An assessment on the effects of buffers on the productive, behavioral and metabolic parameters of Holstein dairy cows.

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of supplementing sodium bicarbonate or a commercial blend of buffering agents (BBA) comprising calcareous calcitic, magnesium oxide, calcareous algae, and sodium bicarbonate on the productive, behavioral and metabolic parameters of Holstein cows fed starchy diets. Over a 60-day trial period, thirty-six multiparous cows with an average milk yield of 38.84 ± 9.24 kg/day and 63.74 ± 18.63 days in milk (DIM), were randomly divided into two groups. The control group (n = 18) received a supplementation of 1.1% dry matter (DM) of sodium bicarbonate (Raudi®, Totalmix, Brazil), while the BBA group (n = 18) was administered with 0.5% DM of a blend of buffering agents (Equalizer®, Nutron/Cargill, Brazil). The mean values of ruminal pH (control 6.80 ± 0.06 and BBA 6.77 ± 0.06; P > 0.05) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production (control: acetate 62.63 ± 1.29%, propionate 22.99 ± 1.07%, butyrate 14.30 ± 0.52%; BBA: acetate 63.07 ± 1.32%, propionate 23.47 ± 1.10%, butyrate 13.70 ± 0.57%), were similar (P > 0,05) between the two groups. The value of faecal pH was higher (P < 0.05) in the BBA group (6.25 ± 0.02) than the control group (6.12 ± 0.02). Animals treated with BBA exhibited lower (P < 0,05) dry matter intake (DMI) (24.75 ± 0.64 kg/day), higher feed efficiency (FE) (1.64 ± 0.03), and reduced feeding frequency (52.89 ± 3.73 n°/day) than the control group (DMI, 26.75 ± 0.62 kg/day; FE, 1.50 ± 0.03; feeding frequency, 66.07 ± 3.64 n°/day). Milk production remained similar across both groups (control, 39.11 ± 0.92 kg/day and BBA, 39.87 ± 0.92 kg/day; P > 0.05). Notably, the control group displayed a higher (P < 0,05) concentration of milk protein (1.21 ± 0.05 kg/day) than the BBA (1.18 ± 0.05 kg/day) group. The study concluded that both treatments effectively buffered the rumen and mitigated the risk of ruminal acidosis. Moreover, the higher faecal pH in the BBA-treated group suggests potential intestinal action attributable to the synergistic effects of diverse additives with buffering properties. Despite a reduced DMI, BBA-treated animals exhibited improved FE.

Effect of arginine, glycine + serine concentrations, and guanidinoacetic acid supplementation in vegetable-based diets for chickens.

The study investigated guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation with varying dietary digestible arginine (Arg) and glycine+serine (Gly+Ser) concentrations in the starter phase, exploring respective carry-over effects on growth performance, blood chemistry, incidence of pectoral myopathies and proximate composition in broilers. A total of 2,800 one-day-old male broiler chicks were distributed in a central composite design with 2 factors and double experimental mesh, represented by supplementation or omission of 0.6 g per kg of GAA, with a central point represented by 107% of Arg and 147% of Gly+Ser, 4 factorial points (combinations of Arg/Gly+Ser concentrations: 96.4/132.5%; 117.6/132.5%; 96.4/161.5%, and 117.6/132.5%), and 4 axial points (combinations of axial points estimated for Arg and Gly+Ser, with the central points of 92/147%; 122/147%; 107/126.5, and 107/167.5%), totaling 18 treatments, 4 repetitions to factorial and axial points, 24 replicates to the central point, and 25 birds per pen. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 1 to 10 had a linear response (P = 0.009) for the decreasing Arg content and a quadratic response (P = 0.047) for Gly+Ser concentrations. Broilers supplemented GAA had lower FCR compared with nonsupplemented groups from d 1 to 10 (P = 0.048) and d 1 to 42 (P = 0.026). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) exhibited increasing and decreasing linear effects as a function of Arg (P = 0.008) and Gly+Ser (P = 0.020) concentrations, respectively. Guanidinoacetic acid decreased serum AST (P = 0.028). Guanidinoacetic acid reduced moderate + severe (P = 0.039) and mild (P = 0.015) Wooden Breast scores. The occurrence of normal White Striping increased (P = 0.002), while severe score was reduced (P = 0.029) with GAA supplementation. In conclusion, increased digestible Arg:Lys and 14% and 6% above the recommendations (107% and 147%), respectively, provided improved FCR during the starter phase. Dietary GAA supplementation (0.6 g per kg) improved FCR, reduced severity of breast myopathies and appears to have reduced muscle damage in broilers fed plant-based diets.

Replacement Nellore heifers receiving supplementation under different herbage allowance: effects on forage characteristics, performance, physiology, and reproduction.

