Soybean: feed quality and safety. Part 2: pathology of soybean feeding in animals. A review

Various animal models in farm and laboratory animals indicate the possible pathological effect of soybean feeding. Immunity and tolerance to oral soybean intake and a generalised meta-model of effects are discussed. It seems that FAO/WHO recommendations will have to be considered in assessing the biological value of soybean feed sources. Determination of hull content, antigenic potential, conglycinin and trypsin inhibitor content is warranted in view of the future component pricing of soybean meals.     

Diagnosis of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies in animals: a review.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in animals include, among others, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie, chronic wasting disease, and atypical forms of prion diseases. Diagnosis of TSEs is based on identification of characteristic lesions or on detection of the abnormal prion proteins in tissues, often by use of their partial proteinase K resistance property. Correctly sampling of target tissues is of utmost importance as this has a considerable effect on test sensitivity. Most of the rapid or screening tests are based on ELISA or Western immunoblot (WB) analysis, and many are officially approved. Confirmatory testing is normally performed by use of histologic examination, immunohistochemical analysis, certain WB protocols, or detection of prion fibrils by use of electron microscopy (scrapie-associated fibril). The discriminatory methods for diagnostic use are mostly based on WB technology and provide initial identification of the prion strain, particularly for differentiation of BSE from scrapie in small ruminants. Definitive prion strain characterization is performed by use of bioassays, usually in mice. A burgeoning number of transgenic mice have been developed for TSE studies. Development of new tests with higher sensitivity and of more reliable diagnostic applications for live animals tested for food safety reasons is a rapidly developing field. Ultimately, the choice of a test for TSE diagnosis depends on the rationale for the testing.     

Precision finishing of South African lambs in feedlots: a review

Tropical Animal Health and Production - In the intensification of sheep production systems, feedlot finishing plays a fundamental role in preparing lambs for slaughter, as well as relieving the...     

Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in animals: a review

The objectives of this paper are to review published data on the prevalence and epidemiology of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and colonization in animals and to provide suggestions for preventing and controlling the problem in veterinary practice. MRSA first emerged as a serious pathogen in human medicine during the late 1970s and has been increasingly reported in animals during the past 10 years. The prevalence of MRSA in human infections varies markedly between geographical areas, being as high as 60% in parts of the USA, 40% in southern Europe but <1% in northern Europe. Epidemiological evidence, including phenotypic and molecular typing data, suggests that MRSA isolates from dogs and cats are indistinguishable from human healthcare isolates, whereas strains of MRSA isolated from horses and associated personnel are different. There is evidence that transfer of MRSA strains can occur between animals and humans and vice versa. Guidelines for the control of MRSA in animals have been drawn up by individual institutions based on those available for human MRSA infection. Risk factors for MRSA infection in animals are currently under investigation and such data are essential for the preparation of specific guidelines for control of MRSA in veterinary practice.     

Role of leptin in farm animals: a review

The discovery of hormone leptin has led to better understanding of the energy balance control. In addition to its effects on food intake and energy expenditure, leptin has now been implicated as a mediator of diverse physiological functions. Recently, leptin has been cloned in several domestic species. The sequence similarity suggests a common function or mechanism of this peptide hormone across species. Leptin receptors are expressed in most of tissues, which is consistent with the multiplicity of leptin functions. The main goal of this review was to summarize knowledge about effect of leptin on physiology of farm animals. Experiments point to a stimulatory action of leptin on growth hormone (GH) secretion, normal growth and development of the brain. Surprisingly, leptin is synthesized at a high rate in placenta and may function as a growth factor for fetus, signalling the nutritional status from the mother to her offspring. Maturation of reproductive system can be stimulated by leptin administration. Morphological and hormonal changes, consistent with a major role of leptin in the reproductive system, have also been described, including the stimulation of the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin. Leptin has a substantial effect on food intake and feeding behaviour in animals. Administration of leptin reduces food intake. Its level decrease within hours after initiation of fasting. Leptin also serves as a mediator of the adaptation to fasting, and this role may be the primary function for which was the molecule evolved.     

