Blood Urea Concentration Research Articles

Elevated Serum Syndecan-1 Levels Are Associated with Obesity-Related Complications in Children

Background: Syndecan-1 plays a crucial role in cell differentiation, growth, adhesion, wound healing, and inflammatory processes. It has been linked to obesity, particularly overweight and chronic low-grade inflammation. Objectives: This study aimed to compare serum syndecan-1 levels between obese children and a healthy control group and to investigate the relationship between serum syndecan-1 levels and renal and cardiovascular complications associated with obesity in children. Methods: We assessed 30 obese and 30 healthy children aged 8 - 16 years. Blood samples were collected from both groups to measure serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), syndecan-1, fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, and urea concentrations. In the obese group, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin, triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were also measured, along with homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Results: The mean serum syndecan-1 levels in the obese and control groups were 15.65 ± 10.01 ng/mL and 6.99 ± 3.79 ng/mL, respectively, with a significantly higher level observed in the obese group (P < 0.005). Significant differences were also found in BMI, BMI SDS, creatinine, AST, and ALT levels between the two groups (P < 0.05), with all parameters being higher in the obese group. A significant positive linear association was identified between syndecan-1 levels and creatinine, TG, and BMI SDS (r = 0.711, r = 0.630, r = 0.682, P < 0.01). Additionally, a strong negative correlation was found between syndecan-1 and HDL-C levels (r = -0.609, P < 0.001). No significant linear relationship was detected between syndecan-1 levels and LDL-C, ALT, AST, glucose, urea, insulin levels, or HOMA-IR measurements (P > 0.05). Linear regression analysis revealed that serum creatinine levels and BMI SDS were significantly linked to changes in syndecan-1 levels. Conclusions: Syndecan-1 is elevated in obese children due to inflammation and may serve as an early biomarker for endothelial damage. It can be useful in detecting obesity-related renal damage and cardiovascular risk in children.

Assessment of B2-Microglobulin Analysis for Renal Insufficiency in Iraqi β-Thalassemia Major Patients

Background: Beta-thalassemia is the most prevalent genetic hemoglobin apathy in the world. It is caused by a reduction or absence of beta-globin chain production, which is typically a portion of adult hemoglobin (HbA, which is α2β2). This genetic anomaly will lead to a rapid erythrocyte turnover, severe anemia, and compensatory ineffective erythropoiesis. The purpose of the current research is to reveal diagnostic, and predictive biomarkers that can be performed to detect the decline in renal function in β-thalassemia major patients with early stage renal impairment with high sensitivity and specificity, ascertain changes in B2-microglobulin as a biomarker in β-thalassemia patient. Objective: The samples were collected from Karama Hospital-Genetic Hematology Center/Baghdad during the period from the 1st of September 2022 until the 1st of January 2023. Methods: The patient group consisted of 45 patients with β-thalassemia major with repeated blood transfusion and the control group consisted of 45 individuals who seemed to be healthy. Age ranged between (18-35) years (for patients and control). The serum samples were used to measure biochemical parameters, S.Creatinine, blood urea, and Urine B2-microglobulin were measured from urine samples. B2-microglobulin level in Urine was estimated by Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, while serum Blood Urea and Serum Creatinine concentration were calculated by Colorimetric Kit by Spectrophotometer method, and Ferritin level in blood was estimated by BioMrieux Mini Vidas. Results: The statistical examination was carried out using SPSS software. B2-microglobulin biomarkers in the thalassemia Patient group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.001). While serum ferritin, B.Urea and S.Cr increased in patient groups compared to the control group (p<0. 005). Conclusions: All parameters included in this study are significantly higher in β-thalassemia patients than in healthy subjects. Renal hemosiderosis and asymptomatic renal dysfunction are prevalent among β-thalassemia major patients with repeated blood transfusions, which are not found in routine renal investigations.

