醋酸盐缓冲合剂对碱过多性胃肠弛缓的疗效

对６９例前胃弛缓和瘤胃积食等胃肠弛缓自然病牛的瘤胃内环境参数和植物神经调控指标进行了检测。前胃弛缓、瘤胃积食病牛的瘤胃内环境参数基本一样,特征是ｐＨ值明显升高,分别为（７．９３±０．４７）和（８．０４±０．５９）,漂浮沉降时间明显缩短,次甲蓝反应时间明显延长,总酸度降低至（１３．１０±４．７５）Ｕ和（１１．２３±４．５５）Ｕ,纤毛虫数量减少、活力减退,细菌以Ｇ－者为主,乳酸增多,乙酸、丙酸和ＶＦＡ总量减少。前胃弛缓、瘤胃积食病牛血清肾上腺素（Ｅ）、去甲肾上腺素（ＮＥ）、多巴胺（ＤＡ）和儿茶酚胺（ＣＡ）等第一信使指标,ｃＡＭＰ、ｃＧＭＰ等第二信使指标改变不大。根据瘤胃内环境参数检测结果,结合临床表现,确认６９例胃肠弛缓病牛均为碱过多性胃肠弛缓,对其中５９例投服醋酸盐缓冲合剂（无水醋酸钠１３１ｇ,冰醋酸２２．９２ｍＬ,常水１０Ｌ）进行治疗,治愈率在９０％以上,平均投用方剂数仅为１．３付。     

Indicators of induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in Danish Holstein cows

Background

The prevalence of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows is high with large impact on economy and welfare. Its current field diagnosis is based on point ruminal pH measurements by oral probe or rumenocentesis. These techniques are invasive and inaccurate, and better markers for the diagnosis of SARA are needed. The goal of this study was to evaluate clinical signs of SARA and to investigate the use of blood, faecal and urinary parameters as indicators of SARA. Six lactating, rumen cannulated, Danish Holstein cows were used in a cross-over study with three periods. The first and second periods included two cows on control diet and two cows on nutritional SARA challenge. The third period only included two cows on SARA challenge. Control diet was a conventional total mixed ration [45.5% dry matter (DM), 17.8% crude protein, 43.8% neutral detergent fibre, and 22.5% acid detergent fibre (DM basis)]. SARA challenge was conducted by substituting control diet with grain pellets (50% wheat/barley) over 3 days to reach 40% grain in the diet. Ruminal pH was measured continuously. Blood samples were collected once daily at 7 h after feeding. Samples of faeces and urine were collected at feeding, and at 7 and 12 h after feeding. Blood samples were analysed for pCO2, pO2, pH, electrolytes, lactate, glucose, packed cell volume (PCV), and total plasma protein concentration. Milk composition, ruminal VFA, and pH of faeces and urine were measured.

Results

SARA was associated with decreased (P < 0.05) minimum ruminal, faecal and urinary pH. Daily times and areas of ruminal pH below 5.8, and 5.6 were increased to levels representative for SARA. Significant differences were detected in milk composition and ruminal VFAs. Blood calcium concentration was decreased (P < 0.05), and pCO₂ tended to be increased (P = 0.10). Significant differences were not detected in other parameters.

Conclusions

SARA challenge was associated with changes in faecal and urinary pH, blood calcium concentration and pCO₂. These may be helpful as indicators of SARA. However changes were small, and diurnal variations were present. None of these parameters are able to stand alone as indicators of SARA.     

Anti-lipopolysaccharide antibody administration mitigates ruminal lipopolysaccharide release and depression of ruminal pH during subacute ruminal acidosis challenge in Holstein bull cattle

