Mineral deficiencies in grazing dairy cattle in Kordofan and Darfur regions in western Sudan

The seasonal changes in mineral profiles in serum of grazing dairy cattle and the concentrations of nutrients available from forages were determined in western Sudan. Blood samples were collected seasonally from dairy cows, Kenana and Botana breeds, in 6 locations in Kordofan and Darfur. Data were analysed as a split-plot design with repeated measures. The results indicated there were significant seasonal changes in concentrations of P, Cu and K, Ca, Mg, Na, Co, and Zn in blood serum of grazing cows. Concentrations of P, Ca and Na in serum were lowest during the late dry season (4.5 mg/dl, 8.21 mg/dl and 129 mEq/L respectively), while concentrations of Cu, deficient throughout the year, were lowest during the rainy season (0.35 µg/ml). The interaction of location×season was significant for serum P, Ca, Cu, Mg, Na, Co and K. Kenana cattle had lower Zn in serum (0.96 µg/ml) than Botana cattle (1.13 µg/ml). During the dry season, forages had very low CP (3.5±0.5%), high neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (67.5±1.8%) and high acid detergent (ADF) (38.5±1.2%) content. Calcium, P and Na levels in forages were deficient during the dry season (0.38±0.03%, 0.08±0.03% and 0.047±0.01% respectively). Copper also was deficient in forages during the dry season, but adequate during the mid-rainy season (3.0±2.4 and 26.1±1.5 mg/kg respectively). In conclusion, the low Cu concentration in sera of cattle indicated a possible nutritional deficiency throughout the year, while P, Ca, and Na were low in sera during the late dry season. Thus, seasonal deficiencies of minerals may affect productivity of cattle in the Kordofan and Darfur regions of Sudan.     

The Status of Selected Minerals in Soil,Forage and Beef Cattle Tissues in a Semi-arid Region of Zimbabwe

Five districts in the Matabeleland region, an arid western area of Zimbabwe, were investigated for the status of Ca, P, Na, Cu and Zn in soil, forage and cattle during the wet and dry seasons over a period of one year. The cattle came from the natural grazing lands and were not supplemented at the time of sampling. Some deficiencies in soil Zn and P were found in the districts of Lupane and Bulilima-mangwe, respectively. Dry season soil Ca, Cu and P concentrations were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than rainy season values owing to leaching in all five districts. Most forage samples had mineral concentrations below the critical levels known to be adequate for animal requirements. Forage levels of Ca, Na, Cu and Zn significantly increased (p < 0.05) with advancing maturity, while P significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in almost all the districts. Marked deficiencies of minerals were found in cattle tissues and these levels followed the seasonal trend seen in the forage. These results indicate that cattle in Matebeleland are deficient in P, Ca, Cu and Zn and that grazing areas in the region cannot provide adequate levels of the five minerals studied.     

Mineral absorption in tapirs (Tapirus spp.) as compared to the domestic horse

To test whether mineral recommendations for horses are likely to guarantee adequate mineral provision for tapirs (Tapirus spp.), we investigated the apparent absorption (aA) of macro and micro‐minerals in 18 tapirs from five zoological institutions in a total of 24 feeding trials with total faecal collection. Samples of feeds and faeces were analysed for Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu and Zn. The resulting aA coefficients and the linear relationships of apparently absorbable dietary mineral content to total dietary mineral content (per 100 g dry matter) were compared with data for domestic horses. While there were no apparent differences in the absorption patterns for P, K, Na, Fe, Cu or Zn, the absorption of both Ca and Mg was distinctively higher in tapirs than in horses. Tapirs are browsers that are adapted to a diet of higher Ca content and higher Ca:P ratio than equids, and high absorptive efficiency for Ca might have evolved to ensure that high dietary Ca concentrations do not lead to the binding of dietary P in the intestine, making it unavailable for hindgut microbes. Similar to other hindgut fermenters, in tapirs, absorption coefficients for Ca increased with dietary Ca:P ratio, and urinary Ca:creatinine ratios increased with dietary Ca. Several zoo diets used were deficient in one or more minerals. When compared with faeces of free‐ranging animals, faeces of zoo animals had higher concentrations of most minerals, probably indicating a lesser diluting effect of indigestible fibre in zoo animals.     

