Effect of trace mineral proteinates on growth and skeletal and hoof development in yearling horses

Fifteen yearlings, nine Thoroughbreds and six Quarter Horses, were used in a feeding trial to determine whether proteinated trace minerals were utilized advantageously over inorganic trace minerals for growth and development when included in the diet at normal supplementation levels. The animals were assigned randomly within breed and gender subgroups to one of two treatments. Group A received a 12% protein (as fed) concentrate containing a trace mineral premix providing inorganic trace minerals at concentrations appropriate to supplement Coastal Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) hay and provide NRC¹ or higher trace mineral intakes. Group B was provided the same concentrations of trace minerals but the Cu, Mn, and Zn were provided via a commercial proteinate. The concentrates were fed to appetite individually, twice daily during a 1.5-hour feeding period. The hay was group-fed in drylot paddocks at 1.0 kg/100 kg BW daily. The animals were housed three or four animals per paddock. Weight and body and hoof growth measurements were taken at the start of the experiment and at 28-day intervals for 112 days. Radiographs of the third metacarpal were made for estimating bone mineral and hoof samples were collected at the start and completion of the experiment. The yearlings gained 0.77±0.03 and 0.79±0.03 kg/d for the inorganic and proteinate groups, respectively. None of the body measurements were affected by diet (P > 0.10) except hip height gain which was higher for the animals receiving the proteinated minerals (7.0 vs 4.7 cm, P = 0.023). Hoof growth was greater for yearlings fed the mineral proteinate than for those fed the inorganic minerals (4.98 vs 4.78 cm, P = 0.016), and colts had greater hoof growth than did fillies (5.00 vs 4.72 cm, P = 0.003). Diet and gender did not affect hoof strength (P > 0.10), but Quarter Horses had greater hoof strength than Thoroughbreds (98.2 vs 88.8 kg, P = 0.046). No differences in bone mineral content or bone mineral deposition were detected (P > 0.10).     

Trace metals and animal health: Interplay of the gut microbiota with iron,manganese, zinc,and copper

Metals such as iron, manganese, copper, and zinc are recognized as essential trace elements. These trace metals play critical roles in development, growth, and metabolism, participating in various metabolic processes by acting as cofactors of enzymes or providing structural support to proteins. Deficiency or toxicity of these metals can impact human and animal health, giving rise to a number of metabolic and neurological disorders. Proper breakdown, absorption, and elimination of these trace metals is a tightly regulated process that requires crosstalk between the host and these micronutrients. The gut is a complex system that serves as the interface between these components, but other factors that contribute to this delicate interaction are not well understood. The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms and microbial genes (the gut microbiome) that can regulate the metabolism and transport of micronutrients and contribute to the bioavailability of trace metals through their assimilation from food sources or by competing with the host. Furthermore, deficiency or toxicity of these metals can modulate the gut microenvironment, including microbiota, nutrient availability, stress, and immunity. Thus, understanding the role of the gut microbiota in the metabolism of manganese, iron, copper, and zinc, as well as in heavy metal deficiencies and toxicities, and vice versa, may provide insight into developing improved or alternative therapeutic strategies to address emerging health concerns. This review describes the current understanding of how the gut microbiome and trace metals interact and affect host health, particularly in pigs.     

不同来源微量元素对猪生长性能影响的研究进展

微量元素是动物生产中不可缺少的营养成分之一。它们在动物体内广泛地参与物质代谢的调控,以及酶、维生素和激素的形成及激活作用。论文综述了不同来源微量元素铜、铁、锰、锌在猪体内的吸收,存留和排泄以及对猪生长繁殖的影响。     

