scholarly journals Effects of feeding system and pre-partum supplementation on the β-carotene status of South African Holstein cows

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-348
Author(s):  
L.J. Erasmus ◽  
G. Machpesh ◽  
R.J. Coertze ◽  
C.J.L. Du Toit
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Carotene Content ◽  
Forage Type ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
A Minor ◽  
Β Carotene ◽  
Carry Over Effect

AbstractThe objectives were to investigate the β-carotene status of dairy cows under various production systems, and to determine the effect of pre-partum β-carotene supplementation on their post-partum β-carotene status. Ten farms were selected from each of the three  production systems, namely pasture-based, hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) and silage-based TMR. Twenty cows per farm were sampled in each system, and blood plasma β-carotene concentration was determined with a portable spectrophotometer (n = 200 cows per system). Mean blood β-carotene concentrations of pasture-fed cows were 5.54 mg/L, and were higher (P <0.05) than concentrations of cows on hay-based (2.98 mg/L) and maize silage-based TMR systems (1.71 mg/L); in β-carotene status, therefore, these systems were optimal, marginal, and deficient, respectively. In the second experiment, 10 cows received a hay-based control TMR, and 10 were  supplemented with 1.2 g/day of β-carotene pre-partum from day -56 to calving and monitored until day 56 postpartum. The supplemented cows were in optimal β-carotene status until calving, with a minor carry-over effect until 10 days post partum, and then declined gradually in status until they needed supplementation. The β-carotene status between the groups differed from three weeks pre-partum to two weeks post partum, with the control group being marginal to deficient from three weeks pre-partum onwards. Forage type and its β-carotene content play a major role in the β-carotene status of cows and more research is needed on the potential storage and mobilization of β-carotene in cows.

scholarly journals Fatty Acid Composition and β-Carotene Content in Egg Yolk of Laying Hens Fed with Linseed, Paprika and Marigold

2016 ◽  
Vol 65 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 15-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nedeljka Spasevski ◽  
Dušica Čolović ◽  
Slađana Rakita ◽  
Predrag Ikonić ◽  
Olivera Đuragić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acids ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sunflower Meal ◽  
Carotene Content ◽  
Natural Pigments ◽  
Egg Yolks ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Β Carotene

SummaryEggs enriched with n-3 fatty acids and natural pigments are desirable in human food chain due to numerous benefits for health. In this study, we investigated the effects of inclusion of co-extruded linseed and sunflower meal into laying hens’ diet and replacement of synthesized pigment with paprika and marigold flower as sources of natural pigments. Four hundred 18–wk-old Bovan laying hens divided in two groups (control and experiment) were fed for 12 weeks. Fatty acids and β-carotene were monitored every fourth week and successively analyzed. Significantly (p<0.05) increased content of α-linolenic acid in egg yolk in the experimental group in comparison to the control group was observed with addition of linseed, paprika and marigold in laying hens’ nutrition. Nearly the same tendency was observed in eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) content. Supplementation of the co-extruded linseed and sunflower meal into laying hens’ diet demonstrated significantly (p<0.05) lower n-6/n-3 FA ratio in experimental group compared to control group. The obtained results showed that the synthetic pigment added to laying hens’ diet provided better pigmentation of egg yolks after one and two months of the feeding trial than paprika and marigold flower. The concentration of β-carotene in egg yolks increased in experimental group after three months of the treatment, and that was the first time that concentrations of β-carotene did not significantly (p < 0.05) differ among control and experimental group, which shows that paprika and marigold flower as sources of natural pigments can successfully replace synthetic pigment. We shall continue research in this field with other supplemented mixtures, as there are indices for other potential feed enhancements among oily seeds and herbs.

