Study on the performance enhancing effect of rare earth elements in growing and fattening pigs

A feeding study was performed to investigate possible performance enhancing effects of rare earth elements (REE) in growing and fattening pigs, as well as their influence on the blood serum biochemical changes and the accumulation of REE in the organs of pigs treated with a REE diet for a longer time period. Fourteen crossbred piglets (Deutsche Landrasse × Piétrain) were allotted to two dietary treatments: a control group and the REE-treated group which was supplemented with 300 mg of an REE mixture per kg feed. The REE mixture contained mainly chlorides of lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce) and praseodymium (Pr). The whole feeding period consisted of a 2 months ad libitum feeding period M-I and a 1 month restricted feeding period M-II. It was found that in comparison with the control group, the REE group had a better daily body weight gain of 19% (p   < 0.05) in the period M-I and 12% in the period M-II; the REE group also had a better feed conversion ratio of 11% in period M-I and 3% (p   > 0.05) in the period M-II. The REE had no significant (p   > 0.05) influence on blood serum thyroxine (T₄), aspartate-amino-transferase (AST), alanine-amino-transferase (ALT), alkaline-phosphatase (AP), total cholesterol, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, glucose, Ca, P, Na, K and Cl. However, serum triiodothyronine (T₃) in the REE group was significantly (p   < 0.01) lower than that in the control group. The accumulation rate of La and Ce in the muscle, liver and kidneys was very low after feeding the REE diet for 3 months. The study indicates the possibility of using rare earth elements as safe and inexpensive alternative performance enhancers for pig production.     

Gelatinized to non-gelatinized starch ratio in the diet of Labeo rohita: effect on digestive and metabolic response and on growth

A 60-days experiment was conducted to study the optimum gelatinized (G) to non-gelatinized (NG) starch ratio in the diet of Labeo rohita juveniles with respect to digestive and metabolic response and on growth. Two-hundred and thirty-four juveniles (avg. wt 2.53 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed in six treatment groups with each of three replicates. Six semipurified diets either containing NG and/or G corn starch viz., T₁ (100% NG, 0% G starch), T₂ (80% NG, 20% G starch), T₃ (60% NG, 40% G starch), T₄ (40% NG, 60% G starch), T₅ (20% NG, 80% G starch) and T₆ (0% NG, 100% G starch) were prepared. The dry matter digestibility and carbohydrate digestibility were highest (p < 0.05) in T₆ group and lowest in T₃ and T₄ groups. The amylase activity in intestine increased as G:NG level increased in the diet. Protease activity in intestine was highest in T₆ group and lowest in T₁ group. Similar trend was recorded for specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and apparent net protein utilization. Liver glycogen, hepatosomatic index and blood glucose level increased linearly with the increasing level of G starch in the experimental diet. The results indicate that higher nutrient digestibility and growth was recorded either at low (20% G starch, T₂) or high (100% G starch, T₆) G starch fed group. But high G starch fed group (T₆) exhibits higher liver glycogen and blood glucose level, which may lead to stress due to long-term feeding. Hence, it is suggested that 20% G and 80% NG starch is optimum for better nutrient digestibility and growth in L. rohita juveniles.     

Concentrations of Prolactin, LH, Testosterone, TSH and Thyroxine in Normospermic Dogs of Different Breeds

Concentrations of prolactin (PRL), LH, testosterone (T), TSH and thyroxine (T₄) were determined before and at 20, 120 and 180 min after a single iv injection of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) in eight Beagles, eight Fox Terriers, six Labrador Retrievers and five Great Danes that were normospermic. Mean basal PRL concentrations were lower in the Fox Terriers compared with the Great Danes (p < 0.05). Mean LH concentrations were higher in the Fox Terriers than in the Beagles, and T was lower in the Fox Terriers at some times but not others (p < 0.05). Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) concentrations did not differ among breeds, while mean basal T₄ values were lower in Fox Terriers compared with Labrador Retrievers and Great Danes (p < 0.05). Stimulation of T₄ secretion 120 and 180 min after iv TRH injection was most pronounced in the Beagles and less in the Fox Terriers (p < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that potential breed differences in circulating concentrations of PRL, LH, T, TSH and T₄ in male dogs with apparently normal fertility can be encountered, but further studies are needed to determine whether the observed differences are typical features of these breeds, reflect subsets of dogs within breeds, or are in part because of possible uncontrolled parameters such as sample timing, ambient photoperiod, housing conditions or diet.     

