CTRL Diet Research Articles

Iodine enrichment of rainbow trout flesh by dietary supplementation with the red seaweed Gracilaria vermiculophylla

Abstract The effects of different dietary inclusion levels (0, 5 and 10%) of IMTA-cultivated Gracilaria vermiculophylla on rainbow trout growth performance and flesh quality traits were evaluated. Flesh chemical composition (moisture, protein, lipid, vitamin E and iodine contents), sensory attributes and instrumental color were determined after a feeding period of 91 days with the experimental diets. The antioxidant activity of muscle carotenoids and hydrolysates was also determined by the 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. By the end of the experiment, fish fed CTRL or G5 diet reached similar body weight (215–220 g), but fish fed G10 weighed significantly less (167 g). Seaweed inclusion increased flesh moisture and decreased lipid content, with significant differences between the G5 and CTRL groups. Vitamin E content varied among treatments with CTRL fed fish presenting the highest levels of α-tocopherol. Iodine levels in the flesh increased with the seaweed inclusion, with fish fed G5 doubling its iodine content (214.5 μg/kg) in relation to the CTRL (111.7 μg/kg). Instrumental color showed that cooked fillets from fish fed seaweed-rich diets were more luminous (L*), less yellowish (b*) and more reddish (a*) than the CTRL. The sensory evaluation showed that fish fed with seaweed had juicier fillets than the CTRL with G5 presenting the most intense (pinkish) color. The instrumental differences are balanced in such a way that the sensory panel perceived G5 as the sample with higher color intensity. Muscle carotenoid extracts presented no significant antioxidant activity through the ABTS and DPPH assays, whereas muscle hydrolysates showed similar antioxidant activity in all dietary treatments (ca. 33% through DPPH assay). The inclusion of Gracilaria sp. meal in diets for rainbow trout seems to be possible for up to 5%, as higher inclusion levels resulted in significantly smaller fish. The sensory panel perceived G5 as the sample with higher color intensity and juicier than the CTRL. Moreover, flesh iodine content doubled in fish fed G5, confirming seaweed as a natural and effective tool to increase the nutritional value of rainbow trout. Statement of relevance/impact of your paper to the general field of commercial aquaculture This paper is relevant for the aquafeed industry and fish consumers. Fish meal has traditionally been the major dietary protein source for fish, but its reduction in aquafeeds is now a priority goal for the further expansion and sustainability of farmed fish production. Seaweeds may act as nutrient supply in fish, which in turn could ultimately function as vehicle of valuable compounds in human nutrition. This paper shows that 5% Gracilaria sp. meal can be a natural and effective tool to increase the nutritional value of rainbow trout flesh without impacting growth.

Renal HCO3‐ Reabsorption Is Differentially Modulated by Water Deprivation Depending on Food / Na+ Intake

Although kidneys are able to perform water balance dissociated from Na+ balance, hypovolemic dehydration, as seen during water deprivation (WD), modifies both. Moreover, WD can occur singly or together with food deprivation (FD) and, therefore, may differently alter such parameters. NHE3 is the major pathway for NaHCO3‐ in the proximal tubule and is important to volume balance, but the effect of WD on it is not well known. The goal of this work was to determine the effect of WD on HCO3‐ reabsorption (JHCO3‐) and the role of food (FI) or Na (NaI) intake in this mechanism. Rats were kept for 24 hs with water ad libitum (CTRL) or in WD, and JHCO3‐ was measured by means of stationary microperfusion. WD decreased by 34% JHCO3‐ (vs CTRL), and this effect was NHE3‐dependent, since the S3226(NHE3‐inhibitor)‐insensitive component of JHCO3‐ was not modulated by WD. Because NaI increases renal Na+ excretion and could influence JHCO3‐, animals were kept in WD and fed with a deficient Na+ diet (DNa), to determine the role of NaI on WD effect. As expected, in the absence of dietary Na+, JHCO3‐ was stimulated. Moreover, despite during WD + DNa, JHCO3‐ has decreased by 13% (vs DNa alone), the inhibitory effect of WD on JHCO3‐ was attenuated (since WD decreased JHCO3‐ by 34% when animals were fed with a CTRL diet). Because others dietary components besides Na+, may influence JHCO3‐, animals were kept in FD and WD. Although NaI was null during both, DNa and FD, JHCO3‐ was not stimulated by this last condition. Besides, the observed attenuation on JHCO3‐ was smaller (JHCO3‐ was 13% for DNa vs DNa + WD and 26% for FD vs FD + WD). These results indicate that WD inhibits NHE3. NaI presents a central role in this inhibitory effect; however NI has also a Na+‐independent component that inhibits JHCO3‐.Financial support FAPESP, CNPq

The Effects of Hypogonadism and Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Regional Adipose Tissue and Fatty Acid Composition in Male Guinea Pigs

