Acids In Sheep Research Articles

Dynamic changes of rumen microbiota and serum metabolome revealed increases in meat quality and growth performances of sheep fed bio-fermented rice straw

BackgroundProviding high-quality roughage is crucial for improvement of ruminant production because it is an essential component of their feed. Our previous study showed that feeding bio-fermented rice straw (BF) improved the feed intake and weight gain of sheep. However, it remains unclear why feeding BF to sheep increased their feed intake and weight gain. Therefore, the purposes of this research were to investigate how the rumen microbiota and serum metabolome are dynamically changing after feeding BF, as well as how their changes influence the feed intake, digestibility, nutrient transport, meat quality and growth performances of sheep. Twelve growing Hu sheep were allocated into 3 groups: alfalfa hay fed group (AH: positive control), rice straw fed group (RS: negative control) and BF fed group (BF: treatment). Samples of rumen content, blood, rumen epithelium, muscle, feed offered and refusals were collected for the subsequent analysis.ResultsFeeding BF changed the microbial community and rumen fermentation, particularly increasing (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Prevotella and propionate production, and decreasing (P < 0.05) enteric methane yield. The histomorphology (height, width, area and thickness) of rumen papillae and gene expression for carbohydrate transport (MCT1), tight junction (claudin-1, claudin-4), and cell proliferation (CDK4, Cyclin A2, Cyclin E1) were improved (P < 0.05) in sheep fed BF. Additionally, serum metabolome was also dynamically changed, which led to up-regulating (P < 0.05) the primary bile acid biosynthesis and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid in sheep fed BF. As a result, the higher (P < 0.05) feed intake, digestibility, growth rate, feed efficiency, meat quality and mono-unsaturated fatty acid concentration in muscle, and the lower (P < 0.05) feed cost per kg of live weight were achieved by feeding BF.ConclusionsFeeding BF improved the growth performances and meat quality of sheep and reduced their feed cost. Therefore, bio-fermentation of rice straw could be an innovative way for improving ruminant production with minimizing production costs.Graphical

Timing of maternal nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation influences net umbilical uptake of glucose and amino acids in adolescent sheep.

Previous research demonstrated that maternal nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation influenced net umbilical uptakes of glucose and amino acids in sheep. However, it is unclear how the timing and duration of nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation influences net uterine, uteroplacental, and fetal flux of glucose and amino acids. On day 50 of gestation, 41 adolescent ewe lambs carrying singletons were randomly assigned to one of six dietary treatments: 1) 100% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 90 of gestation (CON; n = 7); 2) 60% of nutrient requirements (RES; n = 7) from days 50 to 90 of gestation; 3) 100% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 130 of gestation (CON-CON; n = 6); 4) 100% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 90 of gestation and 60% of nutrient requirements from days 90 to 130 of gestation (CON-RES; n = 7); 5) 60% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 90 of gestation and 100% of nutrient requirements from days 90 to 130 of gestation (RES-CON; n = 7); or 6) 60% of nutrient requirements from days 50 to 130 of gestation (RES-RES; n = 7). On day 90 (n = 14) and day 130 (n = 27), intraoperative procedures were performed to evaluate uteroplacental blood flows, collect blood samples, and then ewes were euthanized. Net uterine, uteroplacental, and umbilical fluxes of glucose and amino acids were calculated by multiplying blood flow by the arterial-venous concentration difference. Data from days 90 and 130 were analyzed separately using ANOVA in SAS. Maternal nutrient restriction during mid-gestation increased (P = 0.04) net umbilical glucose uptake but, maternal nutrient restriction during late-gestation decreased (P = 0.02) net umbilical glucose uptake. Net umbilical essential amino acid uptake decreased (P = 0.03) with nutrient restriction during mid-gestation; however, net umbilical uptakes of Phe (P = 0.02), Thr (P = 0.05), Met (P = 0.09), and His (P = 0.08) increased or tended to increase after nutrient restriction during late-gestation. These data demonstrate that net umbilical glucose and amino acid uptakes were influenced by the timing of nutrient restriction during mid- to late-gestation. Elevated net umbilical glucose uptake after mid-gestational nutrient restriction was sustained throughout late-gestation, independent of late-gestational feeding level. Long-term adaptations in umbilical glucose uptake may have implications for prenatal and postnatal growth and development of the offspring.

