Textural and functional analysis of sorghum flour cookies as ice cream inclusions

Flour serves as one of the primary ingredients of cookies,which affects dough properties,physical changes during baking,and post-baking cookie properties.Two gluten-free cookie formulations were developed with the goal of use as inclusions in frozen desserts.Blonde and chocolate cookies were made with sorghum flour or all-purpose wheat flour and then evaluated for physical and chemical properties.To determine functionality in a frozen state,texture analysis was conducted on cookies at−30℃,−17°C,and 20℃,replicating various ice cream storage temperatures.To simulate the process effect of incorporating the product into a frozen dessert,cookies were crumbled mechanically,and the crumbles were separated based on size.When evaluating cookies,no significant differences(P<0.05)were observed in width(W),thickness(T),spread,and W/T ratio for flour source within formula.Blonde cookies had lower moisture contents than chocolate cookies;further,blonde cookies made from sorghum flour had less moisture than those made with wheat flour.As the cookie temperature decreased from 20℃to−17℃,cookie hardness increased,with flour type having no effect.Within formula,cookies had similar instrumental color parameters.However,blonde cookies made from sorghum flour produced more smaller-sized pieces than those made from wheat flour.The results of this study demonstrate that sorghum flour cookies have desirable properties for use as inclusions in ice cream and other frozen desserts.

Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Hararghe Highland Bull after Draught Work Service

The objectives of the study were to examine the effects of draught work on carcass characteristics, meat yield potential, and distribution along primal cuts in Hararghe highland bulls fed on net energy requirement basis. Twelve bulls were sorted into three groups of four animals each and assigned to three treatment hours: control (0), 4, or 6, using a complete randomized design (CRD). The results of the study show that there are no significant differences (p > 0.05) in slaughter weight, hot carcass weight (HCW), chilling loss, total edible and non-edible offal, fat thickness (FT), deboned meat yield (kg), meat to bone ratio, muscle distribution, and proportion of kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (KPH%) among the treatment groups. However, the hot carcass-based dressing percentage was significantly lowered (p < 0.05) in bulls that work 4 or 6 hours a day. Meat yield was strongly correlated with HCW (r = 0.74) and FT (r = 0.73). Therefore, the number of hours the bull spent on draught work did not negatively impact meat yield or quality. Consequently, the research suggests that utilizing Hararghe highland bulls for draught service, four or six hours a day is viable for dual advantages: crop cultivation and marketable carcass.

Assessment of Pig Disease Prevention of Smallholder Farmers and Village Animal Health Workers in Rural and Peri-Urban Cambodia

Biosecurity measures are essential for protecting pig health, however, these practices are not always utilized by smallholder farmers in Cambodia. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices, in terms of pig biosecurity measures, of individual stakeholders involved in pig production in rural and peri-urban households in Cambodia. A survey tool was developed and administered using Kobotoolbox, an online electronic survey tool. Surveys were conducted in the provinces of Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, and Battambang during December 2017 to September 2018. There were 225 pig farmers, 43 village animal health workers (VAHWs), 3-district veterinarians (DVs), and 81 feed store owners enrolled in the study. Results showed that several biosecurity guidelines are not followed or well understood by farmers. Specific concerning practices included using natural boars, sharing pig equipment (e.g. scales), feeding kitchen waste, managing other livestock, handling manure, and not restricting access by visitors (VAHWs or DVs, boar owners, pig buyers, neighbors, and meat sellers). Thus, education of pig smallholder farmers and VAHWs on pig biosecurity is needed for improving pig health and production, economic value, and livelihood of smallholder farmers in Cambodia.

