Digestibility,fecal characteristics,and plasma glucose and urea in dogs fed a commercial dog food once or three times daily

Digestibility, fecal characteristics, and levels of glucose and urea in the plasma were determined in 8 dogs that received 2 different dog foods once or 3 times daily. One dog food (A) was 5 times more expensive than the other (B). Fecal pH and consistency, digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) were determined. Blood samples were taken from 30 min before to 60 min after a meal. Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP, and fecal consistency were higher, and daily fecal excretion and fecal pH were lower when dogs were fed food A (P < 0.001). The feeding schedule had no effect on plasma glucose and urea. Neither feeding frequency nor food × frequency interactions was significant for the parameters studied.     

Nutrient digestibility and energy value of sheep rations differing in protein level, main protein source and non-forage fibre source

Two in vivo digestion trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of diet's crude protein (CP) level, N degradability, and non-forage fibre source (NFFS) on nutrient digestibility and energy value of sheep rations. In each trial, rams were fed four isocaloric and isofibrous rations, differing in main protein and/or NFFS source. At the first trial, mean CP/metabolizable energy (ME) ratio of the diets was 17 g/MJ ME and at the second trial, 13 g/MJ ME. At both trials, the first ration contained cotton seed cake (CSC) and wheat bran (WB), the second CSC and corn gluten feed (CGF), the third corn gluten meal (CGM) and WB and the fourth CGM and CGF. Data of both trials were analysed in common as 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experimental design. Low N degradability (CGM) had positive effect on CP, neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) digestibility of the ration. Those results suggest that an increase in rumen undegradable protein (RUP) content does not negatively affect nutrient digestibility of sheep rations. Corn gluten feed significantly elevated crude fibre (CF) digestibility, in comparison with WB. Rations having high CP/ME ratio had higher digestibility of CP in comparison with those having low CP/ME ratio; the opposite was true for ether extract, CF, NDF and ADF digestibilities. CP level x N degradability interaction negatively affected energy value of the rations that had high CP level and high N degradability. Former suggest that when CP content is high then N degradability should be low otherwise ration's ME is negatively affected. CP digestibility and coefficient q of the rations containing WB and having high N degradability (N degradability x NFFS interaction) were the lowest suggesting that the combination of CSC and WB negatively affected CP digestibility and energy value of the ration. This could be explained by a reduced microbial CP synthesis, or lower RUP digestibility or both.     

不同加工方式玉米粉对12月龄伊犁马消化代谢、血浆生化指标及体增重的影响

本试验旨在研究蒸汽压片玉米粉、膨化玉米粉对12月龄伊犁马消化代谢、血浆生化指标及体增重的影响,为蒸汽压片玉米粉、膨化玉米粉在马的饲养实践中的应用提供参考。选取体重相近[(261.95±14.73)kg]、年龄相近(12月龄左右)的伊犁马公马24匹,随机分为3组,每组8匹,分别为对照组、试验Ⅰ组、试验Ⅱ组。各组马匹每天每匹饲喂1.5 kg浓缩料和8 kg苜蓿干草,在此基础上对照组、试验Ⅰ组、试验Ⅱ组马匹每天每匹再分别饲喂1.5 kg的粉粹玉米粉、蒸汽压片玉米粉、膨化玉米粉,进行26 d的消化代谢试验,其中预试期19 d,正试期7 d。结果表明:试验Ⅱ组的干物质、有机物、粗蛋白质、中性洗涤纤维及酸性洗涤纤维的表观消化率分别比对照组高出4.93%(P0.05)、5.84%(P0.05)、7.10%(P0.05)、14.78%(P0.05)、17.45%(P0.05),而试验Ⅰ组的干物质、有机物、粗蛋白质及中性洗涤纤维的表观消化率与对照组相比均差异不显著(P0.05)。试验Ⅱ组的氮沉积量、氮沉积率显著高于对照组及试验Ⅰ组(P0.05),分别高出81.19%、79.86%及104.78%、97.50%,而对照组、试验Ⅰ组间差异不显著(P0.05);试验Ⅱ组的钙、磷沉积量及沉积率均高于对照组、试验Ⅰ组(P0.05)。试验Ⅱ组血浆中葡萄糖含量分别比对照组及试验Ⅰ组高出10.04%、20.79%(P0.05)。饲喂蒸汽压片玉米粉和膨化玉米粉对12月龄伊犁马的体增重和平均日增重无显著影响(P0.05),但试验Ⅱ组试验期内的体增重、平均日增重分别较对照组高出18.88%、20.37%,分别较试验Ⅰ组高出20.43%、20.37%。因此,饲喂膨化玉米粉可提高12月龄伊犁马对饲粮中营养物质的表观消化率及能量代谢,并促进马的生长;而饲喂蒸汽压片玉米粉对12月龄伊犁马的营养物质代谢、血浆生化指标及体增重均无显著影响。     

