Transport and hindlimb exchange of plasma and blood-cell amino acids in calves fed soy- or urea-based purified diets

Plasma and blood-cell free amino acid concentrations and venoarterial differences across the hindlimbs via abdominal aorta and caudal vena cava cannulae were determined on Holstein steer calves (130 kg) fed purified diets containing soy protein or urea as the sole source of dietary N. Calves were fed 24 hourly feedings per day to promote "steady-state" metabolism. Trials lasted 30 d and consisted of four calves per treatment. Urea feeding resulted in reduced venous concentrations of plasma amino acids, namely, a 30% decrease in essential amino acids (P less than .05) and a 16% decrease in nonessential amino acids (P less than .10). Nonessential amino acid concentrations of blood cells were affected little in urea-fed calves; however, blood-cell essential amino acid concentrations were depressed due to significant decreases in threonine, valine, methionine, isoleucine and phenylalanine. A net negative concentration difference across the hindlimbs for plasma free amino acids was noted for soy-fed calves. Urea feeding resulted in a small positive amino acid concentration difference. The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) changed (P less than .01) from a large negative concentration difference in soy-fed calves to essentially a zero difference in calves fed urea. Blood-cell total amino acid change across hindlimbs showed no treatment differences, although BCAA changed from large outputs from the blood cells in soy-fed calves to essentially zero change in urea-fed calves.     

Concentration of free amino acids in the blood plasma of sheep with different amounts of nitrogen in the feed

Trials were conducted with four adult sheep of the Merino breed, live weight 45 to 50 kg, fed two diets with different nitrogen levels (7.6 g nitrogen per day as protein or 24 g nitrogen per day with an addition of 17.4 g urea nitrogen to 7.6 g nitrogen as protein). The following findings were obtained: the concentration of free amino acids in blood plasma in the 9th, 12th, 15th, 18th and 22nd weeks from the beginning of feeding with both diets was lower, in most of the analyzed amino acids, three hours after feeding than before feeding. The results show that at an increased intake of urea nitrogen the concentration increases of the free amino acids lysine, serine, glutamic acid, glycine, valine and isoleucine before feeding. Three hours after feeding these differences are less pronounced. An increase is only recorded in the concentration of arginine, glutamic acid and glycine, whereas the concentration of alanine decreases.     

Substitution of milk protein with isolated soy protein in calf milk replacers

The influence of replacement of milk protein by isolated soy protein on digestion and pancreatic enzyme secretion was determined in nine Holstein male calves. Calves (average weight 47 kg) were fitted with permanent re-entrant pancreatic and a T-type cannula in the distal ileum at 6 to 10 d of age. Following a 2-wk recuperation period, the calves were fed three milk replacers in a triplicated 3 x 3 latin square. Experimental diets consisted of a control, in which 100% of the CP originated from spray-dried skim milk powder (SM), and the test diets, in which 50% (SM/ISP) or 100% (ISP) of the skim milk protein was replaced by isolated soy protein. Each experimental period lasted 2 wk. Replacement of SM protein by ISP decreased (P less than .05) the digestibilities of protein and most amino acids. Ileal digestibilities of total indispensable amino acids for SM, SM/ISP and ISP diets were 82.1, 75.8 and 61.8%, respectively, and total tract digestibilities of total indispensable amino acids were 90.0, 82.6 and 74.0%, respectively. Including ISP did not affect (P greater than .05) the volume of secretion of pancreatic juice, protein or chymotrypsin; however, the secretion of trypsin decreased (P less than .05). Reduction in trypsin secretion may be responsible, in part, for the lower amino acid digestibilities in milk replacers containing isolated soy protein.     

Effect of dietary amino acids on in vitro rumen bacterial protein synthesis in buffaloes.

The effect of different ratios of urea to amino acid N at a fixed concentration of soluble sugars as energy source and varying levels of soluble sugars at optimum urea cell suspension was obtained from the rumen fluid of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calves fed on a growth ration. Under glucose fermentation, the bacterial protein content of the incubation mixture (I. M.) was increased to 3.91, 6.31 and 5.08 times the control value (urea alone) when 25, 50 and 75% of urea-N was replaced with amino acid N, respectively. With cellobiose, the corresponding increase was 4.06, 5.29 and 5.63 times. At 50% urea-N replacement with amino acid N (a ratio for maximum protein synthesis), the bacterial content was maximum when 1 g glucose or cellobiose per 100 ml of I. M. was added. Per cent incorporation of radioactivity from amino acids into bacterial protein was maximum at 25% amino acid N level with both the soluble sugar sources. The total amino acids incorporated into bacterial protein were, however, more at 50% than at 25% amino acid N level.     

