Effects of dietary energy on growth performance,carcass characteristics,serum biochemical index,and meat quality of female Hu lambs

This study evaluated the effects of dietary energy levels on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and serum biochemical of female Hu lambs. Seventy female Hu lambs (aged 4 months) were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments. Lambs were fed diets with 5 levels of metabolizable energy (ME): 9.17 (E1), 9.59 (E2), 10.00 (E3), 10.41 (E4), and 10.82 MJ/kg (E5). The lambs were adapted to the experimental diets for 10 d and the experiment period lasted for 60 d. Dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio linearly (P < 0.001) increased and decreased (P < 0.001), respectively, with increasing dietary ME levels. Average daily gain (ADG) linearly (P < 0.001) increased with increasing dietary ME levels, with the highest final body weight (P = 0.041) observed in E4 group. Moreover, dietary energy level was associated with linear increases in serum total protein (TP) (P < 0.001), albumin (ALB) (P = 0.017), glucose (GLU) (P = 0.004), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) (P = 0.006) concentrations, and it was associated with a quadratic decrease in serum triglyceride (TG) concentration (P = 0.002). Serum ammonia concentration, which was firstly decreased and then increased, was quadratically affected by dietary ME levels (P = 0.013). Compared with E1 group, lambs in E4 group had higher (P < 0.05) live weights, carcass weights, mesenteric fat ratio, non-carcass fat ratio, and larger loin muscle area, but lower (P < 0.05) meat colour a∗ and b∗ values, and lesser (P < 0.05) C17:0, C20:0, C18:1n-9t, C18:3n-3, and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), but greater (P < 0.05) C18:3n-6 and n-6:n-3 ratios in longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle tissue, and lesser (P < 0.05) C17:0, C18:3n-3, C22:6n-3, and n-3 PUFA in the biceps femoris (BF) muscle tissue. The results demonstrated that increasing dietary energy level improved the growth performance and affected carcass traits, serum biochemical indexes, and fatty acid profiles in different muscles of female Hu lambs. For 4-month-old female Hu lambs, the recommended fattening energy level is 10.41 MJ/kg.     

Mulberry leaf powder regulates antioxidative capacity and lipid metabolism in finishing pigs

This study evaluated the potential of mulberry leaf powder as an unconventional feed material for finishing pigs by assessing the growth performance, antioxidative properties, fatty acid profile, and lipid metabolism in 180 Xiangcun black pigs. Pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 71.64 ± 1.46 kg were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups, including the control diet and 4 experimental diets. The corn, soybean meal, and wheat bran in the control diet were partly replaced by 3%, 6%, 9%, or 12% mulberry leaf powder in experimental diets. There were 6 replicates (pens) of 6 pigs per replicate in each treatment. Blood and muscle samples were collected after the 50-day feed experiment. Compared with the control group, the 3%, 6%, and 9% mulberry diets had no adverse effect (P > 0.05) on the growth performance of pigs. The serum glutathione peroxidase activity and glutathione concentration increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the increase in dietary mulberry inclusion. There was no significant difference in the relative expression levels of antioxidant-related genes in muscle tissue between the control and mulberry groups. Inclusion of dietary mulberry powder increased (P < 0.05) the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially in the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, up-regulated (P < 0.05) the relative mRNA expression level of uncoupling protein-3 in muscle tissue, but down-regulated (P < 0.05) the relative mRNA expression levels of hormone-sensitive lipase, acetyl CoA carboxylase α, lipoprotein lipase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in LD in a linear pattern. The nuclear respiratory factor 2 expression level in the LD muscle of pigs fed the 9% mulberry diet was higher (P < 0.01) than that in the other mulberry groups and control group. The inclusion of less than 12% dietary mulberry did not detrimentally affect the growth performance of Xiangcun black pigs, but enhanced the serum antioxidant property, increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid content, and inhibited lipid oxidation by regulating gene expression levels of lipid metabolism and mitochondrial uncoupling protein in muscle tissue. Mulberry leaves can be utilized as a forage crop in the diet of finishing pigs.     

