Inositol and hepatic lipidosis. II. Effect of inositol supplementation and time from parturition on serum insulin, thyroxine and triiodothyronine and their relationship to serum and liver lipids in dairy cows

Percutaneous liver biopsies and blood samples were obtained from 80 dairy cows in nine Michigan herds over the peripartum period. Thirty-nine cows were fed 17 g of supplemental inositol and 41 were fed a placebo. Liver biopsies were assayed for total myoinositol and triglyceride (TG) concentrations. Blood samples were assayed for serum dextran precipitable cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin, thyroxine (T4), free (FT4), triiodothyronine (T3) and free T3 (FT3) concentrations. Serum concentrations of insulin and the thyroid hormones decreased near parturition, with lowest concentrations occurring in the immediate postpartum period. Concentrations of T3 correlated well with T4, and the concentrations of free thyroid hormones reflected concentrations of total thyroid hormones. The percentage of hormone in the free fraction remained constant over time. Serum insulin, T3 and T4 were negatively correlated with serum NEFA and liver TG concentrations. Thyroid hormone concentrations were positively correlated with serum dextran precipitable cholesterol concentrations. Inositol supplementation was associated with reduced circulating T3 and FT3 concentrations, but not T4 and FT4 concentrations. Changes in hormone concentrations at parturition and their relationship to liver TG and serum NEFA concentrations were consistent with a metabolic adaptation by the dairy cow to the negative energy balance of early lactation.     

Impact of iodine supplementation of dairy cows on milk production and iodine concentrations in milk

AIM: To determine the effect of iodine supplementation on milk production and iodine concentrations in milk for pasture-fed, seasonally calving dairy cows. METHODS: The study was run over two consecutive seasons on the same dairy farm. In Trial One, 294 Friesian dairy cows were either untreated or injected intramuscularly three times with iodised oil (2,370 mg iodine/dose) at the start of lactation (Day 1) and at about 100-day intervals thereafter. Iodine concentrations in milk were determined prior to each injection on Days 1, 98 and 210, and milk, fat and protein yields measured on Days 43, 98, 176 and 238. In Trial Two, 234 Friesian dairy cows were either untreated or injected intramuscularly with iodised oil (2,370 mg iodine/dose) in early lactation (Day 1) and 99 days later. Iodine concentrations in milk were determined prior to treatment on Days 1, 55 and 161. Serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were determined in the latter two samples and milk, protein and fat yields were determined on Days 25, 119, 182 and 221. In both trials, pasture was sampled at 1- or 3-monthly intervals and iodine concentrations in herbage measured. RESULTS: Iodine concentrations in pasture averaged 0.24 mg/kg dry matter (DM) in both seasons and varied little over the experimental period. Iodine concentrations in milk from unsupplemented cows were <20 microg/L in both trials. Three iodine injections at about 100-day intervals increased iodine concentrations in milk to 58 microg/L for at least 98 days after each treatment. Two iodine injections at about 100-day intervals raised milk iodine concentrations to 160 microg/L and 211 microg/L at least 55 days after each treatment, but had no effect on serum thyroid hormone concentrations. Iodine supplementation had no significant effect on milk, milkfat or milk protein yield. CONCLUSIONS: Pastures in New Zealand that contained 0.24 mg iodine/kg DM appeared to provide an adequate iodine intake for dairy cows. Intramuscular injections of iodine resulted in significant increases in iodine concentrations in milk. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Increasing iodine concentrations in milk via intramuscular injection of iodine could provide a method for significantly increasing iodine intakes of humans, in particular, children.     

Adrenal cortex reactivity in dairy cows differs between lactational stages and between different feeding levels

