Phenotypic variation in milk fatty acid composition and its association with stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) gene polymorphisms in Gir cows.

Individual variation in milk fatty acid (FA) composition has been partially attributed to stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) gene polymorphisms in taurine breeds, but much less is known for Zebu breeds. This study investigated the phenotypic variation in milk FA composition, and the influence of SCD1 variants on this trait and on milk fat desaturase indices (DI) in Gir cows. The functional impact of SCD1 variants was predicted using bioinformatics tools. Milk and blood samples were collected from 312 cows distributed in 10 herds from five states of Brazil. SCD1 variants were identified through target sequencing, and milk FA composition was determined by gas chromatography. Phenotypic variation in milk FA composition fell within the range reported for taurine breeds, with SCD18 index showing the lowest variation among the DI. Fourteen SCD1 variants were identified, six of which not previously described. Regarding the A293V polymorphism, all cows were homozygous for the C allele (coding for alanine), whereas all genotypes were detected for the second SNP affecting the 293 codon (G > A), with compelling evidence for functional effects. Significant associations (based on raw p-values) were found between this SNP and C12:0, cis-9, trans-11 CLA and short-chain FA, and between another SNP (rs523411937) and C15:0 and odd-chain linear FA. A new SNP on Chr26:21277069 was associated with trans-11 C18:1, cis-9, trans-11 CLA, C18:3 n-3 and n-3 FA. These findings indicate that SCD1 polymorphisms also contributes to the phenotypic variation in milk FA composition of Gir cows, with potential use in their breeding programmes.

Glicerina em substituição ao milho no concentrado de vacas em lactação / Glycerin replacing corn in the concentrate of lactating cows

Foram avaliados o consumo e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, a produção e a composição do leite de vacas Holandês x Gir alimentadas com dietas baseadas em silagem de milho suplementada com concentrado contendo ou não glicerina obtida da produção de biodiesel. Os tratamentos basearam-se na substituição parcial do amido do milho moído pelo glicerol da glicerina. O experimento foi realizado durante 96 dias utilizando delineamento em blocos casualizados, nove vacas por tratamento e três medidas repetidas no tempo. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre tratamentos para consumos de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais. Foram observados menores consumos de amido e extrato etéreo para as vacas que receberam concentrado com glicerina que, por sua vez, consumiram maior (P<0,05) quantidade de glicerol. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) da inclusão de glicerina sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, produção e composição do leite, mas foi observada maior (P<0,05) produção de leite corrigida para 4% de gordura e menor teor de nitrogênio ureico no leite das vacas que receberam concentrado sem glicerina. Em dietas de vacas Holandês x Gir a suplementação da silagem de milho com concentrado contendo níveis médios de 8,12% de glicerina em substituição ao milho moído, apresenta potencial para produção de 20 kg/dia de leite com elevado teor de sólidos.

Intake, digestibility of nutrients, production and milk composition of Holstein x Gyr fed diets based on corn silage supplemented with concentrates containing glycerin or no coproduct of biodiesel production were evaluated. The treatments were based on the partial replacement of ground corn starch by the glycerol of glycerine. The experiment was conducted during 96 days using a randomized block design, nine cows per treatment and three repeated measurements over time. There was no difference (P>0.05) between treatments regarding the dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients. Smaller consumption of starch and lipids were observed by cows receiving concentrated with glycerin,that, in turn, consumed higher (P<0.05) amount of glycerol. There was no difference (P>0.05) among treatments for nutrient digestibility, milk production and composition, but there was a higher yield of milk corrected to 4% fat and lower levels of urea nitrogen in the milk of cows fed concentrate without glycerol (P<0.05). For Holstein x Gyr cows receiving diets based on corn silage, the supplementation with concentrate containing the average level of 8,12% of glycerine as ground corn replacer shows potential milk production of 20 kg/day with a high solid content.

