High starch intake favours body weight control in neutered and spayed cats living in homes fed ad libitum.

Different starch-to-protein ratios were compared among neutered and spayed domiciled cats. Male and female obese and non-obese cats were fed kibble diets ad libitum for 4 months high in starch (HS (38 % crude protein (CP)): starch 32 %, protein 38 %; DM basis) or high in protein (HP (55 % CP): starch 19 %, protein 55 %) but similar in energy and fat in a crossover design. Physical activity was evaluated using an accelerometer, and body composition (BC), energy expenditure (EE) and water turnover (WT) using the doubly labelled water method. Results were compared in a 2 diet × 2 sex × 2 body condition factorial arrangement. Cats fed the HS (38 % CP) diet maintained a constant body weight, but lean mass (LM) tended to be reduced in female obese but to be increased in male non-obese (P < 0·08) and increased in female non-obese cats (P = 0·01). The HP (55 % CP) diet induced an increase in cat body weight and LM (P < 0·05) without altering BC proportion. EE tended to be higher in males (351 (se 8) kJ/kg0·67/d) than females (330 (se 8) kJ/kg0·67/d; P = 0·06), was unaffected by diet or BC, decreased as age increased (R 2 0·44; P < 0·01) and increased as physical activity increased (R 2 0·58; P < 0·01). WT was higher for the HP (55 % CP) diet (P < 0·01) and increased with EE (R 2 0·65; P < 0·01). The HS (38 % CP) diet favoured body weight control during 4 months of ad libitum feeding. Caution is necessary to balance protein in diets of female obese cats over 5 years, as they may have low energy and food intake, with LM loss.

Temperature effects on metabolism and energy requirement during the fast growth phase in the red-footed tortoise, Chelonoidis carbonaria.

Early life is a challenging phase because of the high rates of morphophysiological development and growth. Changes in ambient temperature, which directly affect energy metabolism and digestive functions in ectotherms, may be of great impact during this phase. We addressed this issue in red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) hatchlings kept in captivity. To this end, we investigated the effect of temperature (28 °C and 18 °C) on mass-specific gross energy intake (GEIm), daily body mass gain (MG), daily intake of gross energy (GEI), digestible energy (DEI), resting metabolic rate (RMR), and specific dynamic action (SDA) components during different seasons in the first 13 months after hatching. Greater GEIm and MG were observed in spring (381.7 ± 84.9 J.g-0.86.day-1 and 0.9 ± 0.4 g.day-1) and summer (356.9 ± 58.9 J.g-0.86.day-1 and 1.0 ± 0.4 g.day-1). The highest and lowest RMRs at 28 °C were observed in spring (36.4 ± 5.1 kJ.kg-1.day-1) and winter (22.4 ± 6.2 kJ.kg-1.day-1), respectively. Regardless season, hatchlings showed greater GEI and DEI, O2 consumption, CO2 production, RMR, maximum metabolic rate after feeding (FMRMAX), and heat increment (FMRMAX- RMR) at 28 °C compared to 18 °C. In addition, the significant body mass influence showed allometric exponents of 0.62 at 28 °C and 0.92 at 18 °C for RMR. Our results indicate an important effect of environmental temperature on energy requirements and utilization in C. carbonaria hatchlings, which is seasonally influenced even in this early phase of life.

Intake of energy, protein, amino acids and minerals by dogs under energy restriction for body weight loss when fed with commercial weight loss diets.

This retrospective study evaluated energy and nutrient intake of dogs in a weight loss programme. Ninety-four obese dogs were divided into three groups: G5-15: from 5% to 15% body weight (BW) loss (n = 55); G155-25: from 15.1% to 25% BW loss (n = 29); and G > 25: more than 25.1% BW loss (n = 10). Five brands of kibble diets designed for weight loss were analysed for crude protein, amino acids, fat, dietary fibre, and minerals. The food metabolizable energy (ME) was estimated (NRC, 2006). Data were compared inside each group using the paired t test and between groups with analysis of variance and Tukey tests (p < 0.05). The BW loss (weeks in regimen) was: G5-15, 9.8% ± 2.7% (13.5 ± 5.7 weeks); G15-25, 17.5% ± 2.7% (22.6 ± 11.9 weeks); G > 25, 30.0% ± 2.1% (50.4 ± 17.4% weeks; p < 0.01). The mean weekly BW loss rate was similar between groups (0.8% ± 0.3%; p > 0.05) but was higher during the first (0.96.6% ± 0.5%) than in the second (0.64% ± 0.4%) half of the regimen (p < 0.01). At beginning ME intake for BW loss did not differ (251.6 ± 32.2 kJ/kg0.75 /day), but it was lower for G > 25 in the second half of the regimen (230.3 ± 44.3; p = 0.02). Considering the observed ME intake of each dog, depending on the commercial product, intake below recommended for maintenance was verified for crude protein in 1%-20% of the dogs, methionine in 4%-38% of dogs, methionine plus cystine in 4%-22% of dogs, tryptophan in 7%-93% of dogs, potassium in 2%-85% of dogs and magnesium in 1% up to 95% of dogs. Although the diets presented elevated nutrient concentrations per MJ, due to the reduced energy allowance, the estimated intake of several nutrients was lower than the recommendations, highlighting the importance of changing the formulation perspective, which must prioritize the actual nutrient intake per kg of BW during the energy deficit.

