Showing papers in "Journal of Animal Science in 1993"

Factors that alter the growth and development of ruminants.

Abstract: Growth is defined as an increase in tissue mass. Mass increases by hyperplasia early in life and hypertrophy later in life, although hyperplasia of adipose tissue continues throughout life. The growth curve, being mass or cumulative weight plotted against age, is sigmoid, consisting of a prepubertal accelerating phase plus a postpubertal decelerating phase. Mathematically, this curve can be described as a function of mature mass, fractional growth rate, and age. At a specific fraction of mature mass, body composition seems to be constant, but the degree to which nutrition can alter mature mass is not certain. If mature mass is altered, body composition at any given mass will be altered. Mature mass can be decreased by starvation or protein deficiency early in life. Alternatively, retarding the deposition of fat or the administration of estrogenic compounds may increase mature protein mass. Many of the advances in rate and efficiency of growth and in reduced fat of meat cuts can be explained by increased mature protein mass of ruminants. Animals with higher mature weight require more energy for maintenance and reach puberty later in life, so a larger mature mass is not desirable for the breeding herd. Indeed, smaller replacement heifers would prove economical if reproduction were not decreased. A period of restricted growth and fat deposition (as on pasture) can increase the slaughter weight of small cattle into a more desirable range, presumably through increasing mature protein mass. However, calves with retarded growth often make less efficient feedlot gains than do calves finished immediately after being weaned. For growing large-framed heifers, pasture alone often provides an inadequate energy supply for early puberty, but excessive amounts of supplemental feed can enhance fat deposition in the udder, which subsequently decreases milk production. By manipulating the supply of specific nutrients and hormones, it may prove feasible in the future to reduce fat deposition in specific tissues and to alter mature body protein mass.

Prediction of digestibility of nutrients and energy values of pig diets from chemical analysis.

Abstract: The DE and ME values and digestible nutrient contents of 114 diets were measured in 45-kg growing pigs (four to five animals per diet) fed approximately 500 kcal of ME/kg BW60 Diets differed widely with regard to their chemical characteristics and their ingredients Chemical composition of each diet was measured by at least four laboratories The results were used to establish prediction equations of DE or ME values, digestible nutrient contents, and digestibility coefficients of energy and nutrients from chemical characteristics Digestibility coefficients of energy (range: 65 to 95%) and CP (range: 64 to 94%) were highly dependent on dietary fiber and mineral contents The digestibility coefficient of ether extract increased curvilinearly (from 2 to 84%) with the dietary fat content The digestibility of fiber was lower (45%, for NDF) than for the other chemical consti- tuents The ME:DE ratio averaged 963% and was negatively correlated to the dietary protein content The DE and ME values could be accurately predicted (R2 > 90 and CV < 2%) from chemical characteristics; the best equations were obtained when the following predictors were combined in a linear model: ash, ether extract, crude protein, and an estimate of dietary fiber The accuracy of the prediction was higher with NDF than with ADF or Weende crude fiber The results suggest that even a rather large proportion of dietary fiber (approximately 50%) is degraded in the digestive tract, the amount of available energy from fiber digestion is negligible in connection with in- creased endogenous protein and fat losses The equa- tions obtained in the present, study represent a basis for the prediction of the energy values of mixed diets with a composition of unknown ingredients

Reduction of fertility and alteration of uterine pH in heifers fed excess ruminally degradable protein.

Abstract: The objective of these studies was to elucidate the causes underlying the reduction of fertility associated with feeding of excess ruminally degradable protein to cattle Holstein heifers were fed total mixed rations that either met (Normal) or exceeded (High) ruminally degradable protein requirements In Exp 1 heifers (n = 80) were inseminated at estrus after being fed the experimental diets for 4 wk First-service conception rates were 82 and 61% for the Normal and High groups, respectively (P < 05) Plasma urea nitrogen (PUN) levels were elevated (102 +/- 17 vs 148 +/- 19 mg/dL) in the High group throughout the experiment (P < 05) In Exp 2, heifers (n = 32) receiving the same diets as in Exp 1 were fitted with catheters in a jugular vein, in the bladder, and in the uterus on either the day before expected estrus or d 6 after estrus On estrus or d 7, plasma and urinary NH4 and urea nitrogen and uterine pH were determined at 4-h intervals for 24 h beginning just before feeding Plasma NH4 was variable and did not differ between treatments or days of the estrous cycle During the 24-h period, urinary urea nitrogen and PUN were elevated (P < 05) in the High groups and did not differ between days of the cycle Urinary NH4 excretion was elevated (P < 05) during the 24-h period only in the High group on d 7 Uterine pH did not change over time after feeding(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effects of insulin, insulin-like growth factor I, and gonadotropins on bovine granulosa cell proliferation, progesterone production, estradiol production, and(or) insulin-like growth factor I production in vitro.

Abstract: The objectives of the present studies were to determine the effect of insulin, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), testosterone, and FSH on proliferation, progesterone production, and(or) estradiol production of bovine granulosa cells. In addition, existence of IGF-I mRNA in granulosa cells and in vitro IGF-I production by granulosa cells were assessed. Cells from small (1 to 5 mm) and large (> or = 8 mm) follicles were collected from cattle and cultured for either 3 or 4 d. When cells from small follicles were cultured, insulin (.1 to 10 micrograms/mL) and IGF-I (100 to 400 ng/mL) increased (P or = 5 micrograms/mL) had no effect on estradiol production by cells from small and large follicles. Granulosa cells contained four IGF-I mRNA transcripts and produced IGF-I in vitro. These results support the hypothesis that insulin and IGF-I may have direct local effects on bovine ovarian function, and that these effects are influenced by dose and size of follicle.

