STUDIES ON BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN LACTATING MARATHWADI BUFFALOES

SummaryBlood samples, taken on 6 occasions during 1 year from 172 cows resident in a dairy herd, were analysed for packed cell volume, blood glucose, haemoglobin (Hb), serum albumin, urea N, total protein, Ca, inorganic phosphate, Mg, Na and K. The data were analysed statistically, firstly with respect to date of sampling, stage of pregnancy or lactation and the interaction between stage of pregnancy or lactation and date of sampling, and secondly with milk yield as an additional factor for the data for lactating cows.Concentrations of all constituents except inorganic phosphate and K varied significantly (P<0·001) with stage of lactation and/or pregnancy. The most significant changes in concentrations were confined to the periods up to 3 months either side of calving. The greatest changes in concentration during these periods occurred for Mg which rose during late pregnancy and for albumin which fell at or near calving. Albumin, urea and glucose were all, on average, lowest in concentration during the first month of lactation; globulin concentrations showed the reverse trend. Haemoglobin concentrations decreased during late pregnancy and early lactation and were lowest in the period 30–120 d post partum. Calcium concentrations decreased during late pregnancy and rose during early lactation. Sodium concentrations rose during late pregnancy. Interactions between dates of sampling and stages of lactation or pregnancy were significant (P<0·001) for all constituents, and most marked for glucose, urea, albumin, Hb, Ca and Na.Haemoglobin and K concentrations fell and Mg concentrations rose with increasing milk yield, but the proportions of the total variance accounted for by differences in milk yield were small in relation to those accounted for by stage of lactation. These findings are of significance in relation to the selection of animals for sampling in the Compton Metabolic Profile Test.

Proteins play an essential role in the growth and development of young calves, and changes in the nutritional needs of these calves may be responsible for changes in milk protein concentrations across the four stages of bovine lactation. The purpose of this research was to analyze the fluctuations in the concentrations of casein and whey, which are the two primary sources of protein in cows’ milk. Milk proteins provide essential nourishment for young calves, so we hypothesized that the total protein concentration of the milk would decline from the first stage of lactation to the fourth stage of lactation. Absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the concentration of the proteins in the milk, and five trials were conducted for each stage of lactation. A spectrometer was used to collect absorbance data for the whole milk, casein, and whey samples, and a standard curve was used to convert those absorbance readings into concentration values. The hypothesis for this research was supported in that the total protein concentration of the milk declined from the first stage of lactation to the fourth stage of lactation. More specifically, the concentration of casein proteins decreased as the concentration of whey proteins increased. These trends are important because they provide a foundation for future research to determine whether the observed fluctuations in the protein concentrations are significant enough to pose implications for individuals suffering from lactose intolerance.

Studies on blood biochemical constituents and rumen fermentation in growing buffalo calves fed ammoniated straw-based rations supplemented with different protein sources

This study estimated the effects of parity (1-3) and stage of lactation (early, mid and late) on daily milk yield (DMY), somatic cell score (SCS), milk urea nitrogen (MUN), blood glucose, and immunoglobulin G (IgG), their heritabilities and genetic correlations between them in Holsteins (n = 200). Means and standard deviations of DMY, SCS, MUN, blood glucose, and IgG in the experimental herd were 23.35±7.75 kg, 3.81±2.00, 13.99±5.68 mg/dl, 44.91±13.12 mg/dl, and 30.36±6.72 mg/ml, respectively. DMY was the lowest in first parity, and in late lactation. SCS increased with parity; however, it was lowest in mid-lactation. MUN was lowest in first parity, and no difference was noted across stage of lactation. Blood glucose was similar between parities, however the highest blood glucose was observed during mid lactation. IgG level was significantly different between first and second parity; however, stage of lactation did not affect its level. Heritability of DMY was 0.16. Its genetic correlations with SCS and with blood glucose were -0.67 and 0.98, respectively. Heritability of SCS was 0.15. Genetic correlations of SCS with MUN, glucose, and IgG were -0.72, -0.59, and 0.68, respectively. Heritability of MUN was estimated to be 0.39 and had a genetic correlation of -0.35 with IgG. Heritabilities of blood glucose and IgG were 0.21 and 0.33, respectively. This study suggested that MUN, blood glucose and IgG could be considered important traits in future dairy selection programs to improve milk yield and its quality with better animal health and welfare. However, further studies are necessary involving more records to clarify the relationship between metabolic and immunological traits with DMY and its quality. (Key Words : Genetic Parameters, SCS, MUN, Glucose, IgG)

