Effects of dietary supplementation of the lignocelluloses FibreCell and OptiCell on performance, expression of inflammation-related genes and the gut microbiome of broilers.

This study investigated the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of lignocellulose in broilers influences the gut bacterial population and bacterial fermentation, has anti-inflammatory effects, and increases mucin synthesis in the intestine, and, through these changes, influences broiler performance positively. Day-old male Cobb 500 broilers (n = 96) were allotted to 3 experimental groups and fed 3 different maize-wheat-soybean meal-based basal diets during days 1 to 10, 11 to 21, and 22 to 35. The basal diets were fed to the control group, and were supplemented with 0.8% of a standard lignocellulose (LCS) or a fermentable lignocellulose (LCF). Body weight and feed consumption were determined, and at slaughter (day 35), carcass and gizzard weights and gizzard content pH were recorded, and samples of jejunum, cecum, and colon mucosa and of cecum digesta were collected from 15 birds/group. Growth performance and feed intake were not influenced, but dressing percentage was higher in group LCF compared to the other groups. In group LCS and the control group, performance, gizzard weight and gizzard content pH, intestinal gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and of the mucins 2, 5ac and 13, the cecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile, and bacterial diversity were similar, and relative abundance of bacterial groups (16S DNA sequencing) differed. Supplementation of LCF decreased the expression of the pro-inflammatory genes encoding interleukins 1ß and 17 (P < 0.05) and those of 2 and 8 (P < 0.10) in the jejunum only. The bacterial population differed, and the SCFA profile shifted toward acetate at the expense of butyrate in group LCF compared to the control group. For example, the abundance of Firmicutes and of Ruminococcaceae and Lactobacillaceae decreased, whereas those of Peptostreptococcaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, and Enterobacteriaceae and that of members of the phylum Proteobacteria increased in group LCF compared to the control group. These data indicate that the susceptibility of lignocellulose to fermentation is crucial for mediating its effects on intestinal gene expression and the bacterial population in the cecum, which may also affect dressing percentage.

Effects of supplementing rumen-protected niacin on fiber composition and metabolism of skeletal muscle in dairy cows during early lactation.

Nicotinic acid (NA) has been shown to induce muscle fiber switching toward oxidative type I fibers and a muscle metabolic phenotype that favors fatty acid (FA) utilization in growing rats, pigs, and lambs. The hypothesis of the present study was that supplementation of NA in cows during the periparturient phase also induces muscle fiber switching from type II to type I fibers in skeletal muscle and increases the capacity of the muscle to use free FA, which may help to reduce nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) flow to the liver, liver triglyceride (TG) accumulation, and ketogenesis. Thirty multiparous Holstein dairy cows were allocated to 2 groups and fed a total mixed ration without (control group) or with ∼55 g of rumen-protected NA per cow per day (NA group) from 21 d before expected calving until 3 wk postpartum (p.p.). Blood samples were collected on d -21, -14, -7, 7, 14, 21, 35, and 63 relative to parturition for analysis of TG, NEFA, and ß-hydroxybutyrate. Muscle and liver biopsies were collected on d 7 and 21 for gene expression analysis and to determine muscle fiber composition in the musculus semitendinosus, semimembranosus, and longissimus lumborum by immunohistochemistry, and liver TG concentrations. Supplementation of NA did not affect the proportions of type I (oxidative) or the type II:type I ratio in the 3 muscles considered. A slight shift from glycolytic IIx fibers toward oxidative-glycolytic fast-twitch IIa fibers was found in the semitendinosus, and a tendency in the longissimus lumborum, but not in the semimembranosus. The transcript levels of the genes encoding the muscle fiber type isoforms and involved in FA uptake and oxidation, carnitine transport, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, and glucose utilization were largely unaffected by NA supplementation in all 3 muscles. Supplementation of NA had no effect on plasma TG and NEFA concentrations, liver TG concentrations, and hepatic expression of genes involved in hepatic FA utilization and lipogenesis. However, it reduced plasma ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in wk 2 and 3 p.p. by 18 and 26% and reduced hepatic gene expression of fibroblast growth factor 21, a stress hormone involved in the regulation of ketogenesis, by 74 and 56%. In conclusion, a high dosage of rumen-protected NA reduced plasma ß-hydroxybutyrate concentrations in cows during early lactation, but failed to cause an alteration in muscle fiber composition and muscle metabolic phenotype.