Genetic and statistical properties of residual feed intake

Abstract: Residual feed intake is defined as the difference between actual feed intake and that predicted on the basis of requirements for production and maintenance of body weight. Formulas were developed to obtain genetic parameters of residual feed intake from knowledge of the genetic and phenotypic parameters of the component traits. Genetic parameters of residual feed intake were determined for a range of heritabilities (h2 = .1, .3, or .5) for component traits of feed intake and production, and genetic (rg = .1, .5, or .9) and environmental (re = .1, .5, or .9) correlations between them. Resulting heritability of residual feed intake ranged from .03 to .84 and the genetic correlation between residual feed intake and production ranged from -.90 to .87. Heritability of residual feed intake depends considerably on the environmental correlation between feed intake and production. Residual feed intake based on phenotypic regression of feed intake on production usually contains a genetic component due to production. Residual feed intake based on genotypic regression of feed intake on production is genetically independent of production and its use is equivalent to use of a selection index restricted to hold production constant. Multiple-trait selection on residual feed intake, based on either phenotypic or genetic regressions, and production is equivalent to multiple-trait selection on feed intake and production. Residual energy intake in dairy cattle was examined as an example. Heritability of residual energy intake based on genotypic regression was close to zero and indicated that measurement of feed intake provides little additional genetic information over and above that provided by milk production and body weight. The principles outlined in this study have broader application than just to residual feed intake and apply to any trait that is defined as a linear function of other traits.

Technical note: an improved method to quantify nonesterified fatty acids in bovine plasma.

Abstract: Nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) are measured routinely in the study of nutrition and growth physiology. To improve the efficiency with which this variable is measured, a two-reaction, enzymatic-based assay was adapted and validated to quantify NEFA in bovine blood plasma using 96-well microtiter plates. The effects of incubation time, temperature, and of sample volume were examined in addition to possible interfering substances, recovery, reagent stability, and range of linearity. Incubation for 30 min at 21 degrees C for each of the two reactions resulted in maximal slope and r2 values (1.94 and .999, respectively). Percentage of recovery was 107% when using 5 microL and 100% when using 10 microL of heparinized bovine plasma in the assay. Uniform linear standard curves (r2 > .99) were obtained using reagents stored at 4 degrees C for 9 d. An equal volume of 1 mM acetate, propionate, valerate, and butyrate added to plasma did not affect results. The assay was linear from 125 to > 1,000 microEq/L. Intra- and interassay CV for the 5-microL sample volume were 3.6 and 3.7%, respectively. This modified assay provides results comparable to the standard assay yet reduces reagent and labor requirements and increases sample capacity.

Physical, chemical, and nutritional characteristics of distillers dried grains with solubles for chicks and pigs.

Abstract: The physical characteristics, chemical composition, and nutritional value of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from seven beverage alcohol and two fuel alcohol manufacturers were evaluated in studies with chicks and pigs. Color scores of the DDGS ranged from very light to very dark and odor scores ranged from normal to burnt or smoky. The DDGS ranged from 23.4 to 28.7% CP, 2.9 to 12.8% fat, 8.8 to 36.9% ADIN, 28.8 to 40.3% NDF, 10.3 to 18.1% ADF, and 3.4 to 7.3% ash. Lysine concentrations of the DDGS ranged from .43 to .89%. In the first experiment, 12 corn-based diets were fed to 1-d-old chicks for 21 d to assess the nutritional value of the DDGS sources. A low-protein basal diet was supplemented with soybean meal to provide 13.6, 16.5, or 19.0% CP or supplemented with 20% DDGS, which supplied approximately the same amount of CP as the highest level of soybean meal. Weight gain, feed intake, and feed/gain were influenced (P < .01) by source of DDGS. The weight gain of chicks fed the DDGS sources ranged from 85% of that chicks fed the highest level of soybean meal to less than that of chicks fed the low-protein basal diet. Blends of the three best sources of DDGS and the three poorest sources of DDGS were evaluated in a subsequent chick trial. The relative nutritional values of the two blends were similar to the average of the sources that made up the blends. Performance responses to various blends of DDGS in the pig experiment paralleled those of the chick trial.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

A review of behavioral factors involved in the development and continued performance of stereotypic behaviors in pigs.

Abstract: Environmentally induced stereo- typies, commonly observed in farm and zoo animals, are behaviors that are relatively invariant, that are regularly repeated, and that serve no obvious function. However, there is as yet no accepted means of discriminating between normal and abnormal be- havior, and the assumption that stereotypies are abnormal may mask the fact that they arise in part through processes that "normally" control behavior. There is growing evidence that stereotypies in sows and broiler breeders are strongly related to feeding motivation. For example, sows only develop oral stereotypies if their feed intake is restricted, and operant conditioning experiments have shown com- mercial levels of feed restriction to give rise to high levels of feeding motivation. Stereotypies in animals whose feed intake is restricted largely occur in the postprandial period, and ingestion of food has specifi- cally been shown to elicit stereotypies in sows. These observations suggest that positive feedback from feeding produces a short-term increase in feeding motivation that at the end of the meal is directed toward available, alternative stimuli such as chains, the choice of stimuli reflecting the sensory feedback from the activity. Drinking behavior may also become an expression of feeding behavior after metabolic water requirements are met. In addition to these processes specific to feeding motivation, it seems likely that nonspecific processes, which operate more gener- ally across motivational systems, contribute to the persistence of the behavior. Behavioral arousal may facilitate performance of active behaviors, and sensiti- zation of the underlying neural elements may lead to the behavior being more easily elicited and main- tained. A crucial factor in the sensitization process would seem to be the channeling of complex behavior by the environment into a few and very often repeated sequences of behavior. This approach suggests that stereotypies can be prevented by either reducing the level of motivation underlying the stereotypy, or by allowing for the expression of more complex behavior and thereby preventing the processes of channeling and sensitization from occurring.