A water-soluble β-glucan improves growth performance by altering gut microbiome and health in weaned pigs

Beta-glucan has been shown to have a beneficial effect on gastrointestinal health. This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of β-glucan isolated from Agrobacterium sp. ZX09 on growth performance and intestinal health of weaning pigs. A total of 108 weaned pigs (21 d of age; 6.05 ± 0.36 kg) were randomly divided into 3 groups (6 pens/group; 6 pigs/pen), and the groups were each treated with the following diets: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet supplemented with 20 mg/kg olaquindox, 3) basal diet supplemented with 200 mg/kg β-glucan, for 21 d. Compared with the control group, pigs fed with 200 mg/kg β-glucan had greaterBW, average daily gain and duodenal villus height to crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05). Olaquindox increased the duodenal or jejunal villus height of pigs compared with β-glucan. Compared with the control group, β-glucan tended to increase the occludin mRNA expression in the jejunum (0.05 < P < 0.10). Beta-glucan enriched the beneficial microbiota in the ileum of pigs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, β-glucan may promote growth performance by improving intestinal health and increasing beneficial microbiota of weaned pigs. The study results will provide valuable theoretical guidance for the utilization of β-glucan in weaned pigs.     

Gut microbiota absence and transplantation affect growth and intestinal functions: An investigation in a germ-free pig model

This study was conducted to investigate host–microbiota interactions and explore the effects of maternal gut microbiota transplantation on the growth and intestinal functions of newborns in a germ-free (GF) pig model. Twelve hysterectomy-derived GF Bama piglets were reared in 6 sterile isolators. Among them, 6 were considered as the GF group, and the other 6 were orally inoculated with healthy sow fecal suspension as fecal microbiota transplanted (FMT) group. Another 6 piglets from natural birth were regarded as the conventional (CV) group. The GF and FMT groups were hand-fed with Co60-γ-irradiated sterile milk powder, while the CV group was reared by lactating Bama sows. All groups were fed for 21 days. Then, all piglets and then were switched to sterile feed for another 21 days. Results showed that the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and concentrations of short-chain fatty acids in the GF group decreased (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the serum urea nitrogen concentration and digesta pH values in the GF group increased compared with those in the FMT and CV groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the CV group, the GF group demonstrated upregulation in the mRNA expression levels of intestinal barrier function-related genes in the small intestine (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA abundances of intestinal development and absorption-related genes in the small intestine and colon were higher in the GF group than in the CV and FMT groups (P < 0.05). The FMT group exhibited greater growth performance, lipase activity, and nutrient digestibility (P < 0.05), higher mRNA expression levels of intestinal development and barrier-related genes in the small intestine (P < 0.05), and lower mRNA abundances of pro-inflammatory factor in the colon and jejunum (P < 0.05) than the CV group. In conclusion, the absence of gut microbes impaired the growth and nutrient digestibility, and healthy sow gut microbiota transplantation increased the growth and nutrient digestibility and improved the intestinal development and barrier function of newborn piglets, indicating the importance of intestinal microbes for intestinal development and functions.     

Dietary supplementation with N-carbamoylglutamate initiated from the prepartum stage improves lactation performance of postpartum dairy cows

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing N-carbamoylglutamate (NCG), an Arg enhancer, on amino acid (AA) supply and utilization and productive performance of early-lactating dairy cows. Thirty multiparous Chinese Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into control (CON, n = 15) and NCG (CON diet supplemented with NCG at 20 g/d per cow, n = 15) groups at 4 wk before calving. Diets were offered individually in tie-stalls, and NCG was supplemented by top-dress feeding onto total mixed ration for the NCG group. The experiment lasted until wk 10 after calving. Dry matter intake tended to be higher (P = 0.06), and yields of milk (P < 0.01), milk protein (P < 0.01), and milk fat (P < 0.01) were higher in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows. Plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.01), alanine aminotransferase (P = 0.03), and plasma level of β-hydroxybutyrate (P = 0.04) were lower in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows, whereas plasma glucose (P = 0.05) and nitric oxide (NO, P < 0.01) concentrations were higher. Coccygeal vein concentrations of Cys (P < 0.01), Pro (P < 0.01), Tyr (P = 0.05), most essential AA except Thr and His (P < 0.01), total essential AA (P < 0.01), and total AA (P < 0.01) were higher in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows. The arterial supply of all AA was greater in the NCG-cows than in the CON-cows. The NCG-cows had higher mammary plasma flow of AA (P = 0.04) and clearance rate of Cys (P < 0.01), Pro (P < 0.01) and Asp (P < 0.01), and higher ratios of uptake to output of Met (P = 0.05), Lys (P < 0.01), Cys (P = 0.01), Pro (P = 0.03), and Asp (P = 0.01). In summary, addition of NCG initiated from the prepartum period improved the lactation performance of postpartum dairy cows, which might attribute to greater Arg and NO concentrations, as well as improved AA supply and utilization, liver function, and feed intake in these cows.     

