bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Association of Pioglitazone Use and Bladder Cancer Through Drug Adverse Event Reporting
Authors: Piccinni Carlo , Motola Domenico , Marchesini Giulio , Poluzzi Elisabetta
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association between pioglitazone use and bladder cancer through a spontaneous adverse event reporting system for medications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Case/noncase bladder cancer reports associated with antidiabetic drug use were retrieved from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) between 2004 and 2009 and analyzed by the reporting odds ratio (ROR).

RESULTS

Ninety-three reports of bladder cancer were retrieved, corresponding to 138 drug-reaction pairs (pioglitazone, 31; insulin, 29; metformin, 25; glimepiride, 13; exenatide, 8; others, 22). ROR was indicative of a definite risk for pioglitazone (4.30 [95% CI 2.82–6.52]), and a much weaker risk for gliclazide and acarbose, with very few cases being treated with these two drugs (6 and 4, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with preclinical and clinical studies, AERS analysis is consistent with an association between pioglitazone and bladder cancer. This issue needs constant epidemiologic surveillance and urgent definition by more specific studies.
GUIDE TO THE GEOMETRIDAE OF CANADA (LEPIDOPTERA). VI. SUBFAMILY LARENTIINAE. I. REVISION OF THE GENUS EUPITHECIA
Authors: Bolte K.B.
Published: April 2011

A revision of 62 taxa of Eupithecia of Canada has been carried out. A generalized description of key characters for the identification of the Geometridae and the Eupithecia in adult, larval and pupal stages is given. Included is a key for the Eupithecia adults.A description is given of each species, supplemented by scanning electron microscope photographs of the terminal segment of the pupa and the head and antenna of the adult, with line drawings of male and female genitalia, colour photographs of the adults, and distribution maps. Special emphasis is given to descriptions of the antenna and its cuticle, to the everted vesica of the male genitalia, and to the pupa.Life histories are given for 45 of the taxa. In some cases specimens of Palaearctic and Nearctic species were examined together for the first time and as a result, changes in the taxonomy are made. Altogether, 27 taxonomic changes are made, eight new groups proposed, one group split into two, and two new species described.The species have been loosely rearranged according to the shape of the males eighth sternite.
REVIEW OF THE NEW WORLD EYELESS WEEVILS WITH UNCINATE TIBIAE (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE; MOLYTINAE, CRYPTORHYNCHINAE, COSSONINAE)
Authors: Howden Anne T.
Published: April 2011

The majority of the species of the New World litter-inhabiting eyeless weevils belong to groups possessing uncinate tibiae: Molytinae, Cryptorhynchinae, and Cossoninae. The remaining species are Raymondionymini (Erirhininae) and are not included in this work.Eight genera and 40 species with uncinate tibiae are diagnosed and keyed.CaecossonusGilbert (four species) is revised and the following new species are described:C.continuus(Mexico);C.sylvaticus(Belize).DecuanellusOsella (10 species) is revised and the following new species are described:D.bahamensis(Bahama Islands);D.brevicrus(Virgin Islands);D.iviei(Virgin Islands);D.longirostris(Puerto Rico);D.muchmorei(Virgin Islands). The new genusKuschelaxiusis proposed and the type speciesK.tomentosus(Puerto Rico) is described from Puerto Rico. The new speciesK.disciferis described from Hispaniola. No new species are described in the remaining genera:HowdeniolaOsella (two species, Colombia);LymantesSchoenherr (five species, central United States, El Salvador);NeotorneumaHustache (one species, Chile);PseudoalaocybitesOsella (15 species, Cuba, Jamaica, Colombia, and Venezuela);PseudocaecocossonusOsella (one species, Cuba). There are many undescribed species inLymantesandPseudoalaocybites, and problems precluding much-needed revisions of these genera are detailed.New combinations and a new synonymy are as follows:BordoniolaOsella is transferred to Raymondionymini;Howdeniolais transferred to Cossoninae;Caecossonus negreaiOsella is transferred toPseudoalaocybites(Pseudoalaocybites);Pseudoalaocybites(Pseudoalaocybites)venezuelanusOsella is transferred toP. (Croizatius);Pseudoalaocybites(Croizatius)montanusOsella is a junior synonym ofP. (C.)latithoraxOsella.Both the geological history of the Caribbean and dispersal by overwater rafting influenced the present distribution patterns ofCaecossonusandDecuanellus.
A REVISION OF THE GENERA BRYOPORUS KRAATZ AND BRYOPHACIS REITTER AND TWO NEW RELATED GENERA FROM AMERICA NORTH OF MEXICO (COLEOPTERA: STAPHYLINIDAE: TACHYPORINAE)
Authors: Campbell J.M.
Published: April 2011

The American species of the genera Bryoporus Kraatz and Bryophacis Reitter are revised for America north of Mexico. Two new related genera are described: Bolitopunctus (type species Bryoporus muricatulus Hatch) and Neobolitobius (type species Lordithon varians Hatch).The following new species are described: Bryoporus niger, Bolitopunctus punctatissimus, Bryophacis arcticus, Bryophacis canadensis, and Bryophacis smetanai. Six new combinations are created: Bolitopunctus muricatulus (Hatch) [from Bryoporus], Neobolitobius varians (Hatch) [from Lordithon], Bryophacis discalis (Hatch) [from Mycetoporus], Bry. punctatissimus (Hatch) [from Mycetoporus], Bry. punctulatus (Hatch) [from Mycetoporus], and Bry. rubescens (Hatch) [from Lordithon].Use of the generic names Bryoporus Kraatz and Bryophacis Reitter is discussed. Lectotypes are designated for Bryoporus rufescens LeConte and its junior synonyms B. rubidus LeConte and B. flavipes LeConte, and Bryoporus testaceus LeConte and its junior synonym B. parvulus Casey.All species of Bryoporus, Bryophacis, Bolitopunctus, and Neobolitobius are described and illustrated with line drawings and scanning electron photomicrographs. Keys are provided to distinguish all genera of North American Bolitobiini and all species of the genera treated in this revision. The New World distribution of each species treated is mapped. The biology of each species, if known, is discussed.
Enhanced Antigen Processing of Flagellin Fusion Proteins Promotes the Antigen-Specific CD8+ T Cell Response Independently of TLR5 and MyD88
Authors: Bates John T. , Graff Aaron H. , Phipps James P. , Grayson Jason M. , Mizel Steven B.
Published: April 2011