Effects of time on feed on beef nutrient composition

Abstract: Forty-eight Angus x Hereford yearling steers were used to assess the effect of time on feed (TOF) on the nutrient composition of beef longissimus muscle (LM) Steers were fed a high-concentrate diet with the exception of the d-0 group, which served as a grass-fed control, and then were serially slaughtered at 28-d intervals during the 196-d feeding period Steaks were removed from the 10th rib and trimmed of exterior fat and epimysial connective tissue before nutrient analysis Intramuscular fat content doubled (P 05) from d 0 to 84 or from d 112 to 196 This increase in fat content resulted in decreased (P < 05) concentrations of moisture, protein, and ash in the LM Concentrations of Mg, K, and Fe in the LM increased (P < 10) with advanced TOF The increase in the total lipid (TL) content of the LM stemmed from a proportional increase (P < 05) in neutral lipid (NL) Polar lipid (PL) remained constant (P = 33) throughout TOF The NL and TL became more unsaturated as TOF increased, primarily due to a linear (P < 01) increase in oleic (C18:1) acid concentration In contrast, the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration in the PL exhibited a linear (P < 01) decrease across TOF As a result, advanced TOF increased the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content by 22% and decreased the PUFA content by 72% in the LM The ratio of hypercholesterolemic (C14 + C16):hypocholesterolemic (MUFA+PUFA) fatty acids was unaffected by increasing TOF from d 28 to 196; however, this ratio was lower (P < 05) for grass-fed controls (d 0) than for d 28 to 84 and d 196 Cholesterol content (milligrams/100 grams) changed cubically (P = 06) across TOF Ultimately, by limiting TOF to 112 d, the beef industry could provide consumers a palatable beef product that easily fits into a healthy diet and at the same time diminishes the costs associated with external fat trim

Effect of the Protein Matrix on the Digestion of Cereal Grains by Ruminal Microorganisms

Abstract: Experiments were conducted to investigate the role of the protein matrix in the digestion of barley and corn by ruminal microorganisms. Grains, ground and collected on sieves as two particle fractions .25 to .89 mm (small particles) and 2.00 to 3.00 mm (large particles), as well as isolated barley and corn starch granules, were incubated with ruminal inocula. For both grains, digestion of starch in small particles was greater (P .05) from that of corn starch granules at any incubation time. A 4-h preincubation of small-particle corn and barley with protease increased (P .05) among diet treatments, but proteolytic activity of ruminal inoculum for steers fed alfalfa was higher (P < .01) than that for steers fed cereal grains. Activity of serine proteases in ruminal inoculum was higher (P < .05) for steers fed alfalfa than for steers fed grains.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of chromium picolinate on growth and serum and carcass traits of growing-finishing pigs

Abstract: Three experiments were conducted to evaluate chromium picolinate (CrPic) in growing-finishing pigs. Treatments were replicated four times within each experiment with three pigs per replicate in Exp. 1 and four pigs per replicate in Exp. 2 and 3. Average initial weights were 37.8, 30.5, and 22.4 kg in Exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In Exp. 1, the basal corn-soybean meal diet (B, 120% NRC Lys) was supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100, or 200 ppb of Cr from CrPic. Daily gain was increased (Cr cubic, P < .02) and serum cholesterol decreased (Cr cubic, P < .08) by addition of CrPic. In Exp. 2, the basal diet was supplemented with 0, 100, 200, 400, or 800 ppb of Cr from CrPic. Daily gain and ADFI were decreased (Cr linear, P < .05) by CrPic. Serum cholesterol also was decreased (Cr quadratic, P < .05) by CrPic. Longissimus muscle area (LMA) and percentage of muscling (MUS) were increased (Cr quadratic, P < .01) and 10th rib fat (TRF) was decreased (Cr quadratic, P < .01) by CrPic. In Exp. 3, pigs were allotted to the following treatments: 1) B, 2) B + 1,467 ppb of picolinate (Pic), 3) B + 200 ppb of Cr from CrCl3.6H2O, 4) B + 1,467 ppb of Pic + 200 ppb of Cr from CrCl3.6H2O, 5) B + 100 ppb of Cr from CrPic, or 6) B + 200 ppb of Cr from CrPic. Longissimus muscle area and MUS were increased (P < .01) and TRF decreased (P < .01) in pigs fed CrPic but not in pigs fed CrCl3.6H2O and(or) Pic.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Tissue equilibration and subcellular distribution of vitamin E relative to myoglobin and lipid oxidation in displayed beef.

