Blood Total Protein Concentrations Research Articles

Effects of coated folic acid and coated methionine on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in Simmental bulls

In one-carbon metabolism, methionine (Met) is methyl donor and folic acid (FA) is responsible for the transfer of methyl groups. Approximately 25 % of coated methionine (CMet) and coated folic acid (CFA) released in the rumen at 24 h of incubation. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of CMet or/and CFA on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation in bulls. Forty Simmental bulls, 464 ± 15.9 kg of body weight (BW), were blocked by BW and randomly assigned to four groups in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatment, with factors being CFA 0 or 6 mg FA/kg dietary dry matter (DM) and CMet 0 or 0.66 g Met/kg dietary DM. The experiment period was 81 days long with 20 days for adaptation and 61 days for data and sample collection. Dry matter intake increased (P = 0.001) with CFA or CMet addition. The CFA × CMet interaction was noticed on average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.001) and feed conversion ratio (FCR; P = 0.020); the improvements in ADG and FCR were greater for supplementing CMet in diets with CFA than in diets without CFA. The digestibility of DM, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet addition. When CMet was supplemented, crude protein digestibility increased in CFA diets and was unchanged in diets without CFA. Ruminal pH decreased (P < 0.050), but total volatile fatty acid concentration increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet addition. Acetate to propionate ratio was unchanged with CFA addition, but decreased (P = 0.039) with CMet addition. Rumen ammonia-N concentration decreased (P < 0.050) for either CFA or CMet addition. The activities of carboxymethyl cellulase, protease, α-amylase and cellobiase and populations of protozoa, total bacteria, fungi, dominant cellulolytic bacteria, Ruminobacter amylophilus and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet supplementation. The CFA × CMet interaction was noticed on Ruminococcus albus population (P = 0.014); when CMet was supplemented, R. albus population increased for diets without CFA and was unchanged for diets with CFA. The activities of chymotrypsin in duodenum increased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet supplementation, and that of amylopsin and trypsin in ileum increased (P < 0.050) for bulls receiving CFA addition. The concentrations of glucose, albumin and urea nitrogen in blood were unchanged and homocysteine decreased (P < 0.050) with CFA or CMet supplementation. The CFA × CMet interaction was noticed on blood total protein concentration (P = 0.045); when CMet was added, blood total protein concentration increased for diets without CFA and was unchanged for diets with CFA. The concentration of folate in blood increased (P = 0.001) for CFA addition. The concentration of Met increased (P = 0.002) for CMet supplementation. The results indicated that dietary CFA or/and CMet supplementation improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation, and the greatest daily gain was observed for combined addition of CFA and CMet in bulls.

Colostrum management practices that improve the transfer of passive immunity in neonatal dairy calves: A scoping review.

The objective of this scoping review was to describe the literature on the characteristics and management practices of colostrum feeding and their associations with the level of transfer of passive immunity (TPI) in dairy calves. Observational and experimental studies were searched in 5 electronic databases and 3 conference proceedings. Two reviewers independently screened primary studies, either analytic observational or experimental studies written in English. Studies on dairy or dual-purpose calves with passive immunity analyzed by blood sampling between 1 to 9 days of age were included. All studies had to compare at least one colostrum intervention or risk factor and their association with passive immunity. Of the 3,675 initially identified studies, 256 were included in this synthesis. One hundred and ninety-five were controlled trials, 57 were cohort studies, and 4 were cross-sectional studies. The effect of colostral quantity at first feeding was investigated in 30 controlled studies including studies that were comparable to each other. The effect of colostral quality was explored in 24 controlled studies with inconsistent criteria used to define the quality. The effect of the timing of first feeding of colostrum was investigated in 21 controlled studies, where the timing of feeding ranged widely from immediately after birth to 60 h of age. Only 4 controlled studies evaluated the relationship between bacterial load in the colostrum and TPI in dairy calves. Of the 256 total studies, 222 assessed blood IgG concentration while 107 measured blood total protein concentration. We identified a gap in knowledge on the association between passive immunity in dairy calves and the bacterial load in colostrum, or the timing of harvesting colostrum from the dam. A possible quantitative synthesis could be conducted among the studies that evaluated colostral quantity at the first feeding in relation to TPI in dairy calves.

The effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid supplementation on growth performances, immune responses, and blood parameters of chickens reared under stressful environment: a meta-analysis.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a well-known feed supplement for its capability of reducing the adverse effect of stress in chickens. Several studies using GABA supplementation as a mitigatory measure have been published. However, it remains difficult to draw a general conclusion since these studies have been done under different experimental conditions. Therefore, the objective of this study was to quantify the response (growth performances, immune responses, and blood biochemical parameters) of chickens to GABA supplementation under various stressful conditions through a meta-analysis approach. A total of 19 articles published from 2011 to 2020, including 30 treatments, were used. A mixed-model ANOVA was used to assess how the growth parameters varied based on the GABA mode of supplementation. Linear mixed models and general linear models were used to evaluate the effects of the GABA doses and the duration of the supplementation on the growth performances and the immune parameters. Results indicated that supplementation of GABA via drinking water was more effective than dietary supplementation for reducing the feed conversion ratio in heat-stressed birds (P < 0.01). In addition, an increase in the GABA doses resulted in an augmentation (P < 0.01) of the body weight gain while a longer duration of supplementation resulted in increasing (P<0.01) the feed intake. Furthermore, increasing the duration of the supplementation reduced the immunoglobulin (P < 0.0001) and bursa's relative weight (P < 0.0001), while increasing blood CD8+ count (P < 0.001) and spleen's relative weight (P < 0.0001). Finally, blood total protein content was increased (P < 0.0001) by a longer duration of supplementation. This study showed that the doses and the duration of the GABA supplementation can affect the growth performances of chickens under stressful conditions. However, the effect of GABA on immune responses and blood parameters is perceived with a relatively longer supplementation duration.

Potential interactive effects between corn grain forms (ground vs. whole) of starter feed and forage provision: Effects on growth and health status of intensified milk-fed Holstein calves

Increasing starter intake has been correlated with greater average daily gain (ADG) and less digestive problems in pre-weaning calves. Forage inclusion in mash starter feed as well as the whole (compared to the ground) grain provision in the starter feed are among the studied ways to increase starter intake. Forty-four Holstein female calves (body weight = 39.67 ± 5.9 kg) were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 the dietary treatments in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Treatments were: (1) mash starter feed containing ground corn grain and without forage provision (WS0-GC); (2) mash starter feed containing whole corn grain and without forage provision (WS0-WC); (3) mash starter feed containing ground corn grain with 100 g/kg forage provision (WS10-GC); and (4) mash starter feed containing whole corn grain and with 100 g/kg forage provision (WS10-WC). The calves were housed in individual pens bedded with clean wheat straw. Calves were weaned at 60 d of age and stayed on study until d 75. The dry matter intake (DMI) as well as starter intake were different among treatments within the pre-weaning period; significant interaction between forage and corn grain physical form indicated that WS10-GC group had the greatest DMI and starter intake (P = 0.05), but this greater intake did not result in greater ADG for those calves. Regardless of forage, whole corn grain inclusion resulted in less starter intake during post-weaning period. Neither pre-weaning nor post-weaning ADG was affected by treatments. Without any effect on pre-weaning gain:feed ratio, forage provision led to the least gain:feed (P = 0.04) but whole corn grain inclusion tended to improve gain:feed (P = 0.10) during post-weaning. Pre- and post-weaning blood total protein concentrations were greater in whole corn grain fed calves (P < 0.01), but feeding forage resulted in greater blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) during post-weaning period; whole corn grain interaction with forage inclusion led to lesser BHB in WS10-WC than in WS10-GC group (P < 0.05). No differences were observed for rumen fluid parameters and health status among treatments, except a tendency for greatest rumen propionate and butyrate in forage fed calves compared to others at d 45 (P = 0.06). Present results indicated that, with an intensive plan of milk feeding, whole or ground corn had no effect on growth performance and blood metabolites and the forage provision only resulted in greater starter intake but not greater ADG.

