Influence of hypertonic monosaccharide infusions on the release of plasma arginine vasopressin in normal humans.

Six healthy men were investigated to determine the osmotic efficiency of hypertonic monosaccharide solutes on the release of plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP). Twenty percent hypertonic glucose infused at 0.187 mmol/kg body weight/min. over 15 min. increases plasma osmolality but not AVP. In contrast, 20% hypertonic fructose administered identically obtains an increase in both. An initial 71% rise in AVP concentration (p less than 0.01) occurred 10 min. post-infusion accompanied by a peak in plasma osmolality and we did not expect AVP to rise by 336% (p less than 0.01) 45 minutes after infusion as plasma osmolality was returning to baseline values. The first increase in plasma AVP reflects an osmotic efficiency probably resulting from the fact that fructose does not cross the membrane of osmoreceptor cells. The mechanism of the second and unexpected increase is discussed, especially the influence of plasma insulin released as a result of fructose infusion.     

Effects of changes in plasma hepatic-portal and systemic osmolality on plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin in conscious newborn calves

Systemic plasma concentrations of arginine vasopressin (AVP) were studied in three groups of 10-15 day-old conscious newborn calves. Animals in the first group (control group) and in the second group (systemic-hypertonic-injected group) received respectively isotonic and hypertonic (8 mmol NaCl/kg body weight) saline injection into the right jugular vein. Animals in the third group were fitted with chronic mesenteric and hepatic-portal catheters and received a 1 h-hypertonic saline infusion (2 mmol NaCl/kg body weight) into the main mesenteric vein. In animals in the second group there were parallel increases in systemic plasma concentration of Na+ (from 148.0 +/- 2.6 to 177 +/- 8 mmol/l; P less than 0.01), osmolality (from 289 +/- 2 to 319 +/- 4 mOsmol/kg H2O; P less than 0.01) and systemic plasma concentrations of AVP (from 4.2 +/- 0.4 to 11.1 +/- 0.6 pmol/l; P less than 0.01) 10 min after the injection. There were no significant changes in control animals. Hypertonic saline infusion into the main mesenteric vein in the third group induced an increase in concentration of Na+ (from 147.3 +/- 2.0 to 165.0 +/- 5.0 mmol/l; P less than 0.01) and osmolality (from 288 +/- 5 to 315 +/- 10 mOsmol/kg H2O; P less than 0.01) in hepatic-portal vein plasma but did not alter systemic plasma osmolality or concentrations of Na+ and AVP. This study demonstrates that the relationship between plasma concentrations of AVP and systemic osmolality is operative in the newborn calf but does not support the hypothesis that hepatic portal osmo-receptors sensitive to hyperosmolality influence AVP release.     

Effect of mannanoligosaccharides supplementation on caecal microbial activity of rabbits

A total of 200 weaned (35 days) hybrid Hyla rabbits were randomly divided among five groups housed in bicellular cages (20 cages per group). Between 35 and 60 days of age, the groups were submitted to the following treatments: group ANT (positive control) fed a basal diet supplemented with antibiotics (colistin sulphate, 144 mg/kg; tylosin, 100 mg/kg; and oxytetracyclin, 1000 mg/kg); groups MOS_0.5, MOS_1.0 and MOS_1.5 fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg mannanoligosaccharides (MOS), respectively; another group fed the basal diet without antibiotics or mannanoligosaccarides supplementation (negative control). Along the trial, an episode of epizootyc rabbit enteropathy occurs so that in the control group mortality rate was very high (78%) and survivor rabbits showed severe symptoms of disease (diarrhoea). Thus, the control group was discarded from the trial. At 60 days of age, samples of caecal content were collected from 10 rabbits per group and used as inocula for an in vitro gas production trial. At the end of fermentation (120 h of incubation), organic matter digestibility (OMd), cumulative gas production, fermentation kinetics, pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) and NH3 productions were measured. Inoculum from MOS_1.0 rabbits showed the significant higher values of OMd (64.21%, P < 0.05), gas production (262.32 ml/g, P < 0.05), acetate (96.99 mmol/g OM, P < 0.05) and butyrate (26.21 mmol/g OM, P < 0.05) than the other groups. Slight differences were recorded among the groups ANT, MOS_0.5 and MOS_1.5. In addition, branched chain acids, in proportion to total VFAs, were significantly higher in MOS_1.0 inoculum (0.04, P < 0.05). MOS are able to affect fermentation activity of caecal micro-organism, but their activities seem not proportional to their level in the diet.     

