High carbohydrate is preferable to high lipid parenteral nutrition in healthy dogs undergoing prolonged sedation.

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is commonly used in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with earlier hospital outcome. However, there is scarcity of information about the metabolic effects of PN caloric distribution for dogs. Considering the high tolerance of dogs to lipids and, also, that hospitalized animals usually present insulin resistance, PN formulation with high fat instead high glucose can provide metabolic benefits in this specie. This study evaluated two PN protocols, based on high lipid or high carbohydrate in 12 healthy dogs under sedation/ventilation during 24 h. For baseline data, blood samples were collected 24 h before the study beginning. After fasting, the dogs were anesthetized and put under mechanical ventilation without energy support for 12 h to obtain: daily energy expenditure (DEE), respiratory quotient (RQ), oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), lactate, glucose, cholesterol, and triglycerides concentrations. After, the dogs were allocated into two groups: lipid-based energy group (LEG) and carbohydrate-based energy group (CEG). Both groups received the PN infusions at a rate of 3 mL/kg/h for 12 h. Blood tests were performed 12, 24, and 48 h after infusion's completion. VO2 increased after PN in LEG, increasing energy expenditure compared to CEG. RQ remained close to 1 in CEG, indicating carbohydrate preferential consumption. Triglycerides increased in both groups after propofol infusion, remaining higher in LEG until the end of the evaluation. Glycaemia increased in CEG compared to baseline. In conclusion, both PN protocols can be used in healthy animals undergoing prolonged sedation protocols. However, high lipid PN had higher VO2 and DEE, and resulted in higher triglycerides concentrations and lower glycaemia indexes than carbohydrate, making high carbohydrate PN preferable to high lipid PN. Therefore, for use in critically ill patients, the data obtained in this study should be extrapolated, taking into consideration the specificity of each case.

Spray-Dried Animal Plasma as a Multifaceted Ingredient in Pet Food.

Plasma is a co-product from pork and beef obtained during the processing of animals for human consumption. The spray-drying process maintains the solubility of spray-dried animal plasma (SDAP) and its nutritional and functional properties, making this ingredient multifunctional in human and animal nutrition. In pet food, SDAP has been used in the production of wet foods (pates and chunks in gravy) as an emulsifying and binding agent, with the potential to replace hydrocolloids partially or totally, which have some negative implications for digestibility, fecal quality, and intestinal inflammation. From a nutritional point of view, SDAP has high digestibility and an amino acid profile compatible with high-quality ingredients, such as powdered eggs. Studies in companion animals, especially in cats, have shown that SDAP is an ingredient with high palatability. Despite the immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, prebiotic, and neuroprotective properties demonstrated in some animal models, there are still few publications demonstrating these effects in dogs and cats, which limits its use as a functional ingredient for these species. In this review, the potential use of SDAP in pet food, aspects related to the sustainability of this ingredient, and opportunities for studies in companion animals are discussed.

Determinant production factors to the in vitro organic matter digestibility and protein oxidation of poultry by-product meal.

The quality of poultry by-product meal (PBM) is not standardized in the industry. Several factors are detrimental to PBM and compromise its nutritional value and shelf life. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the main PBM production factors that directly affect its in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVDOM) and protein oxidation (POX). Data on the processing of PBM samples (n = 100) were recorded in a rendering plant. Two types of PBM were used: 1) Low ash (LA, n = 66) with mineral matter (MM) content of 11% and 2) High ash (HA, n = 34) with MM above 11%. Processing traits and chemical composition of PBM were considered independent variables. The IVDOM and POX were determined in each sample and considered dependent variables. Data on independent variables were submitted to factorial and principal components (PC) analyses. In vitro organic matter digestibility data were clustered (P = 0.001) in low (778.92 g/kg), average (822.85 g/kg), and high (890.06 g/kg). The best arrangement was composed of six independent variables distributed in two PC, which explained 82.10% of the total variation. The ash concentration, oil to raw material ratio, collagen, and crude protein comprised PC1 with greater relevance and explained 58.46% of the total variance. The PC2 was composed of the processing time and temperature and explained 23.64% of the total variance. Protein oxidation data were clustered (P < 0.001) in low (265.19 nmol/mg CP), average (393.07 nmol/mg CP), and high (524.40 nmol/mg CP). Based on our results, the composition of the raw material from the slaughterhouse holds most of the information on PBM composition and digestibility. Developing improvements in the slaughtering or in the screening of the raw material that will be used by the rendering process is important to obtain a more nutritionally standardized ingredient.

