Alimentos funcionales para cerdos al destete

A functional food is a compound that, being or not a nutrient, has a positive effect on one or several functions in the organism, producing well-being in the animal. The following compounds are considered functional foods: prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics, antioxidants, secondary products of plant metabolism, structural lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, fat metabolism byproducts, bioactive peptides, fi ber, vitamins and minerals. Prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics are modifi ers of the intestinal microfl ora increasing mainly lactobacilli and bifi dobacteria populations and reducing pathogenic bacteria. Lactobacilli and bifi - dobacteria use oligosaccharides and fructo-oligosaccharides arriving at the colon, producing fatty acids and freeing minerals to be absorbed and utilized by the host. Prebiotics are partially-digestible oligosaccharides; probiotics are microorganisms (mainly lactobacilli and bifi dobacteria); and symbiotics are a mixture of probiotics and prebiotics. During the weaning period, piglets face dramatic changes in feeding management and environment, affecting feed intake and, at the same time, affecting digestive functions resulting in lower growth and higher incidence of disease, mainly diarrhea. Functional food may be an alternative to reduce the effects of weaning on growth performance and health of piglets, to diminish or to avoid gastrointestinal problems during weaning, preventing the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria, and improving digestive functions. All these may help to withdraw antibiotics from piglet feed

Sincronización de estros en ovejas mediante protocolo de 6 días con CIDR de primera, segunda y tercera reutilización

Estrus synchronization( is a vital strategy in sheep production and is accomplished most often via controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices. Reuse of CIDR devices can reduce operating costs and ewe exposure to progesterone (P4), but remains controversial. A comparison was made of the effects of new and reused natural progesterone-releasing intravaginal (CIDR) devices in six-day protocols on reproductive performance variables and blood serum progesterone concentrations in multiparous ewes. A total of 172 sheep (average body weight = 59 kg) were randomly distributed into four treatments: CIDR1 (control group, new devices), CIDR2 (second-use), CIDR3 (third-use) and CIDR4 (fourth-use). The variables ewes in estrus, pregnancy rate, fertility rate and parturition type did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments. Estrus onset was later (P≤0.05) in CIDR1 (40 ± 10 h) than in CIDR2 (31 ± 9 h).  Ewes in estrus ranged from 93 to 100 %,  average pregnancy rate was 80.8 %, average fertility  rate was 80.2 % and the prolificacy index was 1.26. The single delivery rate was higher (P≤0.05) than the double delivery rate in all four treatments. Intravaginal CIDR devices can be used in ewes up to four times in six-day estrus synchronization protocols without affecting reproductive variables.El objetivo del estudio fue comparar el efecto de dispositivos intravaginales liberadores de progesterona natural (CIDR) nuevos y reutilizados en protocolos de 6 días sobre el desempeño reproductivo y en las concentraciones de progesterona en suero sanguíneo de ovejas multíparas. Un total de 172 ovejas con peso corporal promedio de 59 kg se distribuyeron al azar en cuatro tratamientos: CIDR1 (grupo testigo con dispositivos nuevos) y CIDR2, CIDR3, CIDR4 (con 6, 12 y 18 días de uso, respectivamente). En cuanto al inicio de estro, hubo diferencia (P≤0.05) únicamente entre el tratamiento con CIDR nuevos (40 ± 10 h) y CIDR de segundo uso (31 ± 9 h). En las variables presencia de estro, porcentaje de gestación, porcentaje de fertilidad y tipo de parto no se obtuvieron diferencias significativas (P>0.05) entre tratamientos. La presencia de estro osciló entre 93 y 100 %, el valor promedio de gestación fue 80.8 %, 80.2 % para fertilidad y 1.26 para el índice de prolificidad. Los porcentajes de partos sencillos fueron mayores (P≤0.05) a los partos dobles en los cuatro tratamientos. Se concluye que el uso de CIDR en protocolos de 6 días permite que los dispositivos sean utilizados hasta por cuatro ocasiones con buenos resultados

