Lean Body Condition Research Articles

Cryptosporidium Infection Among Slaughtered Cattle in Igboora, Oyo State, Nigeria

Cryptosporidium is an enteric protozoan of gastrointestinal tracts that cause life threatening diarrhea in the young, as well as, malnourished or immune-compromised adult animals. It is sustained in the environment by continual shedding through asymptomatic carrier via contamination. This study evaluated the presence of 250 cattle prior to slaughtering at Igboora slaughter slabs, Oyo State, Nigeria. Faecal samples were collected per rectum processed and analyzed for Cryptosporidium oocyst which were confirmed by their Pinkish red spherical ovoid shape with halo against a green background. The age, sex, breed and body condition score of each of cattle were also noted. Out of the 250 sampled cattle, 22% (55/250) were positive for Cryptosporidium. Higher prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was detected in females (22.2%) compared to males (21.2%), and in the younger (23.3%) compared to older cattle (15%). Among the breeds of cattle screened, the highest prevalence was recorded in Sokoto Gudali (41.7%) while Cross breeds had the least prevalence (19.4%). Also, the highest prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was detected in cattle with lean Body Condition Score (29.4%). No statistically significant difference was observed among all the variables (p>0.05). This study has shown the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in cattle slaughtered in Igboora. It is therefore advised that sanitation measures including proper sewage and dung disposal be put in place to prevent further transmission among cattle and to human beings .

The red listed eagle owl (Bubo bubo) population in Norway is exposed to POP levels exceeding threshold values for adverse health effects

The eagle owl (Bubo bubo) population in Norway is today classified as critically endangered on the red list of endangered species. Because previous studies have detected high concentrations of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in birds of prey, concerns have been raised whether POPs exposure are a significant factor to the substantial decline of the eagle owl population.The aims of this study were to measure the levels of POPs in eagle owls and to assess whether POPs may represent a potential health risk. POPs were analysed in liver samples from 100 eagle owls collected between 1994 and 2014.The concentrations of POPs were generally very high and individual birds had levels among the highest measured worldwide. The contaminant groups analysed were highly correlated (p < 0.0001). The concentrations of sum of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (∑PCB) exceeded the threshold value from moderate to severe health risk in 90% of the birds. The birds with cachectic or lean body condition had significantly higher levels of contaminants than those with higher body condition scores. No significant temporal or spatial trends were noted.The lack of temporal trends, suggest that the downward trend of POPs, appear to be levelling off. The lack of differences between inland and coastal regions suggest that the risk of exposure may be comparable between predatory birds feeding in marine or terrestrial food webs. The significantly higher POPs levels detected in individuals with poor body condition may be due to reduced fat stores and thereby higher concentration in the remaining fat and/or the weight loss could be induced by toxic effects. The high proportion of birds exceeding the threshold values for severe and high risk of adverse effects, suggest that the high contamination load may reduce the eagle owl’s fitness and survival and, thus, contribute to decline of the eagle owl population.

Evaluation of dogs with genetic hyperuricosuria and urate urolithiasis consuming a purine restricted diet: a pilot study.

BackgroundUrate urolithiasis is a common problem in breed homozygous for the mutation that results in hyperuricosuria. Low purine diets have been recommended to reduce purine intake in these dogs.MethodsA higher protein, purine restricted diet with water added was evaluated in dogs with genetic hyperuricosuria and a history of clinical urate urolithiasis over a one year time period. Dogs were evaluated at baseline and 2, 6, and 12 months after initiating the test diet. Bloodwork, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasound, body composition, and 24-h urinary purine metabolite analyses were performed.ResultsTransient, mild, self-limited lower urinary tract signs were noted in only one dog on a single day, despite variable but usually mild and occasionally moderate amounts of echogenic bladder stones (<2-3 mm in size) in almost every dog at each visit. No significant differences were noted in urine specific gravity, urine pH, lean body condition score or body composition. Urinary uric acid concentration was lower on the test diet (p = 0.008), but 24-h uric acid excretions were similar (p = 0.220) compared to baseline. Significant differences between least squares mean plasma amino acid concentrations measured at the 0 and 12-month visits were found only for valine (p = 0.0119) and leucine (p = 0.0017).ConclusionThis study suggests the use of a low purine, higher protein diet with added water may be beneficial as part of the management of dogs with genetic hyperuricosuria and history of clinical urate urolithiasis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0958-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

