Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient. We have previously shown that supranutritional Se-yeast supplementation improves growth and immune function in Se-replete cattle and sheep despite limited impact on selenoprotein and oxidoreductase gene expression, suggesting effects beyond the selenocysteine proteome. This study evaluated the impact of supranutritional Se-yeast during each trimester of pregnancy on transcriptome-wide gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at parturition, and the underlying functional categories affected. We administered Se-yeast containing boluses weekly (105 mg Se/wk for 13 wks; 5× the level recommended by NASEM) to crossbred Angus cows during the first (TR1), second (TR2), or third (TR3) trimester of gestation. Control cows (CTR) had continuous access to 120 mg Se/kg mineral supplement as Na selenite (per US FDA regulations) throughout gestation. Blood was collected at parturition, and PBMCs were isolated for RNA sequencing. We identified 3,904 unique differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 186 upregulated vs. 268 downregulated DEGs across all three Se-yeast TR vs. CTR comparisons, while selenoprotein and oxidoreductase gene expression remained unchanged. Downregulation increased across GO categorization levels, from balanced changes in Cellular Component terms (51 upregulated vs. 52 downregulated) through Molecular Function (13 vs. 139) and Biological Process terms (23 vs. 595), then decreased for KEGG pathways (28 vs. 76) and protein class terms (6 vs. 16). We hypothesize that supranutritional Se-yeast acts primarily through nonspecific SeMet incorporation into the broader proteome rather than through specific selenoprotein synthesis. These PBMC DEG changes may also affect disease risk in periparturient beef cattle, though further investigation is warranted to test these hypotheses.

The gut microbiota contributes to macrophage-mediated inflammation in adipose tissue with consumption of an obesogenic diet, thus driving the development of metabolic syndrome. There is a need to identify and develop interventions that abrogate this condition. The hops-derived prenylated flavonoid xanthohumol (XN) and its semi-synthetic derivative tetrahydroxanthohumol (TXN) attenuate high-fat diet-induced obesity, hepatosteatosis and metabolic syndrome in C57Bl/6J mice. This coincides with a decrease in pro-inflammatory gene expression in the gut and adipose tissue, together with alterations in the gut microbiota and bile acid composition. In this study, we integrated and interrogated multi-omics data from different organs with fecal 16S sequences and systemic metabolic phenotypic data using a transkingdom network analysis. By incorporating cell type information from single cell RNA-seq data, we discovered TXN attenuates macrophage inflammatory processes in adipose tissue. TXN treatment also reversed levels of inflammation-inducing microbes, such as Oscillibacter valericigenes , that lead to adverse metabolic phenotypes. Furthermore, in vitro validation in macrophage cell lines and in vivo mouse supplementation showed addition of O. valericigenes supernatant induced the expression of metabolic macrophage signature genes that are downregulated by TXN in vivo . Our findings establish an important mechanism by which TXN mitigates adverse phenotypic outcomes from diet-induced obesity and metabolic syndrome. It primarily reduces the abundance of pro-inflammatory gut microbes that can otherwise promote macrophage-associated inflammation in adipose tissue.

We previously reported that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay to weaned beef calves in a preconditioning program increases whole-blood Se (WB-Se) concentrations and nasal microbiome abundance and diversity during the preconditioning period, decreases morbidity and mortality during the feedlot period, and increases carcass weight and quality at slaughter. The objective of the current study was to see whether similar improvements can be achieved through Se supplementation of dams during various pregnancy trimesters. In a two-year experimental study, 80 Angus-cross cows received once-weekly Se-yeast boluses containing 105 mg of Se, during either the first (TR-1), second (TR-2), or third (TR-3) pregnancy trimester, or were not bolused (CTR). Whole-blood Se concentrations were higher from CTR, to TR-1, to TR-2, and to TR-3 in newborn calves (all p < 0.01). At weaning, only calves from TR-3 mothers had higher WB-Se concentrations compared with calves from CTR mothers (p = 0.02), and no significant differences in nasal microbiome abundance and diversity or nasal microbiota were observed. In the feedlot period, morbidity was low, and no differences were observed. At slaughter, no differences in carcass weight and quality were observed. In conclusion, Se supplementation of pregnant cows is effective for increasing WB-Se concentration of newborn calves, and the increase can be sustained until weaning for calves born to TR-3 dams. However, the increase in WB-Se concentrations is small and does not result in beneficial changes in the nasal microbiome. Thus, calves should be fed Se-biofortified forages again at weaning in a preconditioning program in order to diversify the nasal microbiome prior to entering the feedlot.

