Effect of Hay Soaking Duration on Metabolizable Energy, Total and Prececal Digestible Crude Protein and Amino Acids, Non-Starch Carbohydrates, Macronutrients and Trace Elements.

Soaking hay before feeding has been documented to reduce airborn respirable particles and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content which may have positive benefits for horses suffering from Equine Asthma (EA) or Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). Prolonged soaking also leaches minerals, but to-date no measurement of the loss of small intestine digestible crude protein has been documented. One aim of this study was to investigate various soaking durations on nutrient contents of hay, WSC, macronutrients, and trace elements levels. Another objective was to determine the prececal digestible crude protein (pcd CP) and amino acid (pcd AA) fraction contents and prececal digestibility (pcD). Four different batches of meadow hay were soaked in water (20° C during preparation) for 0 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and 12 hours and drained for 20 minutes. A 15 minutes soaking duration significantly reduced the levels of nearly all investigated nutrients (e.g. for fructans, and WSC, macronutrients and trace elements). However, the crude fiber, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin content increased. Metabolizable energy (ME) contents decreased by 5-15 %, pcd CP and pcd AA fell by 35 %, and the pcD declined by up to 49 %. In contrast, the pcD was 56 % before soaking. Longer soaking durations did not enhance the wash-out effect. Horse owners should be aware that soaking hay, regardless of reason, may negatively alter the nutritional value. The wide range of wash-out effects may pose risks in calculating the correct dry matter portion to prevent weight loss and maintain ME, pcd CP and pcd AA requirements, especially for horses with EMS and EA.

Detoxifying deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated feedstuff: consequences of sodium sulphite (SoS) treatment on performance and blood parameters in fattening pigs.

A 10-week feeding experiment was carried out examining the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON)-contaminated maize treated with different sodium sulphite (SoS) concentrations on performance, health and DON-plasma concentrations in fattening pigs. Two maize batches were used: background-contaminated (CON, 0.73 mg/kg maize) and Fusarium-toxin contaminated (DON, 44.45 mg/kg maize) maize. Both were wet preserved at 20% moisture content, with one of three (0.0, 2.5, 5.0 g/kg maize) sodium sulphite concentrations and propionic acid (15%). Each maize batch was then mixed into a barley-wheat-based diet at a proportion of 10%, resulting in the following 6 feeding groups: CON- (CON + 0.0 g SoS/kg maize), CON2.5 (CON + 2.5 g SoS/kg maize), CON5.0 (CON + 5.0 g SoS/kg maize), DON- (DON + 0.0 g SoS/kg maize), DON2.5 (DON + 2.5 g SoS/kg maize) and DON5.0 (DON + 5.0 g SoS/kg maize). Dietary DON concentration was reduced by ~ 36% in group DON2.5 and ~ 63% in group DON5.0. There was no impact on ZEN concentration in the diets due to SoS treatment. Pigs receiving diet DON- showed markedly lower feed intake (FI) compared to those fed the control diets. With SoS-treatment of maize, FI of pigs fed the DON diet (DON5.0: 3.35 kg/d) were comparable to that control (CON-: 3.30 kg/day), and these effects were also reflected in live weight gain. There were some effects of SoS, DON or their interaction on serum urea, cholesterol and albumin, but always within the physiological range and thus likely negligible. SoS wet preservation of Fusarium-toxin contaminated maize successfully detoxified DON to its innocuous sulfonates, thus restoring impaired performance in fatteners.