Tissue and plasma antioxidant status in response to dietary methionine concentration and source in broilers.

This study hypothesized that plasma and tissue antioxidant status of broilers is positively influenced when dietary Met concentrations exceed, and negatively when they go below NRC recommendations. In addition, different Met sources are hypothesized to affect the antioxidant defence system differently. Day-old male Cobb-500 broilers (n = 336) were allotted to seven groups and phase-fed three wheat-soya bean meal-based basal diets during days 1-10, 11-21 and 22-35. The basal diets (Met- group, Met + Cys concentration 15% below NRC recommendations) were supplemented with 0.10%, 0.25% or 0.40% Met either as DL-Met (DLM) or DL-2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio) butanoic acid (DL-HMTBA) (equimolar comparison). Growth performance and carcass weights were lower in the Met- group compared to the groups whose diets met or exceeded Met requirements. The antioxidant defence system was not influenced by the Met source. However, in the liver, concentrations of glutathione increased with increasing dietary Met concentrations. Tocopherol concentrations in the liver at days 10 and 21 were lower in the Met- group than in the groups supplemented with Met. However, liver concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS) and protein carbonyls (PC) were largely not influenced by dietary Met concentration. Plasma tocopherol concentrations at day 35 were lower, and those of TBA-RS and PC at day 35 were higher in Met- group than in the groups fed the Met-supplemented diets. In jejunum, but not in liver, relative mRNA abundances and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were higher in the Met- group than in the groups fed Met-supplemented diets. These data indicate that suboptimum supply of Met results in decreased antioxidant concentrations in plasma and body tissues, and increases oxidative stress in the jejunum mucosa. However, supplementation of Met in excess of the requirements (based on NRC) compared to diets adequate in Met + Cys did not influence the antioxidant defence system.

Influence of conjugated linoleic acids and vitamin E on milk fatty acid composition and concentrations of vitamin A and α-tocopherol in blood and milk of dairy cows.

The objective of this trial was to investigate the influences of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and vitamin E (Vit. E) and their interactions on fatty acid composition and vitamins in milk (α-tocopherol, retinol and ß-carotene) as well as on α-tocopherol in blood of pluriparous cows from week 6 ante partum until week 10 post-partum (p.p.). We assigned 59 pluriparous German Holstein cows to four treatment groups with the treatment factors CLA and Vit. E at two levels in a 2 × 2 factorial design. Milk fatty acid composition and milk vitamins were analysed on lactation days 7 and 28. α-tocopherol in blood serum was analysed on days -42, -7, 1, 7, 14, 28 and 70 relative to parturition. Milk concentration of α-tocopherol was influenced by Vit. E (p < .001) and CLA (p = .034). Percentage of cis-9, trans-11 CLA in total milk fat was influenced by treatment with CLA (p < .001), while for percentage of trans-10, cis-12 CLA an interaction between treatment and day (p = .019), driven by an increase in both CLA groups from day 7 to day 28, was found. Serum ratios of α-tocopherol to cholesterol were influenced by Vit. E (p < .001). Results suggest that treatment with CLA during late pregnancy and early lactation is suitable to enhance the proportion of trans-10, cis-12 CLA in milk and thereby influencing nutritional properties. As treatment with Vit. E did not have an impact on milk fatty acid composition, it might be possible to increase the antioxidative capacity of the dairy cow without affecting milk properties. Consequently, combined treatment with CLA and Vit. E might elicit synergistic effects on the cow and milk quality by increasing the proportion of CLA in milk fat as well as the excretion of Vit. E and the Vit. E levels in serum.

Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on vitamin A status of lactating rats and their offspring.

