Influence of undegraded intake protein on intake,digestion, serum hormones and metabolites,and nitrogen balance in sheep

In Exp. 1, 20 ewes of mixed breeding were fed grass hay : straw mixtures, assigned to one of four supplemental treatments and evaluated during six collection periods. Supplemental treatments were control (no supplement), and low, medium, and high levels (5.2%, 22.1%, and 41.3% of DM, respectively) of undegraded intake protein (UIP). Supplements were formulated to be similar in degraded intake protein (DIP; 21%). Digestibilities of DM, OM, and CP were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation and in medium and high compared with low UIP supplemented ewes. Digestibility of CP also was increased (P < 0.10) in ewes on high compared with medium treatments. Serum insulin was not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment, except in collection period four. In contrast, serum glucose and growth hormone were not influenced (P > 0.10) by UIP treatment. In Exp. 2, four wether lambs fed the same treatments as in Exp. 1, were used in two 4 × 4 Latin squares trials. In trial 1 lambs received a grass hay diet (6.7% CP) and in trial 2 lambs were fed 40 : 60 blend (6.6% CP) of grass hay and spring wheat straw. In both trials, N intake, urinary N, N digestion, apparent N absorption, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. In addition, in trial 1, urinary N, N digestion, and apparent N absorption were increased (P < 0.10) in medium and high compared with low UIP and also in high compared with medium UIP treatments. In trial 2 of Exp. 2, total feed intake (g/kg BW), digestibility of DM and OM, BW, and fecal N were increased (P < 0.10) with protein supplementation. Organic matter digestion, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased by medium and high compared with low UIP. Fecal N, BW, N intake, and N retention were increased (P < 0.10) in high compared with medium UIP. These data indicate that increasing levels of UIP supplementation increases DM, OM, and CP (N) digestibility, serum urea N concentration, and N retention in sheep fed low quality forage.     

Effect of breed on response to foot rot treatment in mature sheep and lambs

Our objective was to determine whether breed differences existed in response to exposure and treatment of virulent foot rot. Dorset (DS), 1/2 Dorper (DX), 3/4 or greater Dorper (DO), Gulf Coast Native (GC), Katahdin (KA), and St. Croix (SC) mature sheep and lambs were exposed to virulent foot rot in spring 2003. Treatment for foot rot was initiated in 132 lambs and 262 mature sheep in late July. There were eight pasture groups treated, two of which were minimally exposed to foot rot. Treatment included hoof paring, foot bathing with 10% zinc sulfate with surfactant, allowing the zinc sulfate to dry on the foot and moving to a small paddock that had not been exposed to small ruminants for more than 14 d. Foot bathing was repeated every 7 d for a maximum of five treatments. Animals that had not responded (odor or any indication of persistent infection) by then were culled from the flock. As an indication of severity of foot rot for each animal, the number of areas on the foot (interdigital and two digits for each foot), a foot score (0 = no infection found; 1 = infection of digits only; 2 = infection of interdigital area and could include digits), and presence of characteristic odor was recorded. Least squares means for number of areas infected were greater for mature than growing sheep (2.07 ± 0.16 versus 0.88 ± 0.31; P < 0.001), for highly than minimally exposed groups (2.89 ± 0.17 versus 0.05 ± 0.29; P < 0.001), and DX compared with other breed types (P < 0.03). Percentage of sheep with odor was similar between age groups, was greater in the highly exposed groups (11.4 ± 1.9 versus 2.1 ± 3.4; P < 0.02), and greater in DO compared with DS, KA, and SC breeds (P < 0.001). Foot score was similar among breeds and greater in the highly exposed groups (age by group, P < 0.05). Percentage of sheep culled for failure to respond to foot bath treatment was greater for the highly than minimally exposed group (22.9 ± 2.3 versus 0.0 ± 3.9; P < 0.001) and greater for mature sheep compared with lambs (P < 0.001) and similar among breeds. In November, four ewes in a large group and two lambs in a small group were determined to have foot rot and were immediately culled. The two groups containing these ewes were re-treated for 2 weeks and were determined to be free of foot rot (no further signs of lameness). Response to foot rot eradication appeared to be similar among breeds examined.     

