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Selective electrochemical conversion of CO2 to HCOOH is obtained at the surface of a carbon-supported bimetallic cathode material composed of copper and palladium nanoparticles. Polycrystalline copper or large copper particles are well-known to catalyze CO2 reduction to hydrocarbons at relatively negative potentials, or when their surface is covered by copper oxides (Cu2O and CuO). Cu-based materials modified by various palladium contents (0< × <100), were synthesized by using the microwave-assisted polyol method to serve as a cathode in the selective CO2-into-HCOOH transformation. Herein, we developed a targeted preparation route toward the metal content/catalytic activity relationship correlating atomic ratio with faradaic efficiency (FE) to formate formation (ca. 60% FE) at - 0.72 V vs. RHE, which represents a 703 mV overpotential at pH=7. Consequently, the occurrence of this reduction reaction slows down the parallel H2 production from the solvent consumption, while the neighboring Cu- Pd provides excellent activity and a good efficiency toward CO2 reduction via the hydridation of the CO2 molecule to orientate the reaction to formate rather than carbon monoxide or H2 evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The ethylene glycol oxidation reaction on nickel and ruthenium modified palladium nanocatalysts was investigated with electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical, and chromatographic methods. These carbon‐supported materials, prepared by a revisited polyol approach, exhibited high activity towards the ethylene glycol electrooxidation in alkaline medium. Electrolysis coupled with high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS) and in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIRS) measurements allowed us to determine the different compounds electrogenerated in the oxidative conversion of this two‐carbon molecule. High value‐added products such as oxalate, glyoxylate, and glycolate were identified in all electrolytic solutions, whereas glyoxylate was selectively formed at the Ru45@Pd55/C electrode surface. In situ FTIRS results also showed a decrease in the pH value in the thin layer near the electrode as a consequence of OH− consumption during the spectroelectrochemical experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrochemical behavior of carbon-supported platinum and gold-based catalysts towards glucose oxidation and oxygen reduction reaction were investigated separately in alkaline medium before implementing the glucose/O2 fuel cell with the best anode and cathode catalysts. These electrode materials, prepared from a surfactant-free synthesis approach, were then used in low metal loadings in a fuel cell operating in alkaline medium which can be easily removed on resin for analyzing all the reaction products, as any toxic compound has to be avoided for the interest of this specific application. Pt/rGO is the most active anode towards the glucose oxidation. For all tested catalysts, this oxidation reaction leads mainly to gluconate without chromatographically detectable reaction products resulted from C–C bond cleavage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Animal Science is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Lichtenstein intervention is currently the classic model of the regulated treatment of inguinal hernias by direct local approach. This “tension-free” technique satisfies both patients and practitioners. However, it does not often evade severe complications of parietal surgery. The authors report their treatment experience in rural Africa of a late enterocutaneous fistula which aggravated an inguinal hernia repair according to the Lichtenstein procedure. Physiopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of that disease are analyzed in the light of literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to assess the potential of improving tenderness of chevon using calcium chloride (CaCl2) injection and its effect on the palatability characteristics of chevon. Primal leg cuts from meat goats were allotted to one of four treatments: either no injection (control) or injection with water, CaCl2 (food grade, 2.2% w/v), or CaCl2 plus a spice mix. The CaCl2 injection improved tenderness of goat leg cuts, proven by Warner-Bratzler shear force values and sensory panels. Furthermore, panelists were not able to detect off-flavor problems associated with CaCl2 injection. When CaCl2 was injected into goat leg cuts with the beef spice mixture, it resulted in a more desirable flavor. Calcium injection did not influence flavor volatile compounds in cooked chevon leg cuts. The results indicate that CaCl2 plus spice mix injection can be applied to improve tenderness of goat meat without detrimental effects on other sensory characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In temperate regions, influenza epidemics occur in the winter and correlate with certain climatological parameters. In African tropical regions, the effects of climatological parameters on influenza epidemics are not well defined. This study aims to identify and model the effects of climatological parameters on seasonal influenza activity in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.Methods: We studied the effects of weekly rainfall, humidity, and temperature on laboratory-confirmed influenza cases in Abidjan from 2007 to 2010. We used the Box-Jenkins method with the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) process to create models using data from 2007-2010 and to assess the predictive value of best model on data from 2011 to 2012.Results: The weekly number of influenza cases showed significant cross-correlation with certain prior weeks for both rainfall, and relative humidity. The best fitting multivariate model (ARIMAX (2,0,0) _RF) included the number of influenza cases during 1-week and 2-weeks prior, and the rainfall during the current week and 