Drivers of geophagy by red brocket deer (Mazama americana) at Amazonian interior forest mineral licks.

Mineral licks are key ecological components of the Amazon rainforest, providing critical dietary functions for herbivorous and frugivorous mammals and birds, which help maintain the structure and function of the forest itself through seed and nutrient dispersal. One of the most frequent visitors of interior forest mineral licks in the Amazon is the red brocket deer (Mazama americana), a large-bodied ruminant frugivore and seed predator. While several hypotheses for the drivers of geophagy exist, including mineral supplementation, toxin adsorption, and habitat selection, robust data on geophagy for the red brocket deer for large numbers of mineral licks is nonexistent. We used soil data from 83 mineral licks in conjunction with camera trap data from 52 of those mineral licks and a mixed-effects modeling approach to test the three proposed hypotheses of geophagy for the red brocket deer. We found that consumed soils at mineral licks had elevated concentrations of almost all major and minor biologically active minerals measured, including Ca, Na, Mg, K, Cu, Zn, and Mn. Model results suggest that all three hypotheses hold true to some extent for the red brocket deer, with the greatest support for the mineral supplementation hypothesis, in particular with respect to Mg, Ca, Na, Cu, and Zn. This study provides critical information on the feeding ecology of the red brocket deer in the wild, and the first robust analysis of geophagy of an Amazonian mammal involving a large sample size of interior forest mineral licks.

Rumen degradable protein levels on fatty acid profile of rumen bacteria and milk fat of dairy cows supplemented with calcium salts of fatty acids.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) from soybean oil in diets with different levels of rumen degradable protein (RDP) on bio-hydrogenation extent, and fatty acid (FA) profile intake, omasal digesta, rumen bacteria, and milk fat. Eight Holstein lactating cows were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two CSFA levels (0 or 33.2 g/kg DM of CSFA) and two RDP levels (98.0 or 110 g/kg DM). There was RDP and CSFA interaction effect on the omasal flow of total FA and some specific FA. Only in -CSFA diets, the higher RDP level increased omasal flow of total FA. Dietary RDP levels did not affect the FA profile of bacteria and milk fat. Feeding CSFA reduced or tended to reduce the bacterial proportion of C15:0, C16:0, C16:1, C17:0, and C18:0 FA and decreased the concentrations of short- and medium-chain FA (<18C) and increased the concentrations of unsaturated and long-chain FA (≥18C) in milk fat. Feeding CSFA of soybean oil increases the intake and omasal flow of FA and augments unsaturated FA content in bacteria pellets and milk fat.

Alternatives to conventional antibiotics for the prevention and treatment of commonly occurring diseases in feedlot cattle.

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a problem in human medicine. The development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria in feedlot cattle could have negative effects on their health and welfare and there is a theoretical possibility of transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from food animals to humans. Alternatives to conventional antibiotics in feedlot health management could reduce the selective pressure for the development of antibiotic resistance. This review assesses the evidence supporting potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics in the prevention and treatment of diseases in feedlot cattle, including nitric oxide, plant extracts, supplemental yeast or yeast products, bacterial probiotics, organic acids, bacteriophages and non-specific immunostimulants. Further research is warranted with lactate utilising bacteria, the organic acid malate, bacteriophages and the non-specific immunostimulants ß-1,3 glucan and those based on pox viruses. However, none of the alternatives to conventional antibiotics investigated in this review have sufficient supporting evidence to date to justify their use with feedlot cattle. Frequently, statistically weak results and studies without negative controls are cited as support for similar studies. The health and welfare of feedlot cattle are dependent on the use of products that have robust supporting data to ensure efficacy and to avoid adverse outcomes.

Plasma and milk metabolomics revealed changes in amino acid metabolism in Holstein dairy cows under heat stress.