BackgroundAging in men is associated with gains in body fat, which are due in part to the age‐related decline in testosterone. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has been consistently shown to reduce body fat or fat gain in animal models through a similarly suggested mechanism as testosterone. Therefore, CLA may counteract the progressive body fat gain that occurs with testosterone decline.Objectives.To determine whether CLA modulates changes in body fat, regional fat distribution and adipose tissue fatty acid composition in hypogonadal male guinea pigs.Methods.Male, retired breeder guinea pigs (n=40, 70‐72 wk) were block randomized by weight into 4 groups: 1) SHAM/ CTRL, 2) SHAM/ CLA diet (1%), 3) Orchidectomy (ORX)/ CTRL diet, 4) ORX/ CLA diet. Dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scans were performed at baseline and 16 wk to analyze body composition. Visceral and subcutaneous adipose fatty acids were extracted and methylated for gas chromatography (GC) analysis to determine fatty acid composition.Results.In ORXCTRL guinea pigs, percent body fat increased by 6.1% and percent lean mass decreased by 6.7 % over the 16 wks while no significant changes in percent body composition were observed in ORXCLA guinea pigs. Guinea pigs fed CLA diet gained less % total body fat and % upper and lower body fat than those fed CTRL regardless of surgical treatment. Regional adipose tissue of fatty acid composition showed that it was reflective of dietary fatty acids.ConclusionHypogonadism in male guinea pigs results in increased fat mass and decreased lean mass. CLA is effective in reducing fat gain and maintaining lean mass in both hypogonadal and intact guinea pigs.

Effects of dietary NEXT ENHANCE®150 on growth performance and expression of immune and intestinal integrity related genes in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.)

Gilthead sea bream juveniles were fed different doses (0, 50, 100, 200, 300 ppm) of NEXT ENHANCE®150 (NE) for 9 weeks. Feed gain ratio (FGR) was improved by a 10% with all the doses, but feed intake decreased in a dose dependent manner. The optimum inclusion level to achieve maximum growth was set at 100 ppm. The hepatosomatic index did not vary and only at the highest dose, viscerosomatic and splenosomatic indexes were significantly decreased. No significant changes were found in haematological parameters, plasma biochemistry, total antioxidant capacity and respiratory burst. In a second trial, NE was given at 100 ppm alone (D1) or in combination with the prebiotic PREVIDA® (0.5%) (PRE) (D2) for 17 weeks. There were no differences in the growth rates, and FGR was equally improved for D1 and D2. No significant changes in haematology and plasma antioxidant capacity were detected. The histological examination of the liver and the intestine showed no outstanding differences in the liver, but the number of mucosal foldings appeared to be higher in D1 and D2 vs CTRL diet and the density of enterocytes and goblet cells also appeared higher, particularly in the anterior intestine. A 87-gene PCR-array was constructed based on our transcriptomic database (www.nutrigroup-iats.org/seabreamdb) and applied to samples of anterior (AI) and posterior (PI) intestine. It included 54 new gene sequences and other sequences as markers of cell differentiation and proliferation, intestinal architecture and permeability, enterocyte mass and epithelial damage, interleukins and cytokines, pattern recognition receptors (PRR), and mitochondrial function and biogenesis. More than half of the studied genes had significantly different expression between AI and PI segments. The functional significance of this differential tissue expression is discussed. The experimental diets induced significant changes in the expression of 26 genes. The intensity of these changes and the number of genes that were significantly regulated were higher at PI than at AI. At PI, both diets invoked a clear down-regulation of genes involved in cell differentiation and proliferation, some involved in cell to cell communication, cytokines and several PRR. By contrast, up-regulation was mostly found for genes related to enterocyte mass, cell epithelial damage and mitochondrial activity at AI. The changes were of the same order for D1 and D2, except for fatty acid-binding proteins 2 and 6 and the PRR fucolectin, which were higher in D2 and D1 fed fish, respectively. Thus, NE alone or in combination with PRE seems to induce an anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative transcriptomic profile with probable improvement in the absorptive capacity of the intestine that would explain the improved FGR.

Effects of a blend of essential oils and an enzyme combination on nutrient digestibility, ileum histology and expression of inflammatory mediators in weaned piglets

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis of an improved gut environment of post-weaning piglets when administered a blend of essential oils (EO; thymol and cinnamaldehyde) and an enzyme combination (xylanase and β-glucanase (XB)) either alone or in combination. To assess the effect of dietary treatments, faecal nutrient digestibility and microbial counts, as well as ileum histology and gene expression of inflammatory mediators were evaluated. One hundred and ninety-two weaned piglets were allocated into four experimental treatments, and fed the basal diet (CTRL) either without or with EO, XB or their combination (EO+XB) for a 42-day period. The experiment concerning digestibility was designed with two periods (period I: days 15 to 21; period II: days 29 to 35) and the faeces were collected on days 20, 21, 34 and 35. On day 42, six piglets from each treatment were slaughtered. It was found that EO, XB and EO+XB supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) the growth performance of the piglets from days 0 to 42. Moreover, no dietary effect on faecal score was observed. Faecal digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, ash, dietary fibre, lipid, CP and NDF were increased from period I to period II (P<0.01 to P=0.06), while no effect (P>0.05) of EO, XB or their combination on the faecal digestibility was observed at both periods. Compared with the CTRL diet, dietary XB reduced the faecal Lactobacillus and Escherichia coli counts but increased the Lactobacillus to Coliforms ratio on day 42 (P=0.02, 0.03 and 0.03, respectively), and all the additives supplementations decreased the counts of faecal Coliforms on day 42 (P<0.01). XB supplementation increased the villus to crypt ratio (P=0.04) and reduced the mucosal macrophages number (P<0.01) in the ileum compared with the CTRL group, and dietary EO or EO+XB decreased the number of lymphatic follicles (P=0.01 and P<0.01, respectively) and mucosal macrophages (P=0.02 and P<0.01, respectively). In addition, the interleukin (IL)-1α was downregulated in piglets treated with EO+XB compared with the EO group (P=0.02). In conclusion, the administration of EO, XB or their combination was effective in improving ileum histology, and EO+XB supplementation might benefit the modulation of the expression of ileum inflammatory cytokines in piglets.

