Influence of different dietary zinc levels on cashmere growth,plasma testosterone level and zinc status in male Liaoning Cashmere goats

The experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different levels of zinc (Zn) on cashmere growth, plasma testosterone and Zn profile in male Cashmere goats. Twenty‐eight male Liaoning Cashmere goats, 3 years old and body weight at 56.2 ± 2.45 kg, were assigned to four groups. The animals were fed a basal diet containing of 45.9 mg Zn/kg dry matter (DM) basis and supplemented with 0, 20, 40 or 80 mg Zn (reagent grade ZnSO₄·7H₂O) per kg DM for 90 days. There was no significant effect on growth and diameter of cashmere fibre for Zn supplemented in diets. However, the length and growth rate of wool were improved (p < 0.05) with dietary Zn. The length and growth rate of wool were higher (p < 0.05) for the groups supplemented with 40 or 80 mg Zn/kg DM compared with that of 20 mg Zn/kg DM treatment group. Plasma testosterone concentration was increased for Zn supplemented in diets, and the testosterone concentration was higher (p < 0.05) in goats fed on the diet supplemented with 40 or 80 mg Zn/kg DM compared with those fed on basal diet. Plasma Zn concentrations increased (p < 0.05) with increasing dietary Zn and supplemented with 40 and 80 mg Zn/kg DM groups improved plasma Zn concentration (p < 0.05) more than 20 mg Zn/kg DM group. Fibre Zn content was higher (p < 0.05) in groups supplemented with 40 or 80 mg Zn/kg DM compared with control group, but no difference between Zn‐supplemented groups (p > 0.05). The activity of plasma alkaline phosphatase was increased (p < 0.05) due to dietary Zn supplementation; however, no difference was found between supplemented treatment groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Zn content (45.9 mg Zn/kg DM) in control diet was insufficient for optimal wool growth performance, and we recommended the level of dietary Zn for such goats is 86 mg/kg DM during the breeding season and cashmere fibre growing period.     

Effects of two zinc supplementation levels and two zinc and copper sources with different solubility characteristics on the growth performance,carcass characteristics and digestibility of growing-finishing pigs

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two Zn supplemented levels and two Zn and Cu sources (sulphate and hydroxychloride) on growing-finishing pigs. An in vitro study and an in vivo study were conducted. In the in vitro study, Zn solubility from each source at different Zn supplementation levels was evaluated, as well as the phytic phosphorus (PP) solubility derived from the interaction or not with phytic acid at similar conditions to those found in digestive tract. The most critical interaction of Zn with phytic acid was at pH 6.5 and with Zn sulphate, resulting in the reduction in PP solubility. In the in vivo experiment, a total of 444 pigs ([Duroc × Landrace]×Pietrain; initial BW: 18.7 ± 0.20 kg) were allotted to 36 pens in a randomized complete block design (2 × 2) factorial arrangement with two Zn and Cu sources and two Zn supplemental levels (20 and 80 mg/kg). The Cu supplementation was fixed at 15 mg/kg for all diets. There was no effect of the interaction between mineral source × Zn level or Zn level on growth performance or carcass characteristics (p > .10). Apparent total digestibility of Zn and Cu along with carcass yield was higher for pigs fed hydroxychloride than pigs fed the sulphate counterparts (p < .05). Feeding low levels of Zn decreased Zn (45.5%; p < .0001) and Cu(18.5%; p = .018) faecal excretion. In conclusion, under commercial conditions, feeding growing-finishing pigs with Zn levels below those established by the European Union regulation did not affect growth performance and carcass characteristics. Reducing dietary mineral (Zn and Cu) diet content resulted in a lower faecal mineral excretion. Pigs fed sulphate minerals had an improved performance during grower period, while pigs fed hydroxychloride minerals showed an improved performance during finishing period and a greater carcass yield and mineral digestibility than those fed sulphates.     

Copper, zinc and molybdenum in goat liver.

The concentrations of copper, zinc and molybdenum were measured in the liver of goats from western and south-eastern Norway. The mean copper concentrations in the liver of goats from these two districts were 23±19 µg Cu/g and 59±31 µg Cu/g wet weight, respectively. As for zinc and molybdenum, no difference was found between the two groups of animals. No correlations were detected between copper and zinc, zinc and molybdenum, or copper and molybdenum. The copper levels in Norwegian goat liver are considerably lower than in sheep liver, and the ranges are significantly more narrow. The concentrations of molybdenum in goat liver are at the same levels as in sheep and swine, while the levels of zinc are somewhat lower.     