Our understanding of metabolic alterations triggered by heat stress is incomplete, which limits the designing of nutritional strategies to mitigate negative productive and health effects. Thus, this study aimed to explore the metabolic responses of heat-stressed dairy cows to dietary supplementation with vitamin D3/Ca and vitamin E/Se. Twelve multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled in a split-plot Latin square design with two distinct vitamin E/Se supplementation levels, either at a low (ESe-, n = 6, 11.1 IU/kg vitamin E and 0.55 mg/kg Se) or a high dose (ESe+, n = 6 223 IU/kg vitamin E and 1.8 mg/kg Se) as the main plot. Treatment subplots, arranged in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design, comprised heat challenge (Temperature Humidity Index, THI: 72.0-82.0) supplemented with different levels of vitamin D3/Ca: either low (HS/DCa-, 1 012 IU/kg and 0.73%, respectively) or high (HS/DCa+, 3 764 IU/kg and 0.97%, respectively), and a pair-fed control group in thermoneutrality (THI = 61.0-64.0) receiving the low dose of vitamin D3/Ca (TN). The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolome profile was determined in blood plasma and milk sampled at the beginning (day 0) and end (day 14) of each experimental period. The results were analyzed for the effect of (1) TN vs. HS/ESe-/DCa-, and (2) the vitamin E/Se and vitamin D3/Ca supplementation. No group or group × day effects were detected in the plasma metabolome (false discovery rate, FDR > 0.05), except for triglyceride 52:2 being higher (FDR = 0.03) on day 0 than 14. Taurine, creatinine and butyryl-carnitine showed group × day interactions in the milk metabolome (FDR ≤ 0.05) as creatinine (+22%) and butyryl-carnitine (+190%) were increased (P < 0.01) on day 14, and taurine was decreased (-65%, P < 0.01) on day 14 in the heat stress (HS) cows, compared with day 0. Most compounds were unaffected by vitamin E/Se or vitamin D3/Ca supplementation level or their interaction (FDR > 0.05) in plasma and milk, except for milk alanine which was lower (-69%, FDR = 0.03) in the E/Se+ groups, compared with E/Se-. Our results indicated that HS triggered more prominent changes in the milk than in the plasma metabolome, with consistent results in milk suggesting increased muscle catabolism, as reflected by increased creatinine, alanine and citrulline levels. Supplementing with high levels of vitamin E/Se or vitamin D3/Ca or their combination did not appear to affect the metabolic remodeling triggered by HS.

Productive, thermoregulatory, and hormonal responses of dairy goats supplemented with selenium-enriched yeast in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding selenium-enriched yeast (SE) in the diet of dairy goats during 60 days of lactation and its effect on productive, thermoregulatory, and hormonal responses of animals managed in a semi-arid region. Sixteen Saanen × Toggenburg crossbred goats were used in a completely randomized design. Goats were weighed, and their milk yield was monitored weekly. Before the animals entered the treatments and at every 20-day milk producing, blood samples were collected to determine the SE levels. At 20, 40, and days of the lactation cycle, individual milk samples were collected to determine composition, casein, urea nitrogen, and selenium content. Measurements of respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), coat surface temperature (CST), and epidermal temperature (ET) were performed weekly during the experimental period in two shifts, one in the morning (9 am) and the other in the afternoon (3 pm). No difference (P > 0.05) was detected for body weight, milk yield, composition, selenium concentration, and urea nitrogen. Lower RR and ET (P < 0.05) were observed for animals that received SE supplementation. Thyroid hormone concentrations were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). The positive results of the SE supplementation were concentrated in thermoregulatory responses, and there was no effect on productive, hormonal responses, and plasmatic concentration of selenium in the milk. The SE supplementation for dairy goats managed in a Brazilian semi-arid region was able to promote reduction of RR and coat temperatures.

Effects of Duration of Calcium Propionate Supplementation in Lambs Finished with Supplemental Zilpaterol Hydrochloride: Productive Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality.

