Ghrelin Immunoreactive Cell Amounts in the Abomasum in 4-Month-Old Calves by Feeding Different Amounts of Prebiotics and New Synbiotics

The study aim was to determine prebiotic (inulin) and new synbiotic (inulin and Enterococcus faecium) varied dosage effects, during food breakdown-abomasum immunoreactive (IR) cell amount and cold carcass weight. Ghrelin is synthesized in the fundus region of the stomach. In the gastrointestinal system, ghrelin affects multiple functions, including secretion of gastric acid, gastric motility, and pancreatic protein output. The study consisted of 49 Holstein male calves (23 ± 5 days old, 50 ± 5 kg). Control and experimental groups were differentiated only with the additive amount added to the morning food source. Three prebiotic groups were fed Jerusalem artichoke flour (inulin content increased by 50%) in three amounts: 6 g (lowest) PreG6, 12 g (medium) PreG12, and 24 g (highest) PreG24. Three synbiotic groups were added 0.25 g of prebiotic Enterococcus faecium (2 ∗ 109 CFU/g) to the respective prebiotic, obtaining a new synbiotic (SynG6, SynG12, and SynG24). Calves were slaughtered after 56 days to obtain abomasum samples for ghrelin IR cell examination, and carcass weight was determined. It shows that ghrelin IR cell count in the abomasum was ( p < 0.05 ) reduced in 6g and 12g inulin dosage, but carcass weight was significantly ( p < 0.05 ) higher for PreG12 and PreG24 ( p < 0.05 ) and then for CoG (CoG 42.6 kg; PreG12 51.4 kg; and PreG24 54.0 kg) and ( p < 0.05 ) for SynG12 and SynG24 (SynG12 52.3 kg and SynG24 49.6 kg), which indicates longer satiety and more wholesome breakdown of the food uptake. It was concluded that ghrelin IR cells in 12-week-old calves are more abundant in the fundus region. Medium- and high-dosage prebiotic inulin feeding to the calves improves overall food digestion, allowing for longer satiety and higher cold carcass weight without increasing food amount. Adding synbiotic 0.25 g Enterococcus faecium (2 ∗ 109 CFU/g (Protexin, UK)) to inulin (produced in Latvia LTD „Herbe”) does not improve the results of this prebiotic.

Download Full-text

Gut microbial function and bacterially derived signals in cardiovascular disease

The Biochemist ◽

10.1042/bio03902022 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 22-25

Author(s):

Takeshi Kitai ◽

W.H. Wilson Tang

Keyword(s):

Cardiovascular Disease ◽

Human Body ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Pathogenic Microorganisms ◽

Vast Number ◽

Multiple Functions ◽

Immune Systems ◽

Microbial Function ◽

Food Digestion ◽

Number Of Bacteria

The human body is inhabited by a vast number of bacteria and other microorganisms, the majority residing in the gut. The collective microorganisms that live in coexistence with their hosts are referred to as the microbiome. Beyond its role in supporting physiological functions in food digestion, the microbiome also performs multiple functions and interacts dynamically with the host. The microbiome regulates the intestinal mucosal barriers and assist with development of systemic immune systems that potentiate the defence against malevolent pathogenic microorganisms. Collectively, the microbiota exerts a fundamental and necessary influence on systemic immunity and metabolism – a healthy gut microbiome means an overall healthy host.

Download Full-text

Blood parameters, carcass and meat quality of slaughter pigs with and without liver milk spots

Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry ◽

10.2298/bah1704397c ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (4) ◽

pp. 397-407 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nikola Cobanovic ◽

Dragan Vasilev ◽

Mirjana Dimitrijevic ◽

Vlado Teodorovic ◽

Ljiljana Jankovic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cell Count ◽

Meat Quality ◽

Live Weight ◽

Hemoglobin Concentration ◽

Quality Parameters ◽

Carcass Weight ◽

Pork Quality ◽

Indirect Measure ◽

Slaughter Pigs ◽

Dressing Percentage

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of liver milk spots on hematological, carcass and meat quality parameters in slaughter pigs. A total of 120 pigs with a live weight of approximately 115 kg and six months old were examined. Any signs of liver milk spots were recorded as present or absent according to Welfare Quality? protocol (2009). A complete blood picture was investigated. The following carcass quality parameters were measured: live, hot and cold carcass weights, dressing percentage, backfat thickness and meatiness. pH and temperature measurements were performed 45 minutes postmortem. Pork quality classes (PSE - pale, soft and exudative, normal, DFD - dark, firm and dry meat) were determined according to Adzitey and Nurul (2011) using pH45 value. Pigs with liver milk spots had significantly higher middle-sized cell count (monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) and neutrophils count, but significantly lower red blood cell count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and MCV than unaffected pigs. The same group of pigs had significantly lower live weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, dressing percentage and meatiness compared to the pigs free of milk spot lesions. Pigs showing liver milk spots had significantly higher pH45 value and incidence of DFD meat than pigs without pathological lesions in the livers. In conclusion, assessment of liver milk spots at slaughter line has potential to serve not only as an indirect measure of pig health and welfare, but also for the carcass and pork quality.

Download Full-text

SEM Observations on the Germination of Euonymous Americanus

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100119363 ◽

1985 ◽

Vol 43 ◽

pp. 508-509

Author(s):

D.R. Hill ◽

J.R. McCurry ◽

L.P. Elliott ◽

G. Howard

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽

Light Microscopy ◽

Filter Paper ◽

Room Temperature ◽

Food Source ◽

Environmental Chamber ◽

Dormant Stage ◽

Scanning Electron

Germination of Euonymous americanus in the laboratory has previously been unsuccessful. Ability to germinate Euonymous americanus. commonly known as the american strawberry bush, is important in that it represents a valuable food source for the white-tailed deer. Utilizing the knowledge that its seeds spend a period of time in the rumin fluid of deer during their dormant stage, we were successful in initiating germination. After a three month drying period, the seeds were placed in 25 ml of buffered rumin fluid, pH 8 at 40°C for 48 hrs anaerobically. They were then allowed to dry at room temperature for 24 hrs, placed on moistened filter paper and enclosed within an environmental chamber. Approximately four weeks later germination was detected and verified by scanning electron microscopy; light microscopy provided inadequate resolution. An important point to note in this procedure is that scarification, which was thought to be vital for germination, proved to be unnecessary for successful germination to occur. It is believed that germination was propagated by the secretion of enzymes or prescence of acids produced by microorganisms found in the rumin fluid since sterilized rumin failed to bring about germination.

Download Full-text