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O objetivo do trabalho foi elaborar petisco tipo palito para cães com inclusão de diferentes níveis de farinha elaborada a partir de carcaça com cabeça de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) e avaliar a composição química, perfil de ácidos graxos, força de cisalhamento, microbiologia e teste de preferência. Para a elaboração da farinha, as carcaças com cabeça foram cozidas, prensadas, moídas em moedor de carne, desidratadas, moídas em moedor tipo faca e imediatamente embaladas a vácuo. As farinhas foram incluídas em 0%, 10%, 20% e 30% em petisco tipo palito. Houve efeito linear negativo para teor de proteína bruta (Ŷ= 76,11 – 0,85x, R2=0,99), linear positivo para cinzas (Ŷ=10,40+0,116x, R2=0,72) e para extrato etéreo (Ŷ= 1,04 +0,73x + 0,2275x2, R2=0,99) efeito quadrático. A inclusão da farinha nos palitos aumentou os teores de cinzas, ácidos graxos ácido docosaexaenoico (C22:6n3), ácido Palmítico (C16:0) e ácido oleico (C18:1n9c), apesar de reduziu os teores de proteína bruta e extrativo não nitrogenado à medida que aumentou o nível de inclusão da farinha de peixe. Ocorreu redução da força de cisalhamento à medida que houve a inclusão de farinha, cuja equação foi Ŷ = 28,96 – 5,30x (R2=0,63). No teste de preferência, houve uma redução na escolha, ingestão e razão de ingestão dos palitos à medida que aumentou o nível de inclusão de farinha. Sendo assim, o mais indicado é incluir apenas 10% de farinha nos petiscos tipo palitos, caso contrário ocorrerá maior redução na dureza observada através da força de cisalhamento e na aceitação realizada pelo teste de preferência ou palatabilidade para os cães.

Several peptides found in hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity, a property that indicates potential antihypertensive and health-promoting effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of extruded diets containing enzymatically hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal (HPM) on cat serum ACE activity and aldosterone (ALD) concentration, nutrient digestibility, and faecal characteristics. On the basis of a preliminary in vitro ACE inhibitory activity assay, a commercial HPM and a commercial conventional poultry byproduct meal (CPM) were selected for further investigation. Two isoenergetic and isonitrogenous diets were formulated: CPM diet (25.7% CPM) and HPM diet (24.7% HPM). In trial 1, the effect of diet on serum ACE activity and ALD concentration was evaluated using 8 healthy cats (4 female and 4 male, 4.1 ± 0.38 kg BW) in a crossover design, with 5 d of adaptation and blood collection on d 6. In trial 2, apparent total tract digestibility and faecal characteristics were evaluated using 12 cats (6 female and 6 male, 4.0 ± 0.72 kg BW) in a completely randomised design. Serum ACE and ALD were analysed using a mixed model, with diet as the fixed effect and cat as the random effect. Data from trial 2 were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared by Tukey’s test. In vitro ACE inhibitory activity of HPM (90.4%) was higher than that of CPM (52.0%). Cats fed the HPM diet tended to have lower serum ACE activity than those fed the CPM diet (126 versus 142 U/l, p = 0.09). Serum ALD was not influenced by diet. Diets had similar digestibility values, and faecal consistency scores tended to be higher (firmer faeces) in cats fed the CPM diet than in cats fed the HPM diet (4.6 versus 4.0, p = 0.09). Inclusion of HPM in extruded diets may reduce cat serum ACE activity and promote good faecal consistency without affecting digestibility. Further investigations are needed to explore the potential health benefits of HPM in hypertensive cats.

The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response, oxidative status and fatty acid deposition in reproductive tissues of cats supplemented with the dried microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) as a DHA source. Thirty-seven cats (males, n 21; females, n 16; 11·5 (sd 0·5) months of age) were divided by sex into five groups. Treatment diets contained algae biomass at 4·0, 8·0, 12·0 or 16·0 g/kg replacing poultry fat (n-6 source). Cats were fed the respective diet for 62 d and neutered on day 58. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (day 1), before neutering (day 58) and 4 d after surgery (day 62) for analysis of inflammation and oxidative markers. Acute-phase protein levels were altered (P < 0·01) in the postoperative period, without any treatment effect (P > 0·05). PGE2 concentrations after surgery were reduced linearly (R2 0·8706; P = 0·002) with microalgal inclusion. Blood platelet count was reduced (P = 0·001) after the surgery regardless treatment, but it was higher in the DHA group compared with control (P < 0·001). The DHA deposition (testicles, R2 0·846; ovaries, R2 0·869) and the n-6:n-3 ratio (testicles, R2 0·859; ovaries, R2 0·955) in gonads had a pattern which fitted a quadratic model. DHA from Schizochytrium spp. modifies PGE2 response after the surgery in cats. The physiological roles of the DHA in the reproduction of cats were not investigated, but its gonadal deposition after supplementation was observed.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:48:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01 The objective of this study was to estimate the sulphur amino acid (methionine + cystine) requirements and nitrogen endogenous losses in kittens aged 150 to 240 d. Thirty-six cats were distributed in six treatments (six cats per treatment) consisting of different concentrations of methionine + cystine (M + C): T1, 6.5 g/kg; T2, 8.8 g/kg; T3, 11.3 g/kg; T4, 13.6 g/kg; T5, 16.0 g/kg; and control, 6.5 g/kg. Diets were formulated by serial dilution of T5 (a diet relatively deficient in M + C but containing high protein concentrations) with a minimal nitrogen diet (MND). Thus, crude protein and amino acid concentrations in diets T1–T5 decreased by the same factor. The control diet was the T1 diet supplemented with adequate concentrations of M + C (6.5 g/kg; 8.8 g/kg; 11.3 g/kg; 13.6 g/kg and 16.0 g/kg). All diets were based on ingredients commonly used in extruded cat diets. Digestibility assays were performed for the determination of nitrogen balance. Nitrogen intake (NI) and nitrogen excretion (NEX) results data were fitted with an exponential equation to estimate nitrogen maintenance requirement (NMR), theoretical maximum for daily nitrogen retention (NRmaxT), and protein quality (b). M + C requirements were calculated from the limiting amino acid intake (LAAI) equation assuming a nitrogen retention of 45 to 65% NRmaxT. The NMR of kittens aged 150, 195, and 240 d was estimated at 595, 559, and 455 mg/kg body weight (BW)0.67 per day, respectively, and M + C requirements were estimated at 517, 664, and 301 mg/kg BW0.67 per day, respectively. Department of Animal Science State University of Maringá Veterinary Physician Department of Clinical and Veterinary Surgery School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science São Paulo State University (UNESP Department of Clinical and Veterinary Surgery School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Science São Paulo State University (UNESP

