Effects of animal species and diet composition on long‐chain alcohol faecal recoveries and accuracy of subsequent diet composition estimates

Long‐chain alcohols (LCOH) were evaluated as markers to estimate diet composition of ruminant species fed with two distinct diets composed of herbage and “heather” (Ericaceae species). Diet composition was estimated using LCOH, combined or not with n‐alkanes and/or long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA), by least‐squares procedures, using faecal concentrations corrected or not for their incomplete recovery. The effect of grouping plant species with similar marker profiles and the impact of feeding selectivity (FS) within the dietary group on the accuracy of diet composition estimates were also evaluated. Results showed the usefulness of LCOH as diet composition markers. The LCOH were incompletely recovered in the faeces of all animal species and tended to increase with carbon‐chain length in a curvilinear manner in cattle and sheep, whereas in goats this association was better described by a linear function. Accuracy of estimates was higher when LCOH and n‐alkane markers were combined. For all marker types, results indicated that a correction of marker faecal concentrations to incomplete faecal recovery is needed to obtain accurate diet composition estimates. Grouping plant species with similar marker profiles improved the accuracy of estimates, whereas combination of marker types minimized the FS effect within the dietary group.     

Application of long‐chain alcohols as diet‐composition markers in sheep fed on grass–white clover and heather–gorse plant species

Utilization of long‐chain alcohols (LCOH) as diet‐composition markers in sheep consuming six diets composed of improved pasture species (Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens) with heather–gorse components (Erica spp., Calluna vulgaris and Ulex gallii) was evaluated. Twenty‐four adult cross‐bred sheep were housed in individual stalls. Diet composition was estimated from LCOH concentrations, combined or not with alkanes and long‐chain fatty acid (LCFA) data using least‐squares procedures. Prior to calculations, faecal concentrations were corrected using mean treatment (faecal recovery 1, FR1) recoveries and mean recoveries across diets (FR2). Estimates were compared with those obtained without faecal correction (FR0) and known values. Large differences between plant species and plant parts were found in LCOH patterns and total LCOH concentrations. LCOH provided complementary information to that given by alkanes and LCFA. Even‐chain LCOH comprised the largest fraction, representing on average 0·894 of total concentrations. Faecal recovery was incomplete and tended to increase with carbon‐chain length (CCL) in a curvilinear manner (FR = ?7·872 + 0·580 × CCL ? 0·010 × CCL²; P < 0·001; r² = 0·752). Diet composition influenced (P < 0·001) LCOH recovery, although variability within (CV of 9·0%) and between (CV of 13·3%) diets was low. Accuracy of estimates was influenced (P < 0·001) by faecal‐correction method and markers used, and the best estimate was obtained combining LCOH and alkanes. Improvement in estimate accuracy can be achieved if suitable correction of LCOH faecal concentrations is performed prior to calculations. Results indicated that LCOH showed lower dependence than alkanes and LCFA on the use of accurate faecal‐correction data.     

The effects of feeding selectivity on the estimation of diet composition using the n-alkane technique

Abstract A limitation to using n‐alkanes in plants as faecal markers for estimating diet composition in herbivores is the small number of dietary components that it is possible to determine. One approach to overcoming this is to group species on the basis of their n‐alkane concentrations and to consider these groups as dietary components. Feeding selectivity within a group, however, may change the proportion of a particular species in the group ingested and hence its n‐alkane contribution to the diet ingested. This could potentially affect estimates of the composition of the diet. Simulations (380) of feeding selectivity within a group of herbage species were undertaken to assess the effects of selectivity on estimates of diet composition. The dataset was from a study whose aim was to estimate the proportions of the herbage component, composed of nineteen species, and of four individual browse species in the diet of red deer grazing a montado ecosystem in S. Portugal in the summer. Simulations were undertaken of total avoidance of each species in the group of herbage species, and selection of each species at 0·5, 1·5, 2·0 and 3·0 of its actual proportion within the group. Feeding selectivity had no effect on 0·36 of the outcomes of the simulations. Over 0·90 of the simulations were within ± 0·05 of the values calculated assuming no selection within the group of herbage species. It is concluded that, in the particular case studied, the effect of selection within a group on the estimates of other dietary components was relatively small and that the group of herbage species could be analysed as a single dietary component.     