Dietary supplementation with docosahexanoic acid (DHA) increases red blood cell membrane flexibility in mice with sickle cell disease.

Humans and mice with sickle cell disease (SCD) have rigid red blood cells (RBCs). Omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexanoic acid (DHA), may influence RBC deformability via incorporation into the RBC membrane. In this study, sickle cell (SS) mice were fed natural ingredient rodent diets supplemented with 3% DHA (DHA diet) or a control diet matched in total fat (CTRL diet). After 8weeks of feeding, we examined the RBCs for: 1) stiffness, as measured by atomic force microscopy; 2) deformability, as measured by ektacytometry; and 3) percent irreversibly sickled RBCs on peripheral blood smears. Using atomic force microscopy, it is found that stiffness is increased and deformability decreased in RBCs from SS mice fed CTRL diet compared to wild-type mice. In contrast, RBCs from SS mice fed DHA diet had markedly decreased stiffness and increased deformability compared to RBCs from SS mice fed CTRL diet. Furthermore, examination of peripheral blood smears revealed less irreversibly sickled RBCs in SS mice fed DHA diet as compared to CTRL diet. In summary, our findings indicate that DHA supplementation improves RBC flexibility and reduces irreversibly sickled cells by 40% in SS mice. These results point to potential therapeutic benefits of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in SCD.

Beef tallow as an alternative to fish oil in diets for gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) juveniles: Effects on fish performance, tissue fatty acid composition, health and flesh nutritional value

Gilthead sea bream juveniles of 135 g average body weight were fed for 120 days a fish oil‐based commercial diet (CTRL) or one of two experimental isonitrogenous and isolipidic low fat (LF) fish meal‐based diets differing only by the lipid source, in order to evaluate the efficacy of beef tallow (BT) as an ingredient in aquafeeds. Both experimental feeds were formulated with 60 g/kg of BT; the LFBTFO diet also contained 35 g/kg of fish oil (FO) whereas a blend of BT and vegetable oils (VO) completely replaced FO in the LFBTVO diet. No differences in growth and feed efficiency were found between fish fed the LFBTFO diet and the CTRL group whereas fish fed the diet devoid of FO (LFBTVO) presented the poorest growth indicators and the lowest feed and protein efficiencies. The use of LF feeds contributed to maintain the hepatosomatic index and the proportion of triacylglycerols (TAG) in muscle and brain in spite of the dietary replacement of FO. Flesh from fish fed the LFBTFO diet supplied the same absolute amount of EPA + DHA than that of fish fed the CTRL diet, whereas a reduction of approximately 45% was registered when fish were deprived of FO.Practical applications: High proportions of BT can effectively be used as a valuable alternative to partially substitute FO in diets for gilthead sea bream juveniles without significantly affecting fish performance and health while promoting a limited impact on its health benefits for human consumption. The decline in the inclusion of marine ingredients in aquafeeds could actively contribute to the sustainability and profitability of the marine aquaculture industry.

Effects of added chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials, and Yucca schidigera extract in horses: II. Nutrient excretion and potential environmental impact1

The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that an equine diet formulated with chelated trace minerals, organic selenium, yeast culture, direct-fed microbials (DFM) and Yucca schidigera extract would decrease excretion of nutrients that have potential for environmental impact. Horses were acclimated to 100% pelleted diets formulated with (ADD) and without (CTRL) the aforementioned additives. Chelated sources of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co were included in the ADD diet at a 100% replacement rate of sulfate forms used in the CTRL diet. Additionally, the ADD diet included organic selenium yeast, DFM, and Yucca schidigera extract. Ten horses were fed the 2 experimental diets during two 42-d periods in a crossover design. Total fecal and urine collection occurred during the last 14 d of each period. Results indicate no significant differences between Cu, Zn, Mn, and Co concentrations excreted via urine (P > 0.05) due to dietary treatment. There was no difference between fecal Cu and Mn concentrations (P > 0.05) based on diet consumed. Mean fecal Zn and Co concentrations excreted by horses consuming ADD were greater than CTRL (P < 0.003). Differences due to diet were found for selenium fecal (P < 0.0001) and urine (P < 0.0001) excretions, with decreased concentrations found for horses consuming organic selenium yeast (ADD). In contrast, fecal K (%) was greater (P = 0.0421) for horses consuming ADD, whereas concentrations of fecal solids, total N, ammonia N, P, total ammonia, and fecal output did not differ between dietary treatments (P > 0.05). In feces stockpiled to simulate a crude composting method, no differences (P > 0.05) due to diet were detected for particle size, temperature, moisture, OM, total N, P, phosphate, K, moisture, potash, or ammonia N (P > 0.05). Although no difference (P = 0.2737) in feces stockpile temperature due to diet was found, temperature differences over time were documented (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, the addition of certain chelated mineral sources, organic Se yeast, DFM, and Yucca schidigera extract did not decrease most nutrient concentrations excreted. Horses consuming organic selenium as part of the additive diet had lower fecal and urine Se concentrations, as well as greater fecal K concentrations.

