Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) supplementation on healthy cat performance

BackgroundThe present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the probiotic strain Lactobacillusacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) on nutritional condition and faecal quality in cats.MethodsTen healthy adult cats from the same cattery were included (aged >9 months; male:female sex ratio=3:7). The animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CTR; n=5; male:female=1:4; room 1: 16 m2) and to a treated group (LACTO; n=5; male:female=2:3; room 2: 16 m2) receiving the same commercial dry diet. The LACTO group diet was supplemented with the probiotic (5 x 109 cfu/kg feed at least). A five-week experimental period was applied, and nutritional status was monitored by bodyweight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). Faecal quality was evaluated using faecal score (FS) and faecal moisture (FM) parameters. Plate counts of some faecal bacteria species were carried out. The data obtained were analysed using MIXED, GLM and NPAR1WAY procedures (SAS V.9.4; P≤0.05).ResultsThe two groups did not show differences in BW and BCS data. A clear effect of the probiotic supplementation on FM was recorded (LACTO 44 per cent v CTR group 46 per cent; P=0.04). FS in the LACTO group (3.35) was close to ideal values (2–3) in comparison with the CTR group (3.75). Positive effects of Lacidophilus D2/CSL have been recorded in terms of increase in faecal lactobacilli counts and reduction in faecal coli counts.ConclusionsThis study’s preliminary results describe how inclusion of Lacidophilus D2/CSL (CECT 4529) probiotic strain in cats’ diets could effectively improve faecal quality parameters and consequently gut health in adult healthy cats.

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Effect of dietary probiotic, antibiotic or combination on broiler performance, cecum microbial population and ileal development

Mansoura Veterinary Medical Journal ◽

10.35943/mvmj.2020.21.313 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 21 (3) ◽

pp. 74-79

Author(s):

Ahmed Elbaz ◽

Said El-sheikh

Keyword(s):

Control Diet ◽

Low Density Lipoprotein ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Nutrient Digestibility ◽

Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽

Control Group ◽

Gut Health ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Broiler Performance

Objective: To investigate the effect of antibiotics and/or probiotics on broiler performance, some serum metabolites, cecum microflora composition, and ileum histomorphology under the Egyptian conditions. Design: Randomized controlled experimental study. Animals: Two hundred forty 1-day-old Ross (308) chicks were reared till 35 days of age. Procedures: The birds were randomly allocated into four main groups: a control diet without additives (CON); probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) supplemented diet (PRO); antibiotic (Avilamycin) supplemented diet (ANT) and a mix group (AP) that received antibiotic in the diet form 1 to 4 days of age and treated during the rest of the experimental period with probiotics. Results: Chickens fed on probiotic or antibiotic diets had linear improvement in live body weight (LBW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with the control group, while the best LBW and FCR were in the AP group. An improvement in the nutrient digestibility was observed in the probiotic added groups (PRO and AP). Serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents decreased when antimicrobial (probiotic or antibiotic) supplementations were used, while there was an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol contents, serum total protein, and albumin levels. Among all groups, cecum Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli counts decreased; however, there was an increase in Lactobacillus count compared to the control group. In probiotic supplemented groups (PRO and AP), a significant (P<0.05) improvement in ilea architecture. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Using probiotic after initial treatment with an antibiotic in broiler diets had a positive effect on broiler growth performance, gut health (improved cecum microbial populations and ileum histomorphology), and nutrient digestibility.

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Safety Study on Ketoprofen in Pigs: Evaluating the Effects of Different Dosing and Treatment Scheme on Hematological, Hepatic, and Renal Parameters

Veterinary Sciences ◽

10.3390/vetsci8020030 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 30

Author(s):

Luis Emilio Fazzio ◽

Santiago José Raggio ◽

Juan Facundo Romero ◽

Juver Membrebe ◽

Antonio Humberto Hamad Minervino

Keyword(s):