225 Kidney function and nitrogen excretion in Brown Swiss and Holstein dairy cows

Abstract The agricultural sector contributes to nitrogen (N) emissions since farm animals excrete considerable N amounts via feces and urine. To reduce N emissions by dairy cattle, methods predicting accurately individual N emissions are of great interest. Recent data showed that Brown Swiss (BS) cows have greater urea concentrations in milk and blood than Holstein (HO) cows. However, it is still unknown if greater BUN concentrations in a particular breed are congruently reflected by concomitantly increased contents of nitrogenous compounds in other media (e.g., urine and saliva). Thus, the present study simultaneously assessed biomarkers for kidney function like urea, and creatinine and symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations in several body fluids (i.e., blood, urine, milk, and saliva) as well as nitrogen excretion in feces in BS and HO cows under identical feeding conditions. Blood, saliva, urine, and feces were sampled in 31 multiparous BS and 46 HO cows kept under identical feeding and management conditions. Samples were collected at different lactational stages after the monthly DHIA control test-day. Concentrations of urea and creatinine were measured in serum, urine, and saliva. Symmetric dimethylarginine was determined in serum, which is an established indicator for glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Feces were analyzed for dry matter content and nitrogen concentrations. Data on milk urea and protein concentrations, and daily milk yield were obtained from the monthly DHIA test-day records. The effects of breed, time, and parity number on blood, saliva, urine, feces, and milk parameters were evaluated with the GLM procedure with breed, time, and parity number as fixed effects. Differences between BS and HO were assessed by the Tukey-corrected t-test at P < 0.05. Dry matter intake and body weight were similar in BS and HO cows (P > 0.05). No differences between BS and HO were observed for milk yield, fecal DM and nitrogen content. BS cows showed greater urea concentration (25.8 ± 0.7 vs 21.8 ± 0.7 mg/dL), and protein content in milk (3.70 ± 0.08 vs 3.45 ± 0.07%) than HO cows (P < 0.01). Concentrations of urea, creatinine, and SDMA in serum, were greater in BS than in HO cows (P < 0.01) with 5.46 ± 0.19 vs 4.72 ± 0.13 mmol/L for urea, 105.96 ± 2.23 vs 93.07 ± 1.50 mmol/l creatinine, and 16.78 ± 0.69 vs 13.39 ± 0.44 µg/dL SDMA, respectively. Urea and creatinine concentrations in urine and saliva did not differ among breeds. Despite greater urea and creatinine concentrations in blood, and milk urea content in BS compared with HO, excretion of these parameters did not differ between breeds in urine. Our results suggest a reduced renal glomerular filtration rate in BS compared with HO. The underlying mechanisms require further investigations.

Utilization of the dialysate to characterize dialysis adequacy by using microwave urea biosensor based on complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR)

The aim of this study is going to develop a monitoring approach for measuring blood urea concentration. This method uses microwave technology and complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) to assess dialysis adequacy. The robust electric field near CSRR sides produces a high-sensitivity surface to a change in the nearby urea level. The proposed biosensor detection range spans from 1 to 100 mg/dL by modifying resonance frequency and peak attenuation. The biosensor was developed to operate at the main resonance frequency of 2.4 GHz, but all harmonics within the frequency range of 1–10 GHz were analyzed. A container incorporates the dialysate as the material being tested on the top of the sensor. Accurate measurement of blood urea variations using spent dialysate compared to the blood-based method has benefits due primarily to the lack of repetitive blood sampling. The innovative biosensor offers a non-invasive and convenient method to accurately evaluate the quantitative urea concentration in spent dialysate without the necessity of disposable chemicals. The biosensor has been designed to possess noteworthy attributes such as detecting minuscule concentration variations, low-cost fabrication, compact size, high sensitivity, and its ability to provide real-time results. By merging these features, the sensor demonstrates remarkable potential for non-invasively monitoring blood urea levels while seamlessly integrating with other dialysis devices. The initiative purpose of this study is going to offer renal patients methods for assessing dialysis adequacy with minimal impact on human health.

Investigation of the concentration and isotopic composition of Cu, Fe and Zn in human biofluids in the context of Alzheimer’s disease via tandem and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Studies on essential trace elements in the context of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) concluded that Cu, Fe and Zn interact with amyloid-β, accelerating plaque formation in the brain. Additionally, Cu and Fe in the vicinity of plaques produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulting in oxidative stress, whereas Zn plays a role in the antioxidant defence as a co-factor for antioxidants. In this work, the Cu, Fe and Zn concentrations and isotope ratios were determined in whole blood, blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid of 10 patients diagnosed with AD and 8 control individuals, using tandem (ICP-MS/MS) and multi-collector inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS), respectively. In whole blood and blood serum of AD patients, a heavier Cu isotopic composition was observed (significant for whole blood only) compared to controls. Albumin levels in cerebrospinal fluid tend to increase with age, which could indicate an increased leakiness of the blood-brain barrier. In cerebrospinal fluid, a large variability was observed for the Cu and Fe isotope ratios, potentially resulting from that leakiness at the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, potential effects of AD on the concentration and isotopic composition of essential elements in cerebrospinal fluid related to amyloid-β formation could be hidden. Finally, in blood serum, Zn, urea and creatinine concentrations showed an increase with age and showed a significant difference between sexes.