Selenium (Se) is known as a micro essential mineral that acts as a component of the powerful antioxidant enzymes as known glutathione peroxidase. However, both excess and deficiency of Se can lead to health problems in swine, thus the proper amount is needed. In the swine industry, organic and inorganic forms of Se are commonly added to the feed, mixing these Se is important to maximize the efficiency of Se utilization. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary mixed Se supplementation on growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, and blood profiles and biochemical constituents of weaned pigs. A total of 156 weaned pigs [(Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc; 7.85 ± 0.10 kg of initial body weight (BW); 28 days of age] were assigned to 3 dietary treatments (4 pigs/pen; 13 replicates/treatment) in a randomized complete block design (block = initial BW and sex) for 6 weeks. Dietary treatments were 1) a corn- soybean meal-based diet with deficiency of Se (CON), 2) CON + 0.15 ppm organic Se (Ose) + 0.15 ppm inorganic Se (Ise; A), and 3) CON+ 0.25 ppm Ose + 0.25 ppm Ise (B). On day 7, 14, and 42, blood samples were collected from randomly selected 6 pigs per treatment to analyze blood profiles and biochemical constituents. Average daily gain, average daily feed intake, and gain to feed ratio were calculated to evaluate growth performance. The frequency of diarrhea was calculated by visual observation for 2 weeks after weaning. The number of white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were measured using an automated hematology analyzer. The collected serum samples were analyzed for total protein (TP), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) using a specific kit and a clinical auto-analyzer. Data were analyzed using GLM procedures of SAS. The experimental unit was a pen. The statistical model for growth performance, and blood profiles and biochemical constituents included dietary treatment as a main effect and initial BW as a covariate. The Chi-square test was used for analyzing frequency of diarrhea. The A treatment decreased (P < 0.10) MCH, HGB, HCT, and BUN on day 42 compared with CON, but increased (P < 0.05) TP on day 42. However, there were no differences on growth performance and frequency of diarrhea. In conclusion, supplementation of dietary mixed Se could modulate blood profiles and biochemical constituents.

The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of essential trace and toxic elements in the milk of Lacaune sheep during lactation in intensive rearing systems. This research was conducted with 30 Lacaune sheep that were monitored in the early (60 days of lactation), medium (120 days of lactation), and late (180 days of lactation) stages of lactation. The sheep were fed a pelleted feed mixture (1 kg/day), a cereal mixture (600 g/day), and alfalfa hay (ad libitum). The essential (Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Mo, Se, Cr, and Ni) and toxic element (heavy metals: Cd, Pb, As, and Hg) concentrations in the feed and milk were determined using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Significant variations in the main essential trace and toxic elements, except for the Mo, Se, Ni, As, and Hg concentrations, were found in the milk of Lacaune sheep during lactation. As lactation progressed, in the late stage of lactation, significantly higher concentrations of Co, Mn, Mo, Cr, and Pb were found, while Zn and Cu in the milk of Lacaune sheep decreased significantly (4.15 and 0.21 mg/kg) compared to their concentrations in the early stage of lactation (5.66 and 0.43 mg/kg). Significantly lower concentrations of Fe and higher concentrations of Cd were found in the medium stage (0.23 mg/kg and 1.08 µg/kg) of lactation compared to both the early and late stages of lactation. An analysis of the correlation coefficients between the essential trace and toxic elements in Lacaune sheep milk during lactation determined a significantly positive correlation between Fe:Cr, Fe:Mn, Fe:Co, Fe:Se, Zn:Ni, Zn:Se, Cr:Mn, Cr:Co, Cr:Se, Cr:Mo, Mn:Co, Mn:Pb, Co:Ni, Co:Se, Ni:Se, Se:Mo, Se:Pb, and Cd:Pb. A significantly negative correlation was also found between Cu:Mn, Zn:Mo, Cg:Hg, and Hg:Pb. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended that the influence of the stage of lactation, as well as the breed of sheep, should be included when designing experiments. In general, sheep milk is rich in essential trace elements, but it also contains a very low content of toxic elements, which provides justification for increasing the breeding of Lacaune sheep and indicates the convenience of consuming their milk without risking the consumer's health.

