Reusing intravaginal progesterone releasing devices for oestrous synchoronization in ewes

In this study, the second use of an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device or controlled intravaginal drug release device (CIDR) was evaluated. After a first use of 11 days, the CIDR was again used for either nine or 12 days with 200 or 300 IU equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) being injected on its removal. Sixty-four ewes were randomly distributed to four treatments (n=16/group): CIDR9+eCG200, CIDR9+eCG300, CIDR12+eCG200, and CIDR12+eCG300. The eCG was administered intramuscularly on withdrawal of the device. Thus, the experiment was a completely randomized design with a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Oestrus presentation did not differ between treatments (P =0.29). However, with the dose of 200 IU of eCG, oestrus presentation tended to increase (P =0.08). The onset and duration of oestrus, percentage of gestation, and return to oestrus did not differ between treatments (P >0.05). Progesterone concentration in serum was greater (P < 0.05) in ewes treated with CIDR12+eCG300. Prolificacy was greatest (1.44) with the CIDR12+eCG300 treatment and was different (P = 0.001) from the treatments CIDR9+eCG200 (1.21) and CIDR9+eCG300 (1.20), but not from the CIDR12+eCG200 treated ewes (1.31). The CIDR12+eCG300 treatement produced the highest percentage of twin births (45.8%) (P =0.001). Leaving the device in place for 12 days increased (P =0.001) the incidence of twin births. Use of the CIDR for a second time synchronized oestrus in ewes successfully with better fertility being obtained when the device was left in place for 12 days, and 300 IU of eCG was injected on its removal. Key words: gonadotropin, progesterone device, synchronizatio

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

Dietas para cerdos en iniciación incluyendo salvado de trigo y adicionadas con xilanasas

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the addition of xylanase in nursery pig diets with a high amount of wheat bran (WB) and two energy levels. Growth performance, carcass characteristics and plasma urea concentration were assessed. Forty-eight hybrid barrows were used (7.98 kg initial body weight and 28 d of age), allotted in a completely randomized design. Treatments (T) were: T1, control diet: 3350 Kcal; T2: 3275 Kcal + xylanase; T3: 3350 Kcal + xylanase; T4: 3350 Kcal + WB + xylanase; T5: 3275 Kcal + WB + xylanase; T6: 3350 + WB + xylanase. The variables were analyzed with ANOVA and treatment means were compared with Tukey's test (p ≤ 0.1). For average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake, final body weight and fat free lean gain (FFLG), better response was observed in pigs fed diets without WB (p ≤ 0.1) where xylanase compensated energy reduction. The inclusion of xylanase in WB diets reduced the ADG and final body weight (p ≤ 0.1). Supplementation with WB did not change backfat thickness, longissimus muscle area (LMA) and lean meat percentage (p > 0.1). The backfat thickness and LMA were not affected (p > 0.1) by reducing energy in diets without WB (p > 0.1). In conclusion, diets high in wheat bran content affect growth performance variables, but it is offset by the addition of xylanase, as long as the energy matrix is observed.Resumen El objetivo fue evaluar la adición de xilanasas en dietas con alta cantidad de salvado de trigo (ST) y dos niveles de energía para cerdos en iniciación sobre la respuesta productiva, características de la canal y concentración de urea en plasma. Se utilizaron 48 cerdos híbridos castrados de 7.98 kg de peso inicial y 28 d de edad, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar. Los tratamientos (T) fueron: T1, dieta testigo: 3350 Kcal de EM kg-1; T2: 3275 Kcal de EM kg-1 + xilanasas; T3: 3350 Kcal de EM kg-1+ xilanasas; T4: 3350 Kcal de EM kg-1+ ST + xilanasas; T5: 3275 Kcal de EM kg-1+ ST + xilanasas; T6: 3350 de EM kg-1+ ST + xilanasas. Los datos se analizaron con ANOVA, las medias de los tratamientos se compararon con la prueba de Tukey (p ≤ 0.1). Para la ganancia de peso (GDP), consumo de alimento, peso final (PVF) y ganancia de carne magra (GCM) se observó mejor respuesta en cerdos alimentados sin ST (p ≤ 0.1); compensando las xilanasas la reducción de energía. La inclusión de xilanasas en dietas con ST redujo la GDP y el pVF (p ≤ 0.1). La inclusión de ST no modificó la grasa dorsal (GD), área del músculo longissimus (AML) y GCM (p > 0.1). La GD y AML no fueron afectadas al reducir la energía en las dietas sin ST (p > 0.1). Las dietas con alto contenido de salvado de trigo afectan las variables productivas; aunque se compensa con la adición de xilanasas mientras se respete la matriz energética

Efecto de la fuente de ácidos grasos sobre la respuesta productiva, características de la canal, concentración de urea en plasma y perfil de ácidos grasos en carne de cerdos alimentados con dietas estándar o con baja proteína

