Exogenous Enzymes in Animal Nutrition- Benefits and Limitations

The use of exogenous enzymes in animal nutrition dates back to the mid-1920s, however, nowadays the development of interdisciplinary sciences exploiting molecular methods create new opportunities and deliver new tools to assess effectiveness of their utilization. The proper use of enzymes in animal nutrition allows to obtain maximum benefit from their action not only for the animals, but also for the environment

Kliničko-biokemijske promjene u bivola hranjenih samo suhom krmom.

The clinical signs of inappetance, poor body condition, pityriasis and decubital skin lesions in 22 stall-fed buffaloes of 18 to 20 months of age warranted the present clinical investigation. The animals were clinically examined and history was collected on feeding and management conditions. The animals had been held on wheat straw based diet supplemented with 0.5 to 0.8 kg concentrate (devoid of vitamin premix) without access to green forage for the last seven months. Six animals had skin sloughing, rough coat, abrasion and two buffaloes were on sternal recumbency and were unable to get up. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture from eight randomly selected from the 22 affected buffaloes, with varying degrees of clinical signs, and from five control buffaloes of a similar age group, who were provided with ad lib green fodder to serve as control. Serum samples were analyzed for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorous. Aspartate animo-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in serum from affected animals, indicating reduced hepatic function. Alkaline phosphatase activities (AP), along with serum cholesterol level were also significantly (P<0.05) lower in zero-green fed animals compared to the controls. Blood copper and zinc concentrations were statistically comparable in both the groups, but the mean values for cobalt and iron were significantly lower in affected animals. Mean plasma level of vitamin A, ß-carotene and α-tocopherol was significantly (P<0.01) lower in affected animals than in the controls. This is the first report documenting the combined deficiency of vitamin A and its precursor ß- carotene along with α-tocopherol, and the affected animals had reduced hepatic function. The present investigation strongly suggests provision of green fodder or supplementation of vitamins in the diet of buffaloes to avoid poor health and clinical signs associated with deficiency.U 22 stajski hranjena bivola, čija se dob kretala između 18 do 20 mjeseci, zabilježeni su klinički znakovi gubitka apetita, opadanja kondicije, te suhog ljuštenja i dekubitalnih oštećenja kože. Životinje su klinički pregledane i prikupljeni su podatci vezani za hranidbu i uvjete držanja. Osnovu obroka činila je pšenična slama kojoj je dodavano od 0,5 do 0,8 kg koncentrata (bez vitaminskoga premiksa). Bivolima je uskraćena mogućnost pristupa svježoj zelenoj krmi tijekom posljednjih sedam mjeseci. Šest životinja imalo je grubu kožu s pojavama ljuštenja i guljenja, a u dva bivola utvrđeno je ležanje na prsima s nemogućnošću ustajanja. Uzorci krvi iz jugularne vene prikupljeni su od 8 slučajno odabranih bivola zahvaćenih različitim stupnjem kliničkih promjena, te od 5 bivola koji su bili u približno istoj dobi i poslužili su kao kontrolna skupina hranjena svježom zelenom krmom po volji. U uzorcima seruma analizirani su glukoza, ukupni protein, albumin, mokraćevina, mokraćna kiselina, kreatinin, kalcij i fosfor. Aktivnosti aspartat amino-transferaze (AST) i alanin amino-transferaze (ALT) bile su značajno (P<0,01) niže u serumu životinja sa zahvaćenim promjenama što upućuje na smanjenu funkciju jetara. Aktivnost alkalne fosfataze (AP), zajedno s razinom serumskog kolesterola, bila je također značajno (P<0,05) snižena u životinja hranjenih suhom krmom u usporedbi sa životinjama kontrolne skupine. Koncentracije bakra i cinka u krvi bivola obje skupine bile su slične, a srednje vrijednosti za kobalt i željezo bile su značajno snižene u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama. Srednja razina vitamina A, β-karotena i α-tokoferola bila je značajno (P<0,01) niža u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama u odnosu na životinje u kontrolnoj skupini. Ovo je prvo izvješće koje potvrđuje da udruženi nedostatak vitamina A i njegova prekusora β-karotena, zajedno s nedostatkom α-tokoferola, u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama dovode do smanjene funkcije jetara. Kako bi se izbjeglo slabljenje zdravlja i pojave kliničkih znakova povezanih s navedenim deficijencijama, predlaže se u krmni obrok bivola dodavati svježu zelenu krmu ili vitamine

Kliničko-biokemijske promjene u bivola hranjenih samo suhom krmom.

