Metabolism Trial Research Articles

Energy values of traditional ingredients and sugarcane yeast for laying hens

An experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) values of corn, soybean meal (SBM), soybean oil (SO) and sugarcane yeast (SY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). A metabolism trial was performed with 120 Dekalb White laying hens at 65 weeks of age, using the method of total excreta collection. Birds were housed in metabolism cages and distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with, six replicates of four birds each. The experimental period consisted of four days of adaptation and four days of excreta collection. The experimental diets included: a reference diet based on corn and SBM and four test diets containing 40% corn, 30% SBM, 10% SO or 30 % SY. The chemical compositions of the tested ingredients, expressed on as-is basis were: 86.9, 87.29, 87.32 and 99.5% dry matter; and 3.51, 2.08, 99.31 and 0.03 ether extract for corn, SBM, SO and SY, respectively. Corn, SBM, and SO presented 7.33, 43.61 and 24.64% crude protein, and 0.58, 5.07 and 6.77% ash, respectively; and crude fiber contents of corn and SBM were, respectively, 2.24% and 3.56%. The following AME and AMEn (kcal/kg dry matter) values were obtained: 3,801 and 3,760 kcal/kg for corn, 2,640 and 2,557 kcal/kg for SBM, 8,952 and 8,866 kcal/kg for SO, and 1,023 and 925 kcal/kg for sugarcane yeast, respectively.

Apparent Nutrient and Mineral Retention of Broilers Fed Periwinkle Flesh (Pachymelania aurita) and Palm Kernel Cake in Replacement to Fish Meal

Fishmeal has contributed immensely as a rich protein source in the diets of poultry in Nigeria. However the cost of fishmeal has increased leading to high cost of poultry feed. This has fueled the search for cheaper alternative protein sources as a way of reducing cost. Two of such alternatives are periwinkle (Pachymelania aurita); a marine molluscs and palm kernel cake a by-product of oil palm. This study investigated the apparent nutrient and mineral retention of broilers fed periwinkle flesh (Pachymelania aurita) and palm kernel cake in place of fishmeal. One hundred and eighty (180) day-old Hyperco broiler chicks were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 with 3 replicates each and 12 chicks per replicate. Periwinkle flesh was fed in place of 2% fishmeal at 0, 2.5 and 6.0% inclusions respectively. Apart from Diet 1, which served as control, all others had in addition to maize 15% or 25% inclusion of palm kernel cake. The birds had access to water ad libitum. At 7 weeks of age, two experimental birds were randomly selected from each replicate and placed in metabolic cages; allowed to acclimatize for two days before metabolic trials. The feeding of 25% Palm Kernel cake (PKC) along with 2% fishmeal or 6% periwinkle flesh resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher Ca, Mg and K retention when compared to the feeding of 15% PKC or 25% PKC along with a mixture of 1% fishmeal and 2.5% periwinkle flesh. Other minerals P, Mn, Na, and Fe, were not significantly affected. The apparent nutrient retention of broiler chickens was not significantly influenced. Results of the study indicate that feeding 6% periwinkle flesh and 25% is suitable for replacing fishmeal and reducing maize thereby reducing cost of feed.

Effect of feeding deoiled mahua (Bassia latifolia) seed cake on the growth performance, digestibility and balance of nutrients in cross-bred calves during pre-patent period of Fasciola gigantica infection.

A study was conducted to assess the growth performance and nutrient utilization of cross-bred calves serially infected with Fasciola gigantica and/or supplemented with deoiled mahua seed cake (DMSC) during pre-patent period of infection. Twenty healthy cross-bred (Holstein Friesian×Haryana) male calves aged 6-7months with an initial average live weight of 79.6±2.71kg were divided into four treatment groups (CON, CON-INF, DMC and DMC-INF) of five animals each following randomized block design. DMSC was included in the concentrate mixture of DMC and DMC-INF groups at 100g/kg level. Animals of groups CON-INF and DMC-INF were given an infection of 200 metacercariae (mc) of F.gigantica as serial infection dose of 50mc twice weekly over a period of 2weeks. A metabolism trial at 40-49days post-infection and growth trial of 145days duration were conducted. The average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in CON-INF group as compared to others. The ADG and FCR were significantly (p<0.05) higher in DMC-INF as compared to CON-INF. The intake and digestibility of nutrients were not affected by serial infection with F.gigantica during pre-patent period. However, significantly (p<0.001) higher urinary excretion and significantly (p<0.001) lower nitrogen balance were observed in CON-INF group as compared to other three groups. The nitrogen balance was significantly (p<0.001) improved in DMC-INF group as compared to CON-INF group. From the results, it may be deduced that the supplementation of deoiled mahua seed cake at 100g/kg level in the concentrate mixture has improved the growth performance and nitrogen utilization in cross-bred calves infected with F.gigantica.

