A comparison of nutritionally-related blood metabolites among Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on sweetveld

The objective of the study was to determine monthly variations in serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), urea, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus beef steers raised on sweetveld. Twenty-five Nguni, 15 Aberdeen Angus and 15 Bonsmara 8-month old steers were studied from June 2006 until March 2007. Across the 9 months, Nguni had higher concentrations of glucose (P =0.019) and cholesterol (P =0.001) than the other two breeds. The overall glucose and cholesterol concentrations in the Nguni were 4 and 2.86mmol/L, respectively. There was a breedxmonth interaction on glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin and phosphorus concentrations. Breed had no effect on TP, urea, globulin and AST concentrations. Breed and month differences obtained could be attributed to changes in environment temperature and nutrient content of the forage.     

A genetic analysis of the concentrations of blood metabolites and their relationships with age and liveweight gain in young British Friesian bulls

Blood samples were taken from 428 young British Friesian bulls, the sons of 72 sires, between 3 and 15 months of age. The concentrations of blood glucose and haemoglobin and serum cholesterol, urea, albumin, globulin, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Mg, Na, K and Cu were measured and correlated with age and growth rate.Most of the constituents showed highly significant but small changes in concentration with age. The largest changes occurred in the concentrations of urea, albumin and haemoglobin which increased as bulls reached maturity. The concentrations of urea, albumin and globulin were also lower and concentrations of glucose, inorganic phosphate, Ca and K higher than usually occur in older cattle.Highest estimates of heritability, based on the mean of 3 samples, were for K and globulin (> 0.6) and for haemoglobin, cholesterol, inorganic phosphate, Cu and glucose (0.4–0.6). Phenotypic correlations between 0.2 and 0.4 occurred with growth rate for albumin and glucose between 24 and 35 weeks and with body weight for albumin between 27 and 50 weeks of age; however, the phenotypic correlations with average growth rate up to 53 weeks were only 0.15 and 0.07 for albumin and glucose, respectively. Genetic correlations with growth rate were also determined, but standard errors were large.     

Haematological values and changes in blood chemistry in chickens with infectious bursal disease

Haematological and blood serum chemical changes were studied in two groups of specific pathogen free chickens infected at five weeks old with different field isolates of infectious bursal disease virus. Blood and serum components were determined five days after infection. There were significant decreases (P less than 0.05) in the total erythrocyte count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, albumin, albumin: globulin ratio, uric acid and glucose. Serum components which increased significantly (P less than 0.05) were globulins and cholesterol.     

Effects of feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins with and without a polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent on reproductive performance and serum chemistry of pregnant gilts

Contamination of animal feedstuffs with Fusarium mycotoxins can cause reduced feed intake and hyperaminoacidemia resulting from reduced hepatic protein synthesis. The current study investigated the effects of feeding grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins on reproductive performance, serum chemistry, ADFI, and ADG of gilts, and tested the ability of a polymeric glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent (GMA) to reduce or eliminate the effects of the contaminated feeds. Thirty-six Yorkshire gilts were fed 3 diets (n = 12 gilts/diet) from 91 +/- 3 d of gestation until farrowing. Diets included 1) control, 2) contaminated grains, and 3) contaminated grains + 0.2% GMA. Diets contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins did not affect ADFI (P = 0.24), but ADG (P = 0.029) and G:F (P = 0.047) were reduced. Serum concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate, haptoglobin, protein, albumin, globulin, urea, glucose, cholesterol, Ca, Na, Mg, P, K, and Cl, and hepatic enzyme activities were not affected by diet. The frequency of stillborn piglets was greater (P = 0.03) for gilts fed contaminated grains compared with that of gilts fed contaminated grains + GMA. The feeding of contaminated grains + GMA also increased (P = 0.026) the percentage of pigs born alive compared with gilts fed the contaminated diets. In conclusion, feeding gilts diets that are naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins can increase the incidence of stillborn piglets and this effect can be reduced by dietary supplementation with GMA.     

