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With approximately 30 species,Mimosaser.Leiocarpaeis the largest series ofM. sect.Batocaulonand is particularly abundant in semi-arid environments of South America. Previous studies have shown that the pollen type is remarkably congruent with the plastid gene tree and it presents relatively low levels of homoplasy, having utility for phylogenetic reconstruction withinMimosa. Pollen morphology of 29 of the 30 species belonging toLeiocarpaewas studied using scanning electron microscopy to identify diagnostic characters and to test taxonomic and phylogenetic hypotheses. The pollen grains ofLeiocarpaeare dispersed in tetrads or bitetrads, which are decussate, isopolar or heteropolar, compressed or not, elliptical or ellipsoidal outline. The apertures are porate. The ornamentation is areolate-verrucate, and the size of grains varies from 8.5 to 43.7 μm in the longer and 7.1 to 20 μm in the shorter dimension. The pollen morphology does not support the monophyly ofLeiocarpae, which is in accordance with evidence from molecular phylogenetic studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aim of this trial was to evaluate the influence of castration on fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat. Twenty-four bull calves of Mertolenga breed were randomly assigned to two groups: castrates and intact males. Castration was done at weaning (6 to 8 months of age). After weaning, all animals grazed a rye-grass pasture through 1 year and were then placed in a feed-lot and fed a finishing diet. Three animals of each treatment were slaughtered after a period of 0 (pasture only), 50, 100 and 150 days of feed-lot feeding. All the animals were subjected to the same feeding and management regimes. Fatty acid composition of the intramuscular fat was analyzed in samples of muscle Longissimus lumborum taken after 7 days of ageing. After adjustment for equal intramuscular fat, entire males had significant higher values of C17:0, C18:1trans , C18:2n−6, P/S, n −6/n −3 and C18:2n−6/C20:4n−6 ratios and lower values of C16:0 and C18:1cis-9, indicating that castration has an effect on the fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat of Longissimus lumborum. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Thirty-two Merino Branco (MB) ram lambs were used to evaluate the effects of lucerne particle size and soybean oil supplementation in growth, carcass and meat quality and fatty acid composition of longissimus thoracis muscle. The lambs were divided into four groups and submitted to four diets: conditioned hay of lucerne; conditioned hay of lucerne plus soybean oil; ground and pelleted lucerne; and ground and pelleted lucerne plus soybean oil. Lambs were weighed weekly and slaughtered after 6 weeks of trial. Hay fed lambs showed lower intake, lower average daily weight gain and lower slaughter and carcass weights. Dietary oil decreased intake, especially for pellets, reducing lambs growth rate and slaughter and carcass weights. Physical form of the diet and lipid supplementation had minor effects in carcass and meat quality traits. The results of oil inclusion were not conclusive for meat sensory attributes. Fatty acid composition was strongly affected by treatments and the high number of significant interactions showed that the effect of oil inclusion on fatty acid composition was highly dependent on forage particle size. With oil supplementation, C18:1 trans-11 and C18:2 cis-9 trans-11 increased, but this effect was more pronounced with hay. Linoleic acid also increased but this effect was larger in pellets. The ratio n-6/n-3 fatty acids was lower for hay. It increased with oil supplementation and, with pellets, the value was above the suggested threshold of 4. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Nonnested models are sometimes tested using a simulated reference distribution for the uncentred log likelihood ratio statistic. This approach has been recommended for the specific problem of testing linear and logarithmic regression models. The general asymptotic validity of the reference distribution test under correct choice of error distributions is questioned. The asymptotic behaviour of the test under incorrect assumptions about error distributions is also examined. In order to complement these analyses, Monte Carlo results for the case of linear and logarithmic regression models are provided. The finite sample properties of several standard tests for testing these alternative functional forms are also studied, under normal and nonnormal error distributions. These regression-based variable-addition tests are implemented using asymptotic and bootstrap critical values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of conventional concentrates in the supplementation of grass-based fed lambs may induce improvements in growth performance and/or carcass quality but may be disadvantageous in fatty acid profile of tissues, with a negative impact in some nutritional indexes. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects on growth performance, carcass and meat quality of using unprotected, unsaturated fat as a supplement for grass-fed based lambs. Twenty-four Merino Branco ram lambs raised on pasture, were supplemented with corn whole grain plus sunflower meal or corn whole grain plus expanded sunflower seed, from 20 to 30 kg live weight. The supplement had no effects on growth performance, carcass quality traits, or meat pH, colour estimates (L*, a*, b*), water-holding capacity, shear force and sensorial attributes. However, lambs supplemented with expanded sunflower seed showed higher proportions of cis-9, trans-11 octadecadienoic acid and trans-vaccenic acid in intramuscular and subcutaneous fat, showing that the inclusion of unprotected lipids in lambs diet was effective in preventing the reduction of rumenic acid (C18:2 cis-9, trans-11) that occurs when conventional concentrates are used as a supplement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One hundred and eight Merino Branco and crossbred Ile de France×Merino Branco ram lambs were used to evaluate the effects of genotype, feeding system and slaughter weight on fatty acid composition of meat (longissimus thoracis muscle). At 60 days of age, lambs were assigned to the experimental feeding systems: P—pasture with dams; SP—pasture with dams, plus concentrate ad libitum; C—weaning and concentrate ad libitum. Lambs were slaughtered at 24 and 30 kg live weight. The meat had a low fatty acid content. Intramuscular fatty acid (FA) composition was not affected by genotype. Pasture raised lambs (P and SP) showed higher proportion of n-3 FA, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-octadecenoic FA, and lower n-6:n-3 ratio, than C lambs. When slaughter weight increased, total FA content increased. Palmitic acid and monoenoic FA increased and polyunsaturated FA decreased with slaughter weight. The CLA proportion increased with slaughter weight, but only for lambs raised on pasture (P and SP). Fatty acid profile was effective in the identification of lamb feeding systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

One-hundred and eight Merino Branco (MB) and crossbred Ile de France x Merino Branco (IFxMB) ram lambs were used to evaluate the effects of genotype, feeding system and slaughter weight on growth, carcass composition and meat quality traits. At an average age of 53 days, lambs were randomly assigned to three feeding systems: P, pasture with dams; SP, pasture with dams, plus concentrate ad libitum; C, weaning, and concentrate ad libitum. Lambs were slaughtered at 24 or 30 kg live weight. The carcass left sides were partially dissected and the Longissimus thoracis and Longissimus lumborum muscles were used for meat quality determinations. Genotype had only minor effects on lamb growth as well as on carcass composition and meat traits. Growth rate was higher, and muscle proportion was lower in C than in SP, and in SP than in P. When lambs were fed only pasture (P), carcasses were mainly classified as very lean (class 1), especially when lambs where slaughtered at 24 kg. For SP and C, carcasses were mainly graded in class 2. Lambs in P, showed lower water-holding capacity. When slaughter weight increased, muscle proportion decreased but carcasses were still considered to be lean (class 2). Meat colour became darker and redness increased with slaughter weight, but shear force remained unchanged. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Asparagopsis taxiformis inhibits ruminal methane (CH 4) production due to its bromoform (CHBr 3) content. The immersion of A. taxiformis in edible vegetable oils allows the extraction and stabilization of the highly volatile CHBr 3 in the oil phase. The objectives of this study were to explore the effects of adding sunflower oils with increasing concentrations of CHBr 3 on in vitro ruminal methanogenesis and biohydrogenation. Five batches of 48-h in vitro incubations were performed in 14 fermentation bottles, using rumen inocula collected shortly after the slaughter of young crossbred bulls and 1 g of dry matter (DM) from a total diet of mixed feed without added oil (control) or with 60 μL of sunflower oil per gram of DM as the substrate. The treatments were the CHBr 3 content in the oil added: 0 μg (B0), 25 μg (B25), 50 