Forty-five male non-castrated crossbred Dorper lambs (40.17 ± 0.35 kg body weight, BW) were employed in a completely randomized design with five treatments to investigate the effects of the duration of calcium propionate (CaPr) supplementation (10 g CaPr/lamb/d for 0, 14, 28, or 42 d before slaughter) on lambs finished with zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH, 7.2 mg/lamb/d for a fixed period of 28 d before slaughter) regarding their productive performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Treatments consisted of the following: (1) No additives (CTL), (2) 0 days on CaPr plus 28 d on ZH, (3) 14 days on CaPr plus 28 d on ZH, (4) 28 days on CaPr plus 28 d on ZH, and (5) 42 days on CaPr plus 28 d on ZH. When compared with CTL, ZH lambs exhibited a similar average daily gain (ADG) but had lower dry matter intake (DMI), leading to increased feed efficiency. Supplementing with ZH alone did not affect carcass traits, visceral mass, whole cuts, or meat quality. Lambs that received both CaPr 28 d and ZH exhibited quadratic increases (p < 0.05) in final body weight (FBW), ADG, and dressing percentage (D%). These increases were optimal at estimated inclusion durations of 26 d for FBW, 30 for ADG, and 39 d for D%. The ADG:DMI ratio and the longissimus muscle area (LMA) both exhibited quadratic increases (p < 0.05). The optimal duration of CaPr supplementation for ADG:DMI ratio was found to be 28 d, while for LMA, it was 14 d. As the period of CaPr supplementation increased, there was a linear increase (p < 0.05) in hot carcass weight, leg circumference, and whole cuts of breast IMPS209 and shoulder IMPS207. Cook loss percent increased quadratically (p < 0.05), and was higher when CaPr was included for an estimated duration of 26 d. As the duration of CaPr supplementation increased, the purge loss percentage (PRL) also increased linearly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, including CaPr in the diet for a duration of 28 d in lambs improved the response to ZH supplementation on the productive performance, carcass weight, and some whole cuts. However, it can also have a negative effect on PRL%.

Magnesium in dairy cattle nutrition: A meta-analysis on magnesium absorption in dairy cattle and assessment of simple solubility tests to predict magnesium availability from supplemental sources.

Supplemental Mg sources differ in bioavailability, and solubility is one of the determining factors. We explored whether and which in vitro solubility tests could reliably differentiate the quality of supplemental Mg sources. In experiment 1, we compared 3 chemical methods using an acetic acid solution (50 mL/L, termed vinegar test), a 1 M ammonium nitrate solution, and an artificial rumen buffer fluid without rumen microbiota. The Mg solubility results suggested the vinegar test was the best method due to its robustness, simplicity, and reproducibility. In experiment 2, we validated the reliability of the vinegar test using 4 MgO sources from experiment 1 and 12 new MgO sources plus a laboratory-grade MgO as a standard. Accordingly, we repeated the vinegar test with short (0.5 h) and long (3.0 h) incubation times on these sources and then conducted ruminal incubations in 24-h batch culture experiments. The repeated vinegar test resulted in similar results as in experiment 1. Linear regression across both experiments showed the soluble Mg content (g/kg) = 44.46 (±2.55) × pH - 142.9 (±14.9), root mean square error (RMSE) = 10.2, P slope <0.001, and concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) = 0.953. The predictable pH range was from 4 to 6. The equation cannot be applied to low-alkaline sources such as Mg sulfate, Mg acetate, or a group of MgO with exceptionally high alkaline properties showing a cluster of pH above 8.5. Solubility of the MgO sources in the vinegar test ranged from 5 to 35%, whereas the 24-h ruminal incubations led to more solubility (15-70%). Nevertheless, the differences among most MgO sources were parallel to the data from the in vitro rumen solubility. Next, we performed a meta-analysis of published studies (21 studies, 94 treatments) to assess the true Mg absorption in vivo and potential factors affecting Mg absorption in dairy cows. It appeared that on average dairy cows absorbed about 20% of the Mg intake (range 10-40%), regardless of their lactation status. We revealed a new strategy to predict Mg absorption relative to dietary K as follows: true Mg absorption (g/d) = 0.3395 (±0.025, P < 0.001) × Mg intake (g/d) - 1.9273 (±1.16, P = 0.11) when dietary K ≤20 g/kg DM, and 0.154 (±1.06, P = 0.05) + 0.209 (±0.026, P < 0.001) × Mg intake (g/d) when dietary K >20 g/kg DM (RMSE = 2.19). This strategy improved the accuracy of prediction as compared with the existing prediction (CCC = 0.922 vs. 0.845). Still, over- or underestimations inherent to individual studies were evident and might be related to unaccountable factors, especially the quality of supplemental Mg sources. In conclusion, the vinegar test is a useful tool to rank inorganic Mg sources with alkaline properties. Including in vitro solubility data in Mg nutrition research could help to refine the prediction of bioavailable Mg contents and increase precision in feed formulation.

Effects of graded levels of dietary pomegranate peel on methane and nitrogen losses, and metabolic and health indicators in dairy cows.