Effect of chromium picolinate and chromium propionate on glucose and insulin kinetics of growing barrows and on growth and carcass traits of growing-finishing barrows

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary Cr tripicolinate (CrPic) or Cr propionate (CrProp) on growth, carcass traits, plasma metabolites, glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity in pigs. In Exp. 1, 36 barrows (12 per treatment; initial and final BW were 20 and 38 kg) were allotted to the following treatments: 1) corn-soybean meal basal diet (control), 2) as 1 + 200 ppb Cr as CrPic, or 3) as 1 + 200 ppb Cr as CrProp. Growth performance data were collected for 28 d, and then 23 pigs (seven, eight, and eight pigs for treatments 1, 2, and 3, respectively) were fitted with jugular catheters and a glucose tolerance test (500 mg glucose/kg BW) and an insulin challenge test (0.1 IU of porcine insulin/kg BW) were conducted. Both CrPic and CrProp decreased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI but did not affect gain:feed (P > 0.10). Fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, urea N, insulin, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol:total cholesterol concentrations were not affected (P > 0.10) by either Cr source. Pigs fed CrPic had lower (P < 0.02) fasting plasma NEFA concentrations than control pigs, but plasma NEFA concentrations of pigs fed CrProp were not affected (P > 0.10). During the glucose tolerance test, glucose and insulin kinetics were not affected by treatment (P > 0.10). During the insulin challenge test, glucose clearance was increased (P < 0.01) in pigs fed CrProp but not affected (P > 0.10) in pigs fed CrPic. Glucose half-life was decreased (P < 0.03) in pigs fed CrPic or CrProp, but insulin kinetics were not affected (P > 0.10). In Exp. 2, 48 barrows (four replicates of four pigs per replicate; initial and final BW were 23 and 115 kg) were allotted to the same dietary treatments in a growing-finishing study. Average daily gain, ADFI, and gain:feed were not affected (P > 0.10) by treatments. Carcass length tended (P = 0.10) to be greater in pigs fed CrPic than in pigs fed CrProp, but other carcass measurements were not affected (P > 0.10). Glucose kinetics from the insulin challenge test indicate that both CrPic and CrProp increase insulin sensitivity and that both Cr sources are bioavailable.     

Plasma biochemical reference intervals for koi

OBJECTIVE: To assess reproducibility of an in-house tabletop biochemical analyzer for measurement of plasma biochemical analytes and establish reference intervals in adult koi. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 71 healthy adult koi. PROCEDURES: Plasma was analyzed for concentrations or activities of albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, bile acids, BUN, calcium, cholesterol, creatine kinase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, globulin, glucose, K, Na, P, total bilirubin, total protein, and uric acid. Duplicate samples were evaluated by use of the intraclass correlation coefficient to determine reproducibility. To assess the magnitude of differences between replicate samples, the absolute mean difference, SD, and minimum and maximum values were calculated for each analyte. Median values and reference intervals were calculated. RESULTS: Intraclass correlation coefficient values were excellent for all analytes except alanine aminotransferase (good), Na (poor), gamma-glutamyltransferase (poor), and P (poor). Reference intervals were established. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The in-house tabletop biochemical analyzer had good precision for measuring most plasma biochemical analytes. Further research and comparison with other reference procedures are needed before reference intervals and precision can be established for globulin, Na, P, K, and albumin. Aquatic veterinarians may be able to use the reference intervals for adult koi as an important diagnostic tool or as part of a fish wellness program, as commonly done in other domestic species.     

Biochemical and Haematological Measurements in Beef Cattle in Mendoza Plain Rangelands (Argentina)

Biochemical and haematological measurements were used to identify constraints on productivity in beef cattle. One hundred and twelve Aberdeen Angus and Criollo Argentine females including lactating cows, dry non-pregnant cows and heifers were selected. Blood samples were taken in the middle of summer and autumn. Serum was analysed for haemoglobin, PCV, glucose, albumin, urea, creatinine, Ca, P, Mg, Fe, Cu, ALP, AST, ALT, CK, LDH, Cl∼, Na and K content. Globulin was calculated by taking the difference between total protein and albumin. Percentages of all cattle that had metabolite levels outside reference ranges were: 15% (glucose), 8% (globulin), 5% (urea), 96% (Ca), 50% (P), 12% (Mg), 20% (Na), 5% (K), 24% (Cl), 18% (Fe), 5% (Cu) and 85% (CK). These results indicate with some certainty that dietary protein was not limiting. Body condition score loss was detected only in lactating cows. There were a few animals that could have presented chronic inflammatory disease. Phosphorus could be an important potential constraint on fertility, although the presence of symptoms of hypophosphataemia was not observed. The study also demonstrates the absence of anaemia or liver disease. Breed, seasonal and physiological state differences in some blood metabolites could be attributed to one or more of the following factors: chemical composition of the feed ingested, environmental temperature, nutrient content of the forage, animal age and cattle foraging experience. The study provides a basis for implementing helpful adjustments in current cattle management practices so as to alleviate the constraints on productivity, provided that these practices are profitable.     