Body Condition Score ◽

Clinical Signs ◽

Study Groups ◽

Control Group ◽

Safety Study ◽

Treatment Groups ◽

Treatment Scheme ◽

Condition Score ◽

Biochemical Evaluation ◽

Different Doses

A safety study on ketoprofen 10% was carried out on pigs using a different dosing and treatment scheme. Forty healthy crossbreed pigs with similar age, weight, and body condition score were distributed into five treatment groups. The pigs were intramuscularly injected once with different doses of ketoprofen: 3 mg/kg (group 1X), 6 mg/kg (group 2X), 9 mg/kg (group 3X). In addition, the 3 mg/kg dosis was administered on three consecutive days (group 1X ext.). Intramuscular injections of saline solution were used in control group (CTL). The pigs were clinically examined throughout the trial and blood samples were taken for hematological and biochemical evaluation on days −4 (before treatment), +3, +7, and +14 (the end of the trial). Any unusual behaviour or clinical signs were reported as potential toxic effects of ketoprofen. Serum measurements showed that none of the ketoprofen doses produced changes in renal or hepatic biochemical parameters, liver enzymes, or total bilirubin. Likewise, hematological assessment indicated no altered parameters or hematocrit percentage in the study groups. These results demonstrate that ketoprofen has no adverse effects in pigs when the doses and scheme evaluated in this study are applied.

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Luteogenesis and Embryo Implantation Are Enhanced by Exogenous hCG in Goats Subjected to an Out-of-Season Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology10050429 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 429

Author(s):

Jorge A. Bustamante-Andrade ◽

César A. Meza-Herrera ◽

Rafael Rodríguez-Martínez ◽

Zurisaday Santos-Jimenez ◽

Oscar Ángel-García ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Corpus Luteum ◽

Artificial Insemination ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Embryo Implantation ◽

Implantation Rate ◽

Fixed Time ◽

Efficiency Index ◽

Control Group ◽

Condition Score ◽

Interesting Approach

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) applied at two different times (7 and 14 d) after a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI) upon some variables involved in the embryonic implantation rate in goats during the natural deep anestrous season (April, 25° north). The experimental units considered crossbred, multiparous, anovulatory goats (n = 69, Alpine, Saanen, Nubian x Criollo), with average body weight (43.6 ± 5.7 kg) and body condition score (1.86 ± 0.28 units) located in northern–semiarid Mexico (25° N, 103° W). Once the goat’s anestrus status was confirmed, goats were subjected to an estrus induction protocol. Upon estrus induction confirmation, goats (n = 61) were subjected to a FTAI procedure. Immediately after the FTAI, the goats were randomly distributed to five experimental groups: (1). G100-7 (n = 13) 100 IU, hCG 7 d post-FTAI, (2). G100-14 (n = 12) 100 IU hCG, 14 d post-FTAI, (3). G300-7 (n = 12) 300 IU, hCG, 7 d post-FTAI, (4). G300-14 (n = 12) 300 IU hCG 14 d post-FTAI, and (5). Control group, CONT (n = 12) 0.5 mL saline, 7 and 14 d post-FTAI. The response variables conception rate (39.36 ± 0.23), fertility rate (27.96%), prolificacy rate (1.1 ± 0.29 kids), ovulation rate (0.74 ± 0.20 corpus luteum) corpus luteum diameter (10.15 ± 0.59 mm), embryo number (1.58 ± 0.20), and embryo implantation rate (48.96%), did not differ between treatments. However, while the variables fecundity rate (67%), embryo efficiency index-1 (33.99 ± 0.20%), and embryo efficiency index-2 (27.94 ± 0.30%) were favored by the G300-14 treatment, the corpus luteum area was favored (p < 0.05) by both G300-7 (113.30 ± 0.19 mm2) and G300-14 (103.04 ± 0.17 mm2). Such reproductive strategy emerges as an interesting approach, not only to enhance the out-of-season reproductive outcomes, but also to boost one of the main rulers defining the global reproductive efficiency of a heard, namely, the embryo implantation efficiency.

