Non-ruminant Animals Research Articles

Technical note: Characterization of lipid constitution in Fourier transform infrared spectra and spectroscopic discrimination of animal-derived feedstuffs from different species.

The objective of the current work was to assess the capability of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometric methods to discriminate animal-derived feedstuffs from different origins based on the lipid characteristics. A total of 82 lipid samples extracted from animal-derived feedstuffs, comprising porcine, poultry, bovine, ovine, and fish samples, were investigated by gas chromatography and FT-IR. The relationship between the lipid constitutions and the responding FT-IR spectral characteristics were explored. Results indicated that high correlations ( > 0.900) were found between the contents of MUFA and PUFA and FT-IR spectral data. In addition, the peak intensity at about 1,116 and 1,098 cm-1 showed a significant difference ( < 0.05) between ruminant and nonruminant animals; the change of peak ratio (1,116:1,098) was proved consistent with the degree of unsaturation of lipid from different animal species. Successful discrimination was further achieved among porcine, poultry, bovine, and ovine meat and bone meal (MBM) and fishmeal based on lipid characteristics by applying the FT-IR spectra coupled with chemometrics, for which the values of sensitivity and specificity were close to 1 and classification error were almost equal to 0.

Registration of ‘Sawtooth’ Low‐Phytate, Hulless, Spring Barley

The USDA‐ARS has released ‘Sawtooth’ (Reg. No. CV‐361, PI 679589), a hulless, low‐phytate, spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), the second to be developed and released by the USDA‐ARS. Compared with the previously released hulless, low‐phytate cultivar Clearwater, Sawtooth has higher grain yield and test weight and performs similarly for other agronomic traits and for grain phosphorus (P) characteristics. Sawtooth can contribute to nonruminant animal production efficiency and sustainability by reducing or eliminating the need for P or phytase supplementation and by reducing environmental P releases from animal manure.

Desafios para utilização eficiente da fitase na nutrição de peixes

O ácido fítico (IP6) é o principal estoque de fósforo nas plantas e representa entre 50 e 80% do fósforo total presente nos ingredientes vegetais. Por ser indigestível pelos animais não ruminantes e permanecer carregado negativamente no pH fisiológico, liga-se a uma grande variedade de nutrientes, principalmente cátions, os quais são eliminados via fezes. Este fato torna necessária a suplementação de fósforo disponível o que aumenta os custos e problemas ambientais. Em vista disso, a fitase tem sido utilizada como forma de degradar a molécula de IP6 e aumentar o aproveitamento do fósforo indisponível. Esta enzima é usada com sucesso na alimentação de aves e suínos, porém controversa para peixes. Como toda enzima, a fitase possui uma faixa de temperatura e pH ótimos para atuar e desnatura quando submetida a extremos. Assim, o processamento da ração (extrusão) e as diversas condições anatômicas e fisiológicas das espécies de peixe desafiam sua integridade e atuação. Em vista disso, entender os principais aspectos envolvidos nos resultados obtidos com o uso da fitase na alimentação de peixes, conduz ao seu uso correto considerando as condições para sua atividade e os desafios impostos tanto pelo processamento quanto pela espécie de peixe.

Diversity study analysis of Leptin gene in some ruminant and non-ruminant selected animal species

The key element of the system regulating food intake has proven to be the Leptin. It act as hunger centre in the hypothalamus and affects the regulation of appetite. It has also been shown that Leptin gene influence milk performance in sheep, cattle and reproduction performance in beef cattle. Genetic characterization to assess the existing biodiversity and differences among the important livestock breeds is an essential pre-requisite to facilitate the conservation program in an effective and meaningful way. This paper sought to study the diversity analysis of Leptin gene in some ruminant and non-ruminant animal species. A total of twenty three (23) Leptin gene sequences belonging to eight (8) species: Cattle (3), Sheep (3), Goat (3), Swine (3), Horse (2), Camel (3), Mouse (3) and Rabbit (3) were retrieved from Genbank (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Sequences alignment, translation and comparison were done using ClustalW of the MEGA 6.0. The minimum distance matrix (Dxy) value (0.02) was observed between the sequence of cattle and goat while the maximum Dxy value (2.72) was seen between cattle and sheep in ruminant species. In non-ruminant species the highest Dxy value (17.61) was seen between rabbit and camel while the minimum Dxy value (0.18) was observed between mouse and camel respectively. The smaller the distance matrix value, the closer the sequence of the species and the lesser the genetic distance among or between species whereas the larger the Dxy value, the higher the genetic distance among and between species investigated. This finding could provide basis for selection when considering evolution and differentiation among species.