Characterization of the variations in the industrial processing and nutritional variables of poultry by-product meal.

The study aimed to measure variations in industrial process and nutritional variables of poultry by-product meal (PBM) in rendering plants from batch cookers. A total of 200 samples of low ash PBM with mineral matter (MM) content of 11% (LA, n = 104) or high ash with MM above 11% (HA, n = 96) were collected from 5 industrial processing plants. The highest coefficients of variation in chemical composition were for MM (LA - 19.70%; HA - 19.59%), ether extract (LA - 20.72%; HA - 14.86%), collagen (LA - 21.16%; HA - 30.00%) and water activity (LA - 24.54%; HA - 25.89%). However, the crude protein (LA - 5.07%; HA - 7.39%), dry matter (LA - 1.75%; HA - 2.90%) and organic matter digestibility (LA - 4.81%; HA - 6.78%) were lower. The variability of the data related to the process of PBM was: maximum process temperature (LA - 3.91%; HA - 3.56%), average process temperature (LA - 3.73%; HA - 4.71%), and processing time (LA - 27.37%; HA - 37.59%). This study evidenced that the corrective measures by limiting the amount of bones in the raw material, optimizing the pressing step for the poultry fat extraction, and also controlling the processing time of PBM may favor the production of more standardized PBM in terms of chemical composition and quality.

Effects of thermal energy on extrusion characteristics, digestibility and palatability of a dry pet food for cats.

The influence of specific thermal energy (STE) applications on extruder preconditioner was evaluated in a dry food for cats. In the first study, six STE applications were tested with mass temperatures of 45°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C, 85°C and 95°C. The extrusion parameters, starch gelatinization and kibble formation were evaluated. Diets were given to cats to evaluate digestibility, faecal characteristics and palatability. In the second experiment, three treatments were compared: low STE-a preconditioner temperature of 45°C (L STE); high STE-a preconditioner temperature of 95°C (H STE); high STE (preconditioner temperature of 95°C) combined with an increase in the mass flow rate to obtain a motor amperage similar to that of the L STE (H STEflow ). Data were analysed by polynomial contrasts (Experiment 1) or Tukey's test (Experiment 2; p < 0.05). An increase in STE reduced motor amperage, mass pressure and specific mechanical energy (SME) implementation (p < 0.001) and increased total specific energy (TSE) and mass temperature (p < 0.01). The increase in STE induced greater kibble expansion and starch gelatinization (p < 0.001). No changes in apparent nutrient digestibility or faeces characteristics were observed (p > 0.05). Lower STE and starch gelatinization induced higher butyrate and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) contents in faeces (p < 0.01). Cats showed greatest preference for the formulation with the highest STE (p < 0.01). In the second experiment, when the motor amperage was increased in the H STEflow treatment to a value similar to that of the L STE, the mass flow rate increased 40%, and the electric energy consumption remained unchanged (p < 0.001), with gains observed for efficiency and cost. In conclusion, STE application is important for sufficient TSE implementation, enhancing kibble expansion, starch gelatinization, cat preferences for food, extruder productivity and reducing SME application. Foods with lower starch gelatinization lead to increased VFA in faeces, with possible implications for gut health.

Growth Curve and Energy Intake in Male and Female Cats.

The aim of this study were (1) to characterize the growth curve in male and female cats, (2) to associate the growth and metabolizable energy intake (MEI) as an indirect measurement of the energy requirements, and (3) to determine the short-term effects of neutering on energy intake to maintain the bodyweight in young adult cats. Eighteen 5-months-old mixed breed cats were used in this study (males, n = 7 and BW = 2.2 ± 0.21 kg; females, n = 11 and BW = 2.0 ± 0.16 kg). The cats were fed to supply their metabolizable energy requirement for growth, adjusting the amounts to maintain an ideal body condition score. The animals were weighed every 15 days for 10 months (from 5 to 15 months old). At 12 months old, the cats were gonadectomized and the MEI was recorded for 3 months, up to 15 months old. Second-order, Gaussian, and spherical models were fitted to growth data. Male cats had higher energy intake for growth (MEI = 176.27-0.037t, R2 = 0.79) than females (MEI = 166.86-0.044t, R2 = 0.62), where t is the age in months. Male cats also reached mature weight later than female cats (16 and 13 months old, respectively). Neutering reduced the energy requirements of male (intact - 116.43 kcal/kg0.67; gonadectomized - 98.65 kcal/kg0.67; P < .01) and female cats (intact - 98.65 kcal/kg0.67; gonadectomized - 76.16 kcal/kg0.67; P < .01) on average 17.6%. This study suggests that in cats, males and females present different energy requirements since the early growth phases and, this difference remains after neutering in young adults. Female cats reach adult weight earlier than males.