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Replacing Maize Grain with Ancient Wheat Lines By-Products in Organic Laying Hens’ Diet Affects Intestinal Morphology and Enzymatic Activity

Sustainability ◽

10.3390/su13126554 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (12) ◽

pp. 6554

Author(s):

Nicola Francesco Addeo ◽

Basilio Randazzo ◽

Ike Olivotto ◽

Maria Messina ◽

Francesca Tulli ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Alkaline Phosphatase ◽

Enzymatic Activity ◽

Laying Hens ◽

Triticum Aestivum L ◽

Treated Group ◽

Intestinal Morphology ◽

Control Group ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Maize Grain ◽

By Products

The effects of replacement of maize grain with ancient wheat by-products on intestinal morphometry and enzymatic activity in laying hens was studied. Eighty hens were divided into two groups (40 each, 8 replicates, 5 hens/replicate) fed two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets. In the treated group, part of the maize was replaced by a mix of ancient grains (AGs) middling, in a 50:50 ratio of Triticum aestivum L. var. spelta (spelt) and Triticum durum dicoccum L. (emmer wheat). The AG diet affected the weight of all the large intestine tracts, decreasing the weight of caeca (p < 0.01) and increasing those of colon (p < 0.01), rectum and cloaca (p < 0.05). Villus height in the AG group was higher (p < 0.01) than the control for the duodenum and jejunum, while for the ileum, the control group showed the highest values (p < 0.01). The submucosa thickness was higher (p < 0.01) in the control group for the duodenum and ileum, while the jejunum for the AG group showed the highest (p < 0.05) submucosa thickness. The crypts depth was higher (p < 0.01) in the control group for the duodenum and ileum. Enzyme activity was enhanced by AGs (p < 0.01) in the duodenum. Regarding the jejunum, sucrase-isomaltase and alkaline phosphatase had higher activity (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) in the AG group. In the ileum, sucrase-isomaltase showed higher activity (p < 0.01) in the control group, while alkaline phosphatase showed the highest values (p < 0.05) in the AG group. Overall, results suggested that the dietary inclusion of AGs exerted positive effects in hens, showing an improved intestinal function.

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Effect of active or passive immunization against steroids on reproductive performance of ewes in different levels of body condition at mating

Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s0003356100002476 ◽

1986 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 285-292 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

S. M. Rhind ◽

B. A. Morris ◽

Jill Clayton ◽

J. M. Doney ◽

R. G. Gunn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Condition ◽

Reproductive Performance ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Passive Immunization ◽

Treated Group ◽

Ovulation Rate ◽

Control Group ◽

Absolute Increase ◽

Wide Range ◽

Antibody Titres

ABSTRACTBorder Leicester × Scottish Blackface (Greyface) ewes of three groups, each comprising 118 animals in a wide range of body condition scores, were mated at a synchronized oestrus in mid October. The ewes were passively immunized against testosterone (group P), actively immunized against androstenedione (group F), or not treated (group C). All ewes were slaughtered at return to service or at 35 to 45 days of pregnancy and ovulation rates and numbers of embryos present were determined. Mean ovulation rates of ewes in group P were higher than in those in group C (P < 0·05) and this difference was evident at most levels of body condition. The absolute increase in ovulation rate, compared with the control group, was similar at all condition scores. Mean ovulation rates of ewes in group F were higher than those in group C (P < 0·001) and the magnitude of the increase was greater in ewes in higher condition scores. The incidence of ova wastage was variable but differences between treatments in mean ovulation rate were generally reflected in mean litter size. The conception rates of immunized ewes were depressed compared with those of control animals, particularly in ewes with a body condition score less than 3·0 at mating. Consequently, there was no improvement in the potential lambing rate of immunized ewes following only one cycle of mating. Circulating antibody titres were not related to conception rate or body condition at mating and were related to ovulation rate only in group F ewes. It is concluded that immunization against steroids, using either passive or active techniques, can improve the reproductive performance of individual ewes but improvement in the performance of the flock as a whole may only be achieved under optimal conditions of nutrition and season.

