Measuring body composition in dogs using bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy.

Assessment of body composition is an essential aspect of veterinary canine care, particularly as prevalence of overweight and obesity in dogs is increasing. Few quantitative objective methods for body composition measurement are available for routine clinical use. Bioelectrical impedance analysis is widely used in human medicine and nutritional assessment and although it has shown promise in production animals it has not yet been adopted for companion animals. The present study validated bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) against the reference method of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Resistivity coefficients for use in BIS were determined: ρe = 444.8 and ρi = 1477.8 ohm.cm and used to predict fat-free mass (FFM) in a cohort of 35 mixed breed dogs. Overall, FFM was predicted to within 3.5% of reference values. At an individual level, FFM was predicted within 2 standard deviations (95% confidence) of 10%. BIS provides an objective quantitative alternative to the widely used semi-quantitative body condition scoring. In addition, BIS provides estimates of body water volumes (total, extra-and intracellular), information that can be useful in fluid management. BIS is inexpensive, and simple to perform but does require brief (<5 min) sedation of the animal.

Visible spectroscopy on lamb fat and muscle to authenticate the duration of pasture finishing.

Pasture-based livestock systems are considered environmentally-sustainable and welfare-friendly farming systems that can meet consumer demand for good-quality produce. However, trust in products labelled as 'grass-fed' depends on the ability to reliably authenticate pasture origin. The two objectives of this study were (i) to test the ability of visible spectroscopy combined with discriminant analysis on lamb perirenal fat (PF), dorsal fat (DF) and longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle to discriminate different durations of pasture-finishing; and (ii) to determine the timing of appearance of the pasture signature and its stabilization in these tissues. Four groups of 35 lambs were used over two years, i.e. lambs fed concentrate in-stall (L0) and lambs grazing alfalfa for 21d (L21), 42d (L42) and 63d (L63) before slaughter. No one tissue satisfactorily discriminated the four treatment groups, with ≤75% of lambs correctly classified. However, visible spectroscopy discriminated L0 from L21 + L42 + L63 lambs with an accuracy of 92.8%, 92.0%, and 85.3% lambs correctly classified on PF, DF and muscle, respectively, and discriminated L0 + L21 from L42 + L63 lambs with an accuracy of 90.1%, 76.5% and 92.3% on PF, DF and muscle, respectively. The pasture fingerprint or signature on the spectrum appeared in most lambs between 0 and 21d in PF and DF and between 0 and 42d in muscle. Pasture signature gradually stabilized with increasing time on pasture but was not entirely stabilized in any tissue within the range of grazing durations explored. These promising results need to be confirmed on larger datasets with different breeds and grazing conditions.

Skin carotenoid levels in lactating dairy cows as measured using multiple spatially resolved reflection spectroscopy.

This research communication describes a pilot study measuring skin carotenoid levels of lactating dairy cows. Carotenoids are natural antioxidants, involved in cell communication and immune function, protecting against oxidative stress. They are precursors of vitamin A, important for reproduction efficiency, growth and male fertility. Therefore, easy-to-use, inexpensive methods to measure carotenoids in cattle would provide interesting data for farmers to monitor the health and nutritional status of their herds. In this study, we used a commercially available sensor based on multiple spatially resolved reflection spectroscopy (MSRRS), intended for human use, to measure the carotenoid content in bovine skin in three research herds in France, Ireland and Scotland. Carotenoid levels were measured by applying the sensor to the teat barrel, avoiding pigmented areas of skin. Mean sensor values differed significantly between herds and between diets, with pasture-based animals showing significantly higher carotenoid levels. Our results suggest that MSRRS can be used to accurately to measure skin carotenoids in cows. However, further calibration in bovines is needed to improve of the accuracy of the MSRRS sensor in cattle.

Quantitative bioimaging of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) as a tool for measuring concentrations and determining accumulation of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats. METHODS: Six frozen liver specimens were evaluated by qualitative copper staining and quantitative flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. Tissue specimens were cryo-sectioned and quantitative bioimaging of copper was performed using LA-ICP-MS. Results were compared with those obtained using conventional methods. RESULTS: Of the six specimens, only one showed positive staining for copper with rhodanine. Using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), one specimen showed a deficient copper level (<100 µg/g dry weight), two specimens had copper within the reference interval (RI; 150-180 µg/g) and three specimens had copper concentrations above the RI. Bioimaging from LA-ICP-MS showed inhomogeneous distribution of hepatic copper. The areas with dense copper accumulation were represented as hotspots in the liver specimens. Hepatic copper quantification by LA-ICP-MS correlated well with copper quantified by FAAS (r = 0.96, P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Our findings suggest that quantitative bioimaging by LA-ICP-MS could be used to demonstrate the distribution and concentration of copper in frozen liver specimens from cats. The distribution of copper in these specimens was inhomogeneous with dense accumulation represented as hotspots on tissue sections. A positive correlation of hepatic copper concentrations determined by LA-ICP-MS and FAAS was found. Further studies to establish an RI for hepatic copper using this technique and to further determine its clinical utility are warranted.