Modification of the equine gastrointestinal microbiota by Jerusalem artichoke meal supplementation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of natural prebiotic active compounds on the microbial composition in different regions of the equine gastrointestinal tract. Twelve adult horses (body weight [bwt] 534 ± 64.5 kg; age 14 ± 7.5 years) were randomly divided into two feeding groups. Six horses received a basal diet consisting of 1.5 kg hay/100 kg bwt x d-1 and oat grains equal to 1.19 g starch/kg bwt x d-1, supplemented with Jerusalem artichoke meal providing prebiotic fructooligosaccharides + inulin in a quantity of 0.15 g/kg bwt x d-1. The remaining horses received a placebo added to the basal diet. The horses were fed for 21 d and euthanized at the end of the feeding period. Digesta samples from different parts of the gastrointestinal tract were taken, DNA extracted and the V1-V2 region of the 16S rRNA gene amplified. Supplementation with the prebiotic increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (P < 0.05), with a concurrent reduction of the relative abundance of Streptococcus mainly in the stomach (P < 0.05). In the hindgut, the supplemental prebiotic also increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus but further reduced the relative abundance of fibrolytic bacteria, specifically the unclassified members of the families Lachnospiraceae (P < 0.05) and Ruminococcaceae. The relative abundance of the genus Ruminococcus increased solely in the caecum and colon transversum. Overall, the addition of the prebiotic significantly increased the diversity in nearly all parts of the gastrointestinal tract (P < 0.05). The feeding of this natural prebiotic compound to horses had an impact on the microbial community in the entire gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, the effect on the bacterial community in the foregut (especially the stomach) was more pronounced in comparison to the effect in the hindgut. Therefore, the impact on stomach health should be carefully considered.

Influence of conjugated linoleic acids and vitamin E on milk fatty acid composition and concentrations of vitamin A and α-tocopherol in blood and milk of dairy cows.

The objective of this trial was to investigate the influences of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vitamin E (Vit. E) and their interactions on fatty acid composition and vitamins in milk (α-tocopherol, retinol and ß-carotene) as well as on α-tocopherol in blood of pluriparous cows from week 6 ante partum until week 10 post-partum (p.p.). We assigned 59 pluriparous German Holstein cows to four treatment groups with the treatment factors CLA and Vit. E at two levels in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Milk fatty acid composition and milk vitamins were analysed on lactation days 7 and 28. α-tocopherol in blood serum was analysed on days -42, -7, 1, 7, 14, 28 and 70 relative to parturition. Milk concentration of α-tocopherol was influenced by Vit. E (p < .001) and CLA (p = .034). Percentage of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in total milk fat was influenced by treatment with CLA (p < .001), while for percentage of trans-10, cis-12 CLA an interaction between treatment and day (p = .019), driven by an increase in both CLA groups from day 7 to day 28, was found. Serum ratios of α-tocopherol to cholesterol were influenced by Vit. E (p < .001). Results suggest that treatment with CLA during late pregnancy and early lactation is suitable to enhance the proportion of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in milk and thereby influencing nutritional properties. As treatment with Vit. E did not have an impact on milk fatty acid composition, it might be possible to increase the antioxidative capacity of the dairy cow without affecting milk properties. Consequently, combined treatment with CLA and Vit. E might elicit synergistic effects on the cow and milk quality by increasing the proportion of CLA in milk fat as well as the excretion of Vit. E and the Vit. E levels in serum.

Porcine intestinal yeast species, Kazachstania slooffiae, a new potential protein source with favourable amino acid composition for animals.

There is little information about Kazachstania slooffiae which dominates among other yeasts in the pigs' intestine. Therefore, the aims of this study were to characterise the yeast cell contents and to investigate which nitrogen sources, organic acids and alcohols may be utilised or produced by this species. The results showed that, K. slooffiae could use urea, ammonium sulphate, peptides and single amino acids and produce thereby ethanol and formic acid. However, this yeast did not metabolise amino acids, lactic, butyric, propionic and acetic acids as sole carbon source. Using a global metabolite profiling approach employing gas chromatography and high-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, was found that the amount of peptides and dehydroascorbic acid considerably increased in the fermentation residues after yeast cultivation. It is noteworthy that the cells of K. slooffiae had higher contents of nitrogen and total amino acids (especially lysine) than the cells of nutritional yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). This study indicates that due to potential production of peptides and formic acid in the intestinal tract, K. slooffiae might have an impact on the gut health. Moreover, from a nutritional standpoint, the cells of this yeast can be a good source of protein with useful amino acid composition for animal.

Renal energy excretion of horses depends on renal hippuric acid and nitrogen excretion.