Failure of zinc supplementation to prevent severe facial eczema in cattle fed excess copper

CASE HISTORY: A 400-cow dairy unit in the Waikato suffered a severe outbreak of facial eczema (FE) despite consistent zinc supplementation and significantly elevated serum zinc concentrations.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: FE prevention had begun in mid-January 2006, via zinc sulphate supplementation in the water. Photosensitisation was reported on 06 April, contemporaneous with a marked increase in the number of Pithomyces chartarum spores in pasture samples. Within 10 days of this first clinical case, 100 affected cows had been dried off, eight of which subsequently died or were culled. Blood samples were collected from ten affected cows; all had serum zinc concentrations >17 µmol/L, and eight had gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities >200 U/ml, indicating that the photosensitisation was secondary to liver damage, i.e. probably FE. Further investigation identified that this herd had been receiving excess copper supplementation; 4/6 culled cows had liver copper concentrations within or above the marginal range for copper toxicity.

DIAGNOSIS: Severe FE despite zinc supplementation that increased serum zinc concentrations above recommended levels

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: As zinc supplementation significantly reduces apparent copper status, copper supplementation is often used to counteract this. Previous excess copper intake may reduce the efficacy of zinc in preventing FE, thus copper intake should be assessed prior to the start of zinc supplementation.     

精子功能相关精浆蛋白质的蛋白组学研究进展

精浆蛋白质对生殖过程中的精子功能有显著影响,包括顶体反应、精子获能、精子贮存、精子竞争和受精。精浆蛋白质的研究已有很长的历史,而且牛精浆蛋白、热休克蛋白、富含半胱氨酸分泌蛋白等几种主要的精浆蛋白质已被成功分离鉴定。蛋白质组学研究方法和技术的迅速发展,为全面解析精浆蛋白质组提供了新的研究策略,提高了研究者探索精浆蛋白质未知领域的效率。作者综述了精子功能相关精浆蛋白质研究的相关信息及近年来精浆蛋白质组的研究进展,从蛋白质水平上阐述了精浆蛋白质与精子获能、贮存及受精等功能的关系。     

日粮锌源和锌水平对断奶仔猪血清及组织铜、铁、锌沉积的影响

选用临床检查健康的(26±2)日龄"杜×长×大"三元杂交断奶仔猪100头,按体质量和性别随机分为5组,每组20头,分别饲喂基础日粮、基础日粮+2000mg/kg氧化锌、基础日粮+3000mg/kg氧化锌、基础日粮+250mg/kg蛋氨酸锌、基础日粮+500mg/kg蛋氨酸锌。试验期14d。于断奶后0,7,14d,经前腔静脉采血,用原子吸收光谱仪检测血清中铜、铁、锌水平。试验结束时,每组选5头仔猪放血致死,取心、肝、肾、脑、脾、胸腺组织,测定铜、铁、锌含量。结果显示,仔猪断奶后,血清中铜、锌水平显著或极显著下降(P0.05或P0.01);添加不同锌源和锌水平的高锌日粮能提高断奶仔猪肝、肾、脑、血清锌的含量,显著或极显著降低仔猪血清铜和心、胸腺铜以及脾铁水平(P0.05或P0.01),对血清铁及其他组织铁含量无明显影响。这表明高锌日粮能增加断奶应激仔猪体内锌水平,降低部分组织中铜、铁含量。     

Determination of true absorption and fecal endogenous loss of zinc in goats

We determined the true absorption and endogenous fecal loss of zinc (Zn) in goats using its stable isotope. Three goats were fed with the diet containing 50 mg/kg Zn twice a day for 17 days. In the morning of day 11, the goats were given a meal labeled by ⁶⁷Zn as the tracer with dysprosium as the unabsorbed marker. Then the goats were given unlabeled diet as the rest of the morning feed. We measured dietary and fecal Zn concentration, ⁶⁷Zn abundance and dysprosium concentration in feces. The excretion pattern of the tracer Zn into feces differed from that of dysprosium. Therefore, we directly calculated the true absorption of Zn from Zn concentration and ⁶⁷Zn abundance in fecal samples collected after the labeled diet was given. The apparent absorption of Zn was –0.009 ± 0.016 mg/kg bodyweight (fractional absorption, ?1.07 ± 1.85%). The true absorption of Zn was 0.162 ± 0.018 mg/kg bodyweight (fractional absorption, 18.25 ± 2.01%). The endogenous fecal loss of Zn was 0.172 ± 0.004 mg/kg bodyweight and the intestinal secretion of Zn was 0.210 ± 0.009 mg/kg bodyweight. The present experiment indicates that stable isotopic Zn is a powerful tool for examining Zn metabolism in ruminants.     