Digestion and deposition of individual fatty acids in growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing either beef tallow or sunflower oil

The apparent digestibility and deposition in carcass of individual dietary fatty acids (FA) were determined in growing-finishing pigs fed diets containing either beef tallow or sunflower oil. The beef tallow was rich in saturated FA (SFA) and the sunflower oil had a high content of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). A total of 39 barrows was used. The experimental diets contained 5% (w/w) of the variable fat source and were fed ad libitum . The dietary fat type had no effect (p > 0.05) on growth performance, even though the apparent digestibilities of crude fat and crude protein were higher (p < 0.05) in the animals fed sunflower oil. The pigs fed the sunflower oil diet showed higher apparent digestibilities (p < 0.05) of the sum of SFA, monounsaturated FA (MUFA) and PUFA, but had a lower digestibility (p < 0.05) of stearic acid. The intakes of individual digestible FA were derived feed intake data, FA contents of the diets and the digestibility of individual FA. For the entire feeding period of 13 weeks, the ratio of deposition in carcass to intake of digestible FA was increased (p < 0.05) for palmitic and stearic acid in the pigs fed sunflower oil, but the ratios for oleic acid and linoleic acid were decreased (p < 0.001). In the pigs fed sunflower oil instead of beef tallow, the deposition:intake ratio was raised for the SFA (p < 0.001), but diminished for the MUFA (p < 0.05). The calculated minimum de novo synthesis of SFA was increased (p < 0.05) and that of MUFA decreased (p < 0.05) in the pigs fed sunflower oil. It is concluded that the feeding of a diet with sunflower oil instead of beef tallow improved apparent digestibility of SFA, MUFA and PUFA, increased the deposition:digestible intake ratio for SFA, but lowered that for MUFA and PUFA.     

Effect of added dietary threonine on growth performance,health, immunity and gastrointestinal function of weaning pigs with differing genetic susceptibility to Escherichia coli infection and challenged with E. coli K88ac

Threonine (Thr) is important for mucin and immunoglobulin production. We studied the effect of added dietary Thr on growth performance, health, immunity and gastrointestinal function of weaning pigs with differing genetic susceptibility to E. coli K88ac (ETEC) infection and challenged with ETEC. Forty‐eight 24‐day‐old weaned pigs were divided into two groups by their ETEC susceptibility using mucin 4 (MUC4) gene as a marker (2 MUC4^?/?, not‐susceptible, and 2 MUC4^+/+, susceptible, pigs per litter). Within genotype, pigs were fed two different diets: 8.5 (LThr) or 9.0 (HThr) g Thr/kg. Pigs were orally challenged on day 7 after weaning and slaughtered on day 12 or 13 after weaning. Before ETEC challenge, HThr pigs ate more (p < 0.05). The diet did not affect post‐challenge growth, but HThr tended to increase post‐challenge feed efficiency (p = 0.087) and overall growth (p = 0.087) and feed efficiency (p = 0.055). Before challenge, HThr pigs excreted less E. coli (p < 0.05), while after challenge, diet did not affect the number of days with diarrhoea and ETEC excretion. MUC4^+/+ pigs responded to the challenge with more diarrhoea, ETEC excretion and anti‐K88 IgA in blood and jejunal secretion (p < 0.001). HThr pigs had a higher increase of anti‐K88 IgA values in jejunal secretion (p = 0.089) and in blood (p = 0.089, in MUC4^+/+ pigs only). Thr did not affect total IgA and IgM values, morphometry of jejunum, goblet cells count in colon, total mucin from jejunum and colon, but varied jejunal goblet cells counts (p < 0.05). In the first two post‐weaning weeks, 8.5 g Thr/kg diet may be not sufficient to optimize initial feed intake, overall feed efficiency and intestinal IgA secretion and to control the gut microbiota in the first post‐weaning week, irrespective of the pig genetic susceptibility to ETEC infection.     