The prediction of renal energy excretion is crucial in a metabolizable energy system for horses. Phenolic acids from forage cell walls may affect renal energy losses by increasing hippuric acid excretion. Therefore, the relationships were investigated between renal energy, nitrogen (N) and hippuric acid excretion of four adult ponies (230-384 kg body weight (BW)) consuming diets based on fresh grass, grass silage, grass cobs (heat-dried, finely chopped, pressed grass), alfalfa hay, straw, extruded straw and soybean meal. Feed intake was measured; urine and faeces were quantitatively collected for three days. Feed was analysed for crude nutrients, gross energy, amino acids and neutral-detergent-insoluble crude protein (CP); faeces were analysed for crude nutrients and cross energy; urine was analysed for N, hippuric acid, creatinine and gross energy. Renal energy excretion (y; kJ/kg BW0.75 ) correlated with renal N excretion (x1 ; g/kg BW0.75 ) and renal hippuric acid excretion (x2 ; g/kg BW0.75 ): y = 14.4 + 30.2x1 +20.7x2 (r = .95; n = 30; p < .05). Renal hippuric acid excretion was highest after intake of fresh grass and lowest after intake of soybean meal. The ratio of hippuric acid to creatinine in urine and the excretion of hippuric acid per gram of dry matter intake was significantly higher for fresh grass than for all other rations. There was no relationship between aromatic amino acid intake and renal hippuric acid excretion. The results of the present study and literature data suggest that feed can be categorized into four groups with regard to the energy losses per gram CP intake: (i) protein supplements (e.g., soybean meal): 4.2-4.9 kJ/g CP intake (ii) alfalfa hay, grains, dried sugar beet pulp: 6.4 kJ/g CP intake, (iii) hay, preserved grass products, straw: 5.2-12.3 kJ/g CP intake (mean 8) and (iv) fresh grass. For group (iii) a negative relationship was observed between renal energy losses per gram of CP and the content of CP or neutral-detergent-insoluble CP in dry matter.

Feed intake patterns of sport ponies and warmblood horses following iso-energetic intake of pelleted fibre-rich mixed feed, muesli feed and semicrushed oat grains.

The aim of the study was to compare diverse feed intake patterns in sport ponies and warmblood-type horses after feeding iso-energetic amounts of three different concentrates: a pelleted fibre-rich mixed feed (PF), a muesli feed (MF) and semicrushed oat grains (OG). Four sport ponies and six warmblood-type horses received the concentrates and meadow hay according to maintenance (0.52 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) kg body weight (BW)0.75 /day). Both breeds were allocated at random to three groups and received once daily for 8 days either OG (1 g starch/kg BW/meal) or iso-energetic quantities of PF and MF according to a crossover design. On the 8th day, feed intake patterns (chewing frequency (CF) in number of chewings (NC), NC/s), feed intake time (FITDM , min/kg dry matter (DM); FIT(neutral detergent fibre)NDF , min/kg NDF) and chewing intensity (CI, NC/kg DM) were measured using modified halters. In warmbloods, PF tended to be ingested faster than MF and OG (10.3 ± 1.9, 13.0 ± 1.3, 14.4 ± 2.0 min/kg DM, respectively; p = 0.05). In ponies, a similar trend was observed (13.5 ± 2.5, 13.6 ± 2.0 and 15.4 ± 1.1 min/kg DM, respectively; p > 0.05). Ponies needed more time to ingest PF than warmbloods (p < 0.05). The CF of ponies was affected by the type of concentrate (PF and MF 1.43 ± 0.11 vs. OG 1.28 ± 0.093 NC/s; p < 0.05). The results indicate that concentrate intake of breeds follows a similar pattern and that breed differences were limited to PF only. In both breeds, PF induced chewing patterns different from those observed for OG and/or MF. However, an interpretation of these differences needs to take into consideration the diverse chemical compositions of the concentrates. Upcoming studies should address the throwback regarding PF and also examine the metabolic consequences of concentrate intake in ponies.

