Transfer of energy substrates across the ruminal epithelium: implications and limitations

The ruminal epithelium has an enormous capacity for the absorption of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). This not only delivers metabolic energy to the animal but is also an essential regulatory mechanism that stabilizes the intraruminal milieu. The epithelium itself, however, is endangered by the influx of SCFAs because the intracellular pH (pHi) may drop to a lethal level. To prevent severe cytosolic acidosis, the ruminal epithelium is able to extrude (or buffer) protons by various mechanisms: (i) a Na+/H+ exchanger, (ii) a bicarbonate importing system and (iii) an H+/monocarboxylate cotransporter (MCT). Besides pHi regulation, the MCT also provides the animal with ketone bodies derived from the intraepithelial breakdown of SCFAs. Ketone bodies, in turn, can serve as an energy source for extrahepatic tissues. In addition to SCFA uptake, glucose absorption has recently been identified as a potential way of eliminating acidogenic substrates from the rumen. At least with respect to SCFAs, absorption rates can be elevated when adapting animals to energy-rich diets. Although they are very effective under physiological conditions, the absorptive and regulatory mechanisms of the ruminal epithelium also have their limits. An increased number of protons during the state of ruminal acidosis can be eliminated neither from the lumen nor the cytosol, thus worsening dysfermentation and finally leading to functional and morphological alterations of the epithelial lining.     

Dietary protein level and ruminal degradability for mohair production in Angora goats.

Twenty-eight Angora goat doelings (average BW 22.1 kg) were used in a 150-d study to examine the effects of dietary CP level and degradability on mohair fiber production. A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement was instituted using conventional, solvent-extracted soybean meal (high degradability) or expelled, heat-treated soybean meal (low degradability) incorporated into low- (12%) or high- (19%) CP diets. Grease and clean mohair weights were greater (P less than .05) in goats fed the diets containing 19% CP. Mohair fiber diameter was not affected (P greater than .10) by dietary CP level. Clean mohair weight tended (P less than .08) to be higher in the goats fed diets containing expelled, heat-treated soybean meal. Body weight gains were not affected (P greater than .10) by CP level or degradability, whereas DMI increased (P less than .01) with increasing CP level. Ruminal fluid pH and total VFA concentrations were not affected (P greater than .10) by diet. Ruminal ammonia N concentration increased (P less than .05) as CP level in the diet increased, and postprandial changes in concentrations were less noticeable in the group fed expelled, heat-treated soybean meal. Plasma urea N (P less than .001) and total protein (P less than .01) concentration increased as dietary CP level increased. Plasma glucose was elevated (P less than .001) 2 h after feeding in the goats fed conventional, solvent-extracted soybean meal, whereas glucagon concentrations were greater at 0 and 4 h in the group fed expelled, heat-treated soybean meal.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Cholinergic reactivity of the bovine fetal ruminal wall in vitro

Strips of rumen wall from bovine fetuses were incubated in an organ bath with acetylcholine only (0.16 to 5.12 g/ml) or in the presence of neostigmine (0.20 g/ml) or atropine (0.05g/ml). The highest reactivity was observed in the period of 4.0–5.9 months of fetal age. This reactivity could be associated with the starting point of rumen papillary development.     

Anatomical studies into the ruminal mucosa of pygmy goats in relation to their age

The ruminal mucosa of 15 pygmy goats of different age (Z1 approximately 4-5 months, Z2 approximately 1 year, Z3 approximately 1.5-5 years) were studied gross-anatomically concerning their colour, clumping of papillae, fodder precipitations on the papillae, areas poor in papillae or devoid of them and the development of papillae. The density of papillae/cm2 in the 3 groups investigated was 79.4; 67.3; 58.0; the mean length of the papillae (mm) 1.75; 1.86; 2.96; the mean breadth of the papillae (mm) 1.3; 1.2; 2.0; the area of the ruminal mucosa (cm2) 799; 943; 1 195; the area of the ruminal pillars (cm2) 38; 41; 69; the number of the papillae/rumen 59,940; 58,022; 64,782; the total absorptive area (cm2) 3,802; 3,854; 11,268; the surface magnifying factor 4.0; 3.4; 8.4.     

