Uterine,vaginal and placental blood flows increase with dynamic changes in serum metabolic parameters and oxidative stress across gestation in buffaloes

The aims of the present study were to determine uterine, vaginal and placental blood flows by Doppler ultrasound cross-buffalo gestation and to evaluate the relationships among reproductive Doppler parameters and serum metabolic parameters as well as oxidative stress. Uterine (UA) and vaginal (VA) arteries were scanned every month, and placentome was scanned from month 4 till 8 in gestation. Time-averaged maximum velocity (TAMV), pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (SD) and arterial diameter (AD) were used for accessing UA and VA hemodynamics. Time-averaged maximum velocity positively correlated with and AD, and both negatively correlated with their PI, RI and SD in UA and VA. TAMV and AD increased constantly in pregnancy, with maximum increase in months 4 and 9. Pulsatility index, RI and AD of UA decreased between months 4 and 9, while PI, RI and AD of VA decreased between months 5 and 9 and then increased in month 10 in pregnancy. Time-averaged maximum velocity of placentome blood flow increased exponentially from months 4 to 8, but decreased at the last two months in pregnancy. Serum lipids were significantly higher in the first month compared to all other months, while glucose was significantly lower in months 9 and 10. Malondialdehyde increased from month 3 till term, but peaked in month 5 and 10. Glutathione and catalase were highest in the first month and remained after. Time-averaged maximum velocity and AD for both UA and VA negatively correlated with serum lipids, glucose, catalase and glutathione, while positively correlated with malondialdehyde and total protein. Thus, increases in uterine blood flow (UtBF), vaginal blood flow (VaBF) and placental blood flow (PaBF) are associated with increased metabolism and oxidative stress in buffalo pregnancy.     

Influence of the duration of calving and obstetric assistance on the placental retention index in Holstein dairy cows

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of duration of calving and obstetric assistance on retained placenta incidence of high milk production Holstein cows. Experimental groups were determined according to the duration of the expulsive phase of calving: 2 h (n = 16), 2‐4 h (n = 16) and >4 h (n = 12), and additionally allocated in two sub‐groups: spontaneous calving (n = 22) and intervention calving (n = 22). Diagnosis of retained placenta was considered with a threshold of 8 h after the expulsive phase. Cows without obstetric intervention, with labor duration of 2 h, presented reduced time needed for placental release, in comparison to those with obstetric assistance. In the 2–4 h group and >4 h, there was no statistical difference. The 2 h and 2–4 h groups with intervention and the spontaneous >4 h group were considered retained placenta groups. On the other hand, performing obstetric intervention when calving period was superior to 4 h nulled the occurrence of retention of fetal membranes. As a conclusion, obstetric assistance predisposes placental retention to calving with <2 h of duration in dairy cows. Conversely, when calving is more than 4 h, performing fetal extraction has a beneficial influence on preventing retained placenta.     

Lipid status, paraoxonase-1 activity and metabolic parameters in serum of heifers and lactating cows related to oxidative stress

The objective of this study was to investigate serum lipids, metabolic parameters and activity of the anti-oxidative enzyme paraoxonase-1 (PON1). The study was conducted on non-pregnant heifers with optimal health status and on healthy dairy cows in the period of intensive lactation, assuming that the energy and metabolic demands during lactation reduce anti-oxidative protection. Total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in lactating cows than in heifers. Bilirubin concentration and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity were also significantly higher in lactating cows (P < 0.05), indicating increased hepatic efforts of cows to meet energy requirements for lactation. Significantly lower PON1 activity and PON1/HDL ratio in lactating cows compared to heifers (P < 0.05) showed that metabolic efforts during pregnancy, parturition and lactation influence PON1 activity due to oxidative stress. Concurrent increase in total and HDL-cholesterol during lactation indicated that the HDL particle is a major carrier of cholesterol in cows.     