The absorption and metabolism of vitamin A is linked with that of lipids. It is known that conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) affects the lipid metabolism in growing and lactating animals. In the present study, the hypothesis was investigated that dietary CLA influences vitamin A status of lactating rats and their pups during the suckling period. For this purpose, Wistar Han rats were fed either a control diet (control group, n = 14) or a diet containing 0.87% of cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 (1:1) CLA (CLA group, n = 14) during pregnancy and lactation. Vitamin A concentrations in various body tissues were determined 14 days after delivery in dams and 1, 7 and 14 days after birth in pups, and expression of selected genes involved in metabolism of retinoids was determined in dams. Vitamin A concentrations in liver, plasma and muscle were similar in control and CLA-fed dams. Expression of genes involved in retinoid transport, storage and degradation in liver and adipose tissue in dams was also not different between control and CLA-fed dams. Vitamin A concentrations in milk curd, sampled at d 1, 7 and 14 of lactation were not different between control and CLA-fed dams. Vitamin A concentrations in liver, lung and adipose tissue were also not different in pups from control dams and pups from CLA-fed dams. In conclusion, we show for the first time that dietary CLA has little effect on vitamin A concentrations and vitamin A metabolism in lactating rat dams and, moreover, does not influence tissue vitamin A concentrations in their newborn and suckling pups.

Antioxidant status and expression of inflammatory genes in gut and liver of piglets fed different dietary methionine concentrations.

This study investigated the hypothesis that dietary concentrations of methionine (Met), as a precursor of cysteine which is a constituent of glutathione (GSH), affect tissue antioxidant concentrations and the antioxidant defence system in pigs. Forty-five piglets (DanZucht × Pietrain) were allotted to three groups of similar mean body weight (11.0 ± 0.9 kg). The basal diet was composed of barley, wheat, corn starch, soybean oil, sucrose, cellulose and a mineral supplement with suboptimal concentrations of Met and was supplemented with dl-Met to reach 0.16%, 0.20% and 0.24% of dietary Met and 0.40%, 0.44% and 0.48% of dietary Met and cysteine in groups 0.16, 0.20 and 0.24 respectively. After 3 weeks, at slaughter, samples of liver, jejunum mucosa and plasma were collected. Feed intake and weight gains increased and feed:gain ratio decreased when dietary Met concentrations increased. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), concentrations of GSH and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS) and the activity of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in liver and jejunum mucosa were similar in all groups (p > 0.05). Relative mRNA concentrations of selected target genes of the nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), the master regulator of the antioxidant response, and of the nuclear factor 'kappa-light-chain-enhancer' of activated B-cells (NF-κB), the master regulator of inflammation, were largely unaffected both in jejunum and liver. In conclusion, inflammation- and oxidative stress-related pathways on the molecular level, and concentrations of lipid peroxidation products, of antioxidants and of enzymes involved in the antioxidant defence system were mostly unaffected by dietary Met concentration in gut and liver. These findings suggest that suboptimal dietary Met concentrations did not influence the antioxidant defence system of gut and liver in healthy piglets.

Effects of polyphenol-rich plant products from grape or hop as feed supplements on the expression of inflammatory, antioxidative, cytoprotective and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related genes and the antioxidative status in the liver of piglets.

Recent studies have shown that supplementation of plant products rich in polyphenols exerts anti-inflammatory effects in the small intestine and improves feed conversion in piglets. This study aimed to investigate whether dietary polyphenols have also anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in the liver of piglets. For this end, relative mRNA concentrations of eight genes involved in proinflammatory pathways, eight genes involved in the antioxidative and cytoprotective system, six genes of phase I and phase II metabolism and 15 genes of the unfolded protein response (triggered by stress of the endoplasmic reticulum) in the liver of pigs fed diets supplemented with either 1% of grape seed and grape marc meal extract (GME) or 1% spent hops (SH) as sources of polyphenols were determined. Relative mRNA concentrations of almost all these genes, with few exceptions, in the liver of pigs supplemented with GME or SH did not differ from those in the liver of control piglets. Gene expression data were validated by consideration of concentrations of some selected proteins of these pathways which also did not differ between piglets supplemented with GME or SH and control piglets. Moreover, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and tocopherols as well as the total antioxidant capacity in liver and plasma did not differ between pigs supplemented with either GME or SH and control piglets. Overall, this study shows that supplementation of GME or SH as sources of polyphenols does not influence hepatic pathways linked to inflammation, the antioxidant and cytoprotective system, stress of the endoplasmic reticulum and the xenobiotic system in healthy piglets.