Seasonal patterns of diet composition, herbage intake and digestibility identify limitations to performance of weaner sheep grazing native pasture in the Falkland Islands

The botanical composition, intake and digestibility of the diet consumed by 1‐year‐old weaner sheep grazing a native white grass plant community in the Falkland Islands was measured in five periods between June 1998 and March 1999. Five different sheep were used in each period. Two methods were used for estimating the botanical composition of the diet: plant cuticle patterns in the faeces of the sheep and the patterns of concentrations of n‐alkanes in the faeces of sheep. These methods were used to predict the concentrations of C₃₂‐ and C₃₃‐alkanes in the herbage to allow the estimation of herbage intake and digestibility using the n‐alkane technique. It was concluded that the n‐alkane technique gave more accurate estimates of diet composition based on the comparison with estimates of nutrient intake derived from liveweight gains of sheep. The dominant pasture species, Cortaderia pilosa, was the predominant species consumed during the cooler periods of the year. In the summer, when the highest liveweight gains of sheep occur, the proportion of fine grass species, including Poa spp., Festuca magellanica and Agrostis capillaris, and herbs and sedges in the diet was highest. Herbage intake was the highest during the summer periods when digestibility was also at its peak. Estimated nutritional deficiencies of metabolizable energy, crude protein, phosphorus and vitamin D₃ that limit the growth and development of weaner sheep were evident for up to 9 months of the year. Targeted supplementation regimes that counter specific nutrient deficiencies could be developed on the basis of these results to address critical periods in the growth of young sheep.     

Seasonal changes in feed intake,diet digestibility and diet composition by lactating and non‐lactating goats browsing in a semi‐arid rangeland of Argentina

We determined the seasonal nutrient and secondary compound intake, in vivo diet digestibility (DD) and diet species composition of goats in different physiological states in a desert rangeland of Argentina. During the wet and the dry seasons, 24 mature female Creole goats (six non‐lactating, non‐pregnant and six lactating in each season) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Diet botanical composition, DD and dry‐matter intake (DMI) were estimated by the combined use of visual observation, microhistological analyses of faecal samples and n‐alkane technique. Browse species dominated the goats’ diets (>80%) in both seasons and physiological states, with a twofold increase in the proportion of forbs during the wet season (p < 0.10). Lactating goats showed greater DMI than non‐lactating animals, and they also displayed greater intakes of some tanniferous (Mimosa ephedroides) and high‐protein (Atriplex lampa) shrubs (p < 0.10). Lactating and non‐lactating goats selected diets with adequate crude protein (CP) and fibre content but insufficient energy, although lactating goats tended to increase energy and tannin content in their diets (p < 0.20). Physiological state did not influence DD, but digestibility was greater (p < 0.10) in the wet season, attributed to the greater protein content and lower tannin content of the diet. These results have important implications for managerial interventions on traditional goat production systems in the study area aiming at enhancing goat nutrition and welfare, as well as the sustainability of rangeland resources in the region.     

Long‐chain alcohols did not improve predictions of the composition of tall fescue and red clover mixtures over n‐alkanes alone

Feed intake and diet choice affect production efficiency in livestock. Plant waxes, in particular n‐alkanes, have been used as markers to predict intake and diet preferences. Still, when n‐alkane profiles of plants within mixed swards are similar, they alone may not produce reliable predictions. Including long‐chain alcohols (LCOHs) may help. In this study, the reliability of predicting forage mixtures was assessed using n‐alkanes and LCOH separately and in combination. Reliability was characterized as the regression of observed on predicted fescue proportion in forage mixtures and the Kulczyński similarity index. Two technicians performed extractions of n‐alkanes and LCOHs of pure red clover and ‘Fawn’ tall fescue, and nine mixtures of them. The concentrations of n‐alkanes C₂₇, C₂₉, C₃₁ and C₃₃ and alcohols C₂₆‐OH, C₂₈‐OH and C₃₀‐OH were compared among forage mixtures and between technicians. Technicians were consistent in their measures of n‐alkanes (P > 0·12), but differed in their measures of C₂₆‐OH and C₂₈‐OH (P < 0·002). Longer‐chained compounds were more consistently quantified. Forage delineations were not improved by C₂₆‐OH. With n‐alkanes alone, estimated and actual fescue proportions closely agreed. Including LCOH offered no improvement. Despite variation in measured concentrations between technicians, fescue and red clover mixtures were reliably predicted using n‐alkanes alone.     