Mineral deficiency status of ranging zebu (Bos indicus) cattle around the Gilgel Gibe catchment, Ethiopia

Mineral deficiencies in cattle, widespread in East Africa, impair optimal health and production and consequently place a great burden on the farmers' income. Therefore, detection of shortages and imbalances of specific minerals is essential. Our objective was to evaluate the mineral status of grazing cattle around the Gilgel Gibe catchment in Ethiopia and associated factors. In study I, individual animal plasma and herd faecal Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu concentrations were determined in adult zebu cattle (Bos indicus; n?=?90) grazing at three altitudes around the catchment, whilst recording body condition score and sex. In study II, liver samples of adult male zebu cattle (n?=?53) were analysed for Cu, Zn, Fe, Se and Mo concentrations and inspected for parasitic infections. Plasma and liver analyses revealed a Cu deficiency problem in the area, since 68 and 47 % of cattle, respectively, were Cu deprived according to diagnostic criteria for Bos taurus cattle. High hepatic Mo concentrations in 17 % of cases might reflect excessive dietary Mo intake. Liver Se and plasma Na concentrations were too low in 92 and 80 % of cattle. Plasma Mn concentrations were largely below the detection limit. Plasma Cu as well as Ca concentrations were lower in the lowest altitude compared to the highest altitude group (P?<?0.05), whereas lean to medium cattle had lower plasma Cu concentrations (P?<?0.05). No differences in hepatic mineral concentrations were detected between cattle with different types of parasitic infection. In conclusion, bovine mineral deficiencies were present in the Gilgel Gibe area and were associated with grazing altitude and body condition score.     

Content and distribution of macro- and micro-elements in the body of pasture-fed young horses

OBJECTIVE: To determine the content and distribution of Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, S, Cu, Mn, Fe and Zn in the body of pasture-fed young horses and then use a factorial model to calculate the dietary mineral requirements for growth. PROCEDURE: Twenty-one foals were killed at about 150 days of age and the organs, soft tissues, skin and bones and a sample of muscle were dissected out and weighted. The mineral concentrations of elements in all soft tissues and bones were measured by inductively coupled emission spectrometry. The total mineral element composition associated with a tissue was determined from the weight of tissue and its mineral element concentration. RESULTS: Expressed as a percent of total body mineral elements, muscle contained 20% Na, 78% K, 32% Mg, 62% Cu, 36% Mn and 57% Zn, bone contained 47% Na, 99% Ca, 81% P, 62% Mg, 30% Mn and 28% Zn while the organs accounted for a smaller percentage ranging from 0.06% for Ca to 26% for Fe. In liver Cu accounted for 9.2% of total body Cu. Each kilogram of empty body weight was associated with 1.0 g Na, 2.5 g K, 17.1 g Ca, 10.1 g P, 0.4 g Mg, 1.1 mg Cu, 0.39 mg Mn, 52.5 mg Fe and 21.4 mg Zn. CONCLUSION: The mineral element content of body weight gain is a component used in the factorial model to determine dietary mineral element requirements for growth. The calculated dietary mineral requirements, expressed per kg dry matter, for a 200 kg horse gaining 1.0 kg/day were 1.0 g Na, 2.1 g K, 4.6 g Ca, 3.5 g P, 0.7 g Mg, 4.5 mg Cu and 25 mg Zn.     

