The effect of dietary protein on the mineral status of vervet monkeys with special reference to the impact of milk solids on calcium excretion

This study assessed the impact of Westernised and traditional African diets on mineral metabolism in general and calcium status in particular in vervet monkeys. Twelve adult male vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops), with an average weight of 5+/-0.58 kg each, were divided into two groups of six individuals each and fed traditional diets containing largely maize + legumes (17.4%) or Westernised diets containing milk solids (17.2%) as the source of high crude protein for 8 weeks. Blood was taken at 2-week intervals, the animals were weighed, while urine and stool samples were collected over 24 hours. The monkeys on the milk solids diet had diarrhoea for 6 weeks post-dietary intervention, and produced significantly greater quantities (P<0.02) of stool. These animals also produced significantly more urine (P<0.02). There was no difference in the degree of calciuresis of the two groups, but the monkeys on maize + legume proteins absorbed significantly more calcium during weeks two and six (P<0.04). Furthermore, both groups of monkeys showed a significant decline in plasma calcium levels over the experimental period (P<0.001). The diets had no effect on phosphate levels in the plasma or urine. However, both groups of animals absorbed less phosphate (P<0.09). There was an increasing loss of urinary magnesium (P = 0.03) in both groups, with the milk solids group showing lower plasma levels of this element (P = 0.09). However, the milk solids group lost less magnesium through the stool (P<0.03). In addition, the animals on milk solids showed significant natriuresis (P<0.05), while plasma sodium levels in both groups declined over time (P<0.03). Both diets induced a state of urinary potassium loss (P = 0.0003) and decrease in plasma potassium (P<0.0002). Urinary pH and plasma urea were unaffected by the diets, but the monkeys on maize + legumes excreted significantly less (P<0.001) urinary urea. This study indicates that the milk solids diet compromised mineral homeostasis by interfering with gut and renal functioning, while the traditional African diet did not induce these effects.     

Growth performance, haematology and serum biochemistry of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings fed graded levels of dietary fumonisin B1

Fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus were used to evaluate the effect of dietary fumonisin B₁ (FB₁), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium verticillioides, on growth, haematological and serum biochemical parameters. The fingerlings were sorted, weighed and randomly stocked in 16 plastic tanks at the rate of 20 fingerlings per tank. Fusarium-cultured maize grains containing FB₁ were used to formulate three diets containing approximately 5.0, 10.0 and 15.0 mg FB₁/kg, constituting diets 2, 3, and 4 respectively. These three diets, plus diet 1, which contained non-Fusarium cultured maize grains that served as the control, were used in a 6-week feeding trial. The final weight gains by the fingerlings were significantly (P?<?0.05) influenced by FB₁. The final weights of the fingerlings fed diets 2, 3 and 4 ranged from 70.07 to 87.10% of the controls. The haematocrit, erythrocytes, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and the serum protein constituents (total protein, albumin and globulin) values significantly (P?<?0.05) decreased, while the leucocytes, MCV and MCH increased significantly (P?<?0.05) with increase in the dietary FB₁. The total serum protein values of the fingerlings fed diets 2, 3 and 4 were 34.53, 39.42 and 50.17% lower than the total serum protein values of those fed the control diet. These results indicate that Fusarium-contaminated diets containing about 5.0 mg or more FB₁/kg reduced weight gain and significantly altered haematological parameters and serum protein constituents in the fingerlings. These may have a significant impact on physiological activities and may be vital in immunosuppression in the fingerlings with a strong negative impact on subsequent performance of the fish.     

Effects of restricted feeding of prepubertal ewe lambs on reproduction and lactation performances over two breeding seasons

