Effect of Folic Acid Supplementation and Dietary Protein Level on Growth Performance, Serum Chemistry and Immune Response in Weanling Piglets Fed Differing Concentrations of Aflatoxin

Effects of folic acid and protein levels on growth and serum chemistry in pigs fed aflatoxin were determined in two experiments. Increasing aflatoxin (250 to 800 ppb) decreased (P \u3c 0.05) weight gain and feed intake for both of the 35-day trials. In Experiment 1, increasing aflatoxin (0, 250, 500 ppb), increased linearly (P \u3c 0.05) aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and ɣ-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Folic acid (0, 2.0, 5.0, 12.5 ppm) increased linearly (P \u3c 0.05) serum K, Ca, P, Mg, and AST with the largest effect observed at 12.5 ppm. Folic acid decreased (P \u3c 0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN): creatinine and Na:K. In Experiment 2, aflatoxin (800 ppb) increased (P \u3c 0.05) glucose and GGT, and decreased (P \u3c 0.05) Na:K and albumin:globulin. Increasing protein from 15 to 18% elevated BUN: creatinine (P \u3c 0.05), albumin: globulin (P \u3c 0.05), albumin (P \u3c 0.05) and ALKP (P \u3c 0.05). Folic acid (2 ppm) elevated (P \u3c 0.05) BUN, and interacted with both aflatoxin (P \u3c 0.10) and protein (P \u3c 0.05) on BUN. Adding folic acid to aflatoxin contaminated diets improved some measures of clinical chemistry in Experiment 1 but not traditional growth performance measures. The higher protein level reduced the effects of aflatoxicosis on growth

Summer-Long Grazing of High vs. Low Endophyte (\u3cem\u3eNeotyphodium coenophialum\u3c/em\u3e)-Infected Tall Fescue by Growing Beef Steers Results in Distinct Temporal Blood Analyte Response Patterns, with Poor Correlation to Serum Prolactin Levels

Previously, we reported the effects of fescue toxicosis on developing Angus-cross steer growth, carcass, hepatic mRNA, and protein expression profiles of selected serum proteins, and blood clinical and chemical profiles, after summer-long grazing (85 days) of high endophyte (HE)- vs. low endophyte (LE)-infected fescue pastures. We now report the temporal development of acute, intermediate, and chronic responses of biochemical and clinical blood analytes determined at specified time intervals (period 1, day 0–36; period 2, day 37–58; and period 3, day 59–85). Throughout the trial, the alkaloid concentrations of the HE forage was consistently 19–25 times greater (P ≤ 0.002) than the concentration in the LE forage, and HE vs. LE steers had continuously lower (P ≤ 0.049) serum prolactin (85%), cholesterol (27%), and albumin (5%), but greater red blood cells (7%). The HE steers had decreased (P = 0.003) ADG only during period 1 (−0.05 vs. 0.4 kg/day). For period 1, HE steers had reduced (P ≤ 0.090) numbers of eosinophils (55%) and lymphocytes (18%), serum triglyceride (27%), and an albumin/globulin ratio (9%), but an increased bilirubin concentration (20%). During period 2, serum LDH activities were 18% lower (P = 0.022) for HE vs. LE steers. During period 3, serum levels of ALP (32%), ALT (16%), AST (15%), creatine kinase (35%), glucose (10%), and LDH (23%) were lower (P ≤ 0.040) for HE steers. Correlation analysis of serum prolactin and other blood analytes revealed that triglycerides (P = 0.042) and creatinine (P = 0.021) were moderately correlated (r ≤ 0.433) with HE serum prolactin. In conclusion, three HE-induced blood analyte response patterns were identified: continually altered, initially altered, and subsequently “recovered,” or altered only after long-term exposure. Blood analytes affected by length of grazing HE vs. LE forages were either not or poorly correlated with serum prolactin. These data reveal important, temporal, data about how young cattle respond to the challenge of consuming HE pasture

Disappearance and Appearance of an Indigestible Marker in Feces from Growing Pigs as Affected by Previous- and Current-Diet Composition