Abstract: Supplementary alpha-tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E) was fed to provide none (E0), 2,000 IU/d (E2000), 5.8 IU/kg live weight (E5.8), or 8.6 IU/kg live weight (E8.6) to steers that were individually fed mainly a corn diet. Three steers were placed on each of 10 treatments: E0, E2000, E5.8, E5.8 to d 126 then E0 to d 266, E0 to d 126 then E5.8 to d 266, E8.6, grazing followed by either E0 or E8.6 all with Holstein steers; and E0 and E2000 with crossbred beef steers. During the last 100 d, vitamin E consumption (International Units/day) averaged 96 for E0, 1,840 for E2000, 2,520 for E5.8, and 3,610 for E8.6. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and in liver and longissimus lumborum biopsy samples obtained every 42 d were elevated (P .1) by vitamin E supplementation. Vitamin E supplementation for at least 44 d at 1,300 IU/d is expected to incorporate adequate amounts of alpha-tocopherol into muscle (3.3 micrograms/g for longissimus lumborum) to produce beef with extended color and lipid stability.

A net carbohydrate and protein system for evaluating cattle diets: IV. Predicting amino acid adequacy.

Abstract: The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System was modified to include an amino acid submodel for predicting the adequacy of absorbed essential amino acids in cattle diets. Equations for predicting the supply of and requirements for ab- sorbed essential amino acids are described and presented. The model was evaluated for its ability to predict observed duodenal flows of nitrogen, nonam- monia nitrogen, bacterial nitrogen, dietary nonammo- nia nitrogen, and individual essential amino acids. Model-predicted nitrogen, nonammonia nitrogen, bac- terial nitrogen, and dietary nonammonia nitrogen explained 93.2, 94.6, 76.4, and 79.3% of the observed duodenal flows, respectively, based on R2 values from predicted vs observed regression analysis. Based on slopes of regression lines, model-predicted duodenal nitrogen and nonammonia nitrogen were different from observed duodenal flows (P < .05), whereas model-predicted bacterial nitrogen and dietary nonam- monia nitrogen were not different from observed duodenal flows ( P < .05). Model-predicted duodenal flows of individual essential amino acids explained 81 to 90% of variation in observed duodenal amino acid flows. Based on slopes of regression lines, model- predicted duodenal threonine, leucine, and arginine were the only amino acids different from observed duodenal flows (P < .05). Ideas for further model improvements and research in amino acid metabolism were also presented.

Effect of level of supplemental chromium on performance, serum constituents, and immune status of stressed feeder calves

Abstract: The effects of level of supplemental Cr from high-Cr yeast on performance, blood chemistry profile, morbidity, and immune status were investigated using 84 Charolais-crossed steer calves in a completely randomized design. Calves of 236-kg average weight, after transportation from Saskatchewan to Ontario, were randomly assigned to four treatments; 0, .2, .5, and 1 ppm of supplemental Cr, incorporated into a corn-silage diet. Blood was collected via jugular venipuncture at d 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 and analyzed for metabolites, minerals, immunoglobulins, hematocrit (Hct), and leucocyte counts. Hemagglutinating antibody titers to human red blood cells (HRBC) were quantified after immunizations on d 0 and 14. Contact sensitivity after sensitization and challenge with dinitrochlorobenzene was also measured. A 27% increase (P < .05) in ADG was observed at d 30 for calves that were fed .2 and 1 ppm of supplemental Cr. Dry matter intake also increased (P < .05) for the .2- and 1-ppm Cr treatments. A linear decrease (P < .05) in serum cortisol with increasing Cr level was observed at d 28. Chromium supplementation decreased (P < .05) morbidity, as well as rectal temperatures at d 2 and 5. Peak primary antibody titers to HRBC (P < .05) and immunoglobulin G1 concentrations (P = .06) at d 14 were higher for steers that received the Cr supplementation. However, Cr treatment had no effect on expression of contact sensitivity. Chromium supplementation increased (P < .05) Hct on d 14 and 21 and serum Ca and Mg on d 7.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Growth and plasma zinc responses of young pigs fed pharmacologic levels of zinc.

Abstract: Three trials were conducted to evaluate high levels of Zn addition from various Zn sources on growth performance and plasma Zn responses of 8-kg pigs. Zinc supplements were added to 20% CP starting diets (125 mg of Zn/kg) containing antibiotics. Trial 1 was done to evaluate plasma Zn responses of pigs fed three different feed-grade Zn sources: ZnO where supplemental Zn levels were 0, 250, 500, 1,000, 3,000, and 5,000 mg/kg; ZnSO4 at 1,500 or 2,500 mg of Zn/kg; and a zinc-lysine complex (Zn-Lys) at 1,500 or 2,500 mg of Zn/kg. Plasma Zn concentration as a function of supplemental Zn intake was fitted to a broken-line for ZnO data and to simple linear models for ZnSO4 and Zn-Lys data. For ZnO, plasma Zn did not increase until concentrations > 1,000 mg Zn/kg were fed. Above this level, plasma Zn increased linearly (P < .01) for all three sources of Zn, although slopes of the ZnO and Zn-Lys response curves were 56% (P < .05) and 110%, respectively, of the ZnSO4 slopes. In Trial 2, five diets were fed: basal, 3,000 and 5,000 mg of Zn/kg from ZnO, and 3,000 and 5,000 mg of Zn/kg from ZnSO4. Daily gain and daily feed intake were increased (P < .05) by ZnO addition, regardless of level, whereas ZnSO4 addition increased these performance indices only at the 3,000 mg of Zn/kg level of supplementation. Plasma Zn responses to ZnSO4 addition were almost double those of ZnO addition.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Muscle histochemical and biochemical properties in relation to meat quality during selection for increased lean tissue growth rate in pigs.

