The stability of glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma from cattle,pigs and sheep on storage in the presence and absence of glutathione

Ovine, bovine and porcine plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity decreased on storage at both 4°C and 20°C. The ovine and bovine enzymes were significantly less stable than the porcine enzyme. The addition of GSH to a final concentration of 2 mmol/L to plasma samples at the commencement of storage retarded the loss of both ovine and bovine plasma GSH-Px activity. The ovine enzyme was unique in that after inactivation by storage at 4°C, incubation with GSH restored the enzyme activity. It is recommended that plasma GSH-Px should be assayed fresh, or otherwise stored at –20°C.     

Effect of Se on selenoprotein activity and thyroid hormone metabolism in beef and dairy cows and calves

Although Se is essential for antioxidant and thyroid hormone function, factors influencing its requirement are not well understood. A survey and two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of cattle breed and age on selenoprotein activity and the effect of maternal Se supplementation on cow and calf selenoprotein activity and neonatal thyroid hormone production. In our survey, four cowherds of different ages representing three breeds were bled to determine the influence of breed and age on erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase activity (RBC GPX-1). All females were nonlactating, pregnant, and consumed total mixed diets (Holstein) or grazed pasture (Angus and Hereford). In our survey of beef breeds, yearlings had greater average RBC GPX-1 activity than mature cows. In Exp. 1, neonatal Holstein heifers (n = 8) were bled daily from 0 to 6 d of age to determine thyroid hormone profile. An injection of Se and vitamin E (BO-SE) was given after the initial bleeding. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations were greatest on d 0 and decreased (P < 0.05) continuously until d 5 postpartum (156.13 to 65.88 and 6.69 to 1.95 nmol/L, d 0 to 5 for T4 and T3, respectively). Reverse T3 concentrations were 3.1 nmol/L on d 0 and decreased (P < 0.05) to 0.52 nmol/ L by d 5. In Exp. 2, multiparous Hereford cows were drenched weekly with either a placebo containing 10 mL of double-deionized H2O (n = 14) or 20 mg of Se as sodium selenite (n = 13). After 2 mo of treatment, Se-drenched cows had greater (P < 0.01) plasma concentrations than control cows (84.92 vs. 67.08 ng/mL), and at parturition, they had plasma Se concentrations twofold greater than (P < 0.05) control cows (95.51 vs. 47.14 ng Se/mL). After 4 mo, cows receiving Se had greater (P < 0.05) RBC GPX-1 activity than controls; this trend continued until parturition. Colostrum Se concentration was twofold greater (P < 0.05) in Se-drenched cows than control cows (169.97 vs. 87.00 ng/mL). Calves born to cows drenched with Se had greater (P < 0.05) plasma Se concentration, RBC GPX-1, and plasma glutathione peroxidase activity on d 0 compared with calves born to control cows. By d 7, no differences in plasma glutathione peroxidase activity in calves were observed. Maternal Se supplementation did not influence calf thyroid hormone concentrations. Selenium provided by salt and forages is not adequate for cattle in Se-deficient states.     

Stability and storage characteristics of enzymes in cattle blood

The stability and storage characteristics were studied of 11 bovine enzymes of potential clinical significance, namely, aldolase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, acetylcholinesterase, creatine kinase, gamma glutamyltransferase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Enzyme activities in fresh serum were compared with those in plasma containing various anticoagulants including lithium heparin, EDTA and oxalate/fluoride. The same preservatives were assessed for their effects on the whole blood activities of GSH-Px and SOD. Stabilities of enzymes in plasma and serum stored at room (+20 degrees C), refrigerator (4 degrees C) or deep freeze (-20 degrees C) temperatures were also compared. In addition, SOD and GSH-Px activities in samples stored, at the same temperatures, as whole blood or aqueous lysates were monitored.     