Growth performance and carcass traits of forage-fed hair sheep wethers

The objective of the present study was to compare live animal performance and carcass characteristics of 3/4 or 7/8 Dorper (DO; n = 30), purebred Katahdin (KA; n = 20), purebred St. Croix (SC; n = 17) and purebred Suffolk (SU; n = 10) lambs born in the spring and fall of 2001. After weaning, lambs were supplemented with up to 680 g of a corn-soybean meal supplement while grazing bermudagrass pastures overseeded with ryegrass. Lambs were slaughtered at approximately 210 d of age. From birth to weaning, DO lambs gained faster (P < 0.001) than KA or SC lambs, whereas KA lambs had higher (P < 0.001) ADG than SC lambs. Additionally, DO and SU wethers had greater (P < 0.02) ADG from weaning to slaughter than SC or KA wethers. Suffolk lambs were heavier (P < 0.001) at slaughter and produced heavier (P < 0.001) carcasses than lambs from hair-sheep breeds. Carcasses of KA lambs were fatter (actual fat thickness; P < 0.02) resulting in higher yield grades (P < 0.03) than carcasses of DO, SC, or SU lambs. Carcasses of DO and SU had larger (P < 0.001) longissimus muscle (LM) areas than those of KA or SC carcasses, whereas kidney fat weight and percentage were greater (P < 0.001) in carcasses from KA and SC than DO and SU lambs. Lean maturity was similar (P = 0.32) among breed-types. However, skeletal maturity was greater (P < 0.001) in SU than hair-sheep carcasses. Flank-streaking scores were similar (P = 0.19) among the breed-types, but conformation scores were higher (P < 0.001) for DO and SU carcasses and resulted in higher (P < 0.001) quality grades than SC carcasses. The LM of SU lambs was lighter (higher L^* values; P < 0.05) than that of KA and SC lambs, whereas the LM from DO lambs was redder (higher a^* values; P < 0.001) than SC and SU and more (P < 0.001) yellow than that of the other breed-types. Chops from SU lambs were tougher (higher shear force values; P < 0.007) than chops from the hair-sheep breeds. Results of this study indicate that ADG, carcass muscularity and meat quality were similar between DO and SU lambs, and, although fatter, carcass muscularity of KA was similar to that of DO lambs.     

Resistance to experimental infection with Fasciola hepatica in exotic and domestic breeds of sheep

Significant breed differences were detected in fecal egg counts and fluke counts following experimental infection of five breeds of sheep with metacercariae of F. hepatica. Two experiments compared the responses of Barbados Blackbelly, St. Croix, Florida Native, Finn X Rambouillet and Targhee sheep to primary and challenge infections (Expt. 1) and to multiple infections (Expt. 2). Barbados Blackbelly sheep were more susceptible to infection than the other breeds in both experiments. St. Croix and Florida Native sheep were the most resistant breeds in Expt. 1, while Targhee and Florida Native were the most resistant in Expt. 2. There was no evidence of acquired immunity in any breed in either experiment.     

A comparison of the periparturient rise in fecal egg counts of exotic and domestic ewes

Ewes of three exotic breeds (Florida Native, Barbados Blackbelly and St. Croix) showed no periparturient rise in fecal egg counts (PPR) when housed from late fall through lambing and weaning. Domestic breed ewes (Rambouillet and Finn-Dorset × Rambouillet) showed a pronounced PPR 6–7 weeks post-lambing while St. Croix × domestic ewes showed an intermediate PPR under similar conditions. There was no PPR in non-lambing ewes.In a second experiment, breed differences in the PPR were not as pronounced when ewes were allowed to graze a contaminated pasture after lambing. Florida Native, St. Croix and $\text{3}\text{4}$ St. Croix × $\text{1}\text{4}$ domestic showed lower PPRs than the remaining breeds (Barbados Blackbelly, F₁ hybrids of exotic and domestic breeds and domestic ewes), but the magnitude of the PPR was generally small in all breeds. No relationship was observed between hemoglobin genotype and PPR in either experiment.It was concluded that a low or absent PPR is an important manifestation of breed resistance in exotic ewes and that this may be useful as a marker for breeding parasite-resistant sheep.     

Nutritional characterization of Mucuna pruriens: 3. Effect of replacing soybean meal with Mucuna on intake,digestibility, N balance and microbial protein synthesis in sheep

