Dry Diet Research Articles

Comparative evaluation of supplemental zilpaterol hydrochloride sources on growth performance, dietary energetics and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs

ObjectiveWe compare the effects of three different approved sources of supplemental zilpaterol on growth-performance responses and carcass characteristics of finishing lambs.MethodsTwenty four Pelibuey×Katahdin lambs (46.75±2.43 kg) were used in a 33-day feeding trial. Lambs were fed a dry rolled corn-based finishing diet. Treatments consisted of the non-supplemental basal diet (Control) versus the basal diet supplemented with 125 mg zilpaterol/kg of diet (as fed basis) from three commercial sources marketed in Mexico: Zilmax (ZIL), Grofactor, and Zipamix.ResultsCompared to controls, zilpaterol (ZH) supplementation did not affect dry matter intake (DMI), but increased carcass adjusted daily weight gain (ADG, 36.7%), gain efficiency (34.2%), and dietary net energy (26.0%), and decreased (23.4%) the ratio of observed:expected DMI. Compared to controls, supplemental ZH increased hot carcass weight (6.4%), dressing percentage (3.2%), m. longissimus thoracis (LM) area (15.6%), and shoulder muscle:fat ratio (28.7%), but decreased kidney-pelvic-heart fat, and fat thickness. Supplemental ZH increased 10.9% and 14.3% whole cut weight of loin and leg, respectively, and the proportion (as percentage of cold carcass weight) of leg (4.3%). These increases were reflected in greater forequarter and hindquarter weights. Lambs fed ZH increased (4.6%) empty body weight (EBW) and reduced (14.7%) liver/spleen weight (as g/kg EBW). Likewise, ZH supplementation tended (p = 0.08) to lower (8.9%) visceral fat. Growth performance, energetic efficiency, hot carcass weight, dressing percentage, LM area and whole cuts were not different across supplemental ZH sources. However, compared with non-supplemented controls, only ZIL appreciably decreased carcass fat distribution, including fat thickness, percentage kidney pelvic and heart fat, shoulder fat, and visceral fat.ConclusionSupplemental ZH increases ADG, gain efficiency, carcass dressing percentage, and LM area. The magnitude of these responses was similar among ZH sources. Nevertheless, compared with non-supplemented controls, only ZIL appreciably decreases carcass fat. The basis for this is uncertain, but indicative that some practical differences in zilpaterol bio-equivalency may exist across commercial sources tested.

USO DE ARTEMIA EN LA ADAPTACIÓN AL CONSUMO DE ALIMENTO BALANCEADO DE ALEVINOS DE Arapaima gigas PAICHE EN CONDICIONES CONTROLADAS

El objetivo del presente estudio fue adaptar al consumo de alimento balanceado a alevinos de Arapaima gigas paiche en condiciones controladas. Se utilizó 749 alevinos (1.61 ± 0.26 g y 6.49 ± 0.32 cm) que fueron acondicionados en acuarios de vidrio de 60 L de volumen útil durante 27 días. La alimentación durante el primer día se realizó con nauplios de artemia, del segundo al octavo día se redujo gradualmente los nauplios e incrementándose el alimento balanceado en polvo (50% PB). A partir del noveno día se alimentó solo con alimento balanceado (50% y 45% PB) hasta los 27 días. Al final del experimento, los peces alcanzaron un peso promedio de 9.38 ± 1.57 g y 10.53 ± 0.54 cm de longitud total y sobrevivencia de 94,0 ± 1,1%. Los resultados Indican que los alevinos de A. gigas pueden adaptarse al alimento balanceado rápidamente.

Immune-enhancing Activity of Potential Probiotic Strains of Lactobacillus Plantarum in the Common Carp (Cyprinus Carpio) Fingerling.

