Fecal Index Research Articles

69 Effect evaluation of two sources of zinc at EU-authorized level on growth performance and gut health of piglets with a low or normal birth weight

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effect of ZnSO4 or a porous form of ZnO, at EU-authorized level, on growth performance, gut health and colon microbiota in low and normal birth body weight (BBW) piglets. At birth, 64 piglets were chosen by their BBW and divided into low BBW (LBBW < 1 kg; 32 piglets) and normal BBW (NBBW > 1 kg; 32 piglets). At weaning, 25 d old (d 0), piglets were allocated into four groups (8 piglets/group, 2 pigs/replicate) and fed a standard diet plus 120 ppm of Zn from ZnSO4 or from a porous source of Zn (HZ - HiZox, Animine, France). Groups were balanced for litter of origin and category of BBW. Piglets were weighed weekly until d 21 post-weaning. The prevalence of diarrhea was determined by the fecal index (percentage of animals with fecal score > 3), and feed intake per pen was recorded daily. On d 9 and d 21, one piglet/replicate was slaughtered, and jejunum tissue was collected for morphology, colon content for microbiota analyzes, and distal jejunum pH was measured. Performance, pH, and morphometric parameters were analyzed using a linear mixed model, fecal index using a generalized linear mixed model with a Poisson distribution, including treatment, class of BBW and their interaction as fixed factors, and the litter as random factor. The statistical analysis on alpha, beta diversity and taxonomic composition were carried out using phyloseq, vegan and microbiomeMarker packages. Piglets in the NBBW group had greater BW throughout the study (P < 0.01). The treatment HZ tended to increase the average daily gain (ADG) at d 9-14 (P < 0.10), and significantly increased the gain to feed ratio (G:F) ratio (P < 0.05) at d 0-14. The HZ-fed piglets had a greater G:F in the overall period (P = 0.04). Additionally, the jejunum pH of the HZ-fed piglets was reduced (P = 0.02) at d 21. An interaction was observed between treatment and BBW for fecal index during d 0-14 and d 0-21 (P < 0.01), in which HZ decreased the index in LBBW. An interaction was also observed in villus height (P = 0.05) and absorptive mucosal surface (P = 0.02) on d 21, that resulted greater in NBBW piglets fed ZnSO4. For Beta diversity, using the Adonis test, BBW category tended to affect the microbial structure at d 9 (R2 = 0.04; P = 0.07) and significantly affected the bacterial structure (R2 = 0.05, P = 0.03) at d 21. At d 21, the NBBW piglets fed ZnSO4 had a greater abundance of Succinivibrio which is able to degrade complex carbohydrates, while the NBBW piglets fed HZ had a greater abundance of Ruminococcus gauvreauii which is linked to the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs). The use of HZ seems can be a part of the strategy to replace the pharmacological level of ZnO.

PSVI-14 Changes in zinc oxide concentration in feed and effects of probiotic addition to weaning to finishing pig diet by microbiome analysis

Abstract To analyze the implications of dietary zinc oxide (ZnO) with probiotic administration on productivity, fecal index, meat quality characteristics, odorous substances, and microbiome analysis in weaning-finishing pigs, 200 weaned piglets (3 barrows and 2 gilts) were radomly assigned (average body weight = 6.65 ± 0.66 kg) into four treatments with ten repetitions per treatment. The treatments consisted of varying ZnO content (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm) and probiotic percentages (0.1% or 0.3%), as follows: TRT1 (75 ppm ZnO), TRT2 (75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic), TRT3 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO), and TRT4 (2,500 ppm or 75 ppm ZnO with 0.3% or 0.1% probiotic). In comparison with the TRT1 treatment group, the TRT2 and TRT4 treatment groups had greater (P < 0.05) body weight at wk 12, 18, and 22 of the trial and greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain at wk 12, 18, 22, and the overall period (P < 0.05). Additionally, pigs fed ZnO with the probiotic included a diet that reduced (P < 0.05) NH3 and H2S at wk 18 and 22, and CO2 at wk 22, in the TRT2 and TRT4 groups compared with the TRT1 group. However, the fecal score and meat quality exhibited no substantial change (P > 0.05). By incorporating probiotics into the pig diet along with ZnO supplementation, a significant (P < 0.05) increase in alpha diversity and beta diversity, as well as a higher relative abundance of phyla and genera of Firmicutes was found. Furthermore, based on taxonomic analysis, the dietary treatment group (TRT 4) showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in beneficial bacteria (Prevotella, Lactobacillus) while simultaneously reducing (P < 0.05) pathogenic bacteria (Clostridium_sunsu_strico_1, Campylobacteria, Olsenella) compared with the TRT1 treatment group. An improvement in diversity and expansion of the identified taxonomic groups has been associated with healthier gut health. The results indicated that the effects of ZnO with probiotics on the improvement of performance and reduced gas emissions in pigs may be associated with the modulatory effect on the gut microbiome. In conclusion, the current study provides insights into using decreased ZnO with probiotic inclusion as a novel feeding strategy to improve pig gut health and overall performance.