Flagellin is a highly effective adjuvant for CD4+ T cell and humoral immune responses. However, there is conflicting data in the literature regarding the ability of flagellin to promote a CD8+ T cell response. In this article, we report that immunization of wild-type, TLR5−/−, and MyD88−/− adoptive transfer recipient mice revealed the ability of flagellin fusion proteins to promote OVA-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation independent of TLR5 or MyD88 expression by the recipient animal. Wild-type and TLR5−/− APCs were able to stimulate high levels of OVA-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation in vitro in response to a flagellin fusion protein containing full-length OVA or the SIINFEKL epitope and 10 flanking amino acids (OVAe), but not to OVA and flagellin added as separate proteins. This effect was independent of the conserved regions of flagellin and occurred in response to OVAe alone. Comparison of IFN-γ production by CD8+ effector cells revealed higher levels of SIINFEKL peptide–MHC I complexes on the surface of APCs that had been pulsed with OVAe–flagellin fusion proteins than on cells pulsed with OVA. Inhibition of the proteasome significantly reduced Ag-specific proliferation in response to OVAe fusion proteins. In summary, our data are consistent with the conclusion that flagellin–OVA fusion proteins induce an epitope-specific CD8+ T cell response by facilitating Ag processing and not through stimulatory signaling via TLR5 and MyD88. Our findings raise the possibility that flagellin might be an efficient Ag carrier for Ags that are poorly processed in their native state.
Pre-TCR Signaling and CD8 Gene Bivalent Chromatin Resolution during Thymocyte Development
Authors: Harker Nicola , Garefalaki Anna , Menzel Ursula , Ktistaki Eleni , Naito Taku , Georgopoulos Katia , Kioussis Dimitris
Published: April 2011

The CD8 gene is silent in CD4−CD8− double-negative thymocytes, expressed in CD4+CD8+ double-positive cells, and silenced in cells committing to the CD4+ single-positive (SP) lineage, remaining active in the CD8+ SP lineage. In this study, we show that the chromatin of the CD8 locus is remodeled in C57BL/6 and B6/J Rag1−/− MOM double-negative thymocytes as indicated by DNaseI hypersensitivity and widespread bivalent chromatin marks. Pre-TCR signaling coincides with chromatin bivalency resolution into monovalent activating modifications in double-positive and CD8 SP cells. Shortly after commitment to CD4 SP cell lineage, monovalent repressive characteristics and chromatin inaccessibility are established. Differential binding of Ikaros, NuRD, and heterochromatin protein 1α on the locus during these processes may participate in the complex regulation of CD8.
Effect of salinomycin or monensin on performance and feeding behavior of cattle fed wheat- or barley-based diets
Authors: Gibb D. J. , Moustafa S. M. S. , Wiedmeier R. D. , McAllister T. A.
Published: April 2011

Feeding behavior and growth performance of cattle fed diets containing monensin or salinomycin were assessed in two trials. In trial 1, 36 Hereford × Angus steers (267.7 ± 4.3 kg) were individually fed (n = 12) wheat-based transition and finishing diets containing no ionophore (control, C), 26 mg monensin (M) or 13 mg salinomycin (S) per kg of dietary dry matter (DM). Cattle fed M consumed less than those fed C or S, and their intake was more stable during the transition to the finishing diet. Overall, steers fed M exhibited lower dry matter intake (DMI) (8.0 vs. 9.2 and 9.2 kg d–1) and rates of gain (1.21 vs. 1.62 and 1.56 kg d–1) than those fed C or S. Cattle fed S required fewer days (93.3) to reach the targeted finish (5 mm backfat) than those fed C or M (105.8 d). Monensin reduced slaughter weight and carcass weights, relative to controls (414.3 vs. 480.5 kg, and 231.2 vs. 245.8 kg, respectively). In trial 2, M (25 ppm) or S (13 ppm) were included in barley-based diets for 72 yearling steers placed in four pens equipped with radio frequency identification systems. Individual bunk attendance patterns were monitored during transition to a finishing diet, during 11 d of limit feeding the finishing diet twice daily (LF2/d), 13 d of limit feeding once daily (LF1/d), and 21 d of feeding once daily to ad libitum intake (AL1/d). Ionophore type did not affect (P > 0.10) DMI, rate of gain or efficiency of feed conversion. Bunk visits were more frequent (P < 0.05) with M than with S during transition and limit-feeding. With M, total daily attendance (TDA) at the bunk during LF1/d and AL1/d, was higher (P < 0.05) than with S, and variability in TDA was lower (P < 0.05) during LF1/d. In the present study, there was no performance advantage in providing S or M in wheat-based finishing diets. Monensin moderated feeding intensity, but this effect may have been strong enough to suppress intake and even reduce gain on the wheat-based diet. Key words: Ionophores, feeding behavior, feedlot cattle, salinomycin, monensin
Volatile substances in feces, urine and urine-marked feces of feral horses
Authors: Kimura Rikako
Published: April 2011

