The use of a partly-hydrolysed straw meal in the feeding of weaned piglets. 2. Concentration and production of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine by the use of test rations with various portions of straw

The ad libitum influence of various quotas of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PHSM) on the fermentation and production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the colon in the measuring periods 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping was checked within a feeding experiment with weaned piglets of the country species (42nd-98th day of life; 1st-8th week of keeping). The straw hydrolysis product was fed in a parallel experiment without or after neutralization with CaCO3 in quotas of, 5, 10 and 15% related to dry matter in comparison to the feeding of sole concentrate feed. The measuring in the 2nd week of keeping (adaptation phase) was blurred by the diarrhea in the groups with regard to the concentration, production and molar proportion of VFA. The concentration and production quota of VFA was diminished and the C2:C3 relation as well as the molar quota of branched-chain fatty acids increased in the comparison of the groups above all under the feeding conditions of the sole use of concentrate and--less distinctly--of quotas of 5% PHSM (insufficient dietetic effect) in the feed mixture. Measuring in the 8th week, in which diarrhea did not play a role in any of the groups, showed a significant, ration specific influence on the fermentation pattern of VFA. With the increasing quota of PHSM in the feed mixture (x) a significantly positive relation with the molar acetate quota (y) could be calculated (y = 52.6 + 0.36x;r = 0.50). The C2:C3 relation after sole concentrate feeding rose to 2.6:1 at a 15% PHSM integration. In this, the molar increase of acetate was predominantly linked with a decrease of the butyrate and valerate quotas. A falling tendency of the molar iso-acid quota in the colon digesta was registered with the growing straw quota in the feed mixture. The daily production quota of VFA varied in the measuring period in the 8th week of keeping between 400 and 800 mmol/animal.d without an ascertainable influence of the crude fibre quota of the straw. In comparative calculations with other test results, however, a significant positive correlation between the daily intake of digestible organic matter and the production of VFA in the large intestine could be proved.     

The use of a partly-hydrolysed straw meal for the feeding of weaned piglets. 1. Increased production and feed expense as well as nutrient digestibility and buffer capacity in rations with various high portions of partly-hydrolysed straw meal

In studies with weaned piglets of the land race the usability of partly hydrolysed straw meal (PSM) in concentrate - straw meal mixtures was tested over a period of 56 days (42nd-98th day of life; 1st-8th week of feeding. The hydrolysed straw product was there tested in a parallel experiment each without and after neutralization (by means of CaCO3) in quotas of 5, 10 and 15% as supplement to the concentrate feed (based on dry matter) in comparison to a sole concentrate feeding. Daily weight gain and feed and energy expenditure as well as nutrient digestibility and the buffer effect of the PSM rations were ascertained. Measured by weight gain, feed intake and concentrate- and energy expenditure related weight gain, a 10% quota of partly hydrolysed straw meal in a period near weaning (1st-4th week of feeding) had the highest effect and was far superior to traditional concentrate feeding. Lower quotas of PSM in this period did not show a sufficient dietetic effect (diarrhea symptoms), higher reduced the effect on the performance parameters. In the period more remote from weaning (5th-8th week of feeding) the effect of the straw meal integration was generally reduced, a quota of about 5% proved optimal. The registered higher daily weight gains in the total test period (1st-8th week of feeding in which concentrate - straw meal mixtures (relative 106-130%) were closely related to the daily intake of digestibility organic matter. The decrease in digestibility of organic matter in the total ration remained small with the use of the well fermentable crude fibre from the hydrolysed straw product and the balance was overcompensated by higher feed intake. A pH-value decrease of the feed mixtures and a physiologically suitable influence on the pH-value in the stomachs of the test animals could be ascertained due to the buffer capacity of the hydrolysed straw products used. With regard to this, the non-buffered hydrolysed straw product had a higher effect, which was, among other things, reflected in higher performances.     