Bisphosphonate therapy for osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is caused by a genetic defect resulting in an abnormal type I collagen bone matrix which typically results in multiple fractures with little or no trauma. Bisphosphonates are used in an attempt to increase bone mineral density and reduce these fractures in people with osteogenesis imperfecta. To assess the effectiveness and safety of bisphosphonates in increasing bone mineral density, reducing fractures and improving clinical function in people with osteogenesis imperfecta. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Inborn Errors of Metabolism Trials Register which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches, handsearches of journals and conference proceedings. We additionally searched PubMed and major conference proceedings.Date of the most recent search: 07 April 2014. Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing bisphosphonates to placebo, no treatment, or comparator interventions in all types of osteogenesis imperfecta. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included trials. Fourteen trials (819 participants) were included. Overall, the trials were mainly at a low risk of bias, although selective reporting was an issue in several of the trials. Data for oral bisphosphonates versus placebo could not be aggregated; a statistically significant difference favouring oral bisphosphonates in fracture risk reduction and number of fractures was noted in two trials. No differences were reported in the remaining three trials which commented on fracture incidence. Five trials reported data for spine bone mineral density; all found statistically significant increased lumbar spine density z scores for at least one time point studied. For intravenous bisphosphonates versus placebo, aggregated data from two trials showed no statistically significant difference for the number of participants with at least one fracture, risk ratio 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.30 to 1.06). In the remaining trial no statistically significant difference was noted in fracture incidence. For spine bone mineral density, no statistically significant difference was noted in the aggregated data from two trials, mean difference 9.96 (95% confidence interval -2.51 to 22.43). In the remaining trial a statistically significant difference in mean per cent change in spine bone mineral density z score favoured intravenous bisphosphonates at six and 12 months. Data describing growth, bone pain, and functional outcomes after oral or intravenous bisphosphonate therapy, or both, as compared to placebo were incomplete among all studies, but do not show consistent improvements in these outcomes. Two studies compared different doses of bisphosphonates. No differences were found between doses when bone mineral density, fractures, and height or length z score were assessed. One study compared oral versus intravenous bisphosphonates and found no differences in primary outcomes. Two studies compared the intravenous bisphosphonates zoledronic acid and pamidronate. There were no significant differences in primary outcome. However, the studies were at odds as to the relative benefit of zoledronic acid over pamidronate for lumbosacral bone mineral density at 12 months. Bisphophonates are commonly prescribed to individuals with osteogenesis imperfecta. Current evidence, albeit limited, demonstrates oral or intravenous bisphosphonates increase bone mineral density in children and adults with this condition. These were not shown to be different in their ability to increase bone mineral density. It is unclear whether oral or intravenous bisphosphonate treatment consistently decreases fractures, though multiple studies report this independently and no studies report an increased fracture rate with treatment. The studies included here do not show bisphosphonates conclusively improve clinical status (reduce pain; improve growth and functional mobility) in people with osteogenesis imperfecta. Given their current widespread and expected continued use, the optimal method, duration of therapy and long-term safety of bisphosphonate therapy require further investigation. In addition, attention should be given to long-term fracture reduction and improvement in quality of life indicators.

