Mineral status of beef cattle in Papua New Guinea

Groups of 22 steers grazed eight diverse environments in Papua New Guinea for one year. Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, MCHC, plasma albumen, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and saliva sodium and potassium were measured; half of each group received cobalt supplements. Growth rate was measured. Cobalt deficiency was tentatively diagnosed at two sites, sodium deficiency at five sites and phosphorus at three with two other sites marginal. Sodium supplementation at the three most affected sites corrected sodium status and increased growth rate. Additionally, at two of these sites plasma phosphorus concentration increased to more normal levels presumably due to increased appetite. Statistically significant differences between sites occurred in the concentrations of other minerals but were not related to growth rates. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to assessment of mineral status in beef cattle.     

Correlation of Different Biochemical Parameters in Blood Sera of Healthy and Sick Cows

Metabolic diseases of cows represent the leading internal pathology in Lithuania in terms of incidence and economic impact. This paper summarizes the mineral metabolic state of milk cows, and details the influence of feeding on serum levels of calcium, nonorganic phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium, glucose, total protein, and urea quantity, and correlationd among them, in healthy dry or post-calving cows as well as in cows with osteomalacia and milk fever after calving. There was less pronounced hypocalcaemia and there were only minor changes in phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and sodium in the serum of healthy dry and post-calving cows that had silage and mineral-vitamin supplements, compared to cows that did not have supplements and silage. There was a fall in calcium and phosphorus (to 1.89 +/- 0.12 mmol/L and 0.71 +/- 0.06 mmol/L, respectively) in the blood of cows sick with milk fever after calving, while levels of magnesium and potassium were increased. The correlation between calcium and phosphorus was r = 0.6993, p < 0.001 in the serum of sick cows. There was a fall in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium (to 1.86 +/- 0.46 mmol/L, 0.75 +/- 0.37 mmol/L, and 0.60 +/- 0.19 mmol/L, respectively) and an increase in sodium level (to 158.90 +/- 19.30 mmol/L) in the blood of cows with osteomalacia in comparison with healthy cows.     

Osteopenic disease in growing pigs: diagnostic methods using serum and urine calcium and phosphorus values, parathoromone assay, and bone analysis.

This research was performed to evaluate the utility of several serum and urine parameters as well as bone ash and plasma parathormone assay to diagnose and monitor diet-related osteopenia in growing pigs. Five diets were tested as follows: calcium-deficient, phosphorus-replete; moderate-deficiency of calcium and phosphorus; marked deficiency of calcium and phosphorus; calcium replete, phosphorus deficient; and vitamin D deficient. Parameters monitored included serum calcium and phosphorus as well as ratios of urine calcium to creatinine, phosphorus to creatinine, calcium to phosphorus, and percent fractional excretions of calcium and phosphorus. Plasma parathormone (PTH) levels were monitored in 2 of 3 experiments. Osteopenic bone differences at necropsy were evaluated by bone density, percent ash, ash per milliliter bone, calcium per milliliter bone, and phosphorus per milliliter bone. Marked change in urine mineral parameters, especially the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, typically occurred within 1 to 2 days of treatment and preceded significant change in serum mineral or plasma PTH by 2 to 3 weeks. When monitored, plasma PTH levels were elevated following treatment, which confirms the hyperparathyroid state induced by the test diets. Significant differences in bone mineralization between control and treatment diets at necropsy were generally observed. The results of this study indicate that the analysis of urine minerals offers an early, noninvasive technique to investigate diet-associated osteopenic disease in growing pigs, which can be supported further by bone mineral analysis at postmortem using techniques herein described. Several urine mineral reference intervals for application to field investigations are included. Research into application of similar techniques to evaluate calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in pigs of all ages, including gestating and lactating gilts and sows, appears warranted.     