In vivo and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter in Ceará State

&lt;p&gt;This study was conducted to evaluate the &lt;em&gt;in vivo &lt;/em&gt;and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter, which originated from different regions of Ceará State, Brazil. Thirty-six (36) mixed-breed, uncastrated male animals (18 goats and 18 sheep), acquired from street markets, which were raised in an extensive production system from the regions of Quixadá, Sobral, and Tauá, were used in this experiment. Before slaughter, the animals were weighed, and body measurements were taken and the body condition score was assessed. Post-slaughter, the carcasses were weighed, morphometric measurements were obtained, and the commercial cuts were weighed and their yields were calculated. The mean &lt;em&gt;in vivo &lt;/em&gt;body weight was 23.83 ± 3.76 kg for the goats and 25.22 ± 5.25 kg for the sheep; the body condition score was close to 2, and the mean age was 12 months, with no differences between the species. No differences were found between species and origin for the weights and yields of carcass or for chilling loss. The carcass conformation values were considered poor, and the fat cover was classified as too lean, with the goat carcasses considered superior to the sheep carcasses in these respects. The sheep had higher values for loin-eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and weight and proportion of leg than the goats. Mixed-breed goats and sheep reared in extensive systems in Ceará State and sold in street markets in the capital, irrespective of their origin, reach their slaughter weight at an advanced age and with a lean body condition, resulting in carcasses of a low quality, with a low muscle content and poor fat cover. In the extensive conditions of the state of Ceará, animals of the ovine species have a greater ability for meat production than caprine species.&lt;/p&gt;

In vivo and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter in Ceará State

&lt;p&gt;This study was conducted to evaluate the &lt;em&gt;in vivo &lt;/em&gt;and carcass characteristics of goats and sheep sold for slaughter, which originated from different regions of Ceará State, Brazil. Thirty-six (36) mixed-breed, uncastrated male animals (18 goats and 18 sheep), acquired from street markets, which were raised in an extensive production system from the regions of Quixadá, Sobral, and Tauá, were used in this experiment. Before slaughter, the animals were weighed, and body measurements were taken and the body condition score was assessed. Post-slaughter, the carcasses were weighed, morphometric measurements were obtained, and the commercial cuts were weighed and their yields were calculated. The mean &lt;em&gt;in vivo &lt;/em&gt;body weight was 23.83 ± 3.76 kg for the goats and 25.22 ± 5.25 kg for the sheep; the body condition score was close to 2, and the mean age was 12 months, with no differences between the species. No differences were found between species and origin for the weights and yields of carcass or for chilling loss. The carcass conformation values were considered poor, and the fat cover was classified as too lean, with the goat carcasses considered superior to the sheep carcasses in these respects. The sheep had higher values for loin-eye area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and weight and proportion of leg than the goats. Mixed-breed goats and sheep reared in extensive systems in Ceará State and sold in street markets in the capital, irrespective of their origin, reach their slaughter weight at an advanced age and with a lean body condition, resulting in carcasses of a low quality, with a low muscle content and poor fat cover. In the extensive conditions of the state of Ceará, animals of the ovine species have a greater ability for meat production than caprine species.&lt;/p&gt;

Ovariectomy as treatment for ovarian bacterial granulomas in a Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii)