Statins for children with familial hypercholesterolemia.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is one of the most common inherited metabolic diseases; the average worldwide prevalence of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is at least 1 in 500. Diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolemia in children is based on highly elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level or DNA-based analysis, or both. Coronary atherosclerosis has been detected in men with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia as young as 17 years old and in women with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia at 25 years old. Since the clinical complications of atherosclerosis occur prematurely, especially in men, lifelong hypolipidemic measures, started in childhood, are needed to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. In children with familial hypercholesterolemia, diet is as yet the cornerstone of treatment. Anion exchange resins, such as cholestyramine and colestipol, have also been found to be effective, but are poorly tolerated. Since the 1990s statin studies have been carried out among children with familial hypercholesterolemia (aged 7 to 17 years). Statins greatly reduced their serum LDL cholesterol levels. Even though statins seem to be safe and well-tolerated in children, their long-term safety in this age group is not firmly established. To assess the effectiveness and safety of statins in children with familial hypercholesterolemia. Relevant studies were identified from the Group's Inborn Errors and Metabolism Trials Register and Medline.Date of most recent search: 14 October 2013. Randomized and controlled clinical studies including participants up to 18 years old, comparing a statin to placebo or to diet alone. Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. We found 21 potentially eligible studies, of which we included eight randomized placebo-controlled studies (1074 participants). In general, the intervention and follow-up time was short (median 24 weeks; range from six weeks to two years). Statins reduced the mean LDL cholesterol concentration at all time points. Serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, as well as creatinine kinase concentrations, did not differ between treated and placebo groups at any time point. The risks of myopathy and clinical adverse events were very low and also similar in both groups. In one study simvastatin was shown to improve flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery, and in another study treatment with pravastatin for two years induced a significant regression in carotid intima media thickness. Statin treatment is an efficient lipid-lowering therapy in children with familial hypercholesterolemia. No significant safety issues were identified. Statin treatment seems to be safe in the short term, but long-term safety is unknown. Children treated with statins should be carefully monitored and followed up by their pediatricians or physicians into adulthood. Large long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the long-term safety issues of statins.

Impact of pomalidomide therapy in multiple myeloma: a recent survey

Pomalidomide (Pomalyst®) is a synthetic compound derived by modifying the chemical structure of thalidomide to improve its potency and reduce its side effects and third drug in the class of immunomodulatory drugs. Pomalidomide is under global development with Celgene Corporation, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on February 8, 2013 to treat patients with relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM) who have received at least two prior therapies including bortezomib and lenalidomide. In October 2009, it has found orphan designation for the treatment of relapsed and refractory MM by the EMA, and on August 2013, marketing authorization has issued in Europe by gaining a positive response. It inhibits myeloma cell growth and angiogenesis directly. Pomalidomide is the latest myeloma cell growth inhibitor to be approved in both USA and EU. The predominant side effects are thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, and deep vein thrombosis. Pomalidomide is also being investigated in patients with amyloidosis, prostate cancer, small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, graft-versus-host disease, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. This article reviews the available information on pomalidomide with respect to its clinical pharmacology, mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolism, pre-clinical studies, and clinical trials.

Feeding ferric ammonium citrate to decrease the risk of sulfur toxicity: effects on trace mineral absorption and status of beef steers.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of adding ferric ammonium citrate (FAC; 300 mg ferric Fe/kg DM) to a 0.51% S diet on diet digestibility, mineral balance, and 56-d performance of steers fed a high concentrate diet. Angus-crossbred steers (n = 18) were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: 1) control diet (0.21% S; CON), 2) CON + sodium sulfate (0.51% S; high S [HS]), and 3) the HS diet + 300 mg of ferric Fe from FAC/kg DM (0.51% S; HS+Fe). This study included 2 phases, 1) a metabolism trial (d -1 to 20) and 2) a 56-d feedlot trial (d 22 to 79). In phase 1, 2 groups of 9 steers (370 ± 9.5 kg) were adapted to diet (10 d) and metabolism stalls (5 d), and following the adaptation period, a 5-d total collection of feces and urine was conducted. Feed offered and refused was recorded daily, and diet digestibility and retention of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn was determined. In phase 2, steers (384 ± 11.9 kg) were individually fed their respective diet in feedlot pens for 56 d and ADG was determined. From each steer, jugular blood and a liver biopsy were collected on d -1, 41, and 72 and d -1 and 72, respectively, for mineral content. Ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentrations (n = 18) were determined on d -1, 9, 23, 31, 41, 51, 61, and 72. In phase 1, DMI (P = 0.02), fecal output (P = 0.06), and intake of Cu, Mn, and Zn (P ≤ 0.04) were less in steers consuming the high S diets than CON, but DM and OM digestibility and urine excretion of minerals were not different (P ≥ 0.12) due to treatment. As a percent of intake, urinary excretion of Cu tended (P = 0.07) to be greater in the HS steers than the CON and HS+Fe steers, which did not differ (P = 0.74). In phase 2, BW, ADG, and G:F were not different (P ≥ 0.29) due to treatment, but DMI was lesser (P < 0.01) in the HS+Fe steers than CON and HS steers, which did not differ (P = 0.13). Ruminal hydrogen sulfide concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in the steers fed high S diets than CON but were not different (P = 0.86) among the high S diets. Plasma Cu, Fe, and Zn concentrations were not different (P ≥ 0.27) due to treatment on all days. Final liver Cu concentrations were lesser (P < 0.01) in the steers fed high S diets compared with the CON, while liver Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations did not differ (P ≥ 0.28) among treatments. In conclusion, adding Fe to a high S diet did not affect DM or OM digestibility or trace mineral absorption and status of steers relative to the HS diet alone.