延边黄牛公牛与阉牛牛肉营养成分比较研究

本试验主要对延边黄牛公牛与阉牛肉质中营养成分进行比较研究,选择品种相同,年龄、体重相近,健康状况良好的延边黄牛16头,随机分为2组,每组8头,其中试验组为阉牛,对照组为公牛,在试验日粮相同、饲养条件一致的条件下,育肥373 d后进行屠宰。结果显示：①试验初期,两组间血清总蛋白、球蛋白、白蛋白/球蛋白、血糖、甘油三酯、谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶含量均未表现出显著差异（P>0.05）,而试验组白蛋白、高密度脂蛋白、尿素氮及胆固醇含量极显著或显著高于对照组（P<0.01;P<0.05）;试验末期,试验组白蛋白、白蛋白/球蛋白、胆固醇含量显著高于对照组（P<0.05）,且试验组甘油三酯含量极显著高于对照组（P<0.01）,其他各成分含量两组间均无显著性差异（P>0.05）;②试验组背最长肌中油酸含量、油酸/亚油酸分别比对照组高6.51%和229.42%,差异显著或极显著（P<0.05;P<0.01）;对照组背最长肌中亚油酸、硬脂酸含量均极显著高于试验组（P<0.01）;③对照组背最长肌中脯氨酸、甘氨酸、丙氨酸、精氨酸含量均高于试验组,差异显著（P<0.05）,其他氨基酸均无显著性差异（P>0.05）。由此可知,延边黄牛阉牛体脂肪沉积较好,不饱和脂肪酸含量高,尤其是油酸含量明显高于公牛,肉质及口感好,适合生产高档牛肉。     

酵母β-1,3/1,6-葡聚糖与丁酸钠合用对断奶仔猪生长性能和生理代谢的影响

为探讨丁酸钠与β-1,3/1,6-葡聚糖合用对断奶仔猪生产性能和生理代谢的影响,试验选择日龄为(28±3)d的长×大二元断奶仔猪120头,随机分成3个处理,每个处理5个重复,每重复8头猪。3个处理分别为对照组、丁酸钠组和丁酸钠与葡聚糖合用组。结果表明:饲料中单独添加丁酸钠,可显著(P<0.05)提高仔猪后期(15～28d)和全期(0～28d)的日采食量、日增重并改善饲料转化效率,显著(P<0.05)降低腹泻发生率和升高血浆游离脂肪酸、甘油三酯浓度,显著(P<0.05)降低血清葡萄糖浓度,但对血清总蛋白、白蛋白、球蛋白、胆固醇、尿素氮浓度均无显著影响(P>0.05)。丁酸钠与葡聚糖合用,显著(P<0.05)降低了血浆游离脂肪酸含量。     

Blood chemistry values for shovelnose and lake sturgeon

Blood chemistry panels are commonly used for assessing the general health of vertebrate animals. Here, we present novel blood chemistry data for two North American sturgeon species, shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus and lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. Measurements were done using a portable chemistry analyzer (VetScan Analyzer; Abaxis). Among the plasma values measured (mean ± SD for shovelnose and lake sturgeon, respectively) were total proteins (3.7 ± 0.9 and 2.8 ± 0.4 g/dL), albumin (2.0 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.2 g/dL), globulin (1.7 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.3 g/dL), glucose (107 ± 46 and 62 ± 9.7 mg/dL), sodium (Na(+); 132 ± 3.6 and 150 ± 14 mEq/L), potassium (K(+); 3.5 ± 0.2 and 2.8 ± 1.7 mEq/L), phosphorus (10.4 ± 1.9 and 11.6 ± 3.6 mg/dL), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 676 ± 433 and 634 ± 234 IU/L). Higher values for total proteins, albumin, glucose, and Na(+) in shovelnose sturgeon than in lake sturgeon probably are the result of handling stress. In addition, the plasma of male shovelnose sturgeon had higher concentrations of AST, glucose, and globulin than did that of females, whereas the plasma of females had higher concentrations of albumin and K(+) than that of males. This study is the first to report blood chemistry data for shovelnose sturgeon. Robust blood chemistry databases can be used by aquaculturists and fish managers for monitoring sturgeon health.     

