Fruit and vegetable fiber fermentation by gut microflora from canines

The objective of this study was to assess fermentability by canine gut microflora to include shortchain fatty acid (SCFA) production, organic matter (OM) disappearance, and gas production of vegetable and fruit fiber sources compared to fiber standards (psyllium, citrus pectin, and Solka Floc). Fiber sources included apple pomace, carrot pomace, flaxseed, fruit blend (mixture of peach, almond, nectarine, and plum), grape pomace, pea hulls, pistachio, and tomato pomace. Substrates were fermented in vitro for 4, 12, and 24 h with fecal flora obtained from three healthy dogs. Citrus pectin had the highest OM disappearance, SCFA production, and gas production at all times of fermentation; psyllium was intermediate and Solka Floc was lowest. A wide variation in fermentability was noted among the vegetable and fruit fiber sources. Apple pomace, carrot pomace, and flaxseed had the greatest fermentability as assessed by OM disappearance. Pea hulls and tomato pomace had intermediate OM disappearances, and fruit blend, grape pomace, and pistachio were poorly fermented. Carrot pomace produced the largest amounts of gas and SCFA. Apple pomace produced high concentrations of gas but intermediate concentrations of SCFA. Pea hulls and tomato pomace produced intermediate concentrations of gas and SCFA, whereas flaxseed, fruit blend, grape pomace, and pistachio produced low amounts of these fermentation products. For all substrates collectively, OM disappearance was highly correlated with both gas production (r2 = 0.782 and 0.723 for 12- and 24-h values, respectively) and SCFA production (r2 = 0.737 and 0.738 for 12- and 24-h values, respectively). In general, OM disappearance, gas production, and SCFA production were related to the insoluble:soluble fiber ratio in the samples; as the insoluble:soluble ratio decreased (increased soluble fiber), the OM disappearance, gas production, and SCFA production increased.     

Effects of feeding high-oil corn to beef steers on carcass characteristics and meat quality

To assess the effects of feeding high-oil corn on carcass characteristics and meat quality, 60 yearling steers were fed high concentrate diets containing either control corn (82% of diet), high-oil corn (82% of diet), or high-oil corn at a concentration that was isocaloric with the control diet (74% of diet). After being fed for 84 d, steers were slaughtered. At 72 h postmortem, carcass data were collected and rib sections from five steers grading U.S. Choice and five steers grading U.S. Select from each treatment were collected, vacuum packaged, and aged for 14 d. Three steaks (2.54 cm thick) were removed from each rib for Warner-Bratzler shear force measurement, sensory appraisal, and fatty acid composition analyses. Data were analyzed with treatment as the main effect for the carcass data and treatment, quality grade, and two-way interaction in the model for the longissimus data. The two-way interaction was nonsignificant (P > 0.05) for all variables tested. No differences were detected (P > 0.05) in carcass measurements except for marbling scores and quality grades, both of which were greater (P < 0.05) for carcasses from steers fed the high-oil corn. Overall, 78% of steers fed the high-oil corn graded U.S. Choice compared with 47% for the control and 67% for isocaloric group. Shear force and sensory properties of the longissimus were not different (P > 0.05) among treatments. Steaks from U.S. Choice carcasses rated higher (P < 0.05) for tenderness and tended to rate higher (P < 0.10) for juiciness. Feeding the isocaloric and high-oil diets increased (P < 0.05) linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and the total PUFA content of lipid extracted from the longissimus. Saturated fatty acid percentage was lowest (P < 0.05) for high-oil corn and highest (P < 0.05) for control, with isocaloric being intermediate. Feeding high-oil corn increased (P < 0.05) pentadecyclic acid, margaric acid, and total odd-chain fatty acid content. Feeding high-oil corn in finishing beef cattle diets enhanced intramuscular lipid deposition and increased unsaturation of fatty acids of the longissimus.     