Effects of corn processing on the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in horses

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different corn processing techniques on the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in horses. It was hypothesized that the changes in pre-caecal starch digestibility caused by various types of corn processing would alter the post-prandial glycaemic and/or insulinaemic response. Six horses were fed in random order: untreated, finely ground, steamed, micronized, steam-flaked and popped corn. The total corn intake was adjusted to 630 g starch/horse/day (1.2-1.5 g starch/kg BW/day). During a stabilization period of 10 days, horses also received 6 kg grass hay/horse/day. At blood collection day horses were fed their test diet (exclusively corn), and blood samples were taken at defined times. Corn feeding resulted in a significant increase in mean plasma glucose and insulin concentration, but glucose and insulin peaks as well as areas under the curve (AUC) were not clearly influenced by corn processing. The glycaemic index (in which each test diet's plasma glucose AUC was expressed relative to untreated corn) varied between 91.4 +/- 9.4% (steamed corn) and 108.4 +/- 11.8% (popped corn, treatment n.s.), the insulinaemic index (in which each test diet's plasma insulin AUC was expressed relative to untreated corn) ranged between 98.2 +/- 12.6% (steamed corn) and 121.0 +/- 29.9% (micronized corn, treatment n.s.). However, the well-established improvement in pre-caecal starch digestibility was not reflected by differences in the glucose or insulin responses.     

Macronutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, plasma indicators of protein metabolism and mineral absorption in horses fed a ration rich in sugar beet pulp

In a cross-over study with six mature horses, the effect of iso-energetic replacement of dietary glucose by beet pulp on macronutrient digestibility, nitrogen metabolism and mineral absorption was studied. The test ration contained 25% beet pulp in the total dietary dry matter. Beet pulp feeding significantly lowered crude fat and non-structural carbohydrate digestibility, but had no significant effect on digestibility of other macronutrients, faecal and urinary nitrogen excretion and the faecal to urinary nitrogen excretion quotient. However, on the beet pulp diet, plasma ammonia and creatinin concentrations were significantly lower than on the glucose diet. No diet effect on magnesium absorption was observed. It is suggested that dietary beet pulp stimulates the conversion of ammonia into urea.     

Plasma glucose concentrations and digestibility of dry matter, energy and crude protein in mature geldings fed wheat and oat-based diets

Eight mature stock horse geldings were used in two simultaneous 4×4 Latin square experiments to determine the effect of feeding graded levels of wheat and oats on post prandial glucose concentrations and digestibility of dry matter (DM), energy and crude protein (CP). Experimental concentrate diets consisted of 100 (W), 66 (WO), 33 (OW) and 0 (O) percent wheat with the balance as oats. Concentrate diets were fed in a 60:40 ratio with prairie grass hay at equal DM intakes across treatments. The digestibility of DM and energy was greatest for W (p<.05) as compared to OW and O. No significant differences were detected in total tract apparent protein digestibility. Plasma glucose concentrations were highest in geldings fed W (p<.05) beginning 90 min post feeding and remained elevated out to 4 h indicative of the higher starch content of wheat. No palatability or health problems associated with feeding of wheat were noted. These data indicate that wheat can successfully be included in rations for horses.     

The effect of a straw meal on the crude protein and amino acid metabolism and digestibility of the crude nutrients in broiler hen breeds. 2. Digestibility of crude nutrients of rations and 15N from a straw meal and wheat

In experiments with colostomized broiler hens apparent digestibility of the crude nutrients of the ration after straw meal supplements of 20, 30 and 40 g per animal was determined. In addition, the 15N digestibility of straw meal and wheat was ascertained on the basis of straw meal supplements. The digestibility of the crude nutrients of the rations decreased significantly (P less than 0.05) after the straw meal supplement. The adaptation of the test animals to the straw meal intake resulted, at a daily consumption of 20 g straw meal, in an increase of the apparent crude fat digestibility (P less than 0.05) in dependence on the time of straw meal feeding, in which the original values without straw meal supplement were not reached. The digestibility of the 15N excess (15N') of the wheat was, at 86 +/- 1%, largely independent of the straw meal intake. The apparent digestibility of the straw-15N excess in broiler hens of 42 +/- 8 to 55 +/- 2% is surprisingly high.     

