Insects in ruminant nutrition as an urgent measure in the light of the scarcity of raw feedstock

Global population growth will lead to an increase in demand for animal-based foods, such as meat and milk from ruminants, which will require restructuring some of the components of the ration (Castillo et al., 2017; Van Huis, 2020). This need is controversial for several reasons: 1) contribution to the depletion of environmental resources; 2) competition of protein sources with human food or fuel increasing prices for farmers, minimising farm profitabilityS

Ruminal Fistulation and Cannulation: A Necessary Procedure for the Advancement of Biotechnological Research in Ruminants

Rumen content is a complex mixture of feed, water, fermentation products, and living organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa, which vary over time and with different feeds. As it is impossible to reproduce this complex system in the laboratory, surgical fistulation and cannulation of the rumen is a powerful tool for the study (in vivo and in situ) of the physiology and biochemistry of the ruminant digestive system. Rumen fistulation in cattle, sheep, and goats has been performed extensively to advance our understanding of digestive physiology and development, nutrient degradability, and rumen microbial populations. The literature reports several fistulation and cannulation procedures in ruminants, which is not the focus of this paper. However, this method questions the ethical principles that alter the opinions of certain animal groups or those opposed to animal experimentation. In this article, we analyze the objectives of fistulation and cannulation of ruminants and the care needed to ensure that the welfare of the animal is maintained at all times. Due to the ethical issues raised by this technique, several in vitro digestion methods for simulating ruminal fermentation have been developed. The most relevant ones are described in this article. Independently of the procedure, we want to point out that research carried out with animals is obliged by legislation to follow strict ethical protocols, following the well-being and health status of the animal at all timesS

A pilot study to compare oxidative status between organically and conventionally managed dairy cattle during the transition period

NOTICE: This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Abuelo, A., Hernández, J., Benedito, J. and Castillo, C. (2015), A pilot study to compare oxidative status between organically and conventionally managed dairy cattle during the transition period. Reproduction in Domestic Animals. [doi: 10.1111/rda.12519]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archivingThe aim of this study was to assess the redox balance of organically managed dairy cattle (OMC; n = 40) during the transition period and to compare this with conventionally managed cattle (CMC; n = 22). Serum samples of dairy cows from two organic and one conventional farm were taken. Markers of oxidants production [reactive oxygen species] and total serum antioxidant capacity were measured in four different production stages: (i) far-off dry (2 to 1 months before calving; 44 samples in CMC and 48 in OMC); (ii) close-up dry (1 month until 3 days before calving; 44 CMC; 54 OMC); (iii) fresh (3 days to +1 month after calving; 44 CMC; 49 OMC); and (iv) peak of lactation (+1 to +3 months; 71 CMC; 78 OMC). Values were compared between production stages and against a metabolic baseline status (4th–5th month of pregnancy; 40 CMC; 30 OMC). Our results indicated that throughout the periparturient period, OMC had lower concentrations of reactive oxygen species, but also a lower antioxidant capacity than CMC. Indeed, when the two components of the redox balance were assessed together through the Oxidative Stress index, the values of this parameter were higher for OMC than for CMC, thereby implying a higher risk of oxidative stress. Therefore, further larger studies are needed to confirm the current observations, as organically reared animals might be exposed to a lack of antioxidants supply.Xunta de Galicia e Ministerio de Educacio

Effects of Calving Body Condition Score on Blood Acid–Base Balance of Primiparous Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows in a Commercial Dairy Farm: A Case Study

The study was carried out on 27 healthy primiparous Holstein heifers (620 ± 50 kg) kept in a commercial dairy herd. The animals were divided into two groups taking into account the body condition score (BCS) index: BCS 3.5 n = 15. The study period started one month before calving (BC), and ran until one month after calving (AC). Venous blood samples were collected 1 month and 1 week BC, and 1 week and 1 month AC. This study had two objectives: (i) to assess whether a higher or lower BCS affected total milk production and its quality; (ii) to assess changes in the internal fluid (venous pH; partial pressure of CO2, ppCO2; bicarbonate; total CO2, TCO2; base excess, BE; electrolytes Na+, K+, Cl−; and anion gap, AG) that occur during this phase depending on the BCS. We can conclude that the BCS at calving does not affect the productive status during lactation, both in terms of the quantity and quality of milk produced. The excess of crude protein (CP) added through the ration in the lactation phase can trigger a tendency to an alkalotic state, in this case compensated by respiratory buffering mechanisms, as reflected by the TCO2. The changes in electrolytes are a reflection of the movement of free water for milk production, where a balance between measurable anions and cations is observedThis study was financed in part by Proxectos Plan Galego IDT (Code 2017-PG138) de la Consellería de Medio Rural de la Xunta de Galicia (Proyects Galician IDT Plan of the Ministry of Rural Environment of Xunta de Galicia) (FEADER 2017/057B). The title of the project was: “Sistema de control y valoración de la eficiencia de las explotaciones ganaderas para la producción sostenible de leche” (System of control and evaluation of the efficiency of livestock farms for the sustainable production of milk)S

