Association Of American Feed Control Officials Research Articles

61 Life Stage Feeding: Is There Path Forward for Senior/Geriatric Nutrient recommendations?

Abstract Complete and balanced foods for “all life stages”, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), meet the needs for reproduction and growth. While these are recognized as the most nutritionally demanding stages, they are relatively short time periods in the life of a pet. Unique to companion animals, and humans, is the prolonged “senior” life stage. Although this stage is not well defined, it has become evident that energy, protein and other nutrient requirements may change with age in seniors. To establish guidelines for a lifestage, that lifestage must be defined (Table 1). Species and breed differences exist in terms of aging, in that small breed dogs have longer lifespans versus large breed dogs, and cats differ from dogs, with cats showing a definable fourth lifestage of “geriatric” that differs from a “senior” lifestage. A major challenge to defining senior or geriatric nutritional needs is the fact that animals “age” at different rates, causing senior/geriatric to be the most physiologically diverse lifestage. In nutritionally complete and balanced foods, nutrients are provided in proportion to the energy content of the diet and to the expected energy intake of the pet. Regardless of lifestage, energy requirements can differ significantly among dog breeds and among individuals. Added to this is evidence that energy requirements in dogs decrease with age, such that senior dogs need about 25% fewer calories, on average, than young adult dogs. Likewise, senior cats show a decrease in energy requirements, but geriatric cats display an increase in energy needs. Thus, even if the absolute requirement for nutrients did not change with age, the content needed on an energy basis will change. One of the challenges to establishing protein requirements for senior and geriatric pets is age-related loss of lean body mass (LBM), or sarcopenia. LBM serves as a protein reservoir and provides the amino acids used on a 24/7 basis for endogenous protein synthesis, while dietary protein maintains or restores this reservoir. It has become evident that nitrogen balance studies, long used to determine protein requirements for adults, are not sufficient in that they do not account for contributions from LBM. Maintenance of LBM may be a better assay for defining protein requirements. However, LBM is lost with age in all species studied, including humans, dogs and cats. Geriatric cats lose approximately one third of their LBM, while senior dogs lose about 10%. Loss of LBM is associated with greater morbidity and mortality, thus, preservation of LBM is an important goal. While increasing protein intake can slow the loss, and vice versa, increasing protein intake alone cannot prevent loss of LBM. Therefore, an important challenge is to determine how to measure protein requirements in aging pets.

28 Effect of Dietary Hempseed Meal on Growth Performance and Dry Matter Intake in Yearling Rough-Stock Bulls

Abstract The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is gathering information about the safety and efficacy of hemp and its derivatives as potential animal feedstuffs. Yearling rough-stock bulls (n = 38) were used in a randomized complete block design to evaluate the effects of hempseed meal (HSM) as a concentrate ingredient on growth, dry matter intake (DMI), and efficiency. Bulls were blocked by body weight (BW), grouped into 10 pens (n = 3 or 4 bulls/pen), and randomly assigned to hempseed meal (HSM) or a control supplement treatment (CON; 72.5% cottonseed meal, 14.5% soy hulls, and 13% fat). Ingredients for CON were used because they were common commercial commodities and were formulated to match the macronutrients of HSM. Treatments were top-dressed at 10% of the diet, while 90% was fed as a mixed ration [50% bermudagrass hay, 40% textured commercial feed (10% CP)]. Feed delivery, treatment delivery, and orts were recorded daily. Diet samples were dried and used to calculate dry matter intake (DMI). Blood for urea-N (SUN; VetScan Chemistry Analyzer) and BW were obtained on days 0, 21, 42, and 63. Efficiency was evaluated for each period using DMI and average daily gain (ADG). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS 9.4. Results were considered significant at P < 0.05, and tendencies were discussed at 0.05 > P > 0.10. No treatment×time interaction occurred for BW (P = 0.999), ADG (P = 0.563), interim DMI (P = 0.672), feed efficiency (P = 0.254), or SUN (P = 0.170). Treatment did not affect BW (320.4 and 324.69 ± 121.57 kg for CON and HSM, respectively, P = 0.996), but BW increased over time (261.13 ± 74.71 and 322.5 ± 121.57 kg, initial and final BW, respectively, P = 0.001). No treatment effect on ADG occurred (0.73 and 0.84 ± 0.13 kg for CON and HSM, respectively, P = 0.680). However, ADG decreased over time (1.0 ± 0.29, 1.19 ± 0.21 and 0.79 ± 0.13 kg, d0-21, d21-42, and d42-63, respectively, P = 0.005). Daily DMI resulted in a treatment×time interaction, where HSM often consumed more DM than CON (P < 0.01). Interim DMI increased over time (7.44 ± 1.25, 7.84 ± 0.98, and 8.18 ± 0.82 kg, d0-21, d21-42, and d42-63, respectively, P = 0.0073), but when combined with ADG to determine feed efficiency, the main effects were not different (P ≥ 0.17). Over time, SUN increased (4.91, 10.52, 11.66 and 12.72 ± 0.35 mg/dL for days 0, 21, 42 and 63, respectively, P < 0.001), and HSM had greater SUN than CON (10.46 and 9.45 ± 0.30 mg/dL for HSM and CON, respectively, P = 0.0426). These data suggest that bulls fed HSM at 10% diet DM perform similarly to bulls fed the same nutrient profile of standard commercial feed ingredients, indicating comparable nutrient availability between the treatments. Conversely, increased DMI and SUN in the HSM bulls suggest a difference in nitrogen metabolism between the treatments that warrants further investigation.