饲粮纤维源及粗纤维水平对肉兔营养物质消化率、肠道消化酶活性及盲肠菌群多样性的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮纤维源及粗纤维(CF)水平对肉兔营养物质消化率、肠道消化酶活性及盲肠菌群多样性的影响。试验采用双因子试验设计,依据等能等氮原则,设2种纤维源(苜蓿草粉、稻壳粉)、3个CF水平(12%、14%、16%),共配制6种试验饲粮。选择144只70~80日龄、平均体重(2 002±77)g的健康伊拉生长肉兔,随机分为6组,每组4个重复,每个重复6只兔,单笼饲养。饲养试验为期4周,饲养试验期末,采用全收粪法进行消化试验,之后进行屠宰,取肠道食糜用于消化酶活性及盲肠菌群多样性的测定。结果表明:1)苜蓿草粉组干物质(DM)、CF、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、木质素(ADL)的消化率显著或极显著高于稻壳粉组(P0.05或P0.01),粗蛋白质(CP)消化率则极显著低于稻壳粉组(P0.01);12%CF水平组DM、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、ADF的消化率显著高于14%CF水平组(P0.05),同时该组能量的消化率及表观消化能(ADE)极显著高于14%、16%CF水平组(P0.01)。2)稻壳粉组十二指肠胰蛋白酶活性极显著高于苜蓿草粉组(P0.01)。与14%、16%CF水平组相比,12%CF水平组的空肠淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶活性及盲肠纤维素酶活性均最低。3)纤维源对盲肠菌群丰富度和香农指数无显著影响(P0.05),但苜蓿草粉组的盲肠菌群均衡指数极显著高于稻壳粉组(P0.01)。CF水平对盲肠菌群丰富度和香农指数有显著影响(P0.05),其中16%CF水平组的数值均为最高。综上所述,在本试验条件下:1)苜蓿草粉组肉兔DM、CF、ADF、ADL的消化率及盲肠菌群均衡指数显著或极显著高于稻壳粉组,但十二指肠胰蛋白酶活性极显著低于稻壳粉组。2)饲粮CF水平为12%时肉兔的ADE和各主要营养物质的消化率最高;CF水平越高,肉兔空肠淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶活性和盲肠纤维素酶活性越高;饲粮CF水平为16%时肉兔盲肠菌群的多样性较高。     

Effects of feed form on growth and blood glucose in weanling horses

Eight weanling Standardbred horses were used to evaluate the effects on growth and plasma glucose of two differently processed diets with identical ingredients fed at a rate of 3% of body weight, as fed, daily. The daily ration was divided into two equal feedings at 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. The hay and grain diet (diet HG) consisted of 50% alfalfa hay cubes and 50% of a commercial growing horse texturized grain mix fed as is, without any further processing, with each part fed in separate containers. The completely pelleted diet (diet P) consisted of the same proportions of the hay cubes and grain mix that was ground, pelleted, and fed in a single container. Two groups of four horses were fed either diet P or diet HG for two 21-day periods such that each horse consumed each diet for 21 days. On the last day of each feeding period, 7-mL blood samples were drawn into heparinized evacuated blood tubes for determination of plasma glucose concentration. Blood samples were drawn 30 minutes before the afternoon feeding, immediately before, and every 30 minutes thereafter for 5 hours. Analysis of variance found greater (P = .027) average daily gain for horses fed diet P versus diet HG. A nonsignificant difference was seen in feed efficiency (P = .057) for horses fed diet P versus diet HG. Plasma glucose changes were compared across treatments using area under the curve analysis. No difference (P > .05) was found in the postprandial plasma glucose changes between diet treatments.     