Changes in ACTH challenge test characteristics in dairy cows changing their physiological status at different lactational stages and different feeding levels were not investigated in terms of repeatability yet. In 23 multiparous Holstein cows (10 cows fed a sole fresh herbage diet without concentrate, 13 cows fed with concentrate), three ACTH challenge tests were performed: once during pregnancy shortly prior to drying off ( T1 ), and in week 3 ( T2 ) and 8 ( T3 ) after parturition. Test characteristics were correlated to performance and metabolic parameters: DMI, BW, energy balance (EB), plasma concentrations of free fatty acids (NEFA) and beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB). Basal plasma cortisol concentrations were higher at T1 compared with T2 and T3 (p < .05). The adrenal cortex sensitivity (expressed as total AUC (AUC_t) of cortisol response after ACTH application) was lowest at T2 compared with T1 and T3 (p < .05). Ranking of the individual animals’ responses was not repeatable between time points of the ACTH tests. Enhancing the energy deficiency during early lactation by omission of concentrate did not affect baseline cortisol concentrations in plasma, but decreased peak height at T2 (p < .05). Baseline plasma cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with cortisol peak values after ACTH application, previous lactation performance, milk yield and BW (p < .05). The AUC_t was positively correlated with baseline cortisol concentrations, EB and DMI. Cortisol release after ACTH injection was lower in animals with high plasma concentrations of NEFA, BHB and with higher contents of fat and free fatty acids in milk (p < .05). Cortisol peak height after ACTH administration was higher in cows with a more positive EB, higher DMI and lower plasma concentrations of NEFA and BHB. In summary, cortisol responses to ACTH challenges in this study were not repeatable in dairy cows changing their physiological status.     

Decreased Serum Lecithin:Cholesterol Acyltransferase Activity in Spontaneous Cases of Fatty Liver in Cows

Nakagawa, H., Oikawa, S., Oohashi, T. and Katoh, N., 1997. Decreased serum lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase activity in spontaneous cases of fatty liver in cows. Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (1), 1-8. Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity in serum was evaluated in spontaneous cases of fatty liver in cows. The enzyme activity of 631 ± 62 U (mean ± SEM, decrease in nmol of free cholesterol per h per ml of serum) in cows with fatty liver (n = 16) was significantly (p < 0.01) lower than that in cows without fatty liver (979 ± 22 U; n = 16). In addition to the decrease in LCAT activity, the concentrations of phosphatidylcholine (a fatty aryl donor for esterification of free cholesterol) and of cholesteryl esters (products of the LCAT reaction) were reduced in the high-density lipoprotein fractions from cows with fatty livers. The concentration in the serum of apolipoprotein A-I, an activator of LCAT, was also reduced in cows with fatty livers. These results suggest that the decreased LCAT activity, which may be attributable to impaired hepatic secretion or to the suppression of the activity in the plasma by reduced concentrations of phosphatidylcholine and apolipoprotein A-I, resulted in the lower concentrations of cholesteryl esters. Because cholesteryl esters are utilized in steroidogenic tissues for the synthesis of steroid hormones such as progesterone and glucocorticoids, an insufficient supply of the cholesterols may be of relevance to the reduced fertility and immune competence observed in cows with fatty livers.     

Plasma lipids in normal cows around partus and in cows with metabolic disorders with and without fatty liver

Free fatty acids, cholesterol and phospholipids in plasma were studied from 6 weeks before to 6 weeks after calving in 16 normal multiparous cows. The same plasma lipids were studied the day after calving in 20 normal primiparous cows. Ten of these were fed according to standards and the other 10 were overfed the last 3 weeks prepartum. The plasma lipids were also analysed in 16 cows with left displacement of the abomasum and fatty liver, and in 16 cows with ketosis with no or only slight fat infiltration of the liver. In the normal cows there was a rise in FFA-level and a reduction in cholesterol and phospholipids from 6 weeks before to the day after calving. Thereafter there was a reduction of FFA-level and rise in cholesterol and phospholipids. Increased feed intensity had no effect on plasma lipids at calving. The level of the plasma lipids in cows with fatty liver differed very much from the amounts in normal cows at corresponding time from calving. Cows with ketosis had high FFA-level but the amount of cholesterol and phospholipids differed very little from normal cows.     