In Brazil, heifers typically calve at 36-48 months. Due to the high demand for meat and the need to reduce slaughter age, high supplementation has become commonly used in beef cattle farming. However, the literature remains scarce on studies that explore the impact of grazing management during the background phase on the productivity and reproductive efficiency of young Nellore heifers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two-herbage allowances (HA) on forage characteristics, performance, physiology and reproductive parameters of replacement Nellore heifers. Ninety weaned heifers [169 ± 19 kg of shrunk body weight (SBW); 210 ± 28 days of age] were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to receive different HA: (1) High herbage allowance (HHA: 7.2 kg DM/kg BW) and (2) Low herbage allowance (LHA: 3.3 kg DM/kg BW); and divided into six paddocks, totaling 12 paddocks. The experimental period was divided into the growing phase (D173) and the reproductive season (D83). Continuous stocking with a variable stocking rate was used. The supplement was provided daily with expected intake of around 10 g/kg of BW. The HHA pasture showed greater values of canopy height, greater HA, and lower values of CP and CP: in vitro digestible DM ratio than the LHA pasture over the days of the study (P ≤ 0.05). Herbage mass and the green stem proportion were lower in LHA pasture (P < 0.01), while the green leaf (g/kg DM) and senescent stem proportions (g/kg DM) were higher (P = 0.080) when compared to HHA pasture. Heifers maintained on HHA pasture had a higher average daily gain (P < 0.01), forage intake (P < 0.003), higher SBW (P < 0.01), Longissimus area (P < 0.01), and 12th-rib fat thickness (P < 0.01) than those kept in the LHA pasture. The proportion of heifers that reached the weight at maturity on D173 (P = 0.027) and the proportion of pubertal pregnancy heifers (P = 0.042) were greatest in the HHA treatment. The blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.002) was higher in heifers maintained in the LHA pasture. Heifers maintained in HHA pasture showed higher values of relative abundance of mRNA for UGT1A6 (P = 0.004) and IGFBP3 (P = 0.072). The use of HHA criteria increased forage intake, body gain, and carcass attributes of animals, which led to better reproductive performance of Nellore heifers.

Effects of inclusion of the blend of essential oils, organic acids, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc in the maternal diet, and of incubation temperature on early and late development of quail.

The maternal diet and egg incubation temperature are some of the factors that can influence the embryonic development and performance of the newly chicks at 15 d of age. This study evaluated the effects of adding a blend of organic acids, essential oils, curcumin, tannins, vitamin E, and zinc microencapsulated in to the diet of female quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) on their productive, reproductive performance and redox parameters of their eggs and the interaction of maternal diet × incubation temperature on embryo (E16 and E18) and chicks development. At 98 d of age, 64 female quails with a mean body weight of 150 g ± 0.5 were distributed into two treatments: a Basal diet or a diet supplemented with blend (Sannimix). The eggs from each female were incubated at 37.5°C (Control) and 38.5°C (High Temperature) throughout the incubation period. After hatching, chicks were distributed in a 2 (maternal diet) × 2 (incubation temperature) factorial design. Female quails supplemented with Sannimix showed better productive and reproductive performance and produced higher-quality embryos. Their offspring had greater weight at hatch and at 15 d of age. The eggs and offspring of supplemented with Sannimix female quails showed better oxidative stability. At E16 and E18, High Temperature increased yolk sac utilization and gene expression of the growth hormone receptor (GHR). At E16, embryos from supplemented with Sannimix female quail had higher expression of insulin-like growth factor type I (IGFI) and heat shock protein 70 kDa genes. At 15 d of age, highest expression of the GHR and IGFI genes was observed in chicks from female quails fed the Sannimix diet, regardless of incubation temperature. Regarding the maternal diet × incubation temperature an improved result was observed for chicks from female quails fed with Sannimix even when eggs are exposed to High Temperature during the incubation. The supplementation of quail diets with blend Sannimix improves productive and reproductive performance, egg quality and their embryos, as well as their offspring quality.

Dietary ratio of linoleic to alpha-linolenic acid affects the reproductive performance of Japanese quail.

1. This study was conducted to assess the effects of different dietary omega 6:3 ratios fed to male and female Japanese quail breeders on incubation performance, chick quality and progeny performance.2. A completely randomised design was used, with five diets containing different ratios of vegetable oils rich in linoleic acid (LA from soybean oil) or α-linolenic acid (ALA from linseed oil) with LA/ALA ratios of 13.75:1, 10.69:1, 7.63:1, 4.57:1 and 1.48:1 with 12 cage replicates containing six birds each.3. There was a quadratic effect of the LA/ALA ratio on total hatchability (p < 0.011), fertile hatchability (p = 0.046) and total mortality (p = 0.046). There was no effect on fertility (p > 0.05). The LA/ALA ratios of 1.48 and 13.75 fed to both hens and cockerels or hens resulted in greater fertility, as measured by the number of days after copulation during which fertile eggs were laid and the number of points of hydrolysis on the perivitelline membrane. A decreasing linear effect (p < 0.0001) was observed on chick length and an increasing linear effect on body weight at 1 day of age. There were no effects on progeny performance.4. The LA/ALA ratio affected yolk mineral matter (p = 0.009), crude protein (p = 0.091), chick mineral matter (p < 0.038) and ether extract (p < 0.0001) contents. Maternal diet affected the fatty acid profile of egg yolk and chick liver, indicating that dietary contents were transferred to eggs and chicks.5. Fertile egg production increased with lower LA/ALA ratios. Therefore, linseed oil can be used together with soybean oil to formulate diets for female Japanese quail obtain LA/ALA ratios between 4:1 and 10:1.