THE INFLUENCE DENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION ON BEHAVIOR AND DEBRIS INDEX OF STUDENTS

Dental caries is an infectious disease resulting from the demineralization of enamel and dentin, closely linked to the consumption of cariogenic foods. Typically, children entering school age face a heightened risk of caries due to their inclination toward snacking on sweet foods and drinks. The implementation of Dental Health Education (DHE) plays a crucial role in enhancing students' comprehension of dental and oral health. Specifically, educating children on proper teeth-brushing techniques should include practical examples and applicable methods. This study aims to assess the impact of dental health education on the behavior and fecal index of students at SDN Mesjid Lheu in Aceh Besar District. Employing a quasi-experimental design, the research follows a control group equivalent to pre-test and post-test. The total population of 60 children was divided into two groups: the intervention group and the control group. Quantitative data analysis involved the paired sample t-test and the independent t-test. Significant differences were observed in the mean values of knowledge, attitudes, and actions, as well as the OHI-S scores immediately after and one month following the intervention between the treatment group and the control group (p<0.05). To reinforce children's dental health habits at home, it is advisable to involve parents in dental health education programs, as their information and resources are integral to providing support and monitoring.

229 Effect of Two Sources of Zinc on Growth Performance and Gut Health of Piglets with a Low or Normal Birth Weight

Abstract Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element for piglets. The study aimed to compare effects of two Zn sources on piglets divided into two body weight (BW) categories. At birth, piglets were weighed and divided into low BW (LBW < 1 kg) or normal BW (NBW > 1 kg). At weaning (25 days of age, d 0), 64 piglets were divided into 4 groups (8 replicates of 2 piglets/group) as follows: 1) LBW piglets fed a standard diet plus 120 ppm of Zn from ZnSO4, 2) NBW piglets fed a standard diet plus 120 ppm of Zn from ZnSO4 (CO), 3) LBW piglets fed standard diet plus 120 ppm of Zn from a potentiated Zn source (HiZox, HZ), and 4) NBW piglets fed a standard diet plus 120 ppm of Zn from a potentiated Zn source HZ. Growth performance was measured at d 0, d 9, d 14, and d 21. The fecal index was recorded daily. On d 9 and d 21, one piglet per replicate was slaughtered. Blood and gut tissue were collected to evaluate the immune and inflammatory status of the piglets. The groups were arranged using a 2 x 2 factorial design, considering the class of birth BW (LBW and NBW) and the diet (CO and HZ). For the diarrhea index, a generalized linear mixed model fitting a Poisson distribution was used. Other variables were analyzed with a linear mixed model, in which the diet, class of BW and their interaction were included as fixed factors and litter of origin was included as a random factor. Piglets from the NBW group had consistently greater BW throughout the study (P < 0.01) than LBW piglets. The treatment HZ tended to improve BW gain from d 0 to d 9 and from d 9 to d 14 (P < 0.10), and significantly influenced the G:F ratio (P < 0.05). The fecal index was decreased by HZ from d 0 to d 14, and from d 0 to d 21 (P < 0.01), particularly for LWB piglets (P-interaction < 0.01). Haptoglobin and reactive oxygen metabolites decreased from d 9 to d 21 (P < 0.01) in serum. Expression of the NFKB-2 gene was less in NBW piglets than in LBW piglets and in HZ groups. In conclusion, potentiated Zn positively influenced the growth performance of LBW and NBW piglets.

