Non-traditional Diet Research Articles

Study of correlations between serum taurine, thyroid hormones and echocardiographic parameters of systolic function in clinically healthy Golden retrievers fed with commercial diet.

Taurine deficiency predisposes to the development of nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy and is widespread in dogs fed with non-traditional diets. However, Golden retrievers show lower plasma taurine concentration and an impaired systolic function compared to breeds of the same size and morphotype. For these reasons, it can be difficult to classify a subject from a cardiological point of view, with the risk of considering as pathological characteristics that can be completely normal in this breed. This is a cross-sectional multicenter study. The aims were 1) to identify breed-specific range of serum taurine concentration, 2) to describe a correlation between serum taurine concentration and echocardiographic parameters of systolic function in clinically healthy Golden retrievers fed with traditional diet, 3) to identify a correlation between thyroid hormones, serum taurine concentration and echocardiographic indices. Sixty clinically healthy Golden retrievers (33% males, 67% females) were included. Fifty-three dogs were fed with traditional diets and their range of serum taurine concentration was 398.2 (31.8-430) nmol/ml. Serum taurine concentration was found to be negatively correlated to systolic internal diameter of the left ventricle and systolic and diastolic left ventricular indices and volumes obtained with different methods, whereas was positively correlated to the left ventricle ejection and shortening fractions but difference was not statistically significative. A weak but significant correlation between serum taurine and T4 was demonstrated. Serum taurine median values in dogs with normal systolic function were higher than in dogs with impaired systolic function. A cut-off of serum taurine concentration of 140.6 nmol/ml had a moderate sensitivity and specificity in the identification of an impaired left ventricular systolic function (AUC 0.6, Se 78%, Sp 44%). This study showed that the median serum taurine concentration was significantly lower in dogs with impaired systolic function. Therefore, echocardiographic monitoring is recommended in all dogs with serum taurine concentration lower than 140.6 nmol/ml.

Fecal microbiota composition, serum metabolomics, and markers of inflammation in dogs fed a raw meat-based diet compared to those on a kibble diet.

Despite the potential health risks associated with feeding raw and non-traditional diets, the use of these diets in dogs is increasing, yet the health outcomes associated with these diets is not well understood. This study investigates the effect of feeding dogs a kibble or raw meat-based diets on fecal microbiota composition, serum metabolomics and inflammatory markers. Clinically healthy dogs with a history of consuming either kibble (KD, n = 27) or raw meat-based diets (RMBD, n = 28) for more than 1 year were enrolled. Dogs were fed a standardized diet of either a single brand of KD or RMBD for 28 days. Serum and fecal samples were collected for analysis of microbiota, metabolomics, and inflammatory markers. Multiple regression analysis was performed for each of the metabolites and inflammatory markers, with feed group, age and BCS included as independent variables. The fecal microbiota composition differed between the KD and RMBD groups. Beta-diversity and some indices of alpha-diversity (i.e., Shannon and Simpson) were different between the two diet groups. Sixty- three serum metabolites differed between KD and RMBD-fed dogs with the majority reflecting the differences in macronutrient composition of the two diets.Fecal IAP, IgG and IgA were significantly higher in RMBD dogs compared to KD dogs, while systemic markers of inflammation, including serum c-reactive protein (CRP), galectin, secretory receptor of advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE), haptoglobin, and serum IgG were similar in dogs fed either diet. Diet composition significantly affected fecal microbiota composition and metabolome. Although it had a potentially beneficial effect on local inflammatory markers, feeding RMBD had no impact on systemic inflammation. The influence of these changes on long term health outcomes provides an area for future study.

Pit bull-type breeds with dilated cardiomyopathy eating nontraditional diets improve after diet change (2015-2022).

