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Lin Y, Sun L, He M, Xu J, Wu C, Gao J, Dai J. Dietary Supplementation with Rumen-Protected Arginine or N-Carbamylglutamate Enhances Fetal Liver Development in Nutrient-Restricted Pregnant Hu Ewes. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1988. [PMID: 38998100 PMCID: PMC11240601 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted in nutrient-restricted pregnant Hu ewes to determine whether rumen-protected arginine (RP-Arg) or N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation affects fetal liver growth and development. From 35 d to 110 d of gestation, 32 Hu ewes were randomly divided into four groups: a control group (100% of the National Research Council (NRC) requirements), a nutrient-restricted group (50% of the NRC requirements), and two treatment groups (ARG and NCG, 50% of the NRC requirements, supplemented with 20 g/day RP-Arg or 5 g/day NCG, respectively). Fetal body weights, fetal liver growth performance, the capability of antioxidation, and the expression of the mRNA and proteins of apoptosis-related genes in the fetal liver were determined and analyzed at 110 d of gestation. The dry matter, water, fat, protein, and ash components of the fetal livers in the RG group were found to be lower than in the CG group, and these components were significantly higher in the NCG group than in the RG group (p < 0.05). A decrease in DNA, RNA, and protein concentrations and contents, as well as in protein/DNA ratios, was observed in the RG group in comparison to the CG group (p < 0.05). Compared with the RG group, the NCG group had higher concentrations of DNA, RNA, and protein, as well as higher protein/DNA ratios (p < 0.05). The RG group had lower concentrations of cholinesterase, nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase, superoxide dismutase, alanine aminotransferase, and total protein than the CG group (p < 0.05). The RG group had higher levels of glutathione peroxidase, maleic dialdehyde, and aspartate aminotransferase than the CG group (p < 0.05). In the RG group, the mRNA and protein expression of p53 and Bax was significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared with the CG group, and the gene expression of FasL and Bcl-2, the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax, and the protein expression of Bcl-2 in the RG group were lower (p < 0.05) than in the CG group. It appears that RP-Arg and NCG supplementation during pregnancy could influence fetal liver growth and development. A nutrition-based therapeutic intervention to alleviate reduced fetal growth can be developed based on this study, which has demonstrated that maternal undernutrition during pregnancy induces the maldevelopment of the fetal liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuexia Lin
- Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Lingwei Sun
- Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Mengqian He
- Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Jiehuan Xu
- Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Caifeng Wu
- Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Jun Gao
- Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
| | - Jianjun Dai
- Shanghai Municipal Key Laboratory of Agri-Genetics and Breeding, Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201106, China
- Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Resources (Pig) Evaluation and Utilization, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Shanghai 201106, China
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Catussi BLC, Ferreira JR, Lo Turco EG, Morgulis SCF, Baruselli PS. Metabolic imprinting in beef calves supplemented with creep feeding on performance, reproductive efficiency and metabolome profile. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9702. [PMID: 38678099 PMCID: PMC11055875 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60216-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
This experiment evaluated the influence of creep feeding supplementation on productive and reproductive performance and on serum metabolome profile in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers. Female calves were assigned to treatments: Creep (n = 190), with ad libitum access to a nutritional supplement from 70 to 220 days after birth, or Control (n = 140), without supplementation. After weaning (Day 220), both groups followed the same pasture and nutritional management. Body weight (BW) and backfat thickness (BFAT) were measured over time. Blood samples were collected at 220 and 360 days for LC-MS/MS targeted metabolomics. On day 408, during the synchronization timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol, reproductive status (RS: diameter of uterine horn and largest follicle, and presence of CL) was assessed. Creep feeding increased BW and BFAT at weaning, but no differences in BW, BFAT, or RS after weaning were observed. Nonetheless, the pregnancy per AI (P/AI) for 1st service was 28.9% higher in the Creep group. On day 220, 11 significant metabolites influenced five metabolic pathways: Glucose-alanine cycle, alanine, glutathione, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, and urea cycle. On day 360, 14 significant metabolites influenced eight metabolic pathways: Malate-aspartate shuttle, arginine and proline metabolism, urea cycle, aspartate, beta-alanine, glutamate metabolism, ammonia recycling and citric acid cycle. In conclusion, creep feeding supplementation improved calf performance and induced metabolic changes at weaning and 360 days of age. Although heifers had similar productive performance and reproductive status, when submitted to TAI, those supplemented with creep feeding had greater P/AI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Lima Chechin Catussi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | - Pietro Sampaio Baruselli