5-weeks prior. The performance of this model showed an increase of >3 % for Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and 2.5 % for Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) compared to the reference univariate ARIMA (2,0,0). The prediction of the weekly number of influenza cases during 2011-2012 with the best fitting multivariate model (ARIMAX (2,0,0) _RF), showed that the observed values were within the 95 % confidence interval of the predicted values during 97 of 104 weeks.Conclusion: Including rainfall increases the performances of fitted and predicted models. The timing of influenza in Abidjan can be partially explained by rainfall influence, in a setting with little change in temperature throughout the year. These findings can help clinicians to anticipate influenza cases during the rainy season by implementing preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient design of highly active and durable materials towards the ultimate goal of improving kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which allow enhanced performance in solid alkaline membrane fuel cells (SAMFCs), remains elusive. Seminal studies have shown that by alloying a noble metal such as palladium to a transition metal, it is possible to tune the electronic and/or bifunctional properties enabling substantial ORR performance to be achieved, thereby designing a costly catalyst. Herein, we address and discuss new findings from deeper ORR investigations at palladium-based nanostructures in an alkaline medium. We exploited and manipulated the straightforward and fast synthesis method, the so-called “Bromide Anion Exchange”, to prepare surfactant-free PdM/C (M = Fe, Mn) nanocatalysts exhibiting unprecedented activity and stability towards ORR. PdFe/C from bromide anion exchange (BAE) enables 40- and 4-fold enhancement in terms of exchange current density and kinetic current density and ca. 100 mV gains compared to the polyol microwave-assisted method. After 20 000 cycles of accelerated potential cycling test (APCT), our findings indicate that the present PdM/C bimetallics outperform, to the best of our knowledge, most of the data reported for ORR in alkaline media for Pd-based transition metals. The improved catalytic performances are assigned to the absence of any organic contaminants or protective ligands on their surface and their relatively heterogeneous character comprising nanoalloys and nanowire oxides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The selective electrochemical conversion of highly functionalized organic molecules into electricity, heat, and added-value chemicals for fine chemistry requires the development of highly selective, durable, and low-cost catalysts. Here, we propose an approach to make catalysts that can convert carbohydrates into chemicals selectively and produce electrical power and recoverable heat. A 100 % Faradaic yield was achieved for the selective oxidation of the anomeric carbon of glucose and its related carbohydrates (C1-position) without any function protection. Furthermore, the direct glucose fuel cell (DGFC) enables an open-circuit voltage of 1.1 V in 0.5 m NaOH to be reached, a record. The optimized DGFC delivers an outstanding output power Pmax=2 mW cm−2 with the selective conversion of 0.3 m glucose, which is of great interest for cogeneration. The purified reaction product will serve as a raw material in various industries, which thereby reduces the cost of the whole sustainable process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is the oldest studied and most challenging of the electrochemical reactions. Due to its sluggish kinetics, ORR became the major contemporary technological hurdle for electrochemists, as it hampers the commercialization of fuel cell (FC) technologies. Downsizing the metal particles to nanoscale introduces unexpected fundamental modifications compared to the corresponding bulk state. To address these fundamental issues, various synthetic routes have been developed in order to provide more versatile carbon-supported low platinum catalysts. Consequently, the approach of using nanocatalysts may overcome the drawbacks encountered in massive materials for energy conversion. This review paper aims at summarizing the recent important advances in carbon-supported metal nanoparticles preparation from colloidal methods (microemulsion, polyol, impregnation, Bromide Anion Exchange...) as cathode material in low temperature FCs. Special attention is devoted to the correlation of the structure of the nanoparticles and their catalytic properties. The influence of the synthesis method on the electrochemical properties of the resulting catalysts is also discussed. Emphasis on analyzing data from theoretical models to address the intrinsic and specific electrocatalytic properties, depending on the synthetic method, is incorporated throughout. The synthesis process-nanomaterials structure-catalytic activity relationships highlighted herein, provide ample new rational, convenient and straightforward strategies and guidelines toward more effective nanomaterials design for energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal Africain D'Hépato-Gastroentérologie is the property of Lavoisier and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Goat production is increasing in the United States due to high ethnic demand, but infec- tion with gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasites is a major constraint to the industry. Increasing GIN resistance to chemical anthelmintics worldwide has led to the development of alternative control strategies, including use of forages containing condensed tannins (CT). An experiment was designed using infected and dewormed male kids (Kiko x Spanish, 6 mo old, 18.9 ± 3,25 kg) fed diets containing 25% concentrate and either 75% sericea lespedeza [SL; Lespedeza cuneata (Dum-Cours.) G. Don], a high CT forage (87 to 181 g of CT/kg), or 75% bermudagrass [BG; Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] hay (n = 10/treatment). The kids were weighed every 14 d, and fecal and blood samples were taken weekly for fecal egg counts and packed cell volume determination, respectively. Fecal cultures were processed every 14 d to determine CT effect on larval development. At slaughter, adult GIN were collected from the abomasum and small intestines for counting and speciation. Blood samples were also analyzed for plasma urea-N, and ruminal VFA and pH were determined. The infected SL-fed kids had consistently lower (P < 0.05) fecal egg counts than the infected BG goats throughout the trial and greater (P < 0.05) packed cell volume beginning by d 77. Average daily gain was greater (P < 0.001) in kids fed SL-than BG-based di- ets, regardless of infection status (104.3 ± 5.0 and 75.5 ± 4.8 g/d, respectively). Total VFA and acetate concentrations were greater (P < 0.001) in the BG- than in SL-fed goats, whereas propionate levels were unaffected by diet. Acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.01) and plasma urea-N (P = 0.03) levels were greater in BG-fed goats, whereas rumen pH was greater (P < 0.001) in the SL-fed goats. Feeding SL hay can reduce GIN infection levels and increase performance of goats compared with BG hay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Chemistry is the property of Canadian Science Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of short-term, preslaughter stress on physiological responses and meat quality in goats of different age groups. The goats (n = 28) were classified into young (6 to 12 mo of age) and old (24 to 30 mo of age) groups, feed deprived overnight, and slaughtered at three different times (replicates). On each slaughter day, goats were either subjected to a 2-h transportation stressor (TS) or remained unstressed in holding pens (NS) before slaughter. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture from TS and NS goats at 2, 1, and 0 h before slaughter. Muscle glycogen and pH were measured on samples from longissimus muscle (LM) collected at 15 min and 24 h postmortem, and instrumental measures of meat color were obtained on the LM after a 24-h chilling period at 4°C. The TS goats had higher plasma cortisol (P < 0.01) and glucose (P < 0.05) concentrations than NS goats. The rates of increase in plasma cortisol, glucose, and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were greater in TS than in NS goats (stressor treatment × blood sampling time, P < 0.01). Muscle glycogen concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in NS than in TS goats and higher (P < 0.01) in old vs. young goats; however, pH measured at 15 min and 24 h postmortem was not (P > 0.05) influenced by stressor treatment. Water-holding capacity of meat was not (P > 0.05) influenced by stressor treatment. Older goats had lower (P < 0.01) L[sup *] values and greater (P < 0.01) a[sup *] and chroma values than the younger goats. The a[sup *] and chroma values of loin cuts from young goat carcasses were lower in the TS than NS treatment groups, but this effect was absent in the old goat carcasses (stressor treatment × age, P < 0.05). Cooking loss percentages and shear force values for loin chops aged for 7 d were not (P < 0.05) affected by stressor treatment; however, old goats produced tougher (P < 0.01) loin chops than young goats. These... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the effects of packaging method and storage time on shear value and mechanical strength of intramuscular connective tissue of chevon. Factors affecting consumer acceptability; Use of scanning electron microscopy; Tenderization of meat.

Presents information on a study which determined the effects of preslaughter isolation and feed withdrawal duration on physiological responses and shrinkage in goats. Methodology; Results; Discussion.

Photoperiod modulates reproduction in goats. We tested the hypothesis that the excitatory glutamatergic tone is reduced in the photoinhibited goat. The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of photoperiod and glutamatergic stimulation on LH, GH, and testosterone (T) secretion in goat bucks. Eight mature, intact bucks were used in two simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin square designs. Variables were two photoperiod regimens (short day; SD, 10 h light:14 h dark, n = 4; vs long day; LD, 16 h light:8 h dark, n = 4) and four doses of N-methyl-D-L-aspartate (NMA; 0, 1, 2 and 4 mg/kg BW, i.v.). Venous blood was obtained for 2 h before and after NMA injection, followed by GnRH injection and then a final i h of sampling. Injection of NMA increased (P < 0.002) LH secretion within 20 min. This increase was sustained for 120 min, but the response was most pronounced in LD goats. The increase in mean LH was associated with a concomitant dose-dependent increase in pulse frequency (P < 0.006). However, NMA treatment had no effect (P > 0.10) on LH pulse amplitude. The release of LH after injection of GnRH was not affected by photoperiod. Exposure of bucks to LD reduced T secretion relative to that of SD bucks (P < 0.01). However, GH secretion was enhanced in LD bucks (P < 0.001). The response of GH to NMA was dependent on photoperiod history. A highly significant immediate and sustained increase (P < 0.001) was observed in LD but not in SD bucks within 10 min. Overall, a dose-dependent increase (P < 0.01) in T secretion was stimulated by NMA in both LD and SD bucks. These results indicate that NMA receptors may be involved in the regulation of LH, GH, and testosterone secretion in the goat. Furthermore, length of day influences GH secretion in the goat and NMA receptor activation had divergent effects on the secretion of this hormone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study conducted to assessed the protein and energy value of pearl millet grain for mature goats. Study methods; Results of the study; Ingredients and chemical composition of diets fed to mature goats.