This study aimed to quantify the effects of dietary inclusion of tannin-rich pomegranate peel (PP) on intake, methane and nitrogen (N) losses, and metabolic and health indicators in dairy cows. Four multiparous, late-lactating Brown Swiss dairy cows (796 kg body weight; 29 kg/d of energy corrected milk yield) were randomly allocated to 3 treatments in a randomized cyclic change-over design with 3 periods, each comprising 14 d of adaptation, 7 d of milk, urine, and feces collection, and 2 d of methane measurements. Treatments were formulated using PP that replaced on a dry matter (DM) basis 0% (control), 5%, and 10% of the basal mixed ration (BMR) consisting of corn and grass silage, alfalfa, and concentrate. Gaseous exchange of the cows was determined in open-circuit respiration chambers. Blood samples were collected on d 15 of each period. Individual feed intake as well as feces and urine excretion were quantified, and representative samples were collected for analyses of nutrients and phenol composition. Milk was analyzed for concentrations of fat, protein, lactose, milk urea N, and fatty acids. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity in milk and plasma were determined. In serum, the concentrations of urea and bilirubin as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase, glutamate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transferase were measured. The data were subjected to ANOVA with the Mixed procedure of SAS, with treatment and period as fixed and animal as random effects. The PP and BMR contained 218 and 3.5 g of total extractable tannins per kg DM, respectively, and thereof 203 and 3.3 g of hydrolyzable tannins. Total DM intake, energy corrected milk, and methane emission (total, yield, and intensity) were not affected by PP supplementation. The proportions of C18:2n-6 and C18:3n-3 in milk increased linearly as the amount of PP was increased in the diet. Milk urea N, blood urea N, and urinary N excretion decreased linearly with the increase in dietary PP content. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity in milk and plasma were not affected by the inclusion of PP. The activity of ALT increased in a linear manner with the inclusion of PP. In conclusion, replacing up to 10% of BMR with PP improved milk fatty acid composition and alleviated metabolic and environmental N load. However, the elevated serum ALT activity indicates an onset of liver stress even at 5% PP, requiring the development of adaptation protocols for safe inclusion of PP in ruminant diets.

Membrane bioreactor assisted volatile fatty acids production from agro-industrial residues for ruminant feed application.

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) supplementation in ruminants' diet as a source of energy and chemical precursors and their effect on animal's physiology and well-being has long been of scientific interest. Production of VFAs through anaerobic digestion of agro-industrial residues not only creates value but also presents an alternative sustainable approach for ruminant feed supplementation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bioconversion of agro-industrial residues produced in large quantities such as apple pomace (AP), thin stillage (Ts), and potato protein liquor (PPL) to VFAs, fully complying to regulations set for ruminant feed supplement production. In this regard, batch acidogenic fermentation assays (pH 6-10) and semi-continuous immersed membrane bioreactor (iMBR) were applied. In batch assays, at pH 10 the co-digestion of Ts and PPL produced the highest VFAs concentration (14.2 g/L), indicating a yield of 0.85 g CODVFAs/g volatile solids (VS)added. The optimum batch condition was then applied in the iMBR for in situ fermentation and recovery of VFAs at different organic loading rates (OLR). With increasing the OLR to 3.7 gVS/L.day, the highest VFAs concentration of 28.6 g/L (1,2 g CODVFAs /gVSadded) was achieved. Successful long-term (114 days) membrane filtration was conducted in a media with a maximum of 40 g/L of total solids (TS), facing irreversible membrane fouling in the final stages. Acidogenic fermentation using an iMBR has the potential to play an important role in the future of feed additive provision through the biorefining of agro-industrial wastes via the carboxylate platform, given the role of VFAs production from organic residues.

Effects of traditional brewery dried residue and field pea hull mixtures supplementation on feed utilization and performance of Washera sheep fed natural pasture grass hay as basal diet.