Efficacy of virginiamycin and a commercially-available lactobacillus probiotic in swine diets

Eight feeding trials using 708 cross-bred pigs were conducted to evaluate the addition of virginiamycin and a commercially-available lactobacillus fermention product (probiotic) to starter, grower and finisher diets based on maize and soya bean meal. Virginiamycin was added at a level of 11 mg/kg of diet, and lactobacillus probiotic at 1 g/kg in starter diets and 500 mg/kg in grower and finisher diets. In the combined analysis of four starter trials, pigs fed on diets containing virginiamycin tended to eat more and grow faster than pigs fed on the control diet, but feed efficiency was not different. Furthermore, daily gain, daily feed intake and feed efficiency were not improved by the addition of lactobacillus probiotic to starter diets. In the combined analysis of a starter—grower—finisher and a grower—finisher trial, virginiamycin supplementation did not alter overall pig performance compared with control. Pigs fed on a positive control diet containing chlortetracycline, penicillin and sulfamethazine had a nonsignificantly greater daily gain and feed intake.Daily gain for the lactobacillus probiotic-fed pigs was lower (P < 0.05) than that of the negative controls, but daily feed intake and feed efficiency were not significantly different. In three growing—finishing trials in which virginiamycin and lactobacillus probiotic were compared in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments, daily gain and feed intakes were greater (P < 0.01) for pigs given virginiamycin. The lactobacillus probiotic did not improve daily gain, feed intake or feed efficiency. Overall, no interaction between virginiamycin and lactobacillus probiotic occurred.     

Comparison of high fibre diets,basal insulin supplements,and flexible insulin treatment for non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetics poorly controlled with sulphonylureas.

OBJECTIVE--To compare high fibre diet, basal insulin supplements and a regimen of insulin four times daily in non-insulin dependent (type II) diabetic patients who were poorly controlled with sulphonylureas. DESIGN--Run in period lasting 2-3 months during which self monitoring of glucose concentration was taught, followed by six months on a high fibre diet, followed by six months'' treatment with insulin in those patients who did not respond to the high fibre diet. SETTING--Teaching hospital diabetic clinics. PATIENTS--33 patients who had had diabetes for at least two years and had haemoglobin A1 concentrations over 10% despite receiving nearly maximum doses of oral hypoglycaemic agents. No absolute indications for treatment with insulin. INTERVENTIONS--During the high fibre diet daily fibre intake was increased by a mean of 16 g (95% confidence interval 12 to 20 g.) Twenty five patients were then started on once daily insulin. After three months 14 patients were started on four injections of insulin daily. ENDPOINT--Control of diabetes (haemoglobin A1 concentration less than or equal to 10% and fasting plasma glucose concentration less than or equal to 6 mmol/l) or completion of six months on insulin treatment. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS-- No change in weight, diet, or concentrations of fasting glucose or haemoglobin A1 occurred during run in period. During high fibre diet there were no changes in haemoglobin A1 concentrations, but mean fasting glucose concentrations rose by 1.7 mmol/l (95% confidence interval 0.9 to 2.5, p less than 0.01). With once daily insulin mean concentrations of fasting plasma glucose fell from 12.6 to 7.6 mmol/l (p less than 0.001) and haemoglobin A1 from 14.6% to 11.2% (p less than 0.001). With insulin four times daily concentrations of haemoglobin A1 fell from 11.5% to 9.6% (p less than 0.02). Lipid concentrations were unchanged by high fibre diet. In patients receiving insulin the mean cholesterol concentrations fell from 7.1 to 6.4 mmol/l (p less than 0.0001), high density lipoprotein concentrations rose from 1.1 to 1.29 mmol/l (p less than 0.01), and triglyceride concentrations fell from 2.67 to 1.86 mmol/l (p less than 0.05). Patients taking insulin gained weight and those taking it four times daily gained an average of 4.2 kg. CONCLUSIONS--High fibre diets worsen control of diabetes in patients who are poorly controlled with oral hypoglycaemic agents. Maximum improvements in control of diabetes were achieved by taking insulin four times daily.     