The aim of this study was to (i) gain an overview of the protocols of food preference tests in cats through a systematic review, (ii) assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and sex, and (iii) propose a statistical approach based on power analysis to determine sample size and analyze the results. The manuscripts included in this review had marked variations in the number of days (2-56), sample size (9-60 cats), feeding times (2.5-1440 min), and number of meals per day (1-2) during the test. Additionally to the literature review, three palatability tests (lasting 10 days each) were conducted with 40 cats (22 males and 18 females, 1.8 ± 0.16 years, 3.73 ± 0.90 kg) to assess the effects of test duration, time of day, and gender on the results. From the second day of the test, the sensitivity of the results was higher, because on the first day the results in one of the tests differed from the others (p = .0058). There was no difference (p .05) between times of day (morning vs afternoon) or gender (males vs females) on the results of the feed intake ratio. For a SD of 0.20, p .05, and delta of 0.10, the minimum number of cats for two-bowl assays is 23 (test power higher than 0.75).The sample size and test duration are critical factors in the decision making by the investigators about the design of food preference tests in cats. The use of a power test is recommended upon planning a food preference test protocol in cats.

FT-Raman spectroscopy has been extensively used to study human keratotic biopolymers, such as skin, nail and hair, since the disulfide bonds of keratin protein is Raman-active vibrational mode. In this context, animal hair can also be evaluated by Raman spectroscopy, for the main protein is keratin. In this study, domestic cats were submitted to an experimental diet with different levels of methionine and cysteine; then their hair was evaluated by using FT-Raman spectroscopy on the first and on the last day of the diets. The results were compared with tensile rupture measurements. They showed that FT-Raman spectroscopy was able to monitor disulfide bonds (510 cm−1) and keratin protein conformation (amide I) in different sulfur amino acids levels, indicating that the levels above the minimum recommended were not efficient to improve the hair quality.

The present study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory response, oxidative status and fatty acid deposition in reproductive tissues of cats supplemented with the dried microalgae Schizochytrium spp. (Thraustochytriaceae) as a DHA source. Thirty-seven cats (males, n 21; females, n 16; 11·5 (sd 0·5) months of age) were divided by sex into five groups. Treatment diets contained algae biomass at 4·0, 8·0, 12·0 or 16·0 g/kg replacing poultry fat (n-6 source). Cats were fed the respective diet for 62 d and neutered on day 58. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the experiment (day 1), before neutering (day 58) and 4 d after surgery (day 62) for analysis of inflammation and oxidative markers. Acute-phase protein levels were altered (P0·01) in the postoperative period, without any treatment effect (P0·05). PGE2 concentrations after surgery were reduced linearly (R2 0·8706; P = 0·002) with microalgal inclusion. Blood platelet count was reduced (P = 0·001) after the surgery regardless treatment, but it was higher in the DHA group compared with control (P0·001). The DHA deposition (testicles, R2 0·846; ovaries, R2 0·869) and the n-6:n-3 ratio (testicles, R2 0·859; ovaries, R2 0·955) in gonads had a pattern which fitted a quadratic model. DHA from Schizochytrium spp. modifies PGE2 response after the surgery in cats. The physiological roles of the DHA in the reproduction of cats were not investigated, but its gonadal deposition after supplementation was observed.

The aim of this study were (1) to characterize the growth curve in male and female cats, (2) to associate the growth and metabolizable energy intake (MEI) as an indirect measurement of the energy requirements, and (3) to determine the short-term effects of neutering on energy intake to maintain the bodyweight in young adult cats. Eighteen 5-months-old mixed breed cats were used in this study (males, n = 7 and BW = 2.2 ± 0.21 kg; females, n = 11 and BW = 2.0 ± 0.16 kg). The cats were fed to supply their metabolizable energy requirement for growth, adjusting the amounts to maintain an ideal body condition score. The animals were weighed every 15 days for 10 months (from 5 to 15 months old). At 12 months old, the cats were gonadectomized and the MEI was recorded for 3 months, up to 15 months old. Second-order, Gaussian, and spherical models were fitted to growth data. Male cats had higher energy intake for growth (MEI = 176.27−0.037t, R2 = 0.79) than females (MEI = 166.86−0.044t, R2 = 0.62), where t is the age in months. Male cats also reached mature weight later than female cats (16 and 13 months old, respectively). Neutering reduced the energy requirements of male (intact – 116.43 kcal/kg0.67; gonadectomized – 98.65 kcal/kg0.67; P