Kidney function, but not nitrogen excretion, differs between Brown Swiss and Holstein dairy cows

Brown Swiss (BS) cows have greater urea concentrations in milk and blood compared with Holstein (HO) cows. We tested the hypothesis that BS and HO cows differ in kidney function and nitrogen excretion. Blood, saliva, urine, and feces were sampled in 31 multiparous BS and 46 HO cows kept under identical feeding and management conditions. Samples were collected at different lactational stages after the monthly DHIA control test-day. To test the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urea excretion, concentrations of creatinine and urea were measured in serum, urine, and saliva. As an additional marker to estimate GFR, we determined symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in serum. Feces were analyzed for dry matter content and nitrogen concentration. Data on milk urea and protein concentrations, and daily milk yield were obtained from the monthly DHIA test-day records. The effects of breed, time, and parity number on blood, saliva, urine, feces, and milk parameters were evaluated with the GLM procedure with breed, time, and parity number as fixed effects. Differences between BS and HO were assessed by the Tukey-corrected t-test at P < 0.05. Concentrations of urea, creatinine, and SDMA in serum, were greater in BS than in HO cows (P < 0.01): 5.46 ± 0.19 vs 4.72 ± 0.13 mmol/L (urea), 105.96 ± 2.23 vs 93.07 ± 1.50 mmol/l (creatinine), and 16.78 ± 0.69 vs 13.39 ± 0.44 µg/dL (SDMA). We observed a greater urea concentration in BS cows (25.8 ± 0.7 vs 21.8 ± 0.7 mg/dL) and protein content in milk (3.70 ± 0.08 vs 3.45 ± 0.07%) than in HO cows (P < 0.01). Urea and creatinine concentrations in urine and saliva did not differ among breeds. No differences between BS and HO were observed for milk yield, fecal DM, and fecal nitrogen content. Dry matter intake and body weight were similar in BS and HO cows (P > 0.05). Despite greater urea, creatinine, and SDMA concentrations in blood as well as a higher milk urea content in BS compared with HO, respective concentrations in urine did not differ between breeds. In conclusion, our results demonstrate a lower renal GFR in BS compared with HO cows, thereby contributing to the greater plasma urea concentration in BS cows. However, estimation of nitrogen excretion via milk, urine, and feces does not entirely reflect nitrogen turnover within the animal.

Effects of different concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, ruminal degradability, and microbial efficiency in beef cattle

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage (SS)-based diets on nutrient intake and digestibility, ruminal pH and ammonia concentration, Nitrogen (N) balance, efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, and in situ degradability of complete diets. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore bulls (age = 8 ± 1.0 months; initial BW = 242 ± 5 kg) received five dietary treatments in a 5×5 Latin square experimental design. The dietary treatments consisted of five concentrate levels (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 g of concentrate/kg on a DM basis) in SS-based diets. The experiment lasted 120 d, with five periods of 24 d. Each period consisted of 17 d for dietary adaptation, and 7 d for data collection. In situ degradability assays were conducted to estimate ruminal degradability. Total feces and urine collection were performed to estimate nutrient intake and digestibility and estimate N balance. Omasal and ruminal digesta collection were performed to estimate ruminal digestibility and ruminal parameters. Increasing concentrate levels in SS-based diets led to linear increases (P<0.001) in the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE). Neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein contamination (apNDF) and starch intake showed quadratic responses (P≤0.008). Ruminal digestibility of DM, OM and CP responded quadratically (P≤0.040), while apNDF exhibited linear decrease (P=0.003). Starch ruminal digestibility exhibited a cubic effect (P=0.016). Apparent total-tract digestibility of DM, OM, and EE increased linearly (P≤0.001), whereas apNDF, and CP digestibility decreased linearly (P≤0.012), and starch presented a quadratic effect (P=0.029). In situ ruminal degradation parameters increased linearly with higher concentrate levels (P<0.001). Ruminal pH exhibited a quadratic pattern (P=0.006), ammonia concentration linearly decreased (P=0.003). Total volatile fatty acids, and butyrate showed linear increases (P<0.001), acetate and propionate had quadratic effects (P<0.001), while the ratio Acetate to Propionate decreased linearly (P<0.001). N intake, fecal N excretion, retained N, total digestible nutrients, digestible organic matter, and microbial production increased linearly (P<0.001), although urine N excretion, urinary urea, and blood urea concentration decreased linearly (P<0.028). Therefore, increasing concentrate levels in AGRI-002E sorghum silage-based diets improve TDN intake, microbial protein synthesis efficiency, in situ ruminal degradability parameters, and nitrogen utilization. Moreover, our findings indicate that AGRI-002E sorghum silage demonstrates potential as a fiber source for high-concentrate diets. However, its effectiveness is limited without concentrate supplementation, emphasizing the importance of balanced dietary composition for optimal utilization in beef cattle.