The effects on brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) of different concentrations of deltamethrin

Deltamethrin (DMN) exposure causes severe damage to the gill and liver tissues of aquatic organisms, as well as neurotoxic effects and metabolic disorders. The goal of the present study was to assess the impacts of DMN toxicity on blood biochemistry, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase (CAT) levels, behavior disorder, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, histopathology and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8 OHdG) of brown trout (Salmo trutta fario). Acute concentrations (1.0 and 2.0μg/L) of DMN caused behavioral disorder such as rapid swimming, loss of balance, aggressiveness and increasing in the surface activity and inactivity in brown trout. A significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and a significant decrease in CAT, AChE, blood albumin, and blood total protein content were observed. Histopathologically, both doses of DMN have caused steatosis, necrosis, and degeneration in hepatocytes and hyperemia in the liver. Also, they led to inflammation, adhesion and fusion depending on severe hyperplasia in secondary lamellae, hyperemia and lamellar edema in gill tissues when compared to control group. Additionally, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8 OHdG) levels at 2.0 μg/L dose of DMN in liver tissues were more severe according to 1.0 μg/L dose of DMN. Finally, different concentrations of DMN led to changes of the histopathology, 8OHdG, the CAT levels, plasma AChE activity, and the serum metabolites, as well as behavioral disorder in brown trout.

Substituting corn silage with reconstituted forage or nonforage fiber sources in the starter feed diets of Holstein calves: Effects on intake, meal pattern, sorting, and health

We examined the effect of replacing corn silage (CS) with reconstituted alfalfa hay (RAH) or reconstituted beet pulp (RBP) in the starter diets on feeding behavior, sorting, and health criteria using 54 neonatal female Holstein calves that were assigned randomly to 3 groups receiving starter diets containing CS (10% on a dry matter basis), RAH, or RBP. The starter diets had the same nutrient composition and moisture level but differed in particle size distribution. Calves fed CS tended to have a lower intermeal interval compared with calves fed RAH before weaning; however, meal frequency and duration, eating rate, and meal size were not affected by treatment before and after weaning, which resulted in no changes in feed intake and time spent eating. Rumination frequency was higher for calves fed CS than for calves fed RAH or RBP after weaning. Feeding RBP decreased rumination duration compared with CS and RAH after weaning; however, calves fed RBP had a higher rumination bout interval compared with calves fed CS. Calves fed CS spent more time ruminating compared with calves fed RAH or RBP after weaning. Feeding CS tended to decrease and decreased time devoted to standing and lying, respectively, compared with calves fed RBP; however, calves fed RBP tended to spend more time on nonnutritive oral behaviors compared with calves fed RAH. Calves fed CS sorted against particles retained on the 8-mm sieve of the Penn State Particle Separator (PSPS) and for particles retained on the 1.18-mm sieve of the PSPS. Feeding RAH increased sorting for particles retained on the 8- and 1.18-mm sieves of the PSPS. Calves fed RBP sorted only for particles retained on the 1.18-mm sieve of the PSPS. Calves fed RBP tended to be more susceptible to developing pneumonia compared with calves fed CS or RAH; however, frequency and duration of diarrhea and pneumonia or number of days needed to medicate the diseases were unchanged across treatment groups. Initial (d 3) blood total protein concentration was similar (6.51 g/dL) across treatment groups. Overall, replacing CS with RAH or RBP did not affect time devoted to eating and feed intake due to no significant changes in meal size or intermeal interval before and after weaning. Calves showed feed sorting at the extent to which they balanced intake of nutrients and met their nutritional needs. Calves in general were healthy; therefore, CS, RAH, or RBP can be used interchangeably based on availability and competitive feed price.