The effects of anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) antibody on rumen fermentation and LPS activity were investigated during subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) challenge. Eleven Holstein cattle (164 ± 14 kg) were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Cattle were fed a roughage diet on days −11 to −1 (pre-challenge) and day 2 (post-challenge), and a high-grain diet on days 0 and 1 (SARA challenge). For 14 days, 0-, 2-, or 4-g of anti-LPS antibody was administered once daily through a rumen fistula. Ruminal pH was measured continuously, and rumen fluid and blood samples were collected on days −1, 0, 1, and 2. Significantly lower ruminal LPS activity on day 1 was observed in the 2- and 4-g groups than those in the 0-g group. In addition, significantly higher 1-hr mean ruminal pH on SARA challenge period (days 0 and 1) was identified in the 4-g group than in the 0-g group. However, rumen fermentation measurements (total volatile fatty acid [VFA], VFA components, NH₃-N and lactic acid) and peripheral blood metabolites (glucose, free fatty acid, beta-hydroxybutyrate, total cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase) were not different among the groups during the experimental periods. Therefore, anti-LPS antibody administration mitigates LPS release and pH depression without the depression of rumen fermentation and peripheral blood metabolites during SARA challenge in Holstein cattle.     

Technical Note: The comparison of pH and redox potential in different locations in the reticulo-rumen of growing beef steers supplemented with different levels of quebracho extract

Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic disorder occurring when organic acid production exceeds clearance capacity, reducing ruminal pH. The occurrence of acidosis has been directly correlated to the ratio of concentrate to forage in the diet. However, rates of substrate fermentation and acid absorption vary at different locations in the reticulo-rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the pH and redox potential (Eh) in different locations of the reticulo-rumen using 16 ruminally cannulated steers (309 ± 43 kg) receiving different supplementation levels of quebracho extract (QT; Schinopsis balansae) within a grower type diet (CP: 13.4%; total digestible nutrients [TDN]: 70.4%; and ME: 2.55 Mcal/kg, dry matter [DM] basis). Animals were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: QT at 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% of DM (QT0, QT1, QT2, and QT3, respectively), containing about 0%, 0.7%, 1.4%, and 2.1% of condensed tannins (CT), DM basis, respectively. Animals were adapted to the basal diet for 12 d before being introduced to predetermined treatments for 4 weeks (wk), with diets provided twice daily to allow ad libitum intake. Weekly measurements of ruminal fluid pH and Eh were taken 4 h post-feeding using a portable pH meter with two probes (pH and redox) in four locations of the reticulo-rumen (reticulum, cranial sac, dorsal sac, and ventral sac). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and wk as repeated measures, with DM intake included as a covariate. There was no interaction among treatments, location, and wk (P ≥ 0.882) on reticulo-ruminal pH. Overall, ruminal pH was lower for QT0 and QT1 compared to QT3 (P < 0.001). The pH in the reticulum was greater than those of the ventral and dorsal sacs (6.05 vs. 5.94, 5.89, respectively; P ≤ 0.001) but similar to cranial sac (6.00). Reticular pH was positively correlated with the ruminal locations (≥0.78; P < 0.001). The linear equation to estimate ruminal mean pH using reticulum pH had an intercept and slope different from zero (P ≤ 0.04), but CT (% DM) was not different from zero (P = 0.15), root mean square error of 0.15, and R² of 0.778: 0.723 (±0.36) + 0.857 (±0.059) × reticulum pH + 0.033 (±0.023) × CT. The Eh was lower for QT0 in week 1 than all other treatments (P < 0.001). We concluded that reticulo-ruminal pH differs among locations in the rumen regardless of QT supplementation level and days on feed, with reticular pH being the highest.     

Effects of substituting kraft pulp with corn silage on dry matter intake,ruminal mat formation,rumen fermentation,and rumination activity in non‐lactating cows

The present study examined the effects of substituting kraft pulp (KP) with corn silage (CS) on dry matter intake (DMI), ruminal mat and rumen fermentation characteristics, and rumination. Four non‐lactating, rumen‐cannulated Holstein cows were fed a CS diet comprising 36% grass silage (GS) and 64% CS or a KP diet comprising 36% GS, 57% KP, and 7% soybean meal. DMI was significantly lower in cows fed the KP diet than in those fed the CS diet (p < 0.05), whereas rumination time did not significantly differ between the treatments. Dry matter content in the rumen immediately before and 3 h after feeding was significantly higher in cows fed the KP diet than in those fed the CS diet (p < 0.05). The consistency and thickness of the ruminal mat did not significantly differ between the treatments. The ruminal mean retention time of feed particles tended to be longer in cows fed the KP diet than in those fed the CS diet (p < 0.10). The ruminal digestion rate of KP was comparable to that of GS and CS. Because ruminal mat was formed and rumination was stimulated, KP was considered to have the equivalent physical effectiveness as CS.     