Effects of different growth rates in weaned piglets, starvation and hormonal action, on various metabolic parameters in the blood plasma]

Changes in concentrations of metabolites of the main nutrients in the blood plasma, caused by weaning and by different body weight gains, by starvation, exogenous adrenaline and ASTH administration were studied in 141 weaned piglets of the Large White breed at an age of 26 to 69 days. After weaning, the total protein level showed a faster decrease in the intensively growing piglets than in those with lower growth rates. This rapid decrease was induced by adrenaline. The post-weaning levels of glucose decreased irrespective of the growth rate of the piglets. Adrenaline caused hyperglycaemia and, after 48 hours of starvation, hypoglycaemia. Urea levels significantly increased after weaning. During starvation they remained unchanged, even under exposure to hormonal effects. Cholesterol concentration decreased after weaning, after ACTH and adrenaline administration also showed a decrease. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids decreased after weaning, the decrease being more pronounced in the piglets with less intensive growth. The action of adrenaline, ACTH, together with an increased level of glucocorticoids, increased the concentration of these acids even in the state of starvation. It is assumed that early piglet weaning implies great metabolic changes which need not impair growth if their character is transient. The author evaluates the suitability of the starter used and parameters chosen for the determination of the metabolic profile of pigs.     

Nutritional-physiological effects of dietary fats in rations for growing pigs. 4. Effects of sunflower oil and coconut oil on protein and fat retention, fatty acid pattern of back fat and blood parameters in piglets

Rations containing 12% sunflower oil (Ration II) and 12% coconut fat (Ration III) were compared with a control ration (Ration I) in a 34 day experiment with growing boars of the German Landrace breed (12-30 kg body weight). The relationships between DP and ME were held constant for all 3 rations, and because of the higher ME contents of the two fat rations, this was achieved by reducing the feed intake, relative to that of the control ration. Parameters measured were growth, composition at slaughter, the apparent digestibility of the crude nutrients and energy, the N-balance and the concentrations of urea, insulin, glucose, triglyceride and cholesterol in the blood. In comparison to Ration I, the apparent digestibilities of crude protein in Rations II and III were 5 and 4% (p less than 0,05) higher, respectively. There was little difference in the apparent digestibility of crude fat between the Rations II and III. However, large differences in the values were determined depending upon method of extraction. There were little differences in the productive performance of the animals fed the fat diets. The control animals had, however, a 13% lower growth rate (p less than 0,05) when compared at similar ME-intakes. As the energy concentration and the growth rate were higher in groups II and III, the feed conversion efficiency and the ME required per kg growth were approximately 30 and 13% lower than that of the control animals. The efficiency of protein utilization of the animals in group III was 4% higher (p greater than 0.05) and the blood urea concentration 20% lower (p less than 0.05) than that in group II. The values for the control animals were intermediate. A similar result was obtained concerning the fat content of the animals. The fat content of the animals in group III was 15.9% and this was significantly lower (p less than 0.001) than that of 21.1% measured in group II. That of the control animals, 18.6%, was not significantly different from the above values. The differences in feeding over the relatively short period of 34 days lead to marked differences in the fatty acid pattern of the backfat. The contents of myristic acid and linoleic acid were significantly different between group II and III; for the former values of 0.8% and 16.9% were determined, respectively, with corresponding values of 48.7 and 11.3% for the latter.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Nutritive physiological effect of dietary fats in growing swine rations. 3. Effect of sunflower and coconut kernels on protein and fat retention, backfat fatty acid pattern and various blood parameters in piglets

Two groups, each of 9 castrated male piglets of the German Landrace breed, body weight 13-29 kg, were fed ad libitum for a 5 week period in order to determine the influence of the fatty acid composition of the dietary fat on protein and fat retention. The concentrations of urea, insulin, glucose, free glycerol and triglycerides were also determined. That fat in ration I (derived from 27% sunflower seed) contained 50% linoleic acid while that of ration II (derived from 12,5% coconut kernels) had a maximum lauric acid content of 41,8%. The relationship between digestible crude protein and ME-content was calculated to be similar in both rations. In addition protein quality was calculated to be similar in both rations. Protein deposition was determined from both nitrogen and comparative slaughter procedures. The results can be summarized as follows: The animals fed ration I had a higher daily ME-intake and growth rate than those fed ration II, although no great difference was observed in ME required per kg body weight gain. The efficiency of protein utilization was significantly better in group I and this was associated with a lower blood urea concentration. The concentrations of insulin and glucose in the blood, measured before as well as 20, 45, 60 and 120 minutes following feeding, showed little differences between the groups. The triglyceride concentration measured before and 1 and 5 hours following feeding was significantly higher (p less than 0,01) in group II. There was no significant difference in the protein and fat content of the body as well as in the daily protein and fat deposition. The fatty acid composition of the back fat was significantly influenced by the fatty acid pattern of the dietary fat. In group I the linoleic acid content was 3,6 times higher and the lauric- and myristic acid content 11,7 times lower compared to that of group II.     