北京黑白花乳牛蹄底角质中25种元素含量的研究

本实验采用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱仪,在1987年春、秋两季对北京某牛场的黑白花成年乳牛蹄底角质中25种元素(K、Na、S、Ca、P、Mg、Mn、Mo、Cu、Zn、Fe、I、Se、Co、Cd、Cr、Ni、B、Al、Si、Ti、Ba、Ph、As、Hg)进行了测定,并对春、秋季正形蹄与变形蹄、正形蹄与病变蹄,以及春秋正形蹄、变形蹄之间做了对比,还测定了饲料地的土壤、水和饲料中25种元素的含量,与国内外有关资料的结果进行了对比,初步探讨了某牛场成乳牛中正形蹄蹄底角质中25种元素的含量,指出春秋两季正形蹄蹄底角质中25种元素的含量是有差异的,春季正形蹄与变形蹄相比各元素差异均不显著;秋季变形蹄含Mg量显著高于正形蹄,含Ca、Al、Cd和Ti量显著低于正形蹄;春季病变蹄含K、Fe、Mn、Cu、Mg、Al、Ti、Se、I、Pb、Hg量显著高于正形蹄。本文首次提出北京黑白花乳牛正形蹄蹄底角质中Ca、P比值,春季是5.822/1,秋季是6.253/1。此牛场乳牛饮水中Hg含量过高是环境污染的结果。本文为今后进一步研究北京黑白花乳牛蹄角质与元素的关系提供了临床参考的依据。     

Concentrations of macro- and micro-elements in the milk of pasture-fed thoroughbred mares

OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations of milk during the lactation in pasture-fed Thoroughbred mares and then calculate the dietary mineral requirements of the sucking foal and the lactating mare. PROCEDURE: Milk was sampled on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28 and at various times between 55 to 65, 85 to 95 and 135 to 150 days after parturition from 21 pasture-fed mares. The concentrations of macro- and micro-elements in the milk were determined by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry. RESULTS: Concentrations (mg/L) of these elements were highest in colostrum (Mg 302, Na 561, K 955, S 1035, Cu 0.76, Fe 0.79 and Zn 5.5) except for Ca (1245) and P (895), which where highest on day 7. The mean milk mineral element concentrations (mg/L) over days 55 to 150 were Ca 843, P 543, Mg 47, Na 120, K 590, S 219, Cu 0.19, Fe 0.34 and Zn 2.1. The mean plasma element concentrations (mg/L) over the same period were Ca 120, P 77.1, Mg 17.0, Na 3110, K 168, S 983, Cu 1.1, Fe 1.5 and Zn 0.49. Concentration gradients between plasma and milk were observed and, in the case of Ca, P, Mg, K and Zn, their concentrations in milk were greater than those in plasma, while a reverse situation was observed for Na, S, Cu and Fe. CONCLUSION: With the exception of Ca and P, the highest concentrations of mineral elements were observed in the colostrum. The nursing foal should have access to good pasture or creep feed, because the intakes of Ca, P and Cu from milk may be less than optimum to meet the daily mineral element requirements.     

Mineral Content of Forages Grown on Poultry Litter-Amended Soils

Large quantities of poultry litter are applied each year to pastures in Arkansas and Oklahoma. Our objective was to monitor mineral concentrations in forages grown on poultry litter-amended soils and compare them with mineral requirements for gestating and early lactating beef cows. A total of 65 forage samples were gathered from four farms in northwest Arkansas and northeast Oklahoma from April 2000 to March 2002. Mean forage mineral concentrations were compared with beef cattle requirements using a two-tailed t test. Two-year average forage Ca, P, K, S, and Fe concentrations from each farm exceeded (P<0.05) gestation and lactation requirements, but forage Zn concentrations from one farm did not differ (P>0.05) from gestation and lactation requirements. On individual sampling dates, concentrations of Ca, P, K, and Zn rarely fell below lactation requirements. Mean forage Mg concentrations from one farm exceeded (P<0.05) lactation requirements, but those from the other three farms exceeded (P<0.05) gestation but not (P>0.05) lactation requirements. Mean tetany ratios from all farms were below (P<0.05) the tetany threshold of 2.2, but forage from two farms surpassed the tetany threshold during Spring 2000, and one sur-passed it during Spring 2001. Average forage Cu concentrations were below (P<0.05) requirements on one farm and did not differ (P>0.05) from the requirements on three farms. Forages from pastures fertilized with broiler litter may meet most but not all mineral requirements of beef cattle, and supplementation of specific minerals, particularly Mg and Cu, may be necessary.     