High extrusion temperatures may compromise the functionality of probiotics in dry food. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the effects of two types of microencapsulation techniques, different encapsulating agents, and 120 days of storage on the viability of a commercial probiotic product and (ii) investigate fecal microbiota populations and fecal characteristics of adult cats fed with diets supplemented with probiotics. Three experimental treatments were evaluated: T1, commercial feed (control); T2, commercial kibbles coated with probiotics; and T3, commercial feed supplemented with freeze-dried probiotics and fructooligosaccharides. Fructooligosaccharides and gum arabic were used as encapsulating agents for freeze drying and spray drying and a pool containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Enterococcus faecium, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a probiotic. Diets were provided to 18 adult cats for 20 days. Feed samples were evaluated microbiologically, and feces were characterized according to their microbial content, pH, and fecal score. Freeze drying was more effective in maintaining microbial viability. Microcapsules prepared using fructooligosaccharides as encapsulants had the highest bacterial count: 8.74 log CFU/g of lactic acid bacteria and 8.75 log CFU/g of enterococci. Probiotics and synbiotics positively modulated (P<0.05) the fecal microbiota of cats, increasing the lactic acid bacteria counts from 3.65 to 4.87 and 5.07 log CFU/g, respectively. Microbial viability decreased significantly (P<0.05) after storage, demonstrating the need for effective protection mechanisms against extrinsic agents. In conclusion, the supplementation of cat diets with probiotics positively affected the gut microbiota. However, the results reinforce that probiotic microorganisms must be incorporated into the animal feed via effective mechanisms to withstand harsh processing conditions and storage.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cassava fiber (CA) concentrations and conventional fiber sources on coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and metabolizable energy (ME) of the diet, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota of dogs. Seven diets were evaluated: control diet (without the addition of fiber sources); three diets with increasing concentrations of CA: 40, 80, and 120 g/kg (totaling 61, 72, and 83 g/kg of total dietary fiber, TDF, respectively); diet with 38 g/kg of cellulose (CE); diet with 60 g/kg of beet pulp (BP); and diet with 38 g/kg of lignocellulose (LC). Diets with 120 g/kg of CA, CE, BP, and LC contained approximately 80 g/kg of TDF. Diet digestibility, fecal characteristics, intestinal fermentation products, and fecal microbiota were evaluated in 14 adult Beagle dogs, distributed in a randomized block design, with 3 periods of 15 days each. Each 2 dogs were fed one of the diets per period, totaling 6 replicates/treatment at the end of the 3 periods. The CTTAD of organic matter and dry matter was higher (P 0.05). The 120 g/kg CA diet resulted in higher fecal concentrations of acetate and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) when compared to the control, CE, and LC diets (P

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different levels of standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine + cystine (Met+Cys) and vitamin B6 supplementation on the performance, blood variables, and gene expression of enzymes involved in methionine metabolism in female pigs between 75 and 100 kg. Fifty six female pigs were used (Talent × Topigs 20), averaging 75.06±1.68 kg in initial weight, allotted in a completely randomized block design arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, composed of two vitamin B6 supplementation levels (1.58 and 3.58 mg/kg) and four levels of SID Met+Cys (0.370, 0.470, 0.570, and 0.670%), with seven replicates and one animal per experimental unit. No interactions between vitamin B6 supplementation and SID Met+Cys levels were observed. The levels of SID Met+Cys and vitamin B6 supplementation did not affect animal performance. Triacylglycerols showed a quadratic response to the SID Met+Cys levels, in which the lowest plasma concentration was estimated as 0.575%. Treatments did not affect the expression of the methionine synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase enzymes or serum homocysteine levels. The SID Met+Cys requirement for female pigs from 75 to 100 kg is equal to or lower than 10.60 g/day, which corresponds to the level of 0.370% Met+Cys in the diet and a relationship 0.48% with the SID lysine.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T15:50:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-08-01 The current study aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stability and in vitro digestibility in the rendering process of poultry by-product meal (PBM). One hundred PBM batches were sampled from two integrated rendering plants (n = 50) and two independent rendering plants (n = 50). The parameters related to raw material, processing and finished product (PBM) were considered independent variables. In the PBM samples, the in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM) and the oxidative stability, measured as induction period (IP) by an oxygen bomb, were determined. These data were considered dependent variables for multivariate statistical analyses. Data from the independent variables were submitted to Exploratory Factorial Analysis (EFA). Subsequently, a hierarchical cluster was performed for the dependent variables. For oxidative stability, the samples were grouped into three clusters according to IP as follows: low (89 ± 12.2 min), medium (127 ± 9.7 min) and high (180 ± 13.3 min) (P = 0.001). Among the principal components (PC), the moisture (P = 0.009) and water activity (P = 0.039) were the factors related to the PBM that most influenced oxidative stability. The moisture content of 25 ± 12.4 g/kg and water activity of 0.24 ± 0.11 resulted in the lowest oxidative stability, indicating that excessive drying leads to less stable PBM. Oxidative stability was also influenced by synthetic antioxidants (P = 0.036). PBM samples were grouped into four clusters based on their in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM): very low (723 ± 14.6 g/kg), low (759 ± 9.7 g/kg), moderate (803 ± 3.3 g/kg), and high (848 ± 15.8 g/kg). Lower average (101 ± 2.05 °C, P = 0.022) and maximum (106 ± 1.02 °C; P = 0.004) processing temperatures led to higher PBM digestibility. Time to processing and rendering conditions directly affected PBM quality. Better standardization of those factors can favor the production of a nutritionally more suitable ingredient with longer oxidative stability. Department of Animal Sciences State University of Maringá School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) R&D Manager Nutrisurance Division, Kemin Industries, Inc. School of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Grooming is a natural hygienic behaviour of cats that favours the formation of hairballs. Increased fibre concentration in the diets is a strategy to minimize hairball formation, but it is not fully effective. Because cat hair is formed mostly by keratin, the addition of keratinases in the diets might be an alternative for hairball control. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effect of the combined use of sugarcane fibre and a protease complex to reduce the hairball excretion in cats. Twenty-four adult cats were divided into four treatment groups (n = 6 per treatment) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments were as follows: control diet (Control; containing low concentration of insoluble fibre, 5.34% of total dietary fibre), control diet plus enzyme (Co-e), high-fibre diet (HF; containing high amounts of insoluble fibre, 17.8% of total dietary fibre), and HF diet plus enzyme (HF-e). Proteases from Bacillus licheniformis PWD-1 were administered orally (5 mg/day) as gastro-resistant capsules. Total collection of faeces was carried out to determine the number of excreted hairballs and the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibilities (CTTAD) of the diets. Separate addition of insoluble fibre (HF; p = .5947) or enzyme complex (Co-e; p = .3633) had no effect on the hairballs excreted in the faeces. However, the combined use of insoluble fibre and enzymes (HF-e) reduced (p = .0344) the total number of hairballs excreted. The size distribution of hairballs (small, medium, or large) was not affected by treatments (p = .3763). The CTTAD of crude protein was not affected by protease addition (p = .781) but was reduced by HF and HF-e treatments. Sugarcane fibre associated to keratinolytic enzymes reduces the hairball excretion in cats. This strategy can be adopted for this purpose; however, methods for faecal hairball quantification must be improved. If you have not already completed a Copyright Transfer Agreement, please log on to Wiley Author Serivices, https://authorservices.wiley.com/bauthor/, sign-in and complete the License Agreement form".