The clinical signs of inappetance, poor body condition, pityriasis and decubital skin lesions in 22 stall-fed buffaloes of 18 to 20 months of age warranted the present clinical investigation. The animals were clinically examined and history was collected on feeding and management conditions. The animals had been held on wheat straw based diet supplemented with 0.5 to 0.8 kg concentrate (devoid of vitamin premix) without access to green forage for the last seven months. Six animals had skin sloughing, rough coat, abrasion and two buffaloes were on sternal recumbency and were unable to get up. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture from eight randomly selected from the 22 affected buffaloes, with varying degrees of clinical signs, and from five control buffaloes of a similar age group, who were provided with ad lib green fodder to serve as control. Serum samples were analyzed for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorous. Aspartate animo-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in serum from affected animals, indicating reduced hepatic function. Alkaline phosphatase activities (AP), along with serum cholesterol level were also significantly (P<0.05) lower in zero-green fed animals compared to the controls. Blood copper and zinc concentrations were statistically comparable in both the groups, but the mean values for cobalt and iron were significantly lower in affected animals. Mean plasma level of vitamin A, ß-carotene and α-tocopherol was significantly (P<0.01) lower in affected animals than in the controls. This is the first report documenting the combined deficiency of vitamin A and its precursor ß- carotene along with α-tocopherol, and the affected animals had reduced hepatic function. The present investigation strongly suggests provision of green fodder or supplementation of vitamins in the diet of buffaloes to avoid poor health and clinical signs associated with deficiency.U 22 stajski hranjena bivola, čija se dob kretala između 18 do 20 mjeseci, zabilježeni su klinički znakovi gubitka apetita, opadanja kondicije, te suhog ljuštenja i dekubitalnih oštećenja kože. Životinje su klinički pregledane i prikupljeni su podatci vezani za hranidbu i uvjete držanja. Osnovu obroka činila je pšenična slama kojoj je dodavano od 0,5 do 0,8 kg koncentrata (bez vitaminskoga premiksa). Bivolima je uskraćena mogućnost pristupa svježoj zelenoj krmi tijekom posljednjih sedam mjeseci. Šest životinja imalo je grubu kožu s pojavama ljuštenja i guljenja, a u dva bivola utvrđeno je ležanje na prsima s nemogućnošću ustajanja. Uzorci krvi iz jugularne vene prikupljeni su od 8 slučajno odabranih bivola zahvaćenih različitim stupnjem kliničkih promjena, te od 5 bivola koji su bili u približno istoj dobi i poslužili su kao kontrolna skupina hranjena svježom zelenom krmom po volji. U uzorcima seruma analizirani su glukoza, ukupni protein, albumin, mokraćevina, mokraćna kiselina, kreatinin, kalcij i fosfor. Aktivnosti aspartat amino-transferaze (AST) i alanin amino-transferaze (ALT) bile su značajno (P<0,01) niže u serumu životinja sa zahvaćenim promjenama što upućuje na smanjenu funkciju jetara. Aktivnost alkalne fosfataze (AP), zajedno s razinom serumskog kolesterola, bila je također značajno (P<0,05) snižena u životinja hranjenih suhom krmom u usporedbi sa životinjama kontrolne skupine. Koncentracije bakra i cinka u krvi bivola obje skupine bile su slične, a srednje vrijednosti za kobalt i željezo bile su značajno snižene u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama. Srednja razina vitamina A, β-karotena i α-tokoferola bila je značajno (P<0,01) niža u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama u odnosu na životinje u kontrolnoj skupini. Ovo je prvo izvješće koje potvrđuje da udruženi nedostatak vitamina A i njegova prekusora β-karotena, zajedno s nedostatkom α-tokoferola, u životinja zahvaćenih promjenama dovode do smanjene funkcije jetara. Kako bi se izbjeglo slabljenje zdravlja i pojave kliničkih znakova povezanih s navedenim deficijencijama, predlaže se u krmni obrok bivola dodavati svježu zelenu krmu ili vitamine