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of restricted feeding before puberty on reproduction, lactation and offspring growth performance in replacement ewe lambs over two breeding seasons. At weaning, 41 Dorset ewe lambs were assigned to one of three diets: an ad libitum control diet with medium-quality forage (MQF; 13.3% crude protein (CP), 1.81 Mcal metabolizable energy per kg, 42.8% ADF; diet A-MQF); a restricted diet with the same forage as A but less feed concentrate (diet R-MQF); or a high-quality forage (HQF) diet (14.8% CP, 2.15 Mcal ME/kg, 34.7% ADF; diet F-HQF). The quantity of concentrate offered to the group R-MQF and F-HQF ewe lambs was adjusted to obtain 70% of the control ewe lambs' growth rate. The diets were offered for 75 days following weaning to cover the allometric phase of mammary gland development. Prepubertal restriction did not affect (P > 0.10) the gestation rate, number of lambs born or the body weight and body condition score of ewes at lambing or at the end of lactation. Ewes from groups R-MQF and F-HQF tended to produce more milk during their first lactation compared to those from group A-MQF (P = 0.07). During the second lactation, groups R-MQF and F-HQF had better standardized milk production than group A-MQF (P < 0.05), and group R-MQF produced more milk than group F-HQF (P < 0.05). Milk fat and protein content were not affected by treatments (P > 0.10) Fat and protein yield were affected by treatments only at the second lactation (P < 0.10 and P < 0.05, respectively). Lamb birth and weaning weights were not affected by prepubertal restriction of feeding in their mother (P > 0.10). However, the average daily gain of second breeding season lambs was higher for the R-MQF group than the F-HQF group (P < 0.05), and a similar trend was observed for total gain (P < 0.10). Restricted feeding before puberty does not impair future reproductive performance; however, it has a positive impact on lactation and on lambs' growth performance.     

Effects of wet brewers grains on milk yield,milk composition and blood components of dairy cows in hot weather

Twenty multiparous Friesian cows, 60–120 days postpartum, were allotted to two groups of ten cows each according to calving date, lactation number and daily yield, and assigned randomly to one of two diets in a crossover design experiment. The control diet was 45% maize silage (dry basis) and contained ground maize, soya bean meal and wheat bran in proportions which would ensure that the dietary dry matter contained 16.5% crude protein, 3.0 Mcal metabolizable energy kg⁻¹ DM and 14% crude fibre. The treatment diet contained wet brewers grains substituted for maize silage, soya bean meal and wheat bran to change the ruminally undegradable protein from 35% to 39% of crude protein. Ground maize was included in the same quantity as in the control diet. The diets were offered individually, in tie-stalls, as total mixed rations in two equal amounts for ad libitum intakes. The experimental period lasted from 18 June to 12 August 1994. The cows were allowed exercise in an open lot without shade. Dry matter intake, milk protein content and yield, as well as content of milk lactose and non-fat solids were not significantly affected by the diet. In contrast, wet brewers grains supplementation increased actual milk yield (24.8 v. 21.7 kg day⁻¹; P < 0.05), 4% fat-corrected milk yield (25.1 v. 21.1 kg day⁻¹; P < 0.01), milk fat content (4.08 v. 3.82%; P < 0.05), milk total solids content (12.89 v. 12.44%; P < 0.05) and milk fat yield (1.01 v. 0.83 kg day⁻¹; P < 0.05). Blood plasma concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, phospholipids, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were not affected by treatment.     

An integrated assessment of lead exposure in children: Correlation with biochemical and haematological indices

BackgroundLead (Pb) is a worldwide concern due to its persistent property in the environment. However, due to diminutive evidence and elusiveness, the impact of lead exposure on the biochemical and haematological parameter in school-age children is not well established.AimThis study primarily aimed to investigate blood lead (BL) in children and its association with haematological and biochemical parameter.MethodsA total of 43 children (4–12 years) were recruited in each control and study group. Furthermore, the study group were subdivided into two groups (group A (<10 μg/dl) and group B (>10 μg/dl)). BL level, haematological parameter including haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, total leukocytes count, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets in the whole blood and biochemical parameter such as liver function test (total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein, albumin) and kidney function test (sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine) in serum were measured using anodic stripping voltammeter (ASV), Cell-Dyn Ruby Haematology analyser, Beckman coulter Unicel Dxc 800 Synchron Clinical analyser respectively.ResultsThe arithmetical mean of BL level was 19.93 ± 9.22 μg/dl (median: 17.5 μg/dl; range 9.1–37.4 μg/dl). Only 21 % children had BL levels <10 μg/dl and there were 79 % children with BL levels >10 μg/dl. Blood mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Neutrophils, Monocytes were significantly higher between the control and study group. Additionally, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, Lymphocytes and mean corpuscular volume intensities were significantly lower in >10 μg/dl group whereas total leukocytes count, neutrophils, monocytes, red cell distribution width, eosinophil’s, platelets levels were statistically higher (p < 0.001).Serum alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, total protein, were higher (p < 0.05) and sodium, albumin were significantly lower in the study group. The mean value of sodium, potassium, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, total protein and blood urea nitrogen, creatinine in two groups (<10 μg/dl and >10 μg/dl) was not significantly different. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase level was significantly higher (p = 0.015) while albumin levels were significantly lower (p = 0.034) in >10 μg/dl group. A statistically significant correlation of BL levels with all haematological parameters was also observed. Creatinine is positively and albumin was negatively correlated with BL levels.ConclusionThe outcomes specify that high BL levels were significantly associated with higher haematological and biochemical indices in exposed children. However, lead like noxious metals severely affected the haematological, kidney and liver health of children.     