Energy expenditure of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) fed kibble diets with high levels of fibre, starch, or fat.

Knowledge of energy requirements is necessary to optimise the nutritional management of animals. For tortoises, very little is known about their nutrient and energy requirements. Data on substrate oxidation and the implications of starch or fat intake on the energy metabolism are lacking. The present study compared the daily energy expenditures (DEE) of red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) that were fed three extruded diets: a control diet high in fibre and two test diets, one with high starch content and another with high fat content. A total of 18 tortoises (5.5 ± 1.18 kg) were used in a completely randomised design, with 6 animals per diet. After 14 months of experimental diet intake and 48 h of preliminary fasting, the animals were kept for 12 h in 70-l respiratory chambers. An open "push mode" system was used to determine the carbon dioxide production and oxygen consumption levels for the subsequent calculations of DEE. The data were analysed with ANOVA, and the means were compared by using Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The body weights, chamber temperatures and food intakes of the tortoises were similar among the treatments (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in oxygen consumption (21.7 ± 3.16 ml · kg-1 · h-1), carbon dioxide production (18.1 ± 1.96 ml · kg-1 · h-1), or DEE (9.7 ± 1.04 kJ · kg-1 d-1) between diets or sex (p > 0.05). The respiratory quotients (0.84 ± 0.11) were also similar among the diets (p > 0.05). The DEE of red footed tortoises did not differ after a long-term starch or fat intake.

Starch and fiber intake effects on energy metabolism, growth, and carapacial scute pyramiding of red-footed tortoise hatchlings (Chelonoidis carbonaria).

Tortoise husbandry includes reports of excessive growth and carapace pyramiding, although triggers still remain to be fully elucidated. Juvenile red-footed tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria) were fed with two different diets, one high in fiber (HF; 14.2% crude fiber; 39.2% neutral detergent fiber, NDF; dry matter basis, DMB) and one high in starch (HS; 27.7% DMB), to assess effects on energy metabolism, nutrient digestibility, and growth. A total of 20 hatchlings (10 per diet) were used to evaluate: apparent digestibility coefficients (Da) of nutrients and gross energy (GE), passage times at 5 and 11 months of age; resting and post-prandial metabolic rates at 6 and 12 months of age; growth rates; pyramiding; and estimated body composition. Animals fed HS showed higher mass-specific intake of digestible energy (113.9 ± 32.1 kJ kg-1 day-1 vs. 99.6 ± 35.3 kJ kg-1 day-1; P < 0.05), digestible DM (6.1 ± 1.8 g kg-1 day-1 vs. 5.0 ± 1.8 g kg-1 day-1; P < 0.01), shorter transit (3 ± 1 days vs. 4 ± 1 days; P < 0.01) and retention times (8 ± 2 days vs. 10 ± 2 days; P < 0.01), and higher Da of DM, starch, NDF, and GE. Crude protein Da was higher for HF. Rest and post-prandial metabolic rates, and pyramiding degree were not affected by diets. At 13 months, the animals from HS presented wider plastrons and carapaces, and higher carapace width growth rates. In addition, these animals had lower body mineral content (1.88 ± 0.15% vs. 2.15 ± 0.19%; P < 0.01) and bone density (0.13 ± 0.01 g mm-2 vs. 0.15 ± 0.02 g mm-2; P < 0.02). Results provide evidence that highly digestible foods can accelerate shell growth and lower mineralization in this species.

Influence of incubation temperature on embryo development, hatchling morphology and early growth rate in red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria).