Eating Quality of Beef from Arsi, Borana, and Harar Cattle Breed, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the eating qualities of Arsi, Borana, and Harar Cattle breeds in Ethiopia. A total of 39 bulls with age categories of <3, 4 - 6, and 7 - 9 years were used for the study. The bulls were purchased from mixed crop-livestock systems (Arsi and Harar) and Ranch (Borana) and slaughtered to evaluate the eating quality. WBSF device was used to evaluate instrumental tenderness while sensory panel testing was used to evaluate sensory tenderness, juiciness and flavor. The color of the meat was evaluated using Hunter Lab Mini Scan EZ while water holding capacity was evaluated using filter papers. A complete randomized design was used for the study. Breed significantly affected (P < 0.0001) instrumental tenderness with beef from Harar and Boran bulls were very tender (18.55 ± 5.34, 20.34 ± 4.06N, respectively) while beef from Arsi bulls intermediate in tenderness (40.60 ± 0.51N). Beef from all age group of Harar and Boran breeds were very tender while beef from the Arsi breed was very tender for age < 3 years, intermediate for 4 - 6 and tough for age group > 7 years of age. Flavor and juiciness was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by breed. Flavor from Harar and Boran breeds were moderately liked while flavor from Arsi was liked slightly. Beef from Boran breed was ranked juicier than beef from Harar and Arsi breed. Borana (<3 years) beef was higher (P < 0.05) in lightness (L*) than Arsi and Harar indicating more quality beef from Borana breed. From the study it was concluded that Arsi bulls older than four years of age produced tougher beef suggesting the use of this breed for beef at early age while beef from Borana and Harar breed can be used to 9 years of age as they produce very tender meat.

Proximate Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Beef from Arsi, Borana and Harar Cattle Breeds in Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to determine proximate composition and profile of fatty acid of beef from Arsi, Borana and Harar Cattle breeds in Ethiopia. A total of 39 bulls with three age categories were used for the study. The bulls were purchased from mixed crop livestock system (Arsi and Harar cattle breeds) and Ranch (Borana cattle breed). Complete randomized design was used for the study. Longissimus dorsi muscle was used to evaluate proximate composition and profile of fatty acid. The result of the study indicated that mean of percentage of dry matter, ash, crude fat and crude protein were ranging 22.43 - 24.26, 0.32 - 1.28, 4.32 - 7.88, 17.21 - 22.76, respectively. At age younger than 3 years, Harar bulls contain more crude fat compared to Arsi bulls while the vice versa was true for crude protein. The concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) was higher than saturated fatty acid (SFA) in the three breeds studied across all age categories. However, significantly higher (P < 0.01) PUFA and lowest (P < 0.05) SFA found in Harar breed whereas the opposite hold true for Arsi bulls. Ratio of n-6: n-3 in the muscle of bulls under the study was ranged from 2.10 to 2.57. Concentration of PUFA and MUF in muscle of the three breeds were significantly affected (P < 0.05) by age. From the study it was concluded that Arsi, Boran and Harar bulls under the three age categories contained more than 3% minimum crude fat that is required to insure palatability of the beef. The higher concentration of PUFA over SFA in all breeds across age categories indicated that the meat from these cattle breeds has less risk hazard to human health. However, a strategy needs to be developed to increase the ratio of n-6: n-3 to the nutritional recommendations by the World Health Organization which is 4:1 to 5:1. Moreover, the cause of the difference in proximate composition and profile of fatty acid between breeds under the study at different age categories needs to be investigated.

Effect of Age and Breeds of Cattle on Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Arsi, Boran, and Harar Cattle in Ethiopia

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of age and breed of cattle on carcass and meat characteristics in Ethiopia. A total of 39 (Arsi 11, Boran 14 and Harar 14) cattle breeds with age categories of <3, 4 - 6, and 7 - 9 years were used for the study. The bulls were purchased from their respective production system of mixed crop livestock system (Arsi and Harar) and Ranch (Boran). Parameters such as live and carcass weight, meat yield percent, fat characteristics, and primal beef cuts were evaluated. Complete randomized design was used for the study. The live weight of bulls at <3, 4 - 6 and 7 - 9 years ranged 135 - 183, 167 - 181, and 155 - 433 kg, respectively. The carcass weight, dressing percentage, meat yield percent, forequarter, hindquarter, rib eye area, and fat thickness ranged 57 - 209.73 kg, 41.8% - 51.6%, 32% - 58%, 11.7 - 56.42 kg, 14.04 - 45.34 kg, 4.78 - 10.25 square inches and 0.18 - 0.38 inches, respectively. At an early age category (<3 years) meat yield percentage of Arsi, Boran and Harar breeds were 50.86, 30 and 18.72, respectively, and as age category shifted from one age category to the next Harar increased by 13× and Boran by 2.9× and Arsi decreased by -0.93×. The mean rib percentage of Arsi, Boran and Harar were in the range of 7.98 - 9.57, 8.62 - 10.44 and 7.08 - 8.83, respectively. Breed and age of bulls had significantly affected primal meat cuts. Meat yield was predicted from live and hot carcass weight with coefficient determination (R2) of 70.66% and 74.75%, respectively. From the study, it was concluded that age and breeds of cattle had significantly influence on carcass and meat characteristics. Therefore, to determine whether variations were due to genetic or environmental cause’s evaluation of the three breeds under similar feeding condition was recommended.

