cows affects the quality of preimplantation embryos. A BCS over 3.0 resulted in a higher incidence of poor (fragmented) embryos.

• Klíčová slova
• Body condition score, Cow, Embryo quality,
• MeSH
• apoptóza MeSH
• blastocysta cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• buněčné dělení MeSH
• fertilizace in vitro metody   MeSH
• koncové značení zlomů DNA in situ MeSH
• konfokální mikroskopie MeSH
• mikrofilamenta metabolismus   MeSH
• mlékárenství MeSH
• morula cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• počet buněk MeSH
• přenos embrya metody   MeSH
• skot MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• skot MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

The body condition score (BCS) of cows affects their reproductive efficiency, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. We examined the effect of BCS on the basic ovarian cell functions and their responses to gonadotropic and metabolic hormones. We isolated ovarian cells from cows with a tendency toward emaciation (BCS2) and those with an average body condition (BCS3), and we compared their hormonal release and responses to FSH, leptin, ghrelin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) added at doses of 0, 1, 10, or 100 ng/mL. Progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) release were evaluated by RIA. No differences were found in progesterone or testosterone release between BCS2 and BCS3 cells; however, ovarian cells from BCS2 cows released more estradiol and IGF-I than cells from BCS3 cows. FSH, ghrelin, and NPY promoted progesterone release in BCS2 cells but had no stimulatory or inhibitory effect on BCS3 cells. In contrast, leptin promoted progesterone release in BCS3 cells and inhibited progesterone release in BCS2 cells. FSH also promoted testosterone release in both BCS2 and BCS3 cells but inhibited progesterone at a low dose in BCS3 cells. Leptin inhibited testosterone release in BCS3 cells but not in BCS2 cells. Estradiol release was promoted by leptin and ghrelin in BCS3 cells; however, it was unaffected by leptin and inhibited by ghrelin in BCS2 cells. IGF-I production was promoted by FSH and inhibited by leptin in both groups. Ghrelin suppressed IGF-I release in BCS2 cells and increased IGF-I release in BCS3 cells. NPY promoted IGF-I release in BCS2 cells but not in BCS3 cells. Our results demonstrate the effects of BCS on ovarian cell estradiol and IGF-I (but not progesterone or testosterone) release, as well as on the responses of ovarian cells to FSH, leptin, ghrelin, and NPY.

• Klíčová slova
• Body condition, Estradiol, IGF-I, Ovary, Progesterone, Testosterone,
• MeSH
• estradiol farmakologie   MeSH
• folikulární buňky účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• ghrelin farmakologie   MeSH
• insulinu podobný růstový faktor I farmakologie   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• leptin farmakologie   MeSH
• ovarium cytologie   účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• pohlavní steroidní hormony farmakologie   MeSH
• primární buněčná kultura MeSH
• progesteron farmakologie   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• skot * MeSH
• tělesná konstituce fyziologie   MeSH
• testosteron farmakologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• skot * MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• estradiol MeSH
• ghrelin MeSH
• insulinu podobný růstový faktor I MeSH
• leptin MeSH
• pohlavní steroidní hormony MeSH
• progesteron MeSH
• testosteron MeSH

Because of its direct consequences on reproductive success, body condition is an often-studied individual trait in insects. Various studies on insects use disparate methods to assess "body condition." However, it is doubtful that the results obtained by disparate methods are comparable. In this study, the body conditions of Poecilus cupreus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from eight sites were compared based on the following commonly used variables: (i) fresh weight, (ii) dry weight, and (iii) fat content. All of these variables were corrected for structural body size. Moreover, the effects of using the following ways of assessing structural body size were examined: (a) one size measurement (length of elytron, which is commonly used in beetles), and (b) three size measurements (length of elytron, width of pronotum and length of hind femur). The results obtained using the various estimations of body condition (i, ii, iii) varied significantly. Therefore, studies employing distinct body measurements to assess body condition are not comparable to each other. Using multiple structural size measurements in body condition analyses is better than the common practice of using only one size measurement. However, in the present study, results provided by both methods differ only slightly. A recommendation on the use of terminology in studies on body condition is introduced.