Background: Indigestible markers are commonly utilized in digestion studies, but the complete disappearance or maximum appearance of a marker in feces can be affected by diet composition, feed intake, or an animal’s BW. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of previous (Phase 1, P1) and current- (Phase 2, P2) diet composition on marker disappearance (Cr) and appearance (Ti) in pigs fed 3 diets differing in NDF content. Results: When pigs were maintained on the 25.1, 72.5, and 125.0 g/kg NDF diets, it took 5.1, 4.1, and 2.5 d, respectively, for Cr levels to decrease below the limit of quantitation; or 4.6, 3.7, or 2.8 d, respectively, for Ti to be maximized. These effects were not, however, independent of the previous diet as indicated by the interaction between P1 and P2 diets on fecal marker concentrations (P \u3c 0.01). When dietary NDF increased from P1 to P2, it took less time for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized (an average of 2.5 d), than if NDF decreased from P1 to P2 where it took longer for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized (an average of 3.4 d). Conclusions: Because of the wide range in excretion times reported in the literature and improved laboratory methods for elemental detection, the data suggests that caution must be taken in considering dietary fiber concentrations of the past and currently fed diets so that no previous dietary marker addition remains in the digestive tract or feces such that a small amount of maker is present to confound subsequent experimental results, and that marker concentration have stabilized when these samples are collected

Chromium – An essential mineral

The status of chromium (Cr) is not a new question. Cr is clearly an essential nutrient; this is a position that has been held for over three decades by individual scientists, groups of scientists, and governmental committees. The most uniform response across species with regard to Cr deficiency symptoms that are responsive to Cr supplementation are alterations in glucose metabolism with special reference to peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin. Because the body’s ability to control blood glucose is critical to many life functions, and loss of ability to adequately control blood glucose can lead to many health debilitations, a consequence of Cr supplementation can be improved health and reproductive outcomes as well as improved survival rate or life span

Chromium - An essential mineral

The status of chromium (Cr) is not a new question. Cr is clearly an essential nutrient; this is a position that has been held for over three decades by individual scientists, groups of scientists, and governmental committees. The most uniform response across species with regard to Cr deficiency symptoms that are responsive to Cr supplementation are alterations in glucose metabolism with special reference to peripheral tissue sensitivity to insulin. Because the body�s ability to control blood glucose is critical to many life functions, and loss of ability to adequately control blood glucose can lead to many health debilitations, a consequence of Cr supplementation can be improved health and reproductive outcomes as well as improved survival rate or life span

Phosphorus utilization in growing pigs fed a phosphorus deficient diet supplemented with a rice bran product and amended with phytase Utilización de fosforo en cerdos de ceba alimentados con una dieta baja en fosforo, suplementada con salvado de arroz y fitasa Utilização do fósforo em suínos alimentados com uma dieta baixa em fósforo, suplementada com farelo de arroz e fitase

Rice bran is not only a source of energy for pigs, it also contains significant amounts of phosphorus (P). However, about 75% of this P is not digested by the pig, unless phytase is added to the diet. Once excreted, P may end up contaminating water bodies and thus causing eutrophication. The objectives of this study were to determine the digestibility of P and other nutrients in a diet supplemented with increasing levels of rice bran (0, 7.5, 15, and 30%), and to evaluate the effects of phytase inclusion on the nutrient digestibility of rice bran. Pigs (n= 24, 87.5 &plusmn; 2.51kg) were confined in individual metabolic crates to determine total tract apparent digestibility and retention of nutrients. The digestibility coefficients found for dry matter, energy, fat, N, and P in the rice bran product used were: 72, 79, 84, 74, and 15%, respectively. Phytase supplementation increased P digestibility (p<0.01) but it did not increase N digestibility (p>0.1); the increase in fecal P excretion that occurred when rice bran was added to the diet was reduced by 26% with phytase supplementation.<br>El salvado de arroz no sólo es una interesante fuente de energía para cerdos, sino que contiene bastante fósforo (P). Sin embargo, cerca del 75% de ese P no es utilizable por los cerdos, a menos que se adicione alguna fitasa a la dieta de estos animales. Al no utilizarse, dicho P es excretado, pudiendo contaminar fuentes de agua y generando eutroficación del recurso hídrico. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer la digestibilidad del P y otros nutrientes en una dieta suplementada con niveles crecientes de salvado de arroz (0, 7.5, 15, y 30%), así como evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de fitasa en la digestibilidad de nutrientes del salvado. Para esto se utilizaron 24 cerdos (87.5 &plusmn; 2.51kg), confinados en jaulas metabólicas individuales, a los que se les calculó digestibilidad total aparente y retención de nutrientes por el método de Colección Total. Los coeficientes de digestibilidad encontrados fueron: 72, 79, 84, 74, y 15% para materia seca, energía, grasa, N y P, respectivamente. La suplementación con fitasa incrementó la digestibilidad del P (p<0.01), pero no incrementó la digestibilidad del N (p>0.1). El incremento observado en la excreción fecal de P al adicionar salvado de arroz a la dieta fue disminuido en 26% con la adición de fitasa.<br>O farelo de arroz não é apenas uma fonte de energia interessante para os suínos, ele contém suficiente fósforo (P). No entanto, perto do 75% de P não é usado pelos suínos, a menos que adicione-se alguma fitase na dieta desses animais. Quando não for utilizado, o P é excretado e podem contaminar fontes de água e eutrofização dos recursos hídricos. O objectivo deste estudo foi determinar a digestibilidade do P e outros nutrientes de uma dieta suplementada com níveis crescentes de farelo de arroz (0, 7.5, 15 e 30%), e para avaliar o efeito da fitase sobre a digestibilidade de nutrientes de farelo. Para isso, 24 animais (87.5 &plusmn; 2.51 kg), foram confinados em gaiolas metabólicas individuais. Foi calculada a digestibilidade total e retenção de nutrientes pelo método de colheita total. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade encontrados foram: 72, 79, 84, 74 e 15% de matéria seca, energia, gordura, N e P, respectivamente. A suplementação de fitase aumentou o P digestível (p<0.01), porém, aumentou a digestibilidade do N (p>0.1). O aumento observado na excreção fecal de P pela adição de farelo de arroz à dieta foi reduzida em 26% com a adição de fitase