BACKGROUND: The major feedstuffs (natural pasture and crop residues) used for sheep in Ethiopia are fibrous and the crude protein (CP) content is less than 7% that is inadequate to meet the maintenance requirement of sheep. These poor quality feeds should be improved and can be improved through supplementation with nutritious feedstuff. Therefore, to overcome this challenge, there is a need to look for some alternatives but locally available and cheap sources of protein. In this regard, traditional brewery dried residue (TBDR) and field pea hull (FPH) could be an important sources of feed for ruminant livestock. OBJECTIVES: This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of supplementing mixtures of TBDR and FPH on the feed intake, digestibility, live weight gain, and economic feasibility of the feeding treatments. METHODS: In a 3-month experiment, 20 yearling intact male Washera sheep were blocked based on their initial BW of 22.1 ± 1.58 kg (mean ± standard error of mean), and treatment diets were randomly assigned within a block. Treatments comprised feeding natural pasture grass hay (NPGH) ad libitum + 50 g ground nut cake (GNC) (T1 , control); T1  + supplemented with 25% TBDR:75% FPH (T2 ); T1  + 50% TBDR:50% FPH (T3 ) and T1  + 75% TBDR:25% FPH (T4 ). The supplement feed was offered twice a day at 08:00 and 16:00 while, common salt lick and water were available all time. RESULTS: NPGH, FPH, TBDR, and GNC in the current study contained 5.7%, 13.4%, 22.2%, and 45.4% CP and 62%, 61%, 34%, and 20% neutral detergent fibre, respectively. Sheep in supplemented treatments had higher (p < 0.05) apparent digestibility percentage of dry matter and nutrients than those in T1 . Among the supplemented treatments, sheep fed T4 recorded 4.49 kg extra (p < 0.0001) body weight as compared to that fed T1 by growing at an average of 49.8 g/day and returned the highest net income (255.8 Ethiopian birr) CONCLUSION: Thus, based on the highest body weight gain and net return, the combinations of 75% TBDR and 25% FPH (T4 ) appeared to be recommendable for poor farmers.

Trace Mineral Metabolism: The Maternal-Fetal Bond.

Trace minerals are essential nutrients that have many biologic functions, many of which are related to metabolic activities, immune function, and antioxidant capacity. The pregnant dam provides essential nutrients to support fetal development, including trace minerals. Milk is known to be an insufficient source of many trace minerals during the early nursing neonatal period. The fetal liver is capable of concentrating minerals to generate a reserve for use during postnatal life; however, the sufficiency of this reserve is dependent upon maternal mineral status. Appropriate mineral supplementation in the gestational diet is critical to supporting fetal development, maintaining adequate antioxidant capacity to survive the birthing process, and sustain immune function and growth of the newborn animal.

Effect of Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) pellet supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, microorganisms, methane production, milk yield, and milk composition in dairy cows.

The aim of the previous research was to evaluate the effects of Brazilian spinach pellet (BSP) supplementation and dietary ratios on rumen characteristics, methane estimation, and milk production in dairy cows. Four crossbred Thai dairy cattle, with Holstein Friesian (HF) cows with a body weight of 442 ± 50 kg were assessed in a 2 × 2 factorial in a 4 × 4 Latin square design to obtain diets; factor A was the roughage (R) to concentrate (C) ratio at 40:60 and 30:70, and factor B was level of BSP supplantation at 2% and 6% of dry matter (basis) intake (DMI). R:C ratio and supplementation of BSP had no interaction effect on DMI and nutrient digestibility. On DM, organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake, the R:C ratio increased (p < 0.05). The digestibility of OM improved (p < 0.05) when cows were fed a R:C ratio of 30:70. On pH, ammonia-nitrogen, protozoal population, and blood urea-nitrogen, there were no interactions between the R:C ratio and BSP supplementation. Increasing the BSP supplementation to 6% (p < 0.01) decreased the protozoal population. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and propionate (C3) concentrations while decreasing the acetate (C2) to C3 ratio and methane (CH4 ) estimation (p < 0.01). The average concentration of total VFA has increased by 114.46 mmol/L for 6% of BSP supplementation. Increased BSP supplementation increased the C3 concentration while decreasing the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emissions (p < 0.05). The R:C ratio and BSP supplementation had no interaction effect on milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), or milk composition. The R:C ratio of 30:70 increased milk yield (p < 0.05) to the highest level of 12.18 kg/day. In conclusion, the diet containing a R:C ratio of 30:70 increased feed intake, milk yield, BUN, total VFA, and C3 concentration, and decreased the C2:C3 ratio and CH4 emission. BSP supplementation at 6% could increase TVFA and C3 concentrations while decreasing the protozoal population and CH4 estimation.

Meta-analysis of the effects of sulfate versus hydroxy trace mineral source on nutrient digestibility in dairy and beef cattle.

