Ruminants Full-length research article Evaluation of an herbal choline feed plant additive in lamb feedlot rations ABSTRACT-An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of an herbal choline feed plant additive on the productive parameters and blood metabolites of finishing lambs. Forty male Hampshire × Suffolk lambs (initial body weight of 30.36±3.75 kg) were assigned according to a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of the herbal additive BioCholine at 0, 3, 6, and 9 g/kg dry matter for 56 days. A linear response for herbal choline dose was observed for daily gain, final body weight, feed conversion, blood glucose, and blood phosphatidylcholine as herbal choline level was increased in the diet. Total protein, globulins, and low-density lipoproteins showed a quadratic effect, and there were no effects on intake, Longissimus dorsi area, back fat, blood cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins, or albumins. The inclusion of the herbal choline feed plant additive improved daily gain and feed efficiency of finishing lambs. The choline feed plant additive is a source that can be used to meet choline requirements in small ruminants, as demonstrated by blood phosphatidylcholine and lamb performance.

Objective This experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of Agave tequilana inulin and Lactobacillus casei ( L. casei ) on growth performace, hematological variables, serum metabolites, and total coliforms in nursing lambs. Methods The experimental design was completely randomized; treatments were T1, control (pre-starter concentrate, PC), T2: T1+2% inulin, and T3: T1+2% inulin+ L. casei ; treatments were compared with Tukey test (p≤0.05); and 45 new born Kathadin×Dorset lambs (4.8±0.8 kg birth weight) were the experimental units (15 per treatment). The variables were daily weight gain (DWG), dry matter intake and diarrheas incidence (%) during 56 d. Twenty-four hours after birth and at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected to evaluate hematological variables and serum metabolites. Besides, the populations of total coliforms and lactobacilli were estimated in fecal samples. Results Addition of agave inulin and L. casei increased (p≤0.05) DWG 356, 384, and 415 g/d, weaning weight 24.92, 26.18, and 28.07 kg, as well as lactobacilli population 5.79, 6.32, and 6.48 Log 10 cfu/g, for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Lambs fed L. casei had decreased (p≤0.05) populations of total coliforms (T1 = 6.18, T2 = 5.77, and T3 = 5.07 Log 10 cfu/g), diarrheas incidence (T1 = 11.67%, T2 = 8.33%, and T3 = 5.0%), and serum cholesterol concentration (11% in T2 and 13% in T3, compared to control). Conclusion The combination of Agave tequilana inulin and L. casei increases weight gain and improves intestinal health by reducing coliforms and diarrheas incidence in Katahdin× Dorset lambs during the pre-weaning period.

Calcium (Ca) propionate can be added to ruminant diets as a glucogenic substrate. However, due to its hypophagic effect, it is necessary to establish the optimal dose that can be used to replace grains in finishing diets for lambs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effect of four concentrations of Ca propionate in lamb diets on productive performance and rumen fermentation. Thirty two Hampshire x Suffolk lambs (23.82 ± 0.40 kg initial body weight), distributed in a completely randomized design, were given a diet with four concentrations of Ca propionate (g kg−1): 0, 10, 20 or 30 g, for 42 days. The results were tested for linear or quadratic responses. The final weight, average daily gain and feed: gain ratio showed quadratic responses (P ≤ 0.01). The optimal dose was established at 13.77 g kg−1 DM. Addition of Ca propionate did not affect variables related to rumen fermentation (pH, total volatile fatty acids, acetate, butyrate or rumen ammonia-N; P ≥ 0.05) . Nonetheless, glucose and propionate concentrations showed a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05). The highest concentrations of propionate in rumen were observed with 15.14 g kg−1 DM. Results indicate that Ca propionate can be included in a dose of up to 13.77 g kg−1 DM in feedlot rations, to attain best lamb performance.

We conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of a polyherbal additive with metabolites such as antioxidants, vitamins, and small hydrolysable tannoids oils on productive parameters and blood metabolites in finishing lambs. Forty male Hampshire × Suffolk lambs (23.79±2.24 kg) were used in a completely randomized experimental design. Treatments consisted of dietary inclusion of a polyherbal additive based on Emblica officinalis and Ocimum sanctum at 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg dry matter for 60 d. There were no effects on daily gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion, back fat thickness, and Longissimus dorsi area; however, hot carcass dressing improved linearly as the level of herbal additive supplementation was increased. The antioxidants of the polyherbal additive linearly inhibited lipid oxidation of the meat (24 h; day 10) and improved its water-holding capacity (24 h). Meat lightness after 1 d was reduced linearly, but no changes were detected in other color parameters. Metabolites (glucose, urea, cholesterol) related to energy or protein metabolism were not affected by the herbal additive. Lymphocytes and basophiles were reduced linearly whereas monocytes and segmented neutrophils increased linearly for polyherbal additive. The inclusion of the polyherbal additive does not improve daily gain or feed efficiency in finishing lambs but improves the carcass dressing and antioxidant capacity of the meat.

The objective of the present research was to determine the effect of long synchronization protocols based on reused progesterone devices (controlled internal drug release [CIDR]) associated with different doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) on reproductive variables in crossbred sheep (Suffolk × Kathadin × Dorset). The CIDR were used for eleven days in a previous study in sheep from the same herd and were washed and disinfected before reusing. Sixty-four sheep, in the reproductive season, were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 16). Treatments consisted of a group with 10 d CIDR and 300 IU eCG; a group with 10 d CIDR and 400 IU of eCG; a group with 12 d CIDR and 300 IU of eCG; and a group with 12 d CIDR and 400 IU of eCG. A completely randomized design was used. There was an estrous presentation rate of 100% in all treatments. The begining of estrous, gestation rate, fertility rate, type of parturition, and prolificacy index were equal between groups. Progesterone serum concentration was higher in sheep from the 10 d CIDR groups. The CIDR, reused for the second time, associated with 300 or 400 IU of eCG for estrous synchronization in sheep, are effective to obtain good pregnancy rates and ensures higher prolificacy rates.