The heritability of canine hip dysplasia in German Shepherd dogs was estimated using Bayesian methods. Data on hip score and status of 1632 dogs born from 1990 to 2013 were provided by the Brazilian Society of German Shepherd Breeders. Heritability estimates (mean ± standard deviation) were 0.1979 ± 0.058 for hip scores and 0.187 ± 0.055 for hip status. We observed no phenotypic trends and a small rate of genetic trend (0.52%) according to the year of birth, probably because of ineffective phenotypic selection and absence of genetic selection. The heritability estimates in this study can be used to achieve effective selective breeding and genetic gains, which in turn can result in improvements in dog health and welfare.

This study evaluated the effects of standardized ileal digestible (SID) tryptophan and B6 on blood parameters, organ weights, carcass traits, and longissimus lumborum quality of barrows (70-100kg). Sixty-four crossbred barrows averaging 70.77±2.07kg were distributed in a 4×2 factorial with four SID tryptophan levels (0.130, 0.155, 0.180, and 0.205%) and two B6 levels (1 and 5mg/kg) in eight replicates of one animal each. The meat lightness degree answered linearly (P=0.015) to SID tryptophan levels and the shear force answered quadratically (P=0.050), with estimates of a higher value (31.67N) at 0.163% SID tryptophan. Although B6 showed positive effects (P

Tryptophan (Trp) is involved in regulation of animal behaviour, since it originates serotonin and melatonin, especially in low crude protein diets, and Trp metabolism requires B6 vitamin (B6) as enzymatic cofactor. The objective of this study was to feed low protein diets with different levels of standardized ileal digestible (SID) Trp and B6 for barrows and gilts (70–100 kg) and to measure day-night behaviour, performance and carcass traits. In experiment 1 (Exp. 1) sixty four barrows (initial BW = 70.77 ± 2.07 kg) were used, and in experiment 2 (Exp. 2) sixty four gilts (initial BW = 70.52 ± 2.95 kg) were used. In both experiments a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments was used: two B6 levels (1 and 5 mg kg −1 ) and four levels of SID Trp (Exp. 1: 0.130, 0.155, 0.180, 0.205%; and Exp. 2: 0.140, 0.167, 0.194, 0.221%). Day-night behaviour was recorded at the end of weeks 1, 2 and 3 (days 7, 14 and 21) during 24 h. Scan-sampling was used to determine time-budget behaviour. Growth performance and carcass traits were measured at the end of the experimental period, when animals reached about 100 kg BW (in average 26 days). In Exp. 1 (barrows), stationary behaviour in daytime period (from 6:00 h to 18:00 h) increased quadratically ( P = 0.005) as Trp content in diets increased from 0.130 to 0.165%, but it decreased until 0.205% of SID Trp. Interacting behaviour in night-time period (from 18:00 h to 6:00 h) was affected by B6 ( P = 0.031). Sleeping behaviour decreased linearly ( P = 0.003) as Trp content in diets increased from 0.130 to 0.205% and feeding behaviour showed quadratic response ( P = 0.008) to SID Trp (0.161%). In Exp. 2 (gilts) sleeping behaviour in daytime period decreased quadratically ( P = 0.001) as SID Trp content in diets increased from 0.140 to 0.179%, but it decreased until 0.221% of SID Trp. Feeding behaviour was affected by the interaction Trp × B6 ( P = 0.030) as supplementary B6 (5 mg kg −1 ) decreased visits to feeder up to 0.194% Trp content. Sleeping behaviour in night-time period was affected by the interaction Trp × B6 ( P = 0.030) once supplementary B6 (5 mg kg −1 ) markedly decreased time spent sleeping when compared to basal B6 (1 mg kg −1 ) as Trp levels increased in diets. Feeding behaviour responded quadratically ( P = 0.001) to Trp (0.173%). In both experiments performance variables and carcass traits were not different ( P > 0.05) neither for Trp nor B6. SID Trp levels from 0.130 to 0.205% (barrows) and 0.140 to 0.221% (gilts) even as B6 content (1 or 5 mg kg −1 ) in diets had no consistent effects on behaviour and did not alter performance of pigs.

