286 Effects of Supplementation of Quebracho Extract Supplementation on Ruminal Ph of Growing Beef Steers

Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic disorder occurring when organic acid production exceeds clearance capacity, reducing ruminal pH. Acidosis occurrence has been directly correlated to the ratio of concentrate to forage in the diet. However, the rates of substrate fermentation and acid absorption vary at different locations in the rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the pH in different locations of the rumen using 16 rumenally- cannulated steers (309 ± 43 kg) receiving quebracho extract (QT; Schinopsis balansae) within a grower-type diet [25:75 forage-to-concentrate, dry matter (DM) % basis]. Animals were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments (n = 4): QT at 0, 1, 2, and 3% of DM (QT0, QT1, QT2, and QT3). Animals were adapted to the basal diet (QT0) for 12-d before being introduced to predetermined treatments for four weeks, with feed provided twice daily to allow ad libitum intake. Weekly measurements of ruminal fluid pH and redox potential (Eh) were taken four h post-feeding using a portable pH and redox meter probe in four locations of the rumen (cranial sac, ventral sac, dorsal sac, and reticulum). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and week as repeated measures. The DM intake was included as a covariate. There was no interaction among diet, location, and week (P ≥ 0.925) on pH. Overall, ruminal pH was lower for QT0 and QT1 compared to QT3 (P < 0.001). Ruminal pH in the cranial sac and reticulum was greater than in the dorsal sac (5.98, 6.03, and 5.87, respectively; P = 0.001). Redox potential was lower for QT0 in week 1 than all other treatments (P = 0.042). This study indicated that pH differs among locations of the rumen regardless of QT supplementation level and days on feed.

Technical note: The Comparison of pH and Redox Potential in Different Locations in the Reticulo-Rumen of Growing Beef Steers Supplemented with Different Levels of Quebracho Extract

Rumen acidosis is a common metabolic disorder occurring when organic acid production exceeds clearance capacity, reducing ruminal pH. The occurrence of acidosis has been directly correlated to the ratio of concentrate to forage in the diet. However, rates of substrate fermentation and acid absorption vary at different locations in the reticulo-rumen. The objective of this study was to determine the pH and redox potential (Eh) in different locations of the reticulo-rumen using 16 ruminally cannulated steers (309 ± 43 kg) receiving different supplementation levels of quebracho extract (QT; Schinopsis balansae) within a grower-type diet (CP : 13.4 %; TDN: 70.4 %, and ME : 2.55 Mcal/kg, basis dry matter [DM] basis). Animals were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments: QT at 0, 1, 2, and 3% of DM (QT0, QT1, QT2, and QT3; respectively), containing about 0, 0.7, 1.4, and 2.1% of condensed tannins (CT), DM basis, respectively. Animals were adapted to the basal diet for 12-d before being introduced to predetermined treatments for 4 weeks (wk), with diets provided twice daily to allow ad libitum intake. Weekly measurements of ruminal fluid pH and Eh were taken 4 h post-feeding using a portable pH meter with 2 probes (pH and redox) in four locations of the reticulo-rumen (reticulum, cranial sac, dorsal sac, and ventral sac). Data were analyzed using a random coefficients model with the pen as a random effect and wk as repeated measures, with DM intake included as a covariate. There was no interaction among treatments, location, and wk (P ≥ 0.882) on reticulo-ruminal pH. Overall, ruminal pH was lower for QT0 and QT1 compared to QT3 (P < 0.001). The pH in the reticulum was greater than those of the ventral and dorsal sacs (6.05 vs. 5.94, 5.89, respectively; P ≤ 0.001) but similar to cranial sac (6.00). Reticular pH was positively correlated with the ruminal locations ( ≥ 0.78; P < 0.001). The linear equation to estimate ruminal mean pH using reticulum pH had an intercept and slope different from zero (P ≤ 0.04), but CT (% DM) was not different from zero (P = 0.15), root mean square error of 0.15, and R 2 of 0.778: 0.723 (±0.36) + 0.857 (±0.059) × Reticulum pH + 0.033 (±0.023) × CT. The redox potential was lower for QT0 in wk 1 than all other treatments (P < 0.001). We concluded that reticulo-ruminal pH differs among locations in the rumen regardless of QT supplementation level and days on feed, with reticular pH being the highest.