Effects of the Oat Hay Feeding Method and Compound Probiotic Supplementation on the Growth, Antioxidant Capacity, Immunity, and Rumen Bacteria Community of Dairy Calves.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the oat hay feeding method and compound probiotics (CMP) on the growth, health, serum antioxidant and immune indicators, rumen fermentation, and bacteria community of dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age. Forty-eight female Holstein calves (80 ± 7 days of age, 93.71 ± 5.33 kg BW) were selected and randomly divided into four groups. A 2 × 2 factorial design was adopted for the experiment, with the factors of the oat hay feeding method (fed as free-choice or 16.7% in the diet) and compound probiotics (CMP) inclusion (0.15% or 0%) in the pelleted starter. The results showed that, compared with giving oat hay as free-choice, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake at 1-84 d (p < 0.05), with an average daily gain (ADG) at 61-84 d (p = 0.02); adding CMP to the pelleted starter did not significantly affect body weight, and reduced the fecal index (p < 0.05). Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the concentration of IgA, IgG, and IgM (p < 0.01), while adding CMP increased the catalase (p < 0.01) and decreased the concentration of malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) in serum. Feeding 16.7% oat hay increased the ruminal concentration of propionic acid (p < 0.05) and isobutyric acid (p = 0.08), and decreased the ruminal pH (p = 0.08), the concentration of acetic acid (p < 0.05), and the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid (p < 0.01). Feeding 16.7% oat hay reduced the relative abundance of ruminal Firmicutes, Unidentified-Bacteria, Actinobacteria, Prevotella, NK4A214-group, Olsenella, and Actinobacteriota (p < 0.05); adding CMP increased the relative abundance of ruminal Prevotella, Rikenellaceae-RC9-gut-group, Ruminococcus, NK4A214-group, and Ruminococcus (p < 0.05), and decreased the abundance of Desulfobacterora, Prevotella-7, and Erysipelotricaceae-UCG-002 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding a diet of 16.7% oat hay increased the pelleted starter intake and average daily gain, while slightly reducing the ruminal pH values; adding CMP to the pelleted starter resulted in reduced diarrhea incidence, increased serum antioxidant capacity and immunity, as well as ruminal richness and diversity of microorganisms in dairy calves from 3 to 5 months of age.

Time-dependent laxative effect of sennoside A, the core functional component of rhubarb, is attributed to gut microbiota and aquaporins.

Sennoside A is a natural anthraquinone component mainly derived from rhubarb and has been routinely used as a clinical stimulant laxative. However, long-term application of sennoside A may lead to drug resistance and even adverse reactions, thus limiting its clinical use. Therefore, to reveal the time-dependent laxative effect and potential mechanism of sennoside A is of critical importance. This study was conducted to investigate the time-dependent laxative effect of sennoside A and unveil its underlying mechanism from the perspective of gut microbiota and aquaporins (AQPs). Based on a mouse constipation model, 2.6mg/kg sennoside A was administered orally for 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days, respectively. The laxative effect was assessed by the fecal index and fecal water content, the histopathology of the small intestine and colon was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Gut microbiota changes was observed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and colonic AQPs expression was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Partial least-squares regression (PLSR) was used to screen out the effective indicators contributing to the laxative effect of sennoside A. The effective indicators were then fitted to time by a drug-time curve model to analyze the trend of efficacy of sennoside A, and the optimal time of administration was derived by comprehensive analysis with a three-dimensional (3D) time-effect image. Sennoside A had a significant laxative effect at 7 days of administration with no pathological changes in the small intestine or colon; however, at 14 or 21 days of administration, the laxative effect diminished and slight damage to the colon was observed. Sennoside A affects the structure and function of gut microbes. The alpha diversity showed that the abundance and diversity of gut microorganisms reached the highest value after 7 days of administration. Partial least squares discriminant analysis showed that the composition of the flora was close to normal when administered for less than 7 days, but was closest to the composition of constipation over 7 days. The expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3) and aquaporin 7 (AQP7) decreased gradually after the administration of sennoside A, with the lowest expression at 7 days, and then increased gradually afterwards, while the expression of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) was the opposite. The PLSR results showed that AQP1, AQP3, Lactobacillus, Romboutsia, Akkermansia and UCG_005 contributed more to the laxative effect of the fecal index, and after fitting with the drug-time curve model, each index showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing. The comprehensive evaluation of the 3D time-effect image concluded that the laxative effect of sennoside A reached its best after 7 days of administration. Sennoside A should be used in regular dosages for less than one week, as it provides significant relief of constipation and exhibits no colonic damage within 7 days of administration. In addition, Sennoside A exerts its laxative effect by regulating gut microbiota of Lactobacillus Romboutsia, Akkermansia and UCG_005 and water channels of AQP1 and AQP3.