Dietary fatty acids modulate hormone repsonses in lactating cows: Mechanistic role for 5′-deiodinase activity in tissue

Supplemental dietary fat provides excess fatty acids (FA), which can alter circulating concentrations of several hormones. To test the effects of fatty acid isomer type and possible sites of regulation, we abomasally infused fat mixtures high in cis-C_18:1 FA (iTRS) or no infusion (NI) and performed intravenous arginine (ARG) and intramuscular thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) challenges. The experimental design was a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square. Challenges were conducted on Days 10 (ARG) and 12 (TRH) after initiation of fat infusion on each of three 4-wk experimental periods. Plasma concentrations of IGF-I were lower (P < 0.01) when cows received iCIS or iTRS compared with NI. Plasma insulin concentrations increased with ARG but responses were not affected by FA. Plasma growth hormone (GH) was unchanged after ARG. Peak plasma GH and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) responses to TRH were blunted (P < 0.05 and P < 0.1, respectively), whereas thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine (T3) responses were augmented post-TRH (P < 0.01) when cows received either FA isomer. Prolactin responses to TRH were not different between infusion treatments, although basal plasma concentrations before TRH were higher in cows infused with iTRS (P < 0.05). To focus on fat regulation of the thyroid axis, we tested directly in vitro the ability of fatty acids dissolved with sodium taurocholate to affect Type-I 5'-deiodinase (5'D) activity in bovine liver homogenates. Homogenate 5'D was not affected by C_2:0---C10:0 fatty acids, but decreased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing concentrations of C_12:0---C_16:0 and C_18:1 isomers. CisC_18:1 decreased 5′D more than the trans-isomer (P < 0.01), the difference was only apparent at concentrations greater than 0.25 mM. The data suggest that various aspects of pituitary hormone regulation are differentially affected by FA composition. Fatty acid infusion may accentuate end organ responses in the thyroid axis and decrease IGF-I in the somatotropic axis. The data also suggest that FA isomer may alter patterns of extrathyroidal generation of thyroid hormones via direct influences on 5′D.     

Conversion of α‐linolenic acid to long‐chain omega‐3 fatty acid derivatives and alterations of HDL density subfractions and plasma lipids with dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus)

The effect of α‐linolenic acid from a flaxseed (FLX)‐enriched diet on plasma lipid and fatty acid metabolism and possible atherosclerosis risk factors was studied in Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus). Twenty‐four Monk parrots were randomly assigned to diets containing either 10% ground SUNs or 10% ground FLXs. Feed intake was calculated daily. Blood samples, body condition scores and body weights were obtained at ?5 weeks, day 0, 7, 14, 28, 42 and 70. Plasma samples were analysed for total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triacylglycerols and lipoproteins. Phospholipid subfraction fatty acid profiles were determined. By day 70, the FLX group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid fatty acids including 18:3n‐3 (α‐linolenic acid), 20:5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22:6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid). The sunflower group had significantly higher plasma phospholipid levels of 20:4n‐6 (arachidonic acid). By day 70, the high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) peak shifted resulting in significantly different HDL peak densities between the two experimental groups (1.097 g/ml FLX group and 1.095 g/ml SUN group, p = 0.028). The plasma fatty acid results indicate that Monk parrots can readily convert α‐linolenic acid to the long‐chain omega‐3 derivatives including docosahexaenoic acid and reduce 20:4n‐6 accumulation in plasma phospholipids. The reason for a shift in the HDL peak density is unknown at this time.     

Effect of linseed oil supplementation on performance and milk fatty acid composition in dairy cows

Thirty‐six Holstein‐Friesian crossbred lactating dairy cows were used to determine the effects of linseed oil supplementation on performance and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Three treatments were as follows: basal diet (56:44 Roughage:concentrate [R:C] ratio, dry matter basis) supplemented with 500 g of palm oil as control (PO), 500 g mixture (1:1, w/w) of palm oil and linseed oil (POLSO) and 500 g of linseed oil (LSO). The LSO supplementation had no effects on total dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and milk composition. Compared to control cows, cows supplemented with LSO increased milk concentrations of cis‐9,trans‐11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and n‐3 FA (P < 0.05), particularly C18:3n‐3, C20:5n‐3 and C22:6n‐3. Feeding LSO reduced concentrations of milk short‐ and medium‐chain saturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) while it increased concentration of milk unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Milk proportions of n‐3 FA increased, whereas n‐6/n‐3 ratio decreased in the LSO as compared with the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing dairy cows' diet based on corn silage with LSO at 500 g/day could improve the nutritional value of milk with potential health‐beneficial FA without detrimental effect on milk composition or cow's performance.     