The identity and amount of volatile substances in the feces, urine and feces scent-marked with urine (i.e., feces mixed with urine) of feral horses was determined by acid/steam distillation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The frequency of excretion and scent marking, as evaluated in the breeding and non-breeding seasons, showed clear evidence of seasonal behavioral differences. The concentration of each substance (fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, amines and alkanes) in the feces differed according to maturity, sex and stage in the reproductive process. They had a characteristic chemical fingerprint. Although the levels of tetradecanoic and hexadecanoic acids in the feces of estrous mares were significantly higher than the respective levels in the feces of non-estrous mares, in the case of scent-marked feces by stallions, the levels of them in the feces from estrous mares had decreased to levels similar to those in non-estrous mares. The concentration of these substances in mares were not significantly different. The presence of a high concentration of cresols in the urine of stallions in the breeding season suggests that one role of scent marking by stallions is masking the odor of the feces produced by mares. Key words: Odors (volatile), excrement, scent-marking, masking, horse (feral), (releaser) pheromone
The influence of chilling rate and fat cover on beef quality
Authors: Aalhus J. L. , Janz J. A. M. , Tong A. K. W. , Jones S. D. M. , Robertson W. M.
Published: April 2011

The economic advantages of rapid carcass chilling include reduced cooling time, increased carcass processing rate, and decreased shrink and drip losses; however, it may also reduce subsequent meat tenderness, especially in lean carcasses. The present study examined the effects of blast chilling and electrical stimulation on quality of longissimus lumborum (LL) and semimembranosus muscles from carcasses with a wide range in backfat thickness (0 to 69 mm). Despite promoting a wide range in postmortem pH and temperature decline, backfat thickness had a limited effect on meat quality. There was a decrease in the proportion of carcasses with very high (>35 N cm–2) shear values and a tendency (P = 0.12) for the average shear force to decrease in the LL as backfat depth increased. Unexpectedly, leaner carcasses had less shrink loss than fatter carcasses under blast chill conditions. While blast chilling resulted in slightly darker, tougher meat, electrical stimulation was able to reduce these effects. Neither early postmortem pH nor temperature at 10 h was clearly associated with a pattern in shear force, although high pH10 was associated with tough steaks. Blast chilling in combination with electrical stimulation can be recommended to industry as a means to reduce chilling times and shrink losses while producing meat quality that is as good as, or slightly superior to conventionally cooled carcasses. Key words: Beef quality, blast chilling, electrical stimulation, fat thickness
Fibre type characteristics and postmortem glycolysis of bison (Bison bison bison) Longissimus lumborum
Authors: Janz J. A. M. , Aalhus J. L. , Price M. A.
Published: April 2011

To augment the limited information base, muscle fibre and postmortem glycolytic data from bison longissimus lumborum were compiled. As expected, postmortem glycogen concentration and pH declined while lactate concentration increased. Bison muscle fibres had a greater area, with a greater percentage of fast oxidative glycolytic fibres, and a lesser percentage of fast glycolytic fibres as compared to literature values for beef. Key words: Bison, muscle fibre type, glycogen, lactate
The quality and yield characteristics of Canada B3 beef carcasses exhibiting medium to good muscling
Authors: Fortin A. , Robertson W. M. , Landry S. J. , Erin K.
Published: April 2011

Forty-nine Canada B3 carcasses meeting Canada quality grade requirements, but exhibiting medium to good muscling, 12 Canada A and 13 Canada AA carcasses were selected to determine the eating attributes of LL and SM steaks and their saleable meat yield. Canada B3 LL steaks had lower (P = 0.01) shear force value than Canada A and Canada AA LL steaks. For the SM steaks, there was no difference (P > 0.05). The eating attributes of Canada B3 LL steaks (softness, initial tenderness, flavour intensity, chewiness and rate of breakdown) were superior (P < 0.001) to those of Canada A or Canada AA LL steaks. Two attributes (juiciness and amount of perceptible connective tissue) were not different (P > 0.05). Differences in the eating attributes of Canada B3 SM steaks (softness, tenderness and flavour) were also observed (P < 0.05). The saleable meat yield of Canada B3 carcasses was lower (P < 0.05) than that of Canada 1 carcasses, but superior (P < 0.05) to Canada 2 or Canada 3 carcasses. Canada B3 carcasses had a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of front quarter and a lower (P < 0.05) proportion of hindquarter than Canada 1 carcasses. Canada B3 carcasses had lower yields (P < 0.05) of the more valuable cuts and higher yields (P < 0.05) of less valuable cuts, particularly, when compared to Canada 1 carcasses. Key words: Canada beef grade, quality, yield, muscling, eating attributes
Thermogenic and digestive responses of ad libitum fed pigs to α2-adrenergic stimulation with guanfacin in different thermal environments
Authors: Cosgrove S. J. , Mosenthin R. , Christopherson R. J. , Li B. T. , Sauer W. C.
Published: April 2011