有机微量元素对蛋鸡生产性能、血清抗氧化指标、蛋黄中微量元素含量及微量元素减排效果的影响

本试验旨在探讨低于常规预混料中无机微量元素添加量的小肽螯合铁、铜、锰、锌与纳米硒复合使用对蛋鸡生产性能、血清抗氧化指标、蛋黄中微量元素含量以及微量元素减排效果的影响。选择225只50周龄、体重相近、健康的海兰褐壳蛋鸡,随机分为5组,每组5个重复,每个重复9只。在基础饲粮中添加饲料级无机微量元素6 mg/kg铜、75 mg/kg铁、60 mg/kg锌、60 mg/kg锰、0.3 mg/kg硒,为无机组,试验组为70%有机组、60%有机组、50%有机组、40%有机组,其微量元素添加量分别为无机组的70%、60%、50%、40%。预试期10 d,正试期42 d。结果表明:1)与无机组相比,60%有机组可显著提高产蛋率(P0.05),并显著降低料蛋比(P0.05),各组在蛋品质上无显著差异(P0.05)。2)与无机组相比,70%有机组显著提高了血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性(P0.05),有机组均显著提高了血清总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)(P0.05),70%和60%有机组显著降低了血清丙二醛(M DA)含量(P0.05)。3)各组蛋黄中铜、锰、铁含量无显著差异(P0.05);与无机组相比,60%有机组显著提高了蛋黄锌含量(P0.05),而50%与40%有机组在显著提高蛋黄锌含量(P0.05)的同时,显著降低了硒含量(P0.05)。4)有机组粪中铜、锰、锌的含量均显著低于无机组(P0.05)。综合考虑,为保证蛋鸡正常生产和生理功能,在5056周龄,按常规预混料中无机微量元素添加量的60%添加小肽螯合铁、铜、锰、锌与纳米硒效果较好。     

Baseline levels of trace metals in blood of captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

Whole blood from 33 healthy captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) was analyzed for 12 trace elements: aluminum, chromium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, arsenic, selenium, cadmium, mercury, and lead for the purpose of estimating preliminary baseline population parameters for these minerals. Metals were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy. Baseline ranges for all animals and for all trace elements were comparable to normal concentrations reported in other species. This is the first report of normal trace element levels in the blood of captive elephants.     

Concentrations of trace minerals in the spinal cord of horses with equine motor neuron disease

OBJECTIVE: To compare concentrations of trace minerals in the spinal cord of horses with equine motor neuron disease (EMND) with those of horses without neurologic disease (control horses). ANIMALS: 24 horses with EMND and 22 control horses. PROCEDURE: Spinal cord trace mineral concentrations in horses with EMND and control horses were analyzed by use of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc, aluminum, cobalt, and chromium), atomic absorption spectrophotometry (lead and cadmium), flameless atomic absorption (mercury), and fluorometry (selenium). RESULTS: Copper concentration was significantly higher in the spinal cord of horses with EMND, compared with control horses; spinal cord concentrations of all other trace minerals were similar between groups. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Among spinal cord trace minerals investigated in the study, only copper concentrations were significantly different between horses with EMND and horses without neurologic disease, which suggests that copper may be involved in the pathogenesis of EMND. An hypothesis of oxidative injury in this disease is supported by the finding of increased copper concentrations in the spinal cord and by low vitamin E concentrations reported by other researchers.     

青海省海西地区土壤、牧草、流产绒山羊血清中六种微量元素含量的检测

通过对海西州部分地区土壤、牧草及流产绒山羊血清中铁、锰、钴、铜、锌和硒6种微量元素的检测与分析,结果表明,在土壤、牧草及流产绒山羊血清中的铁和锰含量偏高,分别为39678.93±13134.40μg/g和559.93±129.34μg/g;822.83+415.86μg/g和51.91±2.97μg/g以及39.03±...     

黑龙江省西部草地有效微量元素的分布与奶牛健康及调控

从食物链的源头上对奶牛业发达的黑龙江省西部草地土壤有效微量元素的分布与奶牛健康进行了研究 ,发现 Se、Cu、Zn、Mn呈缺乏状态。采取对牧草进行微量元素溶液喷施 ,显著提高了牧草的几种微量元素的含量 ,有效地预防了奶牛这些微量元素缺乏症的发生。     

Nutritional factors of lameness and metabolic bone disease in cattle

Lameness in cattle has numerous causes, and many factors interact to interfere with normal locomotion. The nutrients that have been implicated are protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and E. The fact that several nutrients may be involved with the problem should not be overlooked. There may also be factors in the diet that interact with the nutrient (particularly with trace minerals) that must be considered. When congenital skeletal deformities are being investigated, the veterinarian should not overlook the nutrition of the dam during pregnancy. When recommending dietary changes, a veterinarian should be careful that new imbalances have not been created and that the producer is not adding nutrients to the diet other than those suggested.     