Feed intake and milk production in dairy cows fed different grass and legume species: a meta-analysis

The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare feed intake, milk production, milk composition and organic matter (OM) digestibility in dairy cows fed different grass and legume species. Data from the literature was collected and different data sets were made to compare families (grasses v. legumes, Data set 1), different legume species and grass family (Data set 2), and different grass and legume species (Data set 3+4). The first three data sets included diets where single species or family were fed as the sole forage, whereas the approach in the last data set differed by taking the proportion of single species in the forage part into account allowing diets consisting of both grasses and legumes to be included. The grass species included were perennial ryegrass, annual ryegrass, orchardgrass, timothy, meadow fescue, tall fescue and festulolium, and the legume species included were white clover, red clover, lucerne and birdsfoot trefoil. Overall, dry matter intake (DMI) and milk production were 1.3 and 1.6 kg/day higher, respectively, whereas milk protein and milk fat concentration were 0.5 and 1.4 g/kg lower, respectively, for legume-based diets compared with grass-based diets. When comparing individual legume species with grasses, only red clover resulted in a lower milk protein concentration than grasses. Cows fed white clover and birdsfoot trefoil yielded more milk than cows fed red clover and lucerne, probably caused by a higher OM digestibility of white clover and activity of condensed tannins in birdsfoot trefoil. None of the included grass species differed in DMI, milk production, milk composition or OM digestibility, indicating that different grass species have the same value for milk production, if OM digestibility is comparable. However, the comparison of different grass species relied on few observations, indicating that knowledge regarding feed intake and milk production potential of different grass species is scarce in the literature. In conclusion, different species within family similar in OM digestibility resulted in comparable DMI and milk production, but legumes increased both DMI and milk yield compared with grasses.     

Effects of niacin on milk yield,milk composition,and blood components of dairy cows in hot weather

Twenty multiparous Friesian cows, 90 ± 30 days postpartum, were allocated to two groups of ten cows according to calving date, lactation number and daily milk yield, and assigned randomly to one of two diets in a cross-over experiment. The experimental diet consisted of concentrate and maize silage in the proportions 1:1 (dry matter basis) containing either 0 or 10 g niacin per cow per day, which was handmixed into the concentrate. The diets were offered individually as total mixed rations in two equal proportions at 09:00 and 20:00 h in amounts sufficient to ensure 10% refusals. Dry matter, metabolisable energy and crude protein intakes, as well as milk yield, milk protein proportion and yield, milk lactose, total solids and solids-not-fat proportions were not affected by niacin supplementation. In contrast, niacin supplementation increased milk fat proportion and yield. No differences were observed in blood serum concentrations of glucose, total protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, Na, K, Ca, P or Mg. However, the serum concentration of urea was lower when the cows were supplemented with niacin.     

Temporal variations in haematological and biochemical indices of the Caspian kutum, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus frisii kutum</Emphasis>

The pattern of haematology and blood biochemistry variations of healthy adult female kutum Rutilus frisii kutum (Cyprinidae) was investigated in the three reproductive states: maturing (autumn), pre-spawning (winter), and spawning (spring). Red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit were highest in autumn, whereas the highest values for white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were observed in winter. With the exception of MCV and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), fish size had no effect on haematological and biochemical parameters. MCV was higher in larger fish, whereas the reverse trend was found for MCHC. Decreased levels of plasma glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride in the pre-spawning period, when female ovaries were developing, may have been due to the combination of reproductive effects and food shortage in winter. Total protein levels were lower during the maturing period than during the pre-spawning period. The results of this study suggest that temporal variations in haematological and biochemical parameters of blood are significant and should be considered when these parameters are used to assess fish health status.     

