Abomasal Infusion Research Articles

Glucose Metabolism in Steers Receiving High Fibre Diets and Glucose Infusion Into Abomasum

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Effect of CLA on milk fat synthesis in dairy cows: comparison of inhibition by methyl esters and free fatty acids, and relationships among studies.

CLA is a potent inhibitor of milk fat synthesis, as shown by investigations using mixtures of CLA isomers in FFA form. However, methyl esters of CLA can be initially formed in commercial synthesis, and their use in a supplement has certain manufacturing and cost advantages. Our objective was to compare abomasal infusion of methyl esters of CLA (ME-CLA) and FFA of CLA (FFA-CLA) on milk fat synthesis. Data were also combined with previous investigations to examine broader relationships between trans-10,cis-12 CLA and the reduction in milk fat. Three mid-lactation, rumen-fistulated Holstein cows were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square design. Treatments were (i) control, (ii) ME-CLA, and (iii) FFA-CLA. The ME-CLA and FFA-CLA treatments (4.2 g/d trans-10,cis-12 CLA) resulted in a comparable reduction in milk fat yield (38 and 39%, respectively) and pattern of reduction in individual FA. In contrast, milk yield, milk protein, and feed intake were unaltered by CLA treatment. Combining data across studies revealed strong correlations relating the reduction in milk fat yield to abomasal dose of trans-10,cis-12 CLA (R2 = 0.86), milk fat content of trans-10,cis-12 CLA (R2 = 0.93), and milk fat secretion of trans-10,cis-12 CLA (R2 = 0.82). Across studies, transfer efficiency of abomasally infused trans-10,cis-12 CLA into milk fat was relatively constant (22%; R2 = 0.94). Overall, ME-CLA and FFA-CLA were equally potent in reducing milk fat, and either form could be used to formulate a dietary supplement that would induce milk fat depression.

M.599 Glycaemic control and endogenous insulin relate to endothelial function in diabetic patients with unstable angina

During biohydrogenation-induced milk fat depression, adipose tissue lipogenesis may be increased through nutrients spared from milk fat synthesis. However, the direct effect of trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and the indirect effect of spared nutrients on adipose tissue lipogenesis during milk fat depression is not clear. The objective of this study was to determine the direct effect of CLA, spared acetate, and their interaction on adipose tissue lipogenesis using nonlactating dairy cows as an experimental model, which allows separation of the effect of CLA and nutrient sparing. Eight ruminally cannulated, multiparous nonlactating and pregnant Holstein cows were randomly assigned to treatments in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors were CLA and acetate, and treatments were control (CON), rumen acetate infusions (Ac; continuous infusion of 7 mol/d adjusted to pH 6.1 with sodium hydroxide), abomasal infusion of trans-10,cis-12 CLA (CLA; 10 g/d of both trans-10,cis-12 CLA and cis-9,trans-11 CLA), and Ac + CLA (Ac + CLA). Dry matter intake was not affected by Ac, but tended to decrease by CLA. Plasma trans-10,cis-12 CLA concentration as a percentage of fatty acids was increased by 0.3 percentage points by CLA. No treatment effect was observed on plasma glucose and β-hydroxybutyrate, but an interaction was observed of CLA and Ac on plasma insulin and nonesterified fatty acids. Insulin was increased 24% by CLA, but not by Ac + CLA, and nonesterified fatty acids were increased 55% by Ac + CLA, but not by CLA alone. Lipogenesis and oxidation capacity of adipose tissue explants were not affected by treatments. Adipose expression of key lipogenic factors (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 and sterol response element binding protein 1c) were reduced by CLA, by the interaction of Ac and CLA (sterol response element binding protein 1c), and tended to be reduced with Ac (S14 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ1). Expression of several adipose lipogenic enzymes (fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) was reduced by CLA and Ac. An interaction was observed of Ac and CLA for fatty acid binding protein 4, which was decreased by Ac, but not Ac + CLA. In conclusion, in the nonlactating cow, adipose tissue is sensitive to the anti-lipogenic effects of trans-10,cis-12 CLA at the transcription level and acetate does not stimulate lipogenesis.

Histidine utilization by growing steers is not negatively affected by increased supply of either ammonia or amino acids.