Intervals from norgestomet withdrawal and injection of equine chorionic gonadotropin or P.G. 600 to estrus and ovulation in ewes

Synchronization of estrus and ovulation is essential for AI of ewes during a predetermined time frame, and progestogen-eCG treatments are typically used to prepare the ewes. However, eCG is not readily available in the United States, but P.G. 600 (400 IU of eCG and 200 IU of hCG) is available. Thus, we conducted a study to determine the effects of eCG and P.G. 600 on the timing of estrus and ovulation after progestogen withdrawal. Ewes were assigned to two replicates of an experiment with the following treatments: 1) 3-mg norgestomet implant (i.e., one-half of a Syncro-Mate-B [SMB] implant) for 10 d, plus 2 mL of saline i.m. at SMB removal (n = 11); 2) 3-mg SMB implant for 10 d, plus 400 IU of eCG i.m. at SMB removal (n = 13); and 3) 3-mg SMB implant for 10 d, plus P.G. 600 i.m. at implant removal (n = 9). On d 6 after SMB insertion, PGF2alpha was used to induce luteolysis. Beginning 12 h after implant removal, vasectomized rams were used at 12-h intervals to check for estrus. When a ewe was detected in estrus, each ovary was evaluated ultrasonically. Ovaries were evaluated again 16 h later and then at 8-h intervals until ovulation. Treatment altered the interval from implant removal to estrus (less [P < 0.05] in SMB + eCG than in the other two groups) and to ovulation (greatest [P < 0.05] in SMB). However, the treatment x replicate interaction was significant for the intervals from implant removal to estrus (P < 0.03) and from implant removal to ovulation (P < 0.05). An inconsistent response in the SMB-treated ewes seemed to be primarily responsible for the interaction. The intervals to estrus and to ovulation for the SMB-treated ewes were shorter (P < 0.05) in Replicate 1 than in Replicate 2. Also, both intervals seemed to be less consistent between replicates for the SMB + P.G. 600- than for the SMB + eCG-treated ewes; that is, eCG seemed to increase the predictability of the intervals to estrus and to ovulation. Neither the main effects of treatment and replicate nor their interaction were significant for the interval from estrus to ovulation (38.4 /- 3.3 h), size of the ovulatory follicle (7.7 +/- 0.8 mm), or ovulation rate (1.6 +/- 0.2). We concluded from this experiment that eCG is a better choice than P.G. 600 as the gonadotropin to use at the time of progestogen withdrawal to prepare ewes for AI during a predetermined interval.     

Dietary fat supplementation effects on in vitro nutrient disappearance and in vivo nutrient intake and total tract digestibility by horses

Addition of fat to the diet of the equine is a popular method of increasing energy density of the diet while reducing feed intake. Reducing feed intake is of interest to race horse trainers because additional feed is seen as additional weight and, therefore, a hindrance to performance. Limited information is available regarding the interactions of fat with other dietary components, particularly fiber, in the equine digestive system. The effect of dietary fat on in vitro nutrient disappearance in equine cecal fluid was studied in Exp. 1 using a split-plot design within a 2 x 2 Latin square. Two ponies were fed alfalfa (ALF) alone or alfalfa plus 100 g/d corn oil. Five substrates were used to determine in vitro DM disappearance, OM disappearance, NDF disappearance, and total dietary fiber (TDF) disappearance. The substrates included: ALF, tall fescue (TF), red clover (RC), soybean hulls (SBH), and rolled oats (RO). Fat supplementation did not affect in vitro DM, OM, or NDF disappearance. Addition of fat to the diet increased (P < 0.05) the disappearance of NDF in RO. Among substrates, in vitro DM and OM disappearance were highest (P < 0.05) for RO, followed by SBH, ALF, RC, and TF. In vitro NDF and TDF disappearance were highest (P < 0.05) for SBH, followed by RO, ALF, RC, and TF. In Exp. 2, the effects of varying levels of fat on nutrient intake and total tract digestibility were examined using a 4 x 4 Latin square design. Four mature mares were fed a 60% forage-40% concentrate diet containing different concentrations of fat: 0% supplemental fat control (C); 5% supplemental corn oil (5% CO); 10% supplemental corn oil (10% CO); or 15% supplemental corn oil (15% CO). Treatment did not affect intake of the concentrate portion of the diet or CP, gross energy, or NDF intake. Mares consuming the C diet had the highest (P < 0.05) intake of alfalfa cubes, DM, and OM, followed by those on the 10, 5, and 15% CO treatments, respectively. Treatment did not affect nutrient digestibility. Mares consuming the 15% CO diet had the highest (P < 0.05) fat digestibility, whereas those consuming C had the lowest fat digestibility. Fat in the form of CO generally had little effect on in vitro and in vivo nutrient digestibilities in horses.     