Does adding water to a dry starter diet improve calf performance during winter?

Very recently, we added water to a dry texturized starter diet and found substantial improvements in calf performance during summer, leading to the hypothesis that the wet starter diet would also benefit calf performance during winter. Forty-five 3-day-old male Holstein calves (BW 43.4±3.4 kg) were blocked by initial BW and distributed randomly to one of three starter diets (1 calf per pen; 15 pens per treatment) that differed only in moisture content as 90%, 75% and 50% dry matter (DM; DM90, DM75 and DM50, respectively). The starter diet comprised 55.1% ground ingredients (soybean meal, barley and corn gluten meal), 21.9% whole corn, 10% rolled barley and 10% chopped alfalfa hay. The mean ambient temperature averaged 2.1±0.9°C during the 70-day experiment. Calves were weaned at day 50 of the study. Although starter feed intake remained unaffected by treatment, the calves receiving DM75 and DM50 consumed more starter feed (DM basis) than those receiving DM90 diet during the first 20 days of the experiment. Body weight at weaning exhibited a quadratic response with the heaviest weaning weight (76.8 kg) occurring when calves consumed DM75 diet. Adding water to the dry starter diet tended to linearly increase final BW. Average daily gain during the pre- (0.67 kg/day) and post-weaning (1.22 kg/day) periods was the greatest for calves receiving DM75 and DM50, respectively. Although feed efficiency during the pre-weaning and overall periods did not differ across the treatments, a quadratic effect was detected in the post-weaning feed efficiency, with the lowest value being observed with DM75 diet. No difference was noted on skeletal growth parameters measured on days 50 and 70. Adding water to the dry starter diet linearly increased total volatile fatty acids concentration in the rumen. No difference among treatments existed in calf behavior recorded on days 35 and 70. As moisture content of the starter diet increased, the extent of sorting for long particles (>2 mm) and against fine particles (<0.125 mm) decreased. During the 70-day winter trial, adding water to the dry texturized starter diet with 10% chopped alfalfa hay resulted in a higher feed intake during the first weeks of life, a quadratic tendency toward improved growth rate during the pre-weaning period, and possibly a more functional rumen fermentation. A wet starter diet with 75% DM in the physical form offered in this study can be recommended to improve calf performance during winter.     

Lactulose-induced diarrhoea in rats: effects on caecal development and activities of microbial enzymes

The intake of large amounts of lactulose and other non-digestible oligosaccharides can cause diarrhoea in rats and humans. The purpose of our study was to estimate tendency and scope of changes in caecum development, amount and composition of caecal digesta and activity of caecal microbial enzymes under the influence of lactulose-rich diet evoking or not evoking diarrhoea. Male Wistar rats were fed on 8%-lactulose diet for 4 weeks. Feeding with lactulose induced enlargement of the caecum (digesta and wall) compared to the control group. However, the hypertrophy of the caecal wall in rats with diarrhoea was less than in these without that ailment. Dry matter of caecal digesta was significantly decreased in rats with diarrhoea. Diarrhoea lowered concentrations of enzymatic protein and short-chain fatty acids in the caecum, and the activity of bacterial beta-glucuronidase, alpha- and beta-galactosidase, alpha- and beta-glucosidase in caecal digesta, compared to rats without diarrhoea. The ammonia concentration in the caecum was enhanced by diarrhoea symptoms. Occurrence of diarrhoea significantly deteriorated functioning of the caecal ecosystem what in turn limited potential benefits of diet supplementation with lactulose.     