Reptile embryos respond to temperature changes with metabolic and physiological adjustments that influence hatchling success, phenotype, behaviour, and growth rate. Climate change and global warming can affect the reptile population by altering the frequencies of hatchling survival and phenotypes. Therefore, previous studies proposed artificial incubation as a potential strategy for mitigating these effects. Red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) eggs were collected and incubated at constant temperatures of 27.5 °C and 29.5 °C to investigate the physiological effects of temperature on embryo development, hatchling morphology, and early post-hatch growth rate. The direct effect of temperature on the incubation period, egg mass loss, hatching success, hatchling size, and mass was evaluated at hatching and three months of age. Hatchlings from 29.5 °C presented a shorter incubation period (141 days) than those from 27.5 °C (201 days; p < 0.05). Egg mass loss, hatchling mass, and size at hatching were not different between the incubation temperatures (p > 0.05). However, the hatching success (survival rate) was lower (64.5% versus 100%) in eggs incubated at 29.5 °C, but the hatchling mass and straight plastron width were higher at three months of age than those from eggs incubated at 27.5 °C (p < 0.05). These results indicate that incubation temperature influences hatching success and hatchling size and mass in the first months by influencing the early growth rate.

Effects of crude protein and sodium intake on water turnover in cats fed extruded diets.

The comprehension of strategies to increase urine production may be important, especially in kibble diets to prevent urolithiasis in cats. The effects of increasing amounts of crude protein (CP) and sodium on the water turnover of cats were evaluated using the water balance (WB) method and the deuterium dilution technique. The study followed a randomized block design, with three blocks of eight cats, two cats per food type in each block, and six cats per food. Four extruded diets with different amounts of CP and sodium were evaluated (on DM basis): 28% CP and 0.58% sodium; 39% CP and 0.64% sodium; 52% CP and 0.76% sodium; and 64% CP and 0.87% sodium. Cats were individually housed in cages for 8 days to measure WB, urea excretion, and faecal and urine characteristics. Deuterium oxide was used to evaluate water turnover, and during the period cats were housed in a collective cattery. The data were analysed by an F test, and the means were compared by polynomial contrasts. The ɑ level of significance was set at 0.05. The methods were compared by Pearson correlation, and Bland and Altman analysis. The increase in the CP content elevated linearly the renal excretion of urea (p < .001), and, together with the higher sodium intake, elevated the renal solute load, which resulted in a linear increase in urine production and water intake (p < .01). The urine density, metabolic water, and faecal and insensible water losses did not differ (p > .05). The water flux increased linearly when using the deuterium method (p < .001), but the obtained values were 20.85 ± 11.11 ml/cat/day higher than those verified using the WB method (p = .001). Higher CP and sodium amounts in dry diets increased the urine production and water consumption of cats, and this can be explored as a possible option to increase urination.

Validation of saliva and urine use and sampling time on the doubly labelled water method to measure energy expenditure, body composition and water turnover in male and female cats.

Less invasive protocols are necessary to study energy expenditure (EE) of cats living in homes for expressing their normal living conditions. The present study compared sampling times and the use of saliva, urine and blood to measure 2H and 18O to apply the doubly labelled water method. In the first study, four cats were used to evaluate the enrichment (2, 4, 6, 7 and 8 h) and elimination (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 d) of 2H and 18O (subcutaneously injected). The maximum enrichment was after 5 h (R2 0·82) of injection, with an Ln linear elimination of both isotopes (P < 0·001; R2 0·99). The results of EE were similar, regardless of the sampling time used (P = 0·999). In the second study, seven male cats and seven female cats were used. Before and after isotope injection (5 h, 7 d, 10 d and 14 d), blood, saliva and urine were collected. Isotope enrichment was lower in urine (P < 0·05) and at the similar level in blood and saliva. Isotope elimination was similar for all fluids (P < 0·473). The EE calculated with blood and saliva was similar but higher for urine (P = 0·015). According to Bland-Altman statistics, blood and saliva presented low bias and high correlation (P < 0·001), but this was not observed for urine (P = 0·096). Higher EE was observed for male cats (384 (se 39) kJ/kg0·67 per d) than for female cats (337 (se 34) kJ/kg0·67 per d; P < 0·05). The sampling time for the method is flexible, and saliva can be used as a substitute for blood.

Feed processing effects on digestibility, palatability, excreta fermentation products and blood parameters in blue-fronted amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva)†.