Abstract: The relationship between the histochemical and biochemical properties of muscle and the quality of meat during selection to improving the lean tissue growth rate was studied. Pigs (n = 82) from Generations 2 and 4 were randomly sampled in a selection experiment in which the genotype x protein interaction was studied. Comparisons were made of longissimus muscle (LM) and quadriceps femoris (QF) from Generations 2 and 4, and biceps femoris (BF) in the fourth generation from pigs fed a low- or high-protein diet. A higher total growth rate, lean tissue growth rate, and lean percentage were found in pigs fed the high-protein diet than in pigs fed the low-protein diet. Pigs fed the high-protein diet had a higher glycolytic capacity in all muscles than pigs fed the low-protein diet. When the meat quality traits were compared, pigs fed the high-protein diet had a lower intramuscular fat content, higher shear force value, higher protein extractability, lower light reflectance, and somewhat higher water-holding capacity. With selection, pigs became fatter on both diets. In Generation 4, glycolytic and oxidative capacity was somewhat higher in muscle tissue than in Generation 2. Muscle metabolic profile and meat quality traits differed among muscles (LM, BF, QF) but no pronounced differences were found between generations. No marked changes were observed in Type I, IIA, or IIB fibers, either between diets or between generations. The Type IIC fibers could only be identified in Generation 4.

Efficacy of phytase in improving the bioavailability of phosphorus in soybean meal and corn-soybean meal diets for pigs.

Abstract: Four experiments involving 225 pigs were conducted to assess the efficacy of a microbial phytase (FINASE, Alko Ltd Biotechnology, Rajamaki, Finland) produced by Aspergillus niger in corn-soybean meal or dextrose-cornstarch-soybean meal-based diets In two experiments with growing-finishing pigs, fortified corn-soybean meal diets were formulated to be adequate (50%) or inadequate (40 or 30%) in P during the growing phase followed by adequate (40%) or inadequate (30%) P in the finishing phase Mono-dicalcium phosphate was the source of supplemental P Half the diets were supplemented with phytase (500 phytase units/g) Rate and efficiency of gain and bone breaking strength were decreased when P-deficient diets were fed Phytase supplementation of the low-P diets restored growth rate and feed:gain to levels that approached those of pigs fed the adequate-P control diet Bone strength was partially restored to that of the controls In two additional experiments, pigs were fed low-P basal diets in which all the dietary P came from soybean meal or a corn-soybean meal blend Both diets contained 05% available P Graded levels of monosodium phosphate were added to these diets, up to 15% added P, to establish a standard curve Phytase was added to the basal diet at 250, 500, or 1,000 units/g Growth rate and bone strength improved linearly (P < 01) with added monosodium phosphate and with increasing levels of supplemental phytase Based on estimates of total and available P intakes, the highest level of phytase (1,000 units/g) increased the bioavailability of the P from 25% in the soybean meal diet to 57% in the phytase-supplemented diet, and from 15% in the corn-soybean diet to 43% in the phytase-supplemented diet Expressed on the basis of the improvement in phytate P availability, this level of phytase converted approximately one-third of the unavailable P to an available form The results indicate that the phytase was efficacious in improving the bioavailability of phytate P for pigs

Shipping Stress and Social Status Effects on Pig Performance, Plasma Cortisol, Natural Killer Cell Activity, and Leukocyte Numbers'

Abstract: Crossbred pigs were used to evaluate the effects of shipping stress on natural killer (NK) cell activity, leukocyte numbers, plasma cortisol, and BW changes. In the first study, pigs were bled at a commercial farm and, after shipping, resident and shipped pigs were bled again. Plasma cortisol concen- trations were not different (P > .lo) because of large variation in cortisol concentrations. Furthermore, NK cytotoxicity was nondetectable among all pigs. A second study showed that plasma cortisol concentra- tion rose by approximately 2.6 ng/mL (P = .018) for each minute after pigs were aroused. In the third, more controlled study, pigs were housed in pens of three pigs each. Video recordings were made during the first 24 h pigs were grouped to identify socially dominant, intermediate, and submissive pigs. At time zero (before shipping), resident pigs and those to be shipped had similar plasma cortisol concentrations. However, after the 4-h shipping experience, shipped pigs had elevated (P < .05) plasma cortisol compared with resident control pigs. Shipped pigs lost 5.1% of their BW (P < .05) compared with resident pigs, which gained .02% of their BW. Body weight change during shipping and plasma cortisol were negatively

Supplementing corn-soybean meal diets with microbial phytase maximizes phytate phosphorus utilization by weanling pigs.