家兔对玉米秸能量及主要营养成分消化率的测定

为了探讨玉米秸对家兔的饲用价值，进行了玉米秸能量及主要营养成分在家兔的消化率测定。结果，总能（ＧＥ）消化率为５９．６４％，消化能（ＤＥ）含量９．１７ＭＪ／ｋｇ，粗蛋白（ＣＰ）、粗脂肪（ＥＥ）、无氮浸出物（ＮＦＥ）、灰分（ａｓｈ）、干物质（ＤＭ）和有机物（ＯＭ）消化率分别为４０．３９％、２３．４９％、８３．３％、７６．５４％、３８．３４％、５３．０９％和５３．５２％。玉米秸对家兔有较高的ＤＥ含量及ＮＦＥ和ＣＦ消化率，但ＣＰ消化率较低，家兔日粮中使用玉米秸时要注意补加蛋白质饲料     

不同加工方式玉米粉对6月龄伊犁马消化代谢、血浆生化指标及生长发育的影响

本试验旨在研究不同加工方式玉米粉对6月龄伊犁马消化代谢、血浆生化指标及生长发育的影响,为蒸汽压片玉米粉、膨化玉米粉在马饲粮中的应用提供参考。本试验选取平均体重为(105.10±11.83)kg、健康状况良好的6月龄伊犁公马20匹,按体重相近原则,随机分为4组,每组5匹。每天每匹马饲喂0.3 kg粉状浓缩料和3.5 kg苜蓿干草,在此基础上对照组、试验Ⅰ组、试验Ⅱ组、试验Ⅲ组每天每匹再分别饲喂0.3 kg粉碎玉米粉、0.3 kg粉碎玉米粉+1 gα-淀粉酶、0.3 kg蒸汽压片玉米粉、0.3 kg膨化玉米粉,进行为期20 d的消化代谢试验,其中预试期13 d,正试期7 d。结果表明:试验Ⅲ组干物质、有机物、粗蛋白质、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维消化量以及中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维消化率显著高于对照组(P0.05);试验Ⅲ组氮、钙、磷沉积率显著高于对照组、试验Ⅰ组(P0.05);试验Ⅲ组消化能、代谢能显著高于对照组、试验Ⅰ组(P0.05),而对照组、试验Ⅰ组、试验Ⅱ组之间差异不显著(P0.05);试验Ⅲ组试验期间增重和平均日增重均高于其他各组,但各组间差异不显著(P0.05);就体斜长增加而言,试验Ⅲ组显著高于其他组(P0.05);试验Ⅱ组胸围增加显著高于其他3组(P0.05);各组间血浆生化指标差异不显著(P0.05)。由此得出,饲喂膨化玉米粉可提高饲粮中营养物质的消化率及能量代谢,并促进马的生长发育;而饲喂含酶制剂的粉碎玉米粉或蒸汽压片玉米粉对6月龄伊犁马的营养物质消化率及生长发育无显著促进作用。     

红花粕和水飞蓟粕对生长獭兔的营养价值评定

本试验旨在通过饲养试验和消化试验来评定红花粕和水飞蓟粕在生长獭兔上的营养价值。选取18只60日龄左右、平均体重(1.73±0.21)kg、健康状况良好的白色獭兔,随机分为3个组,每组6个重复,每个重复1只兔。各组分别饲喂基础饲粮、红花粕饲粮(85%基础饲粮+15%红花粕)和水飞蓟粕饲粮(85%基础饲粮+15%水飞蓟粕)。预试期和正试期各5 d。采用化学分析法测定红花粕和水飞蓟粕的总能(GE)及各营养物质含量,采用全收粪法测定生长獭兔对各营养物质的表观消化率。结果表明:红花粕和水飞蓟粕中的GE、干物质(DM)、粗蛋白质(CP)、粗纤维(CF)、中性洗涤纤维(NDF)、酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)、酸性洗涤木质素(ADL)、粗脂肪(EE)、粗灰分(Ash)、钙(Ca)、磷(P)以及无氮浸出物(NFE)的含量分别为:18.81 MJ/kg、93.76%、23.94%、14.95%、19.92%、11.99%、2.19%、1.64%、4.93%、0.37%、0.57%、49.32%与17.12 MJ/kg、91.94%、23.62%、16.21%、38.57%、22.73%、4.04%、2.07%、5.31%、0.29%、0.68%、42.09%。生长獭兔对红花粕和水飞蓟粕中GE、DM、CP、CF、NDF、ADF、EE、Ash、Ca、P和NFE的表观消化率分别为62.60%、61.72%、62.39%、15.68%、26.30%、14.75%、80.69%、38.35%、59.35%、31.98%、79.61%与63.13%、61.94%、68.01%、15.74%、27.64%、14.98%、79.90%、38.20%、60.44%、32.99%、79.81%。由此可见,生长獭兔对红花粕和水飞蓟粕中的不同营养成分的表观消化率存在一定差异,结合2种原料各营养物质含量总体分析,2种原料均可作为獭兔的蛋白质饲料资源应用,并且对生长獭兔的营养价值相近。     

Effect of partial replacement of oats with sugar beet pulp and maize oil on nutrient utilisation in horses.