Guanfacin, an α2-adrenoceptor agonist, reduces heat production in cold-stressed, but not heat-stressed animals. Growth rate, feed intake, metabolic rate, ileal and fecal digestibility were measured in 16 pigs, housed in neutral (20.4 ± 1.7°C), hot (32.7 ± 1.6°C) or cold (6.6 ± 1.4°C) environments. For ileal digestibility determination, pigs received 80 mg kg–1 d–1 followed by 3 × 40 mg kg–1 d–1 of guanfacin or saline, within their own environment, in a cross-over design. Fecal digestibility and heat production were measured over 7 d with treatments applied in a cross-over design of two periods. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was determined by open circuit respiration calorimetry. Cold-housed pigs had higher feed intakes (P < 0.05), but not growth rates, compared with those in the thermoneutral environment. Pigs in the hot environment had lower feed intakes, weight gains and heat production (P < 0.05) and higher rectal temperatures (P < 0.05) compared to those in the other two environments. Guanfacin did not reduce heat production in swine in any environment. Pigs in the cold and neutral environments had lower (P < 0.05) fecal dry matter (DM) digestibility. Pigs in the cold had lower fecal gross energy (GE) digestibility (P < 0.05) compared to those in the hot, and lower fecal crude protein (CP) digestibility (P < 0.05) compared to those in the neutral or hot environments, probably due to changes in digesta retention in the large intestine. Temperature did not affect ileal digestibility of DM, GE, CP and amino acids. Guanfacin did not affect fecal digestibility, but increased ileal DM and GE digestibility (P < 0.05) across all temperatures, possibly by affecting smooth muscle contraction and rate of passage. Increased ileal energy digestibility without a change in heat production suggests an improvement in utilization of DE in response to guanfacin. Key words: α2-adrenoceptor agonist, digestibility, pig, environment, heat production, ileum
Stress responses of wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis) to removal of velvet antler
Authors: Cook N. J. , Schaefer A. L.
Published: April 2011

An assessment of stress responses of 27 mature wapiti (Cervus elaphus canadensis) stags was conducted to test the efficacy of two methods of analgesia to reduce stress responses associated with the pain of cutting velvet antler. Analgesic methods were a Lidocaine nerve block (LIDO) and pedicle placement electrical analgesia (EA). A control group of animals (CON) was included that did not receive analgesia. Methods of assessing stress responses included heart and respiration rates, differential white blood cell counts and plasma cortisol. Assessment of stress responses also utilized infrared thermographic imaging and measurement of salivary cortisol concentrations. The latter measures were novel approaches to stress assessment in wapiti, and, as such, the study was a trial of their applicability. Measures were conducted over 2 d. Antler was harvested on day 1 and the animals were brought back to the handling facility 24 h later (day 2) for repeated measures.

Heart and respiration rates were increased in response to cutting antler (P < 0.05) and declined following antler removal (P < 0.003). Reductions in eosinophils occurred over a 24-h period in all treatments and were statistically significant for the EA treatment (P < 0.014). Plasma cortisol concentrations did not demonstrate statistical differences between either treatments or days. Plasma cortisol concentrations were numerically higher for the EA animals on days 1 and 2 than for either the CON or LIDO treatments. Plasma cortisol levels tended to be higher after capture and restraint on day 2 compared to levels recorded after antler removal on day 1. Salivary cortisol levels were higher on day 2 compared to day 1 (P < 0.004). Between treatments, CON animals exhibited higher salivary cortisol levels on day 2 than EA (P < 0.05) and LIDO (P < 0.002) animals. Radiated heat loss, measured by infrared thermography, was significantly elevated in response to velveting (P < 0.00001). Increased radiated heat loss was observed for all treatments and was statistically significant for EA (P < 0.006) and CON (P < 0.02), but not for LIDO (P < 0.06). The study demonstrated that the process of harvesting velvet antler from wapiti initiates a significant stress response similar to that of other animals during practices such as capture, handling and restraint. The data further suggest that stress responses to the above husbandry practices are exacerbated by the pain of cutting antler and that animals treated with Lidocaine for pain management exhibited a lesser stress response than CON or EA treated animals. Key words: Wapiti, velvet antler, analgesia, stress, salivary cortisol, infrared thermography
An organic acid blend can modulate swine intestinal fermentation and reduce microbial proteolysis
Authors: Piva A. , Casadei G. , Biagi G.
Published: April 2011

The increased use of slow-release organic acids in swine nutrition has prompted more research to assess their possible role in modulating the intestinal microflora as an alternative to antibiotics. Three diets for growing pigs containing 0 (L-NDF), 100 (M-NDF), and 200 g kg-1 (H-NDF) dried sugar beet pulp (SBP) were pre-digested to simulate ileal digestion, and used as substrate in an in vitro cecal fermentation study. The inoculum was collected from pigs immediately after slaughter. Diets tested were L-NDF, M-NDF, and H-NDF with or without the addition of an organic acid blend providing phosphoric, citric, fumaric, and malic acid at 1.53, 0.78, 2.59, and 1.12 mmol L-1, respectively. Cecal microbial growth was monitored using the cumulative gas production technique. Fermentation fluid was analyzed for ammonia and volatile fatty acids concentrations. The maximum rate of gas production was higher when H-NDF rather than L-NDF or M-NDF (+ 18%; P < 0.05) was fed; such a high rate of growth (+ 14%; P < 0.05) was also achieved when the acid blend was added to L-NDF. After 24 h, the acid blend reduced ammonia, isoacids, and acetic acid concentrations in fermentation fluid regardless of the type of diet (P < 0.05). Organic acids stimulated bacterial fermentation when added to a low-fiber diet and were able to reduce ammonia in all diets tested. Key words: Swine, cecum, fiber, organic acids, ammonia, volatile fatty acid
Effect of dietary particle size and carbohydrase and/or phytase supplementation on nitrogen and phosphorus excretion of grower pigs
Authors: Oryschak M. A. , Simmins P. H. , Zijlstra R. T.
Published: April 2011