Effects of dietary supplementation of cobiotic based on Agave fructans on growth performance, blood parameters, oxidative damage and immune status of broiler.

This study evaluated the effect of cobiotic (CO) composed of organic fructans powder of Agave tequilana and turmeric powder of Curcuma longa L. as an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokines serum levels of broiler chickens. A total of 135 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers distributed to five experimental groups, which included starter or finisher standard diets without AGPs (CON), CON + 0.25 COLI-ZIN g/kg feed (AGP), CON + 0.1 g Agave fructans/kg feed (AF), CON + 0.5 g turmeric powder/kg feed (TP) and CON + 0.1 g AF + 0.5 g TP /kg feed (CO), for 49 days. AF followed by TP, decreased feed intake, obtaining the best FCR. AGP increased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to other groups. CO significantly decreased the pH of the cecal content. AF increased IL-10 levels, while TP decreased it. AF decreased the IL-1ß levels. The present study showed that including a cobiotic based on AF and TP or components separately in a broilers diet improved growth performance, modified intestinal and cecum pH, and stimulated the immune system, which suggests CO as a safe alternative to AGP.

Effects of different additives on cattle feed intake and performance - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in the use of natural feed additives in animal feed. These can be used as replacements for antibiotics, to alter rumen fermentation and increase feed efficiency in ruminants. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of adding different feed additives in the diet of beef and dairy cattle on their performance, dry matter intake (DMI) and feed efficiency, through a systematic review followed by meta-analysis. The systematic review suggested 43 peer-reviewed publications, according to the pre-established criteria. In beef cattle, the ionophore antibiotics reduced the DMI, improved the feed efficiency without interfering in the average daily gain (ADG). Non-ionophore antibiotics and propolis extract increased the ADG. In dairy cattle, the ionophores, yeast-based additives, and enzyme additives increased the feed efficiency, DMI, and daily milk production (MY), respectively. Essential oil supplementation in beef and dairy cattle had no effect on the feed intake and animal performance. The systematic review and meta-analysis allowed us to conclude that different feed additives have different effects on cattle performance, however, our results suggest that there are a few gaps regarding their effects on animal performance.

Digestibility and nutritional parameters of maize ethanol coproducts and xylanase for broiler diets.

1. The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional and energy values of four maize distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and one maize high protein distiller's dried grains (HP-DDG) from ethanol production plants in Brazil; to evaluate the digestibility, performance, nitrogen balance and energy values for broiler chickens fed diets containing these coproducts (Experiment I); and to evaluate the effects of xylanase inclusion in diets containing maize DDGS for broilers on energy availability, digestibility, nitrogen balance and gastrointestinal morphometry (Experiment II).2. For each experiment, 180 broiler chickens aged 17 and 30 days with initial weights of 450 ± 18 g and 1228 ± 33 g, respectively, were used; the chickens were distributed into 36 metabolism cages. The experimental design consisted of complete randomised blocks, with six replications per treatment and five birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a basal diet (BD) and five test diets containing maize ethanol coproducts (Experiment I) one BD and five test diets containing DDGS with inclusions of 0, 8,000, 16,000, 24,000 and 32,000 BXU/kg xylanase (Experiment II). In Experiment I, HP-DDG and DDGS2 presented higher AME and AMEn values (14.1 and 13.9 MJ/kg and 13.4 and 13.3 MJ/kg, respectively), than did the other coproducts (p < 0.05). Compared with DDGS1 and DDGS3, DDGS4 and HP-DDG had higher digestible CP values (p < 0.05). In Experiment II, the inclusion of the enzyme quadratically affected the values of digestible CP and digestible EE (p < 0.05), with the maximum values occurring with the inclusion of 18 750 and 22,170 BXU/kg of xylanase, respectively.3. The digestible NDF and digestible MM values linearly increased with the inclusion of xylanase (p < 0.05). The addition of xylanase had no effect on gastrointestinal morphometry (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the inclusion of between 18,000 and 22,000 BXU/kg of xylanase resulted in better digestible CP and digestible EE values.

The addition of curcumin to the diet of post-weaning dairy calves: effects on ruminal fermentation, immunological, and oxidative responses.

