Influencing the immune parameters in germ-free piglets by administration of seal oil with increased content of omega-3 PUFA

Oral administration of oil with an increased content of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to germ-free piglets resulted in a significant increase in the total values of CD4, CD8 lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, and monocytes, in peripheral blood in comparison with the controls. The metabolic activities of phagocytes as well as the polyclonal activation of lymphocytes were not significantly influenced. The level of growth factor was significantly higher, as determined on the basis of somatomedin in the blood serum. Biochemical indices showed a significant increase in the level of eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in blood serum and the decrease in the level of arachidonic acid at the same time.

Effect of oil containing n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on the immune response and growth factors in piglets

Oral administration of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to piglets slightly enhances the immune response. As compared to the control, in the experimental piglets the absolute values of monocytes in the peripheral blood were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the metabolic activity of phagocytes and the number of lymphocytes within the individual subpopulations were slightly higher. The level of growth factors, determined on the basis of somatomedin in the blood serum, was significantly higher in the experimental group (P < 0.05). n-3 PUFA interfere with the synthesis of prostaglandins and influence the metabolism of fatty acids. This finding may contribute to the therapy of inflammatory processes influencing immune and growth factors in piglets.

[Mineral metabolism in young beef cattle during the period of changing from winter feed rations to grazing]

Concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium were observed in the blood serum of beef bullocks after their transfer from winter feed ration to grazing and in the successive grazing cycles within two years. Blood samples were taken by puncture from the vena jugularis from the identical six bullocks. In the first year of observation, blood collection took place a week before transfer to grazing while in the second year of observation twice in weekly intervals before grazing. In the period of grazing, the biological material was sampled in weekly intervals from week 1 to week 5 (May--Ist cycle, June--IInd cycle), then in week 10 (July--IIIrd cycle) and in week 14 (August--IVth cycle of grazing). Calcium concentrations in the blood serum of beef bullocks (Fig. 1) decreased after transfer from stable feeding to grazing while this drop was significant in the second year of observation (P < 0.05). That period was followed by an increase in serum calcium concentrations in both target groups. The concentrations of inorganic phosphorus in the serum of beef bullocks (Fig. 2) dropped after transfer to grazing but a gradual increase in the values was recorded in week 4 in the first year of observation and in week 5 of grazing in the 2nd year of observation. These changes were not statistically significant. The concentrations of serum magnesium in beef bullocks (Fig. 3) statistically significantly dropped (P < 0.05) after transfer from stable feeding to grazing in week 3 in the first year of observation and in week 4 of grazing in the second year of observation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of diet composition on the development of rumen digestion in lambs

The effect of composition of feed concentrate on the development of rumen digestion in suckling lambs was investigated. The experimental group of lambs was offered special concentrate diets (SCD I and SCD II), which, compared to routinely produced commercial mixtures CCD 1 and CCD 2, were completely cleared of milk protein, enriched with legumes and alfalfa meal and supplemented with cut alfalfa of the particle size 1 cm. Significantly higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were recorded in experimental lambs at the age of 7, 9 and 11 weeks. The highest concentration of total VFA was observed at the age of 11 weeks (118.2 mmol.l-1 in the experimental group and 110.2 mmol.l-1 in the control group). The cellulase activity (endoglucanase E.C.3.2.1.4. and cellobiohydralase E.C 3.2.1.91.) of the rumen content of experimental lambs was significantly higher at the age of 9, 11 and 15 weeks, in comparison with the control animals, reaching the highest values at 11 weeks of age (19.32 micrograms.ml-1 in the experimental group, 15.84 micrograms.ml-1 in the control group), while the increase of number of cellulolytic bacteria in experimental lambs was insignificant. Scanning electron microscopy showed more pronounced colonization of the rumen epithelium by adherent rumen microflora in experimental lambs. Average daily weight gains over the whole investigated period reached 0.235 kg in the experimental group and 0.221 kg in the control group.