Digestibility and blood parameters in the preruminant calf fed a clotting or a nonclotting milk replacer

Eight male Holstein calves 7 to 10 d of age were fed a milk replacer containing a skim milk powder subjected to low-temperature drying either with or without addition of an oxalate-NaOH buffer known to prevent curd formation. The calves were used in a completely randomized design to study the effect of milk clotting on digestibility and blood parameters. Plasma glucose and plasma insulin were similar (P greater than .05) for the clotting and the nonclotting milk replacers. For both treatments, concentrations of glucose and insulin reached a peak 2 h postfeeding (P less than .01). Plasma triglycerides were higher (P less than .01) postfeeding for the nonclotting than for the clotting milk replacer. Plasma essential amino acids and plasma urea were higher, whereas plasma calcium was lower, for the nonclotting milk (P less than .01). Digestibility of dry matter, protein and fat was similar (P greater than .05) between clotting and nonclotting milk. The dry matter content of feces was not affected by clotting (P greater than .05). The data are interpreted to indicate that clotting of the milk replacer modifies blood concentrations of triglycerides, essential amino acids and urea without changing the digestibility of the diet.     

Digestion of soybean meal and canola meal protein and amino acids in the digestive tract of young ruminants

Eight male Holstein calves (body weight 68 +/- 5 kg; age 75 +/- 6 d), each with a permanent re-entrant pancreatic cannula and T-type ileal and duodenal cannulas, were used in a crossover design with four animals per group to determine amino acid kinetics and digestibilities in the digestive tract of calves fed soybean meal (SBM) and canola meal (CM) protein. The SBM and CM diets were fed twice daily at a level of 900 g at each feeding time (air-dry basis). With the exception of methionine, crude protein and amino acid flows at the proximal duodenum, expressed as a percentage of intake, were not influenced by dietary protein source. Apparent ileal and total tract digestibilities of CP and amino acids were reduced (P less than .05) by feeding CM compared to SBM, but apparent ileal digestibility of methionine was not affected by dietary protein source. Except for methionine, net disappearance of all amino acids in the small intestine, relative to the amount fed, was higher for the SBM diet than for the CM diet. Net disappearance or synthesis of amino acids in the large intestine were not affected by dietary protein source. Similarly, dietary protein source did not affect (P greater than .05) the secretion of pancreatic juice or concentrations of protein, chymotrypsin and trypsin in pancreatic juice. Soybean meal protein has higher ileal and total gastrointestinal tract digestibility than CM protein for young, growing calves.     

Plasma amino acid response to graded levels of escape protein.

A trial was conducted to examine the potential of using plasma amino acid responses to graded levels of escape protein to determine limiting amino acids in cattle. Growing calves (n = 120; mean BW = 220 +/- 21 kg) were fed a basal diet of corncob:sorghum silage (61:39) and were individually supplemented with distillers' dried grains (DDG), heat-damaged DDG (H-DDG), feather meal (FTH), or urea. The urea supplement was mixed with DDG and H-DDG to allow 0, 20, 35, 50, 65, or 80% of the supplemental CP to come from distillers' protein and maintain an 11.5% CP diet. Urea supplement was mixed with FTH to allow 0, 22, 39, 56, 73, or 90% of the supplemental CP to come from FTH. Dietary CP ranged from 11.5% at the 0% level to 17.3% at the 90% level. Plasma concentration of most essential plasma amino acids responded (P less than .10) linearly and(or) quadratically to increased escape protein. The broken-line response of plasma methionine at low DDG intake suggested that methionine was limiting at low levels of escape protein. An initial decrease followed by a plateau fit by a broken line indicated that histidine became limiting in FTH diets, and lysine eventually became limiting for DDG, H-DDG, and FTH diets before maximum BW gain was reached. Results indicate that plasma amino acid responses may identify amino acids that become limiting with increasing escape protein.     