Manipulating omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in sheep: depletion of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by feeding different grain types

Context Plasma fatty acid profiles provide evidence of short-term feeding, while red blood cells (RBC) indicate longer-term feeding effects. Information on the rate of change in fatty acid profiles of sheep blood over time after alterations in diet is lacking. This study monitored the short- and longer-term effects of feeding grain-based diets to lambs on changes to omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in blood fractions over 21 days. The data provide a guide to managing omega-3 PUFA availability for adequate tissue accretion of these fatty acids. Aims To determine the rate of depletion over 21 days of omega-3 PUFA in the blood fractions of sheep fed on grain-based diets. Methods Blood samples were taken from ewes taken off pasture and fed grain-based diets for 21 days. Fatty acid profiles in the blood plasma and RBC were used to monitor the rate of depletion of omega-3 PUFA. Key results Immediate changes in plasma omega-3 PUFA concentrations occurred from the first day of grain feeding. The omega-3 PUFA content declined continuously on all five grains, but with substantial differences among them. RBC omega-3 PUFA contents displayed great variation across individual sheep but depletion was not significant. Conclusions Plasma omega-3 PUFA depletion immediately on grain feeding indicated a lower availability for tissue accretion in growing sheep following short-term changes in diet. The lack of change in RBC omega-3 PUFA concentrations over 21 days indicated a differential accumulation of these fatty acids in this lipid depot compared with plasma, and changes in other tissues should also be examined. Implications The effect of these short- and long-term changes on LCn-3PUFA accumulation in meat and reproductive tissues warrants further investigation.

248 Maternal Nutrient Restriction During Mid-gestation Decreases Uteroplacental Release and Fetal Uptake of Essential Amino Acids in Sheep

Abstract To examine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction on net uteroplacental flux during mid-gestation, 14 singleton ewes (48.2 ± 4.0 kg body weight) were fed 100% (control; CON; n = 7) or 60% of nutrient requirements (restricted; RES; n = 7) from day 50–90 (mid-gestation). On day 90, uteroplacental blood flow was measured via Doppler ultrasonography and blood samples were collected from the femoral artery, uterine vein, umbilical artery, and umbilical vein. Blood vessel glucose and amino acids (AA) concentrations were measured and arterial-venous (uterine, AV; fetal, va) differences and net fluxes were calculated. Data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS for effects of treatment. Nutrient restriction during mid-gestation did not influence (P ≥ 0.17) uterine or umbilical blood flows. Uterine AV and fetal va differences of total, essential, and nonessential AA were not influenced (P &amp;gt; 0.10) by nutrient restriction. Nutrient restriction decreased (P ≤ 0.05) uterine and uteroplacental release of total AA and tended to decrease (P = 0.07) total AA uptake by the fetus. Uteroplacental release and fetal uptake of essential AA were decreased (P = 0.03) with RES by 53.4% and 45%, respectively. Uterine and uteroplacental release of nonessential AA were decreased (P = 0.03) with RES but, fetal uptake was not affected (P = 0.14). Nutrient restriction decreased (P ≤ 0.04) fetal uptake of methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, and valine and tended to decrease (P ≤ 0.10) fetal uptake of isoleucine, leucine, and tryptophan. Umbilical artery glucose concentrations were 32% lesser (P = 0.01) with RES and RES tended to increase (P = 0.08) fetal glucose uptake. Nutrient restriction during mid-gestation altered uteroplacental and fetal flux of AA in the current study. The results may indicate that fetal metabolism shifts to adapt to reduced AA supply which results in greater glucose utilization.