日粮补充β-胡萝卜素对奶牛繁殖性能影响的研究

本试验研究日粮补充β-胡萝卜素对奶牛血液β-胡萝卜素浓度、产后发病率、产后70天内的配种率、受胎率及一次配种受胎率的影响。结果表明:添加300mg/头·天的β-胡萝卜素能显著提高奶牛产前7天、产后10天和产后60天的血液β-胡萝卜素浓度(p<0.05),降低产后胎衣不下和乳腺炎的发病率,提高产后70天内的配种率和配种受胎率,但对一次配种受胎率和配种天数无明显影响。     

Identification of plasma and hepatic parameters related to metabolic robustness in dairy cows

Blood plasma and hepatic parameters were identified that describe the differences between metabolically robust or vulnerable dairy cows grouped according to their past health status. Data from a field study on dairy cows were used from which metabolically challenged dairy cows were selected that had a milk fat percentage of >4.5 mg/g and a fat to protein ratio of >1.5 in their previous early lactation. The selected cows were either classified as metabolically robust or vulnerable based on the occurrence of various metabolic and (re)production disorders in their previous lactations. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected in week 3 ante partum (a.p.) (-3 wk), in week 4 (+4 wk) and in week 13 (+13 wk) post-partum (p.p.). Plasma concentrations of metabolites and hormones and mRNA expression of genes involved in metabolic pathways in the liver were used as variables for a two-group discriminant analysis (DA). Average discriminant scores (centroids) were different (p < 0.05) in -3 wk, +4 wk and in +13 wk. In -3 wk, significant variables that best explained the differences between metabolically robust and vulnerable cows were parity, plasma triglycerides, glucose and mRNA abundance of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2). In addition, based on the classification matrix, 69% of the dairy cows were correctly classified. In +4 wk, identified significant parameters were parity, plasma glucose and urea, and 67% of the cows were correctly classified. In +13 wk, significant variables that explained the differences between the groups were parity, mRNA abundance of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain 1 and CPT1, and 66% of the cows were correctly classified. In conclusion, the identified variables may distinguish from metabolically challenged cows, those cows that had a poorer health performance in their previous lactations.     

Potential of plant polyphenols to combat oxidative stress and inflammatory processes in farm animals

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites which have been shown to exert antioxidative and antiinflamma tory effects in cell culture, rodent and human studies. Based on the fact that conditions of oxidative stress and inflammation are highly relevant in farm animals, polyphenols are considered as promising feed additives in the nutrition of farm animals. However, in contrast to many studies existing with model animals and humans, potential antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects of polyphenols have been less investigated in farm animals so far. This review aims to give an overview about potential antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects in farm animals. The first part of the review highlights the occurrence and the consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation on animal health and performance. The second part of the review deals with bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols in farm animals. The third and main part of the review presents an overview of the findings from studies which investigated the effects of polyphenols of various plant sources in pigs, poultry and cattle, with particular consideration of effects on the antioxidant system and inflammation.     

Effects of supplementation of chromium histidinate on glucose,lipid metabolism and oxidative stress in cats

In recent years, two meta‐analyses of chromium (Cr) supplementation have shown beneficial effects on glucose metabolism. Chromium histidinate (CrHis) reduces serum glucose levels in rats fed a high‐fat diet but no study has been conducted on cats until now. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of CrHis on glucose and lipid metabolism in cats. To challenge the glucose metabolism, 16 cats were fed a high‐carbohydrate high‐fat diet for three months. One group (n = 8) received 800 ug CrHis per day for two months, while the other group (n = 8) served as control group. An oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, blood samples were taken, and biochemical parameters and oxidative stress were measured. CrHis serum levels were significantly increased (p = 0.027) in the treatment group, while fructosamine levels were significantly lower (p = 0.029) in the control group. In both groups, glucose (p < 0.01), b‐hydroxy‐butyrate (p = 0.024) and 8‐hydroxy‐deoxyguanosine (p = 0.028) levels decreased significantly and cholesterol levels increased significantly (p < 0.01). In conclusion, CrHis did not improve glucose or lipid metabolism and did not affect oxidative stress in healthy cats.     

