Protozoal parasites in tick species infesting camels in Sinai Peninsula

The objectives of this study were to determine whether treatment of forage with heat would reduce proteolysis during subsequent fermentation. In Experiment 1, direct-cut barley forage and alfalfa were untreated, microwaved, or steamed and then ensiled in laboratory silos as wilted forages. Silages of microwaved or steamed forage showed a marked increase in N bound to neutral detergent fiber and in the recovery of protein; however, alfalfa silages also had high pH values and concentrations of butyric acid. In Experiment 2, steam heating was compared with formic acid and NH3 treatments for the prevention of proteolysis in alfalfa silages. Silage of steamed alfalfa had a greater amount of N bound to neutral detergent fiber and greater recovery of protein than did control silage or silages of forage treated with formic acid or NH3. Silage of steamed forage had lower pH values than did silages of wilted, direct-cut, or control forage. Microbial innoculant added to steamed forage increased the recovery of protein. Silage of steamed forage had less aerobic stability than did silage of direct-cut forage. Ruminal degradability of crude protein (CP) and organic matter of silage from both experiments was evaluated. Degradability of CP was 8 to 26 percentage units lower in silages of microwaved or steamed forage in Experiment 1 than in silage of unheated forage because of slower degradation rates, but all had similar undegraded CP after incubation for 72 h. In Experiment 2, wilting, steam, formic acid, and NH3 treatments affected CP degradability similarly, but CP degradability was decreased when compared with silage of direct-cut forage without treatment.     

The effect of preservatives based on propionic acid on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage and a total mixed ration

For 3 successive yr, whole-plant corn was ensiled in laboratory silos with low percentages of silage preservatives, the primary active ingredient of which was propionic acid. Preservatives were added to forage just prior to ensiling at rates of 0.1 to 0.2% of the fresh forage weight. In all 3 yr, treatments had minor effects on fermentation end products, except that the concentration of propionic acid was greater because of its addition. The mean low and high percentages of preservatives increased aerobic stability of the treated silages by 19 and 57 h, respectively, in Experiment 1 and by 17 and 38 h, respectively, in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3, aerobic stability was improved by > 90 h by preservatives (0.2% addition). In a lactation study, a total mixed ration (46% dry matter) was mixed without or with (0.2 or 0.3%) a stabilizer that was designed to prevent spoilage in the feed bunk. The high dose resulted in orts with a lower pH and temperature after 24 h in the feed bunk. However, dry matter intake and milk production were unaffected by treatments. Chemical preservatives based on propionic acid added at low rates did not affect fermentation but were effective in the reduction of heating in corn silage and in a total mixed ration.     

Qualitative changes in enteric flora and short-chain fatty acids after intestinal resection

Our aim was to determine the effect of intestinal transection and resection on the prevalence of enteric flora and evaluate whether any such changes alter luminal SCFA and lactic acid content. Dogs underwent either 50% proximal (PR, N = 6) or distal (DR, N = 7) resection, distal resection with bypass of the ileocecal junction (DRBP, N = 9) or midpoint transection alone performed to serve as the appropriate control for luminal sampling for either proximal (PTC, N = 6) or distal (DTC, N = 7) resection. Studies were performed every four weeks for 12 weeks. Both jejunum and ileum had >10(5)/ml aerobic bacteria, most commonly E. coli. Streptococcal species were more common in the normal jejunum than ileum but were found in the ileal remnant after PR. Significant (>10(5)) anaerobic growth occurred infrequently in the jejunum, and DR did not increase anaerobic growth in jejunum unless DRBP was performed (93% vs 62% DR, 45% DTC, 20% normal jejunum, P < 0.05). Clostridium species increased significantly in the jejunal remnant after DRBP. Significant anaerobic growth occurred infrequently in normal ileum but increased after PR (89% vs 50% PTC, P < 0.05). Flora normally found in the jejunum tended to increase in the ileum after PR. Jejunal SCFA increased after DRBP (3126 +/- 577 microg/ml vs 1600 +/- 301 DTC, P < 0.05) but not DR (1791 +/- 321 microg/ml). Significant (>10(5)) anaerobic bacterial growth was associated with increased SCFA content (2717 +/- 381 vs 1029 +/- 170 microg/ml, P < 0.05) and the presence of lactic acid (30% vs 5%, P < 0.05), but there was no correlation between the presence of specific bacteria and SCFA and lactic acid. Following resection of the proximal small intestine, the intestinal remnant tends to assume the bacteriologic characteristics of the resected segment. Following a distal resection, the presence of an intact ICJ protects against the proliferation of a flora characteristic of the distal intestine; resection with bypass of the ICJ results in the appearance of coliforms in the jejunal remnant. These changes in enteric flora do not correlate with content of specific SCFA and lactic acid in the small intestine.     