Effects of dietary ratio of n-6 to n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on immunoglobulins,cytokines, fatty acid composition,and performance of lactating sows and suckling piglets

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary ratios of n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the performance of lactating sows and their piglets. Thirty pregnant Landrace sows were assigned to one of three treatments from d 108 of gestation until weaning (26–29 d) and were fed diets containing different ratios of n-6:n-3 PUFA including 3:1, 9:1 and 13:1. The effects on sow and litter production traits were examined together with an assessment of sow body condition. No differences were detected among the treatments for the daily feed intake of sows or changes in sow weight and back-fat levels during lactation (P > 0.05). Litter size at d 14 and d 21 were tended to increase in 3:1 treatment compared with 9:1 and 13:1 treatments (P < 0.10). Litter weight gain (1.77 kg/d) from d 0 to d 14 was tended to increase in 9:1 groups compared with the other two treatments (P < 0.10). A significant difference was observed for the content of α -linolenic acid, total n-3 PUFA, and the ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA in the colostrum, milk, and piglets plasma (P < 0.01). The effects of different ratios of n-6:n-3 PUFA in sow diets on colostrum, milk, and piglet plasma immunoglobulin concentrations are studied. No difference was observed among treatments in the concentrations of IgM, and IgA in colostrum (P > 0.05). A great significant difference for IgG concentration was observed among 3 group in colostrum. A great significant difference for IgA, and IgM (P < 0.01) concentrations in piglet plasma at d14 and a significant difference for IgG(P < 0.05) was observed at d14. Furthermore, at d 21 of lactation, piglet plasma IgG and IgA concentration were greater in 3:1 compared with 13:1 group (P < 0.01).In summary, the current study demonstrated that altering the ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA in lactating sow diet had an effect on the immune component including immunoglobulin and cytokines, and it tended to increase the litter average daily gain and improve the immune status of piglets when dietary ratio of n-6:n-3 PUFA was 9:1.     

Dietary dihydroartemisinin supplementation alleviates intestinal inflammatory injury through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation

The aim of present study was to evaluate whether diets supplemented with dihydroartemisinin (DHA) could alleviate intestinal inflammatory injury in weaned piglets with intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) piglets and 12 piglets with IUGR were fed a basal diet (NBW-CON and IUCR-CON groups), and another 12 piglets with IUGR were fed the basal diet supplemented with DHA at 80 mg/kg (IUGR-DHA group) from 21 to 49 d of age. At 49 d of age, 8 piglets with similar body weight in each group were sacrificed. The jejunal and ileal samples were collected for further analysis. The results showed that IUGR impaired intestinal morphology, increased intestinal inflammatory response, raised enterocyte apoptosis and reduced enterocyte proliferation and activated transmembrane toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Dihydroartemisinin inclusion ameliorated intestinal morphology, indicated by increased villus height, villus height-to-crypt depth ratio, villus surface area and decreased villus width of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Compared with NBW piglets, IUGR piglets supplemented with DHA exhibited higher apoptosis index and caspase-3 expression, and lower proliferation index and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression in the intestine (P < 0.05). Dihydroartemisinin supplementation attenuated the intestinal inflammation of piglets with IUGR, indicated by increased concentrations of intestinal inflammatory cytokines and lipopolysaccharides (P < 0.05). In addition, DHA supplementation down-regulated the related mRNA expressions of TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway and upregulated mRNA expressions of negative regulators of TLR4 and NOD signaling pathway in the intestine of piglets with IUGR (P < 0.05). Piglets in the IUGR-DHA group showed lower protein expressions of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κB (pNF-κB) inhibitor α, nuclear pNF-κB, and higher protein expression of cytoplasmic pNF-κB in the intestine than those in the IUGR-CON group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, DHA supplementation could improve intestinal morphology, regulate enterocyte proliferation and apoptosis, and alleviate intestinal inflammation through TLR4/NOD/NF-κB signaling pathway in weaned piglets with IUGR.     

