Effects of yeast culture supplementation from late gestation to weaning on performance of lactating sows and growth of nursing piglets

Dietary yeast culture supplementation can contribute to the performance and health of sows and piglets, but few studies have focused on the relationships between the effects of yeast culture and gut microbiota. This study investigated the effect of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation from late gestation to weaning on the reproductive performance of lactating sows and their faecal microbiota. One hundred and six purebred Landrace sows, of parities two to six were selected and randomly assigned to a control (CON) and yeast culture supplementation (YC) groups based on parity and back fat thickness. The YC sows were individually fed with yeast culture at a dose of 24 g/d from day 90 of gestation to parturition and 40 g/d during lactational period. Blood samples were collected from sows on d 110 of gestation and at weaning at day 21 of lactation for plasma hormone and immunoglobulin analysis. Colostrum and milk on day 20 of lactation were collected for composition analysis. Faecal samples from sows on day 110 of gestation and day 20 of lactation were collected for short-chain fatty acid and faecal microbial analysis. Results showed that the farrowing performance of YC sows did not differ significantly from the CON group (P > 0.05). The average daily feed intake by the YC group during the lactation period was significantly increased by 9.98% (P = 0.004), the weaning-to-oestrus interval was shortened by 0.96 d (P = 0.046) and average daily weight gain of piglets increased by 7.14% (P = 0.036) compared with the CON group. Yeast culture supplementation also significantly improved the average daily milk yield in the first week of lactation (P = 0.035), lactose content in colostrum (P = 0.046), protein (P = 0.033) and DM (P < 0.001) content of milk. In the YC group, concentrations of plasma ghrelin (P = 0.02) and IgG (P = 0.015) were increased compared with the CON group, while that of glucagon-like peptide-1 was decreased (P = 0.006) on d 110 of gestation. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that faecal microbiota changed at taxonomic levels with yeast culture addition (P < 0.05). Dietary yeast culture supplementation from late gestation to lactation improved feed intake, immunity status, milk yield, milk quality and faecal microbiota of sows, resulting in the improved growth performance of piglets.     

Effects of l-carnitine in the distillers dried grains with solubles diet of sows on reproductive performance and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring

Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are highly susceptible to lipid oxidation because DDGS contain about 10% crude fat, which is largely composed of polyunsaturated fatty acids. l-carnitine serves an important function in fatty acids β-oxidation, and also has antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of l-carnitine in the DDGS diet of gestating and lactating sows on reproductive performance, milk composition and antioxidant status of sows and their offspring. One hundred and twenty sows (Landrace×Large white, mean parity 4.2, initial BW 230 kg) were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n=30 sows/treatment). Treatments were arranged as a 2×2 factorial with two levels of dietary DDGS (0 v. 250 g/kg in gestating diets and 400 g/kg in lactating diets) and two levels of dietary l-carnitine (0 v. 100 mg/kg in gestating diets and 0 v. 200 mg/kg in lactating diets). Distillers dried grains with solubles had no significant effect on litter size but significantly reduced the birth weights and weaning weights of piglets (P<0.05). Distillers dried grains with solubles reduced the antioxidant enzyme activities (P<0.05) and increased the malondialdehyde level in the plasma of sows on day 60 of gestation (P=0.004) and day 14 of lactation (P=0.008). The compositions of colostrum and milk were not affected by inclusion of DDGS and dietary l-carnitine (P>0.05). Supplementing the diets with l-carnitine had no significant effect of total litter size (P>0.05) but increased the number of piglets born alive and piglets weaned, birth weight and weaning weight of piglets and litter weight at birth and weaning (P<0.05). l-carnitine supplementation also increased the concentration of l-carnitine in milk and l-carnitine status of piglets (P<0.05). The antioxidant enzyme activities of new born and weaning piglets were increased (P<0.05) by maternal dietary l-carnitine but this did not extend to finishing pigs. In conclusion, including DDGS in the sows diet could induce oxidative stress, which may be associated with the reduced individual birth and weaning weight of piglets. Dietary l-carnitine supplementation improved the antioxidant and l-carnitine status of sows, which may be associated with the improved reproduction and piglet performance and the antioxidant status of piglets at birth and weaning. There were no interactions between DDGS and l-carnitine.     

Supplementing lactating dairy cows fed high-quality pasture with black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) tannin