Two experiments were conducted with ruminally cannulated Holstein steers to determine effects of N supply on histidine (His) utilization. All steers received 2.5 kg DM/d of a diet based on soybean hulls; abomasal infusion of 250 g/d amino acids, which supplied adequate amounts of all essential amino acids except His; abomasal infusion of 300 g/d glucose; and ruminal infusion of 180 g/d acetate, 180 g/d propionate, and 45 g/d butyrate. Both experiments were 6 x 6 Latin squares with treatments arranged as 3 x 2 factorials. No significant (P < 0.05) interactions between main effects were noted for N balance criteria in either Exp. 1 or 2. For Exp. 1, steers (146 +/- 7 kg) received 0, 1.5, or 3 g/d of L-His infused abomasally in combination with 0 or 80 g/d urea infused ruminally to supply a metabolic ammonia load. Urea infusions increased (P < 0.05) ruminal ammonia concentration from 8.6 to 19.7 mM and plasma urea from 2.7 to 5.1 mM. No change in N retention occurred in response to urea (35.1 and 37.1 g/d for 0 and 80 g/d urea, respectively, P = 0.16). Retained N increased linearly (P < 0.01) with His (31.5, 37.8, and 39.0 g/d for 0, 1.5, and 3 g/d L-His, respectively). Efficiency of deposition of supplemental His between 0 and 1.5 g/d averaged 65%. In Exp. 2, steers (150 +/- 6 kg) were infused abomasally with 0 or 1 g/d of L-His in combination with no additional amino acids (Control), 100 g/d of essential + 100 g/d of nonessential amino acids (NEAA+EAA), or 200 g/d of essential amino acids (EAA). Retained N increased (P = 0.02) from 34.2 to 38.3 g/d in response to His supplementation. Supplementation with NEAA+EAA increased (P < 0.05) N retention (33.9, 39.3, and 35.6 g/d for Control, NEAA+EAA, and EAA, respectively), likely in response to increased energy supply. Plasma urea concentrations of steers receiving NEAA+EAA (3.8 mM) and EAA (3.8 mM) were greater (P < 0.05) than those of Control steers (2.7 mM). The average efficiency of His utilization was 63%, a value similar to the value of 65% observed in Exp. 1, as well as the 71% value predicted by the Cornell net carbohydrate and protein system model. Under our experimental conditions, increases in N supply above requirements, as either ammonia or amino acids, did not demonstrate a metabolic cost in terms of His utilization for whole-body protein deposition by growing steers.

Histidine utilization by growing steers is not negatively affected by increased supply of either ammonia or amino acids1

Two experiments were conducted with ruminally cannulated Holstein steers to determine effects of N supply on histidine (His) utilization. All steers received 2.5 kg DM/d of a diet based on soybean hulls; abomasal infusion of 250 g/d amino acids, which supplied adequate amounts of all essential amino acids except His; abomasal infusion of 300 g/d glucose; and ruminal infusion of 180 g/d acetate, 180 g/d propionate, and 45 g/d butyrate. Both experiments were 6 × 6 Latin squares with treatments arranged as 3 × 2 factorials. No significant (P < 0.05) interactions between main effects were noted for N balance criteria in either Exp. 1 or 2. For Exp. 1, steers (146 ± 7 kg) received 0, 1.5, or 3 g/d of l-His infused abomasally in combination with 0 or 80 g/d urea infused ruminally to supply a metabolic ammonia load. Urea infusions increased (P < 0.05) ruminal ammonia concentration from 8.6 to 19.7 mM and plasma urea from 2.7 to 5.1 mM. No change in N retention occurred in response to urea (35.1 and 37.1 g/d for 0 and 80 g/d urea, respectively, P = 0.16). Retained N increased linearly (P < 0.01) with His (31.5, 37.8, and 39.0 g/d for 0, 1.5, and 3 g/d l-His, respectively). Efficiency of deposition of supplemental His between 0 and 1.5 g/d averaged 65%. In Exp. 2, steers (150 ± 6 kg) were infused abomasally with 0 or 1 g/d of l-His in combination with no additional amino acids (Control), 100 g/d of essential + 100 g/d of nonessential amino acids (NEAA+EAA), or 200 g/d of essential amino acids (EAA). Retained N increased (P = 0.02) from 34.2 to 38.3 g/d in response to His supplementation. Supplementation with NEAA+EAA increased (P < 0.05) N retention (33.9, 39.3, and 35.6 g/d for Control, NEAA+EAA, and EAA, respectively), likely in response to increased energy supply. Plasma urea concentrations of steers receiving NEAA+EAA (3.8 mM) and EAA (3.8 mM) were greater (P < 0.05) than those of Control steers (2.7 mM). The average efficiency of His utilization was 63%, a value similar to the value of 65% observed in Exp. 1, as well as the 71% value predicted by the Cornell net carbohydrate and protein system model. Under our experimental conditions, increases in N supply above requirements, as either ammonia or amino acids, did not demonstrate a metabolic cost in terms of His utilization for whole-body protein deposition by growing steers.

