Effect of water sulfate and dietary bismuth subsalicylate on feed and water intake, ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration, and trace-mineral status of growing beef heifers.

In the Northern Great Plains, cattle may be exposed to water with an elevated sulfate concentration resulting in ruminal hydrogen sulfide (H2S) production and risk of copper deficiency. There are currently few strategies available to help mitigate effects arising from high-sulfate water (HS). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding a moderate-forage diet with or without bismuth subsalicylate (BSS; 0.0% vs. 0.4% DM basis) when provided water with a low- (LS; 346 ±â€…13) or HS (4,778 ±â€…263 mg/L) concentration on feed and water intake, ruminal H2S concentration, and liver and serum trace-mineral concentrations. Twenty-four Limousin × Simmental cross beef heifers (221 ±â€…41 kg) were stratified based on initial liver Cu into a completely randomized block design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement. Feed and water intake (measured weekly), ruminal H2S concentration (measured on days 42 and 91), liver (measured on days -13 and 91), and serum trace-mineral concentrations (measured on days 1, 28, 56, and 91) were evaluated. Initial liver trace-mineral concentrations were used as a covariate in the statistical model. Water intake tended to be reduced with the inclusion of BSS (P = 0.095) but was not affected by water sulfate (P = 0.40). Water sulfate and BSS did not affect dry matter intake (DMI; P ≥ 0.89). Heifers consuming HS had a ruminal H2S concentration that was 1.58 mg/L more (P < 0.001) than LS. The inclusion of BSS reduced (P = 0.035) ruminal H2S concentration by more than 44% (1.35 vs. 0.75 mg/L). Regardless of the water sulfate concentration, heifers fed BSS had lesser liver Cu concentration (average of 4.08 mg/kg) than heifers not provided BSS, and when not provided BSS, HS had lesser Cu than LS (42.2 vs. 58.3; sulfate × BSS, P = 0.019). The serum concentration of Cu did not differ over time for heifers not provided BSS; whereas, heifers provided BSS had lesser serum Cu concentration on day 91 than on days 28 and 55 (BSS × time, P < 0.001). The liver concentration of selenium was reduced (P < 0.001) with BSS inclusion but the selenium concentration in serum was not affected by sulfate, BSS, or time (P ≥ 0.16). BSS reduced ruminal H2S concentration, but depleted liver Cu and Se. Moreover, sulfate concentration in water did not appear to affect DMI, water intake, or growth, but increased ruminal H2S and reduced liver Cu concentration.

Water containing a high concentration of sulfate increases the risk of hydrogen sulfide production in the rumen and consequently of polioencephalomalacia. In addition, water with a high-sulfate concentration may induce copper deficiency indicated by depleted liver copper concentration. Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) can bind to sulfides and may reduce the risk of hydrogen sulfide production and therefore may mitigate risks associated with high-sulfate water. In this study, the effects of water sulfate concentrations (346 ±â€…13 vs. 4,778 ±â€…263 mg/L) were tested along with 0.0% vs. 0.4% of dietary BSS. Water intake tended to be reduced with the inclusion of BSS but was not affected by water sulfate. Water sulfate concentration and BSS did not affect dry matter intake (DMI). Heifers consuming high-sulfate water (HS) had a ruminal H2S concentration that was 1.58 mg/L more than low-sulfate water (LS). The inclusion of BSS reduced ruminal H2S concentration by 44% (1.35 vs. 0.75 mg/L). Regardless of the water sulfate concentration, heifers fed BSS had lesser liver Cu concentration than heifers not provided BSS, and when not provided BSS, HS had lesser Cu than LS. BSS reduced ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration but depleted liver Cu. Sulfate concentration in water did not affect DMI, water intake, or growth, but increased ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentration and reduced liver Cu concentration.

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride and organic sources of zinc, copper, and manganese on egg production and concentration of trace minerals in eggs, plasma, and excreta in female broiler breeders from 42 to 63 weeks of age.