To determine the effect of the commercial feed additive OmniGen-AF (R) on immune, physiological, and carcass ultrasound variables in steers during backgrounding, transition, and finishing phases, nine purebred Angus half-sibling steers were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: Control (n = 4) and OmniGen-AF (OG; n = 5). Cattle were offered 0 (Control) or 56 g daily of OG throughout a 28-d backgrounding period (limit-fed a predominantly forage diet), a 14-d transition period, and a 56-d finishing period on a high concentrate diet (104 days total). During the three feeding periods, whole blood and serum was collected to evaluate markers of immune function and physiology, respectively. Across basal diet phases, OG supplementation increased serum chloride (P = 0.02) and haptoglobin (P = 0.03) concentrations and decreased serum NEFA (P = 0.001) concentrations. At the end of the high-concentrate finishing period, OG supplementation vs. Control attenuated the decrease in serum paraoxonase and the increase in AST concentrations, a marker of liver cell necrosis. Carcass prediction measurements, collected in 30-day intervals during the finishing phase, indicated lower predicted numerical yield grades (P = 0.03) due to higher REA (P = 0.009) and a tendency for less 12th rib fat (P = 0.06) in Control vs. OG steers. Weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, and predicted quality grades did not differ between treatments. In conclusion, OG may act on the immune-metabolic axis across the three studied basal diet phases to support healthier livers and improved predicted yield grades in Angus steers by decreasing fat deposition and increasing REA.

Clinical mastitis (CM), the most prevalent and costly disease in dairy cows, is diagnosed most commonly shortly after calving. Current indicators do not satisfactorily predict CM. This study aimed to develop a robust and comprehensive mass spectrometry-based metabolomic and lipidomic workflow using untargeted ultra-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry for predictive biomarker detection. Using a nested case-control design, we measured weekly during the prepartal transition period differences in serum metabolites, lipids, inflammation markers, and minerals between clinically healthy Holstein dairy cows diagnosed with mastitis postcalving (CMP; n = 8; CM diagnosis d 1 = 3 cows, d 2 = 2 cows, d 4 = 1 cow; d 25 = 1 cow, and d 43 = 1 cow that had subclinical mastitis since d 3) or not (control; n = 9). The largest fold differences between CMP and control cows during the prepartal transition period were observed for 3'-sialyllactose in serum. Seven metabolites (N-methylethanolamine phosphate, choline, phosphorylcholine, free carnitine, trimethyl lysine, tyrosine, and proline) and 3 metabolite groups (carnitines, AA metabolites, and water-soluble phospholipid metabolites) could correctly classify cows for their future CM status at both 21 and 14 d before calving. Biochemical analysis using lipid and metabolite-specific commercial diagnostic kits supported our mass spectrometry-based omics results and additionally showed elevated inflammatory markers (serum amyloid A and visfatin) in CMP cows. In conclusion, metabolic phenotypes (i.e., metabotype) with elevated protein and lipid metabolism and inflammation may precede CM in prepartal transition dairy cows. The discovered serum metabolites and lipids may assist in predictive diagnostics, prevention strategies, and early treatment intervention against CM, and thereby improve cow health and welfare.