Comparing the standardized amino acid digestibility of an alternative protein source with commercially available protein-based ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay.

Using single-cell-based proteins in pet foods is of interest, but little testing has been done. Therefore, our objective was to determine the amino acid (AA) digestibilities, assess protein quality of a novel microbial protein (MP) (FeedKind), and compare it with other protein-based ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay. Test ingredients included: MP, chicken meal (CM), corn gluten meal (CGM), pea protein (PP), and black soldier fly larvae. Thirty cecectomized roosters (n = 6/ingredient) were randomly assigned to test ingredients. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, roosters were tube-fed 15 g test ingredient and 15 g corn, and then excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous AA corrections were made using additional roosters. Digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), The European Pet Food Industry Federation, and National Research Council reference values for growing and adult dogs and cats. Data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS 9.4, with P ≤ 0.05 being significant. All reactive lysine:total lysine ratios, an indicator of heat damage, were higher than 0.9, except for CM (0.86). Digestibility of indispensable and dispensable AA were >85% and >80% for MP, respectively, with indispensable AA digestibilities being >80% for all other ingredients. In general, CGM had the highest, while CM had the lowest AA digestibilities. Two exceptions were lysine and tryptophan. Lysine digestibility for MP was higher than that of all other ingredients, while tryptophan digestibility for MP was higher than that of CM, CGM, and PP. Threonine digestibility was highest for CGM and MP. Valine digestibility was highest for CGM, PP, and MP. DIAAS-like calculations identified limiting AA of each ingredient and depended on the reference used and life stage and species of animal. Using AAFCO guidelines, all DIAAS-like values for MP were >100 suggesting that it could be used as the sole source of protein in adult dog and cat diets; only methionine had DIAAS-like values <100 for growing kittens. For dogs, limiting AA was most commonly methionine, threonine, and tryptophan in the other protein sources. For cats, limiting AA was most commonly lysine and methionine. Lysine was severely limited in CGM across all life stages considered. Further research in dogs and cats is necessary, but our data suggest that the MP tested has high AA digestibilities and is a high-quality protein source that may be useful in pet foods.

Nutritional evaluation of new alternative types of dog foods including raw and cooked homemade-style diets.

New alternative types of pet foods such as raw and cooked homemade-style diets containing human food ingredients have been introduced due to a trend of pet humanization and diversification of consumer needs. To evaluate nutritional adequacy of new alternative types of dog foods containing human food ingredients as maintenance diets for dogs. Eleven homemade-style foods for adult dogs were purchased from online channel in Korea and analyzed to evaluate nutritional adequacy for adult dogs. Nutrients analyzed included crude protein, amino acids, crude fat, fatty acids, and minerals. Crude protein and amino acids in all products satisfied Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements. Crude fat in one of 11 products did not meet AAFCO requirements. The most deficient minerals were selenium (10 of 11, 90.9%), copper (five of 11, 45.5%), zinc (five of 11, 45.5%), potassium (three of 11, 27.3%), calcium (three of 11, 27.3%), iron (two of 11, 18.2%), and magnesium (one of 11, 9.1%). Six products were not in the range of the recommended Ca:P ratio in AAFCO dog food maintenance nutrient profiles. This study performed nutritional evaluation of raw and cooked homemade-style foods as maintenance diets for adult dogs. Some nutritional inadequacies were observed including some minerals, Ca:P ratio, and omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio, although three products (26.2%) satisfied the AAFCO standard except selenium. Overall, the data suggest a need for accurate nutritional adequacy statement for consumers based on proper methods to validate the formula.