Comparative efficacy of hydroxychloride (HC) and organic (OR) sources of Zn, Cu and Mn on performance of broiler breeders (BB) between 42 and 63 weeks of age (WOA) was investigated. A total of 408 ♀ Ross 708 and 48 ♂ Yield Plus cockerels were placed in pens (17 ♀ and 2 ♂) housed in 2 rooms (12 pens/room) and allocated to one of 2 diets in a completely randomized block design (n=12). The diets had similar nutrient specifications but differed in Zn, Cu, and Mn sources: 1) HO, a blend of 80% HC and 20% OR sources, and 2) OR, 100% OR sources. Birds were fed and managed according to breeder guidelines. The egg count was recorded daily and categorized as normal or abnormal. Egg yolk color, albumen height, Haugh unit, eggshell thickness, and eggshell breaking strength were assessed every 4 wk. Individual hen body weight (BW) was recorded at 5-wk intervals to determine BW uniformity. At 52 and 63 WOA, the eggs and excreta samples were collected. At the end of the trial, 4 hens per pen were bled for plasma concentration of trace minerals and organs (liver, gizzard, spleen, kidney, and thymus) weight. There were no interactions between source and age on any parameters (P > 0.05). There were no main effects of source on egg production, eggshell quality, BW, and organs weight (P > 0.05). Hens fed HO diets had darker yolk compared to those fed OR diets (P = 0.014). The concentration of Zn in the eggs of OR BB was higher (P = 0.022) than for HO birds. However, there were no dietary effects on the concentration of trace minerals in the egg, plasma, and excreta (P > 0.05). The results indicated that a mixture of HC and O as sources for Zn, Cu, and Mn was as effective as OR sources in supporting egg production, egg quality, and trace mineral utilization in broiler breeders.

Assessment of the Concentration of 51 Elements in the Liver and in Various Parts of the Human Brain-Profiling of the Mineral Status.

The anthropogenic environment and diet introduce many metals into the human body, both essential and toxic. Absorption leads to systemic exposure and accumulation in body fluids and tissues. Both excess and deficiency of trace elements are health hazards. The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of 51 elements in liver samples and 11 selected brain regions obtained at post-mortem examination from a population of adults living in south-eastern Poland (n = 15). A total of 180 analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in two independent replicates. The collected data show very high individual variability in the content of the investigated elements. Macroelements such as sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc occurred in the highest concentrations and with the greatest statistically significant variations. Although the elemental content of the brain and liver differed significantly, the strongest positive correlation between liver and polus frontalis was observed for the essential element selenium (0.9338) and the strongest negative one for manganese (-0.4316) and lanthanum (-0.5110). The brain areas studied have different requirements for phosphorus, manganese, iron, and molybdenum. In addition, males had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher brain content of lanthanides and actinides than females. The results of this study show that the inhabitants of south-eastern Poland are exposed to a fairly uniform accumulation of aluminum and vanadium in the brain, which have the highest affinity to the thalamus dorsalis. This result proves that there is environmental exposure to these elements.

The Effects of Long-term Molybdenum Exposure in Drinking Water on Molybdenum Metabolism and Production Performance of Beef Cattle Consuming a High Forage Diet.

Fifty-four multiparous beef cows with calves were used to evaluate the effects of Mo source (feed or water) on reproduction, mineral status, and performance over two cow-calf production cycles (553 days). Cows were stratified by age, body weight, liver Cu, and Mo status and were then randomly assigned to one of six treatment groups. Treatments were (1) negative control (NC; basal diet with no supplemental Mo or Cu), (2) positive control (NC + Cu; 3 mg of supplemental Cu/kg DM), (3) NC + 500 µg Mo/L from Na2MoO4·2H2O supplied in drinking water, (4) NC + 1000 µg Mo/L of Na2MoO4·2H2O supplied in drinking water, (5) NC + Mo 1000-water + 3 mg of supplemental Cu/kg DM, and (6) NC + 3.0 mg of supplemental Mo/kg diet DM from Na2MoO4·2H2O. Animals were allowed ad libitum access to both harvested grass hay (DM basis: 6.6% crude protein; 0.15% S, 6.7 mg Cu/kg, 2.4 mg Mo/kg) and water throughout the experiment. Calves were weaned at approximately 6 months of age each year. Dietary Cu concentration below 10.0 mg Cu/kg DM total diet reduced liver and plasma Cu concentrations to values indicative of a marginal Cu deficiency in beef cows. However, no production parameters measured in this experiment were affected by treatment. Results suggest that Mo supplemented in water or feed at the concentrations used in this experiment had minimal impact on Cu status and overall performance.

Effects of short-term magnesium supplementation on ionized, total magnesium and other relevant electrolytes levels.