Mucuna pruriens seeds have relatively high crude protein (CP) concentrations, but little is known about their potential to replace commonly used CP supplements in ruminant rations. The aim of this experiment was to determine effects of replacing soybean meal (SB) with Mucuna on the performance of lambs. Forty Rambouillet lambs (33.2 ± 5.73 kg) fed a basal diet of maize grain, cottonseed hulls and urea were randomly assigned to one of four supplements formulated by substituting 0 (SB), 330 (Lo), 670 (Med) or 1000 g/kg (Hi) of soybean meal with rolled Mucuna seeds. Lambs were housed individually in metabolic crates and allowed ad libitum access to isocaloric (metabolizable energy=11.7 MJ/kg dry matter, DM) and isonitrogenous (CP = 146 g/kg, DM) diets for 14 d of adaptation and 7 d of total fecal collection. Fecal egg counts and coccidian oocyst scores were determined on d 14. Dry matter intake (1.7 kg/d versus 1.5 kg/d; P<0.05), CP digestibility (774 g/kg versus 714 g/kg DM; P<0.05) and N retention (28.0 g/d versus 20.4 g/d; P<0.01) were higher and amylase-pretreated neutral detergent fiber digestibility (617 g/kg versus 686 g/kg DM) was lower (P<0.05) in sheep fed SB versus Mucuna diets. However, supplementary protein source did not affect rumen pH, blood urea N or glucose concentration, or fecal egg counts. Increasing the level of Mucuna supplementation increased (P<0.05) level and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, ruminal fluid acidity, total volatile fatty acid concentration, decreased (P<0.05) coccidian oocyst scores, and tended (P<0.10) to increase N retention. Therefore, SB is a better supplement than Mucuna to support performance of lambs. Nevertheless, Mucuna seeds are a promising CP supplement for situations where cost or availability precludes use of SB in ruminant rations.     

The effect of inclusion of a high lactose supplement in finishing diets on nutrient digestibility,nitrogen excretion,volatile fatty acid concentrations and ammonia emission from boars

An experiment (complete randomised design) was conducted to investigate the use of lactose in finishing pig diets on nitrogen excretion patterns and ammonia emissions. Diets were formulated to have similar digestible energy (13.8 MJ/kg) and total lysine (11.0 g/kg) contents. Thirty boars (58 kg) were assigned to one of the five dietary treatments (six per treatment) as follows: (T1) 0 g Lactofeed/kg (860 g whey permeate/kg, 140 g soya bean meal/kg, Volac International, UK) (LF70); (T2) 40 g LF70/kg; (T3) 80 g LF70/kg; (T4) 120 g LF70/kg; and (T5) 160 g LF70/kg. After a 14-day adaptation period, pigs were housed in metabolism crates and faeces and urine were collected for nitrogen balance and ammonia emission. NH₃–N emission was measured over 10 days using a laboratory scale procedure. Coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) for dry matter and gross energy digestibility were affected by dietary LF70 inclusion (quadratic, P<0.05). T1 had a higher urinary N and total N excretion (P<0.1), a lower N retention (as a proportion of intake) (P<0.05) than the LF70 supplemented diets. T1 had a higher NH₃–N per gram of N intake from days 0 to 4 (P<0.05) than the LF70 supplemented diets. In the faeces isobutyric acid and isovaleric acid were affected by dietary LF70 level (quadratic, P<0.01). There was a linear decrease in the ratio of acetic acid: propionic acid with increasing LF70 levels (P<0.05). In the caecum and colon lactobacilli concentrations were affected by dietary LF70 inclusion (quadratic, P<0.05). In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that the incorporation of lactofeed in finisher pig diets increases CTTAD for gross energy and the concentration of lactobacilli in the hind-gut and decreases total nitrogen excretion. The inclusion of lactofeed also reduces the quantity of ammonia emitted from fresh manure in the first 4 days of storage.     

Comparative studies on dry matter intake,digestibility and nitrogen metabolism between Thai native (TN) and Anglo Nubian × TN bucks

Metabolic experiments were conducted for each Thai native (TN) and Anglo Nubian–TN 50% (AN × TN) bucks, 26.5–38 kg BW and 35–52 months of age, by assigning the following concentrate diets, which had four levels of CP concentrations, T1: 14%, T2: 21%, T3: 28% and T4: 35%, on a DM basis. The animals were fed the concentrates at a rate of 1% of their BW and had ad libitum access to Paspalum plicatulum hay. As the CP level increased, digestibility of CP, N excretion in urine and N retention increased (P < 0.01). No significant differences of DM digestibility among the CP levels of diet and between the breeds of bucks were observed. The AN × TN had higher DM intake than TN (P < 0.05, 40.9 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 36.0 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)), thus N intake of AN × TN was higher than that of TN (P < 0.01, 0.99 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 0.90 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)). Digestibility of CP and blood urea N concentrations of TN were higher than those of AN × TN (P < 0.05, 69.8% versus 64.0% and 32.2 mg/dl versus 26.7 mg/dl, respectively). The AN × TN tended to retain more N than TN in the higher CP feeding condition of T3 (0.19 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 0.11 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)) and T4 (0.25 g/(kg BW^0.75 day) versus 0.17 g/(kg BW^0.75 day)). Digestibility of NDF and ADF, and TDN of TN were higher than those of AN × TN (P < 0.05, 61.1% versus 55.9%, 49.6% versus 43.5% and 65.8% versus 62.4%, respectively). The overall mean DE was 109 kcal/(kg BW^0.75 day), and no significant difference of DE among CP levels nor breeds of bucks was observed. Thai native was superior to AN × TN in digestibility of N and fiber fractions at the maintenance level of DE, which might have overcome inferiority of TN to AN × TN in amount of N and energy intake caused by the lower DMI. It is likely that TN goats are well adapted to fodder shortage condition due to their efficient utilization of nutrients.     