Phosphorus utilization in growing pigs fed a phosphorus deficient diet supplemented with a rice bran product and amended with phytase

Rice bran is not only a source of energy for pigs, it also contains significant amounts of phosphorus (P). However, about 75% of this P is not digested by the pig, unless phytase is added to the diet. Once excreted, P may end up contaminating water bodies and thus causing eutrophication. The objectives of this study were to determine the digestibility of P and other nutrients in a diet supplemented with increasing levels of rice bran (0, 7.5, 15, and 30%), and to evaluate the effects of phytase inclusion on the nutrient digestibility of rice bran. Pigs (n= 24, 87.5 ± 2.51kg) were confined in individual metabolic crates to determine total tract apparent digestibility and retention of nutrients. The digestibility coefficients found for dry matter, energy, fat, N, and P in the rice bran product used were: 72, 79, 84, 74, and 15%, respectively. Phytase supplementation increased P digestibility (p0.1); the increase in fecal P excretion that occurred when rice bran was added to the diet was reduced by 26% with phytase supplementation.O farelo de arroz não é apenas uma fonte de energia interessante para os suínos, ele contém suficiente fósforo (P). No entanto, perto do 75% de P não é usado pelos suínos, a menos que adicione-se alguma fitase na dieta desses animais. Quando não for utilizado, o P é excretado e podem contaminar fontes de água e eutrofização dos recursos hídricos. O objectivo deste estudo foi determinar a digestibilidade do P e outros nutrientes de uma dieta suplementada com níveis crescentes de farelo de arroz (0, 7.5, 15 e 30%), e para avaliar o efeito da fitase sobre a digestibilidade de nutrientes de farelo. Para isso, 24 animais (87.5 ± 2.51 kg), foram confinados em gaiolas metabólicas individuais. Foi calculada a digestibilidade total e retenção de nutrientes pelo método de colheita total. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade encontrados foram: 72, 79, 84, 74 e 15% de matéria seca, energia, gordura, N e P, respectivamente. A suplementação de fitase aumentou o P digestível (p0.1). O aumento observado na excreção fecal de P pela adição de farelo de arroz à dieta foi reduzida em 26% com a adição de fitase.El salvado de arroz no sólo es una interesante fuente de energía para cerdos, sino que contiene bastante fósforo (P). Sin embargo, cerca del 75% de ese P no es utilizable por los cerdos, a menos que se adicione alguna fitasa a la dieta de estos animales. Al no utilizarse, dicho P es excretado, pudiendo contaminar fuentes de agua y generando eutroficación del recurso hídrico. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue establecer la digestibilidad del P y otros nutrientes en una dieta suplementada con niveles crecientes de salvado de arroz (0, 7.5, 15, y 30%), así como evaluar el efecto de la inclusión de fitasa en la digestibilidad de nutrientes del salvado. Para esto se utilizaron 24 cerdos (87.5 ± 2.51kg), confinados en jaulas metabólicas individuales, a los que se les calculó digestibilidad total aparente y retención de nutrientes por el método de Colección Total. Los coeficientes de digestibilidad encontrados fueron: 72, 79, 84, 74, y 15% para materia seca, energía, grasa, N y P, respectivamente. La suplementación con fitasa incrementó la digestibilidad del P (p0.1). El incremento observado en la excreción fecal de P al adicionar salvado de arroz a la dieta fue disminuido en 26% con la adición de fitasa