To compare signalment, clinical signs, diet, echocardiographic findings, and outcome for pit bull-type breeds diagnosed between 2015 and 2022 with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) or with DCM diagnosed by a cardiologist but that did not meet all study echocardiographic criteria (DCM-C). 91 dogs with DCM and 11 dogs with DCM-C. Data were collected on clinical findings, echocardiographic measurements, and diet at the time of diagnosis (for 76/91 dogs); echocardiographic changes; and survival. For dogs with diet information available for time of diagnosis, 64/76 (84%) dogs were eating nontraditional commercial diets, while 12/76 (16%) were eating traditional commercial diets. There were few differences between diet groups at baseline, with congestive heart failure and arrhythmias common in both groups. Thirty-four dogs with known baseline diet and diet change status had follow-up echocardiograms between 60 and 1,076 days later (traditional diet, n = 7; nontraditional diet that changed diets, 27; and nontraditional diet group without diet change, 0). Dogs in the nontraditional diet group that changed diets had a significantly greater decrease in normalized left ventricular diameter (diastolic, P = .02; systolic, P = .048) and the left atrium-to-aorta ratio (P = .002) and a significantly greater increase in fractional shortening (P = .02) compared to dogs eating traditional diets. Dogs eating nontraditional diets with diet change (n = 45; P < .001) and dogs eating traditional diets (12; P < .001) had a significantly longer survival time compared to dogs eating nontraditional diets without diet change (4). Dogs with DCM-C also had significant echocardiographic improvements after diet change. Congestive heart failure and arrhythmias were common in pit bull-type breeds with DCM. Those eating nontraditional diets that changed diets had significant improvements in echocardiographic measurements after diet change.

Metabolomic profiling in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy eating non-traditional or traditional diets and in healthy controls

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), caused by genetic and environmental factors, usually progresses to heart failure, a major cause of death in elderly people. A diet-associated form of DCM was recently identified in pet dogs eating non-traditional (NT) diets. To identify potential dietary causes, we analyzed metabolomic signatures and gene set/pathway enrichment in (1) all dogs based on disease, diet, and their interactions and (2) dogs with DCM based on diet. Metabolomic analysis was performed in 38 dogs with DCM eating NT diets (DCM-NT), 8 dogs with DCM eating traditional diets, 12 healthy controls eating NT diets, and 17 healthy controls eating traditional diets. Overall, 153 and 63 metabolites differed significantly between dogs with DCM versus healthy controls and dogs eating NT versus traditional diets, respectively, with 12 metabolites overlapping both analyses. Protein–protein interaction networks and gene set enrichment analysis identified 105 significant pathways and gene sets including aging-related pathways (e.g., nuclear factor-kappa B, oxidative damage, inflammation). Seventeen metabolites differed significantly in dogs with DCM eating NT versus traditional diets (e.g., fatty acids, amino acids, legume biomarkers), suggesting different mechanisms for primary versus diet-associated DCM. Our multifaceted metabolomic assessment of DCM in dogs highlighted diet’s role in some forms of DCM.

Comparison of echocardiographic measurements and cardiac biomarkers in healthy dogs eating nontraditional or traditional diets.

There has been a recent association between nontraditional diets and development of diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. To compare echocardiographic measurements and cardiac biomarkers between healthy dogs eating nontraditional vs traditional diets. We hypothesized that dogs eating nontraditional diets would have lower measures of systolic myocardial performance compared to dogs eating traditional diets. Forty-six healthy dogs: 23 eating nontraditional diets and 23 eating traditional diets. Prospective, cross-sectional study. Dogs were divided into groups based on diet ingredients. Dogs underwent 2-dimensional (2D), 3-dimensional (3D), and Doppler echocardiographic examinations and analysis of plasma N-terminal prohormone of B-type natriuretic peptide, serum cardiac troponin I, and whole blood and plasma taurine concentrations. Mean 2D ejection fraction (EF) was lower for dogs eating nontraditional diets (48.65 ± 7.42%) vs dogs eating traditional diets (56.65 ± 4.63%; P < .001; mean difference 8.0% [4.0%-12.0%] 95% confidence interval [CI]). Mean 3D EF was lower for dogs eating nontraditional diets (45.38 ± 7.35%) vs dogs eating traditional diets (57.58 ± 4.84%; P < .001; 12.0% [8.0%-16.0%] 95% CI). Mean 2D left ventricular end-systolic volumes, indexed to body weight, were significantly higher in dogs eating nontraditional diets (1.46 ± 0.08 mL/kg) vs dogs eating traditional diets (1.06 ± 0.08 mL/kg; P=.002; 0.4mL/kg [0.18-0.62 mL/kg] 95% CI). Healthy dogs eating nontraditional diets had lower indices of systolic function and larger left ventricular volumes compared to dogs eating traditional diets. Screening of apparently healthy dogs eating nontraditional diets might allow for early detection of diet-associated DCM.