Effects of combined use of keratinolytic enzymes and sugarcane fibre on the hairball excretion in cats.

Grooming is a natural hygienic behaviour of cats that favours the formation of hairballs. Increased fibre concentration in the diets is a strategy to minimize hairball formation, but it is not fully effective. Because cat hair is formed mostly by keratin, the addition of keratinases in the diets might be an alternative for hairball control. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effect of the combined use of sugarcane fibre and a protease complex to reduce the hairball excretion in cats. Twenty-four adult cats were divided into four treatment groups (n = 6 per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments were as follows: control diet (Control; containing low concentration of insoluble fibre, 5.34% of total dietary fibre), control diet plus enzyme (Co-e), high-fibre diet (HF; containing high amounts of insoluble fibre, 17.8% of total dietary fibre), and HF diet plus enzyme (HF-e). Proteases from Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1 were administered orally (5 mg/day) as gastro-resistant capsules. Total collection of faeces was carried out to determine the number of excreted hairballs and the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibilities (CTTAD) of the diets. Separate addition of insoluble fibre (HF; p = .5947) or enzyme complex (Co-e; p = .3633) had no effect on the hairballs excreted in the faeces. However, the combined use of insoluble fibre and enzymes (HF-e) reduced (p = .0344) the total number of hairballs excreted. The size distribution of hairballs (small, medium, or large) was not affected by treatments (p = .3763). The CTTAD of crude protein was not affected by protease addition (p = .781) but was reduced by HF and HF-e treatments. Sugarcane fibre associated to keratinolytic enzymes reduces the hairball excretion in cats. This strategy can be adopted for this purpose; however, methods for faecal hairball quantification must be improved. If you have not already completed a Copyright Transfer Agreement, please log on to Wiley Author Serivices, https://authorservices.wiley.com/bauthor/, sign-in and complete the License Agreement form".

DHA from microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) modifies the inflammatory response and gonadal lipid profile in domestic cats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response, oxidative status and fatty acid deposition in reproductive tissues of cats supplemented with the dried microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) as a DHA source. Thirty-seven cats (males, n 21; females, n 16; 11·5 (sd 0·5) months of age) were divided by sex into five groups. Treatment diets contained algae biomass at 4·0, 8·0, 12·0 or 16·0 g/kg replacing poultry fat (n-6 source). Cats were fed the respective diet for 62 d and neutered on day 58. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (day 1), before neutering (day 58) and 4 d after surgery (day 62) for analysis of inflammation and oxidative markers. Acute-phase protein levels were altered (P < 0·01) in the postoperative period, without any treatment effect (P > 0·05). PGE2 concentrations after surgery were reduced linearly (R2 0·8706; P = 0·002) with microalgal inclusion. Blood platelet count was reduced (P = 0·001) after the surgery regardless treatment, but it was higher in the DHA group compared with control (P < 0·001). The DHA deposition (testicles, R2 0·846; ovaries, R2 0·869) and the n-6:n-3 ratio (testicles, R2 0·859; ovaries, R2 0·955) in gonads had a pattern which fitted a quadratic model. DHA from Schizochytrium spp. modifies PGE2 response after the surgery in cats. The physiological roles of the DHA in the reproduction of cats were not investigated, but its gonadal deposition after supplementation was observed.

Effects of enzymatically hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal in extruded diets on serum angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and aldosterone in cats.