Comparison of Two Doses of the GnRH Antagonist, Acyline, for Pregnancy Termination in Bitches

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists are particularly useful when a rapid inhibitory effect on the gonadal axis is required. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy and clinical safety of a low and high dose of the third generation GnRH antagonist, acyline, on pregnancy termination in female dogs. The effect of the antagonist on the progesterone (P₄) serum concentration was also described. Twenty-one mid-pregnant bitches were randomly assigned to a single subcutaneous (SC) dose of a placebo (PLACE; n = 7), a low (ACY-L; 110 μg/kg; n = 6) or high (ACY-H; 330 μg/kg; n = 8) dose of acyline. The animals were followed up for 15 days. All ACY treated but no placebo-treated animals terminated their pregnancy by abortion (p < 0.01). The ACY-L and ACY-H groups interrupted their pregnancy 7 ± 1.9 and 6.4 ± 1.3   days after treatment, respectively (p = 0.7). A significant interaction between treatment and day was found (p < 0.01) for P₄ serum concentrations when PLACE was compared with both ACY groups. No difference was found for this hormone between both ACY groups (p > 0.05) where P₄ diminished throughout the study. The decreasing rate varied among animals and was closely related to the time of abortion when P₄ reached basal concentrations. In PLACE animals, gestation progressed normally and P₄ did not change throughout the study (p > 0.05). None of the bitches presented side effects. It was concluded that acyline safely terminated mid-pregnancy by permanently decreasing P₄ serum concentrations.     

Effect of dietary copper and vitamin E supplementation, and extensive feeding with acorn and grass on longissimus muscle composition and susceptibility to oxidation in Iberian pigs

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of dietary copper and/or vitamin E supplementation on composition and oxidation of M. longissimus in Iberian pigs and to compare it with meat samples from pigs produced extensively and fed with acorn and grass. Grass had the highest α-tocopherol content (> 150 mg/kg DM), while acorns had the highest copper concentration (78.1 mg/kg DM). Dietary treatment did not affect copper composition in muscle and no interactions were detected between copper and α-tocopherol. The α-tocopherol content in muscle from pigs fed diets supplemented with α-tocopheryl acetate (100 mg/kg feed) was 1.5 times greater (p < 0.0001) than those from pigs receiving a basel diet. M. longisssimus dorsi from pigs fed extensively had a higher concentration of α-tocopherol than those fed in confinement with the basel level of α-tocopheryl acetate, but lower values than pigs fed supplemented levels. Total n -3 fatty acids (p < 0.02) and hematin (p < 0.0001) concentrations were significantly higher in muscle from pigs fed extensively than when fed in confinement. Muscle homogenates from Iberian pigs fed in extensive conditions showed significantly (p < 0.02) higher susceptibility to oxidation than those from pigs fed mixed diets. Dietary α-tocopheryl acetate supplementation (100 mg/kg feed) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced lipid oxidation of muscle, while dietary copper concentration did not modify susceptibility to lipid oxidation.     

Effect of Progesterone and Ionomycin on Domestic Cat Sperm Motility Patterns and Acrosome Reaction

This study was aimed at assessing the changes in sperm motion patterns and the percentage of acrosome reaction (AR) in domestic cat semen after treatment with either ionomycin or progesterone (P₄). Ten ejaculates were collected from five tomcats using an artificial vagina, and were diluted, centrifuged and resuspended in a capacitation medium. Samples were evaluated and divided into seven equal aliquots and, after 2 h at 25°C, were incubated for 30 min at 38°C in 5% CO₂ and then analyzed. Computer-assisted sperm analysis and a combination of three fluorescent probes were used to assess sperm plasma, acrosomal membrane integrity and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. Thirty minutes after the start of incubation, P₄ was added (10 μg/ml) to the P1 group. Groups P2 and P3 were supplemented with P₄ (10 and 20 μg/ml, respectively) only after 2 h of incubation, and groups I1 and I2 were supplemented with ionomycin (4 and 8 μ m , respectively) 2 h after incubation. Group E was supplemented with ethanol (0.6%) at 2 h after incubation and group C received no supplementation. Ionomycin and P₄ treatments led to a hyperactivation-like sperm motion and an increase (p < 0.05) in the percentage of AR. Although a higher (p < 0.05) percentage of AR was obtained in group I2 when compared with all P₄ groups, a decrease (p < 0.05) in total and progressive motility was observed in I2 group. As I1 group was similar to I2 to induce AR without diminishing sperm motility, we can conclude that ionomycin at 4 μ m seems to be more suitable to trigger AR in domestic cat sperm.     