An Assessment of Starch Content and Gelatinization in Traditional and Non-Traditional Dog Food Formulations.

Starch gelatinization in pet food may be affected by moisture, retention time, and ingredients used. Starch gelatinization has been associated with changes in digestibility but is not well studied using non-traditional ingredients in canine diets. The objective of this research was to examine differences in starch content and gelatinization associated with changes in ingredient profile (traditional vs. non-traditional) and nutrient content requirements associated with differing life stages. Traditional diets (n = 10) utilizing protein sources including chicken, chicken by-product meal, meat and bone meal and plant-based ingredients including rice, barley, oats, and corn were examined in comparison with non-traditional diets (n = 10) utilizing protein sources including alligator, buffalo, venison, kangaroo, squid, quail, rabbit, and salmon along with plant-based ingredients including tapioca, chickpeas, lentils, potato, and pumpkin. Total starch and gelatinized starch (as percent of total diet) were measured with variation due to ingredient type assessed using Student’s t-test in SAS 9.4. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Total starch (as a percent of diet) was higher in traditional diets compared to non-traditional diets formulated for maintenance (p < 0.0032) or all life stages (p < 0.0128). However, starch gelatinization as a proportion of total starch was lower in traditional diets formulated for maintenance (p < 0.0165) and all life stages (p < 0.0220). Total starch and gelatinized starch had a strong negative correlation (r = −0.78; p < 0.01) in diets utilizing traditional ingredients. These novel data reveal important differences between starch content and gelatinization and may impact selection of various ingredient types by pet food manufacturers.

Prospective study of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs eating nontraditional or traditional diets and in dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities.

BackgroundRecent studies have investigated dogs with presumed diet‐associated dilated cardiomyopathy (daDCM), but prospective studies of multiple breeds are needed.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate baseline features and serial changes in echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers in dogs with DCM eating nontraditional diets (NTDs) or traditional diets (TDs), and in dogs with subclinical cardiac abnormalities (SCA) eating NTD.AnimalsSixty dogs with DCM (NTD, n = 51; TDs, n = 9) and 16 dogs with SCA eating NTDs.MethodsEchocardiography, electrocardiography, and measurement of taurine, cardiac troponin I, and N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide were performed in dogs with DCM or SCA. Diets were changed for all dogs, taurine was supplemented in most, and echocardiography and cardiac biomarkers were reassessed (3, 6, and 9 months).ResultsAt enrollment, there were few differences between dogs with DCM eating NTDs or TDs; none had low plasma or whole blood taurine concentrations. Improvement in fractional shortening over time was significantly associated with previous consumption of a NTD, even after adjustment for other variables (P = .005). Median survival time for dogs with DCM was 611 days (range, 2‐940 days) for the NTD group and 161 days (range, 12‐669 days) for the TD group (P = .21). Sudden death was the most common cause of death in both diet groups. Dogs with SCA also had significant echocardiographic improvements over time.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDogs with DCM or SCA previously eating NTDs had small, yet significant improvements in echocardiographic parameters after diet changes.

