Effects of diet and housing density on growth and stomach morphology in pigs.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the impact of housing density on the stomach morphology of growing pigs and determine whether there was an interaction between housing density and diet. All diets were corn-soybean meal based. In Exp. 1, 42 barrows (41.0+/-.95 kg BW) were allotted either individually or three pigs per pen to evaluate the effects of crowding on stomach lesions. Pen space per pig was 1.54 and .51 m2, respectively. All pigs were fed a finely ground and pelleted diet (610 microm) for 6 wk. The ADG decreased (P<.05) for the pigs housed three per pen during wk 4 to 6 only. There was no effect of housing density on feed intake or gain/feed ratio. Neither visual nor histological ulcer score differed between the two treatment groups. No stomachs were graded as normal. In Exp. 2, 80 barrows (39.8+/-.9 kg BW) were allotted either two or four pigs per pen. Pen space per pig was .77 and .39 m2, respectively. Half of the pigs in each housing situation were fed a coarse meal diet (1,050 microm), and half of the pigs were fed a finely ground and pelleted diet (577 microm) throughout the 49-d experimental period. Throughout the trial, pigs housed two per pen gained at a greater rate (P<.05) than pigs housed four per pen. From d 14 to the end of the trial, pigs consuming the finely ground and pelleted diet gained at a greater rate (P<.05) than pigs fed the coarse meal diet. The differences in ADG were reflected in final body weight. Stomach weight as a percentage of body weight was higher for animals on the coarse meal diet. Visual and histological ulcer scores were similar, and both were higher (P<.001) on the finely ground and pelleted diet, indicating greater damage. There was no effect of space restriction on stomach morphology. These data show the major effect of diet type on stomach lesions with no interaction with space restriction.     

Vaccination of calves with Mycobacteria bovis Bacilli Calmete Guerin (BCG) induced rapid increase in the proportion of peripheral blood γδ T cells

Changes in the proportion of peripheral blood T cell subsets after subcutaneous inoculation of cattle with Mycobacterium bovis Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) were studied. Calves were injected with approximately 8 × 10⁶ BCG bacillus and blood samples collected at weekly intervals for flow-cytometric analyses to determine the proportion of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and γδ T cells. In addition, whole blood samples were stimulated in vitro with M. bovis purified protein derivative (PPD) and the secreted IFN-γ quantified by ELISA. Results showed cellular and cytokine changes which could be categorized into three phases. The first phase occurred within the first 2 weeks after vaccination involving an increase in proportion of WC1⁺ γδ T cells and a concomitant increase in the secretion of IFN-γ. These two responses peaked at 2 weeks and waned thereafter. The second phase involved an increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio as a result of an increase in the proportion of CD4⁺ T cells between 4 and 6 weeks. The third phase involved a decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio due to an increase in the proportion of CD8⁺ T cells between 8 and 10 weeks. Surprisingly, the IFN-γ response was associated with changes in the γδ rather than the CD4⁺ or CD8⁺ T cells, suggesting that this cytokine was secreted by γδ-T cells. These results are consistent with the reported ability of γδ T cells to act rapidly and bridging the innate and classically adaptive immune responses.     

Effect of laboratory‐isolated Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 from gastrointestinal tract of guinea fowl on growth performance,carcass traits,intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chicken