Starch supplementation of grass harvested at two stages of maturity prior to ensiling: intake, digestion, and degradability by dairy cows

The effects of the maturity of grass prior to ensiling and the supplementation of starch to grass silage on apparent digestibility, degradability, rumen content, and feed intake by dairy cows were investigated using a Latin square design. Treatments were silages from early or late cut grass with or without 4 kg of supplemental flaked corn starch. The silage from early cut grass contained more N and sugars than did the silage from late cut grass but was lower in neutral detergent fiber (NDF). Degradation characteristics were not different between the two silages. Apparent digestibilities of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and N in the silage from late cut grass were lower than those in the silage from early cut grass, but NDF digestibility was not affected. Starch supplementation increased the lag phase for DM and OM in both silages, but the rate of degradation was decreased for NDF. Starch supplementation did not influence digestibilities of DM and OM in silage from early cut grass but decreased the digestibilities of DM and OM in silage from late cut grass. Crude protein and NDF digestibilities were decreased for silages from early and late cut grass. Starch supplementation increased NDF in the rumen of cows fed the silage from early cut grass, but NDF was not affected by starch supplementation for cows fed the silage from late cut grass. Rumen-degradable starch negatively influences degradability and apparent OM digestibility; the extent of the decrease is related to the maturity of the NDF.     

Other methods of laparoendoscopic hernia repair: mini-hernia--inguinal hernia repair through a 2-cm incision

Ruminal lactic acid-producing bacteria were selectively isolated and enumerated using a one hour aerobic exposure prior to incubation on a semi-selective Lactobacillus medium, MRS, under anaerobic conditions. The technique allowed growth of pure cultures of ruminal Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus bovis without supporting the growth of pure cultures of any of the prominent ruminal bacterial species. In mixed cultures, the one hour aerobic pre-incubation inhibited the growth of the obligate anaerobic ruminal bacteria which can otherwise grow on the MRS medium, and the subsequent anaerobic incubation permitted maximal recovery of the weakly aerotolerant ruminal lactic acid-producing Lactobacillus spp. and Streptococcus spp. The efficacy of this technique in selecting exclusively for the lactic acid-producing bacteria was also demonstrated from populations of rumen bacteria from mixed culture end-point in vitro fermentation, continuous in vitro culture and isolations from fresh ruminal samples.     

Developmental variations in factors related to initial and increased levels of adolescent drug involvement

Effects of two 9-month sports programmes (four or two sessions per week) on level of daily physical activity (PA), fat mass (FM), and physical fitness were assessed in children with spastic cerebral palsy (CP; n = 20, 9.2 +/- 1.4 yr), randomly assigned to an experimental and control group after matching. Four sessions per week tended to increase PA ratio (24-h energy expenditure/sleeping (resting) energy expenditure) after 9 months from 1.34 +/- 0.25 to 1.55 +/- 0.18 (P = 0.07; not different versus controls). FM increased continuously in the control group (after 9 months + 1.1 +/- 1.6 kg, P < 0.05), whereas the experimental groups showed no changes. Training (respectively four and two sessions) increased peak aerobic power 35% (P < 0.01; P < 0.05 versus controls) and 21% (P < 0.01; P = 0.17 versus controls). Results also suggest that training has a favourable effect on isokinetic muscle strength. No training-related effects were found on anaerobic power. It was concluded that although aerobic training has a limited effect on PA in children with CP, it may prevent deterioration in body composition and muscle strength. Furthermore, training has a favourable effect on peak aerobic power.     