PSXI-10 Macronutrient and Protein Quality Evaluation of Novel Mammalian Proteins for Canine and Feline Nutrition

Abstract The use of novel protein sources has become a popular human food trend and with the continued humanization of pets, these trends have been followed in the petfood industry. There is limited data regarding the macronutrient composition and overall quality of novel mammalian proteins. In this study, beef, yak, camel, kangaroo, and wild boar were analyzed for chemical composition, amino acid (AA) digestibility, and calculation of digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS-like) by application of the precision fed cecectomized rooster assay. Dry matter values were &amp;gt;90% and crude protein was greatest in yak meat (95%). Yak meat also contained the least amount of total fat at 11% whereas the greatest amount was found in beef at 57%. The standardized AA digestibility values were determined to be highly digestible as all values were &amp;gt;81%. The reference proteins used for DIAAS-like calculations were based on the Association of American Feed Control officials (AAFCO) nutrient profile and National Research Council (NRC) recommended allowances for adult dogs and cats at maintenance. The DIAAS-like values were &amp;gt;100% for yak and camel meat and were determined to be high quality for dogs. In cats, all proteins received DIAAS-like scores &amp;gt;100% except for wild boar. Tryptophan and methionine were most often the first-limiting acids for both dogs and cats.

PSXI-8 Evaluation of Nutrient Composition and Protein Quality Using the Precision fed Cecectomized Rooster Assay of Novel Avian Protein Sources for pet Nutrition

Abstract Alternative protein sources are being incorporated in companion animal diets as a response to the market demand for high quality products. Chicken is a commonly used protein in pet food and was used as a comparison for emerging alternatives goose, quail, duck, and emu which have been evaluated in the current study. All protein sources were analyzed for chemical composition, and amino acid (AA) standardized digestibility and calculation of digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS-like) were determined by using the precision fed cecectomized rooster assay. Dry matter values ranged from 95% to 98% and were similar for all proteins. Crude protein was least for goose meat and greatest in emu meat (42% and 95%, respectively). Emu meat produced the least fat content while quail produced the most (4.7% and 42%, respectively). Standardized AA digestibility values for the novel proteins were above 60% for indispensable AA. The DIAAS-like calculation applied reference proteins based on Association of American Feed Control officials (AAFCO) recommended nutrient profile and National Research Council (NRC) recommended allowances for adult dogs and cats at maintenance. The DIAAS-like values for cats for AAFCO and NRC were &amp;gt;100%. Tryptophan was identified to be the first-limiting AA in every protein source except for goose meat where methionine was first-limiting using NRC recommended values for adult dogs.

PSXI-9 Chemical Composition and Calculation of Standardized Amino Acid Digestibility and Diaas-Like Scores Using the Precision fed Cecectomized Rooster Assay for Novel Proteins of Aquatic and Reptile Species

Abstract There has been a quest for novel and alternative protein sources in pet nutrition due to product diversification, need for novel and single protein diets, and concerns with sustainability. However, limited information on chemical composition and amino acid (AA) digestibility of these ingredients are available. The novel protein sources tested are of aquatic and reptile species, and include fish slurry, white fish, spirulina, eel, salmon, and rattlesnake. We determined the chemical composition and applied the cecectomized rooster model to estimate standardized AA digestibility of these protein sources. The ingredients were further assessed by calculation of digestible indispensable amino acid scores (DIAAS-like). Dry matter values were similar across all proteins and ranged from 91.3% to 99.4%. Crude protein was least in salmon (43.5%) and greatest in fish slurry and spirulina (72.5% and 72.8%, respectively). Rattlesnake produced the least amount of total fat at 1.8% and eel produced the most at 32.3%. Standardized AA values were &amp;gt;80% for both dispensable and indispensable AA in all protein sources. For DIAAS-like calculations, reference proteins were based on nutrient profiles of the Association of American Feed Control officials (AAFCO) nutrient profile and the National Research Council (NRC) recommended allowances for adult dogs and cats at maintenance. Using these references, rattlesnake was low quality for both dogs and cats. Fish slurry and spirulina were observed to be high quality for dogs and cats using AAFCO references and high quality in only cats using NRC references. Using the NRC reference for dogs, fish slurry and spirulina were determined to be moderate quality because the first-limiting AA in fish slurry (tryptophan) was 78% and first-limiting AA in spirulina (methionine) was 63%. Scores &amp;lt; 100% but &amp;gt;50% are considered moderate quality according to the DIAAS method.