Maternal soybean diet during lactation alters breast milk composition and programs the lipid profile in adult male rat offspring.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of maternal dietary soybean during lactation on the milk composition, body composition, lipid profile and glucose homeostasis of dams and offspring at weaning (21 days) and adulthood (150 days). METHODS: Lactating rats were divided into: casein control (C): casein diet; soy (S): soybean diet; soy oil control (SOC): casein diet, but with fat content similar to the S group. RESULTS: At 21 days, S mothers showed lower estradiol, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) in serum; and lower TC and TG in milk. The S offspring had lower body weight, body fat mass, TC, LDL, hyperleptinemia and hypertriglyceridemia. At 150 days, S offspring presented higher total mineral content and lower TC (v. SOC) and LDL (v. C and SOC), and hyperinsulinemia with lower glycemia v. SOC group, which had lower insulinemia with higher glycemia, TC and LDL. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal intake of soybeans in lactation changes the lipid content of breast milk and programmed offspring for phenotype of the lower metabolic risk, with lower serum TC and LDL, and seems to protect the progeny of alterations in glucose metabolism despite the higher lipid content. The difference in fat content of breast milk and the higher isoflavones content of soy diet are possible imprinting factors that could program the offspring.

Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid-enriched Butter After 24 hours of Intestinal Mucositis Induction.

Mucositis is the most common side effect due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. It refers to the inflammation of intestinal mucous membranes, and it is associated with complications such as diarrhea, weight loss, and increased intestinal permeability (IP). This study was designed to evaluate the effect of diet containing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-enriched butter on intestinal damage and inflammatory response after 24 h of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced mucositis. Mice were divided into four groups: CTL; CLA; 5-FU, and CLA 5-FU, and they were fed for 31 days. On the 30th experimental day, mucositis was induced by unique injection of 300 mg/kg of 5-FU. After 24 h (31st experimental day), IP was evaluated; ileum and fecal material were collected to determine cytokine level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA). The 5-FU group showed an increase in IP and MPO activity (CTL vs. 5-FU: P < 0.05). Additionally, increased levels of IP and MPO were observed in CLA 5-FU group compared to those in the test groups (P < 0.05). Animals in the CLA 5-FU group showed reduced concentrations of sIgA (CTL vs. CLA 5-FU: P < 0.05). CLA-enriched butter exacerbating the 5-FU-induced intestinal damage. Safety concerns regarding the use of CLA require further investigation.

Digestibility of pelleted rations containing diverse potato flour and urea / Degradabilidade ruminal e digestibilidade in vitro de rações peletizadas contendo farinha de batata diversa e ureia

The aim of this study was to evaluate ruminal in situ degradability and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (DM) in concentrate supplements containing diverse potato flour pelletized with urea (0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% DM). Samples of feeds were incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48h in the rumen of four fistulated sheep. Level of urea added had no significant effect (P>;0.05) on the soluble fraction (a) or potentially degradable fraction (b) of the pellets and ranged from 2.1% to 12.2% and 72.9% to 87.5%, respectively. Quadratic effects (P=0.03) of the rate of degradation of fraction "b" ranged from 4.75% h-1to 7.39% h-1; the estimated maximum value at 7.4% h-1was obtained when 5.9% urea was added to the pellet. Quadratic effects (P≤0.02) of the level of urea added to the pellets on the effective degradability (ED) of DM were evaluated after considering rumen passage rates of 2.5% h-1and 8% h-1; the maximum values of ED calculated under these rumen passage rates were estimated at 6.3% to 7.3% urea in the pellets. The in vitro digestibility of DM of the pellets showed a quadratic effect (P=0.02) at different levels of urea, with a maximum value of 96.9% achieved when 7.9% urea was added to the pellets. Our results suggest that the addition of 6-8% urea to pelleted feed promotes an increase in the in vitro digestibility and ED of DM.