Abstract: Two experiments were conducted with weanling pigs to determine the effectiveness of a dietary supplement of Aspergillus niger phytase in improving the availability of phytate-P in corn-soybean meal diets without supplemental inorganic P. Experiment 1 consisted of two P and Ca balance trials and two feeding trials. Twelve pigs (8.18 +/- .44 kg BW) were housed individually in stainless steel metabolism cages. Six pigs received 750 phytase units (PU)/g of basal diet and the other six pigs received the basal diet without supplemental phytase as control. In Exp. 2, 96 pigs (8.81 +/- .75 kg BW) were allotted to 16 partially slotted floor pens and their basal diets were supplemented with either 0, 250, 500, or 750 PU/g for 4 wk. Individual pig weights and pen feed consumption were measured weekly. Blood samples were taken from all pigs at the end of each trial in Exp. 1 and from three pigs per pen weekly in Exp. 2 to measure serum (plasma) inorganic P (P) and Ca concentrations and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities. The results of Exp. 1 indicated that dietary phytase increased P retention by 50% (P < .0001) and decreased fecal P excretion by 42% (P < .0001). Pigs that received dietary phytase had serum P and Ca concentrations and serum AP activities that were nearly normal, whereas control pigs had values indicative of a moderate P deficiency. Favorable effects of phytase disappeared when the phytase was removed from the diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Feeding value of wet distillers byproducts for finishing ruminants.

Abstract: Yearling and calf finishing trials (replicated over 2 yr) evaluated the feeding value of wet distillers byproducts (wet distillers grains and thin stillage). An additional trial estimated the amount of thin stillage bypassing the rumen when consumed by drinking. Yearlings were 5, 10, and 20% more efficient (linear, P < .01; quadratic, P = .05), whereas calves were 2, 6, and 14% more efficient (linear, P < .01) when fed 5.2, 12.6, and 40.0% (DM basis) wet distillers byproducts, respectively, compared with cattle fed a 79% dry-rolled corn diet. Cattle fed 5.2 or 12.6% wet distillers byproducts, or the dry-rolled corn diet, received similar amounts of protein (crude or metabolizable), which exceeded the metabolizable protein requirement of all cattle. Therefore, differences in efficiency were attributed to differences in energy utilization of the diets. Wet distillers byproducts fed at 5.2, 12.6 and 40.0% contributed 80, 62, and 47% more net energy for gain than corn when fed to yearlings and 17, 33, and 29% more net energy for gain than corn when fed to calves, respectively. Wet distillers byproducts averaged 169% the energy value of corn (2.53 Mcal of NEg/kg) when fed to yearlings and 128% the energy value of corn (1.96 Mcal of NEg/kg) when fed to calves. The increased energy values cannot be explained by increased digestibility, but they may be due to a combination of factors (reduced acidosis, increased energy utilization, yeast end products, etc.) that increase the net energy content of distillers byproducts. Approximately 50% of the thin stillage consumed by drinking bypassed ruminal fermentation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

National Beef Quality Audit-1995: survey of producer-related defects and carcass quality and quantity attributes.

Abstract: The National Beef Quality Au- dit-1995 was conducted to evaluate the progress of the beef industry since the time of the National Beef Quality Audit-1991 in improving quality and con- sistency of beef. Nine plants were assigned for auditing to Colorado State University, Oklahoma State University, and Texas A&M University. Person- nel from each institution visited three of their nine plants twice, once in the spring/summer and once in the fall/winter. Data were collected on 50% of each lot on the slaughter floor and 10% in the cooler during a single day's production (one or two shifts, as appropri- ate). Of the cattle audited on the slaughter floor, 47.7% had no brands, 3.0% had a shoulder brand,

Estimates of variances due to direct and maternal effects for growth traits of Romanov sheep.

Abstract: Records of growth traits of 2,086 Romanov lambs were used to estimate variance components for an animal model and genetic correlations between growth traits. Traits analyzed were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WW), 90-d weight (W90), and daily gain for the periods birth to weaning (DG1) and weaning to 90 d (DG2). Weaning was at approximately 40 d. Variance components were estimated using restricted maximum likelihood with an animal model including fixed effects for year x season, sex, rearing type, and litter size and random effects for the direct genetic effect of the animal (with relative variance h2), the maternal genetic effect (with relative variance m2), the permanent environmental effect (with relative variance c2), and random residual effect. Genetic correlations were estimated for a model with the same fixed effects and only additive genetic effects. Estimates of the variances of random effects, h2, m2, and c2, respectively, as a proportion of phenotypic variance were .04, .22, .10 (BWT); .34, .25, .0 (WW); .09, .01, .07 (W90); .26, .17, .02 (DG1); and .15, .01, .03 (DG2). Estimates of genetic correlations were .12 (BWT with WW); .24 (BWT with W90); .48 (WW with W90); .69 (DG1 with DG2); -.01 (BWT with DG1); .05 (BWT with DG2); .59 (WW with DG1); .47 (WW with DG2); .67 (W90 with DG1); and .98 (W90 with DG2). Results suggest that selection should be effective for WW, DG1, and DG2 but less effective for BWT and W90. An important maternal effect was observed for BWT, WW, and DG1. The estimates of genetic correlations showed no genetic antagonisms among the traits.

Muscle Cellularity and Postnatal Growth in the Pig

Abstract: Fast-growing strains of pigs and of other animals tend to have more muscle fibers than do slow-growing strains. The relationship between fiber number and growth rate was extended by examining pigs within the same strain. Seven litters of pigs (n = 66) were weighted at monthly intervals from birth to approximately 80 kg. The semitendinosus muscle was removed and an estimation of total fiber number, total primary fiber number, and mean secondary:primary fiber number (S:P) ratio was made for each animal. Pig growth was divided into three approximately linear phases: birth to 6 kg, 6 to 25 kg, and 25 kg to slaughter weight. Average daily gain in the first two phases was correlated with birth weight (r = .3614, P < .05 and r = .5873, P < .001, respectively) but was not correlated with total muscle fiber number. In the third growth phase ADG was correlated with muscle fiber number (r = .4149, P < .001) and was not correlated with birth weight. The gain:feed ratio was also calculated for each pig during the third growth phase and was found to be correlated with fiber number (r = .4191, P < .001). These results suggest that muscle fiber number is an important determinant of postnatal growth such that pig littermates with a high fiber number tend to grow faster and more efficiently than littermates with a lower fiber number.