日粮不同锌水平对法国鹌鹑生长发育及组织中微量元素含量的影响

用2周龄健康法国鹌鹑324只,按体重随机分为9组,每组设3个重复,试验采用玉米-豆饼型基础日粮(含锌26.7ppm),在此基础上,添加9个梯度水平(ppm)的锌(0,25,50,75,100,500,1000,1500,2000),进行为期3周的饲养试验.试验期末,进行血液生化指标测定和组织器官微量元素含量分析.试验结果表明,法国鹌鹑日粮中以添加50ppm和75ppm锌为宜,对增重、采食量和饲料效率均有一定作用.1000ppm锌为最大耐受量,1500ppm锌为其中毒量;在一定锌水平范围内,血清总蛋白和球蛋白含量、碱性磷酸酶(SAP)活性均随日粮锌水平的提高而显著提高(P<0.05),当锌添加量为500ppm时,其达最大值,随后呈降低趋势.血清白蛋白含量不受日粮锌水平的影响.锌与其它微量元素之间的关系依不同组织器官而异,缺乏规律性.日粮补饲锌能显著降低肝脏中铁、铜、锰和肾脏中铁的含量,提高骨骼.血清中锰及肾脏中铜的含量.     

Kinematic gait analysis and lactation performance in dairy cows fed a diet supplemented with zinc,manganese, copper and cobalt

This study investigated how supplementation of the diet of dairy cows with trace minerals (zinc, manganese, copper and cobalt) affected kinematic gait parameters and lactation performance. Eight Holstein cows were divided into two groups, with each group receiving a different dietary treatment (control diet, or control diet supplemented with trace minerals) in a two‐period crossover design. Kinematic gait parameters were calculated by using image analysis software. Compared to cows fed the control diet, cows that received the trace mineral‐supplemented diet exhibited significantly increased walking and stepping rates, and had a shorter stance duration. Feed intake and milk production increased in cows fed the trace mineral‐supplemented diet compared with control groups. The plasma manganese concentration was not different in control and experimental cows. In contrast, cobalt was only detected in the plasma of cows fed the supplemented diet. These results provide the first evidence that trace mineral supplementation of the diet of dairy cows affects locomotion, and that the associated gait changes can be detected by using kinematic gait analysis. Moreover, trace mineral supplementation improved milk production and only minimally altered blood and physiological parameters in dairy cows.     

青海省环湖地区牧草和土壤微量元素含量测定

对青海省环湖地区牧草和土壤中５种微量元素含量进行测定，结果表明：牧草铜和锌含量较低，牧草和土壤锰含量明显低于正常范围，而钼含量超过正常范围，提示该地区存在低锰，低铜，低锌和高钼的生态环境。     

Gastrointestinal health and function in weaned pigs: a review of feeding strategies to control post‐weaning diarrhoea without using in‐feed antimicrobial compounds

For the last several decades, antimicrobial compounds have been used to promote piglet growth at weaning through the prevention of subclinical and clinical disease. There are, however, increasing concerns in relation to the development of antibiotic‐resistant bacterial strains and the potential of these and associated resistance genes to impact on human health. As a consequence, European Union (EU) banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in swine and livestock production on 1 January 2006. Furthermore, minerals such as zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) are not feasible alternatives/replacements to antibiotics because their excretion is a possible threat to the environment. Consequently, there is a need to develop feeding programs to serve as a means for controlling problems associated with the weaning transition without using antimicrobial compounds. This review, therefore, is focused on some of nutritional strategies that are known to improve structure and function of gastrointestinal tract and (or) promote post‐weaning growth with special emphasis on probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, trace minerals and dietary protein source and level.     