A reduction in urinary nitrogen (N) excretion from dairy cows fed pasture containing a high N concentration in the dry matter (DM) will have environmental benefits, because losses to soil water and air by leachate and nitrous oxides (N₂O) will be reduced. Condensed tannins (CT) reduce digestion of N, and provision as a dietary additive could have nutritional benefits for production, but the amount required and the responses to different sources of CT on milk production have not been defined. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of supplementation with CT extracted from black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) on milk production and faecal N concentration by lactating dairy cows grazing a vegetative Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-based pasture. In one experiment, CT was administered as a drench, twice daily, to 38 multiparous Holstein–Friesian cows assigned to four treatments; control (CONT, 0 g/day), low CT (LCT, 111 g/day), medium CT (MCT, 222 g/day) and high CT (HCT, 444 g/day), grazing as a single group. The CT supplementation affected milk yield (P < 0.001) with a trend of declining milk yield as CT concentration increased from about 0.6 to about 2.9% of dietary DM. Milk urea nitrogen (MUN) decreased at MCT and HCT levels of supplementation (P < 0.01) but milk fat, CP and lactose percentage were not affected by CT supplementation. The CT supplementation increased N concentration in faeces for LCT and MCT treatments (P < 0.05), suggesting partitioning of dietary N away from urine. When CT was pelleted with grain, in a second experiment and fed twice daily as a supplement at milking, it reduced the acceptability relative to pellets without CT, and tended to lower milk production from 25.4 to 24.5 kg/day, although the decline was not significant (P > 0.05). The diet of cows fed pellets with CT contained about 1.2% CT in the DM but neither milk constituents nor MUN were affected by CT-supplemented grain (P > 0.05). These findings demonstrate beneficial effects for production of low concentrations (c. 0.6% DM) of CT from black wattle when given to cows grazing pasture with an N concentration of 3.8%, and suggest a diversion of N from urine, but when CT exceeded about 1.4% of dietary DM, milk production was depressed. The value of supplementing a pasture diet for lactating dairy cows with black wattle tannin extract will depend on costs of supplementation, returns from milk production and liabilities associated with N losses to urine.     

Late gestation diet supplementation of resin acid-enriched composition increases sow colostrum immunoglobulin G content,piglet colostrum intake and improve sow gut microbiota

Resin acid-enriched composition (RAC) mainly containing tall oil fatty acid with an active component of resin acid (RA) can improve the microbial population in the digestive system, change the microbial fermentation, and improve the feed conversion ratio. We investigated the effects of dietary supplementation of RAC on sow colostrum yield (CY), colostrum composition and gut microbiota. Tall oil fatty acid and RA are commonly termed RAC and CLA, pinolenic, abietic, dehydrobiotic acids are characteristic components of RAC. The experiment was conducted in three trials in three respective herds. Sows were fed with a control diet and the same diet supplemented with 5 g RAC/day per sow during the last week of gestation. The 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing technique was used to assess sows’ faecal microbiota populations at farrowing. Colostrum nutritional composition, acute phase proteins (APPs) and immunoglobulin (Ig) content were also assessed. Individual piglets were weighed at birth and 24 h after the birth of first piglets in order to calculate CY and later at 3 to 4 weeks to calculate average daily gain. The RAC-fed sows had significantly higher IgG levels (P<0.05) in all three herds but treatment did not influence colostrum IgA and IgM concentration. There were no significant differences in colostrum protein, lactose and fat content in sows of the two diet groups (P>0.05), but those fed RAC had higher levels of colostrum serum amyloid A. Colostrum yield was significantly higher in RAC-fed sows in herds 2 and 3 with heavier piglets between 3 and 4 weeks of age (P<0.05), but not in herd 1 (P>0.05). Resin acid-enriched composition supplementation significantly increased some beneficial and fermentative bacteria (Romboutsia and Clostridium sensu stricto) than the control diet (P<0.01) while some opportunistic pathogens (Barnesiella, Sporobacter, Intestinimonas and Campylobacter), including Proteobacteria, were suppressed. Therefore, RAC added to the sow diet at late pregnancy increases colostrum IgG, colostrum availability for neonate piglets, and seems to promote better maternal intestinal microbial sources.     

Effects of a blend of essential oils and an enzyme combination on nutrient digestibility,ileum histology and expression of inflammatory mediators in weaned piglets

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of an improved gut environment of post-weaning piglets when administered a blend of essential oils (EO; thymol and cinnamaldehyde) and an enzyme combination (xylanase and β-glucanase (XB)) either alone or in combination. To assess the effect of dietary treatments, faecal nutrient digestibility and microbial counts, as well as ileum histology and gene expression of inflammatory mediators were evaluated. One hundred and ninety-two weaned piglets were allocated into four experimental treatments, and fed the basal diet (CTRL) either without or with EO, XB or their combination (EO+XB) for a 42-day period. The experiment concerning digestibility was designed with two periods (period I: days 15 to 21; period II: days 29 to 35) and the faeces were collected on days 20, 21, 34 and 35. On day 42, six piglets from each treatment were slaughtered. It was found that EO, XB and EO+XB supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) the growth performance of the piglets from days 0 to 42. Moreover, no dietary effect on faecal score was observed. Faecal digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ash, dietary fibre, lipid, CP and NDF were increased from period I to period II (P<0.01 to P=0.06), while no effect (P>0.05) of EO, XB or their combination on the faecal digestibility was observed at both periods. Compared with the CTRL diet, dietary XB reduced the faecal Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli counts but increased the Lactobacillus to Coliforms ratio on day 42 (P=0.02, 0.03 and 0.03, respectively), and all the additives supplementations decreased the counts of faecal Coliforms on day 42 (P<0.01). XB supplementation increased the villus to crypt ratio (P=0.04) and reduced the mucosal macrophages number (P<0.01) in the ileum compared with the CTRL group, and dietary EO or EO+XB decreased the number of lymphatic follicles (P=0.01 and P<0.01, respectively) and mucosal macrophages (P=0.02 and P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the interleukin (IL)-1α was downregulated in piglets treated with EO+XB compared with the EO group (P=0.02). In conclusion, the administration of EO, XB or their combination was effective in improving ileum histology, and EO+XB supplementation might benefit the modulation of the expression of ileum inflammatory cytokines in piglets.     