Two experiments using 42 crossbred neonatal pigs to compare the effects of caprine and bovine milk on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility and body composition were conducted. At age 72 h, pigs were removed from their dams and randomly divided into two groups, housed separately in stainless steel metabolism cages and were fed a predetermined amount (300 mL/kg body weight) of pasteurized, nonfortified whole, caprine or bovine milk. Body composition was determined using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). In Experiment 1, 22 intact male pigs were used for a 31-d experimental period. There was no significant (P > 0.05) dietary effect on growth, apparent nutrient digestibility or body composition. Significant differences (P < 0.05), however, were observed in plasma of C 8:0, C 10:0 and C 12:0 concentrations. In Experiment 2, 20 pigs (10 intact males and 10 females) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment for 52 d. Pigs fed caprine milk had higher (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of C10:0 and C12:0 as well as Na, Mg and Zn than those fed bovine milk. At Day 52, pigs fed caprine milk had less body fat (P < 0.001) and higher (P < 0.06) bone mineral density than those fed bovine milk. Drymatter, N and total mineral intake of male pigs was higher (P < 0.05) than female pigs. Also, male pigs had higher (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of C12:0 than females. This study demonstrates that the type of milk consumed can influence plasma concentrations of fatty acids, minerals and body composition in pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbred sheep (n 16,8·5 months of age and 33 (SE 0·9) kg) were used in a 21 d experiment (2x2 factorial) to determine effects on net flux of nutrients across the portal-drained viscera (PDV) and liver of ad libitum consumption of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon; B) v. ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum)-wheat (Triticum aestivum; RW) hay, coarsely chopped (CC) or finely ground and pelleted (GP). Crude protein concentrations were 86, 81, 113 and 119g/kg and neutral-detergent fibre concentrations were 710, 688, 654 and 672 g/kg (dry matter basis) for B-CC, B-GP, RW-CC and RW-GP respectively. Digestible energy intake (6.0,9.6·, 10·2 and 13·8 W/d) Mered (P < 0·01) with grass source and form, and digestible N intake values were 4·4, 7·0, 8·4 and 14.1 (SEM 0·82) g/d for B-CC, B-GP, RW-CC and RW-GP diets respectively. Consumption of O2 by the PDV (118,165,144 and 155mmol/h) and splanchnic bed (196,273,247 and 266 mmollh for B-CC, B-GP, RW-CC and RW-GP respectively) was greater (P=O·O7) for GP than for CC. The ratio splanchnic heat energy production: digestible energy intake was greater (P=0·06) for B than for RW (0·374,0·300,0·278 and 0·219 for B.CC, B-GP, RW-CC and RW-GP respectively). α-Amino-N release by the PDV (P< 0·01; 11·6, 12·8, 23·0 and 18·7 mmoyh) and uptake by the liver (P=0·07; 15·2, 6·1, 17·0 and 19·3 mmol/h for B-CC, B-GP, RW-CC and RW-GP respectively) were greater for RW than for B. Release of NH3-N by the PDV was greater (P=O·02) for CC than for GP (12·5, 6·2, 15·7 and 8·9 mmol/h), and hepatic urea-N release differed between grass sources (P=O·O3) and physical forms (P=0·07; 22·6, 12·7, 31·4 and mmol/h for B-CC, B-GP, RW-CC and RW-GP respectively). In conclusion, decreases in forage particle size elicited by grinding and pelleting did not affect the difference between grass sources in splanchnic tissue heat energy production relative to digestible energy intake. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Cover Feature: Insight into the Electrooxidation Mechanism of Ethylene Glycol on Palladium-Based Nanocatalysts: In Situ FTIRS and LC-MS Analysis (ChemElectroChem 21/2020) Keywords: ethylene glycol; electrooxidation; energy conversion; fuel cells; heterogeneous catalysis EN ethylene glycol electrooxidation energy conversion fuel cells heterogeneous catalysis 4285 4285 1 11/16/20 20201102 NES 201102 B The Cover Feature b illustrates the mechanism of ethylene glycol electrooxidation at the surface of Pd-based catalysts. Ethylene glycol, electrooxidation, energy conversion, fuel cells, heterogeneous catalysis. [Extracted from the article]