Nitrogen balance in lambs fed low-quality brome hay and infused with differing proportions of casein in the rumen and abomasum12

Twenty wether lambs (46 +/- 2 kg) fitted with ruminal and abomasal infusion catheters were used in a completely randomized design to determine the effects of differing proportions of ruminal and abomasal casein infusion on N balance in lambs fed low-quality brome hay (0.8% N, DM basis) for ad libitum intake. Wethers were infused with 0 (control) or 10.7 g/d of N from casein with ratios of ruminal:abomasal infusion of 100:0 (100R:0A), 67:33 (67R:33A), 33:67 (33R:67A), or 0:100% (0R:100A), respectively, over a 12-d period. Total N supply (hay N intake + N from casein infusion) was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein infusion than in controls. Urinary N excretion (g/d) was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein infusion than in controls. Urinary N excretion decreased as casein infusion was shifted from 100R:0A to 33R:67A and then slightly increased in lambs receiving 0R:100A (quadratic, P = 0.02). Total N excretion was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein infusion than in controls and decreased linearly (P = 0.005) as casein infusion was shifted to the abomasum. Retained N (g/d, % of N intake, and % of digested N) was greater (P = 0.001) in lambs receiving casein than in controls. Retained N increased as infusion was shifted from 100R:0A to 33R:67A and then slightly decreased in lambs receiving 0R: 100A (quadratic, P < 0.07). Based on regression analysis, the predicted optimum proportion of casein infusion to maximize N retention was 68% into the abomasum. The regression suggests that supplementation with undegradable intake protein had an additional benefit over supplementation with ruminally degradable intake protein (100R:0A) and that changing the percentage of ruminally undegradable intake protein in supplemental protein from 33 to 100% resulted in minimal differences in N retention. Apparent N, DM, OM, and energy digestibility (% of intake) was greater (P < 0.03) in lambs infused with casein than controls but did not differ among casein infusion groups. These data suggest that feeding protein supplements containing a portion (greater than 0%) of the crude protein as ruminally undegradable intake protein, as compared to 100% ruminally degradable intake protein, to lambs consuming low-quality forage increases N retention and the efficiency of N utilization without influencing total-tract nutrient digestion.

Nitrogen balance in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet and infused with differing proportions of casein in the rumen and abomasum.

Twenty-five wether lambs (34 +/- 0.9 kg) fitted with ruminal and abomasal infusion catheters were used in a completely randomized design to determine the effects of differing proportions of ruminal and abomasal casein infusion on N balance in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet (85% corn grain, 1.6% N; DM basis) for ad libitum intake. Wethers were infused with 0 (control) or 10.4 g/d of N from casein with ruminal:abomasal infusion ratios of 100:0, 67:33, 33:67, or 0:100% over a 14-d period. Feed, orts, feces, and urine were collected over the last 5 d. Total N intake and excretion were greater (P < 0.01) in lambs infused with casein than in controls; however, N retention did not differ in lambs infused with casein compared with controls, suggesting that N requirements were met without casein supplementation. Total N intake and total N excretion did not differ among casein infusion treatments. Urinary N excretion decreased linearly (P = 0.07) with decreasing ruminal infusion of casein. Site of casein infusion quadratically (P = 0.06) influenced N retained (g/d), with the greatest retention observed in the 33:67 ruminal:abomasal infusion treatment. Dry matter intake from feed decreased from 1,183 to 945 g/d (P = 0.02) in lambs infused with casein compared with controls, but apparently digested DM did not differ among treatments. These data indicate that decreasing the ruminal degradability of supplemental protein above that required to maximize N retention results in decreased urinary excretion of N without greatly affecting apparent diet digestion.