Glycaemic and insulinaemic responses of adult healthy warm-blooded mares following feeding with Jerusalem artichoke meal.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the supplementation of a pre-biotic compound [Jerusalem artichoke meal (JAM)] on the glycaemic and insulinaemic response in healthy, non-obese warm-blooded horses. Six adult mares [mean body weight (bwt) 529 ± 38.7 kg; body condition score 5.1 ± 0.49/9] were used. In two equal meals per day, the horses received crushed oat grains (1 g starch/kg bwt per day) and meadow hay (2 kg/100 kg bwt per day) which together were likely to meet the energy recommendation for light work (GfE, ). Additionally, they received either 0.15 g fructo-oligosaccharides and inulin (FOS+INU)/kg bwt per day via commercial JAM or maize cob meal without grains as control (CON) in 2 × 3-week periods according to a crossover design. Blood was collected on d21 of the feeding period at different ante- and postprandial (PP) time points (-60, 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min), and the plasma glucose and serum insulin levels were determined. Feeding JAM vs. CON did not change the PP peak of glucose or insulin (glucose: 6.3 ± 0.40 vs. 7.0 ± 0.87 mmol/l; insulin: 0.508 ± 0.087 vs. 0.476 ± 0.082 nmol/l) nor did it cause different AUCs until 120 and 300 min PP for glucose and insulin, respectively (AUC120 , glucose: 997 ± 41.6 vs. 1015 ± 41.63 mmol/l per minute, insulin: 49 ± 6.3 vs. 42 ± 6.3 nmol/l per minute; AUC300 , glucose: 1943 ± 142.3 vs. 2115 ± 142.3 mmol/l per minute, insulin: 94 ± 14.8 vs. 106 ± 14.8 nmol/l per minute; p > 0.05). Following JAM vs. CON feeding, glucose and insulin levels declined more rapidly until 240 min PP and tended to be lower (p = 0.053 and p = 0.056, respectively) at this time point. This result might be promising and should further be studied more detailed.

Effects of isoenergetic quantities of a low-starch muesli feed high in fat and fibre vs. oat grains on the glycemic and insulinemic responses and feed intake patterns in sport ponies.

Aim of this study was to compare glycemic and insulinemic responses and feed intake patterns in sport ponies after feeding isoenergetic quantities of low-starch muesli feed high in fat and fibre (FF) or oat grains (OG). Six sport ponies were randomly assigned to one of these two treatment groups for 2 × 3 weeks according to a crossover-design. Ponies received two equal meals/day of either semi-crushed OG (1 g starch/kg bwt*meal-1 ) or an isoenergetic quantity of FF. Hay was also given in two equal meals/day and provided the remaining metabolisable energy up to 1.3-fold maintenance level. On day 21, blood was sampled 1 h after each pony received 0.5 kg hay (0 min). Then, the concentrate was provided and blood sampled 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min thereafter. Plasma glucose and serum insulin were analysed, and the areas under the curve (AUC) was calculated 120 and 300 min postprandial (PP). Feed intake patterns were measured in 4 ponies/group via a modified halter. OG was ingested faster than FF (feed intake time; FITDM in min/kg DM: 8.8 ± 1.6 vs. 15.9 ± 1.62, p < 0.05) combined with a higher chewing frequency (p < 0.05). The AUCsgluc120/300, ins120/300 were statistically higher with OG than FF (mmol/L*min-1 : AUCgluc120 : 776 ± 128 vs. 676 ± 80.4; AUCgluc300 : 1811 ± 295.3 vs. 1569 ± 126.3; nmol/L*min-1 : AUCins120 : 38 ± 18 vs. 22 ± 8.1; AUCins300 : 83 ± 39 vs. 35 ± 12; p < 0.05). Plasma glucose tended to decline following the intake of FF, which might be beneficial for equines with reduced glucose tolerance. This, however, requires further investigation. In this study, the ponies consumed OG unexpectedly rapidly. The rate of feed intake was similar to the results previously reported in the literature for warmblood horses.

Evaluation of an in vitro system to simulate equine foregut digestion and the influence of acidity on protein and fructan degradation in the horse's stomach.

The aim of this study was to improve an in vitro system in order to gather optimized information on the digestion of different forages in the horse's upper gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, foregut digestion of several forages was simulated in vitro (Part 1). The effect of different pH values on in vitro fructan degradation of two selected grasses (Part 2) was tested subsequently. Part 1: We hypothesized that our system produces representative results simulating digestive processes in the upper alimentary tract, but neglects microbial fermentation. In vitro digestion of six forages (grass mixture for horses, grass mixture for cows (GMC), tall fescue, English perennial ryegrass (ER), white clover, lucerne) was performed in two phases with pepsin and pancreatin. The results are consistent with current data from in vivo studies, including a degradation of crude protein and monosaccharides as well as a relative increase in fibres. Interestingly, a loss of fructan was measured in two feedstuffs (ER/GMC: 4.1/4.4% DM fructan before and 0.59/0.00% DM after simulated foregut digestion). Part 2: As fructans are thought not to be fragmented by digestive enzymes, another hypothesis was developed: acidic hydrolysis leads to a degradation of fructans. To evaluate the influence of gastric pH on the digestion of fructan and protein, different pH values (2, 3 and 4) were adjusted in a second series of in vitro foregut digestion trials with ER and GMC. As expected, the highest degradation of protein was seen at the lowest pH (protein in ER/GMC at pH 2: 6.11/8.28% DM and at pH 4: 7.73/10.64% DM), whereas fructan degradation was highest at pH 4 (fructan in ER/GMC at pH 2: 1.63/1.95% DM and at pH 4: 1.31/0.91% DM). We presume that not only acidic hydrolysis but also plant enzymes cause the loss of fructans in an acidic environment.