Administration of a novel plant extract product via drinking water to post-weaning piglets: effects on performance and gut health

The present study evaluated the effects of a novel plant extract (PE) product (Grazix^TM) on the performance and gut health of weaned piglets challenged with Escherichia coli. The PE was a standardised mixture of green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) and pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum) obtained by using the LiveXtract^TM process. A total of 144 piglets were weaned at 24 days and allocated to 8 for a 35-day experiment with a 2×2×2 factorial design comparing different treatments (water without product (CT) or 8 μl/kg per day PE in drinking water (PE)), feeding regimens (ad libitum (AD) or restricted (RE)) and oral E. coli challenges on day 9 (sham (−) or infected (+)). There were six pens per group with three piglets per pen. On day 35, 24 of the RE feeding piglets were slaughtered. It was found that PE supplementation increased the average daily gain (ADG) from day 28 to day 35 (P=0.03) and increased the gain to feed ratio (G : F) from day 7 to day 14 (P=0.02). RE feeding led to lower feed intake in piglets during the 1^st week (P<0.01), 2^nd week (P=0.06), 3^rd week (P=0.05), and throughout the course of the overall study period (P=0.05). E. coli challenge decreased the ADG and G : F ratio from day 7 to day 14 (P=0.08 and <0.01, respectively) and increased the faecal score (higher values indicate more severe diarrhoea) on days 14, 21, 28 and 35 (P<0.01). PE supplementation decreased the faecal score in the challenged piglets during the 1^st week post-challenge (P<0.01). E. coli challenge increased the faecal E. coli level on day 14 (P=0.03) and increased the Enterobacteriaceae level on day 35 (P<0.01). Reduced faecal E. coli was observed on days 14 and 35 (P=0.05 and 0.02, respectively), and reduced Enterobacteriaceae (P<0.01) was found on day 35 in the PE animals. RE feeding increased the faecal Lactobacillus, Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli levels on day 35 (P=0.02, <0.01 and <0.01, respectively). These results suggest that PE supplementation may improve the gut health status of post-weaning piglets and counteract some of the negative effects that occur when piglets are challenged with E. coli.     

Effect of different levels of rapeseed meal and sunflower meal and enzyme combination on the performance,digesta viscosity and carcass traits of broiler chickens fed wheat-based diets

The aim of the present experiment was to examine the effect of different levels of rapeseed meal (RSM) and sunflower meal (SFM) and enzyme combination (endoxylanase and β-glucanase) on the production performance, carcass quality, gizzard development and digesta viscosity of broiler chickens. The experimental design was a 3×2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating three diet types containing different levels of RSM and SFM (low (L), medium (M) and high (H)) and two levels of enzyme inclusion (0 or 100 g/tonne diet to provide 1220 U xylanase and 152 U β-glucanase per kg diet). Broiler starter and grower/finisher diets were formulated, based on wheat and soya bean meal and containing 50, 50 and 80 g/kg RSM and 0, 50 and 60 g/kg SFM for L, M and H treatments, respectively, during starter period and 80, 80 and 120 g/kg RSM and 0, 80 and 100 g/kg SFM for L, M and H, respectively, during grower/finisher period, and each diet was fed ad libitum to eight pens of 20 male broilers each. During the starter period (1 to 21 days), birds fed the H treatment had lower (P<0.05) BW gain (BWG) compared with those fed the L and M treatments. Diet type also influenced (P<0.05) feed intake (FI). Feeding the H treatment reduced (P<0.05) FI compared with the M treatment. Diet type and enzyme supplementation had no effect (P>0.05) on feed conversion ratio (FCR). During the grower/finisher phase (22 to 42 day) and over the entire period (1 to 42 day) birds fed the H treatment had lower (P<0.05) BWG and higher (P<0.05) FCR compared with those fed the L and M diets. Enzyme supplementation improved (P<0.05) FCR compared with the unsupplemented diets. No interactions (P>0.05) between RSM and SFM inclusion level and enzyme supplementation were observed for any of the measured parameters at any period. Diet type and enzyme supplementation had no effect (P>0.05) on carcass traits, abdominal fat pad, breast meat yield and jejunal digesta viscosity. Diet type influenced (P=0.05) relative empty gizzard weight, where the H treatment had higher relative empty gizzard weight compared with the L treatment. Enzyme supplementation tended (P=0.10) to increase relative empty gizzard weight. The present data suggest that high inclusion of SFM and RSM negatively influenced broiler performance. Enzyme supplementation improved FCR at all levels of RSM and SFM included in this study, but did not recover the reduction in weight gain caused by high inclusion of RSM and SFM.     