Captive parrots show a high incidence of obesity and other metabolic disorders due to the consumption of unbalanced diets. Therefore, this study evaluated the digestibility and metabolic effects of transitioning blue-fronted amazons from a high fat diet (sunflower seeds) to processed diets with three degrees of starch gelatinization (SG). The same feed formulation was processed to obtain pelletized feed (PEL) at 27.1% SG; low-cooked extruded feed (EXTL ) at 81.6% SG; and high-cooked extruded feed (EXTH ) at 98.5% SG. Thirty adult parrots were fed sunflower seeds for 90 days, then were distributed in a completely randomized design with 10 repetitions per treatment, and fed one of the three prepared diets for 160 days. Feed palatability, apparent digestibility, excreta concentrations of volatile fatty acids, lactate and ammonia, initial and final radiographic examinations, blood cell counts and glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and uric acid levels were evaluated. The data were analysed by an analysis of variance and compared by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Sunflower seed was more digestible than processed feeds (p < 0.05). Diet processing interfered with fat and starch digestibility (p < 0.001), being higher in the PEL than in the EXTH and EXTL respectively. Transitioning from sunflower seeds to balanced diets reduced serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol and AST (p < 0.05) and increased red blood cell, haemoglobin, lymphocyte, monocyte and leucocyte counts (p < 0.01). Radiographs indicated a decreased hourglass (p = 0.015) and a reduced heart-liver ratio after ingesting the processed feeds (p < 0.05). Feed processing did not affect blood cell counts, serum biochemistry or radiographic examinations. In conclusion, parrots preferred the extruded diet and did not require an extensive SG to properly digest the feed. Consuming the processed diets improved the birds' metabolism and health.

Effect of calcium sources in the diets of adult cats on urinary parameters and acid-base balance / Efeitos das fontes de cálcio na dieta de gatos adultos sobre parâmetros urinários e equilíbrio ácido-básico

Calcium is a macroelement that is part of the mineral composition of the diet of companion animals, and is considered a cation of strong alkalizing power, increasing urinary pH. Calcium salts have different solubilities and depending on the anion to which calcium is associated with, it can be more or less absorbed, modifying the pH of the urine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of calcium sources on alkalinization of urinary pH, as well as excretion of urinary electrolytes and acid-base balance of adult cats. An extruded diet for cats was selected, and had 160mEq/kg of calcium from the sources of either calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or calcium gluconate (C12H22CaO14) added. In the control treatment there was no addition of calcium sources, resulting in three treatments. Nine adult cats were used, mixed breed, in two experimental periods, with six replicates per treatment. Animal average age was 4±1.3 years old and average weight was 3.96±0.71kg. The cats remained in metabolic cages for an adaptation period of seven days, followed by six days of urine total collection, with volume, density, pH and calcium concentration (g/d) measurements. The acid-base balance was studied by blood gas analysis of venous blood. The two sources of calcium alkalinized the urine (P<0.001). However, calcium gluconate had less alkalinization power compared to the calcium carbonate (P<0.05). Urinary calcium was not affected by treatments, and represented less than 0.5% of calcium intake. The experiment showed that calcium, although an alkaline cation and considered strong influencer of the EB of the diet, cannot be evaluated individually, because depending on its associated anion it may have greater or lesser influence on cats urine pH.(AU)

O cálcio (Ca) é um macroelemento que faz parte da composição mineral da dieta de animais de companhia. Este macroelemento é considerado um cátion de forte capacidade alcalinizante e, de acordo com a fonte e quantidade inclusa, pode aumentar o pH urinário. Os sais de cálcio têm diferentes solubilidades e dependendo do ânion ao qual o cálcio está associado, pode ser mais ou menos absorvido e assim, alterar o pH da urina. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de duas fontes de cálcio na alcalinização do pH urinário, bem como a excreção de eletrólitos urinários e o equilíbrio ácido-básico de felinos. Foi selecionada uma dieta extrusada para gatos e adicionados 160mEq/kg de cálcio das fontes carbonato de cálcio (CaCO3) ou gluconato de cálcio (C12H22CaO14). No tratamento controle, não houve adição de fontes de cálcio. Foram utilizados nove gatos adultos, de raças mistas, em dois períodos experimentais, com seis repetições por tratamento. Os animais apresentavam idade média de 4,0±1,3 anos e peso corporal médio de 3,96±0,71kg. Estes permaneceram em gaiolas metabólicas em período de adaptação durante sete dias, seguido de coleta total de urina durante seis dias. Nestas amostras foram aferidos o volume, densidade, pH e concentração de cálcio (g/d). O equilíbrio ácido-básico foi avaliado por hemogasometria em amostras de sangue venoso. As duas fontes de cálcio alcalinizaram a urina (P<0,001). No entanto, o gluconato de cálcio apresentou menor potencial de alcalinização em comparação ao carbonato de cálcio (P<0,05). O cálcio urinário não foi afetado pelos tratamentos e representou menos de 0,5% da ingestão de Ca. O experimento demonstrou que o cálcio, apesar de ser um cátion alcalinizante e influenciador do EB da dieta, não pode ser avaliado individualmente, porque dependendo do ânion associado, pode apresentar maior ou menor influência no pH da urina de gatos.(AU)