Predicting the onset of metabolic syndrome in a cohort study using a logistic regression model

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a complex condition manifested as a group of metabolic disorders and is associated with the prevalence of certain diseases. Early prediction of MetS risk in the middle-aged population can be effective in controlling and preventing cardiovascular diseases. This study aimed to use logistic regression to predict metabolic syndrome and identify risk factors related to this condition. Method: This cohort study investigated factors associated with metabolic syndrome in the Mashhad study, which included a total of 11,570 participants. Factors that increase the relative risk of metabolic syndrome were evaluated using logistic regression, and predictive modeling was performed using logistic regression. Results: The results of the analysis using the logistic regression model showed that some factors, such as body mass index, history of high blood lipids, history of high blood pressure, and diabetes, increased the risk of metabolic syndrome. Various indicators, such as inactivity, high blood urea level, red blood cell hemoglobin content, aging, female gender, high levels of liver gamma-glutamyl transferase, and blood uric acid increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: It seems that body mass index, history of diabetes, and heart disease are related to the relative risk of developing the MetS syndrome compared to the other indicators, such as history of blood lipids, sedentary blood pressure, blood urea, uric acid, and hemoglobin content of red blood cells. These findings were obtained using the logistic regression model.

Soybean molasses increases subcutaneous fat deposition while reducing lipid oxidation in the meat of castrated lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including soybean molasses (SM) on performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid and muscle (longissimus thoracis) transcriptomic profiles of castrated lambs. Twenty Dorper × Santa Inês lambs (20.06 ± 0.76kg BW) were assigned to a randomized block design, stratified by BW, with the following treatments: CON - 0g/kg of SM and SM20 - 200g/kg of SM on DM basis, allocated in individual pens. The diet consisted of 840g/kg concentrate and 160g/kg corn silage for 76 days, with the first 12 days as an adaptation period and the remaining 64 days on the finishing diet. The SM20 diet increased blood urea concentration (P = 0.03) while reduced glucose concentration (P = 0.04). Lambs fed SM showed higher subcutaneous fat deposition (P = 0.04) and higher subcutaneous adipocyte diameter (P < 0.01), in addition to reduced meat lipid oxidation (P < 0.01). Soybean molasses reduced the quantity of branched-chain fatty acids in longissimus thoracis (P = 0.05) and increased the quantity of saturated fatty acids (P = 0.01). In the transcriptomic analysis, 294 genes were identified as differentially expressed, which belong to pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, citric acid cycle, and monosaccharide metabolic process. In conclusion, diet with SM increased carcass fat deposition, reduced lipid oxidation, and changed the energy metabolism, supporting its use in ruminant nutrition.

Conch Shell (Turbinella pyrum) Powder: A Potential Marine Biological Source of Calcium and Some Trace Minerals for Growing Crossbred Calves.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding conch shell (Turbinella pyrum) powder (either fresh or calcined) as a marine organic source of calcium (Ca) supplemented in the diet of crossbred calves on voluntary intake, growth performance, and blood biochemistry in growing crossbred Jersey calves. A growth trial of 90days was conducted on 15 Jersey crossbred female calves (Av. weight, 70.68 ± 2.90kg; Av. age, 197.73 ± 12.40days), equally divided into three groups of 5 animals each, i.e., control (T0), treatment 1 (T1), and treatment 2 (T2). All animals were fed total mixed ration (TMR) prepared with a concentrate mixture, chaffed paddy straw, and green fodder at the ratio of 40:30:30 on DM basis. Calves under the control group were fed with TMR containing a standard mineral mixture having dicalcium phosphate (DCP) as a Ca source. Calves under T1 group were supplemented with TMR containing fresh conch shell powder (FCSP), and T2 calves were fed with TMR containing conch shell calcined powder (CSCP) as Ca source. We observed 11.66% increase (p < 0.01) in Ca concentration in CSCP compared to FCSP. The concentration of minerals like Mg, Co, Mn, and Fe was enhanced in CSCP compared to the FCSP. However, the calcination process of fresh conch shell powder (FCSP) reduced the concentration of Cu, and Zn. The Ca/P ratio was estimated as 2.11, 2.06, and 2.10 in T0, T1, and T2 diets, which could be considered ideal for calf ration. Calves under T1, and T2 groups consumed significantly (p < 0.001) greater amounts (g/kg W0.75) of DM and CP compared to T0. However, increased voluntary intake did not translate into increased body weight gain (kg), and feed conversion ratio (kg DMI/kg gain) in T1 and T2 groups in comparison to T0. We observed similar blood glucose, urea, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT) concentration among the three treatments. Ca, and P levels in blood plasma were also identical among the three groups. The digestibility of Ca was increased significantly (p = 0.01) in FCSP (T1)- and CSCP (T2)-treated calves compared to control (T0) calves. Similarly, T1 and T2 enhanced P digestibility compared to T0. This first report with short-term experimentation depicted some promising scope for the use of locally available conch shell powder (fresh or calcined form) as a potential source of Ca for feeding to livestock, because these new sources of Ca did not affect intake, digestibility of Ca and P, growth performance, blood chemistry, and liver enzymes negatively in weaned crossbred calves.