Digestible indispensable amino acid scores of animal and plant ingredients potentially used in dog diet formulation: how this protein quality metric is affected by ingredient characteristics and reference amino acid profile.

The ability of a diet or an ingredient to satisfy the indispensable amino acid (IAA) requirements of an individual is a reflection of protein quality (PQ). The concept of PQ is gaining recognition in the pet food industry as a way to identify candidate ingredients for diet formulation. The objective of this report was to use IAA digestibility data from swine and cecectomized rooster assays to generate digestible IAA scores (defined herein as DIAAS-like values) to predict the PQ of ingredients used in dog diets. However, as PQ equation development relies on a reference IAA profile, which is intended to be based on the physiological requirements of a specific population, we sought to generate DIAAS-like values using IAA requirements established by the National Research Council (NRC) as well as practical IAA recommendations presented by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF), to assess how these profiles may affect PQ. In total, 30 animal (75 unique inputs) and 27 plant ingredients (94 unique inputs) satisfied all inclusion criteria to be used in the final data set. Ingredients were initially categorized as animal or plant, and further categorized based on AAFCO Official Common and Usual Names and Definitions of Feed Ingredients to allow for additional, more distinct comparisons to be made. Data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS, with ingredient reference as a random effect, and ingredient category, regulatory body, and life stage as fixed effects. As expected, differences were observed in DIAAS-like values for nearly all ingredients and ingredient categories when determined using NRC, AAFCO, or FEDIAF IAA requirements or recommendations as the reference pattern. Moreover, applying reference patterns based on NRC adult maintenance IAA requirements consistently produced the lowest DIAAS-like values. Ultimately, while future studies assessing PQ should utilize NRC minimal requirements, individual ingredient and ingredient category differences in DIAAS-like values when using AAFCO and FEDIAF recommendations underpin the different regulatory approaches to establishing dietary nutrient recommendations that exist globally and support the need for harmonization of dietary recommendations.

Analytical Uncertainty in Animal Feed Laboratories: A Current Evaluation of AAFCO Proficiency Testing Data for Select Analytes

The animal feed regulatory community utilizes analytical variations (AVs) that account for the normal variability that occurs within and between laboratories. The AV was created using the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) proficiency testing (PT) program results and represent the coefficient of variation times 2 (2 CV). This study was performed to assess the accuracy of the published AVs within the association’s Official Publication (OP) using AAFCO PT data from 2014 to 2020. This study also reevaluated the current AV values by applying the concept of the measurement uncertainties including the expanded uncertainty (U), Horwitz value, and 2 CV for the assessment of the label guarantees. Although greater variations were observed at lower concentrations, the majority of data points from the PT rounds showed an acceptable reproducibility for the select analytical methods except for cobalt, fat, fiber, moisture, and selenium where 2 CV was higher than the current AAFCO AV. Regression models were developed based on the 95% tolerance interval of expanded uncertainty and 2 CV and were validated using the 2019-2020 AAFCO PT data. The validation data fell within the expanded uncertainty and 2 CV model bounds indicating the new models were fit-for-purpose and accurately characterized current AAFCO PT data. The study results imply the AAFCO AV and its issues need to be better understood to improve an accuracy and traceability of the laboratory’s measurement and thus regulatory decisions to help animal feed producers and processors lower economic losses.