Rigor temperature and meat quality characteristics of lamb longissimus muscle

The present experiment was conducted to determine the effect of muscle temperature during the prerigor and early postrigor period on meat tenderness, postmortem proteolysis, calpain system activity, water-holding capacity, and color. Lamb longissimus muscle (n = 14) from the right and left carcass sides was excised immediately after dressing, divided into an anterior and posterior sample, vacuum-packaged, and stored overnight at 5 to 35 degrees C. Further storage, up to 14 d postmortem, was at 2 degrees C. Tenderness at 1 d postmortem, tenderization during further storage, and postmortem proteolysis were negatively affected by overnight incubation above 25 degrees C. This effect could be explained by an effect of temperature on muscle contraction and activity of the calpain system. Muscle contraction was at a minimum after incubation at 15 degrees C. Water-holding capacity was negatively affected by incubation above 25 degrees C. Color scores improved with increasing incubation temperature at 1 d postmortem. However, after 14 d of postmortem storage, no differences in color scores were observed. Based on the present results and results of other groups, a temperature around 15 degrees C at the onset of rigor seems optimal to maximize tenderness without having detrimental effects on water-holding capacity or color.     

Environmental survival of Haemophilus somnus and influence of secretions and excretions.

Environmental survival of the Haemophilus somnus virulent strain 43826 was examined by mixing it with bovine secretions and excretions and observing viability after storage at -70 degrees C, 3 degrees C, 23.5 degrees C and 37 degrees C at one day, five days, 12 days, 19 days and intermittently up to 75 days. Survival of the organism beyond 70 days occurred when it was mixed with cerebrospinal fluid, whole blood, blood plasma, vaginal mucus and milk and frozen at -70 degrees C. At 3 degrees C the organism in these fluids survived for five days or less. At 23.5 degrees C the organism survived beyond 70 days when mixed with whole blood and nasal mucus. The viability of H. somnus in urine at all temperatures was less than 24 hours and less than 15 minutes at 20 degrees C and 37 degrees C. Infective cerebrospinal fluid frozen alone in liquid nitrogen and with the addition of various cryopreservatives allowed the organism to survive and maintain virulence for at least 56 days. The implications of these studies to disease transmission and experimental studies is discussed.     

Antioxidant supplementation and subsequent oxidative stress of horses during an 80-km endurance race

This study tested the development of oxidative stress and the effects of antioxidant supplementation in an 80-km ride. A precompetition survey revealed that no competitor would participate without vitamin E supplementation; therefore, 46 horses were paired for past performances and randomly assigned to two groups of 23 each for 3 wk of supplementation before the ride. One group (E) was orally supplemented with 5,000 IU of vitamin E per day; the other group (E+C) received that dose of vitamin E plus 7 g/d of vitamin C. Blood samples, temperature, and heart rate were taken the day before the race, at 21 and 56 km during the ride, at completion, and after 20 min of recovery. Plasma was assayed for lipid hydroperoxides, alpha-tocopherol, total ascorbate, albumin, creatine kinase (CK), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Total glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activity were determined in red blood cells and white blood cells. Thirty-four horses completed the race, 12 horses (six in E and six in E+C) did not finish for reasons including lameness, metabolic problems, and rider option. Plasma ascorbate was higher (P = 0.045) in the E+C group than in the E group. Other than ascorbate, neither antioxidant status nor CK and AST activities were affected by supplementation with E+C vs. E. Red blood cell glutathione peroxidase, white blood cell total glutathione, lipid hydroperoxides, CK, and AST increased, and red blood cell total glutathione and white blood cell glutathione peroxidase activity decreased with distance (P < 0.001). Positive correlations were found for plasma lipid hydroperoxides on CK (r = 0.25; P = 0.001) and AST (r = 0.33; P < 0.001). These results establish an association between muscle leakage and a cumulative index of oxidative stress.     

Stability and storage characteristics of enzymes in sheep blood

The stability and storage characteristics were studied of 11 ovine enzymes of potential clinical significance, namely, aldolase, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, acetylcholinesterase, creatine kinase, gamma glutamyltransferase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), alpha-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Enzyme activities in fresh serum were compared with those in plasma containing various anticoagulants including lithium heparin, EDTA and oxalate/fluoride. The same preservatives were assessed for their effects on the whole blood activities of GSH-Px and SOD. Stabilities of enzymes in plasma and serum stored at room (+20 degrees C), refrigerator (4 degrees C) or deep freeze (-20 degrees C) temperatures were also compared. In addition, SOD and GSH-Px activities in samples stored, at the same temperatures, as whole blood or aqueous lysates were monitored. The results are discussed with particular reference to the differences between sheep and cattle.     