Comparison of calculated and experimentally determined SID of CP and AA in complex diets differing in AA contents for grower finisher pigs.

In practice, the content of standardized ileal digestible AA in complex feeds for pigs is calculated on the basis of tabulated values for individual feedstuffs. It comes into question, however, whether this truly reflects an accurate content based upon the estimate made for the individual feedstuffs. The objective of this study was to compare standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and selected AA in complex feeds for grower and finisher pigs either calculated or experimentally determined. Six diets with increasing AA levels were prepared for grower (BW from 30 to 70 kg) and finisher (BW from 70 to 120 kg) feed. Crystalline L-lys, DL-met and L-thr were added to both diets, L-trp and L-val only to the grower feed. SID of both CP and AA was calculated from feed tables and experimentally determined in six adult minipigs (MINILEWE) with ileorectal anastomosis. With increasing AA levels, experimentally determined SID of supplemented AA increased (p < 0.05), but SID of CP (p ≥ 0.05) was not affected. In both grower and finisher feed, calculated and experimentally determined SID of CP, Met, Cys, Trp, Ile and Tyr differed by more than 2% units, but those of Lys and His only in the finisher feed. Yet this effect was not directly consistent. The margin of error following estimation of SID of AA via tabulated values for individual feedstuffs, however, seems to be acceptable for practical use.

Methylating micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy influences foetal hepatic gene expression and IGF signalling and increases foetal weight.

PURPOSE: Maternal diet during pregnancy impacts foetal growth and development. In particular, dietary levels of methylating micronutrients (methionine, folate, choline, vitamins B6, and B12) interfere with the availability and allocation of methyl groups for methylation reactions, thereby influencing normal transcription. However, the currently recommended methylating micronutrient supplementation regimen is haphazard and arbitrary at best. METHODS: To investigate the effects of a methylating micronutrient-rich maternal diet, pregnant Pietrain sows were fed either a standard diet (CON) or a diet supplemented with methionine, folate, choline, B6, B12, and zinc (MET). Foetal liver and muscle (M. longissimus dorsi) tissues were collected at 35, 63, and 91 days post-conception. Transcriptional responses to diet were assessed in foetal liver. Altered insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling in transcriptome analyses prompted investigation of IGF-2 and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) levels in muscle and liver. RESULTS: Maternal diet enriched with methylating micronutrients was associated with increased foetal weight in late gestation. Hepatic transcriptional patterns also revealed differences in vitamin B6 and folate metabolism between the two diets, suggesting that supplementation was effective. Additionally, shifts in growth-supporting metabolic routes of the lipid and energy metabolism, including IGF signalling, and of cell cycle-related pathways were found to occur in liver tissue in supplemented individuals. Weight differences and modulated IGF pathways were also reflected in the muscle content of IGF-2 (increased in MET) and IGFBP-2 (decreased in MET). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal dietary challenges provoke stage-dependent and tissue-specific transcriptomic modulations in the liver pointing to molecular routes contributing to the organismal adaptation. Subtle effects on late foetal growth are associated with changes in the IGF signalling mainly in skeletal muscle tissue that is less resilient to dietary stimuli than liver.

Hypoglycin A Content in Blood and Urine Discriminates Horses with Atypical Myopathy from Clinically Normal Horses Grazing on the Same Pasture.