Use of Fecal Indices as a Non-Invasive Tool for Ruminal Activity Evaluation in Extensive Grazing Sheep.

For a simple, non-invasive evaluation of nutritional status of sheep kept under extensive grazing conditions on annual rangeland, fecal indices (2,6 diaminopimelic acid, nitrogen, and phosphorus) obtained during the vegetative, reproductive, and dry grassland phenological stages, were correlated with ruminal physiological biomarkers (volatile fatty acids and ruminal ammonia). Through correlation analysis and linear regressions, the degree of association between the variables studied was established. The fecal indices that presented the highest degree of association with ruminal variables were FN and FP, being highly correlated with the production of branched-chain volatile fatty acids (isobutyrate and isovalerate) and with ruminal ammonia (r ≥ 0.65), establishing simple linear regression equations of high significance (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, fecal indices, especially fecal concentrations of N and P, could reflect the metabolism at the ruminal level and with it the availability of compounds for microbial growth, which would help to establish the nutritional status of sheep herds under extensive grazing conditions.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction of boulardii yeast cell wall polysaccharides: Characterization and its biological functions on early-weaned lambs.

Firstly, this study was designed to determine the optimal ultrasound‐assisted extraction parameters of Saccharomyces boulardii yeast wall polysaccharides (BYWP). Besides, the molecular weight and the ratio of mannose to glucose in compositions of BYWP were determined. Also, the effects of BYWP on the gain feed ratio, diarrhea frequency, intestinal morphology, intestinal immunity, and intestinal microbial flora of early‐weaned lambs were investigated. Single‐factor tests and Response surface optimization analysis (RSA) were used to obtain the optimal ultrasound‐assisted extraction conditions. Sephadex G‐100 column chromatography and liquid chromatography were used to analyze the molecular weight and ratio of mannose to glucose. The feeding trial was used to observe the biological functions of BYWP on early‐weaned lambs. A total of 72 36‐day‐old crossbred early‐weaned lambs were randomly divided into 4 groups with 3 replicates per group and 6 lambs per replicate. Lambs in the four treatments were fed basal milk replacer without supplement (Group I), basal milk replacer+0.1% BYWP (Group II), basal milk replacer+0.3% BYWP (Group III), and basal milk replacer+0.5% BYWP (Group IV), respectively. The optimal ultrasound‐assisted extraction parameters were as follows: NaOH addition: 52.63%, ultrasonic power: 143.15 W, ultrasonic time: 86.20 min, and the optimized extraction yield reached 37.54%. The molecular weights of main components BLC‐1 and BLC‐2 were 164.68 KDa and 13.21 KDa, and their proportions in BYWP were 24.57% and 66.08%, respectively. The proportions of glucose, mannose in BLC‐1 and BLC‐2 were 47.68%, 39.18%, and 76.59%, 6.86%, respectively. The addition of 0.3% and 0.5% BYWP in basal milk replacer significantly increased the average daily gain and feed conversion rate, and decreased the average fecal index and diarrhea rate of early‐weaned lambs. The addition of 0.3% and 0.5% BYWP significantly enhanced the intestinal morphology (villus height, crypt depth, and V/C value) of jejunum, ileum (p < .05). The addition of 0.3% and 0.5% BYWP significantly improved the levels of SIgA and IL‐10, but significantly decreased the level of IL‐1 in the ileum (p < .05). The addition of 0.3% and 0.5% BYWP significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus, but significantly suppressed the growth of Salmonella and Clostridium perfringens (p < .05). The results of the present study suggest that the supplementation of BYWP in the diet of early‐weaned lambs could increase feed utilization rate, and enhance intestinal morphology, immunological competence, microbial flora balance, and decrease the rate of diarrhea occurrence.