Unconventional plants as a source of phytochemicals for broiler chicken

The purpose of this review is to know the mode of action and commercial application of unconventional plants as growth promoters in poultry production. Numerous reports have demonstrated the efficacy of plant phytochemicals as antioxidants, antimicrobial and immune-stimulants. Thus, the use of additives of natural origin in poultry feed represents a viable option to replace or reduce the use of antibiotics and growth promoters in broilers.Objective: To carry out a review to know the modes of action and the commercial application of unconventional plants as growth promoters in broiler chicken production.Design / Methodology/Approach: A bibliographic review of unconventional and commonly used plants was carried out, which have shown efficacy as growth promoters on broiler chickens.Results: Numerous reports have demonstrated the efficacy of phytochemicals present in plants as antioxidants, antimicrobials, and immune-stimulants.Limitations of the study / Implications: Alternative use of unconventional plants can help to develop sustainable production systems and the production of innocuous meat products.Findings / Conclusions: The use of additives of natural origin in poultry feed represents a viable option to replace or reduce the use of antibiotics and growth promoters on broiler chickens

Recommendation of Choline Inclusion in Lambs’ Diet

ABSTRACT Objective: Establish an inclusion recommendation of choline (herbal or synthetic) in fattening lamb’s diet based on productive performance and blood metabolites. Design/methodology/approach: A literature review of herbal and synthetic choline supplementation in the diet of fattening lambs was carried out. Results: The addition of protected choline chloride (50% purity) in the lamb’s diet should be less than 2.5 g/ kg DM in order not to cause a detrimental effect on the productive performance. On the other hand, the inclusion of herbal choline in lambs’ diet should be greater than 6g/ kg DM to have positive effects on body gain and feed conversion. Study limitations/implications: It is necessary establish the requirement for choline in fattening lambs, because studies where choline is supplemented show that the contribution of conventional ingredients is insufficient. Findings/conclusions: The inclusion of herbal (6 g / kg DM) and synthetic (2.5 g / kg DM) choline in lamb´s diet improves body gain and modifies energy metabolites.Objective: To establish an inclusion recommendation for choline (herbal or synthetic) in fattening lambs’diet based on productive performance and blood metabolites.Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review was carried out of herbal and synthetic choline supplementation in the diet of fattening lambs.Results: The addition of protected choline chloride (50% purity) in the lamb’s diet should be less than 2.5g/kg DM in order not to cause a detrimental effect on the productive performance. On the other hand, the inclusion of herbal choline in lambs’ diet should be greater than 6 g/kg DM to have positive effects on body gain and feed conversion.Study Limitations/Implications: It is necessary to establish the requirement for choline in fattening lambs because studies where choline is supplemented show that the contribution of conventional ingredients is insufficient.Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of herbal (6 g/kg DM) and synthetic (2.5 g/kg DM) choline in lambs’ diet improves body weight gain and modifies energy metabolite

Effectiveness of feed restriction to improve feed efficiency in finishing pigs

Objective:  To review the effects of restricted feeding in finishing pigs on production efficiency and meat quality. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of feeding management in pigs fed ad libitum, restricted and their combination was carried out. Results: Feeding restriction decreases the growth rate, but if the restriction is moderate, better feeding efficiency can be obtained. The feed restriction followed by feed ad libitum gets compensatory growth, that equals or improves continuous free access feeding. Study limitations/implications: The feed restriction implementation can be useful to improve feed efficiency and in periods that is necessary to slow down growth. Findings/conclusions: Moderate feed restriction (-10%) of finishing pigs improves feed efficiency. Feed restriction of less than 20% for 30 days, followed by ad libitum feed promotes compensatory growth and improves feed efficiency.Objective: To review the effects of restricted feeding in finishing pigs on production efficiency and meat quality.Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic review of feeding management in pigs fed ad libitum, restricted and their combination was carried out.Results: Feeding restriction decreases the growth rate, but if the restriction is moderate, better feeding efficiency can be obtained. The feed restriction followed by feed ad libitum gets compensatory growth, that equals or improves continuous free access feeding.Study limitations/implications: The feed restriction implementation can be useful to improve feed efficiency and in periods that is necessary to slow down growth.Findings/conclusions: Moderate feed restriction (-10%) of finishing pigs improves feed efficiency. Feed restriction of less than 20% for 30 days, followed by ad libitum feed promotes compensatory growth and improves feed efficiency