Comparison of ruminal microbiota, IL-1β gene variation, and tick incidence between Holstein × Gyr and Holstein heifers in grazing system.

The variation in bacterial communities among breeds has been previously reported and may be one of the reasons why Holstein × Gyr dairy heifers have better development in grazing systems in tropical conditions. This study aimed to explore the ruminal microbiota composition, the IL-1β gene variation, tick incidence, and blood parameters of Holstein × Gyr (½ Holstein × ½ Gyr) and Holstein heifers grazing intensely managed Guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Mombaça). Sixteen heifers were divided into two groups consisting of 8 Holstein × Gyr and 8 Holstein heifers. The experimental period was comprised of 3 periods of 21 days. Ruminal samples were taken via the stomach tube technique. The sequencing of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Counting and collection of ticks were conducted each 21 days. Blood and skeletal muscle tissue biopsies were performed at the end of the experiment. Firmicutes were the most abundant phyla present in both breed rumen samples and Bacteroidota showed differences in relative abundance between breed groups, with greater values for Holstein heifers (p < 0.05 with FDR correction). The 10 most abundant unique OTUs identified in each breed included several OTUs of the genus Prevotella. Holstein heifers had a greater tick count and weight (9.8 ticks/animal and 1.6 g/animal, respectively) than Holstein × Gyr (2.56 ticks/animal and 0.4 g/animal, respectively). We found nucleotide substitutions in the IL-1β gene that might be related to adaptation and resistance phenotypes to tick infestation in Holstein × Gyr heifers. Blood concentrations of urea, albumin, insulin-like growth factor 1, triiodothyronine, and thyroxine were greater in Holstein × Gyr than in Holstein heifers. Adaptations in Holstein × Gyr heifers such as ruminal microbiota, tick resistance, nucleotide substitutions in IL-1β gene, and hormone concentration suggest a better energy metabolism and thermoregulation resulting in better performance in tropical grazing systems.

Effect of degradable protein in cow diet on body systems’ physiological status

The relationship between indicators of enzymatic and microbiological processes in the rumen and metabolism in the body was studied in lactating cows when the content of soluble protein in the diet was changed. The change in digestible protein content was provided by different ratios of natural feed and synthetic protein additives. The study was conducted on 3 lactating first-calf Holstein cows with rumen and 12 intestinal cannulas. The rate of fractional efflux from the complex stomach was evaluated by chromium oxide and microbial synthesis by purine bases. Experimental data were obtained to improve feeding rates, evaluate diets for high-yielding dairy cattle and develop rates of readily available carbohydrates in diets. At increase of share of soluble and degradable protein fractions in feed there is a natural increase of ammonia formation in rumen and urea content in blood and at achievement of ratio of degradable protein fractions and easily available carbohydrates in feed in the ratio of 0.44, there is maximum efficiency of microbial synthesis and supply with available amino acids of synthesis of milk components, which is proved by increase of concentration of amino acids in blood and formation of milk protein and promotes more complete realization of productive capacity of dairy cattle. Application to lactating cows of a ration with a higher ratio of degradable protein and DHC (higher than 0.44) reduces the efficiency of feed nitrogen utilization by reducing the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis by 10%.

ANTICALCIURIA EFFECT OF METHANOLIC ROOT EXTRACT OF LAGERSTROEMIA SPECIOSA (L). PERS (LYTHRACEAE) AGAINST HIGH PROTEIN DIET INGESTED IN ALBINO RATS

Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stone disease or urolithiasis, is a crystallopathy in which a solid mass forms in the urinary tract. The aim of the present research is to evaluate the way that albino rats administered with a high-protein diet, react to methanolic root extracts of Lagerstroemia speciosa anticalciuric properties. Medicinal plants are frequently utilised in folk medicine to treat a wide range of illnesses. Banaba is the common name for L. speciosa, a member of the Lythraceae family; Poomaruthu is its Tamil name. The test animals were given a diet high in protein and low in protein as well as 45 days of treatment with methanolic root extracts of L. speciosa. The experiment was scheduled with a sample collection, biochemical inquiries, and histopathological exams. The experiment had been scheduled with a sample collection, biochemical investigations, and histopathological evaluations. The biochemical data reveal that as compared to the control, III, and V groups, the low-protein diet groups II and IV had greater blood urea concentrations. The low-protein diet groups II and IV exhibited an increased blood creatinine concentration in contrast to the control, III, and V groups, while group V (H.P+MRE 500 mg/kg) demonstrated a nearly identical outcome to that of the control groups. L. speciosa root extracts in methanol are given to groups to control creatinine concentration. The normal control group's histopathological analysis revealed tubules with a single epithelial lining along the outermost layer that were normal in size.