Zinc and copper status in ewes supplemented with sulfate- and amino acid-complexed forms of zinc and copper

Thirty 6-yr-old Targhee ewes were randomly allotted to one of five supplemental treatments to evaluate supplementation effects on liver and fecal Zn and Cu concentrations and serum alkaline phosphatase activity: 1) control, 2) Zn complex, 3) Zn and Cu (ZnCu) complex, 4) Zn sulfate, and 5) ZnCu sulfates. Supplements were administered daily in gelatin capsules for 56 d. Liver biopsies and serum samples were collected every 14 d starting on d 0. Supplemental Zn and Cu levels were formulated to provide 90 mg/kg Zn and 10 mg/kg Cu, respectively, on a daily dry matter intake basis. Form (complex vs sulfate) x type (Zn vs ZnCu) interactions were not detected (P > 0.35). Therefore, contrast statements were used to make the following treatment comparisons: 1) control vs supplement, 2) Zn vs ZnCu, and 3) complex vs sulfate. Ewe BW at the end of the study (P = 0.09) and ewe BW change from beginning to end of the study (P = 0.07) were greater for supplemented than control ewes. Body weight and BW change did not differ between sulfate and complex (P > 0.39) or Zn- and ZnCu- (P > 0.40) supplemented ewes. Liver Cu concentrations did not differ (P = 0.41) between control and supplemented ewes. Liver Cu concentrations were higher (P < 0.10) for ewes supplemented with ZnCu than Zn and complex than sulfate forms of supplement. Liver Zn concentration tended (P = 0.13) to be higher in ZnCu than Zn-supplemented ewes. Liver and fecal Zn concentration were higher (P < 0.06) in ewes fed complex than sulfate supplements. However, serum alkaline phosphatase activity tended (P = 0.12) to be greater in ewes fed sulfate than complex supplements. Supplementing mature ewes with complexed minerals resulted in higher concentrations of Zn and Cu in the liver. In addition, supplemental Cu tended to increase concentrations of Zn in the livers of ewes; however, high levels of supplemental Zn did not negatively impact liver Cu concentrations.     

Role of histamine in heartworm extract-induced shock in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether heartworm (HW) extract-induced shock in dogs is consistent with anaphylactic shock by examining the role of histamine. ANIMALS: 6 mixed-breed dogs (3 without and 3 with HW infections) and 4 specific pathogen-free (SPF) Beagles. PROCEDURE: Four experiments were performed as follows: 1) 6 mixed-breed dogs were treated IV with 2 ml of HW extract, and plasma histamine concentrations were determined; 2) 4 SPF dogs were treated IV with 2 ml of HW extract and examined for shock; 3) sera from 6 dogs of experiment 1 and from 4 SPF dogs of experiment 2 that were obtained before HW extract treatment were tested for heterologous passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), using rabbits during a sensitization period of 48 to 72 hours; and 4) mast cell degranulation by HW extract was tested, using rat mesentery and canine cultured mast cells. RESULTS: Experiment 1: 6 dogs developed shock, and plasma histamine concentrations increased significantly from 0.3 +/- 0.2 (mean +/- SD) ng/ml before HW extract treatment to 44.6 +/- 68.9 ng/ml at the onset of shock; experiment 2: all SPF dogs developed shock and had an increase in plasma histamine concentrations; experiment 3: sera from mixed-breed dogs without HW infection and from SPF dogs had negative PCA reactions; experiment 4: HW extract degranulated rat mesentery mast cells and released histamine directly from canine mast cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of our study indicate that an unknown mast cell-degranulating substances contained in HW extract may degranulate mast cells directly, consequently releasing histamine that may participate in the onset of shock in HW extract-induced shock in dogs.     

Metabolic and structural abnormalities in dogs with early left ventricular dysfunction induced by incessant tachycardia

OBJECTIVE: To assess morphologic and metabolic abnormalities in dogs with early left ventricular dysfunction (ELVD) induced by rapid right ventricular pacing (RRVP). ANIMALS: 7 Beagles. PROCEDURE: Plasma carnitine concentrations were measured before and after development of ELVD induced by RRVP. At the same times, transvenous endomyocardial biopsy was performed, and specimens were submitted for determination of myocardial carnitine concentrations and histologic, morphometric, and ultrastructural examination. RESULTS: In 4 dogs in which baseline plasma total carnitine concentration was normal, RRVP induced a decrease in myocardial total and free carnitine concentrations and an increase in myocardial esterified carnitine concentration. In 3 dogs in which baseline plasma total carnitine concentration was low, plasma and myocardial carnitine concentrations were unchanged after pacing. Structural changes associated with pacing included perinuclear vacuolization in 3 dogs. Morphometric analyses indicated there was a decrease in myofiber cross-sectional diameter and area following pacing. Electron microscopy revealed changes in myofibrils and mitochondria following pacing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that moderate to severe alterations in myocyte cytoarchitecture are present in dogs with ELVD induced by RRVP and that in dogs with normal plasma carnitine concentrations, myocardial carnitine deficiency may be a biochemical marker of ELVD. Results also indicated that transvenous endomyocardial biopsy can be used to evaluate biochemical and structural myocardial changes in dogs with cardiac disease.     