Dietary supplementation with maize distillers dried grains with solubles during late gestation and lactation: Effects on sow and litter performance,and on colostrum and milk composition

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of maize distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) during late gestation and lactation on sow and piglet performance, and on colostrum and milk composition. Thirty-six second- and third-parity (2.43 parity) sows (Yorkshire) were allotted to 1 of 3 groups and fed diets containing 0 (control), 200 or 400 g DDGS/kg during the last 20 d of gestation and throughout a 21 d of lactation. Experimental diets contained 12.9 MJ metabolizable energy/kg and 9.7 g lysine/kg. The colostrum and milk samples were obtained on d 0 (farrowing) and d 21 (weaning). There were no differences (P>0.05) in the sows’ average gestation lengths, weaning-to-estrus interval, average daily feed intake, and the lactation backfat and body weight change between dietary treatments. There were no dietary effects (P>0.05) of DDGS on the numbers of total, born alive piglets, average birth weights, piglets per litter at weaning or piglets average daily gain during lactation. No differences (P>0.05) were observed in total solids, protein, fat and lactose among the sows fed the DDGS diets compared with the control. The composition of total solids and protein of sows colostrum and milk were higher at farrowing (d 0) than at weaning (d 21) (P<0.001). However, the fat and lactose content of sows colostrum and milk were increased (P<0.001) from d 0 (farrowing) to d 21 (weaning). In conclusion, the results suggest that 400 g DDGS/kg (87 g lysine/kg) supplemented with 5.2 g lysine/kg included in late gestation and lactation diets is sufficient to replace all the dietary soybean meal without significantly affecting sow and litter performance or colostrum and milk composition.     

Effects of skim milk, skim milk yogurt, orotic acid, and uric acid on lipid metabolism in rats

The effects of feeding two milk products (skim milk and skim milk yogurt) and two proposed hypocholesterolemic factors (orotic acid and uric acid) on serum cholesterol (HDL, LDL, total, HDL/Total and HDL/LDL), liver lipids (total liver lipids and liver cholesterol), and aortal cholesterol were studied. Ten groups, of nine rats each, were fed isocaloric Chow-based diets containing water, 45% skim milk (SM), 45% skim milk yogurt (SMY), and 0.0025% orotic acid (OA) or 0.001% uric acid (UA), without or with cholesterol. The SM diet (with cholesterol) resulted not only in lower total cholesterol (P < 0.10), LDL cholesterol (P < 0.05), aortal cholesterol (P < 0.01), and liver cholesterol (P < 0.10), but also in increased HDL (P < 0.05) and HDL/LDL (P < 0.10) cholesterol ratio. The SMY diet, on the other hand, resulted in lowered total serum cholesterol (P < 0.05) and aortal cholesterol (P < 0.01) and in higher LDL (P < 0.05) cholesterol. The hypocholesterolemic effects were more marked for SM than for SMY. Addition of OA and UA to diets increased serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total liver lipids; the OA diet also increased liver cholesterol. Neither OA nor UA alone was the factor responsible for the hypocholesterolemic effects seen with SM and SMY feeding.     

Can lantana seeds be utilized in lamb rations?

Lantana seeds contain 70.6 g crude protein, 12.8 g ether extract, 103.1 g crude fibre, 761.0 g nitrogen-free extract, 52.5 g total ash, 8.4 g calcium and 2.5 g phosphorus/kg dry matter. The replacement, by lantana seeds, of 200 g maize/kg of concentrate mixture for lambs was studied in two experiments lasting 3–4 months. The crude protein concentration in the lantana ration was lower than in the maize, and significantly (P<0.01) so in the second experiment. In the first experiment, the digestibility and intakes of dietary crude protein (DCP) and total dietary nitrogen (TDN) of the lantana group were not significantly lower. In the second experiment, dry matter and crude protein digestibility and intakes of DCP and TDN of the lantana group were significantly (P<0.01) lower than the maize group. Even after adjustment for mean protein concentration in the diets, the intakes of DCP (P<0.01) and TDN (P<0.05) in the lantana group were significantly lower. In a repeat metabolic trial also, the adjusted intakes of both DCP and TDN (P<0.01) of the lantana group were significantly lower. In spite of the depression in feed utilization, the biochemical and haematological parameters of the blood of animals in the lantana group were within the normal range. The apparent non-toxicity of lantana seeds to lambs over long-term feeding trials calls for further work on their possible utilization as a feed ingredient.     

Effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin on postpartum metabolism and milk production in dairy cows

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of butaphosphan and cyanocobalamin (BTPC) supplementation on plasma metabolites and milk production in postpartum dairy cows. A total of fifty-two Holstein cows were randomly assigned to receive either: (1) 10 ml of saline (NaCl 0.9%, control group); (2) 1000 mg of butaphosphan and 0.5 mg of cyanocobalamin (BTPC1 group); and (3) 2000 mg of butaphosphan and 1.0 mg of cyanocobalamin (BTPC2 group). All cows received injections every 5 days from calving to 20 days in milk (DIM). Blood samples were collected every 15 days from calving until 75 DIM to determine serum concentration of glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, urea, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), aminotransferase aspartate (AST) and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The body condition score (BCS) and milk production were evaluated from calving until 90 DIM. Increasing doses of BTPC caused a linear reduction in plasma concentrations of NEFA and cholesterol. Supplementation of BTPC also reduced concentrations of BHB but it did not differ between the two treatment doses. Milk yield and milk protein had a linear increase with increasing doses of BTPC. A quadratic effect was detected for milk fat and total milk solids according to treatment dose, and BTPC1 had the lowest mean values. Concentrations of glucose, urea, P, Mg, AST, GGT, milk lactose and BCS were not affected by treatment. These results indicate that injections of BTPC during the early postpartum period can reduce NEFA and BHB concentrations and increase milk production in Holstein cows.     

Impact of season on haematological and biochemical parameters of crossbred female calves in hot and humid tropics

The objective of the present study was to assess the impact of season on haematological and biochemical parameters of crossbred female calves. Seven crossbred female calves of 6–12 months of age were selected. The study was conducted in three different spells of 30 days each in pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Ambient temperature (AT), relative humidity (RH) and temperature humidity index (THI) was recorded in all the three seasons. Whole blood was collected for estimation of haematological and plasma was used estimation of biochemical parameters. Highest AT and THI was recorded in pre-monsoon while highest RH was recorded in monsoon. The study revealed that season had no effect on haematological parameters such as total leucocyte, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, while total erythrocyte count was significantly lower in monsoon compared to pre and post-monsoon seasons. Glucose and cholesterol were significantly lower in pre-monsoon and monsoon compared to post-monsoon. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly higher in pre-monsoon compared to monsoon and post-monsoon. No significant difference between seasons in the concentration of total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin globulin ratio was noticed. The results indicate that hot conditions have profound effect on haematological and biochemical parameters of crossbred calves.     

Haematological analyses in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss affected by viral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS)

Rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss weighing 87 +/- 15 g (mean +/- SD) were infected with viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV) and the haematological and biochemical profiles of peripheral blood examined. Depending on the clinical signs and gross pathology, the fish were divided into 2 groups: Group A included fish in the acute stage, Group B comprised fish in the chronic stage. Red blood cells were subjected to 6 haematological tests and blood plasma to 14 biochemical tests, which provided findings on changed substrate concentrations and enzyme activities. Diseased fish, compared to healthy fish, had a significantly lower red blood cell count, and lower haematocrit and haemoglobin levels. As for the biochemical parameters, the fish had less total protein, creatinine, glucose, triacylglycerol, inorganic phosphate, total calcium and sodium, and more blood urea, nitrogen and potassium. Uric acid levels remained unchanged. Increases were recorded in the catalytic concentration of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. A decrease was recorded in the catalytic concentration of alkaline phosphatase. Fish with VHS in the chronic stage, compared with healthy fish, were in worse condition, with a significantly reduced Fulton coefficient and Clark coefficient, and a higher hepatosomatic index and visceral somatic index.     