Spatial Patterns of the Fecal Contaminations Index in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Spatial Patterns of the Fecal Contaminations Index in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Use of Fecal Indices as a Non-Invasive Tool for Nutritional Evaluation in Extensive-Grazing Sheep

Simple SummaryTo adequately manage ruminants in extensive grazing, it is important to have non-invasive techniques to evaluate their nutritional status. Some of these techniques are based on the use of fecal indicators, such as the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and 2,6-diaminopimelic acid. These indices have been used in some species of wild ungulates, but their use has been limited in domestic ruminants. Hence, this research proposes the evaluation of fecal indices, as predictors of intake of dry matter, nitrogen and phosphorus in sheep that graze on Mediterranean annual grasslands.The aim of the present study was to assess the reliability of fecal indices as predictors of nutrient intake in sheep under extensive grazing conditions. Fecal concentrations of 2,6-diaminopimelic acid (DAPAf), nitrogen (FN) and phosphorous (FP) were determined in four sheep kept in an extensive grazing system on annual Mediterranean grassland in the vegetative, reproductive and dry phenological stages. Metabolizable energy (MEI), crude protein (CPI) and phosphorus (PI) intake were calculated using the botanical composition, metabolizable energy, crude protein and phosphorus concentrations in each vegetal species making up the animal’s diet. Significant differences were observed in the nutrient intake for each phenological stage (p < 0.0001). The highest MEI, CPI and PI were observed during the vegetative stage (p < 0.0001). FN and FP were different in each phenological stage (p < 0.0001), with significant correlations observed between these variables (r = 0.916; p < 0.0001). Regressions among nutrient intake and fecal indices were significant, except in the cases of DAPAf and MEI, and DAPAf and CPI. Based on these results, fecal indices could be used to estimate nutrient intake in sheep under extensive grazing on annual Mediterranean grassland.

Evaluation of synbiotics as gut health improvement agents against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from the pig.

Colibacillosis is one of the major health problems in young piglets resulting in poor health and death caused by Escherichia coli producing F18 pili and Shiga toxin 2e. It is pivotal to reduce colibacillosis in weaned piglets to enhance production performance. In this study, we evaluated synbiotics as the gut health improvement agents in the mouse model challenged with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) isolated from piglets. Prebiotic lactulose was formulated with each 5.0 × 106 CFU/mL of Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15, Lactobacillus plantarum GB-U17, and Lactobacillus plantarum GB 1-3 to produce 3 combinations of synbiotics. A total of 40 three weeks old BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups (n = 10): a control group and 3 synbiotics treated groups. Each treatment groups were daily administrated with 5.0 × 106 CFU/mL of one synbiotics for the first week, and every 3 days during the second week. All the mice were challenged with 8.0 × 108 CFU/mL of STEC 5 days after animals began to receive synbiotics. Mice treated with synbiotics based on Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15 and Lactobacillus plantarum GB-U17 significantly improved daily weight gain compared to mice in other groups. While mice treated with GB-U15 showed better fecal index, no significant differences were observed among groups. Gross lesion and histopathological evaluations showed that mice treated with GB-U15 moderately improved recovery from STEC infection. In conclusion, our results suggest that the synbiotics formulated with lactulose and Pediococcus acidilactici GB-U15 have potential benefits to prevent and improve colibacillosis in weaned piglets.