Interrelationships between sex and ractopamine on protein and lipid deposition in rapidly growing pigs.

Abstract: Sixty pigs were used to investigate the effects of two levels of dietary ractopamine (RAC; 0 and 20 mg/kg) and three sex types (SEX; boars, gilts, and barrows) on performance over the live weight range 60 to 90 kg. Pigs were housed in individual pens and allowed ad libitum access to a diet containing 3.466 Mcal of DE and 10.7 g of lysinekg. Control boars exhibited faster and more efficient growth and deposited more protein and less fat than gilts or barrows. The RAC increased ADG by 17 and 21% in gilts and barrows but not in boars. Feed intake was not altered by dietary RAC. Dietary RAC increased the rate of protein deposition by 15, 42, and Key Words: Ractopamine, 0-Adrenergic 41% in boars, gilts, and barrows, respectively. Nevertheless, the daily rate of protein deposition was greatest in RAC-treated boars. The RAC tended to reduce the daily rate of fat deposition by 21% in boars but not in gilts or barrows. Carcass protein content increased by 5% and fat content decreased by 8% in response to RAC. These improvements in carcass composition occurred without compromising meat quality. Results show that RAC is a potent stimulator of protein deposition in finishing pigs. However, increased protein deposition is not necessarily at the expense of fat deposition. Agonist, Pigs, Sex, Protein Deposition

Effects of supplemental chromium on immune responses of periparturient and early lactation dairy cows.

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of supplemental dietary chromium on immune responses of dairy cows sub- jected to physical and metabolic stresses associated with late pregnancy, calving, early lactation, and peak milk yield. Nine periparturient dairy cows were supplemented with chelated Cr (.5 ppm/d) from 6 wk prepartum (wk -6) through 16 wk postpartum (wk 161, and 10 cows were unsupplemented controls. To assess humoral immune responses, all cows were immunized with ovalbumin (OVA; s.c.) and human erythrocytes (HRBC; i.v.1 on wk -2 and 2, and sera from weekly blood samples were assayed for content of antigen-specific antibody. Cell-mediated immunity was assessed in vitro using antigen (OVA)- and mitogen-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) blastogenesis of cells collected biweekly from wk -2 and 6. Supplemental Cr caused anti-OVA antibody responses (P .lo) relative to responses of control cows. These results confirmed and extended our previous observa- tions that supplemental Cr can alter specific immune responses of stressed cattle.

Effectiveness of different types of clay for reducing the detrimental effects of aflatoxin-contaminated diets on performance and serum profiles of weanling pigs

Abstract: Three trials were conducted with recently weaned pigs (n = 198) to determine the effects of feeding different types of clay in conjunction with aflatoxin-contaminated diets. In Trial 1, pigs (n = 54; trial length 4 wk) were assigned to either an uncontaminated treatment (N C 1, 800 ppb of aflatoxin from contaminated corn (AC), or AC with one of four clays. In Trial 2 (n = 81; trial length 5 wk), pigs were assigned to NC, AC (500 ppb of aflatoxin from rice starch), or AC with one of seven types of clay. In both trials, pigs fed AC had decreased ADG and gain:feed ratios (P < .05) compared with controls. The clays differed in their ability to produce gains similar to those of controls. The clays did reduce changes in the serum measurements normally affected by aflatoxin, including albumin, total protein, gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), and alkaline phospha- tase (ALP) levels, in a manner similar to their effect on ADG. In Trial 3, pigs (n = 63) were assigned to one of seven diets for 4 wk: NC, AC (800 ppb of aflatoxin) with no clay, AC with one of four levels of a treated Ca bentonite (.25, .5, 1, and 2%), or AC and .5% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate. The addition of treated Ca bentonite to AC improved ADG (P < .05) and ADFI (P < .01) linearly. Gain:feed ratios were not affected by treatments. The inclusion of treated Ca bentonite to the AC diet linearly decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and quadratically decreased ALP and GGT levels (P < .05). Feeding certain clays can effectively prevent some of the negative effects associated with feeding AC to wean- ling pigs, and some clays are more effective than others.

Effect of synchronization of energy and nitrogen supply on ruminal characteristics and microbial growth.