Growth and cashmere production by Spanish goats consuming ad libitum diets differing in protein and energy levels

Thirty-six Spanish goat wethers (196 ± 12.9 days of age and 17.5 ± 4.60 kg BW at experiment initiation) from a herd previously selected for cashmere growth were used to determine effects and interactions of ad libitum consumption of diets differing in concentrations of CP (10% and 15%) and ME (2.00, 2.35 and 2.70 Mcal/kg; DM basis) on growth and cashmere fiber production in an 84-day, fall-season experiment. DM intake was greater (P < 0.05) for diets with 15% vs. 10% CP (736 vs. 655 g/day) but similar among ME concentrations (P > 0.10). ADG was greater (P < 0.02) for 15% vs. 10% CP (79 vs. 53 g/day) and increased linearly (P < 0.10) as dietary ME level increased (58, 62 and 78 g/day for 2.00, 2.35 and 2.70 Mcal/kg ME, respectively). Total fleece weight at the end of the experiment was similar (P > 0.10) between CP levels but increased linearly (P < 0.03) as ME concentration in the diet increased (197, 239 and 227 g/day). Guard hair weight was not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.10); cashmere length was similar among treatments (P > 0.10); and cashmere fiber diameter was not altered by dietary ME level (P > 0.10) but was greater (P < 0.05) for 15% vs. 10% CP (16.92 vs. 16.06 μm). Cashmere weight was influenced by an interaction between CP and ME levels (P < 0.05); cashmere fiber weight with 10% CP was 92, 82 and 95 g, and with 15% CP was 63, 115 and 99 g for 2.00, 2.35 and 2.70 Mcal ME/kg diets, respectively (SE = 10.2). However, the ranking of treatment means for initial cashmere fiber weight was similar to that at the end of the experiment, although differences at the beginning were non-significant and of lesser magnitude than at the end. In conclusion, further research with influences of concentrations of CP and ME in diets consumed ad libitum on cashmere fiber growth of growing US Spanish wether goats is required, and animal numbers and allocation to treatments deserve careful consideration in studies of cashmere fiber production.     

Combined effect of probiotics and specific immunoglobulin Y directed against Escherichia coli on growth performance,diarrhea incidence,and immune system in calves

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K99 is one of the major pathogens associated with calf diarrhea. The induction of passive immunity in animals by immunoglobulin Y and using probiotics are inexpensive alternatives to antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of a number of bacterial infections, including diarrhea. Hence, the aim of this research was to evaluate the impact of dietary probiotics and ETEC K99-specific egg yolk antibody supplements, alone and in combination with each other, on health and growth parameters, diarrhea incidence and immune stimulation in newborn Holstein calves. One hundred and twenty neonatal calves were allocated randomly into 4 dietary groups (n = 30 per group) received colostrum/milk without any additives (control group), or supplemented with egg yolk powder contained E. coli K99-specific antibody (Ab group; 1 g/day), a commercial probiotic, Hypro-calves (Pro group; 3 g/day), and their combination (Ab + Pro group), from day (d) 1 to d28 of age. Analyses of the growth parameters, feed efficiency, fecal score, and microbiota and immune function were carried out on d0, 14, 21, and 28 of the experiment. Calves in Ab or Ab + Pro group had higher (P < 0.05) average daily gain compared to control and Pro groups during 0–14d. Feed efficiency of calves in Ab and Ab + Pro groups was significantly higher than that in control group during the period of 0–14d; however, no significant differences were observed in 0–28d period. Diarrhea prevalence and fecal score in Ab + Pro group were lower than control group (P < 0.05). Calves in Ab + Pro group had the lowest number of fecal E. coli in comparison to other groups on d28 (P < 0.05). Feeding Ab + Pro supplement increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of blood IgA and serum CD4 compared to the control group. Likewise, calves in Pro group had higher CD4 levels as compared to the control calves (P < 0.05). Serum concentration of interferon-gamma in control group was lower than other groups (P < 0.05). Overall, these data suggest that feeding a combination of probiotic and specific antibody against ETEC to neonate Holstein calves enhances feed efficiency, boosts immunity, and reduces diarrhea prevalence.     