Yield and mineral content of ten enset (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ensete ventricosum</Emphasis>) varieties

A study was conducted to evaluate the macro and trace mineral contents of ten enset varieties collected from Sidama zone of southern Ethiopia. Samples of leaf lamina, leaf midrib, pseudostem and corm were taken from ten enset varieties at the age of 5 to 6 years during the main rainy season. The dry weight of each variety and fraction were also determined. Mineral contents in fractions of different enset varieties were analysed and compared with nutrient requirements of ruminants. The contribution of different enset fractions to the total dry weight was variable (P < 0.05), the highest being from pseudostem and the lowest from leaf lamina. There were varietal differences (P < 0.05) in macro and trace mineral content in different fractions except phosphorus (P) content of leaf lamina. Most enset fractions were rich sources of major minerals such as P, potassium (K), calcium (Ca) (except corm) and magnesium (Mg). Sodium (Na) content was very low. Most fractions were rich in iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), but deficient in copper (Cu), except leaf lamina. Zinc (Zn) content was high in corm, but low in other fractions. This account of the macro and trace mineral content of different enset varieties and fractions could help in strategic supplementation intended to alleviate mineral deficiencies.     

Levels of selected minerals,nitric oxide,and vitamins in aborted Sakis sheep raised under semitropical conditions

The serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron and of nitric oxide, retinol, and β-carotene were determined in Sakiz ewes that had experienced an abortion and in healthy controls. Ten healthy and 25 aborted Sakiz sheep were selected from Afyon zone in western Turkey. Their ages ranged between 2 and 4 years weighing between 40 and 60 kg at the time of experiment. All of the abortions occurred in October. The concentrations of retinol, β-carotene, phosphorus, and zinc were significantly lower and those of calcium and nitric oxide were increased in aborted ewes relative to healthy controls. The serum levels of iron, copper, and magnesium were not significantly different among the two groups. In conclusion, abortion is an important problem in commercially important species of ruminants in many regions in the tropics including of western Turkey. Deficiencies of retinol, β-carotene, phosphorus and zinc, and the increase of calcium and nitric oxide concentration may play an important role in the etiology of abortion in ewes. Prophylactic measures such as vitamin and mineral supplementation may be of help to prevent or reduce the incidence of abortion in sheep.     

Macro and trace elements of 26 browse species growing in semi-arid grazing lands of Eastern Cape,South Africa

ABSTRACT

Leaves and twigs from woody plants provide essential nutrients to range animals. We examined variation in the mineral status of 26 woody species, and the influence of harvesting height as well as the interactions of the main effects on minerals levels. Leaves were harvested from five individual plants per species at two height levels: low (<1 m) and upper (>1.5 m). For trees, all mineral levels showed variation (p < 0.05) between species. For shrubs and intermediate growth forms (between shrubs and trees), mineral levels except potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) were influenced (p < 0.05) by height × species interactions. Most browse species had calcium (Ca) contents (8.5–50 g kg^-1) above the required levels, with the majority of the species having Ca beyond the maximum tolerable limit. Most browse plants had sufficient K, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron and Zn concentrations to meet the requirements for ruminants. Copper was deficient in many browse leaves, thus supplementation should be considered in winter. We conclude that such knowledge is essential for sustainable use of browses as mineral supplements, especially during critical periods when climatic conditions limit the feed value of grasses.     

Whole-body mineral composition of entire male and female pigs depositing protein at maximal rates

Thirty-six entire male and female high genetic merit Large White × (Landrace × Large White) pigs were used in a serial slaughter study spanning the liveweight range 25 to 110 kg. The animals were given a high-quality nutrient-dense diet ad libitum and deposited protein at near-maximal rates (around 150 and 170 g/day for the gilts and boars, respectively). The mineral concentrations of the diet exceeded stated requirements for the pig. The whole-body contents of calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium and magnesium were determined and related to the empty body weight, lipid-free body weight or whole-body protein. There was an effect of sex of pig (P< 0.05) only on the amounts of sodium and potassium per unit whole-body protein. Calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, were retained isometrically with lipid-free body mass whereas the allometric model indicated that the amounts of sodium and potassium per unit lipid-free body declined significantly (P<0.05) as the animal grew. Functions describing the retention of minerals in the rapidly growing pig are given and can be used in the factorial estimation of mineral requirements.     