Antihypertensive effect of diet compared with drug treatment in obese men with mild hypertension.

OBJECTIVE--To determine whether dietary treatment has a similar antihypertensive effect to conventional drug treatment while being superior to drugs in improving serum lipid concentrations in obese men with mild hypertension. DESIGN--Six week run in period followed by randomisation to either diet or drug treatment groups for one year. SETTING--Outpatient clinic in city hospital. PATIENTS--61 Men aged 40-69 years, body mass index greater than or equal to 26, diastolic blood pressure 90-104 mm Hg when untreated. Exclusion criteria were signs of organ damage secondary to hypertension and diseases that might have interfered with compliance or with interpretation of results. INTERVENTIONS--Dietary treatment was based on weight reduction, restriction of sodium, and decrease of excess alcohol intake (defined as greater than or equal to 250 g alcohol per week). Drug treatment used a stepped care approach with atenolol as drug of first choice. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Diastolic blood pressure less than 90 mm Hg; absolute reductions in blood pressure and serum lipid concentrations. RESULTS--Mean body weight decreased 7.6 kg in the diet group and increased 0.9 kg in the drug treatment group (p less than 0.0001), and mean sodium excretion decreased 42 and 10 mmol/24 h respectively (p = 0.019). There was no difference in reported alcohol intake. Mean systolic blood pressure decreased 4 mm Hg in the diet group and 16 mm Hg in the drug group (p = 0.003) and diastolic blood pressure 3 and 11 mm Hg respectively (p = 0.002). Diastolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg was attained by 29% of the diet group (nine men) and 73% (22) of those receiving drug treatment (mean difference 44%, 95% confidence interval 21 to 67%, p = 0.001). Dietary treatment produced decreases in mean serum concentrations of total and low density lipoprotein cholesterol as well as triglycerides and an increase in high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration. In the drug treatment group the changes were in the opposite direction, and the groups differed significantly in all but total cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS--Dietary treatment was inferior to conventional drug treatment in controlling mild hypertension but superior in lowering serum concentrations of lipids.     

Physiological and biochemical responses to dietary protein in the omnivore passerine Zonotrichia capensis (Emberizidae)

We studied the physiological, biochemical and morphological responses of the omnivore sparrow Zonotrichia capensis, a small opportunistic passerine from Central Chile acclimated to high- and low-protein diets. After 4 weeks of acclimation to 30% (high-protein group) or 7% (low-protein group) dietary casein, we collected urine and plasma for nitrogen waste production and osmometry analysis, and measured gross renal morphology. Plasma osmolality and hematocrit were not significantly affected by dietary treatment, but urine osmolality was higher in the high-protein group than in the low-protein group. Kidney and heart masses were higher in animals acclimated to the high-protein diet. Mean total nitrogen waste was significantly higher in the high-protein group, but the proportions of nitrogen excreted as uric acid, urea and ammonia were unaffected by diet. Our data suggest that the response of Z. capensis to an increase in dietary protein content is through greater amounts of total nitrogen excretion and hypertrophy of kidney structures, without any modification of the proportion of excretory compounds.     

Early postoperative feeding with elemental diet.

The value of early postoperative feeding with an elemental diet was assessed in 30 patients after major gastrointestinal operations. The patients were allocated at random to conventional treatment (control group) or feeding with the elemental diet (ED group). The clinical and metabolic course of the 15 patients in the ED group was significantly better than that of the controls. Patients in the ED group lost less weight and had a shorter stay in hospital. Negative nitrogen balance was more pronounced in the control group throughout the seven postoperative days. Energy intake was higher in the ED group. Provided elemental feeding is used with caution, it may be given from the first postoperative day. Patients do better metabolically and require shorter stays in hospital.     