Maternal low-protein diet affects bone mass and mineral metabolism in suckling rats

This study was performed to analyse the effects of low-protein diet (7%) on bone mass and mineral metabolism in rat pups whose mothers were submitted to protein-restricted diet during late pregnancy and early post-natal periods. For this purpose, 12 pregnant Wistar rats were divided into two groups of six animals each: a control group with free access to standard diet (20% protein) and protein-restricted group (PR) fed with low-protein diet (7% protein) from the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. Body weight, femur bone mass, plasma thyroid hormones (FT₄ and FT₃), biochemical bone marker levels [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (ACP)] and bone DNA content were recorded. In undernourished pups, a decrease in body weight (−47%, p < 0.001) in skeletal growth (−11%, p < 0.001) and in bone DNA content (−48%, p < 0.001) were observed. Plasma protein and albumin levels and thyroid status were also decreased in undernourished rat pups compared with those of control group. The circulating amino acid levels were decreased in pups. While in their mothers, some of them were increased and the others were decreased. A positive correlation was observed between bone mass and plasma thyroid hormone levels and ALP activity and plasma protein levels, and a negative correlation with ACP activity. Plasma ALP levels were decreased by 19%, whereas plasma tartrate-resistant ACP levels were increased by 33% indicating a hyperactivity of bone remodelling. These results showed that protein-restricted diet given to mothers during late pregnancy and early post-natal periods induced changes in body weight, skeletal growth and bone metabolism in their offspring.     

Interaction between amino acids on the performances of individually housed piglets

Dietary branched‐chain amino acid and tryptophan concentrations have been associated with effects on daily feed intake; this study is an extension of that research. We evaluated eight dietary treatments in a Latin square cross‐over design with 32 female piglets during 8 weeks (9.9 ± 0.6 kg to 44.9 ± 2.9 kg, mean ± SD). Treatments differed in dietary standardized ileal digestible leucine (10.8 and 21.3 g/kg), valine (7.0 and 7.8 g/kg), isoleucine (6.0 or 7.3 g/kg) and tryptophan (2.0 and 2.5 g/kg) content. A longitudinal model was fitted with the level of valine, leucine, isoleucine, tryptophan and the interactions leucine × tryptophan, valine × leucine, isoleucine × tryptophan as fixed effects. Increasing the dietary leucine content decreased feed intake (?169 g/day) and daily gain (?168 g/day) of the pigs and impaired the feed conversion ratio (+0.49 g/g) (p < 0.01 for all parameters). Adding valine to the high leucine diet counteracted the feed intake reduction partially, while effects on daily gain and feed conversion ratio were largely counteracted by adding extra valine. The positive effect on feed conversion ratio diminished over time (p = 0.001 for age × valine). Adding extra tryptophan to the high leucine diet tended to negatively affect daily gain (p = 0.081) and feed conversion ratio (p = 0.074). Adding extra dietary isoleucine together with extra valine did not further counteract the negative effects of excess dietary leucine. The present results confirmed that, with excess leucine, extra valine benefits performance. Further adding extra tryptophan or isoleucine did not improve performances.     

Effect on Rendement Napole genotype on metabolic markers in Ossabaw pigs fed different levels of fat

We investigated effects of Rendement Napole (RN ) genotype on metabolic markers in Ossabaw pigs fed diets with different levels of dietary fat. Thirty‐two pigs, belonging to either the wild‐type (WT , rn⁺/rn⁺) or carrier (CAR , RN ^?/rn⁺) genotypes (n  = 16/genotype), were divided into two dietary groups, (high fat [HF ] or low fat [LF ]) diets, for 12 weeks (n  = 8 pigs/genotype/diet) after which pigs were killed for gene expression analysis by RT ‐PCR . Feeding HF diet caused increased daily gain (ADG , p  <  .05) and final body weight (BW ) (p  <  .05) in comparison with the LF diet (p  <  .05). Feed efficiency (gain:feed) was higher (p  <  .05) in pigs on the HF and was higher (p  <  .05) in CAR pigs compared to WT . There was genotype × diet interaction (p  =  .05) on final BW such that CAR animals on LF diet had the same final BW as animals of both genotypes on HF diet. Carrier pigs on LF diet had higher (p  <  .05) average daily gain and gain:feed than WT pigs. There was a trend (p  <  .08) for a higher feed consumption in pigs on the LF diet. Backfat thickness was higher (p  <  .01) in pigs on the HF diet. Serum triglyceride was higher (0.62 vs. 0.33 mg/dl, p  <  .01) in pigs on HF diet. Serum insulin was higher (p  <  .05) in CAR versus WT pigs (0.40 vs. 0.015 μg/ml). Pigs on the HF diet had a higher (p  <  .05) serum insulin compared to those on the LF diet (0.032 vs. 0.023 μg/ml). Carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1‐alpha was higher (p  <  .05) in the longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscles of pigs on HF diet. Acyl‐CoA oxidase I was elevated (p  <  .05) in the liver of pigs on HF diet. Fatty acid synthase was lower in the longissimus dorsi muscle, liver and mesenteric fat (p  <  .05) of carrier pigs. The RN gene regulates specific metabolic markers in the Ossabaw pigs.     