Effects of dietary selenium supplementation on parasitemia,anemia and serum proteins of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infected rats

Trypanosomosis has been associated with immunosuppression, anemia and oxidative damage while selenium possesses both immunostimulatory and antioxidative effects. This study was designed to assess the effect of dietary selenium supplementation on parasitemia, anemia, survival pattern and serum protein profiles of trypanosome-infected rats. Twenty five rats, divided into five groups (A–E) of 5 each, were treated as follows: 4, 8 and 16 ppm (ppm) of selenium in their feed, respectively throughout the experimental period and were infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei on day 14 post supplementation, infected not supplemented and the negative control. Supplementation at 4 and 8 ppm increased the packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentration on day 7 of supplementation (PS) when compared with the unsupplemented groups. Following infection on day 14 PS, the PCV, Hb of 16 ppm and infected not supplemented groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than other groups on days 28 and 35 PS. Supplementation did not lead to significant (P > 0.05) changes on the total protein, albumin and globulin by day 14 PS. Infection, however, caused significant (P > 0.05) decrease in the total protein and albumin from day 28. The supplementation did not significantly (P > 0.05) increase the pre-patent period but caused a significant reduction in the parasitemia levels and increased survival intervals. Dietary selenium supplementation, from the results, may show promise in the management of African trypanosomosis as the supplementation was able to: reduce anemia and parasitemia and increase survival intervals of trypanosome infected rats.     

Effects of Supplemental Copper on the Serum Lipid Profile,Meat Quality,and Carcass Composition of Goat Kids

To evaluate the effects of copper (Cu) supplementation on the serum lipid profile, meat quality, and carcass composition of goat kids, thirty-five 3–4-month-old Jian Yang big-eared goat kids (BW 20.3?±?0.6 kg) were randomly assigned to one of seven dietary Cu treatments (n?=?5/treatment). The dietary Cu concentrations were: (1) control (no supplemental Cu), (2) 20 mg, (3) 40 mg, (4) 80 mg, (5) 160 mg, (6) 320 mg, and (7) 640 mg of supplemental Cu/kg dry matter (DM). Copper was supplemented as CuSO₄.5H₂O (25.2 % Cu). The goats were fed a high-concentrate basal diet with the different concentrations of supplemental Cu/kg DM for 96 days. The serum lipid profile was determined on day 51 and day 96. Meat quality and carcass composition of longissimus dorsi muscle were measured after the goats were slaughtered at 96 days. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were not affected by treatment (P?>?0.18). No differences were observed in drip loss, cooking loss, a* (redness/greenness) and b* (yellowness/blueness) values (P?>?0.17); however, the 24-h pH value (linear; P?=?0.0009) and L* (brightness) value (linear; P?=?0.0128) decreased, and shear force increased (linear; P?=?0.0005) as Cu supplementation increased. The intramuscular fat (%) increased (linear; P?=?0.001) as supplemental Cu increased. No differences (P?>?0.21) in the moisture, crude protein, and ash (%) were observed. Results of this study indicate that supplemental Cu does not modify the serum lipid profile; however, it can impact intramuscular fat content and the meat quality of goat kids.     

Effect of artificial vs. natural rearing on milk yield,kid growth and cost in Payoya autochthonous dairy goats

Seventy full lactations of Payoya dairy goats were used to study the effect of two different kid-rearing systems, natural or artificial, on milk yield, composition, hygiene-sanitary quality, kid growth and rearing cost. Two animal groups were established, one with goats under natural rearing (NS) and the other under artificial rearing (AR). In the NS group, the kids had free access to goat milk 18–20 h a day and were suckled up to 5 weeks of age and then the dams were milked twice daily. Dams in the AR were separated from their kids at 48 h post-partum; then, kids were reared artificially, and the dams were milked twice daily. The number of animals used in each type of rearing system was 35 (23 goats giving birth to twins and 12 goats giving birth to a single kid). Each week during suckling phase the volume of milk produced was measured, and individual samples were taken. From 5th week and until 210 days lactation, test-day yields recorded at intervals of 30 ± 3 days were obtained. The chemical composition of the milk, the bacteriology, and the somatic cell count was analyzed. The kids of both sexes were assigned to two groups, natural suckling (NS, n = 58) and ad libitum artificial rearing (AR, n = 58). Within each treatment, two groups of kids were formed depending on prolificacy: first group with kids from single birth (n = 12) and the second with twin kids (n = 46). Birth weight and weight every week upto the 4th week of life were recorded. During the 5 weeks of lactation the total milk yield per goat was higher for the NS group (140.2 L vs. 95.4 L; P < 0.001), although the total amount of marketable milk was greater for the AR group, with a difference of some 21 L (P < 0.05). Throughout the entire lactation the milk yield was higher in the group of natural rearing (total yield of 508 L vs. 400 L; P < 0.05). Although a significant effect of prolificacy was found during suckling phase (P < 0.001), during 30 weeks of lactation this factor did not affect milk yield (P > 0.05). For the milk composition and hygiene-sanitary quality there were no effects on the type of rearing system or the type of birth (P > 0.05). No significant effect was observed either for the feeding system or the sex or the prolificacy on the live weight of the kids at 28 days and the postnatal growth rate from birth to 28 days (P > 0.05). Natural rearing system had higher cost per kid comparing with artificial rearing system (€18.63/kid vs. €14.70/kid, respectively). However, when comparing total incomes during a full lactation, goats with natural rearing system had a higher income because of increment of total milk production (€29.95/kid).     