Regional genetic variability among South African vervet monkey<Emphasis Type="Italic">Chlorocebus aethiops</Emphasis> populations

A South African rehabilitation centre for illegally kept vervet monkeysChlorocebus aethiops Linnaeus, 1758 required an evaluation of the genetic status of vervet monkeys, to determine whether animals from different geographical areas may be mixed. We studied animals originating from three geographical regions and used biochemical genetic and morphological approaches to address this question. The most prominent trend from allozyme data was derived from the locusPrt-2 (an unspecified serum protein), where each of the three populations could be characterised by the absence or presence of unique alleles. Nevertheless, statistical coefficients indicated little genetic divergence, with genetic distance values of 0.001–0.003 and an overall fixation index value of 0.046. Average heterozygosity did not differ appreciably among populations (2.5–3.3%). The morphological study identified suitable traits, free from the influence of growth allometry, that can be used for inter-population comparisons. No significant morphological differences between con-specific populations were however found. It is concluded that vervet monkeys from the species’ wider distribution range is relatively monotypic, but that monkeys from different geographical areas should not be unduly mixed, pending the results of finer grained molecular studies.     

Effects of a Fusarium toxin-contaminated maize treated with sodium metabisulphite,methylamine and calcium hydroxide in diets for female piglets

Deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN) contaminated maize was hydrothermally treated in the presence of sodium metabisulphite (SBS), methylamine and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) and included into diets for female piglets to evaluate effects on performance, organ weights, development of hyperestrogenism, serum biochemical parameters, stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and toxin residues in serum. For this purpose, both uncontaminated maize (CON) and Fusarium toxin-contaminated maize (FUS) were included into diets either untreated (?) or treated (+) according to a 2 by 2-factorial design. One-hundred female weaned piglets were assigned to one of the four treatment groups (n = 25) CON?, CON+, FUS? and FUS+ with DON/ZEN concentrations of 0.43/0.03, 0.04/0.0, 3.67/0.32 and 0.36/0.08 mg per kg diet, respectively. After a feeding period of 27 days, 20 piglets (n = 5) were slaughtered. Performance parameters such as feed intake, live weight gain and feed-to-gain ratio remained unaffected by the treatments. Uterus weights were significantly reduced in group FUS+ compared to FUS? (p = 0.028), while visceral organ weights were not influenced. Vulva width in relation to body weight was highest in group FUS? at the end of the trial, while hydrothermal treatment significantly reduced the parameter (p < 0.01). The highest toxin and toxin metabolite concentrations in serum were detected in group FUS?, whereas ingestion of diet FUS+ reduced the concentrations to the level of the control groups. Serum biochemical and haematological parameters were mainly within the given reference ranges and showed no treatment-related alterations. Stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was not affected. An effective detoxification of maize by hydrothermal treatment in the presence of SBS, methylamine and Ca(OH)₂ could be demonstrated by means of serum toxin analyses. No undesired side effects of the treated-feed stuff or the chemicals themselves on the health of piglets were detected.     

Waxy versus regular maize: Energy value for growing pigs and utilization in piglet diets

Two experiments were performed to determine the feeding value of amylopectin-rich waxy maize.A digestibility trial (A) was made with growing pigs (5 castrated Large White males per group) kept in digestibility crates for total collection of excreta for 10 consecutive days. The diets consisted exclusively of Funk's G 4384 maize cultivars, either regular (Group 1) or waxy (Group 2), supplemented with minerals, vitamins and essential amino acids. Waxy maize was better utilized than regular maize, the respective values being: digestibility of energy, 90.3 versus 88.4 (P < 0.05); digestible energy, 3980 ± 28 vs. 3914 ± 13 kcal/kg dry matter (P < 0.10); apparent metabolisable energy, 3887 vs. 3832 kcal/kg dry matter (P < 0.10) or corrected ME, 3839 vs. 3787 kcal/kg dry matter (P < 0.10). The utilization of crude protein was slightly in favour of waxy maize; nitrogen digestibility being 86.3 vs. 85.6 (NS) and retained nitrogen, 15.2 vs. 14.2 g/d (P < 0.10).In Trial B, utilization of two types of maize of the same variety, LG 11, which were isogenic except for the waxy gene, was studied with a total of 128 piglets weaned at 5 weeks. The waxy maize (Group 2) or regular maize (Group 1) was introduced at the level of 70% into isonitrogenous diets (20% CP) offered until the age of 9 weeks. In these conditions, a noticeable effect was found in favour of waxy maize. Average daily gain was 470 g (Group 2) versus 434 g (Group 1), a significant increase of 8% (P < 0.05); feed conversion ratio was 1.76 (Group 2) versus 1.84 (Group 1) (P < 0.10).The digestibility in vitro of the two types of maize used in Trial B was also assayed. The rate of hydrolysis of waxy maize starch was more rapid in the presence of piglet pancreatic juice, a fact suggesting that the energy of this type of maize is more available for monogastric animals.     