Serum metabolites, milk yield, and physiological responses during the first week after kidding in Anglo-Nubian, Angora, Baladi, and Damascus goats under subtropical conditions

This study was carried out to determine the level of certain biochemical variables reflecting the energy metabolic statuses during the first week of lactation in goats. A total of 120 Anglo-Nubian, Angora, Baladi, and Damascus does (30 does per breed) were used throughout 5 consecutive parities (30 does per parity) to investigate the effect of breed, parity, day of lactation, and their interaction on serum metabolites including total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, total lipids, cholesterol, and transaminases. Blood samples were collected every other day during the first week of lactation. Baladi does had the greatest (P < 0.001) values in all measured biochemical variables followed by Anglo-Nubian [in total protein, globulin, and aminotransferase (AST)] and Damascus (in globulin and AST) and then Angora, which had the lowest (P < 0.001) values for all variables. Fifth parity exhibited the greatest (P < 0.001) values in all serum metabolites compared with other parities except for alanine transaminase (ALT) enzyme activity in which the greatest (P = 0.046) values were observed in the first and fourth parties. Serum concentrations of the measured variables increased gradually throughout the first day after kidding until the seventh day for total protein (P < 0.001), albumin (P = 0.013), globulin (P = 0.017), and cholesterol (P = 0.028) whereas serum glucose concentration exhibited an opposite trend. Serum concentrations of total lipids and enzyme activities of AST and ALT were not affected by day (P > 0.05) after kidding. Baladi goats had the least (P < 0.001) serum insulin concentration, which was associated (P < 0.001) with greatest serum glucose concentration. Serum triiodothyronine (T(3)) was inversely correlated (P = 0.032) with milk yield whereas greatest (P = 0.003) T(3) concentrations were associated with least (P < 0.001) milk yield recorded in Angora goats. Animal physiological responses and their indices were not affected (P > 0.05) by breed whereas both rectal temperature and coefficient of heat tolerance were affected (P < 0.001) by parity in an opposite direction. Baladi goats expressed an aspect of adaptability where their rectal temperature decreased and coefficient of heat tolerance increased with increasing parity number.     

Effects of dietary iron supplementation on growth performance, hematological status, and whole-body mineral concentrations of nursery pigs

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing increasing concentrations of Fe to the diet of nursery pigs on growth performance and indices of hematological and mineral status. Pigs (n = 225; 6.5 kg; 19 +/- 3 d) were allotted randomly by BW, litter, and gender to one of five dietary treatments (five pigs per pen; nine pens per treatment). Basal diets for each phase (Phase 1: d 0 to 7; Phase 2: d 7 to 21; Phase 3: d 21 to 35) were formulated to contain minimal Fe concentration and then supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100, and 150 mg Fe/kg of diet (as-fed basis) from ferrous sulfate. Three pigs per pen (n = 135) were chosen and bled throughout (d 0, 7, 21, and 35) to determine hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), transferrin (Tf), and plasma Fe (PFe). In addition, pigs (n = 5; 5.9 kg; 19 +/- 3 d) from the contemporary group were killed at d 0 to establish baseline (BL), and 30 pigs (six pigs/treatment) were killed at d 35 to determine whole-body and liver mineral concentrations. The improvements in growth performance during Phase 2 (ADG = linear, P = 0.04; ADFI = linear, P = 0.10; G:F = quadratic, P = 0.07) were of sufficient magnitude that dietary treatments tended to increase ADG (linear, P = 0.08), ADFI (quadratic, P = 0.09), and G:F (quadratic, P = 0.10) for the 35-d experiment. Hematological variables were not affected until d 21, at which time dietary Fe supplementation resulted in a linear increase (P = 0.03) in Hb, Hct, and PFe. This linear increase (P = 0.001) was maintained until d 35 of the experiment; however, dietary treatments resulted in a linear decrease (P = 0.01) in Tf on d 35. Whole-body Fe concentration increased (linear, P = 0.01) in pigs due to increasing dietary Fe concentrations. Moreover, pigs fed for 35 d had greater (P = 0.02) whole-body Fe, Zn, Mg, Mn, Ca, and P concentrations and lower (P = 0.001) whole-body Cu concentration than BL. Hepatic Fe concentration increased (linear, P = 0.001) in pigs due to dietary treatments; however, the hepatic Fe concentration of all pigs killed on d 35 was lower (P = 0.001) than the BL. Results suggest that Fe contributed by feed ingredients was not sufficient to maintain indices of Fe status. The decrease in Fe stores of the pigs was not severe enough to reduce growth performance. Even so, the lessening of a pig's Fe stores during this rapid growth period may result in the occurrence of anemia during the subsequent grower and finisher periods.     