Weight loss improves arterial blood gases and respiratory parameters in obese dogs.

Canine obesity is a common medical disorder and a known risk factor for associated diseases; it can seriously influence various physiological functions, thereby limiting the longevity of the animal. In this study, we evaluated potential respiratory alterations in obese dogs before and after being subjected to caloric restriction to decrease their body weight by 20%, and compared those dogs with control dogs with ideal body condition score. The animals were divided into three experimental groups: GI (obese dogs; n = 11); GII (obese dogs after weight loss, same animals as in GI); GIII (control dogs; n = 11). We evaluated lung function by spirometry and arterial blood gases. Statistical analysis included paired or non-paired Student's t test. Compared with dogs within an ideal body condition score (GIII), obese dogs (GI) had a low arterial partial pressure of oxygen (p < 0.05); decreased tidal volume (p < 0.005), inspiratory time and expiratory time (p < 0.05); and an increased respiratory rate (p < 0.005). After losing weight (GII), no differences with control dogs (GIII) were verified. The results suggested that obese dogs have an improvement in respiratory function with weight loss, but further investigations in a larger group of dogs are advised to confirm these findings.

Tutores de cães consideram a dieta caseira como adequada, mas alteram as fórmulas prescritas / Dog owners consider homemade diet as adequate, but change the prescribed formulas

O estudo objetivou avaliar a adesão e a percepção dos proprietários de cães, residentes na cidade de São Paulo/SP, quanto ao emprego de dieta caseira no manejo nutricional de seu animal de estimação. Foram entrevistados por contato telefônico 55 proprietários que forneciam dieta caseira no manejo nutricional do seu cão. O questionário contemplou perguntas relacionadas ao preparo e eficiência das dietas, bem como o manejo dos animais. Verificou-se que considerável número (parcela) de prescrições (45,9%) esteve associado a pacientes com hiporexia. Dentre os proprietários que relataram dificuldade no preparo (10,9%), o tempo dispendido (33,3%) foi a maior problemática. Quando questionados em relação às modificações nas fórmulas prescritas, 60% admitiram que a realizaram sem prévia recomendação. Na opinião dos entrevistados, a dieta caseira não causou alterações nas fezes (50%) e na pelagem (62,7%) dos animais em comparação ao emprego de um alimento comercial e foi considerada adequada pela maioria (79,0%). As dietas caseiras podem ser amplamente utilizadas, mostrando-se especialmente importantes em cães doentes e/ou hiporéticos por apresentarem maior aceite em relação à dieta comercial, no entanto, nem todos os tutores estão aptos a utilizá-la.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion and perception of dog owners from the city of São Paulo, Brazil, on the employment of homemade diet for the nutritional management of their pet. The participants were 55 owners that provided homemade diet for their dog. The interviews were conducted by telephone and the questionnaire included points related with the preparation and effectiveness of diets, as well as the handling of animals. It was found that a considerable number of prescriptions (45.9%) was associated with patients with hyporexia. Among the owners who reported difficulty in the preparation (10.9%), time spent (33.3%) was the most problematic topic. When questioned in relation to changes in the prescribed formulas, 60% admitted that conducted it without recommendation. In the opinion of interviewed owners, the homemade diet did not cause changes in feces (50%) and coat (62.7%) of the animals compared to the use of a commercial food and was considered appropriate by the majority (79.0%). The homemade diets can be widely used, being especially important in dogs with diseases and/or dogs with hyporexia, since they are more easily accepted than the commercial diet; however, not all owners are able for its right use.(AU)

Analysis of recipes of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats published in Portuguese.