Survey of copper and zinc concentrations in commercially available dry ferret diets

To survey macronutrients and two micronutrients (copper and zinc) in commercial ferret diets to investigate dietary factors that may influence copper-associated hepatopathy in ferrets. Proximate analysis and copper and zinc concentrations of 12 commercially available dry adult maintenance ferret diets. Medians were calculated on a dry matter and metabolizable energy basis and compared to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient profiles for cats and the National Research Council (NRC) recommendations for mink. Calculated metabolizable energy of diets ranged from 3830 to 4305 kcal/kg dry matter (DM). Crude protein ranged from 89.1 to 151.4 g/1000 kcal, nitrogen-free extract ranged from 13.9 to 124.7 g/1000 kcal, and crude fat ranged from 29.6 to 52.4 g/1000 kcal. The median copper concentration was 9.0 mg/1000 kcal and 37.8mg/kg DM, 7 times the AAFCO minimum for cats and 6.3 times the recommendation for mink. Median zinc concentration was 64.2 mg/1000 kcal and 243.1mg/kg DM, 3.4 times the AAFCO minimum for cats and 3.7 times the NRC recommendation for mink. The median zinc to copper ratio was 6.7. There is considerable variation in micro- and macronutrient composition among tested commercial ferret diets. High copper concentrations in ferret diets may contribute to copper-associated hepatopathy in ferrets.

Interlaboratory collaboration to determine the performance of the Randox food diagnostics biochip array technology for the simultaneous quantitative detection of seven mycotoxins in feed

An inter-laboratory collaborative study was performed to evaluate the performance of the Biochip Array Technology (BAT) Myco 7 method. The Myco 7 Array is a method which simultaneously and quantitatively detects 20 mycotoxins including aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2, ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisin B1, B2 and B3 and T-2 and HT-2 toxin. The BAT Myco 7 method was collaboratively evaluated by nine government and private Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) laboratories. Samples were analysed in a proficiency testing round format. Seventeen blind samples were analysed on the same equipment using Myco 7 kits. 99% of the results fell within an acceptable Z-score range of -2|&lt;Z&lt;|+2. Deoxynivalenol had a 100% Z-score pass rate, while a 99% pass was recorded for aflatoxins, zearalenone, ochratoxin A and fumonisins. T-2 toxin had a 97% Z-score pass rate. HorRat analysis for reproducibility used a range of 0.3&lt;|HorRat|≤2. The target was met for deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 and HT-2 toxin, and aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 assays. Fumonisins and ochratoxin A assays had a 93% and 94% pass, respectively. The reproducibility co-efficiency of variation was between 16 and 20% meeting set criterion of &lt;40% and is, therefore, fit-for-purpose for use in the AAFCO control programs for mycotoxins.

110 Evaluation of Macronutrient Composition and Amino Acid Digestibility of Select Novel Dietary Proteins for Use in Canine and Feline Nutrition

Abstract Demand for the inclusion of high-quality protein in companion animal diets has increased as owners have become more invested in the health of their pets. There is very little information on the nutrient content of novel proteins needed for a properly balanced diet, so as a result the objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition, standardized amino acid digestibility using the precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay, and protein quality using digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS like) of raw chicken, spirulina, cricket meal, and fish (carp) slurry. Raw chicken has the lowest crude protein concentration (45.6%) on dry matter (DM) basis, whereas fish slurry had the highest (75.3%). All amino acids were moderately to highly digestible (70.2% to 98.8%, dry matter basis) with differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in all but arginine, phenylalanine, threonine, cysteine, serine, and tyrosine. The limiting amino acid based on DIAAS-like values for adult dogs compared with the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommended values were tryptophan for raw chicken and methionine for cricket meal. Comparing DIAAS-like values for adult dogs to National Research Council (NRC) recommended allowances, the limiting amino acids were the same where raw chicken and fish slurry still had tryptophan and spirulina and cricket meal had methionine as the first limiting amino acids. The DIAAS-like values for adult cats compared to AAFCO and NRC values were all above 100% with the lowest being threonine for chicken (123.65%) compared to AAFCO nutrient profile for adult cats and histidine for spirulina (123.13%) compared to NRC for cats at maintenance. Based on the data gathered in this study, the novel dietary protein sources evaluated are of similar or superior protein quality compared with raw chicken; a traditional protein source widely used in pet foods.

Roles of plant-based ingredients and phytonutrients in canine nutrition and health.