Influence of level of zilpaterol chlorhydrate supplementation on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs

Forty-eight Pelibuey × Katahdin (38.8 ± 0.67 kg) crossbred male lambs were used in a 32-day feeding trial (four pens per treatment in a randomized complete block design), to evaluate the influence of zilpaterol (β₂-agonist) supplementation level on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Lambs were fed a dry-rolled corn-based finishing diet (3.04 Mcal/kg of ME) supplemented with 0, 0.15, 0.20, or 0.25 mg/kg of live weight d⁻¹ zilpaterol (as zilpaterol chlorhydrate, Zilmax^®, Intervet México, México City). DM intake averaged 1.099 ± 0.042 kg/d and was not affected (P = 0.40) by treatments. Compared with control lambs, zilpaterol supplementation increased gain efficiency (15.8%, P < 0.03), apparent energy retention per unit DMI (10.9%, P = 0.03), and tended to increased daily gain (16%, P < 0.07) and total gain (17.7%, P < 0.08). Zilpaterol supplementation did not affect (P = 0.20) carcass weight, longissimus muscle area (LM), or fat thickness, but increased (2.3%, P = 0.04) carcass dressing percentage and reduced (36%, P < 0.01) kidney-pelvic fat. Increasing level of zilpaterol supplementation increased total weight gain (linear component, P < 0.05), gain:feed (linear component, P < 0.01), and dressing percentage (linear component, P < 0.02), and decreased (linear component, P < 0.01) kidney-pelvic fat. We conclude that zilpaterol supplementation enhances growth performance and dressing percentage in lambs in a manner comparable to that of cattle (greater muscle accretion, reduced body fat). Responses to zilpaterol was optimal when supplemented at 0.20 mg of zilpaterol/kg of live weight d⁻¹.     

Digestibility,nitrogen balance,and blood metabolites in llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (lama pacos) fed barley or barley alfalfa diets

To determine the effect of barley diets on digestibility, nitrogen balance, and blood metabolites, mature gelded llamas and alpacas (n = 8; 4 llamas, 36 ± 4 months, 90 ± 10.7 kg; 4 alpacas, 24–36 months, 50 ± 4 kg) were randomly fed 100% barley (B) and 20% alfalfa/80% barley (BA) hay. Animals were housed in metabolism crates and diets were fed for a 7 days adjustment period followed by a 5 days collection period. Feed, feed refusal, feces and urine were collected, dried and N content determined by combustion analysis. Blood samples were collected on day 12 at 30 min intervals over a 6 h period. Plasma was harvested and analyzed for electrolytes (Na, K, Cl, Ca, Ca²⁺, P, Mg), metabolites glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), urea N, creatinine, albumin, total protein (TPP), osmolality (Osm). Plasma glucose, urea N, albumin, osmolality, electrolyte and metabolite levels were similar between species, and were unaffected by diet. On a metabolic weight basis, only diet was significant for N intake, urinary and fecal N, and total N excreted. Dry matter intake was not significantly different; however, BA consumption was greater than B, (B) 1272 g N/day and (BA) 1636 g N/day for llamas, and for alpacas (B) 835 g N/day and (BA) 1034 g N/day, respectively. Nitrogen intake followed the same pattern, (B) 21.4 g N/day and (BA) 33.9 g N/day, respectively for llamas, and (B) 13.6 g N/day and (BA) 20.6 g N/day, respectively for alpacas (diet, P < 0.002). Diet affects were significant for urine N excretion (P < 0.02), (B) 11.2 g/day and (BA) 18.2 g/day for llamas, and (B) 6.8 and (BA) 10.8 g N/day for alpacas. Fecal N excretion was different for diet (P < 0.03), with fecal excreted N of 9.0 g N/day and 11.9 g N/day for B and BA in llamas, and 5.9 g N/day and 9.1 g N/day for B and BA respectively in for alpacas, respectively. Nitrogen retention, DM digestibility and N digestibility were unaffected by diet or species. However, the llamas in this study displayed an increase in nitrogen intake of 64.6% between the B and BA diets with a 381% increase in N retention. Alpacas increased their N intake by 57.4% when they consumed the BA forage, which only increased N retention by 22.2%. These species differences indicate that alpacas have a lower N requirement to meet metabolic needs than llamas, which are likely related to the smaller body size of the alpaca. When examining the biological value of N from the respective diets, alpacas and llamas had a value of 56.2% when consuming barley. The BA diet had a higher biological value of 65.0% in llamas compared to 57.4% in alpacas. Therefore, on the basis of this study, extrapolations between llamas and alpacas with respect to nitrogen requirement and balance are not valid.     