Trace mineral (TM) source can potentially alter nutrient digestibility through effects on microbial populations. A meta-analysis was conducted to determine whether sulfate versus hydroxy (IntelliBond) sources of supplemental Cu, Zn, and Mn had any effect on dry matter intake (DMI), dry matter digestibility, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. All available cattle studies (8 studies, 12 comparisons) were used to estimate the effect size (hydroxy mean - sulfate mean). Factors included in the analysis were method of digestibility analysis (total collection, marker-based, or 24 h in situ), study design (randomized design or Latin square), beef (n = 5) versus dairy (n = 7) cattle, and days on treatment; these factors were retained when P < 0.05. Dry matter digestibility was increased by hydroxy TM in beef (1.64 ± 0.35 units) but not in dairy models (0.16 ± 0.13 units) relative to sulfate TM. The NDF digestibility increased significantly with hydroxy versus sulfate TM, but digestibility assessment method influenced this response. Studies using total collection or undigested NDF as a flow marker showed a significant increase (2.68 ± 0.40 units and 1.08 ± 0.31 units, respectively) in NDF digestibility for hydroxy versus sulfate TM; but studies utilizing 24-h in situ incubation did not detect any change (-0.03 ± 0.23 units). These observations may reveal differences in precision of measurement or may indicate mineral effects beyond the rumen; total collection is considered the gold standard method. Hydroxy TM did not affect DMI per animal or per unit of body weight relative to sulfate TM. In conclusion, feeding hydroxy versus sulfate TM does not appear to affect DMI but, depending on type of cattle and method of measurement, can increase dry matter digestibility and NDF digestibility, which may be explained by differences in solubility of the TM sources in rumen, differentially affecting fermentation.

Industrial and Ruminant Trans-Fatty Acids-Enriched Diets Differentially Modulate the Microbiome and Fecal Metabolites in C57BL/6 Mice.

Industrially originated trans-fatty acids (I-tFAs), such as elaidic acid (EA), and ruminant trans-fatty acids (R-tFAs), such as trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA), may have opposite effects on metabolic health. The objective was to compare the effects of consuming 2-3% I-tFA or R-tFA on the gut microbiome and fecal metabolite profile in mice after 7 and 28 days. Forty C57BL/6 mice were assigned to one of the four prepared formulations: lecithin nanovesicles, lecithin nanovesicles with EA or TPA, or water. Fecal samples and animals' weights were collected on days 0, 7, and 28. Fecal samples were used to determine gut microbiome profiles by 16S rRNA sequencing and metabolite concentrations by GC/MS. At 28 days, TPA intake decreased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp55 but increased Staphylococcus sp119. EA intake also increased the abundance of Staphylococcus sp119 but decreased Ruminococcaceae UCG-014, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium sensu stricto 1 at 28 days. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were increased after TPA while decreased after EA after 7 and 28 days. This study shows that TPA and EA modify the abundance of specific microbial taxa and fecal metabolite profiles in distinct ways.

Effect of the Supplementation Using an Herbal Mixture as a Choline Source during Early Gestation in Rambouillet Ewes.

Previous research indicates that adequate choline nutrition during late gestation improves fetal development. However, there is a lack of studies describing choline's role during early gestation. Thus, the current study hypothesizes that an herbal mixture as a source of choline (Biocholine) positively affects offspring development from ewes supplemented during early gestation. Therefore, the objectives were to evaluate the impact of biocholine on the programming of the offspring early in life through the evaluation of dams and newborn performance. Twenty-eight four-year-old Rambouillet ewes were assigned randomly to two treatments: non-supplementation and 4 gd-1 of biocholine during the early gestation. Compared with the dams without supplementation, the ewes supplemented using biocholine showed no increase in parameters such as birth and weaning weight (p > 0.05). Additionally, the milk yield and quality of colostrum and milk did not present statistical differences (p > 0.05). However, the placental membrane development was reduced in the ewes that received supplementation with biocholine; interestingly, those dams increased the weight of the newborns during the lambing period (p < 0.05). Finally, the current study proposes necessary elucidation of how placental size is programmed and if less placental development has potential benefits in the fetus's development.

C57bl/6 Mice Show Equivalent Taste Preferences toward Ruminant and Industrial Trans Fatty Acids.