Abstract: The effect of energy and N synchronization in the rumen on microbial growth was investigated. The same daily amount of readily available energy and N sources (19 g of ruminally degradable N/kg of fermentable OM) was supplied intraruminally to sheep, according to different patterns, namely both energy and N as 12-hourly pulse-doses (fast synchronized supply), energy as 12-hourly pulse-doses and N as a continuous infusion (unsynchronized supply), energy as a continuous infusion and N as 12-hourly pulse doses (unsynchronized supply), and both energy and N as continuous infusions (slow synchronized supply). The study was done near maintenance (Exp. 1) and at a higher level of nutrition (Exp. 2). The degree of energy and N synchronization affected neither microbial flow nor efficiency of growth (P > .2 for energy x N interaction). Continuous infusion of energy resulted in a 17% (P < .05) and 14% (P = .18) higher efficiency of microbial growth than did pulse dosing in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. This coincided with lower (P < .01) ruminal pH and higher (P < .05) ruminal lactic acid concentration for energy pulse-dose treatments. The results suggest that merely improving the degree of synchronization between energy and N release rates in the rumen does not increase microbial yield. Dietary manipulation, rather, should be aimed at first obtaining the most even ruminal energy supply pattern, and then at providing the appropriate amount of ruminally available N. Thereafter some further advantage may be gained in also ensuring a more even N supply pattern, particularly avoiding too rapid a ruminal N release.

Linear body measurements of cattle before and after 20 years of selection for postweaning gain when fed two different diets

Abstract: At weaning and again after postweaning gain tests, height and width at hips, height at withers, body length, girth, head length and width, muzzle width, and cannon bone circumference measurements were obtained from Angus and Hereford bulls and heifers born in 1964, 1984, and 1985 (n = 989). The cattle were from the initial and final two calf crops selected for postweaning gain when fed either a high-concentrate diet or an all-hay diet. Analysis of variance and canonical discriminant analysis were used to examine the relationships among body measurements and major sources of variation (breed, year of birth, sire within breed and year, diet, sex of calf, age of dam, and the regression on age of calf). Canonical discriminant analysis indicated that one underlying variate explained nearly 90% of the total variation among the weaning measurements, whereas three variates were required to account for that proportion in the end-of-test measurements. At both measurement times, the first canonical variate was associated with year of birth, the second with sex of calf, and the third with dietary energy. Correlations between each canonical variate and the original body measurements indicated that year of birth (variate 1) was most closely associated with body length and cannon bone circumference at weaning and with body length and height at hips (but not withers) at end of test. Sex of calf (variate 2) was associated most closely with width of muzzle and head. Diet (variate 3) was associated with heart girth. Faster-growing cattle were longer in body, but not necessarily taller.

Potential ameliorators of aflatoxicosis in weanling/growing swine.

Abstract: Three trials using 207 crossbred pigs were conducted to evaluate the effects of aflatoxin- contaminated corn on young pigs and to determine whether several nutritional and nonnutritional die- tary amendments would benefit performance or health in situations of aflatoxin B1 contamination. In Trial 1 using 90 pigs in a 49-d trial, linear (P < .01) and quadratic (P < .05) decreases in ADG were observed with increasing (0, 420, 840 ppb) dietary aflatoxin level. This growth decrease was associated with linear reductions ( P < .O 1) in ADFI and decreases in gain/ feed. Serum indicators of protein synthetic capabilities and of liver damage were also adversely affected. Improvements in growth rate for the total trial period in the presence of 840 ppb of aflatoxin were obtained with the addition of the 2 ppm of folic acid (P < .05) or 3% hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (H S CAI ( P < .Ol); the magnitude of improvement was greater for the HSCA. The addition of HSCA to the contami- nated diet also restored the serum clinical chemistry profile to that exhibited by pigs fed the diet without contaminated corn. The addition of .6 ppm of Se to a basal diet containing .3 ppm of Se was generally without effect. In Trial 2, 63 pigs were used in a 42-d trial to further assess the effectiveness of both folic acid and HSCA, as well as of two sodium bentonites, in reducing the effects of aflatoxin from naturally contaminated diets (800 ppb of aflatoxin). Folic acid had no positive effect in this trial, but HSCA improved ADG ( P < .01) and all clinical chemistry indicators that had been negatively affected by the contaminated diet (P < .05). Both sodium bentonites provided as much improvement in ADG (P < .01) as the HSCA and also improved all clinical chemistry indicators that had been adversely affected by the aflatoxin (P < .05). In Trial 3 using 54 pigs in a 42-d trial, linear (P < .05) and quadratic (P < .025) improvements in ADG and ADFI and linear ( P < .05) improvements in those serum clinical chemistry indi- cators adversely affected by the contaminated diet were observed with additions of .25, 50, and .75% sodium bentonite to a diet naturally contaminated with 800 ppb of aflatoxin. There was no benefit to including more than 30% sodium bentonite to the contaminated diet. In situations of aflatoxin contami- nation, dietary alterations or additions can be made to diminish the adverse effects of aflatoxin.

Meat tenderness and the calpain proteolytic system in longissimus muscle of young bulls and steers.

Abstract: The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of castration on the calpain proteinase system (mu-calpain, m-calpain, and calpastatin) activities and meat tenderness. Six each, MARC III bulls and steers were slaughtered at approximately 12 mo of age. Longissimus muscle samples were obtained for determining myofibril fragmentation index, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and sensory panel evaluation at 1, 7, and 14 d postmortem, and mu- and m-calpain and calpastatin activities at 24 h postmortem. Bulls produced leaner carcasses with lower (P .05) to detect differences in tenderness or other sensory traits between bulls and steers. Activities of mu- and m-calpain were not affected (P > .05) by castration; however, calpastatin was higher (P < .05) in muscles from the bull carcasses. Lower (P < .05) myofibril fragmentation index values indicate that less proteolysis occurred in muscle from bulls than in muscle from steers during the first 7 d postmortem. Greater calpastatin 24-h activity may be associated with the increased shear force of meat from bulls.