Research Advance on Application of Microbial Fermented Fodder in Broilers Production: A Short Review

Recently, interest in animal production and poultry production in particular has increased, because poultry meat and eggs and their products are more widely consumed than other products. Human health is also considered one of the priorities. Nowadays, the fermentation industry has become very popular due to its great benefits in the pharmaceutical industry, the improvement of foodstuffs and the animal feed industry and its improvement. Moreover, microbial fermentation can enhance the content and digestibility of nutrients in nontraditional diets while decreasing the quantity of crude fiber and anti-nutritional elements such as tannins. The functional components (organic acids, bioactive peptides, lactic acid bacteria) found in microbial fermented feed can increase meat production in cattle, pigs, and sheep, and broiler productivity, carcass quality, intestinal health, immunological function, and so on. This paper examines the application study of microbial fermented feed in broiler production and serves as a resource for microbial fermented feed promotion and use in broiler production.

“When Are We Going to Hold Orthorexia to the Same Standard as Anorexia and Bulimia?” Exploring the Medicalization Process of Orthorexia Nervosa on Twitter

ABSTRACT This study contributes to understanding medicalization on social media, by using Conrad’s concept of medicalization as a theoretical framework to explore the conversation about Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) on Twitter. The aim of this mixed-methods study was twofold: the quantitative component aimed to provide descriptive information on the type of tweets and users, as well as on the network structure of the ON-related conversation on Twitter, while the qualitative component aimed to explore how the medicalization of ON unfolds on Twitter by performing a thematic analysis of original tweets about ON. Quantitative descriptive findings show that the most popular hashtags associated with orthorexia include #rdchat, #psychology and #doctors, which hints to a link between discourses around ON and the medical profession. Among the most active, prominent and visible users are news accounts, a registered dietitian, a researcher, a professor and an editor. Qualitative thematic analysis shed light on the discursive process of medicalization. Some users bring about medicalization by approaching ON as a medical entity; in contrast, other users resist medicalization by describing ON as a social phenomenon. A discursive struggle emerges, where certain individuals feel confused around what constitutes ON. This leads to stigmatization of non-traditional diets like veganism, which in turn triggers complaints regarding over-medicalization. As the first Twitter investigation on ON, this study serves the purpose of providing insights into how an emerging disorder develops in society in a time of social media.

Retrospective study of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.

BackgroundThe United States Food and Drug Administration is investigating possible diet‐associated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs and cats.ObjectivesTo retrospectively review DCM cases for signalment, diet information, echocardiographic changes, and survival.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs (n = 71).MethodsMedical records of dogs diagnosed with DCM between January 1, 2014 and September 30, 2018 were reviewed. Dogs were grouped into “traditional” or “nontraditional” diet categories and whether or not diet was changed after diagnosis.ResultsFor dogs eating nontraditional diets, those that had their diets changed had a larger percentage decrease in normalized systolic left ventricular internal dimension (P = .03) and left atrial:aorta ratio (P < .001) compared to those that did not have their diets changed. Survival time was significantly longer for dogs with DCM eating nontraditional diets that had their diets changed (median survival, 337 days; range, 9‐1307 days) compared to dogs eating nontraditional diets that did not have their diets changed (median survival, 215 days; range, 1‐852 days; P = .002).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDogs with DCM eating nontraditional diets can experience improvement in cardiac function after diet change but additional research is needed to examine possible associations between diet and DCM.