Meat Qualities and Interior Features of Crossbred Young Sheep when Using a Microbiological Preparation

Представлены результаты исследований влияния микробиологического препарата ЭМ-Курунга на мясные качества и интерьерные особенности помесных ягнят, полученных на базе МАУ «Ярославский зоопарк». Мясную продуктивность молодняка овец оценивали по показателям массы туши, выхода туши и убойному выходу. Интерьерные особенности определяли по абсолютной и относительной массе внутренних органов (печени и почек), желудочно-кишечного тракта и развитию слизистой оболочки рубца. У опытных ягнят оказались лучше развиты мясные качества (предубойная масса, масса и выход туши), чем у сверстников контрольной группы. Преимущество по предубойной массе у опытных ягнят над их сверстниками, не получавшими микробиологический препарат, составило 2,7 кг, по выходу туши – 2,7%, убойному выходу – 2,9%. По линейным размерам печени и почек существенных отличий обнаружено не было. При этом масса печени у ягнят опытной группы была на 21,1 г больше. Включение микробиологического препарата ЭМ-Курунга в рацион ягнят способствовало лучшему развитию органов пищеварительного тракта, слизистой оболочки рубца и сосочков на ней. Самые высокие и крупные сосочки имелись на вентральной части рубца, их высота у ягнят составила 3–4 мм. В дорсальном мешке рубца они менее развиты, в среднем в группах высота сосочков составила 1,5–2,3 мм. При лучшем их развитии увеличивается контактная поверхность рубца, в результате повышается использование питательных веществ кормов, что выражается в лучших мясных качествах животных. The research results of influence of microbiological preparation EM-Kurung on meat qualities and interior features of crossbred lambs obtained on the basis of MAI "Yaroslavl Zoo" are presented. The meat productivity of young sheep was assessed by the mass of carcass, the yield of carcass and the slaughter yield. Interior features were determined by the absolute and relative weight of innards (liver and kidneys), the gastrointestinal tract and the development of the rumen mucus membrane. Experimental lambs turned out to have better developed meat qualities (pre-slaughter mass, mass and carcass yield) than herdmates of the control group. The advantage in pre-slaughter weight of experimental lambs over their herdmates who did not receive the microbiological preparation was 2.7 kg, in carcass yield – 2.7%, in slaughter yield – 2.9%. No significant differences were found in linear liver and kidney sizes. At the same time, the liver weight of the experimental group lambs was 21.1 g more. The inclusion of the microbiological preparation EM-Kurung in the lamb diet contributed to the better development of the digestive tract organs, the rumen mucus membrane and papillae on it. The highest and largest papillae were on the ventral part of the rumen, their height in the lambs was 3–4 mm. In the dorsal sac of the rumen they are less developed, on average in groups the height of papillae was 1.5–2.3 mm. With their best development the contact surface of the rumen increases, as a result, the use of nutrients of feed increases, which is expressed in the best meat qualities of animals.

Doppler Ultrasonographic Study of the Spleen in Live Post Natal Goats

Background: The Ultrasonograph of spleen in live goats were studied using a convex probe 2.5 to 5 MHz Colour Doppler Mylab onevet (e-saote) German Ultrasound Scanner in Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Namakkal.Methods: The extent of spleen in live goats when examined by USG revealed differences from the usual gross anatomical observations made in the embalmed or exsanguinated goats. The parietal surface of spleen was in direct contact with the pulmonary diaphragm while the ventral visceral surface lay over the cranial part of dorsal sac of the rumen.Result: The capsule was highly echogenic while the parenchyma consisted of numerous weak echoes distributed homogenously. The splenic vessels were anechoic with hyperechoic walls and appeared as longitudinal or cross sections. The greatest length was found at 11th intercostal space during the post-natal age of three to five months which was about 6 cm. The greatest length was found at 10th intercostal space during the post-natal age of eight to twelve months which was about 7 cm. The greatest length was found at 9th intercostal space during the post-natal age above one year which was about 9 to 15 cm. During the post-natal age above one year the smallest length was found to be behind the last rib which was about 4 cm in adult goats.

Aspects of digestive function in sheep related to phenotypic variation in methane emissions

Ruminant livestock contribute to atmospheric methane (CH4) from enteric microbial fermentation of feed in the reticulo-rumen. Our research aimed to increase understanding of how digestive characteristics and rumen anatomy of the host animal contribute to variation in CH4 emissions between individual sheep. In total, 64 ewes were used in an incomplete block experiment with four experimental test periods (blocks). Ewes were chosen to represent the diversity of phenotypic variation in CH4 emissions: there were at least 10 offspring from each of four sires and a range of liveweights. Throughout the experiment, the ewes were fed equal parts of lucerne and oaten chaff, twice daily, at 1.5 times the maintenance requirements. Daily CH4 emission (g/day) increased significantly (P < 0.001) with an increasing dry-matter intake (DMI) and reticulo-rumen volume (P < 0.001). Lower methane yield (g CH4/kg DMI) was associated with shorter mean retention times of liquid (r = 0.59; P < 0.05) and particle (r = 0.63; P < 0.05) phases of the digesta in the rumen. Significant between sire variation was observed in CH4 emissions and in rumen volume (P = 0.02), the masses of liquids (P = 0.009) and particles (P < 0.03) in the rumen and the proportion of gas in the dorsal sac of the rumen (P = 0.008). The best predictors of variation in CH4 emissions due to the host were DMI, CO2 emissions, rumen volume, liveweight, mean retention time of particles in the rumen, dorsal papillae density and the proportion of liquid in the contents of the rumen compartments.