The present study evaluated recipes of home-prepared diets for dogs and cats published in Portuguese. A total of 106 diets were evaluated: eighty for dogs, twenty-four for cats and two intended for both species. A commercial software package was used to analyse the diets, and an ingredient chemical composition database was built based on the Brazilian Tables of Food Composition and United States Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database. The estimated chemical composition of each recipe was compared with the Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs (Fédération Européenne de L'industrie des Aliments Pour Animaux Familiers; FEDIAF, 2014) recommendations for maintenance (as units/MJ). Most recipes (48 %) had no precise determination of ingredients and quantities. All diets had at least one nutrient below the recommendations, and all investigated nutrients were deficient in at least one diet. The most frequent nutrients below recommendation were: Fe (68·3 % of the recipes for dogs; 100 % of the recipes for cats); vitamin E (82·9 % of the dog recipes; 84·6 % of the cat recipes); Zn (75·6 % for dogs; 88·4 % for cats); Ca (73·2 % for dogs; 73 % for cats); Cu (85·4 % for dogs; 69·2 % for cats); choline (85·4 % for dogs; 69·2 % for cats); riboflavin (65·8 % for dogs; 11·5 % for cats); thiamine (39 % for dogs; 80·7 % for cats); and vitamin B12 (61 % for dogs; 34·6 % for cats). These recipes may potentially expose animals to nutritional deficiencies, and it is important to inform the owners of the risks of providing home-prepared diets. Better training of professionals that intend to prescribe home-prepared diets is advisable.

Avaliação da pressão arterial sistêmica em cães obesos: comparação entre os métodos oscilométrico e doppler ultrassônico / Systemic blood pressure evaluation by oscillometric versus doppler ultrasonographic methods in obese dogs

A obesidade é o problema nutricional que mais acomete os cães e pode causar vários efeitos deletérios a saúde animal. No entanto, o efeito desta condição sobre a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) em cães obesos é controverso. Os métodos indiretos de mensuração da PAS são os mais comumente utilizados na medicina veterinária para o diagnóstico da hipertensão sistêmica, por serem mais práticos e de fácil acesso. Não foram localizados na literatura estudos que tenham comparado os dois métodos para esta avaliação em cães obesos. Diante do exposto, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a PAS em cães obesos, comparando os métodos indiretos de mensuração da pressão arterial, oscilométrico e doppler ultrassônico, a fim de verificar as diferenças nos valores obtidos, como também o método mais indicado para aferir a PAS em cães nesta condição. Foram avaliados 50 cães, incluindo 25 obesos com escore de condição corporal (ECC) médio de 8,42±0,50 e 25 cães com peso corporal ideal com ECC médio de 4,56±0,51. Os resultados revelaram valores superiores da PAS obtidos pelo método doppler (152±16mmHg) comparados ao oscilométrico (136±11mmHg). A análise de correspondência determinada por análise estatística multivariada demonstrou maior correspondência entre a condição corporal e o método de avaliação da PAS. Esses achados sugerem que o método indireto doppler pode aferir com mais precisão os valores de PAS em cães obesos.(AU)

Obesity is the most common nutritional problem in dogs and it can cause various harmful effects on animal health. However, the effect of this condition on systolic blood pressure (SBP) in obese dogs is controversial. The indirect method of measuring PAS is the most commonly used in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of systemic hypertension, because it is more practical and easy to access. There is little scientific information about the comparison of the two non-invasive methods of measurement of blood pressure in obese dogs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the SBP in obese dogs by comparing both indirect methods of measuring blood pressure, with oscillometric and doppler vascular in order to verify the differences in blood pressure values, but also the best method to assess the SBP dogs in this body score condition. The study complain blood pressure measurement of 50 dogs, with were divided in obese dogs with mean body condition score (BCS) of 8.42±0.50 (n=25) and dogs with ideal BCS of 4.56±0.51 (n=25). At comparison of blood pressure values, SBP values obtained by doppler method (152±16mmHg) were higher than the oscillometric (136±11mmHg). Correspondence analysis determined by multivariate statistical analysis showed correlation between body condition and the procedure of the SBP. These findings suggest that the indirect method doppler can better reflect the SBP in obese dogs.(AU)

Sugarcane fibre may prevents hairball formation in cats.

