Calidad del calostro bovino y su relación con la genética, el manejo, la fisiología y su congelación / Quality of bovine colostrum and its relation to genetics, management, physiology and its freezing

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar si la calidad del calostro se modifica por las características genéticas, fisiológicas y de manejo en el período preparto, así como evaluar si la calidad y composición del calostro se alteran en el proceso de congelación. Material y métodos. En el experimento I, se recogieron muestras de calostro y sangre de 35 vacas (18 Holstein y 17 Jersey). En el experimento II, se recolectaron seis muestras de calostro de vacas Holstein y se congelaron durante 60 días. Resultados. La concentración media de inmunoglobulina G (IgG) fue de 77.65 mg/ml en Jersey y de 82.77 mg/ml en Holstein. La genética, el orden de parto y la interacción entre estos factores no fueron significativos en la concentración de IgG en el calostro. Además, se observó un efecto genético de la vaca en el peso en la cría al nacer y en los tres días de edad (p<0.0001). Con respecto a la transmisión de inmunidad pasiva de terneros, no se observaron efectos de la raza de la vaca y el orden de parto en la concentración de proteínas plasmáticas de la ternera, así como después de tres días de congelación. Las razas de becerros Holstein (83%) y Jersey (82%) mostraron niveles de proteína sérica total por encima de 5.5 g/dL. Las vacas Holstein alojadas en potreros individuales con suplementos dietéticos, proporcionaron una mejor calidad de calostro (93.57 mg IgG/mL). Con el tiempo, el porcentaje de grasa cambió al congelarse, que se redujo con el tiempo (p<0.05) en el Experimento II. Conclusiones. El manejo previo al parto influye en la calidad del calostro, y la congelación no interfiere en la calidad centesimal e inmunológica del calostro, con excepción de la grasa, que disminuye a lo largo del tiempo.

ABSTRACT Objective. The aims of this study were to assess whether colostrum quality is modified by genetic, physiological and management characteristics in the pre-partum period, as well as evaluate whether quality and composition of colostrum is altered in the freezing process. Material and methods. In the experiment I, colostrum and blood samples of 35 cows (18 Holstein and 17 Jerseys) were collected. In the experiment II, six colostrum samples of Holstein cows were collected and frozen during 60 days. Results. The mean immunoglobulin (Ig) concentration was 77.65 mg/ml to Jersey and 82.77 mg/ml to Holstein. The genetic, parturition order, and the interaction between these factors were no significant on IgG concentration in the colostrum. Also, it was observed an effect genetic of cow in the weight on calf at birth and on three days of age (p<0.0001). Regarding transmission of calf passive immunity, no effects of cow breed and calving order were observed on plasma protein concentration of calf, as well as after three days of freezing. Calves of Holstein (83%) and Jersey (82%) breed showed total serum protein levels above 5.5 g/dL. Holstein cows housed in individual paddocks with diet supplementation provided better quality of colostrum (93.57 mg Ig/mL). Over time, the percentage of fat reduced at freezing, that reduced over time (p<0.05) in Experiment II. Conclusions. The pre-partum management exerts influence on colostrum quality, and the freezing not interfere on centesimal and immunological quality of colostrum, with exception the fat, that decrease along the time.

Benefits of thymol supplementation on performance, the hepatic antioxidant system, and energetic metabolism in grass carp.

Thymol is an herbal food additive used to improve animal performance. Thymol acts via its potential to enhance productive and reproductive performance, and by improving bioavailability of nutrients in fish. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms associated with these phenomena remain poorly understood, although recent evidence has suggested the involvement of the phosphotransfer network and antioxidant status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether the improvement of the antioxidant/oxidant status and the phosphoryl transfer network may be involved in enhanced growth performance in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed with various levels of thymol (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg feed). Thymol-supplementation (100 mg/kg feed) produced higher body weight and weight gain for 60-day post-feeding compared to the control group. Specific growth rate was higher; while feed conversion ratio was lower in fish that consumed 100 mg of thymol/kg compared to other groups. Hepatic lactate dehydrogenase activity and lipid peroxidation levels were lower in the thymol-supplemented group (100 mg/kg feed) than in the control group, while reactive oxygen species were lower in all supplemented groups than in the control group. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (300 mg/kg feed) and glutathione peroxidase (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg feed) activities, as well as antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (100 mg/kg feed) were higher in these groups than in the control group. Based on these data, we conclude that 100 mg thymol/kg dietary supplementation increased growth performance of fingerling grass carp. Finally, hepatic adenylate kinase activity was lower in the thymol supplemented group (100 mg/kg feed) than in the control group. Thymol supplementation (100 mg/kg feed) improved hepatic energy metabolism, while practically all tested concentrations of thymol enhanced hepatic antioxidant status, all of which may be pathways involved in increased growth performance in fingerling grass carp.