Replacing fish oil and astaxanthin by microalgal sources produced different metabolic responses in juvenile rainbow trout fed 2 types of practical diets

Dietary fish oil supplementation provides n-3 long-chained polyunsaturated fatty acids for supporting fish growth and metabolism and enriching fillet with eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; c22:6n-3). Two experiments were performed as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments for 16 wk to determine effects and mechanisms of replacing 0%, 50%, and 100% fish oil with DHA-rich microalgae in combination with synthetic vs. microalgal source of astaxanthin in plant protein meal (PM)- or fishmeal (FM)- based diets for juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish (22 ± 0.26 g) were stocked at 17/tank and 3 tanks/diet. The 100% fish oil replacement impaired (P < 0.0001) growth performance, dietary protein and energy utilization, body indices, and tissue accumulation of DHA and EPA in both diet series. The impairments were associated (P < 0.05) with upregulation of hepatic gene expression related to growth (ghr1and igf1) and biosynthesis of DHA and EPA (fads6 and evol5) that was more dramatic in the FM than PM diet-fed fish, and more pronounced on tissue EPA than DHA concentrations. The source of astaxanthin exerted interaction effects with the fish oil replacement on several measures including muscle total cholesterol concentrations. In conclusion, replacing fish oil by the DHA-rich microalgae produced more negative metabolic responses than the substitution of synthetic astaxanthin by the microalgal source in juvenile rainbow trout fed 2 types of practical diets.     

Over-processed meat and bone meal and phytase effects on broilers challenged with subclinical necrotic enteritis: Part 3. Bone mineralization and litter quality

This study was conducted to determine the effect of necrotic enteritis (NE), phytase level and meat and bone meal (MBM) processing on bone mineralization of broilers and litter quality. Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n = 768) were allotted to 48 pens with 16 birds each. There were 8 dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Factors were NE challenge (no or yes), phytase level (500 or 5,000 FTU/kg), and MBM (as-received or over-processed). Half of the birds were challenged with field strains of Eimeria spp. at d 9 and 10⁸ CFU per mL of Clostridium perfringens strain EHE-NE18 on d 14 and 15. The middle toe, tibia and femur of 2 birds per pen were excised at d 16 and 29 for determination of ash, breaking strength (BS) and bone mineralization. At d 42, all were assessed for hock burns and litter was scored and assessed for dry matter (DM). At d 16, challenged birds had lower toe ash (P < 0.01), femur ash (P < 0.001), tibia ash (P < 0.001) and tibial BS (P < 0.001) than unchallenged birds. At d 16, challenged birds fed high phytase and over-processed MBM had higher toe Mn than those fed low phytase and as-received MBM. At d 29 unchallenged birds fed high phytase and as-received MBM had a higher toe Mn than those fed over-processed MBM. At d 16, a phytase × MBM interaction was detected for femur Zn concentration (P < 0.05), where a higher level of Zn was observed in the high phytase group fed over-processed MBM. At d 16, tibial Ca (P < 0.05) and P (P < 0.05) were lower in the challenged whereas the femur K (P < 0.001), Mn (P < 0.01) and Na (P < 0.001) were higher in the challenged at d 16. At d 42, challenged birds had higher litter DM (P = 0.058) and fewer hock burns than those unchallenged (P < 0.05). In conclusion, NE impaired bone traits but high phytase and over-processed MBM increased bone mineral contents. Cases of hock burns may be lower under NE incidences due to lower livability of birds reducing litter wetness.     

Effect of hybrid rice varieties on growth and development of broilers and ducks

Three experiments (Exp. 1, n = 144 broilers [Ross × Ross]; Exp. 2, n = 118 mallard ducklings [Anas platyrhynchos]; and Exp. 3, n = 75 mature mallard ducks) were conducted to determine the effects of 3 levels of unmilled hybrid rice on growth performance and organ and gastrointestinal tract development. The dietary treatments were 1) corn-soybean meal (basal), 2) basal + 5% hybrid rice, and 3) basal + 10% hybrid rice for Exp. 1 to 3, respectively. One bird from each pen in Exp. 1 (n = 24) and all the birds in Exp. 2 (n = 118) and Exp. 3 (n = 75) were randomly selected and euthanized to determine linear measurements and organ and gastrointestinal tract weight. In Exp. 1 and 2, birds fed 10% rice experienced slower growth (P < 0.05) than birds fed the basal diet. In Exp. 3, the addition of rice did not affect growth performance. Rice addition did not affect organ length or weight (P > 0.05) in Exp. 1. However, birds fed 5% rice had significantly increased (P < 0.05) pancreas, ileum, and jejunum weights in Exp. 2, and 10% rice significantly increased (P < 0.05) liver weight in Exp. 3. The addition of 10% unmilled rice to broiler and duck diets may reduce growth performance.     