Soluble scute proteins of healthy and ill desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii)

OBJECTIVES: To characterize protein composition of shell scute of desert tortoises and to determine whether detectable differences could be used to identify healthy tortoises from tortoises with certain illnesses. ANIMALS: 20 desert tortoises. PROCEDURES: Complete postmortem examinations were performed on all tortoises. Plastron scute proteins were solubilized, scute proteins were separated by use of sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and proteins were analyzed, using densitometry. Two-dimensional immobilized pH gradient-PAGE (2D IPG-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis, using polyclonal antisera to chicken-feather beta keratin and to alligator-scale beta keratin, were conducted on representative samples. The 14-kd proteins were analyzed for amino acid composition. RESULTS: The SDS-PAGE and densitometry revealed 7 distinct bands, each with a mean relative protein concentration of > 1 %, ranging from 8 to 47 kd, and a major protein component of approximately 14 kd that constituted up to 75% of the scute protein. The 2D IPG-PAGE revealed additional distinct 62- and 68-kd protein bands. On immunoblot analysis, the 14-, 32-, and 45-kd proteins reacted with both antisera. The 14-kd proteins had an amino acid composition similar to that of chicken beta keratins. There was a substantial difference in the percentage of the major 14-kd proteins from scute of ill tortoises with normal appearing shells, compared with 14-kd proteins of healthy tortoises. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The major protein components of shell scute of desert tortoises have amino acid composition and antigenic features of beta keratins. Scute protein composition may be altered in tortoises with certain systemic illnesses.     

Use of a murine xenograft model for canine transmissible venereal tumor

OBJECTIVE: To develop a murine model for canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT). ANIMALS: Thirty-three 6-week-old NOD/LtSz-scid (NOD/SCID) mice and seven 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice. PROCEDURE: Samples of CTVT were excised from a 3-year-old dog and inoculated SC into ten 6-week-old NOD/SCID mice to induce growth of xenograft transmissible venereal tumor (XTVT). To establish mouse-to-mouse transmission, samples of XTVT were removed and inoculated SC into 4 groups of 6-week-old NOD/SCID mice and into a control group. Samples of CTVT were also inoculated into immunocompetent C57BL/6J mice for a mouse antibody production (MAP) test. The canine and xenografted tumors were evaluated cytologically and histologically, and polymerase chain reaction was performed for detection of the rearranged LINE/c-MYC junction. RESULTS: 8 of 10 NOD/SCID mice that were inoculated with CTVT developed tumors 3 to 10 weeks after inoculation. In the second-generation xenograft, all mice developed tumors by postinoculation day 47; 1 X 10(6) of XTVT cells were enough to create a xenograft. Metastases developed in 4 of 20 mice. Xenografted and metastatic tumors retained cytologic, histologic, and molecular characteristics of CTVT. Results of the MAP test were negative for all pathogens. CONCLUSION: We established an NOD/SCID murine model for XTVT and metastasis of CTVT. This model should facilitate study of tumor transplantation, progression, and metastasis and should decrease or eliminate the need for maintaining allogenic transfer in dogs.     

Evaluation of glycoprotein Ib expression on feline platelets

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether platelets obtained from cats expressed glycoprotein Ib (GPIb). SAMPLE POPULATION: Platelets obtained from 11 specific-pathogen-free cats. PROCEDURE: Platelets were analyzed by use of immunofluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, western immunoblot analysis, and immunoprecipitation. RESULTS: Immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry revealed the protein on the surface of feline platelets. Biochemical studies (western immunoblot analysis and immunoprecipitation) revealed a 140-kd membrane glycoprotein. Additional biochemical studies revealed that feline GPIb was sensitive to proteolysis, because platelet cytoskeletons prepared with low concentrations of a calpain inhibitor (ie, leupeptin; 100 microg/ml) had substantial proteolysis, and there was an association of protein fragments with the actin cytoskeleton. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of these results indicate that feline platelets express a 140-kd membrane protein that is recognized by monoclonal antibodies developed against GPIb. Application of standardized ELISA to quantitate glycocalicin, the water-soluble fragment of GPIb, may provide important information on the production of microvesicles, increased platelet turnover, and abnormal proteolysis.