Methodological considerations for the use of faecal nitrogen to assess diet quality in ungulates: The Alpine ibex as a case study

Faecal indices are used to describe spatiotemporal patterns of diet quality in wild herbivores, and near infrared spectroscopy methods (NIRS) distinctively reduce costs and labour compared to conventional chemical analyses. In this study we compared the prediction accuracy of faecal nitrogen (N), ash and fibrous fractions of a laboratory instrument (NIRS) with that of a lightweight portable instrument (VisNIRS) using faecal samples of Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). We then compared how different indices based on faecal N and fibrous fractions were able to detect the expected temporal trend and difference between sexes in diet quality, and verified whether the presumably lower accuracy of NIRS and VisNIRS (compared to wet chemistry) influenced the ability of indices to detect such trends. The laboratory NIRS was more accurate than the portable VisNIRS, especially for fibrous fractions. Predicted data from both instruments clearly identified the temporal trend identified by chemically analysed data, but only NIRS identified the small difference between sexes. Expressing faecal N as a proportion of organic matter (OM) or neutral detergent fibre (NDF) improved the power of the index as compared to expressing it as a proportion of dry matter (DM), irrespective of the method used to estimate the data. Faecal NDF contents followed the patterns expected from the variation of faecal N, while faecal acid detergent fibre (ADF) and especially lignin (ADL) followed contradictory patterns, which might be due to a selection of different forage sources rather than to changing quality of a homogenous forage source. We conclude that expressing faecal N as a proportion of OM is advised with wild herbivores faeces, where ash content can be biased by accidental soil contamination or ingestion. Faecal fibrous fractions are useful to complement faecal N and to avoid simplified interpretations of the results. For this purpose, NIRS methods can be extremely useful to predict multiple indices on large numbers of samples. VisNIRS portable instruments might be unable to detect subtle biological patterns in small numbers of samples. However, developing procedures for portable instruments outside laboratory facilities might further improve practicability, cost effectiveness, and, through allowing on-field predictions on large numbers of samples, power of statistical testing of diet quality indices.

Substituting oat hay or maize silage for portion of alfalfa hay affects growth performance, ruminal fermentation, and nutrient digestibility of weaned calves.

ObjectiveThe impact of forage feeding strategy on growth performance, ruminal fermentation and nutrient digestibility in post-weaning calves was investigated.MethodsForty-five female Holstein calves (body weight [BW] = 79.79±0.38 kg) were enrolled in the 35-d study at one week after weaning and randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments. All diets were fed as total mixed ration containing 60% (dry matter [DM] basis) of basal starter feed and 40% (DM basis) of forage, but varied in composition of forage source including i) alfalfa (40% DM, AH); ii) alfalfa hay (26.7% DM)+oat hay (13.3% DM; OH); iii) alfalfa hay (26.7% DM)+corn silage (13.3% DM; WS).ResultsDry matter intake was not different among treatment groups (p>0.05). However, BW (p<0.05) and average daily gain (p<0.05) of calves fed AH and OH were greater than WS-fed calves, whereas heart girth was greater in OH-fed calves than those fed AH and WS (p<0.05). Ruminal fermentation parameters including proportion of butyric acid, acetated-to-propionate ratio, concentration of total volatile fatty acid, protozoal protein, bacterial protein, and microbial protein in rumen were the highest in OH (p<0.05) and the lowest in WS. Compared with the AH and WS, feeding oat hay to postweaning calves increased crude protein digestibility (p<0.05), and decreased duration of diarrhea (p<0.05) and fecal index (p<0.05).ConclusionOur results suggested that partially replacing alfalfa hay with oat hay improved ruminal fermentation, nitrogen utilization, and reduced incidence of diarrhea in post-weaning dairy calves.

Effects of different feeding methods and space allowance on the growth performance, individual and social behaviors of Holstein calves

The importance of nutrient provisions and weaning methods for calves has been well established over the past few years, while as increasing interest has focused on contribution of animal behavior and their overall performance in production regimes. The present study investigated the effects of feeding methods and space allowance on growth performance, individual and social behaviors in Holstein calves. Twenty-four Chinese Holstein male and female calves were allocated to either an individual or group of 6 and fed either with a bucket or a teat. Milk replacer, calf starter, and Chinese wildrye were offered during the experiment. A fecal index used in the present study was defined as the total fecal scores/total number of calves in each treatment. The results showed that there was no significant difference among the 4 treatments in terms of feed intake, body weight, average daily gain, and fecal index. For the feeding behaviors, the ingesting milk time and ingesting milk rate were significantly affected by space allowance, while the feeding methods showed a significant influence on the bunting behavior of the calves. There was no significant difference among the 4 treatments in terms of licking fixtures, self-grooming, and lying down behaviors, irrespective of the feeding method or space allowance. However, sucking an empty bucket or the teat was significantly affected by the feeding method. Several selected group behaviors were examined in the present study, and similar values for sniffing the other calves, social grooming, and cross-sucking behaviors were observed. Overall, the present study demonstrated that different feeding methods and space allowances had a significant effect on the feeding behavior of calves, while the feed intake, growth performance, health condition, individual and group social behaviors were not significantly influenced. Furthermore, under intensified production systems, Holstein calves raised in a group may obtain a similar production performance, thus reducing management input and profitability compared with those kept individually. However, there may be competition during the feeding period.

