The effects of superoxide dismutase-rich melon pulp concentrate on inflammation, antioxidant status and growth performance of challenged post-weaning piglets.

Piglets can often suffer impaired antioxidant status and poor immune response during post-weaning, especially when chronic inflammation takes place, leading to lower growth rates than expected. Oral administration of dietary antioxidant compounds during this period could be a feasible way to balance oxidation processes and increase health and growth performance. The aim of the trial was to study the effects of an antioxidant feed supplement (melon pulp concentrate) that contains high concentration of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) on inflammation, antioxidant status and growth performance of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenged weaned piglets. In total, 48 weaned piglets were individually allocated to four experimental groups in a 2×2 factorial design for 29 days. Two different dietary treatments were adopted: (a) control (CTR), fed a basal diet, (b) treatment (MPC), fed the basal diet plus 30 g/ton of melon pulp concentrate. On days 19, 21, 23 and 25 half of the animals within CTR and MPC groups were subjected to a challenge with intramuscular injections of an increasing dosage of LPS from Escherichia coli (serotype 0.55:B5) (+) or were injected with an equal amount of PBS solution (-). Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the trial and under the challenge period for interleukin 1ß, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α, haptoglobin, plasma SOD activity, total antioxidant capacity, reactive oxygen species, red blood cells and plasma resistance to haemolysis, and 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine. Growth performance was evaluated weekly. A positive effect of melon pulp concentrate was evidenced on total antioxidant capacity, half-haemolysis time of red blood cells, average daily gain (ADG) and feed intake, while LPS challenge increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and haptoglobin serum concentrations, with a reduced feed intake and gain : feed (G : F). The obtained results show that oral SOD supplementation with melon pulp concentrate ameliorates the total antioxidant capacity and the half-haemolysis time in red blood cell of post-weaning piglets, with positive results on growing performance.

Short communication: Associations between blood fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate, and α-tocopherol in the periparturient period in dairy cows: An observational study.

The objective of the present study was to examine the relationships between blood concentrations of fatty acids, ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and α-tocopherol during the periparturient period in dairy cows. Blood samples were collected from 131 cows belonging to 4 different commercial dairy farms in southeastern Europe (Greece and Italy). We determined blood concentrations of fatty acids, BHB, and α-tocopherol at dry-off, at calving, and 30d postpartum. Results indicated that fatty acid concentrations were low at dry-off, reached maximum value at calving, and then declined at 30d postpartum. In fact, fatty acid concentrations at 30d postpartum were 50% lower than at calving. In contrast, BHB concentrations were low at dry-off, increased by 27% at calving, and continued to increase by another 20% at 30d postpartum. Overall, we found a weak correlation between fatty acids and BHB throughout the periparturient period. Concentrations of α-tocopherol were lowest at calving, and we detected no differences in α-tocopherol concentrations at dry-off or 30d postpartum. Negative correlations between fatty acids and α-tocopherol were highly significant at 30d postpartum and approached the level of significance at dry-off. However, both correlations became nonsignificant following the adjustment of α-tocopherol with cholesterol, indicating that the correlations were a reflection of changes in lipid transport. We found significant negative correlations (strong at dry-off and weak at 30d postpartum) between BHB and α-tocopherol after adjustment with cholesterol. The physiological basis for the negative correlations between BHB and α-tocopherol, especially that at dry-off, is not known and should not be taken to imply a cause-effect relationship. However, it opens the door to investigating the effects of vitamin E on liver function in dairy cows.

UCP1 and UCP2 expression in different subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue deposits in 30 days old goat kids and effect of fatty acid enriched diets.

Beside its importance in the first hours of life, brown adipose tissue has also significant roles in the following stages of growth and in adults by regulating energy metabolism, but its identification in adult ruminants is still controversial. Quantitative PCR, followed by histological confirmation, was used to investigate UCP expression and brown and white adipocytes' distribution in 30-day-old goat kids. The influence of maternal diet enriched with either fish oil or stearic acid was investigated as well. Results showed the differential expression of both UCP1 and UCP2 genes between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues, suggesting a different thermogenic activity between the two macro areas. The maternal diet influenced neither UCP1 nor UCP2 gene expression. The presence of multilocular adipocytes in 1-month goat kids is remarkable, as suggests thermogenic activity in non-newborn animals. Further insights into characteristics and functions of adipose tissue in young and adult goats are worth exploring.