Effects of different sources and levels of copper on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and elemental balance in young female mink (Mustela vison).

An experiment was conducted in a 3 × 3 + 1 factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of different sources of copper on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and elemental balance in young female mink on a corn-fishmeal-based diet. Animals in the control group were fed a basal diet (containing 8.05 mg Cu/kg DM; control), which mainly consisted of corn, fish meal, meat bone meal, and soybean oil, with no copper supplementation. Minks in other nine treatments were fed basal diets supplemented with Cu from reagent-grade copper sulfate, tribasic copper chloride (TBCC) and copper methionate. Cu concentrations of experiment diets were 10, 25, and 40 mg/kg copper. A metabolism trial of 4 days was conducted during the last week of experimental feeding. Final body weight and average daily gain increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.05) as Cu increased in the diet; maximal growth was seen in the Cu25 group. Cu supplementation slightly improved the feed conversion rate (P = 0.095). Apparent fat digestibility was increased by copper level (P = 0.020). Retention nitrogen was increased by copper level (linear, P = 0.003). Copper source had a significant effect on copper retention with Cu-Met and copper sulfate treatments retention more than TBCC treatments (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that mink can efficiently utilize added dietary fat and that Cu plays an important role in the digestion of dietary fat in mink, and mink can efficiently utilize Cu-Met and CuSO4.

Dietary interventions (plant sterols, stanols, omega-3 fatty acids, soy protein and dietary fibers) for familial hypercholesterolaemia.

A cholesterol-lowering diet and several other dietary interventions have been suggested as a management approach either independently or as an adjuvant to drug therapy in children and adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH). However, a consensus has yet to be reached on the most appropriate dietary treatment. Plant sterols are commonly used in FH although patients may know them by other names like phytosterols or stanols. To examine whether a cholesterol-lowering diet is more effective in reducing ischaemic heart disease and lowering cholesterol than no dietary intervention in children and adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia. Further, to compare the efficacy of supplementing a cholesterol-lowering diet with either omega-3 fatty acids, soya proteins, plant sterols or plant stanols. We searched the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis and Genetic Disorders Group Inborn Errors of Metabolism Trials Register, which is compiled from electronic searches of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (updated with each new issue of The Cochrane Library), quarterly searches of MEDLINE and the prospective handsearching of one journal - Journal of Inherited Metabolic Disease. Most recent search of the Group's Inborn Errors of Metabolism Trials Register: 22 August 2013. We also searched PubMed to 05 February 2012. Randomised controlled trials, both published and unpublished, where a cholesterol-lowering diet in children and adults with familial hypercholesterolaemia has been compared to other forms of dietary treatment or to no dietary intervention were included. Two authors independently assessed the trial eligibility and risk of bias and one extracted the data, with independent verification of data extraction by a colleague. In the 2014 update of the review, 15 trials have been included, with a total of 453 participants across seven comparison groups. The included trials had either a low or unclear risk of bias for most of the parameters used for risk assessment. Only short-term outcomes could be assessed due to the short duration of follow up in the included trials. None of the primary outcomes, (incidence of ischaemic heart disease, number of deaths and age at death) were evaluated in any of the included trials. No significant differences were noted for the majority of secondary outcomes for any of the planned comparisons. However, a significant difference was found for the following comparisons and outcomes: for the comparison between plant sterols and cholesterol-lowering diet (in favour of plant sterols), total cholesterol levels, mean difference 0.30 mmol/l (95% confidence interval 0.12 to 0.48); decreased serum LDL cholesterol, mean difference -0.60 mmol/l (95% CI -0.89 to -0.31). Fasting serum HDL cholesterol levels were elevated, mean difference -0.04 mmol/l (95% CI -0.11 to 0.03) and serum triglyceride concentration was reduced, mean difference -0.03 mmol/l (95% CI -0.15 to -0.09), although these changes were not statistically significant. Similarly, guar gum when given as an add on therapy to bezafibrate reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels as compared to bezafibrate alone. No conclusions can be made about the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering diet, or any of the other dietary interventions suggested for familial hypercholesterolaemia, for the primary outcomes: evidence and incidence of ischaemic heart disease, number of deaths and age at death,due to the lack of data on these. Large, parallel, randomised controlled trials are needed to investigate the effectiveness of a cholesterol-lowering diet and the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols or stanols, soya protein, dietary fibers to a cholesterol-lowering diet.