P and Ca digestibility is increased in broiler diets supplemented with the high-phytase HIGHPHY wheat

Around 70% of total seed phosphorus is represented by phytate which must be hydrolysed to be bioavailable in non-ruminant diets. The limited endogenous phytase activity in non-ruminant animals make it common practice to add an exogenous phytase source to most poultry and pig feeds. The mature grain phytase activity (MGPA) of cereal seeds provides a route for the seeds themselves to contribute to phytate digestion, but MGPA varies considerably between species and most varieties in current use make negligible contributions. Currently, all phytases used for feed supplementation and transgenic improvement of MGPA are derived from microbial enzymes belonging to the group of histidine acid phosphatases (HAP). Cereals contain HAP phytases, but the bulk of MGPA can be attributed to phytases belonging to a completely different group of phosphatases, the purple acid phosphatases (PAPhy). In recent years, increased MGPAs were achieved in cisgenic barley holding extra copies of barley PAPhy and in the wheat HIGHPHY mutant, where MGPA was increased to ~6200 FTU/kg. In the present study, the effect of replacing 33%, 66% and 100% of a standard wheat with HIGHPHY wheat was compared with a control diet with and without 500 FTU of supplemental phytase. Diets were compared by evaluating broiler performance, ileal Ca and P digestibility and tibia development, using nine replicate pens of four birds per diet over 3 weeks from hatch. There were no differences between treatments in any tibia or bird performance parameters, indicating the control diet did not contain sufficiently low levels of phosphorus to distinguish effect of phytase addition. However, in a comparison of the two wheats, the ileal Ca and P digestibility coefficients for the 100% HIGHPHY wheat diets are 22.9% and 35.6% higher, respectively, than for the control diet, indicating the wheat PAPhy is functional in the broiler digestive tract. Furthermore, 33% HIGHPHY replacement of conventional wheat, significantly improved Ca and P digestibility over the diet-supplemented exogenous phytase, probably due to the higher phytase activity in the HIGHPHY diet (1804 v. 1150 FTU). Full replacement by HIGHPHY gave 14.6% and 22.8% higher ileal digestibility coefficients for Ca and P, respectively, than for feed supplemented with exogenous HAP phytase at 500 FTU. This indicates that in planta wheat PAPhys has promising potential for improving P and mineral digestibility in animal feed.

Botulism in non-ruminants in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Botulism is an intoxication caused by the ingestion of neurotoxins secreted by Clostridium botulinum and characterized by progressive flaccid symmetrical paralysis. Among non-ruminant animals, avian species and dogs are the most commonly affected by botulism, while horses and pigs are less-commonly diagnosed with the disease. Despite the importance of this disease in animals, the Brazilian literature only includes case studies and outbreak descriptions. The aim of this study was to review the main features and to provide recent data on the occurrence of botulism in non-ruminants in Brazil.

β-glucuronidase activity and enterolactone concentration in ruminal fluid, plasma, urine, and milk of Holstein cows fed increased levels of flax (Linum usitatissimum) meal