Effect of dietary protein quality and fatty acid composition on plasma lipoprotein concentrations and hepatic triglyceride fatty acid synthesis in obese cats undergoing rapid weight loss

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of dietary lipid and protein on plasma lipoprotein and free fatty acid concentrations and hepatic fatty acid synthesis during weight gain and rapid weight loss in cats. ANIMALS: 24 ovariohysterectomized cats. PROCEDURE: Cats were fed a high energy diet until they gained 30% of their ideal body weight and then randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 weight reduction diets (6 cats/diet) at 25% of maintenance energy requirements. Diets contained a low or high quality protein source and a lipid source deficient or sufficient in long chain essential fatty acids. Plasma samples and liver biopsy specimens were obtained before and after weight gain and during and after weight loss for determination of free fatty acid, triglyceride, and lipoprotein concentrations. Synthesis of these substances was measured by use of isotope enrichment. RESULTS: Plasma total cholesterol concentration and concentration of lipoprotein fractions increased after weight gain, compared with baseline values. Weight loss resulted in a significant decrease in concentrations of all lipoprotein fractions except high density lipoprotein. High density lipoprotein concentration was significantly greater in cats fed diets containing an oil blend, compared with cats fed diets containing corn oil. Fatty acid synthesis after weight loss was below the detection limit of the measurement technique. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In cats undergoing rapid weight loss there is neither increased triglyceride synthesis nor decreased transport of very low density lipoproteins from the liver, suggesting that their involvement in the development of hepatic lipidosis may be minimal.     

Effects of breed type and restricted versus ad libitum feeding on fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of muscle and adipose tissue from mature bovine females

Fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of muscle and adipose tissue from mature cows (N = 101) representing 15 breeds and crosses were determined. An initial group of cows was slaughtered after being fed slightly above the maintenance level for 2 wk; the remaining cows were fed either at the maintenance level or ad libitum for 84 d, then slaughtered. Samples of triceps brachii and longissimus muscle and subcutaneous and perinephric adipose tissue were obtained from each carcass. In addition, phospholipid and triacylglycerol fatty acids from total lipid extracts of triceps brachii muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue were analyzed for 24 cows that were fed ad libitum or at the maintenance level for 84 d. Breed type effects on fatty acid composition were more pronounced in adipose tissue than in muscle tissue. Total lipid extracts of both triceps brachii and longissimus muscle from animals fed a maintenance diet for 84 d contained higher (P less than .01) percentages (3 to 8%) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and lower percentages (2 to 3%) of saturated fatty acids (SFA) than those from animals fed ad libitum for 84 d. This reflected significant variation in the fatty acids C14:0, C16:0, C18:2, C18:3 and C20:4 for both longissimus and triceps brachii muscle. Fatty acid composition within phospholipid and triacylglycerol fractions was similar regardless of maintenance or ad libitum feeding. Much of the variation in total lipid fatty acid composition appeared to be the result of differences in triacylglycerol:phospholipid ratios. Adipose tissue contained about twice as much cholesterol (mg/100 g wet weight) as muscle tissue. Both breed type and feeding group effects on cholesterol content of muscle tissue were nonsignificant. Values for cholesterol content of adipose tissue from cows fed restricted diets were higher than those from cows fed ad libitum (approximately 55 mg/100 g higher for subcutaneous and 25 mg/100 g for perinephric). The results show that changes in fatty acid composition of bovine tissues can be made genetically and by varying the energy level in the diet. Alteration of the cholesterol content of muscle tissue by these methods does not appear to be feasible.     

Early deposition of n-3 fatty acids from tuna oil in lean and adipose tissue of fattening pigs is mainly permanent