The study aimed to investigate the effect of feed supplements, viz Lactobacillus plantarum LGFCP4 (laboratory isolate from GIT of Guinea fowl), Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCDC, Karnal) and in‐feed antibiotic bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) on growth performance, FCR, carcass traits and immune organs weight, intestinal histomorphometry and gastrointestinal microflora population in broiler chickens. In a completely randomized design, CARIBRO‐Dhanraja broiler chicks (n = 160) were used with four treatment groups. During the entire experimental duration of 35 days, treatment groups were provided with different dietary treatments (T1 – basal diet (negative control), T2 – antibiotic growth promoter BMD 20 g/100 kg feed (positive control), T3 – 1 × 10⁸ cfu of L. acidophilus/gm‐fermented feed +MOS 1 g/kg feed and T4 – 1 × 10⁸ cfu of laboratory‐isolated L. plantarum LGFCP4/gm‐fermented feed+ MOS 1 g/kg feed. After 35 days of experimental period, no significant results have been observed in different growth performance traits among treatment groups. Cut‐up parts and edible organs' weight remained unaffected by dietary supplementation, whereas weight of immune organs were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in L. plantarum LGFCP4‐supplemented group. At the end of feeding trial, significantly (p < 0.05) lower E. coli count was observed in crop of T4 birds, while in ileum, T2 and T3 showed lower count. In caeca, T2 group showed lowest E. coli count. Salmonella count in crop and ileum was significantly (p < 0.05) low in T3 and T4, while in caeca, T2 group showed lowest count. In terms of histomorphometry, duodenal villous height (VH), crypt depth (CD) and VH:CD ratio were higher for T3 and T4 and lowest values were obtained for T2 group. The results of the study showed that L. plantarum LGFCP4 isolated from GIT of guinea fowl can effectively replace in‐feed antibiotic growth promoters in broiler diets by altering intestinal villi morphology and improving the gut health by reducing the pathogenic microbial load.     

Ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids from canola meal in weaned piglets and growing pigs

Two experiments were conducted to measure the apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AID) of protein and amino acids from canola meal (CM) and a pelleted canola meal (PCM) and their effect on specific activity (SA) of pancreatic proteases in weaned piglets and growing pigs. In experiment one, 24 piglets weaned at 17 days and weighing 5.5 kg were used. Treatments were a reference diet with 200 g of crude protein (CP) kg^− 1 elaborated with casein (C) as the sole protein source, a diet containing C–CM and a diet containing C–PCM. These diets were obtained using the reference diet plus 100 g kg^− 1 of CM or PCM that substituted an isoproteic mixture of casein and maize starch from reference diet, so that the AID coefficients for their protein and amino acids could be calculated by difference. In experiment two, nine castrated pigs weighing 39.5 kg were used. Treatments were a reference diet with 160 g of CP kg^− 1 elaborated with casein (C) as the sole protein source, diet C–CM and diet C–PCM. These diets were obtained using the reference diet plus 300 g kg^− 1 of CM or PCM that substituted an isoproteic mixture of casein and maize starch from reference diet. In piglets, the AID coefficients for casein were highest (P < 0.05), those of PCM were intermediate, and those of CM were the lowest. In older pigs, the AID coefficients for casein were highest, and those of CM and PCM were similar (P > 0.05). The SAs of chymotrypsin, trypsin and carboxypeptidases A and B were lower in piglets than in heavier pigs. Moreover, the SAs of trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase B were lower (P > 0.05) in animals fed casein. The results showed in piglets that whereas CM was less digestible, pelleted canola meal improved protein and amino acid ileal digestibility, resulting in similar AID coefficients to those of growing pigs.     

Antibody and T cell responses induced in chickens immunized with avian influenza virus N1 and NP DNA vaccine with chicken IL-15 and IL-18

We had examined the immunogenicity of a series of plasmid DNAs which include neuraminidase (NA) and nucleoprotein (NP) genes from avian influenza virus (AIV). The interleukin-15 (IL-15) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) as genetic adjuvants were used for immunization in combination with the N1 and NP AIV genes. In the first trial, 8 groups of chickens were established with 10 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chickens per group while, in the second trial 7 SPF chickens per group were used. The overall N1 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) titer in chickens immunized with the pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-15 was higher compared to the chickens immunized with the pDis/N1 and this suggesting that chicken IL-15 could play a role in enhancing the humoral immune response. Besides that, the chickens that were immunized at 14-day-old (Trial 2) showed a higher N1 antibody titer compared to the chickens that were immunized at 1-day-old (Trial 1). Despite the delayed in NP antibody responses, the chickens co-administrated with IL-15 were able to induce earlier and higher antibody response compared to the pDis/NP and pDis/NP + pDis/IL-18 inoculated groups. The pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-15 inoculated chickens also induced higher CD8+ T cells increase than the pDis/N1 group in both trials (P < 0.05). The flow cytometry results from both trials demonstrated that the pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-18 groups were able to induce CD4+ T cells higher than the pDis/N1 group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-18 group was able to induce CD8+ T cells higher than the pDis/N1 group (P < 0.05) in Trial 2 only. In the present study, pDis/NP was not significant (P > 0.05) in inducing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells when co-administered with the pDis/IL-18 in both trials in comparison to the pDis/NP. Our data suggest that the pDis/N1 + pDis/IL-15 combination has the potential to be used as a DNA vaccine against AIV in chickens.     