The applicable merit of untreated, HCl-treated and partly-hydrolysed straw meal in the feeding regimen of piglets after early weaning. 4. Histological findings in the digestive epithelium of the piglet

In studies with piglets of the country race the applicability of variously treated straw materials was tested in comparison with conventional concentrate feeding (I) after an early weaning date (30th-35th day of life) over an 8-week period (1st-8th week of keeping). In the rations containing 10% straw (straw-concentrate mixtures), untreated (II), HCl treated (III: HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolyzed straw meal (IV: HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were used in the feeding. Samples were taken of 4 killed animals each in the 2nd and 8th weeks of keeping for the qualitative histologic assessment of palatum durum, oesophagus and stomach, duodenum and caecum, colon ascendens, colon descendens and rectum. Although significantly lower pH values in the stomach were registered after the feeding of feed mixtures III and IV due to increased acidity (pH value decrease by 1.3 to 1.5 units) in comparison to the values in I and II, the lamina epithelialis of the palatum durum remained intact in all groups and without any signs of cauterization. Equally, considerable changes in the comparison of the feeding groups could not be detected in the structures of the oesophagus and the stomach walls or in the qualitative histologic assessment of the duodenum and the caecum. However, there were clearly distinguishable group specifics with regard to the formation of lymphoreticular tissue in the stomach and for the colon ascendens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Use of partially hydrolyzed and untreated straw meal in the feeding of breeding sows. 3. Nutrient digestibility, feed passage time and mineral balance with the addition of variously treated straw materials compared to concentrate feeding alone

In studies with 16 breeding sows of the country species the feed value of straw materials and their fitness for use were ascertained in a long-term experiment. On the feeding basis of a concentrate ration (IV) untreated (I), HCl treated (II = HCl treatment without steaming) and partly hydrolysed straw meal (III = HCl treatment with subsequent steaming) were tested. In the course of the experiment and at a nutrient level of 1 (maintenance requirement), the digestibility of the organic matter of the ration and that of some major and trace elements, N and mineral balances as well as feed passage rate and water excretion in faeces were ascertained at selected measuring times. The following mean results were achieved: The integration of all straw materials tested lead to a significant reduction of the digestibility of the organic matter of the total ration, the least negative effect was caused by partly hydrolysed straw meal (III). The fractions crude protein, crude fibre and N-free extracts were mainly affected. Straw meal integration had a gravidity-conditioned influence on the daily N balance. Increased N excretion in faeces could only be compensated by non-pregnant animals by a decreased N excretion in urine. The mineral balance (Ca, P, Na, Cu and Mn) remained largely uninfluenced by the straw supplement. The feed passage rate was reduced by the use of all straw meal variants to ca. 50% of the value measured after the sole feeding of concentrate (IV). Feed passage rate and water excretion in faeces were approximately reciprocal. The digestibility of the organic matter of the straw materials ascertained according to the difference method amounted to 7.4 (I), 18.1 (II) and 27.9% (III); that of the N-free extracts in the same sequence to 10.0, 22.0 and 34.9%. The calculated energetic feed value was for I = 70.7, for II = 154.9 and for III = 240.7 EFUpig/kg DM.     

Metabolism and hematology studies of intensively raised fattened lambs under various feeding and management conditions. 1. The effect of various feeding methods on the blood picture, serum mineral and bilirubin concentration, and vitamin A concentration in the liver]

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and bilirubin content, blood picture and liver vitamin A were determined in six groups of lambs fattened on different rations, in comparison with a control group. The results are presented in graphs and tables. There was no clear difference between the various groups, in the criteria examined.     

Ethologic selection studies with early weaned piglets kept in pens with different use of straw. 3. Results of studies of the position sequence of area size and stall air temperature]

In continuation of our earlier investigations on the range of environmental factors in housing systems with perforated floors and the experiments with or without free choice on litter or deep litter the effects of the size of the area and the environmental temperatures on the behaviour of early weaned piglets (8 kg to 30 kg) kept on litter and deep litter have been investigated. Both factors had a crucial but diametrical influence. While for the total activity of the pigs the size of the compartment proved more important than room temperature, for the total inactivity it was the other way around. Therefore some essential requirements have to be obeyed even for housing systems with litter or deep litter, which can be considered more suitable for the housing of pigs from the start on. Because of their different importance for the activity (20% of the total behaviour) and the inactivity (80%) the factors can't replace each other. For housing systems with litter size allocation shouldn't amount less than 0.45 m2/animal and with deep litter not less than 0.70 m2/animal with room temperatures starting at about 25 degrees C and 20 degrees C, respectively.     