Incorporating Curcumin into animal diets holds significant promise for enhancing both animal health and productivity, with demonstrated positive impacts on antioxidant activity, anti-microbial responses. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether adding Curcumin to the diet of dairy calves would influence ruminal fermentation, hematologic, immunological, oxidative, and metabolism variables. Fourteen Jersey calves were divided into a control group (GCON) and a treatment group (GTRA). The animals in the GTRA received a diet containing 65.1 mg/kg of dry matter (DM) Curcumin (74% purity) for an experimental period of 90 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 45, and 90. Serum levels of total protein and globulins were higher in the GTRA group (P < 0.05) than the GCON group. In the GTRA group, there was a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß and IL-6) (P < 0.05) and an increase in IL-10 (which acts on anti-inflammatory responses) (P < 0.05) when compared to the GCON. There was a significantly higher (P < 0.05) concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) in the serum of the GTRA than the GCON. A Treatment × Day interaction was observed for haptoglobin levels, which were higher on day 90 in animals that consumed Curcumin than the GCON (P < 0.05). The catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in GTRA, reducing lipid peroxidation when compared to the GCONT. Hematologic variables did not differ significantly between groups. Among the metabolic variables, only urea was higher in the GTRA group when compared to the GCON. Body weight and feed efficiency did not differ between groups (meaning the percentage of apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). There was a tendency (P = 0.09) for treatment effect and a treatment x day interaction (P = 0.05) for levels of short-chain fatty acids in rumen fluid, being lower in animals that consumed curcumin. There was a treatment vs. day interaction (P < 0.05) for the concentration of acetate in the rumen fluid (i.e., on day 45, had a reduction in acetate; on day 90, values were higher in the GTRA group when compared to the GCON). We conclude that there was no evidence in the results from this preliminary trial that Curcumin in the diet of dairy calves interfered with feed digestibility. Curcumin may have potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune effects that may be desirable for the production system of dairy calves.

Multiprotease improves amino acid release in vitro, energy, and nutrient utilization in broilers fed diets varying in crude protein levels.

Low crude protein (CP) diets can reduce nitrogen (N) excretion and costs by increasing N utilization efficiency. Exogenous proteases may further improve protein digestibility in low CP diets. This study first evaluated in vitro the efficacy of a multiprotease on amino acid (AA) release from feedstuffs and broiler feed. Later, a broiler study evaluated the effect of feeding corn-soybean meal diets containing 3 CP levels (17, 19, and 21% CP) with supplementation on top of 0 or 2,400 U/kg multiprotease on chicken growth performance, total tract CP, and ileal AA digestibilities, and energy utilization. Ross 708 male chickens were placed in 42 cages and assigned to 6 treatments resulting from a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Three isocaloric basal diets were formulated to reduce CP, but all diets maintained digestible Lys:CP in 5.47% and the same ideal protein profile. Data were analyzed in a completely randomized design. On average, the multiprotease increased (P < 0.05) in vitro free AA release by 27.81% in most feedstuffs evaluated compared to the control. For broiler feed, 1,200 U/g multiprotease addition improved (P < 0.001) in vitro free AA release by 18.90%. This multiprotease showed interaction effects (P < 0.05) on chicken FCR, energy, and CP digestibility. As expected, BW at 24 d, BW gain, and FCR (8-24 d) worsened (P < 0.001) as dietary CP reduced from 21 to 17%, and multiprotease addition did not improve (P > 0.05) these parameters. BW gain decreased by 12.9% when N intake was reduced from 49.32 to 38.49 g/bird. Multiprotease supplementation improved (P < 0.01) AMEn by 71 kcal/kg, CP digestibility from 59.45 to 63.51%, ileal AA digestibility, and DM digestibility from 67.08 to 73.49%, but only in the 21% CP diet. No differences in ileal AA digestibility due to CP level (P > 0.05) were detected, except for Cys digestibility (P < 0.01). In conclusion, low CP diets reduced growth performance and improved N utilization but negatively affected energy utilization efficiency. Exogenous multiprotease supplementation improved AME, AMEn, protein, ileal AA, and DM digestibility in the 21% CP diet without significantly affecting growth performance.

Meta-analytical study of the effect of fibers in neutral detergent and acidic detergent in the diet of finishing pigs / Estudo meta-analítico do efeito das fibras em detergente neutro e detergente ácido na dieta de suínos em terminação

Performance and carcass traits of finishing pigs fed diets containing different levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated through meta-analysis. The database was constructed using information from 24 papers, 113 treatments, and 2507 animals. Correlation and variance analyze were performed. The weight gain of the pigs showed a negative correlation (P 0.05) by the inclusion of ingredients with high NDF content. Likewise, the inclusion of ingredients with high ADF content did not alter (P > 0.05) feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, the use of ingredients with a high ADF content reduced (P < 0.05) by 4% the weight gain of the pigs. The use of ingredients with high concentrations of NDF and ADF negatively affect the weight gain and feed conversion of finishing pigs; however, the ADF-related fraction has a positive relationship with the reduction of the backfat thickness.