Fibre is generally considered to dilute food energy, alter intestinal transit time and promote satiety; however, in cats, conflicting results have been found. In this study, two insoluble fibres were evaluated in four feline diets: control (no added fibre); diet with 10% sugar cane fibre; diet with 20% sugar cane fibre; and diet with 10% cellulose. The experiment was conducted with 32 cats, eight animals per diet, over 42 days: 1-7 for diet adaptation; 8-14 for total collection of faeces for digestibility; 15-17 for fresh faeces collection for fermentation products measurements; 18-20 for gastrointestinal transit time determination; 21 and 37 to evaluate the pattern of food intake; and 22 and 42 to assess satiety. Means were compared by analysis of variance and orthogonal contrasts, and the pattern of food intake was compared by repeated-measures analysis of variance (p

No presente estudo, avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação com isoflavona na saciedade e ingestão calórica em gatos castrados. Utilizaram-se 16 animais, machos e fêmeas divididos em dois grupos de oito gatos, balanceados por sexo e condição corporal, os quais receberam respectivamente um alimento controle e o mesmo alimento adicionado de 1% de isoflavona, por 45 dias. O peso dos animais foi mantido constante ao longo do estudo, para se comparar a ingestão calórica e a saciedade foi avaliada com desafios no dia 20 e 40 de experimento. Não houve diferença entre os grupos controle e tratado com isoflavona para a ingestão calórica (p=0,345) e saciedade dos animais (p=0,151). De acordo com os resultados obtidos, a isoflavona a 1% em dietas para gatos não modifica a necessidade energética ou promove efeitos sacietogênicos nos animais.

Body composition and energy requirements are different between males and females in several species, and both interfere with weight loss. The aim of this study was to compare the total and regional body composition and energy requirements in obese male (n = 8) and female (n = 8) cats, during weight loss and weight maintenance over 17 subsequent weeks after regimen. The total and regional (thoracic and pelvic limbs, and trunk) body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Females exhibited a higher fat mass (FM) than males (p < 0.05), and the trunk was the site with greater fat accumulation regardless of gender. A 23.0 ± 2.8% reduction in body weight was followed by a 50.3 ± 9.4% and a 37.0 ± 8.9% reduction in fat in the trunk region in males and females respectively. Lean mass (LM) mobilization was also increased in the trunk (p < 0.05), and the loss of LM was associated with a reduction in bone mass. The energy intake to achieve the same rate of weight loss was 12.9 ± 3.4% higher in males (p < 0.05). The cats exhibited a gradual increase in energy requirements to maintain their body weight after weight loss (p < 0.05). It was concluded that obese cats mainly accumulate fat in the trunk. The reduction in lean mass after the regimen also occurred in the trunk, with no modifications in the skeletal muscle mass of the limbs. Neutered male cats have higher energy requirements than neutered females, and gender should be considered during obesity management in cats.

The influence of rice, maize, and sorghum raw material particle size in extruded dry dog food on the digestibility of nutrients and energy and the fecal concentration of fermentation products was investigated. Three diets with similar nutrient compositions were formulated, each with 1 starch source. Before incorporation into diets, the cereals were ground into 3 different particle sizes (approximately 300, 450, and 600 µm); therefore, a total of 9 diets were in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement (3 cereals and 3 particle sizes). Fifty-four beagle dogs (12.0 ± 0.1 kg BW) were randomly assigned to the diets, with 6 dogs per diet. The digestibility was measured with the chromium oxide method. The data were evaluated with ANOVA considering the carbohydrate source, grinding effect, and interactions. The means were compared with the Tukey test and polynomial contrasts (P 0.05); only GE digestibility was reduced at the largest MGD (P < 0.01). For maize and sorghum diets, the total tract apparent nutrient digestibility was reduced for foods with greater MGD and less SG (P < 0.01). A linear reduction in nutrient digestibility according to cereal particle size was observed for sorghum (r2 < 0.72; P < 0.01). Higher concentrations of fecal total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) were observed for sorghum diets (P < 0.05) than for other diets. The rice diets led to the production of feces with less lactate (P < 0.05). The increase in raw material MGD did not influence fecal SCFA for rice diets, but for the dogs fed maize and sorghum foods, an increase in propionate and butyrate concentrations were observed as MGD increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, for dogs fed different particle sizes of the cereal starches in the extruded diets, the digestibility and fecal characteristics were affected, and this effect was ingredient dependent.