Several peptides found in hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, a property that indicates potential antihypertensive and health-promoting effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of extruded diets containing enzymatically hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal (HPM) on cat serum ACE activity and aldosterone (ALD) concentration, nutrient digestibility, and faecal characteristics. On the basis of a preliminary in vitro ACE inhibitory activity assay, a commercial HPM and a commercial conventional poultry byproduct meal (CPM) were selected for further investigation. Two isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated: CPM diet (25.7% CPM) and HPM diet (24.7% HPM). In trial 1, the effect of diet on serum ACE activity and ALD concentration was evaluated using 8 healthy cats (4 female and 4 male, 4.1 ± 0.38 kg BW) in a crossover design, with 5 d of adaptation and blood collection on d 6. In trial 2, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal characteristics were evaluated using 12 cats (6 female and 6 male, 4.0 ± 0.72 kg BW) in a completely randomised design. Serum ACE and ALD were analysed using a mixed model, with diet as the fixed effect and cat as the random effect. Data from trial 2 were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey's test. In vitro ACE inhibitory activity of HPM (90.4%) was higher than that of CPM (52.0%). Cats fed the HPM diet tended to have lower serum ACE activity than those fed the CPM diet (126 versus 142 U/l, p = 0.09). Serum ALD was not influenced by diet. Diets had similar digestibility values, and faecal consistency scores tended to be higher (firmer faeces) in cats fed the CPM diet than in cats fed the HPM diet (4.6 versus 4.0, p = 0.09). Inclusion of HPM in extruded diets may reduce cat serum ACE activity and promote good faecal consistency without affecting digestibility. Further investigations are needed to explore the potential health benefits of HPM in hypertensive cats.

Biomass productivity of Chlorella vulgaris cultivated in fish and dairy cattle wastewaters / Produtividade da biomassa de Chlorella vulgaris cultivada em águas residuais de peixes e gado leiteiro

The biomass productivity and nutrient composition of microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris, depend on the cultivation process and the nutrient content of growth media. Thus, in this study aimed to investigate the biomass productivity of C. vulgaris cultivated in fish and dairy cattle wastewaters. Thirty wastewater samples (2.5 L) were collected from system of production. Microalgae were cultivated in Erlenmeyer flasks containing 10 mL of microalgae and 1,790 mL of wastewater under constant light of 5,000 lux for 16 days at 25 ± 2.0 °C. Wastewater samples differed in composition. Biomass productivity was 47 % higher (P < 0.0001) in dairy cattle than in fish wastewater, reaching 67.61 g m−3 day−1 (dry matter basis, DM) when compared by Student's t-test (P < 0.05). Cultivation media also had an effect on biomass chemical composition. The C. vulgaris grown in dairy cattle wastewater was higher in crude protein and ash contents (359.6 g kg−1 DM and 230.4 g kg−1 DM, respectively), whereas microalgae grown in fish wastewater had higher nitrogen-free extract content (347.8 g kg−1 DM). Crude fat content did not vary greatly (mean of 313.15 g kg−1 DM). The pH (8.0 ­ 8.7) and ammonia concentration (0.07 to 0.4 mg L−1) in fish wastewater was stable throughout the 16-day experimental period. In dairy wastewater, pH increased up (6.3 to 8.9) to the fourth day and remained constant thereafter, and ammonia concentration increased up (24.3 to 28.7 mg L−1) to the eighth day and then it declined (2.1 mg L−1). The C. vulgaris was successfully grown in both wastewaters, but productivity was higher in dairy cattle wastewater(AU)

A produtividade e a composição de nutrientes da biomassa oriunda de microalgas, como Chlorella vulgaris, dependem do processo de cultivo e do teor de nutrientes dos meios de crescimento. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a produtividade de biomassa de C. vulgaris cultivada em águas residuais da criação de peixes e de gado leiteiro. Trinta amostras (2.5 L) foram coletadas dos sistemas de produção. As microalgas foram cultivadas em frascos de Erlenmeyer contendo 10 mL de microalgas e 1,790 mL de águas residuais sob luz constante de 5,000 lux por 16 dias a 25 ± 2,0 ° C. As amostras de águas residuais diferiram na composição. A produtividade de biomassa foi 47% maior (P < 0,0001) nas águas residuais de produção de bovinos leiteiros do que de peixes, atingindo 67,61 g m-3 dia-1 (base de matéria seca, MS) quando comparada pelo teste t de Student (P < 0,05). O meio de cultivo também afetou a composição química da biomassa. C. vulgaris cultivado em águas residuais de gado leiteiro teve maiores teores de proteína bruta e cinzas (359,6 g kg-1 MS e 230,4 g kg-1 MS, respectivamente), enquanto microalgas cultivadas em águas residuais de criação de peixes apresentaram maior teor de extrativo não nitrogenado (347,8 g kg−1 DM). O teor de extrato etéreo não variou (média de 313,15 g kg-1 MS). O pH (8,0 a 8,7) e a concentração de amônia (0,07 a 0,40 mg L−1) as águas residuais dos peixes permaneceram estáveis ao longo do período experimental de 16 dias. Nas águas residuais de laticínios, o pH aumentou (6,3 para 8,9) até o quarto dia e permaneceu constante a partir de então, e a concentração de amônia aumentou até o oitavo dia (24.3 to 28.7 mg L−1) e então declinou (2.1 mg L−1). A C. vulgaris foi cultivada com sucesso em ambas as águas residuais, mas a produtividade foi maior nas águas residuais de gado leiteiro.(AU)

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.