Blood Profile of Vitamin A and β-Carotene During Post-Partum Period in Surti Goats

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandhya S. Chaudhary ◽  
Tanvi D. Manat ◽  
Virendra Kumar Singh ◽  
Sanjay B. Patel
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
Vitamin A ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Blood Collection ◽  
Blood Profile ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Post Partum Period ◽  
Β Carotene

The present study was undertaken to study levels of vitamin A and β-carotene in blood of postpartum Surti goats. 40 Surti goats were selected comprising of 20 goats with recent parturition (treatment group) and 20 non-pregnant animals (control group). Blood collection was done on 0, 7, 14, 21, 30 and 45 day post-kidding (treatment group) and once from control group and analyzed for Vitamin A and β-carotene. Both the analytes were significantly low on 0 day. Significant difference (P Less Than 0.05) in vitamin A as well as β-carotene (P Less Than 0.01) was observed between 0 and 21st day postpartum followed by non-significant difference in vitamin A after 21 days. However, β-carotene values at 21st day significantly differed from those at 30th and 45th day. Non–significant difference between control and treatment group from 7th day onwards was observed in vitamin A. β-carotene values of treatment group were significantly lower at 0 and 21st day postpartum as compared to control. It was concluded that on the day of kidding there is decrease in circulatory levels of vitamin A and β-carotene and this decrease can be used as an indicator of stress.

scholarly journals The carry-over effect of an aquatic-based intervention in children with cerebral palsy

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha J. Ballington ◽  
Rowena Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
Cerebral Palsy ◽  
Motor Function ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Function Measurement ◽  
Gross Motor ◽  
Gross Motor Function ◽  
Carry Over ◽  
Carry Over Effect

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in childhood. Children with CP are more likely to have lower levels of physical activity than their peers, which has negative implications for their health. However, aquatic exercise can be used to improve levels of fitness among children with CP.Objective: To determine the carry-over effect of an aquatic-based programme (postural control and balance) on land (walking, running and jumping) in children with CP, post aquatic intervention.Method: The study used a pretest-post-test, randomised group, cross-over design. Children aged 8–12 years (n = 10) were divided into intervention (n = 5) and control (n = 5) groups. The intervention group participated in two 30-min sessions a week, while the control group continued with normal activities. Pre- and post-intervention testing was conducted using gross motor function measurement. The 10-point programme of the Halliwick Concept was used.Results: Results demonstrated that the aquatic therapy had a significant effect on gross motor function scores. The aquatic programme-based group showed increased motor function following the intervention, compared to the control group (z = -2.803, p = 0.005). Furthermore, the aquatic-based therapy improved the average score for gross motor function measurement, post-intervention.Conclusion: Together with conventional modes of therapy, aquatic-based programmes should be integrated and considered as an essential, ongoing mode of treatment for children with CP, in order to ensure long-term gross motor function improvements.

​Effect of Beta-carotene Supplementation on Plasma Carotene Content and Fertility of Lactating Crossbred Sahiwal Cows

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinod Bhateshwar ◽  
Dinesh Chandra Rai ◽  
Raj Kumar Duary
Keyword(s):  
Blood Plasma ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Beta Carotene ◽  
Fertility Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Carotene Content ◽  
Cont Group ◽  
Sahiwal Cows ◽  
Carotene Beta ◽  
Beta Group

Background: Beta-carotene (BETA) is a precursor of retinol (Vitamin A) and positively influenced on reproductive efficiency in cows. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of orally supplementation of beta-carotene on plasma carotene content and fertility rate of lactating crossbred Sahiwal cows. Methods: Twenty-four disease-free lactating crossbred Sahiwal cows with a close date of calving were randomly divided into two homogeneous groups for Control group (CONT; n = 12) and Beta-carotene group: 500 mg/cow/d (BETA; n = 12) from 7 days post partum (dpp) until 105 dpp thereafter on concentrations of beta-carotene and selected protein and energy parameters in plasma were determined. In addition, effects on fertility rate were studied. Result: Beta-carotene concentrations increased in plasma of beta-carotene (BETA-group) supplemented cows compared to control (CONT-group) cows (p less than 0.001). In BETA-group cows, urea concentration in blood plasma decreased significantly compared to cows of CONT-group (p less than 0.001) but did not differ in total protein, albumin, glucose and total cholesterol content in cows of both groups. Occurrence of first post partum estrus decreased (p less than 0.001) in beta-carotene (BETA-group: 74 dpp) cows compared to control (CONT-group: 81 dpp) cows. In this study, it was observed that the overall conception rate was higher (p greater than 0.001) in BETA-group: 83.33% (cows pregnant: 10/12) and lesser in the CONT-group: 50.00% (cows pregnant: 6/12). The results of this study indicated that oral supplementation with beta-carotene increased the concentration of beta-carotene and decreased the concentration of urea in plasma and cows with higher blood plasma beta-carotene content improved fertility over cows with lower blood plasma beta-carotene content.

