Fish meal vs. corn gluten meal as a protein source for dry cat food

To compare the effects of two dietary protein sources, fish meal (FM) and corn gluten meal (CGM), fecal moisture content, nitrogen balance and urinary excretion were examined in adult cats. The dietary protein source did not cause a significant difference in daily food intake, water intake, urine volume, dry matter digestibility or urinary nitrogen excretion, but fecal moisture content was lower (P<0.02) in the CGM group. The HCl-insoluble fraction of urinary sediment tended to be higher in the CGM group (P<0.10), although urinary pH was similar in the two groups. These results suggest that CGM is comparable with FM in respect to nutritional value and the urine acidifying effect, but FM may be preferable to CGM for the prevention of constipation and struvite urolithiasis in cats.

Adverse effects of excess lysine in calves

Two main trials and three preliminary experiments were conducted in order to examine adverse effects of excess lysine in 140- to 150-kg Holstein bull calves. The animals had been trained to maintain reflex closure of the reticular groove after weaning and were fed a corn and soybean meal diet. In Trial 1 (n = 30), administration via the reticular groove of 0 to 64 g/d of lysine as L-lysine monohydrochloride resulted in a linear decrease in DMI and N utilization efficiency, with notably lower values at 64 g/d, although ADG and gain/feed ratio were not affected. Plasma arginine and ornithine did not decrease but rather increased over that range. Free lysine but not free arginine was detected in urine. In addition, free ornithine was excreted into urine only when 64 g/d was administered. Unexpectedly, severe but transient diarrhea occurred when 64 g/d of lysine were administered. Preliminary experiments revealed that a single administration of more than 32 g of lysine as L-lysine monohydrochloride could result in diarrhea, and the diarrhea was proven to be due to the lysine itself and not to the HCl portion. In Trial 2 (n = 15), a single administration of 40 or 60 g of lysine as L-lysine monohydrochloride resulted in increased fecal excretion of free lysine and ornithine, especially the latter, although free arginine was not detected in feces. These results suggested that diarrhea could occur almost concurrently with an imbalance in calves when 64 g/d of lysine was administered. However, lysine did not antagonize arginine at that level or at lower levels. The remarkable increase in fecal ornithine may be somehow related to the development of diarrhea from excess lysine.

Effect of supplementation of dry cat food with D,L-methionine and ammonium chloride on struvite activity product and sediment in urine

Feeding dry foods supplemented with urine acidifier (D,L-methionine (Met) or ammonium chloride) decreased urinary pH and struvite activity product in clinically normal cats. As a result, the number of struvite crystals in urine was greatly reduced. Supplementation with 3% Met but not 1% Met caused decrease in the urinary concentration of sediment, which resulted from a reduction in the HCl-soluble fraction. The concentration of HCl-insoluble sediment was not affected by supplementation with the urine acidifier.

Methionine imbalance and toxicity in calves

The occurrence of methionine imbalance and toxicity was examined using 70- and 100-kg Holstein bull calves. The animals had been trained to maintain reflex closure of the reticular groove after weaning at 5 wk of age, and Trials 1 (n = 30) and 2 (n = 24) were conducted on animals at 7 and 12 wk of age, respectively. Calves received a corn-soybean meal diet in Trial 1 and a corn-corn gluten meal diet in Trial 2. In Trial 1, postruminal administration of 6 g of DL-methionine/d increased ADG, feed intake, gain/feed, and N retention compared with a control group receiving N-free supplement. However, the administration of 12 g of DL-methionine/d did not improve these variables, whereas both 18 and 24 g/d resulted in BW loss and decreased gain/feed and N utilization efficiency. In Trial 2, postruminal administration of 16 g/d of L-lysine from L-lysine monohydrochloride increased ADG, gain/feed, and N utilization efficiency compared with a control group receiving a N-free supplement. The administration of 8 g of DL-methionine/d in addition to L-lysine did not exert an adverse effect on these variables. However, the additional supplementation of 16 and 24 g of DLmethionine/d negated the improvement, whereas 32 g/d resulted in BW loss and decreased gain/feed and N utilization efficiency. These results showed that a methionine imbalance and toxicity occurred in calves with even a modest excess of DL-methionine, and 70-kg calves were more susceptible to methionine toxicity than 100-kg calves. Plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids and phenylalanine linearly decreased with increasing amounts of additional DL-methionine from 0 to 32 g/d in Trial 2. However, such a decrease occurred mainly within the range from 0 to 12 g/d in Trial 1. This decrease was suggested to occur in relation to methionine metabolism via the transsulfuration pathway.

Short communication: estimation of plasma osmolality from plasma electrolytes, glucose, and urea in calves

Plasma osmolality estimated from plasma concentrations of Na+, Cl-, K+, glucose, and urea was compared with measured osmolality in preweaned Holstein calves. When calves (n = 5) were fed only milk replacer after fasting for 24 h, measured osmolality fluctuated almost in parallel with estimated osmolality during the 8-h period after feeding, although estimated values were about 90% of measured values. When calves (n = 5) were fed only calf starter after fasting for more than 16 h, measured osmolality did not parallel the estimated osmolality during the 8-h period after feeding. Some factors depressed measured osmolality in the first 2 h.