Thirty six Landrace × Yorkshire barrows with 18.6 kg of initial body weight were used to evaluate three sources of fatty acids: crude soybean oil, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and soybean soapstock in standard crude protein (CP) and low-protein diets for starter (21 d; 205, 160 g kg-1 CP), growing (28 d; 160, 145 g kg-1 CP), and finishing (29 d; 140, 125 g kg-1 CP) phases. Growth performance, carcass characteristics, plasma urea nitrogen concentration and fatty acid profile in meat were evaluated. The reduction of CP diminished average daily gain, feed:gain ratio, longissimus muscle area and plasma urea nitrogen concentration in nursery pigs; reduced longissimus muscle area and plasma urea nitrogen concentration in growing pigs; increased average daily feed intake, and reduced lean meat percentage and plasma urea nitrogen content in finishing pigs. It also increased c9, t11 and c11, t9 CLA isomers and total lipids and lowered eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids concentrations in semimembranosus muscle; linolenic acid decreased with low-protein diets in longissimus and semimembranosus muscles; the oil type affected the concentration of c9, t11 and c11, t9 CLA isomers and total saturated fatty acids in semimembranosus muscle; CLA increased individually and total saturated fatty acids, reduced linoleic and docosapentaenoic acids, and increased total lipids in longissimus muscle. These results indicate that decreasing CP changes the profile of fatty acids. The soybean soapstock can replace crude soybean oil in pig diets; while conjugated linoleic acid does not improve response of pigs fed standard- or low-protein diets.Se utilizaron 36 cerdos machos castrados (18,6 ± 2,3 kg peso inicial) para evaluar tres fuentes de ácidos grasos: aceite crudo de soya, ácido linoleico conjugado (ALC) y aceite de soya acidulado en dietas estándar en proteína bruta (PB) y con baja proteína para iniciación (21 d; 205, 160 g kg-1 PC), crecimiento (28 d; 160, 145 g kg-1 PC), y finalización (29 d; 140, 125 g kg-1 PC). Se evaluó la respuesta productiva, características de la canal, urea en plasma y perfil de ácidos grasos en carne. La reducción de PB disminuyó la ganancia de peso, conversión alimenticia, área del músculo longissimus y urea en plasma en iniciación; redujo el área del músculo longissimus y urea en plasma durante el crecimiento; aumentó el consumo, disminuyó el porcentaje de carne magra y la urea en plasma en finalización. También aumentó los isómeros c9, t11 y c11, t9 del ALC y lípidos totales, redujo los ácidos eicosapentaenoico y docosahexaenoico en músculo semimembranosus y disminuyó el ácido linolénico en ambos músculos. El tipo de aceite afectó a la concentración de isómeros c9, t11 y c11, t9 del ALC y total de ácidos grasos saturados en músculo semimembranosus; el ALC aumentó los ácidos grasos individualmente y total de saturados, redujo el linoleico y docosapentaenoico; aumentó el total de lípidos en músculo longissimus. Esto indica que reducir PB cambia el perfil de ácidos grasos, que el aceite de soya acidulado puede reemplazar al aceite crudo de soya en dietas para cerdos y que el ALC no mejora la respuesta de cerdos alimentados con dietas estándar o con baja proteína

Reproductive and oxidative status of ewes supplemented with vitamin C during oestrous synchronization and early gestation

The objective of the study was to evaluate the reproductive efficiency and antioxidant status of ewes supplemented with two levels of vitamin C during oestrous synchronization and early gestation. Sixty-three ewes were allocated to three treatments, namely T0: control group; T1: 3 g vitamin C coated with ethylcellulose (Rovimix C®, powder); and T2: 6 g vitamin C coated with ethylcellulose. The ewes received the dietary supplementation during an oestrus synchronization period and lasted until 18 days after breeding. The occurrences of oestrus, gestation, fecundity and prolificacy were measured. Blood samples were collected at various stages to determine antioxidant capacity and oxidative state, and progesterone, glucose and insulin concentrations. Percentage occurrence of oestrus and gestation was analysed using the Chi-Square test, prolificacy and fecundity by GENMOD, and blood tests by the PROC MIXED procedure. It was recorded that the concentration of vitamin C in plasma increased with the supplementation of 3 g and 6 g vitamin C. The antioxidant capacity was higher in T1 than in T0 and T2. Lipid oxidation, and glucose, insulin and progesterone concentrations were not affected. It is concluded that supplementation of 3 g vitamin C during oestrous synchronization and early gestation does not modify the reproductive responses of the ewes. However, the concentration of this vitamin in the blood increased and improved the antioxidant capacity of the animals.Keywords: antioxidant, ascorbic acid, gestation, lipid oxidatio

Pectic and Galacturonic Acid Oligosaccharides on the Postharvest Performance of Citrus Fruits