Evaluation of babassu meal in feed for layer hens during the growth phase

Studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value and inclusion levels of babassu meal (BM) in the diet of grower layer pullets in substitution to wheat meal. Digestibility, metabolism and growth trials were conducted. Twelve cecectomized roosters were used in the digestibility assay to determine the coefficients of standardized digestibility of amino acids (CSDAA). The metabolism trial was conducted with 30 adult roosters to determine the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of BM. A growth trial was performed to determine replacement levels of wheat midds by BM diet using 360 six-week-old commercial layer pullets. BM was included at the 0, 75 and 150 g/kg of BM, during grower and development rearing phases, respectively. Feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were evaluated. BM AMEn was determined as 1,474 kcal/kg, on as-fed basis. The CSDAA determined for BM were below 88% for all AA. The inclusion of BM in the feed of grower layers (7-18 week) significantly decreased feed intake (p < 0.05), but significantly improved body weight gain and feedconversion ratio (p < 0.05) at 15% inclusion level. Considering the nutritional value and performance results, BM can replace wheat midds in diets of grower layer pullets.

Composição físico-química e valores energéticos de farinhas de silagem de peixe para frangos de corte

Objetivou-se determinar a composição físico-química, os valores energéticos e os coeficientes de digestibilidade de quatro farinhas de silagem de peixe para frangos de corte. Foram produzidas quatro farinhas de silagem de peixe, utilizando-se o resíduo da filetagem de tilápias ensilado com diferentes fontes de carboidratos fermentáveis. Analisou-se a composição físico-química das silagens, e, em seguida, um ensaio de metabolismo com 180 pintos machos da linhagem Cobb de 14 a 25 dias de idade. Também foram avaliados o tempo de trânsito gastrintestinal das rações e o desempenho das aves nas gaiolas. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta referência e de quatro dietas teste compostas de 60% da ração referência e 40% do resíduo da filetagem de tilápia ensilado com diferentes fontes de carboidratos, sendo a farinha de silagem de peixe com o farelo de algaroba (SFA), com a farinha de varredura de mandioca (SFVM), com o farelo de milho (SFM) e com a casca da mandioca (SCM). A SFM obteve o maior teor de PB, 22,38%, de EE, 27,35%, e o maior tempo de trânsito, com 195,0min; a SCM apresentou o maior valor de MM, 11,12%. Os valores de EMA e EMAn das farinhas de silagem de peixe não diferiram significativamente entre eles. O maior GP e a melhor CA foram apresentados pelos animais do tratamento SFM, e os piores GP e CA pelos frangos de corte alimentados com dietas contendo a SFVM. Com base na composição obtida, estas silagens de peixe têm potencialidade para serem utilizadas em dietas para frangos de corte.

Características nutricionais e utilização do resíduo de batata-doce em dietas de frangos de crescimento lento