Adverse effects of excess DL-methionine in calves with different body weights

Adverse effects of excess methionine were examined using 12 Holstein bull calves trained to maintain reflex closure of the reticular groove even after weaning at 5 wk of age. Two nitrogen balance experiments were conducted for 2 wk each from 6 wk (Stage 1; BW = 62 kg) and 12 wk of age (Stage 2; BW = 103 kg) by dividing the calves into three groups at each stage. Calves were fed a corn-soybean meal diet at 62 g/kg of metabolic BW at both stages. At Stage 1, feed efficiency (gain:feed intake) and nitrogen retention did not differ between the group supplemented with .333 g of DL-methionine and .111 g of L-lysine monohydrochloride/kg BW per day and the group supplemented with isonitrogenous diammonium citrate, although the level of DL-methionine was considered to be enough to induce toxicity. Conversely, administration of isonitrogenous casein increased nitrogen retention. At Stage 2, administration of the same levels of methionine and lysine resulted in reduced feed intake, depressed nitrogen retention, and BW loss. Conversely, administration of the isonitrogenous casein did not increase nitrogen retention compared with the supplement of isonitrogenous diammonium citrate. Administration of excess methionine and lysine increased plasma methionine concentrations up to 230 (Stage 1) or 190 micromol/dL (Stage 2). Plasma lysine concentrations were less than 24 micromol/dL at every stage. Administration of the amino acid mixture decreased plasma concentrations of branched-chain amino acids and phenylalanine more obviously at Stage 2 than at Stage 1. These results indicated that abomasal administration of .333 g of DL-methionine/kg BW per day induced methionine toxicity at Stage 2 but methionine imbalance at Stage 1.

Factors affecting water balance and fecal moisture content in suckling calves given dry feed

Holstein bull calves were used to examine factors affecting water balance and fecal moisture content in suckling calves given dry feed for 2 wk from 1 wk of age. In Experiment 1 (n = 16), the shift of water balance (decreased urine volume, and increased water retention and fecal water excretion) and elevation of fecal moisture content were greatest when calf starter and Sudangrass hay were fed in addition to liquid milk replacer, compared with calves receiving only milk replacer. Intermediate changes occurred when calves were fed milk replacer and calf starter or milk replacer, calf starter, and rice straw. Water retention was correlated positively with digestible DMI and negatively with urine volume. Fecal water excretion was highly correlated with fecal DM excretion. In Experiment 2 (n = 18), water balance and fecal moisture content during wk 2 were affected by free access to calf starter and hay from wk 1. Urine volume of calves fed dry feed and milk replacer was lower than that of calves fed only milk replacer; however, when water was available in addition to dry feed, urine volume was similar to that of calves fed only milk replacer. Fecal water excretion was highly correlated with water retention rather than with fecal DM excretion, suggesting a close relationship to extracellular fluid volume. Ruminal fermentation would be an important factor affecting both water balance and fecal moisture content in suckling calves given dry feed.

Absence of limiting amino acids in calves fed a corn and soybean meal diet past three months of age

We conducted three nitrogen balance trials using Holstein bull calves older than 16 wk (Trial 1; n = 8), 13 wk (Trial 2; n = 6), and 15 wk of age (Trial 3; n = 9) in a 4 x 4 (Trial 1) or 3 x 3 Latin square design (Trials 2 and 3) to identify limiting amino acids for a corn and soybean meal diet. All calves were trained to maintain reflex closure of the reticular groove after weaning at 5 wk of age. The basal diet was fed daily at 20 or 27 g/kg BW (Trial 1) and at 20 g/kg BW (Trials 2 and 3). The lower feeding level resulted in reduced urinary excretion of purine derivatives, suggesting reduced synthesis of ruminal microbial protein (Trial 1). In Trials 1 and 2, administration of DL-methionine plus L-lysine monohydrochloride through the reticular groove did not increase N retention compared with the supplement of isonitrogenous L-glutamine at either level of intake. In Trial 3, administration of either casein or isonitrogenous monosodium glutamate increased N retention to a similar extent above that observed with a N-free supplement. Results suggested that no specific amino acids were limiting for the corn-soybean meal diet. Administration of methionine plus lysine resulted in a remarkable increase in plasma methionine (Trials 1 and 2), especially at the lower intake level (Trial 1), and a decrease in plasma branched-chain amino acids at either intake level. Glutamine supplementation did not increase plasma branched-chain amino acids compared with the supplementation of diammonium citrate (Trial 2).

Water balance and fecal moisture content in suckling calves as influenced by free access to dry feed

Holstein bull calves were used to examine the effect of dry feed on water balance and fecal moisture content during the suckling period. In Experiment 1 (n = 20 calves), free access to concentrate and timothy hay decreased urine volume and increased apparent water retention, fecal water excretion, and fecal moisture content by 2 wk, although daily amounts of milk replacer also affected water balance when DMI from dry feed was low. In Experiment 2 (n = 20 calves), free access to concentrate and hay from wk 1 increased reabsorption of water from renal tubules during wk 2, resulting in reduced urine volume and increased plasma volume. In Experiment 3 (n = 10 calves), supplementation of 500 g/d of milk replacer plus free access to concentrate and hay from wk 1 increased plasma antidiuretic hormone by 2 wk compared with the concentration in calves receiving 200 g/d of milk replacer alone. Plasma antidiuretic hormone concentrations were highly correlated with plasma concentrations of acetate and ketone bodies but not with glucose and urea. In Experiment 4 (n = 16 calves), apparent water retention and fecal moisture content during wk 2 were increased by free access to concentrate from wk 1 but were not affected by rice straw as an inert bulk source.