85 Impacts of dietary profile on starch content and gelatinization in canine diets

Abstract Starch gelatinization of pet foods can be impacted by several factors, including moisture, retention time, and ingredients used. Starch gelatinization has been associated with effects on digestibility, but isn’t well studied in non-traditional canine diets. The objective of this research was to examine the impacts of dietary ingredient profile (traditional vs. non-traditional) and assess impacts to total starch content and starch gelatinization. Traditional diets (n = 10) utilizing meat-based ingredients including chicken, chicken byproduct meal, meat and bone meal and plant-based ingredients including rice, barley, oats, and corn were examined in comparison with non-traditional diets (n = 10) utilizing meat-based ingredients including alligator, buffalo, venison, kangaroo, squid, quail, rabbit, rabbit and salmon along with plant-based ingredients including tapioca, peas, chickpeas, lentils, potato, and pumpkin. Representative samples were collected via grab sample technique (5 samples/diet) and were assessed for total starch content as well as percent starch gelatinization. Variation between both diet types were assessed with a nonlinear regression using SAS 9.4. Significance was set at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Distribution of total starch content based on ingredient type (traditional vs non-traditional) reveal that mean total starch content is 15% higher in traditional diets as compared to non-traditional diets (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conversely, percent starch gelatinization was found to be 10% higher in non-traditional diets (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Total starch content and percent gelatinization had a highly significant non-linear relationship (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). These novel data reveal important differences between starch content and gelatinization and could impact manufacturing processes for ingredient types as well as feeding recommendations.

Development of plasma and whole blood taurine reference ranges and identification of dietary features associated with taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in golden retrievers: A prospective, observational study.

IntroductionA surge in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer complaints identified concerns that legume-rich, grain-free diets were associated with nutritionally-mediated dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Golden retrievers represent the most reported breed affected by this condition and previous studies documented the disease is responsive to dietary change and taurine supplementation. Although dietary findings across cases are compelling, prospective studies with control groups are lacking. The role of diet in developing taurine deficiency and echocardiographic changes consistent with DCM in healthy dogs is unknown.ObjectivesWe hypothesized that golden retrievers eating non-traditional diets are at a higher risk of having taurine deficiency and nutritionally-mediated DCM compared with those eating traditional commercial diets. We aimed to compare taurine concentrations and echocardiographic indices of systolic function between golden retrievers in each diet group and elucidate associations between diet and these variables. Additionally, we aimed to generate breed-specific reference intervals for whole blood and plasma taurine concentrations.Animals86 golden retrievers.MethodsGolden retrievers eating traditional or non-traditional diets were evaluated and diet history, taurine concentrations and echocardiographic data were collected. Dietary features, taurine concentrations and echocardiographic findings were compared between diet groups. Relative risks were calculated for the likelihood of echocardiographic abnormalities and taurine deficiency in each diet group. Breed-specific reference intervals were constructed for taurine concentrations in dogs from the traditional diet group.ResultsGolden retrievers eating non-traditional diets had significantly lower taurine concentrations and more frequent systolic dysfunction. Breed specific reference intervals are higher than previously reported across breeds.ConclusionsNon-traditional diets, which were typically grain-free and contained legumes in this study, were significantly associated with and have increased relative risk for the identification of taurine deficiency and echocardiographic abnormalities consistent with nutritionally-mediated DCM. These findings were identifiable in the absence of clinical signs and support the findings of multiple previous studies and the ongoing FDA investigation.

Are Households in Kiribati Nutrition Secure? A Case Study of South Tarawa and Butaritari.

This study assessed the nutritional status among householders in urban South Tarawa and rural Butaritari in Kiribati. In this cross-sectional study, we assessed energy and nutrient intakes, food variety scores, and dietary diversity scores of men and women from 468 households randomly selected in South Tarawa (n = 161) and Butaritari (n = 307) using a 24-hour dietary recall. Nutrient adequacy ratios and mean adequacy ratios of selected nutrients were also determined from 3-day weighed food records collected among participants living in a further 28 households from South Tarawa (n = 29) and Butaritari (n = 44). Based on the 24-hour dietary recall, the average energy intake for men and women was 2536 kcals and 2068 kcals, respectively. Carbohydrate (CHO), fat, and protein intakes for men and women were 332.5 g, 76.5 g, and 130.4 g and 291.7 g, 55.1 g, and 103.5 g, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of household Food Variety Score and Dietary Diversity Score was 3.90 ± 1.25 and 5.44 ± 1.92, respectively. Intakes of vitamin A, calcium, and iron, and zinc were notably deficient in both locations, with the urban participants having lower intakes of vitamin B-1, vitamin B-2, magnesium, and potassium than their rural counterparts. Mean sodium intakes exceeded recommendations for all age groups in South Tarawa except children aged 4 to 6 years. Food consumption patterns of the households in South Tarawa and Butaritari reflected high consumption of nontraditional diets and refined foods, which manifested in inadequate micronutrient intake estimates and low dietary diversity: strong risk factors for noncommunicable diseases such as obesity and diabetes.

