Sodium-not harmful?

BACKGROUND

The temporality between the mandated reduction of salt in processed food and the decrease of death from stroke and ischemic heart disease, the association of hypertension, and cardiovascular disease led many public health organizations to recommend reducing dietary sodium to a maximum of 2300 mg per day. It turns out that some nuances can be brought about to this universally shared belief.

METHODS & RESULTS

Indeed, consideration of health outcomes instead of only blood pressure as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular disease and prognosis gave contradictory results whereas low sodium intake is associated to an excess of death and cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

Accordingly, sodium intake should be adapted to individual risk factors, and evidence is still clearly lacking to support indiscriminate recommendations in healthy people. By contrast, a restricted sodium diet is certainly useful in patients with chronic kidney disease exposed to salt retention, and by reciprocity, low sodium diet must be absolutely avoided in all patients presenting renal or extra renal sodium wasting where sodium depletion is a life-threatening condition.

Comparison of Surti goat milk with cow and buffalo milk for gross composition, nitrogen distribution, and selected minerals content

AIM

The study was undertaken to find out the gross composition, nitrogen distribution, and selected mineral content in Surti goat milk, and its comparison was made between cow and buffalo milk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Goat milk samples of Surti breed and buffalo milk samples were collected during the period from July to January 2014 at Reproductive Biology Research Unit, Anand Agricultural University (AAU), Anand. Cow milk samples of Kankrej breed were collected from Livestock Research Station, AAU, Anand. Samples were analyzed for gross composition such as total solids (TS), fat, solid not fat (SNF), protein, lactose, and ash. Samples were also analyzed for nitrogen distribution such as total nitrogen (TN), non-casein nitrogen (NCN), non-protein nitrogen (NPN), and selected minerals content such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and chloride. Total five replications were carried out.

RESULTS

Goat milk had the lowest TS, fat, protein, and lactose content among all three types of milk studied in the present investigation. On the other hand, the highest TS, fat, protein, and lactose content were found in buffalo milk. Buffalo milk had the highest SNF, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous content, which was followed by goat milk and lowest in cow milk. The SNF, protein, TN, and calcium content of goat milk were statistically non-significant (p<0.05) with cow milk. The lactose content of goat milk was significantly lower (p>0.05) than that of the cow milk as well as buffalo milk. The goat milk had the highest ash and NCN content, which were followed by buffalo milk and lowest in cow milk. However, the differences in ash, NPN, and phosphorous content of three types of milk studied, viz., goat milk, cow milk, and buffalo milk were found statistically non-significant (p<0.05). The NCN content of buffalo milk was statistically non-significant (p<0.05) with cow milk as well as goat milk. The NCN and magnesium content of goat milk were significantly higher (p>0.05) than that of the cow milk. The magnesium content of goat milk was statistically non-significant (p<0.05) with buffalo milk. The chloride content of goat milk was significantly higher (p>0.05) than that of the buffalo milk as well as cow milk.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded from the study that the goat milk has lower TS, fat, lactose, protein content, TN as well as NPN but higher ash and NCN content compared to cow milk and buffalo milk. The goat milk has lower calcium, phosphorous compared to buffalo milk while it has higher calcium, phosphorous compared to cow milk, and it has higher magnesium, chloride content compared to cow milk and buffalo milk.

Quantification of minerals and trace elements in raw caprine milk using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and flame photometry

This study reports minerals and trace elements quantification in raw caprine milk of Beetal breed, reared in Northern India and their feed, fodder & water using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry and flame photometry. The mineral and trace elements' concentration in the milk was in the order: K > Ca > Na > Fe > Zn > Cu. The results showed that minerals concentration in caprine milk was lesser than reference values. But trace elements concentration (Fe and Zn) was higher than reference values. Multivariate statistical techniques, viz., Pearsons' correlation, Cluster analysis (CA) and Principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to analyze the interdependences within studied variables in caprine milk. Significantly positive correlations were observed between Fe - Zn, Zn - K, Ca - Na and Ca - pH. The results of correlation matrix were further supported by Cluster analysis and Principal component analysis as primary cluster pairs were found for Ca - pH, Ca - Na and Fe - Zn in the raw milk. No correlation was found between mineral & trace elements content of the milk and feed.