Reciprocal combinations of alfalfa hay and corn silage in the starter diets of Holstein dairy calves: effects on growth performance,nutrient digestibility,rumen fermentation and selected blood metabolites

Adding corn silage (CS) instead of alfalfa hay (AH) to the finely ground starter diet would improve calf performance if feed intake or feed efficiency is increased. We investigated the effects of replacing AH with CS in the starter diet on nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance, rumen fermentation and selected blood metabolites in Holstein calves. Newborn male calves (n = 30; 3 days of age; 40.2 ± 1.28 kg BW) were assigned randomly to three groups receiving starter diets containing chopped AH (10% dry matter (DM) basis; AH diet), CS (10% DM, CS diet) or their combination (each at 5% level; AHCS diet). The starter diets had the same nutrient composition but differed in DM content (91.2%, 87.5% and 83.8% for AH, AHCS and CS, respectively). The calves were weaned on day 50, and the study continued until day 70. Nutrient intake, BW (at weaning and at the end of the study) and body measurements were not affected by the diet. During the post-weaning period, average daily gain tended to be greater on CS than on AH diet. Feed efficiency was greater in CS than in AH or AHCS calves during the post-weaning period. Digestibility of neutral detergent fiber was greater in AHCS and CS compared with AH during the post-weaning period. Concentration and profile of volatile fatty acids and ruminal fluid pH were not affected by the diet. Replacing AH with CS in the starter diet had no effect on feed intake, growth performance and general health of the calves. These results indicate that AH and CS can be used interchangeably in dairy calf starter diets until 70 days of age, allowing dairy producers more choices in selecting the feed ingredients.     

Comparison of proprietary elemental and whole-protein diets in unconscious patients with head injury.

Forty men who had sustained head injury were randomly assigned to one of five groups to receive 0.2 g nitrogen/kg body weight/day as either an elemental or a whole-protein diet. Three proprietary elemental and two whole-protein diets were compared. The mean daily nitrogen intake was below 0.2 g/kg in all groups, and was significantly lower in the groups receiving elemental compared with whole-protein diets. Energy intake was significantly different only between one group receiving an elemental and one receiving a whole-protein diet. Mean daily urinary nitrogen excretion was significantly lower in the groups receiving elemental diets, and mean daily nitrogen balance was negative in all groups except one receiving a whole-protein diet. Reduced nitrogen intakes occurred particularly with the elemental diets, which often provoked reflex vomiting or gastric stasis. The need to introduce diets at reduced strength made a negative balance almost inevitable, but nutritional balance seemed to be more readily achieved with the whole-protein diets. More work is needed to assess the relative merits of these proprietary diets compared with tube feeds prepared in hospitals.     

Comparison of intra-amniotic prostaglandin F2 alpha and hypertonic saline for induction of second-trimester abortion.

The efficacy and safety of intra-amniotic prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha (25 mg repeated in six hours) and hypertonic saline (200 ml 20% NaC1) were compared in an international multicentre randomised study organised by the World Health Organisation''s prostaglandin task force. Both hypertonic saline and PGF2alpha were found to be effective in terminating second-trimester pregnancy. The main advantage of PGF2alpha however, was its greater efficacy, with significantly higher success rates in the first 48 hours. Out of 717 women given PGF2alpha 614 (85-6%) aborted within 48 hours; by 24 hours 439 (61-2%) had aborted, and by 36 hours 574 (80-1%) had aborted. Out of 796 women given hypertonic saline 641 (80-5%) aborted within 48 hours; however, by 24 and 36 hours, respectively, only 161 (20-2%) and 462 (58%) had aborted. Although PGF2alpha was associated with a somewhat higher frequency of minor side effects than hypertonic saline, notably vomiting and diarrhoea, these were within acceptable limits. Only 59 women (8-2%) in the prostaglandin group had more than four episodes of vomiting and 11 (1-5%) more than four episodes of diarrhoea. Ohter side effects occurred only occasionally. No difference was found between the two groups in the frequency of incomplete abortion or excessive bleeding.     