IntroductionImmune-potentiating functions of Lactobacillus plantarum strains in the common carp were evaluated.Material and MethodsFourteen days of feeding fish dry diet supplemented with the bacteria provided parameters of nonspecific humoral immunity (lysozyme, ceruloplasmin, γ-globulin, total protein levels, and serum bactericidal activity) and cellular immunity (pinocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and potential killing activity of organ phagocytes), as well as the proliferative response of organ lymphocytes stimulated with mitogens. The resistance of fish to infection with Aeromonas hydrophila was also determined.ResultsDietary supplementation with L. plantarum had a substantial influence on the activity of organ phagocytes, especially the potential killing activity of head kidney cells. A significant increase in the proliferative activity of LPS-stimulated B lymphocytes and in the levels of γ-globulins and total protein was observed. The supplemented diet conveyed higher resistance than the control diet as the cumulative fish mortalities after infection with A. hydrophila were 65% and 85%, respectively.ConclusionThe results indicate that dietary supplementation with L. plantarum stimulates the antibacterial resistance of common carp and may reinforce defence against bacterial infections, but further studies need to be conducted.

Dietary supplementation of L-tryptophan: Effect on growth and survival of Pabda, Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch) fry

ABSTRACT A 30-day experiment was conducted to assess the effect of tryptophan-supplemented diets on growth and survival of Pabda, Ompok bimaculatus fry. Fifty pabda fry (0.114 ± 0.02 g; 2.45 ± 0.13 cm) were stocked into each aerated aquarium following a completely randomized design consisting of four treatments with triplicate each. Four iso-proteinious purified diets were prepared with different levels of tryptophan—0%, 1%, 2%, and 3%—of the dry diet and were designated as Control, TRP1, TRP2, and TRP3 respectively. Fishes were fed with the experimental diet ad libitum four times a day. The results showed that fish fed with tryptophan-supplemented diets exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower cannibalism and higher survival than the control diet. Further, the tryptophan-supplemented groups showed a significantly lower coefficient of variation (%) and size heterogeneity (P < 0.05). However, the growth as measured by body weight gain, length increment, and specific growth rate of fry in tryptophan-supplemented groups was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Moreover, maximum survival (52.67 ± 1.76%) and minimum cannibalism (21.33 ± 5.70%) coupled with higher growth and performance index (0.38 ± 0.01) were recorded in the 2% tryptophan-supplemented group compared to other tryptophan-fed groups. Overall interpretation from the present study concludes that the dietary supplementation of 2% tryptophan is recommended for better survival of pabda fish, although growth was compromised.

Palatability and digestive tolerance of a new high protein/low carbohydrate commercial dry diet in adult ferrets

Summary The ferret (Mustela putorius furo) is an obligate carnivore whose dietary preference is determined at an early age. As a neophobic specie, it is very difficult to change an adult ferret's diet. The aim of this study was to assess the palatability and the digestive tolerance of a new commercial low carbohydrates/protein rich dry diet formulated for kitten in two populations: reproductive ferrets belonging to a farm and in neutered pet owner's ferrets. The new kibbles were progressively added following a transition phase then the palatability and digestive tolerance were monitored. Palatability was very satisfying. Indeed, 26.31% and 38% of farm and pet owner ferrets respectively consumed immediately the new diet. Hundred percent of farm ferrets consumed it at the end of the dietary transition and 80% of pet owner ferrets at the end of the study. Digestive tolerance was good as some stool changes were observed in the transition period but faeces rapidly returned to normal for most animals. Further, a notable weight gain was observed in farm ferrets, which is a significant factor in ensuring good breeding performance. This new dry diet seems to constitute a balanced nutritional alternative, very palatable and well tolerated from a digestive standpoint.

Factors associated with hematuric struvite crystalluria in cats

The aim of the study was to identify any dietary, signalment, geographic and clinical factors associated with hematuric struvite crystalluria (HSC) in a population of cats that visit general care veterinary hospitals in the USA. In total, 4032 cats that had a first-time diagnosis of HSC and 8064 control cats with no history of hematuria or crystalluria were identified from medical records of all cats examined between 2007 and 2011 at 790 US veterinary hospitals. Extracted variables included age, sex, neuter status, breed, diet, urinalysis results and history of cystitis. Potential associations between these variables and HSC were estimated. Controlling for other factors, young cats fed a dry diet had an increased likelihood of HSC relative to young cats fed a non-dry diet. However, as age increased, the likelihood of HSC declined for cats fed a dry diet and increased for cats fed a non-dry diet. Moreover, the odds of HSC were significantly greater when cats were unneutered (vs neutered; odds ratio [OR] 45.52) or had a thin (vs heavy) body condition (OR 23.81), diagnosis of cystitis (OR 2.84), urine protein concentration >30 mg/dl (OR 4.72), alkaline (vs neutral) urine pH (OR 3.34), pyuria (OR 23.67) or bacteriuria (OR 2.24). The present study provides estimates of the strengths of association between HSC and certain signalment and clinical characteristics of cats. This information could help clinicians to perform a more directed screening for struvite crystalluria in certain cat populations. Follow-up studies that build on the findings of this study could explore the clinical importance of HSC in cats.