Foram realizados três experimentos, para determinar o valor energético e nutricional do resíduo da produção de etanol a partir da batata-doce (RBD) e a sua utilização em dietas para frangos de crescimento lento. No primeiro experimento foi realizado um ensaio metabólico a fim de determinar a energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e a corrigida para o balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), bem como os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade aparente do resíduo, utilizando o método de coleta total de excretas, num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos: ração referência e ração teste (70% ração referência + 30% de inclusão do resíduo da batata-doce), quatro repetições e dez frangos de crescimento lento por unidade experimental. O RBD apresentou: 24,64% de proteína bruta, 2732kcal/kg e 2547kcal/kg EMA e EMAn na matéria natural. Os demais experimentos foram realizados para avaliar níveis de inclusão (0%, 6%, 12% e 18%) do RBD em dietas de aves de crescimento lento, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições e 10 aves por unidade experimental, avaliando o desempenho e metabolismo das rações. Os níveis de inclusão não afetaram o consumo de ração, mas houve redução no ganho de peso (GP) e piora na conversão alimentar (CA). Os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade do nitrogênio e matéria mineral apresentaram efeito quadrático com pontos máximos de 6,38% e 5,17% respectivamente. O RBD pode ser incluído nas rações de aves de crescimento lento até o nível de 1,041%.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on growth, nutrient utilization, mineral balance and immune status of arsenic exposed goats

This experiment aimed to investigate ameliorative efficacy of vitamin E in the goat (Capra hircus) kids exposed to arsenic (As). Twenty-one Black Bengal male goat kids (4–6 months age, 6.71±0.49kg body weight) were divided into seven blocks of three animals in each after arranging them in an ascending order on the basis of their body weight and then one animal from each block was randomly allotted to three groups. The kids were fed either basal diet as such (control, T1), or supplemented with 60mg As/kg diet (T2) and 60mg As/kg diet+250IU vitamin E/kg diet (T3) for 180 days including a 6 days metabolic trial. Daily feed intake and fortnightly body weight were recorded throughout the experimental period. To assess humoral immune response, animals were inoculated with Pasteurella multocida inactivated antigen after 135 days of experimental feeding and blood samples collected on day 0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 post-inoculation. For assessing cell mediated immune response, kids were exposed to phytohaemaglutinin-p antigen after 170 days of experimental feeding and skin fold thickness was measured up to 96h of exposure. Growth rate, feed conversion efficiency and intake and digestibility of different nutrients viz. dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre did not vary (P>0.05) among the three groups. However, absorption as well as retention of As were higher (P<0.001) in both the As exposed groups (T2, T3) as compared to control group. Addition of As also adversely affected the retention of zinc (P=0.024), cell mediated immunity (P=0.014) and humoral immune responses (P=0.024), which were largely ameliorated by vitamin E supplementation.

Mabolizable Energy Differences between Values Calculated Using Energy Conversion Factors and Actual Values Determined by Metabolic Study of Korean Starch Foods

This study was conducted to compare the metabolizable energies of Korean starch foods by an animal metabolic study with those calculated using well-known energy conversion factors. There were 12 experimental diets (that is, 7 Korean foods, 3 Western foods, and 2 control foods): barley, brown rice, laver-rolled rice, rice mixed with vegetables and meat, seafood noodle soup, rice cake soup, rice cake in hot pepper paste, pizza, hamburger, spaghetti, basal diet, and glucose. Each diet comprised 70% basal diet and 30% experimental food. After 3 d of adaptation, a metabolic trial was performed for 4 d. The apparent metabolizable energy of pizza, hamburger, spaghetti, and rice cake soup were significantly higher than that of the basal diet group (P < 0.05). For barley, brown rice, laver-rolled rice, rice mixed with vegetables and meat, and seafood noodle soup, the differences between the actual and calculated energies were 8.7%, 13.3%, 4.5%, 17.2%, and 4.1%, respectively, and the actual energy contents were lower than those calculated using the Atwater conversion factor. The results of this study show that the energy contents of Korean foods are significantly different from those calculated using the conversion factors based on the food composition. Therefore, because Korean starch foods are considered to be calorie-rich based on calculations, their energy contents can be accurately determined only by animal experiments.

Silages prepared from different maize hybrids effect in-vitro rumen fermentation parameters and growth performance in crossbred calves

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of silages prepared from different maize varieties/hybrids on fermentation characteristics, microbiological characteristics, and growth performance in growing crossbred calves. Female crossbred calves (18) of 4–5.5 months of age were selected and distributed randomly into 3 treatment groups of 6 animals each, based on their body weight. All the calves of 3 groups were offered silages prepared from different varieties/hybrids (control - Vijay composite, T1 - DKC 9108 and T2 - 900M Gold) and concentrate in 70: 30 ratio in 105 days of experimental period. Metabolism trial was conducted to assess feed intake, nutrients utilization and N balance. In vitro gas/methane production and digestibility trials were carried out for 24 h and 48 h respectively. In vitro methane production was higher in T1 than control and T2. The total DMI (kg/day) as well as body weight change in crossbred calves was similar in 3 groups throughout the experimental period. TDNI (kg/day) and NDF digestibility was significantly higher in T1 than control and T2 groups. CP digestibility was higher in control and T1 than T2. The results showed that DMI and growth performance of calves were similar in 3 groups notwithstanding the different chemical composition as well as different microbial characteristics of silages prepared from different maize varieties/hybrids. However methane production differed significantly among the groups which can be an area of interest for further mitigation studies.