Effects of thymol supplementation on performance, mortality and branchial energetic metabolism in grass carp experimentally infected by Aeromonas hydrophila.

We determined whether thymol supplementation of would minimize the negative effects of Aeromonas hydrophila infection on branchial energy metabolism, weight loss and mortality in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). We found that the infected fish all died, while 62.5% of those supplemented with 100 mg/kg thymol survived. Cytosolic and mitochondrial creatine kinase (CK) activities, as well as adenylate kinase (AK) and pyruvate kinase (PK) activities were significant lower in gills of A. hydrophila-infected fish than those of the control group, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels were significant lower in the infected group. Finally, branchial reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significant higher in A. hydrophila-infected fish than in the control group. Supplementation with 100 and 300 mg thymol/kg diet prevented inhibition of branchial cytosolic and mitochondrial CK activities caused by infection, and also inhibited the reduction of branchial ATP levels. Supplementation with 100, 200 and 300 mg thymol/kg prevented the inhibition of branchial AK and PK activities induced by aeromonosis. Supplementation of 100 mg thymol/kg prevented weight loss after A. hydrophila infection. These data suggest that supplementation with 100 mg thymol/kg exerts potent bactericidal properties and augments longevity. Supplementation at all concentrations of thymol prevented A. hydrophila-induced branchial bioenergetics; nevertheless, higher concentrations were associated with side-effects.

Selenomethionine as a dietary supplement for laying hens: Impacts on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in fresh and stored eggs.

The objective of this study was to determine whether supplementing the diets of laying hens with selenomethionine (SM, 1% selenium) improves performance and egg quality. We supplemented diets with SM as follows: T0 control (without SM); T5, T10, T15, and T20 were supplemented with 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg of SM/kg of feed, respectively (equal to 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20 mg selenium/kg of feed). T5 and T10 hens showed better feed conversion per kg of egg, percentage of laying, higher daily feed intake, and higher average egg weight. The eggs of hens supplemented with SM had lower levels of lipoperoxidation (LPO) in fresh (T15 and T20) and stored eggs (T20). Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, as well as total antioxidant capacity were greater in egg yolks after storage (T10; T15; T20 compared to T0). Hens supplemented with SM had elevated GPx and SOD activities and decreased oxidative reactions. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Selenium has several nutraceutical properties, with beneficial effects on the health of the animal and the food produced from them (eggs, in this case). Selenomethionine supplementation in the diet of laying hens improves productive efficiency, stimulates the antioxidant system and reduces lipid peroxidation in the egg yolk. Egg-laying hens that received selenomethionine showed minimized lipid peroxidation in stored eggs, possibly improving shelf life of the eggs.

Benefits of the inclusion of açai oil in the diet of dairy sheep in heat stress on health and milk production and quality.

The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of açai (Euterpe oleracea) oil in the diets of lactating sheep under heat stress exerted beneficial effects on health as well as milk production and quality. Eighteen multiparous Lacaune sheep (2 or 3 parities; 28-30 days of lactation; average milk production of 1.7 L/sheep/day) were stratified by parity and milk production and were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): diet supplemented with 2% of soybean oil (SOY) or 2% of açai oil (AÇAI) in the concentrate for 14 days. The amount of oil added in the diet was equivalent to 0.65% of the total diet (dry matter basis). Blood and milk samples were collected on days 1, 10 and 14. On day 14, the AÇAI group sheep had lower serum concentrations of leukocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes than did the SOY group sheep. On day 14, AÇAI group sheep had lower serum concentration of triglycerides and urea, milk concentration of fat and total solid and milk lipid peroxidation than did SOY group sheep. However, on day 14, AÇAI group sheep had higher serum concentrations of glucose and globulin, serum and milk antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals, milk production and productive efficiency than did SOY group sheep. The fatty acids profile in milk did not differ between groups. These data suggest that açai oil improved the antioxidant activity in serum and milk and improved milk production and quality in dairy sheep under heat stress.

Effect of free and nano-encapsulated curcumin on treatment and energetic metabolism of gerbils infected by Listeria monocytogenes.