Characterization and frequency distribution of species of lactic acid bacteria involved in the processing of mawè, a fermented maize dough from Benin

Lactic acid bacteria involved in the natural fermentation of both home-produced and commercial mawè were investigated during a 72 h fermentation period. Lactobacillus spp. constitute the majority (94%) of the strains of the lactic acid bacteria isolated, among which 89% represent the Betabacterium group. They include L. fermentum (biotype cellobiosus) (41%), L. fermentum or L. reuteri (19%), L. brevis (26%), L. confusus (less than 2%), L. curvatus (less than 1%) and L. buchneri (less than 1%). Other isolated lactic acid bacteria were L. salivarius, Lactococcus lactis, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Pediococcus acidilactici and Leuconostoc mesenteroides. Several species were detected at the early stage of fermentation, but the final stage was dominated by L. fermentum (biotype cellobiosus) and L. fermentum or L. reuteri totalling 90% of the isolated strains. The trend was the same for both home-produced and commercial mawè. No strains of L. plantarum, generally reported as dominating lactic acid bacteria at the final stage of fermentation of most plant foods, were isolated.     

Timothy grass or alfalfa silage for cows in midlactation: effect of supplementary barley

Twenty-four multiparous Holstein cows averaging 104 d of lactation were used in a trial with a split-plot design to evaluate the nutritive value of two silages, timothy grass or alfalfa, both treated with formic acid and stored in plastic bag silos. Silages were offered for ad libitum intake either alone or with 17 or 34% (dry matter basis) dry-rolled barley. Both silages contained similar amounts of acid detergent fiber (ADF) (27.5 and 26.7% for timothy grass and alfalfa, respectively). After 110 d of storage, alfalfa silage contained higher amounts of organic acids and NH3 N but had lower soluble N. Total dry matter intake (DMI) and silage DMI were similar between cows fed both silages. Increased barley proportion decreased silage DMI (19.2 to 14.2 kg/d). Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter was unaffected by treatment. The digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and ADF was higher for the timothy grass silage than for alfalfa silage and was unaffected by the barley percentage added to either silage. Milk yield was lower (23.9 to 22.6 kg/d) for cows fed the highest proportion of barley. The 4% fat-corrected milk yield was unaffected by treatment. Percentages of fat, protein, and total solids in milk were higher for cows fed diets with the higher barley content. Milk fat and protein yields were similar among treatments. Urea in blood was lower for cows fed timothy grass silage than for cows fed alfalfa silage (4.68 vs. 6.23 mg/100 ml). These results suggest that timothy grass silage and alfalfa silage, when stored at a similar ADF content, have comparable nutritive value for midlactation cows.     

Microbiological quality and the inability of proteolytic Clostridium botulinum to produce toxin in film-packaged fresh-cut cabbage and lettuce

The production of toxin by a 10-strain mixture of proteolytic Clostridium botulinum in fresh produce packaged in polyethylene films having high (7,000 cc/m2/24 h; HOTR) and low (3,000 cc/m2/24 h; LOTR) relative oxygen permeability was determined. Shredded cabbage and lettuce inoculated with approximately 10(2) spores/g were placed in bags composed of the two films (1.4 kg/bag), and the bags were then vacuum sealed. Produce was stored at 4, 13, and 21 degrees C for up to 21 (cabbage) or 28 (lettuce) days and analyzed periodically. At each sampling time, the gas composition within the bags, pH of the produce, and microbial populations (total aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, and yeasts and molds) were determined. In addition, the presence of botulinal toxin was determined using the standard U.S. Food and Drug Administration mouse bioassay protocol. Bags made of HOTR film prolonged sensory quality of cabbage and lettuce, especially at 13 and 4 degrees C. Packaging material had an effect on the growth of various groups of microorganisms; however, there was not a general trend. For example, lettuce packaged in HOTR bags had higher aerobic microbial populations than that packed in LOTR, but no significant difference (P < or = 0.05) was observed with cabbage. Growth of psychrotrophic bacteria was greater in vegetables packaged in HOTR film while growth of yeasts and molds was not affected by either packaging film. Most differences in microbial populations in produce packaged in LOTR and HOTR films were less than 1 log10 CFU/g. Botulinal toxin was not detected in cabbage or lettuce packaged in either film or stored under any test condition.     