The objective of the present work was to assess the influence of partial replacement of oats with dried unmolassed sugar beet pulp (SBP) and/or maize oil on nutrient utilisation in horses fed a traditional hay and concentrate diet. The total tract digestibility of nutrients, urinary excretion and plasma parameters were studied in a 4 x 4 Latin-square design experiment with purebred Arabian geldings. Horses fed the SBP diets responded with a reduced (P<0.05) apparent digestibility of crude protein and feeding of maize oil resulted in an increased (P<0.05) apparent digestibility of crude fat. The apparent energy digestibility was unaffected by the replacement of oats with SBP, but increased (P<0.05) when maize oil replaced part of the oats. The urinary excretion of nitrogen increased (P<0.05) when maize oil replaced oats and the excretion of energy was higher (P<0.05) on the diets where oats were replaced by maize oil and SBP. There was a significant (P<0.05) effect across treatments of postprandial blood sampling time on plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Also, plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin tended to be higher on the oats than on the SBP diets. In conclusion, the limited effects on the digestibility of nutrients and energy suggest that it should be possible to partially replace oats with maize oil and/or SBP in diets for horses without any impairing effects on the overall nutrient utilisation. However, the dietary-induced changes in the urinary excretion of energy and on plasma glucose and insulin levels, indicate a possible influence of dietary carbohydrate composition on nutrient utilisation at the organ level, which requires further study.     

Effect of starch gelatinisation on nutrient digestibility and plasma metabolites in pigeons

Feed manufacturing exerts physical and chemical changes in ingredients, including the gelatinisation of starch. Studies on the effect of the degree of starch gelatinisation on nutrient digestibility, metabolism and subsequent performance show inconsistent results, and no data are available in pigeons. In a cross‐over trial, fourteen adult pigeons were randomly divided into two groups, in which two extruded pellet diets were tested. Both the diets were similar in ingredient composition and nutrient content, but differed in extrusion conditions, resulting in a different degree of starch gelatinisation: pellets with high gelatinisation degree (HG; 73.6% gelatinisation) and low gelatinisation degree (LG; 53.1% gelatinisation). After a 14‐day adaptation period, all excreta were gathered per bird during a 5‐day collection period. Coefficients of apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF), crude ash (CA) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) as well as apparent nitrogen retention were calculated from proximate analyses of feed and excreta. Further, excreta consistency was subjectively scored. Blood samples were taken at the end of each period and plasma samples were analysed for glucose, fructosamine and triglycerides. Feed intake and body weight changes were recorded weekly. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of DM, OM, CP, EE, CA and NFE were significantly higher in the LG group (p ≤ 0.05). The ADC of crude fibre was numerically higher in the LG group but not significant, and no significant differences were found in starch digestibility. Excreta consistency score tended to be higher in the LG diet group. Neither plasma glucose nor plasma fructosamine values were significantly different between the two test diets. The results of this study show that lower degree of starch gelatinisation in extruded diets can enhance digestibility in pigeons.     

Dietary soyabean oil depresses the apparent digestibility of fibre in trotters when substituted for an iso-energetic amount of corn starch or glucose