Nitrogen balance in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet and infused with differing proportions of casein in the rumen and abomasum12

Twenty-five wether lambs (34 ± 0.9 kg) fitted with ruminal and abomasal infusion catheters were used in a completely randomized design to determine the effects of differing proportions of ruminal and abomasal casein infusion on N balance in lambs fed a high-concentrate diet (85% corn grain, 1.6% N; DM basis) for ad libitum intake. Wethers were infused with 0 (control) or 10.4 g/d of N from casein with ruminal:abomasal infusion ratios of 100:0, 67:33, 33:67, or 0:100% over a 14-d period. Feed, orts, feces, and urine were collected over the last 5 d. Total N intake and excretion were greater (P < 0.01) in lambs infused with casein than in controls; however, N retention did not differ in lambs infused with casein compared with controls, suggesting that N requirements were met without casein supplementation. Total N intake and total N excretion did not differ among casein infusion treatments. Urinary N excretion decreased linearly (P = 0.07) with decreasing ruminal infusion of casein. Site of casein infusion quadratically (P = 0.06) influenced N retained (g/d), with the greatest retention observed in the 33:67 ruminal:abomasal infusion treatment. Dry matter intake from feed decreased from 1,183 to 945 g/d (P = 0.02) in lambs infused with casein compared with controls, but apparently digested DM did not differ among treatments. These data indicate that decreasing the ruminal degradability of supplemental protein above that required to maximize N retention results in decreased urinary excretion of N without greatly affecting apparent diet digestion.

Endogenous synthesis of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid in dairy cows fed fresh pasture.

New Zealand Holstein-Friesian cows (n = 4) were used to quantify the importance of endogenous synthesis of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) via Delta(9)-desaturase in cows fed a fresh pasture diet. The experiment was a 4 x 4 Latin square design with treatments arranged in a 2 x 2 factorial. Treatments lasted 4 d and were pasture only, pasture plus sterculic oil, pasture plus sunflower oil, and pasture plus sunflower oil plus sterculic oil. Abomasal infusion of sterculic oil inhibited Delta(9)-desaturase and decreased the concentration of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat by 70%. Using the changes in cis-9 10:1, cis-9 12:1 and cis-9 14:1 to correct for incomplete inhibition of Delta(9)-desaturase, a minimum estimate of 91% of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat was produced endogenously in cows fed fresh pasture. Dietary supplementation of a pasture diet with sunflower oil increased the proportion of long chain fatty acids in milk fat; however, the increase in vaccenic acid concentration was small (18%) and there was no increase in cis-9, trans-11 CLA concentration. Overall, results show that endogenous synthesis is responsible for more than 91% of the cis-9, trans-11 CLA secreted in milk fat of cows fed fresh pasture. However, the failure of plant oil supplements to increase the concentration of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat from pasture-fed cows requires further investigation.

Effects of ammonia load on amino acid utilization by growing steers (2004)

Ruminally cannulated steers were used in two experiments to study effects of rumen ammonia load on methionine and leucine utilization. All steers were limit-fed a diet based on soybean hulls, received ruminal infusions of volatile fatty acids and abomasal infusions of glucose to provide energy, and received an abomasal infusion containing a mixture of all essential amino acids except methionine in Exp. 1 or leucine in Exp. 2. Treatments were arranged as 3 × 2 factorials and included urea (0, 40, or 80 g/day) infused ruminally and methionine (2 or 5 g/day) infused abomasally in Exp. 1 and leucine (0, 4, or 8 g/day) infused abomasally and urea (0 or 80 g/day) infused ruminally in Exp. 2. In Exp. 1, supplementation with the greater amount of methionine improved retained nitrogen, but urea infusions did not alter nitrogen retention. In Exp. 2, leucine linearly increased retained nitrogen, and urea infusions also increased nitrogen retention. The efficiency of deposition of supplemental methionine ranged between 18 and 27%, whereas that for leucine ranged from 24 to 43%. Increasing ammonia load did not negatively impact whole-body protein deposition in growing steers when either methionine or leucine was limiting.

Dose Response of Milk Fat to Intravenous Administration of the trans-10, cis-12 Isomer of Conjugated Linoleic Acid