Digestibility rates of major and trace elements in pancreatic duct-ligated pigs

Ligation of pancreatic duct in pigs leads to a severe maldigestion of calcium and magnesium. Substitution of missing enzymes results in a 'normalization' of the digestibility rates of these elements. In comparison to controls the pre-caecal phosphorus digestibility decreased, but the total digestibility rates increased, after ligation of the pancreatic duct. Furthermore, the total amount of absorbed phosphorus was significantly higher in pancreatic duct ligated pigs. Further studies have to be carried out to investigate, whether phosphorus in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is excreted with urine, as in this study the observed Ca:P-ratio in blood was in a physiological range. Without a forced renal excretion of phosphorus, consequences and risks (e.g. secondary hyperparathyroidism) of the regulation have to be considered. Regarding the elements sodium, potassium and chloride, an increased faecal excretion could be observed in pancreatic duct ligated pigs. As a substitution with enzyme products led to digestibility rates similar to those in controls, no losses of electrolytes have to be feared. Even though pancreatic juice seems to have influences on the digestibility of investigated trace elements (copper, zinc, iron and manganese), it did not lead to severe imbalances in the corresponding mineral metabolism.     

The effect of Rumensin on mineral metabolism and on the conversion of nutrients in feedlot cattle

A study on mineral metabolism and conversion of nutrients by applying sodium monensinate, 125 mg per head and day, in cattle fattening was performed. This experiment was realized under production conditions in the fattening station of pavillion type for 367 days and included 985 bulls of Bohemian Spotted cattle. The feed ration consisted of maize silage with addition of dried poultry bedding and concentrates. At the beginning of the experiment the appetite antipathy was observed, the adaptation period lasted 4 weeks. During the adaptation period the weight gains decreased; after adaptation of animals to monensin the weight gain not only counter-poised, but in comparison with the control it increased. Throughout the experiment no health disorders connected with the applied additive were observed. In the rumen fluid the content of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron was followed. In the blood plasma the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper and iron were followed. The application of sodium monensinate did not affect the followed parameters of mineral metabolism. The experiment was aimed at the evaluation of production and operational parameters with a view to the weight gain and feed conversion. In the experimental group the weight gain was higher by 3.85%. The saving of maize silage in the experimental group amounted to 5.8%, by using of this additive the saving of concentrates amounted to 1.35%. In the experimental group the feed conversion converted to dry matter increased by 7.12%. Sodium monensinate at the dose of 125 mg per head and day had positive effect on the followed production and economic parameters.     

Effect of sodium phytate supplementation on fat digestion and cholesterol metabolism in female rats

The effects of sodium phytate supplementation on fat digestion and cholesterol metabolism were investigated in female rats. On the basis of an in vitro experiment showing that phytate raised the solubility of bile acids, it was predicted that phytate feeding would depress faecal bile acid excretion, raise apparent fat digestibility and elevate serum cholesterol concentrations. The experimental diets with or without sodium phytate were either cholesterol-free or cholesterol-rich and had a normal calcium concentration. Rats fed on the cholesterol-rich diet with sodium phytate showed enhanced faecal bile acid excretion, but there was no effect on fat digestibility. In rats fed the cholesterol-free diets, phytate did neither affect fat digestion nor bile acid excretion. Sodium phytate inclusion in the cholesterol-rich diet raised serum cholesterol concentrations, but reduced liver cholesterol concentration. Thus, the in vivo data do not agree with the in vitro observations. Both phytate and cholesterol feeding influenced mineral and trace element metabolism. Liver zinc concentrations were raised by phytate feeding. Cholesterol consumption reduced hepatic concentrations of copper, iron and zinc. Both phytate and cholesterol feeding reduced the apparent absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.     

Changes in blood chemical components during experimentally induced Theileria annulata infections in cattle

During the course of infection of calves with Theileria annulata levels of glucose, calcium, proteins, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium decreased and those of bilirubin, cholesterol and alkaline phosphatase increased with no changes in sodium and acid phosphatase levels. Several of these biochemical alterations have been explained in relation to the injury to the liver and other organs.     

Effect of mastitis on macro-minerals of bovine milk and blood serum in Sudan

Milk and blood serum from clinically mastitis infected, subclinically mastitis infected and healthy Friesian cows (15 samples from each of 3 groups) were evaluated for macrominerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus). The milk from cows infected with subclinical mastitis revealed a significant decrease in potassium (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in sodium and phosphorus content (P < 0.01). Similarly, the milk from cows with the clinical form of the disease showed a significant increase in sodium (P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in potassium, magnesium (P < 0.001) and calcium (P < 0.01). Comparison of healthy cow's milk with that from cows with subclinical mastitis revealed a highly significant increase in sodium (P < 0.001). Comparison of healthy cow's milk with that of clinically mastitic milk showed a highly significant decrease in levels of calcium, magnesium (P < 0.001) and potassium (P < 0.01). However, sodium increased highly significantly (P < 0.001). Comparison of macro-minerals in milk from cows with subclinical and clinical mastitis revealed a significant decrease in potassium contents (P < 0.05) compared with that of healthy cows. Potassium levels were found to decrease significantly (P < 0.05) in subclinically infected cow's blood serum. However, calcium and phosphorus showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in blood serum samples from the clinically infected cows.     