Dogs possess the ability to obtain essential nutrients, established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), from both animal‐ and plant‐based ingredients. There has been a recent increase in the popularity of diets that limit or completely exclude certain plant‐based ingredients. Examples of these diets include ‘ancestral’ or ‘evolutionary’ diets, raw meat‐based diets and grain‐free diets. As compared to animal sources, plant‐derived ingredients (including vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes, nuts and seeds) provide many non‐essential phytonutrients with some data suggesting they confer health benefits. This review aims to assess the strength of current evidence on the relationship between the consumption of plant‐based foods and phytonutrients (such as plant‐derived carotenoids, polyphenols and phytosterols) and biomarkers of health and diseases (such as body weight/condition, gastrointestinal health, immune health, cardiovascular health, visual function and cognitive function) from clinical trials and epidemiological studies. This review highlights the potential nutritional and health benefits of including plant‐based ingredients as a part of balanced canine diets. We also highlight current research gaps in existing studies and provide future research directions to inform the impact of incorporating plant‐based ingredients in commercial or home‐prepared diets.

A Comparison of Key Essential Nutrients in Commercial Plant-Based Pet Foods Sold in Canada to American and European Canine and Feline Dietary Recommendations.

Simple SummaryPlant-based pet foods appear to be growing in popularity, but it is unclear how suitable these products are for dogs and cats, considering both species naturally consume diets rich in, or exclusively comprised of, animal tissues. Laboratory analyses of essential nutrients were performed on 26 plant-based diets available in Ontario, Canada in 2018, including 18 canine products (13 products labelled for adult maintenance, four for all life stages, one for puppy growth), 5 feline products (two for adult maintenance and three for all life stages), and 3 products labelled for both dogs and cats (one for adult maintenance and two for all life stages). The nutrient measurements were compared to industry standard nutrient profiles. Four products met the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials and one product the nutrient recommendations of the European Pet Food Industry Federation for adult dogs. No diets met recommended nutrient content for adult cats or growing puppies or kittens. Nutrients most commonly found to be insufficient were: sulfur amino acids, taurine, arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA, calcium phosphorus and vitamin D. These nutrients are all typically found in animal tissues, though non-animal sources are available, and require careful formulation or supplementation in products made without animal-derived ingredients. Compliance with Canadian labelling regulation and guidelines was poor. These problems do not appear to be exclusive to plant-based foods and have been demonstrated previously in commercially available animal-based products as well. This study demonstrates areas where manufacturers of plant-based pet foods must improve formulation and/or manufacturing practices to produce products appropriate for feeding cats and dogs.Plant-based foods intended for feeding dogs and cats are available in Canada, though few studies have examined the suitability of plant-based foods for dogs and cats. All commercial plant-based extruded and wet pet food products available in Ontario, Canada, in 2018 (n = 26) were acquired and analysed for energy, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins A, B12, D2 and D3. Results were compared with recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the European Pet Food Industry Federation (FEDIAF). Thirteen products were labelled for adult canine maintenance, four for canine all life stages, one for puppy growth, two for adult feline maintenance, three for feline all life stages, one for adult maintenance of dogs and cats and two for all life stages of dogs and cats. Four products met AAFCO and one product met FEDIAF nutrient recommendations for canine maintenance. No diets met AAFCO or FEDIAF recommendations for feline maintenance or growth for either species. Nutrients most commonly found insufficient were: sulfur amino acids, taurine, arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA, calcium phosphorus and vitamin D. There were no nutrients unable to be provided from non-animal sources. Compliance with labelling guidelines was also poor, similar to other findings with commercial animal-based pet products. The results from this study indicate areas where producers of plant-based pet foods must improve to meet the industry recommended nutrient profiles and labelling requirements.