Colesevelam Hydrochloride to Treat Hypercholesterolemia and Improve Glycemia in Prediabetes: A Randomized,Prospective Study

ObjectiveTo assess the effect of the bile acid sequestrant colesevelam hydrochloride in patients with hypercholesterolemia and prediabetes.MethodsIn this 16-week, randomized, double-blind study, adults with untreated prediabetes (2-hour postoral glucose tolerance test [OGTT] glucose ≥ 140 to 199 mg/dL, fasting plasma glucose [FPG] ≥ 110 to 125 mg/ dL, or both), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥ 100 mg/dL, and triglycerides < 500 mg/dL were randomly assigned to receive colesevelam (3.75 g/d) or placebo. The primary end point was percent change in LDL-C from baseline to week 16 with last observation carried forward. Secondary end points included change in FPG, hemoglobin A1c (A1C), and 2-hour post-OGTT glucose level from baseline to week 16 and attainment of LDL-C and FPG targets.ResultsIn total, 216 patients were randomized (colesevelam, 108; placebo, 108). In comparison with placebo, colesevelam significantly reduced LDL-C (mean treatment difference, -15.6%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-9.1%), total cholesterol (-7.2%), apolipoprotein B (-8.1%) (P < .001 for all the foregoing), FPG (median, -2.0 mg/dL; P = .02), and A1C (mean, -0.10%; P = .02). Colesevelam did not significantly change 2-hour post-OGTT glucose (-1.9 mg/dL; P = .75) or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-0.5%; P = .80). In addition, colesevelam significantly increased triglyceride levels relative to placebo (median, 14.3%; P < .001). The proportion of patients achieving target levels with colesevelam versus placebo, respectively, was as follows: LDL-C < 100 mg/dL (29% versus 11%; P < .001), A1C < 6.0% (37% versus 25%; P = .05), FPG < 110 mg/dL (48% versus 56%; P = .97), and normalization of glucose (FPG < 100 mg/dL [40% versus 23%; P = .06]). Colesevelam had a weight-neutral effect and was well tolerated.ConclusionColesevelam is an option for managing the lipid profile and normalizing glucose levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia and prediabetes. Further study is warranted to determine whether colesevelam slows or prevents progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. (Endocr Pract. 2010;16:617-628)     

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 supplemental urea sources and feeding frequency on ruminal fermentation,fiber digestion,and nitrogen balance in beef steers

The objective of two experiments was to evaluate non-protein N supplementation with protected urea sources in terms of rumen fermentation products, nutrient digestibility, and N balance in ruminally fistulated beef steers (initial bodyweight 239 ± 18 kg) fed switchgrass hay. Experiment 1 compared urea with Optigen II^®, and Experiment 2 compared urea with RumaPro^®. In both experiments, supplements (400 g/kg of daily dietary dry matter) were fed once daily or every 2 h in a balanced design. Supplements contained soybean hulls, corn grain, vitamins, and minerals as well as non-protein N sources. Non-protein N provided 0.18 g/g of dietary N. Switchgrass hay was fed once daily, at the same time as the supplement in the once-daily treatments. Dry matter intake (4.1 kg/d in Experiment 1, 4.5 kg/d in Experiment 2), dry matter digestibility (P<0.25, 0.58 ± 0.014 g/g in Experiment 1, 0.58 ± 0.010 g/g in Experiment 2), N balance (P<0.83, 11.3 ± 1.9 g/d in Experiment 1, 11.8 ± 3.6 g/d in Experiment 2), ruminal ammonia concentrations (P<0.29, 15.2 ± 1.4 mM in Experiment 1, 11.8 ± 0.6 mM in Experiment 2), and ruminal short-chain fatty acid concentrations (P<0.13, 77.7 ± 3.0 mM in Experiment 1, 75.4 ± 3.0 mM in Experiment 2) were not affected by feeding protected urea sources. Providing a steady supply of ruminally degradable N by feeding supplement every 2 h vs once daily decreased ruminal ammonia concentrations by approximately one-half by 4 h after feeding hay (P<0.01 in both experiments) and increased (P<0.02 in Experiment 1, P<0.08) in Experiment 2) apparent digestibility of dry matter (0.58–0.62 in Experiment 1, 0.56–0.61 in Experiment 2) and dietary fiber components.     