A comparative study of meat quality and vibrational spectroscopic properties of different chicken breeds.

Chicken breed is one of the key factors that influence meat quality. The quality attributes of breast meat from commercial broiler (CB), Thai native chicken (NC, Leung Hang Khao), and the crossbred Korat chicken (KC) were investigated via synchrotron radiation-based Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) microspectroscopy, Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) spectroscopy, and physicochemical analysis. The protein and carbonyl contents of KC and NC meats were higher than that of CB meat, but the lipid content was lower (P < 0.05). CB meat was characterized by high moisture, lightness (L*), and presence of taste-active nucleotides, namely, inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP) and guanosine 5'-monophosphate (GMP). Moreover, NC meat had the highest insoluble collagen and inosine contents (P < 0.05). The predominant protein secondary structures of KC and NC meats were ß-turns and random coils, whereas α-helices were mainly found in CB meat. Based on principal component analysis, the meat quality and spectra were clearly separated by breeds. The high moisture and lipid content of meat corresponded to O-H stretching (3,203 cm-1) and C-H stretching (2,854 cm-1) in the FT-Raman spectra, whereas PO2- stretching (1,240 cm-1), measured via SR-FTIR, was well correlated with the IMP content. In addition, the FT-Raman wavenumber of 934 cm-1, indicating C-C stretching, was correlated with high water-holding capacity (WHC) in KC meat. The quality of meat from slow- and fast-growing chickens significantly varies. Vibrational spectroscopy is a powerful technique that provides insightful molecular information correlated with various meat attributes.

Carbohydrates molecular structure profiles in relation to nutritional characteristics of newly developed low and normal tannin faba bean varieties in dairy cows analysed by using standard methods and the vibrational molecular spectroscopy (Ft/IR-ATR).

To our knowledge, there was no study on interactive relationship between CHO molecular structure spectral profiles of newly developed cool-season adapted faba bean and nutritional characteristics in ruminants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of genotypes and tannin levels on the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of faba bean as an alternative protein and energy source for ruminants and its relation to CHO molecular structure spectral profiles using vibrational molecular spectroscopy (Ft/IR-ATR). Eight genotypes with two tannin levels (low and normal) grown at three different locations in Saskatchewan (CDC crop research fields) were analysed. Chemical analyses were performed using AOAC standards and energy was evaluated using NRC standards. Rumen degradation kinetics were determined using in situ dairy trial. Intestinal digestion was analysed by a modified three-step in vitro technique with 12 h pre-rumen incubation in dairy cows. Molecular spectral study was performed using Ft/IR-ATR, and the molecular structural features were analysed at ca. 4000-800 cm-1 using the Spectra ManagerII. CHO-related functional groups were analysed with OMNIC 7.3. The results showed low-tannin faba bean (LT) presented a highly significant difference (p < 0.05) on rumen bypass starch (BSt) compared to normal tannin faba bean (NT). On the other hand, NT had more total tract digested starch (TDST) compared to LT. No significant differences (p > 0.10) were observed for total digestible nutrients (TDN1x ), metabolizable protein (MP), feed milk value (FMV) or rumen undegraded crude protein (RUP). Results showed differences in physicochemical characteristics among faba bean varieties; however, the predicted production performance was not different within faba bean genotypes. These outcomes suggest that faba bean can be used as nutritive ingredient for dairy cattle without a significant genotype or tannin level effect on metabolic characteristics. Results from vibrational spectroscopic study showed a higher ATR-Ft/IR absorbance (p < 0.05) in NT on inherent structural CHO (STCHO), total CHO (TCHO) area and peaks (H_1015, H_1076, H_1145), and cellulosic compounds (CEC) to total CHO (TCHO) ratio. Significant correlations could be found between CHO spectral profiles and metabolic characteristics of faba bean, which indicates that structural spectral features of faba bean could be used to predict metabolic characteristics in ruminants.