Evaluación continua mediante exámenes clínicos estructurados por objetivos en Propedéutica Clínica Veterinaria

[EN] This study aimed to evaluate the attitude of veterinary students to the use of Objective Structured  Clinical  Examination  (OSCE) as a method for continuous assessment of the acquisition of clinical skills related to the physical examination of animals. Students  undertook  fortnightly  two OSCEs throughout a semester, after which an  anonymous  electronic  survey  was distributed before the final written exam. The results of the questionnaire indicated that  students  display  a  good  attitude to being assessed frequently by OSCEs; furthermore,  it  also  helped  them  not only to study and practice more regularly, but as they were told in advance what they would be assessed on, it also helped them to be more focused during teaching time. Furthermore, they encouraged the maintenance of the assessment method for the following year and also provided some suggestions for improvement. It is therefore concluded that students display a positive attitude to continuous assessment by OSCE, w[ES] El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la actitud de los estudiantes de veterinaria hacia  el  uso  de  exámenes  clínicos estructurados por objetivos (OSCE) como un método para la evaluación continua de la adquisición de las habilidades clínicas relacionadas  con  el  examen  físico  de los animales. Los estudiantes realizaron quincenalmente dos OSCE a lo largo de un semestre, después de lo cual contestaron voluntariamente  a  una  encuesta electrónica de forma anónima antes del examen final escrito. Los resultados del cuestionario indican que los estudiantes mostraron  una  buena  actitud  hacia  la evaluación frecuente mediante OSCE; por otra parte, esta metodología también les ayudó no sólo a estudiar y practicar con más regularidad, pero como se les facilitó de  antemano  el  listado  de  habilidades del que iban a ser evaluados, también les ayudó a centrarse más durante el tiempo de docencia presencial. Además, alentaron el mantenimiento del método de evaluación para  los  cursoAbuelo Sebio, Á.; Hernández Bermúdez, J.; Benedito Castellote, JL.; Castillo Rodríguez, C. (2015). Continuous Assessment through Objective Structured Clinical Examinations in Veterinary Clinical Propaedeutics. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 13(3):189-202. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2015.5458OJS189202133Barman, A. (2005). Critiques on the objective structured clinical examination. Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, 34(8), 478-482.Bateman, K., Menzies, P., Sandals, D., Duffield, T., LeBlanc, S., Leslie, K., . . . Swackhammer, R. (2008). Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) as a summative evaluation tool in a ruminant health management rotation for final-year DVM students. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 35(3), 382-388. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.35.3.382Cruickshank, J.K., Barritt, P.W., McBesag, F., Waterhouse, N., Goldman, L.H. (1975). Student views on continuous assessment at Birmingham University Medical School. British Medical Journal, 4(5991), 265-267. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.4.5991.265Davis, M.H., Ponnamperuma, G.G., McAleer, S., Dale, V.H.M. (2006). The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) as a determinant of veterinary clinical skills. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 33(4), 578-587. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.33.4.578Frederiksen, N. (1984). The real test bias: Influences of testing on teaching and learning. The American Psychologist, 39(3), 193-202. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.39.3.193Fuentealba, C. (2011). The role of assessment in the student learning process. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 38(2), 157-162. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.38.2.157Hammond, J. (2009). Survey of current practice in OSCE assessment in UK clinical education. Retrieved from http://www.medev.ac.uk/static/uploads/resources/miniproject_reports/Project%20436%20report%20FINAL%2009_09.pdfHarden, R.M., Gleeson, F. A. (1979). Assessment of clinical competence using an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Medical Education, 13(1), 41-54. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.1979.tb00918.xHarden, R.M., Stevenson, M., Downie, W. W., Wilson, G. M. (1975). Assessment of clinical competence using objective structured examination. British Medical Journal, 1(5955), 447-451. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.1.5955.447Hecker, K., Read, E.K., Vallevand, A., Krebs, G., Donszelmann, D., Muelling, C.K., Freeman, S.L. (2010). Assessment of first-year veterinary students' clinical skills using objective structured clinical examinations. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 37(4), 395-402. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.37.4.395Hodges, B.D. (2006). The objective structured clinical examination: Three decades of development. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 33(4), 571-577 https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.33.4.571Joint Declaration of the European Ministers of Education convened in Bologna on the 19 June 1999. (1999). Retrieved from http://www.ond.vlaanderen.be/hogeronderwijs/bologna/documents/MDC/BOLOGNA_DECLARATION1.pdfMajor, D.A. (2005). OSCEs - Seven years on the bandwagon: The progress of an objective structured clinical evaluation programme. Nurse Education Today, 25(6), 442-454. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2005.03.010Manogue, M., Brown, G. (1998). Developing and implementing an OSCE in dentistry. European Journal of Dental Education, 2(2), 51-57. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0579.1998.tb00039.xMiller, G.E. (1990). The assessment of clinical skills/competence/performance. Academic medicine: Journal of the Association of American Medical Colleges, 65(9 Suppl), S63-67. https://doi.org/10.1097/00001888-199009000-00045Muzyamba, M.C., Goode, N., Kilyon, M., Brodbelt, D. (2012). Predictors of success in a UK veterinary medical undergraduate course. Journal of Veterinary Medical Education, 39(4), 380-388. https://doi.org/10.3138/jvme.1011.103R1Nayer, M. (1993). An overview of the objective structured clinical examination. Physiotherapy Canada. Physiothérapie Canada, 45(3), 171-178.Newble, D. (2004). Techniques for measuring clinical competence: Objective structured clinical examinations. Medical Education, 38(2), 199-203. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2004.01755.xNewble, D.I., Jaeger, K. (1983). The effect of assessments and examinations on the learning of medical students. Medical Education, 17(3), 165-171. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.1983.tb00657.xNorcini, J.J., Blank, L.L., Duffy, F.D., Fortna, G.S. (2003). The mini-CEX: A method for assessing clinical skills. Annals of Internal Medicine, 138(6), 476-481. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-138-6-200303180-00012Resolution of February 17th, 2011, from the University of Santiago de Compostela, which publishes the curriculum of the Degree in Veterinary Medicine, (2011). Boletín Oficial del Estado núm. 53 del 3 de marzo de 2011. 24422-24428. Retrieved from: http://www.boe.es/boe/dias/2011/03/03/pdfs/BOE-A-2011-4081.pdfSchuwirth, L.W.T., van der Vleuten, C.P.M. (2010). How to design a useful test: The principles of assessment. In T. Swanwick (Ed.), Understanding medical education(pp. 195-207). John Wiley & Sons Ltd: Chichester, United Kindom: .Seibu, M.J., Biju, I., Yakub, S. (2006). Impact on student learning from traditional continuous assessment and an e-assessment proposal. Paper presented at the The Tenth Pacific Asia Conference on Information Systems. Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia.Sibbald, D., Regehr, G. (2003). Impact on the psychometric properties of a pharmacy OSCE: Using 1st-year students as standardized patients. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 15(3), 180-185. https://doi.org/10.1207/S15328015TLM1503_06The Bologna Process: Setting up the European Higher Education Area. (2010). Retrieved from http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/education_training_youth/lifelong_learning/c11088_en.htmvan der Vleuten, C. (2000). Validity of final examinations in undergraduate medical training. British Medical Journal, 321(7270), 1217-1219 https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7270.121

Communication skills in the learning process of Veterinary Pathophysiology. The experience at the Veterinary Faculty of Lugo