Immunodiagnosis of systemic mycoses in animals: a review

Immunologic methods have been used with varying success in the diagnosis and prognosis of systemic mycoses in animals. Information on the application of the tests and on the interpretation of test results in monitoring therapy was complied. Serotesting provided diagnostic and prognostic data in immunocompetent patients, and predicted relapse in one case after apparent clinical cure. The tests were useful in the management of animals with mycoses that respond slowly and unpredictably to therapeutic agents for which pharmacologics and pharmacokinetics have not been established in domestic animals. Certain tests were not useful in some cases.     

Immune mediated neutropenia in man and animals: a review

Immune mediated neutropenia has been reported in human medical literature with increasing frequency over the past 30 years. A wide variety of causes are known and numerous techniques have been developed to test for the presence of antineutrophil antibody. This paper reviews literature pertaining to the pathogenesis, detection and experimental production of immune mediated neutropenia in man and animals.     

Application of ultrasound for genetic improvement.

Genetic improvement programs for livestock would be enhanced by the ability to accurately and easily measure body composition of live animals or to make measurements at anatomical reference points that can be used to accurately predict body composition. Advances in ultrasonic technology, such as real-time imagery and portable ultrasound units, have renewed interest among animal scientists working with genetic improvement programs and the livestock industry groups they serve. Ultrasound has been used for more than 30 yr and, for swine, has been demonstrated to improve significantly the accuracy of predicting body composition. However, many studies have shown less success in improving prediction of body composition from the use of ultrasonics to measure live beef cattle and sheep. The swine industry probably will be the first to benefit measurably from use of ultrasound technology in large-scale genetic improvement programs for carcass merit. Considerable research and development is needed before ultrasound technology can be effectively used in similar large-scale programs in the beef cattle and sheep industries.     

Comparative feeding value of supplemental fat in steam-flaked corn- and steam-flaked wheat-based finishing diets for feedlot steers.

One hundred thirty crossbred steers (324 kg) were used in a 121-d comparative slaughter trial to evaluate the feeding value of fat in steam-flaked corn- (SFC) or wheat- (SFW) based diets. Treatments consisted of an 88% concentrate finishing diet containing 1) SFC, no fat; 2) SFC, 6% yellow grease (YG); 3) SFC, 6% cottonseed oil soapstock (COS); 4) SFW, no fat; 5) SFW, 6% YG; and 6) SFW, 6% COS. There were no interactions (P greater than .10) between grain type and performance response to supplemental fat. Fat supplementation increased (P less than .05) ADG by 7.3% and decreased (P less than .01) DMI/gain by 10.6%. Fat supplementation decreased (P less than .05) ruminal OM digestion by 5% and net flow of microbial N to the small intestine by 14.5% but did not affect (P greater than .10) total tract digestion of OM, ADF, or starch. Substituting SFW for SFC did not influence (P greater than .10) ADG but tended (P greater than .10) to increase DMI/gain and decreased (P less than .05) the NEm and NEg of the diet by 3.4 and 4.3%, respectively. Ruminal OM digestion was similar (P greater than .10) for SFC and SFW. Flow of microbial N to the small intestine was 12% greater (P less than .05) with SFW. Total tract digestibilities of OM and starch were similar (P greater than .10) for both grains. However, ADF digestion was lower (34%, P less than .01) with SFW. It is concluded that the feeding value of supplemental fat is similar for wheat- and corn-based finishing diets. The performance response to supplemental YG and COS was similar. The NEm and NEg values of YG were 6.35 and 4.93 Mcal/kg, respectively, whereas the corresponding values for COS were 5.69 and 4.60 Mcal/kg. Supplementation of growing-finishing diets with up to 6% (.45 kilograms/day) of fat did not directly influence body composition. The NE value of SFW was approximately 96% of the value of SFC.     

Effect of a ractopamine feeding program on growth performance and carcass composition in finishing pigs