Disparities in hepatic copper concentrations determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and digital image analysis of rhodanine-stained sections in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate disparities in hepatic copper concentrations determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and digital image analysis of rhodanine-stained sections. ANIMALS: 516 dogs. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs for which hepatic biopsy specimens had been submitted between January 1999 and December 2019 for evaluation of copper content were reviewed. Paired hepatic copper concentrations obtained with digital image analysis and AAS or ICP-MS were compared, and Spearman rank correlation coefficients were calculated to test for correlations between qualitative copper accumulation scores and hepatic copper concentrations. For dogs for which ≥ 4 rhodanine-stained hepatic sections were available, intraindividual variation in copper distribution across hepatic sections was evaluated. RESULTS: Median hepatic copper concentrations obtained with digital image analysis exceeded concentrations obtained with AAS or ICP-MS. Concentrations were also higher in older dogs (≥ 9 years vs < 9 years), dogs of breeds with a typical body weight ≥ 20 kg (44 lb), and dogs with necroinflammatory changes or uneven copper distribution. Qualitative copper accumulation scores were significantly associated with hepatic copper concentrations; however, the correlation between qualitative score and concentration obtained with digital image analysis (rs = 0.94) was higher than the correlation between qualitative score and concentration obtained with AAS (rs = 0.75) or ICP-MS (rs = 0.57). The coefficient of variation for hepatic copper concentrations obtained with digital image analysis was significantly higher for dogs with higher hepatic copper concentrations. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that spectroscopic-spectrometric analysis of hepatic biopsy specimens commonly underestimated the concentration obtained by digital image analysis of rhodanine-stained sections.

Use of bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy to provide a measure of body composition in sows.

The ability to accurately estimate fat mass and fat-free mass (FFM) has the potential to improve the way in which sow body condition can be managed in a breeding herd. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) has been evaluated as a practical technique for assessment of body composition in several livestock species, but similar work is lacking in sows. Bioelectrical impedance uses population-specific algorithms that require values for the apparent resistivities of body fluids and body proportion factors. This study comprised three major aims: (i) to derive apparent resistivity coefficients for extracellular water (ECW) and intracellular water (ICW) required for validation of BIS predictions of total body water (TBW) in live sows against standard reference tracer dilution methods; (ii) to develop predictions of TBW to body composition prediction algorithms, namely FFM, by developing a body geometry correction factor (Kb) and (iii) to compare the BIS predictions of FFM against existing impedance predictors and published prediction equations for use in sows, based on physical measurements of back-fat depth and BW (P2-based predictors). Whole body impedance measurements and the determination of TBW by deuterium dilution and ECW by bromide dilution were performed on 40 Large White x Landrace sows. Mean apparent resistivity coefficients of body fluids were 431.1 Ω.cm for ECW and 1827.8 Ω.cm for ICW. Using these coefficients, TBW and ECW were over-estimated by 6.5 and 3.3%, respectively, compared to measured reference values, although these differences were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Mean Kb was 1.09 ±â€¯0.14. Fat-free mass predictions were 194.9 kg, which equates to 60.9% of total sow weight, and 183.0 kg for BIS and the deuterium dilution method, respectively. Mean differences between the predicted and measured FFM values ranged from -8.2 to 32.7%, but were not statistically different (P > 0.05). Method validation (leave-one-out procedure) revealed that mean differences between predicted and measured values were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Of the impedance-based predictors, equivalence testing revealed that BIS displayed the lowest test bias of 11.9 kg (8.2%), although the P2-based prediction equations exhibited the lowest bias and percentage equivalence, with narrow limits of agreement. Results indicate although differences between mean predicted and measured values were not significantly different, relatively wide limits of agreement suggest BIS as an impractical option for assessing body composition in individual sows compared to the use of existing prediction equations based on BW and back fat.

Prediction of intramuscular fat in lamb by visible and near-infrared spectroscopy in an abattoir environment.

The study used visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (Vis-NIR) in a large commercial processing plant, to test a system for meat quality (intramuscular fat; IMF) data collection within a supply chain for UK lamb meat. Crossbred Texel x Scotch Mule lambs (n = 220), finished on grass on 4 farms and slaughtered across 2 months, were processed through the abattoir and cutting plant and recorded using electronic identification. Vis-NIR scanning of the cut surface of the M. longissimus lumborum produced spectral data that predicted laboratory-measured IMF% with moderate accuracy (R2 0.38-0.48). Validation of the Vis-NIR prediction equations on an independent sample of 30 lambs slaughtered later in the season, provided similar accuracy of IMF prediction (R2 0.54). Values of IMF from four different laboratory tests were highly correlated with each other (r 0.82-0.95) and with Vis-NIR predicted IMF (r 0.66-0.75). Results suggest scope to collect lamb loin IMF data from a commercial UK abattoir, to sort cuts for different customers or to feed back to breeding programmes to improve meat quality.