Effects of dietary additives (potassium diformate/organic acids) as well as influences of grinding intensity (coarse/fine) of diets for weaned piglets experimentally infected with Salmonella Derby or Escherichia coli

The aim of this study was to examine whether and to what extent the addition of potassium diformate (pdf) or free organic acids (fpa) to the diet and the grinding intensity might affect the course of infection and the passage of orally applied Salmonella and Escherichia coli in pigs. Experiments were carried out using 80 reared piglets allotted to four groups. Pigs were fed pelleted diets ad libitum (except during a 15 h feed‐withholding‐period before infection). The control diet contained finely ground cereals (2 mm screen). To two test diets (also finely ground) 1.2% pdf, 0.9% organic acids (75% formic and 25% propionic acid, fpa) respectively were added. The fourth diet (without acids) was based on coarsely ground cereals (6‐mm screen). After experimental infection alternately with S. Derby or E. coli, the course of infection was examined (rectal swab technique). Pigs were sacrificed 4–5 h after a further oral application of ～10⁹–10¹⁰ CFU S. Derby or E. coli to determine the counts of Salmonella or E. coli in chyme (classical culture methods). Adding pdf or fpa to the diet led to reduced Salmonella shedding and resulted in significantly lower counts of Salmonella and E. coli in the stomach content indicating an improved efficacy of the stomach barrier. In the distal parts of the digestive tract, the effect was less obvious concerning counts of E. coli, whereas counts of Salmonella were reduced markedly as well. The diet based on coarsely ground cereals failed to demonstrate positive effects concerning infection and passage of orally applied bacteria as well, but this diet was also pelleted and showed unintentionally, comparable amounts of fine particles. Results obtained in this study allow the recommendation of using pdf or organic acids as additives when dietary measures against Salmonella or E. coli in pigs are required.     

Expansion of intracellular IFN-γ positive lymphocytes during Mycoplasma agalactiae infection in sheep

A method to assess the expansion of antigen-specific intracellular IFN-γ positive T cell subsets during the infection will be helpful for a better understanding of mycoplasmal infections physiopathology in the sheep. We analysed the percentage of antigen-specific lymphocytes positive for intracellular IFN-γ during the infection of sheep with Mycoplasma agalactiae by culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cells of infected or uninfected animals with irradiated M. agalactiae. The expansion of antigen-specific IFN-γ positive lymphocytes in infected sheep was initially sustained by CD4⁺ T cells at day 15 after infection, when antigen specific IgG start to be detectable, followed by CD8/IFN-γ double positive cells. γδ T-cells were not expanded at any time point analysed. IFNγ⁺ T cells disappear 60 days after infection, suggesting that antigen specific IFNγ⁺ T cells, mainly detected in the early phase of the disease, could be useful to understand the role of cell-mediated immunity during M. agalactiae infection.     

Feeding organic acids enhances the barrier function against pathogenic bacteria of the piglet stomach

The effect of coarsely ground meal feed versus finely ground heat-treated pelleted feed and the addition of lactic acid and formic acid in combination on the physico-chemical properties, microbial composition and concentration of organic acids in the stomach content of piglets was investigated. A total of 60 weaned piglets were included in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in 15 randomised complete blocks. After three weeks, the pigs were put down and samples of digesta from the gastrointestinal tract were analysed for dry matter (DM), pH, organic acids and microbiological enumeration. Feeding coarsely ground meal feed increased the DM percentage, the concentration of organic acids and pH in the proximal stomach and lowered the distal stomach pH compared with finely ground heat-treated pelleted feed. However, the addition of organic acids to the diets lowered the pH in the stomach and was able to reduce the population of enterobacteria in the stomach.     