The effect of feeding rations with different ratios of concentrate to alfalfa hay on blood hematological and biochemical parameters of farmed ostriches (Struthio camelus)

A two-month trial was conducted to investigate the effects of pelleting rations with 70:30, 65:35, and 60:40 concentrate to high-quality roughage (alfalfa hay) ratios on hematological and biochemical parameters of ostriches. A total of 18 seven-month-old male ostrich chicks, initially weighing an average of 60–70 kg, were distributed into three different outdoor paddocks at a stocking density of six birds per paddock. In the morning, blood collection was made from the wing vein after about 12 h of fasting. All rations resulted in no significant change in hematological parameters. However, with increasing alfalfa inclusion rate, the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio tended to be lower (P?=?0.089); whereas the values of hemoglobin, packed cell volume (PCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) tended to be higher (P values 0.069, 0.072 and 0.094, respectively). In terms of plasma biochemical parameters, increasing the ratio of concentrate to alfalfa hay in ostrich diets resulted in significant (P?<?0.05) depression in the values of glucose (up to 20.2 %), total cholesterol (up to 19.2 %), creatine kinase (up to 27.9 %), and aspartate aminotransferase (up to 29.9 %). Additionally, the 65:35 or 60:40 rations caused a decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (27.9 and 42 %, respectively; P?=?0.008) compared to the 70:40 ration. Without exception, no rations affected the values of leukocyte subsets, total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very low density lipoprotein. Based on our results, the concentrate to alfalfa ratio of 60:40 could be suggested as optimum ratio for good health conditions of juvenile ostriches.     

The use of low‐protein rations including the feeding of only whole wheat to two breeds of replacement pullets

An experiment was performed on about 200 birds of each of two commercial breeds from o to 392 d of age. Four treatments were applied from 40 to 134 d of age with any changes in the treatment occurring at 89 d of age. Three of the treatments consisted of variation in the degree of reduction in the crude protein content of the mash diets offered over this period: 15.9 per cent followed by 14.6 per cent; 14.6 per cent throughout; 14.6 per cent followed by 12.3 per cent. In the context of similar experiments reported in the literature the higher egg weights and increased egg production achieved in this experiment by birds reared on the highest protein level and the reduction in food costs due to the use of the lower protein mashes were judged to be of only marginal economic significance.

The fourth treatment consisted of 14.6 per cent crude protein mash diet followed by only whole wheat consumed from 89 to 134 d of age. The saving in rearing food costs in this fourth group compared to the others was about 3p and the performance of the birds under this treatment was very similar to that obtaining under the other three treatments.     

The energy and protein concentration of broiler rations in Cuba. 3. Male broilers in the summer

A total of 1,900 male broilers of the variety White Plymouth Rock was tested with 4 energy concentrations (10.5, 11.5, 12.6 and 13.6 MJ metabolizable energy/kg) and 4 protein concentrations (15.0, 17.5, 20.0 and 22.5% CP) in their first 56 days of life in 16 test groups. The animals were kept in cages and were directly exposed to the natural Cuban summer temperatures from their 15th day of life onwards. As every test group was run with 6 repetitions, the results could be variance analytically calculated. In a comparison of the behaviour of the male animals in winter and in summer it can be stated that the animals took in between 3.4 and 25% more feed in winter than in summer. In general, a lower body protein and body fat amount could be found in all test groups in summer compared to that in winter. Feed expenditure and the utilization of energy and protein were not as good as in winter. It could be shown that both maximum live weight and live weight gain can be achieved in the 2nd fattening period in the Cuban summer if rations containing 12.6 MJ metabolizable energy and 20% CP are fed in a one-phase feeding system.     

Metabolism and hematology studies of intensively raised fattened lambs under various feeding and management conditions. 2. The effect of various management methods on the blood picture, serum mineral and bilirubin concentration and vitamin A concentration in the liver]

Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and bilirubin content, blood picture and liver vitamin A were studied in four groups of intensively fattened lambs kept under different conditions of management, in comparison with a control group. Results are shown in graphs and tables, Group-specific differences were found in some of the parameters examined: - Ca, P, erythrocytes, leucocytes, vitamin A.     