不同RDP/RUP比例日粮对鲁西黄牛瘤胃发酵的影响

试验选用3头体况健康,体重350 kg左右,并安装有瘤胃瘘管的鲁西黄牛,采用3×3拉丁方试验设计,饲喂3种RDP/RUP比例分别为1.00∶1.00(A组)、1.22∶1.00(B组)、1.50∶1.00(C组)的等能等氮日粮,研究其对瘤胃内环境参数的昼夜动态变化规律的影响。结果表明:瘤胃pH受日粮RDP/RUP比值差异的影响不显著(P>0.05),A、B和C组pH变化范围分别为6.53~6.94、6.44~6.84和6.45~7.03。各组瘤胃pH均在饲喂后2~4 h达到最低值,随后逐渐上升;瘤胃液尿素氮以C组最高,A、B 2组差异不显著(P>0.05)。各组瘤胃液尿素氮在08:00饲喂后2 h达到最高值,但20:00饲喂后各组变化趋势不一致。A、B 2组瘤胃液尿素氮浓度白天较低,夜晚较高,而C组正好相反;各组瘤胃液氨氮平均浓度差异不显著(P>0.05),动态变化趋势基本相同,均在饲喂后2 h达到最高值;瘤胃微生物蛋白(MCP)平均浓度随RDP/RUP比值升高而显著提高,C组显著高于A、B 2组(P<0.05)。各组瘤胃液MCP浓度均在饲喂后2 h达到最低值。结果显示,以瘤胃液MCP浓度为衡量指标,日粮适宜的RDP/RUP比例为1.50∶1.00。     

不同生育期白羊草的瘤胃降解特性及其对瘤胃内环境的影响

以安装永久性瘘管的本地绵羊15只为试验动物,采用尼龙袋法对不同生育期白羊草的绵羊瘤胃降解特性及其对瘤胃内环境的影响进行研究。结果表明:干物质(DM)和粗蛋白质(CP)的有效降解率均在拔节期为最高,且拔节期DM的有效降解率显著高于其他3个生育期(P0.05)。DM的有效降解率随着生育期的推进不断降低,而CP的有效降解率无一定变化规律;加入不同生育期白羊草后,瘤胃液铵态氮浓度和总挥发性脂肪酸、乙酸、丙酸、丁酸、戊酸和异丁酸浓度均呈现先上升后下降的趋势,并在4h时达到峰值,且4h时,拔节期的铵态氮浓度和总挥发性脂肪酸、乙酸、丙酸浓度显著高于开花期(P0.05),其中以拔节期白羊草的增加幅度最大,开花期的最低,表明拔节期白羊草具有较高的瘤胃降解特性,最利于瘤胃发酵,由此可见,添加装有不同生育期白羊草的尼龙袋后均会对绵羊的瘤胃内环境产生影响,其原因主要与不同生育期白羊草的蛋白质含量和结构有关。     

Food intake and rumen motility in dwarf goats. Effects of some serotonin receptor agonists and antagonists