Short communication: Detection of mastication speed during rumination in cattle using 3-axis, neck-mounted accelerometers and fast Fourier transfer algorithm.

There have been limited reports on mastication speed during cattle rumination. The objective of this study was to establish a method to detect mastication speed based on data obtained during rumination through the use of a 3-axis accelerometer attached to the neck. A 3-axis accelerometer was attached to 6 dry Holstein cattle. When rumination behavior was observed, the accelerometer and the high-speed camera simultaneously recorded acceleration at the neck and moving image of the head movement. Based on the number of mastication movements recorded on video, mastication speed A was calculated. Data obtained from the 3-axis accelerometer were analyzed with fast Fourier transfer algorithm and identified as mastication speed B. The vibration of the neck recorded in the accelerometer during rumination was considered as mastication movement. Using Bland-Altman plot analysis, the mean difference between mastication speed A and mastication speed B was 0.041 s/bite, and the 95% limits of agreement ranged from -0.080 to 0.161. Since mastication movement occurred periodically, it was possible to detect the movement using spectrum analysis, as mastication speed B. Although there were some differences between calculated speeds and speeds obtained from spectrum analysis, there was clinical compatibility between mastication speed A and B. This study showed the feasibility of establishing a detection method for mastication speed during rumination, which might provide a basic procedure for studying the purpose of mastication and the variable factors involved.

Reliability of visible reflectance spectroscopy in discriminating between pasture and stall-fed lambs from thin and fat-tailed sheep breeds in dry and hot environment.

Considering the additional market value of pasture meat, many authentication methods were developed to discriminate it from meat produced in conventional systems. The visible reflectance spectroscopy technique has proved its efficiency under European conditions and breeds. The present study tested the reliability of this method to discriminate between pasture-fed (P) and stall-fed (S) lambs under North African conditions and investigated the effect of feeding system (FS) (P v. S) and breed (Barbarine; Queue Fine de l'Ouest; and Noire de Thibar) on weight and colour of perirenal, subcutaneous and caudal fat. A total of 18 P and 18 S lambs were used with 6 P and 6 S lambs for each breed. The colour and the reflectance spectrum of different fat tissues were measured. The FS affected weights of all fat tissues and all colour parameters of perirenal and subcutaneous fat (P ≤ 0.01); it almost affected redness and yellowness of caudal fat (P ≤ 0.05; P ≤ 0.01). In all adipose tissues, lightness was higher and both redness and yellowness were lower for S lambs than P lambs. The breed affected weight, lightness and redness of perirenal fat and weight and redness of subcutaneous fat with significant interaction with FS for subcutaneous fat data. To discriminate P lambs from S lambs, the reflectance spectrum of perirenal, subcutaneous and caudal fat at wavelengths between 450 and 510 nm (Method 1, M1) or at wavelengths between 400 and 700 nm using partial least squares discriminative analysis as a classification method (Method 2, M2) were used. M2 yielded to a higher proportion of correctly classified lambs compared with M1 (P = 0.001). The proportion of correctly classified lambs using M2 was 76.4, 75.0 and 80.0% for perirenal, subcutaneous and caudal fat for P lambs and 83.3, 76.4 and 100.0% for S lambs. Despite lower reliability in comparisons to European researches, this study confirmed the efficiency of visible reflectance spectroscopy technique applied on perirenal fat in feeding systems authentication under North African conditions and spotted the caudal fat as a new support for better classification of fat-tailed breeds.

Identification of offal adulteration in beef by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

Minced meat is the major ingredient in sausages, beef burgers, and similar products; and thus it is the main product subjected to adulteration with meat offal. Determination of this kind of meat adulteration is crucial due to religious, economic and ethical concerns. The aim of the present study is to discriminate the beef meat and offal samples by using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). To this end, LIBS and multivariate data analysis were used to discriminate pure beef and offal samples qualitatively and to determine the offal mixture adulteration quantitatively. In this analysis, meat samples were frozen and LIBS analysis were performed. The results indicate that by using principal component analysis (PCA), discrimination of pure offal and offal mixture adulterated beef samples can be achieved successfully. Besides, adulteration ratio can be determined using partial least square analysis method (PLS) with 0.947 coefficient of determination (R2) and 3.8% of limit of detection (LOD) values for offal mixture adulterated beef samples.