Effects of TNF receptor blockade on in vitro cell survival and response to negative energy balance in dairy cattle

Background: Associative data and some controlled studies suggest that the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor(TNF) α can induce fatty liver in dairy cattle. However, research demonstrating that TNFα is a necessary component in the etiology of bovine fatty liver is lacking. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether blocking TNFα signaling with a synthetic cyclic peptide(TNF receptor loop peptide; TRLP) would improve liver metabolic function and reduce triglyceride accumulation during feed restriction.Results: Capability of TRLP to inhibit TNFα signaling was confirmed on primary bovine hepatocytes treated with recombinant bovine TNFα and 4 doses of TRLP(0, 1, 10, 50 μmol/L) over 24 h. Next, 4 lactating Holstein cows(parity 1.4 ± 0.5, 433 ± 131 d in milk) in an incomplete Latin rectangle design(3 × 2) were subcutaneously administered with different TRLP doses(0, 1.5, 3.0 mg/kg BW) every 4 h for 24 h, followed by an intravenous injection of TNFα(5 μg/kg BW). Before and for 2 h after TNFα injection, TRLP decreased plasma non-esterified fatty acid(NEFA)concentration(P ≤ 0.05), suggesting an altered metabolic response to inflammation. Finally, 10 non-pregnant, nonlactating Holstein cows(3.9 ± 1.1 yr of age) were randomly assigned to treatments: control(carrier: 57% DMSO in PBS)or TRLP(1.75 mg TRLP/kg BW per day). Treatments were administrated every 4 h for 7 d by subcutaneous injection to feed-restricted cows fed 30% of maintenance energy requirements. Daily blood samples were analyzed for glucose,insulin, β-hydroxybutyrate, NEFA, and haptoglobin concentrations, with no treatment effects detected. On d 7, cows completed a glucose tolerance test(GTT) by i.v. administration of a dextrose bolus(300 mg glucose/kg BW). Glucose,insulin, and NEFA responses failed to demonstrate any significant effect of treatment during the GTT. However, plasma and liver analyses were not indicative of dramatic lipolysis or hepatic lipidosis, suggesting that the feed restriction protocol failed to induce the metabolic state of interest. Injection site inflammation, assessed by a scorer blinded to treatment, was enhanced by TRLP compared to control.Conclusions: Although the TRLP inhibited bovine TNFα signaling and altered responses to i.v. administration of TNFα,repeated use over 7 d caused apparent local allergic responses and it failed to alter metabolism during a feed restriction-induced negative energy balance. Although responses to feed restriction seemed atypical in this study, side effects of TRLP argue against its future use as a tool for investigating the role of inflammation in metabolic impacts of negative energy balance.

Non-random tissue distribution of human na ve umbilical cord matrix stem cells

AIM: To determine the tissue and temporal distribution of human umbilical cord matrix stem (hUCMS) cells in severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. METHODS: For studying the localization of hUCMS cells, tritiated thymidine-labeled hUCMS cells were injected in SCID mice and tissue distribution was quantitatively determined using a liquid scintillation counter at days 1, 3, 7 and 14. Furthermore, an immunofluorescence detection technique was employed in which anti-human mitochondrial antibody was used to identify hUCMS cells in mouse tissues. In order to visualize the distribution of transplanted hUCMS cells in H&E stained tissue sections, India Black ink 4415 was used to label the hUCMS cells. RESULTS: When tritiated thymidine-labeled hUCMS cells were injected systemically (iv) in female SCID mice, the lung was the major site of accumulation at 24 h after transplantation. With time, the cells migrated to other tissues, and on day three, the spleen, stomach, and small and large intestines were the major accumulation sites. On day seven, a relatively large amount of radioactivity was detected in the adrenal gland, uterus, spleen, lung, and digestive tract. In addition, labeled cells had crossed the blood brain barrier by day 1. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that peripherally injected hUCMS cells distribute quantitatively in a tissue-specific manner throughout the body.