Role of estrogen receptor α in estradiol‐induced cardiac growth

Contrary to its effects in the diseased heart, we recently discovered that estradiol (E2) unexpectedly exerts pro‐hypertrophic effects in the healthy heart of ovariectomized (OVX) mice. Our aim was to investigate the mechanism(s) involved in the regulation of cardiac growth by E2 testing the hypothesis that estrogen receptor α (ERα) mediates these E2 effects. Female wild‐type (WT) C57Bl/6J and estrogen receptor α knockout (ERKO) mice were ovariectomized at two months old and were fed an E2‐containing or soy‐free (Ctrl) diet for three months (n = 5–6/group). E2 supplementation in OVX mice led to a lower body weight (15% decrease; P &lt; 0.05) and a higher uterus‐to‐body‐weight ratio (5‐fold increase; P &lt; 0.001) compared with Ctrl mice, but these E2 effects were abrogated in ERKO mice. E2 led to a higher heart‐to‐body‐weight ratio compared with WT Ctrl mice (20% increase; P &lt; 0.05). Deletion of ERα abolished this cardiac effect of E2. The expression of three E2 target genes in the heart was significantly induced by E2 in WT mice compared with Ctrl, whereas in ERKO mice E2 had no effect on Act2, Igf1 and Myocd expression. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that E2 regulates body weight and exerts significant effects on cardiac growth and gene expression via an ERα‐dependent mechanism. Funding: EUGeneHeart (LSHM‐CT‐2005–018833)

The IMTA-cultivated Chlorophyta Ulva spp. as a sustainable ingredient in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets

Increasing levels of a mixture of Ulva spp. produced in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system were evaluated in Nile tilapia juveniles for partial replacement of dietary fish meal. A control diet (CTRL) was compared with three experimental diets containing 10 % (U10), 15 % (U15), and 20 % (U20) of Ulva spp. meal. Triplicate groups of fish (13 g initial body weight) were fed each diet for 63 days at 26 °C. Nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients and nitrogen retention efficiency did not vary significantly among diets. By the end of the trial, all groups of fish more than tripled their initial body weight. Specific growth rate and final body weight of U10 diet were similar to CTRL and significantly higher than U15 and U20 diets. Increasing Ulva dietary incorporation levels significantly increased feed conversion ratio (FCR), from 1.0 (CTRL) to 1.4 (U20). Fish fed with U10 diet had the highest protein efficiency ratio and nitrogen retention efficiency allowing this fish to growth and reach a final body weight similar to the CTRL group. Protein content was highest in fish fed with the CTRL diet, whereas the highest lipid content was observed in fish fed with U20 diet. The results show that the incorporation of IMTA-produced Ulva meal in Nile tilapia diets is possible up to 10 % without compromising growth performance, protein utilization, and protein retention of juveniles. The high capacity of Nile tilapia to digest all experimental diets suggests that Ulva meal is a practical partial replacement for fish meal in Nile tilapia diets.

Dietary Supplementation with Docosahexanoic Acid (DHA) Improves RBC Flexibility and Reduces Cold Hypersensitivity in Mice with Sickle Cell Disease.

AbstractAbstract 2116Humans and mice with sickle cell disease (SCD) have RBC stiffness, multiorgan and vascular pathology, and complex pain syndromes. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as docosahexanoic acid (DHA), are essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities. As dietary supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial in many cardiovascular diseases. Several studies demonstrate that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids results in increased incorporation of these fatty acids into the RBC membrane, which can influence RBC deformability. In this study, SCD mice were fed natural ingredient rodent diets supplemented with 3% DHA (DHA diet) or a control matched in total fat with a similar distribution of saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fatty acids (CTRL diet). After 8 weeks of feeding, we examined the RBCs for: 1) deformability, as measured by ektacytometry; 2) stiffness, as measured by atomic force microscopy; 3) osmotic fragility, using a flow cytometric method; and 4) percent irreversibly sickled RBCs on peripheral blood smears. Consistent with other studies, RBCs from SCD mice fed Control diet exhibit low deformability by ektacytometry as compared to RBCs from wild-type mice (0.075 Max EI, SCD mice Control Diet, versus 0.285 Max EI, wild-type mice). Correspondingly, RBC stiffness, as measured by atomic force microscopy, is increased in SCD mice fed Control diet as compared to wild-type mice (1911 Pa, SCD mice Control Diet, versus 831 Pa, wild-type mice). In contrast, RBCs from SCD mice fed DHA diet had improved deformability (0.135 Max EI) compared to RBCs from SCD mice fed Control diet (p<0.02). Furthermore, RBCs from DHA diet-fed SCD mice had markedly decreased stiffness (798 Pa) to nearly normal levels compared to RBCs from Control diet-fed SCD mice (p<0.0001). In addition, RBCs from SCD mice fed DHA diet had decreased osmotic fragility as compared to RBCs from SCD mice fed Control diet (p<0.001). Examination of peripheral blood smears also revealed less irreversibly sickled RBCs in SCD mice fed DHA diet as compared to Control Diet (2.5% versus 4.1%, p<0.04). These results suggest that DHA supplementation has modified RBC membrane properties of SCD mice. Individuals with SCD as well as murine models of SCD display increased sensitivity to pain. Stiffened RBCs are thought to contribute to pain in SCD by stimulating vasoocclusive events. Importantly, a small-scale human SCD trial indicated that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids reduced pain episodes by almost 50% (Tomer, et al, 2001). Therefore, we measured sensitivity of SCD mice to mechanical and cold stimuli both prior to dietary feeding and after 8 weeks of feeding on Control or DHA diet. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed using von Frey filaments, with the paw withdrawal threshold assessed using the up-down method of Dixon (1980). Mechanical hypersensitivity thresholds are reduced in SCD mice (Hillery, et al, 2011), and were not altered by either the Control or DHA diet. Cold hypersensitivity was assessed using a 2-temperature choice assay and measuring the amount of time spent on the colder plate (23°C) versus the warmer plate (30°C). Similar to our previous findings, SCD mice exhibit hypersensitivity to cold. There was no change in pre- versus post-diet cold hypersensitivity in SCD mice fed Control diet. In contrast, post-diet cold hypersensitivity was improved compared to pre-diet cold hypersensitivity in SCD mice fed DHA diet (p<0.007). In summary, our findings indicate that DHA supplementation improves RBC flexibility, decreases osmotic fragility and irreversibly sickled cells, and reduces cold hypersensitivity in a murine model of SCD. The reduction in cold hypersensitivity may reflect the increased flexibility of the RBCs, making them less likely to cause vasoocclusive events that can activate inflammatory pain mechanisms. Additionally, resolvins D1 and D2, anti-inflammatory lipid mediators derived from DHA, inhibit the activity of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) and ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channels, which contribute importantly to inflammatory pain sensitivity to mechanical and thermal stimuli. Disclosures:Mickelson:Harlan Laboratories, Inc.: Employment. Stucky:Purdue Pharma: Research Funding. Hillery:Purdue Pharma: Research Funding; Bayer Pharmaceuticals: Consultancy.