Concentrations of thyroid hormones and iodothyronine binding proteins in serum of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Objective To examine circulating total and free thyroid hormone (T₃ and T₄) concentrations, determine serum iodothyronine binding characteristics and estimate thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) activity in sera of coastal and inland koalas.
Design A prospective study.
Procedure Koala serum T₃ and T₄ were measured by radioimmunoassay. T₄ binding parameters were determined by radioligand binding and electrophoresis. Koala TSH values were determined by bioassay.
Results Mean total T₄ concentrations were 3.2 ± 2.1 nM although values were significantly higher in inland-dwelling females in comparison to coastal-dwelling males. Free T₄ was 3.3 ± 2.1 pM. Total and free T₃ were 0.4 ± 0.2 nM and 1.4 ± 0.9 pM respectively, although these values were at the lower end of the assay detection limit and should be viewed with reservation. Electrophoresis of [¹²⁵I]-T₄-labelled serum revealed only two proteins of electrophoretic mobility similar to human transthyretin (TTR) and albumin. Scatchard analysis of T₄ binding to serum gave a curvilinear plot, which could be resolved into two binding sites with affinities identical to that of TTR and albumin but both of low concentration. The bioactivity of the TSH present in the sera was measured using a cell line (JP09) transfected with the human TSH receptor. The mean level of stimulation found in the sera corresponded to a bovine TSH activity of less than 10 mU/L.
Conclusion These results suggest that the serum concentrations of free and total thyroid hormones in koalas are low compared to other marsupials and very low compared to eutherian mammals. The mechanism of maintenance of euthyroidism in this species remains to be determined.     

The Influence of Oxygen Tension on Cumulus Cell Viability of Canine COCs Matured in High-Glucose Medium

High in vitro oxygen (O₂) tensions are associated with enhanced levels of reactive oxygen species and cumulus oocyte complex (COC) apoptosis. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of O₂ tension on cumulus cell (CC) viability from canine oocytes. Cumulus oocyte complexes were distributed into three groups (CG, T20 and T5) and two O₂ tension levels (20% and 5%). The control group (CG) was matured in vitro in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO₂ in air in TCM199 with 26.19 m m sodium bicarbonate, 10% (v/v) foetal calf serum (FCS), 0.10 m m gentamicin, 0.20 m m pyruvic acid, 20 μg/ml oestradiol, 0.5 μg/ml follicle-stimulating hormone, 0.03 IU/ml human chorionic gonadotropin, and 1.0 μg/ml human somatotropin. Groups T20 and T5 were matured under 20% or 5% O₂ tensions respectively in a high-glucose medium, without FCS. T20 and T5 were as CG, and supplemented with 0.1% Polyvinyl Alcohol, and 5.5 m m glucose. After 48 h of IVM, CCs from COCs were stained with propidium iodide (1.50 m m ). The results showed that viability of CCs (cytoplasmic features and nuclear morphological integrity) was different for the three groups. Rates of apoptosis were at 57.9% (521/900) for CG, 54.4% (490/900) for T20 and 38.9% (350/900) for T5 (p < 0.001). Predominant features in apoptotic cells (n = 1361) were DNA nuclear fragments (94.0%). It was concluded that CCs of canine COCs cultured in high-glucose medium showed significantly less apoptosis than those cultured in medium with FCS. Low O₂ tension was efficient in reducing apoptosis in canine CCs.     