Обменные процессы и продуктивность овцематок при использовании в рационах препарата «Лактофлэкс»

Одним из перспективных методов повышения продуктивности животных является использование в рационах нетрадиционных кормов и кормовых добавок, в том числе пребиотиков. Рассмотрено сравнительное влияние различных доз пребиотического препарата «Лактофлэкс» на обменные процессы и продуктивные качества овцематок грозненской породы в Калмыкии в 2014 – 2016 гг. Для этого были отобраны методом пар-аналогов четыре группы маток в начале второй половины суягности по 30 голов в каждой. Все животные получали одинаковый по структуре и питательности основной рацион, принятый в хозяйстве и соответствующий нормам кормления. Применение в рационах суягных маток опытных групп различных доз биопрепарата положительно повлияло на поедаемость кормов, переваримость и использование питательных веществ рационов, морфологические и биохимические показатели крови, что свидетельствует о более интенсивных окислительно-восстановительных процессах, протекающих в организме. В результате более интенсивный процесс обмена веществ у опытного маточного поголовья способствовал повышению воспроизводительных качеств, живой массы ягнят при рождении и их сохранности, молочности, химического состава молока и шерстной продуктивности маток. При этом по всем изучаемым показателям наибольшее достоверное превосходство имели животные III и IV групп, получавшие с рационами биопрепарат в расчете 0,20 и 0,25 мл на 1 кг живой массы. Установленная достаточно высокая эффективность этого биопрепарата вызывает определенный научный и практический интерес для выяснения более разностороннего познания особенностей в раскрытии генетических возможностей организма животных, направленных на повышение качественных хозяйственно-полезных признаков.

Oral health and medical conditions among Amish children.

Background: The Amish are a growing population who live a traditional, rural way of life, which makes them less accepting of modernism. Most Amish live in poverty and are detached from modern health care. In addition, the recent change of their lifestyle has been reported, such as consuming a nontraditional diet and the usage of electronic devices. As a result, their lifestyle change may have impacted their oral health. However, since only a single report about oral health among Amish children has been published approximately three decades ago it has not yet been updated. This study describes oral health among Amish children and their medical conditions during visits to a mobile dental unit (MDU). Material and Methods: The dental records of all patients (N=216) who visited a mobile dental unit were reviewed, which covers 1 year from May 20, 2011, the first date of service. The following factors were taken into consideration during the review process: parental perceptions of their children’s oral health care, dental care experiences, and general health information. Results: Fifty-four (27.8%) children, ages 3 to 17, have never received dental treatment before visiting the MDU; the average number of untreated decayed teeth was 6.8. In spite of this, most parents rated their children’s oral health as good or very good (87.7%). The high cost and long distance travel associated with routine, professional dental care makes it difficult for children to maintain good oral hygiene. Our analysis revealed that bleeding disorders were more prevalent among this gene pool compared to the nation at large; however, asthma was less common. Conclusions: There are oral and general health disparities among Amish children. There is a lack of awareness among Amish parents with regard to their children’s oral health. Key words:Amish, child, dental caries, mobile health units.

A survey of feeding, activity, supplement use and energy consumption in North American agility dogs.