Orange [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] and grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macfad) citrus fruits are prone to develop different peel physiological disorders caused by storage at both chilling and nonchilling temperatures. The effect of galacturonic acid oligosaccharides (GAOs) and pectic oligosaccharides (POs) in reducing postharvest nonchilling peel pitting (NCPP), decay, and chilling injury (CI) in orange cv. Navelina and the effect of POs in reducing CI in grapefruit cv. Rio Red, were investigated. The incidence of these disorders was examined in fruits stored at chilling and nonchilling temperatures and at 90% to 95% relative humidity (RH). POs showed a better efficacy than GAOs in reducing postharvest losses in orange. The POs were able to reduce NCPP and decay in ‘Navelina’ fruits stored at 20 °C, irrespective of the fruit maturity stage. The application of 10 g·L−1 POs also reduced CI and the chilling-induced ethylene production in oranges and grapefruits maintained at the chilling temperature. Likewise, the decrease in ethylene production found in ‘Navelina’ fruits that developed NCPP during storage at the nonchilling temperature was related to lower peel damage. Moreover, results showed that POs do not induce an increase in ethylene when fruit are stored under conditions that do not cause stress-related injury to fruit. Therefore, POs efficacy in reducing postharvest physiological disorders is not likely mediated by ethylene. Overall results indicate that the application of POs may be an acceptable alternative to mitigate postharvest losses of citrus fruits.Araceli M. Vera-Guzman is a doctoral student in the graduate program of CIAD, and received a graduate fellowship from CONACyT, México. Part of this work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (Research Grant AGL2013-41734-R and AGL2014-55802-R) and by the Generalitat Valenciana, Spain (Grant PROMETEOII/2014/027).Peer reviewe

Arginina como aminoácido funcional en dietas para cerdos en iniciación

The objective of this research was to determine the optimum concentration of synthetic arginine (Arg) that should be added to diets of nursery pigs to improve the productive performance. The addition of five concentrations of synthetic Arg (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0%) in diets was evaluated with 40 hybrid (Yorkshire × Duroc × Pietrain) barrows, with average initial live weight of 8.72 ± 1.36 kg and 30 days of age. The design used was completely randomized with five treatments and eight repetitions. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and treatment means were compared with Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of 0.5% Arg in the diet improved average daily feed intake, average daily gain and gain: feed ratio (p < 0.05). The plasma urea concentration increased with the addition of 2% Arg in the diet (p < 0.05).El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar la concentración óptima de arginina (Arg) sintética que se debe adicionar a dietas para cerdos en iniciación para mejorar el comportamiento productivo. En el experimento se evaluó la adición de cinco concentraciones de Arg sintética (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 y 2.0%), con 40 cerdos híbridos castrados, con peso inicial promedio de 8.72 ± 1.36 kg y 30 días de edad. El diseño utilizado fue completamente al azar con cinco tratamientos. Los datos se analizaron con ANOVA y las medias de tratamientos se compararon con la prueba de Tukey (p ≤ 0.05). La adición a partir de 0.5% de Arg en la dieta mejoró el consumo de alimento, la ganancia de peso y la conversión alimenticia (p < 0.05). La concentración de urea en plasma se incrementó con la adición de 2% de Arg en la dieta (p < 0.05)

Lisina y treonina digestible en dietas para cerdos en crecimiento

The objective was to evaluate two levels of lysine and threonine for growing pigs on growth performance, carcass characteristics and plasma urea concentration. In experiment 1, 36 pigs were used with initial body weight of 27.65 ± 5.65 kg during four weeks, allotted in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement 2 (lysine: 0.83 and 0.93 %) with x 2 (threonine: 05.52 and 0.62 %). The variables were analized ANOVA and treatment means were compared with Tukey's test. There was not effect on the concentration of lysine and threonine in all variables (p > 0.05). In experiment 2, 35 pigs were used with initial body weight of 16.71 ± 7.85 kg during six weeks, were evaluated five levels of threonine (0.52, 0.62, 0.72, 0.82 and 0.92 %), distributed in a completely randomized design. Orthogonal contrasts were used to determine linear, quadratic and cubic effects to estimate the optimal biological level (OBL) for each variable. The NOB for average daily gain and feed consumption was 0.90 % digestible threonine. In experiment 1 and 2 the concentration of urea in plasma was modified by the amount of lysine and threonine in the diet (p 0.05). En el experimento 2 se utilizaron 35 cerdos con peso promedio inicial de 16.71 ± 7.85 kg durante seis semanas para evaluar cinco niveles de treonina (0.52, 0.62, 0.72, 0.82 y 0.92 %), en un diseño completamente al azar. Se utilizaron contrastes ortogonales para detectar efectos lineales, cuadráticos y cúbicos para determinar el nivel óptimo biológico (NOB) para cada variable. El NOB para ganancia de peso y consumo de alimento fue 0.90 % de treonina digestible. En el experimento 1 y 2 la concentración de urea en plasma se modificó por la cantidad de lisina y treonina presentes en la dieta (p < 0.05). Se concluye que el nivel más adecuado de lisina digestible para dietas es de 0.83 % y de treonina digestible de 0.90 %