PSXIV-2 Inclusion of a Slow-Release Nitrogen Ingredient Associated Or Not with Monensin on Performance, Metabolism, and Carcass Parameters of Finishing Beef Cattle Fed High Starch Diets

Abstract This study aimed to assess the effects of a slow-released nitrogen (N) ingredient in association or not with monensin on the performance, metabolism, and carcass parameters of finishing young bulls. To investigate these outcomes, 112 Nellore young bulls (380 kg ± 16.2) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. The young bulls were allocated to 28 feedlot pens (four animals per pen) and fed a finishing high starch (51% starch) corn grain and corn silage-based diet. The following treatments were randomly assigned to the experimental units: 1) Control (CON, n = 7), finishing diet without additives; 2) Monensin-enriched diet (MON, n = 7), monensin (Rumensin, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN) provided at a level of 30 mg per kg of dry matter (DM); 3) Gradual-N-release enriched diet (SRN, n = 7), slow-N-release supplement (Timafeed Boost, Roullier Group, Saint-Malo, France) provided at a dose of 250 g per animal per day; or 4) Monensin + SRN diet (MON + SRN, n = 7), monensin (30 mg per kg of DM) associated with the SRN (250 g per animal per day). The experimental period comprised 102 days, with the first 15 days designated for diet adaptation. The average daily gain (ADG) over the experimental period was reduced for young bulls fed SRN + MON (P = 0.02) compared with those fed only SRN. Young bulls fed MON had greater DMI during the finishing phase than MON × SRN (P = 0.03). Overall, young bulls fed CON diet had greater day-by-day dry matter intake (DMI) variation than other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). The SRN inclusion in the diet improved feed efficiency by 5.7% (P = 0.04). Young bulls fed diets without SRN inclusion tended to have higher blood urea concentration (P = 0.06). Blood D-lactate and glucose levels were similar between treatments (P ≥ 0.21). The SRN use tended to increase (P = 0.09) DM digestibility (5.6% increase). The microbial crude protein was reduced by MON + SRN association (P = 0.02) compared with other treatments. The hot carcass weight was greater for the SRN group compared with MON × SRN (P = 0.02). The use of SRN in the diet increased (P ≤ 0.04) total and daily carcass gain, carcass yield, and biological efficiency. In summary, although additional studies are suggested, these data indicate that the association between SRN and monensin might require careful consideration when used in finishing diets. The SRN inclusion in finishing diets without monensin shows important potential for increasing animal performance and efficiency.

Rumen-protected l-carnitine supplementation during mating period altered metabolic status and reproductive performance of ewes.

Current study hypothesized that dietary l-carnitine (LC) inclusion during the mating period ameliorates both metabolic status and reproductive performance of ewes. Seventy Baluchi ewes (52 ± 4.2 kg of bodyweight and 18 ± 6 months old of age) were enrolled in this study. Animals were randomly allocated into two dietary treatments, control (only basal diet) or basal diet plus supplementation with a rumen-protected LC (Carneon 20 Rumin-pro; 20% LC; Kaesler Nutrition GmbH) at the rate of 10 g/head/day from 21 days before until 35 days after introducing rams to the ewes (MP). Feed intake was monitored by subtracting the ort from feed offered. Blood sample collection was conducted on Days -10, +10 and +20 relative to MP. Pregnancy was confirmed on Day 30 post-MP. Feed intake of the ewes in the LC group was higher than the control (p < 0.05). LC supplementation increased the cholesterol concentration in the ewes (p < 0.05). Blood urea concentration of animals in the LC group was significantly lower than the control (p < 0.05). The mRNA expression of toll-like receptor 4 was evidently lower in animals supplemented with LC than the control (p < 0.05). Both lambing and fecundity rates in the LC group tended to be higher compared with the control. LC supplementation showed potential to alter certain metabolites in the ewes. A tendency for higher lambing rate may partly be driven by dams efficient energy partitioning to support foetal growth and maintaining pregnancy.

Metabolic responses and performance of Holstein × Gyr heifers grazing Brachiaria decumbens supplemented with varied crude protein levels.