EFFECTIVENESS OF FEEDING DRY BREWERS GRAINS TO REPAIR HEIFERS OF THE JERSEY BREED

Introduction. An important reserve for increasing the profitability and competitiveness of livestock production would be solving the problem of feed protein deficiency in animal feeding. Significant contribution to the solution of this problem can be made by using high-protein waste of oil extraction (meal, cake), alcohol (bard), brewing (brewers grains) industries for feeding purposes.&#x0D; Since the liquid brewers grains is poorly preserved and easily spoiled, especially during the summer, and its transportation over long distances requires large costs, in this regard, there is a current problem of drying the liquid brewers grains and its usage as a high-protein fodder for feeding animals in dry form as part of animal mixed fodder.&#x0D; The purpose of our research is to study the effectiveness of feeding dry brewers grains to repair heifers of the Jersey breed.&#x0D; Research materials and methods. Research on the feeding dry brewers grains effectiveness was carried out on repair heifers of the Jersey breed at the age from 2 to 12 months on the basis of the farm SE “Dan-milk” in Cherniakhiv district of Zhytomyr region. Dry brewers grains produced by private joint-stock company (PJSC) “Obolon” were used for the research.&#x0D; Research result. The content of crude protein in 1 kg of dry brewers grains, which was used in scientific and economic research, was 24.46%, or 244.6 g per 1 kg of dry brewers grains.&#x0D; In order to study the effectiveness of feeding dry brewers grains, three groups of repair heifers of the Jersey breed were formed for the research, 8 heads each, according to the following scheme: one control group of repair heifers, and the other two were research groups.&#x0D; According to the research scheme, the control group of repair heifers received a standard grain mixture without dry brewers grains. The difference in the feeding of repair heifers of research groups consisted in different levels of feeding dry brewers grains, which was included in the grain mix of the II research group in the amount of 15%, and the III research group - in the amount of 20%.&#x0D; As a result of the research, there was an increase in the average daily gains of the II research group heifers, which ration included 15% of dry brewers grains in the mixture composition: for the period from 2 until 6 months – up to 0.811 kg against 0.786 kg, for a period from 6 until 12 months – up to 0.671 kg against 0.657 kg, for a period from 2 until 12 months – up to 0.727 kg against 0.709 kg in the control group.&#x0D; At the age from 9 and 12 months of cultivation of repair heifers of the II research group, which grain mixture included 15% of dry brewers grains, there was a tendency of the main body measurements increase: height at the withers, chest girth and oblique torso length, compared with the repair heifers of the control group. In heifers of the III research group, which ration included 20% of dry brewers grains of the grain mixture, the main body measurements were lower than in heifers of the control and II research groups.&#x0D; While studding main hematological indicators of the repair heifers of the control and research groups at the age of 6 and 12 months of cultivation, it was found that the inclusion of 15% of dry brewers grains in the grain mixture of the ration of the repair heifers of the II research group improved their passage of biosynthetic processes and the use of nitrogen, which indicates a tendency to increase in their blood total protein content compared to the control group primarily due to globulins, which indicates an improvement of immune-protective properties in the heifers of this group. The increase in the content of total protein and globulins against the control group in the heifers of the III research group, grain mixture for which included 20% of dry brewers grains, was manifested to a lesser degree.&#x0D; Summary. The inclusion of dry brewers grains in the grain mixture of the rations of repair heifers of the Jersey breed of the II research group in the amount of 15% of the total weight of the grain mixture, provided an increase in their average daily gains compared to the repair heifers of the control group and amounted to for the period from 2 until 6 months – 3.2%, for the period from 6 until 12 months – 2.1%, for the period from 2 until 12 months –2.6% with a tendency to increase the main measurements at the age of 9 months: height at the withers up to 104.0 cm against 103.5 cm, chest girth – 142.8 cm against 141.4 cm, oblique torso length – 131.8 cm against 131.4 cm in the control group.

Transport Stress Changes Blood Biochemistry, Antioxidant Defense System, and Hepatic HSPs mRNA Expressions of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus.

Transport procedures usually cause fish stress. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of transport stress on blood biochemical profiles, oxidative stress biomarkers, and hepatic heat shock proteins (HSPs) of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Fish (body weight 55.57 ± 5.13 g) were randomly distributed to two groups, the control, and the treatment. The control group was kept under the normal culture conditions. The treatment group was exposed to the process of transport (3.5 h). Fish samples were collected before transport, after packing and at 0, 1, 6, 24, 72, and 168 h after transport, respectively. Transport caused a significant increase in the serum concentrations of cortisol, glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride, as well as, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase at 0 and 1 h after transport compared with non-transported fish and the basal level. Blood total protein content significantly declined in the transported fish. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malonaldehyde content, and the activities of both glutathione peroxidase and catalase significantly increased in fish within 6 h after transport. The transported fish exhibited a significant higher level in either the concentration of nitric oxide or the mRNA expressions of both hepatic HSP70 and HSP90. It is concluded that transport triggers stress response of I. punctatus, leading to the obvious change in antioxidant capacity. I. punctatus need to be more care after transport to recover from transport stress.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in horses: a retrospective study exploring the value of different diagnostic approaches