Objetivou-se avaliar a degradação ruminal in situ da matéria seca (MS) e a digestibilidade in vitro de suplementos concentrados a base de farinha de batata diversa peletizada com ureia (0, 4, 8 e 12% da MS). Amostras de cada tratamento foram incubadas por 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 e 48 horas no rúmen de quatro ovinos fistulados. Não houve efeito (P>;0,05) do nível de inclusão de ureia sobre as frações solúvel ("a") e potencialmente degradável ("b") dos péletes, que variaram, respectivamente, de 2,1 a 12,1%, e de 72,9 a 87,5%. Foi observado efeito quadrático (P=0,03) para a taxa de degradação da fração "b", que variou de 4,75 a 7,39% h-1, sendo o valor máximo estimado em 7,4% h-1, obtido quando 5,9% de ureia foram incluídos no pélete. Foram observados efeitos quadráticos (P≤0,02) do nível de inclusão de ureia nos péletes sobre a degradabilidade efetiva (DE) da MS, considerando taxas de passagem no rúmen de 2, 5 e 8% h-1e os valores máximos de DE calculadas sob estas taxas de passagem no rúmen foram estimados com 6,3 a 7,3% de ureia nos péletes. A digestibilidade in vitro da MS dos péletes foi influenciada de forma quadrática (P=0,02) pelo nível de inclusão de ureia, com valor máximo de 96,9%, estimado quando 7,9% de ureia foram incluídos no pélete. A inclusão de 6 a 8% de ureia nos péletes promove incremento na digestibilidade in vitro e na degradabilidade efetiva da matéria seca.

Butter naturally enriched in cis-9, trans-11 CLA prevents hyperinsulinemia and increases both serum HDL cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels in rats.

BACKGROUND: Evidence from in vitro and animal studies indicates that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) possesses anti-diabetic properties, which appear to be attributed to cis-9, trans-11 CLA, the major CLA isomer in ruminant fat. However, there is a shortage of studies addressing CLA from natural source. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of butter naturally enriched in cis-9, trans-11 CLA on parameters related to glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and dyslipidemia in rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to the following dietary treatments (n=10/group), for 60 days: 1) Normal fat-Soybean oil (NF-So): diet containing 4.0% soybean oil (SO); 2) High Fat-Control Butter (HF-Cb): diet containing 21.7% control butter and 2.3% SO; 3) High Fat-CLA enriched Butter (HF-CLAb): diet containing 21.7% cis-9, trans-11 CLA-enriched butter and 2.3% SO; and 4) High fat-Soybean oil (HF-So): diet containing 24.0% SO. HF-Cb and HF-CLAb diets contained 0.075% and 0.235% of cis-9, trans-11 CLA, respectively. RESULTS: HF-CLAb-fed rats had lower serum insulin levels at fasting than those fed with the HF-Cb diet, while the PPARγ protein levels in adipose tissue was increased in HF-CLAb-fed rats compared to HF-Cb-fed rats. Furthermore, R-QUICK was lower in HF-Cb than in NF-So group, while no differences in R-QUICK were observed among NF-So, HF-CLAb and HF-So groups. Serum HDL cholesterol levels were higher in HF-CLAb-fed rats than in those fed NF-So, HF-Cb and HF-So diets, as well as higher in NF-So-fed rats than in HF-Cb and HF-So-fed rats. HF-CLAb, HF-Cb and HF-So diets reduced serum LDL cholesterol levels when compared to NF-So, whereas serum triacylglycerol levels were increased in HF-CLAb. CONCLUSION: Feeding rats on a high-fat diet containing butter naturally enriched in cis-9, trans-11 CLA prevented hyperinsulinemia and increased HDL cholesterol, which could be associated with higher levels of cis-9, trans-11 CLA, vaccenic acid, oleic acid and lower levels of short and medium-chain saturated fatty acids from butter naturally modified compared to control butter. On the other hand CLA-enriched butter also increased serum triacylglycerol levels, which could be associated with concomitant increases in the content of trans-9 and trans-10 C18:1 isomers in the CLA-enriched butter.