The effect of dietary particle size and enzyme supplementation on N and P excretion were investigated in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with three particle sizes (400, 700, or 850 μm), two levels of a carbohydrase cocktail [0 or 444 added units (U) β-glucanase plus 1385 added U xylanase kg-1 diet], and two levels of phytase (0 or 374 added U phytase kg-1 diet), for a total of 12 dietary treatments. Diets (70% barley, 25% peas) were formulated to contain 3.25 Mcal digestible energy (DE) kg-1, 1.6 g digestible lysine Mcal-1 DE, and 1.2 g kg-1 available P. Sixty pigs (25.3 ± 1.4 kg) had restricted access (3 × maintenance DE) to feed, and five individual pig observations for each of the 12 mash diets were obtained. Reducing particle size from 700 to 400 µm reduced total P excretion 12% and increased P digestibility and retention 15% (P < 0.05), while phytase reduced total P excretion 28% and increased P digestibility and retention 42% (P < 0.01). Reducing particle size from 850 and 700 to 400 µ m decreased total N excretion 4 and 7%, respectively (P < 0.05). Carbohydrase did not affect P digestibility or excretion (P > 0.10), but increased digestibility of N and energy (P < 0.05). Carbohydrase interacted with particle size for energy digestibility (P < 0.01) and with phytase for N and energy digestibility (P < 0.05). Particle size affected N excretion and energy digestibility more than enzyme supplementation, while phytase affected P excretion more than particle size, suggesting that particle size reduction and phytase supplementation are effective to reduce nutrient excretion of grower pigs. Key words: Particle size, carbohydrase, phytase, pig, nitrogen, phosphorus
In situ digestibility and nutritive value of maize straw generated after Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation
Authors: Díaz-Godínez and C. Sánchez G.
Published: April 2011

The cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus on maize straw enhanced the nutritive value and the in situ digestibility of the straw. The addition of maize straw generated after mushroom cultivation to the diets of sheep increased the liveweight gain of the sheep and the efficiency of feed conversion of the straw. Key words: Daily voluntary diet intake, Pleurotus ostreatus cultivation, dry matter loss
Rejuvenation affects nutritive value of long-established tame forages
Authors: Lardner H. A. , Wright S. B. M. , Cohen R. D. H. , Curry P. , MacFarlane L.
Published: April 2011

Rejuvenation of forage stands is probably the most economic and practical method to improve production and quality of forage stands. Animal data are ultimately needed to validate the viability of the rejuvenation technique. This study determined animal responses to changes in forage nutrient composition following three methods of rejuvenation. Smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) hay was harvested from rejuvenated plots on Black Chernozemic and Gray Luvisolic soils in Saskatchewan and fed to 24 ram lambs. The hay was harvested at two stages of maturity from plots that underwent the following rejuvenation techniques, selected to provide a range of responses: deep-banded liquid plus broadcast granular fertilizer (providing 200 kg N ha-1, 90 kg P2O5 ha-1, 46 kg K2O ha-1, 24 kg S ha-1), spring burn, and control. As maturity advanced, digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) (g d-1 kg-0.75) decreased (P < 0.05) for all diets harvested from burn and fertilizer plots. DMI (g d-1) and DOMI were always greater (P < 0.05) for hay (both early or late harvest) from the rejuvenated plots than from control plots. Grass-legume hay harvested early from spring burn treatment from the Gray Luvi solic soil site had a greater (P < 0.05) voluntary intake, (85.4 g d-1 kg-0.75) as compared with forage from control plots (76.2 g d-1 kg-0.75). Apparent digestibilities of DM and organic matter were greater (P < 0.01) for early harvested forage from control plots at the Gray Luvisolic soil site than early harvested hay from the fertilized plots. Metabolizable energy content was higher (P < 0.05) for early harvested hay from burn and fertilized plots at the Black soil site than hay from control plots. These results suggest that existing forage species, if harvested early, can be responsive to rejuvenation, resulting in improved animal performance. Key words: Rejuvenation, fertilizer, burn, lamb, grass-legume hay
Effect of dietary soybean or sunflower seeds on milk production, milk fatty acid profile and yield of conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Dayani O. , Ghorbani G. , Entz T. , Ross C. M. , Shah M. A. , Beauchemin K. A. , Mir P. S. , Mir Z.
Published: April 2011