This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of three magnesium (Mg) dietary supplements containing mineral immediately available for absorption on Mg biochemical status indices (ionized and total Mg), as well as their effects on electrolytes levels in healthy female young adults (n = 61). After a 10-days intervention period supplementation with powder/granulate containing Mg oxide led to an increase in both ionized Mg concentration and % in total Mg in comparison with the baseline. Supplementation with Mg citrate was associated with the significant increase in % of ionized fraction and decrease in serum total Mg concentration. By contrast, among participants consuming Mg carbonate in the form of effervescent tablets ionized Mg concentration and % in total Mg decreased, without detectable changes in serum total Mg. In conclusion, after the short-term supplementation period, Mg oxide demonstrated superior bioavailability compared to the other examined Mg supplements without affecting other minerals' levels.

Does Herbal and/or Zinc Dietary Supplementation Improve the Antioxidant and Mineral Status of Lambs with Parasite Infection?

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed supplementation with a medicinal herbs mixture (Hmix) and organic zinc (Zn), alone or in combination, on the antioxidant responses and mineral status of lambs infected with the gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus. A total of 24 experimentally infected lambs were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments (n = 6). The diets included an unsupplemented control diet (CON) and the CON further supplemented with Hmix, Zn, or both Hmix + Zn. Antioxidant enzymes activities, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and microelement (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) concentrations were analyzed in serum, liver, kidney, and intestinal mucosa. Zinc treatment elevated the superoxide dismutase activities in the duodenal mucosa and ileal TAC. Intake of Hmix resulted in higher kidney and ileal catalase activity and also influenced the TAC of the liver and intestinal mucosa. The inclusion of Hmix or Zn alone into the diet increased glutathione peroxidase activity in the blood, liver and duodenal mucosa. Tissue mineral uptake was not affected by herbal supplementation. Organic Zn intake increased the serum and liver Zn levels and influenced the Cu concentration in duodenal mucosa. Dietary supplementation with Hmix and/or Zn might promote the antioxidant status of lambs infected with Haemonchus spp.

Effect of hypotensive therapy combined with modified diet or zinc supplementation on biochemical parameters and mineral status in hypertensive patients.

BACKGROUND: Hypotensive therapy leads to a number of trace elements metabolism disturbances. Zinc balance is frequently affected by antihypertensive treatment. AIM: To evaluate the effect of a hypotensive treatment, modified diet and zinc supplementation on mineral status and selected biochemical parameters in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients on monotherapy. METHODS: In the first stage, arterial hypertension in ninety-eight human subjects was diagnosed. In the second stage, antihypertensive monopharmacotherapy was implemented. In the third stage, patients were randomized into three groups and continued antihypertensive monotherapy: group D received an optimal-mineral-content diet, group S received zinc supplementation, and group C had no changes in diet or zinc supplementation. Iron, zinc, and copper concentrations in serum, erythrocytes, urine, and hair were determined. Lipids, glucose, ceruloplasmin, ferritin, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were assayed in serum. RESULTS: Antihypertensive monotherapy decreased zinc concentration in serum and erythrocytes and increased the level of zinc in urine, decreased CAT and SOD activity, TNF-α concentration in serum, and increased the level of NO in the serum. Zinc supply led to an increase in zinc concentration in serum, erythrocytes, and hair (in group S only). In the groups with higher zinc intake, decreased glucose concentration in the serum was observed. Significant correlation was seen between the zinc and glucose serum concentrations. CONCLUSION: Hypotensive drugs disturb zinc status in newly diagnosed hypertensive patients. Antihypertensive monotherapy combined with increased zinc supply in the diet or supplementation favorably modify zinc homeostasis and regulate glucose status without blood pressure affecting in patients with hypertension.

Effects of herbal nutraceuticals and/or zinc against Haemonchus contortus in lambs experimentally infected.