Improvement of growth performance and sanitary status of weaned piglets fed a bovine colostrum-supplemented diet1

The present study investigated the effect of 3 different durations of feeding a diet supplemented with defatted bovine colostrum (Col) on growth performance and sanitary status of the weaned piglet. At 28 d of age, piglets were weaned and fed 1 of the 2 following diets: a control (Ctrl) starter diet or a starter diet supplemented with Col. Two experiments were conducted. In Exp. 1, 310 piglets (12 pens consisting of 10 piglets/pen and 10 pens consisting of 19 piglets/pen) were allocated to 1 of the 2 dietary treatments for 12 d. In Exp. 2, 522 piglets (18 pens consisting of 10 piglets/pen and 18 pens consisting of 19 piglets/pen) were allocated to 1 of the following 3 dietary treatments: fed the Ctrl diet from d 1 to 12 (Ctrl), Col diet from d 1 to 4 and then the Ctrl diet up to d 12 (Col-4d), or the Col diet from d 1 to 6 and then the Ctrl diet up to d 12 (Col-6d). For both experiments, a commercial second-phase diet was fed to piglets from d 12 to 46. Feed intake, growth performance, and cleanliness of floor and hindquarters of animals were investigated during the first 7 wk postweaning. In Exp. 1, from d 0 to 12, ADFI, ADG, and G:F were 16 (P = 0.004), 23 (P < 0.001), and 5% (P = 0.069) greater, respectively, in Col piglets compared with Ctrl piglets. Thereafter, ADFI and ADG were 7 (P < 0.001) and 9% (P < 0.001) greater, respectively, in Col piglets than Ctrl piglets (d 12 to 46). On d 12 after weaning, piglets fed the Col diet had more normal feces (+13%) and less soft or liquid feces (-9 and -4%, respectively) than piglets fed the Ctrl diet (P = 0.06). Compared with Ctrl piglets, feeding the Col diet led to more days with normal feces for the floor cleanliness (+22%; P < 0.001) from d 7 to 11. In Exp. 2, compared with Ctrl piglets, ADFI, ADG, and G:F were 8, 23, and 13% greater (P < 0.05) in Col-6d piglets from d 0 to 9, whereas values for Col-4d piglets were intermediate and did not differ from the values of the other dietary treatments. On d 9 after weaning, piglets fed the Col-4d or the Col-6d diet had more normal feces (+6 and +4%, respectively) and less liquid feces (-4 and -3%, respectively) than piglets fed the Ctrl diet (P = 0.08). No long lasting effects were observed thereafter. In conclusion, there was a reduction of weaning-induced growth check and diarrheal episodes in weaned piglets fed the Col diet. The beneficial effects of the bovine colostrum were observed beyond the period of treatment when the supplementation covered the first 6 d postweaning, which corresponded to the acute phase of postweaning digestive disturbances.

Dietary Supplementation with Docosahexanoic Acid or Arachidonic Acid Delay Ca2+ ‐Induced Permeability Transition Pore Opening in Cardiac Mitochondria

Supplementation with docosahexanoic acid (DHA, commonly found in fish oil) in clinically relevant amounts causes a 2-fold increase in DHA in cardiac phospholipids, and delays Ca2+-induced mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) opening. The mechanism for this effect is not clear, however the increase in DHA is accompanied by a decrease in the ù-6 PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA), which could be responsible for the effects on the MPTP. We determined the role of ARA on MPTP opening by feeding rats DHA, ARA or DHA+ARA. Male Wistar rats were fed either a los DHA+AHA diet(CTRL), a diet containing DHA or ARA at 2.5% of energy intake, or both DHA and ARA at 2.5% each, for 10 wks. Cardiac mitochondria were isolated. All three diets profoundly altered the phospholipid composition of mitochondria compared to CTRL. Both the DHA and ARA groups delayed Ca2+-induced MPTP opening vs. CTRL (p<0.05) while DHA+ARA increased sensitivity to MPTP opening (p<0.05 vs CTRL, DHA or ARA). Furthermore, both diets containing ARA significantly increased the pro-inflammatory marker TBX B2 by 2- to 3-fold compared to CTRL and DHA diets (p<0.05). DHA+ARA also increased lipid peroxidation compared to ARA alone (p=0.008) and to CTRL (p=0.034). This suggests that the effect of DHA on MPTP is not due to depletion of ARA. DHA+ARA showed no added benefit, but rather sensitized MPTP to opening, suggesting that a very large dose of PUFA might be detrimental.