Soil–plant–animal continuum in relation to macro and micro mineral status of dairy cattle in subtropical hill agro ecosystem

The purpose of the present study was to study the soil–plant–animal continuum in subtropical hilly areas. Soil (n?=?96), fodder (n?=?96), and blood serum samples from dairy cattle (n?=?120) were collected from eight districts of Mizoram, a hilly state in India. The samples were digested using diacid mixture (HNO₃:HClO₄; 10:4) and analyzed for macro (Ca, P, Mg, Na, and K) and micro (Cu, Co, Mn, Fe, and Zn) mineral concentrations. The macro and micro mineral concentrations varied among the different districts. The correlation values between fodder and cattle were significant for all the minerals studied except for P and K. The correlation value between fodder and cattle was highly significant (P?<?0.01) for Ca (0.878), Mg (0.88), Cu (0.885), and Zn (0.928). However, such correlations were not observed between the mineral levels in cattle and mineral levels in soil except for Ca (0.782). Equations developed in the present study for prediction of Ca (R ²?=?0.797), Mg (R ²?=?0.777), Zn (R ²?=?0.937), Fe (R ²?=?0.861), and Cu (R ²?=?0.794) had significant R ² values. Further, it is inferred that dairy cattle reared under smallholder production system were deficient in most of the minerals and supplementation of required minerals is essential for optimum production.     

Relationships between mineral concentrations and physicochemical characteristics in the Longissimus thoracis muscle of Japanese Black cattle

The relationship between mineral concentrations, and the relationship of mineral concentrations with physicochemical characteristics in muscles were investigated using the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle of 44 Japanese Black steers. We determined moisture content, fat content, meat color, fatty acid composition and mineral concentrations in the LT muscle. Magnesium (Mg), potassium (K) and zinc (Zn) concentrations had negative correlations with fat content, but sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were not correlated with fat content. The concentrations of Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn largely and positively contributed to the first principal component of mineral concentrations. Because the red muscle was rich in these minerals compared to the white muscle, the variation of these minerals probably results from the abundance of red fibers in the LT muscle. The concentration of K was positively correlated with moisture content but Na concentration was not related to moisture content, suggesting that the intracellular fluid volume can largely affect moisture content. The results of the present experiment suggest that mineral concentrations reflect some traits such as not only fat content but also the composition of myofiber type and the intracellular fluid volume in the LT muscle of Japanese Black cattle.     

西藏那曲地区高寒草地牧草矿物元素动态变化及盈缺分析

测定了那曲地区尼玛县高寒草地不同月份围栏内和围栏外牧草矿物元素（Ca、P、Na、K、Mg、Cu和Zn）含量，并根据元素的吸收率及藏山羊矿物元素需要量，对放牧藏山羊采食牧草中矿物元素的盈缺进行了分析。结果表明：同月份围栏内与围栏外的矿物元素含量差异不显著（P〉0．05），但不同季节的变异很大。夏秋季牧草Ca、P、Na、K、Mg、Cu、Zn的含量（Ca1．25％DM，P0．1419％DM，Na0．06％DM，K1．51％DM，Mg0．28％DM，Cu8．70mg／kg，Zn27．35mg／kg）高于冬春季（Ca0．72％DM，P0．0005％DM，Na0．02％DM，K0．43％DM，Mg0．10％DM，Cu3．02mg／kg，Zn8．49mg／kg）。除Mg和青草期的K能满足藏山羊的需要外，其余元素不能满足藏山羊生长、繁殖和泌乳对矿物元素的需要量。     

Effect of trace mineral proteinates on growth and skeletal and hoof development in yearling horses