Functional Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acid in Sheep and Goat Milk and Cheeses

The inverse association between the groups of odd-chain (OCFA) and branched-chain (BCFA) and the development of diseases in humans have generated interest in the scientific community. In experiment 1, the extent of the passage of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA) from milk fat to fresh cheese fat was studied in sheep and goats. Milk collected in two milk processing plants in west Sardinia (Italy) was sampled every 2 weeks during spring (March, April and May). In addition, a survey was carried out to evaluate the seasonal variation of the OBCFA concentrations in sheep and goats’ cheeses during all lactation period from January to June. Furthermore, to assess the main differences among the sheep and goat cheese, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to cheese fatty acids (FA) profile. Concentrations of OBCFA in fresh cheese fat of both species were strongly related to the FA content in the unprocessed raw milk. The average contents of OBCFA were 4.12 and 4.13 mg/100 mg of FA in sheep milk and cheese, respectively, and 3.12 and 3.17 mg/100 mg of FA in goat milk and cheese, respectively. The OBCFA concentration did no differed between milk and cheese in any species. The content of OBCFA was significantly higher in sheep than goats’ dairy products. The OBCFA composition of the cheese was markedly affected by the period of sampling in both species: odd and branched FA concentrations increased from March to June. The seasonal changes of OBCFA in dairy products were likely connected to variations in the quality of the diet. The PCA confirmed the higher nutritional quality of sheep cheese for beneficial FA, including OBCFA compared to the goat one, and the importance of the period of sampling in the definition of the fatty acids profile.

Molecular characterization and protein structure prediction of heat shock transcriptional factors in goat (Capra hircus) and sheep (Ovis aries)

The heat shock factors are important as they are master regulator of heat shock response. There are only few mammalian HSFs which have been characterized, namely HSF-1, HSF-2, HSF-4 and HSF-5. The present study was aimed to clone and sequence characterize the partial open reading frames (ORFs) of HSF-2 and HSF-5 gene from cDNA isolated from testicular tissue of sheep (Macheri) and goat (Beetal). The partial ORFs of HSF-2 gene was observed to be 1627 bp in sheep and 1179 bp in goat and for HSF-5 it is 1137 bp in sheep and 1027 bp in goat. HSF-2 and HSF-5 encode a putative protein of 593 and 461 amino acid in goat and 568 and 553 amino acid in sheep, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis between the different orthologs suggested that these proteins are conserved from bovine to humans as well as in other mammals. Further, domain analyses using PredictNLS, MARCOIL and NetNES revealed that the members of HSF-2 protein orthologs contained all major domains, i.e., DNA-binding domain (DBD) and oligomerization domain (HR-A/B, and HR-C). The 3D structure of sheep and goat HSF-2 protein was predicted using SWISS-MODEL, which showed similar confirmation with the human HSF-2 protein sequence showing functional similarity between them.

Experimental protocol for metabolic acidosis induction by intravenous administration of hydrochloric acid in sheep

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and duration of blood and urine changes and the side effects of hyperchloremic acidosis induced by the intravenous administration of hydrochloric acid in sheep. Five healthy, crossbred adult ewes, with a mean body weight of 44±2.9kg were used. The hydrochloric acid solution was administered intravenously at a rate of 25mL/kg/h for 4 hours continuously. Venous blood and urine samples were collected and pH values, blood carbon dioxide partial pressure, bicarbonate, base excess, strong ion difference, anion gap, total concentration of nonvolatile buffers, creatinine, plasma L-lactate, plasma and urine sodium, potassium, and chloride were determined. The experimental protocol induced severe hyperchloremic acidosis at the end of the infusion, with a decreased plasma strong ion difference. The fractional excretion of sodium and chloride remained increased during 4 hours after the infusion. Aciduria was observed at approximately 24 hours. Twenty-four hours after the infusion, the animals showed mild and compensated metabolic acidosis. This protocol was effective in inducing severe and long-lasting hyperchloremic acidosis and did not cause serious side effects. Therefore, this protocol can be used safely in adult sheep for studies on the treatment of this condition.