Stability of stored canine plasma for hemostasis testing

BACKGROUND: A review of the literature revealed limited information about the stability of samples for coagulation testing in dogs. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of individual coagulation factors, clotting times, and other parameters of hemostasis in stored canine plasma. METHODS: Citrated plasma samples were obtained from 21 dogs. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration, and factor I, II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII activities were measured on an automated coagulation analyzer with commercially available reagents. Antithrombin (AT) activity and D-dimer concentration were measured on an automated chemistry analyzer using validated kits. Samples were analyzed within 1 hour after collection (initial analysis) and once daily for 2 or 4 consecutive days following storage at room temperature (RT) or 4 degrees C, respectively. RESULTS: Storage time at either temperature did not have any effect on PT, factor II, V, VII, X, or XII activities, D-dimer concentration, or AT activity. In contrast, aPTT was significantly prolonged after 72 and 96 hours at 4 degrees C; fibrinogen concentration was decreased after 48 hours at RT; the activities of factors VIII and IX were decreased after 48, 72, and 96 hours at 4 degrees C; and factor XI activity was decreased after 72 hours at 4 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that storage of canine plasma for 2 days at RT does not have a significant effect on hemostasis test results with the exception of a slight decrease in fibrinogen concentration. In contrast, aPTT and factors VIII, IX, and XI were unstable in refrigerated plasma after 48 or 72 hours of storage.     

Influence of a high ambient temperature on lipid metabolism in the growing pig

Because pigs are fatter when they are heat-stressed, it was hypothesized that lipid metabolism is enhanced in heat-stressed pigs. To test this hypothesis, an experiment was conducted to determine the influence of a high ambient temperature on the level of plasma lipids, thyroid hormones, lipoprotein lipase activity, and on the composition of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) and chylomicrons in the growing pig. Twelve Large White x Landrace castrated male pigs with an initial weight of 20 +/- 0.6 kg were allotted to one of the following treatments: 1) ambient temperature of 31 degrees C, with ad libitum access to feed or 2) ambient temperature of 20 degrees C and fed the amount consumed by those kept at 31 degrees C until 35 kg BW. Ambient temperature did not affect piglet performance. Compared to that in pigs kept at 20 degrees C, in pigs kept at 31 degrees C the lipid content of backfat was 26% higher and the proportion of flare fat was increased by more than twofold (P < 0.001). Lipoprotein lipase activity was increased more than twofold in backfat and nearly twofold in leaf fat at 31 vs 20 degrees C (P < 0.001). In warmth-exposed (31 degrees C), feed-restricted pigs, the plasma level of triiodothyronine was 30% lower than at 20 degrees C (P < 0.001), whereas VLDL-lipid concentration was more than fourfold higher, and plasma concentrations of NEFA and triglycerides were 2.6- and 3.6-fold higher, respectively (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the chronic exposure of growing pigs to a high ambient temperature enhances lipid metabolism in both the liver (VLDL production) and the adipose tissue (lipoprotein lipase activity). Consequently, plasma triglyceride uptake and storage are facilitated in the adipose tissue, which results in greater fatness.     

Measurement of prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) on canine citrated plasma samples following different storage conditions

Samples from 75 clinically ill dogs were utilised in the study. APTT and PT tests were performed immediately on fresh citrated plasma samples (Fresh). The remaining plasma was stored at -20 degrees C for less than 4 months (n=36 samples) or between 4 and 7 months (n=39 samples). In batches of five, frozen samples were thawed rapidly and APTT and PT tests were performed on the thawed samples immediately (0RT) and after storage at room temperature (23 degrees C, range: 22-25 degrees C) for 24h (24RT) and 48h (48RT). The median APTT value from the (0RT) samples was significantly longer than that obtained from fresh samples (15s vs. 13.2s) but the PT value was not statistically different (7.8s vs. 7.6s). The median APTT (15s) and PT (7.5s) results from the (24RT) samples were not statistically different to those from the (0RT) samples (APTT: 15s, PT: 7.6s) but both tests were significantly longer (APTT: 16.5s, PT: 9.2s) from the (48RT) samples. We concluded that long term batching and freezing of clinical samples at -20 degrees C is acceptable for measurement of PT but not of APTT. We demonstrated that APTT and PT results do not change following storage of samples at room temperature for 24h but storage for 48h may lead to statistically and clinically significant changes (values at least 25% higher than the high value of the laboratory's reference interval) in both clotting times.     