锌、铜对实验性钼中毒绵羊肝脏、肾脏中钼含量的影响

小尾寒羊20只,随机分为5组,分别口服钼、铜和锌(mg/kg),Ⅰ组30mg/kg钼、Ⅱ组30mg/kg钼+15mg/kg铜、Ⅲ组30mg/kg钼+15mg/kg锌、Ⅳ组30mg/kg钼+15mg/kg铜+15mg/kg锌,Ⅴ组去离子水。试验90d期满,采取肝脏和肾脏,硫酸-高氯酸消化,原子吸收法测定钼、锌、铜含量,结果显示,Ⅰ组肝脏钼含量与第Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组差异极显著(P<0.01),Ⅱ、Ⅲ组与Ⅳ、Ⅴ组差异极显著(P<0.01);Ⅳ组肝脏铜含量与Ⅰ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ组差异极显著(P<0.01),与Ⅱ组差异显著(P<0.05),Ⅱ组肝铜含量与Ⅰ、Ⅲ、Ⅴ组差异极显著(P<0.01);组间肝脏锌含量均差异极显著(P<0.01)。Ⅰ、Ⅲ组肾钼含量显著高于Ⅱ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组(P<0.01);Ⅱ与Ⅳ、Ⅴ组差异极显著(P<0.01);肾铜含量Ⅲ组与Ⅰ组差异极显著(P<0.01);Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组与Ⅰ、Ⅴ组差异极显著(P<0.01);各组肾脏锌含量差异均极显著(P<0.01)。结果表明,30mg的钼可使肝脏钼含量显著增加(P<0.01),锌、铜含量降低。锌对肝脏钼有很好的颉抗作用,铜、锌有效地降低了钼在组织中的蓄积。     

Comparison of a novel form of zinc with zinc oxide bolus licensed for prevention of facial eczema,and interaction with copper oxide in sheep

To evaluate a novel elemental zinc bolus compared with a registered positive control zinc oxide bolus and assess serum zinc concentrations following concomitant treatment with a capsule containing copper oxide needles. Forty Romney-cross ewes were randomly allocated in a 2 × 2 factorial design study. On Day 0, 20 ewes received novel boluses containing elemental zinc (Investigational Veterinary Product, IVP) while 20 received a zinc oxide bolus (control; CP). Half the animals in each zinc treatment group (n = 10) were treated with a copper oxide needle capsule [Copasure® - Ewe]. Weekly, from Day −7 to 56, all ewes were assessed for signs of photosensitization, and for 10 ewes from each zinc treatment groups, samples were collected for analysis of serum GGT activity, serum zinc concentrations, faecal zinc concentrations and on Days −7 and 56, liver copper concentrations. Multivariable random-effects models assessed the effects of zinc treatment, copper treatment, treatment interactions and time on all analytes. Regression models examined associations between serum and faecal zinc concentrations and GGT activity. Low spore numbers indicated low Pithomyces chartarum challenge. Serum zinc levels were significantly higher in the IVP than in the CP group [p < 0.0001] and varied by time [p < 0.001] and positively associated with faecal zinc concentration [p < 0.001]. Copper treatment did not affect serum zinc [p = 0.82] or faecal zinc [p = 0.92] concentrations. Liver copper concentrations did not differ between zinc treatment groups on Day −7 [p = 0.6] or Day 56 [p = 0.95]. Only the CP/no copper group had no increase in liver copper concentrations.     

Assessment of zinc and copper status in weaned piglets in relation to dietary zinc and copper supply