Interactions between pairs of bacteriocins from lactic bacteria

Activity of pairs of crude extracts of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) containing different bacteriocins (nisin, pediocin AcH, lacticin 481, lactacin F, and lactacin B) was measured against 10 different indicator strains. Experiments were carried out both in liquid and on solid media. Both synergisms and antagonisms were observed. Lacticin 481 produced mainly antagonistic effects whereas pediocin AcH produced mainly synergistic effects. The use of more than one LAB bacteriocin as a combination biopreservative might be envisaged.     

A possible immunosuppressant, cycloprodigiosin hydrochloride, obtained from Pseudoalteromonas denitrificans

Biochemical characteristics of spent fowl meat injected with calcium chloride or sodium chloride were evaluated. Hot-boned breast fillets were injected to 10% (wt/wt) with 0.3 M CaCl2 or 0.6 M NaCl, tumbled, and aged 24 h. Tumbling was conducted at 20 C, -635 mm Hg, 20 rpm for 1 h. Hot-boned and cold-boned (24 h) fillets were used as controls. One fillet from each carcass was baked and sheared with an Allo-Kramer cell, whereas the other fillet was used for biochemical analysis. Shear values indicated that both CaCl2- and NaCl-treated samples had significantly (P < 0.05) lower shear values than hot-boned controls but were similar (P > 0.05) to cold-boned samples. The CaCl2 injection treatment significantly elevated (P < 0.05) the tissue calcium content compared to all other treatments. There was no significant difference in heat-stable collagen content (P > 0.05) among all treatments, which indicated that CaCl2 or NaCl did not contribute to meat tenderness through degradative changes in collagen. Calpain data indicated that mu-calpain had disappeared by 24 h aging in all treatments. The m-calpain activity was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in samples treated with CaCl2 than in the other samples. The NaCl-treated samples had m-calpain activity similar (P > 0.05) to that of hot-boned controls. Sarcomeres of CaCl2-treated samples were significantly shorter (P < 0.05) than those of cold-boned controls, were similar (P > 0.05) to those of hot-boned controls, and were shorter than those of NaCl-treated muscles. The sarcomere length and calpain data suggest that CaCl2 tenderized fillets by ionic strength and calcium-specific effects (possibly a proteolytic action), whereas the NaCl solution tenderized by ionic strength effect at a similar conductivity level to that of the CaCl2 solution.     

Kinetics of cell-wall digestion of orchardgrass and alfalfa silages treated with cellulase and formic acid

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of cellulase (from Trichoderma longibrachiatum) combined with formic acid, applied before ensiling, on the subsequent concentration and composition of the cell wall and on the extent and rate of in situ cell-wall digestion of orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Treated and control forages of both plant species were ensiled for at least 60 d before being ruminally digested by two fistulated cows. Analyses of NDF, ADF, and acid detergent lignin were conducted sequentially on original and digested samples. Data were fitted with a first-order, nonlinear model to estimate extents and rates of digestion of potentially digestible NDF, cellulose, and hemicellulose. The concentration of indigestible residue and the discrete lag time before digestion were also determined for the cell-wall components. After ensiling, the mean NDF concentration of treated silages was 19% lower than that of control silages; the effect was greater for orchardgrass than for alfalfa. The extent of digestion of NDF, cellulose, and hemicellulose, respectively, was 33, 37, and 27% lower for treated silages than for control silages. Treatment effects on the extent of digestion varied between plant species. Cellulose from treated orchardgrass was digested 19% more slowly than cellulose from the control silage. Indigestible residue concentrations of NDF, cellulose, and hemicellulose, respectively, were 7, 8, and 7% lower in treated silages than in control silages. Thus, extensive cell-wall degradation by cellulase during ensiling resulted in less digestible cell-wall material for ruminal digestion but greater total cell-wall degradation, including that during ensiling and ruminal incubation, especially during early digestion in the rumen.     