Spray-dried plasma improves growth performance and reduces inflammatory status of weaned pigs challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88

We investigated whether spray-dried plasma (SDP) improved growth and health of piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (ETEC). Forty-eight pigs weaned at 21 d (BW = 4.88 +/- 0.43 kg) received one of four diets containing 6% SDP or fish proteins (as-fed basis) either nonmedicated (SDP-NM and FP-NM diets) or medicated with 0 or 250 mg/kg of colistine + 500 mg/kg of amoxycycline (SDP-M and FP-M diets), for 15 d. On d 4, pigs were orally challenged with ETEC. On d 15, eight pigs per dietary group were killed, blood and saliva were collected for analysis of K88 fimbriae-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)-A, and jejunum was removed for villi preparation, histological analysis, and cytokine expression. The presence or absence of K88 receptors (K88+ and K88- pigs respectively) was determined by villous adhesion assay. Effects of protein source on ADG (P = 0.04) and ADFI (P < 0.01), as well of medication on ADFI (P < 0.02), of all pigs were observed. In sacrified pigs, there was an effect of protein source on ADG (P = 0.03) and ADFI (P < 0.001), as well an interaction between medication and presence of K88 receptor (P = 0.02) for feed:gain ratio. Plasma K88 specific IgA were low in all K88 pigs and higher in K88+ pigs fed FP-NM compared with all the other groups (P < 0.05), except SDP-M. An interaction was found among protein source, medication, and presence of K88 receptors (P = 0.04). Saliva IgA concentrations were high in all pigs fed FP-NM and low in all other pigs. Jejunum of pigs fed FP-NM showed some ulcerations, edema, and mild inflammatory cell infiltration (ICI). In pigs fed FP-M, edema was reduced. Conversely, only a mild ICI was observed in pigs fed SDP-NM and SDP-M. Crypt depth was increased in K88+ pigs fed SDP-NM and an interaction between protein source and presence of K88 receptors was observed (P < 0.05). Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin (IL)-8 were lower in pigs fed SDP-NM and SDP-M than in those fed FP-NM and FP-M, either K88- or K88+ (P < 0.01). In pigs fed FP diets, expression of IL-8 tended to increase (P = 0.08) in K88+ compared with K88- subjects. Expression of interferon-gamma increased in K88 and K88+ pigs fed FP-M as compared with other pigs (P < 0.01). These results indicate that feeding with SDP improved growth performance and protected against E. coli-induced inflammatory status, and suggest that use of SDP-NM can be considered a valid antibiotic alternative.     

Effects of dietary lysine levels on the concentrations of selected nutrient metabolites in blood plasma of late‐stage finishing pigs