The main mammalian lignan present in milk of dairy cows fed flax products is enterolactone (EL), but the relationship between EL concentration in milk and body fluids when cows are fed increased proportions of flax meal (FM) is unknown. The objectives were to investigate the effects of increased levels of FM on EL concentration in milk, plasma, urine, and ruminal fluid and the activity of β-glucuronidase in ruminal fluid and feces. Eight rumen-cannulated cows were assigned to a double 4×4 Latin square design with four 21 d periods and four diets: control diet with no FM (CON) or a diet with 50, 100 and 150g/kg of FM. Concentrations of EL in urine, ruminal fluid, milk, and plasma increased linearly with FM supplementation. Spearman’s correlation coefficients were significant for all comparisons except that only a trend was observed between concentration of EL in urine and that in ruminal fluid before feeding. The strongest correlation was observed between EL concentration in ruminal fluid post-feeding and that in milk. Feeding increased proportions of FM in the diet had no effect on β-glucuronidase activity. Unlike to what is observed in non-ruminant animals, present results suggest that the activity of β-glucuronidase in the rumen is of little importance for the absorption of EL and its transfer in milk and other physiological fluids. Further studies are required to better understand and improve EL production and absorption, which could contribute to enhance animal health and the transfer of antioxidant components in milk.

0497 Pre- and probiotics for increased disease resistance in the nonruminant animal

0497 Pre- and probiotics for increased disease resistance in the nonruminant animal

Effects of duodenal infusion of sunflower oil on β-glucuronidase activity and enterolactone concentration in dairy cows fed flax meal

Microbial β-glucuronidase activity is important for the absorption of enterolignans. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of dietary flax meal and abomasal infusion of sunflower oil (SO) on activity of β-glucuronidase in ruminal fluid and feces, and concentration of enterolactone (EL) in ruminal fluid, plasma, urine and milk. Eight rumen fistulated lactating Holstein cows were assigned to a double 4×4 Latin square design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments: (1) control diet with no FM (CO); (2) diet containing 137g/kg flax meal (FM); (3) CO and infusion of 250g SO/d in the abomasum; and (4) FM and infusion of 250g SO/d in the abomasum. Activity of β-glucuronidase in ruminal fluid was similar among diets. Cows fed the FM diets had lower fecal β-glucuronidase activity than those fed the CO diets. Infusion of SO lowered fecal β-glucuronidase activity. Supplementation with FM increased EL concentration in plasma, urine and prefeeding ruminal fluid, and SO reduced EL concentration in ruminal fluid before feeding. Dietary FM and SO infusion had no effect on milk EL concentration. Overall, the metabolism of flax lignans and the absorption of enterolignans were not affected by the presence of SO, a rich source of n-6 fatty acids, in the intestine as indicated by similar concentrations of EL in ruminal fluid (pool of 2, 4 and 6h postfeeding), plasma and urine. These results suggest that the effect of fat on the metabolism of lignans may differ between results observed in the present experiment with ruminant animals and those obtained in previous studies with non-ruminant animals.

Physicochemical Properties Analysis and Secretome of Aspergillus niger in Fermented Rapeseed Meal.

The nutrient digestibility and feeding value of rapeseed meal (RSM) for non-ruminant animals is poor due to the presence of anti-nutritional substances such as glucosinolate, phytic acid, crude fiber etc. In the present study, a solid state fermentation (SSF) using Aspergillus niger was carried out with the purpose of improving the nutritional quality of RSM. The chemical composition and physicochemical properties of RSM before and after fermentation were compared. To further understand possible mechanism of solid state fermentation, the composition of extracellular enzymes secreted by Aspergillus niger during fermentation was analysed using two-dimentional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) combined with matrix assisted laser desorption ionization—time of flight—mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF-MS). Results of the present study indicated that SSF had significant effects on chemical composition of RSM. The fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) contained more crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) (except His) than unfermented RSM. Notably, the small peptide in FRSM was 2.26 time larger than that in unfermented RSM. Concentrations of anti-nutritional substrates in FRSM including neutral detergent fiber (NDF), glucosinolates, isothiocyanate, oxazolidithione, and phytic acid declined (P < 0.05) by 13.47, 43.07, 55.64, 44.68 and 86.09%, respectively, compared with unfermented RSM. A. niger fermentation disrupted the surface structure, changed macromolecular organic compounds, and reduced the protein molecular weights of RSM substrate. Total proteins of raw RSM and FRSM were separated and 51 protein spots were selected for mass spectrometry according to 2D-DIGE map. In identified proteins, there were 15 extracellular hydrolases secreted by A. niger including glucoamylase, acid protease, beta-glucanase, arabinofuranosidase, xylanase, and phytase. Some antioxidant related enzymes also were identified. These findings suggested that A. niger is able to secrete many extracellular degradation enzymes (especially lignocellulosic hydrolyzing enzymes, acid proteases and phytase) during fermentation of RSM, thus altering chemical composition and physicochemical properties of RSM.