Horses with equine recurrent uveitis have an activated CD4+ T‐cell phenotype that can be modulated by mesenchymal stem cells in vitro

Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is an immune‐mediated disease causing repeated or persistent inflammatory episodes which can lead to blindness. Currently, there is no cure for horses with this disease. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are effective at reducing immune cell activation in vitro in many species, making them a potential therapeutic option for ERU. The objectives of this study were to define the lymphocyte phenotype of horses with ERU and to determine how MSCs alter T‐cell phenotype in vitro. Whole blood was taken from 7 horses with ERU and 10 healthy horses and peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated. The markers CD21, CD3, CD4, and CD8 were used to identify lymphocyte subsets while CD25, CD62L, Foxp3, IFNγ, and IL10 were used to identify T‐cell phenotype. Adipose‐derived MSCs were expanded, irradiated (to control proliferation), and incubated with CD4⁺ T‐cells from healthy horses, after which lymphocytes were collected and analyzed via flow cytometry. The percentages of T‐cells and B‐cells in horses with ERU were similar to normal horses. However, CD4⁺ T‐cells from horses with ERU expressed higher amounts of IFNγ indicating a pro‐inflammatory Th1 phenotype. When co‐incubated with MSCs, activated CD4⁺ T‐cells reduced expression of CD25, CD62L, Foxp3, and IFNγ. MSCs had a lesser ability to decrease activation when cell‐cell contact or prostaglandin signaling was blocked. MSCs continue to show promise as a treatment for ERU as they decreased the CD4⁺ T‐cell activation phenotype through a combination of cell‐cell contact and prostaglandin signaling.     

Use of trichostatin A alters the expression of HDAC3 and KAT2 and improves in vitro development of bovine embryos cloned using less methylated mesenchymal stem cells

The aim of this work was to investigate the methylation and hydroxymethylation status of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) from amniotic fluid (MSC‐AF), adipose tissue (MSC‐AT) and fibroblasts (FIB‐control) and to verify the effect of trichostatin A (TSA) on gene expression and development of cloned bovine embryos produced using these cells. Characterization of MSC from two animals (BOV1 and BOV2) was performed by flow cytometry, immunophenotyping and analysis of cellular differentiation genes expression. The cells were used in the nuclear transfer in the absence or presence of 50 nM TSA for 20 hr in embryo culture. Expression of HDAC1, HDAC3 and KAT2A genes was measured in embryos by qRT‐PCR. Methylation results showed difference between animals, with MSC from BOV2 demonstrating lower methylation rate than BOV1. Meanwhile, MSC‐AF were less hydroxymethylated for both animals. MSC‐AF from BOV2 produced 44.92 ± 8.88% of blastocysts when embryos were exposed to TSA and similar to embryo rate of MSC‐AT also treated with TSA (37.96 ± 15.80%). However, when methylation was lower in FIB compared to MSC, as found in BOV1, the use of TSA was not sufficient to increase embryo production. MSC‐AF embryos expressed less HDAC3 when treated with TSA, and expression of KAT2A was higher in embryos produced with all MSC and treated with TSA than embryos produced with FIB. The use of MSC less methylated and more hydroxymethylated in combination with embryo incubation with TSA can induce lower expression of HDAC3 and higher expression of KAT2A in the embryos and consequently improve bovine embryo production.     

Changes in the population of lymphocytes expressing CD4 and CD8 during the process of atresia of white follicles in hens

The aim of this study was to determine whether the population of lymphocytes expressing CD4 and CD8 molecules changed in the white follicles during atresia in chickens. Frozen sections of healthy, early atretic, advanced atretic and late atretic follicles were immunostained for CD4 and CD8, and the populations of positive cells were analyzed under a light microscope. In the healthy, early atretic and advanced atretic follicles both CD4+ and CD8+ cells were localized in the theca layer, but not in the granulosa layer. However, an influx of CD4+ and CD8+ cells was observed not only in the theca but also in the follicular cavity that was formed by disintegration of the oocyte in late atretic follicles. The frequency of CD4+ T cells in the theca layer did not differ among healthy, early atretic and advanced atretic follicles, but was significantly increased in the late atretic follicles (P < 0.05). The frequency of CD8+ cells showed a pattern of change that resembled that of CD4+ T cells, with a significantly greater population in late atretic follicles than the other follicles (P < 0.05). These results suggest that CD4+ and CD8+ cells are increased in the late atretic follicles, probably to promote the tissue regression.     