Histological studies into the ruminal mucosa of pygmy goats in relation to their age

Ruminal mucosae of 15 pygmy goats of different age (Z1 approximately 4-5 months, Z2 approximately 1 year, Z3 approximately 1.5-5 years) and sex were investigated histologically. The thickness of the Stratum corneum of the 3 experimental groups was in the Atrium ruminis 23.0, 23.0 and 29.1 microns, in the Recessus ruminis ventralis 22.8, 28.0 and 30.0 microns, that of the Stratum germinativum and Stratum granulosum in the Atrium ruminis 74.8, 78.4 and 82.3 microns and in the Recessus ruminis ventralis 87.4, 84.7 and 87.7 microns, that of the Corpus papillare in the Atrium ruminis 75.3, 75.2 and 74.4 and in the Recessus ruminis ventralis 85.0, 78.9 and 71.6 microns. The cell nuclear volumes of the basal and parabasal cells of papillae originating from the Atrium ruminis (a) and the Recessus ruminis ventralis (b) in the individual experimental groups were in case of a 103.2; 100.2 and 117.3 microns3 resp. in case of b 93.4; 96.4 and 119.7 microns3.     

In situ ruminal phosphorus degradation of selected three classes of feedstuffs in goats

Three 4-month-old growing wether goats were used to determine the ruminal P degradability of three classes of feedstuffs with in situ nylon bag technique. Three classes of feedstuffs were cereal (maize, wheat, barley, buckwheat, rice, millet, and sorghum), legume (horsebean, soybean, pea, mungbean, and jequirity) and tuber (potato, sweat potato, and cassava). The experiment consisted of 15 periods. During each period, the ruminal P disappearance of each one of these feedstuffs was measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 36 h, respectively. The exponential model of Ørskov and McDonald was employed to estimate degradation kinetics. Results showed that the degradability of feed P ranged from 805 to 986 g/kg P. Effective degradability of P generally exceeded 830 g/kg P, except for rice and millet. This updates the feed database of in situ P degradability in China, which would play an important role in improving biological P efficiency for modern ruminant production system.     

地塞米松对山羊皮质醇分泌和瘤胃生物钟基因表达的影响

为了研究地塞米松对山羊皮质醇分泌和瘤胃生物钟基因表达的影响,试验选用10只装有永久性瘤胃瘘管的波尔杂交山羊,随机分为对照组(n=5)和地塞米松组(n=5),对照组注射生理盐水,地塞米松组注射地塞米松(0.2 mg/kg),每天注射1次,连续注射21 d。试验结束后,采集血液和瘤胃组织;放射免疫分析法(radioimmunoassay,RIA)检测血浆皮质醇含量;Real-time PCR检测瘤胃生物钟基因表达量。结果显示:与对照组相比,地塞米松组血浆皮质醇浓度显著降低(P0.05),瘤胃液中皮质醇浓度无显著变化(P0.05),瘤胃上皮组织中永恒蛋白基因(Tim)和肌肉芳香烃受体核转运样蛋白1(Bmal1)mRNA表达显著上调(P0.05);相关性分析结果显示:血浆皮质醇浓度与瘤胃上皮组织中Tim(R=-0.64,P=0.08)和Bmal1(R=-0.62,P=0.09)mRNA表达呈负相关趋势,瘤胃中皮质醇浓度与瘤胃上皮组织中Bmal1 mRNA表达呈显著负相关(R=-0.84,P0.05)。结果提示,外源性地塞米松降低山羊体内内源性皮质醇的生成,上调瘤胃上皮组织中生物钟基因的表达,且生物钟基因表达水平与血液、瘤胃液中皮质醇浓度呈高度负相关。     