Recent advances in canola meal utilization in swine nutrition.

Canola meal is derived from the crushing of canola seed for oil extraction. Although it has been used in swine diets for a long time, its inclusion levels have been limited due to concerns regarding its nutritive value primarily arising from results of early studies showing negative effects of dietary canola meal inclusion in swine diets. Such effects were attributable to the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANF; notably glucosinolates) in canola meal. However, due to advances in genetic improvements of canola that have led to production of cultivars with significantly lower ANF content and improved processing procedures, canola meal with a superior nutritive value for non-ruminant animals is now available. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to review the recent studies in the use of canola meal as feedstuff for swine, the factors influencing its use and the strategies to overcome them. First a historical overview of the development of canola is provided.

Metabolomic biomarkers identify differences in milk produced by Holstein cows and other minor dairy animals

Several milk metabolites are associated with breeds or species of dairy animals. A better understanding of milk metabolites from different dairy animals would advance their use in evaluating milk traits and detecting milk adulteration. The objective of this study was to characterize the milk metabolite profiles of Chinese Holstein, Jersey, yak, buffalo, goat, camel, and horse and identify any differences using non-targeted metabolomic approaches. Milk samples were tested using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Data were analyzed using a multivariate analysis of variance and differences in milk metabolites between Holstein and the other dairy animals were assessed using orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis. Differential metabolites were identified and some metabolites, such as choline and succinic acid, were used to distinguish Holstein milk from that of the other studied animals. Metabolic pathway analysis of different metabolites revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism as well as valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis were shared in the other ruminant animals (Jersey, buffalo, yak, and goat), and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids was shared in the non-ruminant animals (camel and horse). These results can be useful for gaining a better understanding of the differences in milk synthesis between Holstein and the other dairy animals.

Transmission of sheep-bovine spongiform encephalopathy to pigs.

Experimental transmission of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) agent has been successfully reported in pigs inoculated via three simultaneous distinct routes (intracerebral, intraperitoneal and intravenous). Sheep derived BSE (Sh-BSE) is transmitted more efficiently than the original cattle-BSE isolate in a transgenic mouse model expressing porcine prion protein. However, the neuropathology and distribution of Sh-BSE in pigs as natural hosts, and susceptibility to this agent, is unknown. In the present study, seven pigs were intracerebrally inoculated with Sh-BSE prions. One pig was euthanized for analysis in the preclinical disease stage. The remaining six pigs developed neurological signs and histopathology revealed severe spongiform changes accompanied by astrogliosis and microgliosis throughout the central nervous system. Intracellular and neuropil-associated pathological prion protein (PrPSc) deposition was consistently observed in different brain sections and corroborated by Western blot. PrPSc was detected by immunohistochemistry and enzyme immunoassay in the following tissues in at least one animal: lymphoid tissues, peripheral nerves, gastrointestinal tract, skeletal muscle, adrenal gland and pancreas. PrPSc deposition was revealed by immunohistochemistry alone in the retina, optic nerve and kidney. These results demonstrate the efficient transmission of Sh-BSE in pigs and show for the first time that in this species propagation of bovine PrPSc in a wide range of peripheral tissues is possible. These results provide important insight into the distribution and detection of prions in non-ruminant animals.

ChemInform Abstract: Fungal Phytases: Characteristics and Amelioration of Nutritional Quality and Growth of Non‐ruminants

AbstractReview: 107 refs.

