Dietary Selenium Across Species.

This review traces the discoveries that led to the recognition of selenium (Se) as an essential nutrient and discusses Se-responsive diseases in animals and humans in the context of current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of their pathogeneses. The article includes a comprehensive analysis of dietary sources, nutritional utilization, metabolic functions, and dietary requirements of Se across various species. We also compare the function and regulation of selenogenomes and selenoproteomes among rodents, food animals, and humans. The review addresses the metabolic impacts of high dietary Se intakes in different species and recent revelations of Se metabolites, means of increasing Se status, and the recycling of Se in food systems and ecosystems. Finally, research needs are identified for supporting basic science and practical applications of dietary Se in food, nutrition, and health across species.

Effects of maternal winter vs. year-round supplementation of protein and energy on postnatal growth, immune function, and carcass characteristics of Bos indicus-influenced beef offspring.

This 2-yr study evaluated the effects of winter vs. year-round supplementation of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows on cow reproductive performance and impact on their offspring. On day 0 of each year (approximately day 122 ± 23 of gestation), 82 to 84 mature Brangus cows/yr were stratified by body weight (BW; 475 ± 67 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 4.85 ± 0.73) and randomly assigned to 1 of 6 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (13 to 14 cows/pasture). Treatments were randomly assigned to pastures consisting of winter supplementation with molasses + urea (WMOL), or year-round supplementation with molasses + urea (YMOL) or wheat middling-based range cubes (YCUB). Total yearly supplement DM amount was 272 kg/cow and supplements were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous (75% TDN and 20% CP). On day 421 (weaning; approximately 260 ± 24 d of age), 33 to 35 steers/yr were vaccinated against parainfluenza-3 (PI3) and bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and transported 1,193 km to a feedlot. Steers were penned according to maternal pasture and managed similarly until slaughter. Data were analyzed using the MIXED and GLIMMIX procedures of SAS. On day 217 (start of breeding season), BCS was greater (P = 0.01) for YMOL than WMOL cows, whereas BCS of YCUB did not differ (P ≥ 0.11) to both WMOL and YMOL cows. The percentage of cows that calved, calving date, birth BW, and preweaning BW of the first offspring did not differ (P ≥ 0.22) among maternal treatments. Plasma cortisol concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.001) for YCUB steers at feedlot arrival (day 422) than WMOL and YMOL steers. Moreover, YCUB steers had greater (P = 0.02) and tended (P = 0.08) to have greater plasma concentrations of haptoglobin compared to WMOL and YMOL steers, respectively. Antibody titers against PI3 and BVDV-1 viruses did not differ (P ≥ 0.25) among maternal treatments. Steer BW at feedlot exit was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for YMOL and WMOL than YCUB steers. However, feedlot DMI did not differ (P ≥ 0.37) by maternal treatment. Hot carcass weight, yield grade, LMA, and marbling did not differ (P ≥ 0.14) among maternal treatments. Percentage of steers that graded low choice was enhanced (P ≤ 0.05) for WMOL and YCUB than YMOL steers. Maternal year-round supplementation of range cubes or molasses + urea either did not impact or decrease growth, immune function, and carcass characteristics of the offspring when compared with maternal supplementation of molasses + urea during winter only.

Timing of maternal supplementation of dried distillers grains during late gestation influences postnatal growth, immunocompetence, and carcass characteristics of Bos indicus-influenced beef calves.

This 2-yr study investigated the timing of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation during the third trimester of gestation of Bos indicus-influenced beef cows and its impact on their offspring performance. On day 0 of each year (84 d before calving), Brangus cows (n = 84/yr; cow age = 8 ± 3 yr) were stratified by initial body weight (BW; 482 ± 75 kg) and body condition score (BCS; 5.3 ± 0.8) and assigned randomly to one of six bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures (experimental units; 14 cows/pasture). Treatments were assigned randomly to pasture (2 pastures/treatment/yr) and consisted of no prepartum supplementation (CON), 2 kg/d of DDG from day 0 to 42 (LATE42), or 1 kg/d of DDG from day 0 to 84 (LATE84). Following calving (day 84), cow-calf pairs remained in their respective pastures, and cows were offered sugarcane molasses + urea (1.82 kg of dry matter/cow/d) from day 85 until the end of the breeding season (day 224). On day 347, steer calves (n = 38/yr; 11 to 15 steers/treatment/yr) were weaned and transported to the feedlot (1,193 km). Steers were penned according to cow prepartum pasture and managed similarly until the time of harvest. BCS at calving was greater (P < 0.01) for LATE42 and LATE84 vs. CON cows but did not differ (P = 0.16) between LATE42 and LATE84 cows. Calving date, calving percentage, and birth BW of the first offspring did not differ (P ≥ 0.22) among treatments. However, LATE42 cows calved their second offspring 8 d earlier (P = 0.04) compared with CON and LATE84 cows. At weaning (first offspring), LATE84 calves were the heaviest (P ≤ 0.05), CON calves were the lightest, and LATE42 calves had intermediate BW (P ≤ 0.05). Steer plasma concentrations of cortisol and haptoglobin and serum bovine viral diarrhea virus type-1 titers did not differ (P ≥ 0.21) between treatments. Steer serum parainfluenza-3 titers were greater (P = 0.03) for LATE42 vs. CON steers, tended to be greater (P = 0.10) for LATE84 compared with CON steers, and did not differ (P = 0.38) between LATE42 and LATE84 steers. Steer feedlot BW, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and hot carcass weight did not differ (P ≥ 0.36) between treatments. Marbling and the percentage of steers grading choice were greater (P ≤ 0.04) for LATE42 vs. CON steers, whereas LATE84 steers were intermediate. In summary, different timing of DDG supplementation during the third trimester of gestation could be explored to optimize cow BCS and offspring preweaning growth and carcass quality.