Serum paraoxonase activity and total sialic acid in sheep with foot and mouth disease

The aim of this study was to investigate paraoxonase (PON1) activity and total sialic acid to be measured for the first time in sheep infected naturally with foot and mouth disease, and their relationships with oxidative stress. A total of 30 Awassi sheep (aged between 2–4), which were healthy and infected with the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) were used in the study. Concentrations of paraoxonase activity (PON1), which is an important antioxidant against oxidative stress, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and total sialic acid (TSA), which has a critical role for immune system and is one of the significant indicators of cellular degeneration, were measured in serum samples drawn from animals. The total oxidant capacity (TOC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated to determine the oxidative balance. It was observed that serum PON1 (P&amp;lt;0.001) and HDL (P&amp;lt;0.01) concentrations were significantly lower compared to the control group. TSA concentration was higher in the infected group (P&amp;lt;0.001) compared to the healthy group. TOC was higher (P&amp;lt;0.001) and TAC was lower (P&amp;lt;0.01) in the infected group compared to the control group. Consequently, harmful effects of the infection of foot and mouth disease were shown as cause of oxidative cell damage and the high rate of sialic acid was produced depending on the degeneration during the infection. .

Response of plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 to feeding pattern and intraruminal administration of volatile fatty acids in sheep

Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), a gut peptide secreted by enteroendocrine L cells, has recently been identified as a key regulator of intestinal growth and absorptive function in ruminants. However, reports on GLP-2 secretion are few, and more information regarding its secretion dynamics is needed. In this study, two experiments were conducted to elucidate the daily rhythm of GLP-2 secretion in response to feeding regimen and to investigate the effect of volatile fatty acids (VFA) on GLP-2 release in sheep. In experiment 1, blood samples were collected over 3 d from 4 Suffolk mature wethers adapted to a maintenance diet fed once daily; day 1 sampling was preceded by 24 h of fasting to reach steady state. On days 1 and 3, samples were collected every 10 min from 11:00 to 14:00 on both days and then every 1 h until 00:00 on day 1 only; feed was offered at 12:00. On day 2, feed was withheld, and sampling was performed every hour from 01:00 to 00:00. In experiment 2, 5 Suffolk mature wethers were assigned to 5 treatment groups of intraruminal administration of saline, acetate, propionate, butyrate, or VFA mix (acetate, propionate, and butyrate in a ratio of 65:20:15) in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1.5, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 90, and 120 min relative to the beginning of administration at 12:00. In both experiments, plasma GLP-2, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), glucose, insulin, and β-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) levels were measured. In experiment 1, incremental area under the curve was greater (P < 0.05) post-feeding than pre-feeding on days 1 and 3 for GLP-2 and tended to be greater (P < 0.1) on day 1 for GLP-1. Plasma insulin, glucose, and BHBA levels increased (P < 0.05) on day 1 post-feeding. Plasma GLP-2 was poorly correlated with GLP-1 but positively correlated with insulin, glucose, and BHBA. In experiment 2, administration of butyrate and VFA mix remarkably increased plasma GLP-2 (P = 0.05) and BHBA (P < 0.0001) levels compared with those in other treatments. Plasma GLP-1 levels were higher with butyrate administration compared with those in the saline, acetate, and VFA mix (P = 0.019). Propionate administration increased plasma glucose (P = 0.013) and insulin (P = 0.053) levels. Thus, our data confirmed that GLP-2 release is responsive to feeding and might be promoted by BHBA produced by the rumen epithelial metabolism of butyrate. Further molecular- and cellular-level studies are needed to determine the role of butyrate as a signaling molecule for GLP-2 release.

Blood parameters on concurrent administration of cefquinome and tolfenamic acid in sheep

A study was designed to determine haemato-biochemical profile following daily intramuscular administration of cefquinome (@2.0 mg/kg b.wt.) along with tolfenamic acid (@2.0 mg/kg b.wt.) for 5 days in sheep. The mean values of any of hematological and serum biochemical parameters did not alter significantly following daily intramuscular administrations of both drugs in comparison to the corresponding control values (day 0). Thus, daily intramuscular administrations of cefquinome with tolfenamic acid were well tolerated in sheep and cefquinome may be useful in combination with tolfenamic acid to treat bacterial diseases accompanied by inflammatory condition in sheep.

Concentrations of volatile 4-alkyl-branched fatty acids in sheep and goat milk and dairy products.