Background: Coffee pulp has a high content of antioxidants capable of modifying the oxidative status in small ruminants. However, high amounts for a prolonged time can reduce fertility. Objective: To determine the effect of two inclusion levels of coffee pulp during estrous synchronization on reproductive variables and oxidative status of primiparous ewes. Methods: Sixty Suffolk x Dorset primiparous ewes were distributed into three treatments in a completely randomized design; T0: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet, T1: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 5% coffee pulp, T2: (n=20) 1.5 kg balanced diet and 10% coffee pulp. Supplementation was given for 16 days before estrus synchronization and until the beginning of the breeding season. A progestogen (CIDR®) was inserted for 11 days and a dose of PGF2α was applied two days prior to its withdrawal. Estrus detection started 12 hours after CIDR withdrawal. Blood samples were obtained during the supplementation period to measure oxidative status, antioxidant capacity, glucose and insulin, and up to 9 days after breeding to determine progesterone concentration. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed at 30 and 60 days post-breeding. An analysis of repeated measures of mixed effects and frequency analysis were carried out. Results: Inclusion of coffee pulp for a short period prior to breeding did not affect reproductive parameters, nor progesterone, glucose or insulin concentrations (p>0.05); however, antioxidant capacity increased, while lipid oxidation showed an opposite trend (p<0.05). Conclusion: Inclusion of up to 10% coffee pulp in the diet of ewe lambs for 16 days prior to breeding improves oxidative status without causing adverse effects on pregnancy, estrus or prolificacy. ResumenAntecedentes: La pulpa de café tiene un alto contenido de antioxidantes capaces de modificar el estado oxidativo en pequeños rumiantes. Sin embargo, a dosis elevadas y por un tiempo prolongado puede reducir la fertilidad. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de dos niveles de inclusión de pulpa de café durante la sincronización del estro en variables reproductivas y el estado oxidativo de ovejas primerizas. Métodos: Se utilizaron 60 ovejas primalas Suffolk x Dorset fueron distribuidas en tres tratamientos en un diseño completamente al azar; T0: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral, T1: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral y 5% de pulpa de café, T2: (n=20) con 1,5 kg de dieta integral y 10% de pulpa de café. La suplementación se realizó por 16 días, previo a la sincronización del estro y hasta el empadre. El progestágeno (CIDR®) se insertó en las ovejas por 11 días y se aplicó una dosis de PGF2α dos días antes de su retiro. La detección de estro comenzó a las 12 horas post-retiro del CIDR®. Se obtuvieron muestras sanguíneas durante el periodo de suplementación para medir estado oxidativo, capacidad antioxidante, glucosa e insulina, y hasta 9 días posteriores al empadre para determinar las concentraciones de progesterona. El diagnóstico de gestación se realizó a los 30 y 60 días post-monta. Se realizaron anális...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to boar diets on semen production and characteristics, the fatty acid profile of spermatozoa, and on testicle and boar carcass parameters. Ten lean-type terminal-line (Yorkshire × Landrace × Pietrain) adult boars were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: (1) a control diet and (2) the same diet with 1 % CLA. The research was conducted in Mexico, and animals were exposed to ambient temperatures between 13.5 and 26.3 °C. Boars were ejaculated twice per week during a 12-week period to examine semen production and characteristics. The results suggest that supplementation of boar diets with CLA did not affect the spermatozoa fatty acid profile, semen volume, sperm concentration, viability, or motility, nor did it cause abnormal sperm morphology. Compared to controls, boars fed a CLA diet had a higher seminal pH and increased backfat thickness. In summary, this study indicates that CLA addition in boar diet does not change the semen characteristics or fatty acid profile of spermatozoa; however, it increases backfat thickness in sexually mature boars.Keywords: Semen quality; Backfat thickness; Testicular characteristics. IntroductionSemen quality, including ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, and percentages of sperm mortality and abnormality, determines the economic value of boars. 1 Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), mainly ω-3 and ω-6 acids, are abundant in the plasma membrane of boar spermatozoa 2 and provide the sperm plasma mem- Conjugated Cite this as:Zamora-Zamora V, Figueroa-Velasco JL, Cordero-Mora JL, Nieto-Aquino R, García-Contreras AC, Sánchez-Torres MT, Carrillo-Domínguez S, Martínez-Aispuro JA. Conjugated linoleic acid supplementation does not improve boar semen quality and does not change its fatty acid profile. Veterinaria México OA. 2017;4(3).

Requirements of lambs for choline and methionine have not been clearly established, but because of their metabolic relationship, the availability of these two nutrients may affect protein synthesis and energy balance. Therefore, a trial was carried out to evaluate the effect on productive performance and blood metabolites of including methionine and choline from polyherbal mixtures in finishing lamb diets. Forty Hampshire x Suffolk lambs weighing 26.9 ± 2.8 kg were used for a 45-day experiment. The treatments were arranged as a 2x2 factorial, in which the factors were dietary supplementation with herbal methionine and choline at two levels (0% and 0.4% of dry matter (DM)). The treatments had no effects on the lambs’ productive variables (daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed to gain ratio), carcass characteristics and lipid metabolites (P >0.05). The results indicated that the inclusion of polyherbal mixtures containing methionine, choline and their combination at 0.4% of DM in finishing lamb diets showed no benefits in productive response or in blood metabolites related to lipid metabolism. Keywords: amino acid, lipid metabolites, productive performance, ruminally protected, vitamin