scholarly journals The use of carotene-containing preparation in cows for the prevention of postpartum complications

2021 ◽  
pp. 1059-1066
Author(s):  
Tatyana Vladimirovna Zubova ◽  
Vladimir Alexandrovich Pleshkov ◽  
Oksana Vladimirovna Smolovskaya ◽  
Alexander Nikolaevich Mironov ◽  
Larisa Nikolaevna Korobeynikova
Keyword(s):  
Survival Rate ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metabolic Disturbances ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Carotene Content ◽  
Uterine Involution ◽  
Last Stage ◽  
And Control ◽  
Experimental Group ◽  
Β Carotene

Background and Aim: It is known that metabolic disturbances in the animal body negatively affect parturition, uterine involution, and, ultimately, fertility, especially in cows, during the first insemination. Although the method of diet optimization with the use of a software package results in positive outcomes, adjustment is required for certain groups of animals (e.g., cows), in accordance with the period of the year. Every year, in the spring and autumn, blood is taken from animals to detect metabolic disorders, and then either the diet is balanced or, if the cows lack vitamins and minerals, they are administered to cows parenterally or with food. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of using carotene-containing preparation in the prevention of postpartum complications in cows. Materials and Methods: Before the start of the experiment, blood was collected from the animals of the experimental and control groups, with ten animals in each group, and its serum was examined for the presence of carotene. Low carotene content was found in the serum of all animals (from 0.2 to 0.25 mg%) with the norm within the range of 0.40-0.62 mg%. The cows of the experimental group were injected subcutaneously with the carotene-containing preparation 30, 20, and 10 days before the expected calving date at a dose of 10 mL per head. The carotene-containing preparation was a solution of crystalline β-carotene substance in deodorized sunflower oil. Moreover, the share of β-carotene was at least 0.18%. The drug was administered intramuscularly into the rump. Results: In the postpartum period, the retention of the placenta was observed in two animals of the control group. The uterine involution in the cows of the control group was 16.0 (p<0.05) days longer than that in the cows of the experimental group. The duration of placenta separation in the cows of the control group was on average 3.21 h longer (p<0.01) than that in the cows of the experimental group. The period from calving to the introduction of the embryo was 63.17±1.56 days in the control group and 48.3±0.83 days in the experimental group. The survival rate of embryos in the cows of the experimental group was 60%, and the period from the calving date to the introduction of the embryo averaged 48 days, which were 14.9 (p<0.05) days less than that in the cows of the control group. Conclusion: When the carotene-containing preparation was administered in a dose of 10 mL subcutaneously to cows 30, 20, and 10 days before the calving date, the blood carotene content increased, and the duration of the last stage and uterine involution decreased. The period from the calving date to the introduction of the embryo was reduced to 48.3±0.83 days, and the survival rate of embryos was 60%.

The physiology of multifactorial problems limiting the establishment of pregnancy in dairy cattle

2012 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander C. O. Evans ◽  
Siobhan W. Walsh
Keyword(s):  
Production Systems ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Limiting Factor ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Embryo Mortality ◽  
Uterine Infection ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
Carry Over

The failure of cows to successfully establish pregnancy after insemination is an important limiting factor for the efficiency of dairy production systems. The physiological reasons for this are many and pertain to the post partum and early pregnancy periods. Cows that suffer severe negative energy balance after parturition are prone to diseases (including uterine infection) that are, in part, explained by reduced function of the immune system, having negative consequences for subsequent fertility. In high-producing dairy cows, the duration and intensity of oestrus is low as a consequence of low circulating oestradiol concentrations, and after insemination, high embryo mortality is the single biggest factor reducing calving rates. Embryo mortality occurs as consequences of poor oocyte quality (probably caused by the adverse metabolic environment) and by poor maternal uterine environment (probably caused by carry-over effects of uterine infection and low circulating progesterone concentrations). Immediate improvements in the fertility of lactating cows on many farms can be achieved by applying existing knowledge, but longer-term sustained improvement will require additional knowledge in many areas including the physiology of the tissues that contribute to reproduction.