BackgroundDiagnosing IBD in horses is challenging and requires a multimodal approach, since no conclusive diagnostic test is available.The objectives of this study were to provide an overview of population characteristics, results of applied diagnostic tests, treatment modalities and outcome in a large group of horses thought to have IBD and that were presented to four large equine referral hospitals, and to provide an exploratory investigation of possible associations between results of applied diagnostic tests, applied treatment modalities and outcome.A retrospective case series was performed across four large equine referral hospitals. Seventy-eight horses, thought to have IBD were included. Case history, clinical findings, diagnostic test results including oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and enteral biopsies (both duodenal and rectal), applied therapy and outcome were studied. A Chi-Square test was used to identify associations between results of diagnostic tests, treatment and outcome. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant.ResultsLethargy, diarrhoea, recurrent colic and weight loss were recorded in respectively 21,8%; 14,1%; 28,2% and 78,2% of cases. Over 70% of horses thought to have IBD had an abnormal OGTT. Only weight loss was significantly associated with aberrant enteral biopsy results, but not with abnormal OGTT results or low blood total protein. There was no association between an aberrant biopsy result and a disturbed OGTT. There was no association between either OGTT results or enteral biopsy results and a low blood total protein content, presence of gastric ulcer disease or an aberrant endoscopic aspect of the duodenal entrance.ConclusionsWeight loss is a highly prevalent symptom in IBD suspected horses. Enteral biopsies may be a useful diagnostic aid in the work-up of horses thought to suffer from IBD, however further research is required to demonstrate their true diagnostic value. Until more standardized scientific research is available, one should be careful with the interpretation of enteral biopsy results There is a need for better standardization of enteral biopsy procedures and the histopathological scoring of biopsies.

Biochemical processes in cows and the biological value of milk under influence of cobalt citrate

The aim of research was to study the effect of different amounts of cobalt citrate produced by nanotechnology on biochemical processes in cows, their productivity and biological value of milk in the first two months of lactation. To achieve this goal the subsequent problems have been solved. We investigated the effect of different amounts of cobalt citrate on biochemical parameters of blood and milk of cows and controlled their average daily yield. The experiment has been conducted in 3 groups of cows (5 cows each) of Ukrainian black and white dairy cattle, analogue by body weight (590–620 kg), performance (6,5–6,8 thousand kg of milk per past lactation) and lactation (3–4 lactation). Unlike the control cows, animals experimental (ІІ) group for two months were fed by mineral supplements in the form of cobalt citrate in an amount of 19 mg Co/kg of dry matter of diet and research (ІІІ) – cobalt citrate in an amount of 34 mg Co/kg of dry matter of diet. Duration of cobalt citrate feeding of cows of research groups was 2 months. In all groups of cows the samples of venous blood were taken in preparation for feeding additives period and during 60 day of additives feeding period in order to determine the concentration of total protein, ceruloplasmin, sialic acids, hexoses bound to proteins and activity of amino transferases. The milk production has been controlled in days of sampling with the definition of daily milk yield per cow and taking an average sample for the determination of milk fat, protein, lactose, inorganic phosphorus and calcium. It has been established that the inclusion in the diet of cows of experimental (ІІ) group of mineral supplements contributed to an increase in animal blood total protein content by 11.9% (P &lt; 0.05), inorganic phosphorus by 15.3% (P &lt; 0.05) and hexoses bound protein by 8.8% (P &lt; 0.05). Under these conditions milk content of inorganic phosphorus increased by 5.6% (P &lt; 0.05) and average daily milk production increased by 4.5%. The use of mineral additives in third experimental group of animals within two months contributed to an increase in blood ceruloplasmin content by 5.1% (P &lt; 0.05) and hexoses bound protein by 11.5% (P &lt; 0.01). Mineral supplements promote 5.4% raise of average daily milk production and increase it to the lactose content by 0.10% (in absolute).