Hair ingested by licking during cat grooming can eventually coalesce into solid masses in cat gastrointestinal tract. It is believed that dietary fibre might reduce formation of these trichobezoars (hairballs). The effects of two insoluble fibre sources added to kibble diets were evaluated with respect to trichobezoar faecal excretion. Thirty-two cats and four diets were used in a randomised block design: a control diet without additional fibre, 10 % added sugarcane fibre, 20 % added sugarcane fibre or 10 % added cellulose. Animals were fed for 42 d and during three separate periods (days 15-17, 25-27 and 40-42), the cats were housed individually in metabolic cages and their faeces were totally collected. The faeces were evaluated and the trichobezoars were isolated and classified into small (<1 cm), medium (1·1-2 cm) or large (>2·1 cm). Means were evaluated by repeated measures ANOVA and contrasts (P < 0·05). Cats fed sugarcane fibre shown a linear reduction of small and medium trichobezoar excretion (number per cat per day; P = 0·004) as well as a reduction in trichobezoar mass excretion (mg per cat per day; P < 0·01). The control group showed increased faecal excretion of large trichobezoars (P = 0·003), which were not present in the high sugarcane fibre group (P < 0·006). No effect of cellulose was observed for any evaluated trait. Therefore, long fibres (sugarcane fibre) may cause greater peristaltic stimulation, increasing the propulsion of hair through the gut, but further research is needed to validate this mechanism. In conclusion, sugarcane fibre reduced faecal hairball elimination in cats, which may have clinical applications for the prevention of health problems related to trichobezoars.

Evaluation of the owner's perception in the use of homemade diets for the nutritional management of dogs.

Many dog owners see homemade diets as a way of increasing the bond with their pets, even though they may not have the convenience of commercial diets. Modifications of ingredients, quality and proportion might change the nutritional composition of the diet, generating nutritional imbalances. The present study evaluated how dog owners use and adhere to homemade diets prescribed by veterinary nutritionists over an extended period of time. Forty-six owners of dogs fed a homemade diet for at least 6 months were selected for the present study. Owners were invited to answer questions by first reading all possible answers and then selecting the one that best indicated their opinion. The results were evaluated through descriptive statistics. Thirty-five owners (76·1 %) found that the diets are easy to prepare. Fourteen owners (30·4 %) admitted to modifying the diets, 40 % did not adequately control the amount of provided ingredients, 73·9 % did not use the recommended amounts of soyabean oil and salt, and 34·8 % did not correctly use the vitamin, mineral or amino acid supplements. Twenty-six owners (56·5 %) reported that their dogs refused to eat at least one food item. All of these alterations make the nutritional composition of the diets unpredictable and likely nutritionally imbalanced. Although homemade diets could be a useful tool for the nutritional management of dogs with certain diseases, not all owners are able to appropriately use this type of diet and adhere to it for an extended period of time and this limitation needs to be considered when recommending the use of homemade diets.

Alterations to oxidative stress markers in dogs after a short-term stress during transport.

While methods to evaluate antioxidant capacity in animals exist, one problem with the models is induction of oxidative stress. It is necessary to promote a great enough challenge to induce measurable alterations to oxidative parameters while ensuring the protocol is compatible with animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to evaluate caged transport as a viable short-term stress that would significantly affect oxidative parameters. Twenty adult Beagle dogs, maintained on the same diet for 60 d prior to the transport, were included in the study. To simulate the stress, the dogs were housed in pairs in transport cages (1·0 m × 1·0 m × 1·5 m), placed on a truck coupled to a trailer and transported for a period of 15 min. Blood collection was performed immediately before and again 3 h after the transportation to evaluate oxidative parameters in blood serum, including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sequestration activity of the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•), protein carbonylation (PC), total sulfhydryl groups (SH), alpha-tocopherol (αToc) and retinol (Ret). PC, SH and αToc were not significantly changed in the study; however, TBARS, TAC and DPPH increased, whereas Ret decreased after the transport. Although the lack of a control group of dogs not submitted to transport is a limitation to be considered, we conclude that the transport model is effective in inducing an antioxidant response in dogs and relevant blood parameters show sensitivity to this proposed model.

Comparison of the digestive efficiency of extruded diets fed to ferrets (Mustela putorius furo), dogs (Canis familiaris) and cats (Felis catus).