Effects of energy supply and nicotinic acid supplementation on serum anti‐oxidative capacity and on expression of oxidative stress‐related genes in blood leucocytes of periparturient primi‐ and pluriparous dairy cows

The periparturient period is accompanied by metabolic and oxidative stress. Niacin is known to decrease lipolysis but is also reported to have anti‐oxidative effects. Therefore, we examined the effects of energy supply and a nicotinic acid (NA) supplementation on anti‐oxidative serum parameters and on the expression of oxidative stress‐related genes in blood leucocytes of periparturient dairy cows, differing in parity. Twenty‐nine pluriparous and 18 primiparous cows were allocated to four different feeding groups 42 days before expected parturition until 100 days postpartum and fed a ration with either a low concentrate proportion of 30% (LC) or a high concentrate proportion of 60% (HC). After parturition, all animals received 30% concentrate which was increased to 50% either within 16 (LC group) or 24 days (HC group). Half of the animals per group were supplemented with 24 g NA per day from 42 days prepartum until 24 days postpartum. All investigated parameters varied significantly over time compared to parturition (p < .05). Ferric reducing ability (FRA) exhibited a nadir before parturition, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed peak activities around parturition. Expression levels of GPX1, SOD2, xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) and nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NRF2) peaked before calving. The concentrate level influenced GPX activity and mRNA abundance of SOD2, XDH and poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1). Pluriparous animals exhibited higher serum GPX activities, a more distinct nadir for FRA and higher expression levels for GPX1, SOD2 and XDH. Primiparous cows displayed higher serum SOD activities. NA supplementation increased serum SOD activity antepartum in LC animals. Parturition was characterised by an increased need for antioxidants and an increased expression of oxidative stress‐related genes that clearly differed with parity and was influenced by energy supply while NA exerted only minor effects on the investigated parameters.     

Effects of grazing on deposition of chemical body components, energy retention and plasma hormones in steers

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grazing on the accretion of energy and chemical components in steers, using the comparative slaughter technique and taking into consideration the growth rate. Twelve Holstein steers aged 6 months and weighing 160 kg were divided into three treatment groups – an initial, grazing and control group. The initial group was slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment. The grazing group was grazed on timothy pastures for 18 weeks. The control group was kept in a stable and offered concentrate and timothy hay in a proportion of 2:1 throughout the 18 weeks. The amount of ration offered to the control group was adjusted in order to obtain a growth rate similar to that of the grazing group. The grazing and control groups were slaughtered at the end of the experiment. The grazing and the control groups had similar growth rates of approximately 0.8 kg/day throughout the experimental period and similar final live weights of approximately 260 kg. The grazing group had lower fat and energy deposition rates than the control group (P < 0.05). Deposition rates of protein, fat, ash, moisture and energy were 130, 32, 30, 374 g/day and 4.4 MJ/day, respectively, in the grazing group and 117, 85, 32, 381 g/day and 6.2 MJ/day, respectively, in the control group. The net energy for growth was lower in the grazing group (7.7 MJ/kg) than in the control group (9.9 MJ/kg, P < 0.05). The grazing group had higher plasma concentrations in growth hormone and lower plasma concentrations in insulin and insulin‐like growth factor 1 than those in the control group (P < 0.05).     

Energy metabolism in the newborn farm animal with emphasis on the calf: endocrine changes and responses to milk-born and systemic hormones

Neonatal mammals need adaption to changes in nutrient supply because energy intake shifts from continuous parenteral supply of nutrients (mainly glucose, lactate, and amino acids) via the placenta to discontinuous colostrum and milk intake with lactose and fat as main energy sources. Besides ingested lactose, endogenous glucose production is essential in the neonate to assure sufficient glucose availability. Fetal endogenous glucose production is low, but endocrine changes (especially the prenatal rise of glucocorticoid production) promote maturation of metabolic pathways that enable marked glycogen synthesis before and enhanced gluconeogenesis after birth to establish an adequate glucose status during postnatal maturation. In preterm born farm animals gluconeogenic activity is low, mainly because of a low glucocorticoid and thyroid status. In full-term neonates, endogenous glucose production increases with age. Colostral bioactive components (such as growth factors, hormones, bioactive peptides, and cytokines) do not have a direct effect on endogenous glucose production. However, colostrum feeding stimulates intestinal growth and development, an effect at least in part mediated by bioactive substances. Increased nutrient and glucose absorption thus allows increased glucose supply and hepatic glycogen storage, which improves the glucose status. The improved energetic status of colostrum-fed neonates is reflected by an accelerated maturation of the somatotropic axis, leading especially to enhanced production of IGF-I in the neonate. Secretion and production of hormones involved in the regulation of glucose and fat metabolism in neonates depend on the developmental stage and the response to feeding. In addition, many such hormones have actions in the neonate that differ from adult animals. Endocrine action to support endogenous energy supply in neonates is probably not fully established, and therefore, needs postnatal maturation. Therefore, our knowledge on energy metabolism in the neonate needs to be extended to better understand the function and the failure and to assess endocrine responses during the neonatal period.     

