Biochemical Assessment of Peas Pisum sativum Varieties

Seven peas (Pisum sativum L.) varieties different originated, i.e, X07P54, X06PWY, NDPO80138-B-2, CA1P, L020140, Wt6803 and Mir were studied. Biochemical assessment of fresh aboveground biomass and seeds of peas varieties were done. At the beginning of flowering stage the NDPO80138-B-2 and X07P54 were reported high levels for crude protein (22.33% and 21.87%), crude fibre (25.94% and 25.76%) and crude ash (10.39% and 9.47%). In technical maturity with high crude protein and crude fibre contents NDPO80138-B-2 (21.59% and 21.38%), X06PWY (19.95% and 21.36%), X07P54 (19.78% and 20.57%) and CA1P (19.60% and 22.53%) were distinguished; by calcium CA1P (2.09%), and by phosphorus Wt6803 (0.54%). More significant variability in phosphorus content (21.27%) and Ca:P ratio (25.65%) in fresh biomass was observed. The lowest coefficient of variation was found for crude fibre (5.43%), crude ash (7.81%) and crude protein content (9.00%). The variability of parameters in technical maturity was found low and ranges from 2.34% for crude protein to 9.27 for phosphorus. The green mass yield is positively correlated with the calcium content (r = 0.581), phosphorus (r = 0.316) and crude ash (r = 0.077) and the seed yield positive correlated with calcium content (r = 0.79). The relationships found between qualitative indicators could be used in the breeding programs of peas.

Effect of Feeding a High Calcium: Phosphorus Ratio, Phosphorous Deficient Diet on Hypophosphatemic Rickets Onset in Broilers

Recently, a P-deficient diet caused rickets in commercial chicks within three days. This study aimed to investigate the duration of onset of rickets in chicks. Data were collected from 3–11 day old chicks raised on 88 commercial farms. Male day-old Arbor Acres Plus broilers (n = 450) were studied in three trials, with three to four treatments each. Each treatment used one of the following crumbled feeds: control feed (calcium (Ca): phosphorus (P)-1.41), slightly high Ca:P feed (SHCa:P, Ca:P-2.69), high Ca:P ratio, P deficient feed (HCa:P, Ca:P-3.08), and HCa:P feed plus 1.5% dicalcium phosphate (HCa:P + DP). Each treatment had three replicates with 15 birds each. Rickets was induced by HCa:P, and cured by HCa:P + DP, confirmed by gross anatomy, gait score, serum P concentration and growth performance. Lameness was not found in control groups, whereas, observed in the HCa:P groups as early as day 2.7 on commercial farms and day 3 in experimental farm. Serum P was reduced in HCa:P (p < 0.01). Bodyweight and feed intake started decreasing at day 3 on commercial farms and in all trials (p < 0.01). The duration of onset of hypophosphatemic rickets in broiler chicks fed HCa:P crumbled feed is approximately three days.

Using a Commercial Gut-Loading Diet to Create a Positive Calcium to Phosphorus Ratio in Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor)

Mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor ) are one of the most common feeder insects fed to exotic animals due to their high acceptance rate, larval longevity, and ease of care. Unfortunately, in their natural commercial state, they are severely deficient in calcium and can predispose exotic animals to hypocalcemia and related metabolic disorders. Gut loading insects with calcium-rich diets is recommended to improve the insects’ nutrient content and to achieve a calcium to phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio of at least 1:1; however, there are few commercial gut loading diets specifically made for mealworms. In this study, mealworms were gut loaded with a newly developed high calcium mealworm diet for 0, 24, or 48 hours. All mealworms were analyzed for dry matter (DM), moisture, calcium, and phosphorus at each time point. Due to the dry nature of the diet, moisture content decreased over time (mean moisture content= 75%, 70%, and 66% at time 0, 24, and 48 hrs, respectively). Calcium content was significantly increased by 24 hrs (p=0.011) and remained elevated at 48 hrs for both the as fed and DM measurements (median calcium DM: 0.07%, 3.5%, and 3.7% at 0, 24, and 48 hrs, respectively). Ca:P ratios were also significantly increased for both the 24 hr (p=0.028) and 48 hr (p= 0.028) periods (median Ca:P DM:1:20, 3.2:1, and 3.6:1 at 0, 24, and 48 hrs, respectively). This data supports the diet’s claim to provide a positive Ca:P ratio in mealworms fed the diet for 48 hours.