The aim of the present study was to establish whether the inhibitory effect of fat feeding on fibre digestion has been underestimated due to the substitution of fat for corn starch. A high fat intake has been shown to lower total intestinal tract apparent digestibility of crude fibre in horses but, since fat was substituted for nonstructural carbohydrates, including starch, the specific effect of fat could not be ascertained. The possibility could not be excluded that starch also inhibits fibre digestibility, so that the fat effect observed earlier would have been underestimated. In this study, the intakes of iso-energetic amounts of soyabean oil, corn starch or glucose were compared as to fibre digestibility. Unlike starch, glucose is fully absorbed by the small intestine and, therefore, is not expected to influence fibre fermentation in the caecum and colon. Six trotters were fed rations high in soyabean oil (158 g/kg dry matter), corn starch (337 g/kg dry matter) or glucose (263 g/kg dry matter) according to a 3 x 3 Latin square design. Apparent crude fibre digestibility was similar for the rations with corn starch (mean +/- s.d., 70.7 +/- 3.06% of intake, n = 6) or glucose (71.0 +/- 1.90%), but was significantly depressed by fat feeding (56.5 +/- 7.65%). Similar observations were made for apparent digestibilities of neutral and acid detergent fibre and of cellulose. It was concluded that the addition of fat to the feed ration of horses has a specific inhibitory effect on fibre utilisation and, therefore, reduces the amount of energy provided by dietary fibre.     

Postprandial blood hormone and metabolite concentrations influenced by feeding frequency and feeding level in veal calves

This study hypothesized that increased feeding frequency (FF) decreases problems with glucose homeostasis seen at high feeding levels (FL) in heavy veal calves. Effects of FF and FL on hormone and metabolite concentrations were studied in 15 heavy veal calves fed once (FF1; at 12:00), twice (FF2; at 12:00 and 24:00) or four times daily (FF4; at 06:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 24:00). In period 1, all calves were fed at a low FL (FL(low); 1.5 x metabolizable energy requirements for maintenance, ME(m)). In period 2, FF2 and FF4 calves were fed at high FL (FL(high); 2.5 x ME(m)), whereas FF1 calves were still fed at FL(low). Blood was sampled every 30 min from 12:00 to 18:00 and postprandial integrated plasma hormone and metabolite concentrations (AUC(12-18 h)) were calculated. Glucose AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL, but decreased with increasing FF, urea AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL, whereas non-esterified fatty acid AUC(12-18 h) were unaffected by FL and FF. Insulin AUC(12-18 h) decreased with increasing FF and decreasing FL. Glucagon AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL and FF. Growth hormone AUC(12-18 h) decreased, whereas insulin-like growth factor-1 and leptin AUC(12-18 h) increased with increasing FL. Mean thyroxine and 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine concentrations were modified by FF and FL. There were no FF x FL interactions, except for plasma glucose. In conclusion, postprandial hormone and metabolite responses were differentially affected by FF and (or) FL. Glucose and insulin concentrations were maximally increased at high FL and low FF. Hyperglycemia, glucosuria and excessive insulinemia were prevented by increasing FF and decreasing FL.     

Effect of short-term feed restriction and calorie source on hormonal and metabolic responses in geldings receiving a small meal

The metabolic effects of short-term feed restriction and dietary calorie source were studied in horses receiving high-roughage or high-concentrate diets. Four Thoroughbred geldings were assigned to four treatment groups in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment. The four treatments were 1) a nutritionally adequate high-roughage ration (70% roughage, 30% concentrate; AHR), 2) a nutritionally adequate high-concentrate ration (40% roughage, 60% concentrate; AHC), 3) 70% of the intake of the AHR diet (RHR), and 4) 70% of the intake of the AHC diet (RHC). Diets AHR and AHC were designed to meet the caloric need of horses undergoing moderately intense work. Blood samples were taken on the first 7 d of each period for analysis of serum T4 and T3 concentrations. On d 9 of each feeding period, each horse was fed 1.0 kg of oats as the morning meal. Jugular blood was sampled before and immediately after, as well as at 30 min after, completion of the meal and subsequently every hour for 7 h. Daily serum T4 and T3 concentrations were not affected by day, feeding level, or diet composition. Meal feeding produced an increase (P < 0.01) in T4 and T3 concentrations when horses were adapted to the AHR and AHC diets but not the RHR or RHC diets. Thyroxine concentrations were lowest (P < 0.05) when horses were adapted to the AHC diet. Glucose (P < 0.05), insulin (P < 0.01), and NEFA (P < 0.01) concentrations were higher in response to the meal when horses received RHR than for the other diets. These results indicate that nutrient restriction alters responses to meal feeding in horses and that this response may also be affected by the dietary roughage:concentrate ratio.     