A survey was designed and administered at eighteen agility competitions across the Northeast and Midwest USA in 2015 to obtain information regarding competition level, training, feeding practices, owner-reported weight, body condition score (BCS) and supplement use. Average energy intake per d from reported consumption was assessed for all dogs in ideal body condition based on manufacturers' or US Department of Agriculture database information. To assess the respective parameters across competition levels (novice, open, master/elite), non-parametric or parametric ANOVA or χ2 was used to determine significance. There were 494 respondents with usable data. Results showed that approximately 99 % of respondents used treats and 62 % utilised supplements. Of the respondents, 61 % fed primarily commercial dry food. Approximately 25 % of owners fed foods other than commercial dry (i.e. raw/home-prepared or freeze-dried). This 25 % of non-traditional diets included: 11 % home-prepared raw/cooked diets, 11 % commercial raw/cooked diets, and the remaining 3 % were fed commercial freeze-dried raw products. The remaining 14 % fed a mix of commercial dry food and raw/home-cooked blend. Average BCS was 4·7 (sd 1·1). Mean energy consumption of 238 dogs (BCS 4-5/9) was 444 (sd 138) kJ/kg body weight0·75 per d (106 (sd 33) kcal/kg body weight0·75 per d), with no significant differences observed between dogs at different levels of competition. The mean percentage of energy from treats was 15·1 (sd 12·7) % of overall energy consumption.

THE ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF NONTRADITIONAL FEED IN THE DIET OF DAIRY ANIMALS IN FAYOUM GOVERNORATE

This research aims to study the economic impact of using traditional diets and non-traditional diets containing rice straw treated with ammonia and maize silage to feed dairy cattle, on dairy production. The study results showed that: - The total additional economic returns achieved as a result of the use of rice straw treated with ammonia amounted to 2602.9, and 2020.4 pounds, and as a result of the use of maize silage amounted to 3501.7, 2009.0 pounds during the season for the buffaloes and cows, respectively. - the ratio of total return value to total feeding costs after using rice straw treated with ammonia is greater compared to that used traditional feed, where amounted to about 2.29, 2.32 with an increase of about 0.84, 1.02 pounds per head of buffalo and cattle respectively, and it amounted to about 2.60, 2.24 after the use of maize silage, with an increase of about 1.15, 0.94 pounds per head of buffalo and cattle respectively. - The estimated production function for buffalo indicate that the production elasticity is about 1.41, which means the existence of increasing return to scale. The production function is statistically significant at 1%, with R2 equal to 0.86. - The optimum production that minimize the cost and maximize the profit per head of buffalo during the season is estimated to be about 2.746, 3.627 tons in the case of using traditional diet, while in the case of using rice straw treated with ammonia it is about 2.765, 3.955 tons, and in the case of using maize silage is about 1.843, 3.609 tons. - The optimum production that minimize the cost and maximize the profit per head of cow during the season is also estimated to be about 1.477, 1.977 tons in the case of using traditional diet, while in the case of using rice straw treated with ammonia is about 1.077, 1.893 tons, and in the case of using maize silage is about 1.230, 2.016 tons. - The total estimated economic impact in the case of using rice straw treated with ammonia diet, is expected to increase milk production in the country by 465.07, 233.51 thousand tons for buffalo, cows, respectively. In the case of of using maize silage diet, the expected increase in milk production is around 682.71, 293.09 thousand tons for buffalo, cows, respectively. At the level of Fayoum governorate, the increase is about 26.02, 11.22 thousand tons for buffalo, cows, respectively, in the case of using diet containing rice straw treated with ammonia, while in the case of using diet containing maize silage, the expected increase is around 38.2, 14.09 thousand tons for buffalo, cows, respectively. In light of the previous findings, the study recommends the following: - There is a need for efforts from the extension and research institutions and media channels to encourage adoption of the use of non-traditional feed at the national level. - Raising awareness of farmers and breeders about the importance of non-traditional feeds in reducing feeding costs and increasing economic returns, in addition to increasing the national output of milk. - There is a need to expand the use of rice straw treated with ammonia and maize silage, which leads to the reduction of area allocated for clover and increase area for wheat production, thereby reducing its imports. - The study recommends expanding non-traditional feed mills in countryside of Egy

Oxygen transport adaptations to exercise in native highland populations.

Oxygen transport adaptations to exercise in native highland populations.

Metabolic aspects of high-altitude adaptation in Tibetans.