μg (B50), 75 μg (B75), 100 μg (B100), and 150 μg (B150) of CHBr 3 per gram of substrate DM. Organic matter (OM) degradability, total gas, CH 4 , volatile fatty acids (VFA), long-chain fatty acids, and dimethyl acetals (DMA) were analyzed at the end of each incubation. Data were analyzed with a model considering the treatments as the fixed effect and the run as a random block and using orthogonal contrasts. Degradability of OM was higher in the control group and was unaffected by CHBr 3 concentration. Total gas production per gram of degraded OM was unaffected by treatments and averaged 205 ± 29.8 mL/g. Methane (mL) production decreased linearly with increasing CHBr 3 concentrations, with 33%, 47%, and 87% reductions for B75, B100, and B150, respectively. Total VFA concentration was unaffected by oil inclusion but was reduced by 20% in CHBr 3 -containing treatments, although without any dose-response pattern. The molar percentage of acetate decreased linearly, whereas propionate and butyrate increased linearly with the increasing CHBr 3 dosage. Including oil in the diet decreased the branched-chain fatty acids and DMA content. Increasing CHBr 3 concentrations did not affect branched-chain fatty acids, but linearly increased most of the identified DMA. Adding oil to the control diet increased the 18:2n-6, whereas increasing the concentration of CHBr 3 had no effect on 18:2n-6 but decreased linearly the 18:0 and increased the trans -18:1 isomers. The results obtained provide evidence that oil immersions of A. taxiformis can successfully inhibit ruminal production of CH 4 in vitro at doses of 100 and 150 μg/g DM, and simultaneously modulate biohydrogenation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iberian (IB, n = 60) and crossbred Large White x Landrace (F1, n = 58) pigs were slaughtered at 160 kg, after finishing under intensive conditions or on pasture and acorns. The study was carried out as a factorial arrangement of treatments, and physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of meat were assessed in Longissimus thoracis samples. Physical characteristics included the assessment of drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and color coordinates in meat samples processed at 2 and 9 d postmortem. The interactions of genetic group and finishing system were significant (P < 0.05) for cooking loss in meat aged for 9 d and for sensorial tenderness and global acceptability of meat, but none of the other physicochemical, color coordinates, and sensory variables analyzed showed a significant interaction. Genetic group was the main factor influencing the variables analyzed, with a major (P < 0.01) influence on all meat physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes. Relative to F1 pigs, the IB produced meat with higher intramuscular fat content and marbling score, more appealing color coordinates, lower shear force, and higher sensorial tenderness. The finishing systems affected (P < 0.05) most physical characteristics, but not chemical composition of meat and their impact on sensory properties was small. The tenderness, juiciness, and global acceptability of meat were much higher in IB pigs, and flavor was also more desirable, but the difference was smaller. The differences in sensory properties between meats originating from the two genetic groups were largely explained by the higher fat deposition in IB pigs, such that a higher level of marbling was positively associated with all the sensory attributes evaluated. Ageing meat for up to 9 d postmortem benefited pork quality, improving meat tenderness, and color, particularly in crossbred pigs and those finished intensively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Subcutaneous fat deposition similar in pigs finished extensively and intensively. • Fat depth increased over finishing largely due to increased depth of internal layer. • Backfat thickness at slaughter was nearly twice in IB when compared with F1 pigs. • Modest within-breed correlations between ultrasound and post mortem fat depth. • Model with growth rate, backfat and body dimensions predicts well carcass composition Iberian (IB) pigs are often finished on grass and acorns, and they are known for their ability to deposit high amounts of fat. Live weight, body dimensions and backfat depth measured by ultrasounds in various layers and backfat depots, were collected in an experimental group (n = 117) of IB and crossbred Large White × Landrace pigs (F1), finished either intensively or in oak-tree forests in a factorial experiment. Weight and ultrasounds data were collected at the beginning, midpoint and end of the finishing period, which occurred at a mean