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Ny V, Needham T, Ceacero F. Potential benefits of amino acid supplementation for cervid performance and nutritional ecology, with special focus on lysine and methionine: A review. ANIMAL NUTRITION 2022; 11:391-401. [PMID: 36382203 PMCID: PMC9633987 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Deer farming is a thriving industry for venison, velvet antlers, trophy hunting, and other by-products. Feeding and nutrition are important factors for improving production performance, especially dietary protein and amino acids (AAs), as they are the main components of all tissues. Only a few studies on AA supplementation (Lys, Met, Arg) have been performed on cervids, which show positive effects on weight gain, ADG, feed-:gain ratio, plasma AAs, carcass weight, dressing percentage, yield of high-quality muscles, storage of internal fat during winter, DM and CP digestibility, plasma protein- and fat-related metabolite concentrations, antler burr perimeter, weight, length and mineralisation, velvet antler yield, rumen volatile fatty acids, and microbiome composition. All these effects are relevant for supporting the production of cervids products, from venison to velvet or trophy antlers, as well as their general performance and well-being of captive-bred cervids. The current available information suggests that AA supplementation can be especially interesting for animals fed low protein rations, and growing animals, but should be avoided in high rations and during winter, since it may promote the accumulation of internal fat. Potential effects on milk production and the concentrations of different hormones involved in the regulation of the antler cycle should be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veit Ny
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Cattle Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Prague, Czech Republic
- Food Research Institute Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tersia Needham
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Francisco Ceacero
- Department of Animal Science and Food Processing, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Czech Republic
- Corresponding author.
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Zhang Y, Zhang C, Zhang M, Yang H, Zhao F, Jiang N, Zhang A. In situ and in vitro evaluation of the bioavailability of rumen-protected methionine with coating prototypes. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 133:105355. [PMID: 35839634 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Rumen protected amino acids are supplements that can enhance ruminal performance, yet the coating designed to protect the amino acids might also lead to different effects. Methionine is an essential methyl donor to synthesize protein, and little data exists on the effects of coating materials on its bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) coatings with different ratios of acrylic resin IV (AR), ethyl cellulose (EC), and a mixture of AR and EC (AREC). Fifteen RPMs were prepared according to a single factor design, with 5 proportions each of AR, EC, and AREC to DL-methionine (DL-Met). Twelve hybrid small-tailed Han sheep with rumen fistula were utilized to evaluate in situ escape of RPMs, followed by in vitro abomasum-intestinal release of the RPMs. The results showed a regular variation in both ruminal disappearance and gastrointestinal release of RPMs with different coating prototypes and retention time. The RPMs that were EC and AREC coated presented high bioavailability compared to those with AR. Bioavailability of RPMs was optimal with the 2:20 AREC: DL-Met ratio, when the proportion of AR:EC is 1:1. Additionally, RPMs with a 1:3 ratio of AR:EC confirmed the optimum effect for the RPM of 2:20 AREC: DL-Met. In conclusion, an RPM with a lower AREC ratio coating can achieve better bioavailability and is synergistic to those with EC and AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Nutrition Regulation of Feed Resources in Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Chenxue Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Nutrition Regulation of Feed Resources in Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Nutrition Regulation of Feed Resources in Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Huan Yang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Nutrition Regulation of Feed Resources in Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Fangfang Zhao
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Nutrition Regulation of Feed Resources in Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Ning Jiang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Nutrition Regulation of Feed Resources in Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China.
| | - Aizhong Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization and Nutrition Regulation of Feed Resources in Cold Region of Heilongjiang Province, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China.