The digestive tract of ferrets is anatomically simple, with no caecum, ileocolic valve or external differentiation between the transition of ileum and colon. The species has a short large intestine that provides minor contributions to the digestive process. Aiming to better understand the digestibility efficiency of ferrets, the present study compared the digestibility of extruded diets with different amounts of macronutrients fed to dogs, cats and ferrets. Three formulations for cat maintenance were used (values in % of DM basis): high carbohydrate (HC; nitrogen-free extract (NFE) = 54 %, protein = 31 % and fat = 8 %); moderate carbohydrate (MC; NFE = 37 %, protein = 41 % and fat = 10 %); and low carbohydrate (LC; NFE = 19 %, protein = 46 % and fat = 23 %). Apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility was determined by the method of total collection of faeces. Results were compared by ANOVA, considering the diet and species effects and their interactions. Means were compared by the Tukey's test (P < 0·05). Dogs and cats presented similar food intakes, but ferrets consumed almost two times more food (g/kg body weight). Species × diet interactions were verified for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD; P < 0·05). Ferrets presented lower DM digestibility than dogs and cats for all three diets (P < 0·05), lower NFE digestibility than dogs for the three diets and lower NFE digestibility than cats for the HC and LC diets (P < 0·05). For crude protein (CP), ferrets presented lower ATTD than dogs and cats (P < 0·05), whereas for fat, dogs and ferrets presented similar ATTD, and higher values than those presented by cats (P < 0·05). Kibble diets had a lower DM, CP and NFE digestibility when fed to ferrets compared with dogs and cats. Fat digestibility was similar between dogs and ferrets and higher than that for cats.

Prediction of crude protein digestibility of animal by-product meals for dogs by the protein solubility in pepsin method.

Animal by-product meals have large variability in crude protein (CP) content and digestibility. In vivo digestibility procedures are precise but laborious, and in vitro methods could be an alternative to evaluate and classify these ingredients. The present study reports prediction equations to estimate the CP digestibility of meat and bone meal (MBM) and poultry by-product meal (PM) using the protein solubility in pepsin method (PSP). Total tract CP digestibility of eight MBM and eight PM samples was determined in dogs by the substitution method. A basal diet was formulated for dog maintenance, and sixteen diets were produced by mixing 70 % of the basal diet and 30 % of each tested meal. Six dogs per diet were used to determine ingredient digestibility. In addition, PSP of the MBM and PM samples was determined using three pepsin concentrations: 0·02, 0·002 and 0·0002 %. The CP content of MBM and PM ranged from 39 to 46 % and 57 to 69 %, respectively, and their mean CP digestibility by dogs was 76 (2·4) and 85 (2·6) %, respectively. The pepsin concentration with higher Pearson correlation coefficients with the in vivo results were 0·0002 % for MBM (r 0·380; P = 0·008) and 0·02 % for PM (r 0·482; P = 0·005). The relationship between the in vivo and in vitro results was better explained by the following equations: CP digestibility of MBM = 61·7 + 0·2644 × PSP at 0·0002 % (P = 0·008; R (2) 0·126); and CP digestibility of PM = 54·1 + 0·3833 × PSP at 0·02 % (P = 0·005; R (2) 0·216). Although significant, the coefficients of determination were low, indicating that the models were weak and need to be used with caution.

DXA, bioelectrical impedance, ultrasonography and biometry for the estimation of fat and lean mass in cats during weight loss.

BACKGROUND: Few equations have been developed in veterinary medicine compared to human medicine to predict body composition. The present study was done to evaluate the influence of weight loss on biometry (BIO), bioimpedance analysis (BIA) and ultrasonography (US) in cats, proposing equations to estimate fat (FM) and lean (LM) body mass, as compared to dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as the referenced method. For this were used 16 gonadectomized obese cats (8 males and 8 females) in a weight loss program. DXA, BIO, BIA and US were performed in the obese state (T0; obese animals), after 10% of weight loss (T1) and after 20% of weight loss (T2). Stepwise regression was used to analyze the relationship between the dependent variables (FM, LM) determined by DXA and the independent variables obtained by BIO, BIA and US. The better models chosen were evaluated by a simple regression analysis and means predicted vs. determined by DXA were compared to verify the accuracy of the equations. RESULTS: The independent variables determined by BIO, BIA and US that best correlated (p < 0.005) with the dependent variables (FM and LM) were BW (body weight), TC (thoracic circumference), PC (pelvic circumference), R (resistance) and SFLT (subcutaneous fat layer thickness). Using Mallows'Cp statistics, p value and r2, 19 equations were selected (12 for FM, 7 for LM); however, only 7 equations accurately predicted FM and one LM of cats. CONCLUSIONS: The equations with two variables are better to use because they are effective and will be an alternative method to estimate body composition in the clinical routine. For estimated lean mass the equations using body weight associated with biometrics measures can be proposed. For estimated fat mass the equations using body weight associated with bioimpedance analysis can be proposed.