Utilization of nitrogen and macro-minerals in response to nutritional status in clinically normal adult cats

Five male cats were used to examine utilization of nitrogen and macro-minerals (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) in response to food restriction and subsequent repletion. For the first week, each cat was daily given 135 g of dry cat food (baseline period), followed by a restriction period for 1 week; during this period, daily food was individually restricted to 40% of the amount consumed by each cat during the baseline period. Food provision was then returned to the daily 135 g for the final week (recovery period). Fecal weight changed in association with changes in daily food intake, but urine volume changed less with the periods. Fecal and urinary excretion of nitrogen rapidly decreased during the restriction period, but the decreases were smaller than the decrease in nitrogen intake, leading to net nitrogen loss. On the other hand, the food restriction had relatively smaller effects on retention of macro-minerals, and calcium retention was not significantly affected by daily food provision, although the plasma concentration of magnesium was increased during the restriction period and tended to return during the recovery period. Nitrogen retention was increased by the removal of food restriction, but did not exceed the original level of nitrogen retention during the baseline period. These findings suggested that restriction of diet had a serious effect on nitrogen balance, and the impaired protein nutrition might not be easily recovered by subsequent nutritional repletion.

Limiting amino acids for a corn and soybean meal diet in weaned calves less than three months of age

Holstein bull calves (n = 51) weaned at 6 wk of age were used in four N balance trials for 4 wk (Trials 1 to 3) or for 2 wk (Trial 4) from 8 wk of age to identify limiting amino acids for a corn and soybean meal diet. The calves were trained to maintain reflex closure of the reticular groove throughout the trials. In Trial 1, administration of .111 g of DL-methionine plus .333 g of L-lysine monohydrochloride/kg BW through the reticular groove increased N retention compared with the control that received isonitrogenous L-glutamine, but administration of .333 g L-lysine monohydrochloride/kg BW alone did not increase N retention in Trial 2. In Trial 3, administration of .111 g of DL-methionine/kg BW improved N balance compared with the control, although the improvement was not detected when DL-methionine was restricted to .022 g/kg BW. In Trial 4, administration of the mixture of .111 g of DL-methionine, .333 g of L-lysine monohydrochloride, and .055 g of L-tryptophan/kg BW increased N retention in calves compared with calves that received an isonitrogenous mixture of .111 g of DL-methionine and .274 g of L-glutamine/kg BW, or .111 g of DL-methionine, .055 g of L-tryptophan, and .234 g of L-glutamine/kg BW. The present results suggest that methionine was the first-limiting and that lysine was probably the second-limiting amino acid for the corn and soybean meal diet in weaned calves less than 11 wk of age, although tryptophan may be either co-limiting with lysine or third-limiting.

Duodenal flow of microbial nitrogen estimated from urinary excretion of purine derivatives in calves after early weaning

Duodenal flow of microbial N (MN) was estimated from urinary purine derivatives to examine age-related changes in MN in male Holstein calves. In Exp. 1, endogenous purine derivatives were determined by measurement of purine derivatives in five calves fed nucleic acid-free milk replacer alone. In Exp. 2, the ratio of urinary excretion as purine derivatives to purines administered via the reticular groove was determined in three calves weaned at 5 wk of age. As a result, endogenous purine derivatives were constant at 705 mumol/(kg BW.75.d), irrespective of the amount of milk replacer, and the ratios of purine derivatives to duodenal purines were estimated to be .549, .276, .363, and .466 at wk 1, 6, 11, and 20 after weaning, respectively. Using these variables and urinary purine derivatives, the duodenal flow of MN was estimated and its relation with N balance was examined in 15 calves weaned at 5 wk of age in Exp. 3. Digestible OM was lower at wk 1 after weaning and transiently higher at wk 6. The percentage of N absorbed to N intake, N absorbed, N retained, and estimated duodenal MN were also lower at wk 1, and rapidly increased for the first 6 wk. These findings suggest that the increases in N absorbed and N retained for the first 6 wk after weaning were due to augmentation of duodenal flow of MN and dietary N that escaped ruminal degradation.

Lysine deficiency in postweaned calves fed corn and corn gluten meal diets

Holstein bull calves (n = 36) weaned at 6 wk of age were used in six trials to examine the response of N balance to postruminal administration of lysine with or without methionine in postweaned calves receiving diets based on corn and corn gluten meal. Calves were younger than 3 mo of age in Trials 1 and 2 but older than 3 mo in Trials 4 to 6. L-Lysine monohydrochloride was supplemented with or without DL-methionine twice daily through the reticular groove, except in Trial 4, in which N supplements were infused through duodenal cannulas. L-Glutamine was used as a nonspecific N source in every trial, and casein was a positive control in Trials 4 and 5. When daily CP intake from the diet was 3.9 g/kg BW, lysine was limiting for calves less than 11 wk of age (Trials 1 and 2) but not limiting for calves greater than 12 wk of age (Trial 3). No amino acid seemed to be limiting for calves greater than 20 wk of age (Trial 4) when daily CP intake was 4.1 g/kg BW, but lysine was limiting when CP intake was restricted to 3.0 g/kg BW when calves were more than 17 wk of age (Trial 5). However, lysine was not limiting above 18 wk of age (Trial 6) when CP intake was increased to 3.8 g/kg BW by adding urea to the diet. Results suggest that lysine may be limiting for corn and corn gluten meal diets only when ruminal microbial protein synthesis is restricted.

Effects of a high-protein diet on mineral metabolism and struvite activity product in clinically normal cats

OBJECTIVE

To examine effects of high-protein diets (> 50% crude protein of dry matter) on urinary mineral excretion and struvite activity product ([Mg2+] x [NH4+] x [PO(4)3-]).