Effect of a carbohydrase admixture in growing pigs fed wheat-based diets in thermoneutral and heat stress conditions

The efficacy of exogenous carbohydrases in pig diets has been suggested to depend on enzyme activity and dietary fiber composition, but recent evidence suggests other factors such as ambient temperature might be important as well. Therefore, we investigated the effect of heat stress (HS) on the efficacy of a multienzyme carbohydrase blend in growing pigs. Ninety-six (barrows: gilts; 1:1) growing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 20.15 ± 0.18 kg were randomly assigned to six treatments, with eight replicates of two pigs per pen in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement: three levels of carbohydrase (0, 1X, or 2X) at two environmental temperatures (20 °C or cyclical 28 °C nighttime and 35 °C day time). The 1X dose (50 g/tonne) provided 1,250 viscosimetry unit (visco-units) endo-β-1,4-xylanase, 4,600 units α-l-arabinofuranosidase and 860 visco-units endo-1,3(4)-β-glucanase per kilogram of feed. Pigs were fed ad libitum for 28 d and 1 pig per pen was sacrificed on day 28. There was no enzyme × temperature interaction on any response criteria; thus, only main effects are reported. Enzyme treatment quadratically increased (P < 0.05) BW on day 28, average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05), and average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05) with the 1X level being highest. HS reduced the BW at day 14 (P < 0.01) and day 28 (P < 0.01), ADG (P < 0.01), and ADFI (P<0.001). There was a trend of increased feed efficiency (G:F) (P < 0.1) in the HS pigs. HS increased apparent jejunal digestibility of energy (P < 0.05) and apparent ileal digestibility of calcium (P < 0.01). At day 1, HS reduced serum glucose (P < 0.001) but increased nonesterified fatty acid (P < 0.01). In the jejunum, there was a trend of increased villi height by carbohydrases (P < 0.1), whereas HS reduced villi height (P < 0.05). HS increased the jejunal mRNA abundance of IL1β in the jejunum (P < 0.001). There was a trend for a reduction in ileal MUC2 (P < 0.1) and occludin (P < 0.1) by HS, and a trend for increased PEPT1 (P < 0.1). There was no effect of HS on alpha diversity and beta diversity of the fecal microbiome, but there was an increase in the abundance of pathogenic bacteria in the HS group. In conclusion, HS did not alter the efficacy of carbohydrases. This suggests that carbohydrases and HS modulate pig performance independently.     

β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate supplementation to adult Thoroughbred geldings increases type IIA fiber content in the gluteus medius

Consumption of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) alters muscle composition and metabolism leading to strength and agility improvements in human athletes. To determine if HMB affects athletic performance and muscle function in horses, Thoroughbred geldings were fed a control (CON; n = 5) or HMB (n = 6) supplement for 6 wk prior to completing a standardized exercise test (SET). Gluteus medius (GM) muscle biopsies were obtained before the SET for fiber typing. Heart rate, biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) surface electromyograms (EMG), and fore and hind limbs metacarpophalangeal joint angles were captured at the gallop of the SET. Results demonstrate that HMB supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of type IIA and IIA/X muscle fibers in the GM with a corresponding decrease (P < 0.05) in type IIX fibers. The percentage of type I fibers was unaffected by diet. Supplementation with HMB did not result in any measurable effects on performance or biomechanical properties by comparison to CON. Supplementation with HMB resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in ST median frequency at speeds of 10 m/s and greater. Increasing treadmill speed resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in stride length and the maximal proximal forelimb fetlock angle, and a decrease (P < 0.05) in stance phase time of the gait cycle. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing treadmill speeds for both the BF and ST with the BF exhibiting greater (P < 0.05) iEMG values than the ST. In summary, HMB increased the percentage of type IIA GM fibers, which did not translate into improved performance.     