live weight of approximately 85, 125 and 160 kg, respectively. Changes in live weight and fat depth over the finishing period were assessed and body dimensions and backfat depth measured by ultrasounds were used to predict carcass traits. Genetic groups differed considerably in growth rate (P < 0.01), with higher ADG in IB than in F1 pigs by about 200 and 80 g/d in the first and second stages of finishing, respectively. Finishing system also affected growth rate (P < 0.01), with faster growth in intensively finished pigs, by about 380 g/d in stage 1 and 220 g/d in stage 2 of finishing. The mean ADG was always higher in the first than in the second stage of finishing, particularly in IB pigs and those finished intensively. In all fat depots considered, the internal fat layer was thicker than the external layer. The major differences in backfat thickness were observed between genetic groups while differences between finishing systems were smaller and often not significant (P > 0.05). At the end of the finishing period, total backfat was about twice thicker in IB than in F1 pigs in the dorsal and P2 depots (P < 0.05), and nearly 50% thicker in rump backfat (P < 0.05). The correlations between dorsal and P2 backfat measurements obtained in carcasses at 24 h post mortem and the same measurement obtained by ultrasounds right before slaughter were near 0.85 for total and internal backfat layers (P < 0.05), but dropped to about 0.3 to 0.6 when estimated within genetic group. Stepwise regression equations estimated to predict various carcass and meat traits indicate that morphometric characteristics had a modest contribution for most carcass traits while the depth of the internal layer of P2 backfat was of major importance in many cases. The ability to predict dressing percentage and abdominal fat had modest accuracy, while ham tissue composition and intramuscular fat percentage could be accurately predicted based on in vivo indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to compare the growth performance of growing/finishing pigs housed in a hoop barn system and in traditional confinement. A total of twenty Bísaro breed pigs, with 98.6±5.71 days of age, and 25.4±4.87 kg of BW were used (beginning of experiment). The pigs were equally distributed in two groups: Gr1 - hoop barn (3.0 m2/pig) with outdoor access (200 m2/pig); and Gr2 - traditional confinement with straw bedding (1.8 m2/pig). Both groups were fed with the same diet. During the next 98 days' period (growing phase) and until pigs reached approximately 80 kg LW, the animals were fed with a concentrate diet. In the finishing phase consisting of a final 70 days period until slaughter, the animals reached between 110-120 kg LW and were fed with concentrate and cornflour. The feed intake per group was registered daily and growth performances were collected every two weeks. During the growing phase no differences (P > 0.05) were observed in the average daily gain (ADG) between Gr1 (0.546±0.10 kg/day) and Gr2 (0.563±0.05 kg/day). However, a higher variability was observed in hoop barn group (CV of 18.1% vs. 8.8% in confinement). Similar results were observed during the finishing phase with ADG of 0.535±0.09 kg for Gr1 and 0.505±0.07 kg for Gr2 (P > 0.05). In both growing and finishing phases, the feed conversion rates (FCR) were 3.11 on the Gr1 versus 3.12 kg/kg on the Gr2, and 3.44 in Gr1 versus 3.53 in Gr2, respectively. Despite the different housing systems, ADG and FCR per period were identical in both systems. To the consumer's point of view, the positive aspects of the hoop barn system, such as the use of uncultivated land, product image and pig welfare, are sustainably attractive and therefore could be further reflected in the market. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el crecimiento de cerdos alojados en un sistema hoop barn, en comparación con el confinamiento tradicional. Veinte cerdos de raza Bísaro, con 98,6±5,71 días de edad y 25,4±4,87 kg de peso vivo, se distribuyeron aleatoriamente en dos grupos: Gr1 - hoop barn (3,0 m2/cerdo) con acceso al exterior (200 m2/cerdo); Gr2 - confinamiento tradicional con cama de paja (1,8 m2/cerdo). La dieta fue igual para ambos grupos. Durante la fase de crecimiento (98 días) y hasta 80 kg de peso vivo, los animales fueron sometidos a una dieta con concentrado. A continuación, durante 70 días y hasta el sacrificio (110-120 kg de peso vivo), también estaba disponible harina de maiz. La ingesta de alimento por grupo se registró diariamente y los pesos vivos individuales se recogieron por quincena. La ganancia media diaria (ADG) durante la fase de crecimiento fue de 0,546±0,10 kg (Gr1) y 0,563±0,05 