Goat and sheep milk and dairy products thereof are characterized by a strong and unique flavor. In this context, the volatile minor fatty acid 4-ethyloctanoic acid plays a prominent role along with 4-methyloctanoic acid when both are present in free form. Using a novel GC/MS method in the selected ion-monitoring mode, previously developed for sheep subcutaneous adipose tissue, we were able to analyze the total concentrations of these flavor-relevant minor fatty acids as methyl esters in goat and sheep milk as well as in their products. Differences between the concentrations and ratios of 4-methyloctanoic acid and 4-ethyloctanoic acid in goat milk (n = 4), goat cheese (n = 4), sheep milk (n = 2), and sheep cheese (n = 4) were observed. Goat milk and cheese resulted in higher concentrations for both fatty acids (190 to 480 μg/g milk fat) and smaller 4-Me-8:0 to 4-Et-8:0 ratios (1.4 to 2.7) compared to sheep milk and cheese (78 to 220 μg/g milk fat; 4-Me-8:0 to 4-Et-8:0 ratio: 15 to 42). In all samples, the concentration of 4-Me-8:0 exceeded the one of 4-Et-8:0. However, due to its lower flavor threshold value the contribution of 4-Et-8:0 to the flavor was generally >76%. The calculated flavor values were >1400 for goat milk and cheeses and >200 for sheep milk and cheeses. In goat milk and its products, only a proportion of <0.1% 4-alkyl-branched fatty acids present in free form in the goat milk and <0.5% in the sheep samples would be sufficient to generate the characteristic goaty flavor. Parameters that promote or prevent the release of 4-Me-8:0, and especially 4-Et-8:0, will be decisive for the flavor in the resulting dairy product.

Direct determination of flavor relevant and further branched-chain fatty acids from sheep subcutaneous adipose tissue by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry

4-Methyloctanoic acid, 4-ethyloctanoic acid and 4-methylnonanoic acid are key-flavor compounds of sheep and goat. Yet, the low amounts of these volatile branched-chain fatty acids (vBCFAs) in the fat of the ruminants hampered their determination on a routine basis. In this work we developed a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry selected ion monitoring (GC/MS-SIM) method for the direct determination of the vBCFAs as methyl esters, which were obtained after transesterification of subcutaneous adipose tissue of sheep. The excellent sensitivity of the GC/MS-SIM method (limit of quantification, LOQ, 3.6–4.8μg/g; limit of detection, LOD, 1.1–1.4μg/g for 4-Me-8:0, 4-Et-8:0 and 4-Me-9:0) enabled us to determine the three vBCFAs without an enrichment step. Subcutaneous adipose sheep tissue of three different breeds contained 23–88μg/g 4-methyloctanoic acid, 13–26μg/g 4-ethyloctanoic acid and ∼2.9–18μg/g 4-methylnonanoic acid. Since all fatty acids were present in the FAME fraction, the samples could be screened for further branched-chain FAMEs. After elimination of unsaturated fatty acids by hydrogenation (the presence of some unsaturated fatty acids could be verified by this measure), additional measurements in SIM and full scan modes of methyl esters and picolinyl esters enabled the determination of further 97 saturated fatty acids in the samples with eight to 20 carbons. The method is suited for routine analysis and may be useful to investigate the reasons for the abundance/absence of 4-methyloctanoic acid, 4-ethyloctanoic acid and 4-methylnonanoic acid and further branched-chain fatty acids in sheep and goat.