Carcass and Meat Characteristics of Bulls from Arsi, Boran, Harar and Holstein Frisian Crosses Cattle Breeds Finished under Similar Level of Concentrate Supplementation

A study was conducted to evaluate the effect of age and breeds (Arsi, Borana, HF-Cross and Harar) on carcass and meat characteristics of bulls finished under similar feeding conditions. The feeding experiment was conducted for 90 days at Beef farm of Haramaya University. In this experiment, 24 bulls were fed with roughage (60%) which contained grass hay and wheat straw and concentrate (40%) which contained wheat bran, noug (gucia abysica) cake, maize grain, limestone, salt and ruminant premix. The bulls were transported to Bishoftu ELFORA export abattoir for slaughter following the procedure of the abattoir. The result of the study revealed that the average slaughter weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, shrink loss, commercial dressing and true dressing percentage were 179.1 kg, 86.8 kg, 82.7 kg 4.7%, 48.8% and 78.3%, respectively. Total edible and nonedible offal were significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by breed and age. Pelvic fat was significantly (P < 0.01) influenced by breeds. Meat yield percentages of Arsi, Boran, Harar, and HF-crossbred were 78.1%, 77%, 72.8% and 77.2% respectively. Meat yield was predicted from fat thickness and ribeye area with 61% accuracy. Arsi bulls attained the highest (78%) meat yield at early age but decreased by 0.713 rate as age of animals advanced by one digit whereas the meat yield from other breeds showed increment in meat yield percentage with the rate of 1.98, 1.1 and 0.1 for cross, Borana and Harar breed bulls, respectively as age advanced. Yield from fore shank, sirloin, top and bottom sirloin primal cuts were affected by breed. Arsi breed had higher meat bone ration than cross breed. Retailed meat yield was significantly (P < 0.001) predicted from rib area and subcutaneous fat thickness (P < 0.001) with a coefficient of determination 61%, from live animal trait and primal cuts with a coefficient of determination 89.56% and 94.78% respectively. Arsi bulls can be used for beef purpose at 2 - 3 years, as the meat percentage decreases thereafter;while bulls from Boran, cross breed and Harar breeds can be used up to 5 years of age. Meat to bone ratio indicated that HF-Crossbred was less appropriate for beef purpose than other breed bulls in this study. The rate of pH decline was not influence (P > 0.05) by age and breed in the current study.

In Vitro assessment of the nutritive value of expanded soybean meal for dairy cattle

Little information is available about the nutritive value of expanded soybean meal, which is produced by expansion of soybeans prior to solvent extraction of the oil. During processing, expanded soybean meal is subjected to additional heat, which might increase the concentration of ruminally undegraded protein. Processing of soybeans with heat during oil extraction could affect lysine availability by increasing ruminally undegraded protein or by impairing intestinal digestion. Our objective was to compare solvent and expanded soybeans with regard to chemical composition and nutritive value for dairy cattle. Samples of expanded soybean meal （n = 14） and solventextracted soybean meal （n = 5） were obtained from People＇s Republic of China to study effects of the expansion process on nutritive value for dairy cattle. Solvent-extracted soybean meal （n = 2） and mechanically extracted （heated） soybean meal （n = 2） from the United States served as references for comparison. Samples were analyzed for crude fat, long-chain fatty acids, crude protein, amino acids, chemically available lysine, in situ ruminal protein degradation, and in vitro intestinal digestibility. No differences were found between solvent-extracted soybean meals from China and expanded soybean meals from China for crude fat, crude protein, amino acids, or chemically available lysine. In situ disappearance of nitrogen, ruminally undegraded protein content, and in vitro intestinal digestion of the ruminally undegraded protein were generally similar between solvent-extracted soybean meals made in China and expanded soybean meals made in China; variation among soybean meals was small. Results indicate that the additional heat from the expansion process was not great enough to affect the nutritive value of soybean meal protein for ruminants. Although expansion may improve the oil extraction process, the impact on the resulting soybean meal is minimal and does not require consideration when formulating ruminant diets.