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of weaning and the effect of increasing dietary zinc concentrations on the zinc and copper status of weaned piglets (study 1) and to study the effect of high concentrations of dietary zinc and/or copper on zinc and copper status of weaned piglets (study 2). Study 1 included 54 piglets (six litters of nine piglets). One piglet from every litter was killed 1 day before weaning. The remaining 48 piglets were allocated at weaning (28 days) to four dietary zinc treatments (100, 250, 1000 or 2500 ppm) and subsequently killed 1-2, 5-6 or 14-15 days after weaning. Study 2 included 48 piglets (six litters of eight piglets) allocated to four dietary treatments, consisting of low or high dietary zinc (100 or 2500 ppm) in combination with low or high dietary copper (20 or 175 ppm). All piglets in study 2 were killed 5-7 days after weaning. In both studies, the trace mineral status was assessed by zinc and copper concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity in plasma and mucosal tissue. In study 2, lymphocyte metallothionein (MT) mRNA and intestinal mucosa MT mRNA concentrations were included as zinc status markers. The results showed that the zinc status, measured as zinc in plasma and mucosa, was not affected by weaning of the piglets. Plasma copper concentrations decreased during the first 2 weeks after weaning. High dietary copper concentrations did not affect the concentration of copper in plasma, but increased the concentration of copper in mucosa and the concentration of zinc in plasma. The dietary zinc treatments increased the zinc concentration in plasma as well as the zinc and MT mRNA concentration in mucosa. Lymphocyte MT mRNA concentrations did not reflect the differences in dietary zinc supplementation.     

Total antioxidant capacity and protein peroxidation intensity in seminal plasma of infertile and fertile dogs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity and protein peroxidation intensity in seminal plasma of infertile and fertile dogs. The study was conducted on 10 infertile and 10 fertile dogs of various breeds. Infertility was defined as conception failure at least three matings with different bitches. Semen was collected by manual manipulation. The sperm concentration and motility parameters were evaluated using CASA Hamilton Thorne, Vers. IVOS 12.3. The morphology of spermatozoa and the percentage of live and dead sperm cells were assessed microscopically, total antioxidant capacity and the content of SH‐groups in seminal plasma were determined spectrophotometrically, the contents of protein peroxidation markers in seminal plasma, bityrosine and formylokinurenine, were determined using spectrofluorimetric methods. Sperm concentration and total sperm count were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in infertile dogs than in fertile dogs (99.92 ± 3 0.05 × 10⁶/ml vs. 282.07 ± 48.27 × 10⁶/ml; 214.19 ± 114.74 × 10⁶ vs. 747.57 ± 210.94 × 10⁶, respectively). The percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology and the most determined motility parameters differed significantly (p < 0.05) between both groups. The mean values of total antioxidant capacity in the seminal plasma were significantly (p < 0.05) lower (19.95 ± 20.94 vs. 25.66 ± 23.18 µmol/g protein), whereas the mean contents of bityrosine and formylokinurenine in seminal plasma were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in infertile dogs than in fertile dogs (3.71 ± 4.83 µg/mg protein vs. 1.55 ± 2.00 µg/mg protein and 0.37 ± 0.45 µg/mg protein vs. 0.14 ± 0.08 µg/mg protein, respectively). In conclusion, the obtained results suggest that the poor semen quality and infertility in dogs could be associated with lowered total antioxidant capacity and increased protein peroxidation in seminal plasma as a consequence of oxidative stress.     

Inter‐ and intra‐individual differences in serum copper and zinc concentrations after feeding different amounts of copper and zinc over two lactations

The influence of different copper and zinc contents in rations on blood serum concentrations was tested in a feeding trial at the Institute of Animal Nutrition of the Federal Research Institute for Animal Health (FLI). A total of 60 German Holstein breed cows (38 first lactating and 22 second lactating cows) were tested. All animals received a diet based on maize‐ and grass silage ad libitum. The animals were divided into two groups with 30 cows each. Group A received concentrates supplemented with copper and zinc as recommended, whereas Group B was offered a concentrate with roughly double the amount of copper and zinc. Blood samples were taken several times during the lactation. The concentrations of copper and zinc in the serum were measured and correlations between trace element intake and their serum concentrations were calculated. The mean dry matter intake was significantly higher for cows in the second lactation (19.1 kg/day) than for cows in the first lactation (16.4 kg/day), whereas the DM‐intake was constant in the different feeding groups (17.3 and 17.4 kg/day). The correlation between feed intake in the first and the second lactation was r = 0.76. The copper concentration in the serum was not influenced by the different feedings (11.9 and 12.5 μmol/l), but high variations were found between the cows. The influence of the lactation number was not significant (12.1 and 12.4 μmol/l). In contrast to copper, the zinc concentration in the serum was significantly higher for Group B (14.0 μmol/l) than for Group A (12.2 μmol/l), respectively, for second lactating cows (13.8 μmol/l) in relation to 12.7 μmol/l for first lactating cows. The individual variation was also high as for copper. Neither the correlation between copper intake and copper serum concentration nor the correlation between zinc intake and zinc serum concentration was significant.     