Effects of dietary energy level and protein source on site of digestion and duodenal nitrogen and amino acid flows in steers

Six steers (468 kg) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were fed diets formulated for two levels of energy containing three crude protein (CP) sources in a 6 X 6 Latin square with a 2 X 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Energy levels were 2.17 and 2.71 Mcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg dry matter (DM) provided by hay-corn (H) and corn silage-corn (CS) diets, respectively. Soybean mean (SBM), corn gluten meal-urea (CGM) and urea (U) provided 33% of dietary CP in 12% CP diets. Apparent organic matter (OM) digested in the stomach was not affected (P greater than .05) by energy level or CP source, but OM truly digested in the stomach was greater (P less than .05) when steers were fed the CS compared with the H diet. Duodenal flow of non-NH3 N was greater (P less than .05) when steers were fed CS compared with H and when fed SBM or CGM compared with U. Efficiency of bacterial protein synthesis and duodenal bacterial N flow were increased (P less than .05) when steers were fed CS, but non-NH3, nonbacterial N flow to the duodenum was increased (P less than .05) when steers were fed H. When steers were fed CS rather than H, flows (g/d) of bacterial amino acids were greater (P less than .05), but flows of nonbacterial amino acids tended (P less than .08) to be less. Total amino acid flows were not affected (P greater than .05) by energy level. Duodenal flows of total amino acids tended (P less than .06) to be greater when steers were fed CGM compared with SBM or U, due mainly to an increased (P less than .05) flow of nonessential amino acids.     

Ileal and total tract nutrient digestibilities and fecal characteristics of dogs as affected by soybean protein inclusion in dry, extruded diets

Plant-based protein sources are generally less variable in chemical composition than animal-based protein sources. However, relatively few data are available on the nutrient digestibilities of plant-based protein sources by companion animals. The effects of including selected soybean protein sources in dog diets on nutrient digestion at the ileum and in the total tract, as well as on fecal characteristics, were evaluated. Six protein sources were used: soybean meal (SBM), Soyafluff 200W (soy flour), Profine F (traditional aqueous-alcohol extracted soy protein concentrate [SPC 1]), Profine E (extruded SPC [SPC 2]), Soyarich I (modified molecular weight SPC [SPC 3]), and poultry meal (PM). All diets were extruded and kibbled. Test ingredients varied in CP and fat contents; however, diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Nutrient intakes were similar, except for total dietary fiber (TDF), which was lower (P < 0.01) for dogs fed the PM diet. Apparent ileal digestibilities of DM, OM, fat, and TDF were not different among treatments; however, CP digestibility at the terminal ileum was higher (P < 0.01) for diets containing soy protein sources than for PM. Total tract CP digestibility was greater (P < 0.01) for soy protein-containing diets than for PM. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, OM, fat, and TDF were not different among treatments. Apparent amino acid digestibilities at the terminal ileum, excluding methionine, threonine, alanine, and glycine, were higher (P < 0.01) for soy protein-containing diets than for PM. Dogs fed SPC diets had lower (P < 0.01) fecal outputs (g asis feces/g DMI) than dogs fed the SF diet, and dogs fed SBM tended (P < 0.11) to have lower fecal outputs than dogs fed the SF diet. However, dogs fed the PM diet had lower (P < 0.03) fecal outputs than dogs fed SPC-containing diets. Fecal outputs and scores reflected the TDF and nonstructural carbohydrate contents of the soy protein fraction. Soy protein sources are well utilized by the dog prior to the terminal ileum, and SPC offers a viable alternative to PM as a protein source in dry, extruded canine diets.     

The effect of a preassembly zeranol implant and post-transit diet on the health performance and metabolic profile of feeder calves

A total 262 Angus steer calves averaging 207 kg from none (trial 1) and five farms (trial 2) were identified on the farm of origin and one-half of the calves on each farm was implanted with 36 mg of zeranol before entering the feeder calf assembly and marketing system. Calves were assembled, fasted for 24 h and fed hay for 72 h, then shipped 1,368 km. Upon arrival, the following receiving diets were fed for 4 wk to one-third of the calves from each farm and implant group: 1) control diet, 2) high-potassium diet, 3) escape-protein diet using corn gluten meal, which can escape ruminal degradation as a protein source. Implanted calves gained more weight (P less than .10) than nonimplanted calves while on the farm, but changes in weight during assembly, transit and the 28-d receiving period were not different (P more than .10). Plasma glucose and total protein concentrations were higher (P less than .05), while urea nitrogen concentration was lower (P less than .05) for implanted calves following transit. Increasing the potassium concentration of the receiving diet increased (P less than .05) post-transit weight gains, but had no affect on dry matter consumption. Corn gluten meal replaced soybean meal in the escape-protein diet and resulted in similar weight gains. Plasma urea nitrogen concentrations were higher (P less than .05) at 2 wk post-transit in the escape-protein diet group as compared with the control group. Receiving diet had no effect on the incidence or severity of bovine respiratory disease, but affected (P less than .05) performance during the subsequent 69-d stocker phase of ad libitum access to medium quality hay and 2.27 kg of supplement per day.     