Effectiveness and optimum level of protected methionine in fattening pig diets

Background: Methionine (Met) requirements have not been clearly established for fattening pigs due to their metabolic interrelationships and its bioavailability for protein synthesis. Objective: To determine the optimum level of regular crystalline or protected Met in pig diets from nursery to finishing. Methods: A total of 48 crossbred pigs (11.74±1.72 kg of initial body weight) were used. The treatments consisted of adding four levels (0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15% in addition to dietary content) and two types of Met (regular and protected) to pig diets. Results: Nursery, Finishing I, and II pigs fed protected Met increased daily feed intake (DFI; p≤0.10). Protected Met raised daily weight gain (DWG) in nursery pigs and increased backfat thickness (BT) in nursery and grower pigs (p≤0.10). In Finishing I pigs, protected Met increased DWG and improved carcass characteristics (p≤0.10). In nursery and grower pigs, an extra 0.15% Met decreased feed:gain ratio (FGR; p≤0.10). In grower and Finishing II pigs fed extra 0.05% Met improved DWG and extra 0.10% Met reduced plasma urea concentration (p≤0.10). Conclusions: Feeding protected Met in pig diets increases DWG, DFI and BT. Increasing 0.05-0.15% Met level improves FGR, DWG, potentially reducing nitrogen excretion to the environment.Antecedentes: os requisitos de metionina (Met) para suínos de engorda não foram claramente estabelecidos devido às suas relações metabólicas e sua biodisponibilidade para a síntese de proteínas. Objetivo: determinar o nível ideal de Met regular ou protegida em dietas para suínos de engorda. Métodos: foram utilizados 48 suínos híbridos (11,74±1,72 kg de peso vivo inicial). Os tratamentos consistiram em quatro níveis (0,00, 0,05, 0,10, 0,15% mais) e dois tipos (regular e protegida) de Met em dietas para suínos de engorda. Resultados: suínos no início, finalização I e II alimentados com Met protegida aumentaram o consumo diário de ração (DFI; p≤0,10). Met protegido aumentou o ganho de peso diário (DWG) em suínos na iniciação e, aumentou espessura da gordura dorsal (BT) em suínos em iniciação e crescimento (p≤0,10). Nos suínos finalização I, Met protegido aumentou DWG e melhorou as características do canal (p≤0,10). Para suínos de iniciação e crescimento, 0,15% extra de Met diminuiu conversão alimentar (FGR; p≤0,10). No crescimento e finalização II, a adição de 0,05% de Met melhoraram o DWG e com 0,10% reduziram a concentração de uréia (p≤0,10). Conclusões: o uso de Met protegida melhora DWG, DFI e BT. O nível de Met aumentado de 0,05-0,15% melhora FGR e DWG; além disso, a excreção de nitrogênio ambiental pode ser diminuída.Antecedentes: los requerimientos de metionina (Met) para cerdos en crecimiento no han sido claramente establecidos, lo que se debe a sus relaciones metabólicas y su biodisponibilidad para la síntesis proteica. Objetivo: determinar el nivel óptimo de Met regular o protegida en dietas para cerdos en crecimiento. Métodos: Se utilizaron un total de 48 cerdos híbridos (11,74±1,72 kg peso vivo inicial). Los tratamientos consistieron en niveles incrementales (0,00, 0,05, 0,10, 0,15% adicionales al contenido de la dieta) y dos tipos de Met (regular y protegida) en la dieta. Resultados: los cerdos en iniciación, Finalización I, y II, alimentados con Met protegida tuvieron un mayor consumo diario de alimento (DFI; p≤0,10). La Met protegida aumentó la ganancia diaria de peso (DWG) durante la etapa de iniciación, e incrementó el grosor de la grasa dorsal (BT) en iniciación y levante (p≤0,10). Durante Finalización I, la Met protegida aumentó la DWG y mejoró las características de la canal (p≤0,10). Durante iniciación y levante, 0,15% extra de Met disminuyó la conversión alimenticia (FGR; p≤0,10). Los cerdos en levante y Finalización II alimentados con 0,05% extra de Met mejoraron la DWG y con 0.10% extra de Met redujeron la concentración de urea en plasma (p≤0,10). Conclusiones: el uso de Met protegida incrementa DWG, DFI y BT. El aumento del nivel de Met de 0,05-0,15% mejora FGR y DWG, y podria disminuir la excreción de nitrógeno al ambiente