To determine the effect of OmniGen-AF (OG; a patented nutritional specialty product from Phibro Animal Health Corporation) supplementation on markers of metabolism and liver function in steers during backgrounding, transition, and finishing phases, 9 purebred Angus half-sibling steers were divided into 1 of 2 treatment groups: control (CNTL; n = 4) and OG (n = 5). Cattle were offered 0 (CNTL) or 56 g/animal per day of OG through a 28-d backgrounding period (limit fed a predominantly forage-based diet), a 14-d transition period, and finished on a high-concentrate diet for 56 d (104 d total). Serum was collected on d 0, 14, 21, 28, 35, 43, 56, 70, 84, 98, and 104 for haptoglobin, metabolites, and markers of liver function as measured by paraoxonase, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). Data were analyzed using repeated-measures-in-time analysis in PROC MIXED. Fixed effects of the statistical model were treatment (CNTL and OG), dietary phase, day (nested within phase), and their interactions. The values and variation of serum AST and GGT increased at the end of the finishing phase, resulting in a bimodal distribution prior to and at the end of finishing; therefore, we examined AST and GGT concentrations with a separate analysis on d 84, 98, and 104. A diet phase effect was present for metabolites and markers of liver function (P < 0.05); the interaction of diet phase and OG supplementation had no effect on metabolites, AST, paraoxonase, or albumin. Gamma-glutamyltransferase tended to increase in OG steers, whereas in CNTL steers, GGT decreased (P = 0.08) during the backgrounding phase. OmniGen-AF supplementation during the entire experiment (104 d) increased serum haptoglobin concentrations (P = 0.0002) and decreased serum NEFA concentrations (P = 0.002). OmniGen-AF supplementation also assuaged the decline in paraoxonase concentrations (P = 0.02) and tended to reduce the increase of a marker of liver cell necrosis (AST; P = 0.07) at the end of the finishing period (compared with control cattle on d 84, 98, and 104 of supplementation). Based on these data, we conclude that OG supplementation may attenuate liver damage during a high-concentrate diet in finishing steers.

In newborn dairy calves, it has been demonstrated that supranutritional maternal and colostral Se supplementation using Se yeast or sodium selenite, respectively, improves passive transfer of IgG. In beef cattle, agronomic biofortification with Se is a more practical alternative for Se supplementation, whereby the Se concentration of hay is increased through the use of Se-containing fertilizer amendments. It has been previously demonstrated that agronomic Se biofortification is an effective strategy to improve immunity and performance in Se-replete weaned beef calves. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of feeding beef cows Se-enriched alfalfa (Medicago sativa) hay during the last 8 to 12 wk of gestation on passive transfer of antibodies to calves. At 10 wk ± 16 d before calving, 45 cows were assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups with 3 pens (5 cows/pen) per treatment: Control cows were fed non-Se-fortified alfalfa hay plus a mineral supplement containing 120 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite, Med-Se cows were fed alfalfa hay fertilized with 45.0 g Se/ha as sodium selenate, and High-Se cows were fed alfalfa hay fertilized with 89.9 g Se/ha as sodium selenate; both the Med-Se and the High-Se groups received mineral supplement without added Se. Colostrum and whole blood (WB) were collected from cows at calving, and WB was collected from calves within 2 h of calving and at 12, 24, 36, and 48 h of age. Concentrations of IgG1 and J-5 Escherichia coli antibody in cow colostrum and calf serum were quantified using ELISA procedures. Selenium concentrations linearly increased in WB (P < 0.001) and colostrum (P < 0.001) of cows and in WB of newborn calves (P < 0.001) with increasing Se concentration in alfalfa hay. Colostrum concentrations of IgG1 (P = 0.03) were increased in cows fed Se-biofortified alfalfa hay, but J-5 E. coli antibody (P = 0.43) concentrations were not. Calf serum IgG1 (P = 0.43) and J-5 E. coli antibody (P = 0.44) concentrations during the first 48 h of age were not affected by prior Se treatment of cows. These data suggest that feeding Se-biofortified alfalfa hay promotes the accumulation of Se and antibodies in colostrum but does not affect short-term serum antibody concentrations in calves.