The effect of protein status of the pig on the recovery and amino acid composition of endogenous protein in digesta collected from the distal ileum

Barrows with an average initial weight of 55 kg were fitted with simple T-cannulas at the distal ileum. The animals were fed a protein-free diet that consisted of 79.7% cornstarch, 10% sucrose, 3% Alphafloc (a source of cellulose), 3% canola oil and a vitamin-mineral premix. The pigs were fed 700 g of diet twice each day, at 0800 and 2000. A balanced amino acid mixture or a saline solution was administered intravenously while the protein-free diet was fed. Ileal digesta were collected for 24 h following a 7-d adaptation period. The administration of amino acids reduced (P less than .05) the recovery of endogenous protein from 18.5 to 12.7 g per kg dry matter intake. For the amino acids, the reduction was only significant (P less than .05) for proline, from 3.6 to .6 g per kg dry matter intake. If the total endogenous protein losses are assumed to be constant and the differences in the amino acid composition of non-reabsorbed endogenous protein, as observed in this study, are used to calculate true ileal digestibilities, differences in the digestibilities of the indispensable amino acids are large (up to 7.4 percentage units for threonine). The amino acid composition of endogenous protein determined in pigs fed a protein-free diet and parenterally administered with amino acids should provide a better estimate for the calculation of true amino acid digestibilities when based on the determination of true protein digestibility by the 15N-isotope dilution technique.     

Effect of protein source and fumaric acid supplementation on apparent ileal digestibility of nutrients by young pigs

Two experiments were conducted to determine the apparent ileal digestibility of DM and N by young pigs fed diets supplemented with different protein sources or organic acids. Pigs were surgically fitted with silicone cannulas at 2 wk of age. Following surgery, pigs were allowed to recuperate with their dams while suckling normally. After weaning at 24 d, pigs were assigned to treatment diets at 28 d of age. A 3-d adjustment and 4-d collection sequence was followed for the duration of the 4-wk experiment. Four treatment diets were fed in each experiment in a weekly rotation until each diet had been fed to each pig. Diet samples and digesta collected through the ileal cannulas were analyzed for chromic oxide (used as an indigestible marker), DM, and N. Pigs in Exp. 1 were fed isolysinic (1.0%) corn-based diets supplemented with casein, soybean meal, soy protein concentrate, or isolated soy protein. Casein addition resulted in improved DM (P less than .001) and N (P less than .05) digestibility but reduced gain (P less than .05) compared with the average of the soy protein sources. Nitrogen from diets formulated with soybean meal was digested more completely (P less than .05) than N from diets based on soy protein concentrate and isolated soy protein. Experiment 2 was an evaluation of the effect of dried skim milk (25%) and fumaric acid (2%) addition on apparent ileal digestibility of N and DM in corn-soybean meal diets. Addition of dried skim milk improved DM (P less than .01) and N (P less than .05) digestibility and daily gain (P less than .001). Fumaric acid supplementation did not affect nutrient digestibility or gain (P greater than .10).     

Nitrogen balance and amino acid disappearance from the small intestine in calves fed soybean meal-, toasted soybean meal- or corn gluten meal-supplemented diets

Nine crossbred (Hereford X Angus X Charolais) heifer calves (139 kg; 6 mo of age) with abomasal and ileal cannulas were used in a repeated design to evaluate N balance and amino acid disappearance in the small intestine. Calves were fed either soybean meal (SBM), toasted SBM (TSBM, 93 C for 90 min) or corn gluten meal (CGM) as supplemental protein sources. Each calf received approximately 83 g N/d from a cottonseed hull-corn based diet with 43% of the total dietary N supplied by the test proteins. Each experimental period consisted of a 10-d adaptation, 6-d digesta collection and 5-d excreta collection. Following the first 21-d period, calves were randomly re-allotted to treatment and the sampling process was repeated. Dry matter (64%) and N digestibilities (61%) and N retention (36.8 g/d) were similar (P greater than .10) among treatments. Nitrogen flow to the small intestine was similar for TSBM- and CGM-fed calves (119.1 g/d), but greater (P less than .01) than for those offered SBM (96.3 g/d). Offering TSBM and CGM resulted in greater quantities of essential, nonessential and total amino acids reaching the abomasum compared with SBM. Total amino acid flow to the small intestine was 100, 120 and 128% of intake for SBM, TSBM and CGM, respectively. Numerically, amino acid digestibility was lower in CGM-fed calves. Methionine digestibility was highest (64.6%), while histidine was lowest (43.7%). Feeding CGM may result in greater quantities of amino acids reaching the small intestine; however, several of these amino acids may be less digestible than for TSBM.     