Elemental composition, water, and total lipid content in peripheral nerves, spinal cord and brain of healthy adult dogs

Peripheral nerves, spinal cord, and brain of healthy adult dogs were analysed biochemically for sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, aluminium, silicon, total chloride, total tissue water and total lipid content. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for elemental quantitation of the hydrochloric acid tissue extracts. Cerebrum and spinal cord had similar values for all parameters measured. Total sodium values were higher in nerves compared to central nervous system (CNS) (brain and spinal cord), while respective values for potassium were lower. Tissue levels of calcium, iron and silicon were comparable in brain, spinal cord and nerves. However, magnesium concentrations were two to three times higher in CNS than in nerves; and the reverse was true for aluminium levels. Tissue concentrations of zinc and copper were marginally higher in CNS than in nerves.     

Flammable Australia: Fire Regimes,Biodiversity and Ecosystems in a Changing World

This study examined intraspecific variation in mineral composition and rumen degradability of Atriplex nummularia plants and the influence on selection preferences of sheep. Individual plants were categorised into high, medium and least preference groups by assessing the order in which they were selected by sheep. Nine plants were selected from each group and the regrowth of these plants was analysed for neutral detergent fibre (NDF), crude protein (CP), mineral composition and rumen degradability of dry matter. The data was subjected to one-way and multivariate analyses of variance. Highly preferred plants had a higher concentration of CP, phosphorous (P) and magnesium (Mg) in their edible forage compared to the medium or least preferred plants. Individual preferences of sheep were not, however, associated with the rumen degradability parameters. Principal component analysis revealed that highly preferred plants had lower NDF, manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), and higher CP, calcium, P, Mg and potassium values compared to the least preferred plants. In contrast, medium preferred plants exhibited inconsistent patterns, with a tendency to have higher sodium chloride and sodium, and lower Mn, Zn and copper, concentrations in the forage.     

Effects of Dietary Zinc and Calcium on Select Immune Functions of Channel Catfish

Abstract

The effects of dietary zinc and calcium on immunocompetence of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (mean initial weight = 3.1 g/fish) were determined after a 10-week feeding trial. Fish were fed daily amounts equal to 3% of their body weight of one of six purified diets that were deficient in zinc (2 mg/kg of diet), calcium (0.02% of diet), or both; replete with zinc (20 mg/kg of diet) and calcium (0.5% of diet); or excessive in zinc (200 mg/kg of diet) or calcium (2.5% of diet). Immunocompetence of immunized and nonimmunized fish fed the various diets was assessed by measuring serum immunoglobulin M levels and mortality after an intraperitoneal injection of live Aeromonas hydrophila. Channel catfish fed diets deficient in zinc, calcium, or both had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less weight gain and survival as compared with those fed diets replete with or excessive in zinc or calcium. Tissue mineral concentrations of fish indicated that various levels of zinc and calcium nutriture existed when immune functions were tested. Diet affected mortality of only nonimmunized fish in the bacterial-challenge test; zinc deficiency and calcium excess decreased mortality. Whereas growth and survival of fish were reduced by dietary zinc or calcium deficiency, the measured immunological characteristics were not equally impaired by these mineral deficiencies.     

Effects of concentrate supplementation on blood mineral concentration of growing upgraded Philippine goats

A total of 32 4‐month‐old‐upgraded Philippine goats with mean bodyweight of 13.5 kg were used to study the effects of concentrate supplementation on mineral status of growing goats. All animals received a basal diet comprised of different forage species. Twenty of the animals were supplemented with concentrate at a rate of 150–200 g dry matter/day while the remaining 12 animals were not supplemented. Blood sampling and bodyweight measurement were done every 2 weeks during the 5 months of experiment. Forage, concentrate and blood sulfur, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and selenium concentration were analyzed after wet digestion. Forage mineral contents, except for zinc and selenium, were sufficient for requirements of ruminants. Concentrate mineral contents were much higher than the requirements, but did not exceed the toxic levels. The concentrate supplementation resulted in high (P < 0.05) plasma phosphorus, copper, zinc, whole blood selenium concentrations and bodyweight of growing goats, although some supplemented animals showed plasma zinc concentration below the lower critical level. It was recommended that pellets, glass bolus or capsules that contain deficient minerals, such as zinc and selenium, should be used in the study area.     