Bacterial infections require special care since the indiscriminate use of antibiotics to treat them has been linked to the emergence of resistant strains. In this sense, phytoterapeutic alternatives such as curcumin and its nanocapsules have emerged as a promising supplement in optimizing availability of bioactives and reducing the development of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify the effects of pure and nanoencapsulated curcumin in the treatment of experimental listeriosis in gerbils regarding many aspects including antibacterial effect, antioxidant mechanisms involved and the energetic metabolism. Four groups were used containing 6 animals each: T0 (control), T1 (infected), T2 (infected and treated with free curcumin - dose of 30 mg/kg/day) and T3 (infected and treated with nanocapsules containing curcumin - a dose of 3 mg/kg/day). Treated animals received curcumin for 6 consecutive days starting 24 h after Listeria monocytogenes infection. All animals were euthanized on the 12th day after L. monocytogenes infection. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) identified L. monocytogenes DNA in the spleens of all animals of the T1 group, as well as T2 (2 out of 6) and T3 (5 out of 6). The weight of the spleens confirmed the infection, since it was larger in the T1 group, differing statistically from T0, and similarly to T2 and T3. Hepatic histopathological examination showed mild infiltration of neutrophils and macrophages, except for the T3 group (only 1/6). In the liver, the pyruvate kinase activity was higher in T1 and T2 compared to T0 and T3. The adenylate kinase activity did not differ between groups. The Na+/K+ATPase activity was lower in T1 group compared to T0 and T3. Lipoperoxidation was lower in the T3 group compared to groups T0, T1 and T2. The antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals was higher in T1, T2 and T3 groups compared to T0. In conclusion, free curcumin showed potent antibacterial effects; however, the nanoencapsulated form was able to minimize the effects caused by L. monocytogenes regarding tissue injury, changes on enzymes of the energetic metabolism, in addition to an antioxidant effect against lipoperoxidation.

Use of grape residue flour in lactating dairy sheep in heat stress: Effects on health, milk production and quality.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of grape residue flour (GRF) on antioxidant activities, biochemistry variables, components of the immune system and milk production and quality of Lacaune sheep in heat stress. Twenty-seven multiparous lactating sheep [50 ±â€¯1.8 days (d) milking] were stratified by initial body weight, age, date of lambing and milk production and assigned randomly to 1 of 3 treatments (9 sheep/treatment): no GRF supplementation (control group) or supplementation at 1% (10 g/kg GRF) or 2% (20 g/kg GRF) of GRF (bark and seed) in the concentrate (grains and minerals mixture). Each ewe received 0.8 kg/d of concentrate, 3.6 kg/d of corn silage, and 0.25 kg/d of Cynodon spp hay. Milk production along with blood and milk samples were collected on d 1, 10 and 15. The 2% GRF sheep had increased serum concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity on d 15 compared to control sheep. Over time (d 10 to 15), lipid peroxidation was reduced in 2% GRF sheep. Total serum antioxidant capacity was greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 10 and 15. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity in milk samples were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep. Supplementation with GRF did not affect milk production but GRF sheep were more efficient compared to control sheep. Protein and lactose concentrations were similar between treatments, but total solids and fat concentrations were greater in 2% GRF sheep compared to control sheep on d 15. Somatic cell count was reduced in GRF sheep compared to control sheep. In summary, supplementation with 2% GRF in dairy sheep in heat stress resulted in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, which improved milk quality and reduced somatic cell count and lipid peroxidation.

Health benefits of subcutaneous zinc edetate and diphenyl diselenide in calves during the weaning period.

The aims of this study were to investigate whether treatments with zinc edetate (Zn) and diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) enhance performance, immune responses, protein metabolism, and oxidant/antioxidant status in calf serum and muscle. Animals were divided into four groups (n=6 each): control (without supplementation), and groups supplemented on days 50 and 70 of life with (PhSe)2, Zn, and a combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn. Animals treated with (PhSe)2 gained more weight by experimental day 220 than did the control group, but there was no difference by the end of the experiment (day 300). The absolute number of leukocytes and lymphocytes increased in groups Zn and (PhSe)2+Zn on day 20 of experiment, but decreased on day 40 in groups (PhSe)2, and (PhSe)2+Zn. The number of monocytes decreased in all groups compared with control. One of the principal findings was that (PhSe)2+Zn together had beneficial effects on protein metabolism, represented by increases total protein and globulin levels, compared with the control group. The combination of (PhSe)2 and Zn led to low levels of TBARS and ROS in serum and muscle, and stimulated antioxidant enzyme activities. Thus, supplementation with (PhSe)2+Zn may be a compelling approach to augmenting the calf antioxidant system during weaning.