A total of 600 crossbred pigs, whereof 56 were randomly selected for more in-depth studies of carcass and pork quality, were employed to test different tuna oil feeding regimens. The focus was put on the efficiency to enrich lean and adipose tissue with n-3 fatty acids and the expression of adverse side-effects on performance, carcass, and pork quality. The 4 treatments were 0% tuna oil in diet (T0; control), 1% of unrefined tuna oil in diet fed from 35 to 90 kg of BW (T1), and 3% of unrefined tuna oil in diet offered during the early (35 to 60 kg of BW; T3-E) or late stage of fattening (75 to 90 kg of BW; T3-L). With this arrangement, pigs consumed equal lifetime amounts of tuna oil (approximately 1.6 kg per pig). None of the tuna oil treatments had significant effects on performance. There were no differences in carcass quality among tuna oil groups except for group T3-E where carcasses and loin chops were fatter than those of the other groups. Water-holding capacity and texture of the loin as well as firmness and melting properties of the backfat remained widely unaffected by the treatments. Tuna oil feeding resulted in a lighter, less red and less yellow backfat and was found to increase the proportion of n-3 fatty acids to total fatty acids in all treatments. This especially concerned eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, but not alpha-linolenic acid. There was also a slight increase in oleic acid, whereas n-6 fatty acids largely decreased. Feeding tuna oil during a short period at the end of fattening (T3-L) or permanently during fattening (T1) proved to be similarly efficient in increasing n-3 fatty acid content of lean and adipose tissue (to about 1.6-fold of T0). By contrast, only two-thirds of this increase was found when the same amount of tuna oil had been fed exclusively during early fattening (T3-E). The decreased efficiency in T3-E was associated with better sensory flavor, overall acceptability grading, and oxidative status. The results show that, particularly under the condition of a continuous supply, much of the n-3 fatty acids ingested in early fattening can be recovered in pork. These findings give farmers flexibility as to when and how pork can be enriched in n-3 fatty acids with fish oil.     

Hepatic activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase in rats with alimentary zinc deficiency

Recent studies demonstrated that zinc deficiency lowers hepatic cholesterol concentrations in rats fed on diets that were rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA); in contrast, in rats fed on diets that were rich in saturated fatty acids, zinc deficiency did not influence hepatic cholesterol concentrations (Eder and Kirchgessner 1993, 1994a,b, 1995). To date the mechanism underlying those effects is unclear. Based on ¹⁴C-incorporation into tissue lipids, a study by Patel et al. (1975) suggested that zinc deficiency impairs the hepatic synthesis of cholesterol. However, their investigation did not include studies on enzymes involved in cholesterol synthesis. The present study therefore was focused on the effects of zinc deficiency on the activity of hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) which is the key enzyme in the regulation of cholesterol biosynthesis. Therefore, rats were fed zinc-deficient diets containing either linseed oil or olive oil as sources of fat, and the activity of HMG-CoA reductase was assayed in hepatic microsomes.     

Studies on acid oils and fatty acids for chickens. II. Effect of free fatty acid content and degree of saturation of free fatty acids and neutral fat on fatty acid digestibility

1. Two experiments were designed to study the influence of free fatty acid content and degree of saturation of free fatty acids and neutral fat on digestibility of added fats and fatty acids. Sunflower oil and tallow were used as neutral fats, and palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids as free fatty acids. Fat inclusion was 80 g/kg and mixtures of each fat and each free fatty acid were prepared in the proportions 100:0, 70:30 and 40:60.

2. Experimental diets were evaluated for fat and fatty acid digestibilities with broiler chickens at 21 d of age. The metabolisable energy of fat was calculated from the product of digestibility and gross energy. Increasing concentrations of saturated free fatty acids decreased the ME of added fat, whereas unsaturated free fatty acids did not significantly affect the ME value of added fat.

3. Digestibilities of individual fatty acids were analysed by linear regression with rate of inclusion of free fatty acid in the fat blend: palmitic and stearic acids gave a negative slope, whereas oleic and linoleic acids gave a slope not statistically different from zero. Because slopes for saturated fatty acids did not differ between the sunflower oil and tallow treatments, synergism between unsaturated and saturated fatty acids was not detected.     

Effect of dietary fish oil on the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle of lactating sows

This study investigated the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of fish oil as a source of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influences the expression of target genes of sterol regulatory element‐binding proteins (SREBP)‐1 and (SREBP)‐2 involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis and fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism in the liver, and moreover activates the expression of target genes of peroxisome proliferation‐activated receptor (PPAR)‐α involved in TAG and fatty acid catabolism in liver and skeletal muscle. Twenty lactating sows were fed a control diet or a fish oil diet with either 50 g of a mixture of palm oil and soya bean oil (4:1, w/w) or fish oil per kg. The diet of the fish oil group contained 19.1 g of n‐3 PUFA (mainly 20:5 n‐3 and 22:6 n‐3) per 100 g of total fatty acids, while the diet of the control group contained 2.4 g of n‐3 PUFA (mainly 18:3 n‐3) per 100 g of total fatty acids. The fish oil group had reduced relative mRNA concentrations of various target genes of SREBP‐1 involved in fatty acid and TAG synthesis in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Relative mRNA concentrations of target genes of PPARα involved in fatty acid catabolism in both liver and muscle, and mRNA concentrations of target genes of SREBP‐2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake were not influenced by fish oil supplementation. Concentrations of cholesterol and TAG in plasma, fat content of milk and weight gains of litters during the suckling period were not different between the two groups of sows. In conclusion, this study suggests that fish oil has only minor effects on hepatic lipid metabolism, which are non‐critical with respect to milk production in sows.     