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Hussein HA, Hassaneen ASA, Ali ME, Sindi RA, Ashour AM, Fahmy SM, Swelum AA, Ahmed AE. The Impact of Rumen-Protected L-Arginine Oral Supplementation on Libido, Semen Quality, Reproductive Organ Biometry, and Serum Biochemical Parameters of Rams. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:899434. [PMID: 35812886 PMCID: PMC9263849 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.899434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effect of oral supplementation of rumen-protected L-arginine on semen quality, testes, and accessory genital glands biometry in rams. Ten apparently healthy and fertile rams were randomly divided into two equal groups; control, and rumen-protected L-arginine (20 mg/Kg body weight for 30 days) treated group. In all rams, ultrasonographic measurements of the testes and the accessory genital glands and blood sampling were performed at day (D)10, D20, and D30 (D0 is the start of supplementation). Semen ejaculates were collected twice/week and semen quantity, and quality was examined. Our results showed that, in the L-arginine treated group, there were significant increase in the ultrasound biometric measurement of right seminal vesicle (RSV) and right Cowper's gland (RCG) at D10, both testes, tail of the epididymis (TE), SV, and CG of both sides at D20, and of both testes, RTE, RSV, RCG, and LSV at D30. Semen quality and quantity parameters were significantly improved in L-arginine treated group. Moreover, testosterone level in the L-arginine treated group was significantly higher than that in the Control group. Serum thyroxine and glutathione peroxidase concentrations were significantly higher in the L-arginine treated group. The present study concluded that oral supplementation with rumen-protected L-arginine is beneficial in improvement of rams' fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan A. Hussein
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ahmed S. A. Hassaneen
- Department of Theriogenology, Obstetrics, and Artificial Insemination, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Montaser E. Ali
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University “Assiut Branch”, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ramya A. Sindi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Mecca, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdallah M. Ashour
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salem M. Fahmy
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University “Assiut Branch”, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. Swelum
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- *Correspondence: Ayman A. Swelum
| | - Ahmed E. Ahmed
- Department of Biology, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
- Ahmed E. Ahmed
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Dietary provision of N-carbamoylglutamate to Holstein cows: A strategy to enhance the productive and reproductive efficiency during summer. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Wu G, Bazer FW, Satterfield MC, Gilbreath KR, Posey EA, Sun Y. L-Arginine Nutrition and Metabolism in Ruminants. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1354:177-206. [PMID: 34807443 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-85686-1_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
L-Arginine (Arg) plays a central role in the nitrogen metabolism (e.g., syntheses of protein, nitric oxide, polyamines, and creatine), blood flow, nutrient utilization, and health of ruminants. This amino acid is produced by ruminal bacteria and is also synthesized from L-glutamine, L-glutamate, and L-proline via the formation of L-citrulline (Cit) in the enterocytes of young and adult ruminants. In pre-weaning ruminants, most of the Cit formed de novo by the enterocytes is used locally for Arg production. In post-weaning ruminants, the small intestine-derived Cit is converted into Arg primarily in the kidneys and, to a lesser extent, in endothelial cells, macrophages, and other cell types. Under normal feeding conditions, Arg synthesis contributes 65% and 68% of total Arg requirements for nonpregnant and late pregnany ewes fed a diet with ~12% crude protein, respectively, whereas creatine production requires 40% and 36% of Arg utilized by nonpregnant and late pregnant ewes, respectively. Arg has not traditionally been considered a limiting nutrient in diets for post-weaning, gestating, or lactating ruminants because it has been assumed that these animals can synthesize sufficient Arg to meet their nutritional and physiological needs. This lack of a full understanding of Arg nutrition and metabolism has contributed to suboptimal efficiencies for milk production, reproductive performance, and growth in ruminants. There is now considerable evidence that dietary supplementation with rumen-protected Arg (e.g., 0.25-0.5% of dietary dry matter) can improve all these production indices without adverse effects on metabolism or health. Because extracellular Cit is not degraded by microbes in the rumen due to the lack of uptake, Cit can be used without any encapsulation as an effective dietary source for the synthesis of Arg in ruminants, including dairy and beef cows, as well as sheep and goats. Thus, an adequate amount of supplemental rumen-protected Arg or unencapsulated Cit is necessary to support maximum survival, growth, lactation, reproductive performance, and feed efficiency, as well as optimum health and well-being in all ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyao Wu
- Departments of Animal Science and Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Departments of Animal Science and Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - M Carey Satterfield
- Departments of Animal Science and Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Kyler R Gilbreath