Intravenous infusion of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was evaluated as a simpler method than abomasal infusion and the feeding of calcium salts to examine milk fat depression. The objectives were to determine the dose-dependent response of milk fat and plasma metabolites to intravenous administration of the trans-10, cis-12 isomer of CLA, an isomer identified to possess an inhibitory effect on milk fat synthesis. Four multiparous Holstein cows averaging 123±30 d in milk were randomly assigned to treatments in a 4×4 Latin square design. Catheters were inserted into the jugular vein for infusions and blood sampling. Treatments consisted of intravenous infusions of 0, 2, 4, and 6 g/d CLA (>95% trans-10, cis-12 CLA). Infusates contained 72 g/d of a parenteral solution, saline, and CLA to 90ml. Periods were of 5 d duration with a 7 d wash out. Milk was sampled at each milking and analyzed for fat, protein, and fatty acids. Blood samples were obtained on the last day of each period. Dry matter intake (22.4±2.4 kg/d), milk yield (28.5±3.3 kg/d), and protein percent (3.26±0.08%) of cows were not affected by treatment. However, milk fat percentage was reduced linearly with increasing doses of CLA. Milk fat percentage was 4.17, 3.53, 3.29, and 2.92% on d 5 for treatments 0, 2, 4, and 6 g/d CLA, respectively. Concentrations (4.2 mg/g of fat) of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in milk fat were not affected by treatment. However, an increase in the trans-10, cis-12 CLA content of milk fat was observed. Milk fat contained 0.00, 0.02, 0.06, and 0.10mg of trans-10, cis-12 CLA per g of fat (SEM = 0.065) for treatments 0, 2, 4, and 6 g/d CLA, respectively. Plasma NEFA concentration increased linearly with the dose of the trans-10, cis-12 CLA. Intravenous infusion of the trans-10, cis-12 isomer of CLA depressed milk fat in a linear manner over the range of infusion studied and, therefore, is an alternative to abomasal infusion.

Effects of Casein and Glucose on Responses of Cows Fed Diets Based on Restrictively Fermented Grass Silage

This study was conducted to investigate whether well fed dairy cows given restrictively fermented grass silage diet will respond to incremental glucose and amino acid supply at early stage of lactation. Four rumen-cannulated Finnish Ayrshire cows were used in a 4×4 Latin square experiment with 14-d periods. The cows were fed good quality restrictively fermented grass silage ensiled with a formic acid additive for ad libitum intake. A concentrate mixture consisting of barley (85%) and solvent extracted rapeseed meal (11.4%) was given at a rate of 9 kg/d. The four treatments were continuous abomasal infusions of water (control), casein 300g/d, glucose 300g/d, and casein 300g/d + glucose 300g/d. The infusions had only minor effects on feed intake, diet digestibility, or rumen fermentation pattern. Both casein and glucose infusions increased milk, protein and lactose yields the effects being partly additive on the combined infusion. Infused casein increased milk protein and urea as well as plasma urea concentrations. Both casein and glucose tended to increase plasma glucose concentration. Casein increased arterial plasma concentrations of essential amino acids (EAA), branched-chain AA (BCAA), and total AA (TAA). Both casein and glucose, although glucose usually less than casein, increased arteriovenous differences of EAA, nonessential AA, BCAA, and TAA. Extraction efficiencies of AA were higher for glucose than for casein. Mammary plasma flow was at highest on the control diet, but reduced owing to infused nutrients, the reduction being less with combined rather than separate infusions of casein and glucose. Based on the partly additive increases in milk production parameters and changes in plasma metabolites, it is suggested that glucose alone increased milk protein yield by sparing AA from hepatic utilization, while casein increased both supply of AA and glucose. It was concluded that cows at early stage of lactation fed diets comprising of restrictively fermented grass silage and a cereal-based concentrate suffer from both limited AA and glucose supplies.

Na+/glucose co-transporter abundance and activity in the small intestine of lambs: enhancement by abomasal infusion of casein

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of abomasal casein infusion on glucose uptake and abundance of the Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT1) 1 in the ovine small intestine. Lambs (body weight 35 (sem 1.0) kg) were surgically fitted with abomasal infusion catheters and were fed diets containing equal portions of wheat hay and cracked maize. Lambs were infused with either 500 g water/d or with 500 g water containing 35 g casein/d. The infusion period lasted 10 d, after which lambs were killed, exsanguinated and eviscerated. Brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were prepared using mucosa from different small intestinal regions. Intake and total tract digestibility of nutrients were similar between treatments and averaged 1134, 1142 and 486 g/d and 67, 70, and 94 % for DM, organic matter and non-structural carbohydrates respectively. Crude protein (Nx6.25) digestibility was 15 % greater in the casein-infused than control lambs. Glucose uptake to BBMV ranged from 101 to 337 pmol/mg protein per s along the small intestine and was greatest in the mid-section of the small intestine. In the mid-jejunum, glucose uptake was greater (P<0.07) in lambs infused with casein and averaged 120 pmol/mg protein per s compared with 68 pmol/mg protein per s in the control group. SGLT1 affinity was similar between treatments and averaged 104 microm in the different segments of the small intestine of lambs. However, lambs infused with casein exhibited similar values along the small intestine and affinity averaged 106 microm, while in the control group a greater affinity (85 microm) was measured in the mid-jejunum. SGLT1 protein abundance was correlated with glucose uptake in the BBMV in the casein-treated lambs, but not in the control group. These results suggest that glucose uptake along the small intestine of lambs is influenced by casein or its derivatives in the small intestine via SGLT1 affinity and activity at the brush border membrane, and that SGLT1 activity may be regulated by post-translational events affected by amino acids and peptides.