ASCORBIC ACID ADMINISTRATION AS ANTI-STRESS BEFORE TRANSPORTATION OF SHEEP

SUMMARY Currently in Egypt there is no regulation ruling over transportation of animals. The aims of the current study were to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid administration (125 mg/kg) before transportation in an open truck during summer season on live weight loss, and some physiological responses, in New Valley governorate, Egypt. Fourteen Farafra male sheep, 35.0 ± 3.86 kg body weight and aged 11-12 months were used in this study. Animals were divided into two equal groups (7/each group) as not-administered and administered ascorbic acid groups. Animals were transported in an open truck covering a distance of approximately 225 km for three hours. Before loading and after transportation, rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate as thermal responses were recorded. In addition, two blood samples were collected before and after transportation from each animal. Complete blood samples were investigated to determine hematological parameters. Also, blood serum samples were analyzed for hormones (T3, T4 and cortisol) and some blood metabolites (total protein, albumin, globulin, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, ALT, AST, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol). The results indicated that transportation caused adverse changes as a results of stress in live body weight losses, hematological parameters and some blood metabolites. Ascorbic acid administration lowered effect of stress caused by transportation through modulating physiological responses. Therefore, administration of ascorbic acid in sheep before transport especially at high ambient temperatures can be recommended.

PELLETED FIELD GRASS TO INCREASES THE JAVA THIN TAIL SHEEP PRODUCTIVITY

This investigation was conducted to study the influence of the pelleted field grass (FG) toperformance of Java thin tail (JTT) sheep. Twelve heads of male JTT sheep were devided into 3 groups,consisted of 4 heads as replication, respectively. There were three kinds of ration as treatments, namely:fresh FG (T0), pelleted FG (T1), and combination between 85% FG and 15% rice bran (T2). Themeasured variables were: feed dry matter (DM) consumption, in vivo dry matter digestibility (IVoDMD)and in vivo organic mattter digestibility (IvoOMD), molar proportion of partial volatile fatty acids(VFAs), and daily body weight gain (DBWG). Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) incompletely randomized design (CRD). Result of this investigation showed hat feed consumption bysheep received pelleted FG was higher (P&lt; 0.05) than those received FG (513 vs 393 g). Ratio of aceticacid : propionic acid in sheep received pelleted FG was lower (P&lt;0.05) than those in sheep received FG(2.53 vs 3.46). Feeding of the pelleted FG resulted in DBWG significantly differed from combinationbetween FG and rice bran (69 and 72 g), and were higher (P&lt;0.05) than feeding of FG (53 g). Inconclusion, the feeding of pelleted FG resulted the higher DM consumption and ruminal propionic acid,the lower acetic acid : propionic acid ratio, than feeding of fresh FG. Feeding of pelleted FG to male JTTsheep increased the DBWG, equivalent to those by feeding of combination between 85% fresh FG an15% rice bran.

Effect of fish oil and sunflower oil on rumen fermentation characteristics and fatty acid composition of digesta in ewes fed a high concentrate diet

Studies in ruminants have shown that supplementing the diet with a mixture of fish oil (FO) and sunflower oil (SO) enhances the concentration of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), 20:5 n-3, and 22:6 n-3 in milk because of alterations in ruminal biohydrogenation, but the intermediates formed under these conditions are not well characterized. Five ewes fitted with rumen cannula and fed a high concentrate diet were used to examine the effect of a mixture (30g/kg of DM) of FO and SO (1:2, wt/wt) on temporal changes in rumen fermentation characteristics and the relative abundance of biohydrogenation intermediates in ruminal digesta collected after 0, 3, and 10 d on diet. Appearance and identification of biohydrogenation intermediates was determined based on complementary gas-liquid chromatography and Ag+-HPLC analysis of fatty acid methyl esters and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of corresponding 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives. Inclusion of FO and SO in the diet had no effect on rumen pH, volatile fatty acid concentrations, or nutrient digestion, but altered the fatty acid composition of ruminal digesta, changes that were characterized by time-dependent decreases in 18:0 and 18:2 n-6 and the accumulation of trans 16:1, trans 18:1, 10-O-18:0, and trans 18:2. Lipid supplements enhanced the proportion of 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3 in digesta and resulted in numerical increases in cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid concentrations, but decreased the relative abundance of trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid. Furthermore, detailed analysis revealed the appearance of several unique 20:1, 20:2, 22:1, 22:3, and 22:4 products in ruminal digesta that accumulated over time, providing the first indications of 20 and 22 carbon fatty acid intermediates formed during the biohydrogenation of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids in sheep. In conclusion, FO and SO in a high concentrate diet caused a time-dependent inhibition of the complete biohydrogenation of 16 and 18 carbon unsaturated fatty acids, and resulted in the accumulation of trans 16:1, trans 18:1, and trans 18:2, 20, and 22 carbon metabolites in ruminal digesta of sheep, with no evidence of a shift in ruminal biohydrogenation pathways toward trans-10 18:1 formation.