Evaluation of mineral status in high dietary sulfur exposed or sulfur-induced polioencephalomalacia affected beef cattle

Amat, S., McKinnon, J. J., Penner, G. B., Simko, E. and Hendrick, S. 2014. Evaluation of mineral status in high dietary sulfur exposed or sulfur-induced polioencephalomalacia affected beef cattle. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 139–149. We examined the mineral status in beef heifers fed high S containing diets with differing forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C), and in S-induced polioencephalomalacia (PEM) affected feedlot steers. A metabolism trial was conducted as a randomized complete block design using a 2×2 factorial treatment arrangement with main effects of dietary S and F:C using 16 ruminally cannulated heifers. The F:C was modified by altering the proportion of barley silage (4 vs. 51% dry matter), whereas, the S content was modified by using differing sources of wheat dried distillers’ grains with solubles (WDDGS) to achieve low and high S diets (LS=0.30 vs. HS=0.67%). Minerals including Cu, Co, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn were determined from rumen fluid, blood, brain tissue and urine. Urinary mineral excretion was also assed. During the course of the metabolic trial, an outbreak of S-induced PEM in a commercial feedlot was documented and brain minerals of these PEM steers (n=4) were contrasted with the experimental heifers fed HS diet. There were no interactions between dietary S concentration and F:C (P&gt;0.05). Heifers fed HS diet had reduced (P&lt;0.05) mineral intakes (except for Mo), ruminal Co, Fe and Mn, and serum Mg and Fe relative to those fed LS diet. Heifers fed low F:C diet had reduced (P&lt;0.05) Cu, Fe, Mo and Se intakes, greater (P&lt;0.05) ruminal Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn, and reduced (P&lt;0.05) serum Cu and Se, and greater (P&lt;0.05) serum Mg than heifers fed high F:C diet. Brain minerals were not affected (P&gt;0.05) by F:C or dietary S. However, the PEM brains had reduced Cu (P=0.058), Fe (P=0.003) and Mo (P&lt;0.001) relative to normal brains. Dietary S and F:C did alter the mineral status of the heifers, but no deficiencies or PEM were induced.

Effect of Dietary Concentrate:forage Ratios and Undegraded Dietary Protein on Nitrogen Balance and Urinary Excretion of Purine Derivatives in Dorper×thin-tailed Han Crossbred Lambs.

This study aimed to investigate dietary concentrate: forage ratios (C:F) and undegraded dietary protein (UDP) on nitrogen balance and urinary excretion of purine derivatives (PD) in lambs. Four Dorper×thin-tailed Han crossbred castrated lambs with 62.3±1.9 kg body weight at 10 months of age were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of two levels of C:F (40:60 and 60:40) and two levels of UDP (35% and 50% of CP), according to a complete 4×4 Latin-square design. Each experimental period lasted for 19 d. After a 7-d adaptation period, lambs were moved into individual metabolism crates for 12 d including 7 d of adaption and 5 d of metabolism trial. During the metabolism trial, total urine was collected for 24 h and spot urine samples were also collected at different times. Urinary PD was measured using a colorimetric method and creatinine was measured using an automated analyzer. Intake of dry matter (DM) (p<0.01) and organic matter (OM) (p<0.01) increased as the level of UDP decreased. Fecal N was not affected by dietary treatment (p>0.05) while urinary N increased as the level of UDP decreased (p<0.05), but decreased as dietary C:F increased (p<0.05). Nitrogen retention increased as dietary C:F increased (p<0.05). As dietary C:F increased, urinary excretion of PD increased (p<0.05), but was not affected by dietary UDP (p>0.05) or interaction between dietary treatments (p>0.05). Daily excretion of creatinine was not affected by dietary treatments (p<0.05), with an average value of 0.334±0.005 mmol/kg BW0.75. A linear correlation was found between total PD excretion and PDC index (R2 = 0.93). Concentrations of creatinine and PDC index in spot urine were unaffected by sampling time (p>0.05) and a good correlation was found between the PDC index (average value of three times) of spot urine and daily excretion of PD (R2 = 0.88). These results suggest that for animals fed ad libitum, the PDC index in spot urine is effective to predict daily excretion of PD. In order to improve the accuracy of the spot sampling technique, an appropriate lag phase between the time of feeding and sampling should be determined so that the sampling time can coincide with the peak concentration of PD in the urine.