Pancreatic exocrine secretion in steers infused postruminally with casein and cornstarch.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of postruminal protein infusion on pancreatic exocrine secretions. One Holstein, two crossbred, and five Angus steers (305 +/- 5 kg) with pancreatic pouch-duodenal reentrant cannulas and abomasal infusion catheters were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square. All steers were abomasally infused with 1,050 g/d of raw cornstarch with treatments of 0, 60, 120, or 180 g/d of sodium casein suspended in water to yield 6,000 g/d of infusate daily. Steers were limit-fed (1.5 x NEm; 12 equal portions daily) a 90% corn silage, 10% supplement diet formulated to contain 12.5% CP. Periods consisted of 3 d of adaptation to infusion, 7 d of full infusion, 1 d of collection, and 7 d of rest. Pancreatic juice was collected in 30-min fractions continuously for 6 h. Total juice secreted and the pH of individual fractions were recorded, a 10% subsample was retained to form a composite sample, and remaining fluid was returned to the duodenum. Juice composite samples were stored (-30 degrees C) until analyzed for total protein and activities of alpha-amylase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin. Casein infusion linearly increased alpha-amylase concentration (182 to 271 units/mL; P < 0.02; 17.5 to 24.6 units/mg of protein; P < 0.03) and secretion rate (26,847 to 41,894 units/h; P < 0.01). Total juice secretion (155 g/h), pH of pancreatic juice (8.13), secretion rate of protein (1,536 mg/h), and concentration of protein (10.2 mg/mL) in pancreatic secretions were not affected (P > 0.05) by casein infusion. Similarly, casein infusion did not change 0.05) trypsin and chymotrypsin concentrations (1,379 and 349 units/L or 0.134 and 0.033 units/mg of protein, respectively) or secretion rates (206 and 52 units/h, respectively). Abomasal infusion of protein with starch stimulated a greater pancreatic secretion of alpha-amylase activity into the intestine than infusion of starch alone.

Short Communication: Postruminal Infusion of Conjugated Linoleic Acids Negatively Impacts Milk Synthesis in Holstein Cows

In view of the potential of rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as a means to increase the CLA content of bovine milk, a study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of synthetic CLA on milk production and composition. Four Holstein cows received abomasal infusion of: 1) control, no lipid infusion, 2) 150g/d of synthetic CLA, 31.7% cis-9, trans-11; 30.4% trans-10, cis-12, 3) 150g/d of safflower oil, and 4) 150g/d of tallow. Infusion was carried out for 20 to 22h/d for 11-d periods in a 4×4 Latin square design. The milk fat concentration of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomers of CLA was significantly increased with infusion of CLA. However, CLA infusion had other unexpected effects on milk production and composition. Milk yield dropped significantly during the period of CLA infusion. Furthermore, as well as the typical depression in milk fat reported with trans-10 isomers of CLA, other negative effects specific to CLA infusion were observed including a drop in lactose concentration and yield, a drop in protein yield, and an elevated somatic cell count. The important difference between synthetically produced CLA and CLA produced naturally in the cow is the much higher proportion of trans-10 isomers of CLA in the former. The results of this study suggest that the extent of enrichment possible for trans-10 isomers of CLA, and hence the usefulness of synthetic CLA for this purpose, may be limited because of unacceptable effects on milk yield and composition.