O desempenho e as características de carcaça de suínos em terminação alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram avaliados por meio de meta-análise. O banco de dados foi construído com informações de 24 artigos, 113 tratamentos e 2.507 animais. Análises de correlação e variância foram realizadas. O ganho de peso dos suínos apresentou correlação negativa (P 0,05) pela inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDN. Da mesma forma, a inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA não alterou (P > 0,05) o consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar. Porém, o uso de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA reduziu (P < 0,05) em 4% o ganho de peso dos suínos. O uso de ingredientes com altas concentrações de FDN e FDA afetam negativamente o ganho de peso e conversão alimentar de suínos em terminação, porém fração relacionada a FDA tem relação positiva com a redução da espessura de toucinho.

Meta-analytical study of the effect of fibers in neutral detergent and acidic detergent in the diet of finishing pigs / Estudo meta-analítico do efeito das fibras em detergente neutro e detergente ácido na dieta de suínos em terminação

Performance and carcass traits of finishing pigs fed diets containing different levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated through meta-analysis. The database was constructed using information from 24 papers, 113 treatments, and 2507 animals. Correlation and variance analyze were performed. The weight gain of the pigs showed a negative correlation (P < 0.01) with the dietary NDF content and with NDF consumption. The feed conversion ratio showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ADF in the test ingredient and with the consumption of NDF and ADF. The backfat thickness showed a negative correlation (P < 0.05) with the NDF content in the diets. The analysis of variance showed that the performance of finishing pigs was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of ingredients with high NDF content. Likewise, the inclusion of ingredients with high ADF content did not alter (P > 0.05) feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, the use of ingredients with a high ADF content reduced (P < 0.05) by 4% the weight gain of the pigs. The use of ingredients with high concentrations of NDF and ADF negatively affect the weight gain and feed conversion of finishing pigs; however, the ADF-related fraction has a positive relationship with the reduction of the backfat thickness.(AU)

O desempenho e as características de carcaça de suínos em terminação alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram avaliados por meio de meta-análise. O banco de dados foi construído com informações de 24 artigos, 113 tratamentos e 2.507 animais. Análises de correlação e variância foram realizadas. O ganho de peso dos suínos apresentou correlação negativa (P < 0,01) com o teor de FDN da dieta e com o consumo de FDN. A taxa de conversão alimentar apresentou correlação positiva (P < 0,01) com a inclusão de FDA presente nos ingredientes testados e com o consumo de FDN e FDA. A espessura do toucinho apresentou correlação negativa (P < 0,05) com o teor de FDN das dietas. A análise de variância mostrou que o desempenho dos suínos em terminação não foi influenciado (P > 0,05) pela inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDN. Da mesma forma, a inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA não alterou (P > 0,05) o consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar. Porém, o uso de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA reduziu (P < 0,05) em 4% o ganho de peso dos suínos. O uso de ingredientes com altas concentrações de FDN e FDA afetam negativamente o ganho de peso e conversão alimentar de suínos em terminação, porém fração relacionada a FDA tem relação positiva com a redução da espessura de toucinho.(AU)

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of gamma- oryzanol attenuates insulin resistance by increasing GLUT- 4 expression in skeletal muscle of obese animals.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle is the most important organ for whole-body glucose homeostasis. However, it has been suggested that obesity-related inflammation could be involved in insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) development due several mechanisms, among them, the reduced expression of the glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT-4). Gamma-oryzanol (γOz) is a compound present in the whole grain of rice that presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The aim of this study was to verify if the effect antioxidant and anti-inflammatory of yOz attenuate insulin resistance in skeletal muscle of obese rats by increasing GLUT- 4 expression. METHODS: Male Wistar rats (±187 g) were initially randomly distributed into 2 experimental groups (control, n = 6, and high sugar-fat diet (HSF), n = 12) for 20 weeks. At week 20th of this study, once obesity and insulin resistance were detected in the HSF group, animals were divided to begin the treatment with γOz or continue receiving HSF for 10 more weeks. At the end it was analyzed nutritional, metabolic, inflammatory and oxidative stress parameters and GLUT-4 protein expression. RESULTS: The treatment improved insulin resistance, reduced inflammation, increased antioxidant response and GLUT-4 expression. CONCLUSION: It is possible to conclude that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of yOz attenuates insulin resistance by increasing GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle of obese animals.

Estimation of ruminal outflow in buffaloes fed diets with different energy and protein sources by use of reticular and omasal sampling.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different traditional or alternative energy and protein sources, associated or not, on feeding behavior, ruminal kinetics, and post-ruminal flow of nutrients. Besides, it was assessed diets' effects on different sites (reticulum and omasum) of buffaloes. Four ruminally cannulated male Murrah buffaloes (average initial weight of 637 ± 66.37 kg) were randomly distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Treatments were arranged as 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The first factor evaluated was the inclusion of energy sources (ground corn and crude glycerin), and the second factor was the inclusion of protein sources (soybean meal and cottonseed cake). Buffaloes fed cottonseed cake had a higher content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and potentially digestible detergent fiber (pdNDF) in the rumen environment than buffaloes fed soybean meal. There was a sampling site effect on rumen digestion rates of pdNDF, passage rates of indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF), and pdNDF, and flow of iNDF. In this study, omasal collections were more representative. Total replacement of ground corn by crude glycerin promoted less NDF ruminal digestibility, and care should be taken to include this energy source. The cottonseed cake does not cause a difference in rumen dynamics and can totally replace soybean meal in feedlot buffaloes' diet.