Influence of age,sex and cross on body concentrations of trace elements (zinc,iron, copper and manganese) in chickens

1. Environmental problems in areas of intensive animal production necessitate new constraints in food formulation concerning nitrogen and phosphorus and also concerning trace minerals, especially zinc and copper, which are found in excess in poultry manure in relation to nitrogen and might cause phytotoxicity in soil. 2. Whole body concentrations of zinc, iron, manganese and copper were measured in chickens in order to estimate the percentage of deposition and excretion. Body concentrations were determined on 390 chicks of both sexes at different ages in 2 commercial crosses. 3. Age affected the trace element body concentration. Higher concentrations were observed at earlier ages (4 to 11 d). Sex and cross had little influence on body Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn concentration and interactions were observed between these factors. 4. Body retention percentage (% of intake) was very low when birds were fed on commercial diets and decreased with age. For the period 0 to 40 d, the percentages of retention were 6%, 10%, 0.2% and 6% for Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu, respectively, and therefore 90% to 99% was excreted. 5. These findings make it possible to calculate trace mineral excretion for various feeding systems and confirm the excess of zinc and copper in poultry manure in relation to nitrogen. A nutritional approach such as reduction in dietary trace mineral supplementation may alleviate the risks of phytotoxicity in the soil resulting from Zn and Cu excesses.     

Trace element deficiencies in cattle

Deficiency of cobalt, copper, iron, iodine, manganese, selenium, or zinc can cause a reduction in production. Reduced production occurs most commonly when a deficiency corresponds to the phases of growth, reproduction, or lactation. Because of environmental, nutrient, disease, genetic, and drug interactions, deficiencies of single or multiple elements can occur even when the levels recommended by the National Research Council for these nutrients are being fed. Additionally, random supplementation of trace elements above National Research Council recommendations is not justified because of the negative interaction among nutrients and potential toxicosis. Evaluation of trace element status can be difficult because many disease states will alter blood analytes used to evaluate nutrient adequacy. Proper dietary and animal evaluation, as well as response to supplementation, are necessary before diagnosing a trace element deficiency.     

微量元素添加模式对肉鸡生长性能、微量元素代谢和血浆抗氧化性能的影响

本试验旨在研究不同微量元素添加模式对肉鸡生长性能、微量元素代谢和血浆抗氧化性能的影响。选取720羽1日龄科宝(Cobb-500)肉鸡,随机分为4个组,每个组10个重复,每个重复18只鸡。行业标准组:按照农业行业标准NY/T 33—2004添加铜、铁、锌和锰。NRC标准组:按照NRC(1994)推荐量添加铜、铁、锌和锰。NRC比例组:实测基础饲粮中铜、铁、锌、锰的含量,以过量最多的铜(相对于NRC标准)的倍数补齐其余3种元素。相对生物学效价组:假设基础饲粮中微量元素的生物学利用率为额外添加硫酸盐的30%,对其含量进行校准后按照NRC比例组的方法添加。微量元素都以硫酸盐形式添加,试验期42 d。结果表明:1)不同微量元素添加模式未对肉鸡生长性能和死亡率造成显著差异(P0.05)。2)21日龄时,NRC比例组肉鸡十二指肠铜转运蛋白1(Ctr1)的mRNA相对表达量显著高于其余各组(P0.05),NRC比例组和相对生物学效价组肉鸡十二指肠二价金属转运蛋白1(DMT1)的mRNA相对表达量显著高于其余2组(P0.05);42日龄时,NRC标准组和相对生物学效价组肉鸡十二指肠DMT1的mRNA相对表达量显著高于其余2组(P0.05);各组间21和42日龄肉鸡十二指肠锌转运蛋白1(Zn T1)和锌转运蛋白5(Zn T5)的mRNA相对表达量没有显著差异(P0.05)。3)21日龄时,NRC比例组和相对生物学效价组肉鸡血浆总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)显著高于其余2组(P0.05);42日龄时,与相对生物学效价组相比,NRC比例组肉鸡血浆过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著下降(P0.05)。4)粪便中微量元素浓度和饲粮的微量元素添加浓度存在显著的正相关关系(P0.05)。由此可见,从微量元素吸收效率和肉鸡血浆抗氧化性能来看,考虑基础饲粮微量元素相对生物学效价并按NRC比例添加是更适宜的添加模式,同时减少了粪便中微量元素的排泄。     