Factors affecting the results of food preference tests in cats.

The aim of this study was to (i) gain an overview of the protocols of food preference tests in cats through a systematic review, (ii) assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and sex, and (iii) propose a statistical approach based on power analysis to determine sample size and analyze the results. The manuscripts included in this review had marked variations in the number of days (2-56), sample size (9-60 cats), feeding times (2.5-1440 min), and number of meals per day (1-2) during the test. Additionally to the literature review, three palatability tests (lasting 10 days each) were conducted with 40 cats (22 males and 18 females, 1.8 ± 0.16 years, 3.73 ± 0.90 kg) to assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and gender on the results. From the second day of the test, the sensitivity of the results was higher, because on the first day the results in one of the tests differed from the others (p = .0058). There was no difference (p > .05) between times of day (morning vs afternoon) or gender (males vs females) on the results of the feed intake ratio. For a SD of 0.20, p < .05, and delta of 0.10, the minimum number of cats for two-bowl assays is 23 (test power higher than 0.75).The sample size and test duration are critical factors in the decision making by the investigators about the design of food preference tests in cats. The use of a power test is recommended upon planning a food preference test protocol in cats.

Evaluation of dried apple pomace on digestibility and palatability of diets for cat

The objective of this study was to evaluate increasing levels of dried apple pomace on cat diets and its effects on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and diet metabolizable energy (ME) and palatability. Fecal characteristics of cats were also evaluated. Four experimental diets were produced to contain 0, 30, 60, and 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace. Two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, the diets were offered to twelve adult cats distributed in a completely randomized block design (n = 6). Two evaluation periods (blocks) of 11 days were used to analyze diet digestibility and fecal characteristics. In experiment 2, the palatability of diets containing 0 (control) vs. 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace was compared using 20 adult cats on two consecutive days (n = 40). Increasing dietary dried apple pomace levels (0-90 g kg−1) linearly reduced the ATTD of crude protein (834.0-798.0 g kg−1 of dry matter) and ME (4290.1-4161.0 kcal). There was a quadratic effect of the increasing dried apple pomace levels on the ATTD of the other nutrients, as well as on fecal dry matter (fDM) content and output. The dietary inclusion of 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace promoted a greater intake ratio (0.61) in relation to the control diet. The inclusion of up to 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace reduces diet digestibility, ME, and fDM of cats. However, it improves diet palatability. These results indicate that the dried apple pomace is a palatable fibrous component and its inclusion can be used to reduce the energy content of cat foods.(AU)

Heritability of hip dysplasia: Preliminary results for German Shepherd dogs in Brazil.

The heritability of canine hip dysplasia in German Shepherd dogs was estimated using Bayesian methods. Data on hip score and status of 1632 dogs born from 1990 to 2013 were provided by the Brazilian Society of German Shepherd Breeders. Heritability estimates (mean ± standard deviation) were 0.1979 ± 0.058 for hip scores and 0.187 ± 0.055 for hip status. We observed no phenotypic trends and a small rate of genetic trend (0.52%) according to the year of birth, probably because of ineffective phenotypic selection and absence of genetic selection. The heritability estimates in this study can be used to achieve effective selective breeding and genetic gains, which in turn can result in improvements in dog health and welfare.

Male and female cats have different regional body compositions and energy requirements for weight loss and weight maintenance.