CASE HISTORY: An adult female Duvaucel's gecko (Hoplodactylus duvaucelii) from a threatened species breeding programme presented due to a prolonged gestation period and distended abdomen.CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The gecko was in lean body condition with an irregularly shaped, firm mass in the coelomic cavity. Radiographically there was a diffuse radio-opacity within the coelomic cavity with cranial displacement of the right lung field. Ultrasonography revealed a round homogenous abdominal mass of medium echogenicity with an echogenic capsule. Haematology showed a leucocytosis with a moderate left shift in heterophils and toxic changes. Bilateral ovariectomy was performed to remove two ovarian granulomas and Salmonella enterica subspecies houtenae (IV) was cultured from the ovarian tissue. The gecko recovered well from the surgery, regained weight and remained in good health 3 years following the surgery.DIAGNOSIS: Pre-ovulatory stasis and ovarian granulomas associated with infection with Salmonella enterica subsp. houtenae.CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The surgery described in this case resulted in recovery of the gecko, which despite its loss of reproductive capability is of value as an education animal. This is the first report of pre-ovulatory stasis and ovarian granulomas associated with infection with Salmonella enterica in a Duvaucel's gecko and is also the first reported case of pre-ovulatory stasis in a viviparous lizard species. The case adds to knowledge regarding potential reproductive pathology in lizards, which is particularly important information for managers of captive lizard breeding programmes.

Abomasal nematodes of small ruminants slaughtered in Bahir Dar Town, North West Ethiopia

This study was conducted during November, 2013 to March, 2014 to identify the species and to determine the burden of abomasal nematodes of small ruminants slaughtered in Bahir Dar town. A total of 384 abomasa (269 sheep and 115 goats) were collected and examined according to the standard procedures. An overall prevalence of 55.7% was recorded for abomasal nematodes of sheep and goats. The host specific prevalence of abomasal nematodes was 60.2 and 45.2% in sheep and goats, respectively. Two nematodes, Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus axei were identified both in sheep and goats. The prevalence of Haemonchus and T. axei was 53.5 and 48.7% in sheep and 43.5 and 26.1% in goats, respectively. Mean worm counts of Haemonchus spp. and T. axei were 413.5 and 225.3 in sheep and 316.5 and 71.3 in goats, respectively. Sheep had higher (P < 0.01) prevalence (48.7%) and worm burden (225.3) of T. axei compared to goats (45.2 and 71.3%). Both sheep and goats with lean body condition had higher (P < 0.001) prevalence and worm count for both Haemonchus spp. and T. axei compared to their counter parts with good body condition. The great majority of the infected sheep and goats were with light to medium degree of infection. This study adds information to the epidemiology of abomasal nematodes in Ethiopia and may be used in the design of control strategies. Key words: Abomasum, goat, Haemochus, sheep, Trichostrongylus axei

Interleukin‐15 Contributes to the Regulation of Murine Adipose Tissue and Human Adipocytes

An alarming global rise in the prevalence of obesity and its contribution to the development of chronic diseases is a serious health concern. Recently, obesity has been described as a chronic low-grade inflammatory condition, influenced by both adipose tissue and immune cells suggesting proinflammatory cytokines may play a role in its etiology. Here we examined the effects of interleukin-15 (IL-15) on adipose tissue and its association with obesity. Over expression of IL-15 (IL-15tg) was associated with lean body condition whereas lack of IL-15 (IL-15(-/-)) results in significant increase in weight gain without altering appetite. Interestingly, there were no differences in proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in serum between the three strains of mice. In addition, there were significant numbers of natural killer (NK) cells in fat tissues from IL-15tg and B6 compared to IL-15(-/-) mice. IL-15 treatment results in significant weight loss in IL-15(-/-) knockout and diet-induced obese mice independent of food intake. Fat pad cross-sections show decreased pad size with over expression of IL-15 is due to adipocyte shrinkage. IL-15 induces weight loss without altering food consumption by affecting lipid deposition in adipocytes. Treatment of differentiated human adipocytes with recombinant human IL-15 protein resulted in decreased lipid deposition. In addition, obese patients had significantly lower serum IL-15 levels when compared to normal weight individuals. These results clearly suggest that IL-15 may be involved in adipose tissue regulation and linked to obesity.