In the southern United States, warm-season grasses make up the bulk of the roughage consumed by livestock, including small ruminants. Digestibility of grasses generally declines with maturity, such that these forages may not always provide the necessary nutrients to support optimal animal performance or maintain product quality. Supplementation with protein and a moderate level of grain generally increases forage intake and digestibility. The diversion of corn away from human and animal feed for biofuel production has created a need for alternative energy supplements. Dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS), high in bypass protein and digestible fiber, is a good alternative to replace corn and soybean meal (SBM) in small ruminant diets. The objective of this study was to determine intake, blood metabolites, and milk yield and composition of Alpine and Saanen dairy goats, in late lactation, consuming ground eastern gamagrass (EGG; Tripsacum dactyloides L.) or Bermudagrass hay (BG; Cynodon dactylon) supplemented with DDGS or corn and SBM. The does were stratified based on milk yield and allotted to 4 groups. The groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments (9 does/treatment). The does were group fed daily to allow ad libitum intake. The supplement and hay was mixed together and consumed by the does. The trial lasted 19 d. Blood plasma samples from each animal were analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), glucose, and NEFA concentrations. Combined morning and evening milk samples were analyzed for protein, fat, lactose, and total solids. Data were analyzed as a mixed model for a completely randomized design using SAS. Replacing corn and SBM with DDGS did not affect (P > 0.05) milk yield (0.93 ± 0.155 kg), plasma glucose, milk protein, or lactose. However, PUN and milk fat were significantly different (P < 0.05). Bermudagrass hay increased PUN (37.02 and 35.04 ± 1.71 mg/dL) relative to EGG treatments (29 and 32.6 ± 1.71 mg/dL). Supplementing EGG with DDGS increased the NEFA concentration (209.3 ± 22.02 μEq/L) compared with BG and EGG with corn supplementation (120.6, 114.3, and 126.8 ± 22.02 μEq/L). Replacing corn with DDGS over a short feeding period does not affect milk yield and its basic components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased consumption of goat meat in the United States is primarily a consequence of influx of immigrants and health-conscious consumers about high fat and cholesterol intake with other red meats. Deficit in national production is partially compensated by frozen imports from New Zealand and Australia. Goats are raised mostly on pasture with seasonal variations in nutrient availability. On the other hand, the high cost of feed supplements (grains and soybean meal) limits profitability of goat production. On a unit weight basis, fats have more energy than grains or grain supplements. Dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of the biofuel industry and rich in protein and soluble fiber, may be an alternative for corn and soybean, which are being diverted to biofuel production. Hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn with DDGS, poultry fat, or DDGS plus poultry fat on growth and carcass parameters of growing goats (6 mo old) consuming Bermudagrass hay-based diets. Treatments consisted of Bermudagrass hay-based diet supplemented with corn (Control), DDGS, poultry fat (PF), or DDGS plus poultry fat (DDGSPF). Animals were individually housed and fed 1 of 4 isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets once daily for 60 d. At the end of the 60-d feeding period, animals were processed after a 24-h fast. Collected data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the mixed model procedure of SAS. When significant at P < 0.05, treatment means were separated using LSD. Results indicate that final weight and hot and chilled carcass weights were decreased (P < 0.05) when poultry fat alone was used to replace corn. Goats supplemented with corn had lower ruminal pH (6.97) compared with DDGSPF (7.30), DDGS (7.32), and PF (7.40 ± 0.036) but DMI (1.210 ± 0.042 kg) was greater compared with PFsupplemented animals (1.020 ± 0.042 kg). Total protein intake was not affected (P > 0.05) by supplement type (162 ± 0.11 g). Meat protein content was not significantly different (21.02 ± 0.22%). Blood glucose levels were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments (70.70 ± 3.13 mg/dL). Ruminal ammonia nitrogen was higher in control (11.24 mg/dL) compared with DDGS (6.45 mg/dL), PF (3.30 mg/dL), and DDGSPF (2.59 ± 1.36 mg/dL) animals. These results indicate that DDGS and poultry fat can be excellent substitutes for corn in growing goats consuming Bermudagrass hay-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Southeastern United States, with warm climate and relatively high humidity, is not suitable for wool production. For these reasons, hair-type sheep are being raised for meat. Grazing is the most economical way of raising livestock. Pasture quality is subjected to seasonal variations leading to nutrient deficiencies that limit animal performance. Supplements are often needed to improve animal performance. Grains are used for energy and