Effect of Rice Bran Quality and Protein Supplement, Base Mix, and/or Soybean Meal on Growing Pig Performance in Cambodia

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rice bran quality and dietary supplement source on growing pig performance. A total of 60 castrated male pigs (Yorkshire × Duroc, initially 16.1 kg) were used for 52-day trial. Pigs were allotted to pens in a completely randomized design (4 pigs per pen) and assigned to four dietary treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial with factors being rice bran source (high or low-quality) and source of protein, vitamins, and minerals (supplement or soybean meal and base mix). Analyzed protein and fat level for the high- and low-quality rice bran was 11.07% and 5.86% and 11.20% and 4.50%, respectively. Crude fiber content for high- and low-quality rice bran was 13.44% and 27.79%. Diets were formulated in two phases (phase 1: 16 to 27 and phase 2: 27 to 48 kg) to adjust to the pig’s nutrient requirements. There was no evidence for an interaction (P > 0.05) between rice bran quality × supplement type or main effect of supplement type (soybean meal + base mix vs protein supplement) for final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and feed efficiency (F/G). However, pigs fed high-quality rice bran had improved (P < 0.001) ADG and F/G and lower ADFI compared to pigs fed low protein rice bran. In conclusion, rice bran quality as measured by protein, crude fiber, and fat influenced growing pig performance, while the type of dietary protein supplement did not. Additionally, rice bran with high protein, fat, and low fiber improved ADG and F/G.

Influence of early weaning beef cows on the performance of male progeny and the need for winter protein supplementation

One hundred and three Hereford × Angus crossbred, spring-calving cows were used to determine the influence of early weaning performance of their male progeny and the need for cowherd winter supplementation. Treatments were early weaned (EW;115-d of age) and normal weaned calves (NW;220-d of age). Both intact and castrated male progeny were randomly allotted to early and normal weaning calf management treatments. Following summer grazing and weaning protocols, cows within each weaning group were randomly assigned to receive winter supplementation treatments of LOW (1.26 kg/hd/d) or HIGH (1.81 kg/hd/d) amounts of a protein supplement containing 450 g/kg CP (DM basis). Cows whose calves were weaned early gained more BW and BCS (P P P P = 0.04) BCS but similar (P = 0.74) BW when compared with cows with normally weaned calves that received 100% of their supplement (NWHIGH). Early weaning has the potential to reduce the amount of supplement required during the winter grazing period.

Effect of Complete Feed Feeding Level and Morning Glory on Growing Pig Performance

A total of 60 castrated male pigs (Yorkshire x Duroc, initially 17.36 kg) were used in a 42-day trial to evaluate the effect of complete feed feeding level and morning glory on growth performance of growing pigs. Pigs were allotted to pens and randomly assigned to three dietary treatments: A) completed feed fed ad libitum;B) complete feed fed at 75% of intake of treatment A, and C) treatment B with ad libitum availability of morning glory. The design was a completely randomized design (CRD) with five pens (replications) of each treatment with four pigs per pen. Average daily feed intake (dry matter basis) was higher (P < 0.001) for pigs fed treatment A (1420 g/d) compared to treatment B (1048 g/d) as expected, with treatment C intermediate (1178 g/d;1048 g/d complete feed + 130 g/d morning glory). Average daily weight gain of pigs fed ad libitum was greater (P < 0.001) than pigs restricted fed with pigs which provide morning glory intermediate (871, 674 and 714 g, respectively). Feed efficiency improved (P < 0.024) for pigs fed the restricted feed level compared to pigs fed complete feed ad libitum or pigs restricted fed but provided morning glory (1.63, 1.56 and 1.65, respectively). For economics, feeding complete feed ad libitum improved (P < 0.001) income over feed cost compared to restricted feeding or providing morning glory (USD 41.48, 33.42, and 33.89/pig, respectively). In conclusion, feeding growing pigs a complete diet ad libitum resulted in the greatest growth rate and profitability. Offering morning glory (Ipomoea. aquatica) to pigs fed a restricted level of complete feed did improve final body weight, but the extra cost of feeding morning glory offset this advantage resulting in similar profitability on an income over feed cost basis.