ANIMALS

14 clinically normal cats, 4 adult female and male cats for experiments 1 and 2, respectively, and 6 female kittens aged 4 months for experiment 3.

PROCEDURE

Relations between dietary protein amount (25.9, 38.3, 51.4, and 65.4% crude protein [dry matter]) and urinary excretion of Mg, P, and Ca were examined in a 4 x 4-Latin square design (experiment 1). Struvite activity product, the index of solubility of struvite crystals, was determined when a high-protein diet (54.9%) was fed (experiment 2). Utilization of minerals in cats fed a high-protein diet long term was examined (experiment 3).

RESULTS

Water intake and urine volume increased with increasing dietary protein concentration. Urinary Mg2+ excretion was not affected (experiment 1) or was decreased (experiment 3) by higher protein intake, leading to lower urine Mg2+ concentration in groups fed higher protein amounts. Urine pH was decreased by high-protein intake. As a result, PO(4)3- concentration was decreased by high-protein intake (experiment 2), although total daily urinary excretion of P was increased. Consequently, struvite activity product tended to decrease in cats fed high-protein diets, indicating increase in struvite solubility. High-protein intake decreased Ca and P retention by increasing their fecal and urinary excretions, respectively.

CONCLUSION

As a consequence of the increase in urine volume and urine acidification, high-protein diets have potential ability to increase solubility of struvite crystals.

Bone growth rather than myofibrillar protein turnover is strongly affected by nutritional restriction at early weaning of calves

Our previous study revealed that weaning of calves aged 5 wk (early weaning) resulted in transient nutritional restriction with subsequent repletion. The present study was conducted to examine age-related changes in nitrogen balance, bone growth and myofibrillar protein degradation after early weaning in calves. At weaning, calves used in Experiment 2 had more severe nutritional restriction than those used in Experiment 1 due to a shorter duration of the suckling period (3 vs. 4 wk), a lesser amount of daily milk replacer (500 vs. 600 g) and a shorter period when given solid feed (for the last week vs. throughout the suckling period). In both experiments, nitrogen and calcium retentions were lower at weaning and transiently increased at 6 wk after weaning. However, detrimental effects on nitrogen and calcium retention immediately after weaning were more evident, and compensatory increases of nitrogen and calcium retention after weaning were more pronounced and continuous in Experiment 2 than in Experiment 1. The changes in plasma intact osteocalcin concentrations and urinary hydroxyproline excretion after weaning were similar to those for nitrogen and calcium retention in Experiment 2, whereas fractional degradation rate of myofibrillar protein was constant throughout the study in both experiments. These results suggest that the extent of nutritional restriction at weaning affects subsequent enhanced utilization of nitrogen and calcium, and that age-related changes in nitrogen retention after early weaning partly reflect changes in bone growth regulated by both forming and resorbing activities, independent of myofibrillar protein degradation.

Post-weaning excretion of purine derivatives by young calves

Intestinal flow of MN was estimated from urinary purine derivative output in calves. Although estimated MN output (g d−1) increased with age, it was restricted to the period between weeks 6 and 11 after weaning when expressed as g d−1 kg−0.75. The estimated MN output to digestible organic matter ratio decreased with time after weaning, although the cubic contrast indicated to be highest on wks 1 and 11. Key words: Microbial nitrogen supply, purine derivatives, growing calves

Changes in nitrogen balance with age in calves weaned at 5 or 6 weeks of age

Three experiments were conducted to examine the changes of N utilization after early weaning in calves. In Exp. 1, eight male Holstein calves were weaned at 5 wk of age and N balance was determined on the 1st, 6th, 11th, and 19th wk after weaning. In Exp. 2, to examine the effect of weaning age on N utilization, three calves were weaned at 5 wk of age and the other three at 11 wk of age. The N balance of both groups was determined on the same weeks of age (i.e., the 1st, 6th, 8th, and 11th wk after weaning in the earlier-weaned group). In Exp. 3, to examine the effect of a higher content of CP (17.9%) and TDN (75%) in concentrate on N utilization, three calves were weaned at 6 wk of age and the N balance was determined on the 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20th wk after weaning. The intake of concentrate was low in wk 1 but rapidly increased in the next 5 wk (1.74 and 1.72 times in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). Nevertheless, the TDN intake tended to be lower in calves weaned early just after weaning compared with that in suckling calves in Exp. 2. The apparent N digestibility steadily increased with age and reached a plateau on wk 11 and 6 after weaning in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Conversely, the ratio of N retained:N absorbed tended to be high up to wk 6 after weaning and thereafter decreased, leading to a transient high N retained:N intake ratio on wk 6 after weaning.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Mechanism whereby holotrich ciliates are retained in the reticulo-rumen of cattle

The concentrations of holotrichs, reducing sugars and fermentation end-products, and the fluid dilution rates, in the cranial (CR), ventral (V) and caudal (CA) regions of the reticulo-rumen of cows were compared. Additionally, holotrich numbers in fluid and solid digesta samples taken from the dorsal (D) region were determined at different time-intervals. Holotrich numbers expressed per ml fluid at site D were almost twofold those expressed per g solid digesta, and the fluctuation of their numbers in fluid preceded that in solid digesta. Holotrich concentrations at site CR were higher before feeding than after feeding, while those at sites V and CA were lower before feeding than for a few hours after feeding. At sites V and CA, holotrich concentrations fluctuated in good agreement with reducing sugar concentrations, but the increase in the former always preceded that in the latter. The concentration of volatile fatty acids (VFA) tended to decrease from site CA to site CR, while the dilution rate was highest in site CR. The results suggest that migration of holotrichs from the reticulum to the rumen and vice versa are the cause of fluctuation in their numbers, and also the mechanism by which they are retained in the rumen of cattle.