The effect of animal fat and vegetable oil supplementation of feeds of different energy concentration upon the digestibility of nutrients and some blood parameters in rabbits

The effect of mixed animal fat and sunflower oil supplementation (5%) of a feed of medium (12.02 MJ DE/kg) and low (8.54 MJ DE/kg) energy concentration upon the digestibility of nutrients and on some blood parameters was investigated. The ether-extractable content of feed and faecal samples was determined by diethyl ether extraction (after Soxhlet) and the total (true) fat level was measured by the method of Stoldt (1952), viz. petroleum ether extraction of samples pretreated with 4 N HCl. In the majority of cases the voluntary feed intake decreased after the addition of animal fat or vegetable oil. Mixed animal fat supplementation significantly (by 5 and 11 units) improved the digestibility of the ether extract if added to either of the basal diets. The digestibility of crude fibre and N-free extract increased only in the case of the basal diet of low energy concentration (by 4 and 7 units, respectively). Sunflower oil addition produced changes of the same tendency (9, 9, 28 and 5 units). The digestibility of the crude protein was practically not altered by either supplementation. The total fat content of feed and faecal samples proved to be higher than that of the ether extract, on an average by 27 and 100%, respectively. Consequently, the digestibility coefficients of the total fat are by 10 units lower than those of the ether extract. The DE concentrations, calculated by means of the digestible ether extract or the total fat content, differed significantly only between the basal diets. The addition of mixed animal fat to either of the basal diets increased the blood concentration of total lipids (by 18 and 32%, respectively), while that of sunflower oil did not cause such an alteration. Neither fat nor oil supplementation had an effect on the cholesterol level of the blood plasma. Both the animal fat and the vegetable oil surplus modified the fatty acid composition of blood lipids. It was characteristic of each treatment that the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids increased.     

The effect of straw meal on the crude protein and amino acid metabolism and the digestibility of crude nutrients in broiler breeding hens. 3. Digestibility of amino acids

In two experiments with colostomized broiler hens the influence of a straw meal supplement on the apparent digestibility of the amino acids of the ration and the 15N labelled basic amino acids in wheat was studied. In experiment 1 the animals received 120 g mixed feed plus 0, 20, 30 and 40 g straw meal per animal and day. The digestibility of the amino acids decreased on average from 86% to 83%, 80% and 79% with the growing straw intake. In contrast to the control variant, 20 g straw meal intake resulted in a significant decrease of digestibility for lysine, histidine, glycine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, cystine and methionine. 30 and 40 g straw meal reduced significantly the digestibility of all amino acids with the exception of arginine. The amino acid composition of the crude protein in faeces changed only very slightly due to the straw supplement. In experiment 2 15N labelled wheat was a component of the ration. Of the 15N labelled amino acids lysine, histidine and arginine, 88, 90 and 95% were apparently digested. The adaptation of the animals to straw meal intake did not change the digestibility of the amino acids.     

The effect of straw meal on the crude protein and amino acid metabolism and digestibility of crude nutrients in broiler hen breeds. 1. Problems, experimental review and N-excretion in the urine

The metabolization of the straw N and the influence of the straw on N excretion in urine were studied in 2 experiments with colostomized broiler hens and with 15N labelled wheat straw as well as 15N labelled wheat. In experiment 1 the test animals divided up into 4 groups received 0 g, 20 g, 30 g and 40 g straw meal per animal and day in addition to 120 g mixed feed. The daily 15N-excess (15N') intake from the straw was 18.4 mg, 27.5 mg and 36.7 mg. The amount of 15N' daily consumed with the labelled wheat in experiment 2 was 119.7 mg. 40 g straw meal resulted in a significantly increased amount of urine (p less than 0.05). The amounts of urine N and uric acid N were only increased as a tendency. On average the productive N decreased as a consequence of the straw meal supplement from 1070 mg/animal and day (control) to 764 mg/animal and day after 40 g straw meal supplement. The productive 15N' of the labelled wheat was not influenced by the straw meal supplement. The productive 15N' of the straw increased from 3.8 mg/animal and day (20 g straw) to 13.4 mg/animal and day (40 g straw). In contrast to 15N wheat, straw as a 15N source resulted in a lower labelling of uric acid N in comparison with urine N. It can be assumed that the changed metabolization of the straw N is influenced by microbial processes in the intestines.     