Lysine is the first‐limiting amino acid (AA) in typical swine diets and plays very important roles in promoting growth performance of pigs. This research was conducted to study the effects of dietary lysine on blood plasma concentrations of protein, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolites of pigs. Eighteen crossbred finishing pigs (nine barrows and nine gilts; initial BW 92.3 ± 6.9 kg) were individually penned in an environment controlled barn. Pigs were assigned to three dietary treatments according to a randomized complete block design with gender as block and pig as experimental unit (6 pigs/treatment). Three corn and soybean meal‐based diets were formulated to contain total lysine at 0.43%, 0.71%, and 0.98% (as‐fed basis) for Diets I (lysine deficient), II (lysine adequate), and III (lysine excess) respectively. After 4 weeks on trial, jugular vein blood was collected and plasma was separated. The plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin, urea nitrogen (UN), triglyceride, total cholesterol, and glucose were determined using an ACE Clinical Chemistry System (Alfa Wassermann, Inc., West Caldwell, NJ, USA). Data were analysed using the GLM Procedure with PDIFF (adjust = T) option of SAS. No differences (p > 0.10) were found between barrows and gilts for any of the metabolites measured. While there were no differences (p > 0.10) between pigs fed Diets II and III in plasma concentrations of UN, albumin, and total cholesterol, the concentration of albumin in these pigs was higher (p < .05) than that of pigs fed Diet I, and the concentrations of UN and total cholesterol in these pigs were lower (p < .05) than that of pigs fed Diet I. There were no differences (p > 0.10) among the three dietary treatments in plasma concentrations of total protein, triglycerides, and glucose. These findings indicated that the plasma metabolite profile can be affected by changing dietary lysine content only. Thorough understanding how the plasma metabolite profile is alternated by dietary lysine will facilitate nutrient management for more sustainable swine production.     

Effects of Low Levels Zinc Polyaspartic Acid on Growth Performance,Blood Parameters,Tissue and Organ Zinc Accumulations and Zinc Emission of Growing Pigs

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of zinc polyaspartic acid (PASP) monohydrate on growth performance,nutrient apparent digestibility, serum indexes, tissue and organ zinc accumulations and zinc emission of growing pigs, and to determine the substitution effect of zinc polyaspartic acid for zinc sulfate. Ninety Duroc×Landrace×Large White growing pigs with the body weight of (31.73±3.50) kg were randomly assigned into 3 groups with 6 replicates per group and 5 pigs per replicate. The zinc level and source of the control group was 80 mg·kg^-1 zinc sulfate, while group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were 60 and 40 mg·kg^-1 zinc polyaspartic acid monohydrate, respectively. Pre-trial period was 7 days, and formal experiment period was 30 days. The results showed as follows: 1) There was no significant difference in average daily gain, feed to weight ratio and diarrhea rate among control group and test groups (P>0.05). 2) The calcium (Ca) apparent digestibilities of test group I and test group Ⅱ were significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05); There was no significant difference among groups in apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), crude fat (EE), crude fiber (CF), crude ash (Ash) and phosphorus (P) (P>0.05). The apparent digestibility of zinc in the test group Ⅰ was significantly higher than those of the control group and the test group Ⅱ (P<0.05). 3) Compared with the control group, the fecal zinc content in the test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ were decreased by 21.65% and 30.87%, respectively, and the difference was significant (P<0.01). 4)The glutamate transaminase (ALT) activity of control group was significantly higher than those of test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ(P<0.05), the globulin(GLB) level of test group Ⅰ was significantly higher than those of control group and test groupⅡ(P<0.05), the indexes of blood glucose (GLU), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total cholesterol (TC) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) were not significantly different among groups (P>0.05). 5)There were no significant difference of the zinc accumulations in liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, bone, hair, longgissimus dorsi among groups (P>0.05), the serum zinc concentrations of test group Ⅰ and Ⅱ were significantly higher than that of control group (P<0.05). In summary, under this experimental condition, 40 mg·kg^-1zinc polyaspartic acid monohydrate could satisfy the needs of growing pigs at this stage, the fecal zinc content was significantly reduced, thus proving the feasibility of adding polyaspartic zinc instead of high dose zinc sulfate in growing pigs’ feed, and the emission reduction of zinc.     

Effect of supplemental iron on finishing swine performance, carcass characteristics, and pork quality during retail display