Computer image analysis: an additional tool for the identification of processed poultry and mammal protein containing bones.

The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the potential of image analysis measurements, in combination with the official analytical methods for the detection of constituents of animal origin in feedstuffs, to distinguish between poultry versus mammals; and (2) to identify possible markers that can be used in routine analysis. For this purpose, 14 mammal and seven poultry samples and a total of 1081 bone fragment lacunae were analysed by combining the microscopic methods with computer image analysis. The distribution of 30 different measured size and shape bone lacunae variables were studied both within and between the two zoological classes. In all cases a considerable overlap between classes meant that classification of individual lacunae was problematic, though a clear separation in the means did allow successful classification of samples on the basis of averages. The variables most useful for classification were those related to size, lacuna area for example. The approach shows considerable promise but will need further study using a larger number of samples with a wider range.

The chemical code of porcine enteric neurons and the number of enteric glial cells are altered by dietary probiotics.

BACKGROUND: The enteric nervous system (ENS) contains chemically coded populations of neurons that serve specific functions for the control of the gastrointestinal tract. The ability of neurons to modify their chemical code in response to luminal changes has recently been discovered. It is possible that enteric neuronal plasticity may sustain the adaptability of the gut to changes in intestinal activity or injury, and that gut neurons may respond to an altered intestinal environment by changing their neuropeptide expression. METHODS: We used immunohistochemical methods to investigate the presence and localization of several neuronal populations and enteric glia in both the small (ileum) and large (cecum) intestine of piglets. We assessed their abundance in submucosal and myenteric plexus from animals treated with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici compared with untreated controls. KEY RESULTS: The treated piglets had a larger number of galanin- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactive neurons than controls, but this was limited to the submucosal plexus ganglia of the ileum. Moreover, immunohistochemistry revealed that glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive enteric glial cells were significantly higher in the inner and outer submucosal plexuses of treated animals. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: The neuronal and glial changes described here illustrate plasticity of the ENS in response to an altered luminal environment in the gastrointestinal tract.

Effects of protected fish oil in the diet of periparturient dairy goats on phenotypic variation in blood and milk leukocytes.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary protected fish oil (FO) on phenotypic variation in blood, milk leukocytes, and some productive and metabolic parameters in periparturient dairy goats. About 12 Alpine goats, selected from a larger group of second-parity animals, were fed from 15 days before kidding until the 15th day of lactation with the same basal diet that had been supplemented with either 47 g/head per day of FO or 47 g/head per day hydrogenated palm oil (PO). Dry matter intake, live body weight (LBW), body condition score (BCS), and productive performance were evaluated in 2 weeks after kidding. On days 15, 7, and 2 before kidding and days 2, 7, and 15 after kidding, plasma samples were collected for evaluation of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, non-esterified fatty acids, glucose, beta-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, and urea levels. White blood cell and blood leukocyte subsets were counted in whole blood samples on the kidding day, as well as at 1, 4, and 15 days after kidding. In addition, milk somatic cell count, intramammary infection (IMI), and milk leukocyte subsets were evaluated on days 4 and 15 after kidding. No differences were observed in dry matter intake and BCS, while LBW was higher in FO-fed animals. Milk production and composition, plasma metabolites, and liver enzymes were similar in both experimental groups. Blood CD4 positive cells increased constantly (P = 0.05) in FO-fed group, while CD8 and CD14 cell counts significantly increased 4 days after kidding (P < 0.01). Milk leukocyte subsets showed a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in PO-fed group and a non-significant increase (P = 0.34) in FO-fed group, despite the presence of coagulase negative staphylococci IMI. The results of the productive performance evaluation agreed with those of many other studies, which did not find any significant differences between dairy goats fed diets enriched with FO or PO supplements. The administration of FO to dairy goats in transition appeared to affect the variation in blood leukocytes with a constant increase in CD4- and CD8-positive cells in comparison with a PO fat-supplemented diet.

Effects of orally administered probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici on the small and large intestine of weaning piglets. A qualitative and quantitative micro-anatomical study.