Effects of aerobic exercise training and yoga on the baroreflex in healthy elderly persons

It is unclear whether the age-associated reduction in baroreflex sensitivity is modifiable by exercise training. The effects of aerobic exercise training and yoga, a non-aerobic control intervention, on the baroreflex of elderly persons was determined. Baroreflex sensitivity was quantified by the alpha-index, at high frequency (HF; 0.15-0.35 Hz, reflecting parasympathetic activity) and mid-frequency (MF; 0.05-0.15 Hz, reflecting sympathetic activity as well), derived from spectral and cross-spectral analysis of spontaneous fluctuations in heart rate and blood pressure. Twenty-six (10 women) sedentary, healthy, normotensive elderly (mean 68 years, range 62-81 years) subjects were studied. Fourteen (4 women) of the sedentary elderly subjects completed 6 weeks of aerobic training, while the other 12 (6 women) subjects completed 6 weeks of yoga. Heart rate decreased following yoga (69 +/- 8 vs. 61 +/- 7 min-1, P < 0.05) but not aerobic training (66 +/- 8 vs. 63 +/- 9 min-1, P = 0.29). VO2 max increased by 11% following yoga (P < 0.01) and by 24% following aerobic training (P < 0.01). No significant change in alpha MF (6.5 +/- 3.5 vs. 6.2 +/- 3.0 ms mmHg-1, P = 0.69) or alpha HF (8.5 +/- 4.7 vs. 8.9 +/- 3.5 ms mmHg-1, P = 0.65) occurred after aerobic training. Following yoga, alpha HF (8.0 +/- 3.6 vs. 11.5 +/- 5.2 ms mmHg-1, P < 0.01) but not alpha MF (6.5 +/- 3.0 vs. 7.6 +/- 2.8 ms mmHg-1, P = 0.29) increased. Short-duration aerobic training does not modify the alpha-index at alpha MF or alpha HF in healthy normotensive elderly subjects. alpha HF but not alpha MF increased following yoga, suggesting that these parameters are measuring distinct aspects of the baroreflex that are separately modifiable.     

Milk yield, intake, and blood traits of lactating cows fed grass silage conserved under different harvesting methods

Thirty-two Holstein cows (8 primiparous) were assigned to negative control or to one of three treatments to assess three forage harvesting and conservation techniques. Forage was harvested as low moisture silage by either a cylinder-type forage harvester, a self-loading forage harvester, or a round baler. Treatment diets were fed from wk 4 to 15 of lactation and consisted of silages harvested by the respective methods supplemented with concentrate at 1.1% of BW. Unsupplemented silage harvested by a cylinder-type forage harvester was used as a control. Daily DMI was higher for cows fed supplemented heap silage cut with either a cylinder-type forage harvester (23.7 kg) or a self-loading forage harvester (22.6 kg) than for cows fed the control (20.0 kg) or supplemented round bale silage (20.1 kg). Milk yield was highest for cows fed supplemented heap silage cut with a cylinder-type forage harvester (26.6 kg/d) and lower for those fed supplemented heap silage cut with a self-loading forage harvester (22.7 kg/d) or the control (20.8 kg/d). Milk composition and digestibilities of DM, N, ADF, and energy were similar among treatments. Postfeeding NEFA concentration decreased more for control cows than for those fed supplemented silage, which was related to greater BW loss. The high milk yield for cows fed supplemented heap silage cut with a cylinder-type forage harvester could be related to a high DMI and low BW gain.     