kg (Gr2) sin diferencias significativas (P> 0,05), pero con mayor variabilidad en el sistema hoop barn (CV de 18,1% vs. 8,8% de confinamiento). En la fase de acabado, el ADG fue 0,535±0,09 kg (Gr1) y 0,505±0,07 kg (Gr2) (P> 0,05). La eficiencia de conversación alimenticia (FCR) en las fases de crecimiento y de acabado fue de 3,11 kg/kg (Gr1) y 3,12 kg/kg (Gr2) y 3,44 (Gr1) y 3,53 (Gr2), respectivamente. A pesar de las diferencias en el alojamiento, la ADG y el FCR fueron idénticos en ambos sistemas de producción. Para el consumidor, las ganancias asociadas con el sistema hoop barn, como el uso de tierras no cultivadas, el bienestar del cerdo y la imagen del producto, son atractivas y por lo tanto, esto se reflejará en el mercado. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that the replacement of cereal with low-starch feed ingredients in lambs' finishing diets supplemented with oils could prevent the accumulation of t-10-18:1 in meat. Forty lambs were fed 1 of 4 diets supplemented with soybean oil (5.9%) and fish oil (1%) for 6 wk before slaughter. The control (CON) diet contained 43% barley, and in the other diets, barley was completely replaced by dehydrated citrus pulp (DCP), dehydrated sugar beet pulp (DBP), or soybean hulls (SH). Growth performance, feed intake, and carcass and meat quality traits were analyzed. At slaughter, LM samples were collected for gene expression evaluation, and 3 d after slaughter, LM and subcutaneous (s.c.) fat samples were collected for fatty acid analysis. None of the diets affected meat quality, but the DCP diet reduced ADG (P < 0.05) and the DCP and SH diets decreased the feed-to-gain ratio (P < 0.01). The DCP diet increased (P < 0.05) the risk of parakeratosis and the severity of the lesions. Moreover, the DBP treatment led to increased a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) in s.c. fat compared with the CON treatment (P < 0.05). The lipid content of LM did not differ (P > 0.05) with treatment and averaged 34.4 g/kg of meat. Diets had no effect (P > 0.05) on SFA, PUFA, and cis-MUFA sums and on the n-6:n-3 ratio in both LM and s.c. fat. A lower expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN) was found with the DCP treatment than with the other treatments (P < 0.001). All treatments showed a high accumulation of t-10-18:1, averaging 91 mg/g fatty acid in LM and 147 mg/g fatty acid in s.c. fat. The concentration of t-11-18:1 in the tissues was considerably lower than that of t-10-18:1, and thus the t-10-18:1:t-11-18:1 ratio was above 3 with all treatments. Despite this, the SH diet clearly promoted a larger deposition of t-11-18:1 and c-9,t-11-18:2 in tissues compared with the other treatments. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene expression and SCD activity index in LM were reduced with the SH diet compared with the CON and DCP diets. Overall, these results clearly showed, for the first time, that low-starch/high-NDF diets are not able to prevent the establishment of t-10 shifted rumen biohydrogenation pathways, evaluated by the deposition of biohydrogenation intermediates in lamb meat and fat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of agro-industrial by-products in animal feed is an opportunity to reduce imports, food waste and promote a clean and circular economy, turning worthless raw materials into high-quality and low-cost animal feeds, which does not compete with human food. This study aims to produce silages with by-products of carrot, sweet potato, potato, and tomato pomace and integrate them in lamb diets, replacing 50% of dry matter (DM) of a concentrate-based diet. Effects on growth performance, meat quality and methane production were evaluated. Three silages were produced using 350 g/kg tomato pomace, 200 g/kg wheat bran, 150 g/kg alfalfa hay and 300 g/kg potato (Psil) or 300 g/kg sweet potato (SPsil) or 300 g/kg carrot (Csil). Thirty-two lambs were housed individually and divided into four groups (8 animals/group) on the following diets: Control - 850 g/kg concentrate and 150 g/kg hay; P - 500 g/kg concentrate and 500 g/kg Psil in DM; SP – 500 g/kg concentrate and 500 g/kg SPsil in DM; C – 500 g/kg concentrate and 500 g/kg Csil in DM. The trial lasted 6 weeks after 1 week of adaptation. Methane production was assessed in vitro by the Ankom system, using as inoculum rumen content samples collected individually from 6 lambs on each diet at slaughter. Diet had no effect on DM intake, average daily gain and DM conversion ratio, averaging 1055 ± 248 g, 320 ± 61.1 g and 3.35 ± 0.600, respectively. Also, carcass characteristics were not affected by the diet except for the lightness of subcutaneous fat which