Seasonal patterns of diet composition, herbage intake and digestibility limit the performance of cattle grazing native pasture in the Falkland Islands

The botanical composition, intake and digestibility of the diet consumed by mature lactating and non‐lactating cows grazing a native white grass (Cortaderia pilosa) plant community in the Falkland Islands was measured in four periods between September 1998 and June 1999. Five lactating and five non‐lactating cows were used in the summer, autumn and winter; five non‐lactating cows were used in the spring. Different cows were used in each period. Plant cuticle patterns in the faeces of cattle were used, in conjunction with the patterns of concentrations of n‐alkanes in the faeces, to estimate the botanical composition of the diet and predicted concentrations of C₃₂‐ and C₃₃‐alkanes in the herbage allowed herbage intake and digestibility to be estimated using the n‐alkane technique. White grass, sedges and rushes comprised 0·78, 0·64 and 0·63 of the diet in autumn, winter and spring respectively. Fine grasses, smooth‐stalked meadow grass (Poa pratensis L.), annual meadow grass (Poa annua L.), bent grass (Agrostis capillaris L.), native fescue (Festuca magellanica Lam.), Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus L.), wavy hair grass [Deschampsia flexuosa (L) Trin.] and early hair grass (Aira praecox L.), were consumed at the expense of sedges and rushes in summer and this coincided with the period of greatest estimated metabolizable energy and crude protein intakes by cows. Lactating cows suffered substantial liveweight loss during autumn and winter and this reflected the low quality of the diet consumed. Phosphorus intakes were insufficient and there was an estimated deficiency of vitamin D in the winter and early spring in cattle that were grazed with the experimental cows. The nutrient restrictions imposed on cattle by the low quality of native pasture during autumn and winter are likely to impair the reproductive potential of breeding females and methods should be investigated to improve the diet consumed by cows during these critical periods if cattle systems are to become sustainable in the Falkland Islands.     

Species composition of ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea) mixtures using various combinations of n-alkanes

This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of the n‐alkane technique for estimating the species composition of Lolium perenne (ryegrass, L) and Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue, F) mixtures. Samples of L and F were collected in May (period 1) and June 2003 (period 2) on mono‐specific swards that were maintained at a height of 9 cm. Seven sets of mixtures containing controlled proportions of L and F were then prepared: 1·00:0, 0·80:0·20, 0·60:0·40, 0·50:0·50, 0·40:0·60, 0·20:0·80 and 0:1·00 of L:F, respectively, in the mixture. The proportion of each species in the mixtures was estimated from measured n‐alkane concentrations, and then compared with the actual known proportion. Various n‐alkane combinations were tested and compared to establish which combination gave the best estimate. Total n‐alkane concentrations, and especially C₂₉‐ and C₃₁‐alkane concentrations, were higher in period 1 than in period 2 for both species. The best n‐alkane combination varied between periods, as did the effectiveness of C₂₉‐alkane in discriminating between L and F. The species composition of the mixtures was satisfactorily estimated for the majority of n‐alkane combinations, providing the combination included n‐alkanes with contrasting profiles between both species. A systematic overestimation of the proportion of ryegrass was observed for the 0·50:0·50 mixture.     