Effects of a nutrient-enriched water with and without poultry flavoring on water intake, urine specific gravity, and urine output in healthy domestic cats fed a dry kibble diet.

OBJECTIVE To investigate water intake and urine measures in healthy cats provided free-choice access to a nutrient-enriched water with (NWP) or without (NW) added poultry flavoring offered at 3 different volumes in addition to tap water (TW). ANIMALS 36 domestic shorthair cats. PROCEDURES Control group cats (n = 4) received dry food with TW ad libitum throughout the study. Cats of the NW and NWP groups (n = 16/group) received the same food with TW only (period 1; 7 days) followed by TW and the assigned treatment ad libitum at 1X, 1.5X, and 2X the volume of TW consumed in period 1 during periods 2 (17 days), 3 (10 days), and 4 (10 days), respectively. Liquid consumption, food intake, and total water intake (from all sources) were measured; urine collected over 48 hours in each period was measured, and urine specific gravity (USG) was determined. Data were analyzed with mixed-effects models. RESULTS TW and food calorie intake were similar among groups in period 1; TW consumption by control cats did not differ during the study. Liquid consumed by drinking increased 18%, 57%, and 96% for the NWP group in periods 2, 3, and 4, respectively, with increases of 25% and 44% for the NW group in periods 3 and 4, respectively, compared with period 1 values for the same groups. Increased urine output and decreased USG were significantly associated with period and treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Increasing the volumes of NW or NWP offered to healthy cats led to increased free liquid consumption and was associated with greater urine output and dilution as measured by USG. Studies are warranted to determine whether these treatments provide health benefits for cats in need of greater water consumption.

Determination of mammalian DNA in commercial canine diets with uncommon and limited ingredients.

Over‐the‐counter (OTC) limited ingredient canine diets could be reliable alternatives to veterinary therapeutic formulations for the diagnosis and management of adverse food reaction (AFR). However, the possibility of undeclared ingredients jeopardizes the efficacious use of OTC options for medical purposes. The objective was to determine the presence of undeclared ingredients in OTC canine dry diets marketed as limited or single protein source diets. Twenty‐one OTC adult canine diets marketed as limited or single protein source diets were purchased. Multiplex PCR was used to screen for DNA of 10 mammalian species with species‐specific primers that anneal to regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. The presence of DNA from one or more species not declared on the label was identified in all 21 diets: cow (Bos taurus), pig (Sus scrofa), sheep (Ovis sp.), goat (Capra hircus) and bison (Bison bison). Twenty diets were positive for the declared protein source and one diet was negative for the declared species. Cat (Felis catus), dog (Canis sp.), horse (Equus sp.), mouse (Mus musculus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus) DNA was not identified in any samples. The presence of undeclared mammal species in OTC canine dry diets marketed as having limited or single protein source ingredients may complicate AFR diagnosis and treatment. However, PCR can detect a miniscule amount of DNA which might not be clinically significant, because the amount needed to elicit a response is unknown. Quantification of the contamination was not determined in this study, precluding discrimination of intentional adulteration from unavoidable cross‐contamination.

Quantified water intake in laboratory cats from still, free-falling and circulating water bowls, and its effects on selected urinary parameters.