Evaluation of dietary addition of 2 essential oils from Achillea moschata,or their components (bornyl acetate,camphor, and eucalyptol) on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbial community composition

This study investigated the effects of 2 Achillea moschata essential oils extracted from plants collected in 2 different valleys of the Italian Alps and 3 pure compounds of oils — bornyl acetate (BOR), camphor (CAM), and eucalyptol (EUCA) — on in vitro ruminal fermentation and microbiota. An in vitro batch fermentation experiment (Exp. 1) tested the addition of all of the substances (2 essential oils and 3 compounds) in fermentation bottles (120 mL) at 48 h of incubation, whereas a subsequent in vitro continuous culture experiment (Exp. 2) evaluated the pure compounds added to the fermenters (2 L) for a longer incubation period (9 d). In both experiments, total mixed rations were incubated with the additives, and samples without additives were included as the control (CTR). Each treatment was tested in duplicate and was repeated in 3 and 2 fermentation runs in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Gas production (GP) in Exp. 1 was similar for all of the treatments, and short chain volatile fatty acid (SCFA) production was similar in both experiments except for a decrease of SCFA produced (P = 0.029) due to EUCA addition in Exp. 2. Compared to CTR, BOR and CAM reduced the valerate proportion (P = 0.04) in Exp. 1, and increased (P < 0.01) the acetate proportion in Exp. 2. All treatments increased (P < 0.01) total protozoa counts (+36.7% and +48.4% compared to CTR on average for Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). In Exp. 1, all of the treatments lowered the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes and increased the Proteobacteria relative abundances (P < 0.05), whereas in Exp. 2, the EUCA addition increased (P = 0.012) the Ruminococcus. In Exp. 1, methane (CH₄) as a proportion of the GP was lowered (P = 0.004) by the addition of CAM and EUCA compared to CTR, whereas in Exp. 2, EUCA reduced the amount of stoichiometrically calculated CH₄ compared to CTR. Overall, essential oils extracted from A. moschata and the pure compounds did not depress in vitro rumen fermentation, except for EUCA in Exp. 2. In both experiments, an increase of the protozoal population occurred for all the additives.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of nucleotides from late gestation to lactation on the performance and oxidative stress status of sows and their offspring

Increased metabolic burdens in breeding sows, which are induced by elevated systemic oxidative stress, could increase the need for nucleotides to repair lymphocyte DNA damage; however, de novo synthesis of nucleotides may be insufficient to cover this increased need. This study investigated the effects of dietary nucleotides on milk composition, oxidative stress status, and the reproductive and lactational performance of sows. Forty multiparous sows were assigned to 2 dietary treatments (Control group, and 1 g/kg Nucleotides group) based on a randomized complete block design using their BW at 85 d of gestation as a block. Sows from 2 groups were fed a restricted diet during gestation and ad libitum during lactation. The experiment lasted from 85 d of gestation to 21 d of lactation. The reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of suckling piglets were measured. Oxidative stress parameters and milk components were also analysed. Data were analyzed using contrasts in the MIXED procedure of SAS. Sows in the Nucleotides group consumed more feed during the first week (P < 0.01) and from 1 to 21 d (P < 0.05) of lactation than those in Control group. Correspondingly, the litter weight gain of piglets showed a tendency to increase from cross-fostering to 9 d (P = 0.09) and from cross-fostering to 20 d (P = 0.10) in the Nucleotides group relative to the Control group. Additionally, the Nucleotides group was higher (P < 0.01) than the Control group in the concentrations of uridine 5''monophosphate, guanosine 5''monophosphate, inosine 5''monophosphate, adenosine 5''monophosphate and total nucleotides in milk. Furthermore, the Nucleotides group was higher (P < 0.01) than the Control group in the serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.01) for sows at 109 d of gestation and glutathione peroxidase for weaning piglets, but lower at the levels of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (P < 0.05) in serum of weaning piglets. This study indicated that maternal dietary nucleotides could promote piglet growth, probably due to the higher lactational feed intake and higher concentration of nucleotides in the milk of sows, and lower oxidative stress for both sows and piglets.     

Effects of Maropitant Citrate or Acepromazine on the Incidence of Adverse Events Associated with Hydromorphone Premedication in Dogs

Background

Vomiting is a common complication associated with the use of hydromorphine for pre‐emptive analgesia in dogs. The ideal anti‐emetic protocol for prevention of this complication has not been established.

Hypothesis

Maropitant administered concurrently or before hydromorphone would reduce the incidence of vomiting, signs of nausea, ptyalism, and increased panting compared to administration of acepromazine or a 0.9% saline control.

Animals

Sixty mixed‐breed female dogs scheduled for ovariohysterectomy.