补饲马铃薯藤对山羊生长性能、消化率和胴体特征的影响

本研究旨在探讨马铃薯藤饲喂水平对山羊生长性能、养分消化率和胴体特征的影响.试验将平均初始体重为(14.42±0.24)kg的40头山羊随机分为4组,每组5个重复,每个重复2头.T1组仅饲喂干草,T2组饲喂干草+100％马铃薯藤,T3组饲喂干草+50％马铃薯藤+50％浓缩料,T4组饲喂100％浓缩料.在为期10周的饲养试...     

Serum testosterone,sperm quality,cytological, physicochemical and biochemical characteristics of the prostatic fraction of dogs with prostatomegaly

Prostatomegaly is a common finding in older non‐neutered dogs. This study compared the serum testosterone, sperm quality and characteristics of the prostatic fraction between healthy dogs and dogs with prostatomegaly. Blood samples of ten dogs (five dogs from each group) were taken for serum testosterone measurement. Sperm motility, vigour, concentration, viability, membrane functionality and morphology were analysed in sperm‐rich fraction. Osmolality, pH, cell types, and albumin, haemoglobin, acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and chloride were analysed in prostatic fraction. Dogs with prostatomegaly have the lowest sperm motility, vigour, concentration and functional membrane. Dogs with prostatomegaly have the highest glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. Glucose was the only constituent positively correlated with serum testosterone and prostate volume. It can be concluded that dogs with prostatomegaly have poorer sperm quality, and glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol in prostatic fraction can be used as prostatomegaly biomarkers.     

Effects of dietary supplementation with tribasic zinc sulfate or zinc sulfate on growth performance,zinc content and expression of zinc transporters in young pigs

An experiment was conducted to compare the effects of zinc sulfate (ZS) and tribasic zinc sulfate (TBZ) as sources of supplemental zinc on growth performance, serum zinc (Zn) content and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Zn transporters (ZnT1/ZnT2/ZnT5/ZIP4/DMT1) of young growing pigs. A total of 96 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs were randomly allotted to two treatments and were fed a basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg Zn from either ZS or TBZ for 28 days. Feed : gain ratio in pigs fed TBZ were lower (P < 0.05) than pigs fed ZS, and average daily weight gain tended to increase (0.05 ≤ P ≤ 0.10) in pigs fed TBZ. Compared with pigs fed ZS, pigs fed TBZ had a higher CuZn‐superoxide dismutase and Zn content in serum (P < 0.05) while they had a lower Zn content in feces (P < 0.05). In addition, ZIP4 mRNA expression of zinc transporter in either duodenum or jejunum of pigs fed TBZ were higher (P < 0.05) than pigs fed ZS. These results indicate that TBZ is more effective in serum Zn accumulation and intestinal Zn absorption, and might be a potential substitute for ZS in young growing pigs.     

Liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption and efficiency of milk production in lactating Holstein cows supplemented with copper,manganese and zinc

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between mitochondrial proton leak and feed efficiency with supplementation of different levels of Cu, Mn and Zn (Bioplex, Alltech) at levels above Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (NRC, 2001). Milk yield and composition, mineral excretion in milk and faeces, feed efficiency and liver mitochondrial proton leak were measured in 60 Holstein dairy cows at approximately 70 days in milk on a commercial dairy. Treatments reflect total Cu, Mn and Zn intake/day and are as follows: (i) High: 444 mg/day Cu, 3492 mg/day Mn, 2234 mg/day Zn; (ii) Med: 436 mg/day Cu, 3002 mg/day Mn, 2047 mg/day Zn; (iii) Low: 420 mg/day Cu, 2764 mg/day Mn, 2186 mg/day Zn; (iv) LowMn: 391 mg/day Cu, 2617 mg/day Mn, 1849 mg/day Zn; and (v) Control: 264 mg/day Cu, 2850 mg/day Mn, 1593 mg/day Zn. Proton leak‐dependent respiration was lowest in Control (p < .10). However, measures of efficiency were greatest in Med and least in High (p < .10). Therefore, measures of efficiency did not reflect efficiency due to low proton leak and there appears to be an upper limit to beneficial supplementation of Cu, Mn and Zn.     