Changes of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, and lipid-associated sialic acid in sheep fed high grain rations with altered digestive functions

Changes of serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, and lipid-associated sialic acid (LSA) were assessed in sheep fed high grain rations with negative alterations of digestive functions. During a period of 30 days (divided into three equal steps), eight Karakul lambs were divided into a control (n = 4) and an experiment group (n = 4). The control group was fed a ration consisting of 80% alfalfa hay and 20% wheat straw for the whole period of the study. In the experiment group, ground barley was substituted for 40% of the ration for the first step (10 days) and 62.5% of the ration for the rest of the study (20 days). Negative alterations of digestive functions (decreased rumen pH, reduced feces consistency and dry matter, and reduced feed intake) were evidenced in the experiment group after day 10. On day 0 (beginning of the study) and days 8 and 10 of each step, serum (for SAA, HP, ceruloplasmin, and LSA) and plasma samples (for fibrinogen) were collected from jugular vein. The averages of the eighth and tenth days were used for statistical study. SAA increased in both groups from day 10 afterwards. This increase was significant (P < 0.05) in the experiment group on day 20. Great variations were observed in the concentrations of SAA in individual sheep of the control group. On day 20, the concentration of SAA was significantly higher in the experiment group than that of the control sheep (P < 0.05). HP increased in both groups from day 10 with sharp rises on day 20 (P < 0.05 in the experiment group). Great variations were obvious in the control group on days 20 and 30. Ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, and LSA were almost constant at various stages of the study with no significant difference between groups. The results reveal that, unlike SAA and HP, levels of ceruloplasmin, fibrinogen, and LSA may not be affected by high grain rations, digestive disorders such as SARA and/or the confounding parameters such as stress. More investigations with larger numbers of animals and focusing on specific markers for stress are suggested for precise differentiations.

Characterization and SNP Identification of Part of the Goat Melanophilin Gene

The melanophilin (MLPH) gene has been characterized as the candidate gene for dilute coat color in some species, but little is known about it in the goat. In this study, part of the genomic DNA sequence (19,289 bp) containing the whole coding region of the MLPH gene from goat, as well as from sheep, was determined. We found 16 exons and 15 introns; the coding region was 1767 bp distributed in 15 exons (2-16). In sheep, the length of part of the genomic DNA sequence was 16,988 bp, with 16 exons and 15 introns, and the coding region was 1833 bp, distributed in 15 exons (2-16). Dozens of SNPs as well as some noticeable motifs in the goat MLPH gene were found during the process of sequencing and polymorphism screening. Based on the SSR Tool, three simple sequence repeat motifs were detected in the goat and sheep DNA sequences. Compared with cattle, we found insertions of 4 amino acids in goats and 26 amino acids in sheep.

Serum Total and Lipid-Bound Sialic Acid Concentrations in Sheep with Natural Babesiosis

The aim of this study was to determine the serum concentrations of total and lipid-bound sialic acid in sheep naturally infected with Babesia ovis before and after treatment. Thirty diseased sheep and ten control animals were used. Babesia infection was confirmed with Giemsa's staining of blood smears. Compared to the control animals (1.351 ± 0.100 mmol l-1; 0.385 ± 0.001 mmol l-1), a marked increase of serum total and lipid bound sialic acid concentrations (1.929 ± 0.101 mmol l-1; 0.479 ± 0.004 mmol l-1, respectively) was obtained in infected sheep (p &lt; 0.05). One week after treatment, serum total and lipid bound sialic acid concentrations significantly decreased (1.554 ± 0.005 mmol l-1; 0.411 ± 0.02 mmol l-1, respectively) (p &lt; 0.05). Despite this decline, total and lipid bound sialic acid concentrations of treated animals were still signifi cantly increased in sera compared to the control animals (p &lt; 0.05). When the infected animals were treated with an antiparasitic drug (diminazene aceturate), the serum total and lipid bound sialic acid levels had a tendency to decrease to the normal ranges. It can be concluded that Babesia ovis infection induced marked and persistent elevations of serum total and lipid-bound sialic acid concentrations, suggesting that these indicators would indirectly promote the invasion and presence of the parasite in the host.