Methods

Randomized, blinded, placebo‐controlled experimental study. Dogs were assigned to 4 experimental groups with 15 dogs per group. All groups received 0.2 mg/kg of hydromorphone IM. Group “Control” received 0.1 mL/kg saline SC 30–45 minutes before hydromorphone, group “Marop1” received 1 mg/kg maropitant SC 30–45 minutes before hydromorphone, group “Ace” received 0.02 mg/kg IM acepromazine 30–45 minutes before hydromorphone, and group “Marop2” received 1 mg/kg SC maropitant concurrently with hydromorphone. A trained and blinded observer documented adverse events from the time hydromorphone was administered until the time dogs were induced for surgery.

Results

Marop1 had significantly less vomiting (0%) compared to Control (87%; P < .01) and Ace (53%; P < .01). Marop2 had significantly less vomiting (27%) compared to Control (P < .01). Marop1 had significantly greater incidence of ptyalism (73%) compared to Ace (P < .01; 20%). Ace showed significantly less panting (33%) compared to Marop2 (93%; P < .01).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In healthy dogs, maropitant citrate administered before hydromorphone significantly decreases the incidence of vomiting in dogs but does not improve signs of nausea, ptyalism, or increased panting.     

Regulatory role of l-proline in fetal pig growth and intestinal epithelial cell proliferation

l-proline (Pro) is a precursor of ornithine, which is converted into polyamines via ornithine decarboxylase (ODC). Polyamines plays a key role in the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. The study investigated the effect of Pro on polyamine metabolism and cell proliferation on porcine enterocytes in vivo and in vitro. Twenty-four Huanjiang mini-pigs were randomly assigned into 1 of 3 groups and fed a basal diet that contained 0.77% alanine (Ala, iso-nitrogenous control), 1% Pro or 1% Pro + 0.0167% α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) from d 15 to 70 of gestation. The fetal body weight and number of fetuses per litter were determined, and the small and large intestines were obtained on d 70 ± 1.78 of gestation. The in vitro study was performed in intestinal porcine epithelial (IPEC-J2) cells cultured in Dulbecco''s modified Eagle medium-high glucose (DMEM-H) containing 0 μmol/L Pro, 400 μmol/L Pro, or 400 μmol/L Pro + 10 mmol/L DFMO for 4 d. The results showed that maternal dietary supplementation with 1% Pro increased fetal weight; the protein and DNA concentrations of the fetal small intestine; and mRNA levels for potassium voltage-gated channel, shaker-related subfamily, member 1 (Kv1.1) in the fetal small and large intestines (P < 0.05). Supplementing Pro to either gilts or IPEC-J2 cells increased ODC protein abundances and polyamine concentrations in the fetal intestines and IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05). In comparison with the Pro group, the combined administration of Pro and DFMO reduced the expression of ODC protein and spermine concentration in the fetal intestine, as well as the concentrations of putrescine, spermidine and spermine in IPEC-J2 cells (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the percentage of cells in the S-phase and the mRNA levels of proto-oncogenes c-fos and c-myc were increased in response to Pro supplementation, whereas depletion of cellular polyamines with DFMO increased tumor protein p53 (p53) mRNA levels (P < 0.05). Taken together, dietary supplementation with Pro improved fetal pig growth and intestinal epithelial cell proliferation via enhancing polyamine synthesis.     

Infusion of short chain fatty acids in the ileum improves the carcass traits,meat quality and lipid metabolism of growing pigs

Short chain fatty acids (SCFA) are the main products of indigestible carbohydrates undergoing bacterial fermentation in the hindgut, which are related to some physiological functions. This study was designed to investigate the effects of SCFA infusion by ileum on the carcass traits, meat quality and lipid metabolism of growing pigs. In a 28-day study, 24 growing barrows fitted with a T-cannula in distal ileum were divided into 4 treatments: 1) Control, 2) antibiotics (AB), 3) AB + 300 mL of SCFA1 solution (ABS1), 4) AB + 300 mL of SCFA2 solution (ABS2). The concentrations of acetate, propionate and butyrate in SCFA1 solution were respectively 61.84, 18.62 and 12.55 mmol/L, and in SCFA2 were respectively 40.08, 15.41 and 9.78 mmol/L. The results showed that the SCFA infusion increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of pigs (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the SCFA treatments increased longissimus dorsi area (P < 0.05) and carcass weight (P = 0.058), decreased the drip loss of longissimus dorsi (P = 0.059), and reduced serum concentrations of triglyceride, total cholesterol and urea nitrogen (P < 0.05). Besides, the SCFA administration inhibited the mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase in longissimus dorsi (P < 0.05), the mRNA expression of FAS in the liver (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expression of hormone-sensitive lipase in abdominal fat (P < 0.05). Short chain fatty acid infusion also enhanced the mRNA expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1α in the liver (P < 0.05), the mRNA expressions of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma and lipoprotein lipase in abdominal fat (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expressions of free fatty acid receptor 2, glucose-6-phosphatase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 in the colon (P < 0.05). These results suggested that SCFA administration in the ileum could improve the carcass traits and meat quality of growing pigs, which was possibly due to the fact that SCFA modulated lipid metabolism.     