Effect of partial replacement of concentrates with jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) leaves on growth performance of kids grazing on native pasture of Tripura,India

Fifteen Black Bengal kids of about 3 months of age and body weight ranging from 3.8 to 4.9 kg were randomly distributed into three groups of five. Kids grazed native pasture 8 h/d. The kids in group I received supplementary concentrate (maize 35%, mustard cake 32%, rice bran 30%, mineral mixture 2% and common salt 1%) at approximately 2% of BW. However, 25 and 50% of the concentrate was replaced with jackfruit leaves for groups II and III, respectively. Total dry matter intake (DMI) was significantly higher in groups II and III than for group I due to greater forage consumption. Digestibility of CP (P < 0.05) decreased and that of NDF increased (P < 0.01) with increasing level of jackfruit leaves in the diet. Digestibility of ADF (P < 0.01), hemi cellulose (P < 0.05) and cellulose (P < 0.01) was higher in groups II and III in comparison to group I. Ruminal pH and TVFA concentration were not significantly different among the groups; however, rumen ammonia-N concentration decreased (P < 0.01) with increased level of jackfruit leaves in the diet. Similarly, plasma urea nitrogen and blood glucose levels were also reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing level of jackfruit leaves in the diet Average daily gain (ADG) was 47.33, 45.11 and 35.56 g/d in groups I, II and III, respectively. ADG and DMI/kg gain were not adversely affected when the level of replacement was restricted to 25%; however, at the 50% of replacement both parameters were adversely affected (P < 0.05). From the results of this experiment, it was concluded that jackfruit leaves might replace 25% of the supplemental concentrate for growing kids grazing in native pasture of northeast India.     

Effects of total nonstructural carbohydrates and nitrogen balance on voluntary intake of goats and digestibility of gamagrass hay harvested at sunrise and sunset

We evaluated differences in composition of Iuka gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides L.) hay harvested at 06:00 (AM harvest) or 18:00 h (PM harvest), and measured how protein supplementation and time of harvest interact to affect the voluntary intake, digestibility, and N balance of goats. Boer cross wethers (n = 28; 24 kg) were randomly assigned to be fed supplement (310 g/kg of crude protein (CP), fed at 110 g/kg of dry matter (DM) intake, 14 goats) or no supplement (14 goats). Within supplemented or not supplemented groups, goats were randomly assigned to a crossover design of AM harvest (seven goats) or PM harvest (seven goats), and housed individually in metabolism crates with free access to water and mineral blocks. They were fed twice daily, with supplement offered 30 min prior to the morning feedings. After a 7-d adaptation, voluntary intake (goats were offered 1100 g/kg of previous day's intake) was measured for 14 d, followed by a 4-d adjustment phase to equalize DM offered between periods, and finally a 5-d digestion and balance phase. After Period 1, goats were switched to their new hay harvest times, and the protocol was repeated. Compared to the AM harvest, the PM harvest had higher (P<0.03) proportions of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC, 70.8 g/kg DM versus 59.0 g/kg DM), monosaccharides (37.0 g/kg DM versus 28.6 g/kg DM), di- and polysaccharides (18.5 g/kg DM versus 15.4 g/kg DM) and less neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 700 g/kg versus 710 g/kg). Crude protein (79 g/kg DM) and starch (15.2 g/kg DM) were similar for the PM and AM harvest. Dry matter digestibility was higher (P<0.03) for the PM versus AM harvests (555 g/kg DM versus 531 g/kg DM) and for supplemented versus not supplemented (563 g/kg DM versus 522 g/kg DM). Voluntary gamagrass DM intake (550 g/d versus 548 g/d) and calculated total digestible DM intake (327 g/d versus 313 g/d) were similar for the PM and AM harvest. However, total digestible DM intake during the digestion and balance phase was higher (P<0.01) for the PM versus AM harvest (317 g/d versus 299 g/d). Time of harvest did not affect N intake, digestion, or calculated retention. Compared to no supplementation, the supplement improved (P<0.01) N digestion (6.1 g/d versus 3.7 g/d) and retention (2.2 g/d versus 1.1 g/d). The PM harvest increased DM digested, largely TNC and digestible DM intake by goats due to increased TNC and not because of a 2% increase in DM intake. Providing a protein supplement had very limited effects on intake and digestibility of gamagrass.     