Blackberry pomace, the waste from blackberry processing, is rich in polyphenolic compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. More than 80% of dairy cows become sick after calving with diseases such as mastitis and ketosis, which in turn have a negative effect on their production and reproductive health. In this study, the effectiveness of blackberry pomace as a natural supplement to improve the overall health of transition dairy cattle was assessed. We hypothesized that the addition of blackberry pomace would help improve metabolic status (lower free fatty acids [FFA], lower β-hydroxybutyrate [BHB], and increase glucose) and overall health around the time of calving. Using completely randomized block design, 24 cows were assigned to 3 groups and received between 4 wk before and after calving no supplement (Control), 57 g/d of dried blackberry pomace (Low Blackberry), or 114 g/d of dried blackberry pomace (High Blackberry) as a top dressing to their standard total mixed ration. Blood samples were collected on approximately d 28, 21, 14, 9, 7, 5, 3, and 1 prepartum, and both blood and milk samples were collected on d 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 postpartum. Upon completion of the study, blood samples were analyzed for BHB, glucose, phosphorus, and FFA concentrations. In addition, we collected BCS weekly and feed intake data daily. All data was analyzed using PROC MIXED and PROC GLIMMIX in SAS version 9.4. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in BHB for d −1 and blood urea nitrogen d −3 relative to calving in the Low Blackberry cows when compared with the Control cows. In addition, there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) for glucose on d 0 relative to calving for High Blackberry cows compared with Control cows. Serum phosphorus concentration at d −1 relative to calving significantly increased (P < 0.05) for both blackberry groups when compared with the Control group. The average BCS for the High Blackberry cows was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the Control cows in the week prior to calving. There were no differences observed in milk yield or feed intake when comparing the groups. In conclusion, the supplementation of blackberry pomace to multiparous transition cows helped to improve metabolic status and health in the week leading up to calving.

The transfer efficiency of lipid supplements rich in PUFAs such as flaxseed into blood is often poor because PUFAs are hydrogenated in the rumen. To prevent ruminal biohydrogenation of PUFA, various methods of PUFA protection have been tested with limited success. In this study, a novel method to “rumen-protect” flaxseed is proposed, which encapsulates flaxseed using a proprietary method (12BT40; N3Feed® LLC; Tualatin, OR). To determine whether 12BT40 increases omega-3 concentrations in bovine serum more than its ingredients alone, we used a double 3 × 3 Latin square design; 6 mid- to late-lactation, pregnant Holstein cows (1 block each for primiparous and multiparous cows) were fed 0 kg/d (Negative Control), 3 kg/d of 12BT40 (Treatment), and 3 kg/d of the unprocessed ingredients of 12BT40 (Treatment Control) as top-dressing for 2-week periods each. Serum samples were collected at the end of each 2-week treatment period and analyzed for their fatty acid profile, respectively. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS version 9.4. Fixed effects were treatment, period, and parity. Repeated measures within cows were modeled with the random statement. Compared with Treatment Control, 12BT40 increased total serum fatty acid concentrations from 148 ± 18 to 183 ± 18 μg/mL (P = 0.03) (Negative Control, 138 ± 18 μg/mL). 12BT40 supplementation increased serum omega-3 concentrations from 25.4 ± 2.9 μg/mL to 34.6 ± 2.9 μg/mL (P = 0.01) (Negative Control, 16.4 ± 2.9 μg/mL). Thus, we conclude that 12BT40 is effective in increasing total fatty acid concentrations and omega-3 concentrations in bovine serum beyond what can be achieved with feeding an equal amount of ground flaxseed.

In humans, circulating omega-3 fatty acids are associated positively with health outcomes and lower chronic inflammation. To determine whether a flaxseed containing lipid supplement 12BT40 (N3Feed® LLC; Tualatin, OR) increases omega-3 content in bovine serum, we fed 6 mid- to late-lactation, pregnant Holstein cows (1 block each for primaparous and multiparous cows) for 6 wk consecutively 0 (Control; 1 week), 0.91 (1 week), 1.81 (2 weeks), and 2.72 kg/d (2 weeks) 12BT40 as top-dressing. Serum samples were collected at the end of each treatment period and analyzed for fatty acid profile. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS version 9.4. Fixed effects were supplementation rate (linear, quadratic and cubic) and parity; cow was the random effect. 12BT40 supplementation rates increased linearly (linearP =0.01) total FFA concentrations in serum by 12%. 21%, and 42% for 0, 0.91, 1.81, and 2.72 kg/d of 12BT40. The serum omega-3 concentrations increased from 8.6 to 18.2, 22.3, 28.3±3.2 µg/mL, when 0, 0.91, 1.81, and 2.72 kg/d of 12BT40 was fed (linearP <0.0001; quadraticP = 0.003); the serum omega-6 concentrations increased from 35.2 to 38.3, 41.5, and 44.2±4.9 µg/mL (linearP =0.10). As a result, the omega-6-to-omega-3 ratio in serum improved from 4.06 to 2.10, 1.87, and 1.60±0.07 (linear, quadratic and cubic allP <0.0001). Based on these results, we conclude that feeding up to 2.72 kg/d 12BT40 improves omega-3 concentrations and omega-6-to-omega-3fatty acid ratios in bovine serum.