Eight cows in mid-lactation were used to determine the effects of feeding diets containing soybeans (SBS) or sunflower seed (SFS) on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) yield and concentration in milk during two 3-wk periods. All cows were fed a standard pre-trial diet for 2 wk, before assignment to treatment diets in both periods of the 2 × 2 cross-over design used in the study. The two treatment diets contained on a dry matter (DM) basis: (1) SBS: 20% barley silage, 34.7% barley grain, 30% alfalfa cube, 13% crushed soybean seed and 0.36% sunflower oil, and (2) SFS: 17% barley silage, 34.6% barley grain, 40% sunflower seed incorporated into alfalfa cubes (cubes comprised 18% whole sunflower seed and 82% alfalfa hay), and 6.5% heat-treated soybean meal. The ingredients in the two diets were adjusted so that they would provide similar levels of energy (1.5 MCal kg-1) and have similar nutrient composition with regard to protein (16.7%), ether extract (5.2%) and fibre components (41%). Milk samples were collected, on 2 d prior to initiation of treatment diets and on days 6, 7, 13, 1 4, 20 and 21 of each experimental period. Cholecystokinin and insulin concentrations in blood samples collected at the start and end of each experimental period indicated no significant differences. Dry matter and net energy intake of cows fed the SBS and SFS were 23.3 and 21.4 ± 0.9 kg d-1; 34.4 and 31.6 ± 1.4 Mcal d-1, respectively, and in vitro volatile fatty acid concentration after 24 h of incubation was 123.3 and 114.7 ± 1.3 mM, respectively, and lower (P < 0.05) for the SFS diet. Milk, milk fat, protein and lactose yields from cows fed the SBS and SFS diets were similar (32.9 and 32.0 ± 2.4; 1.10 and 0.97 ± 0.07; 1.05 and 1.00 ± 0.05; 1.46 and 1.39 ± 0.12, respectively), but the CLA cis-9, trans-11 concentrations in the milk from cows fed the SBS and SFS diets were 4.05 and 7.28 mg g-1 of lipid and resulted in 66% higher (P < 0.01) CLA yield (g d-1) in milk for cows fed the SFS diet. This study confirmed that feeding sunflower seeds as a component of a hay cube increased CLA yield in the milk of dairy cows without affecting yields of other milk components. Key words: Dairy cows, sunflower, soybeans, milk production, conjugated linoleic acid
Performance of growing-finishing pigs fed barley-based diets supplemented with normal or high-fat oat
Authors: Thacker P. A. , Soita H. W. , Rossnagel B. G.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to compare a high-fat oat recently developed at the University of Saskatchewan with regular oat as energy sources for use in diets fed to growing-finishing pigs. Seventy crossbred pigs (Pig Improvement Canada Ltd, Acme, AB) weighing an average of 27.5 ± 2.6 kg were assigned on the basis of sex, weight and litter to one of five dietary treatments in a factorial design experiment. The main effects tested included oat type (normal and high fat), level of oat inclusion (0, 25 and 50%) and sex of pig (barrows and gilts). Digestibility coefficients for dry matter (P = 0.002), crude protein (P = 0.001) and gross energy (P = 0.004) were significantly higher for pigs fed high-fat oat compared with normal oat. Pigs fed the high-fat oat also gained weight significantly faster (P = 0.01) and with increased efficiency (P = 0.01) compared with pigs fed diets containing normal oat. Oat level did not affect pig performance (P > 0.05). Neither type of oat nor level of inclusion had any significant (P > 0.05) effects on any carcass trait including dressing percent, carcass value index, lean yield, loin fat or loin lean. In conclusion, feeding diets containing a recently developed high-fat oat to pigs improved growth rate and efficiency of feed conversion compared with feeding diets containing normal-fat oat. Nutrient digestibility also improved with no negative effects on carcass quality. High-fat oat is an attractive alternative to normal oat as an energy source for growing-finishing pigs and can be fed at higher levels than are currently recommended for normal oat without hindering pig performance. Key words: Swine, high-fat oat, digestibility, growth, carcass composition
Use of an in vitro method to determine the effects of chelators on potential iron bioavailability in diets for ruminants
Authors: Scott Shannon L. , Ghodratnama Ahmad , Zee John A. , Chiquette Johanne
Published: April 2011

An in vitro method was developed to evaluate the effect of adding chelators on the potential bioavailability of iron in diets for veal calves. The control diet was composed of corn grain and a protein supplement. The experimental diets comprised the control diet plus lignin, Na2-EDTA or Ca2-EDTA as chelators. Total soluble iron of diets containing chelators was lower than that of the control diet (P < 0.05), and both types of EDTA reduced soluble iron more than lignin (P < 0.01). Key words: Iron, solubility, in vitro, chelator, ruminant
Alternate two- and three-follicle wave interovulatory intervals in Holstein heifers monitored for two consecutive estrous cycles
Authors: Price Christopher A. , Carrière Paul D.
Published: April 2011

Follicle dynamics were monitored by ultrasonography for two consecutive estrous cycles in 11 Holstein heifers. Overall, 12 of the 22 cycles (55%) had three follicle waves and 10 (45%) had two follicle waves. Two heifers (18%) had consecutive two-wave cycles, three (27%) had consecutive three-wave cycles and six (55%) alternated between two- and three-wave cycles. These data demonstrate that the number of follicle waves can change from one estrous cycle to the next in Holstein heifers. Key words: Cattle, follicle dynamics, follicle wave, follicle-stimulating hormone, consecutive cycles
Bovine tissue mRNA abundance related to acute cold exposure and acute feeding restriction
Authors: Murdoch G. K. , Dixon W. T. , Okine E. K. , Christopherson R. J.
Published: April 2011

Thirty-six steers were used to determine the effects of acute cold (-20°C) and acute feed restriction (0.4× maintenance) on mRNA abundance of five candidate genes. To investigate adaptational physiology in cattle we evaluated gene expression patterns for uncoupling protein 2 (UCP-2), uncoupling protein 3 (UCP-3), leptin, leptin receptor and neuropeptide Y receptor (NPY receptor) in specific tissues. We measured relative mRNA abundance using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on mRNA extracted from duodenum, iver, skeletal muscle, mesenteric adipose tissue, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and peri-renal adipose tissue. We obtained carcass grades for comparison to mRNA abundance profiles. Leptin receptor mRNA abundance was increased by acute feed restriction in the liver (P = 0.02) and trended to increase in the duodenum (P = 0.06) of acute feed-restricted steers. NPY receptor RNA abundance decreased (P = 0.02) in the liver of feed-restricted steers, and acute cold-stress-treated steers (P = 0.03), but increased (P = 0.03) in mesenteric adipose tissue of acute-cold-treated steers. Leptin mRNA abundance was decreased in subcutaneous adipose tissue (P = 0.04) by acute cold, but trended to increase in the peri-renal adipose tissue (P = 0.09). UCP-3 mRNA abundance was not significantly altered by our acute treatments. UCP-2 mRNA abundance increased in subcutaneous adipose tissue of both acute cold (P = 0.004) and acute feed-restricted steers (P = 0.03) and in biceps femoris, after acute cold (P = 0.003) and acute feed restriction (P = 0.002). There was an inverse relationship between the leptin mRNA abundance in subcutaneous adipose and the carcass grade, where the AAA , AA and A grade carcasses had mean values of 501.6 ± 30.0, 535.5 ± 14.0 and 653.4 ± 61.0. Our results show that tissue-specific mRNA abundance of these candidate genes may be altered by acute stressors, and that may relate to tissue-specific adaptational strategies in cattle. Furthermore, leptin mRNA abundance in subcutaneous adipose tissue may inversely reflect the maturity or finishing characteristics of beef cattle such that it is inversely related to the final carcass grade. Key words: Acute cold, acute feed restriction, UCP-2, UCP-3, leptin, leptin receptor, NPY receptor, cattle
Methane emissions from enteric fermentation in Alberta’s beef cattle population
Authors: Basarab J. A. , Okine E. K. , Baron V. S. , Marx T. , Ramsey P. , Ziegler K. , Lyle K.
Published: April 2011