Comparison of steady-state pharmacokinetics of valproic acid in children between monotherapy and multiple antiepileptic drug treatment

Steady-state pharmacokinetics of valproic acid (VPA) with or without other antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment were studied in 37 children. Children (N = 16) receiving multiple AED therapy had a higher clearance (23.5 vs 13.0 ml/hr/kg, P less than 0.001), larger volume of distribution (0.30 vs 0.22 L/kg, P less than 0.01), and shorter half-life (9.4 vs 12.3 hours, P less than 0.01) than did those (n = 21) receiving VPA only. Inverse correlations of age with clearance (R = -0.559, P less than 0.01) and apparent volume of distribution of VPA (r = -0.490, P less than 0.05) were observed in children receiving monotherapy. In determining the dose and dosing interval of VPA, consider a possible alteration in the pharmacokinetics relating to age and other concurrent AED therapy.

[Experimental and clinical trials of BRL 25000 (clavulanic acid-amoxicillin) granules in the field of pediatrics]

MICs of BRL 25000, a combination of a newly developed beta-lactamase inhibitor CVA and AMPC in the ratio of 1 to 2, were determined against a number of bacterial strains and compared with those of AMPC, CVA, CEX and CCL. The 98 bacterial strains tested included 2-S. aureus, 23-H. influenzae, 25-E. coli, 22-K. pneumoniae and 26-P. mirabilis. In pharmacokinetic studies, BRL 25000 medium granules were administered to groups of 3 male subjects, aged between 7 years 8 months and 9 years 5 months, at doses of 10, 15 and 20 mg/kg, 2 hours after a meal. The resultant serum and urine concentrations and drug recoveries were measured. Furthermore, BRL 25000 was administered to a total 43 patients (2-pharyngitis, 8-tonsillitis, 3-bronchitis, 2-pneumonia and 28-urinary tract infection) whom clinically evaluable. An average daily dosage of 45.3 mg/kg was given, in 3 or 4 divided doses, for a period of 8 days on average. Clinical and bacteriological effects as well as side effects were studied. In the microbiological studies on 98 clinical strains, including beta-lactamase negative bacteria, BRL 25000 showed MICs against the Gram-positive cocci (2-S. aureus) superior to the other 4 drugs at inoculum sizes of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml. For the Gram-negative bacilli, against H. influenzae at inoculum sizes of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml, BRL 25000 was inferior in the small MIC range but superior in the large MIC range to AMPC, and was superior to the other 3 drugs. Against E. coli at an inoculum of 10(8) cells/ml, BRL 25000 showed antibacterial activity next to AMPC and CCL whilst at an inoculum of 10(6) cells/ml, it was inferior in the small MIC range but superior in the large MIC range to AMPC and CEX and was inferior to CCL but superior to CVA. Against K. pneumoniae at an inoculum of 10(8) cells/ml, BRL 25000 was equal to AMPC, CVA and CEX but inferior to CCL, whilst at an inoculum of 10(6) cells/ml, it was inferior to CCL but superior to the other 3 drugs. Against P. mirabilis at inoculum sizes of 10(8) and 10(6) cells/ml, BRL 25000 was inferior in the small MIC range but equal or superior in the large MIC range to AMPC, and was superior to CVA and CEX.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Clinical trials of BRL 25000 (clavulanic acid-amoxicillin) granules on skin and soft tissue infections in the field of pediatrics]

BRL 25000 is a combination of a newly-developed beta-lactamase inhibitor clavulanic acid (CVA) and amoxicillin (AMPC) in the ratio of 1 to 2. The drug, as medium granules, was administered to a total of 92 pediatric patients, ranging in age from 1 month to 13 years and 2 months, with cutaneous/soft tissue infections (70 impetigo, 6 furuncle, 7 phlegmon, 6 abscess and 3 cases of lymphadenitis). It was found subsequently that 2 of the 70 impetigo cases had received topical antibiotic medication and these were excluded from clinical evaluation to give a total of 90 evaluable cases. The daily dosage of BRL 25000 ranged from 23.7 to 75.0 mg/kg, given in 3 or 4 divided doses (average 48.5 mg/kg) and the duration of treatment was for 3 to 13 days (average 6 days). Clinical isolates of S. aureus from the above cases were examined for beta-lactamase production and their susceptibility determined to the 5 antibiotics BRL 25000, AMPC, CVA, cephalexin (CEX) and cefaclor (CCL). The drugs' clinical effects on the various diseases, bacteriological effects and side effects were also studied. At an inoculum of 10(8) cells/ml, major MICs of BRL 25000, AMPC, CVA, CEX and CCL against 71 strains of S. aureus, including beta-lactamase negative ones, were 3.13 mcg/ml, 12.5 mcg/ml, 50 mcg/ml, 12.5 mcg/ml and 12.5 mcg/ml, accounting for 60.6, 38.0, 49.3, 38.0 and 43.7% of the strains respectively, whilst at an inoculum of 10(6) cells/ml, major MICs were 1.56 mcg/ml, 3.13 mcg/ml, 25 mcg/ml, 6.25 mcg/ml and 3.13 mcg/ml, accounting for 57.7, 33.8, 83.1, 50.7 and 54.9%, respectively. It was noted that all drugs tended to show smaller MIC values as the inoculum size was reduced to 10(6) cells/ml and that BRL 25000 showed the most potent antibacterial activity of all 5 drugs.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