Influence of dietary protein on blood cholesterol and related metabolites of growing calves

Forty male, Holstein calves were utilized to evaluate effects of either low (12%) or high (25%) dietary protein on growth and serum metabolites, with a particular concern for serum cholesterol. All diets contained 19% acid detergent fiber and consisted of corn silage, alfalfa hay and grain mixtures. Average concentration of total serum cholesterol was depressed (P = .001) for calves on the high-protein diets (58.8 mg/dl) as compared with their low-protein counterparts (67.9 mg/dl). Calves fed the high-protein diet had lower (P = .002) free serum cholesterol but elevated high-density lipoprotein cholesterol as a percentage of total cholesterol. Calves receiving the high-protein diets showed increases (P = .206) in lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase activity compared with low-protein counterparts. Serum urea nitrogen was increased (P = .001) for calves fed high-protein diets, while serum protein and glucose remained unchanged. Calves fed the high-protein diets consumed less dry matter with improved (P = .09) growth efficiency (gain/feed).     

Nutritive physiological effect of dietary fats in growing swine rations. 3. Effect of sunflower and coconut kernels on protein and fat retention, backfat fatty acid pattern and various blood parameters in piglets

Two groups, each of 9 castrated male piglets of the German Landrace breed, body weight 13-29 kg, were fed ad libitum for a 5 week period in order to determine the influence of the fatty acid composition of the dietary fat on protein and fat retention. The concentrations of urea, insulin, glucose, free glycerol and triglycerides were also determined. That fat in ration I (derived from 27% sunflower seed) contained 50% linoleic acid while that of ration II (derived from 12,5% coconut kernels) had a maximum lauric acid content of 41,8%. The relationship between digestible crude protein and ME-content was calculated to be similar in both rations. In addition protein quality was calculated to be similar in both rations. Protein deposition was determined from both nitrogen and comparative slaughter procedures. The results can be summarized as follows: The animals fed ration I had a higher daily ME-intake and growth rate than those fed ration II, although no great difference was observed in ME required per kg body weight gain. The efficiency of protein utilization was significantly better in group I and this was associated with a lower blood urea concentration. The concentrations of insulin and glucose in the blood, measured before as well as 20, 45, 60 and 120 minutes following feeding, showed little differences between the groups. The triglyceride concentration measured before and 1 and 5 hours following feeding was significantly higher (p less than 0,01) in group II. There was no significant difference in the protein and fat content of the body as well as in the daily protein and fat deposition. The fatty acid composition of the back fat was significantly influenced by the fatty acid pattern of the dietary fat. In group I the linoleic acid content was 3,6 times higher and the lauric- and myristic acid content 11,7 times lower compared to that of group II.     

Growth,carcass traits,and plasma amino acid concentrations of gilts fed low-protein diets supplemented with amino acids including histidine,isoleucine, and valine