scholarly journals Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Oxidative Status by β-Carotene in Late Pregnant Sows

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xupeng Yuan ◽  
Jiahao Yan ◽  
Ruizhi Hu ◽  
Yanli Li ◽  
Ying Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Dietary Supplementation ◽  
Basal Diet ◽  
Fecal Microbiota ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Metabolic Activities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Effect ◽  
Β Carotene

Recent evidences suggest that gut microbiota plays an important role in regulating physiological and metabolic activities of pregnant sows, and β-carotene has a potentially positive effect on reproduction, but the impact of β-carotene on gut microbiota in pregnant sows remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the effect and mechanisms of β-carotene on the reproductive performance of sows from the aspect of gut microbiota. A total of 48 hybrid pregnant sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) with similar parity were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 16) and fed with a basal diet or a diet containing 30 or 90 mg/kg of β-carotene from day 90 of gestation until parturition. Dietary supplementation of 30 or 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the number of live birth to 11.82 ± 1.54 and 12.29 ± 2.09, respectively, while the control group was 11.00 ± 1.41 (P = 0.201). Moreover, β-carotene increased significantly the serum nitric oxide (NO) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity (P &lt; 0.05). Characterization of fecal microbiota revealed that 90 mg/kg β-carotene increased the diversity of the gut flora (P &lt; 0.05). In particular, β-carotene decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes including Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group, Lachnospiraceae NK4B4 group and Ruminococcaceae UCG-008, but enriched Proteobacteria including Bilophila and Sutterella, and Actinobacteria including Corynebacterium and Corynebacterium 1 which are related to NO synthesis. These data demonstrated that dietary supplementation of β-carotene may increase antioxidant enzyme activity and NO, an important vasodilator to promote the neonatal blood circulation, through regulating gut microbiota in sows.

scholarly journals Semi-Transparent Organic Photovoltaics Applied as Greenhouse Shade for Spring and Summer Tomato Production in Arid Climate

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1152
Author(s):  
Rebekah Waller ◽  
Murat Kacira ◽  
Esther Magadley ◽  
Meir Teitel ◽  
Ibrahim Yehia
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Organic Photovoltaics ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
High Light ◽  
Growth And Yield ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tomato Crop ◽  
Tomato Production ◽  
Control Section

Recognizing the growing interest in the application of organic photovoltaics (OPVs) with greenhouse crop production systems, in this study we used flexible, roll-to-roll printed, semi-transparent OPV arrays as a roof shade for a greenhouse hydroponic tomato production system during a spring and summer production season in the arid southwestern U.S. The wavelength-selective OPV arrays were installed in a contiguous area on a section of the greenhouse roof, decreasing the transmittance of all solar radiation wavelengths and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) wavelengths (400–700 nm) to the OPV-shaded area by approximately 40% and 37%, respectively. Microclimate conditions and tomato crop growth and yield parameters were measured in both the OPV-shaded (‘OPV’) and non-OPV-shaded (‘Control’) sections of the greenhouse. The OPV shade stabilized the canopy temperature during midday periods with the highest solar radiation intensities, performing the function of a conventional shading method. Although delayed fruit development and ripening in the OPV section resulted in lower total yields compared to the Control section (24.6 kg m−2 and 27.7 kg m−2, respectively), after the fourth (of 10 total) harvests, the average weekly yield, fruit number, and fruit mass were not significantly different between the treatment (OPV-shaded) and control group. Light use efficiency (LUE), defined as the ratio of total fruit yield to accumulated PAR received by the plant canopy, was nearly twice as high as the Control section, with 21.4 g of fruit per mole of PAR for plants in the OPV-covered section compared to 10.1 g in the Control section. Overall, this study demonstrated that the use of semi-transparent OPVs as a seasonal shade element for greenhouse production in a high-light region is feasible. However, a higher transmission of PAR and greater OPV device efficiency and durability could make OPV shades more economically viable, providing a desirable solution for co-located greenhouse crop production and renewable energy generation in hot and high-light intensity regions.

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