Effect of Dietary Supplement, Base Mix, and/or Soybean Meal on Growing Pig Performance

A total of 60 crossbred pigs (Yorkshire × Duroc, initially 56.5 kg) were used in a 42-day trial to evaluate the effect of replacing a commercial high protein supplement with soybean meal and/or a base mix in rice bran-based diets on pig growth performance. Pigs were allotted to pens by body weight and pens were randomly assigned to dietary treatments in completely randomized design. There were 4 dietary treatments with 3 or 4 replicate pens per treatment and 4 pigs per pen. Dietary treatments were: 1) 80% rice bran with 20% high protein supplement (RBS20), 2) 95% rice bran with 5% high protein supplement (RBS5), 3) 97.5% rice bran with 2.5% base mix (RBB2.5), and 4) 92.5% rice bran with 5% soybean meal and 2.5% base mix (RBSBB). The base mix included vitamins, macro and trace minerals, L-Lysine, L-Threonine, and DL-Methionine. Overall (d 0 to 42) average daily gain was greater (P < 0.001) for pigs fed RBSBB and RBS20 diets than pigs fed the RBS5 or RBB2.5 diets. Pigs fed the RBS5 diet had reduced (P < 0.004) average daily feed intake compared to all other treatments. Similarly, feed efficiency (feed/gain) was improved (P < 0.004) for pigs fed RBSBB and RBS20 diets compared with pigs fed RBS5 or RBB2.5. For economics, income over feed cost was the greatest (P < 0.01) for the diet containing soybean meal and base mix compared to pigs fed the RBS20 diet, SBS5, and RBB2.5. In conclusion, feeding pigs a rice bran diet with base mix and soybean meal had similar growth performance and increased economic return compared to feeding a rice bran diet with high protein supplement. Use of soybean meal and base mix provides an opportunity for increased economic return for pig farmers.

Growth Performance of Arsi, Borana, Harar and HF-Crossbred Bulls Finished under Similar Feeding Condition

The study was conducted to evaluate the fattening performance of Arsi, Borana, Harar and Holstein Friesian crossbred bulls finished under a similar feeding condition at the beef farm in Haramaya University. The average daily weight gain of the four breeds ranges from 0.49 to 0.71 kg. Feed conversion efficiency also ranges from 0.11 - 0.15. Simple linear regression models were used to explore the relationship between live body weight change and change in body condition score as well as seven linear body measurements for all age groups. An average change for a unite of body condition score was equivalent to 20.3, 20.61, 22.42 and 27.78 kg for Borana, Arsi, Harar and Holstein Friesian crossbred bulls respectively. Body condition score was significantly influenced by breeds. There was a significant breed by age interaction effect on the initial body condition score of the four breeds. There was a significant and positive strong association between change in body weight and body condition score. There was a significant and strong correlation between change in body weight and change in Total topline, neck length, heart girth, flank circumference and rump length having correlation coefficients ranges from 0.57 to 0.97. A higher net profit of 7380.47 ETB per head was recorded by Borana bulls followed by Harar bulls, Arsi and Holstein Friesian crossbred with net profit of 5406.86, 5193.29 and 3384.98 ETB per head respectively. Borana bulls are more superior in weight gain and net profit. Bodyweight change could be predicted based on body condition score change during the fattening period.

Practical starter pig amino acid requirements in relation to immunity,gut health and growth performance