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Effects of dietary supplementation of pioglitazone or walnut meal on metabolic profiles and oxidative status in dairy cows with high pre-calving BCS

Journal of Dairy Research ◽

10.1017/s0022029917000784 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 85 (1) ◽

pp. 16-22 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Negin Jamali Emam Gheise ◽

Ahmad Riasi ◽

Pietro Celi ◽

Ahmad Zare Shahneh

Keyword(s):

Dairy Cows ◽

Body Condition ◽

Plasma Insulin ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Basal Diet ◽

Oxidative Status ◽

Plasma Metabolites ◽

Positive Effects ◽

Ppar Γ ◽

Condition Score

This research paper addresses the hypothesis that dietary pioglitazone (PGT), as synthetic and specific ligand for PPAR-γ or walnut meal (WM) as a natural ligand for PPAR-γ, affect plasma metabolites and reduce the oxidative status in high body condition score (BCS) dairy cows (≥4 BCS). Total of 36 multiparous Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of the dietary treatments: 1- Control (basal diet; CTR), 2- Walnut meal (9·45% walnut meal of DMI; WM), and 3- Pioglitazone (6 mg/kg BW; PGT). The experimental diets were fed from parturition time to 21 d postpartum. Results showed that the PGT supplementation increased dry matter intake (DMI) (22·95 kg/d) compared to the CTR (21·45 kg/d) and WM (21·78 kg/d) groups. Results showed that milk yield and milk composition were not affected by the experimental diets. Body condition score losses tended to be higher in the CTR group compared to the PGT and WM cows. The PGT group had higher plasma insulin compared to the CTR group (11·84 vs. 10·68 mIU/l), and WM cows had intermediate plasma insulin. The PGT cows had lower plasma non esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and tended to have lower β-hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA) than the CTR group. Feeding pioglitazone decreased plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) compared to the CTR and WM groups. It was concluded that dietary pioglitazone had positive effects on DMI, BCS change, blood metabolites and oxidative status in fresh dairy cows with high pre-calving BCS. The anti-oxidant effects of walnut meal were not supported by the present data.

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Tylosin injectable for the treatment of porcine proliferative enteropathy in experimentally inoculated pigs

Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira ◽

10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-6066 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 39 (3) ◽

pp. 168-174

Author(s):

Luisa V.A. Otoni ◽

Michelle P. Gabardo ◽

Núbia R. Macêdo ◽

Mariane M. Wagatsuma ◽

Marina M. Pereira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Body Condition Score ◽

Initial Period ◽

Etiologic Agent ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Control Group ◽

Lawsonia Intracellularis ◽

Medication Group ◽

Proliferative Enteropathy ◽

Condition Score ◽

And Control

ABSTRACT: Porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE) is one of the most common enteric diseases in growing and finishing pigs. PPE is characterized by reduced growth performance, accompanied or not by diarrhea. PPE is highly prevalent in several countries of the Americas, Europe and Asia, causing high economic losses in swine herds. The most common form of PPE control in pigs is antibiotic therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate a new product based on tylosin injectable (Eurofarma Laboratórios S.A.) to control PPE in experimentally inoculated animals. Sixty 5-week-old pigs with mean weight of 9.5kg were divided into two experimental groups of 30 animals: medication and control. All pigs were challenged with Lawsonia intracellularis, the etiologic agent of PPE, on day zero. Fecal score, body condition score, and behavior were daily evaluated. Pigs were weighted on days -2, 13 and 21 of the experiment. Pigs in the Medication Group received tylosin injectable 13 days after inoculation, in three doses with a 12-hour interval between them. Pigs in the Control Group received injectable saline solution following the same protocol. In the Control Group, 23pigs presented with diarrhea before day 13. After day 13, the number of diarrheic animals in this group was reduced to 17. In the Medication Group, 26 pigs presented with diarrhea in the initial period, and in the period after medication, only 11 animals had diarrhea. The score of gross intestinal PPE lesions in the Medication Group was lower than that in the Control Group (p=0.031). The Medication Group also showed lower score for Lawsonia intracellularis antigen-labeling by immunohistochemistry compared with that of the Control Group (p=0.032), showing lower level of infection. These results demonstrate that tylosin injectable (Eurofarma Laboratórios S.A.), administrated in three doses (1mL/20kg) every 12 hours, was effective for the control of PPE in experimentally inoculated pigs.