11 Metal Amino Acid Chelates/complexes with Emphasis on Molecule Absorption and Efficacy Differences in Swine

Abstract The objective of this presentation will be to discuss differences in the molecular structures between various organic trace minerals (OTM) and inorganic trace minerals (ITM) and discuss how these properties impact stability, absorption, bioavailability and retention. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) lists several different categories of OTM including chelates, complexes and proteinates. Typical ligands include organic acids, amino acids, peptides and polysaccharides. It is widely known that bioavailability of ITM is low, primarily due to the presence of antagonisms such as phytate and/or fiber or excesses of other minerals. For this reason, inclusions of trace minerals (e.g. Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) are often added in commercial livestock diets at 2–3-fold higher concentrations than recommended by NRC. Feeding highly bioavailable trace minerals is important. These minerals are required components of thousands of the proteins, enzymes and transcription factors that support a wide variety of biochemical processes in the cells and tissues of animals. These functions include gene regulation, cell growth and division, immune development and function, tissue development and integrity, reproduction and oxidative stress management. Low bioavailability of these trace minerals can reduce animal performance, immune function, reproductive performance and increase lameness. Numerous in vitro and in vivo methodologies have been used to compare bioavailability and demonstrate higher stability, tissue retention and digestibility of OTM vs ITM. Sow longevity is a key factor in commercial swine herd profitability. Reproductive problems and lameness are the most common reasons for premature sow culling from breeding herds. Compared to ITM, OTM reduced gilt and sow mortality 9–17% (P &amp;lt; 0.10), culling rate 20–35% (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and increased sow retention (through parity 3) 5–10%; (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Greater bioavailability translates to biological benefits to the producer, however, our findings demonstrate that not all OTM perform better than ITM.

334 Pet food safety: truth in labeling

Abstract In the United States, substances intended for use in animal foods are generally considered to be either animal foods or animal drugs. The regulatory classification of a substance relies on its intended use. Claims for substances that are regulated as animal foods are limited to those that can be attributed to the substance’s “food” properties, which the courts in the United States have defined as being related to the provision of nutritive value, taste, or aroma or for a technical effect on the food itself. Any substance intentionally added to an animal food must be either an approved food additive as listed in part 573 in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 573) or a substance that is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for an intended use, including those listed in 21 CFR 582 and 584. Also, in coordination with state feed control officials, CVM recognizes ingredients in the Official Publication of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) as being acceptable for use in animal foods. Everything on a pet food label must be truthful, not misleading, and appropriate for a product regulated as food. Federal regulations (21 CFR 501) require that labels include: an appropriate product name, all ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight, a statement of net quantity of contents, and the address of manufacturer or distributor. Most states have additional labeling requirements. Studies conducted for scientific research need to be evaluated to determine if the endpoints and parameters measured are also appropriate as regulatory data. Feeding studies may address target animal safety and/or utility of the substance for its intended use as a food. CVM will provide written feedback on protocols intended to address new feed ingredients.

Use of precision-fed cecectomized rooster assay and digestible indispensable amino acid scores to characterize plant- and yeast-concentrated proteins for inclusion in canine and feline diets.

Increased consumer interest in high-quality and novel protein sources has driven the demand for the inclusion of protein-rich ingredients in companion animal diets. Novel protein concentrates, with protein contents of at least 50%, have been used to satisfy these consumer demands. However, minimal information is available regarding the macronutrient composition and protein quality of these ingredients that is needed for proper formulation of pet foods. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to determine the macronutrient and amino acid compositions, standardized amino acid digestibility according to the precision-fed rooster assay, and protein quality using digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS like) of pea protein (PP), potato protein (POP), faba bean protein (FBP), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and dried yeast (DY). Precision-fed rooster assays were conducted using cecectomized roosters to calculate standardized amino acid digestibility and true metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (TMEn). For all five protein concentrates, all essential amino acids were highly digestible (88.0% to 96.3%, dry matter basis) with differences (P < 0.05) in only lysine, methionine, and tryptophan digestibilities. The TMEn values were highest for POP (4.22 kcal/g) and DY (3.61 kcal/g). The DIAAS-like values for adult dogs indicated that methionine was the first-limiting amino acid in all protein concentrates except POP, where the first-limiting amino acid was tryptophan. Using Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)-recommended values for adult cats, DIAAS-like values for methionine were lowest (P < 0.05) for FBP at 81.5%, with all other amino acids for all protein concentrates over 100%. The National Research Council (NRC)-recommended allowances for adult cats indicated that DIAAS-like methionine values for PP (92.7%) and FBP (73.8%) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) with these being the first-limiting amino acids, with the remaining amino acids above 100% for the other protein concentrates. The protein quality and high essential amino acid digestibility of these protein concentrates indicate that they would be viable protein sources in canine and feline diets. However, additional complementary protein sources should be included to meet the requirements of all essential amino acids.

Safety of Algal Oil Containing EPA and DHA in cats during gestation, lactation and growth.