[ES] La docencia universitaria ha cambiado al tiempo que lo han hecho las demandas de la sociedad. Ahora no sólo se valoran los  conocimientos  sino  también  otras habilidades necesarias para el ejercicio de la actividad profesional: la búsqueda de  información,  el  análisis  crítico,  la comunicación,  el  cooperativismo  y  la determinación  a  la  hora  de  superar problemas,  valores  que  no  son contemplados en ningún temario. Para fomentar  el  liderazgo  de  los  alumnos hay que buscar estrategias docentes que los  motiven,  hecho  difícil  en  muchas materias de la rama de Ciencias de la Salud. En este trabajo se exponen dos modelos de docencia teórico-práctica en la materia troncal de Patología General y en la que los alumnos han de recurrir a las habilidades anteriormente mencionadas: el aprendizaje cooperativo (basado en el sistema PBL), y la realización de un taller (o workshop) basadas también en PBL y empleando situaciones simuladas en la que los estudiantes se enfrentan a[EN] Universitary teaching has been modified due to changes in the society demands: look  for  information,  critical  analysis, communication  skills,  cooperation  and determination  to  overcome  problems. These values are not commonly covered by the discipline. But society demands not only knowledge, but also other skills necessary for the well development of professional activity. To encourage faculty members about student leadership, must seek  teaching  strategies  that  stimulate them, a difficult task in several disciplines in  Health  Science  areas.  In  this  article two models of theoretical and practical teaching are discussed in the scenario of the mandatory subject General Pathology (Veterinary degree): cooperative learning(based in the PBL system) and a workshopbased  also  in  PBL  system  and  using simulated situations where students are faced with a clinical case in real conditions, including  the  presence  of  a  client  / owner and market prices for the services. StuCastillo Rodríguez, C.; Abuelo Sebio, Á.; Hernández Bermúdez, J. (2015). La comunicación como competencia transversal a adquirir en el aprendizaje de Patología General Veterinaria. La experiencia de la Facultad de Veterinaria de Lugo. REDU. Revista de Docencia Universitaria. 13(3):131-154. https://doi.org/10.4995/redu.2015.5467OJS131154133Akaike, M., Fukutomi, M., Nagamune, M., Fujimoto, A., Tsuji, A., Ishida, K., Iwata, T. (2012). Simulation-based medical education in clinical-skills laboratory. The Journal of Medical Investigation, 59, 28-35. https://doi.org/10.2152/jmi.59.28ANECA (2005). Libro Blanco del Título de Grado en Veterinaria, Agencia Nacional de Evaluación de la Calidad y Acreditación Madrid, Espa-a.Brailovsky, C., Centeno, A. (2012). Algunas tendencias actuales en educación médica. REDU-Revista de Docencia Universitaria, 10(número especial dedicado a la Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud), 23-33.Caballero, K., Bolívar, C. (2015). El profesorado universitario como docente: hacia una identidad profesional que integre docencia e investigación. REDU-Revista de Docencia Universitaria, 13(1), 57-77Castillo, C. (2001). Proyecto Docente de Patología General y Propedéutica Clínica(Concurso de acceso a Profesor Titular de Universidad). Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Espa-a.Durante, E. (2012). La ense-anza en el ambiente clínico: principios y métodos. REDU-Revista de Docencia Universitaria, 10(número especial dedicado a la Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud), 149-175.Gatti, R., Medder, S. (2002). La imagen del veterinario de peque-os. Disponible en: http://www.portalveterinaria.com/article125.html. [Acceso: 25 abril de 2014].Gormaz, C., Brailovsky, C. (2012). Desarrollo del Razonamiento Clínico en Medicina. REDU-Revista de Docencia Universitaria, 10(número especial dedicado a la Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud), 177-199.Johnson, D.W., Johnson, R.T. (1989). Cooperative learning: What special education teachers need to know. Pointer, 33(2), 5-10. https://doi.org/10.1080/05544246.1989.9945370Mayor, C. (2009). Nuevos retos para una Universidad en proceso de cambio: ¿Pueden ser los profesores (principiantes) los protagonistas? Profesorado. Revista de Currículum y Formación del Profesorado, 13(1), 61-77.Oriol-Bosch, A. (2010). El reto de Bolonia: la evaluación de las competencias. Educación Médica, 13(3), 123-125. https://doi.org/10.4321/S1575-18132010000300001Palés Argullós, J. (2012). El proceso de Bolonia, más allá de los cambios estructurales: Una visión desde la Educación Médica en Espa-a. REDU-Revista de Docencia Universitaria, 10(Número especial dedicado a la Docencia en Ciencias de la Salud), 35-53Prat-Corominas, J., Palés-Argullós, J., Nolla-Domenjó, M., Oriol-Bosch, A., Gual, A. (2010). Proceso de Bolonia (II): educación centrada en el que aprende. Educación Médica, 13(4), 197-203. https://doi.org/10.4321/S1575-18132010000400002Qayumi, K., Pachev, G., Zheng, B., Ziv, A., Koval, V., Badiei, S., Cheng, A. (2014). Status of simulation in health care education: an international survey. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 5, 457-467. https://doi.org/10.2147/AMEP.S65451Rivas, L., Mesa, J. (2014). Servicio al cliente y pautas para el cálculo de honorarios médicos veterinarios. Disponible en: http://www.seleccionesveterinarias.com/es/articulos/gestion-veterinaria. [Acceso: 19 de mayo de 2015].Rong-Zheng, Y., Hong-Yu, Q., Jing, Z., Xue-Hong, W., Chuan, Z. (2015). Preliminary investigation into application of problem-based learning in the practical teaching of diagnostics. Advances in Medical Education and Practice, 6, 223-229.Rosen, KR. (2008) The history of medical simulation. Journal of Critical Care, 23, 157-166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcrc.2007.12.004Sanz, P., de Benito, J.J., Arauzo, J.A. (2007). Métodos de aprendizaje cooperativo como complemento a la ense-anza de marketing en carreras de ingeniería. En: Ayala, J.C. (coord.) Conocimiento, innovación y emprendedores: Camino al futuro.Servicio de Publicaciones de la Universidad de La Rioja, Espa-a, 56-66.Skeff, K.M. (1988). Enhancing teaching effectiveness and vitality in the ambulatory setting. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 3, S26-S33. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF0260024