Vascularização uterina de éguas prenhes de jumento e de garanhão monitoradas por ultrassonografia Doppler / Uterine vasculature of pregnant mares of donkey and stallion through the Doppler ultrasonography spectral mode

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do útero de éguas gestantes de diferentes idades, de jumento e garanhão, utilizando a técnica de ultrassonografia Doppler Espectral, visando caracterizar os índices de resistência (RI) e pulsatilidade (PI) até 154 dias de gestação. Foram utilizadas 20 éguas em idade reprodutiva, sem raça definida. As avaliações foram realizadas nas artérias uterinas. Não foi constatada interação entre os valores de RI e PI obtidos nos cornos uterinos (que iniciaram ou não a gestação) com o tempo da gestação (P>0,05), desta forma os dados foram discutidos separadamente. Não foram encontradas diferenças entre as avaliações de RI e PI quando comparado os cornos que iniciaram ou não a gestação (P>0,05). Verificou-se efeito de tempo (P<0,05) sobre o PI, onde no D70 foi constatada a menor média quando comparado aos tempos D0, D7, D14 e D21. Não f oi encontrado efeito de tempo sobre o RI (P>0,05). As éguas gestantes de jumento apresentaram maior vascularização uterina no corno não gestante, que as éguas gestantes do garanhão. Com exceção do RI no lado não gravídico, foi verificado efeito de idade da fêmea sobre o lado da gestação (P<0,05), onde as éguas idosas, tanto no corno que iniciou a gestação e o contralateral, tiveram PI e RI mais altos, ou seja, menos vascularizados. Concluiu-se que a vascularização uterina não apresentou diferença entre os cornos uterinos. Há um aumento da vascularização uterina no 70º dia de gestação. Éguas gestantes de jumentos apresentaram maior vascularização uterina, quando comparada às éguas gestantes de garanhões. Éguas com idade acima de 15 anos apresentaram menor vascularização uterina, quando comparadas com idade inferior a 15 anos.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate and describe the ultrasonographic findings of uterus of pregnant mares of different ages, mated by either ass or stallion, using the spectral Doppler ultrasonography, aiming to characterize the resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) Doppler indices up to 154 days of pregnancy. A total of 20 mares in reproductive age of non-defined breed were used. The evaluations were performed in uterine arteries. There was no interaction between RI and PI values obtained in uterine horns (that initiated or not the pregnancy) with time of pregnancy (P>0.05), thus, data were discussed separately. There were no differences between RI and PI evaluations when compared to the uterine horns that initiated or not the pregnancy (P>0.05). A time effect was observed (P<0.05) on PI, when D70 presented lower averages than D0, D7, D14 and D21. There was no time effect (P>0.05) on RI. Pregnant mares mated by asses presented higher uterine vascularization in non-pregnant horn than pregnant mares mated by stallions. With the exception of RI in non-pregnant horn, there was a female age effect on the side of pregnancy (P<0.05), where aged mares in both - pregnant and non-pregnant horns - showed higher PI and RI, so less vascularized. It is possible to conclude that the uterine vascularization did not present any difference between uterine horns. There is an increase in the uterine vascularization on the 70th day of pregnancy. Pregnant mares mated by assess presented higher uterine vascularization when compared to those mated by stallions. Mares aging over 15 years old presented lower uterine vascularization, when compared to those younger.(AU)

Monitoring glycation-induced structural and biofunctional changes in chicken immunoglobulin Y by different monosaccharides.

Chicken IgY has been applied in the food industry as an important supplement. Glycation of IgY is of special interest due to its possible influence on the structure and functionality of IgY. IgY was subjected to in vitro glycation with 4 different monosaccharides, including glucose (Glu), mannose (Man), fucose (Fuc), and fructose (Fru). The objective of this paper was to characterize the formation of IgY-sugar conjugates using ultraviolet spectra, fluorescence spectra, circular dichroism spectra, Fourier transform infrared spectra, and SDS-PAGE and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The antigen epitopes of native and glycated IgY was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The existence of broad bands in stacking gel and sample well demonstrated that reducing monosaccharides covalently bound to IgY. The secondary structure of IgY was altered from a well-defined ß-sheet structure to a random coil structure. Fluorescence spectra showed that IgY was more hydrophilic after glycation. Thermal stability of glycated IgY was remarkably increased over that of native IgY. However, ELISA results would suggest that the antigen epitopes recognized by the polyclonal antibody and overall conformation changed in the IgY molecule due to a decrease in polyclonal antibody binding to glycated IgY. Data suggested that glycation induced by reducing sugars significantly affects the structure and antigen-binding ability of IgY, which could reduce the utility of IgY in certain applications.