soybean meal is used for protein supplementation. Corn and soybean are diverted for biofuel production, reducing their use for animal feed and thus increasing the cost of animal production. Dried distiller's grains plus solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of the grain biofuel industry, that is rich in protein and digestible fiber could be used to replace corn and soybean meal in livestock diets. A study was conducted to determine the effects of replacing corn with DDGS, poultry fat, or in combination on feed intake, growth, carcass characteristics, liver mass, and meat quality of lambs consuming Bermudagrass hay using 40 Katahdin × Dorper intact males (6 mo old). Treatments consisted of a Bermudagrass hay-based diet supplemented with corn (Control), DDGS, poultry fat (OIL), or DDGS plus poultry fat (DDGSOil). Diets were balanced for energy and protein and then fed once daily for 60 d to individually housed lambs. Lambs were processed at the end of the 60-d experiment after a 24-h fast. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using the mixed model of SAS. Results indicate that total protein intake %BW (0.4834 ± 0.0183), final weight (44.6 ± 1.24 kg), slaughter weight (42.5 ± 1.49 kg), hot (24.4 ± 0.74 kg) and chilled carcass weights (72.5 ± 0.74 kg), initial carcass pH (6.5 ± 0.06), cooking loss (16.6 ± 0.87%), and meat protein (21.2 ± 0.39%) were not affected (P > 0.05) by supplement type. Total DMI (1.66 vs. 2.07, 2.15, and 2.22 ± 0.07 kg for OIL, DDGS, DDGSOil, and Control, respectively) and liver weight (561 vs. 635, 674, and 678 ± 27.9 g) decreased (P < 0.01) with OIL supplement alone. Rumen pH was lowest (P < 0.05) with corn supplementation (7.23 ± 0.06) compared with DDGS (7.4 ± 0.06), OIL (7.5 ± 0.06), and DDGSOil (7.6 ± 0.06). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances for DDGSOil (0.36 ± 0.0351 malondialdehyde [MDA]/kg) were higher (P < 0.001) compared with Control (0.118 ± 0.0351 MDA/kg), OIL (0.1712 ± 0.0351 MDA/kg), and DDGS (0.203 ± 0.0351 MDA/kg). The OIL supplement showed greater myoglobin quantities (31.3 ± 2.3 mg/mL) compared with Control (17.1 ± 2.3 mg/mL), DDGSOil (21.9 ± 2.3 mg/mL), and DDGS (24.3 ± 2.3 mg/mL. These results show that DDGS or OIL alone or in combination can be used in a growing lamb diet without negatively affecting animal performance and meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the southern USA warm season grasses make up the bulk of the roughage consumed by livestock including small ruminants. Digestibility of grasses generally declines with maturity, such that these forages may not always provide the necessary nutrients to support optimal animal performance or maintain product quality. Supplementation with protein and moderate level of grain generally increases forage intake and digestibility. The diversion of corn away from human and animal feed for biofuel production has created a need for alternative energy supplements. Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), high in bypass protein and digestible fiber, is a good alternative to replace corn and soybean meal (SBM) in small ruminant diets. The objective of this study was to determine intake, blood metabolites and milk composition of dairy goats (Alpine), in late lactation, consuming ground eastern gamagrass (EG; Tripsacum dactyloides L.) hay supplemented with DDGS or corn and SBM. The does were stratified based on milk yield and allotted to 4 groups. The groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (10 does/trt). The groups were housed in 4 pens equipped with Calan gate feeders (American Calan, Inc.) and fed once daily to allow ad libitum intake. Hay was fed ad libitum after the supplement was completely consumed. The trial lasted 14 d with sampling on the last day. Blood plasma samples from each animal were analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), glucose, and NEFA concentrations. Morning milk samples were analyzed for protein, fat, lactose, and total solids. Milk fat was extracted and analyzed using the fatty acyl methyl ester (FAME) method. Data were analyzed as a mixed model for a completely randomized design using SAS. Replacing corn and SBM with DDGS did not (P > 0.05) affect total DMI (1.12 ± 0.208 kg), plasma glucose, NEFA, or milk composition but significantly increased (P < 0.05) PUN (20.4 and 15.2 ± 1.31 mg/dL for DDGS and corn plus SBM supplemented does, respectively). The inclusion of DDGS decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of C12:0 (5.7% and 3.4%), C14:0 (11% and 6%), C16:0 (25.3% and 21.3%), but levels of C18:0 (7.5% and 13.9%), C18:3n6 (0.33% and 0.43%) and C20:1n9 (1.6% and 0.5%) increased. DDGS can replace corn and SBM (59% of diet) over a short feeding period without adverse effects on DMI or milk composition during late lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the southern USA warm season grasses make up the bulk of the roughage consumed by livestock including small ruminants. Digestibility of grasses generally declines with maturity, such that these forages may not always provide the necessary nutrients to support optimal animal performance or maintain product quality. Supplementation with protein and moderate level of grain generally increases forage intake and digestibility. The diversion of corn away from human and animal feed for biofuel production has created a need for alternative energy supplements. Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS), high in bypass protein and digestible fiber, is a good alternative to replace corn and soybean meal (SBM) in small ruminant diets. The objective of this study was to determine intake, blood metabolites and milk composition of dairy goats (Alpine), in late lactation, consuming ground eastern gamagrass (EG; Tripsacum dactyloides L.) hay supplemented with DDGS or corn and SBM. The does were stratified based on milk yield and allotted to 4 groups. The groups were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments (10 does/trt). The groups were housed in 4 pens equipped with Calan gate feeders (American Calan, Inc.) and fed once daily to allow ad libitum intake. Hay was fed ad libitum after the supplement was completely consumed. The trial lasted 14 d with sampling on the last day. Blood plasma samples from each animal were analyzed for plasma urea nitrogen (PUN), glucose, and NEFA concentrations. Morning milk samples were analyzed for protein, fat, lactose, and total solids. Milk fat was extracted and analyzed using the fatty acyl methyl ester (FAME) method. Data were analyzed as a mixed model for a completely randomized design using SAS. Replacing corn and SBM with DDGS did not (P > 0.05) affect total DMI (1.12 ± 0.208 kg), plasma glucose, NEFA, or milk composition but significantly increased (P < 0.05) PUN (20.4 and 15.2 ± 1.31 mg/dL for DDGS and corn plus SBM supplemented does, respectively). The inclusion of DDGS decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of C12:0 (5.7% and 3.4%), C14:0 (11% and 6%), C16:0 (25.3% and 21.3%), but levels of C18:0 (7.5% and 13.9%), C18:3n6 (0.33% and 0.43%) and C20:1n9 (1.6% and 0.5%) increased. DDGS can replace corn and SBM (59% of diet) over a short feeding period without adverse effects on DMI or milk composition during late lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dietary supplementation of brown seaweed extract (Ascophyllum nodosum) reduces E. coli counts in beef cattle, although the mechanism of action is not clear. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of seaweed extract supplementation and chlorinated skin wash on skin and carcass microbial contamination in goats. In a Completely Randomized Design with split-plot, thirty-two Boer x Spanish bucks (8 mo of age) were fed a diet containing alfalfa pellets (60%) and Tasco feed supplement (40%) with (4 pens) or without (4 pens) seaweed extract (n = 16 goats/treatment) for 14 days. At the end of the feeding trial, two bucks from each pen were spray washed with chlorinated water (50 ppm) after stunning, and the other two bucks were processed as unwashed controls. Skin swab samples were made on the hind legs (5 x 5 cm area) prior to overnight holding, after holding, and after spray washing. Immediately after evisceration, carcass swab samples were taken to assess contamination levels. The pH of rumen and large intestinal contents and concentrations of rumen volatile fatty acids were not different between dietary treatments. Microbial counts in feces were also not different between dietary treatments. However, E. coli counts of rumen contents decreased (P ≤ 0.05) due to seaweed extract supplementation. The main effect of chlorine wash on aerobic plate counts on skin was significant (P ≤ 0.05), with mean (± SEM) counts of 3.65 ± 0.19 and 4.30 ± 0.19 log10 CFU/cm2, respectively, in washed and unwashed groups. The goats subjected to seaweed extract dietary treatment plus chlorine wash had the lowest skin E. coli counts. Carcass microbial counts were not influenced by any of the factors. The results indicate the seaweed extract supplementation for two weeks prior to slaughter, combined with spray wash during processing, can be used as a viable decontamination strategy in goat processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-six Boer x Spanish kids (BW = 20 ± 0.6 kg) were used to determine the effects of diet on the chemical composition and quality of chevon (goat meat). Animals were divided into three groups and randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments: 