Effect of Dietary Energy and Protein on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of White Plumage Japanese Quails During Summer Season

An experiment, with different levels of dietary energy and protein, was conducted to assess the growth performance, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics of meat type white plumage Japanese quail up to 5 weeks of age during summer season. Nine dietary treatments with three levels of crude protein (23, 25 and 27% CP) each at three levels of energy (2600, 2800 and 3000 kcal ME/kg) during starter (13 weeks) phase and 18, 20 and 22% CP each at three levels of energy (2800, 2900 and 3000 kcal ME/kg) during finisher (4–5 weeks) phase were offered respectively in 3 × 3 factorial design. A metabolism trial was conducted at 5th week, selecting 4 birds from each replicate using total collection method. Final BW, gain in weight, feed intake and FCR did not differ due to dietary energy levels, while final BW and gain in weight increased linearly (P≤0.05) with each increment of protein in the diets. N-retention, digestibility of ether extract, crude fibre, calcium and available phosphorus also showed significant (P≤0.05) variations due to different levels of energy and protein. Neither eviscerated weight nor dressing percentage was affected by dietary energy or protein levels; however, there was linear increase in abdominal fat content with increase in dietary energy at each level of protein. The percent giblet weight was lowest at highest level of energy and protein. The interaction of energy × protein during starter and finisher phase had significant (P≤0.05) effect on growth parameters and nutrient utilization. It may be concluded that 27% CP with 2600 kcal ME/kg during starter phase and 22% CP with 2900 kcal ME/kg in finisher phase is optimum for white plumage Japanese quail during summer season.

Potential of Detoxified Neem Kernel Cake as a Protein Source in Broiler Feeding

This study evaluated the nutritive potential of detoxified neem kernel cake as source of protein for broiler chickens. Diet-control was 100 percent soybean based. Diets, 1, 2, 3 and 4 had detoxified neem kernel cake included at 25, 50, 75 and 100 percents respectively. These four diets were evaluated in comparison to control, in a seven- week growth and metabolism trial using two hundred day old broiler chicks with an average initial live weight of 39.3 + 0.1g, divided in to five groups of forty chicks per treatment in a Complete Randomized Design. Five broiler chicks were caged individually per treatment. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. Daily feed intake, daily body weight changes and mortality rate were determined. At the end of seven- week feeding trial, three birds were randomly selected from each treatment and were slaughtered for carcass evaluation. The results revealed that the broiler chickens fed 25% detoxified neem kernel cake diet had improved growth performance comparable to chickens fed soybean diet. Thus detoxified neem kernel cake can be incorporated up to 25% in broiler chicken feeding without any adverse effect on performance of the chickens.

Effect of feeding red gram stalks based complete diets on nutrient utilization and plane of nutrition in buffaloes

Three iso-nitrogenous complete diets in a roughage concentrate ratio of 50:50 were formulated with ground red gram stalks (RGS) at 30, 40 and 50% level in complete diets and were compared with a complete diet containing 50% sorghum stover as sole conventional roughage source (control diet). These diets were evaluated in 4 adult male graded Murrah buffaloes in a 4x4 Latin square design. In each trial, the buffaloes were fed the respective diets for 30days, followed by 7 days metabolism trial and a switch over period of 10d between each trial. The RGS had 4.11% crude protein (CP), 0.64% ether extract (EE) and 60.4% crude fibre (CF). The dry matter (DM) intake by buffaloes was comparable among all the groups, indicating that the diets containing RGS up to 50% were palatable. The DM, organic matter (OM), CF (Pe groups and were higher than the standard Kearl (1982) requirements. The results of this study indicated that RGS could be incorporated in complete diets up to 40% level in buffaloes, while incorporation at 50% level depressed the nutrient digestibility and lowered the nutritive value.