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Effect of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Pasture Grazing on Growth, Gastrointestinal Parasite Infection and Immune Response Biomarkers of Goat

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v10n1p27 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

pp. 27

Author(s):

Mulumebet Worku ◽

Sarah Adjei-Fremah ◽

Niki Whitley ◽

Louis Jackai

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Body Weight ◽

Blood Serum ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Gastrointestinal Parasites ◽

Gut Health ◽

Fecal Egg Count ◽

Condition Score ◽

Total Antioxidant ◽

Cowpea Varieties

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of grazing cowpea pastures on growth, parasite egg count and biomarkers of immune response in goats. Spanish and Savannah goats (n = 48) stratified by initial body weight (42.0±7.0 kg) and fecal egg count (FEC), were randomly assigned to three pasture forages (Cowpea varieties: Mississippi silver (MS), or Iron and Clay (IC) or Pearl millet (PM) as control with 4 replicates, for a 28-day feeding trial. Forage samples collected at the start of the study were analyzed for nutrients, chemical and polyphenols content. Body weight, body condition score, and fecal egg count were measured weekly. Blood was collected from goats on days 0 and 28 for PCV and white blood cell differential counts. The concentration of total proteins, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated in blood serum. Concentration of DNA isolated from fecal samples was used as a measure of gut health. Goats grazed on cowpea forage (MS and IC) had higher body weight (p = 0.01) compared to goats grazed on PM. Percent lymphocyte (p = 0.008) and neutrophil (p = 0.013) increased in MS fed goats. Goats grazed on MS pasture had decreased FEC (p = 0.03) also. Cowpea pasture grazing had no effect on serum protein concentration, PCV and BCS (p > 0.05), but decreased PGE2 concentration in serum. The concentration of TAC in serum, increased at day 28 (p < 0.05). The concentration of fecal microbial DNA decreased in all the treatment groups at day 28. Cowpea forage grazing had an impact on body weight, FEC, and blood serum parameters (PGE2, TAC) in goats. These results demonstrate that freshly grazed cowpea forage has potential impact and benefits on growth and health of goats. Integrating cowpea diet in goat feeding system may enhance growth performance, stimulate and prime the immune system for defense against gastrointestinal parasites.

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10 TIMED ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION PROTOCOLS TO SYNCHRONIZATION OF OVULATION IN BOS TAURUS TAURUS SUCKLING BEEF COWS

Reproduction Fertility and Development ◽

10.1071/rdv27n1ab10 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 27 (1) ◽

pp. 97

Author(s):

G. A. Pessoa ◽

A. P. Martini ◽

J. M. Trentin ◽

D. R. Dotto ◽

H. L. D. Neri ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bos Taurus ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Animal Health ◽