This study determined methane emissions from enteric fermentation in Alberta’s beef cattle population by using three methodologies: (1) Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Tier 2 guidelines for cattle, (2) actual methane emission factors, expressed as a percentage of gross energy intake, from Canadian research trials and; (3) CowBytes© plus the basic equation developed by Blaxter and Clapperton (1965). Methane emissions, in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-E), from Alberta’s beef cattle were determined for 1990, 1996 and 2001. Census of Agriculture numbers for Alberta (Statistics Canada; www.statcan.com) were used and beef cattle were subdivided into 31 distinct categories based on animal type, physiological status, gender, weight, growth rate, activity level and age. Emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) from Alberta ’s beef cattle population, based on IPCC Tier 2 guidelines, were 4.93, 6.57 and 7.01 Mt CO2-E yr-1 in 1990, 1996 and 2001, respectively. Emissions based on methane emission factors from Canadian research trials were 6.23, 8.26 and 8.77 Mt CO2-E yr-1 in 1990, 1996 and 2001, respectively. Estimated methane emissions based on CowBytes© and Blaxter and Clapperton’s (1965) equation were 6.24, 8.35 and 8.94 Mt CO2-E yr-1 in 1990, 1996 and 2001, respectively. The IPCC Tier 2 values were 25.2–26.5% lower than the GHG emissions calculated using emission factors from western Canadian research and 26.7–27.6% lower than GHG emissions calculated from CowBytes© and Blaxter and Clapperton’s equation. IPCC Tier 1 values, which were calculated by multiplying total beef cattle in Alberta by four single value emission factors (beef cows = 72 kg CH4 yr-1; bulls = 75 kg CH4 yr-1; replacement heifers = 56 kg CH4 yr-1; calves, steer and heifer calves for slaughter = 47 kg CH4 yr-1), were 4.83, 6.40 and 6.83 Mt CO2-E in 1990, 1996 and 2001, respectively. Thus, IPCC Tier 1 GHG emissions from enteric fermentation in beef cattle were 2.0–2.7, 28.6–29.1 and 29.2–31.0% lower than those calculated from IPCC Tier 2, western Canadian research trials, and CowBytes© plus Blaxter and Clapperton’s equation, respectively. These results reflect the uncertainty associated with estimating methane emissions from enteric fermentation in cattle and suggest that further research is required to improve the accuracy of methane emissions, particularly for beef cows in their second and third trimester of pregnancy and fed in confinement. They also indicate that a more robust methodology may be to combine CowBytes© predicted dry matter intake with regional specific methane emission factors, where methane loss is expressed as a percentage of gross energy intake. Key words: Cattle, enteric fermentation, greenhouse gas, methane
In situ degradation of timothy conserved as restrictively or extensively fermented silage or as hay
Authors: Martineau R. , Lapierre H. , Ouellet D. R. , Pellerin D. , Berthiaume R.
Published: April 2011

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of three modes of preserving timothy (Phleum pratense L.) on in situ degradation of dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber. First-cut timothy was conserved as hay, as restrictively fermented silage (formic acid 85% applied at 6 L t-1 of fresh crop), or as extensively fermented silage (inoculation with a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus cerevisiae yielding 1.25 × 1011 total CFU t-1). Six mid-lactating Holstein cows, previously adapted to the tested forage, were used to study the in situ degradation of each forage type (two cows per forage type). Triplicate bags were filled with 3.5 g DM equivalent of chopped wet forage and incubated in the rumen during 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, or 72 h. Zero-hour bags were not inserted in the rumen. The conservation method affected in situ degradation of CP. Haying decreased (P ≤0.03) soluble protein (fraction a), degradation rate (c), lag time and effective degradability of CP in the rumen, and increased (P < 0.01) potentially degradable protein (fraction b) when compared with ensiling. Restricting fermentation in silage decreased (P < 0.01) fraction a and increased (P = 0.01) CP fraction b when compared with extensively fermented silage. Results indicate that conserving timothy as hay significantly decreases solubility, rate and extent of protein degradation in the rumen when compared with ensiling. Results also show that solubilization of protein in silage can be reduced by restricting fermentation with formic acid as compared with promoting fermentation with a bacterial inoculant, without a concurrent decrease in the extent of protein degradation in the rumen. Key words: In situ degradation, timothy, hay, restrictively fermented silage, extensively fermented silage, formic acid, inoculation
Effect of arginine:lysine and methionine source on amino acid digestibility and response to dietary electrolytes in chronically or acutely heat-stressed broilers
Authors: Gonzalez-Esquerra R. , Leeson S.
Published: April 2011