BACKGROUND: The gastrointestinal parasitic nematode Haemonchus contortus is a pathogenic organism resistant to several anthelmintics. This study assessed the efficacy of a medicinal herbal mixture (Herbmix) and organic zinc, as an essential trace element for the proper functioning of both unspecific and specific immune defensive mechanisms, against experimental infections with H. contortus in lambs. All lambs were infected orally with approximately 5000 third-stage larvae of a strain of H. contortus susceptible to anthelmintics (MHco1). Twenty-four female lambs 3-4 months of age were divided into four groups: unsupplemented animals (control), animals supplemented with Herbmix (Hmix), animals supplemented with organic zinc (Zn) and animals supplemented with Herbmix and organic zinc (Hmix+Zn). Eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces were quantified 20, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 62 and 70 d post-infection and mean abomasal worm counts were assessed 70 d post-infection. Samples of blood were collected from each animal 7, 35, 49 and 70 d post-infection. RESULTS: Quantitative analyses of the bioactive compounds in Herbmix identified three main groups: flavonoids (9964.7 µg/g), diterpenes (4886.1 µg/g) and phenolic acids (3549.2 µg/g). Egg counts in the lambs treated with Hmix, Zn and Hmix+Zn decreased after 49 d. The EPGs in the Zn and Hmix+Zn groups were significantly lower on day 56 (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), and the EPGs and mean worm counts were significantly lower on day 70 in all supplemented groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01). Hemograms of complete red blood cells of each animal identified clinical signs of haemonchosis after day 35. Serum calprotectin concentrations and IgA levels were significantly affected by treatment. The treatment influenced serum malondialdehyde concentrations (P < 0.05) and sulfhydryl groups (P < 0.01) of antioxidant status. The mineral status was unaltered in all lambs. CONCLUSION: A direct anthelmintic impact on the viability of nematodes was not fully demonstrated, but the treatments with herbal nutraceuticals and zinc likely indirectly contributed to the increase in the resistance of the lambs to nematode infection.

Effect of oral calcium bolus administration on milk production, concentrations of minerals and metabolites in serum, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows.

AIMS: To determine the effects of oral Ca bolus administration in the early postpartum period of cows on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance. METHODS: Multiparous Holstein dry cows (n=66) with a mean parity of 3.1 (SD 0.35) were fed a diet with a positive dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) prior to calving. They were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (Control; n=33) or two oral Ca boluses (n=33, 45 g of Ca per bolus); one was administered immediately after calving (Day 0) and the second 24 hours (±30 minutes) later. Blood samples were collected at calving, and on Days 2 and 7 to determine concentrations in serum of Ca, P, Mg, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and ß-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). Milk yield was recorded daily and milk composition was determined weekly from calving until 28 day postpartum. Health and outcomes were determined during the first 30 days postpartum and reproductive outcomes to 180 days postpartum. RESULTS: Mean milk yields and composition over the first month of lactation were similar between cows in the two treatment groups (p>0.1). Mean concentrations of Ca in serum were not different between treatment groups on Day 0, but were higher on Day 2 for cows that received oral Ca boluses (1.77 (SE 0.07)) compared with Control cows (1.54 (SE 0.08)) (p=0.04). Concentrations in serum of P, Mg, glucose, NEFA and ΒHBA did not differ between treatment groups on any day of measurement. Fewer cows that received oral Ca were diagnosed with hypocalcaemia (total concentrations of Ca in serum <1.5 mmol/L) by Day 2 (2/33; 6%) compared with Control cows (12/33; 36%) (p=0.01). There was no difference in the prevalence of other health outcomes between treatment groups. The proportion of cows conceiving to first insemination was greater in cows that received an oral Ca bolus (19/29; 65%) than Control cows (12/29; 41%) (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Oral Ca bolus administration increased concentrations of Ca in serum on Day 2 postpartum, and increased first service conception rates, in cows fed a diet with a positive DCAD prior to calving compared to cows that received no oral Ca bolus supplementation. Because of the small number of cows used in this study, further studies in large-scale dairy farms should be carried out to confirm these findings.

Evaluation of trace mineral source and preharvest deletion of trace minerals from finishing diets on tissue mineral status in pigs.

OBJECTIVE: An experiment was conducted to evaluate dietary supplemental trace mineral source and deletion on mineral content in tissues. METHODS: Weanling crossbred pigs (n = 144; 72 barrows and 72 gilts; body weight [BW] = 7.4±1.05 kg) were used. A basal diet was prepared, and trace mineral premix containing either inorganic (ITM) or organic (OTM) trace minerals (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) was added to the basal diet. Pigs were blocked by sex and BW and randomly allotted to 24 pens for a total of 6 pigs per pen, and fed a diet containing either ITM or OTM supplemented at the 1998 NRC requirement estimates for each of 5 BW phases (Phase I to V) from 7 to 120 kg. The trace mineral supplementation was deleted for 6, 4, 2, and 0 wk of Phase V; regarding nutrient adequacy during this phase, the indigenous dietary Fe and Mn was sufficient, Cu was marginal and Zn was deficient. RESULTS: At the end of Phase IV, Mn content (mg/kg on the dry matter basis) was greater (p<0.05) in heart (0.77 vs 0.68), kidney (6.32 vs 5.87), liver (9.46 vs 8.30), and longissimus dorsi (LD; 0.30 vs 0.23) of pigs fed OTM. The pigs fed OTM were greater (p<0.05) in LD Cu (2.12 vs 1.89) and Fe (21.75 vs 19.40) and metacarpal bone Zn (141.86 vs 130.05). At the end of Phase V, increased length of deletion period (from 0 to 6 wk) resulted in a decrease (linear, p<0.01) in liver Zn (196.5 to 121.8), metacarpal bone Zn (146.6 to 86.2) and an increase (linear, p<0.01) in heart Mn (0.70 to 1.08), liver Mn (7.74 to 12.96), and kidney Mn (5.58 to 7.56). The only mineral source by deletion period interaction (p<0.05) was observed in LD Zn. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated differential effects of mineral deletion on tissue mineral content depending on both mineral assessed and source of the mineral.

