Calcium and phosphorus metabolism in peripartal dogs

Recommended allowances for calcium and phosphorus are mostly based on factorial calculations partly set at the level determined adequate for giant breeds (Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. Washington, DC, USA: The National Academies Press. 2006). Information about appropriateness of supply with both minerals during the peripartal phase is limited. From other species is known that bone mineral stores are used in addition to oral intake of calcium and phosphorus in periods of higher needs such as gestation and lactation. The aim of this study was to determine parameters of calcium and phosphorus homeostasis in female dogs receiving the recommended amount of these minerals according to NRC (Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. Washington, DC, USA: The National Academies Press. 2006) during the peripartal phase. In five Beagles and four Foxhound crossbreds, all primiparous with a litter size of 1–8 puppies, apparent digestibility of calcium and phosphorus as well as serum parameters of mineral metabolism (total and ionised calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, bone specific alkaline phosphatase, crosslaps) was determined in the period of 12–9 days before and 4–9 days after parturition. The apparent digestibility of calcium was relatively low and did not differ significantly between both peripartal phases, whereas the apparent digestibility of phosphorus increased during lactation. Serum concentrations of calcium (total as well as ionised), phosphorus and parathyroid hormone did not differ between gestation and lactation. The bone resorption marker serum crosslaps increased in lactating dogs but most individual values were within the reference range for adult female dogs at maintenance. On the other hand, the bone formation marker bone specific alkaline phosphatase decreased from prepartal to postpartal phase with values clearly above reference range in both phases. Based on the results especially of the bone markers, which stayed within the reference range during the peripartal phase without indicating predominant bone resorption, we hypothesise that the applied recommended daily allowances defined for peripartal dogs are appropriate

Impact of diet on faecal output and caecotroph consumption in rabbits

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of four rabbit diets (hay only, extruded diet with hay, muesli with hay and muesli only) on faecal pellet size, faecal output and caecotrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two Dutch rabbits were studied over 17 months. Faecal pellet size and weight were measured in weeks 3, 9, 21 and 43 and faecal output in weeks 10, 22 and 45. Number of uneaten caecotrophs was recorded weekly. RESULTS: Faecal pellets were consistently smaller and lighter in rabbits fed muesli only, and the size of pellets produced by those fed muesli with hay decreased over the course of the study. Faecal output was greatest in rabbits with the highest hay intake. Uneaten caecotrophs were found in greatest frequency in rabbits fed muesli. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Muesli diets have a negative effect on faecal output and caecotroph ingestion and may therefore predispose to digestive disorders. Higher hay intake is associated with greater faecal output and fewer uneaten caecotrophs and may assist in preventing the gastrointestinal stasis

Regulatory Guidelines for Nutraceuticals in the European Union

Nutraceuticals include a wide range of substances that can be used as medicinal products, feed material, or feed additives. This makes a substantial difference in the regulatory aspect of the marketing authorization in the European Union (EU) because for obtaining the appropriate marketing authorization, different procedures have to be followed. Since specific regulations do not apply to nutraceuticals, when they are used as feed additives for animal nutrition, they shall comply with Regulation No 1831/2003 on additives for use in animal nutrition. While nutraceuticals are administered as feed ingredients, they must comply with Commission Regulation (EU) No 68/2013. If nutraceuticals are administered with medical claims or if they exert a pharmacological effect, their use must comply with Directive 2001/82/EC. The EU legislation on this topic is very detailed and complex. Nevertheless, it allows the obtaining of marketing authorization with a wide safety margin, precautionary for animal health, human health, and the environment. The Scientific Committees and panels of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) are responsible for producing opinions that are used by the European Commission to adopt legislation related to animal nutrition. For veterinary medicinal products, the responsibility for marketing authorization is both granted by competent national authorities of the Member States or by the European Medicine Agency (EMA). This chapter describes legislation that is relevant to the marketing authorization of nutraceuticals for animals in the EU, elucidating the different categories of use, i.e., feed materials, feed additives, and veterinary medicinal products