丁二醇对热胁迫下匍匐翦股颖内源激素及其相关基因表达水平的调控

This research investigated ways to improve the heat resistance of creeping bentgrass（Agrostis stolonifera）in the context of use as a turfgrass in a global warming environment. Potted seedlings of the variety Penn A4 were studied under a simulated high temperature environment （37 ℃/32 ℃ ,day/night） and subjected to treatments involving foliar spraying of 300 μmol ∙ L^-1 2,3-butanediol（BD） to examine effects on leaf endogenous hormone content and the related gene expression. Seedlings received a BD pretreatment before being exposed to heat stress for 0,7 or 42 days before BD pretreatment,and then were allowed to recover at optimal temperature for 10 days. For seedlings subject to 7 days of heat stress it was found that BD application increased the levels of cytokinin,gibberellins （GA₃） and jasmonic acid, decreased levels of auxin, salicylic acid, abscisic acid, and 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid,and decreased the expression of related genes,thereby accelerating transpiration-driven cooling and plant vegetative growth. In addition,in plants subject to 42 days of stress,BD pre-treatment up-regulated the expression levels of various hormone-related genes,and reduced leaf hormone content by promoting endogenous hormone transport,thus inhibiting plant vegetative growth,and an energy saving whereby Penn A4 seedlings were able to resist long-term heat stress,and improving their survival probability. In summary,by regulating endogenous hormone metabolism to accelerate the growth rate and transpiration-induced cooling of Penn A4 under short-term stress,and by inhibiting the senescence and growth rate of plants under long-term stress,BD improved heat tolerance of Penn A4 creeping bentgrass. © 2022 Editorial Office of Acta Prataculturae Sinica. All rights reserved.     

Impact of postovulatory food deprivation on the ova transport, hormonal profiles and metabolic changes in sows.

The effect of food deprivation on ova transport, hormonal profiles and metabolic changes was studied in 20 crossbred multiparous sows during their second oestrus after weaning. To determine the time of ovulation, transrectal ultrasonographic examination was performed. The sows were divided into 2 groups, one control group (C-group), which was fed according to Swedish standards, and one experimental group (E-group). The E-group sows were deprived of food from the first morning meal after ovulation until slaughter. Blood samples were collected every second hour from about 12 h before expected ovulation in the second oestrus after weaning until slaughter and were analysed for progesterone, prostaglandin F2 alpha-metabolite, insulin, glucose, free fatty acids and triglycerides. All sows were slaughtered approximately 48 h after ovulation and the genital tract was recovered. The isthmic part of the oviduct was divided into 3 equally long segments and flushed separately with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Uterine horns were also flushed with PBS. A significantly greater number of ova were found in the first and second part of the isthmus in the E-group (p = 0.05) while in the C-group most of the ova were found in the third part of the isthmus or the uterus (p = 0.01). The level of prostaglandin F2 alpha-metabolite was significantly higher in the E-group compared with the C-group. The concentration of progesterone increased in both groups after ovulation but there were no significant differences between the groups. The other blood parameters showed that the food-deprived sows were in a catabolic state. The 48 h period of fasting results, directly or indirectly in an delayed ova transport, which may be due to a delayed relaxation in the smooth circular muscle layer of the isthmus.     

Effects of xylazole alone and in combination with ketamine on the metabolic and neurohumoral responses in healthy dogs