Exigência de triptofano digestível para codornas japonesas / Digestible tryptophan requirements for Japanese quais

A coturnicultura é uma parte do setor avícola que vem ganhando cada vez mais espaço, pois possui inúmeras vantagens e entre elas a alta densidade na criação, redução no custo com mão-de-obra, alta prolificidade, rusticidade, precocidade, rápido ganho de peso, longevidade na vida produtiva, alta produtividade e rápido retorno do capital investido. Assim, torna-se necessário o fornecimento de rações que atendam às exigências nutricionais do animal, atrelado à disposição dos aminoácidos essenciais digestíveis na dieta, pois dos 20disponíveis as aves conseguem sintetizar apenas 10. O triptofano é um aminoácido essencial que atua no aumento do consumo, em uma possível redução no estresse e em várias vias metabólicas, tais como a via da serotonina, da melatonina e do ácido nicotínico, além de ter função também na biossíntese proteica. A serotonina é um neurotransmissor que influencia o comportamento, a secreção do hormônio do estresse e não pode atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica, mas o triptofano através de um transportador tem essa capacidade, tal fator promove uma melhor sinalização da serotonina. A melatonina é um neuro-hormônio sintetizado principalmente pela glândula pineal e pela retina, e está relacionada com a regulação do sono e do ritmo circadiano. O triptofano é precursor do ácido niacínico, que pode ser convertido em niacina, uma vitamina hidrossolúvel que atua como precursora das coenzimas NAD e NADP. Este estudo permitirá um maior conhecimento da atuação e metabolismo do triptofano, bem como suas exigências nutricionais para codornas de postura japonesas.

Quail farming is a part of the poultry sector that has been gaining more and more space, as it has numerous advantages and among them the high density in the creation, reduced labor costs, high prolificity, rusticity, precocity, rapid weight gain, longevity in productive life, high productivity and quick return on invested capital. Thus, it is necessary to provide rations that meet the animal's nutritional requirements, linked to the availability of digestible essential amino acids in the diet, since birds can synthesize only 10 of the 20 available. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that acts in increasing consumption, a possible reduction in stress and in several metabolic pathways, such as the serotonin, melatonin and nicotinic acid pathways, in addition to having a role in protein biosynthesis. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences the behavior, secretion of stress hormone and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, but tryptophan through a transporter has this capacity, such a factor promotes better signaling of serotonin. Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland and the retina and is related to the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythm. Tryptophan is a precursor to niacinic acid, which can be converted into niacin, a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a precursor to the NAD and NADP coenzymes. This study will allow a greater understanding of the performance and metabolism of tryptophan, as well as its nutritional requirements for Japanese quails.

Effect of a phytogenic feed additives mixture on milk physico-chemical properties and biochemical parameters of Holstein cows / Efeito de uma mistura de aditivos fitogênicos alimentares nas propriedades físico-químicas do leite e parâmetros bioquímicos de vacas leiteiras da raça holandês

This study aimed to analyze the effect of phytogenic additives based on cardol, cardanol, and ricinoleic acid on the physico-chemical qualities and biochemical parameters of Holstein cow milk. Nineteen animals were divided into the control (GI) and treatment (GII) groups. Prior to the beginning of the experiment, sodium monensin was removed from the feed provided to the animals. This study consisted of two phases. In the first, animals from GI received the standard diet, without additives, while animals from GII received the standard diet supplemented with 10 g of phytogenic additives for 60 days. At the end of the first stage, the animals remained 30 days without receiving additives and in the second phase the groups were inverted, and the GII again received the phytogenic additive during the subsequent 60 days. Physical-chemical analyzes of milk were performed at moments 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of the experiment and the blood parameters at times 0 and 60 days of the experiment were evaluated. There was no significant difference for the treatment x time interaction in any of the variables, but there was a trend between groups for the CCS parameter and there was a statistical difference for the protein, as well as for the AST. In this study it is observed that the addition of phytogenic additive modulating rumen fermentation based on cardol, cardanol and ricinoleic acid does not compromise, in general, the quality of milk, with positive results for some specific parameters such as protein content and aminotransferase.(AU)