Dietary (n-3) fatty acids from menhaden fish oil alter plasma fatty acids and leukotriene B synthesis in healthy horses

The study objective was to determine the effect of feeding corn oil or fish oil to horses on plasma fatty acid profiles and leukotriene B (LTB) synthesis by stimulated peripheral blood neutrophils. Two groups of horses (n = 5) were randomly assigned to diets supplemented with either 3.0% (by weight) corn oil or fish oil for a period of 14 weeks. The ratio of (n-6) to (n-3) fatty acids in oil supplements was 68.1:1 for corn oil and 0.12:1 for fish oil. Production of LTB4 and LTB, by peripheral blood neutrophils stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187 and plasma cholesterol, triacylglycerol, and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were measured. At 12 weeks, horses fed fish oil had increased plasma concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (27-fold; 8.5 versus 0.3 g/100 g fatty acids; P < .0001), docosahexaenoic acid (34-fold; 5.1 versus 0.1 g/100 g fatty acids; P < .0001), and arachidonic acid (8.3-fold; 4.1 versus 0.5 g/100 g fatty acids; P < .0001) compared with horses fed corn oil. Neutrophils from horses fed fish oil produced 78-fold (P = .01) more LTB5 and 9.5-fold (P = .003) more LTB4 compared with predietary levels, and 17.6-fold (P = .01) and 3.3-fold (P = .02), respectively, more than horses fed corn oil, and the ratio of LTB5 to LTB4 concentrations was 4.0-fold (P = .002) higher in horses fed fish oil. This study suggests that dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids modulate the leukotriene inflammatory response of horses. If the ratio of LTB5 to LTB4 concentrations is important in determining how inflammatory processes are mediated, then fish oil supplementation may have value in treatment of equine inflammatory diseases.     

Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on red blood cell lipid composition and plasma metabolites in the cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus

Although dietary n-3 fatty acids have been extensively studied in poultry, they have not yet been prospectively investigated in psittacines, despite potential benefits for preventing and treating atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and other chronic disease processes. The objectives of this study were to investigate the incorporation of dietary n-3 fatty acids into red blood cells (RBC) and to determine the effects of supplementation of psittacine diets with fish or flax oil on plasma lipids and lipoproteins in the cockatiel. Adult cockatiels were fed a custom-formulated diet containing either 4% (wt/wt, as-fed) beef tallow (CON), 3% fish oil + 1% tallow (FSH), or 3.5% flax oil + 0.5% tallow (FLX; n = 20 per diet group). Baseline measurements were obtained for RBC fatty acid composition, triacylglycerides (TAG), and cholesterol. After 8 to 13 wk on the study diets, plasma chemistry profiles, lipoprotein density profiles, and RBC fatty acid composition were determined. At 8 wk, total plasma cholesterol was least in FSH birds (P < 0.05) and TAG concentrations were less in FSH birds than FLX birds (P < 0.05). Total n-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid were markedly greater in the RBC of FSH birds than FLX or CON birds (P < 0.05). Alpha linolenic acid was greatest in FLX (P < 0.05). Initial and final BW, and nonlipid plasma chemistry values did not differ among diet groups. No adverse effects of dietary supplementation of cockatiels with 3.5% flax oil or 3% fish oil were observed during the 13-wk feeding period. Although fish and flax oils provided similar total n-3 PUFA to the diets, fish oil caused greater reductions in cholesterol and TAG, and greater total RBC n-3 incorporation. Thus, dietary modification of psittacine diets with long chain n-3 PUFA from fish oil appears safe and may be beneficial to these long-lived companion birds.     