Effects of addition of fluorine in diets differing in protein content on urinary fluoride excretion, clinical chemistry and thyroid hormones in calves

In order to compare the effects of addition of fluorine (F) in diets differing in protein content on the urinary F excretion, blood profile and thyroid hormones, 30 crossbred calves (6-8 months) initially exposed to different protein levels were allotted into six groups in a 3 × 2 factorial design. The factors included three different levels of protein: normal (NP; 100%), low (LP; 75%), and high (HP; 125%) besides two levels of supplemental fluorine (as sodium fluoride) at 0 or 200 mg/kg diet. The animals were fed a wheat straw-based diet for 210 d. Feeding NP diets decreased urinary fluoride excretion, measured at 42 d intervals, compared with LP diets. Blood levels of hemoglobin and haematocrit, measured at 70 d intervals, were not affected by either protein or fluorine levels, but period differences were apparent. Serum levels of urea, alkaline phosphatase and F showed greater increase in groups supplemented with F than in those without it; however, serum calcium was higher in the latter. Serum tri-iodo-thyronine and thyroxine levels were higher in HP and NP fed calves than animals on LP diets, respectively. The animals fed LPF have higher urinary F as compared with animals fed NPF, but were not different from the group fed HPF. The blood and serum variables indicated that there is no extra protection against susceptibility to F toxicity upon feeding of 25 percent higher protein than requirements

Antioxidant status, metabolic profile and immune response of lambs supplemented with tannin rich Ficus infectoria leaf meal

To study the effect of supplementation of tanniferous tree leaves Ficus infectoria on antioxidant status and immune response, twenty four lambs were randomly divided into four groups of six each in a completely randomized design and fed either a conventional supplement (CON) or experimental supplements (FILM-I, FILM-II and FILM-III) containing 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0% condensed tannins (CT), respectively by replacement of wheat bran of supplement CON with Ficus infectoria leaf meal (FILM). Blood biochemical profile was monitored in all lambs at 0, 45, 90, 135, 180 days of feeding. Although haemato-biochemical parameters remained similar, there was significant (p < 0.05) improvement in catalase activity, total thiol and protein thiol groups with reduction in lipid peroxidation (LPO) in lambs fed FILM diet irrespective of levels. However, intracellular status of reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase activity was improved (p < 0.05) only in FILM-II and FILM-III supplemented lambs. The cell-mediated immune response was significantly (p < 0.05) improved in all the lambs fed FILM supplemented diets. Improved antioxidant status and immunity in FILM supplemented lambs increased voluntary feed intake irrespective of level. However, the average daily gain for a period of 180 d showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase by the supplementation of FILM-II diet containing 1.5% CT. The present study reveals that the supplementation of Ficus infectoria leaf meal up to 21.2% in the concentrate mixture could improve the antioxidant status and immunity in lambs. However, as feed efficiency was reduced at higher levels due to presence of CT, 15.9% supplementation containing 1.5% condensed tannins in concentrate mixture is suggested to improve the health and production performance of lambs

Feeding behaviour of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) infected Holstein Friesian crossbred calves offered with therapeutic diet

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) affects dry matter intake (DMI) and performance due to mucosal erosions developed on the tongue and gums. Therapeutic diets (TD) in a physical form compatible with the inflammatory condition of the mouth ensures optimum intake with changed behavioural pattern. The present study aimed to record the feeding behaviour of FMD infected calves by offering a therapeutic diet. A total of 22 Holstein Friesian crossbred male calves (10–12 months) were used in which 4 calves were of Control (CON) and 18 calves of treatment groups viz. Therapeutic Diet- Mash (TDM), Therapeutic Diet-Cooked (TDC ), Therapeutic Diet-Customized Nutrient Supplement (TDCNS ) were infected with FMD virus in the bio-containment facility (BSL-III). The therapeutic diet (TD) was fed to calves in the forenoon session and ad libitum hybrid Napier in afternoon session. The diet had high protein and energy with varied physical forms (mash or cooked). The infected group calves experienced difficulty in eating viz. 0.00 ± 0.00, 19.57 ± 3.19, 25.48 ± 4.13 & 27.30 ± 4.38 min in CON, TDM, TDC , TDCNS respectively. The time values were highly significant between the groups (p < 0.01). Licking behaviour was noticed only in the morning session. Feed tossing, ruminating behaviour was noticed in the afternoon session in all the animals irrespective of groups. The frequency of urination was more in the morning and the defecation was comparable between the groups. The lethargy score was high for 3 days post-infection in the infected groups and subsequently declined. Non-nutritive behaviour is not seen either in the forenoon or in the afternoon session. In conclusion, tailor made therapeutic diets with changed physical forms (mash or cooked) was compatible with the inflammatory condition of the mouth