The study objectives were to determine if the method of water presentation (still [S], circulating [C] or free-falling [FF] bowl systems) influences daily water consumption in cats in a controlled environment, and whether differences in water intake affect urine relative super saturation (RSS) for calcium oxalate and struvite, urine specific gravity (USG), urine osmolality (Uosmol) and urine volume. Sixteen healthy laboratory cats fed a dry diet were individually housed with urine collection systems. Each cat underwent a randomized 2 week crossover period with all bowl systems, allowing a 1 week acclimation period between each crossover. Water intake was measured daily by bowl weight, accounting for spillage and evaporation. USG and urine volume were measured daily, whereas other urinary parameters were measured at various time points throughout each 14 day crossover period. Fourteen cats completed the study. Average daily water intake (ml/kg/day), urine volume, USG and urine RSS for struvite and calcium oxalate were not significantly different between water bowls. Uosmol was significantly higher in C compared with S and FF bowl systems (P = 0.009 for both). Three individual cats demonstrated a significant water bowl preference (Cat 4: C >S, P = 0.039; Cat 10: FF >C, P = 0.005; Cat 11: S >C, P = 0.037). Overall, water bowl type had no appreciable effect on water intake. Uosmol was the only urinary parameter found to be significantly different, and was higher for the C bowl. The implication of this is unknown, considering water intake did not differ significantly between bowls. Alternative methods to increase water intake should be implemented beyond providing unique water bowls in patients where augmented water intake would be beneficial for disease management.

Dietary lysine requirement of adult lambari ( Astyanax altiparanae ) (Garutti and Britski, 2000)

ABSTRACT A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to estimate the dietary lysine requirement of adult lambari ( Astyanax altiparanae ), based on growth performance, whole-body composition, muscle development, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities. Six isoproteic (345.0 g kg−1) and isoenergetic (19.51 MJ kg−1) diets were formulated, and crystalline L-lysine was added to obtain diets with lysine concentrations of 12.13, 13.31, 15.36, 18.79, 19.92, and 23.02 g kg−1 dry diet. Female adult lambari (n = 480; weight [...]

&lt;b&gt;Partial replacement of artificial diets by wet bioflocs biomass in Nile tilapia culture tanks

The present work aimed to assess the partial replacement of artificial diets by wet bioflocs biomass in the culture of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish were fed on different combinations of commercial dry diets (CD) and wet bioflocs biomass (BF), as it follows: 75% CD + 25% BF, 50% CD + 50% BF, and 25% CD + 75% BF, dry matter basis. There were also positive control tanks in which the fish received only commercial diet (100% CD), and three negative control tanks where the reductions of dry diets were not compensated by wet bioflocs biomass (75% CD, 50% CD, and 25% CD). Bioflocs were produced in one 500-L outdoor tank, which did not belong to the culture system, and it was called “separate BFT tank”, in which there was a daily adjustment of the C: N ratio of water to 15: 1, by the application of dry molasses to the water. There were no significant differences between the treatments for water pH, O2, TAN and NH3. Except by 25% CD, nitrite concentrations in water were lower in bioflocs tanks than in the artificial diet tanks. The final body weight of fish was significantly higher in tanks that received only dry diets (21.9 ± 6.4 g) than in tanks with a combination of 50% dry diet and 50% wet bioflocs biomass (10.4 ± 2.5 g; p &lt; 0.05). It can be concluded that the impairment on the growth performance of tilapia submitted to feeding restriction is lessened if wet bioflocs biomass is provided to the animals. Besides, the total substitution of artificial diets for wet bioflocs biomass in clear-water tanks is unfeasible because it leads to higher rates of mortality of tilapia in a relatively short period.

Digestion and nitrogen excretion by Holstein–Friesian cows in late lactation offered ryegrass-based pasture supplemented with fodder beet

Recent changes in New Zealand dairying have included incorporation of fodder beet (FB) into rations. The present trial explored the impact of substituting different proportions of ryegrass-based pasture with FB for cows fed ad libitum in late lactation. The objective was to measure effects of FB on intake, digestion and urinary nitrogen (N) excretion using 16 Holstein–Friesian cows with a permanent rumen fistula. Before the 9-day indoor measurement period, cows were adapted to feeding 0%, 20%, 40% or 60% FB (bulbs and tops) with medium quality ryegrass-based pasture (191 g CP and 517 g neutral detergent fibre (aNDF)/kg DM; DM digestibility 0.634) over 2 weeks. However, it became apparent that a diet of 60% FB was detrimental to cow health, with two cows developing acidosis. The allocation of FB was reduced and the actual intakes were 23% and 45% of DM intake during the trial. Feeding FB substantially reduced N intake and urinary N excretion. The lower level (23%) of FB resulted in greater DM digestibility, albeit with a small reduction in N and aNDF digestibility. However, the higher level (45%) of FB reduced N and aNDF digestibility by 7.1 and 12.1 percentage units respectively, relative to pasture. Daily creatinine excretion was lower than published measurements from cattle fed dry diets, and circadian variation in urinary N:creatinine ratios suggests a need for caution when attempting to predict daily urinary N excretion from spot samples.