Characterisation and selection of probiotic lactobacilli for a preliminary minipig feeding trial and their effect on serum cholesterol levels, faeces pH and faeces moisture content

Three out of 297 Lactobacillus strains isolated from pig faeces were selected for a feeding trial on account of their high bile-salt hydrolase (BSH) activity, bile-salt resistance, low pH tolerance and the production of antimicrobial substances. Two strains were identified as Lactobacillus johnsonii and one as Lactobacillus reuteri by DNA-DNA hybridisation. L. johnsoniii BFE 1061 produced a bacteriocin active against a range of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and nonrelated bacteria including Clostridium perfringens. Six minipigs were maintained on a high-fat, high-cholesterol ('Western Style') diet for 17 weeks after which the diet was supplemented with the 'probiotic mixture' containing the above mentioned three Lactobacillus strains at 2 x 10(12) CFU per pig per day for five weeks. The mixture was given as a resuspended lyophilisate. During a two week follow-up period the minipigs received only the 'Western-style' diet without probiotic supplementation. A lowering effect on serum cholesterol levels was indicated after three weeks probiotic feeding, concomitant with an increase in the moisture content of the faeces and Lactobacillus cell numbers. Triglycerides, pH and number of lactic acid bacteria in faeces were not significantly influenced by probiotic supplementation.     

Use of an autobioluminescent Salmonella hadar to monitor the effects of acid and temperature treatments on cell survival and viability on lactic acid-treated poultry carcasses

To determine the long-term effects of a lactic acid rinse on viability and recovery of pathogens, Salmonella Hadar was isolated from poultry and bioluminescent constructs obtained by transformation with the lux (CDABE) gene cassette from Photobacterium phosphoreum. Results indicated that the transformed Salmonella Hadar lux was otherwise phenotypically similar to the wild-type strain. Viability studies were performed by measuring luminescence following lactic acid treatment of turkey breast and subsequent storage at -12, 0, 5, and 10 degrees C. The ability of the S. Hadar lux strain to recover was determined by monitoring light output after incubation at 22 degrees C for 10 h. The results showed that metabolic activity was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by lactic acid and by storage temperatures of -12, 0, and 5 degrees C. The lowest recovery rate was observed after rinsing with lactic acid and storing at 5 degrees C. The study demonstrated that bacterial bioluminescence is an effective way of monitoring in "real time" the ability of bacteria to recover from stress.     

Cloning and functional expression of a human liver organic cation transporter

OBJECTIVE: The triglyceride-lowering effects of omega-3 fats and HDL cholesterol-raising effects of exercise may be appropriate management for dyslipidemia in NIDDM. However, fish oil may impair glycemic control in NIDDM. The present study examined the effects of moderate aerobic exercise and the incorporation of fish into a low-fat (30% total energy) diet on serum lipids and glycemic control in dyslipidemic NIDDM patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: In a controlled, 8-week intervention, 55 sedentary NIDDM subjects with serum triglycerides > 1.8 mmol/l and/or HDL cholesterol < 1.0 mmol/l were randomly assigned to a low-fat diet (30% daily energy intake) with or without one fish meal daily (3.6 g omega-3/day) and further randomized to a moderate (55-65% VO2max) or light (heart rate < 100 bpm) exercise program. An oral glucose tolerance test (75 g), fasting serum glucose, insulin, lipids, and GHb were measured before and after intervention. Self-monitoring of blood glucose was performed throughout. RESULTS: In the 49 subjects who completed the study, moderate exercise improved aerobic fitness (VO2max) by 12% (from 1.87 to 2.07 l/min, P = 0.0001). Fish consumption reduced triglycerides (0.80 mmol/l, P = 0.03) and HDL3 cholesterol (0.05 mmol/l, P = 0.02) and increased HDL2 cholesterol (0.06 mmol/l, P = 0.01). After adjustment for age, sex, and changes in body weight, fish diets were associated with increases in GHb (0.50%, P = 0.05) and self-monitored glucose (0.57 mmol/l, P = 0.0002), which were prevented by moderate exercise. CONCLUSIONS: A reduced fat diet incorporating one daily fish meal reduces serum triglycerides and increases HDL2 cholesterol in dyslipidemic NIDDM patients. Associated deterioration in glycemic control can be prevented by a concomitant program of moderate exercise.     