Beef Cows ◽

Treated Group ◽

Conception Rate ◽

Plasma Progesterone ◽

Follicle Diameter ◽

Condition Score ◽

South Of Brazil

The aim of this study was to compare 3 methods for synchronization of ovulation in anestrous beef cows. The hypothesis of this study was to determine whether low doses of hCG has superior efficacy to cypionate to induce ovulation in anestrous cows and provide higher pregnancy rate in oestrus-synchronization programs. Synchronization of ovulation and conception rate to timed AI (TAI) were evaluated in anestrus Bos taurus taurus suckling beef cows 45 ± 15 days postpartum and with body condition score of 2.9 (1 to 5) maintained in a native pastured system in the south of Brazil. Females were evaluated with ultrasound on the Day 0 (D0) of the protocol (Day 0), day 8 (D8), immediately before TAI (D10), and 7 days after TAI (Day 17). All cows were synchronized with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (IPRD; 0.75 g of progesterone, Prociclar®, Hertape Calier Animal Health, Juatuba, Brazil) and 2 mg IM of oestradiol benzoate (EB; Benzoato HC®) on D0. On Day 8, the IPRD was removed and 150 μg of D (+) cloprostenol (Veteglan Luteolytic®), and 25 IU IM FSH/LH (Pluset®) were administered. Females of the EC (n = 84) group received 1 mg IM of oestradiol cypionate (EC; Cipionato HC®). Females on D8 of the hCG (n = 81) group received 500 IU IM of hCG (Vetecor®, Hertape Calier) at the time of TAI. The females of the EC + hCG group (n = 83) received both treatments. All cows were submitted to TAI 54 h after withdrawal of IPRD. A part of the cows (n = 102) had the ovulation evaluated every 12 h from the withdrawal of IPRD [EC (n = 34), hCG (n = 34), and hCG + EC (n = 33)]. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS PROC GLIMMIX. The dominant follicle diameter (FD) on Day 8 (8.7 ± 0.2, 8.8 ± 0.2, 8.6 ± 0.2) did not differ between treatments EC, EC + hCG, or hCG (P = 0.79). However, the FD on D10 was higher (P = 0.001) for cows treated with hCG (12.9 ± 0.3) compared with cows from the EC (11.3 ± 0.2) or EC + hCG group (11.8 ± 0.2). The interval (h) between the withdrawal of IPRD and ovulation was lower (P = 0.01) for the hCG group, (71.2 ± 1.7) compared with the groups treated with EC or EC + hCG (76.6 ± 2.18 and 74.2 ± 1.65), respectively. The ovulation rate did not differ (P = 0.61) among the EC (85.2%, 29/34), hCG (91.1%, 31/34), or EC + hCG groups (90.9%, 30/33). Corpus luteum diameter (mm) was higher (P = 0.04) on D17 for the hCG-treated group (21.4 ± 0.3) compared with others treatments (EC = 19.1 ± 0.8 or EC + hCG = 20.4 ± 0.8). However, the plasma progesterone levels on D17 were EC = 2.0 ± 0.1, hCG = 2.4 ± 0.1, and EC + hCG = 2.3 ± 0.1 ng mL–1 (P = 0.19), and the conception rate on the 28th day after TAI (EC = 43.0%; hCG = 47.0%, and EC + hCG = 48.8%; P = 0.76) was also similar. The hCG determined smallest ovulation interval, but similar rates of pregnancy were observed with both treatments.

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PSVII-30 Impacts of starch and fat concentrations on equine insulin sensitivity

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skz258.630 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽

pp. 312-312

Author(s):

Tanner P Price ◽

Claire B Gleason ◽

Douglas M Liebe ◽

Ty C Davis ◽

Linda Beckett ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Blood Glucose ◽

Insulin Sensitivity ◽

Fixed Effects ◽

Body Condition Score ◽

Block Design ◽

Experimental Period ◽

Sensitivity Index ◽

Hyperglycemic Clamp ◽

Condition Score ◽

Blood Glucose Concentrations

Abstract This study assessed how substituting starch energy for fat energy affects equine insulin sensitivity. A randomized, complete block design with 5 groups of 4 horses was used to evaluate responses to isoenergetic diets containing 7.1, 9.2, 11.5, 12.8 or 14.3% starch (dry matter basis, targeting 1.0–2.2 g starch/kg body weight). Horses were fed twice daily for 21 days, housed in individual box stalls, used in regular riding lessons, and blocked by plane of nutrition (PON), targeting +1 or -1 body condition score in 30 d. On d1 and d21, a hyperglycemic clamp was performed; horses received a jugular glucose infusion to double basal blood glucose concentrations ([Glu]) in 2 h. Samples for blood glucose and insulin determination were collected every 5 m until [Glu] was held at double basal for 30 minutes. Insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICI) were analysed using a general linear model with fixed effects for starch percent, PON, their interaction, and a covariate for number of workouts (WN). There was no effect (P > 0.10) of starch percent, PON, their interaction, or WN on initial or final ISI. Change in ISI scores was significantly affected by PON (P = 0.009) with a tendency for diet and PON interaction (P = 0.091). Initial QUICI was significantly affected by WN (P = 0.030), but no other relationships (P > 0.10) were observed for initial or final QUICI. Change in QUICI was affected by WN (P = 0.042) with a tendency for a PON effect (P = 0.082). The QUICI and ISI scores were significantly related (P < 0.001; R2=0.66), and their relationship did not interact with WN (0.751), experimental period (0.348), diet (P = 0.689) or PON (P = 0.200).

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