Cross-contamination in canine and feline dietetic limited-antigen wet diets

BackgroundAdverse food reactions (AFRs) are defined as abnormal responses to an ingested food or food additive. Diagnosis and treatment of AFRs consist of the complete elimination of these ingredients in the dietary trial. Previous studies have demonstrated the presence of undeclared ingredients in commercial limited-antigen dry food diets that can compromise the results and efficacy of dietary elimination trails. The aim of this study was to assess a selection of commercial canine and feline dietetic limited-antigen wet foods for the potential cross-contamination of animal proteins from origins not mentioned on the label.ResultsEleven canine and feline dietetic limited-antigen wet foods (9 novel animal protein foods, 1 vegetarian and 1 hydrolyzed) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the presence DNA of animal and vegetal origins. PCR analysis confirmed the contamination of 6 of the 11 (54.5%) limited-antigen wet diets with undeclared animal protein. One of these 6 diets was solely composed of animal protein sources completely unrelated to those declared on the label. None of the foods containing horse meat or fish were contaminated, and neither were the vegetarian or the hydrolyzed food products. Moreover, the results show that had zoological class primers only been used to check for cross-class contaminations, as are generally used in the pet food industry for in-house checks, the apparent contamination rate would have been significantly underestimated: less than 20% (3/11), instead of the actual rate of 54.7% using species-specific primers.ConclusionThis study reveals a high rate of cross-contamination in dietetic limited-antigen wet canine and feline foods, as previously described for dietetic dry limited-antigen foods (reported to be more than 80%). These results add new fuel to the discussion about the potential causes underlying the failure of elimination diets, since animal protein contaminants may actually be present in the commercial dietetic limited-antigen diets. AFRs may therefore occur as a result of inadequate practices in the pet food industry.

Survival and growth of hatchery-reared Mediterranean spider crab juveniles, Maja squinado, under different rearing conditions

The Mediterranean spider crab, Maja squinado (Herbst, 1788), is of increasing interest for commercial or stock enhancement purposes, which necessitate the production of a large number of specimens in captivity. However, the growth and survival of crabs during the early juvenile phase could be affected or limited by several factors. In this study, the effects of stocking individually or in pairs, diet, shelter presence and shelter type for juveniles (from 2nd to 5th juvenile crab instar) were investigated. Survival was higher for the group with two individuals per cylinder than the group with one individual per cylinder, but the growth (carapace length and intermoult period) was not significantly different. The tested diets (fresh and dry diets) did not produce significant differences in growth, but the dry diet resulted in a higher survivorship at the end of the experiment (75%) than the fresh diet (47.5%). Finally, the presence of shelter was clearly beneficial for the groups with two individuals per cylinder, mainly in the case of natural shelter. Crabs in natural shelter had a higher survival rate (55%) and were larger, probably due to the consumption of the algae added as shelter. Thus, this study is a first approach to find the optimal rearing conditions that maximizes the production of juveniles during an especially vulnerable phase.

Seasonal changes of rumen and intestine morphology of the Qinghai yak (Bos grunniens).

Aim:The aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of seasonal changes in grass quality on the ruminal and intestinal morphology of male Qinghai yaks.Materials and Methods:A total of four male yaks with the same age of 4 years old from each season (summer and winter) were randomly selected and slaughtered to determine the effect of different season on intestinal morphology of yak in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.Results:The histological analysis shows that male yak has the longer and wider papillae in rumen in green season. The height of villi in duodenum and jejunum was significantly higher in green season, and the width of villi on duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and rectum was significantly wider in green season. Surface area of villi and crypt depth in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum was significantly larger and deeper in green season. Submucosa thickness of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and rectum was significantly thicker in green season. The muscular thickness of jejunum, cecum, and rectum was significantly thicker in green season.Conclusion:According to this research, we found that the seasonal changes of ruminal and intestinal morphology of yak showed different length and width papillae, villi, crypt, and submucosa. This fact was confirmed the functional advantages resulting from the ability to successfully adapt to a dry climate and diets, flat, open, and cold grassland may allow yak to overcome both water shortage and energy deficiency in winter.