Anti-oxidative status and semen quality during cooled storage in stallions

Activity of the anti-oxidative enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), content of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and SH-groups were determined in native stallion semen (n = 8 stallions). Semen was then diluted in Kenney extender, EquiPro((R)) extender either with or without addition of N-acetyl cysteine or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and stored for 72 h at 5 degrees C. Correlations between initial activity of enzymes and development of semen motility and membrane integrity were calculated. Activities of GSH-Px, SOD and CAT immediately after semen collections were 10.0 +/- 0.6 picokatals, 0.40 +/- 0.03 SOD units and 0.70 +/- 0.05 nanokatals/10(6) spermatozoa respectively. TBARS content was 0.06 +/- 0.01 nmol and SH-group content 1.7 +/- 0.5 mmol/10(6) spermatozoa. The loss of motile spermatozoa during storage did not differ between extenders. N-acetyl cysteine had no effect on semen motility and membrane integrity. The loss in membrane-intact spermatozoa was highest (P < 0.05) in semen diluted in PBS. Motility and membrane integrity after addition of extender were positively correlated with GSH-Px and CAT, indicating that anti-oxidative mechanisms contribute to the initial high percentage of motile and membrane-intact spermatozoa. However, in these samples the decrease in semen quality was most pronounced. No correlations existed between initial activity of anti-oxidative enzymes, peroxidation products and semen quality during storage. This indicates that once extender has been added, peroxidative damage to sperm membranes is not the predominant cause of losses in semen quality.     

Changes in platelet concentrates from dogs due to storage. I. Platelet count in in vitro function]

The possibility of storage of canine platelet concentrates (PC) was investigated using PC from dogs which were obtained with an automatic cell separator in C4-cell separation sets with low gasdiffusionable Polyvinylchlorid (PVC) storage containers or in C4L-sets developed for storage with high gasdiffusionable Polyolefin (PO) containers, respectively. The storage was carried out for a period of 10 days under permanent agitation at 22 degrees C (C4/22 degrees C, n = 10; C4L/22 degrees C, n = 11) or at 4 degrees C (C4L/4 degrees C, n = 6), respectively. Measurements were done directly after production of the PC, after 6 hours and then daily during the 10-day storage period. In the first part of this paper the results of platelet count (determined automatically with a blood cell differentiation automat and visually), the number of platelet aggregates, the mean platelet volume (MPV) as well as the platelet function with regard to the platelet aggregation induced by collagen or ADP and the resonance-thrombogram (RTG) are presented. The platelet count, measured automatically as well as visually, remained preponderantly constant over the complete storage time in all storage conditions. Dependent on the storage conditions--especially under storage at 22 degrees C--an increase of the number of platelet aggregates and a decrease of MPV was determined. In addition, the loss of platelet function measured by aggregation induced by collagen as well as by ADP showed a significant dependency of storage conditions. The stored platelets lost their ability to aggregate under C4/22 degrees C-conditions after a storage period of 2 days, under C4L/22 degrees C-conditions after 4 days and under C4L/4 degrees C-conditions not before 8 days of storage. Previous resuspending of platelets in fresh plasma delayed the loss of platelet function. Because the loss of platelet function described in the RTG became significant at nearly the same point in time, a storage of canine PC under corresponding conditions can be recommended for upto 2 days (C4/22 degrees C), for 4 days (C4L/22 degrees C) or 8-10 days (C4L/4 degrees C), respectively.     

Comparison of selenium levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in bovine whole blood.

Blood glutathione peroxidase activity and selenium levels were found to correlate well, indicating that glutathione peroxidase activity can be used to assess blood selenium levels in beef cattle. The glutathione peroxidase activity of blood is less stable than is the selenium concentration but when blood was stored at 4 degrees C, the glutathione peroxidase activity remained constant for seven days.     

Appraisal of Collection Techniques and Storage Temperatures on Turkey Plasma Cholinesterase Levels and Blood Glutathione Concentrations

The effects of different blood collection procedures, various storage temperatures and durations of storage on the levels of plasma cholinesterase and whole blood glutathione in turkeys were investigated.