Probiotic research has been approached, above all in recent years, by widely differing points of view, both for human and animal uses. Lactic acid bacteria release bacteriocins, and some of them may function as probiotic. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici on the piglet intestine, on circulating lymphocytes, and on aspects of piglet performance during the first 42 days after weaning. Sixteen female piglets were at weaning assigned to two dietary groups: Control (Ctr, 8 animals) and Pediococcus acidilactici supplemented (Pa, 8 animals). Piglets' growth was monitored from weaning to the end of the trial. On day 42 post-weaning, the piglets were slaughtered and small specimens from both ileum and cecum were examined with haematoxylin/eosin staining to ascertain structural details. Histometry was performed by villi and crypts measurements, as well as GALT measurements. Histochemical analyses were performed to investigate the intestinal mucins. Immunohistochemical analyses were used to visualize proliferating as well as apoptotic mucosal cells, and to identify mucosal macrophages and IgA producing cells. Intra-epithelial CD8+ T lymphocytes were identified and counted. Subsets of circulating T lymphocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Pediococcus acidilactici supplementation positively influenced weight and post-weaning average daily gain of treated piglets. Histometry showed an increase in villi height and crypts depth in Pa animals in comparison with controls. Treated piglets showed a larger number of proliferating enterocytes than controls. Intra-epithelial CD8+ T lymphocytes were scarcer in treated than in control piglets, likely in relation with catarrhal enteritis shown in the latter. We conclude that the studied supplementation was possibly able to protect the piglet small intestinal mucosa, improving local resistance to infections in the stressful weaning period.

Rumen-protected choline and vitamin E supplementation in periparturient dairy goats: effects on milk production and folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin E status.

We investigated the effects of rumen-protected choline (RPC) and vitamin E (VITE) administration on milk production and status of folate, vitamin B12 and vitamin E during the periparturient period of dairy goats. Forty-eight Saanen multiparous goats were selected for the 72-day experiment, being moved to a maternity pen 30 days before expected parturition and assigned to one of the four experimental groups: control (CTR), no choline or vitamin E supplementation; choline (RPC), supplemented with 4 g/day choline chloride in rumen-protected form; vitamin E (VITE), supplemented with 200 IU/day vitamin E in rumen-protected form; and choline and vitamin E (RPCE), supplemented with 4 g/day RPC chloride and 200 IU/day vitamin E. Supplements were administered individually before the morning feed to ensure complete consumption, starting 30 days before kidding and continuing for 35 days after. During the experiment, milk yield and 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) yield were, respectively, 210 and 350 g/day higher in RPC-supplemented goats than in non-supplemented goats. Milk fat concentration and fat yield were also increased by RPC treatment. Milk yield and composition were unaffected by vitamin E supplementation. There were no significant interactions between RPC and VITE for any of the variables measured. Plasma metabolites did not differ between treatments before and after kidding except that plasma folate at parturition was higher in RPC-supplemented goats. Neither choline nor vitamin E affected vitamin B12 plasma concentrations, while a time effect was evident after the second week of lactation, when B12 levels in each treatment group started to increase. Vitamin E administration resulted in plasma α-tocopherol levels that were 2 to 2.5 times higher than in non-supplemented goats. Overall, these results suggest that greater choline availability can improve milk production and methyl group metabolism in transition dairy goats.

Influence of estrus of dairy goats on somatic cell count, milk traits, and sex steroid receptors in the mammary gland.