Body composition assessment in horses using bioimpedance spectroscopy.

Assessment of equine body composition using objective measurements is difficult owing to the large size of the animals and the costs involved. Bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS), a technique widely used for the assessment of body composition in humans, was investigated for practicality of use in horses. BIS uses algorithms that require values for the apparent resistivities of body fluids and body proportion factors (Kb), currently not available for horses. Aims of the present study were to derive resistivity coefficients and body proportion factors and to validate their use for prediction of body composition horses. Validation of coefficients and predictive power using a split-sample agreement study design using correlation and limits of agreement analysis. Whole body impedance measurements were performed on 35 standardbred horses, yearlings to 14 yr, concurrently with determination of total body water volume (TBW) by deuterium dilution and extracellular water volume (ECW) by bromide dilution. Kb was determined in an independent group of 38 mixed-breed, age, and sex horses. Mean apparent resistivity coefficients were 511.4 and 1415.9 ohm.cm for intracellular water and TBW, respectively. Mean Kb was 1.52 ± 0.1. Using these coefficients, TBW and fat-free mass could be predicted with limits of agreement (2SD) of ± 11.6%; mean fat-free mass and fat mass were under- and overestimated by 3.1% and 14.1%, respectively, compared to measured reference values although these differences were not statistically significant. BIS is a practical technique for the assessment of body composition in equids, but the relatively wide limits of agreement, particularly for fat mass, may limit its usefulness for predicting body composition in individual horses.

Espectros luminosos no desenvolvimento de plântulas de Curcuma longa cultivadas in vitro / Luminous spectrum in the development of in-vitro Curcuma longa seedlings / Espectros luminosos en el desarrollo de plántulas de Curcuma longa cultivadas in vitro

Curcuma longa é uma espécie asiática perene e rizomatosa com grandes propriedades medicinais, alimentícias e ornamentais. No processo micropropagativo carece de muitas informações dentre a faixa espectral mais adequada ao seu desenvolvimento. Sendo assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar diferentes filmes espectrais no desenvolvimento de plântulas de C. longa cultivadas in vitro. Para tanto, brotações de C. longa foram inoculadas em meio Murashig e Skoog e suplementado com 30 g/L de sacarose, 6,5 g/L de ágar 4, 44 µM/L de Benzil aminopurina (BAP) e 1,08 µM/L ácido naftaleno acético (ANA). O pH do meio foi ajustado para 5,8. Os brotos foram submetidos a diferentes intensidades e qualidade espectral de luz: branco, vermelho, amarelo, azul e verde. As plântulas foram mantidas em sala de crescimento em luz constante de 25C° e fotoperíodo de 24 horas por 145 dias. Foram avaliadas características morfológicas e anatômicas. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que as diferenças espectraris propiciaram diferenças no desenvolvimento das plântulas de C. longa e também na contaminação in vitro. O diâmetro da base das plântulas, a massa seca e fresca da parte área e raiz foram influenciadas pelas diferentes faixas espectrais, sendo que de modo geral os filmes, amarelo e branco foram os que propiciaram maiores valores para essas características. Já o filme verde foi o que menos favoreceu o ganho de massa das plântulas, além disso, alta taxa de contaminação foi observada na presença desse filme.

Curcuma longa is a perennial Asiatic rhizomelic species with important medicinal, food and ornamental properties. However, its micro-propagation process lacks information regarding the most adequate spectral range for its development. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate different spectrum films in the development of in vitro C. longa seedlings. In order to do this, C. longa sprouts were inoculated in Murashig and Skoog media supplemented with 30 g/L of sucrose, 6.5 g/L of agar 4, 44 µM/L of benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 1.08 µM/L naphthalene acetic acid (ANA). The pH was adjusted to 5.8. Sprouts were put under different light spectrum intensity and quality: white, red, yellow, blue and green. The seedlings were maintained in a growth room with constant light at 25 ºC and a 24-hours photoperiod for 145 days. Morphological and anatomical characteristics were analyzed. The results demonstrated that spectral differences propitiated differences in the development of C. longa seedlings, and also in the in vitro contamination. The seedling base diameter, aerial and root dry and fresh mass were influenced by the different spectral ranges, with the yellow and white ranges being those that resulting the highest values for each characteristic. The green spectrum was the least favorable for the seedling regarding mass gain, as well as presenting the highest contamination rate.