The serotonergic regulation of feeding behaviour has not so far been studied in ruminants. Therefore, the effects of some serotonin (5-HT) receptor agonists and antagonists on food intake and forestomach motility were studied in dwarf goats.Goats ate less food when treated intravenously (IV) with the 5-HT precursor 5-HTP (25 µg, 50 µg or 100 µg kg^–1 min^–1 over 15 min) than when they were treated with 5-HT (which does not pass the blood-brain barrier) or with saline. Accordingly, IV dexfenfluramine infusions (50 µg or 100 µg kg^–1 min^–1 over 15 min), which induces release of brain 5-HT, also led to dose-related reductions in food intake. In contrast, no anorectic effects were observed after IV infusions with the selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine (100 µg kg^–1 min^–1 over 15 min), the selective 5-HT1A agonist 8-OH-DPAT (0.5 µg kg^–1 min^–1 over 15 min), or eltoprazine (4 or 8 µg kg^–1 min^–1 over 15 min), a mixed 5-HT1A/5HT1B receptor agonist. None of the 5-HT antagonists tested gave any increase in food consumption in this model. Interestingly, the non-selective 5-HT receptor antagonist methysergide (360 µg/kg IV) reduced food intake. This effect was most noticeable at 3 h after injection. The 5-HT3 receptor antagonist ondansetron (IV 10 µg kg^–1 min^–1 over 15 min) and the peripheral 5-HT2 receptor antagonist xylamidine (IV 100 µg kg^–1 min^–1 over 10 min) failed to modify food intake. These results provide evidence for central serotonergic involvement in the control of feeding. However, this control system differs markedly in goats and rodents.Dexfenfluramine, 5-HTP and eltoprazine administered at similar dose rates to those used in the food intake experiments induced some clinical signs including inhibition of forestomach contractions. These results, together with our earlierin vivo andin vitro observations, suggest that the inhibitory effects of serotonin receptor agonists on forestomach contractions are due to interactions with both peripheral and central serotonergic receptors. The change in smooth muscle tension, which leads to a change in the signals transmitted via vagal afferents to the central nervous system, appears not to modify feeding behaviour in dwarf goats.     

Ruminal degradation kinetics,intake, digestibility,and feeding behavior of beef steers offered annual or perennial grass-hay with or without supplementation

Effects of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DDGS) on ruminal fermentation, degradation kinetics, and feeding behavior of steers offered annual (Eragrostis tef; TEFF) or perennial (Bothriochloa bladhii; OWB) grass hay were evaluated. Ruminally cannulated Angus crossbred steers (n = 6; body weight [BW] = 304 ± 11 kg) were assigned to a 4 × 6 unbalanced Latin square design with four treatments arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial: hay type (OWB or TEFF) and DDGS supplementation (0% or 0.5% BW [dry matter {DM} basis]). Steers had ad libitum access to hay. Periods consisted of a 14-d adaptation followed by 7 d of collection. Residues from the in situ incubations (0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 h post-feeding) were fitted to a first-order kinetics model using the NLIN procedure of SAS. The DDGS decreased (P < 0.01) TEFF DM intake (DMI) by 11.3%, while not affecting DMI of OWB. The greatest DMI was observed for steers supplemented with DDGS, regardless of forage, and least in steers consuming OWB without DDGS (hay type × DDGS; P = 0.03). Non-supplemented steers spent more (P < 0.01) time eating hay. Digestibility of DM tended (P = 0.06) to increase with DDGS supplementation. A hay type × DDGS interaction was observed (P ≤ 0.05) on ruminal effective degradable fractions. The rate of degradation, soluble fraction, and the potentially degradable fraction of organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased (P ≤ 0.05), while the undegradable fraction of all components decreased (P ≤ 0.01) when steers were offered TEFF compared to OWB. Ruminal DM, OM, and ADF degradation lag-time increased (P ≤ 0.02) in steers offered OWB. Ruminal degradation kinetics were not (P ≥ 0.17) independently affected by DDGS supplementation. Average ruminal pH of steers offered TEFF (P < 0.01) and those offered DDGS (P < 0.01) were lower than OWB and non-supplemented steers. Total concentration of VFA tended (P = 0.09) to increase when DDGS was provided with OWB, while decreasing when TEFF was offered. The acetate:propionate increased (P < 0.01) with DDGS supplementation due to a decrease (P = 0.03) in propionate. Ruminal NH₃-N was greater (P = 0.03) in steers offered TEFF compared to OWB, and those supplemented with DDGS (P = 0.03). An annual, in place of a conventional, perennial hay improved intake and digestion of nutrients, without affecting feeding behavior. The supplementation with DDGS appears to affect forage intake, ruminal degradation, and feeding behavior, although not independent of forage quality.     