The influence of calcium on phytase efficacy in non-ruminant animals

High dietary calcium (Ca) can negatively influence growth performance and reduce phosphorus, protein and amino acid digestibility in broilers and pigs. In addition, high dietary Ca will precipitate with phytate at pH conditions within the small intestine. Previous research reported that high dietary Ca significantly reduced phytase efficacy through precipitation with or competition for binding sites on the phytate molecule. However, microbial phytases are active at pH ranges where phytate is soluble and hydrolyse phytate rapidly to reduce the likelihood of phytate precipitating with Ca, suggesting the effect of dietary Ca on the efficacy of these phytases may be reduced. Even with such phytases there may still be problems observed due to particularly high concentrations of dietary Ca, which can occur as a result of a reduction in Ca not being applied in the presence of a phytase and/or if Ca concentrations in the diet exceed expectations. For example, when total Ca was analysed in 795 broiler and pig diets, on average, there was 0.22% more Ca present than expected. This means that if a diet was formulated to contain 0.80% total Ca, the analysed value could be as high as 1.02%, almost 25% above the expected dietary Ca concentration. The discrepancy between the expected and analysed total Ca may have implications on chemical and physical properties within the gastrointestinal tract, dietary phytate solubility, nutrient digestibility and phytase efficacy. The present paper aims to highlight factors influencing the effect of Ca on phytase efficacy, encompassing the differences among published book values for total Ca content of ingredients, the difference between Ca sources and their affinity for phytate, and finally how these factors influence the Ca to P ratio and thus phytase efficacy.

Comparison of Rift Valley fever virus replication in North American livestock and wildlife cell lines.

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes disease outbreaks across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in high morbidity and mortality among young domestic livestock, frequent abortions in pregnant animals, and potentially severe or fatal disease in humans. The possibility of RVFV spreading to the United States or other countries worldwide is of significant concern to animal and public health, livestock production, and trade. The mechanism for persistence of RVFV during inter-epidemic periods may be through mosquito transovarial transmission and/or by means of a wildlife reservoir. Field investigations in endemic areas and previous in vivo studies have demonstrated that RVFV can infect a wide range of animals, including indigenous wild ruminants of Africa. Yet no predominant wildlife reservoir has been identified, and gaps in our knowledge of RVFV permissive hosts still remain. In North America, domestic goats, sheep, and cattle are susceptible hosts for RVFV and several competent vectors exist. Wild ruminants such as deer might serve as a virus reservoir and given their abundance, wide distribution, and overlap with livestock farms and human populated areas could represent an important risk factor. The objective of this study was to assess a variety of cell lines derived from North American livestock and wildlife for susceptibility and permissiveness to RVFV. Results of this study suggest that RVFV could potentially replicate in native deer species such as white-tailed deer, and possibly a wide range of non-ruminant animals. This work serves to guide and support future animal model studies and risk model assessment regarding this high-consequence zoonotic pathogen.

Genotype x Environment interaction for antioxidants and phytic acid contents in bread and durum wheat as influenced by climate

Antioxidants prevent oxidative stress and exert positive health effects. However, phytic acid among them decreases micronutrients absorption, representing also antinutrient to human and non-ruminant animals. Fifteen bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and 15 durum wheat (Triticum durum Desf.) genotypes were evaluated across six environments to determine contents of phytic acid (PA), inorganic P (Pi), total yellow pigment, total soluble phenolic compounds, free protein sulfhydryl groups (PSH), and also phytic acid P/Pi (Pp/Pi). The objective of this study was to quantify, for each trait the effects of environment, genotype, and their interaction; and the influence of climatic factors on the Genotype x Environment interaction (GEI) by the use of the factorial regression. GEI (P < 0.001) prevailed as source of variation over genotype (P < 0.001) in determining PA content in bread and durum wheat (44.3% and 34.7% of sum of squares-SS, respectively), PSH content in bread and durum wheat (27% and 28.4% of SS, respectively) and total soluble phenolic compounds content in durum wheat (35.5% of SS). The major contribution to the GEI represented climatic variables during stages of stem elongation for PA and phenolic compounds, and also flowering, fertilization, grain formation and grain filling for PSH. Total yellow pigment and Pi contents in bread and durum wheat were predominantly determined by genotype (P < 0.001). Models of climatic variables proved to be efficient in the explanation of more than 92% of the SS of GEI for PA and antioxidants contents.

The impact of phosphorus on the immune system and the intestinal microbiota with special focus on the pig.

