α-Lipoic acid-enrichment partially reverses tissue ascorbic acid depletion in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) fed vitamin C-devoid diets

Effects of dietary α-lipoic acid (LA) and ascorbic acid (AA) on the growth, tissue vitamin C and tocopherol (vitamin E) levels, and malondialdehyde levels were examined in the tropical fish pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus. Pacu juveniles were fed one of four casein-gelatin-based diets for 8 weeks: with 0.05% AA and 0.1% LA (+AA+LA), with AA and without LA (+AA-LA), without AA and with LA (-AA+LA), and without AA and LA (-AA-LA). When the fish received quantities of feed equal to 1.9-2.5% of its body weight, growth was not influenced, regardless of the presence of AA or LA throughout most of the experimental period. Growth was, however, slightly but significantly lower at week 8 in the AA-deficient/LA-supplemented group. An AA-deficient diet caused a highly significant reduction in both total AA and dehydroascorbic acid content in the liver and gill tissues. This reduction of tissue AA concentrations was reversed in a significant manner by LA (antioxidant-sparing effect). The 8-week-long vitamin C deprivation was sufficient to initiate the reduction in tissue ascorbic acid; however, total ascorbate in the liver of fish in the (-)AA/(+)LA group was 127.7±54.3 nmol g-1 tissue, whereas it was 28.6±26.3 nmol g-1 in the (-)AA/(-)LA group, a 4.4-fold difference. This mitigating effect of the addition of the endogenous antioxidant LA to the diet indicates that LA exerts a vitamin C-sparing effect in teleost fish that by far exceeds the phenomena demonstrated in non-scurvy-prone mammals. There was no difference among the different diet groups for vitamin E and malondialdehyde levels in the liver. These results suggest that LA is a potent substance for the prevention of AA deficiency in cultured fishes. The optimal dietary level of LA needs to be determined in the light of the slight reduction in body weight gain after 8 weeks of feeding in the absence of AA. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006.

Exercise training improves relaxation response and SOD-1 expression in aortic and mesenteric rings from high caloric diet-fed rats

Background. Obesity has been associated with a variety of disease such as type II diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and atherosclerosis. Evidences have shown that exercise training promotes beneficial effects on these disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate whether physical preconditioning prevents the deleterious effect of high caloric diet in vascular reactivity of rat aortic and mesenteric rings. Methods. Male Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (SD); trained (TR); sedentary diet (SDD) and trained diet (TRD) groups. Run training (RT) was performed in sessions of 60 min, 5 days/week for 12 weeks (70-80% VO2max). Triglycerides, glucose, insulin and nitrite/nitrate concentrations (NOx -) were measured. Concentration- response curves to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were obtained. Expression of Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) was assessed by Western blotting. Results. High caloric diet increased triglycerides concentration (SDD: 216 ± 25 mg/dl) and exercise training restored to the baseline value (TRD: 89 ± 9 mg/dl). Physical preconditioning significantly reduced insulin levels in both groups (TR: 0.54 ± 0.1 and TRD: 1.24 ± 0.3 ng/ml) as compared to sedentary animals (SD: 0.87 ± 0.1 and SDD: 2.57 ± 0.3 ng/ml). On the other hand, glucose concentration was slightly increased by high caloric diet, and RT did not modify this parameter (SD: 126 ± 6; TR: 140 ± 8; SDD: 156 ± 8 and TRD 153 ± 9 mg/dl). Neither high caloric diet nor RT modified NO x - levels (SD: 27 ± 4; TR: 28 ± 6; SDD: 27 ± 3 and TRD: 30 ± 2 μM). Functional assays showed that high caloric diet impaired the relaxing response to ACh in mesenteric (about 13%), but not in aortic rings. RT improved the relaxing responses to ACh either in aortic (28%, for TR and 16%, to TRD groups) or mesenteric rings (10%, for TR and 17%, to TRD groups) that was accompanied by up-regulation of SOD-1 expression and reduction in triglycerides levels. Conclusion. The improvement in endothelial function by physical preconditioning in mesenteric and aortic arteries from high caloric fed-rats was directly related to an increase in NO bioavailability to the smooth muscle mostly due to SOD-1 up regulation. © 2008 de Moraes et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Leitões lactentes e desmamados alimentados com dietas farelada ou extrusada seca e umida

This work was conducted throughout three phases of swine's growth (7 days from birth till the weaning age; from weaning until 7 days later and from 8 to 21 days after weaning); taking as objective the evaluation of the development of suckling and weaned piglets fed with a bran or extruded, dried and wet diet. We've used, for this paper, a total number of 31 pigs breeds, weaned and in average 21 day's lifetime and 3 different rations: dried bran; dried extruded bran and wet extruded bran (2 volumes of water to one volume of ration). During the 8th and 21st day after weaning all the animals received the same bran dried ration. Water and ration were supplied ad libitum. The experimental delimitation was totally random, with 3 treatments and eleven repetitions in the two first phases and five repetitions in the third phase, the multivariate variance analysis applied in the inferences about the results and from this we could conclude that the weight daily gain and the ration daily consumption were significantly not affected, i.e. by the processing, by the dry material ration content. However, we could observe a tendency to increase ration consumption and weight gaining when the animals were fed with bran extruded wet ration.