Effects of feeding ratio of beet pulp to alfalfa hay or grass hay on ruminal mat characteristics and chewing activity in Holstein dry cows

The influence of the feeding ratio of a non‐forage fiber source and hay on ruminal mat characteristics and chewing activity was evaluated in dairy dry cows. Cows were fed four different diets: the ratios of alfalfa hay (AH) to beet pulp (BP) were 8:2 (dry matter basis, A8B2) and 2:8 (A2B8), and those of grass hay (GH) to BP were 8:2 (G8B2) and 2:8 (G2B8). Total eating time was decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.01). Total rumination time for AH was shorter than that for GH (P < 0.01), and it decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.01). The ruminal mat was detected by using a penetration resistance test of the rumen digesta. Penetration resistance value (PRV) of ruminal mat was highest with the G8B2 diet and PRV decreased with increasing BP content (P < 0.05) and feeding AH (P < 0.05). Thickness of the ruminal mat was greater for increasing BP content (P < 0.05). Simple linear regression of ruminal mat PRV on total rumination time resulted in a high positive correlation (r = 0.744; P < 0.001; n = 16). The results demonstrated that increasing the PRV of the ruminal mat stimulated rumination activity and a ruminal mat could be formed, although it was soft even when cows were offered a large quantity of BP.     

In situ ruminal degradation and in vitro fermentation characteristics,and antioxidative activities of the lotus rhizome

We evaluated the lotus rhizome as a potential ruminant feed by investigating its compositional properties, in situ degradation profile and in vitro fermentation characteristics with ruminal microbes, in comparison with cereal grains (corn, barley and wheat). The antioxidative activities in the lotus rhizome were also estimated. The soluble fraction of dry matter in lotus tuber was >70%, which was higher than those in the grains. The insoluble fraction in lotus tuber was not degraded by ruminal microbes in accord with a first‐order reaction. In an in vitro experiment, lotus tuber showed lower fermentation at 8 hr compared to the grains, but exhibited higher productions of gas and VFA at 48 hr along with a lower lactate and higher pH. The lower value of final lactate production in lotus tuber, indicating the metabolic capacity for lactate utilization retained, suggests a lower risk of ruminal acidosis compared to grains. Lotus rhizome had high antioxidant activities, with the foliar bud showing the strongest ferric reducing antioxidant power, followed in order by the apical bud, node, residual tuber, edible tuber, and nodal root. For ruminants, the lotus rhizome could thus be not only an energy feed but also the source of natural antioxidants.     

Technical note: development and testing of a radio transmission pH measurement system for continuous monitoring of ruminal pH in cows

An indwelling ruminal pH system has been used for the continuous recording of ruminal pH to evaluate subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows. However this system does not allow the field application. The objective of this study was to develop a new radio transmission pH measurement system, and to assess its performance and usefulness in a continuous evaluation of ruminal pH for use on commercial dairy farms. The radio transmission pH measurement system consists of a wireless pH sensor, a data measurement receiver, a relay unit, and a personal computer installed special software. The pH sensor is housed in a bullet shaped bolus, which also encloses a pH amplifier circuit, a central processing unit (CPU) circuit, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, and a battery. The mean variations of the measurements by the glass pH electrode were +0.20 (n = 10) after 2 months of continuous recording, compared to the values confirmed by standard pH solutions for pH 4 and pH 7 at the start of the recording. The mean lifetime of the internal battery was 2.5 months (n = 10) when measurements were continuously transmitted every 10 min. Ruminal pH recorded by our new system was compared to that of the spot sampling of ruminal fluid. The mean pH for spot sampling was 6.36 ± 0.55 (n = 96), and the mean pH of continuous recording was 6.22 ± 0.54 (n = 96). There was a good correlation between continuous recording and spot sampling (r = 0.986, P < 0.01). We also examined whether our new pH system was able to detect experimentally induced ruminal acidosis in cows and to record long-term changes in ruminal pH. In the cows fed acidosis-inducing diets, the ruminal pH dropped markedly during the first 2 h following the morning feeding, and decreased moreover following the evening feeding, with many pulse-like pH changes. The pH of the cows showed the lowest values of 5.3-5.2 in the midnight time period and it recovered to the normal value by the next morning feeding. In one healthy periparturient cow, the circadian changes in ruminal pH were observed as a constant pattern in the pre-parturient period, however that pattern became variable in the post-partum period. The frequency of the ruminal pH lower than 5.5 increased markedly 3 and 4 days after parturition. We demonstrated the possible application of a radio transmission pH measurement system for the assessment and monitoring of the ruminal pH of cows. Our new system might contribute to accurate assessment and prevention of SARA.     