• MeSH
• brouci chemie   fyziologie   MeSH
• tělesná hmotnost * MeSH
• tuková tkáň MeSH
• tuky analýza   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• tuky MeSH

Metal pollution is one of the main environmental threats in freshwater ecosystems. Aquatic animals can accumulate these substances and transfer them across the food web, posing risks for both predators and humans. Accumulation patterns strongly vary depending on the location, species, and size (which in fish and crayfish is related to age) of individuals. Moreover, high metal concentrations can negatively affect animals' health. To assess the intraspecific relationship between metal accumulation and size and health (proxied by the body condition) of individuals, the concentration of 14 metals (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn) was analyzed in six alien species from the highly anthropogenically altered Arno River (Central Italy): five fish (Alburnus alburnus, Pseudorasbora parva, Lepomis gibbosus, Ictalurus punctatus, and Silurus glanis) and one crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). We found that in P. clarkii, Cu was negatively related to size, as well as Al in L. gibbosus and Mg for adult I. punctatus. Positive size-dependent relationships were found for Hg in L. gibbosus, Fe in S. glanis, and Cr in juvenile I. punctatus. Only Co and Mg in S. glanis were found to negatively correlate with individual health. Since metal concentrations in animal tissue depend on trade-offs between uptake and excretion, the few significant results suggest different types of trade-offs across different species and age classes. However, only predatory fish species (L. gibbosus, I. punctatus, and S. glanis) presented significant relationships, suggesting that feeding habits are one of the primary drivers of metal accumulation.

• Klíčová slova
• Bioaccumulation, Ecotoxicology, Environmental pollution, Fish, Freshwater ecosystems, Fulton condition factor, Metals,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza   MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• rtuť * MeSH
• sumci * MeSH
• těžké kovy * analýza   MeSH
• zavlečené druhy MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• rtuť * MeSH
• těžké kovy * MeSH

The aim of this review was to evaluate the relationship between the body condition of cows and reproduction. Reproduction was evaluated from the viewpoint of animal husbandry traits, ovarian activity and embryo transfer. Main emphasis was given to the review of articles from the area of biotechnical methods (in vitro embryo production, embryo transfer). Most authors agree on the opinion that the worsening of the reproduction traits of cows is a result of changes in the body condition score (BCS) either under or over their average value. Worsening of reproduction traits was presented not only from a zootechnical viewpoint (e.g., calving interval, 56 d nonreturn rate, etc.) but also in term of ovarian activity, oocyte recovery and in vitro embryo production. In general, the body condition of cows is an important factor affecting female reproduction ability at the ovarian level.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Body condition is increasingly used to assess the status of populations and as a proxy for individual fitness. A common, quick and non-invasive approach is to estimate condition from the relation between body length and mass. Among the methods developed for this purpose, the Scaled Mass Index (SMI) appears best suited for comparisons among populations. We assembled data from 17 populations of European green toads (Bufotes viridis) with the aim of devising a standard formula applicable for monitoring this species. The mean value of the exponents describing length-mass allometry in these samples was 3.0047. Hence, we propose using 3 as a scaling coefficient for calculating the SMI in green toads. From the contrast of SMI values for both sexes within populations, estimated with either the population-specific or the standard coefficient, we conclude that applying the standard formula not only facilitates comparisons among populations but may also help to avoid misinterpretation of variation within populations.

• Klíčová slova
• amphibia, biometry, conservation, life history, population ecology,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Body condition and parasite abundance were examined in two size classes of European bitterling Rhodeus amarus during the first overwintering period in two seasons (2007-2008 and 2009-2010). Body condition of large fish did not change during winter, and increased significantly in March. From November to February, small fish showed a decreasing trend in condition. Despite a significant increase in March condition of small fish only reached the same level as before winter. Total parasite abundance increased significantly in winter in both fish size classes, reflecting a seasonal increase in monogenean infection. Large fish were parasitized significantly more than small fish during winter, but only in small fish was a negative correlation between parasite infection and condition found and a significant decrease in parasite abundance recorded after wintering, indicating mortality of heavily infected individuals with low condition during the winter. A trend for higher overwinter mortality in small fish was found under semi-experimental conditions. The decrease in condition during the winter period in small fish may reflect faster energy depletion generally expected in smaller individuals. The results indicate that parasite infection may contribute to the overwinter mortality of 0+ year R. amarus, with a stronger effect in smaller individuals.