Hypoglycin A (HGA) in seeds of Acer spp. is suspected to cause seasonal pasture myopathy in North America and equine atypical myopathy (AM) in Europe, fatal diseases in horses on pasture. In previous studies, this suspicion was substantiated by the correlation of seed HGA content with the concentrations of toxic metabolites in urine and serum (MCPA-conjugates) of affected horses. However, seed sampling was conducted after rather than during an outbreak of the disease. The aim of this study was to further confirm the causality between HGA occurrence and disease outbreak by seed sampling during an outbreak and the determination of i) HGA in seeds and of ii) HGA and MCPA-conjugates in urine and serum of diseased horses. Furthermore, cograzing healthy horses, which were present on AM affected pastures, were also investigated. AM-pastures in Germany were visited to identify seeds of Acer pseudoplatanus and serum (n = 8) as well as urine (n = 6) from a total of 16 diseased horses were analyzed for amino acid composition by LC-ESI-MS/MS, with a special focus on the content of HGA. Additionally, the content of its toxic metabolite was measured in its conjugated form in body fluids (UPLC-MS/MS). The seeds contained 1.7-319.8 µg HGA/g seed. The content of HGA in serum of affected horses ranged from 387.8-8493.8 µg/L (controls < 10 µg/L), and in urine from 143.8-926.4 µg/L (controls < 10 µg/L), respectively. Healthy cograzing horses on AM-pastures showed higher serum (108.8 ± 83.76 µg/L) and urine concentrations (26.9 ± 7.39 µg/L) compared to control horses, but lower concentrations compared to diseased horses. The range of MCPA-carnitine and creatinine concentrations found in diseased horses in serum and urine were 0.17-0.65 mmol/L (controls < 0.01), and 0.34-2.05 µmol/mmoL (controls < 0.001), respectively. MCPA-glycine levels in urine of cograzing horses were higher compared to controls. Thus, the causal link between HGA intoxication and disease outbreak could be further substantiated, and the early detection of HGA in cograzing horses, which are clinically normal, might be a promising step in prophylaxis.

Body composition and plasma lipid and stress hormone levels during 3 weeks of feed restriction and refeeding in low birth weight female pigs.

Compensatory growth in response to feed restriction (FR) affects deposition rates of lean and adipose tissues. It is, however, unclear whether pigs with low birth weight differ from their counterparts with normal birth weight with regard to compensatory growth. Female littermate pigs with low (UW; 1.1 kg) and normal (NW; 1.5 kg) birth weight were fed to appetite (control, CON) or feed restricted (RES) at 60% of DMI of the CON group between 78 and 98 d of age and subsequently refed at the level of the CON group until 131 d of age. Subgroups of pigs were slaughtered at 75, 98, 104, and 131 d of age to compare BW and body composition. Blood samples were taken at 98 and 119 d of age to analyze plasma metabolites and hormones. At birth UW pigs were shorter and had lower BW until 131 d of age than NW pigs ( < 0.05). Feed intake per kilogram of BW was greater in UW than in NW pigs ( < 0.01). The UW and NW pigs differed in carcass composition as indicated by greater relative subcutaneous fat at 75 d ( < 0.1), greater shoulder back fat ( < 0.05) at 98 d, and lower carcass weight at 131 d with greater abdominal and subcutaneous neck back fat in UW compared with NW pigs ( < 0.05). During FR, BW gain of RES pigs was lower than in NW pigs. The RES pigs showed greater feed intake after termination of FR until 131 d than CON pigs ( < 0.01). At 98 d RES pigs were leaner than CON pigs ( < 0.05). After 6 d of refeeding (104 d) relative fat depot weights were still smaller ( < 0.03) in RES pigs than in CON pigs. After 5 wk of refeeding, RES pigs had lower abdominal fat weights and greater plasma cortisol levels than CON pigs ( < 0.05). Regarding the plasma metabolite and hormone response, at 98-d fasting levels of plasma NEFA and glycerol were greater in RES than in CON pigs ( < 0.05), and after the drop in their levels after morning feeding ( < 0.001), plasma NEFA and glycerol and also triacylglycerol increased until the next meal in RES vs. CON pigs ( < 0.01). Plasma cortisol was greater in RES pigs after 3-wk FR ( < 0.05), whereas only a trend for increased plasma adrenalin concentrations in RES pigs at the end of the FR period and after 5 wk of refeeding was found ( < 0.1). In conclusion, UW pigs at 75 d of age (20 to 23 kg BW) had greater subcutaneous fat, whereas at 131 d (61 to 68 kg BW) they showed greater abdominal fat than NW pigs, suggesting that subcutaneous fat is deposited earlier than abdominal fat. The FR caused similar changes in body composition, plasma lipids, and stress hormones in UW and NW pigs.