There is increasing interest in dietary ingredients that are appropriate to support digestive and immune functions, but also maintain a stable microbial ecosystem in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), particularly in weaned pigs. P is an essential nutrient for both microbes and their host, as it is involved, for example, in bone formation, energy metabolism, cellular signalling and stabilisation of cell membranes. Non-ruminant animals have limited access to phytate, the main storage form of P in plant seeds. The release of P bound to phytate requires phytase activity of plant or microbial origin, resulting in the formation of variable phosphorylated inositol phosphates (InsPs). The present review focuses on interactions between variations in dietary P supply, the immune system of the host, and the intestinal microbial ecosystem. Although results on the interaction between P and the immune system are inconsistent, several studies in different species have shown a positive impact of dietary P and phytase addition on the adaptive immune response. Recent studies with pigs suggest that P supply may influence intestinal microbial composition and activity. Individual InsPs or phosphate may also affect properties of pathogenic micro-organisms, such as metabolism or virulence. In conclusion, P may be considered as part of an integrated approach to support immune functions and maintain a stable microbial ecosystem in the GIT, thereby providing a barrier against potential pathogens. Within this regard, differences in phytate-P content and intrinsic phytase activity of plant feedstuffs, as well as the formation of individual InsPs, have to be taken into account.

An integrated multianalytical approach to the reconstruction of daily activities at the Bronze Age settlement in Peñalosa (Jaén, Spain)

This paper seeks to reconstruct everyday human activities in a Bronze Age Argaric site in southeastern Spain. We used an integrated multi-analytical approach to study residues extracted from 5 ceramic pieces and 3 soil samples. The results of these analyses were complemented with archaeological interpretations to produce the first findings on domestic activities four millennia ago at the Peñalosa settlement in Jaén, Spain. The bands observed in FTIR and ATR–FTIR spectra of the archaeological residues showed a peak assignment that confirmed the silicate components of the clay as raw material and the presence of organic matter. The amorphous organic materials were analyzed by GC–MS, HRMS and GC–C–IRMS, and the mineral residues by non-invasive portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF). We identified α,ω-dicarboxylic and ω-(o-alkylphenyl) alkanoic acids produced by oxidative degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, as well as monocarboxylic acids, n-alkanes, diterpenoid acids, cholesterol, dyes and chemical grape markers. Assignments were based on lipid profile, fatty acid ratios and the δ13C values of C16:0 and C18:0. The results are consistent with the presence of tissues from ruminant (ovine or bovine) and non-ruminant (swine and equine) animals, vegetable oils, waxes, conifer resin and grape seeds. The presence of fish-based fats was suggested in one of the residues. Our evidence also suggests that grape juice or wine may have been consumed at this Bronze Age site. As far as we know this is the first investigation of the organic residues absorbed into an Argaric goblet used in a domestic situation.

A Substantial Fraction of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Low Phytic Acid Mutations Have Little or No Effect on Yield across Diverse Production Environments.

The potential benefits of the low phytic acid (lpa) seed trait for human and animal nutrition, and for phosphorus management in non-ruminant animal production, are well documented. However, in many cases the lpa trait is associated with impaired seed or plant performance, resulting in reduced yield. This has given rise to the perception that the lpa trait is tightly correlated with reduced yield in diverse crop species. Here we report a powerful test of this correlation. We measured grain yield in lines homozygous for each of six barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lpa mutations that greatly differ in their seed phytic acid levels. Performance comparisons were between sibling wild-type and mutant lines obtained following backcrossing, and across two years in five Idaho (USA) locations that greatly differ in crop yield potential. We found that one lpa mutation (Hvlpa1-1) had no detectable effect on yield and a second (Hvlpa4-1) resulted in yield losses of only 3.5%, across all locations. When comparing yields in three relatively non-stressful production environments, at least three lpa mutations (Hvlpa1-1, Hvlpa3-1, and Hvlpa4-1) typically had yields similar to or within 5% of the wild-type sibling isoline. Therefore in the case of barley, lpa mutations can be readily identified that when simply incorporated into a cultivar result in adequately performing lines, even with no additional breeding for performance within the lpa line. In conclusion, while some barley lpa mutations do impact field performance, a substantial fraction appears to have little or no effect on yield.