Summer-long grazing of high versus low endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum)-infected tall fescue by growing beef steers results in distinct temporal blood analyte response patterns, with poor correlation to serum prolactin levels

Previously, we reported the effects of fescue toxicosis on developing Angus-cross steer growth, carcass, hepatic mRNA and protein expression profiles of selected serum proteins, and blood clinical and chemical profiles, after summer-long grazing (85 d) of high (HE)- vs low (LE)-endophyte-infected fescue pastures. We now report the temporal development of acute, intermediate, and chronic responses of biochemical and clinical blood analytes determined at specified time intervals (period 1, d 0 to 36; period 2, d 37 to 58; and period 3, d 59 to 85). Throughout the trial, the alkaloid concentrations of the HE forage was consistently 19 to 25 times greater (P < 0.049) the concentration in the LE forage, and HE vs LE steers had continuously lower (P < 0.049) serum prolactin (85%), cholesterol (27%), and albumin (5%), but greater red blood cells (7%). The HE steers had decreased (P = 0.003) ADG only during period 1 (-0.05 vs 0.4 kg/d). For period 1, HE steers had reduced (P < 0.090) numbers of eosinophils (55%) and lymphocytes (18%), serum triglyceride (27%), and an albumin/globulin ratio (9%), but an increased bilirubin concentration (20%). During period 2, serum LDH activities were 18% lower (P = 0.022) for HE vs LE steers. During period 3, serum levels of ALP (32%), ALT (16%), AST (15%), creatine kinase (35%), glucose (10%), and LDH (23%) were lower (P < 0.040) for HE steers. Correlation analysis of serum prolactin and other blood analytes revealed that triglycerides (P = 0.042) and creatinine (P = 0.021) were moderately correlated (r < 0.433) with HE serum prolactin. In conclusion, three HE-induced blood analyte response patterns were identified: continually altered, initially altered and subsequently recovered, or altered only after long-term exposure. Blood analytes affected by length of grazing HE vs LE forages were either not, or poorly, correlated with serum prolactin. These data reveal important, temporal, data about how young cattle respond to the challenge of consuming HE pasture

Disappearance and appearance of an indigestible marker in feces from growing pigs as affected by previous- and current-diet composition

Abstract Background Indigestible markers are commonly utilized in digestion studies, but the complete disappearance or maximum appearance of a marker in feces can be affected by diet composition, feed intake, or an animal’s BW. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of previous (Phase 1, P1) and current- (Phase 2, P2) diet composition on marker disappearance (Cr) and appearance (Ti) in pigs fed 3 diets differing in NDF content. Results When pigs were maintained on the 25.1, 72.5, and 125.0 g/kg NDF diets, it took 5.1, 4.1, and 2.5 d, respectively, for Cr levels to decrease below the limit of quantitation; or 4.6, 3.7, or 2.8 d, respectively, for Ti to be maximized. These effects were not, however, independent of the previous diet as indicated by the interaction between P1 and P2 diets on fecal marker concentrations (P < 0.01). When dietary NDF increased from P1 to P2, it took less time for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized (an average of 2.5 d), than if NDF decreased from P1 to P2 where it took longer for fecal Cr to decrease or fecal Ti to be maximized (an average of 3.4 d). Conclusions Because of the wide range in excretion times reported in the literature and improved laboratory methods for elemental detection, the data suggests that caution must be taken in considering dietary fiber concentrations of the past and currently fed diets so that no previous dietary marker addition remains in the digestive tract or feces such that a small amount of maker is present to confound subsequent experimental results, and that marker concentration have stabilized when these samples are collected