Three experiments were conducted to determine the fifth-limiting amino acid for growing pigs in an 11% CP, corn-soybean meal diet. In each experiment, 36 gilts (initial weight 19.5, 21.9, and 21.0 kg, respectively) were penned individually and fed one of six diets in a randomized block design for 35 d. Diets containing 16, 12, and 11% CP were fed in each experiment. All 12 and 11% CP diets were supplemented with lysine, tryptophan, threonine, and methionine to provide the same total concentrations as those in the 16% CP diet. In Exp. 1, the 11% CP diet was supplemented with isoleucine, valine, or isoleucine + valine to concentrations equal to those in the 16% CP diet. In Exp. 2, the 11% CP diet was supplemented with histidine, histidine + valine, or histidine + isoleucine + valine. In Exp. 3, the 11% CP diet was supplemented with valine, histidine + valine, or isoleucine + valine. Gilts were allowed free access to feed and water. In all experiments, ADG and feed efficiency (G/F) were reduced (P < or = 0.07) as dietary protein was reduced. Supplementation of isoleucine alone further reduced (P < 0.05) ADG, ADFI, G/F, and fat-free lean gain. In contrast, supplementation of valine alone resulted in numerical increases in ADG and ADFI in two experiments, although the differences were not significant (P > 0.05). Supplementation with histidine and valine together resulted in growth performance equal to or greater than that of pigs fed the 12% CP diet, but less than that of pigs fed the 16% CP diet. Supplementation of isoleucine and valine together resulted in better growth performance (P < 0.05) than supplementation of either amino acid alone. In two experiments (Exp. 1 and 3), supplementation of the 11% CP diet with isoleucine and valine together resulted in ADG that were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those of pigs fed the 16% CP diet. Supplementation of all three amino acids (Exp. 2) did not improve performance over supplementations with histidine and valine. Plasma urea concentrations were reduced (P < 0.05) as dietary protein was lowered from 16 to 12%. Additions of crystalline amino acids did not affect plasma urea levels. Plasma amino acid concentrations reflected the dietary additions of crystalline amino acids, but did not assist in the identification of the sequence of limiting amino acids. These data suggest that valine is the fifth-limiting amino acid and that either histidine or isoleucine is the sixth-limiting amino acid in an 11% CP diet.     

Effects of supplemental protein source and level of urea on intestinal amino acid supply and feedlot performance of lambs fed diets based on alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of supplemental CP source and level of urea on intestinal amino acid (AA) supply and feedlot performance of lambs fed diets based on alkaline hydrogen peroxide-treated wheat straw (AHPWS). In Exp. 1, five cannulated (ruminal, duodenal, and ileal) crossbred wethers (61 kg) were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square design. Treatments consisted of different sources of CP and included soybean meal (SBM), a combination of urea, distillers dried grains (DDG), and fish meal, each provided an equal portion of supplemental CP (UDF), and three levels of urea (17, 33, and 50% of supplemental CP) fed in combination with DDG (U17, U33, and U50). Organic matter and N digestibilities decreased (P less than .05) when lambs were fed U17 compared with those fed SBM. There were no differences (P greater than .05) in bacterial N or AA flows to the duodenum due to CP source despite large differences in ruminal NH3 N concentrations and lower ruminal OM digestion when lambs were fed U17. Duodenal nonbacterial N and AA flows were highest (P less than .05) in lambs fed U17 and UDF and lowest when lambs were fed U50 and SBM. Lysine concentration in duodenal digesta decreased with incremental increases in DDG. In Exp. 2, 30 individually penned ram lambs (33 kg) were allotted to five CP treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatments were similar to those of Exp. 1, with the exception that U17 was replaced by a 14% CP diet with SBM as the supplemental CP source; all other diets were formulated to contain 12% CP. Lambs fed U50 had decreased (P less than .08) ADG and gain/feed compared with all other treatments, and lambs fed UDF had greater (P less than .05) ADG and gain/feed than lambs fed U33. It was concluded that 17% of the supplemental CP from urea seems adequate to maximize bacterial protein synthesis and that no more than 33% of the supplemental CP should be provided by urea in diets based on AHPWS. Feeding a combination of ruminally resistant protein sources with complementary AA profiles of lysine and methionine (UDF) may enhance quality of protein entering the duodenum and feedlot performance.     