GASTRIC EMPTYING OF SOLID RADIOPAQUE MARKERS IN HEALTHY DOGS

The gastric emptying of 1.5 mm diameter (small) and 5.0 mm diameter (large) radiopaque markers (BIPS) was assessed in 20 dogs. The markers were fed to the dogs in a test meal and abdominal radiographs were made hourly thereafter. Studies were repeated three times in each dog. The variation between two veterinarians interpreting the radiographs was low. The sex, age and day of the study did not have a significant effect on the lag phase or the time taken to empty 25%, 50% and 75% of the markers (T₂₅, T₅₀ and T₇₅ respectively). There was a weak but significant positive correlation between the body weight and T₅₀. There was no significant difference in gastric emptying parameters between the large and small markers.
The mean gastric emptying versus time curve of the small markers on day one was chosen to represent the reference curve for healthy dogs. The lag phase of the small markers on day one was 2.45 ± 2.04 hours, the T₂₅ was 4.85 ± 2.15 hours, the T₅₀ was 6.05 ± 2.99 hours and the T₇₅ was 8.32 ± 2.72 hours (mean ± SD).     

An Experimental Model to Study Resistance Index and Systolic/Diastolic Ratio of Uterine Arteries in Adverse Canine Pregnancy Outcome

The aim of this study was to describe the changes in the resistance index (RI) and systolic/diastolic ratio ( S / D ) of the uterine arteries during mid-pregnancy abortion induction in the dog. Sixteen 30–35 day pregnant bitches were randomly assigned to either a pharmacological protocol to interrupt gestation (n = 8) or were used as untreated control group (n = 8). Doppler assessments of uterine arteries blood flow were carried out before the initiation of the protocol and then every other day up to abortion (treated group) or parturition (control group). All treated bitches aborted 6 ± 1.2 days after initiation of the treatment (while none of the non-treated bitches aborted). Pre-treatment RI and S / D did not differ between groups (p > 0.2) while average post-treatment indexes were (mean ± SD): 0.62 ± 0.1 vs 0.53 ± 0.1 (p < 0.01) and 2.96 ± 0.9 vs 2.23 ± 0.3 (p = 0.01), for the treated and non-treated group respectively. Correlations between days to abortion and RI or S / D were 0.75 (p < 0.01) and 0.79 (p < 0.01) and, −0.78 (p < 0.01) and −0.73 (p < 0.01) for the treated and non-treated groups respectively. In the treated group, correlations between serum progesterone (P₄) concentrations and RI and S / D were −0.76 (p < 0.01) and −0.59 (p < 0.01) respectively. It is concluded that, during induction of abortion, RI and S / D of uterine arteries progressively increased while P₄ decreased.     

Consequences of Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition During Bovine Oocyte Maturation on Meiosis and Embryo Development

The importance of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in bovine oocyte maturation was investigated. Oocytes were in vitro matured with the NOS inhibitor N^w- l -nitro-arginine methyl-ester (10⁻⁷, 10⁻⁵ and 10⁻³  m l -NAME) and metaphase II (MII) rates and embryo development and quality were assessed. The effect of l -NAME (10⁻⁷  m ) during pre-maturation and/or maturation on embryo development and quality was also assessed. l -NAME decreased MII rates (78–82%, p < 0.05) when compared with controls without l -NAME (96%). Cleavage (77–88%, p > 0.05), Day 7 blastocyst rates (34–42%, p > 0.05) and total cell numbers in blastocysts were similar for all groups (146–171 cells, p > 0.05). Day 8 blastocyst TUNEL positive cells (3–4 cells) increased with l -NAME treatment (p < 0.05). For oocytes cultured with l -NAME during pre-maturation and/or maturation, Day 8 blastocyst development (26–34%) and Day 9 hatching rates (15–22%) were similar (p > 0.05) to controls pre-matured and matured without NOS inhibition (33 and 18%, respectively), while total cell numbers (Day 9 hatched blastocysts) increased (264–324 cells, p < 0.05) when compared with the controls (191 cells). TUNEL positive cells increased when NOS was inhibited only during the maturation period (8 cells, p < 0.05) when compared with the other groups (3–4 cells). NO may be involved in meiosis progression to MII and its deficiency during maturation increases apoptosis in embryos produced in vitro . Nitric oxide synthase inhibition during pre-maturation and/or maturation affects embryo quality.     