Valor nutricional da planta, padrões de fermentação e qualidade da silagem de triticale em seis idades de corte / Nutritional value of the forage, fermentation patterns and silage quality of triticale (X Triticosecale Wittimack) at six cutting ages

Embora tenha potencial de adaptabilidade para várias regiões do Brasil, o triticale, gramínea produtora de grãos e forragem, tem sido mais utilizado na Região Sul do Brasil. Neste trabalho, objetivou-se conhecer o valor nutritivo da planta de triticale e algumas características de sua silagem quando cultivada na Região Sudeste e submetida a seis idades de corte. O experimento foi instalado (07/07/95) em uma propriedade particular no município de Guarani (MG), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições, sendo avaliado o efeito da idade de corte (73, 80, 87, 94, 101 e 108 dias) sobre o valor nutricional da forragem do triticale e sobre os padrões de fermentação e de qualidade da sua silagem. Houve incremento de 0,46 e decréscimo de 0,09 unidades porcentuais, respectivamente, nos teores de matéria seca (MS) e de proteína bruta (PB) da silagem, para cada dia adicional na idade de corte, sendo os maiores teores de MS obtidos de plantas cortadas aos 87 e 101 dias. Foi observado comportamento quadrático entre os valores (P<0,05) de pH das silagens e a idade de corte do triticale, onde os valores de pH variaram entre 3,7 e 5,5. As menores concentrações de ácido acético, entre 1,93 e 3,60 por cento da MS, foram observadas de 87 a 101 dias de crescimento das plantas. Na silagem produzida a partir das plantas cortadas aos 73 dias de idade, foi observada concentração de ácido lático de 0,97 por cento da MS. A maior (P<0,05) concentração de ácido lático foi observada na silagem produzida a partir das plantas cortadas aos 94 dias de crescimento (12,05 por cento da MS). Os parâmetros de degradação ruminal in situ da MS da forragem verde variaram de 74,6 a 89,5 por cento (degradabilidade potencial), de 2,8 a 3,8 por cento/h (taxa de degradação), e de 42,0 a 51,0 por cento (degradabilidade efetiva, sob taxa de passagem ruminal de 5 por cento/h). As silagens obtidas de plantas cortadas aos 87, 94 e 101 dias de crescimento apresentaram ...

Although with potential to adapt in many regions of Brazil, the triticale, a grass that produces grain and forage, has been used only in the South of the country. The objective of this work was to study the nutritive value of the triticale forage as well as the fermentation parameters and quality of its silage when it is grown in Southeast Region and cut at six different ages. The experiment was carried (07/07/95) out at Guarani (Minas Gerais State, Brazil). Cutting ages studied were 73, 80, 87, 94, 101 and 108 days after sowing, using a casual design with four replications. There was an increase of 0.46 and a decrease of 0.09 percent units on dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) percentages, respectively, for each additional day in the cutting age. The highest values of DM were those obtained by plants cut between 87 and 101 days. Quadratic relationship was observed between silage pH values and cutting ages, where pH values varied between 3.7 and 5.5, and the lowest acetic acid concentrations, between 1,93 and 3,60 percent of the DM. Silage from plants cut after 73 days of age presented 0,97 percent of lactic acid in the DM. The highest (P<0,05) concentration of lactic acid was observed in silage produced from the plants cut at 94 growth days (12.05 percent of the DM). The in situ ruminal degradation parameters of fresh forage ranged from 74.6 to 89.5 percent (potential degradability), from 2.8 to 3.8 percent/h (degradation rate), and from 42.0 to 51.0 percent (effective degradability under 5 percent/h of passage rate). Silage obtained from plants cut at 87, 94 and 101 growth days presented better nutritional quality.

Desempenho produtivo e composição do leite de vacas da raça holandesa no final da lactação, manejadas em pastagem esuplementadas com diferentes níveis de concentrado / Holstein cows productive performance and milk composition in late lactating, management in pasture supplementedwith different levels of concentrate

Foram utilizadas 36 vacas da raça Holandesa na fase final de lactação em um delineamento com parcelas sub-subdivididas, em pastejo de Coastcross, com o objetivo de se avaliar diferentes quantidades de suplementação: três e seis quilos de concentrado, sobre o desempenho animal (produção e composição do leite, peso e condição corporal). O Coastcross manejado em pastejo intermitente no período de verão, com lotação de cinco unidades animal por hectare apresentou em média 11,7% de PB; 70,2% de FDN; 35,2% de FDA e 63,7% de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca. A maior ingestão de concentrado pelas vacas que receberam seis quilos de concentrado não afetou (P>0,05) a produção de leite, os teores de proteína, gordura, lactose e sólidos totais do leite produzido. No entanto, o escore da condição corporal (ECC) e a contagem de células somáticas (CCS) aumentaram com a maior suplementação de concentrado. Concluiu-se então que a suplementação de vacas holandesas no terço final de lactação mantidas em pastejo de Coastcross sp, com três e seis quilos de concentrado, não influenciou o peso corporal, a produção e a composição do leite (gordura, proteína, lactose e sólidos totais). No entanto, a maior suplementação influenciou o ECC e a CCS.