Effect of pectin oligosaccharides and zinc chelate on growth performance,zinc status,antioxidant ability,intestinal morphology and short‐chain fatty acids in broilers

A 42‐day trial was conducted to investigate the effect of pectin oligosaccharides (POS) and zinc chelate (Zn‐POS) on growth performance, antioxidant ability, zinc status, intestinal morphology and short‐chain fatty acids in broilers. A total of 324 1‐day‐old Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to three treatments with six cages of 18 chicks. Treatments were: (a) Control, 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO₄; (b) POS, 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO₄ + 482 mg/kg POS (the same amount of POS as treatment 3); and (c) Zn‐POS, 80 mg/kg zinc from Zn‐POS. Compared to the Control, both POS and Zn‐POS supplementation increased average daily gain and reduced the mortality during day 22–42, and only Zn‐POS supplementation decreased the ratio of feed to gain during day 22–42 and 1–42. Moreover, both POS and Zn‐POS supplementation improved Zn status and gut function as evidenced by increased metallothionein concentrations in the pancreas, villus height in the duodenum and isobutyrate concentrations in the caecal digesta. Additionally, Zn‐POS supplementation increased gene expressions of metallothionein, Zn transporter 1, Zn transporter 2 in the pancreas, nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 in the liver, the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate and total SCFA in the caecal digesta and the villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum, whereas decreased the crypt depth in these two tissues. Altogether, our results revealed that dietary POS or Zn‐POS supplementation benefited growth performance, Zn status, antioxidant ability and gut function of broilers. Supplementing Zn‐POS in the form of chelate was more effective than feeding POS or ZnSO₄ separately.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of selenium and iodine on growth performance,carcass characteristics and histology of thyroid gland in goats

This study assessed the effects of dietary selenium (Se), iodine (I) and a combination of both on growth performance, thyroid gland activity, carcass characteristics and the concentration of iodine and selenium in Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle in goats. Twenty‐four bucks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: control (CON), basal diet without supplementation, basal diet + 0.6 mg Se/kg dry matter (DM) (SS), 0.6 mg I/kg DM (IP), or combination of 0.6 mg/kg DM Se and 0.6 mg/kg DM I (SSIP) and fed for 100 days. Animals fed diet SSIP exhibited higher (P < 0.05) body weight and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed other diets. Dressing percentage of goats fed the supplemented diets was higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control. Carcasses from the IP group had higher (P < 0.05) total fat proportion than the SSIP group. The levels of both elements were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in LL muscle in supplemented goats. Thyroid follicular epithelial cells of IP and SSIP animals were significantly higher than those of CON and SS groups. The study demonstrated that the combined Se and I dietary supplementation improves growth performance, carcass dressing percentage and increases the retention of Se and I in goat meat.     

Effects of tryptophan supplementation on cashmere fiber characteristics, serum tryptophan, and related hormone concentrations in cashmere goats

This study was designed to investigate the effects of tryptophan (Trp) supplementation on cashmere fiber characteristics and on serum Trp, melatonin (MEL), prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), triiodothyronine (T(3)), and thyroxine (T(4)) concentrations in cashmere goats during the cashmere fast-growth period. Thirty-six Liaoning cashmere wether goats were stratified on the basis of body weight (28 ± 0.8 kg) and assigned randomly to 1 of the following 4 rumen-protected Trp treatments: 0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g per goat per day. The experimental period lasted 137 d. Blood samples were collected monthly during the daytime (8:00 AM) and at night (8:00 PM). Tryptophan supplementation improved cashmere growth rates, cashmere weight, and body weight (P = 0.001) and increased serum Trp levels, nighttime MEL concentrations, IGF-1, and T(3) and T(4) concentrations (P < 0.05). Across the treatments and sampling months, a highly positive correlation between cashmere growth rate and nighttime serum MEL concentrations was observed (r = 0.879, P = 0.001). A moderately negative correlation between cashmere growth rates and serum PRL concentrations during the day and at night (r(day) = -0.645, P = 0.007; r(night) = -0.583, P = 0.018) was observed. A moderately positive correlation between the cashmere growth rate and the daytime serum IGF-1 concentration (r = 0.536, P = 0.032) was observed, and no correlation was found between the cashmere growth rate and the other serum hormone concentrations. These data indicate that changes in serum concentrations of MEL, IGF-1, and PRL are related to cashmere growth in Liaoning cashmere goats during the cashmere fast-growth period. Under the experimental conditions of the current trial, we suggest that Trp may promote cashmere growth by increasing daytime IGF-1 and nighttime MEL secretion.