粗饲料颗粒长度对山羊咀嚼活动和瘤胃发酵的影响

试验旨在研究粗饲料颗粒长度对山羊咀嚼活动和瘤胃发酵的影响。以4只体重为(40.0±2.2)kg安装瘤胃和十二指肠瘘管的成年山羊为试验动物,采用4×4拉丁方设计,饲喂4种不同粗饲料长度的日粮。结果表明:随粗饲料颗粒长度的增加,反刍和咀嚼时间分别线性增加175和156min/d,进而提高了瘤胃平均pH值;增加粗饲料颗粒长度,趋向于线性提高丙酸(P=0.08)和降低(P=0.09)丁酸的摩尔比例,但不影响总VFA浓度和乙酸丙酸比。结果证实,增加粗饲料颗粒长度,刺激了动物的咀嚼活动,改善了瘤胃pH值。     

Effects of fermented Yupingfeng on intramuscular fatty acids and ruminal microbiota in Qingyuan black goats

Our previous work has demonstrated that Yupingfeng, a Chinese herb medicine, considered as prebiotic showed beneficial properties in poultry health and disease prevention and regulated intestinal microbiota. The effects of Yupingfeng on fatty acids related to meat flavor and ruminal microbiota are not yet known in Qingyuan black goat. In this study, we supplemented fermented (FYP) and unfermented (UYP) Yupingfeng in different combinations to 90 goats. Compared with the normal control group, FYP and UYP significantly increased the concentration of palmitic acid, octadecanoic acid, and arachidonate acid (related to meat flavor) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < .05). In addition, the significant upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and fatty acid translocase (CD36) was observed in the FYP and UYP groups (p < .05). In addition, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundance in goat rumen. At the genus level, FYP and UYP significantly increased Ruminococcus related to fiber degradation, and Alistipes related to short-chain fatty acids production. In summary, Yupingfeng could improve fatty acids of goat meat, which is probably triggered by the increase of PPARγ and CD36, and microbial activity. Besides, FYP showed more beneficial effects than UYP, with increased flavor fatty acids and beneficial microbes.     

Effect of prostagladin F2 alpha on the bovine fetal ruminal wall in vitro

Strips of rumen wall from bovine fetuses were incubated in an organ bath with prostaglandin F₂ alpha (0.13 to 33.76 g/ml). The highest reactivity with a submaximal dose (17.03 g/ml) was observed in the period between 3.0 and 7.9 months of fetal age. A smaller response, but higher than in 1.0 to 2.9 months old fetuses, was observed in the 8.0 to 8.9 months fetuses. The period of the highest reactivity to prostaglandin F₂ alpha coincides with the age of onset of papillary morphogenesis and the period of highest reactivity to autonomic and putative transmitter drugs.     

Modification by domperidone of dopamine- and apomorphine - induced inhibition of extrinsic ruminal contractions in goats

Goat ruminal strips reacted with an increase in smooth muscle tone after exposure to apomorphine. This rise in tone could be blocked by domperidone, but not by naltrexone. In vivo , both dopamine and apomorphine caused inhibition of extrinsic ruminal contractions. These effects were completely prevented by domperidone pretreatment, whereas naltrexone was not an effective antagonist. These results suggest that apomorphine-induced inhibition of rumen motility is due to DA-receptor activation. The exact location of these DA-receptors remains to be determined.     