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of xylazole (an analogue of xylazine), also known as Jingsongling, alone and in combination with ketamine, on metabolic and neurohumoral responses in healthy dogs.Study designProspective randomized experimental study.AnimalsTwelve healthy mongrel dogs (7 male, 5 female, aged 13–20 months, weighing 12.8–15.4 kg).MethodsEach dog received one of two treatments: xylazole 4 mg kg^?1 (group X n = 6); or xylazole 4 mg kg^?1 plus ketamine 10 mg kg^?1 (group XK; n = 6) intramuscularly. Pulse rate (PR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), respiratory rate (f_R), and rectal temperature (RT) were recorded before and from 5 to 100 minutes after drug administration. Venous blood samples were taken before and at intervals from 0.5 to 24 hours after drug administration for determination of plasma concentrations of norepinephrine, epinephrine, β–endorphin, cortisol, insulin, and glucose. Statistical analyses employed anova for repeated measures for changes with time and anova for comparison between treatments.ResultsIn both treatment groups. PR, f_R and RT decreased. MAP increased transiently. At some time points PR, MAP and RT were significantly lower in group X than group XK. Plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, and insulin concentrations decreased, and β–endorphin and glucose concentrations increased with both treatments. Higher values of plasma norepinephrine, epinephrine, β–endorphin, and glucose concentrations were observed in the XK group compared with the X group.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThis study demonstrates that xylazole administered alone or in combination with ketamine in healthy dogs results in physiological, metabolic and neurohumoral responses similar to those seen after xylazine. Compared with xylazole alone, the combination of xylazole and ketamine reduced some of the responses.     

An investigation into uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire versus German Saddleback)

Litter size in modern so called hyperprolific pig (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) breeds such as of crossbred Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire (LY/YL) sows increased remarkably over recent years, however, commonly associated with reduced piglet birth weight and higher within litter birth weight variability likely due to a limited uterine capacity. Since investigation into this issue is patchy, the aim of this study was to investigate uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics in two sow lines with different prolificacy, that is crossbred Danish genetic (Danish Landrace x Danish Yorkshire; DG; n = 14) and purebred German Saddleback (GS) sows (n = 12). Parameters recorded were litter size, piglet birth weight and vitality, placental weight and surface area as well as placental vascularization. Litters of DG were on average larger than of GS (p < .001). Piglets of DG weighed on average less than GS (p < .001) and were less vital (p < .001–.142). Increasing litter size was associated with reduced piglet birth weight and increased within litter birth weight variability in GS, but not in DG. DG had on average a lower placental weight (p < .001) and smaller placentae (p < .001) than GS, but the placenta was on average more efficient than of GS (based on the quotient of piglet and corresponding placental weight; p < .001). Vascularization of placentae was on average not or only slightly different between breeds (p < .05 – .982). Remarkably, however, vascularization of the lateral and apical chorionic epithelium of the chorionic ridges as the immediate foetal/maternal interface was on average slightly higher in DG than GS (p < .05–.111). Results thus demonstrate that uterine capacity based on litter and placental characteristics is higher in DG than GS sows.     

多西环素泡腾片治疗子宫内膜炎和胎衣不下临床效果观察

为探讨多西环素泡腾片对子宫内膜炎和胎衣不下治疗作用,对患病奶牛用多西环素泡腾片进行1～3个疗程的治疗,观察临床效果。结果显示,104例为奶牛子宫内膜炎,治疗后有效率98.77%,治愈率93.27%。126例为奶牛胎衣不下,治疗后有效率98.23%,治愈率95.24%。表明多西环素泡腾片对奶牛子宫内膜炎和胎衣不下有较好的治疗效果。     

Ultrasonography to investigate the effect of supplementing whole milk with complex carbohydrates and specific amino acids on curd retention in the abomasum of dairy calves

AIM: To determine whether the retention time of curd in the abomasum of calves was influenced by supplementing milk with a plant-derived carbohydrate and amino acid supplement, evaluated non-invasively using ultrasonography.

METHODS: Female dairy calves aged between 2–6 days of age were sourced from a commercial farm in March 2013. All calves were fed whole milk until weaning (4?L per day); 21 calves were supplemented with a probiotic until 18 days of age, and thereafter with a plant-derived complex carbohydrate and amino acid supplement until weaning, and 22 calves were just fed whole milk. Treatment groups were balanced for age, weight and breed. At 9–14, 24–29 and 52–57 days of age, the abomasum of each calf was examined using ultrasonography immediately before and after feeding, 1 and 2 hours after feeding, and then at 30 minute intervals until curd was no longer visible in the abomasum. Abomasal volume and curd size were recorded to assess retention time of curd in the abomasum.

RESULTS: At 9–14 days of age, mean retention time of curd in the abomasum was similar (4.6 hours) in both groups. At 24–29 days of age, when the supplemented calves had been receiving the supplement for approximately 10 days, mean curd retention time was longer by 1.4 (SE 0.28) hours in supplemented compared with unsupplemented calves (p<0.001). At 52–57 days of age, mean retention time was longer by 0.7 (SE 0.34) hours compared to unsupplemented calves (p=0.05).