甘氨酸锌在动物生产中的应用研究

锌是动物体内的必需微量元素之一,在动物生长发育和健康方面起着关键作用。甘氨酸锌作为有机微量元素具有生物利用率高、减排环保等优势。综述了甘氨酸锌对动物的生长性能、繁殖性能、免疫能力及肠道健康的影响,探讨了动物对甘氨酸锌的需要量,旨在为动物生产中科学利用甘氨酸锌改善动物健康,促进动物生长提供理论依据。     

Microelements in the liver and kidney of laying hens kept on large-capacity poultry farms under normal and increased supply to the organism]

The contents of manganese, zinc, copper, and iron in the liver and kidney of laying hens (Shaver), kept on modern large-capacity poultry farms, were determined under the conditions of a normal and increased supply of these microelements to the organism. The content of the mentioned trace elements was determined by means of atomic absorption spectrophotometry, flameless technique, and with the use of graphite cell. In the layers fed a diet with a normal content of trace elements the average concentrations of the microelements in the liver were the following: manganese: 15.8 +/- 8.8 mg kg-1, zinc: 35.0 +/- 5.1 mg kg-1, copper: 19.9+/- 2.8 mg kg-1, and iron: 761.6 +/- 245.8 mg kg-1. When increased amounts of microelements were added to the diet, their average content generally increased just in the kidneys, whereas their average concentrations in the liver remained the same, with the exception of iron, the content of which showed an increase.     

青海湖北岸退化与封育草地土壤与优势植物中四种微量元素特征

为了研究退化、封育草地中植物形态与铜、锌、铁、锰等微量元素特征,选择青海湖北岸退化草地为试验样地,以围栏封育草地为对照,通过各类型草地样方调查以及典型植物中铜、锌、铁、锰等微量元素的对比分析,结果表明,退化草地较封育草地植物中铜、锌、铁、锰等微量元素的含量高,且与植物株高、盖度和地上生物量之间具有负相关关系。如:烂泥湾退化草地、封育草地植被中Cu分别为10.480和7.275 mg/kg,而土壤中Cu分别为13.99 和24.19 mg/kg,植物株高则为13.3和17.3 cm;退化草地中植物株高与Cu、Zn之间相关系数为-0.987 3和-0.986 6。退化草地植物中微量元素营养含量的蓄积性既是草地退化的结果,又是退化草地再退化的原因之一,也是其对外界环境变化的一种“应急”响应。     

Uterine biology in pigs and sheep

There is a dialogue between the developing conceptus (embryo-fetus and associated placental membranes) and maternal uterus which must be established during the peri-implantation period for pregnancy recognition signaling, implantation, regulation of gene expression by uterine epithelial and stromal cells, placentation and exchange of nutrients and gases. The uterus provide a microenvironment in which molecules secreted by uterine epithelia or transported into the uterine lumen represent histotroph required for growth and development of the conceptus and receptivity of the uterus to implantation. Pregnancy recognition signaling mechanisms sustain the functional lifespan of the corpora lutea (CL) which produce progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy essential for uterine functions that support implantation and placentation required for a successful outcome of pregnancy. It is within the peri-implantation period that most embryonic deaths occur due to deficiencies attributed to uterine functions or failure of the conceptus to develop appropriately, signal pregnancy recognition and/or undergo implantation and placentation. With proper placentation, the fetal fluids and fetal membranes each have unique functions to ensure hematotrophic and histotrophic nutrition in support of growth and development of the fetus. The endocrine status of the pregnant female and her nutritional status are critical for successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. This review addresses the complexity of key mechanisms that are characteristic of successful reproduction in sheep and pigs and gaps in knowledge that must be the subject of research in order to enhance fertility and reproductive health of livestock species.