利用体外法研究不同水平苜蓿皂苷对山羊瘤胃内pH值和挥发性脂肪酸的影响

试验通过体外培养法研究日粮中添加苜蓿皂苷对山羊瘤胃微生物发酵功能的影响。试验分5组,各组苜蓿皂苷的添加水平分别为基础底物(2g)的0(对照组)、1%、2%、3%及4%,每组3个重复,体外厌氧培养24h,并分别测定各处理组pH值和挥发性脂肪酸含量。结果表明:添加苜蓿皂苷未对培养液pH值产生显著影响;添加1%～4%的苜蓿皂苷可极显著提高培养液中乙酸、丙酸浓度(P<0.01);添加1%的苜蓿皂苷可极显著提高丁酸浓度(P<0.01),2%组可显著提高丁酸浓度(P<0.05);各苜蓿皂苷添加组中乙酸/丙酸的比例均极显著低于对照组(P<0.01)。结论:本试验条件下,添加1%～4%的苜蓿皂苷可改善瘤胃发酵模式,提高反刍动物对发酵终产物的利用率,且添加1%的苜蓿皂苷效果最佳。     

Effects of physically effective fiber on chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility in goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of physically effective NDF (peNDF) in goat diets containing alfalfa hay as the sole forage source on feed intake, chewing activity, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibility. Four rumen-fistulated goats were fed different proportions of chopped and ground alfalfa hay in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Diets were chemically similar but varied in peNDF content: low, moderate low, moderate high, and high. Dietary peNDF content was determined using the Penn State Particle Separator with 2 sieves (8 and 19 mm) or 3 sieves (1.18, 8, and 19 mm). The dietary peNDF content ranged from 1.9 to 11.7% using the 2 sieves and from 15.2 to 20.0% using the 3 sieves. Increasing forage particle length increased intake of peNDF, but decreased DMI linearly (P = 0.05). Ruminating and total chewing time (min/d) were increased linearly (P = 0.001 and 0.007, respectively) with increased dietary peNDF, resulting in a linear reduction (P < 0.001) in the duration of time that ruminal pH was less than 5.8 (10.9, 9.0, 1.2, and 0.3 h/d, respectively). Increasing dietary peNDF tended to increase the molar proportion of propionate linearly (P = 0.08) and decrease the molar proportion of butyrate (P = 0.09), but did not affect total VFA concentration. Increasing dietary peNDF linearly decreased the apparent digestibility of OM, NDF, and ADF in the total tract (P = 0.009, 0.003, and 0.008, respectively). This study demonstrated that increasing the dietary peNDF contained in alfalfa hay forage stimulated chewing activity and improved ruminal pH status, but reduced nutrient intake and efficiency of feed use.     

Calcium fluxes across the wall of the ovine reticulorumen in vivo

Calcium fluxes were measured, in vivo, in both directions across the ovine reticulorumen wall of four sheep when the luminal potassium concentration was either 30 mmol litre-1 or 90 mmol litre-1. Neither fluxes were affected by an increased potassium concentration although net magnesium absorption was decreased (PO less than 0.05) and the transmural potential difference was increased (P less than 0.01) under these conditions. The results obtained suggest that, unlike magnesium, calcium is transported bidirectionally across ovine ruminal tissue independently of the transmural potential difference across the rumen wall.     

Transfer of insulin-binding antibodies from nanny goats to kids

In 30 female goats hyperimmunized with bovine insulin, antibody concentrations in serum were determined by radioimmunoassay. Blood samples were taken from the newborn lambs immediately after birth and during the 12 weeks thereafter. Twin lambs were separated and reared in either a colostrum-fed or a colostrum-deprived group. Bovine insulin was added to the milk rations of colostrum-deprived lambs. At the age of 10 weeks, these kids were given a single dose of 1 IU of insulin in combination with complete Freund's adjuvant. Colostrum from nanny goats was also secured for further investigations. Most of the hyperimmunized adult goats responded with the development of insulin antibodies. Their kids were born without these specific immunoglobulins, but several hours after they were allowed to suckle colostrum, the antibody concentration reached values comparable with the values measured in the nanny's blood. Colostrum-deprived kids did not show an increase in binding capacity. The addition of insulin to the milk rations of bottle-fed kids did not act as a primer in antibody production. Immunoglobulins in blood serum of nanny goats and kids and in colostral whey belong mainly to the IgG class. These results indicate that in goats, maternal insulin antibodies are transferred from nanny to offspring only by colostrum.