Algal Oil Containing EPA and DHA (AOCED) at approximately 50% was developed as a sustainable n−3 fatty acid source. AOCED was incorporated in diets at dose levels of 0%, 0.75%, 1.5% and 3.0% (w/w) and administered to healthy domestic shorthair female cats starting two weeks before mating, then during mating, gestation, lactation and to their kittens until they reached 32 weeks of age. The diets were made isocaloric and met the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutrient requirements of cats for growth and reproduction. Dietary AOCED treatment did not affect the overall health, physiological parameters, food consumption and body weights of the queens and their kittens. No AOCED‐related changes in haematology, coagulation or clinical chemistry parameters were observed in either generation when compared to control cats. Plasma levels of EPA and DHA were dose‐dependently increased in both generations, demonstrating bioavailability of the fatty acids. In this study, safety of AOCED at levels up to 3.0% in the diet was demonstrated in cats with administration starting in utero and until kittens reached 32 weeks of age. Bioavailability of EPA and DHA in cats supports use of AOCED as a source of EPA and DHA for feline growth and reproduction.

Determination of 27 Elements in Animal Feed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry.

A method was developed to determine 27 elements (aluminum, arsenic, boron, cadmium, calcium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulfur, vanadium, zinc, antimony, uranium, beryllium, thallium, and thorium) in animal feeds and pet foods using closed vessel microwave digestion and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. These elements can adversely affect animal health when amounts become excessive or deficient in food. For potentially toxic elements, the target LOQ was determined to be 1/10 the lowest maximum tolerable level (MTL) for the most sensitive animal species. For nutritionally essential elements, the target LOQ was determined to be 1/10 the concentration that would be considered deficient in feed if that level is lower than 1/10 the lowest MTL. The targeted high end of the quantitation range was selected as twice the highest MTL. A single-laboratory validation (SLV) was performed to determine the accuracy and precision of the method, and the results were evaluated with respect to predetermined performance characteristics. The test materials used in the SLV included two National Institute of Standards and Technology certified reference materials, two Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) check samples, and one in-house previously analyzed feed sample. The concentrations of each element determined were the result of spiked analyte, incurred analyte, or a combination of spiked and incurred analyte. All samples were analyzed seven times on different days at 2 × LOQ and at the midrange concentration. For most data, the results of the SLV met or exceeded the criteria for accuracy and repeatability. For accuracy, K at the midrange level had a mean recovery of 95%, which is just below the low preferred accuracy threshold of 97%. For repeatability, all the 2 × LOQ CVr values were below the preferred values. Be, Cr, Ni, Na, Mn, and S all had midrange CVr values exceeding the preferred values. Be had the highest midrange CVr value of 9.93. Eight AAFCO check samples were also analyzed to determine the method's accuracy and repeatability for elements at the manufacturer's claimed levels. For accuracy, all results had z-scores <1.5. For repeatability, three CVr values from two AAFCO check samples were greater than the preferred limits.

Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers fed commercial diets.

IntroductionGolden retrievers are over-represented in cases of taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy and recently a surge in cases has prompted further investigation.ObjectiveTo describe the clinical, dietary, and echocardiographic features in golden retrievers diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy, and to determine specific dietary associations. A second aim was to determine the whole blood taurine concentrations in a representative sample of healthy golden retrievers.AnimalsTwenty-four client-owned golden retrievers with documented taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy and 52 healthy client-owned golden retrievers.MethodsIn this multicenter prospective observational study, baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data, complete diet and medical histories, and whole blood, plasma, or serum taurine concentrations were obtained. Baseline and follow-up echocardiographic data were compared. Associations were evaluated between specific diets and taurine deficiency or congestive heart failure. The prevalence of low whole blood taurine concentrations in the healthy golden retrievers was calculated.ResultsTwenty-three of 24 dogs diagnosed with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy were fed diets that were either grain-free, legume-rich, or a combination of these factors. None of these diets were feeding trial tested using Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) procedures. Twenty-three of 24 dogs had significant improvement in their echocardiographic parameters and normalization of taurine concentrations following diet change and taurine supplementation. Nine of 11 dogs diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) had resolution of their congestion at follow-up with five no longer requiring diuretic therapy and four tolerating diuretic dose reduction by >50%.ConclusionsCertain diets and diet characteristics were associated with the development of taurine deficiency. Taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers is likely multifactorial, including a combination of dietary, metabolic, and genetic factors.