Calf starter is necessary for the proper development of the rumen in young calves. Calves are born as pre-ruminants. In the beginning of their lives, they will depend on milk to meet their nutrient demands. Calf starter is the next step in preparing the calf for consumption of solid feed. The physical form of calf starter and the nutrition provided in the calf starter both have an impact on the development of a calf. The objective of this experiment was to increase the palatability of calf starter through a flavor additive such as vanilla, and evaluate whether there would be a concurrent increase in consumption of calf starter. From the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, 9 calves were utilized on the dairy operation. Calf starter intake was measured for 5 d in all calves, then the treatment was changed to add vanilla to the calf starter and measure intake for 5 d. This repeated from d 20–45 of life, making each calf its own control. The treatments were vanilla added or no vanilla added and alternated every 5 d. Vanilla was added to the calf starter at 5% of calf starter weight. Data was analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS (2014) using calf as a random measure and day as repeated measure. Over the entire trial period, calf starter intake least squares means for vanilla were 250.18g and 202.60g without vanilla (SEM = 47.98, 52.42; P = 0.25). Least squares means of calf starter intake for day one through 5 for vanilla treatment were 240.72, 233.43, 211.54, 226.82, 396.12, respectively. Least squares means of calf starter intake for d 1 through 5 for no vanilla treatment were 265.09, 202.94, 228.33, 169.04, 162.53, respectively. The addition of vanilla extract to calf starter did not significantly affect starter intake. However, a numerical increase was seen in starter intake that contained vanilla flavoring. More research is needed with an increased number of calves.

Dietary supplementation to aid the immune system of finishing steers is recommended to maintain health and growth; however limited knowledge exists regarding the influence on performance. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of OmniGen-AF® supplementation on ultrasound parameters in steers through the finishing phase. Nine purebred Angus half-sibling steers were divided into one of two treatment groups; Control (CNTL n = 4) and OmniGen-AF® (OG; n = 5). Cattle were offered 0 g/hd/d (CNTL) or 56 g/hd/d of OG through backgrounding and transition (42d). At the beginning of the finishing phase, cattle were scanned by ultrasound using an Aloka SSD- 500V console with UST-5044–3.5 linear transducer and analyzed using BIA Pro software (Designer Genes Technologies, Harrison, AR). Cattle were subsequently scanned on d 69 and 104 of supplementation to examine the effects of OG supplementation on ultrasound carcass parameters during the finishing phase. Weights, average daily gain (ADG), and dry matter intake (DMI), were collected through the backgrounding and finishing phases. Rib eye area (REA), 12th rib fat thickness (FT), rump fat (RF), REA/cwt and percent intramuscular fat (%IMF) were collected. Predicted yield grade was completed using FT, REA, live weight × 62% dressing percent and 2.5% Kidney Pelvic Heart fat (KPH); predicted quality grade was calculated using %IMF data. Data were analyzed using multiple t tests procedure of GraphPad Prism 6.03 with significance declared at P < 0.05. No difference between groups was detected for REA, FT, RF, %IMF, predicted yield on d 42 or 69. Predicted quality grade, weight, ADG and DMI did not differ between CNTL or OG. On d104 OG finished cattle had a tendency to have lower FT (CNTL 0.38 ± 0.01, OG 0.32 ± 0.02; mean ± SEM; P = 0.06), and higher REA/cwt (CNTL 0.86 ± 0.04; OG 1.01 ± 0.06; P = 0.07), and scan with a lower %IMF (CNTL 3.54% ± 0.11 OG 3.03% ± 0.18; P = 0.06) compared with controls. Similarly, OG finished cattle scanned with lower RF (CNTL 0.34 ± 0.034 in, OG 0.24 ± 0.02 in; P = 0.03) and larger REA (CNTL 11.56 ± 0.44 sq in, OG 13.79 ± 0.67 sq in; P = 0.04). Upon evaluation, the OG supplemented cattle had lower predicted numerical yield grades (2.64 ± 0.24) than their control counter parts (3.42 ± 0.16; P = 0.04). In this study, supplementing OG during finishing decreased predicted numerical yield grades by increasing REA and decreasing fat deposition.