Highly Purified Eicosapentaenoic Acid as Free Fatty Acids Strongly Suppresses Polyps in ApcMin/+ Mice

Although cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitors could represent the most effective chemopreventive tool against colorectal cancer (CRC), their use in clinical practice is hampered by cardiovascular side effects. Consumption of ω-3-polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3-PUFAs) is associated with a reduced risk of CRC. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the efficacy of a novel 99% pure preparation of ω-3-PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid as free fatty acids (EPA-FFA) on polyps in Apc(Min/+) mice. Apc(Min/+) and corresponding wild-type mice were fed control diet (Ctrl) or diets containing either EPA-FFA 2.5% or 5%, for 12 weeks while monitoring food intake and body weight. We found that both EPA-FFA diets protected from the cachexia observed among Apc(Min/+) animals fed Ctrl diet (P < 0.0054), without toxic effect, in conjunction with a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation in the treated arms. Moreover, both EPA-FFA diets dramatically suppressed polyp number (by 71.5% and 78.6%, respectively; P < 0.0001) and load (by 82.5% and 93.4%, respectively; P < 0.0001) in both small intestine and colon. In addition, polyps less than 1 mm in size were predominantly found in the EPA-FFA 5% arm whereas those 1 to 3 mm in size were more frequent in the Ctrl arm (P < 0.0001). Interestingly, in the EPA-FFA groups, mucosal arachidonic acid was replaced by EPA (P < 0.0001), leading to a significant reduction in COX-2 expression and β-catenin nuclear translocation. Moreover, in the EPA-FFA arms, we found a significant decrease in proliferation throughout the intestine together with an increase in apoptosis. Our data make 99% pure EPA-FFA an excellent candidate for CRC chemoprevention.

Effects of glucose, propionic acid, and nonessential amino acids on glucose metabolism and milk yield in Holstein dairy cows

Whole-body glucose rate of appearance (Ra) responses and milk lactose secretion were compared in dairy cows receiving duodenal infusions of glucose (Glc), a mixture of 5 nonessential amino acids (NEAAm), or ruminal infusions of propionic acid (C3). Four mid-lactation Holstein cows, fitted with both duodenum and rumen cannulas, were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with 14-d periods. Cows were fed a grass silage-based diet (Ctrl) that provided 88% of net energy of lactation and 122% of protein requirements. Concentrate was formulated with wheat (21.5%) and barley (20%) containing some starch. Isoenergetic infusions (5.15 Mcal/d of digestible energy) of Glc into the duodenum (7.7 mol/d), C3 into the rumen (14.1 mol/d), or NEAAm into the duodenum (in mol/d; Ala: 1.60; Asp: 0.60; Glu: 5.94; Gly: 1.22; Ser: 2.45) were given as a supplement to the Ctrl diet. During each period on d 13, [6,6-2H2]glucose was infused into one jugular vein and blood samples were taken from the other jugular vein to measure glucose enrichment and determine Ra. Dry matter intake decreased slightly with the infusions (6%), but did not differ among them. Whole body glucose Ra averaged 502, 745, 600, and 576 mmol/h for Ctrl, Glc, C3, and NEAAm, respectively. It increased with the increase in energy supply (Ctrl vs. infusions) and differed according to the nutrients infused. The Ra response was higher with Glc and C3 than with NEAAm and higher with Glc than with C3. Plasma concentrations of insulin were not affected, but insulin-like growth factor 1 increased with infusions. Plasma glucagon increased with NEAAm, which could favor the increased Ra. Overall, milk lactose yield (137, 141, 142, and 130 mmol/h for Ctrl, Glc, C3, and NEAAm, respectively) was not modified by the infusions, but was lower with NEAAm compared with Glc and C3. Changes in lactose yield did not parallel the increase in Ra, and therefore the ratio of lactose yield to Ra decreased with the infusions and was lower in Glc compared with C3, suggesting a shift of glucose utilization away from lactose synthesis toward other pathways, including mammary metabolism. Intestinal Glc was the most efficient nutrient in terms of increasing glucose Ra; however, there was no direct link between the increases in whole body glucose Ra observed with the 3 types of nutrients and milk lactose yield.