Addition of grape pomace flour in the diet on laying hens in heat stress: Impacts on health and performance as well as the fatty acid profile and total antioxidant capacity in the egg.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of grape pomace flour (GPF) in the diet of laying hens at the end of the productive cycle and on heat stress could exert benefits on their health and performance, as well as egg quality. For this, 74-week-old laying hens (n = 64) were divided into four groups with four repetitions each, as follow: T0 (the control group; without GPF), T1 (1% GPF), T2 (2% GPF) and T3 (3% GPF) during 35 days. Percentage of laid eggs was higher in the group T1 compared to T0, and the feed intake was higher in the groups T1, T2 and T3 compared to T0. There was no difference regarding the chemical-physical composition of fresh eggs; however, eggs from GPF-fed chickens showed changes after storage regarding specific gravity, yolk index, pH of yolk, albumen and Haugh unit compared to T0. Fresh or stored egg yolk from GPF groups showed higher antioxidant capacity and lower lipid peroxidation compared to T0. GPF (3%) prevented the reduction of monounsaturated fatty acids in the yolk of stored eggs compared to T0. Glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities, as well as total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals were higher in the serum of laying hens that received GPF compared to T0, while lipid peroxidation was lower. In summary, the addition of GPF in the diet for laying hens at the end of the productive cycle can be beneficial for animal health and exerted positive effects in their performance and egg quality.

Metaphylactic effect of minerals on immunological and antioxidant responses, weight gain and minimization of coccidiosis of newborn lambs.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the metaphylactic effect of minerals on immunological and antioxidant responses, as well as performance and prevention of coccidiosis in newborn lambs. We divided 110 newborn lambs into two groups (55/group): control (untreated) and treated with two doses of 0.33 mL/kg of a mineral complex (zinc, copper, selenium, and manganese) on day of life (DOL) 1 and 30. Total blood was collected at DOL 1, 15, 30 and 45 to measure antioxidant enzymes, biochemical and immunology analyses, and haemogram. Treated animals were heavier (P < .05) than untreated lambs on DOL 15 and 45, but not on DOL 30 due to a coccidiosis outbreak. Catalase activity did not differ between groups, while superoxide dismutase and xanthine oxidase activities were higher (P < .05) in treated lambs compared with control animals. Serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher (P < .05) in treated animals (DOL 15, 30 and 45). A significant increased on the number of lymphocytes (DOL 45), as well as on seric levels of immunoglobulins (IgM and IgG) was observed in treated animals (DOL 15 and 30). Serum Ig levels remained constant throughout the experiment in the treated group, but fluctuated in the control group. Serum glucose levels were greater in treated animals (DOL 15 and 30). It is possible to conclude that subcutaneous administration of minerals has beneficial effects on lambs by increasing antioxidant and immunological defenses, reflected by greater weight gain, which could mitigate the impact of coccidiosis.

Effects of phytogenic feed additive based on thymol, carvacrol and cinnamic aldehyde on body weight, blood parameters and environmental bacteria in broilers chickens.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) based on essential oils such as carvacrol, thymol and cinnamic aldehyde, could be considered a replacement for antimicrobials used as growth promoters in broiler chickens, as well as to investigate its effect on total bacterial count, biochemical profiles, meat quality and meat fatty acid profile. A total of 240 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 4 groups with 4 replicates of 15 animals each, as follow: T1 (basal diet only; the control group), T2 (basal diet supplemented with zinc bacitracin), T3 (basal diet with 0.5% of the PFA), T4 (basal diet with 1.0% of the PFA). The addition of 0.5% of the PFA improved live body weight of supplemented birds compared to the control group at 35 and 42 days of age, while the total bacterial count in the environment was reduced when 1.0% of the PFA was used. In addition, intestinal villi height and crypt depth suffered variations during the entire experiment in birds treated with both concentrations of the PFA and zinc bacitracin. Total erythrocyte counts were higher on days 14, 28 and 42 in both treated groups (PFA) compared to the control group, as well as hemoglobin content on days 28 and 42. On the other hand, leukocyte counts were lower on days 14, 28 and 42 due to reduced lymphocyte counts in both PFA treated groups compared to the control group. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lower in broilers fed with either concentration of PFA on day 14 of life, and the same was observed regarding aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in broiler treated with 0.5% of the PFA. Also, total protein and globulin levels were lower on days 14 and 28 in groups fed with phytogenic compared to the control group. Regarding meat quality, breast meat showed higher red intensity and shear force in groups fed with both concentrations of phytogenic compared to the control group, while weight loss by cooking was lower. Finally, 1.0% of phytogenic showed lower docosadienoic acid (C22:2) content in breast meat. In conclusion, results showed that the use of PFAs based on carvacrol and thymol may be considered an interesting alternative to increase broilers performance, replacing the use of antimicrobials as growth promoters, as well as an interesting alternative to reduce the total bacterial count in the environment of broiler chickens. Moreover, the diet containing phytogenic also showed hepaprotective effects but deserves attention regarding possible alterations on the immune response.