Niveles de calcio y fósforo disponible en gallinas durante 48 semanas en postura

Se realizó un experimento para evaluar niveles de calcio (Ca) y fósforo disponible (Pd) en gallinas. Se utilizaron 300 gallinas Leghorn Hy-line W36 y se alimentaron con cinco tratamientos, tomando en cuenta los niveles óptimos de encontrados en la literatura. Las dietas fueron: T1, 4.34% Ca y 0.18% Pd; T2, 4.34% Ca y 0.23% Pd; T3, 4.62% Ca y 0.18% Pd; T4, 4.62% Ca y 0.23% Pd y T5, 3.25% Ca y 0.25% Pd. Se midió consumo de alimento, consumo de Ca y de Pd, conversión alimenticia, número de huevos, masa de huevo, peso del huevo, gravedad específica y porcentajede cascarón. Para número de huevos, masa de huevo, consumo de alimento, conversión alimenticia y peso de huevo, no se encontraron diferencias entre tratamientos (P>0.05). Se observó mayor consumo de Ca (P<0.05) en las gallinas de los tratamientos T3 y T4 (4.80 y 4.81 g ave-1 día-1); en cuanto a consumo de fósforo disponible, las gallinas delT5 consumieron más (P<0.05) que las demás (0.258 g ave-1 día-1). Para gravedad específica, hubo mejores resultados con T1, T3 y T4 (1.0837, 1.0841, y 1.0840; P<0.05). En porcentaje de cascarón se observaron mejores resultados con las gallinas de T1, T2, T3 y T4 (P<0.05). Se concluye que las concentraciones de Ca sugeridas por el NRC (1994), noson suficientes para máxima calidad del cascarón; sin embargo, los niveles de Pd 0.18 y 0.23% son menores a los sugeridos por el NRC, de 0.25%

Efectividad del aceite de canola en dietas de cerdos para mejorar el perfil lipídico de la carne

The objective of this study was to determine the maximum level of inclusion of canola oil (CO) in diets for finishing pigs, to increase the content of oleic acid and unsaturated fatty acids and improve the Ω6:Ω3 ratio in meat, without affecting the productive performance, carcass characteristics and physicochemical characteristics of the meat. The treatments were: the gradual substitution of soybean oil (6 %) for CO in diets for pigs at finishing stage I and II (0, 2, 4 and 6 % of CO). The experimental units were 48 castrated pigs with initial live weight of 50.00 ± 4.5 kg, evaluated for four weeks at each stage. With the data obtained, an ANOVA was performed, and linear or quadratic trends were detected (P≤0.10). At finishing stage I, the average daily gain decreased with the inclusion of 2 % of CO, although the incorporation of 2 and 4 % of CO had no effect. At finishing stage II, a level between 2-4 % of CO reduced average daily feed intake and improved feed conversion (P≤0.05). The addition of CO did not modify the characteristics of the carcass and did not affect the physicochemical characteristics of the meat (P≥0.10). CO in the diet increased the concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and oleic acid (P≤0.05); it reduced linoleic acid (P≤0.03), polyunsaturated fatty acids (P≤0.07) and the Ω6:Ω3 ratio (P≤0.01). In conclusion, the addition of CO (2-6 %) in the diet of finishing pigs gradually increases the content of oleic acid and MUFAs, in addition, it improves the Ω6:Ω3 ratio in pork, without affecting the productive variables and the quality of the meat.El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el nivel máximo de inclusión de aceite de canola (AC) en dietas para cerdos en finalización, para incrementar el contenido de ácido oleico y ácidos grasos insaturados y mejorar la relación Ω6: Ω3 en la carne, sin afectar el comportamiento productivo, características de la canal y fisicoquímicas de la carne. Los tratamientos fueron: la sustitución gradual de aceite de soya (6%) por AC en dietas para cerdos en etapa de finalización I y II (0, 2, 4 y 6% de AC). Las unidades experimentales fueron 48 cerdos machos castrados con peso vivo inicial de 50.00 ± 4.5 kg, evaluados durante cuatro semanas en cada etapa. Con los datos obtenidos se realizó un ANDEVA y se detectaron tendencias lineales o cuadráticas (P≤0.10). En finalización I la ganancia de peso disminuyó con la inclusión de 2% de AC, aunque la incorporación de 2 y 4% de AC no tuvo efecto. En finalización II, un nivel entre 2-4% de AC redujo el consumo de alimento y mejoró la conversión alimenticia (P≤0.05). La adición de AC no modificó las características de la canal y no afectó las características fisicoquímicas de la carne (P≥0.10). El AC en la dieta aumentó la concentración de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (AGMI) y ácido oleico (P≤0.05); redujo el ácido linoleico (P≤0.03), ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (P≤0.07) y la relación Ω6:Ω3 (P≤0.01). En conclusión, la adición de AC (2-6%) en la dieta de cerdos en finalización incrementa gradualmente el contenido de ácido oleico y de AGMI, además, mejora la relación Ω6:Ω3 en la carne de cerdo, sin afectar las variables productivas y la calidad de la carne