Immune system activation begins a host of physiological responses. Infectious agents are recognized by monocytes and macrophages which in turn stimulate cytokine production. It is the hormone-like factors called cytokines that orchestrate the immune response. The classic responses observed with immune system activation and cytokine production include： anorexia, fever, lethargy, recruitment of other immune cells, and phagocytosis. While production of immune system components is known to require some amino acids, increases in amino acid requirements are more than offset by the associated decrease in protein accretion and increased muscle protein degradation that also accompanies immune system activation. However, the biggest impact of cytokine production is a decrease in feed intake. Therefore, as feed intake decreases, the energy needed to drive protein synthesis is also decreased. This suggests that diets should still be formulated on a similar calorie：lysine ratio as those formulated for non-immune challenged pigs. The evidence is sparse or equivocal for increasing nutrient requirements during an immune challenge. Nutritionists and swine producers should resist the pressure to alter the diet, limit feed, or add expensive feed additives during an immune challenge. While immune stimulation does not necessitate changes in diet formulation, when pigs are challenged with non-pathogenic diarrhea there are potential advantages on gut health with the increased use of crystalline amino acids rather than intact protein sources （i.e., soybean meal）. This is because reducing crude protein decreases the quantity of fermentable protein entering the large intestine, which lowers post weaning diarrhea. It also lowers the requirement for expensive specialty protein sources or other protein sources such as soybean meal that present immunological challenges to the gut. The objective of this review is two-fold. The first is to discuss immunity by nutrition interactions, or lack thereof, and secondly, to review amino acid requirement estimates for nursery pigs.

Postpartum meloxicam administration alters plasma haptoglobin, polyunsaturated fatty acid, and oxylipid concentrations in postpartum ewes

Background: Postpartum inflammation is a natural and necessary response;however, a dysfunctional inflammatory response can be detrimental to animal productivity. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug(meloxicam) on ewe postpartum inflammatory response, ewe plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid and oxylipid concentrations, and lamb growth.Results: After lambing, 36 Hampshire and Hampshire × Suffolk ewes were sequentially assigned within type of birth to control(n = 17) or meloxicam orally administered on d 1 and 4 of lactation(MEL;90 mg, n = 19). Milk and blood samples were collected on d 1(prior to treatment) and d 4. Milk glucose-6-phosphate was not affected by MEL. Plasma haptoglobin(Hp) concentrations were less for MEL ewes;control ewes with greater d 1 Hp concentrations had elevated Hp on d 4, but this was not the case for MEL-treated ewes. Treatment with MEL increased plasma arachidonic acid concentration by more than 4-fold in ewes rearing singles but decreased concentrations of 9,10-dihydroxyoctadecenoic acid, prostaglandin F2α, 8-iso-prostaglandin E2, and 8,9-dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid. Nine oxylipids in plasma had interactions of treatment with d 1 Hp concentration,all of which revealed positive associations between d 1 Hp and d 4 oxylipid concentrations for CON, but neutral or negative relationships for MEL. MEL decreased 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid:13-oxooctadecadienoic acid ratio and tended to increase 9-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid:9-oxooctadecadienoic acid ratio(both dependent on d 1 values), indicating progressive metabolism of linoleic acid-derived oxylipids occurred by enzymatic oxidation after MEL treatment. Meloxicam reduced oxylipids generated across oxygenation pathways, potentially due to an improved redox state.Conclusions: Postpartum MEL treatment of ewes decreased plasma concentrations of Hp and several oxylipids,with the greatest impact in ewes with biomarkers reflecting a greater inflammatory state before treatment. Antiinflammatory strategies may help resolve excessive postpartum inflammation in some dams.

Development of an in vitro macrophage screening system on the immunomodulating effects of feed components

Background:While feed components capable of modulating the immune system are highly sought after and marketed,often little evidence is available to support functional immune response claims.Thus,a high-throughput in vitro cell screening system was developed to test these compounds for innate immune signaling effects,using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its cell wall components in addition to lauric acid and its esters as models in two separate experiments.This screening system utilized RAW 264.7 murine macrophages to assess live S.cerevisiae cells and S.cerevisiae-derived cell wall componentsβ-glucan,mannan,and zymosan(a crude cell wall preparation containing bothβ-glucan and mannan).D-mannose was also evaluated as the monomer of mannan.We also examined the effect of a saturated fatty acid(C12:0,lauric acid)and its esters(methyl laurate and glycerol monolaurate)on innate immune cell activation and cellular metabolism.RAW cells were transfected with a vector that drives expression of alkaline phosphatase upon promoter activation of nuclear factorκ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells(NFκB),a major inflammatory/immune transcription factor.RAW cells were incubated with 0.01,0.1 or 1 mg/mL of yeast compounds alone or RAW cells were challenged with LPS and then incubated with yeast compounds.In a separate experiment,RAW cells were incubated with 0,0.5,2.5,12.5,62.5,and 312.5μmol/L of lauric acid,methyl laurate,or glycerol monolaurate alone,or RAW cells were challenged with LPS and then incubated with fatty acid treatments.Results:Treatment with zymosan orβ-glucan alone induced NFκB activation in a dose-dependent manner,whereas treatment with D-mannose,mannan,or live S.cerevisiae cells did not.Post-treatment with mannan after an LPS challenge decreased NFκB activation,suggesting that this treatment may ameliorate LPS-induced inflammation.Slight increases in NFκB activation were found when fatty acid treatments were applied in the absence of LPS,yet substantial reductions in NFκB activation were seen when treatments were applied following an LPS challenge.Conclusions:Overall,this cell screening system using RAW macrophages was effective,high-throughput,and sensitive to feed components combined with LPS challenges,indicating modulation of innate immune signaling in vitro.