Interactive effects of dietary fat source and slaughter weight in growing-finishing swine: II. Fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat1

Crossbred pigs (n=288) were used to test the interactive effects of dietary fat source and slaughter weight on the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat. Pigs were blocked by initial BW (28.1 kg), and, within blocks, pens (8 pigs/pen) were randomly assigned to either grower and finisher diets devoid of added fat (Ctrl) or diets formulated with 5% beef tallow (BT), poultry fat (PF), or soybean oil (SBO). Immediately after treatment allotment, as well as at mean block BW of 45.5, 68.1, 90.9, and 113.6 kg, 1 pig was randomly selected from each pen, slaughtered, and, within 1 h postmortem, samples of backfat were removed from each carcass between the 4th and 8th thoracic vertebra and separated into the inner, middle, and outer layers for fatty acid composition analysis. During the first 17.4 kg of BW gain, percentages of all SFA increased by more than 4% in subcutaneous fat of pigs fed the Ctrl and BT diets, but decreased by 4.4 and 7.7% in pigs fed the PF and SBO diets, respectively (fat source x slaughter weight, P<0.001). Proportions of all MUFA in subcutaneous fat from BT-fed pigs increased by 6.1% during the first 17.4 kg of BW gain, but MUFA percentages in SBO-fed pigs decreased by 9.1% between 28.1 and 45.5 kg (fat source x slaughter weight, P<0.001). Conversely, percentages of all PUFA from SBO-fed pigs increased by 39.9%, whereas PUFA concentrations in BT-fed pigs decreased by 12.6% as slaughter weight increased from 28.1 to 45.5 kg (fat source x slaughter weight, P<0.001). Resultant iodine values (IV) of subcutaneous fat from SBO-fed pigs increased (P<0.05) from 73.5 to 85.2 within the first 17.4 kg of BW gain, and remained elevated above those of their contemporaries fed the Ctrl, BT, or PF diets at each subsequent slaughter weight (fat source x slaughter weight, P<0.001). The inner backfat layer had the greatest (P<0.05) proportions of all SFA and the least (P<0.05) proportions of all PUFA, whereas the outer layer had the least (P<0.05) percentages of all SFA but the greatest (P<0.05) percentages of all MUFA. Even though the middle and outer subcutaneous fat layers had similar (P>0.05) PUFA percentages, the greatest (P<0.05) and least (P<0.05) IV were in the outer and middle layers, respectively. As expected, the fat source included in swine diets was responsible for the fatty acid compositional changes in subcutaneous fat, yet the results of this study indicate that feeding 5% SBO dramatically increased the polyunsaturation of subcutaneous fat within the first 17.4 kg of BW gain, with backfat IV exceeding 80 thereafter.

Interactive effects of dietary fat source and slaughter weight in growing-finishing swine: III. Carcass and fatty acid compositions1

Crossbred pigs (n=288) were used to test the interactive effects of dietary fat source and slaughter weight on dissected carcass composition and fatty acid composition of composite carcass samples. Pigs were blocked by initial BW, and within each of 9 blocks, pens (8 pigs/pen) were randomly assigned to either control corn-soybean meal grower and finisher diets (Ctrl) or diets formulated with 5% beef tallow (BT), poultry fat (PF), or soybean oil (SBO). Immediately after treatment allotment, as well as at mean block BW of 45.5, 68.1, 90.9, and 113.6 kg, 1 pig was randomly selected from each pen and slaughtered, and primal cuts from right carcass sides were dissected into muscle, fat, bone, and skin components. Muscle and fat tissues were then ground, and random composite samples were collected from each carcass for fatty acid composition analysis. Fat source did not alter pork primal cut yields (P >or= 0.294), nor were the percentages of carcass muscle (P=0.213), fat (P=0.502), and bone (P=0.551) affected by dietary fat source. Conversely, percentages of the whole shoulder and ham decreased linearly (P<0.001), and the percentages of loin and belly increased (P<0.001) linearly with increasing slaughter weight. Moreover, linear decreases (P<0.001) in carcass muscle, bone, and skin, as well as a linear increase (P<0.05) in carcass fat, were observed as slaughter weight increased from 28.1 to 113.6 kg. Composite samples from pigs fed the BT or Ctrl diets had greater (P<0.05) proportions of SFA, particularly oleic and stearic acids, than those from pigs fed the PF and SBO diets when slaughtered at 45.5, 68.1, and 90.9 kg (fat source x slaughter weight, P<0.001). Percentages of MUFA (including palmitoleic, oleic, and cis-vaccenic acids) decreased (P<0.05), and percentages of all PUFA, especially linoleic and linolenic acids, and iodine values increased (P<0.05) in samples from SBO-fed pigs as slaughter weight increased from 28.1 to 113.6 kg (fat source x slaughter weight, P<0.001). Dietary fat source did not affect carcass composition; however, including 5% SBO in swine diets increased the polyunsaturation of pork, which could lead to economic ramifications associated with soft pork and pork fat.

Interactive effects of dietary fat source and slaughter weight in growing-finishing swine: I. Growth performance and longissimus muscle fatty acid composition1