Body composition and energy requirements are different between males and females in several species, and both interfere with weight loss. The aim of this study was to compare the total and regional body composition and energy requirements in obese male (n = 8) and female (n = 8) cats, during weight loss and weight maintenance over 17 subsequent weeks after regimen. The total and regional (thoracic and pelvic limbs, and trunk) body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Females exhibited a higher fat mass (FM) than males (p < 0.05), and the trunk was the site with greater fat accumulation regardless of gender. A 23.0 ± 2.8% reduction in body weight was followed by a 50.3 ± 9.4% and a 37.0 ± 8.9% reduction in fat in the trunk region in males and females respectively. Lean mass (LM) mobilization was also increased in the trunk (p < 0.05), and the loss of LM was associated with a reduction in bone mass. The energy intake to achieve the same rate of weight loss was 12.9 ± 3.4% higher in males (p < 0.05). The cats exhibited a gradual increase in energy requirements to maintain their body weight after weight loss (p < 0.05). It was concluded that obese cats mainly accumulate fat in the trunk. The reduction in lean mass after the regimen also occurred in the trunk, with no modifications in the skeletal muscle mass of the limbs. Neutered male cats have higher energy requirements than neutered females, and gender should be considered during obesity management in cats.

Using near infrared spectroscopy to predict metabolizable energy of corn for pigs

The chemical composition of corn is variable and the knowledge of its chemical and energetic composition is required for an accurate formulation of the diet. This study aimed to determine the chemical composition, that is, dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE) and energetic values of different varieties (batches) of corn and validate mathematical models to predict the metabolizable energy values (ME) of corn for pigs using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Corn samples were scanned in the spectrum range between 1,100 and 2,500 nm, the model parameters were estimated by the modified partial least squares (MPLS) method. Ten prediction equations were inserted into the NIRS and used to estimate the ME values. The first degree linear regression models of the estimated ME values in function of the observed ME values were adjusted. The existence of a linear ratio was evaluated by detecting the significance to posterior estimates of the straight line parameters. The values of digestible energy and ME ranged from 3,400 to 3,752 and 3,244 to 3,611 kcal kg1, respectively. The prediction equations, ME1 = 4334 8.1MM + 4.1EE 3.7NDF; ME2 = 4,194 9.2MM + 1.0CP + 4.1EE 3.5NDF; and ME7 = 16.13 9.5NDF + 16EE + (23CP × NDF) (138MM × NDF) were the most adequate to predict the ME values of corn by using NIRS.(AU)

Dietetic combination of mannan-oligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides modifies nitrogen metabolism in dogs / A associação dietética de mananoligossacarídeos e frutoligossacarídeos modifica o metabolismo nitrogenado em cães

The goals of this study were to evaluate the effects of a mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) and a frutoligosaccharide (FOS) mixture in a 1:1 ratio added to a commercial diet for dogs before the extrusion process on the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of the diets and on the metabolizable energy (ME), nitrogen metabolism (postprandial blood urea curve, organic nitrogen balance, fecal concentration of ammonia and excretion of urinary urea) and fecal fermentation parameters (fecal pH and concentrations of short chain fatty acids). Eighteen adult Beagle dogs were used and randomly distributed into two treatments, being a control diet plus one diet in which the mixture of prebiotics was added before the extrusion of the ration. There was no difference in digestibility, metabolizable energy, fecal ammonia content and short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric) between the control diet and the one with the addition of prebiotics. However, the dogs supplemented with prebiotics before extrusion, had a lower fecal pH (p 0,05) compared to those in the control diet and a reduction in the post prandial blood urea concentration (p 0,01) was also observed in the animals receiving prebiotics, observed by the areas below the curve of urea and its increment. The possible mechanism involved in the effect of prebiotics on the reduction in the concentrations of blood urea is thereduction in the formation and intestinal absorption of ammonia, favored by the reduction of intestinal pH. These findings can be considered in the use of prebiotics in clinical nutrition.(AU)

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de uma mistura de mannan-oligossacarídeos (MOS) e frutoligossacarídeos (FOS), na proporção de 1:1 adicionados a uma dieta para cães, antes ou após o processo de extrusão, sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente das dietas, energia metabolizável, metabolismo do nitrogênio (curva de uréia sérica pós-prandial, balanço orgânico de nitrogênio, concentração fecal de amônia e excreção de uréia urinária) e parâmetros fermentativos fecais (pH fecal e concentrações de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta). Foram utilizados 18 cães adultos da raça Beagle, distribuídos ao acaso em três tratamentos, sendo uma ração controle mais duas dietas em que a mistura dos prebióticos foram adicionados antes ou após o processo de extrusão das rações. Não houve diferença na digestibilidade, energia metabolizável, teor de amônia fecal e de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (acético, propiônico e butírico) entre as dietas controle e com adição dos prebióticos. Entretanto, os cães suplementados com prebiótico, antes ou após a extrusão, apresentaram menor pH fecal (p 0,05) em relação à dieta controle e foi observado ainda redução na concentração pós-prandial de uréia sérica (p 0,01) nos animais que receberam prebióticos, observados pelas áreas abaixo da curva de uréia e do seu incremento. O processo de extrusão não afetou os efeitos biológicos destes prebióticos sobre os parâmetros avaliados nos cães. Possíveis mecanismos implicados no efeito dos prebióticos sobre a redução nas concentrações de uréia sérica são a diminuição na formação e absorção intestinal de amônia, favorecidas pela redução no pH intestinal. Estes achados podem ser considerados no uso de prebióticos em nutrição clínica.(AU)