Nutritional management and disease prevention in healthy dogs and cats

Healthy animals normally eat sufficient food to satisfy their energy requirements. It is one of the jobs of the nutritionist to ensure that all other nutrient needs have been met when animals stop eating because they have met their energy needs. While dogs and cats are members of the biological order Carnivora, scientific observation and research support that differences in their metabolism and nutritional requirements exist. However, the goal in feeding both species is the same; to optimize the health and well-being of the individual. This approach results in dietary recommendations that will vary from individual animal to animal, based on a variety of factors that include the animal's signalment, occupation and environment. Feeding approaches vary between the two species and within the same species during different physiological life stages. However, the practice of feeding to maintain a lean body condition is a common goal. The maintenance of a lean body condition has been proven to increase both the quantity and quality of life in dogs. Currently, similar data does not exist in cats but is suspected to hold true. Each dog and cat's feeding program should be assessed routinely and adjustments made as indicated based on the animal's body condition, life stage and general health.

Body-weight changes are clearly reflected in plasma concentrations of leptin in female mink (Mustela vison).

The mink is a seasonal breeder with a propensity for seasonal fatness, and it is very responsive to changes in energy supply. The objectives of the present study were first, to validate a multi-species leptin assay for mink (Mustela vison) plasma, and second, to evaluate how plasma leptin and insulin concentrations responded to energy restriction and body-weight loss and refeeding with restoration of body reserves. The study was performed with six very fat yearling females (initial mean body weight 1,451 (SD 119) g, i.e. approximately 300 g more than for a female in normal body condition). The animals were fed in restricted amounts (about 35 % metabolizable energy requirement for maintenance) in order to reach a very lean body condition. The target weight of 800 g was reached after about 1 month of restriction. The animals were then refed ad libitum until almost complete weight recovery. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 24, 34 (end of restriction), 44, 55 and 71 (end of experiment) and analysed for plasma concentrations of leptin and insulin. Three females were mated on day 44. Leptin and insulin concentrations mirrored each other and clearly reflected changes in body weight. Significant (P<0.001) Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.75 (leptin-insulin), 0.72 (leptin-body weight) and 0.59 (insulin-body weight) were found. Two of the three females that were mated gave birth to normal litters. It was concluded that the leptin assay yielded acceptable results for animals with body weight:fat content within the range investigated here, and that plasma leptin reflected body fat mass.

Insulin sensitivity and fetal growth in ewes maintained in a moderate body condition compared with a lean body condition in late pregnancy

The possibility that an increase in maternal fatness might further enhance pregnancy-induced insulin insensitivity was investigated in ewes pregnant with one fetus. After selection of fat and lean ewes, they were fed to maintain maternal energy balance throughout pregnancy. A difference in insulin sensitivity of ewes in either a medium condition [score 2·9, 0·32± 0·031 kg fat/kg fat-free empty body (FFBW), n = 7] or lean body condition (score 2·0, 0·16±0.028 kg fat/kg FFBW, n = 8) at Day 136 of pregnancy was inferred by comparing their insulin response to an injection of glucose (350 mg/kg liveweight). The ewes were slaughtered at Day 146 of pregnancy to allow fetal weight, fetal fatness, and maternal fatness to be related to the capacity of the ewe to release insulin. The fatter ewes released more insulin in response to the injection of glucose (2. 54 log area units under the insulin response curve v. 2·22 for the lean ewes, pooled s.e. = 0·092, P &lt; 0·05), yet cleared the glucose from their blood streams at the same rate as the leaner ewes. Because the fat ewes required more insulin to remove a similar amount of exogenous glucose at a similar rate to the lean ewes, we suggest that the fat ewes were less sensitive to insulin. Further, the fetuses of the fatter ewes, while not different in total weight, had higher levels of body fat than those of the leaner ewes (29·4 v. 23·8 g/kg FFBW, pooled s.e. r = 1·32, P &lt; 0·05). Fetal fatness was also positively correlated to the magnitude of insulin release by the ewe (r = 0·61, P &lt; 0·05). Since glucose is the major precursor of fetal fat, these data support our contention that a reduction in maternal insulin sensitivity, brought on by an increase in maternal fatness, could partition more glucose to the fetus. If fat reserves aid lamb survival, lambs from fat ewes rather than lean ewes may have a better chance of survival, particularly in cold conditions.