- Departments of Animal Science and Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Erin A Posey
- Departments of Animal Science and Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Yuxiang Sun
- Departments of Animal Science and Nutrition, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Kott ML, Pancini S, Speckhart SL, Kimble LN, White RR, Stewart JL, Johnson SE, Ealy AD. Effects of mid-gestational l-citrulline supplementation to twin-bearing ewes on umbilical blood flow, placental development, and lamb production traits. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab102. [PMID: 34222828 PMCID: PMC8252048 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to examine how l-citrulline supplementation to ewes during mid-gestation influences placental activity, placental blood flow, lamb body weight, and carcass characteristics. Two studies were completed. A pharmacokinetic study to compare circulating plasma amino acid concentrations after a single intravenous injection of 155 µmol/kg BW l-citrulline or after an isonitrogenous amount of l-alanine (control; 465 µmol/kg BW). Increases (P < 0.05) in circulating citrulline concentrations were detected for 8 h after l-citrulline injection versus the control. Similarly, increases (P < 0.05) in circulating arginine concentrations were detected for 24 h after l-citrulline treatment. The second study used 12 ewes with twin pregnancies. Daily intravenous injections of either l-citrulline or l-alanine were administered for 39 d from d 42–45 to 81–84 of gestation. Ewes were limit-fed at 85% daily energy requirements during the injection period. A decrease (P < 0.0001) in body weight was observed in both treatment groups during this period. No treatment differences were observed in circulating pregnancy-specific protein B concentrations or placental blood flow during the treatment and post-treatment gestational period. No treatment differences were observed in lamb survival nor in lamb birth, weaning and slaughter weights. Treatment did not influence lamb carcass composition or organ weights. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.10) for an increase in antral follicle numbers in ovaries from ewe lambs derived from ewes treated with l-citrulline. In summary, a daily l-citrulline injection increased both circulating citrulline and arginine concentrations in ewes, but daily l-citrulline injections during mid-gestation did not produce any detectable changes in placental activity and blood flow, neonatal and postnatal lamb development, and lamb carcass composition at slaughter. In conclusion, no benefits in placental function and lamb development were observed after providing l-citrulline during mid-gestation in ewes exposed to a mild energy restriction, but there was an indication that follicle numbers in ewe lambs were positively influenced by l-citrulline treatment during fetal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Kott
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Stefania Pancini
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Savannah L Speckhart
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Lauren N Kimble
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Robin R White
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Jamie L Stewart
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Sally E Johnson
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Alan D Ealy
- Department of Animal & Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Gilbreath KR, Bazer FW, Satterfield MC, Wu G. Amino Acid Nutrition and Reproductive Performance in Ruminants. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1285:43-61. [PMID: 33770402 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-54462-1_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Amino acids (AAs) are essential for the survival, growth and development of ruminant conceptuses. Most of the dietary AAs (including L-arginine, L-lysine, L-methionine and L-glutamine) are extensively catabolized by the ruminal microbes of ruminants to synthesize AAs and microbial proteins (the major source of AAs utilized by cells in ruminant species) in the presence of sufficient carbohydrates (mainly cellulose and hemicellulose), nitrogen, and sulfur. Results of recent studies indicate that the ruminal microbes of adult steers and sheep do not degrade extracellular L-citrulline and have a limited ability to metabolize extracellular L-glutamate due to little or no uptake by the cells. Although traditional research in ruminant protein nutrition has focused on AAs (e.g., lysine and methionine for lactating cows) that are not synthesized by eukaryotic cells, there is growing interest in the nutritional and physiological roles of AAs (e.g., L-arginine, L-citrulline, L-glutamine and L-glutamate) in gestating ruminants (e.g., cattle, sheep and goats) and lactating dairy cows. Results of recent studies show that intravenous administration of L-arginine to underfed, overweight or prolific ewes enhances fetal growth, the development of brown fat in fetuses, and the survival of neonatal lambs. Likewise, dietary supplementation with either rumen-protected L-arginine or unprotected L-citrulline to gestating sheep or beef cattle improved embryonic survival. Because dietary L-citrulline and L-glutamate are not degraded by ruminal microbes, addition of these two amino acids may be a new useful, cost-effective method for improving the reproductive efficiency of ruminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyler R Gilbreath
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - M Carey Satterfield