Dietetic combination of mannan-oligosaccharides and fructooligosaccharides modifies nitrogen metabolism in dogs / A associação dietética de mananoligossacarídeos e frutoligossacarídeos modifica o metabolismo nitrogenado em cães

The goals of this study were to evaluate the effects of a mannan-oligosaccharide (MOS) and a frutoligosaccharide (FOS) mixture in a 1:1 ratio added to a commercial diet for dogs before the extrusion process on the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of the diets and on the metabolizable energy (ME), nitrogen metabolism (postprandial blood urea curve, organic nitrogen balance, fecal concentration of ammonia and excretion of urinary urea) and fecal fermentation parameters (fecal pH and concentrations of short chain fatty acids). Eighteen adult Beagle dogs were used and randomly distributed into two treatments, being a control diet plus one diet in which the mixture of prebiotics was added before the extrusion of the ration. There was no difference in digestibility, metabolizable energy, fecal ammonia content and short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric) between the control diet and the one with the addition of prebiotics. However, the dogs supplemented with prebiotics before extrusion, had a lower fecal pH (p 0,05) compared to those in the control diet and a reduction in the post prandial blood urea concentration (p 0,01) was also observed in the animals receiving prebiotics, observed by the areas below the curve of urea and its increment. The possible mechanism involved in the effect of prebiotics on the reduction in the concentrations of blood urea is thereduction in the formation and intestinal absorption of ammonia, favored by the reduction of intestinal pH. These findings can be considered in the use of prebiotics in clinical nutrition.

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de uma mistura de mannan-oligossacarídeos (MOS) e frutoligossacarídeos (FOS), na proporção de 1:1 adicionados a uma dieta para cães, antes ou após o processo de extrusão, sobre os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente das dietas, energia metabolizável, metabolismo do nitrogênio (curva de uréia sérica pós-prandial, balanço orgânico de nitrogênio, concentração fecal de amônia e excreção de uréia urinária) e parâmetros fermentativos fecais (pH fecal e concentrações de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta). Foram utilizados 18 cães adultos da raça Beagle, distribuídos ao acaso em três tratamentos, sendo uma ração controle mais duas dietas em que a mistura dos prebióticos foram adicionados antes ou após o processo de extrusão das rações. Não houve diferença na digestibilidade, energia metabolizável, teor de amônia fecal e de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (acético, propiônico e butírico) entre as dietas controle e com adição dos prebióticos. Entretanto, os cães suplementados com prebiótico, antes ou após a extrusão, apresentaram menor pH fecal (p 0,05) em relação à dieta controle e foi observado ainda redução na concentração pós-prandial de uréia sérica (p 0,01) nos animais que receberam prebióticos, observados pelas áreas abaixo da curva de uréia e do seu incremento. O processo de extrusão não afetou os efeitos biológicos destes prebióticos sobre os parâmetros avaliados nos cães. Possíveis mecanismos implicados no efeito dos prebióticos sobre a redução nas concentrações de uréia sérica são a diminuição na formação e absorção intestinal de amônia, favorecidas pela redução no pH intestinal. Estes achados podem ser considerados no uso de prebióticos em nutrição clínica.