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of the stage of a spontaneous estrus cycle on milk yield and constituents [somatic cell count (SCC), fat, protein, caseins, lactose, and urea content] and on estrogen receptor-alpha (ERalpha ) and progesterone receptor (PR) immunostaining in the mammary gland. In experiment I, the major components of milk and SCC were monitored weekly in 80 lactating Saanen goats for 6 wk, whereas detection of estrus was daily. In experiment II, milk samples were collected daily for SCC determination during 1 spontaneous estrus (d 0) until the second spontaneous estrus in 14 Saanen goats. The day of the estrous cycle was confirmed by plasma progesterone and 17beta-estradiol levels. Immunoreactivity of ERalpha and PR was analyzed in mammary gland samples of 8 Saanen goats (d 0, n = 4; d 10, n = 4) and the number of positive nuclei and intensity of the staining were evaluated in 1,000 cells. In experiment I, milk casein and protein percentages were significantly affected by the stage of estrous cycle; during proestrus and estrus, these variables were higher (3.32 +/- 0.06 and 4.44 +/- 0.08) than during metestrus (3.03 +/- 0.07 and 4.07 +/- 0.10), but not higher than during diestrus (3.23 +/- 0.06 and 4.35 +/- 0.09, respectively). In experiment II, daily measurement of SCC revealed higher levels at estrus (7,195 +/- 672 x 10(3) cells/mL) and a decline toward the luteal phase (1,694 +/- 672 +/- 10(3) cells/mL). Estrogen receptor-alpha and PR immunostaining were exclusively detected on epithelial cells. The percentage of positive nuclei to ERalpha was higher on d 0 than on d 10 (75.4 +/- 8.8 vs. 68.3 +/- 8.8%), but no change was observed for PR (4.0 +/- 0.3 vs. 3.5 +/- 0.4%). The average immunostaining intensity for both receptors was greater on d 0 than on d 10 (ERalpha : 1.44 +/- 0.02 vs. 1.35 +/- 0.02; PR: 0.079 +/- 0.008 vs. 0.057 +/- 0.008). The high SCC at estrus in experiment II was associated with high plasma estradiol and low progesterone, suggesting that the increased SCC could be brought about by the estrogen-induced proliferation and exfoliation of epithelial cells. In addition, this action may be supported by the higher sensitivity to estrogens (ERalpha content) found at d 0.

Structural patterns of swine ileal mucosa following L-glutamine and nucleotide administration during the weaning period. An histochemical and histometrical study.

Dietary supplementations with L-glutamine and/or nucleotides were screened for their effects on intestinal mucosa in 16 female weaning piglets. The animals were transported to the university's facilities 24 hours after weaning. They were grouped four to a pen in controlled environmental conditions and fed one of the following four diets for 28 days: control diet (C); C+0.5% L-glutamine (G); C+0.05% "nucleotides" (N); and C+0.5 % L-glutamine+0.05% "nucleotides" (GN). Individual body weights and feed intake per group were recorded at the beginning and the end of the study as well as weekly during it. There were no significant performance differences among the groups. After 28 days the animals were slaughtered and the distal ileum and liver were examined histologically. Anti-proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as well as anti-human macrophage immunostaining, and a modified TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling technique (TUNEL) were performed, and intraepithelial lymphocyte percentage was evaluated to assess morpho-functional aspects of the ileum. Histometry was performed by assessing cell indices and counts of immuno-reactive structures. Feeding G and/or N resulted in an increase in villi (V) height, crypt (C) depth, and a decrease in V:C ratio (P<0.01). In addition, feeding G and/or N resulted in an increase in mitotic mucosal cells (M), and a decrease in apoptotic mucosal cells (A), thus decreasing the A:M index (P<0.01). The percentages of mucosal macrophages were greater in G and/or N groups (P<0.001) than in control piglets, and similarly among the groups the percentages of intraepithelial lymphocytes varied (P<0.01). Our data showed that the diet supplementation with G and/or N had positive effects on some morpho-functional characteristics of piglet ileal mucosa. These ameliorative effects may potentially be linked to a good responsiveness of piglets to a stressful period, like a precocious weaning is in this species.

The influence of different fibrous supplements in the diet on ruminal histology and histometry in veal calves.

The aim of this study was to determine whether the administration of four different solid feeds would influence selected morphological and morpho-functional aspects of the rumen mucosa in veal calves. The fibrous supplementation of the liquid diet of veal calves has been provided by recent EU formulation (EC Council Directive 91/629/1991; EC Council Directive 97/2/1997). Twenty-five Holstein calves were assigned to either exclusively liquid diet (milk replacer, control), or pelleted feed, corn silage, extruded feed, dried corn silage. The morpho-functional effects of the fibre-containing diets were examined evaluating histological and histometrical characteristics of ruminal mucosa after the slaughter of calves. There were slight to severe histological abnormalities in the rumens of all animals examined. The severe histological abnormalities were present in calves given pelleted feed, corn silage, and extruded feed. Dried corn silage caused less ruminal damage. We found that the length and epithelial thickness of ruminal papillae were higher in control veal calves than in dietary fibre-supplemented animals. The results of the present study, even if partially, support the EU prescription in the use of fibre diets in veal calves as integration of the traditional milk replacer diet.