Two distinct types of trans fatty acids (TFA) are found in the diet. Industrial TFA such as elaidic acid (EA) have deleterious effects on metabolic risk factors, and oppositely ruminant TFA including trans-palmitoleic acid (TPA) may have beneficial effects. The objective is to evaluate the taste preference between EA, TPA, lecithin or water. In this study, 24 female C57BL/6 mice were microchipped and placed in two separate IntelliCages®. Nano encapsulated TFA or lecithin were added to drinking water in different corners of the cage with normal diet. The study was carried out over 5 weeks, during which mice were exposed to water only (weeks 1 and 3), TFA or lecithin (week 2), and EA or TPA (weeks 4 and 5). Mice weights, corner visits, nose pokes (NP), and lick number were measured each week. The results demonstrated that mice consume more TFA, either EA or TPA, compared with lecithin. In addition, the mice licked more EA compared with TPA in one cage; conversely, in the other cage they licked more TPA compared with EA. However, when TFA positions were swapped, mice had equal licks for EA and TPA. In sum, mice preferred TFA, in equal matter compared with controls; therefore, the results demonstrate the potential for TFA-type substitution in diet.

Effects of the inclusion of coffee pulp silage in the diet on the performance and profitability of crossbred milk cows in the middle tropics.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of coffee pulp silage (CPS) on the performance and profitability of crossbred cows in the middle tropics. The research took place at the Villa Marina Experimental Farm of the University of Pamplona, Pamplonita, Colombia. Four lactating multiparous bovines with a body weight of 380 ± 10 kg, 6 ± 0.03 years of age and a body condition of 3.8 on a scale of 1 to 5. The animals were distributed in a balanced 4 × 4 Latin square for residual effect. The experiment consisted of four subperiods of 21 days each, being the first 14 days of adaptation to the experimental diet and 7 days for taking samples. The base diet consisted of Pennisetum sp. forage, concentrated in a proportion of 0.2% of body weight, water, and mineralized salt at will. The inclusion of the CPS was included in levels of 4, 8, and 12% of the dry matter (DM) intake. DM intake parameters, nutrient digestibility, milk production and composition, blood parameters, and economic analysis were evaluated. Treatments were compared using orthogonal contrasts; contrasts were constructed in order to evaluate the effects of inclusion of CPS, and the linear and quadratic effects of level inclusion in the DM of the diet. For the variables which did not present inclusion of CPS effect but a linear or quadratic effect was significant, a Dunnett's test was performed to identify whether a supplemented treatment differed from the control. Significance was considered at P < 0.05 and tendencies when 0.05 < P ≤ 0.10. The inclusion of CPS in the diet increases (P < 0.05) the voluntary intake in kg day-1 of DM, organic matter (OM), CP, ethereal extract (EE), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC), digested OM (DM), neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap), DNDF and dietary NTD concentration, the total digestibility of DM and OM, and dietary DOM content. The production and chemical composition of milk was not affected (P > 0.10) by the inclusion of EPC in the diet. The inclusion of CPS increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of albumin and globulins in the blood. The inclusion of CPS in the diet improved the productive efficiency of dairy cattle. The inclusion of 4% CPS in the DM of the diet is a nutritional strategy, which improves the nutritional characteristics and the concentration of albumin and globulins in the blood of crossed dairy cows in the middle tropics and benefit: cost ratio without affecting milk production.

Effect of dietary inclusion of tea residue and tea leaves on ruminal fermentation characteristics and methane production.