Body composition and organ development of intra-uterine growth restricted pigs at weaning

Sow litter sizes have increased, subjecting more small piglets to intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). Research on the development and growth of IUGR pigs is limited. The objective of this study was to compare the body composition and organ development of IUGR pigs at weaning, and to estimate their growth performance from birth to 30 kg. A total of 142 IUGR and 142 normal piglets were classified at birth based on their head morphology. At weaning, 20 IUGR and 20 normal piglets were collected, a whole-body dual-energy x-ray absorption scan was performed, and the piglets were euthanized for organ measurements. Body weight (BW) was measured weekly from birth to 30 kg, rectal temperature and whole-blood glucose levels were measured weekly from birth to weaning, and blood samples were collected at days 7, 14 and 21 for IGF-1 analysis. Results showed that IUGR pigs have a similar percentage of adipose tissue (P > 0.05) compared to normal pigs at 24 days of age. Organs were smaller (P < 0.001) in IUGR pigs than in normal pigs, whereas brain, liver, lungs and adrenal glands were relatively larger (P < 0.05) in relation to the BW of IUGR pigs. Average birth weight (BiW) of normal pigs was greater (P < 0.001) compared with IUGR pigs (1.38 v. 0.75 kg), and the average daily gain (ADG) of IUGR pigs was reduced from day 0 to 14, day 0 to 28 (weaning) and from weaning to 30 kg compared to normal pigs. From birth to weaning at day 28, IUGR piglets had a 72.9 g/day greater fractional ADG (FADG) in relation to their BiW (P < 0.05), but FADG did not differ (P > 0.05) from weaning to 30 kg. Rectal temperature of IUGR piglets was greater (P < 0.05) on day 7 compared with normal piglets, and, even though blood glucose levels were decreased (P < 0.001) in IUGR piglets at day 0, neither glucose nor IGF-1 concentrations differed (P > 0.05) between IUGR and normal piglets. In conclusion, IUGR piglets exhibited some relatively larger organs at weaning compared to normal pigs, but body composition was similar between IUGR and normal pigs. In addition, IUGR pigs had a reduced ADG from birth to 30 kg, and, although they exhibited a greater FADG during nursing, IUGR pigs still require six additional days to reach a BW of 30 kg in comparison to normal pigs.     

Influences of the number of fetuses and levels of CP and ME in gestation and lactation supplements on performance of Spanish does and kids during suckling and post-weaning

Forty-eight mature US Spanish does (40 kg BW), from a herd selected for cashmere fiber growth, were used to investigate influences of the number of fetuses and levels of ME and CP in supplements during gestation and lactation on doe and kid performance. At 60 days of gestation, does with single or twin fetuses consumed mature Bermudagrass hay ad libitum and 1% BW (DM basis) of supplements with 18.6% or 28.5% CP (LP and HP, respectively) and 2.2 or 2.8 Mcal/kg ME (DM basis; LE and HE, respectively). The HE-HP supplement was offered at 1.5% BW (DM basis) for 15 days after birth, and does received the same supplement treatments as in gestation thereafter until weaning at 50 days after parturition. For a 50-day post-weaning period, kids consumed ad libitum the HE-LP supplement. BW at 90 days of gestation (41.4 vs 38.4 kg; P<0.10), BW before parturition (46.1 vs 41.7 kg; P<0.05), BW loss from parturition to day 21 of lactation (8.38 vs 5.25 kg; P<0.05), litter birth weight (5.47 vs 2.75 kg; P<0.05) and plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (0.33 vs 0.29 mM; P<0.05) and NEFA (538 vs 434 mEq/l; P<0.05) were greater for does with twin vs single kids. BW at weaning was similar between single and twin kids (P>0.10; 8.31 and 7.63, respectively). Kid BW and cashmere fiber weight after the post-weaning period were affected by interactions (P<0.05) between number of fetuses and supplement ME level; kid BW was 12.3, 14.7, 14.6 and 13.2 kg (SE = 1.12 and 0.68 kg for singles and twins, respectively), and kid cashmere weight was 86, 109, 106 and 102 g (SE = 8.5 and 5.0 g for singles and twins, respectively) for single-HE, single-LE, twin-HE and twin-LE, respectively. In conclusion, effects of supplements differing in levels of ME and in ingredient composition for US Spanish does in gestation and lactation had dissimilar impacts on post-weaning BW and cashmere weight of single and twin kids. However, because of the limited number of observations and the high variability among animals in measures such as cashmere fibre growth, further experimentation concerning the potential for effects of nutritional plane of does on cashmere growth by kids is warranted.     