Kandungan dan Serapan Mineral Pucuk Indigofera zollingeriana dari Tanaman dengan Kerapatan Tanam Berbeda

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the mineral contents of I. zollingeriana growing with different planting densities. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with three different planting densities (8,000 plants per ha, 13,333 plants per ha, and 20,000 plants per ha) and 3 replication. Plant biomass was analyzed for macro and micro mineral contents as well as Ca:P ratio. The results showed that increased planting densities significantly increased (p<0.05) P, Cu, and Cr contents, but decreased Ca and Na contents had no significant effect on Mg, K, Mn, Zn and Fe contents. Furthermore, the increased planting densities significantly decreased (p<0.05) uptakes of Ca, K, Mn, and Fe by the plants, but increased (p<0.05) the uptakes of Cu and Cr. Meanwhile, the uptakes of P, K, Na, and Zn were not affected by planting densities. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the planting density of I. zollingeriana should be maintained in 8,000 plants ha-1 to maintain the content and uptake of mineral in forage crops. Key words: defoliation periods, Indigofera zollingeriana, macrominerals, micro minerals, planting density

Evaluation of serum parameters to predict the dietary intake of calcium and available phosphorus in growing pigs

Adequate provision of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) is essential for bone formation and high growth performance in pigs. Nevertheless, reliable serum biomarkers for pig’s Ca and P intake are still missing. Here, we used phytase supplementation to alter the dietary available P (aP) level in order to investigate the effect of differences in dietary aP levels on serum parameters related to the Ca and P homeostasis in pigs. Moreover, we assessed whether serum parameters can be used to predict the Ca, total P (tP) and aP intake in barrows and gilts throughout the fattening period. In total, 216 pigs (115 gilts and 101 barrows) were randomly allotted to 1 of 2 diets in 3 replicate batches, each lasting 56 days (n =108/diet). Pigs had free a, ccess to the diets without (Con) or with phytase (Phy; 650 phytase units/kg) via a transponder-based feeding system. Blood samples were collected on days 2, 23 and 52 and serum parameters were correlated to the daily Ca, tP, and aP intake. The intake of tP, aP, and Ca was overall 14.2, 13.8, and 14.2% higher in barrows compared to gilts, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). Concurrently, phytase decreased the intake of tP and Ca by 8.4 and 6.7%, respectively, whereas it raised the intake of aP by 16.3% compared to Con diet (P &lt; 0.001). Serum levels of fibroblast growth factor 23, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), vitamin D (VitD) and osteocalcin (OCN) decreased with age (P &lt; 0.05). The higher aP intake of pigs fed Phy diet increased serum P on days 2 and 23 but decreased it on day 52 compared to Con diet (P = 0.004). Pigs fed Phy diet had higher serum ALP compared to pigs fed Con diet on days 23 and 52 (P &lt; 0.05). Correlation analysis between serum parameters and Ca, tP and aP intake showed age- and sex-related associations. With 12 weeks of age serum P in both sexes, serum VitD in barrows and serum OCN and ALP in gilts correlated with aP intake (|r| &gt; 0.38), whereas serum OCN correlated with Ca in both sexes’ intake (r &gt; 0.50). At 20 weeks, serum Ca and ALP in gilts correlated with aP intake, whereas serum P, Ca and VitD correlated with Ca intake in both sexes (|r| &gt; 0.39). In conclusion, present results showed that the daily Ca and aP intake could be most reliably estimated from serum parameters for an approximate age of 12 and 20 weeks. Serum P and the Ca:P ratio at 12 weeks of age and serum VitD at 20 weeks of age may be used to predict pig’s daily aP intake in both sexes.

Mineral Composition of Cereal and Cereal-Free Dry Dog Foods versus Nutritional Guidelines

The aims of the present work are to estimate the nutritional value and to evaluate and compare the levels of macroelements (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg), microelements (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu), heavy metals (Co, Cd, Pb, Mo, Cr, Ni), and their ratios in extruded complete foods for adult dogs, their compatibility with nutritional guidelines, as well as food profile similarity. Basic composition was determined according to Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Analyses for elements were performed using an atomic absorption spectrometer. All the evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum recommended levels for protein and fat. Eighteen tested dog foods (60%) did not meet at least one recommendation of nutritional guidelines. Four dog foods exceeded the legal limit of Fe and five foods exceeded the legal limit of Zn; in one of them, Zn level was almost twice higher. Dog foods with insect protein exceeded the legal limit for Mn content. Eight dog foods had an inappropriate Ca:P ratio. Heavy metals were below detection limit in all analyzed dog foods. The results seem to show the need for regular feed analyses of the elemental composition in raw materials before introducing supplementation and for the monitoring of the mineral composition of finished pet food.

281 Young Scholar Presentation: Digestibility of calcium and phosphorus in feed ingredients fed to gestating sows and growing pigs

In practical diet formulation, values for standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of Ca and P obtained in growing pigs are also applied to sows. However, gestating sows have reduced digestibility and retention of Ca and P compared with growing pigs, and the impact of microbial phytase on the digestibility of P and Ca is much less in sows than in growing pigs. Applying STTD values for Ca and P obtained in growing pigs to diets for gestating sows, therefore, results in an overestimation of the absorbed Ca and P in sows (Table 1). Further research, however, indicated that the digestibility of Ca and P in late gestating sows is greater than in sows in early or mid-gestation and retention of Ca and P was greater in late-gestation compared with earlier gestation periods, which indicates that digestion and absorption of Ca and P may be under hormonal control in sows (Table 2). It was also demonstrated that a wide Ca:P ratio decreased P digestibility in both growing pigs and sows in late-gestation, which demonstrates the need for not overfeeding STTD Ca. In follow-up research, it was demonstrated that several serum biomarkers may be used to predict if a sow is in a positive or a negative Ca and P state, but more research is needed to quantify this effect and to determine if biomarkers can be used in Ca and P requirement experiments. In conclusion, gestating sows have much lower digestibility of Ca and P than growing pigs, which demonstrates that digestibility values obtained in growing pigs cannot be used to accurately formulate diets for gestating sows. Likewise, effects of microbial phytase on digestibility of Ca and P are much less predictable in gestating sows than in growing pigs and phytase effects in sows are much smaller than in growing pigs.