Crossbred pigs (n = 185) were used to test the effects of dietary Fe supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing swine. Pigs were blocked by BW, allotted to pens (5 to 6 pigs/pen), and pens (5 pens/block) were allotted randomly to either negative control (NC) corn-soybean meal grower and finisher diets devoid of Fe in the mineral premix, positive control (PC) corn-soybean meal grower and finisher diets with Fe included in the mineral premix, or the PC diets supplemented with 50, 100, or 150 ppm Fe from Availa-Fe (an Fe-AA complex). When the lightest block averaged 118.2 kg, the pigs were slaughtered, and bone-in pork loins were collected during fabrication for pork quality data. During the grower-I phase, there was a tendency for supplemental Fe to reduce ADG linearly (P = 0.10), whereas in the grower-II phase, supplemental Fe tended to increase ADG linearly (P = 0.10). Even though pigs fed NC had greater G:F during the finisher-I phase (P < 0.05) and across the entire trial (P = 0.07), live performance did not (P > or = 0.13) differ among dietary treatments. There were linear increases in 10th-rib fat depth (P = 0.08) and calculated fat-free lean yield (P = 0.06); otherwise, dietary Fe did not (P > 0.19) affect pork carcass muscling or fatness. Moreover, LM concentrations of total, heme, and nonheme Fe were similar (P > 0.23) among treatments. A randomly selected subset of loins from each treatment was further fabricated into 2.5-cm-thick LM chops, placed on styrofoam trays, overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film, and placed in coffin-chest display cases (2.6 degrees C) under continuous fluorescent lighting (1,600 lx) for 7 d. During display, chops from NC-fed pigs and pigs fed the diets supplemented with 100 ppm Fe tended to have a more vivid (higher chroma value; P = 0.07), redder (higher a* value; P = 0.09) color than LM chops of pigs fed 50 ppm of supplemental Fe. Moreover, greater (P < 0.01) redness:yellowness ratios in chops from pigs supplemented with 100 ppm Fe indicated a more red color than chops from PC-fed pigs or pigs fed diets supplemented with 50 ppm Fe. In conclusion, however, increasing dietary Fe had no appreciable effects on performance, carcass, or LM characteristics, suggesting that current dietary Fe recommendations are sufficient for optimal growth performance, pork carcass composition, and pork quality.     

低水平聚天门冬氨酸锌对生长猪生长性能、血液指标、组织器官锌沉积及锌排放的影响

本试验旨在通过研究聚天门冬氨酸锌（PASP）对生长猪的生长性能、营养物质表观消化率、血清指标、组织器官锌沉积及锌排放的影响，探讨聚天门冬氨酸锌对硫酸锌的替代效果。试验选用体重相近[（31.73±3.50） kg]的（杜×长×大）三元杂交猪90头，随机分为3组，每组6个重复，每个重复5头猪。对照组锌水平及锌源为80 mg·kg^-1一水硫酸锌（ZnSO₄·H₂O），试验Ⅰ组与Ⅱ组锌水平及锌源分别为60与40 mg·kg^-1聚天门冬氨酸锌；试验预试期7 d，正试期30 d。结果表明：1）试验组与对照组平均日增重、料重比及腹泻率均无显著差异（P>0.05）。2）试验Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组钙（Ca）消化率显著高于对照组（P<0.05），粗蛋白质（CP）、粗脂肪（EE）、粗纤维（CF）、粗灰分（Ash）及磷（P）表观消化率在各组间无显著差异（P>0.05），试验Ⅰ组锌表观消化率显著高于对照组和试验Ⅱ组（P<0.05）。3）试验Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组粪锌水平分别比对照组降低了21.65%和30.87%，差异显著（P<0.01）。4）对照组血清中谷丙转氨酶（ALT）活性显著高于试验Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组（P<0.05），试验Ⅰ组球蛋白（GLB）水平显著高于对照组和试验Ⅱ组（P<0.05），血糖（GLU）、总蛋白（TP）、白蛋白（ALB）、总胆固醇（TC）及碱性磷酸酶（AKP）等指标在各组间差异不显著（P>0.05）。5）各组间肝、肾、胰、脾、骨骼、毛发、背最长肌中锌的沉积量均无显著差异（P>0.05），试验Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组血清锌浓度显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。综上所述，本试验条件下，饲粮中添加40 mg·kg^-1聚天门冬氨酸锌即可满足该阶段猪的生长需要，并显著降低粪中锌的含量，进而证明聚天门冬氨酸锌在生长猪饲粮中可替代高剂量硫酸锌且有一定的减排作用。     

Influence of environmental temperature on growth, muscle and adipose tissue metabolism, and meat quality in swine.