Barrows and gilts (n = 100 per gender) were used to determine the effects of an increasing, decreasing, or constant ractopamine (RAC) dietary concentration on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Pigs, within a gender, were assigned randomly to pens (five pigs per pen and 10 pens per treatment). Pens were assigned randomly to one of four dietary treatments at a starting weight of 71.2 kg, to target an average ending weight of 109 kg. The four dietary treatments (as-fed basis) were 1) control = 0 ppm RAC, wk 0 to 6; 2) RAC step-up = 5.0 ppm, wk 1 to 2; 10.0 ppm, wk 3 to 4; and 20.0 ppm, wk 5 to 6; 3) RAC step-down = 20.0 ppm, wk 1 to 2; 10.0 ppm, wk 3 to 4; and 5.0 ppm, wk 5 to 6; and 4) RAC constant = 11.7 ppm, wk 0 to 6. Feed allocation was recorded daily, and pigs were weighed and feed was weighed back every 2 wk. Jugular blood samples were obtained from two randomly selected pigs per pen on d -3, 7, 21, 35, and 41 for determination of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) concentrations. Two pigs were selected randomly per pen and sent to a commercial slaughter facility at the end of the 6-wk experimental period. Carcass data were evaluated on an equal time basis and on an equal weight basis by using hot carcass weight (HCW) as a covariate. Overall, ADG and G:F were improved (P < 0.05) for pigs fed RAC compared with control, with no differences among RAC feeding programs. In wk 3 and 4, improvements (P < 0.05) in ADG and G:F were realized with the implementation of a RAC step-up program compared with control pigs. The concentrations of PUN were decreased (P < 0.05) at d 7 and 21 with RAC feeding, and a RAC step-up program maintained the decrease (P < 0.05) in PUN through d 35 and 41. A RAC step-up and constant program increased (P < 0.05) HCW and percent yield. Loin muscle area and percentage of fat-free lean increased (P < 0.05) and backfat thickness decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed RAC. If pigs were considered to be on feed for an equal time period, advantages (P < 0.05) were observed for weight of boneless trimmed ham, shoulder and loin for the step-up and constant RAC treatments compared with the controls. Feeding a RAC step-up or constant feeding program resulted in favorable responses in growth performance and yielded more lean pork.     

Enantioselective behaviour of drugs used in domestic animals: a review

The chirality of drugs, with particular reference to agents used in veterinary medicine, is reviewed. Basic concepts of chirality and aspects of the methodology for the separation of enantiomers are considered. Chiral compounds are in common use in animals and their pharmacological actions and side-effects (pharmacodynamics) and absorption into and fate within the body (pharmacokinetics) are of fundamental importance; pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of enantiomeric pairs commonly differ and this has major implications for their effective and safe therapeutic use. As examples of the particular significance of chirality in veterinary medicine, the following drug classes are reviewed; benzimidazole anthelmintics, cloprostenol, verapamil, ketamine, halogenated hydrocarbon anaesthetics and 2-arylpropionic acid anti-inflammatory drugs. The implications of chirality for drug product development and approval by registration authorities are discussed.     

液态饲喂在育肥猪上的使用效果

为研究饲料液态饲喂对育肥猪生长性能和经济效益的影响,试验选用体重为(82.93±3.35) kg的"杜×长×大"(Duroc×Landrace×Yorkshire)三元杂交猪300头,随机分为3组,每组5个重复,每个重复20头猪,试验期为31 d,对照组饲喂固体颗粒饲料,试验A组用对照组日粮加水饲喂,试验B组日粮由干料、过期酸奶、水按比例配制而成,干基营养水平与对照组相当。试验结果表明:相比对照组,试验A组的平均日增重、平均日采食量分别提高了6.9%和2.1%,料重比降低了4.3%,但两组之间差异不显著;试验B组的平均日增重与对照组相当,平均日采食量、料重比分别降低了6.3%(P<0.05)和6.4%(P>0.05);同时,饲喂液态料的两个试验组经济效益均有不同程度提高。     

淀山湖水葫芦用于饲喂生长育肥猪的效果研究

水葫芦干粉的加工工艺：打捞→冲洗→挤压／粉碎→瞬间烘干→装袋贮存→配制饲料     

饲喂方式对生长肥育猪生产性能的影响

利用自动食槽对生长肥育猪(20～60kg)进行饲喂，采用自由采食比定时饲喂日增重高20.27%(P＜0.01)；每千克增重消耗饲料，试验组比对照组平均少耗0.175kg，(P＜0.01)。     

高纤维日粮对猪营养和代谢的影响:饲喂价值

本文是《高纤维日粮对猪营养和代谢的影响》的第四部分,主要介绍提高高纤维日粮的饲喂价值以及应用前景。     

高纤维日粮对猪营养和代谢的影响:对猪营养的影响(一)

本文是《高纤维日粮对猪营养和代谢的影响》的第二部分,主要介绍日粮纤维对猪营养的影响,包括日粮纤维对猪生长性能、营养物质消化率、脏器的影响。