The partition of nutrients in ewes maintained in a moderate compared with a lean body condition in late pregnancy

The effect of ewe fatness on fetal weight at term was tested without the confounding effects of placental weight and feed intake. We hypothesised that fetal weights should be similar in fat or lean ewes with placentas of a similar size, and tested the hypothesis by manipulating nutrition so that, at mating, Merino ewes carrying a single fetus were in a medium (score 2·9, liveweight 46·6 kg) or lean (score 2·0, liveweight 40·6 kg) condition. They were maintained at this fatness difference until slaughter at Day 146 of pregnancy when fetal, placental, and maternal tissues were weighed and analysed for composition. Subgroups (n = 8 per fatness group) slaughtered at Day 110, a stage when most placental hypertrophy is complete but the majority of fetal hypertrophy is yet to occur, confirmed that the treatments differed in ewe fatness (3·82 v. 9·19 kg empty-body fat, s.e.m. = 0·960; P &lt; 0·001) but not placental weight (487 v. 538 g, s.e.m. = 41·5, P &gt; 0·05). By Day 146, fatness differences (4·77 v. 9·56 kg empty-body fat, s.e.m. = 0·960, P &lt; 0·001) and placental similarities (434 v. 502 g, s.e.m. = 38·3, P &gt; 0·05) were maintained, and both groups produced fetuses of similar size (4408 v. 4382 g, s.e.m. = 204·6, P &gt; 0·05). However, the fetuses in the lean ewes had 20% less fat/kg fat-free body weight (24 v. 30 g/kg, s.e.m. = 1·3, P &lt; 0·01). Fetal weight was correlated with placental weight (r = 0·70; P &lt; 0·01) but not with ewe fatness. Fetal fatness, however, was correlated with ewe fatness (r = 0·69; P &lt; 0·01). Ewe fatness per se did not influence fetal size but did influence the deposition of fat in the fetus, possibly via a greater ability of fatter ewes to partition more glucose toward their fetus.

Some effects of live weight and body condition on the milk production of Blackface ewes

SUMMARYApproximately 15 weeks before parturition, forty-eight pregnant Blackface ewes were divided into three similar groups. During the 15–6 weeks prepartum period the ewes were fed to increase the live weights and body condition scores of ewes in each of groups A and B and to decrease those of ewes in group C. At 6 weeks prepartum mean differences of approximately 11 kg live weight and two grades of body condition had been created. Food was rationed to the ewes in all groups per kg live weight based on their weights 6 weeks prepartum, to provide the theoretical requirements of Blackface ewes bearing twin lambs. All groups of ewes made similar live-weight gains in late pregnancy and the mean birth weights of the lambs were also similar. Blood plasma F.F.A. values confirmed that the ewes were similarly nourished in late pregnancy regardless of live weight or body condition. During lactation the ewes were fed 9·2 g D.O.M./kg based on their immediate post-partum live weights, plus an allowance for a predicted level of milk production. Ewes in groups A and C were fed 0·5 and ewes in group B, 0·25 g D.O.M. per g of predicted milk production. The ration was increased after the 1st and 2nd weeks of lactation, then maintained at a constant level for the remainder of lactation. Milk production of the ewes was measured using a lamb suckling technique during a 10-week lactation. The mean daily milk production of ewes in groups A and C were similar and the yield of each of these groups was substantially greater than that of group B ewes. The mean total milk production of ewes suckling twin lambs in groups A, B and C was 127, 108 and 142 kg respectively, and of ewes suckling single lambs 104, 81 and 91 kg respectively. The mean live-weight changes of ewes in groups A and C were similar during lactation. Except for group A ewes suckling single lambs, which maintained their mean live weight, all ewes lost weight in early lactation and consistent gains were not made until late lactation. Greatest live-weight loss occurred in group B ewes and extended further into lactation. Changes in body condition followed a similar course to live weight changes. The mean daily live-weight gain of twin lambs in groups A, B and C was 279, 275 and 284 g respectively, and of single lambs, 318, 300 and 319 g respectively. The evidence indicates that ewes in lean body condition have a higher efficiency of food conversion to milk and that in situations of continuous undernourishment a high state of body condition is undesirable during lactation.