Effects of inulin and di-d-fructose dianhydride-enriched caramels on intestinal microbiota composition and performance of broiler chickens

In vitro and in vivo experiments were designed to evaluate the effectiveness of laboratory-made di-d-fructose dianhydride (DFA)-enriched caramels. The DFA-enriched caramels were obtained from d-fructose (FC), d-fructose and sucrose (FSC), or d-fructose and β-cyclodextrin (FCDC). In the in vitro experiment, raftilose and all caramels increased (P<0.05) l-lactate concentration and decreased (P<0.05) pH. Total short-chain fatty acid concentration was higher (P<0.05) than controls in tubes containing raftilose, FSC, FCDC and commercial sucrose caramel (CSC). Raftilose, and all caramels tested except FSC and FC (1%), increased (P<0.01) lactobacilli log₁₀ number of copies compared with the non-additive control. FSC, FCDC and CSC increased (P<0.01) the bifidobacteria number of copies as compared with controls. All additives, except FCDC, decreased (P<0.01) Clostridium coccoides/Eubacterium rectale log number of copies. Compared with controls, raftilose, FC and CSC led to lower (P<0.01) Escherichia–Shigella and enterobacteria. For the in vivo experiment, a total of 144 male 1-day-old broiler chickens of the Cobb strain were randomly assigned to one of the three dietary treatments for 21 days. Dietary treatments were control (commercial diet with no additive), inulin (20 g inulin/kg diet) and FC (20 g FC/kg diet). Final BW of birds fed FC diet was higher (P<0.01) than controls or inulin-fed birds, although feed: gain values were not different. Feed intake of chickens fed FC was higher (P<0.01) than that of inulin-fed birds but not statistically different from controls. Crop pH values were lower (P<0.01) in birds fed FC diet as compared with control diet, with inulin-fed chickens showing values not different from control- or FC-fed birds. Lower (P<0.05) lactobacilli number of copies was determined in the crop, ileum and caeca of birds fed the inulin diet compared with the control diet. Inulin supplementation also resulted in lower (P<0.05) C. coccoides/E. rectale, bacteroides and total bacteria in caecal contents. Addition of FC to broiler diets gave place to lower (P<0.05) enterobacteria and Escherichia–Shigella in crop and caecal contents compared with controls. The bacteroides number of copies increased (P<0.05) as compared with controls in the ileum, but decreased (P<0.05) in the caeca of chickens fed the FC diet. Energy, ADF, NDF and non-starch polysaccharides faecal digestibilities were greater (P<0.05) than controls in chickens fed diets containing inulin or FC. Fat digestibility was higher (P<0.05) in FC-fed birds compared with controls or inulin-fed chickens. In conclusion, DFA-enriched caramels tested here, particularly FC, may represent a type of new additives useful in poultry production.     

Seaweed extracts and galacto-oligosaccharides improve intestinal health in pigs following Salmonella Typhimurium challenge

Pork and pork products are recognised as vehicles of SalmonellaTyphimurium infection in humans. Seaweed-derived polysaccharides (SWE) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) have shown to exhibit antimicrobial, prebiotic and immunomodulatory activity. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of dietary GOS and SWE supplementation on reducing S.Typhimurium numbers and intestinal inflammation in vivo. In total, 30 pigs (n=10/treatment, BW 30.9 kg) were randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: (1) basal diet; (2) basal diet+2.5 g GOS/kg diet; (3) basal diet+SWE (containing 180 mg laminarin/kg diet+340 mg fucoidan/kg diet). Following an 11-day dietary adaptation period, pigs were orally challenged with 10⁸colony-forming units/ml S.Typhimurium (day 0). Pigs remained on their diets for a further 17 days and were then sacrificed for sample collection. The SWE supplementation did not affect S.Typhimurium numbers on days 2 and 4 post-challenge but reduced S.Typhimurium numbers in faecal samples collected day 7 post-challenge (−0.80 log gene copy numbers (GCN)/g faeces) and in caecal and colonic digesta (−0.62 and −0.98 log GCN/g digesta, respectively; P<0.05) compared with the control treatment. Lactobacillusnumbers were increased in caecal and colonic digesta after GOS supplementation (+0.70 and +0.35 log GCN/g digesta, respectively; P<0.05). In colonic tissue, both GOS and SWE supplementation resulted in reduced messenger RNA expression levels of interleukin(IL)-6, IL-22, tumour necrosis factor-αand regenerating islet-derived protein 3-γ(P<0.05). It can be concluded that dietary supplementation of SWE reduced faecal and intestinal S.Typhimurium numbers compared with the basal diet, whereas dietary GOS supplementation increased Lactobacillusnumbers in caecal and colonic digesta but did not affect S.Typhimurium numbers. Supplementation of GOS and SWE reduced the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in colonic tissue of pigs after the experimental S. Typhimurium challenge.     