Nutrient composition of the muscle, fat, and bone tissue of carcasses during the development of lambs of the merino breed with different feeding intensities

In a developmental study of lambs, the following question was investigated: What is the influence of gender, bodyweight, and feeding intensity on the nutritional value of the carcass as well as the body tissues? This study was conducted with 108 lambs (50% males and 50% females) of the merino breed. The animals were fattened according to three feeding intensity levels ("high","medium", and "low") using varied feed concentrates and hay in their daily rations. They were slaughtered at body weights of 30, 45 or 55 kg. Six male and six female lambs were slaughtered at a bodyweight of 18 kg which was the initial weight of the fattening lambs. The left half of the slaughtered animal was carved according to the guidelines provided by the DLG (German Agricultural Society). For each cut, an examination of the meat(muscle), fatty tissue and bone/tendons was carried out and the percentages of these tissue components were determined for the whole joint. The samples of the tissues as well as the cuts were analysed for dry matter, crude protein, total fat level and crude ash. The carcasses of the male lambs showed higher protein content and lower fat levels. With increasing feeding intensity level and bodyweight, the differences in these nutritional components between the sexes rose. The muscle tissue (meat) of the lamb carcasses at the usual slaughter weight of 45 kg showed relatively low fat content (less than 10%). This was especially noticeable in carcasses of male lambs (less than 8%).     

The effect of feeding silage juices on selected hematologic and biochemical parameters in the blood (serum) and urine of feedlot bulls

The influence of silage juice feeding on the changes in 24 haematological and biochemical parameters in blood (blood serum) and urine of feeder bulls was evaluated in two comparative experiments in which no silage was included in feed rations. The supplement of 2 or 4 litres of juice per 100 kg of live weight represented a daily acidogenous stress of 0.79 to 1.93 moles of organic acids. In the first experiment this supplement was not proved to evoke any significant changes in the evaluated parameters. In the second experiment, in which the silage juices were enriched with sodium chloride, aqueous ammonia solution (26%) and molasses, a statistically significant increase in the level of beta-hydroxybutyric acid in blood and in the corresponding sum of ketone bodies (P less than 0.05 to 0.01) was observed in the experimental group of animals. The levels of sodium in serum were also increased (P less than 0.05). The average weight gains of bulls belonging to the experimental group were higher than those in the control groups.     

The effect of diarrhea on the oxidation of 14C-phenylalanine in piglets receiving diets varying in protein and proline concentration.

The oxidation rate of L-[1-14C]phenylalanine in piglets suffering from diarrhea and receiving diets varying in concentration of protein or proline was compared to the oxidation rates in healthy animals. Phenylalanine oxidation was used to indicate the partition of absorbed amino acids between protein synthesis and oxidation. Piglets receiving adequate protein diets and suffering from diarrhea oxidized significantly more phenylalanine (P less than 0.001) than healthy piglets. Piglets receiving additional proline and with symptoms of diarrhea oxidized phenylalanine at rates 50 to 70% higher than healthy piglets. The results show that piglets with diarrhea are less able to retain absorbed amino acids for protein synthesis than healthy pigs. The reduced nitrogen retention commonly observed in animals with diarrhea may be partly explained by the increased catabolism of absorbed amino acids.     

The fat content in the muscles of three selected lines of German Landrace swine. Effects of graded feeding intensity on muscle fattening. Muscle fat content in relation to parameters of body fat deposits

Investigations on muscle fat content and intramuscular adipose tissue pattern of 51 male castrated pigs were performed. For each body 4 muscles were collected after slaughter. Breeding lines of swine (German Landrace) had been selected through 8 generations for high ("E(+)-Line") and low ("E(-)-Line") levels of NADPH-generating dehydrogenases including a control group without selection. 42 animals were kept under feeding experiments of various energy levels from 60 kg up to 100 kg body mass. Additionally, out of control line 5 piglets (25 kg) and 4 hogs (135 kg) were examined. Data of ether-extracted total fat content versus data of fat marbling planimetry correlated well with r = 0.9. The average degrees of muscle fattening were: m. semispinalis capitis (11%) much much greater than m. psoas major (1.8%) greater than m. semimembranosus (1.7%) greater than m. long thoracis (1.3%). The specific internal relation of muscle fattening with respect to the collected samples was calculated as r = 0.8. Intramuscular fat showed the tendency to increase with higher levels of dietary energy. The E(+)-Line showed higher (16%) muscle fattening than the E(-)-Line. The control group, however, showed 44% higher levels than the E(+)-Line. So, the results of that K degree-Line could not serve as baseline for interpretations. The criteria of thickness and harmony of marbling scores were used to make statements of meat quality: The samples of m. psoas major and E(+)-Line reached the best, the samples of m. semispinalis capitis and the K degree-Line reached the least values.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)