Curcuma longa es una especie rizomélica asiática perenne con grandes propiedades medicinales, alimenticias y ornamentales. En el proceso de micropropagación no se dispone de informaciones sobre el rango espectral más adecuado para su desarrollo. Así, el objetivo de ese trabajo fue evaluar distintos espectros en el desarrollo de plántulas de C. longa cultivadas in vitro. Para esto, se inocularon los brotes de C. longa en medio Murashig y Skoog suplementados con 30 g/L de sacarosa, 6,5 g/L de agar 4, 44 µM/L de Benzilaminopurina (BAP) y 1,08 µM/L de ácido naftaleno acético (ANA). El pH de lo medio fue ajustado para 5.8. Los brotes fueron sometidos a diferentes intensidades y calidad de espectro luz: blanco, rojo, amarillo, azul y verde. Las plántulas se mantuvieron en un salón de crecimiento con luz constante a 25ºC y fotoperiodo de 24 horas durante 145 días. Se evaluaron características morfológicas y anatómicas. Los resultados obtenidos demostraron que las diferencias espectrales propiciaron diferencias en el desarrollo de plántulas de C. longa y sobre la contaminación in vitro. El diámetro de la base de las plántulas, la masa seca y fresca de la parte aérea y raíces fueron influenciadas por los diferentes rangos espectrales, siendo que el amarillo y el blanco fueron los que propiciaron valores más altos para esas características. La película verde fue la menos favorable a la plántula en gano de masa, además, alta tasa de contaminación se ha observado en la presencia de esa película.

Comparison of visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy on fat to authenticate dietary history of lambs.

Since consumers are showing increased interest in the origin and method of production of their food, it is important to be able to authenticate dietary history of animals by rapid and robust methods used in the ruminant products. Promising breakthroughs have been made in the use of spectroscopic methods on fat to discriminate pasture-fed and concentrate-fed lambs. However, questions remained on their discriminatory ability in more complex feeding conditions, such as concentrate-finishing after pasture-feeding. We compared the ability of visible reflectance spectroscopy (Vis RS, wavelength range: 400 to 700 nm) with that of visible-near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (Vis-NIR RS, wavelength range: 400 to 2500 nm) to differentiate between carcasses of lambs reared with three feeding regimes, using partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) as a classification method. The sample set comprised perirenal fat of Romane male lambs fattened at pasture (P, n = 69), stall-fattened indoors on commercial concentrate and straw (S, n = 55) and finished indoors with concentrate and straw for 28 days after pasture-feeding (PS, n = 65). The overall correct classification rate was better for Vis-NIR RS than for Vis RS (99.0% v. 95.1%, P < 0.05). Vis-NIR RS allowed a correct classification rate of 98.6%, 100.0% and 98.5% for P, S and PS lambs, respectively, whereas Vis RS allowed a correct classification rate of 98.6%, 94.5% and 92.3% for P, S and PS lambs, respectively. This study suggests the likely implication of molecules absorbing light in the non-visible part of the Vis-NIR spectra (possibly fatty acids), together with carotenoid and haem pigments, in the discrimination of the three feeding regimes.

Prediction of the concentration of standardized ileal digestible amino acids in distillers dried grains with solubles.