True ileal digestibility of amino acids in sow's milk for 17-day-old pigs

The digestibility of amino acids in sow's milk consumed by young pigs is currently unknown because of difficulties associated with collecting an adequate quantity of milk, and also problems in cannulating suckling pigs. A total of 14 kg of sow's milk was collected, two soluble indigestible markers (Co-EDTA and YbC13) were added, and the milk was fed to four pigs at 17 d of age that were fitted with a simple T-cannula at the terminal ileum. Another four cannulated pigs were offered a similar amount of a 20% DM liquid diet based on enzymatically hydrolyzed casein and lactose to assess endogenous amino acid losses. All pigs were fed about 875 g of each diet per day in 10 hourly meals from 0700 to 1700. Following 2 d of adaptation, ileal digesta were collected from 0800 to 1800 for 2 d. Diets and digesta were analyzed for amino acids using appropriate hydrolysis and preoxidation procedures. Average nitrogen true digestibility was 88%, whereas amino acid true digestibilities ranged from 84% (cystine and threonine) to 100% (methionine, histidine, and glutamic acid); the average for all amino acids was 92 +/- 4%. Based on average values, true digestibility of essential amino acids was not different from that of nonessential amino acids (P > 0.10). In whole milk, amino acids found in abundance in whey proteins (i.e., cystine, glycine, and threonine) were less (P < 0.05) digestible than amino acids predominating in casein proteins (i.e., glutamic acid, proline, and methionine). When true ileal digestible amino acid concentrations in sow's milk were expressed as ratios to digestible lysine, it appeared that threonine, tryptophan, and arginine were lower than what might be considered optimal. In conclusion, amino acids in sow's milk were highly digestible, but most of the amino acids had true ileal digestibility values significantly less than 100%.     

Effects of preconditioning on pre- and post-shipment performance of feeder calves

A preconditioning (PC) program that involved preweaning vaccination and preshipment weaning was evaluated utilizing 600 calves produced on four South Dakota ranches. Nonpreconditioned (NPC) controls were herd mates that were maintained with their dams during the preconditioning process. All calves were shipped from the ranch to the feedlot on the same date. In Exp. I, PC caused lower (P less than .001) preshipment gains. However, management x ranch and management x year effects indicated that response to PC was variable. Preconditioning reduced (P less than .001) transit shrink in Exp. I but caused greater (P less than .05) shrink in Exp. II. Ranch and management x ranch effects accounted for more of the variation in shrink than PC did. In the feedlot, PC calves consumed more feed initially (d 1 to 28; P less than .001) and during the entire (P less than .10) feeding period when fed to slaughter condition. During the 28-d postshipment period, calves fed higher-grain diets consumed more feed (P less than .001) and were less efficient (P less than .001) than calves fed corn silage. When fed for longer periods (greater than 28 d), higher-energy diets improved feedlot gains and feed efficiency independent of preconditioning. Health and performance responses to this preconditioning procedure were variable. Our preconditioning procedure did not improve beef production efficiency.     

Postpartum supplemental fat, but not maternal body condition score at parturition, affects plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles of suckling beef calves

Three-year-old Angus x Gelbvieh beef cows, which were nutritionally managed to achieve a BCS of 4 +/- 0.07 (479 +/- 36 kg of BW) or 6 +/- 0.07 (580 +/- 53 kg of BW) at parturition, were used in a 2-yr experiment (n = 36/yr) to determine the effects of maternal BCS at parturition and postpartum lipid supplementation on fatty acid profile of suckling calf plasma and adipose tissue. Beginning 3 d postpartum, cows within each BCS were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments in which cows were all fed hay and either a low-fat (control) supplement or supplements with either high-linoleate cracked safflower seeds (linoleate) or high-oleate cracked safflower seeds (oleate) until d 61 of lactation. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric, and safflower seed supplements were provided to achieve 5% of DMI as fat. Total concentration of fatty acids in plasma did not differ (P = 0.48) due to maternal BCS at parturition. Percentage of 20:5n-3 in plasma tended (P = 0.06) to be greater for calves suckling cows with a BCS of 6 at parturition. No other differences (P = 0.12 to 0.99) were noted in calf plasma fatty acid profile due to maternal BCS at parturition. Likewise, no differences were detected for total fatty acid concentration (P = 0.88) in calf adipose tissue due to maternal BCS at parturition. Weight percentage of 14:1 (P = 0.001) was greatest in adipose tissue of calves suckling cows fed control and oleate; however, the percentages of 14:0, 15:0, 16:0, 16:1, 17:0, and 18:3n-3 were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed control compared with calves suckling cows fed linoleate or oleate. Percentages of 18:0, 18:1trans-11, 18:2n-6, and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were greater (P < 0.001) in adipose tissue from calves suckling cows fed linoleate compared with calves suckling cows fed control and oleate. Calves suckling cows fed oleate had greater (P < 0.001) percentages of 18:1trans-9, 18:1trans-10, and 18:1cis-9 in adipose tissue than calves suckling cows fed control or linoleate. Calf plasma and adipose tissue fatty acid profiles were reflective of milk fatty acids. Because fatty acids play an important role in metabolic regulatory functions, changes in milk fatty acid profile should be considered when beef cows are fed lipid supplements.