We aimed to evaluate the effect of supplemental CP on the nutritional characteristics and performance of Holstein × Gyr crossbreed heifers grazing intensively-managed Brachiaria decumbens throughout the year. Thirty-eight heifers with average initial body weight of 172.5 ± 11.15 kg (mean ± SE) and 8.2 ± 0.54 mo of age were randomly assigned to four treatments: three protein supplements (SUP) composed of soybean meal and ground corn fed at 5g/kg of BW, plus a control group (CON). The supplements had 12, 24 and 36% of CP for treatments S12 (n = 9), S24 (n = 10), and S36 (n = 9), respectively. The experiment latest one year, subdivided into four seasons: rainy, dry, rainy-dry transition (RDT), and dry-rainy transition (DRT). Feces and pasture samples were collected for 4 days in each season, using chromium oxide, titanium dioxide, and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (NDF) to estimate fecal excretion, supplement, and pasture intake, respectively. The data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIXED of the SAS with repeated measures. No effects of supplementation were detected on pasture and NDF intake. However, SUP animals had a greater intake of DM, metabolizable energy, and metabolizable protein. A positive linear response on metabolizable protein intake was observed among SUP animals. We observed an interaction between treatment and season for all digestibility variables, with a positive linear response in CP digestibility among SUP animals during all seasons. For neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility, we observed a positive linear response in RDT and rainy seasons and a quadratic response during the dry season. Furthermore, SUP animals had greater average daily gain (ADG) than non-supplemented animals, and among SUP animals, there was a quadratic response to ADG, with the greatest gain observed in S24. We observed greater nitrogen retention coefficient in SUP animals than in non-supplemented animals and a positive linear effect among SUP animals. Supplemental CP did not affect microbial protein production and efficiency. We observed an interaction between treatment and season for blood glucose, with SUP animals having greater glucose concentration in all seasons than non-supplemented animals. Additionally, we observed a quadratic response among SUP animals only during RDT and dry season, with the greatest glucose concentration in S24. SUP animals had greater blood concentrations of urea and IGF-1. In conclusion, SUP animals had greater intake, digestibility, and performance than non-supplemented animals, with the 24% CP supplement demonstrating the best metabolic responses and performance.

Comparing dehulled hemp meal and canola meal as a protein supplement for lactating dairy cows

Effects of replacing canola meal with dehulled hemp meal in the diet of lactating dairy cows on the dry matter intake (DMI), milk production, milk fatty acid profile, blood metabolites, total-tract nutrient digestibility, and transfer of cannabinoids were determined in 12 lactating, nonpregnant Holstein cows. These cows were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three 3-wk experimental periods consisting of 2 wk of adaptation and 1 wk of sampling. Cows received basal partial mixed rations supplemented with either 15% dry matter (DM) canola meal (CM15), 15% DM dehulled hemp meal (HM15), or 7.5% DM dehulled hemp meal and 7.5% DM canola meal (CM7.5HM7.5). Diets were formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenous, but the HM15 and CM7.5HM7.5 diets contained, on average 1.2 percentage units more crude protein (CP) that the CM15 diet. The CP of the dehulled hemp meal contained less soluble protein than that of canola meal. Hence, the intake of soluble protein did not differ among diets. Canola meal contained less crude fat than hemp seed meal (3.46% vs. 8.25% DM). The lipid fraction of canola meal fat contained more oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9; 47.3 vs. 14.9 g/100 g of fatty acids, FA) and vaccenic acid (18:1 cis-11; 13.7 vs. 1.2 g/100 g of FA) and less linoleic acid (C18:2n-6; 21.9 vs. 55.7 g/100 g of FA) and α linolenic acid (C18:3n-3; 3.2 vs. 8.9 g/100 g of FA) than the lipid fraction of hemp seed meal. The hemp seed meal contained 4.9 µg/g cannabidiol, 5.1 µg/g cannabidiolic acid, and 0.1 µg/g tertahydroxycannabinolic acid A. Treatments did not differ in DMI, yields of milk, milk protein and milk fat, total-tract neutral detergent fiber digestibility, and blood plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate and nonesterified FA. Apparent total-tract DM digestibility was lowest in the HM15 treatment, whereas the CP digestibility and the concentrations of urea in blood, urine, and milk were lowest in the CM15 treatment. Cannabinoids were not detected in urine, milk, and blood plasma. Replacing canola meal with hemp seed meal increased milk fat contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), which were 3.42, 3.90, and 4.25 g/100 g of FA for the CM15, CM7.5HM7.5, and HM15 treatments, respectively. Especially, the milk fat contents of 18:2n-6 (1.99 vs. 1.56 g/100 g FA) and 18:3n-3 (0.31 vs. 0.43 g/100 g FA) were increased by hemp meal feeding. Especially, the milk fat contents of 18:2n-6 (1.99 vs. 1.56 g/100 g FA) and 18:3n-3 (0.31 vs. 0.43 g/100 g FA) were increased by hemp meal feeding. Our data show that hemp seed meal is a suitable and safe replacement for canola meal as a feed for lactating dairy cows and that this replacement increases CP digestibility and urea in urine, milk, and blood plasma, as well the PUFA content of milk fat.