Relation of various physiological blood parameters with the postpartum reproductive efficiency in cattle

Certain blood parameters indicate the postpartum reproductive performance in cattle. In the present study, blood samples were collected from 25 lactating animals on 10 ththth th day of calving and thereafter at weekly intervals upto 12 weeks postpartum. The samples were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, serum urea nitrogen (SUN) and total proteins, which were correlated with the postpartum reproductive efficiency in cattle. Animals with more amount of blood glucose (55.49mg/dl) came to heat within 2 months compared to those with lesser blood glucose (50.20mg/dl), which came to heat after 2 months postpartum. There was no significant difference in the blood total protein concentration between the two groups of animals i.e which conceived with in 3 months and another group which conceived after 3 months. Significantly more blood cholesterol (181.8mg) was present in animals which came to heat within 2 months than animals with cholesterol (159.9mg/dl) which came to heat after 2 months postpartum. Animals with lesser BUN (14.74 mg/dl) came to heat early compared to those with more amount of BUN (15.69 mg/dl). There was significant correlation of blood glucose, cholesterol and BUN with first postpartum heat.

셀레늄함유 청보리 급여가 육성돈의 생산성 및 혈액성상에 미치는 영향

연구는 다양한 배합수준의 셀레늄 함유 청보리 사료를 육성돈에 급여 시 육성돈의 성장특성 및 혈액성상에 미치는 영향을 조사하였다. 시험은 육성돈 20두를 공시하였고, 처리구는 셀레늄수준에 따라 4처리구(0.1 ppm (대조구), 0.2 ppm, 0.4 ppm, 0.6 ppm)로 나누어 처리구당 5두씩 배치하여, 6주간 사양시험을 실시하였다. 각 시험사료는 셀레늄 함유 및 일반 청보리를 조합하여 배합비의 5%를 첨가하였고, 조단백질 및 대사에너지 함량은 각 18% 및 3,500 kcal/kg을 함유하도록 배합하였다. 실험 사료 내에 셀레늄의 함유 수준을 증가하였을 때 사료섭취량과 증체에 영향을 미치지 않았고, 혈중 총단백질 농도는 0.2 ppm 급여구가 대조구보다 유의하게 높았다(p<0.05). 사양 연구 14일에 혈중 알부민농도는 셀레늄 함유청보리 급여구가 대조구보다 유의하게 높았다(p<0.05). 혈중 포도당 농도는 대조구가 셀레늄함유 청보리 급여구보다 높은 경향이었다. 혈중 총지질 농도는 사료 내 셀레늄 함량이 증가함에 따라 유의하게 낮았다(p<0.05). SGOT 및 SGPT는 대조구와 셀레늄 함유 청보리 급여구간에 차이가 없었다. 혈중 총콜레스테롤과 중성지방은 셀레늄 청보리 급여로 낮아지는 경향이었다. 혈중 셀레늄 농도는 셀레늄 함유 청보리 급여수준이 증가함에 따라 유의하게 증가하였다(p<0.05). 이상의 결과에서 청보리 내 존재하는 셀레늄은 육성돈의 혈액성상을 개선시키고, 셀레늄 함유 청보리의 급여로 증가된 혈중셀레늄 농도는 돼지 장관 내 청보리 내 셀레늄 이용효율이 우수할 뿐만 아니라 조직 내 셀레늄 전이 가능성을 시사한다. This study was conducted to investigate effects of different levels of seleniferous whole crop barley (WCB) supplementation on performance, and blood characteristics as physiological responses in growing pigs. A total of 20 cross-bred pigs ((Landrace <TEX>${\times}$</TEX> Yorkshire) <TEX>${\times}$</TEX> Duroc) were divided into 4 treatments of 5 pigs each and experimental period lasted for 6 weeks. They were fed diets containing 0.1 (non-seleniferous WCB as controls), 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/kg levels of selenium (Se) by supplementing seleniferous WCB, and non-seleniferous or seleniferous WCB was formulated to 5% level in total ration. The diets were isonitrogenous (18% crude protein) and isocaloric (3,500 kcal/kg digestible energy) across treatments. Increasing levels of seleniferous WCB supplements did not affect feed intake and BW gain, and blood total protein concentration was (p<0.05) significantly higher for 0.2 mg/kg Se treatments than for controls. On d 14, blood albumin concentration was higher (p<0.05) for seleniferous WCB supplemented groups than for control group. Contrarily, blood glucose concentration was tended to be higher for controls than for seleniferous WCB groups. Blood total lipid concentration was significantly (p<0.05) lowered with increasing levels of seleniferous WCB. Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase did not have any difference among treatments. It was tended that blood total cholesterol and triglyceride were lowered with increasing levels of seleniferous WCB. Blood Se concentration was significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing levels of seleniferous WCB. The results indicate that Se present in seleniferous WCB had favorable effects on blood characteristics and blood Se increased by supplementing seleniferous WCB implies not only a good intestinal absorption of Se present in WCB but also the possibility of Se transfer into tissues.