Nitrogen (N) excretion from livestock production systems is of significant environmental concern; however, few studies have investigated the effect of dietary CP concentration on N utilisation efficiency at different stages of lactation, and the interaction between dietary CP levels and stages of lactation on N utilisation. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (12 primiparous and 12 multiparous) used in the present study were selected from a larger group of cows involved in a whole-lactation study designed to examine the effect of dietary CP concentration on milk production and N excretion rates at different stages of lactation. The total diet CP concentrations evaluated were 114 (low CP), 144 (medium CP) and 173 (high CP) g/kg DM, with diets containing (g/kg DM) 550 concentrates, 270 grass silage and 180 maize silage. During early (70–80 days), mid- (150–160 days) and late (230–240 days) lactation, the same 24 animals were transferred from the main cow house to metabolism units for measurements of feed intake, milk production and faeces and urine outputs. Diet had no effect on BW, body condition score, or milk fat, protein or lactose concentration, but DM intake, milk yield and digestibilities of DM, energy and N increased with increasing diet CP concentration. The effect of diet on milk yield was largely due to differences between the low and medium CP diets. Increasing dietary CP concentration significantly increased urine N/N intake and urine N/manure N, and decreased faecal N/N intake, milk N/N intake and manure N/N intake. Although increasing dietary CP level significantly increased urine N/milk yield and manure N/milk yield, differences in these two variables between low and medium CP diets were not significant. There was no significant interaction between CP level and stage of lactation on any N utilisation variable, indicating that the effects of CP concentration on these variables were similar between stages of lactation. These results demonstrated that a decrease in dietary CP concentration from high (173 g/kg DM) to medium level (144 g/kg DM) may be appropriate for Holstein-Friesian dairy cow to maintain milk production efficiency, whilst reducing both urine N and manure N as a proportion of N intake or milk production.

SUMMARYBlood samples were taken on six occasions from a herd of 172 Friesian, Ayrshire and Friesian × Ayrshire dairy cows, and analysed for packed cell volume, blood glucose, haemoglobin and serum albumin, total protein, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, Ca, Mg, K and Na. Differences in blood composition among cows, adjusted for differences in stage of lactation, were demonstrated for all blood constituents (P < 0·001) with the variation among cows proportionally largest for globulin and total protein and smallest for Na. Correlations between blood constituents were for the most part small.Globulin and total protein concentrations increased with age (P < 0·001) and concentrations of inorganic phosphate, albumin, Mg, Na and urea decreased with increasing age (P < 0·001 for inorganic phosphate and Mg, P < 0·01 for albumin, Na and urea). Frequency distributions of the concentrations of the blood constituents adjusted for age and breed showed significant deviations from normality for globulin (P < 0·05) and Hb (P < 0·01).There were significant relationships between the concentrations of globulin and total protein of 43 dams and their daughters (P < 0·01 for globulin, P < 0·05 for total protein). There were also significant differences in groups of daughters of different sires for concentrations of urea, globulin, total protein, albumin, Mg, Ca, K and PCV (P < 0·01 for urea and globulin, P < 0·05 for the other constituents).