Fifteen yearlings, nine Thoroughbreds and six Quarter Horses, were used in a feeding trial to determine whether proteinated trace minerals were utilized advantageously over inorganic trace minerals for growth and development when included in the diet at normal supplementation levels. The animals were assigned randomly within breed and gender subgroups to one of two treatments. Group A received a 12% protein (as fed) concentrate containing a trace mineral premix providing inorganic trace minerals at concentrations appropriate to supplement Coastal Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) hay and provide NRC¹ or higher trace mineral intakes. Group B was provided the same concentrations of trace minerals but the Cu, Mn, and Zn were provided via a commercial proteinate. The concentrates were fed to appetite individually, twice daily during a 1.5-hour feeding period. The hay was group-fed in drylot paddocks at 1.0 kg/100 kg BW daily. The animals were housed three or four animals per paddock. Weight and body and hoof growth measurements were taken at the start of the experiment and at 28-day intervals for 112 days. Radiographs of the third metacarpal were made for estimating bone mineral and hoof samples were collected at the start and completion of the experiment. The yearlings gained 0.77±0.03 and 0.79±0.03 kg/d for the inorganic and proteinate groups, respectively. None of the body measurements were affected by diet (P > 0.10) except hip height gain which was higher for the animals receiving the proteinated minerals (7.0 vs 4.7 cm, P = 0.023). Hoof growth was greater for yearlings fed the mineral proteinate than for those fed the inorganic minerals (4.98 vs 4.78 cm, P = 0.016), and colts had greater hoof growth than did fillies (5.00 vs 4.72 cm, P = 0.003). Diet and gender did not affect hoof strength (P > 0.10), but Quarter Horses had greater hoof strength than Thoroughbreds (98.2 vs 88.8 kg, P = 0.046). No differences in bone mineral content or bone mineral deposition were detected (P > 0.10).     

A free-choice intake of mineral blocks in beef cows during the grazing season and in winter

A herd of 25 beef cows were offered four types of mineral blocks (A, B, C, D) with a different Ca to P ratio (A 0.6:1, B 0.8:1, C 2:1 and D 3.6:1). The Mg content was identical in all blocks whereas the Na content was equal in B, C and D, while the Na content in A block was double. The mineral block intake was monitored for 1 year, which was broken down to the grazing period (Pa) and the winter period (Wi). The intake of pasture grass and winter forage was assessed and the feed chemical composition was analysed; based on the obtained values, a macroelement balance (for Ca, P, Mg, Na and K) was calculated.The results showed the forage diet met requirements for all the observed macroelements (except in Na). The macroelement intake from forage was considerably higher than from mineral blocks. There were significant seasonal (Pa versus Wi) differences in B and C blocks intake. The consumption of D block was relatively invariable all year round; block A was refused in both seasons though it contained the highest amount of highly deficient Na.It can be concluded that mineral content in forage meets beef cattle requirements for Ca, Mg and K, P content is just satisfactory, and Na content is insufficient. It appears that cows control, to some extent, the Ca to P ratio in their diet by choosing the appropriate type of mineral block. However, the preference or refusal of some types of mineral blocks regardless of the season suggests the influence of other factors affecting mineral block intake which were not the subject of our observation.     

Nutrient balance in the diet of spring calving, pasture-fed dairy cows

AIMS: To report the nutrient composition of pastures fed to spring-calving dairy cows in the Manawatu region of New Zealand, and describe changes in the nutrient composition of these pastures over a 12-month period. Having done this we sought to: (1) compare the nutrient composition of the pasture offered with the nutrient requirements of spring-calving dairy cows; (2) identify periods when individual nutrient surpluses and deficits are likely; and, (3) identify nutrients that demonstrate a high level of variability between sampling occasions. METHODS: Seven farms took part in the study. Each farm was visited monthly from August 1996 to July 1997. Samples of pasture were taken at each visit and submitted for estimation of dry matter (DM), metabolisable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), non-structural carbohydrate (NSC), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chlorine (Cl), sulphur (S), iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), and dietary cation-anion differences (DCAD). RESULTS: Sampled pastures were characterised by low to marginal ME, NSC, Ca, Mg, and Zn concentrations when compared with recommended dietary nutrient concentrations for lactating and non-lactating dairy cattle in New Zealand. Analyses revealed relatively high CP, NDF and K concentrations, and DCAD. CONCLUSIONS: These analyses identify broad trends in the nutrient balance of a pasture-only feeding regime and provide a useful reference for planning feed strategies for spring-calving, pasture-fed dairy herds in this region. Recommended changes to on-farm practice should be made after considering the whole farm system, rather than being made solely on the basis of perceived deficiencies or excesses of individual nutrients.     