was increased by the silage diets (L* value, P = 0.016). The meat parameters, pH, intramuscular fat, shear force, cooking losses and sensory attributes, were not affected by the diet. In meat color, the parameters a* and Chroma were highest in animals fed diet C, have an intermediate value with Control diet and are lowest with diets P and SP (P = 0.027 and P = 0.012 , respectively). Diets had no impact on total methane emissions. The costs of the silage diets per kg live weight gain were lower than those of Control diet (P = 0.018). In summary, by-product silage can be a good option to replace concentrated feed in lamb diets without altering the growth performance and meat quality or methane production and thus contributing to the sustainability of livestock farms and the environment. • Tomato pomace, potato, sweet potato and carrot wastes can be used in lamb diets. • Ensiling in mixtures is a good strategy to preserve these byproducts. • Byproduct silages can partially replace concentrate feeds in lamb diets. • Byproduct silages can reduce feed price and improve environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test the hypothesis that lambs fed freeze-dried Nannochloropsis oceanica (NO) biomass will have a higher deposition of EPA in tissues than those fed other Nannochloropsis EPA-sources, we fed 28 lambs with one of four diets: i) C, control, without EPA; ii) O, with 1.2% Nannochloropsis oil; iii) SD, with 12.3% spray-dried NO biomass; iv) FD, with 9.2% freeze-dried NO biomass. Dry matter intake, growth, tissues fatty acid composition, oxidative stability and sensory traits of the resultant meat were evaluated. The EPA was highest in tissues of lambs fed SD and FD compared with O but was similar between SD and FD. Total trans -18:1 did not differ among treatments, but the t 10/ t 11–18:1 ratio decreased with all EPA containing diets. EPA diets were also supplemented with Vitamin E preventing the lipid oxidation in EPA-enriched meat and the meat sensory traits were not affected although occasionally some off-flavours were detected in FD meat. • Diets with Nannochloropsis oceanica were palatable allowing similar intake to the control. • Nannochloropsis oceanica biomass diets increased the eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3 content of lamb tissues. • The increase in EPA was proportionally larger in adipose tissue than in muscle. • Nannochloropsis (oil or biomass) reduced the accumulation of t 10–18:1 in the lamb tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forty entire male pigs from a commercial crossbreed (Duroc x Large White x Landrace) were used to investigate the individual or combined effects of betaine and Arg supplementation in Lysdeficient diets on growth performance, carcass traits, and pork quality. Pigs with 59.9 ± 1.65 kg BW were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments (n = 8). The 5 dietary treatments were normal Lys and CP diet (0.51% Lys and 16% CP; control), reduced Lys and CP diet (0.35% Lys and 13% CP), reduced Lys and CP diet with betaine supplementation (0.33%), reduced Lys and CP diet with Arg supplementation (1.5%), and reduced Lys and CP diet with betaine and Arg supplementation (0.33% betaine and 1.5% Arg). Pigs were slaughtered at 92.7 ± 2.54 kg BW. The Lys-deficient diets (--35% Lys) increased intramuscular fat (IMF) content by 25% (P = 0.041) and meat juiciness by 12% (P = 0.041) but had a negative effect on growth performance (P < 0.05) of pigs. In addition, Lys-deficient diets increased L* (P = 0.005) and b* (P = 0.010) muscle color parameters and perirenal fat deposition (P < 0.001) and decreased both HCW (P = 0.015) and loin weight (P = 0.023). Betaine and Arg supplementation of Lys-deficient diets had no effect on IMF content but increased (P < 0.05) overall pork acceptability. Arginine supplementation also increased (P = 0.003) meat tenderness. Differences in fatty acid composition of pork were not detected among dietary treatment groups. However, oleic acid was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with IMF content, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability of meat. Data confirm that dietary CP reduction enhances pork eating quality but negatively affects pigs' growth performance. Moreover, it is suggested that betaine and Arg supplementation of Lys-deficient diets does not further increase IMF content but improves some pork sensory traits, including overall acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary inclusion of Cistus ladanifer L. (CL) and a vegetable oil blend were evaluated on growth performance, carcass and meat quality of fifty four lambs that were assigned to 9 