In vitro effects of meloxicam on the number,Foxp3 expression,production of selected cytokines,and apoptosis of bovine CD25+CD4+ and CD25-CD4+ cells

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of meloxicam (MEL) on selected immune parameters of bovine CD25^highCD4+, CD25^lowCD4+, and CD25-CD4+ cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from 12-month-old heifers were treated with MEL at a concentration corresponding to the serum level of this medication following administration at the recommended dose (MEL 5 × 10^-6 M) and at a concentration 10 times lower (MEL 5 × 10^-7 M). After 12 and 24 h of incubation with the drug, the percentage of CD25^highCD4+ cells decreased; however, this disturbance was quickly reversed. Furthermore, the absolute number of CD25^highCD4+ cells in the PBMC populations treated with MEL 5 × 10^-6 M for 48 and 168 h was increased. Prolonged (168 h) exposure to the drug increased the percentage of Foxp3+ cells in the CD25^highCD4+ cell subpopulation. The higher dose of MEL was found to significantly increase the percentage of IFN-γ+ cells among the CD25-CD4+ cells. These results indicated that MEL does not exert an immunosuppressive effect by depleting CD4+ cells and suppression of IFN-γ+ production by these cells. Furthermore, IL-10 and TGF-β production was not changed following exposure to MEL.     

Effect of forage inclusion and particle size in diets of neonatal lambs on performance and rumen development

A slaughter experiment was conducted to determine the effects of alfalfa particle size on rumen morphology and performance of lambs. Twenty‐four Balouchi lambs aged 21 days (9.1 ± 1.1 kg) were randomly fed control (diet without alfalfa hay; CON) and mixed rations containing 15% finely ground (FINE; 2 mm) and 15% coarsely chopped alfalfa hay (LONG; 3 to 4 cm). After a 63 days feeding period, nine animals (three per treatment) were slaughtered to obtain ruminal tissue samples for morphological analyses. Alfalfa particle size did not affect (p > 0.05) papillae density, height, width, epithelium depth and surface area. Coarse alfalfa decreased the stratum corneum and increased (p < 0.05) muscle depth compared with fine and control diets. Neither DNA content and nor RNA concentration of rumen tissue was affected by feeding different diets. Forage particle size did not affect the blood concentration of glucose, urea nitrogen (BUN), beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio were higher for control diet; however, there were no significant differences between treatments for average daily gain. These data suggest that coarse alfalfa significantly reduces the stratum corneum and increases muscularity of rumen wall and tended to better feed conversion ratio.     

Anti‐allergic effects of Lactobacillus crispatus KT‐11 strain on ovalbumin‐sensitized BALB/c mice

In this study, we investigated the effects of oral ingestion of Lactobacillus crispatus KT‐11 strain (KT‐11) on the immune response in an allergic rhinitis mouse model, ovalbumin (OVA)‐sensitized BALB/c mice. Sneezing activity in mice that were administered a KT‐11‐supplemented diet was significantly lower than that in mice administered a KT‐11‐free diet (control diet) at age 11 weeks. We found that serum OVA‐specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and total number of interleukin (IL)‐4⁺CD4⁺ spleen cells in mice that were administered a KT‐11‐supplemented diet were significantly lower than in mice administered a control diet. The ratio of spleen interferon‐γ⁺CD4⁺/IL‐4⁺CD4⁺ cells was higher in the mice administered the KT‐11‐supplemented diet compared to that in mice administered the control or L. rhamnosus GG‐supplemented diet. In contrast, the number of CD11b⁺CD80⁺ and FcεRIα⁺CD117⁺ cells was significantly lower in mice administered the KT‐11‐supplemented diet. These results suggested that KT‐11 reduced OVA‐induced allergic symptoms in BALB/c mice via the adjustment of the T helper type 1/T helper type 2 balance, and a decrease in the number of antigen‐presenting cells and high affinity IgE receptor‐positive mast cells.     