18% CP concentrate for 90 d (CC-diet); alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay cubes for the first 45 d followed by concentrate for 45 d (HC-diet); or alfalfa hay diet for 90 d (HH-diet). Goats were slaughtered and the intramuscular and subcutaneous fat samples were obtained from each carcass for analysis of fatty acid composition. Loin chops (Longissimus dorsi, LD) were used to determine proximate composition, color (CIE L* a* b*), cooking loss, and Warner-Bratzler shear force values. No significant differences were found in protein and ash percentages among the LD muscles of goat carcasses from the three treatments. Goats from the HH-diet group had higher (P ≤ 0.05) level of moisture (77.1 vs. 74.7%), and lower (P ≤ 0.05) level of fat (1.32 vs. 2.67%) in LD muscles compared with those from the CC-diet, while the HC-diet group had intermediate levels of moisture and fat. Compared to HH-diet group, the CC-diet group had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) level of oleic acid (C18:1n9; 43.8 vs. 38.7%), and a lower (P ≤ 0.05) level of linolenic acid (C18:3n3; 0.12 vs. 0.46%) in the intramuscular fat. The CC-diet group also had a higher (P ≤ 0.05) level of linoleic acid (C18:2n6; 4.27 vs. 3.11%), and lower (P ≤ 0.05) levels of decanoic acid (C10:0), myristic acid (C14:0), and C18:3n3 (0.44 vs. 0.76%) in the subcutaneous fat than the HH-diet group. The L* (lightness) values of loin chops from the HH-diet group were higher (P ≤ 0.05) than the CC-diet group; however, the a* values (redness) were not different among the three treatment groups. Warner-Bratzler shear force values and cooking losses were also not influenced by the diets. Although dietary treatments did not influence meat quality characteristics in this study, chevon from hay-fed goats may have healthier nutritional properties compared to that from concentrate-fed goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chevon (goat meat) has been reported to be inferior in palatability compared to other traditional red meats, although it has lower fat and healthier fatty acid profiles compared to lamb. The objective of this study was to determine whether the quality characteristics of chevon differ from those of lamb. Sheep (n = 16) and goats (n = 16) raised under similar situations were slaughtered using standard procedures. After 24 h of cooler storage (4°C), the carcasses were fabricated into primal cuts. Loin chops Longissimus dorsi were used for color (CIE L* a* b*), Warner-Bratzler shear force values, cooking loss, percent metmyoglobin, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) determination at 24 h postmortem. The chops were placed on aluminum pans and covered with aluminum foil, cooked in a convection oven to an internal temperature on 71 ºC, cooled at 2 ºC for 24 h, and then 1 cm cores were removed for shear value determinations. Analysis of data as a Completely Randomized Design showed that Warner-Bratzler shear force values were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01) in lamb chops compared with chevon chops. The mean (± SEM) shear values were 2.12 ± 0.21 and 1.3 ± 0.21 kg in chevon and lamb chops, respectively. The L* values (lightness) were not different between chevon and lamb chops; however, a* values (redness) of lamb chops were higher (P ≤ 0.01) compared with chevon chops. The mean (± SEM) a* values were 12.2 ± 0.37 and 14.2 ± 0.37, respectively, in chevon and lamb chops. Percent metmyoglobin and TBARS were not different among the chops, indicating that levels of pigment and lipid oxidation were not different between lamb and chevon at 24 h postmortem. Cooking loss was also not influenced by species. The results indicate that lamb may have better tenderness properties compared with chevon, although several other quality characteristics studied were not different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the abstract of the study 'Goat meat quality characteristics as influenced by diet and postmodern aging time,' presented at the American Society of Animal Science's Southern Section conference on January 31-February 4, 2003, in Mobile, Alabama.

Discusses the abstract of the study 'Performance, blood metabolites and visceral organ mass and composition in growing castrated dairy goats,' presented at the American Society of Animal Science's Southern Section conference on January 31-February 4, 2003, in Mobile, Alabama.

Discusses the abstract of the study 'Effect of Tasco seaweed extract supplementation on plasma cortisol and antioxidant enzyme activities in goats subjected to transportation stress,' presented at the American Society of Animal Science's Southern Section conference on January 31-February 4, 2003, in Mobile, Alabama.