Mineral Status and Interrelationship in Soil,Forage, and Blood Serum of Horses in the Rainy and Dry Seasons

The objective was to evaluate the content of P, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Fe, Zn, Se, and Mn in soil, forage, and serum of horses in several production units (PU) during rainy and dry seasons and predict their concentration in serum from their content in soil and forage. Soil and pastures were sampled in the dry (November–December) and in rainy seasons (June–July), and blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 76 horses in both seasons at four PU. The experimental design was a completely random design within a 4 × 2 (PU × season) factorial arrangement of treatments. Concentration of minerals in soil differed (P < .05) among PU, and contents of P, Ca, Mg, and K were low; Zn and Fe were high; and Cu and Mn were adequate. Mineral concentrations in forage differed among PU and season, and among PU within season (interaction P < .05). Contents of Ca, Mg, Na, Zn, and Cu were low; Fe was high; and P, K, Se, and Mn adequate. The mineral concentration in equine blood serum differed (P < .05) among PU and season. Overall, there were deficiencies of P, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, and Se, but adequate amounts of K, Zn, and Fe. There are imbalances of minerals in soil and forages which effected their concentration inequine blood.     

Blood mineral profile of the critically endangered Western Derby eland (Taurotragus derbianus derbianus) in two conservation breeding reserves in Senegal

For many nondomestic species, nutritional requirements and the challenges faced in their current habitats are unknown. This is the case of small semi-captive population of the critically endangered Western Derby eland held in two wildlife reserves (the Bandia and the Fathala) in Senegal. The aim of this study was to determine the mineral profile (Ca, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, Se, K, S) in blood serum and to identify potential mineral deficiencies. Serum data (11 individuals) were compared to other Tragelaphineae, where it was lower in almost all elements. Considerably low concentrations were recorded for Cu, Fe and Zn. Animals in the Bandia reserve had higher serum levels of Fe and K compared to the Fathala reserve and a higher serum level of S in the Fathala reserve compared to the Bandia reserve. Recorded mineral levels may reflect most likely the limited mineral background in the local environment. The knowledge of adequate nutritional requirements and health status of these animals is relevant for the conservation breeding programme. No other serum mineral reference values exist for Western Derby eland, neither for free-ranging nor captive animals. Therefore, the knowledge of reference intervals for minerals in serum may serve for monitoring of the population's health.     

Impact of vitamin and mineral supplement withdrawal and wheat middling inclusion on finishing pig growth performance,fecal mineral concentration,carcass characteristics,and the nutrient content and oxidative stability of pork

A study was conducted to determine if supplement withdrawal (omission of dietary vitamin and trace mineral premixes and a two-thirds reduction in dietary inorganic phosphorus) for 28 d preslaughter and the feeding of wheat middlings (dietary concentrations of 5, 15, and 30% from weaning to 16, 16 to 28, and 28 kg to slaughter, respectively) affect growth performance, carcass characteristics, and fecal mineral concentrations ofthe pig, as well as the nutrient content and oxidative stability of the longissimus dorsi muscle. Crossbred pigs (n = 64) were blocked by weight and assigned to one of four dietary treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design (with or without supplement withdrawal, and with or without wheat middlings). Supplement withdrawal and wheat middling inclusion did not influence average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, gain/feed, or carcass traits, except for a decrease (P < 0.01) in the ADG of pigs from 28 to 65 kg when fed wheat middlings. Supplement withdrawal decreased (P < 0.01) fecal Ca, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations. In diets containing full vitamin and mineral supplementation, wheat middling inclusion decreased (P < 0.01) fecal Ca, Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations and increased (P < 0.01) fecal Mn. Supplement withdrawal decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of riboflavin, niacin, and P in the longissimus dorsi muscle, but did not affect longissimus dorsi thiamin, vitamin E, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Ca concentrations. Inclusion of wheat middlings increased (P < 0.04) longissimus dorsi thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and vitamin E concentrations and decreased (P < 0.04) Cu concentrations. However, wheat middling inclusion did not affect (P > 0.05) longissimus dorsi Ca, P, Fe, and Zn concentrations. Dietary treatment did not affect either Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase or glutathione peroxidase activity in the longissimus dorsi. The results from this study indicate that supplement withdrawal and dietary wheat middling inclusion alter pork nutrient content and fecal mineral concentration, but not the oxidative stability of pork.     