Short term effects of a low-carbohydrate diet in overweight and obese subjects with low HDL-C levels

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate short-term effects of a low-carbohydrate diet in overweight and obese subjects with low HDL-C levels.

Methods

Overweight (BMI between 25-30 kg/m²) or obese (BMI over 30 kg/m²) subjects with low HDL-C levels (men with HDL-C <1.03, women <1.29 mmol/l) were invited to the study. A 1400 kcal 75-gram carbohydrate (CHO) diet was given to women and an 1800 kcal 100-gram CHO diet was given to men for four weeks. The distribution of daily energy of the prescribed diet was 21-22% from CHO, 26-29% from protein and 49-53% from fat. Subjects completed a three-day dietary intake record before each visit. Anthropometric indices, body fat ratio, blood lipids, glucose and insulin were measured. Baseline and week-four results were compared with a Wilcoxon signed ranks test.

Results

Twenty-five women and 18 men participated. Basal median LDL-C level of men was 3.11 and basal median LDL-C level of women was 3.00 mmol/l. After four weeks of a low-carbohydrate diet, the median energy intake decreased from 1901 to 1307 kcal/day, daily energy from carbohydrate from 55% to 33%, body weight from 87.7 to 83.0 kg and HDL-C increased from 0.83 to 0.96 mmol/l in men (p < 0.002, for all). After four weeks of a low-carbohydrate diet, the median energy intake tended to decrease (from 1463 to 1243 kcal, p = 0.052), daily energy from carbohydrate decreased from 53% to 30% (p < 0.001) and body weight decreased from 73.2 to 70.8 kg (p < 0.001) in women, but HDL-C did not significantly change (from 1.03 to 1.01 mmol/l, p = 0.165). There were significant decreases in body mass index, waist circumference, body fat ratio, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride and insulin levels in all subjects.

Conclusions

HDL-C levels increased significantly with energy restriction, carbohydrate restriction and weight loss in men. HDL-C levels didn't change in women in whom there was no significant energy restriction but a significant carbohydrate restriction and a relatively small but significant weight loss. Our results suggest that both energy and carbohydrate restriction should be considered in overweight and obese subjects with low HDL-C levels, especially when LDL-C levels are not elevated.     

The effect of buffer osmolality on the survival of cat (Felis catus ) spermatozoa at 5 degrees C

Cat semen was diluted at 37 degrees C in Tes-Tris buffer (TesT), pH 7.5, at osmolalities ranging from 195 to 390 m0sm/kg, cooled to 5 degrees C over 90 minutes and stored for 24 hours at that temperature. Motility and percentage of spermatozoa staining with a supravital stain were estimated before cooling, after cooling and after storage for 24 hours. The osmolality of undiluted pooled ejaculates from five animals was measured, and also that of different diluents (citrate with phosphate buffer, lactose and TesT-egg yolk) used for cat semen. The osmolality measurements of cat semen suggested an osmolality of less than 320 m0sm/kg at ejaculation, increasing with time after ejaculation. Varying the egg yolk concentrations (2% to 20%) did not affect the osmolality of TesT diluent. Diluent osmolalities of less than 292 m0sm/kg were found to reduce sperm motility significantly (P <0.001 ) although there was no significant increase in the percentage of cells staining with a supravital stain, while those greater than 325 m0sm/kg increased the variation of response among animals. Cooling and storage significantly reduced motility (P <0.01 to P <0.001 ) and increased the number of stained cells (P <0.001 ). There were significant differences between ejaculates (P <0.01 ) and significant interactions between osmolality and cooling/storage (P <0.05 to P <0.001 ). The best overall results were seen with a TesT diluent of 292 to 325 m0sm/kg which supported good motility for at least 24 hours.     