The effect of long term bentonite administration on mixed element metabolism in dwarf goats

Pigmy goats were experimentally examined for the effects of subchronic oral applications of high doses of GDR-made bentonite on their mass element status (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium sodium, potassium). The argillaceous mineral caused slightly reduced incorporation of calcium in the bones. Bentonite-related reduction of alkaline phosphatase activity cannot be ruled out as a causative factor. Magnesium concentrations in blood serum and liver of bentonite-treated pigm goats were lower with significance than those recorded from controls. Phosphorus, sodium, and potassium metabolism was not substantively altered by bentonite application. A sodium substitution effect might possibly be achieved by admixture of bentonite to feed rations.     

Effects of thyroid status on renal calcium and magnesium handling.

Renal calcium and magnesium handling was studied in rats with chronic thyroid hormone deficiency or excess, hyperthyroidism. Mean kidney weight of the thyroid deficient rats was 42% of age matched, euthyroid and hyperthyroid animals and glomerular filtration rate was 71% of normal. Fractional sodium excretion was consistently elevated in thyroid deficient rats (0.26%) as compared to euthyroid (0.07%) and hyperthyroid animals (0.07%). Urinary calcium excretion (0.39%) was also elevated and parallel to sodium excretion in thyroid deficiency. Despite this renal leak of sodium and calcium, thyroid deficient animals conserved magnesium much more efficiently than either euthyroid or hyperthyroid rats (5.7% vs 17.4% respectively). Plasma magnesium concentration was elevated by acute MgCl2 infusions to determine the reabsorptive capacity of magnesium. Thyroid deficient rats reabsorbed 15-30% more of the filtered magnesium at any given plasma concentration. Although these effects on electrolyte reabsorption are modest compared to the hemodynamic alterations, the data suggest that thyroid hormone has a direct effect on the tubule which if chronically absent results in subtle sodium and calcium wasting and renal retention of magnesium. Administration of thyroid hormone to euthyroid or thyroid deficient rats twenty-four hours prior to experimentation had no effect on calcium and magnesium handling.     

Comparison of serum and plasma for determination of blood biochemical values in Malaysian flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus).

The effects of the anticoagulant sodium heparin and time of centrifugation on 20 biochemical analytes in the blood of Malaysian flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) were evaluated. Paired plasma and serum samples were centrifuged at 1 hr and 6 hr postcollection. Heparinization and time of centrifugation did not significantly affect albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, amylase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransaminase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, sodium, and total carbon dioxide levels. Plasma was associated with higher globulin and lower potassium values. Glucose and chloride levels decreased significantly over time, whereas phosphorus levels increased. Serum creatine kinase activity at 6 hr postcollection was significantly higher than the other creatine kinase means. Sodium levels were not significantly affected by sodium heparin as used as an anticoagulant in this study.     

自然生草对土壤和树体矿质营养及苹果树生理病害的影响

为了促进果园土壤养分均衡供给,减少生理病害发生,提高果实品质,本试验以果园清耕为对照,监测分析渭北旱塬自然生草对苹果园土壤和树体矿质营养及生理病害的影响。结果表明：自然生草可提高0~40 cm土层土壤全氮、速效磷、速效钾、水溶性钙、有效锌、有效铁和有效硼含量,降低0~240 cm土层土壤速效氮和0~60 cm土层土壤有效锰含量,提高叶片和果实中磷、钙、锌、硼含量,降低叶片和果实中氮和锰含量,且生草年限越长效果越显著,但对土壤全磷与全钾、叶片和果实钾及铁无显著影响;自然生草降低因缺钙、缺锌和多锰引起的生理病害,但对缺铁和缺硼引起的则无显著影响;自然生草提高了果实着色面积、果实硬度和可溶性固形物含量;渭北旱塬果园自然生草,可有效改善果园土壤及树体的营养平衡,减少生理病害的发生,提高果实品质。渭北旱塬应积极推广果园自然生草。