Zinc-responsive dermatosis in goats suggestive of hereditary malabsorption: two field cases

Two cases of zinc deficiency in dairy goats from different flocks and not associated with a zinc-deficient diet are described. Hard, dry, hyperkeratotic skin, hair loss and pruritus especially prominent on the back, legs, udder, face and ears were the most common clinical signs. Skin biopsy findings revealed a mixture of orthokeratotic and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis. On initial examination, serum zinc concentrations were low in both goats (461 microg L(-1) and 521 microg L(-1), respectively). Although mild skin lesions persisted during the early stages of zinc supplementation, skin lesions completely resolved after prolonged oral zinc supplementation. Withdrawal of zinc supplementation resulted in re-appearance of lesions in both animals. Case 2 gave birth to two kids, one of which showed mild skin lesions at 8 months of age together with a low serum zinc concentration (434 microg L(-1)), suggestive of hereditary zinc malabsorption. The other kid remained free of skin lesions and had a serum zinc concentration (530 microg L(-1)) within the normal range. On the basis of historical and clinical findings, the cases presented here more closely resemble Syndrome 1 hereditary zinc deficiency as seen in Nordic dog breeds rather than other zinc deficiency conditions seen in other species. It is suggested that zinc deficiency in these goats was due to hereditary malabsorption of dietary zinc. This is the first descriptive study of this condition in goats. Life-long zinc supplementation may be necessary in such patients.

Effect of a controlled-release urea supplement on rumen fermentation in sheep fed a diet of sugar cane tops (Saccharum officinarum), corn stubble (Zea mays) and King grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

Four cannulated sheep were used to study ruminal fermentation of a diet consisting of 60% sugar cane tops (Saccharum officinarum), 30% corn stubble (Zea mays), 10% King grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and 0% (control), 10, 20 or 30% controlled-release urea supplement (CRUS) (diets 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively). Average ruminal pH did not differ among diets (P>0.05), but during the first 6h of sampling tended to be higher for CRUS diets. Ammonia concentrations were higher (P<0.01) in all treatments over controls, indicating microbial protein generation. Acetic acid production (mM/1) decreased (P<0.05), propionic acid increased (P<0.05), while butyric acid production did not differ among CRUS diets and controls (P>0.05). Total amounts of ruminal VFA were lowest (P<0.01) in controls, while CRUS diets produced more of these energy sources. Supplementation of the high fiber diets with 10, 20 or 30% CRUS increasingly improved rumen fermentation, ammonia supply and VFA production. The results show that low quality forages (up to 70% DMI) can be used efficiently by sheep when conditions for ruminal microorganism are improved with a controlled-release urea supplement.

Variation of zinc and copper concentrations in the plasma of Nubian goats according to physiological state

The association between the combination of age and physiological status of dairy Nubian goats, pregnancy or lactation and blood concentration of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) was investigated. The animals were divided into (a) young (4-6 months old), (b) adult (9-12 months old), (c) pregnant (within 50 days of their first pregnancy and (e) lactating animals grouped according to parity (up to 50 days after first, second or third kidding). Each group or sub-group consisted of five animals. The data analysis revealed that plasma Zn concentration decreased (3.91-1.12mg/l) significantly with increase in age. There was a significant increase in Zn levels in high yielders compared to low ones (2.00-6.59mg/l). Cu plasma levels increased (5.01-3.17mg/l) significantly in adult compared to young animals but decreased (5.01-4.13mg/l) significantly after first kidding compared to second and third kidding as well as in pregnant animals. It can be shown that the different physiological states would impose certain demands on animal needs for these trace elements and hence adequate amounts in the diet should be accounted for to achieve the best animal performance.

Seasonal variation of macro and trace mineral contents in 14 browse species that grow in northeastern Mexico

Leaves and twigs from shrub species consumed by range goats: Acacia berlandieri, Acacia farnesiana, Acacia greggii, Acacia rigidula, Celtis pallida, Cercidium macrum, Condalia obovata, Cordia boissieri, Desmanthus virgathus, Leucaena leucocephala, Leucophyllum texanum, Opuntia lindehimieri, Porlieria angustifolia, Prosopis glandulosa, and Ziziphus obtusifolia were evaluated for comparative seasonal contents of Ca, P, Mg K, Zn, Mn, Cu and Fe. Plants were collected in summer (September 12, 1992), fall (November 20, 1992), winter (February 20, 1993) and spring (May 22, 1993) in Marín, County, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. During spring and summer mineral concentrations were higher in general. Only Ca, Mg, K, and Fe were in substantial amounts in all seasons to meet adult goat requirements. With the exception of spring, shrubs had extremely low P concentrations. Manganese, Cu and Zn in most plants had low marginal levels to meet adult goat requirements. Moreover, potential intake of P, Mn, Cu and Zn in shrub species by goats weighing 50kg BW consuming 2.0kg per day DM was low. However, plants such as D. virgathus, L. texanum, P. glandulosa, L. leucocephala and C. macrum can be considered prominent components in diets of range goats because of their high mineral concentrations. It appears that ration formulations for range goats in northeastern Mexico should include P, Mn, Cu and Zn in all seasons of the year.