Values for the concentration of standardized ileal digestible (SID) CP, Lys, Met, Thr, and Trp from 34 sources of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were obtained from a series of 5 experiments with the objective of predicting the concentration of SID AA from physical and chemical assays. The concentration of NDF, ADF, hemicellulose, acid detergent insoluble CP (ADICP), and KOH soluble protein (SolCP) were measured and calculated in all DDGS sources. Likewise, particle size was measured and color of each source of DDGS was determined with a Minolta colorimeter and HunterLab spectrometer and was expressed as lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*). The HunterLab spectrometer also provided optical density that was recorded between 400 and 700 nm. Front face fluorescence was measured at 360 nm excitation and recorded from 380 to 600 nm. Multiple linear regression and principal components analyses were performed to predict the concentration of SID AA among DDGS sources, and predicted means as well as predicted residual sums of squares (PRESS) were calculated to estimate accuracy and precision of the model. Some correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between ADF, hemicellulose, ADICP, and SolCP with SID CP and AA but were generally low (r < 0.51). There was a greater association (R(2) = 0.40; P < 0.05) between L* and SID Lys among DDGS sources when L* was less than 50 than when samples had L* values greater than 50. In addition, a* was negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with SID CP (r = -0.41), Lys (r = -0.59), and Met (r = -0.50) whereas b* tended to be positively correlated (P < 0.10) with SID Lys (r = 0.31) and Trp (r = 0.30) and was correlated (P = 0.05) with SID Met (r = 0.43) and Thr (r = 0.36). There were no correlations between NDF or particle size with SID CP and AA. Optical density, along with CP, was highly predictive of SID Lys (R(2) = 0.97; PRESS = 0.05), Thr (R(2) = 0.94; PRESS = 0.06), and Trp (R(2) = 0.93; PRESS = 0.004) but not SID Met (R(2) = 0.39; PRESS = 0.12). Front face fluorescence was also highly predictive of SID Lys (R(2) = 0.99; PRESS = 0.07), Met (R(2) = 0.95; PRESS = 0.05), Thr (R(2) = 0.99; PRESS = 0.008), and Trp (R(2) = 0.99; PRESS = 0.006). In conclusion, correlations between ADICP, SolCP, NDF, particle size, and color measurements with SID AA concentrations were poor, but optical density and front face fluorescence methods appear to provide good predictions of SID AA concentrations in DDGS. However, these prediction equations need to be validated using samples of DDGS from a separate data set.

Real-time evaluation of milk quality as reflected by clotting parameters of individual cow's milk during the milking session, between day-to-day and during lactation.

Real-time analysis of milk coagulation properties as performed by the AfiLab™ milk spectrometer introduces new opportunities for the dairy industry. The study evaluated the performance of the AfiLab™ in a milking parlor of a commercial farm to provide real-time analysis of milk-clotting parameters -Afi-CF for cheese manufacture and determine its repeatability in time for individual cows. The AfiLab™ in a parlor, equipped with two parallel milk lines, enables to divert the milk on-line into two bulk milk tanks (A and B). Three commercial dairy herds of 220 to 320 Israeli Holstein cows producing ∼11 500 l during 305 days were selected for the study. The Afi-CF repeatability during time was found significant (P < 0.001) for cows. The statistic model succeeded in explaining 83.5% of the variance between Afi-CF and cows, and no significant variance was found between the mean weekly repeated recordings. Days in milk and log somatic cell count (SCC) had no significant effect. Fat, protein and lactose significantly affected Afi-CF and the empirical van Slyke equation. Real-time simulations were performed for different cutoff levels of coagulation properties where the milk of high Afi-CF cutoff value was channeled to tank A and the lower into tank B. The simulations showed that milk coagulation properties of an individual cow are not uniform, as most cows contributed milk to both tanks. Proportions of the individual cow's milk in each tank depended on the selected Afi-CF cutoff. The assessment of the major causative factors of a cow producing low-quality milk for cheese production was evaluated for the group that produced the low 10% quality milk. The largest number of cows in those groups at the three farms was found to be cows with post-intramammary infection with Escherichia coli and subclinical infections with streptococci or coagulase-negative staphylococci (∼30%), although the SCC of these cows was not significantly different. Early time in lactation together with high milk yield >50 l/day, and late in lactation together with low milk yield<15 l/day and estrous (0 to 5 days) were also important influencing factors for low-quality milk. However, ∼50% of the tested variables did not explain any of the factors responsible for the cow producing milk in the low - 10% Afi-CF.

A novel method for the diagnosis of bacterial contamination in the anterior vagina of sows based on measurement of biogenic amines by ion mobility spectrometry: A field trial.

To determine if postpartum subclinical infection occurs in sows, a novel device was used to diagnose such bacterial contamination of the vagina. The device was based on the measurement of biogenic amines by ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). The device is portable and results are obtained within 1 min. Vaginal swabs were taken from 449 sows before first-estrus insemination and 133 (29.6%) had elevated biogenic amines and were considered positives. Sixty-one percent of the sows became pregnant following post-weaning first estrus insemination. Positive scores had no apparent effect on fertility rate which was 64%. Of the sows that became pregnant, 197 (69.1%) were diagnosed as "negative" and 88 (30.9%) were "positive", of which 37 received treatment with antibiotics and were termed "positive treated". The average live-born piglets litter size of the "positives" was 10.02 which was significantly lower (P = 0.031) than the "negative" sows (11.06) while "positive treated" sow average litter size was close to the "negative" (10.56). In conclusion, it was demonstrated that subclinical anterior-vaginal bacterial contamination in lactating sows about 2 wks postpartum is a condition that affects sow litter number and could be determined by the measurement of vaginal biogenic amines with IMS.