Dietary content may prevent secondary hyperparathyroidism in female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Macaque laboratory chows provide relatively more calcium (Ca) and vitamin D (D) than human diets; this may influence skeletal aging. To evaluate this possibility, parameters of skeletal relevance in premenopausal and naturally postmenopausal rhesus monkeys were measured in a cross-sectional study. Serum osteocalcin (Oc) was elevated in the postmenopausal group (P < 0.01), but levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) were not different. Subsequently, in premenopausal animals, dietary Ca and/or D intake was reduced to optimal human levels for 8 weeks prior to the evaluation of the skeletal parameters. Serum 25OHD concentration was reduced (P < 0.01) and a trend (P=0.10) towards increased PTH was observed in both low D groups. In addition, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were increased in the low Ca group (P < 0.01). In conclusion, skeletal turnover, as measured by serum Oc, was increased in naturally postmenopausal rhesus monkeys in the absence of hyperparathyroidism. Dietary D reduction causes a decline in serum 25OHD and an upward trend in PTH.     

The intake and digestion of maize silage-based diets by dairy cows and sheep

Six lactating cows, 6 dry cows and 6 wether sheep were fed ad libitum on diets of maize silage, maize silage plus lucerne, or maize silage plus lucerne plus wheat. Faeces and urine collections allowed for the determination of digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and nitrogen, and balances of nitrogen and water.

Voluntary feed intakes were highest and digestibility values were lowest in lactating cows. The addition of lucerne reduced organic matter digestibility in dry cows, but not in lactating cows or sheep. The addition of wheat decreased intake in dry cows and sheep, but not in lactating cows. Production of milk, protein, solids-not-fat and total solids increased with dietary quality, but there was a depression in milk fat content as a result of wheat supplementation.

The ranking of the 3 diets on the basis of feed intake differed with each class of livestock, but lactating cows and sheep gave the same ranking on the basis of organic matter digestibility.     

Ability of dairy cows to be inseminated according to breed and genetic merit for production traits under contrasting pasture-based feeding systems

Strong genetic selection on production traits is considered to be responsible for the declined ability of dairy cows to ensure reproduction. The present study aimed to quantify the effect of genetic characteristics (breeds and genetic merit for production traits) and feeding systems (FS) on the ability of dairy cows to be inseminated. An experiment was conducted during 9 years on Normande and Holstein cows assigned to contrasted pasture-based FS. Diets were based on maize silage in winter and grazing plus concentrate in spring in the High FS; and on grass silage in winter and grazing with no concentrate during spring in the low FS. Within breed, cows were classified into two genetic groups with similar estimated breeding values (EBV) for milk solids: cows with high EBV for milk yield were included in a Milk-Group and those with high EBV for fat and protein contents were included in a Content-Group. Holstein produced more milk throughout lactation than Normande cows (+2294 kg in the High FS and +1280 kg in the Low FS, P<0.001) and lost more body condition to nadir (−1.00 point in the High FS and −0.80 kg in the Low FS, P<0.001). They also showed a poorer ability to be inseminated because of both a delayed commencement of luteal activity (CLA) and delayed first service (more days from start of the breeding season to first service, DAI1). Cows in the Milk-Group produced more milk than cows in the Content-Group, but milk solids production was similar. Cows in the Content-Group had earlier CLA than cows in the Milk-Group (P<0.01). Genetic group neither affected ovulation detection rate nor DAI1. Within breed and FS, cows with high genetic merit for milk yield had later CLA and DAI1. Cows in the High FS produced more milk and lost less condition to nadir than cows in the Low FS. FS did not affect dairy cows’ ability to be inseminated. However, cows with higher milk protein content, and presumably better energy balance, had earlier CLA (P<0.01) and DAI1 (P<0.10). In addition, higher milk yield was associated with poorer ovulation detection rate and oestrus intensity (P<0.05). The study showed that at similar EBV level for milk solids, selection for increased milk fat and protein content resulted in improved cyclicity and similar oestrous expression and submission rates compared with selection for increased milk yield.