The aim of this study was to compare the differences of dietary tea leaves (TL) and tea residue (TR) inclusion on rumen fermentation characteristics and to explore whether TR could be an alternative feedstuff of ruminants. For these purposes, seven treatments consisted of two inclusion types (TL vs. TR) and three inclusion levels (g/g of dry matter basis) of 10% (TL10/TR10), 20% (TL20/TR20), and 30% (TL30/TR30) in each inclusion type, plus control group with inclusion of 0% (CON) were designed, with four replicates in each group, to conduct an in vitro ruminal fermentation test. Results showed that the contents of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were higher in TR than TL, while TL contained more ether extract and crude ash than TR. Interaction effects between inclusion type and inclusion level were observed in concentrations of isobutyrate and microbial crude protein (MCP), as well as in gas production and digestibility of organic matter. Fermentation characteristics were significantly influenced by TL and TR depending on the inclusion level, except for the concentration of total branched-chain volatile fatty acid. These significant differences of fermentation characteristics due to inclusion level mainly focused on CON and tea inclusion, with higher values in CON than TR or TL groups. The total gas production during the 48-h incubation showed no differences among CON, TL10, and TR10. The inclusion of TR and TL decreased the production of methane. The concentration of MCP in CON, TR10 and TR30 was lower than TR20 and all TL groups. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of TR and TL possessed equivalent effect on rumen fermentation characteristics and methane production, substituting diet with TR or TL for over 10% would inhibit rumen fermentation despite positive effects in TR20 and all TL groups regarding more MCP and less methane production. This study indicates that special attention should be paid to the inclusion level of TR and TL when considering them as alternative feedstuffs of ruminants. Further in vivo study is needed to evaluate the applicability of tea residue as a feedstuff for production of ruminants.

The Impact of Fetal Programming in Ewe Nutrition with Chromium Propionate or Calcium Salts of Palm Oil on the Meat Quality and Bone of the Progeny.

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of chromium propionate or calcium salts of palm oil in ewes' diet during the final third of gestation and lactation on progeny performance, carcass characteristics, non-carcass components, and bone density. Forty-three ewe, Santa Inês and Dorper breed, three ± one-year-old, and body weight 57 ± 10 kg were used. The experimental design was in casual blocks in three treatments, CTL treatment (n = 15) with starch from corn; CR (n = 15) diet CTL plus chromium propionate; PF (n = 13) diet CTL plus calcium salts of palm oil. After weaning, 23 male lambs from these ewes were confined in individual stalls, with the same diet for 60 days, slaughtered. The data were analyzed using the SAS program, PROC GLM, and compared the means using Tukey's test at 5% probability. The maternal diet did not alter the dry matter intake, feeding efficiency, and average daily weight gain. Therefore, weights (weaning and slaughter) and carcass yield were higher for CR and PF groups than for CTL (P < 0.05). The treatment did not influence the loin eye area and fat thickness (P > 0.05). The spleen and the respiratory tract were smaller for PF and larger for CTL (P < 0.05). Leg weight was higher for CR. The perimeter and depth of the shank for the CR and PF lambs were higher, indicating an effect of maternal nutrition in this commercial cut. The CR group had a smaller epiphysis measurement and femur length than the CTL group. We concluded that the fetal programming effect in ewes fed with Cr propionate and Ca salts of palm oil benefited the progeny by increasing their body weight, better carcass yield, and a higher proportion of prime cuts.

Milk fat depression and plasma lipids in dairy cows and goats.

This study examines the effects of diets supplemented with various lipids selected to induce divergent milk fat content responses (including a milk fat depression) between dairy cows and goats on plasma lipid composition. The objective was to better understand the mechanisms behind the regulation of milk fat secretion in these two ruminant species. Twelve Holstein cows and 12 Alpine goats were fed a basal diet not supplemented (CTL) or supplemented with corn oil plus wheat starch (COS, 5% DM intake (DMI)), marine algae powder of Schizochytrium sp. (MAP, 1.5% DMI), or hydrogenated palm oil (HPO, 3% DMI), in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design, during 28 days. On day 27, blood samples were collected for lipid analysis. Plasma lipid classes were quantified by high-performance thin-layer chromatography, with triacylglycerol (TAG) and free fatty acid (FFA) fractions analysed for FA composition by GLC. Plasma molecular species of TAG and ceramides were determined by HPLC-high-resolution MS and by liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole, respectively. Irrespective of diet, plasma total lipid content was higher in cows than goats (+61%), and TAG concentration was higher in goats than cows (+157%). In cows, conversely to goats, COS increased the trans-10 C18:1 proportion in the free FA (+248%) and the TAG (+195%) fractions. In cows and goats, MAP induced increases in cholesterol esters, cholesterol and phospholipids compared to CTL and changes in the plasma free FA and FA of TAG profiles. In both ruminant species, the concentrations of the lipid fractions were unchanged by HPO compared to CTL. Our results point to species specificities and different diet effects in plasma concentrations and compositions of lipid fractions in cows and goats. These new data highlight how diets, that induce large variations in milk fat secretions, affect the plasma lipid classes available for milk fat synthesis.