This 2-yr study evaluated the effect of the timing of dried distillers grains (DDG) supplementation during the last trimester of gestation in Bos indicus-influenced beef cows and the subsequent impact on their offspring. Brangus cows were allocated to one of the three prepartum treatments consisting of no prepartum supplementation, 2 kg/d of DDG for the first half of the last trimester of gestation, or 1 kg/d of DDG for the entire length of the last trimester of gestation. Prepartum supplementation, regardless of supplementation length, improved cow body condition scores at the time of calving. Calf birth weights were not affected by prepartum maternal treatment. Calves born to cows that received prepartum supplementation had greater weaning weight compared with no prepartum supplementation. However, weaning weights were improved to the greatest extent when calves were born to cows that received supplementation for the entire length of late gestation. Steer antibody response to parainfluenza-3 was improved with prepartum maternal supplementation, regardless of supplementation length. Furthermore, concentrating the total amount of supplement offered to the first half of the last trimester of gestation improved marbling and increased the percentage of steers grading choice compared with no prepartum supplementation or supplementation during the entire last trimester.

Trace Mineral Nutrition of Grazing Beef Cattle.

The trace mineral requirements of grazing beef cattle are often complicated by different environmental factors, such as the lack of specific trace minerals or the presence of trace mineral antagonists in forage. Nearly every region of the world has specific implications related to trace mineral nutrition of grazing cattle. Since forage is the most significant contributor to trace mineral nutrition, it is important to consider the concentrations of trace minerals and antagonists and how they may impact the performance of cattle consuming them. This review attempts to provide an update on the trace minerals commonly found to be inadequate in forage, supplementation strategies to address deficiency including a discussion on supplemental trace mineral source, and the complications presented by mineral antagonists. Although the review focuses on beef cattle grazing systems of the United States, the information herein is derived from both extensive native range and intensive planted pasture.

Effects of varying sources of Cu, Zn, and Mn on mineral status and preferential intake of salt-based supplements by beef cows and calves and rainfall-induced metal loss.

Three studies were completed to evaluate the effects of Cu, Zn, and Mn source on preferential intake, trace mineral status, and rainfall-induced metal loss of salt-based mineral supplements. Mineral supplements were formulated to contain 2,500, 5,500, and 4,000 mg/kg of Cu, Zn, and Mn, respectively. Supplements differed only by source of Cu, Zn, and Mn, which were hydroxychloride, organic, or sulfate sources. In Exp. 1, the three formulations were offered simultaneously for 18 wk to preweaned beef calves (four pastures; 17 calves per pasture) within separate containers inside covered cow-exclusion areas. Consumption averaged 21 ± 2.4 g/calf daily (sum of all three sources), with a greater (P < 0.001) percentage of the total intake coming from the hydroxychloride vs. organic or sulfate sources of Cu, Zn, and Mn. In Exp. 2, the same sulfate and hydroxychloride formulations were randomly assigned to pastures (n = 4 pastures per treatment) containing 18 to 20 cow-calf pairs/pasture. Treatments were offered for 20 wk within covered areas designed to assess cow and calf intake separately. At weaning, liver biopsies were collected from four cow-calf pairs/pasture (n = 16 cows and calves per treatment). Source of Cu, Zn, and Mn had no effect on voluntary mineral intake among calves (P = 0.44) and cows (P = 0.14). Calves consuming mineral containing hydroxychloride sources of Cu, Zn, and Mn tended (P = 0.06) to have greater average daily gain over the 20-wk period compared with calves consuming sulfate sources of the same elements (1.09 vs. 1.06 kg/d; SEM = 0.013). Mineral status of cows and calves was not affected (P ≥ 0.17) by source of Cu, Zn, and Mn. In Exp. 3, each of the mineral formulations from Exp. 1 was exposed to a 10.2-cm precipitation event delivered in three equal 3.4-cm applications within a week. To accomplish this, 750 g of mineral was placed into Buchner funnels (177 cm2) on 20- to 25-µm pore filter paper. Deionized water (pH adjusted to 5.6) was poured over the mineral. Total leaching losses of Cu, Zn, and Mn were less (P < 0.001) for formulations containing hydroxychloride vs. organic and sulfate sources. These results imply that, when offered a choice, calves preferentially consume mineral supplements formulated with hydroxychloride vs. sulfate or organic sources of Cu, Zn, and Mn. In addition, hydroxychloride sources of Cu, Zn, and Mn are less susceptible to rainfall-induced leaching losses compared with sulfate and organic sources.