[Absorption, excretion and clinical trials of cefroxadine in the field of pediatrics (author's transl)]

A study was made with the newly developed cefroxadine (CXD) dry syrup by measuring the serum level, urine excretion and recovery rate in 10 children who were orally administered 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg at 1 hour after meals and the following results were gained. Also, its clinical efficacies and side effects were investigated in the following cases who were treated with a mean dose of 33 mg/day divided into 3 to 4 portions for a period of 9 days on the average; viz. a total of 151 cases consisting of 9 cases of pharyngitis, 39 of tonsillitis, 11 of streptococcal infection, i.e. scarlet fever, 7 of bronchitis, 6 of pneumonia, 1 of otitis media, 6 of purulent lymphadenitis, 1 of purulent parotitis, 1 of subcutaneous abscess and 3 of impetigo. 1. The serum level tends to reach its maximum level within 1 hour after administration. The mean concentrations of 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg dose in the foregoing time were 6.35, 9.12 and 21.62 mcg/ml respectively and dose response was observed. CXD showed higher concentration than CEX, CED and CFT. The mean half-life periods of the 3 dose were 72, 84 and 66 minutes respectively and variations were observed, but the drugs maintains a satisfactory serum level. 2. The time which showed highest urine excretion was mainly in the 0 to 2 hours bracket and the average concentrations of 5 , 10 and 20 mg/kg dose in the foregoing time were 381.2, 771.7 and 1,577.7 mcg/ml respectively. The dose response was more evident than in the serum concentrations. The average recovery rates within 6 hours were 93.6, 88.3 and 94.3% respectively and they were similar to those of CEX, CED and CFT. 3. The clinical effects were evaluated were in 148 cases out of the total of 151 and 136 cases, or 91.9% showed good or excellent efficacy response. 4. The daily dose groups of less than 30 mg/kg and 31 to 40 mg/kg formed the majority and there was no difference in the comparison of the clinical effectiveness in these 2 groups. Administration of a daily dose of 20 to 40 mg/kg is sufficient for the treatment of the aforementioned mild diseases except for pneumonia. 5. The clinical effects were compared between the 3 and 4 times a day treatment groups, but there was no difference between these two groups with regard to the foregoing daily dose. The 3 times a day treatment is acceptable, but the 4 times a day treatment is preferable when pharmacokinetics if taken into account. 6. The bacteriological effects in 41 cases, or 97.6% out of the 42 cases were above the efficacy base line and a high efficacy rate was achieved. 7. With regard to side effects, diarrhea developed in 4 cases and eosinophilia in 6 cases, abnormal simultaneous increases in GOT and GPT in 1 case and 1 case each for abnormal values in LDH and BUN were seen in the clinical test values. The foregoing results show that CXD has high efficacy and safety and it can be said that it is a drug required in the pediatric field.

Neonatal diarrhoea in calves given milk-substitutes differing in fat source and fed by different procedures

1. The incidence of diarrhoea, digestibilities of nutrients and the faecal bacterial flora were compared among three groups of Holstein male calves up to 3 weeks of age. Two groups of four calves were given a milk-substitute containing tallow by nipple-pail (group TN) and by open-bucket (group TB). The third group of four calves was nipple-fed a milk-substitute containing soya-bean oil (group SN). Each of the milk-substitutes contained approximately 300 g milk-protein and 100 g fat/kg dry matter (DM)., 2. Mean faecal DM contents (g/kg) were 217, 185 and 112 for groups TN, TB, and SN respectively and the corresponding pH values were 7.21, 7.00 and 6.50. The difference between groups TN and SN was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). 3. No difference was observed between groups TN and SN in the apparent digestibilities of DM, crude protein (CP, nitrogen X 6.25), diethyl ether extract (EE) and total reducing sugars. But in the group TB, the digestibility of EE was significantly lower (P less than 0.05), and that of CP tended to be, though not significantly, lower than in the other two groups. 4. Bacterial flora in faeces showed considerably wide quantitative variations among individual calves, but there was a tendency for increased viable counts of Lactobacilli in faeces of group SN. 5. The present suggested that an appreciable difference in the mechanism would exist between diarrhoea occurring when milk-substitute was offered by bucket and when highly-unsaturated vegetable oils were contained in it. Possible mechanisms were also discussed.

Sequestration of holotrich protozoa in the reticulo-rumen of cattle

Studies were carried out to determine the means by which holotrich protozoa can maintain their numbers within the rumen against the washout effect associated with the flow of ingesta. When a diet composed of 2 kg of concentrate and 1.5 kg of rice straw was fed to Holstein cows, about a fourfold increase in holotrich numbers per ml of rumen fluid was observed within 1 h after the commencement of feeding, and an abrupt decrease followed. This fluctuation in numbers was not related to the time of feeding. A sole feeding of 2 kg of concentrate had almost the same effect on the holotrichs as a sole feeding of 1.5 kg of rice straw. Administration of either 2 kg of concentrate or 1.5 kg of rice straw through the rumen fistula caused similar changes, though the extent of response to the former was greater than that to the latter. The administration of either 0.7 kg of starch or 0.2 kg of glucose through the fistula had a relatively minor effect on the holotrich population. Addition of rice straw to 0.5 kg of concentrate increased the change in numbers, but its addition had little, if any, effect when 1 kg of concentrate was fed. These results suggested that the fluctuation in holotrich numbers was related not only to the nature or component of feed but also to other factors such as the quantity or volume of a diet and the act of ingesting feed. Increasing the number of feedings up to eight times per day at 3-h intervals caused a decrease in the peak heights of holotrich numbers per milliliter of rumen fluid. A thick protozoal mass which primarily consisted of holotrichs was found on the wall of the reticulum of Holstein steers slaughtered after overnight starvation. These findings suggest that holotrichs would usually sequester on the reticulum wall and migrate into the rumen only for a few hours after feeding, and that this mode of behavior would be essential for holotrichs to maintain their population within the rumen of cattle. Possible mechanisms of the migration are also discussed.