Esse estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de um aditivo fitogênico a base de cardol, cardanol e ácido ricinoléico na qualidade físico-química do leite e perfil bioquímico de vacas da raça Holandês. Dezenove animais foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Controle (GI) e Grupo Tratado (GII). Previamente ao início do experimento, retirou-se a monensina sódica da ração fornecida aos animais. Este estudo consistiu de duas fases, sendo que na primeira fase, os animais do GI receberam a dieta padrão, sem aditivos, enquanto os animais do grupo GII receberam a ração padrão suplementada com 10 g dos aditivos fitogênicos durante 60 dias. Ao final da primeira etapa, os animais permaneceram 30 dias sem receber aditivos e na segunda fase os grupos foram invertidos, sendo que o GII novamente recebeu o aditivo fitogênico durante os 60 dias subsequentes. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas do leite nos momentos 0, 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias do experimento e avaliados os parâmetros sanguíneos nos momentos 0 e 60 dias do experimento. Não se observou diferença significativa para a interação tratamento x tempo em nenhuma das variáveis, mas tendência entre grupos para o parâmetro de CCS, e houve diferença estatística para a proteína, assim como para a AST. Neste estudo observa-se que a adição de aditivo fitogênico modulador de fermentação ruminal a base de cardol, cardanol e ácido ricinoléico não compromete, de forma geral, a qualidade do leite, tendo resultados positivos para alguns parâmetros específicos como teor de proteína e aspartato aminotransferase.(AU)

Effect of a phytogenic feed additives mixture on milk physico-chemical properties and biochemical parameters of Holstein cows / Efeito de uma mistura de aditivos fitogênicos alimentares nas propriedades físico-químicas do leite e parâmetros bioquímicos de vacas leiteiras da raça holandês

This study aimed to analyze the effect of phytogenic additives based on cardol, cardanol, and ricinoleic acid on the physico-chemical qualities and biochemical parameters of Holstein cow milk. Nineteen animals were divided into the control (GI) and treatment (GII) groups. Prior to the beginning of the experiment, sodium monensin was removed from the feed provided to the animals. This study consisted of two phases. In the first, animals from GI received the standard diet, without additives, while animals from GII received the standard diet supplemented with 10 g of phytogenic additives for 60 days. At the end of the first stage, the animals remained 30 days without receiving additives and in the second phase the groups were inverted, and the GII again received the phytogenic additive during the subsequent 60 days. Physical-chemical analyzes of milk were performed at moments 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days of the experiment and the blood parameters at times 0 and 60 days of the experiment were evaluated. There was no significant difference for the treatment x time interaction in any of the variables, but there was a trend between groups for the CCS parameter and there was a statistical difference for the protein, as well as for the AST. In this study it is observed that the addition of phytogenic additive modulating rumen fermentation based on cardol, cardanol and ricinoleic acid does not compromise, in general, the quality of milk, with positive results for some specific parameters such as protein content and aminotransferase.

Esse estudo teve por objetivo avaliar o efeito de um aditivo fitogênico a base de cardol, cardanol e ácido ricinoléico na qualidade físico-química do leite e perfil bioquímico de vacas da raça Holandês. Dezenove animais foram divididos em dois grupos: Grupo Controle (GI) e Grupo Tratado (GII). Previamente ao início do experimento, retirou-se a monensina sódica da ração fornecida aos animais. Este estudo consistiu de duas fases, sendo que na primeira fase, os animais do GI receberam a dieta padrão, sem aditivos, enquanto os animais do grupo GII receberam a ração padrão suplementada com 10 g dos aditivos fitogênicos durante 60 dias. Ao final da primeira etapa, os animais permaneceram 30 dias sem receber aditivos e na segunda fase os grupos foram invertidos, sendo que o GII novamente recebeu o aditivo fitogênico durante os 60 dias subsequentes. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas do leite nos momentos 0, 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias do experimento e avaliados os parâmetros sanguíneos nos momentos 0 e 60 dias do experimento. Não se observou diferença significativa para a interação tratamento x tempo em nenhuma das variáveis, mas tendência entre grupos para o parâmetro de CCS, e houve diferença estatística para a proteína, assim como para a AST. Neste estudo observa-se que a adição de aditivo fitogênico modulador de fermentação ruminal a base de cardol, cardanol e ácido ricinoléico não compromete, de forma geral, a qualidade do leite, tendo resultados positivos para alguns parâmetros específicos como teor de proteína e aspartato aminotransferase.

Exigência de triptofano digestível para codornas japonesas / Digestible tryptophan requirements for Japanese quais

A coturnicultura é uma parte do setor avícola que vem ganhando cada vez mais espaço, pois possui inúmeras vantagens e entre elas a alta densidade na criação, redução no custo com mão-de-obra, alta prolificidade, rusticidade, precocidade, rápido ganho de peso, longevidade na vida produtiva, alta produtividade e rápido retorno do capital investido. Assim, torna-se necessário o fornecimento de rações que atendam às exigências nutricionais do animal, atrelado à disposição dos aminoácidos essenciais digestíveis na dieta, pois dos 20disponíveis as aves conseguem sintetizar apenas 10. O triptofano é um aminoácido essencial que atua no aumento do consumo, em uma possível redução no estresse e em várias vias metabólicas, tais como a via da serotonina, da melatonina e do ácido nicotínico, além de ter função também na biossíntese proteica. A serotonina é um neurotransmissor que influencia o comportamento, a secreção do hormônio do estresse e não pode atravessar a barreira hematoencefálica, mas o triptofano através de um transportador tem essa capacidade, tal fator promove uma melhor sinalização da serotonina. A melatonina é um neuro-hormônio sintetizado principalmente pela glândula pineal e pela retina, e está relacionada com a regulação do sono e do ritmo circadiano. O triptofano é precursor do ácido niacínico, que pode ser convertido em niacina, uma vitamina hidrossolúvel que atua como precursora das coenzimas NAD e NADP. Este estudo permitirá um maior conhecimento da atuação e metabolismo do triptofano, bem como suas exigências nutricionais para codornas de postura japonesas.(AU)