diets, corresponding to 3 levels of CL (50, 100 and 200 g/kg DM) and 3 levels of oil inclusion (0, 40 and 80 g/kg DM). Treatments had no effects on growth rate. Oil depressed dry matter intake (P = 0.017), carcass muscle (P = 0.041) and increased (P = 0.016) kidney knob channel fat. Chemical and physical meat quality traits were not affected by treatments. Off-flavour perception was higher for 8% of oil (P < 0.001). The level of 100 g/kg DM of CL inclusion improved meat stability after 7 days of storage. Supplementation with linseed and soybean oils (2:1) was a good approach to improve meat nutritional value from feedlot lambs, increasing total n-3 PUFA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gap junctional intercellular communication between β-cells is crucial for proper insulin biosynthesis and secretion. The aim of this work was to investigate the expression of connexin (Cx)36 at the protein level as well as the function and structure of gap junctions (GJ) made by this protein in the endocrine pancreas of prediabetic mice. C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat (HF) or regular chow diet for 60 days. HF-fed mice became obese and prediabetic, as shown by peripheral insulin resistance, moderate hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and compensatory increase in endocrine pancreas mass. Compared with control mice, prediabetic animals showed a significant decrease in insulin-secretory response to glucose and displayed a significant reduction in islet Cx36 protein. Ultrastructural analysis further showed that prediabetic mice had GJ plaques about one-half the size of those of the control group. Microinjection of isolated pancreatic islets with ethidium bromide revealed that prediabetic mice featured a β-cell-β-cell coupling 30% lower than that of control animals. We conclude that β-cell-β-cell coupling mediated by Cx36 made-channels is impaired in prediabetic mice, suggesting a role of Cx36-dependent cell-to-cell communication in the pathogenesis of the early β-cell dysfunctions that lead to type 2-diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Forty Merino Branco ram lambs were used to study the effects of initial diet and duration of supplementation with a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) promoting diet, on carcass composition, meat quality and fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat. The experimental period was 6 weeks. The experimental design involved 2 initial diets (commercial concentrate (C); dehydrated lucerne (L)), and 2 finishing periods (2 and 4 weeks) on dehydrated lucerne plus 10% soybean oil (O). Data were analysed as a 2×2 factorial arrangement with initial diet and time on finishing (CLA promoting) diet as the main factors. The lambs were randomly assigned to four groups: CCO; COO; LLO; LOO according to the lamb’s diet fed in each period. Lambs initially fed with concentrate showed higher hot carcass weights (11.2 vs 9.6kg) than lambs fed initially with lucerne. The increase of the duration of finishing period reduced the carcass muscle percentage (57.4% vs 55.5%) and increased the subcutaneous fat percentage (5.67% vs 7.03%). Meat colour was affected by initial diet. Lambs initially fed with concentrate showed a lower proportion of CLA (18:2cis-9, trans-11 isomer) (0.98% vs 1.38% of total fatty acids) and most of n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids than lambs initially fed with lucerne. Initial diet did not compromise the response to the CLA-promoting diet and the proportion of 18:2cis-9, trans-11 in intramuscular fat increased with the duration of time on the CLA-promoting diet (1.02% vs 1.34% of total fatty acids). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thirty-two Merino Branco ram lambs were used to evaluate the effects of basal diet and soybean oil supplementation on growth, carcass and meat quality and fatty acid composition of longissimus thoracis muscle. The lambs were submitted to four diets: ground and pelleted lucerne; ground and pelleted lucerne plus 10% soybean oil; concentrate; concentrate plus 10% soybean oil. Lambs were slaughtered after 7 weeks of trial. Lambs fed lucerne had higher intake and lower carcass weight. Intake decreased and carcass weight increased with oil supplementation in lucerne. Carcass weight decreased with oil inclusion in concentrate. Muscle and muscle/bone ratio were higher on concentrate. Oil decreased muscle proportion. Basal diet and lipid supplementation had minor effects on meat quality traits. Consumer''s distinguished meat from oil supplemented lambs, but did not reveal any particular preference. The trans-octadeceonates and conjugated