Digestion and nitrogen excretion by Holstein-Friesian cows fed grasses with lucerne or lucerne and plantain

Forages and forage mixtures with greater tolerance of dry conditions than perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) are desirable for dairy farming in New Zealand, and a low urinary nitrogen (N) excretion is desirable to lessen pollution of waterways and ground water, and nitrous oxide emissions. Measurements were undertaken with late-lactation Holstein-Friesian cows (5/treatment) fed tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) with a substantial incursion of weed grasses, as either a sole diet (Grass), or with lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) or lucerne and plantain (Plantago lancelota L.), in metabolism stalls. Approximate ratios (DM basis) of Grass with lucerne (GL) were 55:45, and Grass with lucerne and plantain (GLP) were 55:25:20. Measurements included intakes, production, digestion, rumen function, and urinary excretion, including the circadian patterns of metabolite excretion with a focus on nitrogenous aspects. The DM intakes (kg/day) of cows fed Grass, GL and GLP were 14.9, 12.7 and 15.0 (P = 0.006), and DM digestibility (%) was 58.0, 59.8 and 61.9 (P = 0.006), respectively. Milk yields (kg/day) were Grass, 9.0; GL, 8.7 and GLP, 11.7 (P = 0.003) but composition was not affected by diet. Rumen digesta weight was greatest in cows fed Grass, averaging 23.4% of liveweight after morning feeding. The microbial growth (g/kg organic matter digested) was 16.8 in cows fed Grass and ~24.0 in the other diets. Dietary crude protein concentrations (g/100 g DM) were Grass, 15.4, GL, 20.1 and GLP, 18.3 and urinary N excretion (g/day) was lowest with the Grass diet but urinary N concentration was lowest from cows fed GLP. Daily creatinine excretion was unaffected by diet but there was a 2-fold range in excretion rates within 24 h and values from cows fed fresh forages are lower than published values from cows fed dry diets. Results showed that supplementation of poor quality pasture with lucerne or lucerne with plantain had minor effects on digestibility, and measurements of urinary N suggest a need for caution when predicting urinary N excretion from spot urine sampling in grazing trials.

Taurine and methionine supplementation as a nutritional strategy for growth promotion of meagre (Argyrosomus regius) fed high plant protein diets

The effect of methionine and taurine supplementation of plant protein based diet for meagre (Argyrosomus regius) juveniles was assessed on growth performance and metabolic hepatic enzymes activity. For that purpose, four isolipidic (180.0 g kg−1 crude lipids) and isoproteic (420.0 g kg−1) practical diets were formulated containing 820.0 g kg−1 of protein from plant origin and 180.0 g kg−1 from fishmeal. A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with methionine at 7.5 and 10.0 g kg−1 dry diet, supplemented or not with taurine at 10.0 g kg−1 dry diet. The feeding trial was conducted with fish of 50.0 ± 0.6 g mean initial body weight and lasted for 65-day. Dietary taurine supplementation improved growth and feed utilization while methionine supplementation had no effect. Diets did not affect whole-body and liver composition. No interaction was observed between the supplemented amino acids. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities increased only with taurine supplementation, while glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity was unaffected by dietary treatment. Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBPase) activity was affected both by methionine and taurine supplementation. In conclusion, dietary methionine supplementation was inefficient to overcome the decreased taurine level in plant-based diets and thus, taurine should be incorporated in plant protein-based diets, as an efficient nutritional strategy for the mitigation of growth limitations of meagre fed diets with high levels of plant feed ingredients. Moreover, as growth performance was not improved by increasing dietary methionine this suggests that under our experimental conditions meagre requirements are met with 7.5 g kg−1 dietary methionine.

High-Throughput Analysis Reveals Seasonal Variation of the Gut Microbiota Composition Within Forest Musk Deer (Moschus berezovskii).