Effects of dietary supplementation with freshwater microalgae on growth performance,nutrient digestibility and gut health in weaned piglets

In pigs, digestive disorders associated with weaning lead to antibiotic use to maintain intestinal health. Microalgae have been studied in humans and rodents for their beneficial effects on health. The nutritional value of microalgae in animal diets has been assessed, but results were not conclusive. Dietary supplementation with microalgae as an alternative to antibiotic use was studied in two trials (72 piglets with initial BW=9.1±1.1 kg in trial 1 and 24 piglets with initial BW=9.1±0.9 kg in trial 2). All piglets were weaned at 28 days of age and then housed in individual cages. Piglets were randomly allocated to one of the four diets during 2 weeks after weaning: a standard diet with no supplementation (NC) or the standard diet supplemented with 1% Spirulina (SP), with 1% Chlorella (CV), or with 0.2% of colistin as positive control (PC). Trial 1 was performed to determine the effect of microalgae supplementation from 28 to 42 days on performance and incidence of diarrhoea. Animals received then a standard diet from 42 to 56 days of age. Trial 2 was performed from 28 to 42 days of age to assess nutrient digestibility of the experimental diets and to determine inflammatory status and intestinal morphology at 42 days of age. In trial 1, 94% of the pigs had diarrhoea in the 1st week after weaning with no beneficial effect of colistin on diarrhoea incidence, average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), and gain : feed (G : F) ratio. This suggests that the diarrhoea was due to digestive disorders that did not result from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli infection. Supplementation with either Spirulina or Chlorella did not affect ADFI, ADG and G : F in trials 1 and 2 (P>0.10). Diarrhoea incidence was reduced in CV pigs compared with NC, SP and PC pigs (P<0.05). Total tract digestibility in pig receiving microalgae was greater for gross energy (P<0.05), and tended to be greater for dry matter, organic matter and NDF (P<0.10) compared with NC and PC pigs. Villus height at the jejunum was greater in SP and CV pigs compared with NC and PC pigs (P<0.05). This study shows a potential effect of both Spirulina and Chlorella supplementation on intestinal development and a potential of Chlorella supplementation to manage mild digestive disorders. Further investigation is necessary to determine the mechanism action of Spirulina and Chlorella on gut health and physiology.     

Evaluation of the effects of pharmacological zinc oxide and phosphorus source on weaned piglet growth performance,plasma minerals and mineral digestibility

Crossbred pigs (n=720; average age=28±3 days and weight=9.5±0.3 kg) were used in a 20-day trial in order to determine the influence of phosphorus (P) source and various doses of pharmacological zinc (Zn) on growth performance, plasma minerals and mineral digestibility. Pigs (five intact males and five females per pen) were randomly allotted to treatments in a 3×3 factorial arrangement with three sources of dietary P (4.5 g/kg digestible P, 4.5 g/kg digestible P plus 2500 phytase units (FTU)/kg, or 5.5 g/kg digestible P) and three dietary levels of supplemental Zn (0, 1750 or 3500 mg/kg) from ZnO (82% Zn) with eight pens per treatment. Diets were formulated to exceed all nutrient requirements, including calcium (Ca), P and Zn from day 0 to 20. Zn supplementation increased (quadratic P<0.05) average daily feed intake. There was a significant Zn level×P source interaction on average daily gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Pigs fed 4.5 g/kg digestible P without or with 2500 FTU/kg phytase gained more per day (quadratic P<0.05) and had better FCR (quadratic P<0.05) when they were fed 1750 mg/kg supplemental Zn. However, pigs fed 5.5 g/kg digestible P gained more per day (linear P<0.05) and were more efficient (linear P<0.05) when they were fed 3500 mg/kg supplemental Zn. Plasma Zn and Zn digestibility increased (linear P<0.05) as pharmacological Zn supplementation increased from 0 to 3500 mg/kg, irrespective of P source. However, Ca, P, sodium (Na), potassium (K) and copper (Cu) digestibility were reduced (P<0.05) as pharmacological Zn supplementation increased, and this was mitigated or exacerbated by the supplementation of 5.5 g/kg digestible P or phytase. In conclusion, increasing the dietary inclusion of pharmacological Zn may impact growth performance in young pigs through the interaction with minerals such as Ca, P, Na and K. Pharmacological Zn may reduce Na or K digestibility and indirectly reduce water secretion into the lumen, resulting in an increase in faecal dry matter as pharmacological Zn supplementation in the diet increased.     

Influence of feeding sorghum on the growth,gizzard development and carcass traits of growing geese

The aim of this trial was to study the influence of feed form on the performance, gizzard development and carcass traits of growing geese. Between 42 and 98 days of age, 360 geese (type Maxipalm®) were fed a diet containing 500 g sorghum/kg (nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy 12.6 MJ/kg, 15.1 g/kg CP). Birds were divided into three groups differing in feed form: complete pellets (Control group, n = 120); a coarse-ground meal (CG group, n = 120); or a mixture containing protein-rich pellets and sorghum whole grains (M group, n = 120). Feed intake per pen (40 birds/pen) was measured weekly between 42 and 98 days of age, and individual live weight (LW) was measured every 2 weeks. At 84 and 98 days of age, 12 birds were slaughtered in each group to measure the gizzard development and body traits. Irrespective of the goose sex, LW at 98 days was lower for the CG group than for the Control group (5555 v. 5888 g, P < 0.05 for males and 5039 v. 5215 g, P < 0.05 for females). The feed intake over the entire period was 5.5% higher in the M group (P < 0.05) than in the Control and CG groups but the feed conversion ratio (6.91, P > 0.05) was similar in the three groups. The gizzard development (as % of LW) was higher in birds of the CG group than those of the Control and M groups at 84 days of age (+13.98% and +13.51%, respectively; P < 0.05) but was similar in all three groups at 98 days of age (4.01%, P > 0.05). The relative liver development was lower in the birds of the CG group than those of the other two groups at 84 and 98 days of age (−20%, P < 0.001 and −10%, P < 0.05, respectively). The other body traits were similar in the three groups at both 84 and 98 days of age. The present results suggest that a simplified diet presented in the form of a mixture of sorghum whole grains and protein-rich pellets did not reduce the performance of growing geese.     