Comparative studies of ingestive behaviour and diet composition in oesophageal-fistulated and non-fistulated cows and sheep

A series of comparisons was made of the bite rates of fistulated and non-fistulated cattle and sheep, grazing four grassy hill plant communities over four years. Both bite rates and grazing times were recorded on two occasions. Comparative observations were also made on faecal cuticle concentrations on one grassy and one dwarf shrub community and on faecal ash, nitrogen (N) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) concentrations throughout one year.
Faecal N concentrations were slightly but consistently higher in fistulates than in non-fistulates, but faecal ADF and ash concentrations and the relative proportions of faecal cuticle fragments were similar and did not indicate differences in either diet composition or digestive efficiency. Bite rates did not differ significantly between fistulates and non-fistulates, except on the two occasions when fistulates carried Vibracorders to measure grazing time without preliminary training, and grazing times did not differ significantly. There were significant differences between cattle and sheep in most variables.
On the basis of this evidence, there is no reason to expect that fistulated and non-fistulated animals of similar history and nutritional background will differ in grazing behaviour or diet composition.     

Evaluation of long-chain alcohols and fatty acids, in combination with alkanes, as markers in the estimation of the composition of four herbages in mixtures

The objective of the study was to assess if long-chain alcohols (alcohols) and long-chain fatty acids (acids), along with long-chain alkanes, could be useful as markers in estimating the composition of mixtures containing herbages found in the Inner Mongolia typical steppe in China. Four herbage species, Stipa daicalensis , Stipa grandis , Artemisia frigid and Cleistogenes squarrosa , were collected during the growing season to characterize the alcohol and acid profiles of these herbages. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to examine between-species differences in terms of their patterns of alcohols, acids and alkanes. Results confirmed earlier studies that alcohols and acids with even-numbered carbon chains were predominant and the total concentrations of alcohols or acids were generally higher than those obtained for alkanes. The results of PCA indicated that different marker types provided different discriminatory information. Alcohols and alkanes provided complementary discriminatory information, resulting in the clearest separation between the four species analysed. In choosing which markers to use, the results indicate that using more marker types does not always imply better estimates of the composition of mixtures .     

Effects of the proportions of high or medium digestibility grass silage and concentrates in the diet of beef cattle on liveweight gain, carcass composition and fatty acid composition of muscle

Abstract An experiment was carried out over 2 years to evaluate the effects of increasing the proportion of cereal‐based concentrates in diets containing high‐digestibility and conventional medium‐digestibility grass silages on the dry‐matter (DM) intake, liveweight gain and carcass composition of beef cattle, and to examine the effects of grazed grass and the ratio of grass silage:concentrates in the diet on the fatty acid composition of selected muscle tissues. Late‐maturing steers (n = 231) were offered diets based on high‐digestibility (HD) (0·743 digestible organic matter (DOM) in DM) or medium‐digestibility (MD) (0·643 DOM in DM) grass silages supplemented with barley/soyabean meal‐based concentrates. The concentrates constituted 0·20, 0·40, 0·60 and 0·80 of total DM of the diets, which were offered ad libitum (AL). The two diets, which contained 0·80 concentrates, were also offered at 0·80 of AL intake. A further group of fourteen animals were given the medium‐digestibility silage only for 5 months and then grazed perennial ryegrass pastures for a further 5 months (silage/pasture treatment). For the diets containing HD silage and 0·20, 0·40, 0·60 and 0·80 concentrate, and 0·80 concentrate at 0·8 of AL intake, the DM intakes were 9·4, 10·2, 10·4, 10·2 and 8·1 (s.e. 0·16) kg d^?1, respectively, and daily carcass gains were 0·67, 0·78, 0·77, 0·79 and 0·62 (s.e. 0·029) kg d^?1, respectively; for those containing MD silage and 0·20, 0·40, 0·60 and 0·80 concentrate, and 0·80 concentrate at 0·8 of AL, the DM intakes were 8·2, 9·3, 10·1, 10·1 and 8·0 (s.e. 0·16) kg d^?1, respectively, and daily carcass gains were 0·38, 0·48, 0·64, 0·77 and 0·56 (s.e. 0·029) kg d^?1 respectively. Increasing the proportion of concentrates in silage‐based diets decreased the concentration of omega‐3 (ω‐3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (P < 0·001) and increased the concentration of ω‐6 PUFA (P < 0·001) in muscle. Cattle on the silage/pasture treatment had the highest concentration of ω‐3 PUFA in muscle (51 g kg^?1 lipid), this value being over three times that for animals given diets containing MD silage and 0·80 concentrate in the diet. These results demonstrate the potential of HD silage made from perennial ryegrass relative to high concentrate diets. The consumption of pasture‐finished beef could make a significant contribution towards increasing the intake of ω‐3 PUFA in the human diet.     