Concentrations of metabolites and hormones in the blood plasma of lactating dairy cows during treatment with recombinant bovine somatotropin (BST)]

Sixteen lactating dairy cows were submitted to six injections in a four-week interval of either 640 mg prolonged release bST or of 640 mg saline (control, n = 8). The bST-treated animals were pair fed to the control cows, which were fed according to requirements. Fourteen days after each injection, blood samples were derived and analysed for metabolites and hormones. Plasma contents averaged 0.16 mmol/l non esterified fatty acids (NEFA), 2.69 mmol/l glucose, 0.43 mmol/l beta-hydroxybutyrate, 0.024 mmol/l acetoacetate, 78.8 g/l protein, 4.6 mmol/l urea, 0.81 micrograms/l insulin, 44.4 ng/l thyroxine (T4) and 1.41 ng/l triiodothyronine (T3). The bST-application was without effect on the analysed plasma contents.     

Effects of thyroxine and growth hormone treatment of dairy cows on mammary uptake of glucose, oxygen and other milk fat precursors

Four cows received thyroxine injections (T4; 20 mg/d) and three cows received growth hormone injections (GH, 44 mg/d) for 4 d during successive 16-d experimental periods. Milk fat, lactose output, mammary uptake of glucose, oxygen and milk fat precursors were determined with each treatment. Injection of T4 increased lactose yield by 25% and fat yield 42%. The injection of GH increased fat and lactose yields by 24%. Both GH and T4 increased mammary glucose uptake by 35% and 45%, respectively, while T4 administration was associated with an increase in plasma glucose concentration from 67 to 84%. Thyroxine, but not GH, increased the ratio of mammary glucose uptake to lactose output from 1.24 to 1.58. Blood plasma acetate concentration declined following GH and T4 treatment by 17%. Mammary acetate uptake increased in response to GH injection in two of three cows but did not change with T4 injection. The injection of GH had no effect on plasma propionate concentration or mammary uptake. Thyroxine reduced plasma propionate content and mammary uptake. Neither T4 nor GH changed plasma free fatty acid concentration or mammary uptake. Thyroxine had no effect on plasma triglyceride concentration or mammary uptake, whereas GH increased mammary triglyceride uptake to the end of the experimental period. Mammary oxygen uptake was increased by GH as milk production increased. Increased mammary oxygen uptake following T4 treatment was transient. Change in mammary metabolism with T4 treatment permitted increased milk output without change in mammary oxygen consumption. Such a change may involve increased mammary utilization of pre-formed long-chain fatty acid and increased metabolism of glucose via glycolysis.     

Genetic x environment interactions on blood constituents of Angus, Brahman, and reciprocal-cross cows and calves grazing common bermudagrass or endophyte-infected tall fescue

Over a 2-yr period, effects of genotype and forage on blood metabolites, enzymes, and minerals were determined in Angus, Brahman, Angus x Brahman (sire x dam), and Brahman x Angus cows, and 129 calves from these cows sired by Hereford bulls. Cows and calves continuously grazed either common bermudagrass or endophyte-infected 'Kentucky-31' tall fescue pastures throughout the year. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture in April, August, October (weaning), and November (after 30 d in a feedlot) of each year. Plasma urea N concentrations of cows and calves were affected by forage (P < 0.01) and breed (P < 0.05). Plasma cholesterol and FFA concentrations of cows were affected by forage (P < 0.01) and breed (P < 0.05). In calves, antibody titers to infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus were not affected by forage but were affected by breed. Serum inorganic P concentrations of calves and cows were affected by forage (P < 0.05). Serum P concentrations and alkaline phosphatase activity of calves were affected by breed (P < 0.05). Calves grazing bermudagrass had higher (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of Fe and total iron binding capacity (TIBC). There was evidence of maternal heterosis for concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, Ca, Mg, alkaline phosphatase, ceruloplasmin, Fe, and TIBC. There was evidence of grandmaternal effects for plasma concentrations of urea N, cholesterol, Ca, P, Mg, and alkaline phosphatase. These results suggest that calves and cows grazing tall fescue are generally on a lower plane of nutrition than those grazing bermudagrass and that Brahman x Angus and Angus x Brahman crossbred cows and their calves seen to be more tolerant of the negative effects of tall fescue than the average of their purebred contemporaries.