P457 Rapid faecal calprotectin test and symptom index for monitoring the disease activity in colonic IBD

P457 Rapid faecal calprotectin test and symptom index for monitoring the disease activity in colonic IBD

Evaluation of winter food quality and its variability for red deer in forest environment: overwintering enclosures vs. free-ranging areas

AbstractPopulations of European ungulates have grown substantially over recent decades, resulting in considerable environmental and socio-economic impacts. Availability and quality of natural and supplemental food sources are among the main factors driving their population dynamics. Detailed knowledge of food quality of management-targeted species is therefore of primary importance for their successful management. The main aim of this study was to evaluate winter food quality and its variability for an important ungulate species in the Czech Republic - i.e. red deer, using faecal indices (faecal nitrogen, faecal acid detergent fibre, faecal neutral detergent fibre) and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. We compared food quality for red deer and its possible differences between overwintering enclosures (i.e. fenced areas where red deer spend harsh winter conditions) and neighbouring unfenced free-ranging areas within two study areas. The results obtained showed that winter food quality and its variability for red deer are of different quality and variability in the overwintering enclosure and neighbouring free-ranging area. The observed differences in concentrations and amounts of variation of faecal indices are most probably related to animal densities at individual study areas. Wildlife managers should therefore keep animals in overwintering enclosures at moderate densities and to provide high quality forage to all individuals in order to balance nutrition of both the individuals inside and outside the enclosures. Nevertheless, further studies are needed in order to provide deeper knowledge on red deer food quality and its variability in space and time.

Effect of doses of direct-fed microbials plus exogenous fibrolytic enzymes supplementation on growth, feed efficiency ratio and fecal consistency index of brown swiss and holstein Friesian Calves

The objectives of this study were to compare the effect of different doses of direct-fed microbials (DFM) plus exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) additives on the growth performance, feed efficiency ratio and fecal consistency index of Brown Swiss and Holstein Friesian calves. Twenty six calves were assigned to three groups (control, 10 g and 20 g per head/day of DFM plus EFE) according to breeds. Calves in 10 g per head/day of DFM plus EFE group in pre- and post-weaning periods had 20.0% and 6.3% higher total weight gains than calves in the control group respectively. However, the effects of breeds and dosages of the supplement on the weights, weight gains and feed efficiency ratios were not significant. Average fecal consistency score of the calves fed a diet supplemented with 10 g head/day of DFM plus EFE had the lowest score (P<0.01) (i.e., less scouring) compared to other treatment groups in pre-weaning period as well as between birth and 6 months of age. The study revealed that the feeding of DFM plus EFE to dairy calves until 6 months of age did not result in statistically significant improvement on the growth traits and feed efficiency ratio. On the other hand, the dose of 10 g head/day of the DFM plus EFE additives might be beneficial for reducing incidence of diarrhea in dairy calves.

Quality of Life Aspects Determining The-Bio-Psycho-Social Functioning of Patients in The-Perspective of a Planned Extensive Sphincter's Repair Procedure.