In two experiments, the effects of arginine:lysine, NaHCO3 and methionine source on performance and amino acid digestion of heat-stressed broilers were studied. In exp. 1, corn/soy diets with argine:lysine (Arg:Lys) of 1.10, 1.25 and 1.40 were fed from 21 to 42 d. Diets were supplemented with 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid (HMB) or DL-Methionine (DLM) with NaHCO3 at 0 or 1.04%. Ten replicates per treatment of four birds per cage were maintained at 31.7 ± 0.9°C. From 21 to 28 d weight gain (BWG), feed consumption and feed-to-gain (FCR) were unaffected by diet treatment. Methionine source did not influence bird performance (P > 0.05). However, from 35 to 42 d, when diets were supplemented with NaHCO3, BWG and FCR of birds fed DLM were compromised when offered diets with Arg:Lys at 1.40. In diets devoid of NaHCO3, increasing Arg:Lys to 1.25 impaired BWG and FCR for broilers fed DLM, although effects disappeared when more Arg was used. Performance of birds on HMB was mostly unaffected by Arg:Lys or NaHCO3 except when fed diets void of NaHCO3 with Arg:Lys of 1.40, when FCR was impaired. In exp. 2, broilers were maintained at thermoneutrality (TN) reaching 20°C at 33 d. Other birds were at 31°C throughout, representing chronic heat stress (CHS), while a third group changed suddenly from 20 to 31°C at 25 d representing acute heat stress (AHS). Birds within each environment were housed in one of two rooms with eight replicates of four birds per treatment. At 25 d, birds were fed Arg:Lys of 0.95 or 1.40 with DLM supplemented at requirement. Birds fed Arg:Lys of 1.40 were also offered diets with synthetic L-methionine (L-Met). Adding L-Met to high Arg diets during CHS significantly depressed ileal digestibility of all amino acids (P < 0.05). It is concluded that chronic heat stress can affect the digestibility of amino acids, and that this effect may impact performance. Key words: Broilers, methionine, arginine, heat stress, digestibility, sodium bicarbonate
The gastrointestinal microbiota and its role in monogastric nutrition and health with an emphasis on pigs: Current understanding, possible modulations, and new technologies for ecological studies
Authors: Richards J. D. , Gong J. , de Lange C. F. M.
Published: April 2011

The gastrointestinal microbiota is an incompletely defined, dynamic community of several hundred species of primarily anaerobic bacteria. Species composition and bacterial numbers vary depending on animal age, the gastrointestinal location and a variety of nutritional and environmental factors. The microbiota positively and negatively impacts host physiology and performance in many important ways. This review will examine the establishment and composition of the normal microbiota; its beneficial and deleterious effects on the host; and methods by which to modify the microbiota. In addition, recent advances in methodology using the techniques of molecular biology to measure and describe the microbiota are discussed. Finally, recent results using the polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) technique to examine the microbiota of pigs at different ages, different intestinal sites, and after treatment with selected feed additives will be described. Key words: Microbiota, gastrointestinal tract, PCR-DGGE, animal nutrition/health, 16S rRNA
Vitamin nutrition of livestock animals: Overview from vitamin discovery to today
Authors: McDowell L. R.
Published: April 2011

The term “vitamin” or “vitamine” was first used in 1912. What later became known as vitamin deficiency diseases — scurvy, beriberi, night blindness and xeropthalmia — had plagued the world from antiquity. From 1900 through the 1930s, experiments with animals helped to advance knowledge of vitamins considerably. There are 15 vitamins of significance for livestock. A number of factors influence vitamin requirements and vitamin utilization, including physiological make-up and production function; confinement rearing without pasture; stress, disease and adverse environmental conditions; vitamin antagonists; use of antimicrobial drugs; and body vitamin reserves. Under commercial livestock and poultry production conditions, vitamin allowances higher than National Research Council (USA) requirements may be needed for optimum performance. Generally, the optimum vitamin supplementation level is the quantity that achieves the best growth rate, feed utilization and health (including immune competency), while also providing adequate body reserves. Key words: Vitamins, history, deficiency, requirements, supplementation
The effect of reducing energy intake through feed intake restriction on the performance of weaned barrows when amino acid intake declines either in direct proportion to energy or at a reduced rate
Authors: Oresanya T. F. , Beaulieu A. D. , Patience J. F.
Published: April 2011

Amino acid intake declined either in constant proportion to energy or at a reduced rate when feed intake treatments represented 100, 70, 60 or 50% of ad libitum. Amino acid intake affected feed conversion, and energy and lysine utilization (P < 0.05). Energy studies involving feed restriction may be confounded by amino acid supply. Key words: Pigs, energy intake, amino acid intake
A comparison of grinding processes and wet feeding of wheat-based diets on AME, production, and gastrointestinal tract development of broiler chicks
Authors: Afsharmanesh M. , Scott T. A. , Silversides F. G.
Published: April 2011

This experiment studied the effect of grind mill type [hammer (HM) or attrition (AM)], grind size (5.6 mm 4.8 mm, and 2.4 mm) and wheat type [Durum or Hard Red Spring (HRS)] on the performance, energy retention (AME), and the gut development of broilers fed these diets with or without 1.2 g water-1 g dry feed added. Twenty-four dietary treatments (2 grind types × 3 grind sizes × 2 wheat types × wet or dry feeding) were each fed to four cages of six male broilers from 1 to 17 d of age. Wet diets were prepared daily. Feeding diets with water increased 17 d body weight and feed intake of broilers compared with feeding the diets dry. Body weight and feed intake of broilers fed the HM diets were greater than those of broilers fed diets containing wheat processed by AM. Feed intake and FCR with HRS-based diets were higher than those for Durum-based diets. The AME for Durum was higher than for HRS and the ME efficiency (kcal g-1 BW) was greater, indicating a lower efficiency. The AME intake of HM ground wheat was higher than for that for wheat ground with the AM. The type of grinding, the wheat type, and the addition of water all affected the length and weight of the digestive system, likely through their effects on the rate of water absorption and passage through the gut. Particle size did not affect any measurement. Hammer milling produced a uniform particle size and less fines and may be better suited for processing wheat in broiler diets. Key words: Broiler, wheat, wet feeding, AME, gut development