浏阳黑山羊瘤胃上皮细胞周期分布、增殖和凋亡特点

本研究旨在建立浏阳黑山羊瘤胃上皮细胞的体外培养模型,并对其周期分布、增殖和凋亡特点进行研究。试验采集60日龄浏阳黑山羊的瘤胃上皮组织,应用0.25%胰蛋白酶+0.02%乙二胺四乙酸(EDTA)消化法对山羊瘤胃上皮组织进行消化,得到单个的山羊瘤胃上皮原代细胞进行体外培养。通过倒置显微镜对原代和传代培养阶段细胞形态进行观察,采用细胞计数法检测细胞的生长活性,应用细胞免疫组化学方法对传代细胞进行鉴定,并用流式细胞术检测山羊瘤胃上皮传代细胞周期分布情况和凋亡比率。结果显示:1)经0.25%胰蛋白酶+0.02%EDTA消化获得的山羊瘤胃上皮原代细胞,培养1 d开始贴壁生长,2 d开始生长较快(对数期),呈典型的"波峰"状生长,3~4 d生长最为迅速,7 d生长速度平稳(平台期)。2)经细胞免疫组化学方法的鉴定,细胞胞浆为黄褐色,即细胞角蛋白19呈阳性表达。3)膜联蛋白-V/碘化丙啶联合染色显示,随着培养时间的延长,细胞凋亡比率显著增加(P0.01)。结果表明,通过0.25%胰蛋白酶+0.02%EDTA的消化方法成功得到了浏阳黑山羊瘤胃上皮细胞,可为今后研究反刍动物瘤胃相关机制与功能提供模型。     

Effects of supplementation with narasin,salinomycin, or flavomycin on performance and ruminal fermentation characteristics of Bos indicus Nellore cattle fed with forage-based diets

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the inclusion of narasin, salinomycin, or flavomycin for 140 d on ruminal fermentation parameters, apparent nutrient digestibility, and performance of Nellore cattle offered a forage-based diet. In experiment 1, 32 rumen-cannulated Bos indicus Nellore steers [initial body weight (BW) = 220 ± 12.6 kg] were assigned to individual pens in a randomized complete block design according to their initial shrunk BW. Within block, animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments: (1) forage-based diet without feed additives (CON; n = 8), (2) CON diet plus 13 ppm of narasin (NAR; n = 8), (3) CON diet plus 20 ppm of salinomycin (SAL; n = 8), or (4) CON diet plus 3 ppm of flavomycin (FLA; n = 8). The experimental period lasted 140 d and was divided into 5 periods of 28 d each. The inclusion of feed additives did not impact (P ≥ 0.17) dry matter intake (DMI), nutrient intake, and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients. Nonetheless, steers fed NAR had lower (P < 0.01) molar proportion of acetate compared with CON, SAL, and FLA steers, whereas ruminal acetate tended to be greater (P < 0.09) for SAL vs. CON and FLA, but did not differ (P = 0.68) between CON vs. FLA steers. Ruminal propionate was the highest (P < 0.01) for steers fed NAR and did not differ (P > 0.20) between CON, SAL, and FLA. Consequently, NAR steers had the lowest (P < 0.01) Ac:Pr ratio, whereas Ac:Pr did not differ (P > 0.18) among CON, SAL, and FLA. Total volatile fatty acids were greater (P < 0.04) for NAR and CON vs. SAL and FLA, but did not differ (P > 0.67) among NAR vs. CON and SAL vs. FLA. In experiment 2, 164 Nellore bulls (initial shrunk BW = 299 ± 2.5 kg) were assigned to feedlot pens for 140 d in a randomized complete block design. Within block (n = 10), animals were randomly assigned to the same treatments used in experiment 1. Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.01) in NAR vs. CON, SAL, and FLA bulls, and did not differ (P > 0.12) between CON, SAL, and FLA bulls. Bulls fed NAR had greater (P < 0.02) DMI (as kg/d or % BW) and final shrunk BW compared with CON, SAL, and FLA bulls, whereas DMI and final shrunk BW did not differ (P > 0.26) between CON, SAL, and FLA bulls. Feed efficiency, however, was not impacted (P = 0.51) by any feed additives used herein. Collectively, narasin was the only feed additive that benefited performance and ruminal fermentation of Nellore animals fed a forage-based diet.     