[Laboratory and clinical evaluation of cefoxitin in children (author's transl)]

Pharmacokinetics of cefoxitin, a new injectable semisynthetic-cephamycin, was studied in 12 healthy children and also was studied cerebrospinal fluid levels in 1 patient with bacterial meningitis received 44.5 mg/kg of cefoxitin and thoracic fluid levels in 2 patients were measured. Cefoxitin was administered intravenously to 50 patients with various types of infections an average dose of 130 mg/kg/day for an average of 9 days. The results were as follows: 1. Favorable plasma levels were obtained comparing with those off conventional injectable cephalosporins after 15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg of cefoxitin for one shot intravenous injection. The half lives of cefoxitin in the plasma were about 15.9 minutes up to 1 hour and 25.5 minutes up to 2 hours after an intravenous administration of cefoxitin at a dose of 15 mg/kg, and while, those were 15.9 minutes and 27.5 minutes after an intravenous administration of cefoxitin at a dose of 25 mg/kg, respectively. 2. Cefoxitin was excreted with high concentration up to 2 hours after the administration and thereafter, urinary concentration of cefoxitin declined rapidly with the lapse of time. The time course urinary concentration reflected those of plasma levels. Approximately 94.7% and 90.6% of dosed cefoxitin were recovered in the urine for 6 hours after the administration at the dose of 15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg, respectively. 3. The cerebrospinal fluid levels of cefoxitin were only determined in a patient of bacterial meningitis. Therefore, further study should be performed. 4. The thoracic fluid levels with 2 patients were higher than cerebrospinal fluid levels. 5. Among the 50 patients with various infections, cefoxitin was clinically effective in 84% and bacterial response in 87%. 6. As adverse reactions, in total 79 patients included exclusive 29 patients, diarrhea occurred in 1 patient, sweating and cough in 1 patient, rash with fever in 4 patients, vascular pain in 2 patients, and leukopenia was observed in 1 patient, eosinophilia in 1 patient, and increase of GOT and LDH were observed in each 2 patients. The other adverse reactions were not experienced.

[Laboratory and clinical studies on cefoperazone in pediatrics treatment (author's transl)]

Laboratory and clinical studies of cefoperazone (CPZ), a new semisynthetic cephalosporin, were investigated and following results were obtained. (1) Blood level: CPZ was given intravenous dose of 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg to each 3 children. In the former, the blood level of 15 minutes after injection was 194.2 mcg/ml on average and the half life was 106.2 minutes. In the latter, the blood level was 320.0 mcg/ml on average and half life was 102.2 minutes. (2) Urinary concentration: In the cases of the dose of 25 mg/kg, 35.9% of CPZ was recovered on average from the urine within 6 hours after injection, and the urinary concentration reached to 2,148.6 mcg/ml (0 approximately 2 hours). And in the cases of the dose of 50 mcg/kg, the recovery rate in urine was 43.6%, and the urinary concentration was 3,008.3 mcg/ml. (3) Cerebrospinal fluid level: CSF level was determined in a patient with bacterial meningitis by S. pneumoniae. Ninety mg/kg of CPZ were given intravenous injection. After 60 minutes CSF level was 3.35 mcg/ml, and after 80 minutes the blood level was 192.0 mcg/ml. (4) Bacteriological evaluation: Against 164 strains isolated clinical specimens, the bacteriological evaluation on CPZ was performed in comparison with cefotaxime (CTX), cefazolin (CEZ) and piperacillin (PIPC) by inoculum size of 10(8) cells/ml. CPZ showed antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria almost similar to CTX and PIPC. (5) CLINICAL RESULTS: CPZ was given 48.3 approximately 360 mg/kg/day (average 146.1 mg/kg/day) by intravenous route to 46 patients with various infection. The overall efficacy rate was 80.4%. The rate of bacteriological effectiveness was 78.9% in 19 cases. (6) Side effects: As side effects, diarrhea, fever, rash, urticaria, leukopenia, eosinophilia, elevation of GOT, GPT, and LDH were observed, but not seriously.

Effects of nipple or bucket feeding of milk-substitute on rumen by-pass and on rate of passage in calves

1. Effects of feeding liquid milk-substitute to young calves either by nipple-pail or open-bucket on the rumen by-pass and on the rate of passage were studied.

2.Sixteen Holstein calves, aged 1 week initially, were used in three experiments in which calves were slaughtered after they were given liquids (milk-substitute and water) containing chromic oxide and SrCl2 6H2O as a tracer either by the nipple- or bucket-feeding method, and the distribution of tracers to the rumen, abomasum and the lower alimentary tracts was examined.