Long-term bacterial profile of refrigerated ground beef made from carcass tissue, experimentally contaminated with pathogens and spoilage bacteria after hot water, alkaline, or organic acid washes

The effects of 2% (vol/vol) lactic acid (LA), 2% (vol/vol) acetic acid (AA), 12% (wt/vol) trisodium phosphate (TSP), 72 degrees C water (HW), and 32 degrees C water (W) washes on bacterial populations which were introduced onto beef carcass surfaces after wash treatments were determined up to 21 days of storage at 4 degrees C of packaged ground beef prepared from the treated and inoculated carcasses. Beef carcass necks were collected from cattle immediately after harvest and subjected to the above treatments or left untreated (control). Neck meat was then inoculated with low levels (ca. <2 log10) of Listeria innocua, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Clostridium sporogenes contained in a bovine fecal cocktail. In general, growth of these four bacteria, aerobic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and pseudomonads was suppressed or not observed in the ground beef when LA, AA, or TSP treatments were used as compared to the untreated control. HW or W washes offered little suppression of growth of pathogens during subsequent storage of ground beef when these bacteria were introduced onto beef tissue posttreatment. Of the treatments used, a final LA or AA wash during the processing of beef carcasses offers the best residual efficacy for suppression of pathogen proliferation in ground beef during long-term refrigerated storage or short-term abusive temperature storage if these bacteria contaminate the carcass immediately after carcass processing.     

Acute extracellular fluid volume changes increase ileocolonic resistance to saline flow in anesthetized dogs

We determined the effect of acute extracellular fluid volume changes on saline flow through 4 gut segments (ileocolonic, ileal, ileocolonic sphincter and proximal colon), perfused at constant pressure in anesthetized dogs. Two different experimental protocols were used: hypervolemia (iv saline infusion, 0.9% NaCl, 20 ml/min, volume up to 5% body weight) and controlled hemorrhage (up to a 50% drop in mean arterial pressure). Mean ileocolonic flow (N = 6) was gradually and significantly decreased during the expansion (17.1%, P < 0.05) and expanded (44.9%, P < 0.05) periods while mean ileal flow (N = 7) was significantly decreased only during the expanded period (38%, P < 0.05). Mean colonic flow (N = 7) was decreased during expansion (12%, P < 0.05) but returned to control levels during the expanded period. Mean ileocolonic sphincter flow (N = 6) was not significantly modified. Mean ileocolonic flow (N = 10) was also decreased after hemorrhage (retracted period) by 17% (P < 0.05), but saline flow was not modified in the other separate circuits (N = 6, 5 and 4 for ileal, ileocolonic sphincter and colonic groups, respectively). The expansion effect was blocked by atropine (0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) both on the ileocolonic (N = 6) and ileal (N = 5) circuits. Acute extracellular fluid volume retraction and expansion increased the lower gastrointestinal resistances to saline flow. These effects, which could physiologically decrease the liquid volume being supplied to the colon, are possible mechanisms activated to acutely balance liquid volume deficit and excess.     

Brown midrib sorghum silage for midlactation dairy cows

Brown midrib sorghum silage was compared with alfalfa, corn, and normal sorghum silages for its effect on performance, ruminal metabolism, and digestive kinetics of Holstein dairy cows in midlactation. Twelve cows averaging 90 +/- 5 DIM were assigned to one of four diets in replicated 4 x 4 Latin squares with 4-wk periods. Additionally, 3 ruminally fistulated cows (95 +/- 20 DIM) were assigned to the same diets in a 3 x 4 Youden square for measurement of ruminal characteristics. Diets were fed as isonitrogenous TMR that contained 65% silage (DM basis). The DMI was greater for the corn and brown midrib sorghum (4% of BW/d) than for the alfalfa and normal sorghum diets (3.4% of BW/d). The brown midrib sorghum supported FCM production that was similar to that of cows on corn and alfalfa diets (25.8 kg/d), but cows fed normal sorghum produced less milk and fewer milk components. Source of silage had no effect on eating time, but rumination was least for the alfalfa diet. Ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations were similar for all diets. Total VFA concentrations were greatest for the corn and brown midrib sorghum diets. The brown midrib sorghum had greater in situ extent of ruminal NDF digestion than did the normal sorghum, which agreed with in vitro data. The brown midrib sorghum used in this experiment supported FCM production similar to the corn and alfalfa silages commonly fed to dairy cows in midlactation.