Summary Brewer's yeast (BY), autolysed sugarcane yeast (ASCY) and integral sugar cane yeast (ISCY) were studied in two experiments as ingredients for dog diets. In the first experiment, 28 dogs were randomly assigned to four diets; one reference diet and three test diets containing 15% of BY, ASCY or ISCY and 85% of the reference diet (as-fed basis). The digestibilities of the yeasts were calculated by the substitution method. In the second experiment, 35 dogs were randomized to five diets with similar chemical composition but different levels of sugarcane yeast inclusion (0%, 7.5% ASCY, 15% ASCY, 7.5% ISCY and 15% ISCY). In both experiments, the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients was determined through total collection of faeces. During experiment, two additional analyses of food palatability, nitrogen balance and urea postprandial responses were performed. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, and the means were compared by orthogonal or polynomial contrasts or Tukey's test (p

The effects of exogenous enzymes supplementation on kibble diets for dogs formulated with soybean meal (SBM) as a substitute for poultry by-product meal (PM) was investigated on nutrient digestibility, fermentation products formation, post-prandial urea response and selected faecal bacteria counts. Two kibble diets with similar compositions were used in two trials: PM-based diet (28.9% of PM; soybean hulls as a fibre source) and SBM-based diet (29.9% of SBM). In experiment 1, the SBM diet was divided into three diets: SBM-0, without enzyme addition; SBM-1, covered after extrusion with 7500 U protease/kg and 45 U cellulase/kg; and SBM-2, covered with 15,000 U protease/kg and 90 U cellulase/kg. In experiment 2, the SBM diet was divided into three diets: SBM-0; SBM-1, covered with 140 U protease/kg; 8 U cellulase/kg, 800 U pectinase/kg, 60 U phytase/kg, 40 U betaglucanase/kg and 20 U xylanase/kg; and SMB-2, covered with 700 U protease/kg, 40 U cellulase/kg, 4000 U pectinase/kg, 300 U phytase/kg, 200 U betaglucanase/kg and 100 U xylanase/kg. Each experiment followed a block design with six dogs per diet. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by orthogonal and polynomial contrasts (p 0.05). SBM consumption resulted in increased faecal moisture and production (p < 0.05), without effect on faecal score. Higher concentration of propionate, acetate and lactate, and lower ammonia and pH were found in the faeces of dogs fed SBM (p < 0.05). Higher post-prandial urea was verified in dogs fed SBM (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, the addition of enzymes increased faecal concentration of propionate, acetate and total short-chain fatty acid (p < 0.05) and tended to reduce post-prandial urea concentration (p = 0.06). Although with similar digestibility, SBM shows a worse utilization of absorbed amino acids than the PM. Soybean oligosaccharides can beneficially change gut fermentation product formation. Enzymes can increase the gut fermentation activity and improve the SBM proteic value.

Effects of amylase addition on extruder parameters, cost of extrusion, kibble quality and digestibility of dog food were measured in two separate experiments. In experiment 1, 120 kilo-novo-α-amilase-unit (KNU)/kg of heat stable α-amylase produced by Bacillus licheniformis was added in liquid form during a preconditioning period. In experiment 2 3684 KNU/kg of heat stable α-amylase produced by Aspergillus oryzae was mixed with the ingredients before extrusion. The diets were processed in a single screw extruder and submitted to digestibility and on experiment 1 also to palatability tests. Digestibility was tested using 12 dogs, six per diet. Data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by F-test. Amylase addition altered extrusion parameters in both experiments (P 0.05). Likewise, enzyme addition did not change nutrient digestibility, fecal dry matter or food palatability (P

Maize gluten feed (MGF) is a co-product of wet milling of maize, and is composed of structures that remain after most starch, gluten and germ has been extracted from the grain. Although currently used in dog foods, its digestibility and energy values have not been documented. Two techniques were used to determine nutrient digestibility of MGF for dog foods. Both techniques used extruded diets fed to Beagle dogs, with six replicates per diet. The first study used a difference method in which 300 g/kg of a reference diet was replaced by MGF. Based on the difference method, the coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of MGF was 0.53 for dry matter (DM), 0.69 for crude protein (CP), 0.74 for fat, 0.99 for starch, and 0.55 for gross energy (GE). The calculated metabolizable energy (ME) of MGF was 7.99 MJ/kg (as-fed). The second study used a regression method and included a basal diet and a basal diet with 70, 140 and 210 g MGF/kg of diet (as a substitute for maize starch). Maize gluten feed inclusion resulted in a linear reduction of CTTAD of DM ( R 2 = 0.99; P R 2 = 0.95; P=0.002), fat ( R 2 = 0.87; P=0.009), starch ( R 2 = 0.81; P R 2 = 0.99; P R 2 = 0.99; P R 2 = 0.99; P R 2 = 0.77; P=0.029) and faeces ( R 2 = 0.92; P=0.019) showed a linear reduction in pH. Results of ingredient CTTAD obtained by the regression and difference methods were close (6% or less of variation) for CP, fat, and starch, and also for ME content (1.4% higher for the difference method), but the two methods disagreed on calculated CTTAD of DM and organic matter. The high dietary fiber content of MGF (382 g/kg) may explain the low digestibility of this ingredient. Maize gluten feed could be a useful ingredient for formulations designed to have low energy or reduce the urine pH of dogs.