High-fiber diets for fattening pigs

Objective:&nbsp; To establish the feasibility and benefits offered by implementing pig diets with high fiber content. Design/methodology: A bibliographic review of the concept of the practical application of diets for pigs with the inclusion of fibrous ingredients. Results: Formulating high-fiber pig diets maintains or improves productive performance and offers additional gut health benefits. Study limitations/implications: The lack of knowledge of the net energy and digestible amino acid values of the fibrous ingredients limits the adequate formulation of diets for pigs. Findings/conclusions: The inclusion of high fiber ingredients in the diet for pigs can partially substitute traditional ingredients reducing costs and obtaining health benefits.Objective: To establish the feasibility and benefits of implementing high-fiber diets for pigs. Design/Methodology: A literature review of the practical application of pig diets with the inclusion of fibrous ingredients was carried out. Results: The formulation of high-fiber diets for pigs maintains or improves productive performance and provides additional gut health benefits. Study Limitations/Implications: Lack of information about the net energy and amino acid digestibility values of fibrous ingredients limits the proper formulation of pig diets. Findings/Conclusions: The inclusion of high-fiber ingredients in pig diets can partially replace traditional ingredients, consequently reducing costs and providing health benefits

Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves as growth promoter in lambs’ diets

Objective: To evaluate the dietary inclusion of neem leaves on the productive and biochemical performance of fattening lambs. Design/methodology: Forty male lambs were assigned according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of neem at 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g kg-1 dry matter by 35 days.&nbsp; Results: The inclusion of neem leaf in the diet did not affect productive performance (P&gt;0.05), while protein and energy metabolites were modified (P≤0.05). Study limitations/implications: The bioactive compounds present in neem modified the metabolites related to protein and energy metabolism, although these changes did not reflect improvements in productive performance. Conclusions: The inclusion of dietary neem (2.5-7.5 g kg-1) has no effect on the productive performance, although it modifies some energy and protein metabolites.Objective: To evaluate the dietary inclusion of neem leaves on the productive and biochemical performance of fattening lambs. Design/methodology: Forty male lambs were assigned according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of neem at 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 g kg-1 DM for 35 days.  Results: The inclusion of neem leaf in the diet did not affect the productive performance (P&gt;0.05), while protein and energy metabolites were modified (P≤0.05). Limitations on study/implications: The bioactive compounds present in neem modified the metabolites related to protein and energy metabolism, although these changes did not reflect improvements in the productive performance. Conclusions: The inclusion of dietary neem (2.5-7.5 g kg-1) has no effect on the productive performance, although it does modify some energy and protein metabolites

Characterization of Hydrogels for Their Application in Tissue Regeneration

Alterations in neurogenesis result in the inevitable loss of brain nervous tissue and cause neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). In this regard, hydrogels based on natural biopolymers have attractive properties, such as excellent biocompatibility, a low immune response, and a significant similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues, thus supporting cell proliferation and migration. Human ECM is composed by relatively small amounts of fibrous, proteins, and polysaccharides. For example, scaffolds composed of gelatin and hyaluronic acid are highly abundant components in human ECM. The methacrylation of hyaluronic acid (HAMA) and gelatin (GelMA) through carboxyl and hydroxyl groups under UV light radiation at 365 nm produce polymeric scaffolds with elastic moduli similar to tissues, and, therefore, potential candidates to adhere, host, and facilitate cell proliferation and differentiation, which are dependent on their mechanical properties. In this work, the mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of HAMA and GelMA hydrogel mixtures were studied and characterized via linear rheological measurements, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)S