Differences in copper and selenium metabolism between Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle.

A 2-yr study was conducted at the Range Cattle Research and Education Center, University of Florida - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) (Ona, FL), to evaluate differences in the metabolism of Cu and Se of Angus (Bos taurus) and Brahman (Bos indicus) cattle. Thirty-two pregnant beef cows (n = 8 Brahman and 8 Angus/yr) were enrolled in the study in the first trimester of gestation. This study consisted of three phases: 1) restriction (day 0 to 90), 2) supplementation (day 91 to 150), and 3) calving. During all three phases, cows were individually fed and housed in partially covered drylot pens. During the restriction and supplementation phases, cows were provided a 1.5 kg/d of a grain-based concentrate supplement, which was fortified with flowers of S (50 g of supplemental S/cow daily; restriction phase) or Cu and Se (100 and 3 mg/d of Cu and Se, respectively; supplementation phase). Blood and liver samples were collected from all cows at 30 d intervals and from both cows and calves within 24 h of calving. Colostrum and milk samples were collected at calving and 7 d after birth. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, where cow and calf were the experimental unit. During the restriction phase, a breed × day effect (P = 0.03) was observed where Brahman had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus cows in all sampling days. For liver Se concentration, a tendency (P = 0.07) for a breed effect was observed where Angus cows tended to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman. During the supplementation phase, breed (P < 0.001) and day (P < 0.01) effects were observed, where Brahman cows had greater liver Cu concentration than Angus. For liver Se concentration, a day effect (P < 0.001) was observed, where liver Se concentration increased (P < 0.001) from day 90 to 120 and remained unchanged (P = 0.86) until day 150. At calving, no effects of breed (P = 0.34) were observed for liver Cu concentration of cows; however, Brahman calves tended (P = 0.09) to have greater liver Cu concentration than Angus calves. For Se liver concentration at calving, Angus cows tended (P = 0.07) to have greater liver Se concentration than Brahman cows; however, no breed differences (P = 0.70) were observed for liver Se concentration of calves at birth. In summary, substantial differences in multiple indicators of Cu and Se status were observed between Angus and Brahman cattle, implying that Angus and Brahman cattle possibly have different mechanisms to maintain adequate Cu and Se status.

Effects of monensin inclusion into increasing amount of concentrate on growth and physiological parameters of early-weaned beef calves consuming warm-season grasses.

Two experiments evaluated the effects of concentrate amount and monensin inclusion on growth and physiological parameters of early-weaned beef calves consuming warm-season grasses in drylot (Exp. 1) and pastures (Exp. 2). In both experiments, treatments consisted of two concentrate DM amounts (1 or 2% of BW) and two inclusion rates of monensin (0 or 20 mg of monensin/kg of total DM intake). In Exp. 1, 48 Angus × Brahman crossbred early-weaned (EW) beef calves (initial age = 90 ± 13 d; initial BW = 83 ± 12 kg) were distributed in 12 drylot pens (four calves per pen; three pens per treatment) and provided stargrass (Cynodon nlemfuensis) hay (9% CP and 52% IVDOM) at amounts to ensure 10% DM refusals for 56 d. In Exp. 2, 36 Angus × Brahman crossbred EW heifer calves (initial BW = 171 ± 15 kg) were randomly allocated into one of 12 bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum) pastures on a continuous and fixed stocking rate (1 ha and three heifers per pasture; three pastures per treatment) and received daily supplementation of their respective treatments for 84 d. In both experiments, effects of monensin inclusion × concentrate amount were not detected for any variable (P ≥ 0.14), but overall ADG and plasma IGF-1 concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.05), whereas fecal coccidia egg counts tended (P = 0.09; Exp. 1) or were less (P = 0.05; Exp. 2) for calves offered concentrate with vs. without monensin inclusion. Calves offered concentrate at 2% of BW had greater (P ≤ 0.05) overall ADG (Exps. 1 and 2), herbage mass (Exp. 2 only), in vivo apparent digestibility, total DMI and plasma concentrations of glucose and IGF-1 (Exp. 1 only), less forage DM intake (Exp. 1 only), and no effects on fecal coccidia egg counts (Exps. 1 and 2) compared to calves offered concentrate at 1% of BW. Increasing concentrate amount is an effective management practice to increase ADG and decrease forage DMI in early-weaned calves consuming warm-season grasses, whereas the decrease in fecal coccidia egg count and additional ADG provide evidence that monensin should be supplied to early-weaned calves grazing warm-season pastures and receiving concentrate at 1% of BW or above.