CONCLUSION: Using ultrasonography, changes in abomasal content could be followed non-invasively over time and it was demonstrated that the plant-derived complex carbohydrate supplement increased the curd retention time in the abomasum. We speculate that the increased retention time enables an increased availability of nutrients following a more complete digestion of milk, thereby improving animal performance.     

日粮精粗比对奶牛瘤胃挥发酸模式及血液糖脂代谢相关指标的影响

研究以24头荷斯坦奶牛为试验动物,随机分成2组,设计不同精粗比日粮(60∶40,40∶60),研究其对奶牛瘤胃挥发酸模式及血液糖脂代谢相关指标的影响。结果表明:高精粗比(60∶40)日粮下,瘤胃pH降低4.3%(P <0.05),丙酸浓度提高16.9%(P <0.05);乙酸浓度下降,总挥发酸浓度提高,但差异均不显著(P> 0.05);乙酸/丙酸比例降低20.5%(P <0.05)。随着日粮精粗比提高,奶牛血液葡萄糖浓度提高21.1%(P <0.05),血液非酯化脂肪酸(NEFA)浓度降低13.9%(P <0.05)。随着日粮精粗比提高,奶牛血液甘油三酯下降,胰岛素含量增加,但均未呈现显著性差异(P> 0.05)。     

Effects of supplemental d-methionine in comparison to l-methionine on nitrogen retention,gut morphology,antioxidant status,and mRNA abundance of amino acid transporters in weanling pigs

An N-balance experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that d-Methionine (d-Met) has the same bioavailability and efficacy as l-Methionine (l-Met) when fed to weanling pigs. A Met-deficient basal diet containing 0.24% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Met was formulated. Six additional diets were formulated by adding 0.036%, 0.072%, or 0.108% d-Met or l-Met to the basal diet, and these diets, therefore, contained 77%, 87%, or 97% of the requirement for SID Met. Fifty-six barrows (10.53 ± 1.17 kg) were housed in metabolism crates and allotted to the seven diets with eight replicate pigs per diet. Feces and urine were collected quantitatively with 7-d adaptation and 5-d collection periods. Blood and tissue samples from pigs fed the basal diet and pigs fed diets containing 0.108% supplemental Met were collected on the last day. Results indicated that N retention (%) linearly increased (P < 0.01) as supplemental d-Met or l-Met increased in diets. Based on N retention (%) as a response, the linear slope-ratio regression estimated the bioavailability of d-Met relative to l-Met to be 101% (95% confidence interval: 57%–146%). The villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum were not affected by the Met level or Met source. Total antioxidant capacity or thiobarbituric acid reactive substance concentrations in plasma or tissue samples from pigs fed the control diet or diets containing 0.108% supplemental d-Met or l-Met were not different. Abundance of mRNA for some AA transporters analyzed in intestinal mucosa of pigs also did not differ. Therefore, it is concluded that d-Met and l-Met are equally bioavailable for weanling pigs.     

Effects of dietary betaine on growth performance,fat deposition and serum lipids in broilers subjected to chronic heat stress

We evaluated the effects of supplementing betaine on growth performance, fat deposition and lipid metabolism status in broilers kept under chronic heat stress. Five hundred and forty chicks were randomly divided into six groups and the two normal temperature groups were held at normal ambient temperature and fed the basal diet (CONT) and basal diet plus 0.1% betaine, respectively. Heat stressed (HS) broilers were held at 32 ± 1°C from days 22 to 42 and fed the basal diet containing variable levels of betaine. Broilers were examined at days 28, 35 and 42 for body weight, feed consumption, fat deposition and serum lipids. The CONT and betaine‐supplemented groups showed higher (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) feed consumption, body weight gain, and lower feed : gain ratio compared with the HS‐CONT group. Meanwhile, heat stress increased abdominal, intermuscular and subcutaneous fat deposition, whereas the supplemental betaine significantly decreased those compared with the HS‐CONT group. Additionally, betaine supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride, free fatty acids, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol compared with HS‐CONT. Chronic HS reduces broiler production performance. However, betaine can reverse these negative effects partially and thus improve carcass composition by changing lipid metabolism.