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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Gootwine E, Rosov A, Alon T, Stenhouse C, Halloran KM, Wu G, Bazer FW. Effect of supplementation of unprotected or protected arginine to prolific ewes on maternal amino acids profile, lamb survival at birth, and pre- and post-weaning lamb growth. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa284. [PMID: 32860700 PMCID: PMC7694597 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This research determined the effects of dietary supplementation with rumen-protected arginine (Pro-Arg) on metabolites and amino acids in maternal plasma and lamb survival rate at birth (LSRAB) in prolific Afec-Assaf ewes. The hypothesis was that Pro-Arg, the precursor for nitric oxide and polyamines, would increase placental development and vascularity, uteroplacental blood flow, and nutrient transport and reduce oxidative stress to increase LSRAB. Ewes were fed either their basal diet, basal diet with Pro-Arg, or basal diet with unprotected arginine (Unp-Arg; 18 g/head/d). The supplemental arginine was about 1% of the dry matter intake from day 40 or 60 of gestation until parturition. Ninety-two of 98 ewes produced live lambs. Ewes fed Pro-Arg had greater (P = 0.002) concentrations of arginine and other amino acids in plasma, whereas Unp-Arg did not affect concentrations of arginine, but decreased (P < 0.05) concentrations of some amino acids. There was no effect of treatments on gestation length (144 ± 2 d), prolificacy (2.65 lambs born per ewe), LSRAB (0.80), body weight (88.8 ± 10.8 kg), and body condition score (2.8 ± 0.6) of ewes, or birth weight and crown-rump length of lambs. The GI (BW/CRL1.5) was affected by sex of lamb (P = 0.008), parity of ewe (P = 0.002), litter size (P = 0.0001), and lamb status (P = 0.003). Of 229 lambs born, 32 were dead and 16 died before 5 mo of age, leaving 181 lambs with records on weights at birth and 5 mo of age. Interestingly, lambs born to ewes fed the Unp-Arg and Pro-Arg weighed 3.6 kg less at postnatal day 150 than lambs from control ewes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Gootwine
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, The Volcani Center for Research and Development, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Alexander Rosov
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, The Volcani Center for Research and Development, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Tamir Alon
- Department of Ruminant Science, Institute of Animal Science, The Volcani Center for Research and Development, Bet Dagan, Israel
| | - Claire Stenhouse
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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Gilbreath KR, Bazer FW, Satterfield MC, Cleere JJ, Wu G. Ruminal microbes of adult sheep do not degrade extracellular l-citrulline. J Anim Sci 2020; 98:skaa164. [PMID: 32415842 PMCID: PMC7344112 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skaa164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined whether extracellular citrulline is degraded by ruminal bacteria of sheep. In the first experiment, whole rumen fluid (3 mL) from six adult Suffolk sheep was incubated at 37 °C with 5 mM l-glutamine (Gln), l-glutamate (Glu), l-arginine (Arg), or l-citrulline (Cit) for 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 h or with 0, 0.5, 2, or 5 mM Gln, Glu, Arg, or Cit for 2 h. An aliquot (50 µL) of the incubation solution was collected at the predetermined time points for amino acids (AA) analyses. Results showed extensive hydrolysis of Gln into Glu and ammonia, of Arg into l-ornithine and l-proline, but little or no degradation of extracellular Cit or Glu by ruminal microbes. In the second experiment, six adult Suffolk sheep were individually fed each of three separate supplements (8 g Gln , Cit, or urea) on three separate days along with regular feed (800 g/animal). Blood (2 mL) was sampled from the jugular vein prior to feeding (time 0) and at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after consuming the supplement. Plasma was analyzed for AA, glucose, ammonia, and urea. The concentrations of Cit in the plasma of sheep consuming this AA increased (P < 0.001) by 117% at 4 h and those of Arg increased by 23% at 4 h, compared with the baseline values. Urea or Gln feeding did not affect (P > 0.05) the concentrations of Cit or Arg in plasma. These results indicate that Cit is not metabolized by ruminal microbes of sheep and is, therefore, absorbed as such by the small intestine and used for the synthesis of Arg by extrahepatic tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyler R Gilbreath
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Fuller W Bazer
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | | | - Jason J Cleere
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
| | - Guoyao Wu
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
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12
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Yu XJ, Wang J, Bai YY. Estrous synchronization in ewes: The use of progestogens and prostaglandins. ACTA AGR SCAND A-AN 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/09064702.2019.1674373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- X. J. Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, People’s Republic of China
| | - J. Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Y. Y. Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Hebei North University, Zhangjiakou, People’s Republic of China
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13