The effect of crude fibre on apparent digestibility and digestible energy content of extruded dog foods

The apparent digestibility of nutrients and energy of 38 commercial dry extruded dog foods was measured using six adult (2 to 3 year-old) female Beagles. Diets contained [in g/kg dry matter (DM)]: 164–360 crude protein (CP); 79–261 ether extracts (EE); 8–33 crude fibre (CF) and 318–585 nitrogen free extracts (NFE). Apparent energy digestibility ranged from 77.3 to 91.6%, and was closely related to CF content ( r =–0.85), yielding the resultant equation: GED (%)=94.00 – 4.04 × CF (% DM). The estimation of digestible energy content of foods from digestibility coefficients predicted from the above equation and gross energy measured or estimated from the Weende fractions, provides a more accurate prediction of experimental values than the Atwater approach followed by the National Research Council and the Association of American Feed Control Officials.     

Studies on the evaluation of feed protein for ruminants. 1. Passage of nitrogen fractions to the duodenum of dairy cows fed different protein and carbohydrate sources

The duodenal passages of non-ammonia nitrogen (NAN), amino acid N (AA-N) and microbial N (MN) were measured in seven duodenal fistulated dairy cows (6130 kg FCM/305 d) during lactation receiving 30 different rations similar to those used in dairy practice. The rations consisted of roughage (protein-rich silages, hay) and concentrate mixture (corn, barley, oat) in a ratio of 60:40 on a DM basis or roughage/concentrate mixture/fodder beets in the proportions 60:20:20 or 60:0:40 respectively. N supplements consisted of soya bean meal and peas meal (untreated or treated with formaldehyde in each case), rapeseed meal, fish meal and urea. DM intake varied between 9.6 and 19.1 kg/d, the crude fibre content between 166 and 270 g/kg DM, the crude protein (CP) content between 111 and 184 g/kg DM, the AA content (N basis) of the CP between 51 and 82%, the unfermentable CP content of the CP between 23 and 49% and the organic matter digestibility between 70 and 79%. The duodenal passage of NAN was 24.2 +/- 2.7 g/kg DM intake, 34.9 +/- 4.1 g/kg apparently digestible organic matter (in total tract, DOM), 43.3 +/- 5.5 g/kg apparently digestible carbohydrates or 4.2 +/- 0.5 g/MJ net energy fat, (y +/- s, n = 90). The value measured for AA-N was 16.8 +/- 2.9 g/kg DM intake, and that for RNA-labelled microbial CP was 146 +/- 26 g/kg DOM. NAN passage (g/kg DM intake) correlated more closely with the duodenal digesta flow rate (DFR) (kg digesta/kg DM intake) as an intrinsic animal factor (r = 0.78) and with the rumen content dilution rate (RDR) (passage of microbial-free organic matter at duodenum/kg BW0.75.h) as a ration dependent factor (r = 0.64) than with the UDP fraction (% of ration CP) (r = 0.50) or other ration parameters. It was concluded that the specific effect of protein concentrates in mixed rations on duodenal NAN yields in lactating dairy cows is lower than hitherto assumed. The duodenal NAN yield of a single feedstuff or ration (g/kg DM) in cows is dependent on animal and feeding factors. The DFR could represents a suitable target for breeding activities.     

High glycemic and insulinemic responses to meals affect plasma growth hormone secretory characteristics in Quarter Horse weanlings

Growth hormone is a key component of the somatotropic axis and is critical for the interplay between nutrition, regulation of metabolic functions, and subsequent processes of growth. The objective of this study was to investigate potential relations between meal feeding concentrates differing in the glycemic responses they elicit and GH secretory patterns in young growing horses. Twelve Quarter Horse weanlings (5.4 ± 0.4 mo of age) were used in a crossover design, consisting of two 21-d periods and two treatments, a high-glycemic (HG) or low-glycemic (LG) concentrate meal, fed twice daily. Horses were individually housed and fed hay ad libitum. On the final day of each period, quarter-hourly blood samples were drawn for 24 h to measure plasma glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, and GH. Growth hormone secretory characteristics were estimated with deconvolution analysis. After a meal, HG-fed horses exhibited a longer inhibition until the first pulse of GH secretion (P = 0.012). During late night hours (1:00 AM to 6:45 AM), HG horses secreted a greater amount of pulsatile GH than LG horses (P = 0.002). These differences highlight the potential relations between glycemic and insulinemic responses to meals and GH secretion. Dietary energy source and metabolic perturbations associated with feeding HG meals to young, growing horses have the potential to alter GH secretory patterns compared with LG meals. This may potentially affect the developmental pattern of various tissues in the young growing horse.