Redox potential: An intrinsic parameter of the rumen environment

The ruminal ecosystem is a fermentative milieu which is interesting to discuss in terms of its redox status as a reflection of an intense bacterial activity. The objective of this systematic literature review is to quantitatively analyze data collected on redox potential (Eh) in the rumen and to explore relationship between ruminal Eh, nature of the diet fed to ruminants, and ruminal fermentation parameters. Data obtained from 15 studies comprising 24 different diets was used in the analysis. Studies included in the data file were selected based on the criteria of: (i) the nature of the reference electrode was specified, (ii) the ruminal Eh was recorded simultaneously to pH, (iii) animal body weight (BW) and dry matter intake (DMI) were reported and (iv) the composition of the diet was precisely described. Results showed a high variability in ruminal Eh values. However, all recorded values are markedly negative reflecting the absence of oxygen and the strong reducing power of the rumen environment. The main factors contributing to the variation were the method of Eh measurement and the nature of the diet fed to ruminants. Redox potential was positively correlated with DMI and proportion of concentrate in the diet, and tended to be positively correlated with soluble carbohydrates content. In contrast, it was negatively correlated with neutral detergent fibre from forages. The hierarchical ascendant classification discriminated two groups of diets leading to significant change in ruminal Eh level. Ruminal Eh was negatively correlated with pH, total volatile fatty acids produced and proportion of acetate, and positively correlated with proportion of propionate. This review revealed Eh to be dependent on the diet composition and DMI, at least within the range of diets included in the database.     

A cow‐level association of ruminal pH on body condition score,serum beta‐hydroxybutyrate and postpartum disorders in Thai dairy cattle

Subacute ruminal acidosis in dairy cows occurs when ruminal pH is below about 5.5. However, the exact threshold level of ruminal pH affecting cow health is still in debate. This investigation was carried out in 505 cows within 31 farms. The postpartum disorders, including dystocia, retained placenta, anestrus, cystic ovary, metritis, clinical mastitis and lameness, were analyzed. Ruminal pH, serum beta‐hydroxy butyrate (SBHB), serum urea nitrogen and body condition score (BCS) were measured once during the 3 to 6 weeks postpartum, while BCS was determined once more at 1 week before calving. Ruminal pH was determinded by ruminocentesis technique. The ruminal pH was evaluated to study the association with BCS, SBHB and postpartum disorders using linear regression in a generalized linear mixed model with farm as a random effect. The results show that low ruminal pH was associated with dystocia, metritis and lameness. Moreover, a low ruminal pH can be found in cows with a high loss of BCS after calving and also in cows with low SBHB postpartum. These findings confirmed the feasibility of the ruminocentesis technique and the association of low ruminal pH on various postpartum disorders at the individual cow level. However, the consequences of low ruminal pH on dairy cow health still needs more exploration for a better understanding of the physiological mechanisms.     

Effects of forage source and particle size on chewing activity,ruminal pH,and saliva secretion in lactating Holstein cows

The present study investigated the effects of dietary forage source (quality) and particle size on chewing activity, saliva secretion, and ruminal pH. Twelve multiparous lactating Holstein cows, four of which were ruminally cannulated, were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Cows fed wild‐rye hay diets had longer daily eating times than cows fed oaten hay diets. Treatments had no effect on ruminating time; therefore, resting time varied inversely to eating time. Neither the rate nor the amount of saliva secretion while eating, ruminating, or resting was affected by diet, resulting in similar total daily saliva secretions across treatments (231 L/day). Total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in the ruminal fluid from animals fed oaten hay diets were higher than those from animals fed wild‐rye hay diets; further, VFAs increased with decreasing forage particle size (FPS). Consistent with elevated VFA concentrations, reducing FPS and including oaten hay in the diet decreased mean ruminal pH and increased the daily time of ruminal pH under 5.8. Results of this study suggest that forage source and particle size affect ruminal pH might be via variations in VFA production rather than increased salivary recycling of buffering substrates.     