Immunomodulatory nutraceuticals with potential clinical use for dogs and cats / Nutracêuticos imunomoduladores com potencial uso clínico para cães e gatos

The use of nutraceuticals in veterinary medicine is growing and is assumed that they could aid in clinical treatment. This review aims to describe some nutraceuticals that act on the immunity of dogs and cats and show the possible benefits as an adjuvant treatment for some diseases. The action of some yeast derivates as immunomodulators, especially the beta-glucan fraction, was already proved to occur in dogs and cats, being beneficial as an adjuvant therapy in many clinical conditions. Omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids, possibly the mostly used nutraceuticals, can improve the condition in some diseases, such as hypertension, renal, cardiac, gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases, arthritis and cancer. Vitamin E has antioxidant and immunomodulatory action and can aid in the treatment of dermatologic and hepatobiliar conditions. The use of carotenoids, which have similar action to vitamin E, can be of interest for being potent antioxidants and might be helpful for enhancing immune response against microorganisms and also act preventing tumors. Despite it are still needed clinical trials to better understand the real benefits of nutraceuticals supplementation in each specific disease, the comprehension of the mechanisms by which they act indicates they are promising for clinical use.(AU)

Tem-se observado o uso crescente de nutracêuticos em medicina veterinária, para auxiliar no tratamento clínico. Esta revisão teve como objetivo descrever alguns nutracêuticos que atuam sobre a imunidade de cães e gatos e levantar os possíveis benefícios como tratamento adjuvante para determinadas enfermidades. A ação de derivados de levedura tem sido bastante avaliada, especialmente da fração beta-glucano, um potente imunomodulador, com ação já demonstrada em cães e gatos, sendo benéfico no tratamento de algumas doenças. Os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados ômega-3, talvez os mais utilizados atualmente, podem trazer benefícios no tratamento de hipertensão, doenças renais e cardíacas, artrites, doenças autoimunes, doenças gastrintestinais e câncer. A vitamina E apresenta ação antioxidante e imunomoduladora, podendo auxiliar no tratamento de doenças dermatológicas e hepatobiliares. O uso de carotenoides, que tem ação semelhante à da vitamina E, pode ser interessante por serem potentes antioxidantes, podem ajudar na melhora da resposta imune contra microrganismos e, também, na prevenção do aparecimento de tumores. Apesar de ainda serem necessários mais estudos clínicos para se entender os reais benefícios trazidos pela suplementação dos nutracêuticos em cada doença específica, a compreensão dos mecanismos de ação destes indica que são promissores para uso clínico.(AU)

Immunomodulatory nutraceuticals with potential clinical use for dogs and cats / Nutracêuticos imunomoduladores com potencial uso clínico para cães e gatos

The use of nutraceuticals in veterinary medicine is growing and is assumed that they could aid in clinical treatment. This review aims to describe some nutraceuticals that act on the immunity of dogs and cats and show the possible benefits as an adjuvant treatment for some diseases. The action of some yeast derivates as immunomodulators, especially the beta-glucan fraction, was already proved to occur in dogs and cats, being beneficial as an adjuvant therapy in many clinical conditions. Omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids, possibly the mostly used nutraceuticals, can improve the condition in some diseases, such as hypertension, renal, cardiac, gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases, arthritis and cancer. Vitamin E has antioxidant and immunomodulatory action and can aid in the treatment of dermatologic and hepatobiliar conditions. The use of carotenoids, which have similar action to vitamin E, can be of interest for being potent antioxidants and might be helpful for enhancing immune response against microorganisms and also act preventing tumors. Despite it are still needed clinical trials to better understand the real benefits of nutraceuticals supplementation in each specific disease, the comprehension of the mechanisms by which they act indicates they are promising for clinical use.

Tem-se observado o uso crescente de nutracêuticos em medicina veterinária, para auxiliar no tratamento clínico. Esta revisão teve como objetivo descrever alguns nutracêuticos que atuam sobre a imunidade de cães e gatos e levantar os possíveis benefícios como tratamento adjuvante para determinadas enfermidades. A ação de derivados de levedura tem sido bastante avaliada, especialmente da fração beta-glucano, um potente imunomodulador, com ação já demonstrada em cães e gatos, sendo benéfico no tratamento de algumas doenças. Os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados ômega-3, talvez os mais utilizados atualmente, podem trazer benefícios no tratamento de hipertensão, doenças renais e cardíacas, artrites, doenças autoimunes, doenças gastrintestinais e câncer. A vitamina E apresenta ação antioxidante e imunomoduladora, podendo auxiliar no tratamento de doenças dermatológicas e hepatobiliares. O uso de carotenoides, que tem ação semelhante à da vitamina E, pode ser interessante por serem potentes antioxidantes, podem ajudar na melhora da resposta imune contra microrganismos e, também, na prevenção do aparecimento de tumores. Apesar de ainda serem necessários mais estudos clínicos para se entender os reais benefícios trazidos pela suplementação dos nutracêuticos em cada doença específica, a compreensão dos mecanismos de ação destes indica que são p