Crossbred pigs (n=288) were used to test the interactive effects of dietary fat source and slaughter weight on live performance, carcass traits, and fatty acid composition of the LM. Pigs were blocked by initial BW, and, within each of 9 blocks, pens (8 pigs/pen) were randomly assigned to either control corn-soybean meal grower and finisher diets devoid of added fat (Ctrl) or diets formulated with 5% beef tallow (BT), poultry fat (PF), or soybean oil (SBO). Immediately after treatment allotment, as well as at mean block BW of 45.5, 68.1, 90.9, and 113.6 kg, 1 pig was randomly selected from each pen, slaughtered, and allowed to chill for 48 h at 1 degrees C. Backfat was measured on the right sides, and a sample of the LM was removed for fatty acid composition analysis. Regardless of source, inclusion of fat in swine diets did not (P >or= 0.349) affect ADG, ADFI, or G:F. Furthermore, carcasses from pigs fed diets formulated with 5% fat had greater (P=0.013) average backfat depths than those from pigs fed the Ctrl diet. Body weight, carcass weight, and backfat depths increased (P<0.001) as slaughter weight increased from 28.1 to 113.6 kg. The proportion of SFA in the LM increased (P<0.001) with increasing slaughter weight from 28.1 to 68.1 kg, but SFA percentages were similar between 68.1 and 113.6 kg, and pigs fed the Ctrl diet had greater (P=0.032) proportions of SFA than pigs fed the SBO and PF diets. Moreover, the proportion of all MUFA increased (P<0.001) by 9.4 percentage units from 28.1 to 113.6 kg; however, only pigs fed the SBO diet had reduced (P=0.004) MUFA percentages than those fed the Ctrl, BT, and PF diets. Even though the proportion of PUFA in the LM decreased with increasing slaughter weight, pigs fed SBO had greater PUFA percentages, a greater PUFA-to-SFA ratio, and greater iodine values than pigs fed all other dietary treatments when slaughtered at BW of 45.5 kg or greater (fat source x slaughter weight, P < 0.001). Results of this study indicate that fat source had little to no impact on live pig performance, but feeding a polyunsaturated fat source altered the fatty acid profile of the LM within the first 17.4 kg of BW gain; more specifically, including 5% SBO in swine diets could lead to economical ramifications associated with soft pork or fat.

Effect of selenium supplementation and source on the selenium status of horses1

This study was conducted to determine the effect of Se supplementation and source on the Se status of horses. Eighteen 18-mo-old nonexercised horses were randomly assigned within sex to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) control (CTRL, no supplemental Se, 0.15 mg of Se/kg of total diet DM); 2) inorganic Se (INORG, CTRL + 0.45 mg of Se/kg of total diet DM from NaSeO3); or organic Se [ORG, CTRL + 0.45 mg of Se/kg of total diet DM from zinc-L-selenomethionine (Availa Se, Zinpro, Corp., Eden Prairie, MN)]. Horses were acclimated to the CTRL diet (7.1 kg of DM alfalfa hay and 1.2 kg of DM concentrate per horse daily) for 28 d. After the acclimation period, the appropriate treatment was top-dressed on the individually fed concentrate for 56 d. Jugular venous blood samples were collected on d 0, 28, and 56. Middle gluteal muscle biopsies were collected on d 0 and 56. Muscle and plasma were analyzed for Se concentrations. Glutathione peroxidase activity was measured in muscle (M GPx-1), plasma (P GPx-3), and red blood cells (RBC GPx-1). Data were analyzed as a repeated measures design. Mean plasma Se concentration on d 28 and 56 was greater (P < 0.05) for Se-supplemented horses compared with CTRL horses, and tended (P < 0.1) to be greater in ORG vs. INORG on d 28. Mean muscle Se concentration and P GPx-3 activities increased (P < 0.05) from d 0 to 56 but were not affected by treatment. Mean RBC GPx-1 activity tended to be greater (P < 0.1) in ORG than INORG or CTRL horses on d 28, and tended to be greater (P < 0.1) for INORG compared with ORG horses on d 56. Mean RBC GPx-1 activity of INORG and ORG horses was not different from that of CTRL on d 56. Mean M GPx-1 activity decreased (P < 0.01) from d 0 to 56. In conclusion, zinc-L-selenomethionine was more effective than NaSeO3 at increasing plasma Se concentration from d 0 to 28; however, both supplemental Se sources had a similar effect by d 56. No difference in Se status due to Se supplementation or source could be detected over a 56-d supplementation period by monitoring middle gluteal muscle Se, M GPx-1, or P GPx-3. Results for RBC GPx-1 also were inconclusive relative to the effect of Se supplementation and source.

Changes in serum cholesterol and sterol metabolites after intake of products enriched with an oat bran concentrate within a controlled diet

Background: The serum (S) cholesterol-lowering capacity of oat fibre has been confirmed in several earlier studies. Food products containing oat bran concentrate (OBC) may become a useful tool in the dietary treatment of hypercholesterolaemia when incorporated in the daily diet, but possible adverse effects of processing have to be investigated. Objective: To investigate the S-cholesterol-lowering effect of food products containing OBC in hypercholesterolaemic subjects. Furthermore, to study the effects of the OBC on serum markers of cholesterol (lathosterol) and bile acid (7?-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one) synthesis. Design: The study was a single-blind, randomized cross-over study, for 2 x 3 weeks. Sixteen hypercholesterolaemic subjects aged 57±7.9 years (means ±SD), with mean S-cholesterol 7.47±0.65 mmol 1-1, were randomized to eat a premade diet containing 5 g oat ?-glucan daily (OBC diet) or a control diet (CTRL diet) without ?-glucan. Mean ?-glucan solubi lity in the OBC food products was 50%. Results: Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein decreased by 6.0% (p=0.021) and 9.0% (p=0.03), respectively, in the OBC compared with the CTRL diet period. There was no significant differences in lathosterol or 7a-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one responses between the diet periods, but the short-term (day 0-3; r=0.64, p 0.01) and long-term changes (day 0-22; r=0.55, p 0.05) correlated well with each other.Conclusions: 5 g of ?-glucan daily (2.7 g soluble) induced a significant reduction in S-cholesterol when incorporated into food products as OBC. An immediate response in the sterol metabolism was shown shortly after the introduction of the OBC diet. Oat ?-glucan-enriched products could be a useful tool in the prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolaemia. Keywords: oat bran concentrate; oat fibre; oat ?-glucan; ?-glucan solubility; 7?-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one; hypercholesterolaemia; lathosterol; serum cholesterol