Effect of dietary fish oil on the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in liver and skeletal muscle of lactating sows.

This study investigated the hypothesis that dietary supplementation of fish oil as a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) influences the expression of target genes of sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBP)-1 and (SREBP)-2 involved in triacylglycerol (TAG) synthesis and fatty acid and cholesterol metabolism in the liver, and moreover activates the expression of target genes of peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor (PPAR)-α involved in TAG and fatty acid catabolism in liver and skeletal muscle. Twenty lactating sows were fed a control diet or a fish oil diet with either 50 g of a mixture of palm oil and soya bean oil (4:1, w/w) or fish oil per kg. The diet of the fish oil group contained 19.1 g of n-3 PUFA (mainly 20:5 n-3 and 22:6 n-3) per 100 g of total fatty acids, while the diet of the control group contained 2.4 g of n-3 PUFA (mainly 18:3 n-3) per 100 g of total fatty acids. The fish oil group had reduced relative mRNA concentrations of various target genes of SREBP-1 involved in fatty acid and TAG synthesis in comparison with the control group (p < 0.05). Relative mRNA concentrations of target genes of PPARα involved in fatty acid catabolism in both liver and muscle, and mRNA concentrations of target genes of SREBP-2 involved in cholesterol synthesis and uptake were not influenced by fish oil supplementation. Concentrations of cholesterol and TAG in plasma, fat content of milk and weight gains of litters during the suckling period were not different between the two groups of sows. In conclusion, this study suggests that fish oil has only minor effects on hepatic lipid metabolism, which are non-critical with respect to milk production in sows.

The effect of grape seed and grape marc meal extract on milk performance and the expression of genes of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation in the liver of dairy cows in early lactation.

During the periparturient phase, cows are typically in an inflammation-like condition, and it has been suggested that inflammation associated with the development of stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the liver contributes to the development of fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. In the present study, we investigated the hypothesis that feeding grape seed and grape marc meal extract (GSGME) as a plant extract rich in flavonoids attenuates inflammation and ER stress in the liver of dairy cows. Two groups of cows received either a total mixed ration as a control diet or the same total mixed ration supplemented with 1% of GSGME over the period from wk 3 prepartum to wk 9 postpartum. Dry matter intake during wk 3 to 9 postpartum was not different between the 2 groups. However, the cows fed the diet supplemented with GSGME had an increased milk yield and an increased daily milk protein yield. Cows supplemented with GSGME moreover had a significantly reduced mRNA abundancy of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21, a stress hormone induced by various stress conditions, in the liver in wk 1 and 3 postpartum. In contrast, mRNA abundances of a total of 3 genes involved in inflammation and 14 genes involved in ER stress response, as well as concentrations of triacylglycerols and cholesterol, in liver samples of wk 1 and 3 postpartum did not differ between the 2 groups. Overall, this study shows that supplementation of GSGME did not influence inflammation or ER stress in the liver but increased milk yield, an effect that could be due to effects on ruminal metabolism.

Short communication: Effect of conjugated linoleic acid on concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins in milk of lactating ewes.

Conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are well known as milk fat-reducing feed supplements in diets for lactating ruminants. However, their effects on milk concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins are unknown. This study was performed to investigate the hypothesis that CLA affect the concentrations of retinol and tocopherol in ewe milk. For that purpose, group-housed Merino ewes (101 ± 13.7 kg) nursing twin lambs and fed with a hay:concentrate diet were supplemented with either 45 g of a rumen-protected CLA supplement containing 3.4 g of cis-9,trans-11-CLA and 3.4 g of trans-10,cis-12-CLA (CLA group, n=11) or with 45 g of a hydrogenated vegetable fat (control group, n=12) per ewe per day during the first 6 wk of lactation. Feed intake was recorded daily (concentrate) or weekly (hay) per group. Milk spot samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (5 ± 2.4 d postpartum) and then weekly after lambs had been separated for 2 h from their mothers. The milk fat content was determined and feed and milk were analyzed for concentrations of α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol and for retinol by HPLC. Dietary intake of tocopherol and retinol was similar in both groups. Feeding CLA decreased milk fat concentration by 23% on average, and during the first 3 wk of the study milk tocopherol concentration tended to be increased by feeding CLA (+17%), but retinol concentrations were not influenced. When related to milk fat, CLA feeding significantly increased both milk tocopherol (+40%) and retinol (+32%) and these effects were evident during the whole experimental period corresponding to the first half of lactation.

Concentrations of retinol and tocopherols in the milk of cows supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid.

This study was performed to investigate the hypothesis that supplementation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) changes the concentrations of retinol and tocopherols in the milk of cows. To investigate this hypothesis, Holstein cows received daily from 3 weeks ante-partum to 14 weeks post-partum either 172 g of a CLA-free rumen-protected control fat (control group, n = 20) or the same amount of a rumen-protected CLA fat, supplying 4.3 g of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and 3.8 g of trans-10, cis-12 CLA per d (CLA group, n = 20). Milk samples (collected at weeks 1, 3, 5, 8 and 11 of lactation) were analysed for retinol, α- and γ-tocopherol concentrations. Milk of cows supplemented with CLA had higher concentrations of retinol (+34%), α-tocopherol (+44%) and γ-tocopherol (+21%) than milk of control cows (p < 0.05). The daily output of these vitamins via milk was also greater in cows of the CLA group than in cows of the control group (+36, 50 and 24% for retinol, α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol, respectively, p < 0.05). In agreement with higher concentrations of tocopherols, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, determined in milk of week 5, were lower in cows of the CLA group than in control cows, indicative of a lower susceptibility of milk lipids to peroxidation. Plasma concentrations of retinol and α-tocopherol, determined at 1 and 5 weeks post-partum, were not different between the two groups of cows. In conclusion, this study shows that supplementing dairy cows with a moderate amount of CLA causes an increase of the concentrations of vitamins A and E in the milk and results in an increased output of those vitamins via milk. These effects might be beneficial with respect to the nutritional value of dairy products and the susceptibility of milk fat to oxidative deterioration.

Influence of a rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid mixture on carcass traits and meat quality in young Simmental heifers.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of feeding rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period on physical and chemical beef properties in young Simmental heifers. A total of 36 heifers (5 mo old; initial BW 185 ± 21 kg) were fed 250 g of different rumen-protected fats daily for 16 wk in 1 of 3 treatment groups: 250 g of a CLA-free control fat; 100 g of a CLA fat containing 2.4% of cis-9,trans-11 CLA and 2.1% of trans-10,cis-12 CLA and 150 g control fat; or 250 g of the CLA fat. Heifer growth performance variables as well as carcass weight, classification (conformation and fatness), and weights of organs and fat depots were not affected (P > 0.05) by CLA supplementation. Concentration of trans-10,cis-12 CLA in tissues (LM and subcutaneous fat) was dose-dependently increased (P < 0.01) by CLA supplementation, whereas that of cis-9,trans-11 CLA in these tissues did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. The ratio of SFA to MUFA was increased (P < 0.01) in tissues of CLA-fed heifers compared with control heifers. Concentration of α-tocopherol in LM was greater (P = 0.01) in heifers of the 2 CLA groups than in control heifers. Other quality characteristics such as drip loss during storage, cooking loss, intramuscular fat content, and color variables in LM did not differ (P > 0.05) between groups. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that feeding rumen-protected CLA during the early growing period changes tissue fatty acid composition but does not influence beef quality variables. Performance variables and carcass traits in young heifers, unlike in pigs and laboratory animals, are not influenced by CLA feeding.

Impact of dietary manganese concentration on status criteria to determine manganese requirement in piglets.

The Mn requirement for pigs is not well established. This study aimed to find criteria for assessing growing piglet supply status for Mn and to determine whether the current Mn recommendations meet the requirements for piglets. Thirty-six weaned male castrated 27-day-old piglets (7.24 ± 0.69 kg) were randomized into six groups of six piglets each and housed individually in stainless steel metabolic cages for 42 days. The piglets were fed a diet based on skimmed milk powder and corn starch with increasing Mn concentrations (0.24; 2; 4; 8; 16; or 32 mg Mn/kg diet as-fed). In week 6, Mn0.24 led to reduced feed intake (p < 0.05). Manganese concentrations in blood, liver, kidney, lung, heart, phalanx proximalis, pancreas and skeletal muscle were influenced by the dietary Mn supply (p < 0.05). The activity of the Mn-containing superoxide dismutase in the heart as well as relative arginase activity in the liver were lower in groups Mn0.24, Mn2 and Mn4 compared with the higher supplemented groups (p < 0.05). The relative arginase activity increased clearly with enhanced dietary Mn up to 16 mg/kg and correlated with Mn concentration in the liver. Manganese concentrations in the liver, kidney and phalanx proximalis seem to be suitable biomarkers for Mn status. A 4 mg/kg dietary Mn concentration recommended by NRC (1998, Nutrient Requirements of Swine. National Academy Press, Washington DC.) did not fulfil piglet requirements. Under the conditions investigated, 16 mg Mn/kg diet were necessary to reach a plateau in specific enzyme activity and Mn concentration in organs.

Effect of a rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid mixture on hepatic lipid metabolism in heifers.

This study was performed to assess the effects of rumen-protected conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on hepatic lipid metabolism in heifers. In particular, it was of interest whether feeding CLA causes development of fatty liver as observed recently in mice. Thirty-six growing heifers with an initial body weight of 185 kg were allotted to three treatment groups and fed daily 250 g of different rumen-protected fats for 16 weeks: The control group received 250 g of a CLA-free control fat, the CLA100 group received 100 g of a CLA fat containing 2.4% of cis-9, trans-11 CLA and 2.1% of trans-10, cis-12 CLA and 150 g control fat and the CLA250 group received 250 g of the CLA fat. CLA supplementation had no effect on animal performance parameters, liver weight and hepatic triglyceride concentration. Moreover, mRNA expression of hepatic genes involved in lipogenesis, ß-oxidation and fatty acid transport was not influenced by dietary CLA. The fatty acid composition of hepatic total lipids, with particular consideration of ratios of fatty acids indicative of Δ9-, Δ6- and Δ5-desaturation, was also less influenced by dietary CLA. In conclusion, the study shows that dietary rumen-protected CLA has less effect on hepatic lipid metabolism in young heifers and does not induce the development of a fatty liver such as in mice.

Investigation into selenium requirement of growing turkeys offered a diet supplemented with two levels of vitamin E.

To evaluate dietary selenium (Se) requirement in turkeys offered a diet supplemented with two levels of vitamin E (VE), 96 newly hatched male BIG 6 chicks (58.4 +/- 4.12 g) were divided into eight groups of 12 animals each and fed maize soya diets containing 0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.30 mg Se/kg from sodium selenate in combination either with the natural VE content (approximately 10 IU/kg) or with a VE addition of 50 IU/kg. Animals from all the groups were highly performant and their final body weights (1746 +/- 190 g) after 35 days on experiment were not significantly different. According to its dietary supply, Se concentration in the liver and plasma increased dose dependently. Independent of dietary VE, the activities of GPx3 in plasma and of GPx1 in liver and breast muscle increased to a larger extent in turkeys supplemented with 0.10 and 0.20 mg Se/kg in relation to animals with low marginal Se supply (0.05 mg/kg). Supplementation of 0.30 mg Se/kg only slightly increased further selenoprotein activities. 2-Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the liver were strongly reduced by dietary VE, but not by Se. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) activities did not show muscular lesions in none of the groups. Although there were no signs of muscular lesions even in turkeys with marginal Se and moderate VE supply, the activity of selenoproteins in various organs increased up to 0.30 mg Se/kg diet, independent of VE supply. It was concluded that for growing turkeys the Se supply should meet at least a level of 0.20 mg/kg diet as currently recommended by the National Research Council and Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie. Vitamin E addition confirmed the particular function of the vitamin as a lipid antioxidant and should be taken into consideration when diets with high PUFA concentrations are fed.