The effects of a vegetarian and vegan diet on plasma and erythrocyte lipids

Vegetarians usually consume milk, cheese and eggs, whilst vegans consume a diet consisting entirely of plant foods. The protein in a vegan diet is therefore entirely of plant origin. The vegan diet also differs from that of vegetarians and omnivores in having a lower fat content, no cholesterol and a high proportion of short-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid. The diet of large numbers of people in the Third World is predominantly of plant origin and vegans are an excellent natural ‘experimental model’ for the study of the effects of such a diet on plasma and membrane lipids. The serum cholesterol and triglycerides were lower in vegans, but not in vegetarians, than in age-sex-matched omnivores. Vegan plasma phosphoglycerides contained a lower proportion of 16∶0 and 18∶1 fatty acids, but a higher proportion of 18∶2ω6. The proportion of the longer chain polyunsaturated fatty acids of the ω6 series tended to be higher and the differences were significant for 20∶2ω6, 20∶4ω6 and 22∶4ω6. The proportion of the fatty acids of the ω3 series were lower. Similar differences were found in the erythrocytes. The concentrations in vegetarians were intermediate between those of vegans and omnivores. It is concluded that a vegan diet may have some benefit in that it results in lower serum concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides. The importance of the differences in membrane fatty acid. Vegetarians usually consume milk, cheese and eggs, whilst vegans, for a variety of reasons, consume a diet consisting only of unrefined cereal, legumes, nuts and vegetable and fruit products. The protein in a vegan diet is therefore solely of plant origin. The diet of vegans differs, however, from that of vegetarians and omnivores in respect of its lipid content, for not only is the total amount of lipid lower, but it contains no cholesterol or long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, that is fatty acids with a carbon chain length of twenty carbon atoms or more. On the other hand, it contains a high proportion of short chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, notably linoleic and linolenic acids. The health of vegetarians and vegans appears to differ little from that of omnivores (Hardinge & Stare, 1954; Ellis & Montegriffo, 1970; Ellis, West & Sanders, 1977). Indeed, a vegan diet might be though to offer some advantage in relation to arteriosclerosis because animal tat has been implicated in its aetiology (Royal College of Physicians, 1976). In support of this suggestion, epidemiological evidence shows that the incidence of ischaemic heart disease is lower in countries where the typical diet contains a low proportion of animal products. However, in experimental animals changes in the fatty acid composition of the diet result in changes in the fatty acids of cell membranes which are associated with changes in the behaviour and function of the membranes (Holman, 1970a,b). In man information about these effects is not easily obtained and seemea to be important in view of the fact that the diet of large numbers of people in the Third World is predominantly of plant origin. Vegans seemed to offer an excellent natural ‘experimental model’ for the study of these effects. We decided also to study individuals on a vegetarian diet which is intermediate between that of vegans and omnivores and also because in this country vegetarians are much more common than vegans and the number of people adopting this diet seems to be increasing.     

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds

Two varieties of mesta (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds were analysed for their proximate composition. Their protein (18.8–22.3%), fat (19.1–22.8%) and dietary fiber (39.5–42.6%) contents were found to be high. The seeds were found to be a good source of minerals like phosphorus, magnesium and calcium. Their lysine and tryptophan contents were also high. Sulphur containing amino acids were limiting in this seed protein and the chemical score of mesta seed protein was 40 and 57 for AMV-2 and Bhimili-1 varieties respectively. Mesta seed oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids (70%), of which linoleic acid constituted 44%. Weanling rats were fed with 10% mesta seed protein before and after cooking for 4 weeks. Food intake of animals receiving raw mesta seed diets was significantly lower than those receiving cooked mesta seed diets as well as the casein control diet. Protein and dry matter digestibilities of raw and cooked mesta seed diets were lower than that of casein control diet. Cooking improved the food intake, gain in body weight, dry matter and protein digestibility of mesta seed diets. PER and NPU of cooked mesta seed diets were significantly higher than the corresponding raw diets. These results indicate that cooked mesta seed protein is of relatively good quality.     