What is the topic of this review? The topic of this review is how Tibetans have adapted genetically to high altitude, particularly with reference to altitude-induced changes in metabolism. What advances does it highlight? It highlights recent work on metabolic phenotyping in Tibetans and demonstrates that selected genetic haplotypes influence their metabolism of fats and glucose. Recent studies have identified genes involved in high-altitude adaptation in Tibetans. Three of these genes (EPAS1, EGLN1 and PPARA) are associated with decreased haemoglobin levels compared with non-Tibetans living at altitude. Consistent with the phenotype, EGLN1 in Tibetans has a gain-of-function mutation that confers a higher affinity for oxygen, hence less sensitivity to hypoxia. Considering the demands imposed upon metabolism in meeting energy demands despite limitations on fuel oxidation, we hypothesized that other selected genes might alter metabolism to allow adaptation to altitude despite the desensitization of the upstream hypoxia sensing caused by the EGLN1 mutation that results in the failure to sense hypoxia. A shift in fuel preference to glucose oxidation and glycolysis at the expense of fatty acid oxidation would provide adaptation to decreased oxygen availability. Measurements of serum metabolites from Tibetans living at high altitude are consistent with this hypothesis; the EPAS1 haplotype is significantly associated with increased lactate levels (suggesting increased anaerobic metabolism), and the PPARA haplotype and serum free fatty acids are positively related (suggesting decreased fat oxidation). These data suggest that the high-altitude adaptations may offer protection from diabetes at high altitude but increase the risk of diabetes at lower elevations and/or with adoption of a non-traditional diet. It should also be considered in future work in the field that because iron is a cofactor for EGLN1, there may be significant associations of phenotypes with the significant degrees of variation seen in tissue iron among human populations.

Responses of late-lactation cows to forage substitutes in low-forage diets supplemented with by-products

In response to drought-induced forage shortages along with increased corn and soy prices, this study was conducted to evaluate lactation responses of dairy cows to lower-forage diets supplemented with forage substitutes. By-product feeds were used to completely replace corn grain and soybean feeds. Forty-eight late-lactation cows were assigned to 1 of 4 diets using a randomized complete block design with a 2-wk covariate period followed by a 4-wk experimental period. The covariate diet contained corn grain, soybean meal, and 61% forage. Experimental diets contained chopped wheat straw (WS)/sugar beet pulp at 0/12, 3/9, 6/6, or 9/3 percentages of diet dry matter (DM). Corn silage (20%), alfalfa silage (20%), pelleted corn gluten feed (25.5%), distillers grains (8%), whole cottonseed (5%), cane molasses/whey blend (7%), and vitamin and mineral mix with monensin (2.5%) comprised the rest of diet DM. The WS/sugar beet pulp diets averaged 16.5% crude protein, 35% neutral detergent fiber, and 11% starch (DM basis). Cows consuming the experimental diets maintained a 3.5% fat- and protein-corrected milk production (35.2kg; standard deviation=5.6kg) that was numerically similar to that measured in the covariate period (35.3kg; standard deviation=5.0kg). Intakes of DM and crude protein declined linearly as WS increased, whereas neutral detergent fiber intake increased linearly. Linear increases in time spent ruminating (from 409 to 502min/d) and eating (from 156 to 223min/d) were noted as WS inclusion increased. Yields of milk fat and 3.5% fat-and protein-corrected milk did not change as WS increased, but those of protein and lactose declined linearly. Phosphorous intakes were in excess of recommended levels and decreased linearly with increasing WS inclusion. Nutritional model predictions for multiparous cows were closest to actual performance for the National Research Council 2001 model when a metabolizable protein basis was used; primiparous cow performance was better predicted by energy-based predictions made with the National Research Council or Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System models. Model predictions of performance showed a quadratic diet effect with increasing WS. Lactating dairy cows maintained production on low-forage diets that included forage substitutes, and in which by-product feeds fully replaced corn grain and soybean. However, longer-term studies are needed to evaluate animal performance and to improve model predictions of performance on these nontraditional diets.