Quail farming is a part of the poultry sector that has been gaining more and more space, as it has numerous advantages and among them the high density in the creation, reduced labor costs, high prolificity, rusticity, precocity, rapid weight gain, longevity in productive life, high productivity and quick return on invested capital. Thus, it is necessary to provide rations that meet the animal's nutritional requirements, linked to the availability of digestible essential amino acids in the diet, since birds can synthesize only 10 of the 20 available. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that acts in increasing consumption, a possible reduction in stress and in several metabolic pathways, such as the serotonin, melatonin and nicotinic acid pathways, in addition to having a role in protein biosynthesis. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that influences the behavior, secretion of stress hormone and cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, but tryptophan through a transporter has this capacity, such a factor promotes better signaling of serotonin. Melatonin is a neurohormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland and the retina and is related to the regulation of sleep and circadian rhythm. Tryptophan is a precursor to niacinic acid, which can be converted into niacin, a water-soluble vitamin that acts as a precursor to the NAD and NADP coenzymes. This study will allow a greater understanding of the performance and metabolism of tryptophan, as well as its nutritional requirements for Japanese quails.(AU)

Dietary supplementation with glycosaminoglycans reduces locomotor problems in broiler chickens.

This study aimed to assess the influence of glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates) supplementation in the diet on the performance and incidence of locomotor problems in broiler chickens. A completely randomized design was carried out in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (3 levels of chondroitin sulfate -0, 0.05, and 0.10%; and 3 levels of glucosamine sulfate -0, 0.15, and 0.30%). Each treatment was composed of 6 replications of 30 broilers each. The performance of broilers (average weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and productive viability) was assessed at 7, 21, 35, and 42 d of age, whereas the gait score, valgus and varus deviations, femoral degeneration, and tibial dyschondroplasia were assessed at 21 and 42 d of age. Increasing levels of glucosamine sulfate inclusion linearly increased the weight gain from 1 to 35 and from 1 to 42 d of age of broilers (P = 0.047 and P = 0.039, respectively), frequency of broilers with no femoral degeneration in the right and left femurs, and the proliferating cartilage area of proximal epiphysis at 42 d of age (P = 0.014, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.028, respectively). The increasing inclusion of chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates led to an increase in the frequency of broilers on the gait score scale 0 (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0001, respectively) and frequency of broilers with no valgus and varus deviations (P = 0.014 and P = 0.0002, respectively) also at 42 d of age. Thus, chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates can be used in the diet of broiler chickens to reduce their locomotor problems.

Modelling of sulphur amino acid requirements and nitrogen endogenous losses in kittens.

The objective of this study was to estimate the sulphur amino acid (methionine + cystine) requirements and nitrogen endogenous losses in kittens aged 150 to 240 d. Thirty-six cats were distributed in six treatments (six cats per treatment) consisting of different concentrations of methionine + cystine (M + C): T1, 6.5 g/kg; T2, 8.8 g/kg; T3, 11.3 g/kg; T4, 13.6 g/kg; T5, 16.0 g/kg; and control, 6.5 g/kg. Diets were formulated by serial dilution of T5 (a diet relatively deficient in M + C but containing high protein concentrations) with a minimal nitrogen diet (MND). Thus, crude protein and amino acid concentrations in diets T1-T5 decreased by the same factor. The control diet was the T1 diet supplemented with adequate concentrations of M + C (6.5 g/kg; 8.8 g/kg; 11.3 g/kg; 13.6 g/kg and 16.0 g/kg). All diets were based on ingredients commonly used in extruded cat diets. Digestibility assays were performed for the determination of nitrogen balance. Nitrogen intake (NI) and nitrogen excretion (NEX) results data were fitted with an exponential equation to estimate nitrogen maintenance requirement (NMR), theoretical maximum for daily nitrogen retention (NRmaxT), and protein quality (b). M + C requirements were calculated from the limiting amino acid intake (LAAI) equation assuming a nitrogen retention of 45 to 65% NRmaxT. The NMR of kittens aged 150, 195, and 240 d was estimated at 595, 559, and 455 mg/kg body weight (BW)0.67 per day, respectively, and M + C requirements were estimated at 517, 664, and 301 mg/kg BW0.67 per day, respectively.