Hypertriglyceridaemic insulin-resistant obese dog model: effects of high-fat diet depending on age

In humans, obesity is closely associated with insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidaemia. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of age on metabolic disturbances related to obesity in dogs ( n  = 25). Three age-groups of dogs (puppies, young adults and mature adults) were overfed to induce obesity, and body composition, insulin sensitivity index (I_IS) (euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic glucose clamp) and plasma lipids were measured. Fat mass was similar in the three obese groups (30 ± 1% in puppies, 34 ± 1% in young adults and 39 ± 1% in mature adults). In mature adults, body weight (BW) increased (+45%, p < 0.001) and I_IS decreased (−60%, p < 0.001) over 22 weeks. In young adults, BW gain was similar but slower (60 weeks) and I_IS decreased to a lesser extent (−49%, p < 0.001). Overfed puppies weighed 30% more (p < 0.01) than normally-fed control puppies, but there was no change in I_IS. Unlike young and mature adults, obese puppies did not exhibit significant changes in triglycerides (TG) and free fatty acid concentrations. In conclusion, as in humans, obese dogs develop IR that is associated with high TG levels; however, younger animals may be better able to balance energy needs with energy consumption.     

Effect of monensin and essential oils on performance and energy metabolism of transition dairy cows

This work examined preventive effects of a dietary and a medical intervention measure on postpartum (p.p.) ketogenesis in dairy cows overconditioned in late pregnancy. Sixty German Holstein cows were allocated 6 weeks antepartum (a.p.) to three high body condition score (BCS) groups (BCS 3.95 ± 0.08) and one low BCS group (LC, BCS 2.77 ± 0.14). Concentrate proportion in diet a.p. was higher (60% vs. 20%) and increase in proportion p.p. from 30% up to 50% decelerated (3 vs. 2 weeks) in high BCS groups. High BCS cows received a monensin controlled‐release capsule (CRC) (HC/MO), a blend of essential oils (HC/EO) or formed a control group (HC). Performance parameters and energy status were evaluated in three periods [day (d) ?42 until calving, one until 14 days in milk (DIM), 15 until 56 DIM]. Feed efficiency was 65% and 53% higher in HC/MO than in LC (p < 0.001) and HC groups (p = 0.002) in the second period. Milk fat content was higher in HC/EO (5.60 vs. 4.82%; p = 0.012) and milk urea higher in HC/MO (135 mg/kg) than in LC cows (107 mg/kg; p < 0.001). Increased p.p. levels of non‐esterified fatty acids in serum were found in HC (p = 0.003), HC/MO (p = 0.068) and HC/EO (p = 0.002) in comparison with LC cows. Prevalence of subclinical and clinical ketosis was 54% and 46%, respectively, in HC group. Monensin decreased the prevalence to 50% and 7% respectively. Ruminal fermentation pattern showed higher proportions of propionate (23.43 mol % and 17.75 mol %, respectively; p < 0.008) and lower acetate:propionate ratio (2.66 vs. 3.76; p < 0.001) in HC/MO than HC group. Results suggest that a monensin CRC improved energy status and feed efficiency of transition dairy cows while essential oils failed to elicit any effect.     

The feed value in growing pigs of a new cultivar of field beans (Vicia faba L.) supplemented with DL-methionine or DL-methionine-hydroxyanalog

Investigations in growing pigs on the feeding value of a new cultivar of field beans (Vicia faba L.) supplemented with DL -methionine or DL -methionine-hydroxyanalogue
A basal control mixture of barley, soy bean meal and soy bean oil was replaced by 25% of the new field bean-cultivar `Divine' and the resulting two mixtures were supplemented with minerals, trace elements, vitamins and amino acids according to the ideal protein concept. The control diet was adjusted with DL -methionine ( DL -Met), the field bean mixture either with DL -Met or DL -methionine-hydroxyanalogue ( DL -MHA) assuming biological equivalence on a molar basis for both supplements. The three experimental diets were fed to growing pigs (35–40 kg bwt.). Spontaneous urine samples were analysed separately for determining parameters that characterize the acid-base status of the pigs. There were no significant differences between experimental groups in nutrient digestibilities. The level of bacterially fermentable substances was increased in the diets containing field beans. The field beans contained 14 mg ME/kg DM. There were no significant (p < 0,05) differences in N- and mineral-retentions (Ca, P, Na, K) between the treatments. The stronger alkalinity found in urine after feeding the field bean mixtures resulted from a higher electrolyte balance of the diet.