Testing the diagnostic value of the dorsal sac and other structures of the roof of the female genital chamber within the plant bugs genus Psallus Fieber (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Miridae, Phylinae)

The roof (dorsal wall) of the female genital chamber (bursa copulatrix) was compared in 31 species representing six subgenera of the taxonomically difficult genus Psallus Fieber, 1858. This investigation tested the potential value of different elements of the dorsal wall (dorsal sac, sclerotized rings, spermathecal gland, lateral oviducts, and infolding of the lateral margins), anticipating diagnostic characters and phylogenetic information for a genus in need of revision. The dorsal sac, a very variable membranous pouch differentiated from the vaginal wall, appears highly informative in providing reliable diagnostic characters at species level; to some extent it may also reveal related species. At subgenus or genus level, the dorsal sac must be examined with other equally informative structures of the roof. In some cases, strong evidence is provided by these structures aiding the recognition of related and unrelated species. The subgenus Pityopsallus Wagner forms a homogenous species-group which does not seems closely related to Psallus s.l. and should be raised to generic status as already proposed by several authors. The subgenus Hylopsallus Wagner appears to gather several species united by at least one synapomorphy after removing unrelated species such as P. (Hylopsallus) callunae Reuter. Also, it is clear that Psallus pardalis Seidenstücker and Psallus jungaricus Vinokurov & Luo should be excluded from Psallus. One or several characters in the roof of some phyline species (Atractotomus Fieber, Campylomma Reuter, Europiella Reuter, Phoenicocoris Reuter, Plagiognathus Fieber, Phylus Hahn, Sthenarus Fieber) appear to be distinct from those of Psallus species.

Developmental changes of <i>GHR</i> and <i>IGF-I</i> mRNA expression in lamb rumen

Lambs from birth (0-day-old) to 56-day-old were selected in present study to investigate developmental changes of growth hormone receptor (GHR) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA expression in their rumen tissue. Forty-five lambs (5 lambs per group) were slaughtered at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56 days of age respectively for sampling the tissue of the rumen dorsal sac. The abundance of GHR and IGF-I mRNA were detected through real-time quantitative PCR method. The results indicated that the expression levels of GHR and IGF-I mRNA had similar change tendency in rumen tissue that the GHR and IGF-I mRNA abundance decreased with age from birth to 56-day-old. There was significant positive correlation between the two gene mRNA expression levels. The results suggested that GHR and IGF-I gene expression levels had the specific developmental pattern in rumen tissue.

Digestion, rumen fermentation and circulating concentrations of insulin, growth hormone and IGF-1 in steers given maize silages harvested at three stages of maturity

Advancing maturity of forage maize is associated with increases in the proportion of dry matter (DM) and starch and decreases in the proportions of structural carbohydrates in the ensiled crop. Three maize silages (286 (low, L), 329 (medium, M) and 379 (high, H) g DM per kg fresh weight) plus a concentrate formulated to give isonitrogenous intakes were offered to Holstein-Friesian steers fitted with a cannula in the dorsal sac of the rumen and a ‘T’ piece cannula in the proximal duodenum in an experiment with a cross-over design that allowed four collection periods. Nutrient flow to the duodenum was estimated using chromium-EDTA. Steers consumed approximately 0·6 kg DM per day less of diet L compared with the other two diets (P=0·026), resulting in less DM being digested (P=0·005) but digestibility did not differ between diets. Similar results were obtained for organic matter. There were no differences between diets in the intake or digestibility of neutral-detergent fibre. Intake, duodenal flow and faecal output of starch were greater for steers offered diets M and H compared with those given diet L (P<0·05). In all diets rumen digestion contributed to over 90% of total digestion of starch, although rumen digestibility declined significantly with advancing maize maturity (P=0·002). Molar proportions of acetic acid were higher in diet H (P<0·05) whilst proportions of propionic acid and n-butyric acid were higher in diets M and L. There were no significant differences between diets in mean rumen pH or ammonia concentrations. Mean circulating concentrations of insulin were higher (P=0·009) in cattle given diets L and M compared with diet H. There were no differences between diets in the mean circulating concentration of growth hormone, or the frequency, amplitude and duration of growth hormone pulses, or the mean circulating concentrations of IGF-1. Changes in forage composition that accompany advancing maize maturity affect overall silage digestion and circulating concentrations of insulin.