Feed digestion, rumen fermentation and blood biochemical constituents in Malpura rams fed a complete feed-block diet with the inclusion of tree leaves

Profile of Nucleotides and Nucleosides in Taiwanese Human Milk

Effect of parity (PA), stage of lactation (SL) and interaction of PA x SL on daily milk yield (DMY), composition (contents of total solids, fat, total protein and lactose) and quality (somatic cell and bacteria counts) of organic sheep milk were evaluated using 20 ewes of East Friesian which were reared on an organic farm in Habří. Ewes were on the 2nd (n = 10) and 3rd (n = 10) lactation. During the experiment ewes were reared on permanent pasture. The milk records and samplings were carried out on average 75th, 132th and 190th day of lactation. All parameters were determined by standard methods. The PA had a significant effect only on somatic cell count (SCC). On the other hand, SL had a significant effect on daily milk yield (DMY), contents of total solids (TS), total protein (TP) and lactose (L). The SL also had a significant effect on total bacteria count (TBC), psychrotrophic bacteria count (PBC), total coliform count (TCC) and SCC. The interaction of the PA x SL had a significant effect on DMY, TS and TP contents and PBC. Positive and significant correlations were found among the SL and contents of TS and TP. Significant and positive correlation was observed between the PA and SCC, but on the other hand, significant and negative correlation was found between the SL and SCC.

The mammogenic and lactogenic effect of various hormones on rat mammary gland has been studied in vitro using an organ culture technique. The effects have been assessed mainly by light microscopy. The study has been confined mainly to the effects and interactions of the lactogenic protein hormones, corticosteroids and progesterone. It establishes the importance of the presence of insulin and serum and of the type of serum for the hormonal effects in vitro. These effects have been studied mainly on the explants obtained from 13 days pregnant rats. In addition explants from non-pregnant rats and at various stages of pregnancy and lactation were studied.

Effect of humic acid and organic acids, alone or in combination, on blood biochemical constituents and humoral immune response in broiler chickens

Background: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a plastic synthetic chemical ingredient produced widely in large quantities for use primarily in production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins worldwide. The toxicity of BPA in human health is associated with enzymatic, androgenic, neurologic, liver and reproductive systems which have been reported but its toxicokinetics has not been established and even its status is not documented in Bangladesh. Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect the BPA induced effects on blood bio-chemical constituents and histo-texture of liver in adult Swiss albino mice. Materials and Methods: Fifteen mice, 6 to 8 weeks of age with an average bwt 27.1  0.5g, were equally divided into three groups (n = 5). Group A (control) received only normal mouse pellet feed while groups B and C received pellet feed mixed with BPA (Sigma-Aldrich Co., USA) @ 50 mg and 100 mg / kg bwt daily for 12 weeks, respectively. Sera of all the mice were tested for biochemical constituents and liver tissues for histo-pathological studies. Results: Results showed that cholesterol and LDL levels were elevated significantly (p < 0.01) in both the BPA treated groups (B and C) respectively in comparison to control group A. The HDL cholesterol and TG levels in mice of group C treated with BPA @100 mg / kg BW were significantly (p < 0.01) reduced in comparison to control group of mice. Serum glucose level was significantly (p < 0.1) decreased in both the BPA treated groups (B and C) whereas total serum protein level in mice of group C significantly (p < 0.1) increased in comparison to control group A. The liver enzymes (ALT, AST & ALP) were also significantly (p < 0.01) increased in BPA treated mice in comparison to control. Histo-pathological alterations were also detected in the liver of BPA-treated mice of both the groups. Conclusions: These findings provide evidence of changes in the blood bio-chemical constituents and liver histo-texture induced by BPA and may have implications for understanding the toxicity of BPA in animals and humans. Further research may be performed on the status of level of BPA in food and beverage of plastic containers and their impact on human health in Bangladesh. Keywords: Bisphenol A, Mice, Induced effects, Biochemical constituents, Histo-structure of liver, Public health importance

Effect of different planes of nutrition on urea molasses mineral block intake, nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation pattern and blood profile in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis)