Type of milk consumed can influence plasma concentrations of fatty acids and minerals and body composition in infant and weanling pigs.

Two experiments using 42 crossbred neonatal pigs to compare the effects of caprine and bovine milk on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility and body composition were conducted. At age 72 h, pigs were removed from their dams and randomly divided into two groups, housed separately in stainless steel metabolism cages and were fed a predetermined amount (300 mL/kg body weight) of pasteurized, nonfortified whole, caprine or bovine milk. Body composition was determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In Experiment 1, 22 intact male pigs were used for a 31-d experimental period. There was no significant (P > 0.05) dietary effect on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility or body composition. Significant differences (P < 0.05), however, were observed in plasma of C 8:0, C 10:0 and C 12:0 concentrations. In Experiment 2, 20 pigs (10 intact males and 10 females) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment for 52 d. Pigs fed caprine milk had higher (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of C10:0 and C12:0 as well as Na, Mg and Zn than those fed bovine milk. At Day 52, pigs fed caprine milk had less body fat (P < 0.001) and higher (P < 0.06) bone mineral density than those fed bovine milk. Drymatter, N and total mineral intake of male pigs was higher (P < 0.05) than female pigs. Also, male pigs had higher (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of C12:0 than females. This study demonstrates that the type of milk consumed can influence plasma concentrations of fatty acids, minerals and body composition in pigs.

An introductory-level companion animal care course: student perception and subsequent performance.

A survey and pre- and postcourse examinations were administered to students (n = 23) enrolled in a companion animal (dog and cat) care course. The course objectives were to assess a student's knowledge base and then help him or her gain the knowledge to maintain the health, well-being, and longevity of companion animals. Four teaching modules were used in this course: 1) general lectures by the instructor; 2) special topics presented by guest professors; 3) videos shown in class; and 4) out-of-class experiential learning projects. The examination questions were developed from these modules. At the end of the academic term (quarter), students evaluated the course and each teaching module using a scale of 1 (= poor) to 5 (= very good). Seventy percent of the students enrolled in the course were female. The disciplines represented were animal health/preveterinary medicine (34.8%), animal science (21.7%), arts and science (13.0%), education (8.7%), forestry (8.6%), nursing education (4.4%), and 8.7% undecided. Only 15% had been exposed to an animal and dairy science introductory course. Students rated the course good (4.2 +/- .83 with 5 = very good) and agreed (4.4 +/- .87 with 5 = strongly agree) that the course provided a valuable learning experience. Average student score on the precourse examination (38.6% correct answers) improved dramatically on the postcourse examination (92.0% correct answers; P < .001). A positive correlation was observed between students' evaluation of the teaching modules and their total postcourse examination score (P < .05). Results indicated that the companion animal care course attracted students from disciplines other than that of animal science. Students evaluated the course as favorable, and their knowledge base of companion animal care was significantly expanded.

The effect of microbial phytase in a pearl millet-soybean meal diet on apparent digestibility and retention of nutrients, serum mineral concentration, and bone mineral density of nursery pigs.

Eighteen gilts (initial BW of 10.9 kg; age 4 wk) were used in a 35-d experiment to study the effects of adding microbial phytase to a pearl millet-soybean meal-based diet on growth, apparent digestibility and retention of nutrients, and bone mineral status. The dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial with two levels of P (.58%, low-P or .95%, adequate-P) and three levels of microbial phytase (0, 700, or 1,000 units/kg of diet). Phosphorus, Ca, and N balance were determined from d 32 to 35. Blood samples were collected on d 0 and 35 for serum mineral analysis. Global bone mineral content (GBMC) and global bone mineral density (GBMD) were determined on d 0 and 35 using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). A microbial phytase level x P level interaction was observed for final BW, ADG, gain:feed (P < .001), and serum P concentration (P < .003). Phytase supplementation of the low-P diets increased final BW, ADG, gain: feed, and serum inorganic P concentration but did not improve growth or serum inorganic P concentration in pigs fed the adequate-P diets. The addition of microbial phytase to the low-P and adequate-P diets reduced fecal P (P < .01), fecal N (P < .05), increased P absorption and retention (P < .01), and increased N absorption (P < .05). Pigs fed the adequate-P diets absorbed more P (P < .01) but excreted more P (P < .01) in the feces. Phytase tended to increase Ca (P < .07) and N (P < .10) retention, apparent threonine digestibility (P < .06), and serum Zn concentration (P < .09). Phytase increased GBMC and GBMD (P < .04). Phosphorus also increased GBMC and GBMD (P < .007 and P < .002, respectively). These results show that supplemental microbial phytase in pearl millet-soybean meal diets increased P availability, decreased the amount of P excreted in feces, and increased bone mineralization in nursery pigs.

Opioid-mediated responses of dietary protein on reticular motility and plasma insulin.

Four ruminally and abomasally cannulated steers (603 +/- 22.7 kg of body weight) were used to determine whether ruminally undegradable protein (RUP) would exert opioid-mediated effects on reticuloruminal motility or circulating concentrations of insulin. Steers were fed isonitrogenous diets (16% crude protein) containing either 30 or 40% RUP. The low RUP diet was supplemented with urea and soybean meal, and the high RUP diet was supplemented with blood meal, fish meal, corn gluten meal, and meat and bone meal. Diets contained 57% wheat silage and were fed twice daily at 0800 and 1600 h. Experimental periods were 10 d in length. Blood samples were taken from jugular catheters, and reticular motility was measured at hourly intervals on d 10 over a 16-h period. Either naltrexone (0.5 mg/kg of body weight) or saline was infused into the abomasum at the second feeding (9 h). Naltrexone reduced the frequency of reticular contractions by 16.5% for steers fed the low RUP diet. Naltrexone decreased the duration of reticular contractions by 9.3% for steers fed the low RUP diet and increased duration by 8.7% for steers fed the high RUP diet. Naltrexone decreased the opening time of the reticuloomasal orifice, expressed as a percentage of predose measurements, by 16.3% for steers fed the high RUP diet. Insulin was 21.3% higher with the high RUP diet. The postprandial rise in insulin decreased 36.7% with naltrexone. Dietary protein can exert effects mediated by opioids in ruminants.