octadecadienoates isomers are strongly dependent of basal diet and oil exacerbates the differences. The predominant trans-octadecenoate was 18:1 trans-11 in lucerne and 18:1 trans-10 in concentrate. The main conjugated octadecadienoic isomer was 18:2 cis-9, trans-11 in both basal diets. Oil increased 18:2 cis-9, trans-11 only in lucerne and 18:2 trans-10, cis-12 in concentrate. Lucerne fed lambs showed low ratio n-6/n-3 fatty acids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Cistus ladanifer L. is a common shrub endemic to the Mediterranean region with high levels of condensed tannins (CT). CT form complexes with dietary protein resisting microbial degradation in the rumen, which enhances dietary protein utilization in ruminant diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of CT in the diet of lambs on the proteomes of muscle, hepatic and adipose tissues. Twenty-four Merino Branco ram lambs were randomly allocated to three treatments (n = 8): C – control (160 g crude protein (CP)) per kg DM, RP – reduced protein (120 g CP/kg DM); and RPCT – reduced protein (120 g CP/kg DM) treated with CT extract. At the end of the trial, lambs were slaughtered and the longissimus lumborum muscle, hepatic and peri-renal adipose tissues sampled. A two-way approach was used for proteomic analysis: 2D-DIGE and nanoLC-MS. In the muscle, C lambs had lower abundance proteins that partake in the glycolysis pathway than the lambs of other treatments. Control lambs had lower abundance of Fe-carrying proteins in the hepatic tissue than RP and RPCT lambs. The latter lambs had highest abundance of hepatic flavin reductase. In the adipose tissue, C lambs had lowest abundance of fatty-acid synthase. soybean meal is an expensive feedstuff in which intensive animal production systems heavily rely on. It is a source of protein extensively degraded in the rumen, leading to efficiency losses on dietary protein utilization during digestion. Protection of dietary protein from extensive ruminal degradation throughout the use of plants or extracts rich in CT allow an increase in the digestive utilization of feed proteins. In addition to enhance the protein digestive utilization, dietary CT may induce other beneficial effects in ruminants such as the improvement of the antioxidant status. Unlabelled Image • Differences in muscle glycolysis derive mostly from increased glucose availability in lambs fed with lower dietary protein • Lower levels of dietary protein affect the metabolism of sulphur amino acids and increase Fe abundance in the hepatic tissue • Lower dietary protein, particularly with condensed tannin treatment, have higher adipocyte turn-over rate in comparison to control [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cistus ladanifer tannins were evaluated to protect soybean meal protein. • Cistus ladanifer tannins improved protein efficiency and lamb's growth rate. • Cistus ladanifer tannins have no effect on carcass and meat quality traits. The effect of Cistus ladanifer (rockrose) condensed tannins (CT) on dietary protein utilization in lambs was evaluated. The experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that treating soybean meal (SBM) with rockrose condensed tannins will improve dietary protein utilization allowing a reduction of the dietary crude protein content of lamb's diets without compromising growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits and meat quality. An experiment was conducted using growing lambs fed diets with SBM as the main source of protein, but differing in protein level (160 vs. 120 g/kg dry matter (DM)), treated or not with rockrose CT. Twenty four lambs penned individually were fed three diets based on grass hay and concentrate in a proportion of 15/85 (W/W). Concentrates were formulated to contain: 160 g of crude protein (CP)/kg DM with untreated SBM (Control); 120 g of CP/kg DM with untreated SBM (restricted protein, (RP)); 120 g of CP/kg DM with SBM treated with 15 g/kg DM of rockrose CT (RPCT). The daily feed amounts corresponded to 4% of live weight, and were adjusted weekly. Lambs fed RP diet showed the lower average daily gain (ADG) rates and lower protein efficiency. With CT inclusion a positive response on growth and on feed and protein efficiency was obtained, with ADG values similar to those obtained in lambs fed the Control diet and protein feed efficiency ratio higher than with the other diets. Carcass traits and meat quality were not affected by treatments. Through pre-treating protein sources with rockrose CT it is possible to reduce the protein content of diets without compromising lamb performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]