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Feng T, DeVore AA, Perego MC, Morrell BC, Spicer LJ. Effects of N-carbamylglutamate and arginine on steroidogenesis and proliferation of pig granulosa cells in vitro. Anim Reprod Sci 2019; 209:106138. [PMID: 31514935 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2019.106138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Results of in vivo studies indicate dietary N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) and arginine (ARG) can enhance reproductive performance in gilts. It was hypothesized that both NCG and ARG will alter hormone-induced estradiol (E2) production by granulosa cells (GC), explaining why these compounds could improve reproductive performance in pigs. The objective of these studies, therefore, was to evaluate the direct effects of NCG and ARG on porcine GC proliferation and steroidogenesis, using an in vitro cell culture system. The GC from small (SM; 1-5 mm) and large (LG; >5 mm) pig follicles were cultured for 2 days in 5% fetal bovine serum and 5% porcine serum-containing medium followed by 2 days in serum-free medium containing 500 ng/mL of testosterone (as an E2 precursor), and NCG or ARG at various doses in the presence of either follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH; 30 ng/mL), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1; 30 ng/mL), or both. Numbers of GC were determined at the end of the experiment and concentrations of progesterone (P4) and E2 in culture medium were determined. Results indicated that LG-follicle GC were more responsive to NCG and ARG than SM-follicle GC. Specifically, in LG-follicle GC, NCG inhibited (P < 0.05) basal and FSH-induced P4 and E2 production but stimulated cell numbers; whereas ARG inhibited FSH-induced E2 production and cell numbers. In SM-follicle GC, treatment with NCG and ARG decreased IGF1 plus FSH induced P4 production, but E2 production and cell proliferation were not affected. These studies indicate that NCG and ARG may directly affect follicular function in pigs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Feng
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, 100097, China
| | - A A DeVore
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - M C Perego
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - B C Morrell
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | - L J Spicer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA.
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Bach À. Effects of nutrition and genetics on fertility in dairy cows. Reprod Fertil Dev 2019; 31:40-54. [DOI: 10.1071/rd18364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Optimal reproductive function in dairy cattle is mandatory to maximise profits. Dairy production has progressively improved milk yields, but, until recently, the trend in reproductive performance has been the opposite. Nutrition, genetics, and epigenetics are important aspects affecting the reproductive performance of dairy cows. In terms of nutrition, the field has commonly fed high-energy diets to dairy cows during the 3 weeks before calving in an attempt to minimise postpartum metabolic upsets. However, in the recent years it has become clear that feeding high-energy diets during the dry period, especially as calving approaches, may be detrimental to cow health, or at least unnecessary because cows, at that time, have low energy requirements and sufficient intake capacity. After calving, dairy cows commonly experience a period of negative energy balance (NEB) characterised by low blood glucose and high non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. This has both direct and indirect effects on oocyte quality and survival. When oocytes are forced to depend highly on the use of energy resources derived from body reserves, mainly NEFA, their development is compromised due to a modification in mitochondrial β-oxidation. Furthermore, the indirect effect of NEB on reproduction is mediated by a hormonal (both metabolic and reproductive) environment. Some authors have attempted to overcome the NEB by providing the oocyte with external sources of energy via dietary fat. Conversely, fertility is affected by a large number of genes, each with small individual effects, and thus it is unlikely that the decline in reproductive function has been directly caused by genetic selection for milk yield per se. It is more likely that the decline is the consequence of a combination of homeorhetic mechanisms (giving priority to milk over other functions) and increased metabolic pressure (due to a shortage of nutrients) with increasing milk yields. Nevertheless, genetics is an important component of reproductive efficiency, and the incorporation of genomic information is allowing the detection of genetic defects, degree of inbreeding and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms directly associated with reproduction, providing pivotal information for genetic selection programs. Furthermore, focusing on improving bull fertility in gene selection programs may represent an interesting opportunity. Conversely, the reproductive function of a given cow depends on the interaction between her genetic background and her environment, which ultimately modulates gene expression. Among the mechanisms modulating gene expression, microRNAs (miRNAs) and epigenetics seem to be most relevant. Several miRNAs have been described to play active roles in both ovarian and testicular function, and epigenetic effects have been described as a consequence of the nutrient supply and hormonal signals to which the offspring was exposed at specific stages during development. For example, there are differences in the epigenome of cows born to heifers and those born to cows, and this epigenome seems to be sensitive to the availability of methyl donor compounds of the dam. Lastly, recent studies in other species have shown the relevance of paternal epigenetic marks, but this aspect has been, until now, largely overlooked in dairy cattle.
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Effects of diet and arginine treatment during the luteal phase on ovarian NO/PGC-1α signaling in ewes. Theriogenology 2017; 96:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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