3.When the liquid milk-substitute containing tracers was given by the nipple- or bucket-feeding method to calves having been trained to the corresponding procedures for the preceding 1 week, most of the tracers was directed into the omasum and abomasum. There seemed no difference in the functioning of oesophageal groove closure between the two feeding procedures. Even when the liquid milk-substitute containing tracers was given by the nipple-or bucket-feeding method to calves which had been accustomed to different procedures for the preceding week, the majority of tracers were found in the abomasum immediately after administration, though a slightly greater proportion of the tracers entered the reticulo-rumen.

4.Continuing bucket feeding of liquid milk-substitute effected an efficient closure of the oesophageal groove at least up to 16 weeks of age. After calves were accustomed to consume liquid milk-substitute from the bucket from 1 to 4 weeks of age, drinking warm water from the bucket also caused efficient closure at least up to 16 weeks of age.

When tracers were administered with warm water, Cr2O3 and strontium, especially the latter, transferred much more rapidly to the lower gut than when they were administered with liquid milk-substitute, probably reflecting the curd formation of the milk-substitute in the abomasum. When liquid milk-substitute with tracers was fed by the bucket-feeding method, Sr transferred more rapidly to the lower gut than when the milk-substitute was fed by the nipple-feeding method, indicating that the feeding procedure of liquid milk-substitute has an apparent effect on the rate of passage.

Effects of liquid feeding of concentrate from a pail on growth and on the digestibility of the diet in young calves

1. Studies were done on the effects of giving calves two types of concentrate diet, both in a liquid form from an open pail or in a dry pelleted form, on the closure of oesophageal groove, body-weight gains and the digestibility of rations. 2. Twenty-four Holstein calves were used in an experiment by dividing into two groups of twelve calves each. The 'dry-fed' group (DFG) was given a pelleted concentrate, F1, from 25 to 42 d of age, and then given another type of pelleted concentrate, F2, from 43 to 87 d of age, and again given F1 from 88 to 112 d of age. The 'liquid-fed' group (LFG) was given from a pail a liquid suspension of the equivalent amount of the same concentrates as those fed to DFG calves, for the same periods. F1 contained skim milk and glucose with lower levels of maize and soya-bean meal than F2 which did not contain skim milk or glucose; F1 and F2 were both supplemented with 10 g methionine/kg and also supplemented with lysine at 5 and 10 g/kg respectively. All calves were allowed free access to roughage, and digestibilities were measured at 12 and 16 weeks of age. 3. Wet weights of reticulo-rumen and abomasal tissues (% whole stomach weight) were respectively 69.8 and 17.6 in DFG, and 59.0 and 26.4 in LFG at 42 d of age; at 87 d of age, the corresponding values were 68.0 and 16.3 in DFG, and 52.8 and 36.6 in LFG, and further, LFG had significantly more developed caecums and large intestines as well as significantly less developed reticulo-rumens and omasums than DFG. 4. Free amino acid patterns in plasma did not vary in DFG, but varied in LFG in response to the change in diet from F1 to F2 and to the difference between diets in lysine supplementation. 5. Feeding F1 in a liquid form and F2 in a dry form significantly improved calf gains. The intake of roughage in DFG exceeded that in LFG especially when F2 was fed. 6. The digestibility of diethyl ether extracts did not vary with feeding procedures, but that of crude protein (nitrogen x 6.25) was significantly higher in DFG independent of the type of diet. Digestibilities of dry matter and N-free extracts were significantly higher in LFG for F1, while higher in DFG for F2. The digestibility of acid-detergent fibre did not differ significantly between groups at 12 weeks of age, but was significantly higher in LFG at 16 weeks of age, suggesting a possible compensatory contribution of the large intestine to the digestion of fibre in LFG. 7. The efficiency of liquid feeding of a concentrate diet to ruminants compared with that of dry feeding is discussed.

Effects of diet on the protozoa population in permeable continuous cultures of rumen contents

1. Responses of the protozoa population to the composition and the components of the diet were studied in permeable continuous cultures of rumen contents. 2. In Expt 1 a study was made of responses to diets containing different combinations of rice straw, lucerne meal and mixed concentrates given to the cow supplying inocula for cultures. It was found that (1) when a diet devoid of concentrates was fed, entodiniomorphs decreased in numbers; (2) their numbers increased with the increase in the amount of concentrates; (3) holtrich numbers were hardly affected by the type of diet; (4) rice straw and lucerne meal were not essential for protozoa to survive in culture medium. 3. In Expt 2 responses were determined to diets containing different combinations of maize, maize starch, sugars (glucose-sucrose (1:1, w/w)), soya-bean meal and isolated soya-bean protein. The results suggested the following relationship between dietary component and protozoa population. (1) The diet rich in both starch and sugars sustains the increased numbers of protozoa on the whole. (2) The diet rich in starch and deficient in sugars decreases selectively Dasytricha and small species of Entodinium such as Entodinium minimum and E. nanellum. The other species of protozoa, especially large entodiniomorphs such as Ophyroscolex and Polyplastron, are maintained at relatively high levels. (3) The diet deficient in starch and abundant in sugars decreases general entodiniomorphs except small species, while the numbers of Holotrichs are kept at relatively high levels.

Relation between diet and protozoal population in the rumen

1. Four feeding trials were made to investigate relations between diet and protozoal population in the rumen.

2. When a ration containing no concentrate was used, the number of entodiniomorphs decreased rapidly. The number of entodiniomorphs increased with the amount of concentrate. Rice straw, which was used as a sole source of roughage, was not always necessary for protozoa to survive in the rumen.

3. The type of diet affected the holotrich population to a much smaller extent than the entodiniomorph population.