Damage to the sphincter, regardless of its pathogenesis, consists in the impossibility to control the physiology, or the so-called faecal incontinence. This implies changes in the whole bio-psycho-social functioning of the patients, and thus affects the satisfaction with their quality of life, conditioned by their health status. The problem affects around 5 to 7% of the population. Often enough, the only hope for those patients are repair procedures of the sphincter mechanism. The aim of the study was to evaluate key aspects of quality of life which determine the psycho-social status of patients with endogenous or iatrogenic sphincter damage in the perspective of a planned extensive sphincter's repair procedure. The study group consisted of 52 people, 26 women and 26 men, aged 19-72. The scale by Rockwood--Fecal Incontinency Quality of Life--was used as the basic research tool which evaluates the quality of life in four aspects: 1/behavioral (Lifestyle) 2/cognitive (Coping) 3/emotional (Depression) 4/overall self-assessment (Embarrasment). The degree of incontinence was determined based on point scales of Jorge Wexner (JW scale) and the Fecal Incontinenece Severity Index (FISI scale). Structured diagnostic interview was also used in the study. The results show that lack of control over the basic physiological functions disintegrates the quality of life in all evaluated aspects related to somatic, psychological and social functioning. FIQL: Lifestyle (LS) - 1.96 pts Coping (C) - 1.67 pts Depression (D) - 2.1 pts Embarrasment (E) - 1.79 pts Conclusions. The FIQL results presented explain the fact that among 52 patients followed, 50 decided to conduct extensive reconstructive procedures, although the results are not statistically optimistic and the risk of complications is relatively high.

Variación del nitrógeno fecal de Odocoileus virginianus a diferentes tiempos de exposición ambiental

Introduction: Successful wildlife management requires reliable indicators of the nutritional status of the animals in order to assess the relationship between them and their habitat. Fecal nitrogen (FN) has often been considered to be a good indicator of diet quality. FN analysis has been applied extensively in the temperate region of the range of the deer Odocoileus; however, little is known about the usefulness of this approach in the tropical habitats where the white-tailed deer O. virginianus is hunted. This study presents data on the variation in FN concentration with increased time of exposure. Specifically, we discuss the implications for field sampling in tropical habitats where environmental conditions can rapidly degrade deposited deer feces. Methods: Quantification of FN was performed with 18 freshly deposited pellet-groups collected at the end of the dry season of 2008 (April-May) in a protected natural area in Puebla state, Mexico. Samples were transported frozen to a Botanical Garden in Xalapa, Veracruz, where they were kept under controlled environmental conditions. Each pellet-group was sampled every 15 days, up to 60 days, by which time most of the droppings were covered with fungi due to the high humidity at the site. FN concentration was determined according to the micro-Kjeldahl method. An analysis of variance for repeated measures to detect differences in FN considering the deposition time and fecal groups as factors was applied using lm function in R. Results: FN varied significantly depending on the exposure time of the feces. The initial concentration was 2.29 mg/ml and this value remained constant for 15 days, subsequently decreasing to a minimum of 0.019 mg/ml, which was reached 60 days after the start of the experiment. Discussion and Conclusions: The use of fecal indexes may be a feasible non-invasive method by which to study diet quality, and an alternative to other techniques that imply disturbance, stress, or death of wild ungulates. In addition, fecal index is inexpensive and easy to apply on large sections of wild animal populations, throughout the year. Our results suggest that use of this method can give reliable results relating to white-tailed deer FN for up to two weeks post-defecation. In contrast, the results of another study suggest that feces collected for up to 24 days post-defecation, in September/October in temperate habitat in US, can be used to estimate FN as well as other nutritional characteristics. Seasonal variation in environment conditions and diet composition could explain these differences. We therefore recommend cleaning permanent sample plots and then returning to locate and collect fresh droppings within these plots.

Fecal calprotectin and ulcerative colitis endoscopic activity index as indicators of mucosal healing in ulcerative colitis.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic, idiopathic, inflammatory large bowel disease with recurrent variable periods of exacerbation. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the correlation of UCEIS with fecal calprotectin (FC) level to assess disease activity in UC patients in order to determine whether FC can prognosticate clinical outcome and disease activity of UC instead of colonoscopic evaluation. Our endoscopic investigations revealed the extension of UC as the following: proctitis (11.6%), procto-sigmoiditis (18.5%), left-sided colitis (15.8%), extensive colitis (11.7%), and normal endoscopy (42.4%). Conclusively, we suggest that FC can be used as a reliable tool to evaluate disease activity in ulcerative colitis patients. Moreover, our findings indicate a significant correlation between FC level and mucosal healing.