• MeSH
• analýza přežití MeSH
• Cyprinidae MeSH
• hustota populace MeSH
• infekce červy třídy Trematoda mortalita   patologie   MeSH
• interakce hostitele a parazita MeSH
• nemoci ryb mortalita   patologie   MeSH
• roční období * MeSH
• tělesná konstituce fyziologie   MeSH
• Trematoda fyziologie   MeSH
• velikost těla fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for fertility traits and linear type traits in the Czech Holstein dairy cattle population. Phenotypic data regarding 12 linear type traits, measured in first lactation, and 3 fertility traits, measured in each of first and second lactation, were collected from 2005 to 2009 in the progeny testing program of the Czech-Moravian Breeders Corporation. The number of animals for each linear type trait was 59,467, except for locomotion, where 53,436 animals were recorded. The 3-generation pedigree file included 164,125 animals. (Co)variance components were estimated using AI-REML in a series of bivariate analyses, which were implemented via the DMU package. Fertility traits included days from calving to first service (CF1), days open (DO1), and days from first to last service (FL1) in first lactation, and days from calving to first service (CF2), days open (DO2), and days from first to last service (FL2) in second lactation. The number of animals with fertility data varied between traits and ranged from 18,915 to 58,686. All heritability estimates for reproduction traits were low, ranging from 0.02 to 0.04. Heritability estimates for linear type traits ranged from 0.03 for locomotion to 0.39 for stature. Estimated genetic correlations between fertility traits and linear type traits were generally neutral or positive, whereas genetic correlations between body condition score and CF1, DO1, FL1, CF2 and DO2 were mostly negative, with the greatest correlation between BCS and CF2 (-0.51). Genetic correlations with locomotion were greatest for CF1 and CF2 (-0.34 for both). Results of this study show that cows that are genetically extreme for angularity, stature, and body depth tend to perform poorly for fertility traits. At the same time, cows that are genetically predisposed for low body condition score or high locomotion score are generally inferior in fertility.

• MeSH
• fertilita genetika   MeSH
• kvantitativní znak dědičný MeSH
• lokomoce genetika   MeSH
• modely genetické MeSH
• skot genetika   MeSH
• tělesná konstituce genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• skot genetika   MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Česká republika MeSH

Efficient thermoregulation is crucial for animals living under fluctuating climatic and weather conditions. We studied the body heating of six butterfly species of the genus Erebia (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) that co-occur in the European Alps. We tested whether butterfly physical characteristics (body size, wing loading) are responsible for the inter-specific differences in body temperatures recorded previously under natural conditions. We used a thermal camera to measure body heating of wild butterfly individuals in a laboratory experiment with artificial light and heating sources. We revealed that physical characteristics had a small effect on explaining inter-specific differences in mean body temperatures recorded in the field. Our results show that larger butterflies, with higher weight and wing loading, heated up more slowly but reached the same asymptotic body temperature as smaller butterflies. Altogether, our results suggest that differences in body temperatures among Erebia species observed in the field might be caused mainly by species-specific microhabitat use and point towards an important role of active behavioural thermoregulation in adult butterflies. We speculate that microclimate heterogeneity in mountain habitats facilitates behavioural thermoregulation of adults. Similarly, microclimate structuring might also increase survival of less mobile butterfly life stages, i.e., eggs, larvae and pupae. Thus, landscape heterogeneity in management practices may facilitate long term survival of montane invertebrates under increased anthropogenic pressures.

• Klíčová slova
• Alpine species, Ecophysiology, Habitat use, Lepidoptera, Thermal camera,
• MeSH
• motýli * fyziologie   MeSH
• tělesná teplota MeSH
• termoregulace MeSH
• velikost těla MeSH
• vytápění MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Physical condition is important for the ability to resist various parasites and diseases as well as in escaping predators thus contributing to reproductive success, over-winter survival and possible declines in wildlife populations. However, in-depth research on trends in body condition is rare because decades-long datasets are not available for a majority of species. We analysed the long-term dataset of offspring covering 34 years, male parents (40 years) and female parents (42 years) to find out whether the decline of Tengmalm's owl population in western Finland is attributable to either decreased adult and/or juvenile body condition in interaction with changing weather conditions and density estimates of main foods. We found that body condition of parent owl males and females declined throughout the 40-year study period whereas the body condition of owlets at the fledging stage very slightly increased. The body condition of parent owls increased with augmenting depth of snow cover in late winter (January to March), and that of offspring improved with increasing precipitation in late spring (May to June). We conclude that the decreasing trend of body condition of parent owl males and females is important factor probably inducing reduced adult survival and reduced reproduction success thus contributing to the long-term decline of the Tengmalm's owl study population. The very slightly increasing trend of body condition of offspring is obviously not able to compensate the overall decline of Tengmalm's owl population, because the number of offspring in turn simultaneously decreased considerably in the long-term. The ongoing climate change appeared to work in opposite ways in this case because declining depth of snow cover will make the situation worse but increased precipitation will improve. We suggest that the main reasons for long-term decline of body condition of parent owls are interactive or additive effects of reduced food resources and increased overall predation risk due to habitat degradation (loss and fragmentation of mature and old-growth forests due to clear-felling) subsequently leading to decline of Tengmalm's owl study population.

• MeSH
• datové soubory jako téma MeSH
• klimatické změny MeSH
• lesy MeSH
• populační dynamika statistika a číselné údaje   trendy   MeSH
• predátorské chování MeSH
• roční období MeSH
• rozmnožování MeSH
• sledování ekologických parametrů statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Stringiformes fyziologie   MeSH
• tělesná výkonnost fyziologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Finsko MeSH