Macro CK type 1 as a major component of serum creatine kinase activity in pregnant sheep

Electrophoretic separation of creatine kinase (ATP: creatine phosphotransferase, E.C. 2.7.3.2) isoenzymes in agarose gel was made in the serum of 93 sheep of three Slovenian domestic breeds (Solcavska, Pramenka and Bovska breeds). 44 sheep were pregnant between 112 and 135 days at the time of the blood collection. The median value of serum total CK activity for all animals investigated was 82 U/l. After direct immunoinhibition of CK with anti-M-CK monoclonal antibodies the total CK activity remained the same (88 U/l, P = 0.354). There were significant differences among breeds in CK activity for the Solcavska (101 U/l), Bovska (89 U/l) and Pramenka breeds (73 U/l), respectively (Kruskal–Wallis one way analysis of variance, P < 0.01), and between pregnant (105 U/l) and non-pregnant animals (76 U/l), irrespective of the breed (Mann–Whitney rank sum test, P < 0.05). According to electrophoresis, all non-pregnant sheep had exclusively free CK-BB serum bands activity. In all pregnant sheep coupled dimeric BB variant appeared as macro-CK type 1 in the range between 80% and 100% of total CK activity. The present study confirms the existence of an elimination mechanism for CK from the plasma abundance free CK-BB enzyme.     

Effect of individual and mixed live yeast culture feeding on growth performance,nutrient utilization and microbial crude protein synthesis in lambs

This study investigated effects of feeding three individual, and a mixed, yeast culture (Kluyveromyces marximanus NRRL3234, Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCDC42, Saccharomyces uvarum ATCC9080 all in a 1:1:1, ratio) on growth performance, nutrient utilization and microbial crude protein (CP) synthesis in feedlot lambs during the post-weaning phase of growth. Sixty weaner lambs (90 ± 3.5 d old and 15.9 ± 0.50 kg BW) were fed for 91 d in five equal groups. The control group of lambs received sterilized culture medium while the treatment groups were fed a yeast culture in addition to a ad libitum total mixed ration (TMR). The yeast culture, dosed at 1 ml/kg body weight (BW) had 1.5–2.0 × 10⁹ live cells/ml. Yeast culture supplementation did not influence intake and digestibility of organic matter (OM), CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and hemicellulose and the metabolizable energy (ME) level of the diets were similar between control and yeast supplemented lambs. Lambs in all groups were in positive N balance, but N intake and N voided in feces and urine, as well as N balance, did not change due to yeast culture supplementation. Urinary allantoin excretion was similar, but purine derivatives absorbed (mM/d) were higher (P<0.05) in yeast culture supplemented lambs. Yeast culture supplementation improved (P<0.05) microbial CP synthesis. Supplementation of SC and mixed yeast improved (P=0.002) BW gain of lambs by 21% and 16% respectively. All yeast culture supplemented lambs had higher feed efficiency in comparison to control lambs. Among the three yeast cultures used, S. cerevisiae had the most potential as a growth promoting feed additive in feedlot lamb production, and it may serve as an alternate to antibiotics and ionophores as a growth promoter of weaner lambs.     

Fluoxetine, 17-β estradiol or folic acid combined with intra-lateral septal infusions of neuropeptide Y produced antidepressant-like actions in ovariectomized rats forced to swim

Folic acid is antidepressant, either alone or combined with several antidepressant drugs. However, the antidepressant-like actions of folic acid combined with intra-lateral septal (LSN) infusions of neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the forced swimming test (FST) have not been tested before. Thus, systemic injections of fluoxetine (20.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05; s.c.) or 17-β estradiol (10.0 μg/rat, P < 0.05; s.c.) or oral administrations of folic acid (50.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05; 75.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05) or NPY intra-LSN (3.0 μg, P < 0.05; 3.5 μg, P < 0.05) reduced immobility of ovariectomized Wistar rats. Subthreshold doses of: folic acid (25.0 mg/kg) or 17-β estradiol (5.0 μg/rat, P < 0.05) or fluoxetine (15.0 mg/kg, P < 0.05; s.c.) combined with subthreshold doses of NPY (2.5 μg/rat, P < 0.05; intra-LSN) and these combinations produced antidepressant-like actions; which were canceled by BIBP 3226 (a NPY-Y1 receptor antagonist). It is concluded that folic acid produced antidepressant-like effects probably through the participation of the NPY Y1 receptors found in the lateral septal nuclei.