Macromineral profile in the plasma of Nubian goats as affected by the physiological state

A total of 65 Nubian dairy goats were selected to represent a combination of age and physiological status. Changes in some plasma concentrations underlying different physiological states were monitored. There were young and adult animals, pregnant animals, all with more than 50 days after kidding, divided into subgroups according to gestation, first, second or third pregnancy. Lactating animals up to 50 days after kidding were divided into subgroups according to parity (first, second or third) and stage of lactation (early or mid). The last category consisted of animals grouped according to yield (high or low). Data analyses have shown that calcium (Ca) levels were lowest (P<0.05) during first early lactation, while those of phosphorous (P) were lowest (P<0.05) in second pregnancy and also in early lactations compared with mid-lactations (P<0.05). Magnesium (Mg) levels increased (P<0.05) with age and number of pregnancies. The order was second, third and first. Irrespective of parity, mid-lactations showed higher (P<0.05) Mg levels than early ones. Sodium (Na) plasma levels decreased (P<0.05) progressively with age and from first to third pregnancy; and decreased (P<0.05) during first and third mid-lactations compared with first or second early lactation, and as well as with second mid-lactation. Potassium (K) plasma levels were lower (P<0.05) in early than mid-lactations. Except for Mg, the type of milk yield had no significant effect on minerals under study. Minerals in the diet of animals kept under different management practices must be regarded among other essential nutrients. Physiological status might modify its requirement to these elements.

Production performance and physiological responses of Angora goat kids fed acidified milk replacer

Angora kids were blocked by birth weight and sex and assigned randomly to goat milk or acidified milk replacer. Daily milk intake, weekly BW, and heart girth measurements, and blood parameters (packed cell volume, total protein, glucose, and NEFA) were monitored at 3 d (initial) and at 4, 6, 8, and 9 wk of age. Both groups were fed their respective milks for ad libitum intake for 6 wk and then reduced to 75, 50, 25, and 0% of wk-6 intake during wk 7, 8, 9, and 10, respectively. Solid feed (20% CP and 3.1. Mcal of metabolizable energy/kg of DM) was provided for ad libitum intake starting on wk 3. Pretreatment BW (average 2.4 kg) and blood parameters were similar for milk and replacer groups. Packed cell volume (21.8 and 34.2%), total protein (50.3 and 46.6 g/L), and NEFA (.52 and .69 meq/L) for goat milk and acidified milk replacer groups, respectively, were affected by dietary treatment. Final BW (average 10.5 kg) and mean plasma glucose concentration (84 to 88 mg/dl) were similar between treatments; however, kids fed goat milk produced more mohair (13.8%) than those fed acidified milk replacer. Despite physiological differences, acidified milk replacer can be used successfully to raise Angora kids.

Protein, fiber, and mineral nutrition of growing dairy goats

Seven yearling Alpine does were in a series of balance trials to determine apparent utilization of fiber, protein, and minerals. The 34 kg does consumed 2.2% body weight of a hay-concentrate ration that was 18.8% crude protein, 40.9% neutral detergent fiber, 24.7% acid detergent fiber, 1.18% calcium, .67% phosphorus, .39% magnesium, .98% potassium, and .48% sodium. Digestion coefficients were 59.5, 68.5, 42.3, 70.6, and 29.3 for dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and acid detergent fiber. Retention (g/day) was: 2.6, 1.3, 2.1, 1.8, and 1.1 for calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium. Nitrogen intake was related in a positive linear fashion to fecal nitrogen, urinary nitrogen, and absorbed nitrogen. Apparent absorption rates were 2.7, 1.4, 1.3, 5.1, and 3.2 g per doe per day for calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. Mineral retentions as percent of grams apparently absorbed were 96.2, 88.2, 80.9, 37.7, and 56.0.