Collection of blood through vacutainers yielded satisfactory results. Whereas the plasma cholinesterase activity remained unchanged even after three weeks of storage at -17.8°C., blood glutathione concentration was unaffected only when the samples were stored at -28.9°C for the three weeks. The range of mean activity was from 4.64 to 4.71 ΔpH/hour x 10 for cholinesterase and from 44.85 to 47.91 mgm/100 ml for glutathione.

     

The effect of storage conditions on samples for the evaluation of copper status in blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi)

Investigaltions to determine the effect of sample storage on the concentration of copper in liver tissue and on the activity of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase were undertaken in preparation for a study of blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi) that were suspected to be suffering from copper deficiency. Two liver samples were collected from each of 20 culled blesbok in a manner that simulated the collection of biopsies from the live animal. These samples were stored either in 10% formalin or frozen at -20 degrees C until analysed 4 1/2 months later. The effect of different methods of sample storage on superoxide dismutase activity was determined. Erythrocytes collected from 3 Jersey cows and 5 culled blesbok were washed and divided into 0.5 ml portions, stored at room temperature (approximately 20 degrees C), in a refrigerator (4 degrees C), frozen at -20 degrees C in a freezer, and in liquid nitrogen (-200 degrees C). An analysis of superoxide dismutase activity was undertaken using a commercial assay kit at intervals of 2-4 days until the levels of activity had fallen significantly. The copper concentration in formalin-preserved liver samples was significantly lower than that measured in frozen liver tissue apparently as a result of leaching. The activity of superoxide dismutase in cattle blood was unchanged for 4 days at room temperature but fell appreciably after 2 days at 4 degrees C and -20 degrees C. Enzyme activity remained unchanged for 200 days in erythrocytes stored in liquid nitrogen. Superoxide dismutase activity levels in healthy blesbok were considerably lower than those measured in Jersey cows and remained unaffected for up to 6 days in samples stored at 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C. The level of activity fell significantly thereafter. Samples stored in liquid nitrogen were unchanged after 40 days.     

Effects of pig age at market weight and magnesium supplementation through drinking water on pork quality

Thirty-two halothane-negative pigs (109 +/- 0.6 kg of BW) were used to determine the effect of pig age at marketing (and thus growth rate), and magnesium supplementation through drinking water, on pork quality. Two initial groups of 50 pigs that differed by 30 +/- 2 d of age were fed diets to meet or exceed nutrient requirements beginning at 28 kg of BW. Sixteen average, representative pigs were selected from each group to represent older, slow-growing pigs and younger, fast-growing pigs. For the duration of the study, pigs were individually penned, provided 2.7 kg of feed (0.12% Mg) daily, and allowed free access to water. After 7 d of adjustment, pigs were blocked by sex and BW and allotted to 0 or 900 mg of supplemental Mg/L as MgSO4 in drinking water for 2 d before slaughter. All 32 pigs were then transported (110 km) to a commercial abattoir on the same day and slaughtered 2.5 h after arrival. Longissimus and semimembranosus (SM) chops were packaged and stored to simulate display storage for fluid loss and Minolta color determinations at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 d. Two remaining sections of the LM were vacuum-packaged and stored at 4 degrees C for 25 or 50 d. Fast- (younger) and slow- (older) growing pigs differed by 27 +/- 0.3 d of age (153 and 180 +/- 0.3 d; P < 0.001) at similar BW (108 and 110 +/- 0.6 kg of BW; P = 0.13). Supplementation of Mg tended to increase plasma Mg concentration (24.1 vs. 21.8 +/- 0.8 ppm; P = 0.06) but did not affect Mg concentration in LM or SM. Fluid loss of displayed LM or SM, and purge loss, color, and oxidation of vacuum-packaged LM or SM were not affected by age or Mg (P > 0.10). Surface exudate of the SM from older pigs was lower than that of younger pigs (61 vs. 74 +/- 6 mg; P = 0.05) but was not different for the LM (P = 0.22). The LM from older pigs displayed for 4 and 8 d; P < 0.05) were less yellow (lower b*) than younger pigs. The SM from older pigs had lower lightness (L*) initially (47.9 vs. 49.5 +/- 0.4) and after 2 d (49.7 vs. 51.1 +/- 0.4), 6 d (52.1 vs. 53.7 +/- 0.4) and 8 d (54.5 vs. 55.9 +/- 0.4) of display storage. Younger pigs had greater oxidation of the LM than older pigs on d 8 of display (P < 0.01), and Mg decreased oxidation on d 8 within younger pigs (P < 0.05). Pork quality was improved in older pigs as indicated by less exudate, reduced yellowness of the LM, reduced paleness of the SM, and reduced oxidation of the LM. However, Mg supplementation through the water for 2 d did not affect pork quality of either older, slower growing pigs or younger, faster growing pigs.     