Comparison between coelioscopy and coeliotomy for liver biopsy in channel catfish

To evaluate endoscopic liver biopsy and compare that technique with a standard coeliotomy biopsy technique in fish. Randomized controlled clinical trial. 30 channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). 10 fish were randomly assigned into control, coeliotomy, and coelioscopy groups. Anesthesia was performed with a recirculating anesthesia machine. Body weight, PCV, and total protein (TP) concentration in blood as well as plasma activities of aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase were measured before and after surgery. Standard ventral coeliotomy or coelioscopy was performed, and the biopsy specimens were scored histologically. Coeliotomy and coelioscopy procedures were well tolerated without acute deaths. Blood TP concentration and PCV decreased after surgery in the coelioscopy group because of intracoelomic fluid administration to aid visualization. Minor changes in activities for hepatic and muscular enzyme activities were apparent, but were not significantly different between the coelioscopy and coeliotomy groups. Coelioscopy and coeliotomy yielded biopsy specimens of similar diagnostic quality. However, coelioscopy permitted a more extensive evaluation of the viscera, and all 10 surgical wounds healed completely, compared with severe wound dehiscence in 3 of 10 fish that underwent coeliotomy. Both coelioscopy and coeliotomy were capable of yielding antemortem liver biopsy specimens of diagnostic quality in catfish. Coelioscopy permitted a more detailed examination of the coelomic viscera through a smaller surgical incision, was less traumatic, and resulted in decreased wound dehiscence.

HEMATOLOGY OF FREE-LIVING MARSH DEER (BLASTOCERUS DICHOTOMUS) FROM SOUTHEAST BRAZIL

This work reports basic hematologic values of a sample of a population of free-living marsh deer (Blastocerus dichotomus) living by the Paraná River in Southeast Brazil. Hematologic values are presented separately for male, female, and young animals as well as for anesthetized and nonanesthetized cervids. Nonanesthetized deer restrained by physical means had significantly higher erythrocyte indices and total leukocyte counts. Comparisons of blood parameters of anesthetized animals of different ages and gender differed slightly, with only two significant differences observed: young animals had significantly higher red blood cell counts than adult males and a lower blood total protein content when compared to adult females. Results indicate that two main reference ranges for blood values should be considered for marsh deer, for blood obtained from anesthetized or physically restrained individuals.

Blood Concentration of Propofol in a Patient with Delayed Emergence from Propofol-nitrous Oxide Anesthesia

We measured the blood concentration of propofol in a patient with delayed emergence from propofol-nitrous oxide anesthesia. A 78-year-old man underwent subtotal gastrectomy under both epidural and propofol-nitrous oxide anesthesia and did not regain consciousness soon after termination of propofol infusion. Preoperative laboratory examination revealed anemia and a low blood total protein concentration, but there was no evidence of impaired liver function. While the anesthesiologists were waiting for the patient to regain consciousness, a surgeon mentioned that the common hepatic artery might have been occluded during surgical manipulation. Arterial blood samples were obtained 50 and 80 minutes after termination of propofol infusion, and the blood concentration of propofol was measured. We considered that clearance of propofol through the hepatic route may have been impaired; however, the actual blood concentrations of propofol were not significantly increased compared with the respective blood concentrations obtained in the simulation. Therefore, the acute liver damage did not significantly impair elimination of propofol. Because most propofol molecules in the blood bind to proteins and erythrocytes, it is suspected that the anemia and low blood total protein concentration led to an increase in the free fraction of propofol in the blood, thereby delaying emergence from anesthesia.