Avaliação clínica do equilíbrio ácido-básico em coelhos Anã Holandês

Pet rabbits have increased their popularity in a lot of countries. However, most of the laboratory profiles in rabbit medicine come from the observations made in rabbit as biomodels or meat production. So that further researches are necessary to obtain reference values for hematology and biochemical profiles in pet rabbits and the different breeds, especially, in relation to acid-base balance. The aim of this report was to offer the mean values of the main parameters connected with acid-base profile in Netherland Dwarf breed. Thirty-five healthy rabbits (15 males and 20 females) were studied. Venous blood sample from lateral saphenous vein was analyzed to measure: haematocrit, haemoglobin, blood urea nitrogen, glucose, blood pH, partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2), total CO2, ions bicarbonate, chloride, sodium, potassium, base excess and anion Gap. Results showed a shorter range that those reported by different researchers. Moreover, differences between genders were showed in pCO2, its values were higher in males. It may be associated with a greater cellular metabolism. Values obtained in this research should be taken into account by veterinary clinicians for this breed in their clinical assessments. Besides, these values provide new results in parameters with few reference valuesA popularidade de coelhos como animais de estimação aumentou em muitos países. No entanto, a maioria dos perfis de laboratório em medicina de coelhos advém das observações de biomodelos animais ou da produção de carne. Assim, são necessárias pesquisas adicionais para obter valores de referência para hematologia e perfis bioquímicos em coelhos de estimação, e das diferentes raças, especialmente, em relação ao equilíbrio ácido-base. O objetivo deste relatório foi oferecer os valores médios dos principais parâmetros ligados ao perfil ácido-base na raça Anã Holandês. Trinta e cinco coelhos saudáveis ​​(15 machos e 20 fêmeas) foram estudados. A amostra de sangue venoso da veia safena lateral foi analisada para mensuração: hematócrito, hemoglobina, nitrogênio ureico sanguíneo, glicose, pH sanguíneo, pressão parcial de CO2 (pCO2), CO2 total, íons bicarbonato, cloreto, sódio, potássio, excesso de base e ânion Gap. Os resultados apresentaram um intervalo menor do que aqueles relatados por diferentes pesquisadores. Além disso, as diferenças entre os gêneros foram mostradas na pCO2, seus valores foram maiores no sexo masculino. Pode estar associado a um maior metabolismo celular. Os valores obtidos nesta pesquisa devem ser levados em consideração pelos clínicos veterinários para esta raça em suas avaliações clínicas. Além disso, esses valores fornecem novos resultados em parâmetros com poucos valores de referenciaS

Effect of Parenteral Antioxidant Supplementation During the Dry Period on Postpartum Glucose Tolerance in Dairy Cows