Effects of Abomasal Infusion of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Milk Fat Concentration and Yield from Pasture-Fed Dairy Cows

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of conjugated linoleic acid supplementation on the synthesis of milk fat in pasture-fed Friesian cows. In four cows, a commercial mixture containing 62.3% (wt/vol) conjugated linoleic acid was infused intraabomasally to avoid rumen fermentation and biohydrogenation. The design was a 4×4 Latin square in which each cow received infusions of 0, 20, 40, and 80 g/d of conjugated linoleic acid mixture for 4 d. Cows were fed freshly cut ryegrass/white clover pasture ad libitum. Milk fat concentration was decreased by 36, 43, and 62% and milk fat yield was decreased by 32, 36, and 60% by the 20, 40, and 80g of conjugated linoleic acid/d treatments. Dry matter intake, milk protein concentration, and protein yield were unaffected by treatments; however, milk yield was increased by 11% during the 40-g conjugated linoleic acid/d treatment. The effects of conjugated linoleic acid infusion were most pronounced in reducing de novo fatty acid synthesis and desaturation. Results show that the inhibitory effect of this conjugated linoleic acid mixture on milk fat synthesis occurs in pasture-fed cows, and demonstrate the potential to dramatically alter gross milk composition. This technology could offer a management tool to manipulate milk composition and energy demands of pasture-fed cows.

Intestinal starch disappearance increased in steers abomasally infused with starch and protein.

Steers (379 +/- 10 kg) with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square digestion trial to quantify and evaluate the relationship between intestinal protein supply and intestinal starch disappearance. Treatments were infusions of 0, 50, 100, 150, or 200 g/d of casein along with 1,042 g/d of raw cornstarch. Abomasal infusions were accomplished by passing tubing and a pliable retaining washer through the reticular-omasal orifice into the abomasum. Steers were fed a 93% corn silage, 7% supplement diet that contained 12% crude protein at 1.65% body weight in 12 equal portions/d. Periods lasted 17 d (12 d for adaptation, 2 d of collections, and 3 d of rest). The quantity and percentage of organic matter and protein disappearance from the small intestine increased linearly (P < 0.03) with infused casein. Greater quantities of starch disappeared with increased casein infusion (P < 0.01). The infusion of 200 g/d of casein increased small intestinal starch disappearance by 226 g/d over the control. Casein infusion did not affect the quantity or percent of organic matter, starch, or protein disappearance in the large intestine. Treatments did not change ruminal ammonia N, ruminal pH, or plasma glucose concentrations. Starch disappearance from the small intestine was increased with greater protein flow to the duodenum of steers.

Effects of ruminal and postruminal infusion of starch hydrolysate or glucose on the microbial ecology of the gastrointestinal tract in growing steers1,2

Forty crossbred steers were used to determine the effects of carbohydrate supply site on the indigenous bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract. Steers were fitted with ruminal and abomasal infusion catheters and assigned randomly to one of eight groups in a complete randomized block design. The experimental period was 36 d. Treatments included: 1) a pelleted basal diet fed at 0.163 Mcal ME x (kg BW(0.75)) x 1 x d(-1) (LE); 2) the basal diet fed at 0.215 Mcal ME x (kg BW(0.75)) (-1) x d(-1) (HE); 3) the basal diet fed at 0.163 Mcal ME x (kg BW(0.75))(-1) x d(-1) with ruminal infusion of starch hydrolysate (SH) (RSH); 4) the basal diet fed at 0.163 Mcal ME x (kg BW(0.75))(-1) x d(-1) with abomasal infusion of SH (ASH); and 5) the basal diet fed at 0.163 Mcal ME x (kg BW(0.75))(-1) x d(-1) with abomasal infusion of glucose (AG). The total volume ofinfusate (5 kg x site(-1) x d(-1)) was equalized across treatments and infusion sites by infusion of water. Glucose and SH were infused at rates of 14.35 and 12.64 g x (kg BW(0.75)) x d(-1), respectively. Ruminal, cecal, and fecal samples were obtained on d 36. Ruminal pH was low (5.79) in LE steers and unaffected (P > 0.10) by increased energy intake or carbohydrate infusion. Cecal and fecal pH were 6.93 and 7.00, respectively, for LE steers. Increasing energy intake (P < 0.10) and the rate of carbohydrate infusion (P < 0.01) significantly decreased cecal and fecal pH compared with LE. Ruminal counts of anaerobic bacteria in LE steers were 8.99 log10 cells/g and abomasal carbohydrate infusion had no affect (P > 0.10) on these numbers. However, ASH and AG steers had approximately 1.5 log10 cells/g more (P < 0.01) cecal and fecal anaerobic populations. Ruminal, cecal, and fecal aerobic bacterial counts were 40, 22, and 23%, respectively, lower than anaerobic counts. Generally, aerobic counts responded similarly to the anaerobic counts. Less than 1% of the anaerobic bacteria enumerated in the rumen, cecum, and feces were coliforms, and 97% of the coliforms were Escherichia coli. Carbohydrate infusions resulted in only numerical increases in fecal coliform and E. coli concentrations (P > 0.10). Fecal E. coli were highly acid sensitive in all steers, with less than 1% surviving a 1-h exposure to low pH (2.0). This suggests that cecal or fecal pH is not a good indicator of acid resistance, and it supports the concept that there are other factors that may induce acid resistance.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Rumen-Protected Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Dairy Cows during Established Lactation

Short-term studies (< 5 d) involving abomasal infusion of a mixture of CLA isomers or pure trans-10, cis-12 CLA have demonstrated that supplements of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) reduce milk fat synthesis during established lactation in dairy cows. Our objective was to assess longer term effects of supplementation during established lactation using a dietary supplement of rumen-protected CLA. Thirty Holstein cows were blocked by parity and received a dietary fat supplement of either Ca-salts of palm oil fatty acids (control) or a mixture of Ca-salts of palm oil fatty acids plus Ca-salts of CLA (CLA treatment). Supplements provided about 90 g/d of fatty acids and were topdressed on the TMR. The CLA supplement provided 30.4 g/d of CLA in which the predominant isomers were: trans-8, cis-10 (9.2%), cis-9, trans-11 (25.1%), trans-10, cis-12 (28.9%), and cis-11, trans-13 (16.1%). All cows were pregnant; treatments were initiated on d 79 of pregnancy (∼ 200 d prepartum) and continued for 140 d until dry off. Twenty-three cows completed the study; those receiving CLA supplement had a lower milk fat test (2.90 versus 3.80%) and a 23% reduction in milk fat yield (927 versus 1201 g/d). Intake of DM, milk yield, and the yield and content of true protein and lactose in milk were unaffected by treatment. Milk fat analysis indicated that the CLA supplement reduced the secretion of fatty acids of all chain lengths. However, effects were proportionally greater on short and medium chain fatty acids, thereby causing a shift in the milk fatty acid composition to a greater content of longer-chain fatty acids. Changes in body weight gain, body condition score, and net energy balance were not significant and imply no differences in cows fed the CLA supplement in replenishment of body reserves in late lactation. Likewise, maintenance of pregnancy, gestation length, and calf birth weight were unaffected by treatment. Overall, feeding a dietary supplement of rumen-protected CLA to pregnant cows over the last 140 d of the lactation cycle resulted in a marked reduction in milk fat content and yield, and a shift in milk fatty acid composition, but other milk components, DMI, maintenance of pregnancy, and cow well-being were unaffected.

Trans-10, cis-12 Conjugated Linoleic Acid Decreases Lipogenic Rates and Expression of Genes Involved in Milk Lipid Synthesis in Dairy Cows

Feeding conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) reduces milk fat synthesis in lactating dairy cows, and the effect has been shown to be specific for the trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomer. Our objectives were to examine potential mechanisms by which trans-10, cis-12 CLA inhibits milk fat synthesis. Multiparous Holstein cows (n = 4) in late lactation were used in a balanced 2×2 crossover design. Treatments consisted of a 5 d abomasal infusion of either skim milk (control) or purified trans-10, cis-12 CLA (13.6 g/d) emulsified in skim milk. On d 5 of infusion, mammary gland biopsies were performed and a portion of the tissue analyzed for mRNA expression of acetyl CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthetase, Δ9-desaturase, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid binding protein, glycerol phosphate acyltransferase and acylglycerol phosphate acyltransferase. Lipogenic capacity was evaluated with another portion of the tissue. Infusion of trans-10, cis-12 CLA decreased milk fat content and yield 42 and 48%, respectively and increased the trans-10, cis-12 CLA content in milk fat from <0.1 to 4.9 mg/g. Reductions in milk fat content of C4 to C16 fatty acids contributed 63% to the total decrease in milk fat yield (molar basis). Analysis of the ratios of specific fatty acid pairs indicated trans-10, cis-12 CLA also shifted fatty acid composition in a manner consistent with a reduction in Δ9-desaturase. Mammary explant incubations with radiolabeled acetate established that lipogenic capacity was decreased 82% and acetate oxidation to CO2 was reduced 61% when cows received trans-10, cis-12 CLA. Infusing trans-10, cis-12 CLA also decreased the mRNA expression of all measured enzymes by 39 to 54%. Overall, data demonstrated the mechanism by which trans-10, cis-12 CLA inhibits milk fat synthesis includes decreasing expression of genes that encode for enzyme involved in circulating fatty acid uptake and transport, de novo fatty acid synthesis, desaturation of fatty acids and triglyceride synthesis.