Early life microbial colonization of the gut and intestinal development differ between genetically divergent broiler lines.

Background: Host genetic makeup plays a role in early gut microbial colonization and immune programming. Interactions between gut microbiota and host cells of the mucosal layer are of paramount importance for a proper development of host defence mechanisms. For different livestock species, it has already been shown that particular genotypes have increased susceptibilities towards disease causing pathogens.

Influence of repeated rectal ultrasound examinations on hormone profiles and behaviour around oestrus and ovulation in dairy cattle.

Frequent rectal ultrasound is often used to assess time of ovulation. This study investigated whether frequent rectal ultrasound examination, affects behavioural oestrus and peri-ovulatory hormone profiles (LH, oestradiol and progesterone). Additionally, the relation between peri-ovulatory hormone profiles, oestrous behaviour and time of ovulation was studied.