Background Exacerbated postparturient insulin resistance (IR) has been associated with several pathologic conditions in dairy cattle. Oxidative stress (OS) plays a causative role in IR in humans, and an association, but not direct relationship, between OS and IR recently has been reported in transition dairy cattle. Hypothesis Supplementation with antioxidants shortly before calving improves glucose tolerance after parturition in dairy cattle. Animals Ten late-pregnant Holstein cows entering their 2nd to 5th lactation. Methods Randomized placebo-controlled trial: 15 ± 2 days before expected calving, the treatment group received an injection of DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate at a dosage of 6 mg/kg body weight (BW) and 0.06 mg/kg BW of sodium selenite, and the control group was injected with isotonic saline. During the first week after calving, both groups underwent glucose tolerance testing (0.25 g glucose/kg BW). Commercial assays were used to quantify the concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate, and markers of redox status in blood. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U-test (α = 0.05). Results Supplemented cows showed a lower risk for OS, as reflected by a lower OS index (P = .036), different areas under the curve for the concentrations of glucose (P < .01), insulin (P = .043), and NEFA (P = .041), more rapid elimination rates (P = .080, <.01 and .047 respectively), and shorter half-lives (P = .040, <.01 and .032) of these metabolites. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Supplementation with antioxidants before calving resulted in greater insulin sensitivity after calving, thereby suggesting the role of OS in the development of IR in cattle and the potential benefits of antioxidant supplementation in minimizing the consequences of negative energy balanceFunded by British Society for Animal Science Spanish Ministry of Education. Grant Number: AP2010-0013S

Influence of grain processing in regard to serum metabolites and enzymes for finishing bull calves

This study compared two grain processing methods that are widely used for beef cattle, grinding and steam pelleting, with respect to serum metabolic parameters: glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), serum urea nitrogen (SUN), total serum protein (TSP), albumin, L-lactate, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and amylase. Ten Belgian Blue bull calves were allotted randomly to each of two experimental groups: PF, fed pelleted concentrate, and GF, fed ground concentrate. During the 77-day study most parameters underwent significant variation in time, increasing only numerically serum values of total protein, albumin, AST and amylase, while serum glucose, NEFA and GGT decreased numerically. Statistically significant differences were found only between groups PF and GF for creatinine (higher in group PF, in relation with its greater average body weight) and urea nitrogen, which for unknown causes fluctuated in opposite directions in the two groups throughout most of the study and attributable to changes in ruminal protein digestion. Neither serum glucose nor L-lactate were affected by treatment of grainsSupported by the Xunta de Galicia (Spain), Grant XUGA 2002/CG320S

The use of banquettes of Posidonia oceanica as a source of fiber and minerals in ruminant nutrition. An observational study

In the search for new food sources that contribute to the optimization of livestock production this paper discusses the possibility of using waste (called banquettes) of a marine plant commonly found on the Mediterranean coasts: Posidonia oceanica. The idea stems from the use of a waste that in summertime generates large costs because it is considered bothersome on the beaches. Thus, tons and tons of residues are collected each year from the beach, being destined for incineration. However, alternative uses for these residues are suggested, such as forage that is particularly relevant for the Mediterranean coast, where the weather does not support abundant grass growth. With this purpose, samples of banquettes of P. oceanica from six different points of a touristic place located in the Murcia Region (S.E. of Spain) were collected in April 2012 on the same day directly from the beach above the water line, washed with distilled water and sun-dried for 48 h. Approximately 500 g of each sample of plant material was chopped and two subsamples of 200 g each were placed in airtight plastic containers and sent to the laboratory for mineral and chemical analysis. This report provides data on the nutritional composition of P. oceanica such as mineral contents (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) and chemical composition (ash, CP, ether extract (EE), NDF and ADF, respectively) and ADL. Finally, the in sacco rumen disappearance of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), CP and NDF were studied. Our results showed that minerals, except for Fe, where within the range of values reported for P. oceanica in other parts of the Mediterranean region. Given the high Fe content further studies assessing the antagonic Fe–Cu interaction and its effect on animal health should be addressed. In relation to chemical composition, it is clear that this seagrass is a poor protein source and has levels of DM degradability at 24 h, similar to those obtained for cereal straw. The information summarized here shows some potential for the use of banquettes of P. oceanica as forage source in ruminant nutritionFunds for thefinancial support received for carryingout this work, through the project: Subproductos marinos ennutrición animal: utilidad de los arribazones deP. oceanicacomo fuente defibra en ganado caprino de leche (Ref. 15.271)S