Efficacy of halofuginone lactate for the treatment and prevention of cryptosporidiosis in goat kids: An extensive field trial

The effects of halofuginone lactate (100 μg/kg B.W.) for the treatment and prevention of cryptosporidiosis in goat kids was evaluated in 3 field trials. Trial 1 was to assess the efficacy of halofuginone on the treatment of kid diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium spp. Halofuginone given for 7 and for 3 consecutive days, respectively, was effective for the treatment of diarrhoea (P < 0.05). Also, halofuginone administered for a 7-day treatment was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than a 3-day treatment in reducing the incidence of diarrhoea in the infected goat herds.In the second trial halofuginone given for 7 days reduced significantly (P < 0.05) the diarrhoea incidence, the time of oocyst shedding and the mean intensity of shedding.In the third trial halofuginone was effective in reducing the death rate and preventing cryptosporidiosis. It was concluded, that halofuginone lactate at a dosage rate of 100 μg/kg for 7 days was effective in treatment and prevention of kid cryptosporidiosis.     

Effect of oak acorn level on colostrum composition and plasma immunoglobulin G of late-pregnant goats and their kids

Oak acorn contains high levels of tannins which have capacity to form complexes with proteins and consequently reduce their availability and as a result it could reduce colostrum quality and immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis. Thus, the aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of dietary oak (Quercus persica) acorn (OA) level during the last 60 days of pregnancy on colostrum composition and plasma metabolites and IgG level of goats and their kids. In all, 24 multiparous pregnant goats (41.7±2.3 kg BW) were assigned into one of the three experimental diets consisted of control diet (without OA) and diets containing 20% (OA₂₀) or 40% (OA₄₀) OA on dry matter basis. Goats fed OA₄₀ had lower BW change compared with other groups (P⩽0.05). Kids birth weight was not affected by experimental diets (P>0.05). Goats fed OA containing diets had lower plasma glucose, triglyceride and Fe concentrations compared with those fed the control diet (P<0.01). Plasma IgG (P<0.01) and urea (P<0.05) concentrations were lower in goats fed OA₄₀ compared with others. Animals fed OA containing diets had higher plasma alanine aminotransferase than those fed the control diet (P<0.05). Goats fed OA₄₀ produced colostrum with lower fat (P⩽0.05) and lactose (P<0.01) contents compared with other animals. Goats fed OA containing diets had lower colostrum IgG level than those fed the control diet (P⩽0.05). Kids plasma total protein concentration was not affected by experimental diets (P>0.05), whereas kids born from goats fed OA containing diets had lower plasma IgG level compared with the control diet (P<0.01). It is concluded that feeding OA during the last 60 days of pregnancy decreased colostrum quality which may have adverse effect on kid’s survival.     

Nitric oxide contributes to the regulation of iron metabolism in skeletal muscle in vivo and in vitro

Nitric Oxide (NO) plays an important role in iron redistribution during exercise, while its molecular regulatory mechanism is still not clear. Our present studies were to investigate the effects of NO on iron metabolism and to elucidate the regulatory mechanism of iron transport in skeletal muscle both in vivo and in vitro. One group of male Wistar rats (300 ± 10 g) were subjected to an exercise of 30 min on a treadmill for 5 weeks (exercise group, EG, 6 rats) and the other one was placed on the treadmill without running (control group, CG, 6 rats). The cultured L6 rat skeletal muscle cells were treated with either 0.5 mM SNAP (NO donor) or not for 24 h, and their iron release and intake amount were examined by measuring radiolabelled ⁵⁵Fe. The results showed: (1) The NO content (CG, 1.09 ± 0.18 μmol/g vs. EG, 1.49 ± 0.17 μmol/g) and non-heme iron in gastrocnemius (CG, 118.35 ± 11.41 μg/g vs. EG, 216.65 ± 11.10 μg/g) of EG were significantly increased compared with CG. (2) The expression of DMT1 (IRE) and TfR1 of EG was increased. (3) The iron intake was increased in L6 cells treated with SNAP (P < 0.01). (4) Western blot results showed the protein level of both TfR1 and DMT1 (IRE) in SNAP cells were up-regulated, while the expression of FPN1 was down-regulated (P < 0.05). The data suggested that the induced elevation of NO level by exercise lead to the up-regulation of both TfR1 and DMT1 (IRE), which in turn increasing the iron absorption in skeletal muscle.