The viability of Campylobacter jejuni on refrigerated chicken drumsticks

Radappertized chicken drumsticks were experimentally contaminated with suspensions of Campylobacter jejuni in two trials. Qualitative analysis on drumsticks with an initial level of contamination of 4.8 X 10(3) CFU/cm2 showed that viability was retained for at least 10 days of storage at either 9 degrees or -12 degrees C. In a second quantitative trial, the level of contamination declined from 9.9 X 10(2) CFU/cm2 to 4.5 X 10(1) CFU/cm2 after 7 days at -20 degrees C. Thereafter, C. jejuni persisted at levels ranging from 1.8 X 10(1) to 0.2 X 10(1) CFU/cm2 through the 26th week of storage. Drumsticks held at 4 degrees C showed a significant decline in count from 9.9 X 10(2) CFU/cm2 to 1.8 X 10(2) CFU/cm2 on day 7. It is concluded that the viability of C. jejuni on chicken parts is maintained under both refrigerated and freezing conditions which approximate commercial storage. This is of significance to the meat industry and consumers.     

Pituitary-ovarian relationships during the estrous cycle and the influence of parity in an inbred strain of miniature swine

Pituitary-ovarian function was analyzed in a strain of miniature swine previously shown to produce a low ovulation rate resulting in the formation of only 8.6 corpora lutea (CL)/animal. Five multiparous (M) and four nulliparous (N) miniature pigs with a mean inbreeding coefficient of .39 were monitored for estrous behavior through four consecutive estrous cycles. Daily blood samples were collected from 5 d before to 5 d after the onset of the second, third and fourth estrus and at 48-h intervals during the remainder of the second and third estrous cycle. Laparoscopy was used to examine the ovaries 1 and 5 d after onset of the third estrus and 2 d after the beginning of the fourth estrus. For the entire group, temporal fluctuations among serum estradiol-17 beta, luteinizing hormone (LH) and progesterone concentrations and sexual behavior were similar to previously published data in standard swine breeds. Although the mean lengths of the estrous cycle were not different (P greater than .05) between parity subgroups (M, 23 +/- 1.3 vs N, 22 +/- .7 d), multiparous pigs were in estrus longer (P less than .05) than nulliparous females (M, 3.7 +/- .2 vs N, 2.2 +/- .4 d). Parity subgroups were similar with respect to the mean number of follicles forming CL (M, 8.8 +/- .7 vs N, 9.2 +/- .2). Although an average of 6.2 +/- 2.1 CL had formed by 24-h after onset of estrus in the nulliparous subgroup, no CL were detected in the multiparous subgroup at this time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of temperature on the growth of Penicillium from moldy feed

178 Penicillium strains were isolated from moulded feedstuffs (mainly corn and wheat after ambient air drying, wheat after refrigeration, corn after treatment with propionic acid), and investigated for the effect of temperature on growth rate. Temperatures between 4 and 27 degrees C were used. 159 strains proved psychrotrophic, they were able to grow at 4 degrees C on malt extract agar (MA) as well as in wheat; the growth in wheat was indicated by the production of ergosterol. On MA all psychrotrophic strains were able to grow also at 10-27 degrees C. The maximum rate of growth was reached at 10-15 degrees C, 15-20 degrees C, 20-27 degrees C, or must be assumed for temperatures greater than or equal to 27 degrees C. At 4 and 10 degrees C the mean growth rate on MA was 24 and 51%, respectively, related to the mean rate at 20 degrees C; the lower temperature limit of growth was found at - 1 degree C by graphic extrapolation. The Q10 value of growth on MA is about 2, if temperatures between 20 and 10 degrees C are compared; with decreasing temperature higher Q10 values up to 3.7 are obtained. The growth rate of a strain of Penicillium aurantiogriseum on wheat was affected by temperature nearly in the same manner as on malt extract agar. The results are discussed with respect to the risk of moulding during refrigerated storage of feedstuffs.