An experiment involving 32 individually housed, castrated male pigs was conducted to determine the effects of environmental temperature (12 degrees C = T12 or 28 degrees C = T28) on the performance, carcass characteristics, muscle and adipose tissue metabolism, and meat quality of pigs fed to achieve equal rates of weight gain between 8 and 92 kg live weight. The T12 pigs had less muscle (P less than .01) and more subcutaneous fat (P less than .01) in the ham than did T28 animals. Thyroids and adrenals were heavier (P less than .01) in T12 than in T28 pigs. Percentage of type I muscle fibers was higher (P less than .01) and fiber cross-sectional areas smaller (P less than .01) in semispinalis muscle (SS) of T12 pigs, whereas no effect of temperature was noticed in longissimus muscle (LD). Cold exposure induced a larger increase in oxidative metabolism in SS (+30 to 32%, P less than .001) than in LD (+14 to 17%, P less than .10) and an enhanced glycolytic metabolism in LD (P less than .05). Lipid concentration was higher in SS of T12 than in that of T28 pigs. Lipogenic enzyme activities and unsaturation of backfat were higher in T12 than in T28 pigs, whereas no effect of temperature was noticed in leaf fat. Cold treatment resulted in a faster postmortem pH decline (P less than .01), higher glycolytic potential (P less than .01), and lower ultimate pH (P less than .01) in LD. The results indicate that 12 degrees C vs 28 degrees C induced detrimental effects on growth, ham composition, and muscle and adipose tissue quality.     

Effect of injected and dietary iron in young pigs on blood hematology and postnatal pig growth performance

The relationship of injected Fe doses on blood hematology and pig growth performance during both preweaning and postweaning periods was studied. In Exp. 1, the effect of BW of 347 pigs injected with 200 mg of Fe (dextran) intramuscularly (i.m.) at birth on hemoglobin (Hb) and percent hematocrit (Hct) at weaning was assessed. As BW increased there was a decline (P < 0.01) in Hb and Hct. In Exp. 2, Fe injection doses and timing of injected Fe on blood hematology and pig growth were evaluated. Injections were as follows: 1) 200 mg of Fe at birth; 2) 300 mg of Fe at birth; or 3) 200 mg of Fe at birth + 100 mg of Fe at d 10. A total of 269 pigs were allotted within litter to 3 treatments. The 2 greater quantities of injected Fe (i.e., 300 or 200 + 100 mg of Fe) had similar but greater (P < 0.05) Hb and Hct values than pigs receiving 200 mg of Fe, but growth rates were similar at weaning. The effects of injecting 200 mg of Fe at birth and either saline or 100 mg of Fe at 10 d of age were investigated in Exp. 3. Weaned pigs of each group were fed diets with 0, 80, or 160 mg/kg of added Fe for 35 d as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with 12 replicates (n = 360 pigs) in a randomized complete block design (RCB). The innate Fe contents of diets averaged 200 mg/kg. The greater Fe injection group (200 + 100 mg) had greater (P < 0.01) Hb and Hct values through 14 d postweaning (P < 0.05) and greater (P < 0.01) Hct values through 21 d postweaning. As dietary Fe increased, Hb was greater only at d 14 (P < 0.05 4), whereas Hct increased linearly to d 35 (P < 0.01) postweaning. Dietary Fe resulted in linear increases (P < 0.01) in ADG from d 21 to 35 and d 0 to 35. In Exp. 4, 3 dietary Fe (80, 160, and 240 mg/kg of diet), 2 injected Fe treatments (200 or 300 mg of Fe) at birth, and birth BW (<1.5 or ≥1.5 kg) were evaluated as a 2 × 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments in a RCB design with 6 replicates (n = 280 pigs). The 300 mg of Fe injection group had lighter BW in both birth BW groups, with a birth BW × injected Fe interaction (P < 0.01). This resulted in the lighter birth BW pigs receiving 200 mg of Fe having greater BW gains to 240 mg/kg of dietary Fe, whereas light birth BW pigs injected with 300 mg of Fe plateaued at 160 mg/kg of Fe. Pigs in the heavy birth BW group injected with 200 or 300 mg of Fe at birth responded similarly to dietary Fe postweaning. These results indicate that blood Hb and Hct were affected by pig BW at weaning, but the additional 100 mg of Fe i.m. at 10 d of age increased blood hematology and that Fe injected preweaning affected initial postweaning performance.