Effect of Feeding Soybean and Sesame Seed Meal on Semen and Blood Plasma Traits in Awassi Rams

This study was done by using 15 Awassi male lambs, with an average body weight of 60.70 kg and age 10-12 months. Lambs were randomly distributed into three treatments, the first treatment was fed on a diet that contained (10%) soybean meal, the second treatment was fed on a diet that contained (11%) untreated sesame seed meal, and the third treatment was fed on a diet containing (11%) of formaldehyde-treated sesame seed meal. The results showed that daily feed intake decreased in T3 by 1.07 kg as compared with the T1 and T2 (1.34 and1.27 kg) respectively, semen characteristics did not differ as a result of treatments but dead sperm in the T3 was significantly decreased (p≤0.05) 11.31% as compared with the T2 15.57%. Blood glucose was higher (p≤0.05) in the T2 at 93.97 mg/dl as compared with the T1 and T3 (72.74, 73.26 mg/dl) respectively. also, cholesterol concentration increased significantly in T3164.57 mg/dl compared with T1 and T2 (134.27 and 140.05 mg/dl) respectively. Whereas, feeding sesame meal treated with formaldehyde led to a significant decrease (p≤0.05) in blood urea concentration of 42.88 mg/dl compared to 48.14 and 50.47 mg/dl, respectively, for the T1 and T2.

Blood biochemical parameters in mice under the action of polyphosphate esters and their complexes with antibiotics

Complexes of polyphosphate esters with antibiotics were developed in Lviv Polytechnic National University together with scientists of Institute of Animal Biology NAAS to reduce the negative impact of antibiotics on the animal body. The conducted experiments allow assessing the effect of antibiotics, polyphosphate esters and complexes of polyphosphate esters with antibiotics on the body of laboratory animals based on biochemical markers of hepato- and nephrotoxicity. The antibiotics were administered in average daily therapeutic doses. It was found that the physiological state of mice and their blood biochemical indicators were within physiological normal values after the administration of polyphosphate ester P4 and complexes of polyphosphate ester P4+antibiotics (amoxicillin, oxytetracycline, and doxycycline). At the same time, intramuscular administration of polyphosphate ester P6 and complexes of P6+antibiotics have a certain negative effect on mice, which is manifested by changes in the activity of marker enzymes: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP). We found an increase in AST and ALT activities. P6+amoxicillin and P6+oxytetracycline complexes increased ALP activity. Complexes P4+antibiotics decreased ALP. Blood urea content decreased after the administration of polyphosphate ester P6 by 38.5%, P6+oxytetracycline by 26.9%, P6+doxycillin by 21.8%. P6+amoxicillin complex caused a significant increase by 237% in the concentration of creatinine in the blood of mice. The changes of blood creatinine concentration of other experimental groups fell within normal physiological range. Conducted studies of blood biochemical characteristics of mice under the action of new complexes of nanobiopolymer transporters with antibiotics ensured the selection of antibacterial drugs with low toxicity.

Development of a miniaturised potentiostat for urea detection using the LMP91000

In this report, we develop a low-cost cyclic voltammetry platform for electrochemical analyses based on the LMP91000 integrated circuit (IC). The proposed system can be suitable to detect chemicals of interest in food safety or biology. The system includes three main blocks: the electrodes, electrochemical measuring circuit, and data acquisition. An algorithm was also built to process and display the data on the screen. Experiments are carried out with a standard redox solution containing Fe(II)/Fe(III) 5 mM and KCl 0.1 mM to evaluate system performance and make comparisons to the commercial potentiostat. The results show that the obtained signals from the proposed system and the commercial potentiostat device are similar. With applications of the miniaturised potentiostat, a non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor for urea detection was fabricated on cobalt sulphide materials (CoS) synthesized via a microwave assisted method. The sensing performance for urea was determined by changing the oxidation potential peak of 100 mV. The sensor had a linear range from 1-8 mM corresponding to the urea concentration in blood. The sensor sensitivity was comparable (7.5 μAmM-1cm-2) to some previous publications. With the achieved results, the proposed system demonstrates potential in urea detection and can be a prototype to develop a commercial device for point-of-care testing in the future.