Effect of high dietary zinc oxide on the caecal and faecal short-chain fatty acids and tissue zinc and copper concentration in pigs is reversible after withdrawal of the high zinc oxide from the diet.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) used in high ('pharmacological') levels to prevent diarrhoea in pigs is assumed to reduce copper (Cu) in tissues and inhibits large intestinal microbial fermentation. To test it, German Landrace pigs were weaned on d28 of age and fed diets containing either 100 (LowZinc, LZn, n = 10) or 3100 mg ZnO/kg (HighZinc, HZn, n = 10). The mixed feed (13.0 MJ ME, 18.5% crude protein) was based on wheat, barley, soya bean meal and maize. After 4 weeks, the HZn group was further fed 100 mg ZnO/kg for another 2 weeks. Caecal contents, faeces and tissues were collected after 4 weeks (n = 5 and n = 10 respectively) and 6 weeks (n = 5 and n = 5 respectively). Faeces and caecal content were analysed for dry matter (DM), pH, ammonia, lactic acid (LA) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) on native water basis. anova was performed to elucidate significant differences at p < 0.05. No diarrhoea occurred. After 4 weeks, the caecal contents' pH increased (p < 0.001) and butyric (p < 0.05) and valeric acid (p < 0.01) decreased in the HZn group in comparison with LZn. In faeces, a decrease of acetic (p = 0.009), butyric (p = 0.007) and valeric acid (p = 0.046), as well as reduced acetic:propionic acid (A:P) ratio (p = 0.025) was observed in the HZn group in comparison with LZn. Faecal ammonia decreased in HZn (p = 0.018). No differences (p > 0.05) were recorded in caecal contents after 6 weeks. In faeces, acetic acid remained lower in the HZn group in comparison with LZn (p = 0.006), as did the A:P ratio (p = 0.004). Zn concentration in liver, kidneys and ribs, and Cu concentrations in kidneys increased in HZn. Withdrawal of ZnO resulted in reversibility of the changes. The effect on butyric acid should be discussed critically regarding the energetic support for the enterocytes. High Zn and Cu tissue concentrations should be considered by pet food producers.

Effects of oral Enterococcus faecium strain DSM 10663 NCIMB 10415 on diarrhoea patterns and performance of sucking piglets.

Effects of probiotic Enterococcus faecium DMS 10663 NCIMB 10415 on diarrhoea and performance of sucking piglets were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Piglets from treatment group (TG, n=56) and placebo group (PG, n=53) sows were included in the study. Immediately after birth and at day 2 and 3 post natum, each of the TG piglets received 2.8×10(9) colony forming units (cfu) per os. From day 4 until weaning (day 26), 1.26×10(9) cfu E. faecium/piglet were given twice a day via a liquid additive. Piglets already suffering from diarrhoea additionally got a glucose-electrolyte solution enriched with 2.9×10(8) (week 1) and 5.8×10(8) (week 2) cfu E. faecium/day. PG piglets received corresponding placebo preparations. A score was defined to characterise the severity of diarrhoea, including accompanying symptoms. The counts of viable born, stillborn and weaned piglets were similar in TG and PG litters (P>0.05). The probiotic treatment mitigated incidence and severity of diarrhoea (P<0.05) with no impact on diarrhoea length (P>0.05). Probiotic treatment improved daily weight gain (P<0.05) yet with no provable effect on body weight at weaning (P>0.05). The additional supply of E. faecium in piglets suffering from diarrhoea had no further beneficial effect.

Scoring of sweat losses in exercised horses--a pilot study.

Based on a series of exercise tests which included the estimation of sweat losses, this article proposes a novel sweat scoring system for exercising horses. This provides a practical estimate of individual animal exercise-induced sweat losses, based on visible appearance of sweat on the coat after work, which takes into account the effect of various influencing factors. In terms of accuracy and flexibility, the score seems to provide advantages over estimates based on current general recommendations from reference books. Additional studies are needed to validate this scoring system and its use under more diverse situations.

Effect of ensiling moist field bean (Vicia faba), pea (Pisum sativum) and lupine (Lupinus spp.) grains on the contents of alkaloids, oligosaccharides and tannins.