Effects of manganese-supplemented diets on growth performance,blood biochemistry,nitrogen metabolism and skeletal development of rex rabbits

(Background) Manganese (Mn) is an essential mineral, although its effects on rabbits is not clear. (Research Purpose) This study was conducted to investigate the effects of the level of supplementation of dietary manganese on growth performance, blood biochemistry, nitrogen metabolism and skeletal development of growing Rex rabbits. (Methods) Two hundred 3-month-old healthy Rex rabbits with similar body weights were randomly divided into 5 groups (A, B, C, D, E), with 40 replicates in each group. The rabbits in the 5 groups were fed a basal diet containing 0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg manganese (in the form of manganese sulfate), respectively. The trial included 7 days for adaptation and 29 days of testing. Seven days before the end of feeding, eight rabbits from each group were transferred into a metabolic cage for metabolic testing. (Results) The results showed that supplemental dietary manganese levels did not significantly influence final body weight (FBW) or average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P＞0.05). Average daily gains (ADG) were significantly higher in the 20 mg/kg manganese group than in the other groups, and the ratio of feed to body weight gain (F/G) was significantly affected by manganese level (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the digestion coefficients among the groups (P > 0.05). Regarding carcass traits, the thymus index and total fat were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the groups, but there were no other significant differences (P > 0.05). The addition of manganese had no significant effect on the intake of nitrogen (IN), fecal nitrogen (FN), digestible nitrogen (DN) or the apparent digestibility of nitrogen (NAD). Compared to the other groups, urinary nitrogen (UN) was lower in the 20 mg/kg group, although nitrogen deposition (RN), nitrogen utilization (NUR) and the biological potency of nitrogen (NBV) were higher in this group (P < 0.05). As the amount of manganese added to the diet increased, serum triglycerides decreased (P < 0.05). Serum Mn-SOD was significantly lower in the 5 mg/kg manganese group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). The results of this study demonstrate that a diet with supplemented manganese can improve Rex rabbit growth performance and increase RN, NUR and NBV. There were no significant effects of different dietary levels of Mn on the ratio of bone to meat (P > 0.05) or bone strength (P < 0.05). (Conclusion) In conclusion, we determined that the optimal level of manganese supplementation in the diet of growing Rex rabbits was 20 mg/kg, which was also found to reduce nitrogen emissions into the environment.     

Partial replacement of triticale for corn grain in starter diet and its effects on performance,structural growth and blood metabolites of Holstein calves

The primary objective of this study was to examine the effects of different inclusion rates of dietary triticale replacing corn grain in starter rations of dairy calves on feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, skeletal growth, fecal score, and selected blood and ruminal parameters. In all, 30 4-day-old Holstein calves (15 female and 15 male) were blocked by gender and birth weight, and then randomly allotted to three treatment groups (n=10 calves/treatment) and received either a corn-based diet without triticale (T0), or a diet containing 16% (T16) or 32% (T32) triticale (25% and 50% corn replaced by triticale, respectively) for 10 weeks. Calves were weaned on day 43 of study and remained on the study until day 70. During post-weaning period, calves fed T32 had the lowest starter intake (1.78 kg/day; P=0.02). In contrast, ADG was not affected in pre-weaning and overall periods, but calves fed T32 had a lower ADG (P=0.04) as compared with calves fed T0 in post-weaning period. No dietary effect was detected for feed efficiency. Dietary treatment did not affect heart girth and body length; however, height at wither and hip at weaning increased in calves fed triticale compared with T0. No detectable effects were observed in serum glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate. No difference was detected in blood urea nitrogen on day 35 either but on day 50 and day 70 the greatest concentration was recorded for calves fed T16. Compared with the control, ruminal ammonia concentration was increased for calves fed T32 (4.34 v. 7.50 mmol/l) and T16 (4.01 v. 8.12 mmol/l) on day 35 and day 50. No difference was detected in ruminal pH on day 35 or day 50; however, calves fed T32 had the lowest pH (6.11) at 70 days. No significant effect was detected in days scoured, respiratory score and general appearance. Under our experimental conditions, it appears that triticale at 16% dry matter (i.e. replacing corn grain up to 25%) in the starter diet does not have adverse effects on the performance and intake of calves. Therefore, substituting corn partially with triticale in calf starter diets may prove beneficial in places where corn is less abundant or its price is prohibitive. The low number of calves per treatment however may have limited the statistical power to detect significant differences among treatments, possibly affecting the results, which should be interpreted with caution.     