Not Available

Not AvailableThe clinical signs of inappetance, poor body condition, pityriasis and decubital skin lesions in 22 stall-fed buffaloes of 18 to 20 months of age warranted the present clinical investigation. The animals were clinically examined and history was collected on feeding and management conditions. The animals had been held on wheat straw based diet supplemented with 0.5 to 0.8 kg concentrate (devoid of vitamin premix) without access to green forage for the last seven months. Six animals had skin sloughing, rough coat, abrasion and two buffaloes were on sternal recumbency and were unable to get up. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture from eight randomly selected from the 22 affected buffaloes, with varying degrees of clinical signs, and from fi ve control buffaloes of a similar age group, who were provided with ad lib green fodder to serve as control. Serum samples were analyzed for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorous. Aspartate animo-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities were signifi cantly (P<0.01) lower in serum from affected animals, indicating reduced hepatic function. Alkaline phosphatase activities (AP), along with serum cholesterol level were also signifi cantly (P<0.05) lower in zero-green fed animals compared to the controls. Blood copper and zinc concentrations were statistically comparable in both the groups, but the mean values for cobalt and iron were signifi cantly lower in affected animals. Mean plasma level of vitamin A, ß-carotene and α-tocopherol was signifi cantly (P<0.01) lower in affected animals than in the controls. This is the fi rst report documenting the combined defi ciency of vitamin A and its precursor ß- carotene along with α-tocopherol, and the affected animals had reduced hepatic function. The present investigation strongly suggests provision of green fodder or supplementation of vitamins in the diet of buffaloes to avoid poor health and clinical signs associated with defi ciency.Not Availabl

Not Available

Not AvailableThe clinical signs of inappetance, poor body condition, pityriasis and decubital skin lesions in 22 stall-fed buffaloes of 18 to 20 months of age warranted the present clinical investigation. The animals were clinically examined and history was collected on feeding and management conditions. The animals had been held on wheat straw based diet supplemented with 0.5 to 0.8 kg concentrate (devoid of vitamin premix) without access to green forage for the last seven months. Six animals had skin sloughing, rough coat, abrasion and two buffaloes were on sternal recumbency and were unable to get up. Blood samples were collected by jugular venepuncture from eight randomly selected from the 22 affected buffaloes, with varying degrees of clinical signs, and from fi ve control buffaloes of a similar age group, who were provided with ad lib green fodder to serve as control. Serum samples were analyzed for blood glucose, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid, creatinine, calcium, and phosphorous. Aspartate animo-transferase (AST) and alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activities were significantly (P<0.01) lower in serum from affected animals, indicating reduced hepatic function. Alkaline phosphatase activities (AP), along with serum cholesterol level were also significantly (P<0.05) lower in zero-green fed animals compared to the controls. Blood copper and zinc concentrations were statistically comparable in both the groups, but the mean values for cobalt and iron were significantly lower in affected animals. Mean plasma level of vitamin A, ß-carotene and α-tocopherol was significantly (P<0.01) lower in affected animals than in the controls. This is the fi rst report documenting the combined deficiency of vitamin A and its precursor ß- carotene along with α-tocopherol, and the affected animals had reduced hepatic function. The present investigation strongly suggests provision of green fodder or supplementation of vitamins in the diet of buffaloes to avoid poor health and clinical signs associated with deficiency.Not Availabl