Dietary high protein-induced diarrhea and intestinal inflammation by activation of NF-κB signaling in piglets

The present study aimed to investigate whether inflammation-associated responses in piglets are induced by high protein (HP) through activating nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling. Sixteen piglets (35 d of age, Duroc × [Landrace × Yorkshire], weaned at d 21, initial BW = 9.70 ± 0.11 kg) were allocated to 18% and 26% CP (HP group) at random, comprising 8 replicate pens per treatment. The piglets were slaughtered to collect intestinal tissues when apparent, persistent, and stable diarrhea syndromes happened (on d 12). No significant differences were observed in their growth performance (P > 0.05), but reduction by 19.11%, 25.31%, 23.64% of ADFI, ADG, and G:F, respectively was detected in the HP group. The HP group had greater (P = 0.002) diarrhea rates. Furthermore, dietary HP had lower ileal villus height (VH; P = 0.048), ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VH/CD ratio; P = 0.016), and colonic CD (P = 0.034), as well as had the trend (P = 0.075) to reduce the ileal villus absorptive area. Moreover, HP diets significantly elevated the goblet cell numbers in the ileal villi (P = 0.016) and colonic crypts (P < 0.001) and up-regulated (P = 0.012) the mRNA expression of mucin2 (Muc2) in the ileum. In addition, HP diets increased the myeloperoxidase concentration in the ileum (P = 0.002) and colon (P = 0.007) of piglets. Dietary HP significantly down-regulated the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α; P < 0.001) in the ileum, induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; P = 0.040) and interleukin-22 (IL-22; P = 0.008) in the colon, and inclined to down-regulate interleukin-1β (IL-1β; P = 0.076) expression in the colon. The relative protein abundance of Galectin-3 (P = 0.046) in the colon and the ratio of phosphorylation NF-κB to NF-κB (p–NF–κB/NF-κB ratio) in the ileum of HP piglets were also greater (P = 0.038). These results suggest that dietary HP may cause diarrhea in piglets by activating NF-κB signaling induced intestinal inflammation.     

Reduced high intensity training distance had no effect on VLa4 but attenuated heart rate response in 2-3-year-old Standardbred horses

Background

Training of Standardbred race horses aims to improve cardiovascular and metabolic functions but studies on the effects of different training strategies from breaking till racing are lacking. Sixteen horses with the goal to race as 3-year-olds were studied from breaking (1-year-olds) to December as 3-year-olds. Horses were allocated to either a control (C) or reduced (R) training program from 2 years of age. The aim was to evaluate the effect of reducing the distance of high intensity exercise by 30% with respect to velocity at lactate concentration 4 mmol/l (V_La4), blood lactate and cardiovascular response. All training sessions were documented and heart rate (HR) was recorded. A standardized exercise test of 1,600 m was performed 10 times and a V_La4 test was performed five times.

Results

C horses initially exercised for a longer time with a HR >180 beats per minute compared to R horses (P < 0.05) but after 6–9 months, time with HR >180 bpm decreased in C and were similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). Over the 2-year period, recovery HR after the 1,600 m-test decreased in both groups but was within 2 months lower in C than in R (P < 0.05). C horses also had lower resting HR as 3-year-olds (P < 0.01) than R horses. In C, post exercise hematocrit was higher than in R (P < 0.05). There was a tendency (P < 0.1) towards a larger aortic diameter in C as 3-year-olds (C: 1.75 ± 0.05, R: 1.70 ± 0.05 cm/100 kg BW). Left ventricle diameter and blood volume (in December as 2-year-olds) did not differ between groups. There were no differences between groups in post exercise blood lactate concentration or in V_La4. Both groups were equally successful in reaching the goal of participation in races.

Conclusions

Horses subjected to a reduced distance of high intensity training from the age of 2 showed an attenuated heart rate response, but were able to maintain the same V_La4 and race participation as horses subjected to longer training distances.