Randomised controlled trial of cardioprotective diet in patients with recent acute myocardial infarction: results of one year follow up.

OBJECTIVE--To test whether a fat reduced diet rich in soluble dietary fibre, antioxidant vitamins, and minerals reduces complications and mortality after acute myocardial infarction. DESIGN--Randomised, single blind, controlled trial. SETTING--Primary and secondary care research centre for patients with myocardial infarction. SUBJECTS--505 patients with suspected acute myocardial infarction. Those with definite or possible acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina based on World Health Organisation criteria were assigned to diet A (n = 204) or diet B (n = 202) within 24-48 hours of infarction. INTERVENTIONS--Both groups were advised to follow a fat reduced diet. Group A was also advised to eat more fruit, vegetables, nuts, and grain products. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES--Mortality from cardiac disease and other causes. Serum lipid concentrations and compliance with diet. RESULTS--Blood lipoprotein concentrations and body weight fell significantly in patients in group A compared with those in group B (cholesterol fell by 0.74 mmol/l in group A v 0.32 mmol/l in group B, 95% confidence interval of difference 0.14 to 0.70, and weight by 7.1 v 3.0 kg, 0.52 to 7.68). The incidence of cardiac events was significantly lower in group A than group B (50 v 82 patients, p less than 0.001). Group A also had lower total mortality (21 v 38 died, p less than 0.01) than group B. CONCLUSIONS--Comprehensive dietary changes in conjunction with weight loss immediately after acute myocardial infarction may modulate blood lipoproteins and significantly reduce complications and mortality after one year.     

Effects of rapeseed‐press cake glucosinolates and iodine on the performance,the thyroid gland and the liver vitamin a status of pigs

Rapeseed press cake (per kg DM 181 g EE, 341 g CP and 23.3 mmol glucosinolates) was tested in a long‐term experiment with a total of sixty pigs (live weight range 24 to 104 kg). The 3×2 factorial design consisted of three rapeseed press cake levels (no rapeseed press cake ‐ control, 75g or 150g rapeseed press cake per kg diet) each with two iodine dosages (125 or 250 μg supplementary iodine per kg diet). Reduced feed intake and depressed weight gain were found in groups receiving 150 g rapeseed press cake per kg diet, which correspond to 3.2mmol glucosinolates per kg diet. At an inclusion level of 75 g rapeseed‐press cake per kg diet no differences in feed intake and growth intensity were recorded in comparison to the rape feed free control. The rapeseed‐press cake diet increased the weight of thyroid gland and liver and decreased the serum thyroxine (T₄) concentration. Higher iodine dosage increased the serum T₄ concentration of pigs receiving 75 g rapeseed press cake per kg diet ( = 1.6 mmol glucosinolates per kg diet) to the level of the control group and retarded the enlargement of the thyroid gland. Intake of rapeseed products lowered the iodine content of the thyroid gland, however, there was no significant difference between groups given 1.6 and 3.2 mmol glucosinolates per kg diet. The vitamin A content of the whole liver and the vitamin A serum concentration were not influenced by the diets tested. However, rapeseed press cake and the glucosinolates, respectively, decreased the vitamin A concentration per gram liver due to the organ enlargement and the resulting dilution effect.