Site and extent of digestion, duodenal flow, and intestinal disappearance of total and esterified fatty acids in sheep fed a high-concentrate diet supplemented with high-linoleate safflower oil

Our objective was to determine duodenal and ileal flows of total and esterified fatty acids and to determine ruminal fermentation characteristics and site and extent of nutrient digestion in sheep fed an 80% concentrate diet supplemented with high-linoleate (77%) safflower oil at 0, 3, 6, and 9% of DM. Oil was infused intraruminally along with an isonitrogenous basal diet (fed at 2% of BW) that contained bromegrass hay, cracked corn, corn gluten meal, urea, and limestone. Four crossbred wethers (BW = 44.3 +/- 15.7 kg) fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square experiment, in which 14 d of dietary adaptation were followed by 4 d of duodenal, ileal, and ruminal sampling. Fatty acid intake increased (linear, P = 0.004 to 0.001) with increased dietary safflower oil. Digestibilities of OM, NDF, and N were not affected (P = 0.09 to 0.65) by increased dietary safflower oil. For total fatty acids (free plus esterified) and esterified fatty acids, duodenal flow of most fatty acids, including 18:2c-9,c-12, increased (P = 0.006 to 0.05) with increased dietary oil. Within each treatment, duodenal flow of total and esterified 18:2c-9,c-12 was similar (P = 0.32), indicating that duodenal flow of this fatty acid occurred because most of it remained esterified. Duodenal flow of esterified 18:1t-11 increased (P = 0.08) with increased dietary safflower oil, indicating that reesterification of ruminal fatty acids occurred. Apparent small intestinal disappearance of most fatty acids was not affected (P = 0.19 to 0.98) by increased dietary safflower oil, but increased (P = 0.05) for 18:2c-9,c-12, which ranged from 87.0 to 97.4%, and for 18:2c-9,t-11 (P = 0.03), which ranged from 37.9% with no added oil to 99.2% with supplemental oil. For esterified fatty acids, apparent small intestinal disappearance was from 80% for 18:3c-9,c-12,c-15 at the greatest level of dietary oil up to 100% for 18:1t-11 and 18:1c-12 with 0% oil. We concluded that duodenal flow of 18:2c-9,c-12 was predominately associated with the esterified fraction, suggesting that the extent of ruminal lipolysis was decreased with increased dietary high-linoleate safflower oil. Furthermore, biohydrogenation intermediates observed in the esterified fatty acids indicated that some reesterification occurred, and the high level of apparent absorption of esterified fatty acids indicated that intestinal lipolysis did not limit overall digestion of the fatty acids fed to the sheep.

Involvement of opioidergic and α 2-adrenergic mechanisms in the central analgesic effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in sheep

The level within the central nervous system where non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) produce analgesia and the mechanisms by which they mediate this effect are still uncertain. This study assessed the central analgesic effects of ketoprofen, phenylbutazone, salicylic acid and tolfenamic acid in sheep implanted with indwelling intrathecal (i.t.) catheters and submitted to mechanical noxious stimulation. The sheep received i.t. cumulative concentrations (0.375–200 μM; 100 μL) as well as a single intravenous (i.v.) dose (3, 8, 10 and 2 mg/kg, respectively) of each NSAID. The sheep were also given i.t. naloxone (5.49 mM; 100 μL) and atipamezole (4.03 mM; 100 μL) prior to i.v. ketoprofen. None of the i.t. NSAIDs increased mechanical thresholds. Intravenously, only ketoprofen and tolfenamic acid raised the pain thresholds. The hypoalgesic effect of i.v. ketoprofen was prevented by i.t. naloxone or atipamezole. Although NSAIDs had no direct effect on the spinal cord, their analgesic action appeared to be spinally mediated.