Prediction of the digestibility of the diet of horses: evaluation of faecal indices

Data from in vivo digestibility trial with four to six horses fed twenty-seven forage-based diets are used to calculate prediction equations for the digestibility of dry and organic matter, based on the crude ash (CA), crude protein (CP) and crude fibre (CF) contents of diets and faeces. The most precise prediction of dry-matter digestibility (r.s.d. = 0.032, R²= 0.80) was derived from a multiple regression including faecal (CP, CF) and dietary parameters (CF). Among faecal parameters, CP was the best single predictor of both digestibility (r.s.d) = 0.040, r²= 0.63) and dietary CP content (r.s.d = 0.028, r²= 0.59). For biological reasons we propose a non-linear model that allows prediction of dry- and organic-matter digestibility from faecal CP Content with reasonable Precision (r.s.d = 0.038, 0.036, r²= 0.65, 0.74, respectively). This will be adequate for many studies, especially for free-living animals in rangelands.     

Nutritive Value of Wheat Bran Diets Supplemented With Fresh Carrots and Wet Brewers’ Grains in Yellow Mealworm

We evaluated the effect of supplementation of a wheat bran (WB) diet with fresh carrots (FC) or wet brewer’s grains (WBG) on the growth performance and chemical composition of Tenebrio molitor larvae. Additionally, a digestibility trial was performed to determine the nutritional value of the raw materials used. The control diet was based on WB-only. Two other diets were formulated in which WB was supplemented with FC (FC diet) or with WBG (WBG diet). The experiment was conducted in trays (12 per treatment) and lasted 90 d. Larval weight, feed intake, and excreted feces were controlled in each tray the experiment. The digestibility trial was performed from 48 to 62 d post-hatch. Results showed digestibility coefficients of ashes, crude protein, and gross energy were significantly higher in FC diet compared with the other diets. Consequently, both digestible energy (DE) and digestible protein (DP) contents of FC were also significantly higher than those obtained for WB and WBG diets (on av. +1.12 megajoule [MJ] DE and +9.15 g DP per kg dry matter [DM]; P < 0.003). Mealworms fed FC diet showed significantly higher final weight and average daily gain than those fed the WBG diet (+12.4%), being higher in WBG than in WB diet (+3.5%). Dietary treatment did not affect DM, ashes, ether extract, and crude protein content of mealworms obtained. Some dietary effects on amino acid and fatty acid composition were observed. This study provides novel data and a unique experimental approach to assess the nutritional value of raw materials in mealworms.     

The effect of fluidized bed combustion residue on the composition and nutritional quality of food crops for hamsters and rats

Food crops (corn, oats, soybeans, vegetables) were grown on soils treated with fluidized bed combustion residue (FBCR) or hydrated lime. The composition of the foods and their nutritional quality were evaluated in growth, balance and carcass composition studies with growing hamsters and rats. Application of FBCR had little effect on elemental concentrations of dietary components. Weight gains in hamsters over a 6 week period were higher on FBCR than on lime-treated corn diets, but there were no differences due to FBCR in gains of hamsters on the oats diets or in rats on either of the cereal based diets. Apparent retention of nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, sulphur and magnesium was determined by balance and by carcass analysis. Differences in mineral retention between FBCR and lime treatments were generally small and inconsistent. Analysis of the whole body of hamsters showed lower concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc and copper with FBCR compared to lime-treated corn diets; little difference in body composition was found in the rat. There was no significant accumulation of heavy metals in liver, kidney, bone, serum or hair (of rats only) and no significant differences in concentrations of elements in organs due to application of FBCR to soils on which the dietary components had been grown.     