Exercise affects tissue lymphocyte apoptosis via redox-sensitive and Fas-dependent signaling pathways.

Intensive and exhaustive exercise induces an activation of blood T-lymphocytes, which seems to be terminated by apoptotic processes in the postexercise period. Here, we report that exercise-induced T-lymphocyte apoptosis is a systemic phenomenon occurring in various lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues. The apoptosis rate could be related to exercise intensity and type. Although in some tissues, such as the spleen and Peyer's patches, an early start of apoptosis (1-3 h postexercise) could be detected, a delayed apoptosis (24 h postexercise) was observed in lung, bone marrow, and lymph nodes. Further analysis showed a similar apoptosis distribution among lymphocyte subpopulations. We tested whether components of the extrinsic or the intrinsic apoptotic pathways or both were involved in these processes. Elevated levels of lipid peroxidation-product malondialdehyde (MDA), indicating an increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), were found after exercise in Peyer's patches, lung, and spleen, but not in lymph nodes. Application of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) prevented exercise-induced T-cell apoptosis completely in spleen and bone marrow, partially in lung and Peyer's patches, while it was ineffective in lymph nodes. Additionally, exercise addressed the Fas-mediated apoptosis. The percentage of Fas-receptor (Fas+) and Fas-ligand positive (FasL+) lymphocytes was enhanced in Peyer's patches after exercise. Moreover, FasL+ T cells were increased in the lung, while in lymph nodes Fas+ cells were increased. The critical role of Fas signaling in exercise-induced apoptosis was supported by using Fas-deficient MRL/lpr-mice. In Fas-deficient mice, exercise-induced T-lymphocyte apoptosis was prevented in spleen, lung, bone marrow, and lymph nodes, but not in Peyer's patches. These data demonstrate that exercise-induced lymphocyte apoptosis is a transient systemic process with tissue-type specific apoptosis-inducing mechanisms, whose relevance for the adaptive immune competence remains to be shown.

Selenium requirement of growing male turkeys.

1. The aim of the experiment was to estimate the selenium requirement of growing male turkeys using the selenium concentrations in different organs and blood plasma and by fitting a continuous broken line to the activity of glutathione peroxidase in liver and plasma. 2. Newly hatched male BUT BIG 6 turkeys were fed either on the selenium deficient basal soybean-maize diets (selenium <0.010 mg/kg diet) adapted to the NRC (1994) and GfE (2004) recommendations for growing turkeys from 0 to 2 weeks (prestarter diet) and 3 to 5 weeks (starter diet) or the basal diets supplemented with 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35 or 0.40 mg selenium/kg diet as sodium selenate. Vitamin E was supplemented adequately in all diets. 3. After 5 weeks the weight in all groups (mean 2568 g) exceeded the expectations for the genotype investigated. Feed consumption and weight gain were however significantly reduced in the group receiving the selenium-deficient diet. 4. After 2 and 5 weeks selenium concentration and activity of glutathione peroxidase in the plasma and the organs examined were greatly influenced by selenium supplementation. 5. Under the conditions investigated, 0.30 mg Se/kg diet was necessary for fast-growing male turkeys to ensure maximum selenium accumulation in the organs examined and maximum glutathione peroxidase activity in plasma and liver.

Concentration of copper, iron, manganese and zinc in muscle, fat and bone tissue of lambs of the breed German Merino Landsheep in the course of the growing period and different feeding intensities.