The gut microbiota plays a key role in the nutritional ecology of ruminants, and host diet has a significant effect on these microbial communities. Longitudinal studies assessing variation of seasonal microbiota in animals can provide a comparative context for interpreting the adaptive significance of such changes. However, few studies have investigated the effects of seasonally-related dietary shifts on the gut microbial communities of endangered forest musk deer (FMD), and the national breeding programs need this information to promote the growth of captive populations. The present study applied bacterial 16S rRNA genes based on high-throughput sequencing to profile the fecal microbial communities of FMD across four seasons. Microbial diversity was higher in seasons with dry leaf diets (winter and spring) compared to seasons with fresh leaf diets (summer and autumn). The dominant microbial phyla were Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, and the core bacterial taxa also comprised mostly (94.40% of shared OTUs) Firmicutes (37 taxa) and Bacteroidetes (6 taxa), which were relatively stable across different seasons. The Firmicutes–Bacteroidetes ratio declined in seasons with fresh leaf diets relative to seasons with dry leaf diets, and the dominant genera among the four seasons showed no significant variation in abundance. This work explores the seasonal variation in the microbial communities of FMD for the first time, and reveals how gut microbial community dynamics vary seasonally in accordance with differences in dietary plants (fresh and dry leaf). These results indicate that the annual cyclic reconfiguration of FMD gut microbiota could be associated with shifts in dietary nutrients, which is important information to inform captive FMD management.

An international multi-centre cohort study of weight loss in overweight cats: Differences in outcome in different geographical locations.

IntroductionFeline obesity is a worldwide concern which has recently been formally classified as a disease by the veterinary community. Management involves invoking controlled weight loss by feeding a purpose-formulated food in restricted quantities and altering physical activity. Most weight loss studies conducted in cats have been undertaken in research cat colonies from single geographic locations. The aim of this multi-centre cohort study was to determine the efficacy of a short-term dietary weight loss intervention in overweight pet cats across a range of geographical locations globally.Materials and methodsA 3-month (median 13 weeks, inter-quartile range [IQR] 12–15 weeks) weight loss programme was conducted at 188 veterinary practices in 22 countries, and involving 730 cats, 413 of which completed the programme and had complete data available. All were fed commercially available dry or wet weight loss diets, and median energy intake was 53 kcal/kg BW0.711/day. The Royal Canin Ethics Committee approved the study, and owners gave informed consent. Owners completed behavioural questionnaires assessing begging, physical activity and quality of life (QOL). Linear mixed models were used to assess the respective influence of time, age, and initial body condition score (BCS) on weight loss and behavioural observations.ResultsAt baseline, median age was 72 months (range 12–200 months) and median BCS was 8 (range 7–9). In all, 402/413 cats (97%) lost weight (mean 10.6±6.3%) during the programme at a rate of 0.8 ±0.50%/week. Based upon owner questionnaires, activity and QOL improved (both P<0.001), while begging behaviour decreased (P<0.001) during weight loss. The main factor influencing percentage weight loss was geographical location (P<0.001), with cats in North America losing less weight (median 7.2%, IQR: 4.4–10.4%) than those in both Europe (10.7%, 6-8-15.4%) and South America (10.0%, 6.2–15.4%). Differences in weight loss were also observed amongst countries (P<0.001), with cats in Argentina, Germany, and Italy losing more weight than cats in the USA, and cats in Germany also losing more weight than cats in Portugal.Discussion/conclusionMost of the overweight cats enrolled in this international multi-centre study successfully lost weight. The reason for the differences in percentage weight loss amongst geographical locations requires further study.

Pet and owner acceptance of dry dog foods manufactured with sorghum and sorghum fractions

Globally sorghum is an important cereal crop with limited use in the pet food industry. Pet food acceptance and palatability assessments relate to both pet owners as the product purchasers and the pets as the actual consumers. Pet foods containing sorghum or sorghum fractions have not been studied for both animal and pet owner acceptance. The objectives of this study were to 1) understand animal acceptance between sorghum dog food diets and compared to a control, 2) assess consumer acceptance of the dog food products. Thirty dogs of different size and breed were fed three dry dog food diets containing different sorghum fractions and one control diet containing wheat, rice, and maize using the one-bowl in home use test. Results indicated that no difference was observed among diets, and sorghum samples were accepted at the same level as the control diet during the test. A total of 105 pet owners evaluated the samples for appearance, color, aroma, and overall liking. The consumer panel found the whole sorghum and the control samples to be accepted at the same level. These results suggested that sorghum may be suitable for dry dog food formulations.