Infrared thermography applied to the evaluation of metabolic heat loss of chicks fed with different energy densities

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Tissue composition and muscularity of lamb legs fed with sunflower seeds and vitamin E

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tissue composition and carcass muscularity of 32 legs of Ile de France lambs fed with diets containing sunflower seeds and vitamin E, with mean body weight of 15 kg, lodged in individual pens at 15 kg and slaughtered at 32 kg of body weight. The treatments influenced (P<0,05) leg weight, femur length and muscle: bone ratio, being the highest values (2,13 kg, 16,19 cm and 7,38, respectively) in lambs that received diet without sunflower seeds and vitamin E. The other variables were not affected (P>0,05) by the treatments. The interaction of the sunflower and vitamin E was positive for bone total weights and intramuscular fat.

Alimentação de leitões com dietas contendo soro de leite fermentado mais zinco e cobre orgânico

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of piglets fed rations containing fermented milk and zinc and copper amino acid complex. Sixty four piglets, littermates, were used. The experimental design was based on random block with two dietary treatments. One of these contained a basal diet (DB) with ZnO e CuSO 4 and the other one with the DB, but without CuSO 4 and with the addition of fermented milk and zinc and copper amino acid complex (SLF Lact +ZnCuAA). There were eight replicate pens per treatment, and pigs were grouped at 4 per pen. The SLF Lact + ZnCuAA didn't not affect (p>0.05) final live weight of the piglets. However, live weight was different (p<0.01) between males and females (24.3 vs. 24.0 kg) at end of experiment. The feed intake of animals feed with SLF Lact+ZnCuAA was higher (p<0.01) in 8% in the first 14 days (0.261 vs. 0.239 kg/d), 15% from 15 to 28 days (0.756 vs. 0.675 kg/ d) and 12% from 29 to 42 days (1.091 vs. 0.962 kg/ d) compared to control group. Daily average feed intake in the experimental period was 11% higher (p<0.01) for the animals fed with the diet contained SLF Lact+ZnCuAA. Weight gain of the treatment with SLFL act+ZnCuAA was higher (p<0.01) by 14% from 0 to 14 days (0.176 vs. 0.152 kg/d), 11% from 15 to 28 days (0.564 vs. 0.500 kg/d) and 12% from 29 to 42 days (0,572 vs. 0,501 kg/d). Average daily weight gain of 42 days of trial of treatment with SLF Lact +ZnCuAA was 12% higher (p<0.01) compared to control group (0.437 vs. 0.384 kg/d). Feed conversion ratio was 8% lower (p<0.01) for treatment with SLF Lact+ZnCuAA in the first 14 days (1.487 vs. 1.614). Supplementation with fermented milk and zinc and copper amino acid complex in diets containing zinc oxide improved growth performance of weanling piglets.

Rumen microbial diversity under influence of a polyclonal antibody preparation against lactate-producing and proteolytic bacteria in cows fed different energy sources

Nine ruminally cannulated cows fed different energy sources were used to evaluate an avianderived polyclonal antibody preparation against specific ruminal bacteria and monensin on microbial community diversity. The experimental design was three Latin squares 3 x 3 distinguished by the main energy source in the diet [dry-ground corn grain, high moisture corn silage or citrus pulp]. Inside each Latin square, animals received one of the feed additives per period [control, monensin or polyclonal antibody preparation]. Each period lasted 21 days where 20 were used for treatments adaptation and the last one for sampling collection. Microbial diversity was evaluated by protozoa counts and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Polyclonal antibodies plus citrus pulp (CiPu) addition in the diet resulted in an increase of relative counting of Isotricha protozoa that indicates a possible effect on this ruminal ciliate population. In general lines, in the present experiment, it was not possible to assign that there was a pattern in the structures of amplification of Bacteria and Archaea communities of the ruminal content. Oral passive immunization is a technology that arises as an effective alternative for feed additive production. Further research is still necessary to better understand its mechanisms of action.