饲料氨基酸对褐飞虱及其蜜露游离氨基酸的影响

 利用氨基酸组成不同的全纯人工饲料对褐飞虱(Nilaparvata lugens)成虫进行饲养，研究了饲料氨基酸对该虫及其蜜露中游离氨基酸的影响。结果表明：1）饲料对试虫体内游离氨基酸有明显影响。在不能摄入任何氨基酸的试虫体内，游离氨基酸总量降至可以获得全部氨基酸的试虫的63.2%，其中缬氨酸、苏氨酸、异亮氨酸、亮氨酸、赖氨酸和半胱氨酸下降明显，但蛋氨酸增多。在仅能摄取到非必需氨基酸的试虫体内，蛋氨酸、赖氨酸和亮氨酸的含量与不能摄取到任何氨基酸的试虫处在同一水平，甚至明显低于后者；苏氨酸和组氨酸则明显高于可以获得全部氨基酸的试虫，异亮氨酸、苯丙氨酸和精氨酸亦达到了后种试虫的含量水平，缬氨酸的含量虽然低于后者，但与仅能摄取到必需氨基酸的试虫处在同一水平。2）蜜露中的游离氨基酸组成基本与饲料内的相一致，但相对含量有较大差别，而且少数不存在于饲料中的氨基酸可以在蜜露中检测到。文中对必需氨基酸的补偿代谢进行了讨论，初步认为褐飞虱体内至少可以合成苏氨酸、组氨酸、异亮氨酸、苯丙氨酸、精氨酸和缬氨酸等6种必需氨基酸。     

Effect of supplementation of blue green alga (Spirulina) on outcome of pregnancy in rats

To study the supplementary effect of Spirulina, pregnant rats were fed 5 different kinds of diets (casein, Spirulina, wheat gluten, Spirulina + wheat gluten, Spirulina-without additional vitamins and minerals), each providing 22% protein during the period of pregnancy. The outcome of pregnancy was assessed from litter and dams' weight and litter size. Maternal weight gain was found to be maximum with Spirulina + wheat gluten and least with the wheat gluten diet. Rats receiving Spirulina containing diets produced significantly (p<0.05) higher litter size than those receiving casein and wheat gluten. In spite of having higher litter size, Spirulina containing diet groups produced pups with birth weights comparable to those of casein. Spirulina appears to be a good dietary supplement during pregnancy.     

Nutritional responses of rats fed mixtures of plant and animal proteins

Twenty four male rats (45–65 g) were used to determine the nutritional responses to mixed plant and animal protein diets. Rats were fed various mixtures of sorghum (S), pigeon pea (PP), bread fruit (TAP) plus crayfish (CR) to provide 1.6 g N/100g of daily diet for a 35-day study period. Three different diets were fed to 6 rats assigned to each diet on the basis of body weight. Combination of PP:CR caused increases in N intake and retention, weight gain, and PER higher than for those of the other test groups. Its values for N intake and retention, and BV were higher than for those of the control except for food intake, NPU, weight gain and PER. Substitution of CR (20%) with TAP and PP as supplements to S decreased food intake, weight gain and PER and increased N intake, digested and retained N, NPU and BV. The results appear to indicate that (a) PP:CR blend was better than other blends as judged by the parameters, and (b) TAP and PP were superior to CR alone as supplement to S.     

Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.) as a Marine Functional Source of Gamma-Tocopherol

Gamma tocopherol (gT) exhibits beneficial cardiovascular effects partly due to its anti-inflammatory activity. Important sources of gT are vegetable oils. However, little is known to what extent gT can be transferred into marine animal species such as Atlantic salmon by feeding. Therefore, in this study we have investigated the transfer of dietary gT into salmon. To this end, fish were fed a diet supplemented with 170 ppm gT for 16 weeks whereby alpha tocopherol levels were adjusted to 190 ppm in this and the control diet. Feeding gT-rich diets resulted in a three-fold increase in gT concentrations in the liver and fillet compared to non-gT-supplemented controls. Tissue alpha tocopherol levels were not decreased indicating no antagonistic interaction between gamma- and alpha tocopherol in salmon. The concentration of total omega 3 fatty acids slightly increased in response to dietary gT. Furthermore, dietary gT significantly decreased malondialdehyde in the fillet, determined as a biomarker of lipid peroxidation. In the liver of gT fed salmon we observed an overall down-regulation of genes involved in lipid homeostasis. Additionally, gT improved the antioxidant capacity by up-regulating Gpx4a gene expression in the pyloric caeca. We suggest that Atlantic salmon may provide a marine functional source capable of enriching gT for human consumption.