Comparison of the Remineralizing Effect of Brushing with Aloe vera versus Fluoride Toothpaste

Objectives The aim of the present in vitro study is to compare the remineralization brushing effect of three toothpastes and Aloe vera (AV) gel. Materials and Methods Forty sound extracted teeth were placed in a demineralizing solution for 4 days and randomly assigned to four groups: group A: 1,450-ppm fluoride toothpaste; group B: AV nonfluoridated toothpaste; group C: AV 1,000-ppm fluoridated toothpaste; and group D: AV gel. A 3-minute pH cycling was performed twice a day for each group for 12 days. Specimens were analyzed before and after by scanning electron microscope—energy dispersive X-ray. Statistical analysis The outcomes were analyzed by Kolmogorov–Smirnov’s tests, repeated-measures analyses of variance followed by univariate analyses, and Bonferroni’s multiple comparisons tests to compare the calcium-to-phosphorus (Ca:P) ratio within time among toothpaste groups. Results Following remineralization, the Ca:P ratio increased in all groups. The difference of the Ca:P ratio was not significant between groups C, D, and A. The mean ratio was significantly lower in group B (p-value = 0.026). Conclusions The AV gel demonstrated a remineralization capacity equal to that of the 1,450-ppm fluoride toothpaste. In contrast, fluoride-free AV toothpaste showed a lower remineralization efficiency. Further studies are required to understand its mechanism.

Electrolytes Profile of Estrual Mucus of Gir Cows with Reference to Body Condition Score and Fertility

Fifty Gir cows of different reproductive status (10 = normal cyclic, 20 = repeat breeders and 20=induced estrus) were selected to determine the association of electrolytes mainly the macro-minerals profile of their estrual cervico-vaginal mucus (CVM) to their body condition score (BCS) and fertility post-AI. The overall pooled mean concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium obtained in CVM of Gir cows were 14.27 ± 0.33 mg/dL, 1.87 ± 0.13 mg/dL, 4.24 ± 0.10 mEq/L, 159.85 ± 5.52 mEq/L and 29.50 ± 0.78 mEq/L, respectively. The repeat breeding cows had significantly (p less than 0.01) higher calcium and lower inorganic phosphorus, sodium and potassium in their CVM than the normal cyclic and/or induced estrus cows. Similarly, the conceived cows, overall and of repeater group, had significantly (p less than 0.05) lower calcium and higher phosphorus, sodium and potassium than the non-conceived cows. However, no such variation was found in the magnesium content of CVM of these groups. Further, the levels of calcium in CVM showed an increasing trend, while other elements showed a decreasing trend with an increase in BCS from 2.5 to 3.5 (on 0-5 point scale) in all three categories of animals, but the differences were not significant for BCS within the group/category. It was thus inferred that significantly increased or widened Ca:P ratio and absolute lower levels of sodium and potassium in CVM could be responsible for conception failure and repeat breeding in dairy cows.

Güneydoğu Anadolu Bölgesinin Farklı Lokasyonlarından Toplanan Salvia multicaulis VAHL. Türünde Ot Kalite Değerlerinin Belirlenmesi

The study was conducted to determine forage quality criteria of Salvia multicaulis VAHL. species collected from different locations of Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey in 2018. Results of statistical analysis of the study data revealed that there were significant differences among the locations for all of the investigated traits. Additionally, among the locations the investigated traits were changed as following; dry matter content (DM) 88.66-91.58%, crude protein content (CP) 16.47-25.37%, insoluble protein content in acid detergent (ADP) 0.8%-1.10%, acid detergent fiber content (ADF) 22.08-29.54%, neutral detergent fiber content (NDF) 29.71-%43.85%, calcium (Ca) content 1.22-1.82%, phosphor (P) content 0.23-0,40%, Ca:P ratio 3.05-6.87, potassium (K) content 1.20-2.58%, magnesium (Mg) content 0.28-0.46% and K/(Ca+Mg) ratio 0.55-1.44. Results of the study revealed that dry forage of Salvia multicaulis species is both rich in terms of crude protein content and having a high digestibility level and its macro minerals content and K/(Ca+Mg) ratio to be sufficient for animal feeding. However, due to its too high level Ca:P ratio than critical top level (2:1), it is important to be careful against the risk of poisoning of animals when the forages of this species are used in animal feeding. Hence, additional research is required to determine the harmful effect of the species on the livestock health.