Evaluation of tibial dyschondroplasia development in broiler chickens fed diets containing 25 hydroxicolecalciferol

This research was carried out to evaluate the development of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in broilers from 1 to 21 days. Four hundred forty day-old male chickens, from broiler breeders aged 60-62 weeks, were randomly distributed in a 3×3+2 factorial arrangement, resulting in 11 treatments with four replicates of 10 birds each. The factors evaluated were: bird strains (Ross 308, Cobb 500, and Hybro), levels and sources of vitamin D (1250UI D3/kg without 25-(OH)D3; 1250UI D3/kg with 69mg 25-(OH)D3/ton, and 3000UI D3/kg with 69mg 25-(OH)D3/ton), and two control treatments containing calcium and phosphorus levels with 3000UI D3/kg without 25-(OH)D3 and 3000UI D3/kg with 69mg 25- (OH)D3/ton of feed. Bone characteristics were evaluated. From 1 to 21 days, the results showed that bone calcium and phosphorus concentrations were not influenced by the treatments, however, feed intake was higher for factorial than control treatments. Bone breaking resistance was not influenced by the treatments and there were no typical lesions of TD. In conclusion, it was not observed TD development in broilers from 1 to 21 days according to experimental procedures of this research.

Salmonella enteritidis in the eggs of Japanese quails (coturnix coturnix Japonica - Temminck & Schlegel, 1849) fed diets with different calcium and phosphorus levels

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Digestibility, fermentation and rumen microbiota of crossbred heifers fed diets with different soybean oil availabilities in the rumen

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of different soybean oil availabilities on the intake and partial and total digestibility of dry matter (DM) and nutrients, rumen fermentation parameters, efficiency of microbial synthesis, and the rumen microbiota of crossbred beef heifers. Nine crossbred heifers fitted with rumen and duodenal cannulae were evaluated in a triple 3 × 3 Latin square design with three treatments and three periods in three simultaneous repetitions. Heifers approximately 18 months old, with mean initial and final body weights of 316.3±28.8 and 362.6±34.4 kg, respectively, were fed a diet containing 600. g/kg of corn silage and 400. g/kg concentrate with a 58.0. g/kg fat content in the total diet. The sources of lipids included soybean grain, rumen-protected fat, and soybean oil. The statistical analyses were conducted using PROC MIXED from SAS, and the means were compared using Tukey's test (P<0.05). Dietary lipid sources did not affect nutrient intake (P>0.05). Except the apparent digestibility of organic matter (P=0.024), the apparent digestibility of the other nutrients did not differ among the treatment groups. Regarding body nitrogen retention, the soybean grain treatment was more effective than the rumen-protected fat treatment (P=0.045); however, the soybean oil treatment did not differ from the other two treatments. In relation to the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (g. N/kg of organic matter apparently digested in the rumen corrected for microbial organic matter), the soybean oil and soybean grain treatments were more efficient than the rumen-protected fat treatment (P=0.001). Animals fed rumen-protected fat had larger numbers of protozoa (P<0.001) and fungi (P<0.001) than those supplemented with soybean grain and soybean oil. The dietary lipid sources did not affect pH, the molar concentration of propionate and total volatile fatty acids (P>0.05), whereas the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and acetate were higher in animals fed with rumen-protected fat than in those submitted to the other treatments. The use of different soybean oil availabilities did not affect nutrient intake; however, treatments with soybean oil and soybean grain were more efficient regarding nutrient intake than rumen-protected fat because they reduced the numbers of fungi and protozoa and consequently improved the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in broiler chicks fed with different levels of phytase and non-phytate phosphorus

Tartrate-resistant acid (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities were evaluated in the serum and bone of broiler chicks fed with various amounts of non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) or phytase. Data were analysed using a 4×3 factorial design containing four NPP levels per period. Analyses were performed in chicks aged 1-21 days (0.21; 0.29; 0.37; 0.45 ppm) and 36-42 days (0.13; 0.21; 0.29; 0.37 ppm) and under three different phytase level treatments (0, 500 and 1000 FTU/kg) for each period. In 42-day-old animals, the serum ACP and ALP activities did not differ in response to NPP and phytase levels and bone ACP activity decreased with increased phosphorus levels. We observed effects on ALP activity by approximately 70% in lower phosphorus (0.13 and 0.21) levels without phytase. The phytase addition decreased (P<0.05) ALP values in lower phosphorus levels. The bone ALP and ACP levels of 21-day-old animals were not affected by phosphorus or phytase. Pi depletion induces a significant increase in alkaline phosphatase synthesis, suggesting that the function of this enzyme is downregulated by phosphorus. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.