牛蹄标本与牛蹄运动的观察

牛蹄是牛的运动器官、支持器官、感知器官和防护器官.研究发现,牛蹄在运动过程中,除了具有缓冲作用外,还具有血泵的功能,牛蹄的血泵功能对血液循环发挥着强有力的促进作用.深入研究牛蹄的解剖生理机能,对蹄保健和蹄病防治有重要的生产实际意义.     

Effects of exogenous equine somatotropin on mineral balance in two-year-old horses in race training

This study examined the effects of exogenous equinesomatotropin (eST — Equigen) administration on mineral absorption and retention in two-year-old horses in race training. Sixteen Quarter Horse geldings were paired by age (ave.age=794 d), and one horse from each pair was assigned at random to either the eST treatment group or the control. The experiment was conducted over 112 days during which the horses were gentled to ride and trained on a dirt track in a regimen typical for race horses in training. At 28-day intervals, collections of total fecal and urinary output were made to determine effects on Ca, inorganic P, Mg, Cu and Zn mineral balance.Due to marginal and slightly deficient amounts (P<01)of Ca, P, Mg and Zn intake by days 84 and 112, a result of reduced feed intake to maintain a constant body condition in the presence of a decreased workload, mineral balance for the aforementioned minerals was only examined through day 56. In contrast to the previous minerals, Cu intake appeared adequate. Ca, P, Mg, Cu and Zn intake did not differ (P>.05) by treatment. The eST-treated horses increased (P<.05) Ca retention as a percent of Ca absorbed, had greater (P<.05) overall apparent efficiency of P absorption and greater (P<.05) apparent retention of P on day 56 than the control horses. The eST-treated horses had greater (P<.05) apparent Cu absorption on day 56, greater (P<.05) apparent Cu absorption efficiency on days 56 and 84, and there was a trend (P<.1) for the eST-treated horses to retain more Cu on day 56 than the control horses. Finally, the eST-treated horses retained a greater percent (P<.1) of absorbed Zn on day 56.     

Utilization of sulfur and other mineral elements by growing dairy heifers treated with bovine somatotropin

Apparent absorption and retention of Ca, P, Mg, K, Cu, Mn, Zn, and S were determined in Holstein heifers treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST). Six heifers (initial BW averaged 104 kg) were assigned to various doses of bST in a 6 x 6 Latin square design with six consecutive 21-d periods. Treatments were daily i.m. injections of 0, 6.7, 33.3, 66.7, 100, or 200 micrograms of bST/kg of BW on d 8 to 21 of each period. All heifers were fed a hay-concentrate diet, and nutrient digestibilities and balances were determined on d 14 to 20 of each period. Mineral concentrations in feed, water, excreta, and blood plasma were determined with an inductively coupled argon plasma-emission spectrometer. Exogenous bST did not affect apparent absorption or retention of Ca, P, Mg, K, Cu, Mn, or Zn. Plasma CU concentration was greater (P less than .05) in heifers receiving bST (82 micrograms of Cu/dl) than in those receiving excipient (73 micrograms of Cu/dl); plasma concentrations of other elements were not affected by bST. Injection of bST did not affect S absorption, but urinary S excretion decreased (P less than .05) and S retention increased (P less than .05) as dose of bST increased. The amount of S retained (1.5 g/d) when the heifers received the largest dose of bST was approximately 50% greater than the amount retained when heifers received excipient. These results demonstrate that bST affects the postabsorptive metabolism of S. Generally, bST did not affect nutrient digestibilities. Effects of bST on dietary mineral requirements were not determined because of the relatively short (14 d) treatment periods.