The Effects of Supplementary Cr3 (Chromium(III) Propionate Complex) on the Mineral Status in Healthy Female Rats.

More and more people use food supplements for various reasons, e.g. to prevent mineral deficiency and diseases (e.g. osteoporosis, diabetes, anaemia). Supplements containing Cr(III) are purchased primarily for weight loss and antidiabetic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementary Cr3 {chromium(III) propionate complex, [Cr3O(O2CCH2CH3)6(H2O)3]NO3)} on the mineral status in female Wistar rats. The study was carried out on 30 female Wistar rats, divided into five groups (six animals in each): a control group and test groups fed Cr3 supplemented diets with 100, 200, 500 and 1000 mg Cr · kg-1 diet (equivalent to 10, 20, 50 and 100 mg Cr ·kg-1 body mass (b.m.) per day) given as Cr3 for 4 weeks. Supplementary Cr3 increased the Cr content in tissues in a dose-dependent manner. High dietary doses of Cr3, 20 and 100 mg Cr · kg-1 b.m., increased the Cu content in the liver and spleen as well as the Zn content in the kidneys but decreased the liver Ca content. Doses of 50-100 mg Cr ·kg-1 b.m. decreased the serum Fe concentration and the Fe content in the liver and kidneys. Supplementation with Cr3 at doses of 10 and 100 mg Cr ·kg-1 b.m. did not affect the Mg content in the rats' tissues. In conclusion, high dietary doses of Cr3 (10 and 100 mg Cr· kg-1 b.m.) given for 4 weeks affected the mineral status of Fe, Zn, Cu and Ca in the tissues of healthy female Wistar rats.

Fortified breakfast cereal consumed daily for 12 wk leads to a significant improvement in micronutrient intake and micronutrient status in adolescent girls: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Poor micronutrient status is reported among adolescents across Europe and USA. This may be related to the well-documented decline in the regular consumption of breakfast by this group. The regular consumption of a breakfast cereal offers a possible means to improve micronutrient status; fortified cereal is likely to have enhanced benefit. A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of the regular consumption of a fortified cereal with milk, compared with unfortified cereal, consumed either as a breakfast or a supper, in improving micronutrient intake and micronutrient status of adolescent girls. METHODS: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention trial was conducted in girls recruited at ages 16-19 years, from schools and colleges in Sheffield, UK. Girls were randomised to receive 50 g fortified or unfortified cereal, with 150 ml semi-skimmed milk, daily, for 12 weeks, as a breakfast or as a supper. Dietary intake was estimated using a 4-d food diary and blood collected for the assessment of nutritional status. Within-group changes were tested using a paired sample t test; two-way ANOVA was used to analyse effects of the intervention, with cereal type and time of consumption as factors, correcting for baseline values. The analysis was conducted on 71 girls who completed the study. RESULTS: Consumption of unfortified cereal elicited an increase in the intake of vitamins B1, B2 and B6; consumption of fortified cereal elicited increases in vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folate and iron (P < 0.001) and of vitamin D (P = 0.007), all increases were significantly greater than for unfortified cereal. Consumption of the fortified cereal also led to a significant improvement in biomarkers of status for vitamins B2, B12, folate and of iron, compared with girls receiving the unfortified cereal, and maintained vitamin D status, in contrast with the girls receiving the unfortified cereal (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The daily consumption of cereal with milk for 12 weeks by adolescent girls, increased intakes of micronutrients. The consumption of fortified cereal elicited greater increases than for unfortified cereal and improved biomarkers of micronutrient status. The findings justify strategies to encourage the consumption of fortified cereal with milk by adolescents, either as a breakfast or a supper. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered with Current Controlled Trials (Registration: ISRCTN55141306 ).