Six dry dog foods and six dry cat foods with different carbohydrate sources were investigated in digestion trials. Food and faecal samples were analysed for CF, TDF and starch. In dogs, also neutral detergent fibre (aNDFom) and acid detergent fibre (ADFom) were analysed. N-free extract (NfE) was calculated for CF, and similarly for all other fibre analyses. Linear regressions were calculated between fibre intake and faecal fibre excretion. True digestibility was calculated from the regression coefficients [true digestibility in % = (1 - regression coefficient)*100], with the intercept of the equation representing excretion of material of non-food origin. Crude fibre analyses gave the lowest values, and TDF the highest, while ADFom and aNDFom were in between. Variation between diets was lowest in CF and highest in TDF. Total dietary fibre, aNDFom and ADFom in food were positively correlated. Crude fibre in food did not correlate with any other method. The NfE analogue for TDF was closest to the starch content. Methods of fibre analyses in faeces did not agree very well with each other. Crude fibre had the lowest apparent digestibility, followed by ADFom, TDF and aNDFom. For all fibre analyses, there was a significant correlation between fibre intake and faecal fibre excretion. True digestibility was close to zero for CF, with a high uniformity in both species. In dogs, true digestibility of aNDFom was 53%, of ADFom 26% and of TDF 37%; in cats, true digestibility of TDF was 31%. Except for CF, the intercept of the regression equations suggest that faecal excretion of some material of non-food origin is analysed as fibre. A combination of TDF and CF analyses might give good information on the content of total (TDF), unfermentable (CF) and partially fermentable fibre (TDF-CF) in pet foods.

Summary Availability of nutrients is influenced by extremes of age, and a better characterization of this influence is necessary for appropriate development of foods and nutritional management throughout life stages of cats. This study investigated nutrient digestibility, mineral absorption, faeces and urine production in three groups of six young, mature and old cats fed two diets containing different energy densities. Apparent digestibility and mineral absorption were calculated by total collection method and values were tested with anova and regression analysis. A quadratic relationship was detected between age and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, acid-hydrolysed fat and starch in the low-energy diet. Starch digestibility showed the same response in the high-energy diet. Young adult cats had intermediate digestibility, mature cats the highest and old cats the lowest. Mineral absorption (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium and chloride) and urinary pH were not different among groups. These findings confirm previous studies that found low digestibility of nutrients in some old cats, and support evidence that this trend is even more important in less digestible dry foods. On the contrary, data suggest that mineral formulations do not need to be varied in diets for adult cats of different ages.

A digestibility study was conducted to determine the nutritional value of broken rice, high oil maize, millet, sorghum, maize germ, rice bran and wheat bran as ingredients for dog foods. Eight adult dogs were housed in metabolic cages, and distributed into 8 × 8 Latin square experimental design, with eight diets and eight replicates per diet. The difference, or substitution method was used to estimate ingredient digestibility. A reference diet was formulated based on nutritional requirements of dogs. For each test diet, 300 g/kg of the reference diet was replaced with the ingredient evaluated. All the diets were extruded. The total tract apparent nutrient digestibility for high oil maize, sorghum, millet, broken rice, maize germ, wheat bran and rice bran were, respectively: 0.893, 0.905, 0.859, 0.905, 0.654, 0.593 and 0.550 for dry matter; 0.884, 0.884, 0.803, 0.753, 0.656, 0.682 and 0.729 for crude protein; 0.855, 0.786, 0.821, 0.668, 0.482, 0.538 and 0.852 for fat; 0.503, 0.741, 0.668, 0.744, 0.232, 0.209 and 0.129 for dietary fiber; and 0.986, 0.987, 0.991, 0.992, 0.955, 0.896 and 0.904 for starch. The metabolizable energy (MJ/kg, as-fed basis) was 14.4, 13.1, 13.5, 13.1, 9.1, 9.0 and 12.0, respectively.

The current investigation compared coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD), postprandial blood urea response and faecal characteristics for three isonutrient foods formulated with micronized whole soybeans (μSB), soybean meal (SBM) or poultry by-product meal (PPM) in dog diets and digestibility, palatability and faecal characteristics for two isonutrient foods employing either μSB or maize gluten meal (CGM) in cats diets. These protein sources represented 0.40 and 0.60 of total dietary protein in cat and dogs diets, respectively. In dogs CTTAD showed that μSB resulted in greater dry matter and fat digestibility than the PPM diet (P

The effects of diets with different starch sources on the total tract apparent digestibility and glucose and insulin responses in cats were investigated. Six experimental diets consisting of 35% starch were extruded, each containing one of the following ingredients: cassava flour, brewers rice, corn, sorghum, peas, or lentils. The experiment was carried out on 36 cats with 6 replications per diet in a completely randomized block design. The brewers rice diet offered greater DM, OM, and GE digestibility than the sorghum, corn, lentil, and pea diets (P 93% for all the diets, proving that despite the low carbohydrate content of carnivorous diets, cats can efficiently digest this nutrient when it is properly processed into kibble. Mean and maximum glucose concentration and area under the glucose curve were greater for the corn-based diet than the cassava flour, sorghum, lentil, and pea diets (P < 0.05). The corn-based diets led to greater values for the mean glucose incremental concentration (10.2 mg/dL), maximum glucose incremental concentration (24.8 mg/dL), and area under the incremental glucose curve (185.5 mg.dL(-1).h(-1)) than the lentil diet (2.9 mg/dL, 3.1 mg/dL, and -40.4 mg.dL(-1).h(-1), respectively; P < 0.05). When compared with baseline values, only the corn diet stimulated an increase in the glucose response, occurring at 4 and 10 h postmeal (P < 0.05). The corn-based diet resulted in greater values for maximum incremental insulin concentration and area under the incremental insulin curve than the lentil-based diet (P < 0.05). However, plasma insulin concentrations rose in relation to the basal values for cats fed corn, sorghum, pea, and brewers rice diets (P < 0.05). Variations in diet digestibility and postprandial response can be explained by differences in the chemical composition of the starch source, including fiber content and granule structure, and also differences in the chemical compositions of the diets. The data suggest that starch has less of an effect on the cat postprandial glucose and insulin responses than on those of dogs and humans. This can be explained by the metabolic peculiarities of felines, which may slow and prolong starch digestion and absorption, leading to the delayed, less pronounced effects on their blood responses.