Effects of vitamin E and different energy sources on vitamin E status, milk quality and reproduction in transition cows.

We investigated whether vitamin E supplementation and supplemental energy sources (fat or starch) influenced plasma and milk levels of vitamin E, and reproductive and other parameters in 28 Italian Friesian multiparous dry cows. From 14 days before expected calving to 7 days after, the animals were assigned to either basal diet (containing 1000 IU/day of vitamin E) or an extra 1000 IU/day of vitamin E (total 2000 IU). In addition they received either 0.5 kg/day of corn or 0.2 kg/day of calcium soaps. Plasma samples were collected 4 days before expected calving and 4 days after calving and analysed for alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol. Milk yield as well as the composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and alpha-tocopherol of milk were determined 7 and 14 days after calving. Milk yield and composition were unaffected by treatments. SCC was significantly lower in (SCC Log 4.62 versus Log 5.1, P < 0.01) 2000 IU/day animals than in the 1000 IU/day group. Milk alpha-tocopherol was higher (P < 0.001) in animals receiving 2000 IU/day (1.11 vs. 0.65 microgram/ml, P < 0.01). Plasma alpha-tocopherol in animals receiving 2000 IU/day was also higher (P < 0.001) than in cows receiving 1000 IU/day (4.85 vs. 3.25 micrograms/ml), but was not affected by dietary energy source. Number of services and days to conception were lower (P < 0.01) in the 2000 IU vitamin E supplemented cows. To conclude, dietary vitamin E supplementation to periparturient dairy cows increased plasma and milk vitamin E, decreased SCC in milk, and improved fertility but different energy sources had no effect on any measured variable.

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin and calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids on milk from Italian buffalo.

Fifty-one lactating Italian river buffalo were used in an 84-d study to evaluate the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) and Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids on productive performance. Treatments were 1) control diet, 2) the control diet plus 0.3 kg/d of added Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids, 3) the control diet plus 320 mg of recombinant bST injected every 21 d for four cycles, and 4) the control diet plus 0.3 kg/d of added Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids and 320 mg of recombinant bST administered as previously described. Administration of bST and Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids increased milk production. Milk fat percentage was not affected by treatments. The percentage of short-chain fatty acids in milk fat was reduced by the addition of Ca salts. Medium-chain, long-chain, and unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat were increased by bST treatment. Milk protein percentage was decreased by the addition of Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids. Milk casein content, as a percentage of total protein or as a percentage of true protein, was unaffected by bST. Body condition score was lowered by bST administration, but the addition of Ca salts of long-chain fatty acids reduced body condition loss in buffalo that were treated with somatotropin.

[Cost methodologies in dialysis in relation to the Italian National Health Service]. / Metodologie dei costi in dialisi in rapporto all'azienda salute italiana.

This work analyses the economic aspects of dialysis in Italy in relation to government resources allocated to the health service in general. The authors illustrate the procedures used to estimate the resources required by the dialytic programme. The costs of dialytic programmes in different cities and at different periods in the history of the Italian health service are compared. A concrete example is outlined of the economic management of dialysis and the authors demonstrate how the results were obtained using cost analysis.

In rats, the metabotropic glutamate receptor-triggered hippocampal neuronal damage is strain-dependent.

The effect of intrahippocampal (i.h.) and intraocular (i.o.) administration of the selective metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) agonist (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) was studied in different rat strains. A massive hippocampal damage was observed in CD/SD and Fischer 344 but not in SD/Rij and Brown Norway rats 7 days following the i.h. injection of 1S,3R-ACPD, while no retinal damage was observed following its i.o. administration. Moreover, 1S,3R-ACPD reduced the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) toxicity in the retina of both CD/SD and SD/Rij rats. Regardless of its toxic action on hippocampal neurons the i.h. injection of 1S,3R-ACPD caused an acute stimulation of motor activity in both CD/SD and SD/Rij rats. This effect was blocked by the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of the putative mGluR antagonist L-2-amino-3-phosphono-propionic acid (L-AP3). It is suggested that the differential expression of mGluR subtypes might determine their role in brain pathology.