A growth experiment with 108 lambs (breed German Merino Landsheep) was carried out in order to examine how gender, body weight and feeding intensity affect trace element concentrations in tissues and carcass. The lambs (50% male and 50% female) were fattened at three levels of feeding intensity ('low', 'medium' and 'high' by varying daily amounts of concentrate and hay) and slaughtered at different final body weights (30, 45 or 55 kg). Six male and six female animals were sacrificed at 18 kg live weight at the beginning of the comparative slaughter experiment. The left half carcass of each animal was divided into muscle tissue, fat tissue as well as bones and sinews and analysed for the trace elements copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) as well as zinc (Zn). The body weight level influenced the Zn concentrations significantly in all tissues. In addition, the Fe concentration in the fat tissue was influenced by the body weight as well as the Cu content in the bone tissue. An influence due to gender could be seen for the Zn concentration in the muscle and fat tissue and for the Fe content in the fat and bone tissue as well as for the Cu concentration in the bones. The feeding intensity affected the Cu content in the muscle and bone tissue and also the Zn content in the muscle tissue. In the present study with lambs at body weight range from 18 to 55 kg on an average, 127 mg Fe, 87 mg Zn, 1.5 mg Cu as well as 1.1 mg Mn per kilogram dry matter were found in the bone tissue. In lamb muscle tissue combined from all parts (body weight range from 18 to 45 kg, both genders) the highest concentrations were for Zn and Fe [3.42 and 1.31 mg/100 g meat (wet weight basis)], while Cu remained far below these levels (0.08 mg/100 g meat and Mn was even below the detection limit of 0.025 mg/kg). Lamb muscle is a valuable source for highly available haem-Fe as well as for Zn and Cu in human nutrition.

Concentration of Ca, P, Mg, Na and K in muscle, fat and bone tissue of lambs of the breed German Merino Landsheep in the course of the growing period.

A growth experiment with 108 lambs (breed German Merino Landsheep) was carried out in order to examine how gender, body weight and feeding intensity affect major element concentrations in tissues and carcass. The lambs (50% male and 50% female) were fattened at three levels of feeding intensity ('high', 'medium' and 'low' by varying daily amounts of concentrate and hay) and slaughtered at different final body weights (30, 45 or 55 kg). Six male and six female animals were killed at a final body weight of 18 kg representing the live weight at the beginning of the comparative slaughter experiment. The left half carcass of each animal was divided into muscle tissue, fat tissue and bones/sinews and analysed for the major elements calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K). The major element concentrations of all tissues were significantly influenced by the body weight. An influence of gender could be noticed for all elements except Ca in the muscle and fat tissue. In the bone tissue, however, only the elements Na and K were influenced by gender. The feeding intensity had no significant effect on the concentration of major elements in the tissues. In lamb muscle tissue combined from all parts (body weight range 18-45 kg, both sexes) the following concentrations of major elements were analysed: 323 mg K, 185 mg P, 61.7 Na, 20.2 mg Mg and 10.6 mg Ca (per 100 g meat, wet weight basis). In conclusion, the genotype investigated shows on the whole concentrations of major elements which are close to values reported for lambs in the literature.

Digital photogrammetry for quantitative wear analysis of retrieved TKA components.

The use of new materials in knee arthroplasty demands a way in which to accurately quantify wear in retrieved components. Methods such as damage scoring, coordinate measurement, and in vivo wear analysis have been used in the past. The limitations in these methods illustrate a need for a different methodology that can accurately quantify wear, which is relatively easy to perform and uses a minimal amount of expensive equipment. Off-the-shelf digital photogrammetry represents a potentially quick and easy alternative to what is readily available. Eighty tibial inserts were visually examined for front and backside wear and digitally photographed in the presence of two calibrated reference fields. All images were segmented (via manual and automated algorithms) using Adobe Photoshop and National Institute of Health ImageJ. Finally, wear was determined using ImageJ and Rhinoceros software. The absolute accuracy of the method and repeatability/reproducibility by different observers were measured in order to determine the uncertainty of wear measurements. To determine if variation in wear measurements was due to implant design, 35 implants of the three most prevalent designs were subjected to retrieval analysis. The overall accuracy of area measurements was 97.8%. The error in automated segmentation was found to be significantly lower than that of manual segmentation. The photogrammetry method was found to be reasonably accurate and repeatable in measuring 2-D areas and applicable to determining wear. There was no significant variation in uncertainty detected among different implant designs. Photogrammetry has a broad range of applicability since it is size- and design-independent. A minimal amount of off-the-shelf equipment is needed for the procedure and no proprietary knowledge of the implant is needed.