Methane emissions and estimates of ruminal fermentation parameters in beef cattle fed different dietary concentrate levels

Using sorghum silage, the effect of roughage/concentrate ratios was evaluated on nutrient intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters and methane production by beef cattle. Three treatments (0, 30 and 60% of concentrate in DM of the diet) were distributed in three Latin squares, with nine animals and three periods. Dry matter intake increased as the grain concentration in diet increased; pH showed opposite behavior. Methane emissions were lower for animals fed the diet exclusively with sorghum silage as compared with those fed 30% of concentrate, but was similar to that of animals receiving 60% of concentrate. Losses of ingested gross energy as methane were reduced by 33% when grain concentration was increased in the diet. Concentrations of propionic and butyric acids were greater in diets with grain concentrate; acetic acid concentration was not affected. Concentrate in diet increases available energy for the metabolism, measured by lower losses of ingested gross energy as ruminal methane. © 2013 Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia.

Lipid metabolism of commercial layers fed diets containing aflatoxin, fumonisin, and a binder

Aflatoxins (AF) and fumonisins (FU) are a major problem faced by poultry farmers, leading to huge economic losses. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of AF (1 mg/kg of feed) and FU (25 mg/kg of feed), singly or in combination, on the lipid metabolism in commercial layers and investigate the efficacy of a commercial binder (2 kg/t of feed) on reducing the toxic effects of these mycotoxins. A total of 168 Hisex Brown layer hens, 37 wk of age, were randomized into a 3 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement (3 diets with no binder containing AF, FU, and AF+FU; 3 diets with binder containing AF, FU, and AF+FU; and a control diet with no mycotoxins and binders), totaling 7 treatments. The hens contaminated with AF showed the characteristic effects of aflatoxicosis, such as a yellow liver, resulting from the accumulation of liver fat, lower values of plasma very low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides, and higher relative weight of the kidneys and liver. Hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of FU were not observed in this study. On the other hand, the FU caused a reduction in small intestine length and an increase in abdominal fat deposition. The glucan-based binder prevented some of the deleterious effects of these mycotoxins, particularly the effects of AF on hepatic lipid metabolism, kidney relative weight, and FU in the small intestine. © 2013 Poultry Science Association Inc.

Evaluation of biochemical and redox parameters in rats fed with corn grown in soil amended with urban sewage sludge

The increased production of urban sewage sludge requires alternative methods for final disposal. A very promising choice is the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer in agriculture, since it is rich in organic matter, macro and micronutrients. However, urban sewage sludge may contain toxic substances that may cause deleterious effects on the biota, water and soil, and consequently on humans. There is a lack of studies evaluating how safe the consumption of food cultivated in soils containing urban sewage sludge is. Thus, the aim of this paper was to evaluate biochemical and redox parameters in rats fed with corn produced in a soil treated with urban sewage sludge for a long term. For these experiments, maize plants were grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (rates of 5, 10 and 20. t/ha) or not (control). Four different diets were prepared with the corn grains produced in the field experiment, and rats were fed with these diets for 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Biochemical parameters (glucose, total cholesterol and fractions, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase) as well the redox state biomarkers such as reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase, glutathione peroxidase and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) were assessed. Our results show no differences in the biomarkers over 1 or 2 weeks. However, at 4 weeks BuChE activity was inhibited in rats fed with corn grown in soil amended with sewage sludge (5, 10 and 20. t/ha), while MDA levels increased. Furthermore, prolonged exposure to corn cultivated in the highest amount per hectare of sewage sludge (8 and 12 weeks) was associated with an increase in MDA levels and a decrease in GSH levels, respectively. Our findings add new evidence of the risks of consuming food grown with urban sewage sludge. However, considering that the amount and type of toxic substances present in urban sewage sludge varies considerably among different sampling areas, further studies are needed to evaluate sludge samples collected from different sources and/or undergoing different types of treatment. © 2013 Elsevier Inc.

Carcass characteristics of feedlot lambs fed crude glycerin contaminated with high concentrations of crude fat

Thirty non-castrated male lambs with 20. ±. 2.3. kg average body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to five treatments consisted of different dietary concentrations of crude glycerin (CG; 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% on DM basis) to evaluate the effects on performance, carcass and meat quality traits. A quadratic effect was observed for performance (P= 0.04), final BW (P<. 0.01) and hot carcass weight (P<. 0.01). No effects of CG were observed (P>. 0.05) on carcass pH neither on shear-force, cooking loss and ether extract content in longissimus. The inclusion of CG tended to reduce the Zn content in meat (P= 0.09). The data suggests that CG (36.2% of glycerol and 46.5% of crude fat) may be used in diets of finishing lambs with concentrations up to 3% without negative effects on performance and main carcass traits. Moreover, inclusion of CG seems to not affect quality and safety of meat for human consumption. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd.