Effects of dietary CLA supplementation, parity and different concentrate levels before calving on immunoglobulin G1, G2 and M concentrations in dairy cows.

Peripartal dairy cows exhibit a higher susceptibility for infectious diseases, which might be linked to the negative energy balance occurring at the onset of lactation. A dietary supplementation of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) may reduce milk fat yield and subsequently lower the energy deficit. The utilization of immunoglobulins (Ig) for colostrogenesis might impair humoral immunity in peripartal dairy cows; therefore this study investigated the effects of a CLA supplement, parity and different dietary energy levels on plasma and colostrum IgG1, IgG2 and IgM levels in dairy cows and their calves. Blood samples were collected from 64 cows from 21days before until 56days after parturition and colostrum samples for the first 3days of lactation. Plasma immunoglobulin concentrations of 19 calves were determined before colostrum uptake. Neither plasma IgG1, nor IgG2 levels were affected by CLA or dietary energy level. However, immunoglobulin levels were affected by parity. Heifers possessed the lowest IgG1 concentrations. IgG2 concentrations were highest in cows with 2 lactations prior to parturition and in heifers after parturition. Plasma IgM levels were characterized by a sharp decrease 3days prior to parturition and were scarcely affected by the feeding regimen or parity. Generally, immunoglobulin levels appear to be mostly independent from the peripartal energy balance of the cows and are not influenced by dietary CLA. However, pronounced differences among parities for IgG1 and IgG2 were revealed which should be further evaluated.

trans-Resveratrol and ε-viniferin decrease glucose absorption in porcine jejunum and ileum in vitro.

trans-Resveratrol and ε-viniferin are used as dietary supplements. They are reported to be supportive in preventing arteriosclerosis and diabetes and a previous study could demonstrate an inhibitory potential on sodium-dependent glucose transport (SGLT1) in oocytes und mouse intestinal everted rings (Schulze et al., 2012, Genes Nutr. 6, S61). The in vitro effects of trans-resveratrol and ε-viniferin on intestinal glucose uptake in the porcine small intestines (Sus Scrofa) have not yet been evaluated. It was hypothesized that trans-resveratrol/ε-viniferin may have an adverse effect on porcine intestinal sodium-dependent glucose uptake. The effects on electrogenic small intestinal glucose absorption and sodium-dependent (3)H-glucose uptake in brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) were evaluated. Pieces of mucosa were mounted into Ussing chambers and were incubated with either trans-resveratrol (0.3 mmol/L), ε-viniferin (0.3 mmol/L), or ethanol. Sodium-dependent glucose absorption into BBMV was measured. (3)H-glucose uptake studies were performed using the same concentrations of the respective substances. SGLT1-mediated glucose absorption was approximately 3-fold higher in ileum compared to jejunum. After preincubation with trans-resveratrol and ε-viniferin, glucose-induced increases of short-circuit currents were significantly decreased. BBMV-studies revealed comparable results and glucose uptake was also significantly decreased. As the glucose transport/uptake was decreased after preincubation with either trans-resveratrol or ε-viniferin this active transport mechanism was directly influenced by inhibiting the SGLT1 transport system.

Phosphorus recovery from wastewater--expert survey on present use and future potential.

Today, a variety of different approaches to the recovery of phosphorus from wastewater, sludge, and sludge ash exist. These approaches differ basically by the origin of the used matter (wastewater, sludge liquor, fermented or nonfermented sludge ash) and the process (precipitation, wet-chemical extraction, and thermal treatment). To rate them according to their characteristics, the latter were phrased as hypotheses and subjected to an international expert survey. The survey showed that phosphorus recovery is expected to become an established process over the next 20 years in industrialized countries for economic reasons. A decisive aspect in this regard will be the quality of the produced fertilizer. Simple technologies such as the recovery from sludge liquor seem to be preferred. If sludge is incinerated, phosphorus recycling from ash then becomes more interesting and has to be considered. Phosphorus recovery and source-separating sanitation technologies are more appropriate for industrialized countries than for developing countries. Because the growing awareness of environmental issues will prevent sludge from being used agriculturally in an increasing number of countries in the next decade, the market potential for nutrient recovery technologies will increase in the immediate future.