Hypothalamus involvement in the reticulo-rumen motor and behavioural disturbances induced by morphine in sheep

Morphine (20 and 40 µg/kg) administered into the cerebral ventricle of conscious sheep caused significant inhibition of the mean frequency and the average amplitude of primary ruminal contractions by 45 min after injection. Between 90 and 120 min, morphine (40 µg) provoked a significant increase in the amplitude (p<0.01). At both doses it caused strong psychomotor excitability that lasted for more than 140 min. Isolation of the hypothalamus prevented both the inhibitory effects of morphine on rumen motility and the drug-induced psychomotor excitability. Histopathological analysis of slices of the hypothalamus, pons and medulla indicated descending degenerative changes in the nervous pathways connecting the hypothalamus with lower structures in the brain. These results suggest either that hypothalamic isolation caused degeneration of inhibitory descending pathways that connect the hypothalamus with the gastric centres or that structures of importance for forestomach motility are not located within the gastric centres but elsewhere in the brain, for example in the hypothalamus.Abbreviations Ach acetylcholine - CSF cerebrospinal fluid - ICV intracerebroventricular(ly) - NA noradrenalin - 6-OHDA 6-hydroxydopamine - PAGM periaqueductal grey matter     

Pathophysiological evaluation of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by continuous ruminal pH monitoring

Evaluation of the radio‐transmission pH‐measurement system for monitoring the ruminal pH and subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in cattle is described. This is done in order to reveal the possible application of this system for detection and pathophysiological research of SARA by continuous ruminal pH measurement. The possibility of using this system for assessment of the ruminal pH in SARA cattle, and the presence of negative correlation between the ruminal pH and ruminal temperature in heathy and SARA cattle were determined. In addition, the 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing analysis showed that the ruminal microbial community was simpler in SARA cattle, and the bacterial numbers in SARA cattle were lower than those in healthy hay‐fed cattle. Concentrate feeding might have reduced the diversity of the ruminal microbial community. Changes in the ruminal microbial community of SARA cattle might be related to the changes in ruminal pH followed by the decrease in the number of some bacteria. Continuous monitoring of the ruminal pH using the radio‐transmission pH‐measurement system would be applied for detection and prevention of SARA in the field and pathophysiological research of SARA, including ruminal zymology and bacteriology, which have been determined previously by sampling of the ruminal fluid and measuring of ruminal pH.     

日粮补充异丁酸对犊牛生长性能、瘤胃发酵和纤维分解菌菌群的影响

为探索异丁酸对犊牛生长性能、瘤胃发酵、纤维分解菌菌群和酶活性的影响,试验选用15日龄荷斯坦犊牛36头,随机分成4组,对照组、低水平异丁酸组(LIB)、中水平异丁酸组(MIB)和高水平异丁酸组(HIB)分别饲喂异丁酸0、3、6和9g·d^-1,预饲15d,分别于60日龄(断奶)和90日龄测定体重和采集瘤胃液进行分析。结果表明,MIB组和HIB组犊牛干物质采食量、日增重和经济效益显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。90日龄时HIB组犊牛瘤胃pH值显著低于对照组和LIB组(P<0.05)。MIB和HIB组瘤胃总挥发性脂肪酸和乙酸浓度显著高于对照组和LIB组(P<0.05);MIB和HIB组犊牛60日龄时瘤胃乙酸/丙酸显著高于对照组(P<0.05),90日龄时显著高于对照组和LIB组(P<0.05)。60和90日龄时MIB和HIB组瘤胃异丁酸均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。60日龄时MIB和HIB组木聚糖酶和α-淀粉酶显著高于对照组(P<0.05),MIB和HIB组纤维二糖酶、果胶酶、溶纤维丁酸弧菌、黄色瘤胃球菌和产琥珀酸丝状杆菌显著高于对照组和LIB组(P<0.05);90日龄时MIB和HIB组各种瘤胃酶活力和纤维分解菌均显著高于对照组和LIB组(P<0.05)。结果显示,日粮补充异丁酸促进了犊牛瘤胃纤维素分解菌的生长,提高了纤维素分解酶的活性,进而促进了犊牛瘤胃发酵和生长发育。由于MIB与HIB之间各指标差异不显著,兼顾经济效益,在本试验条件下异丁酸的最佳添加量为6.0g·d^-1。