Thirty-six late lactating Holstein cows in a split-split-plot design model in a Coast-cross pasture were used in order to assess different amounts of supplement: three and six kilos of concentrate mixture under the animal performance (milk production andcomposition, body weight and body condition). The coast-cross managed in intermittent grazing in the summer, with a stockingrate of 5 animal/ hectare presented an average of 11.7% of CP; 70.2% of NDF; 35.2% of ADF, and 63.7% of in vitro dry matterdigestibility. Higher ingestion of concentrate mixture by the cows which received six kilos of concentrate mixture did not affect milkproduction (P<0.05), the protein content, lactose, and of the total solids in the milk produced. However, the body conditions score(BCS) and the somatic cell count (SCC) increase as a result of the higher supplement of concentrate mixture. It was thusconcluded that supplementing late lactating Holstein cows grazing on coast-cross pasture with three or six kilos of concentratemixture did not influence their body weight, production, and milk composition (fat, protein, lactose, and total solids). However, higher supplementation influenced both BCS and SCC.

Efeito de diferentes doses de enxofre no consumo voluntário e nas populações de protozoários do rúmen de novilhas mestiças alimentadas com capim-elefante de baixa qualidade / Effect of different doses of sulfur on voluntary intake of low-quality elephant grass and estimates of ruminal protozoa populations in crossbred heifers

O experimento foi conduzido no Campo Experimental de Coronel Pacheco - MG da EMBRAPA Gado de Leite. O efeito de doses de enxofre (sulfato de amônio, 0,15; 0,31; 0,46 e 0,92 por cento de S na matéria verde / dia) na população de protozoários ruminais, foi avaliado utilizando-se quatro novilhas 7/8 Holandês X Zebu, arranjadas em um quadrado latino de 4 x 4. Forneceu-se diariamente capim-elefante de baixa qualidade (76,1 por cento FDN na MS), picado, com correção do teor de PB para 7 por cento com uréia, mais mistura mineral sem enxofre fornecida diretamente no rúmen. Foram feitas amostragens do conteúdo ruminal, uma hora após a alimentação. A estimativa das populações microbianas ruminais foi realizada por microscópica direta. Os resultados foram transformados para logaritmos decimais e avaliados estatisticamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos para microrganismos. O tratamento 0,92 por centoS apresentou o menor consumo de matéria seca e ainda, causou início de intoxicação em dois animais. De acordo com esses resultados, doses de 0,31 por cento de enxofre adicionadas a dieta promoveram o incremento das populações de microganismos ruminais e com isso um maior consumo voluntário.

The experiment was carried out in the Experimental Field of Coronel Pacheco belonging to EMBRAPA Dairy Cattle, Minas Gerais. The effects of the doses of sulfur (ammonium sulfate, 0.15 percent, 0.31 percent, 0.46 percent and 0.92 percentS fresh matter/day) on the ruminal protozoa population was evaluated by utilizing four 7/8 Holstein x Zebu, heifers arranged in 4 x 4 Latin square. Low quality elephant grass (76.1 percent NDF in DM) , chopped with correction of the CP content to 7 percent with urea plus a mineral mixture without sulfur given directly into the rumen. Samplings of the ruminal content were done, one hour after feeding. The estimate of the ruminal microbial populations was done by means of the direct microscopy. The results were transformed to decimal logarithm and evaluated statistically. There were no significant differences among the treatments for microorganisms. The 0.92 percentS treatment presented the least dry matter intake and, in addition, caused start of intoxication in two animals. According to those results, doses of 0.31 percent of sulfur added to the diet promoted the increase of the ruminal microorganism populations and hence a greater voluntary intake.