Effect of organic or inorganic trace mineral supplementation on follicular response, ovulation, and embryo production in superovulated Angus heifers.

We determined whether source of trace mineral supplementation prior to embryo collection affected embryo production and quality. Angus half-sibling heifers (n=20) originating from a common herd were assigned to three treatment groups using a 3 x 3 latin square design replicated in time (3 x) and space (6 x complete and 1x incomplete): (1) heifers received no added mineral to their diet (control; n=53); (2) heifers received a commercially available organic mineral supplement (organic; n=52); or (3) heifers received an all inorganic mineral supplement (inorganic; n=55). All heifers had ad libitum access to hay and were fed a supplement containing corn and soybean meal. Treatments were initiated 23 days prior to embryo recovery. Heifers were given a 45-day adaptation period of no mineral supplementation before initiating a new treatment. Ovarian structures were evaluated using transrectal ultrasonography to determine the presence and number of follicles and CL on each ovary. The mean number of recovered ova/embryos was similar among treatments (4.1+/-0.7, 3.8+/-0.7, and 3.3+/-0.7 for control, inorganic, and organic treatments, respectively), the number of unfertilized oocytes was greater (P<0.05) for inorganic (2.3+/-0.5) and control (1.6+/-0.5) treated heifers than organic (0.4+/-0.4) treated heifers. No differences among treatments existed for the number of degenerate or transferable embryos, but individual heifer influenced the total number of embryos/ova, unfertilized ova, and transferable embryos recovered. We conclude that heifer accounted for the greatest differences in embryo production and quality. Source of trace mineral supplementation did not significantly alter embryo number or quality in superovulated purebred Angus heifers fed a well-balanced diet, meeting all trace mineral requirements.

Effect of animal plasma proteins on intestinal damage and recovery of neonatal pigs infected with rotavirus.

Rotaviruses infect and elicit diarrhea in neonates of most mammalian species and cause 800,000 infant deaths a year. We used neonatal piglets to study the effects of dietary animal plasma proteins on intestinal health following rotavirus infection. Plasma protein contains a diverse mixture of functional components with biological activity and improves the health of animals challenged with other diarrhea-causing pathogens. In a 2 x 2 factorial design, we compared plasma protein- and soy protein-based diets in rotavirus-infected and noninfected piglets to determine if plasma protein reduced acute rotavirus intestinal damage or improved recovery. All infected animals shed rotavirus particles in their feces. Infected, plasma protein-fed piglets maintained growth rates similar to noninfected piglets in the first 3 days of infection; however, soy protein-fed piglets experienced reduced gains. Furthermore, infected, plasma protein-fed piglets showed no clinical signs of diarrhea. Infection reduced intestinal villus height and the villus height/crypt depth ratio by Day 3 of infection; however, reductions were not attenuated with dietary plasma protein. Infected, plasma protein-fed pigs maintained greater intestinal mucosa protein and estimated total lactase activity than infected, soy protein-fed piglets. Plasma proteins contain growth factors that may aid in rate of recovery as well as virus-binding proteins that may reduce infection pressure in the intestine. These data, combined with findings from other studies using plasma proteins in animal models of diarrhea, indicate the potential for using plasma proteins to improve the health of diarrheic neonates.

Citrus pulp for cattle.

Citrus pulp is classified as an energy concentrate by-product feed. Citrus by-products fed to beef cattle include citrus molasses, citrus meal, wet citrus pulp, dried citrus pulp, and pelleted citrus pulp; however, in current production systems, pulp (wet, dry, and pelleted) is the only by-product commonly used. Citrus pulp production in the United States is limited to specific subtropical regions, of which south central Florida remains the largest with additional production in California and Texas.