Evaluation of Potential for Translocation of <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>from Floor Drains to Food Contact Surfaces in the Surrounding Environment Using <i>Listeria innocua</i>as a Surrogate

Floor drains in processing environments harbor Listeria spp. due to continuous presence of humidity and organic substrates. Cleaning and washing activities in food-processing facilities can translocate the bacterial cells from the drain to the surrounding environment, thus contaminating food products still in production. This study evaluated the potential for translocation of Listeria monocytogenes from drains to food contact surfaces in the surrounding environment using Listeria innocua as a surrogate. A 7 × 7 × 8-foot polycarbonate flexi-glass chamber with a 10-inch-diameter drain mounted on an aluminum cabinet was used. Stainless steel coupons (6.4 × 1.9 × 0.1 cm, 12 per height) were hung at 1, 3, and 5 feet inside the chamber. Four treatment sets;non-inoculated, non-treated;non-inoculated, treated;inoculated, treated;inoculated non-treated;and two subtreatments of 8 h and 48 h were performed. For the inoculated sets, meat slurry (10 gof ground beef in 900 mL water) and a four-strain cocktail of Listeria innocua at 7 - 8 log CFU/mL were used. For the treated sets, in addition, a commercial cleaner and sanitizer was applied. The drain was cleaned using a pressure hose (40 - 50 psi) after 8 h and 48 h. Coupons were then removed and enriched in listeria enrichment broth to establish if any cell translocated from the drain onto the stainless steel coupons via aerosols generated during washing. Confirmation was done using VIP Listeria rapid test kits. Results indicated translocation at all three heights ranging from 2% - 25%. Significantly higher translocation (p Listeria spp. from drains to food contact surfaces does occur and increases with increased proximity to the drain.

Efficacy of Antimicrobial Lauric Arginate against <i>Listeria monocytogenes</i>on Stainless Steel Coupons

Commercially processed foods become contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes in post-processing environments where favorable conditions help the bacteria thrive. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved Lauric arginate (LAE) as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for certain food applications. This study evaluated the efficacy of Mirenat-N (LAE dissolved in food-grade propylene glycol) against L. monocytogenes on food contact surfaces. A three-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes was used to inoculate 24 polished stainless steel coupons with three treatments, 100 ppm and 200 ppm solutions of LAE and water (control);two sub-treatments of high (6 log CFU/ml) and low (4 log CFU/ml) inoculum levels;and two contact times of 5 and 15 min. Attached bacteria were dislodged by vortexing coupons for 1 min with 20 g of 3-mm solid glass beads in 10 ml of 0.1% peptone diluent, and bacterial populations were calculated by plating onto modified oxford medium (MOX) and thin agar layer MOX (TALMOX). The 100 ppm treatment showed average reductions of 1.38 and 2.57 log CFU/coupon at the low inoculum level and 0.37 and 0.62 log CFU/coupon at high inoculum levels, after 5 and 15 min exposure, respectively. For 200 ppm at the high inoculum level, 1.23 and 1.88 log CFU/coupon reductions were seen for 5 and 15 min, respectively;the low inoculum level at 5 and 15 min exposure showed reductions of ≤1.5 log CFU/coupon. The 100 ppm LAE treatment was more effective at low inoculum levels for 5 and 15 min contact times and may be used to control low levels of contamination of L. monocytogenes on food contact surfaces.