Evaluation of peripheral lymphocytes after weaning and vaccination for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

This study evaluated immune cell populations in pigs following weaning and vaccination for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Piglets (n = 24) were weaned (day 0) at 16 (±1) days of age, and randomly assigned to the vaccination group (n = 16) or control group (n = 8). Complete blood cell counts, flow cytometry and serology were completed for blood samples collected on days 0 (within hours of weaning), 3, 7, 14, 30 and 60. The M. hyopneumoniae S:P ratios (sample optical density: positive control optical density) were negative in the vaccination group until days 30 and 60, when the S:P ratios were 1.3 and 1.0, respectively. Control animals remained serologically negative. The percentage of CD4⁺ T cells was less (P < 0.01) in control pigs than vaccinated pigs at day 3. In contrast, numbers of CD8⁺ and CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cells were greater (P < 0.01) in control pigs than in vaccinated pigs at days 3 and 7. After day 7, few differences in immune cell types were evident between the groups. Differences in lymphocyte populations could not be solely attributed to vaccination, due at least in part, to the confounding influence of weaning. It was difficult to distinguish the influence of vaccination from the impact of weaning on peripheral immune cell populations.     

Effect of dexamethasone and meloxicam on counts of selected T lymphocyte subpopulations and NK cells in cattle – In vivo investigations

The purpose of these investigations has been to assess the in vivo effect of dexamethasone (DEX) and meloxicam (MEL) on percentages and absolute counts of cells within selected T lymphocyte subsets and NK cells in cattle. DEX application caused substantial loss of NK, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and WC1⁺ T cells, but the drug’s influence on T-cell count was selective, that is it varied according to the presence and intensity of CD25 expression. Reduced counts of T lymphocytes were due to the depletion of CD25⁻CD4⁺, CD25⁻CD8⁺ and CD25⁻WC1⁺ T cells. The loss of CD25⁻CD8⁺ and CD25⁻WC1⁺ T cells was a deep and lasting disorder, whereas the depletion of CD25⁻CD4⁺ T cells was manifested less strongly and regressed promptly. The administration of DEX did not affect absolute counts of CD25^lowCD4⁺ and CD25^lowCD8⁺ T cells, but induced an increase in percentages and absolute counts of CD25^highCD4⁺, CD25^highCD8⁺, CD25^lowWC1⁺ and CD25^highWC1⁺ T cells. In respect of the effect on counts of CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and WC1⁺ T cells, MEL proved to be a safe medication, because it did not alter counts of these lymphocytes. The administration of MEL led to an increase in the absolute count of NK cells, but the effect did not appear quickly and its development required time.     

Characteristic of duodenal myoelectric activity in relation to food in piglets during the 3rd and 4th week of life

The relationship between duodenal myoelectric activity and liquid food intake was investigated in eight conscious piglets with bipolar electrodes implanted on the wall of the duodenum. Piglets were fed with commercial milk formula and the effects of volume and feed dry matter intake on duodenal myoelectric activity were measured by means of an analog–digital recording system.The cyclic pattern of duodenal myoelectric activity, i.e. the migrating myoelectric complex (MMC), was preserved when piglets received small meals at regular intervals. The duration of the whole MMC cycle, as well as the duration of phase II of the MMC, were only weakly correlated (r = 0.2, P < 0.05 for both parameters, respectively) to the amount of ingested food. However, the increase of the amount of feed dry matter intake of a meal from 2.1 to 4.5 g kg^− 1 of live body mass (LBM) as well as an increase of volume of a meal from 13 to 26 ml kg^− 1 LBM significantly increased the duration of the MMC cycles (P < 0.05) due to the elongation of phase II of the MMC (P < 0.05).The present study shows that in piglets fed with a liquid diet the upper gut motility response to food is similar to that previously observed in adult animals.     