Dietary patterns and blood fatty acid composition in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in Taiwan

Nutritional factors may be relative to attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), although the pathogenic mechanism is still unknown. Based on the work of others, we hypothesized that children with ADHD have altered dietary patterns and fatty acid metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate dietary patterns and the blood fatty acid composition in children with ADHD in the Taipei area of Taiwan. The present study found that 58 subjects with ADHD (average age 8.5 years) had significantly higher intakes of iron and vitamin C compared to those of 52 control subjects (average age 7.9 years) ( P < 0.05). The blood total protein content in subjects with ADHD was significantly lower than that in control subjects ( P < 0.05). On the other hand, children with ADHD had significantly higher blood iron levels compared to the control children ( P < 0.05). Additionally, plasma γ-linolenic acid (18:3 n-6) in children with ADHD was higher than that in control children ( P < 0.05). Concerning the composition of other fatty acids in the phospholipid isolated from red blood cell (RBC) membranes, oleic acid (18:1n-9) was significantly higher, whereas nervonic acid (24:1n-9), linoleic acid (18:2n-6), arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3) were significantly lower in subjects with ADHD ( P < 0.05). Our results suggest that there were no differences in dietary patterns of these children with ADHD except for the intake of iron and vitamin C; however, the fatty acid composition of phospholipid from RBC membranes in the ADHD children differed from that of the normal children.

An analysis of refractometry as a method of determining blood total protein concentration in the American lobsterHomarus americanus(Milne Edwards)

Given the high unit value of live American lobsters (Homarus americanus), a non-destructive field method to assess physiological state is desirable during out-of-water transport conditions. This study compared an Uricon® specific gravity refractometer, with a commercial veterinary blood analyser (Vet-Test), as a method for determining the blood total protein concentration in live, out-of-water individuals. Regression analysis of R2 = 0.8641 (n = 64) was observed in determination of blood total protein concentration, y = 0.0036x + 1.0163 where x is the protein concentration in mg dL−1 in Vet-Test. Our results (R2 = 0.864, SE ± 0.003) support the results (R2 = 0.985) of the previous study conducted by Leavitt & Bayer (1977) in which serum total protein was compared with the refractometric method. We therefore confirm that the refractometric method can be used as a reliable method to indicate health of a lobster by measuring the blood total protein concentration. The results show good correlation between the protein concentrations observed using the refractometric method and a Vet-Test blood chemistry analyser. anova analysis was significant between the protein refractometer and the Vet-Test (P < 0.05). Although protein concentration units obtained from both methods were different the results followed the same trends. Refractometry as a method is reliable to determine blood total protein concentrations in the American lobster. Consequently, a refractometric method can be used directly by commercial growers and distributors to assess responses to holding facility conditions and to feeding regimes. Whole blood protein concentrations may provide more information than serum protein concentrations as measured in the study of Leavitt & Bayer (1977).

The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae1026 used alone or with vitamin-mineral premix on biochemical parameters of blood and milk in dairy cows.

When evaluating the effects of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae1026) supplied with or without a vitamin premix and mineral bioplexes on some intermediates and end-products involved in the synthesis of milk constituents in 30 early-lactation Black and White Lowland cows, no significant differences were found in the glucose level, mineral contents and enzyme activities of the blood serum. The effect of yeast culture on the availability of minerals for milk synthesis depended upon the dynamics of degradation of mineral bioplexes in the rumen and the cows' mineral status. The insignificant increase found in blood total protein content and the simultaneous small differences in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) values in cows supplied with the yeast culture were probably associated with a high ammonia incorporation into microbial protein in the rumen, which increased protein supply for milk protein synthesis and decreased the nitrogen loss.