Ensiling legume grain may be an inexpensive and ecologically interesting method to produce a high-protein feed of local origin. The typically patchy maturation recommends harvesting and ensiling the seeds in moist condition. Developing a method for preserving legume grains harvested before maturation by lactic acid fermentation would have several advantages. Under laboratory conditions, crushed legume seeds of beans, peas and lupines with high moisture content of 35 % were ensiled with different additives (molasses and lactic acid bacteria). To characterize the final silages, contents of proximate nutrients and antinutritional factors (alkaloids, oligosaccharides, tannins) were analysed. The addition of lactic acid bacteria ensured a fast and pronounced lactic acid production and decreased contents of undesired fermentation products like ethanol. An additional use of molasses for ensilage did not provide a remarkable additional benefit. Excluding sugar and starch, the contents of proximate nutrients were not remarkably altered after ensiling. As an overall effect, lactic acid fermentation reduced tannins and oligosaccharides. It can be supposed that the oligosaccharides after breakdown of the complex molecules acted as a source of fermentable carbohydrates. A relevant reduction of alkaloids did not occur. The lactic acid fermentation of legume grains can be recommended as an appropriate method for conservation. With respect to the economic advantages and compared with methods of chemical preservation, the lactic acid fermentation of legume grains under anaerobic conditions is an environmentally compliant procedure and therefore also an option for organic farming.

Fermentation of six different forages in the semi-continuous fermentation technique Caesitec.

The aim of the present study was to compare carbohydrate degradation of forages which store carbohydrates either predominantly as fructan or starch, in horses' hindgut. The effects of an abrupt change from hay-based feeding to green fodder-based feeding on the caecal flora were tested with the in vitro hindgut simulation technique 'Caesitec'. Six trials with different forages (English ryegrass, tall fescue, grass mixture-horses, grass mixture-cows, lucerne, white clover) were conducted. During a 4-day stabilisation period, samples were taken once a day before loading the fermenters with hay. After diet-change to forage-based feeding, samples were taken four times a day. Ammonia and pH-value were measured before and 1, 2 and 6 h after loading the 'Caesitec'. Gas formation was measured daily. Bacterial numbers, lactate and short chain fatty acids were detected at four time-points of each trial. The grass mixtures contained the highest amounts of fructan. The pH-values were in the physiological range from pH 6 up to 7 (6.58-6.83) by feeding all forages. Gas formation, anaerobic and aerobic bacterial numbers increased after diet change from hay to any forage. The maximum amount of fructan (3.75 g/kg) in swiss pasture did not cause a permanent pathological change in the hindgut-flora.

Effects of ensiling cereal grains (barley, wheat, triticale and rye) on total and pre-caecal digestibility of proximate nutrients and amino acids in pigs.

Inclemency of weather frequently causes critical water contents in cereal grains above 15%. Ensiling in pre-mature condition may be an alternative to other techniques of preservation. Aim of this study was to compare apparent total tract digestibility (D(t) ; barley, wheat, triticale, rye) of proximate nutrients and pre-caecal digestibility (D(pc); barley, wheat) of amino acids (AA), respectively, from cereal grains in ensiled and almost dry condition. Moistly harvested cereal grains (67-73% dry matter) were milled through a 4-mm sieve and ensiled with lactic acid bacteria (LAB, 3 × 10(5) colony forming units/g Lactobacillus plantarum DSMZ 8862 and 8866). To investigate D(t), two trials were conducted with six Mini-Lewe pigs and four German Landrace pigs, respectively. D(pc) of AA was determined using four German Landrace pigs with ileo-rectal anastomosis. D(t) of proximate nutrients did not differ between cereal grains and their silages, except for ether extract, which was more digestible in ensiled than dry wheat, triticale and rye (p < 0.05). Lysine content was lower in ensiled than dry barley and wheat. In barley, ensiling was accompanied by reduced D(pc) of lysine and histidine (p < 0.05). In wheat, ensiling increased D(pc) of lysine, methionine, threonine and leucin (p < 0.05). Ensiling of pre-mature cereal grains with LAB can serve as a reasonable storage alternative. However, as limited data are yet available, further research is required to understand completely the impact of ensiling on nutritional value as indicated, for example, by the lysine content and the D(pc) of certain AA.