Determination of net energy content of soybean oil fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry

The objectives of this experiment were: (i) to determine the net energy (NE) of soybean oil (SBO) fed to growing pigs using indirect calorimetry (IC); and (ii) to evaluate the effects of inclusion rate of SBO on heat production, oxidative status and nutrient digestibility in growing pigs. Eighteen growing barrows were allotted to three diets based on completely randomized design with six replicate pigs (period) per diet. Diets included a corn‐soybean meal basal diet and two test diets containing 5% or 10% SBO at the expense of corn and soybean meal. During each period, pigs were individually housed in metabolism crates for 14 days, including 7 days to adapt to feed, metabolism crate and environmental conditions. On day 8, pigs were transferred to the open‐circuit respiration chambers for measurement of daily O₂ consumption and CO₂ and CH₄ production. During this time, pigs were fed one of the three diets at 2.4 MJ metabolizable energy/kg body weight (BW)^0.6/day. Total feces and urine were collected and daily total heat production (THP) was measured from days 9 to 13 and fasted on day 14 to evaluate their fasting heat production (FHP). The results show that trends of decreased apparent total tract digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (linear, P = 0.09) and acid detergent fiber (linear, P = 0.07) were observed as the content of dietary lipids increased. The average THP for the three diets were 1326, 1208 and 1193 kJ/kg BW^0.6/day, respectively. The FHP of pigs averaged 843 kJ/kg BW^0.6/day and was not affected by diet characteristics. A reduction of the respiratory quotients in the fed state as the inclusion level of SBO increased was observed. In conclusion, the NE values of SBO we determined by indirect calorimetry were 33.45 and 34.05 MJ/kg dry matter under two inclusion levels. THP could be largely reduced when SBO is added in the feed, but the THP of SBO included at 5% in a corn‐soybean meal diet is not different from the THP of SBO included at 10%.     

Effect of fermented blood cells on growth performance and intestinal characteristics of weaned piglets

The increase in feed costs has led feeder to replace protein source. Blood meal can be used in piglet diets instead of fish meal (FM). The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of fermented blood cells (FBCs) on the growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets. One hundred eighty 28‐day‐old piglets were assigned and were divided into 4 groups (9 L per groups and 5 pigs per litters) randomly. The piglets were fed one of four experimental diets, fish meal, blood cells (BCs), liquid‐state fermented blood cells (LFBCs) or solid‐state fermented blood cells (SFBCs) respectively. The dietary with LFBCs and SFBCs increased the average daily gain and feed intake (ADFI) and average daily gain (ADG) (p < .05). In duodenum, LFBC group increased the villous height (p < .05). The SFBC and LFBC group significantly increased the villous height (p < .05) in the jejunum. Fermented blood cells exhibit a positive regulatory function on the intestinal tract and modulate intestinal microflora. Compared with the fish meal group, the CAT, GSH‐PX and SOD activity, and MDA level was no significant differences in jejunum and plasma of weaned piglets (p > .05). LFBCs and SFBCs significantly increased the bifidobacteria and lactobacillus number in the caecum (p < .05). Dietary LFBCs increased the expression of ZO‐1 mRNA in the jejunal of weaned piglets (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary with fermented blood cells in weaned piglets had improved growth performance and intestinal health of weaned piglets.     

Effect of probiotic supplementation and genotype on growth performance,carcass traits,hematological parameters and immunity of growing rabbits under hot environmental conditions

The effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and genetic groups on rabbit performance under hot environmental conditions was studied. A total of 80 rabbits aged 8 weeks were distributed into a completely randomized design in a 4 × 3 factorial arrangement, including four genetic groups and three concentrations of dietary probiotic (0, 200 and 400 g/t feed). The utilized probiotic contained 4 × 10⁹ colony‐forming units/g of Bacillus subtilis. Jabali local breed (J), imported Spanish V‐line (V) and their crossbreds (¼J¾V and ¾J¼V) were included in the current study. Final weight and body weight gain were not significantly affected by dietary probiotic levels or genetic group. The feed conversion ratio was better for purebreds than that of crossbreds. A significant improvement in percentage of dressed carcass, mid and hind parts was recorded for rabbits fed a diet containing 400 g probiotic/t feed compared with those fed a basal diet or low probiotic level. Probiotic supplementation had a significant decrease in serum cholesterol. Rabbits given 400 g probiotic/t feed had higher hemoglobin, red blood cells and platelets. Adding 400 g probiotic/t feed to rabbit's diet significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved cell‐mediated immunity compared to the other treatments 48 h post‐injection.