The study reported compared coefficients of apparent digestibility (CAD) obtained by total collection (TC) and by chromic oxide (Cr2O3) determined by visible absorption spectrometry (VIS) and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). These quantification methods were also investigated to assess their precision. Nineteen adult dogs housed in individual digestibility cages were fed three commercial diets, each test including five or seven animals. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with three among-subjects factors (foods) and three within-subject factors (methods), and the dogs were the experimental unit. Estimated CAD for all dietary components in the three diets by either chromium quantification methods did not differ and showed fair agreement with TC results (P>0.05). Coefficients of chromic oxide recoveries in feces were 1.06 ± 0.044 and 1.01 ± 0.045 for VIS and FAAS, respectively, values significantly different (P 0.05). Pearson's correlation coefficient (r = 0.99; P

The objective of this study was to evaluate the standardized ileal digestible (SID) leucine levels in low crude protein diets on Performance, backfat thickness, longissimus dorsi depth and biochemical blood parameters of starting pigs. A total of 50 pigs, with initial weight of 11.14±0.24 kg; were distributed in a randomized blocks design with five treatments (1.10; 1.25; 1.40; 1.55 and 1.70% SID leucine), five replicates and two animals per experimental unit, comprised for a barrow and a gilt. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) reduced (P=0.018) due to the increasing SID leucine levels, without affecting other growth performance parameters (final weight, average daily feed intake, average daily gain, backfat thickness, longissimus dorsi depth and lean meat percentage). There was a quadratic effect for plasma triglyceride (P=0.049) and plasma urea (P=0.001). The optimal SID leucine levels obtained for triglycerides and urea were 1.16% and 1.24%, respectively, by associating the quadratic model with the Linear Response Plateu. Low crude protein diets with SID leucine levels up to 1.70% improved the feed conversion with desired urea and triglycerides concentration in blood plasmas achieved at 1.16% and 1.24%, respectively. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de avaliar níveis de leucina digestível em dietas com baixa proteína bruta sobre o desempenho, espessura de toucinho, profundidade do músculo longissimus dorsi parâmetros sanguíneos de suínos na fase inicial. Foram utilizados 50 suínos mestiços (Landrace x Large white x Pietrain), com peso inicial de 11,14 ± 0,24 kg; distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos (1,10; 1,25; 1,40; 1,55 e 1,70% de leucina digestível), cinco repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental, sendo um macho castrado e uma fêmea. A conversão alimentar reduziu (P=0,018) em função do aumento dos níveis de leucina digestível, sem influenciar os demais parâmetros de desempenho (peso final, consumo diário de ração, ganho de peso diário, espessura de toucinho, profundidade de lombo e porcentagem de carne magra). Com relação às variáveis plasmáticas foi observado efeito quadrático para a concentração de triglicerídeos (P=0,049) e ureia (P=0,001) em que associado ao platô do modelo Linear Response Platô (LRP) observou-se que o nível ótimo de leucina digestível para triglicerídeos e ureia foi de 1,16% e 1,24%, respectivamente. A menor concentração de ureia plasmática foi obtida ao nível de 1,24% de leucina digestível. Dietas com baixa proteína bruta e níveis de até 1,70% de leucina digestível melhoram a conversão alimentar dos suínos na fase inicial com a melhor concentração de ureia e triglicerídeos no plasma sanguíneo de 1.16% e 1.24%, respectivamente.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-07T15:31:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2014. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-12-07T15:53:10Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 PMC4473139.pdf: 310148 bytes, checksum: 2de6450f38d10bd1ef2220de7baa9efc (MD5) While methods to evaluate antioxidant capacity in animals exist, one problem with the models is induction of oxidative stress. It is necessary to promote a great enough challenge to induce measurable alterations to oxidative parameters while ensuring the protocol is compatible with animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to evaluate caged transport as a viable short-term stress that would significantly affect oxidative parameters. Twenty adult Beagle dogs, maintained on the same diet for 60 d prior to the transport, were included in the study. To simulate the stress, the dogs were housed in pairs in transport cages (1·0 m × 1·0 m × 1·5 m), placed on a truck coupled to a trailer and transported for a period of 15 min. Blood collection was performed immediately before and again 3 h after the transportation to evaluate oxidative parameters in blood serum, including thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), sequestration activity of the radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH•), protein carbonylation (PC), total sulfhydryl groups (SH), alpha-tocopherol (αToc) and retinol (Ret). PC, SH and αToc were not significantly changed in the study; however, TBARS, TAC and DPPH increased, whereas Ret decreased after the transport. Although the lack of a control group of dogs not submitted to transport is a limitation to be considered, we conclude that the transport model is effective in inducing an antioxidant response in dogs and relevant blood parameters show sensitivity to this proposed model. College of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castellane , s/n Jaboticabal , 14.884-900 SP , Brazil. Department of Animal Science (DZO) , State University of Maringá (UEM) , Av. Colombo, 5790 , Maringá 87020-900 , PR , Brazil. College of Agrarian and Veterinarian Sciences (FCAV), São Paulo State University (UNESP) , Via de Acesso Professor Paulo Donato Castellane , s/n Jaboticabal , 14.884-900 SP , Brazil.