Early disease detection is critical for maintaining cow health and productivity. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute phase protein that is primarily produced in the liver and is elevated in response to infections and tissue damage in dairy cows. To evaluate whether serum concentrations of SAA may assist in early disease detection, blood samples were taken from 57 Holstein cows at d −21, −14, −7, −3, −1, 0, 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 relative to calving and analyzed for SAA concentrations. Cows were grouped based on severity of diseases (no disease, subclinical, mild clinical, and moderate clinical), class of diseases (no disease, metabolic, infectious, both types), time of diagnosis (no disease, 0–3 d, 4–7 d, 8–28 d after calving), and birth complications (yes, no) in early lactation and examined for group differences. Serum amyloid A concentrations in the first days after calving were higher and elevated longer in cows that developed diseases in early lactation. Observed group differences reflected the severity of disease and preceded clinical disease diagnosis irrespective of disease class. Group differences were strongest 1 d after calving, when 0% (healthy), 43% (subclinical disease), 57% (mild clinical disease), and 72% (moderate clinical disease) of cows had SAA above 125 mg/L (sensitivity for any disease: 66%; specificity: 100%). Cows with birth complications had higher SAA concentrations 2 wk before calving than cows without birth complications. Our results support our hypothesis that greater tissue damage and disproportionate inflammatory responses after calving are gateway disorders that increase disease risk in early lactation. Serum amyloid A can detect those risk factors 1 d after calving and thereby opens opportunities for prevention and early treatment.

To examine the effect of OmniGen-AF® (OG) supplementation on serum indicators of growth and development in growing beef cattle, healthy 8-mo old purebred Angus cattle were randomly assigned to 0 (control; 4 heifers, 2 bulls, and 2 steers) or 56 g/hd/day OG (OG; 4 heifers, 3 bulls, and 2 steers). Cattle were housed in a freestall barn with straw bedding and fed via Calan Broadbent system a diet including grass hay, alfalfa hay, and ground corn once per day. Blood was collected via jugular puncture on d 0, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 49 of supplementation and 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 d after supplementation and analyzed for serum concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, and haptoglobin. Using a repeated-measures-in-time design in PROC MIXED, we examined changes in serum parameters from baseline during the 49 d of supplementation and separately during the 21 d after supplementation. We hypothesized that OG supplementation alters carbohydrate metabolism during the supplementation period. We observed sex-specific effects of OG supplementation on serum indicators of carbohydrate metabolism and growth. During the supplementation period, serum glucose concentrations increased in control bulls and steers compared with male OG-supplemented cattle (P = 0.01), whereas no treatment effects were observed for heifers (P = 0.80); those gender-specific treatment group differences were also observed after supplementation. During the supplementation period, serum leptin concentrations decreased in female controls compared with female OG-supplemented cattle (P < 0.01). No treatment group differences for serum leptin were observed for bulls and steers combined (P = 0.54) or after supplementation irrespective of gender. Changes in insulin concentrations were not different between treatment groups (P = 0.29); however, insulin concentrations were lower during but not after supplementation in OG-supplemented cattle compared with controls, when baseline insulin concentrations were used as linear covariate (P = 0.01). During but not after the supplementation period, haptoglobin concentrations decreased in OG-supplemented bulls (P = 0.03) and increased in OG-supplement steers (P = 0.06) compared with their sex-specific controls. No differences in serum haptoglobin between treatment groups were observed in females or during supplementation withdrawal. These data suggest no consistent effects of OG supplementation on the metabolism of growing beef cattle.

Objective: To determine the effects of feeding traditional and renal protective foods (RPF) supplemented with functional food bioactives on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), lean body percent (LB%), and selected circulating biomarker and metabolite concentrations in a geriatric dog model. Design: Randomized block design and cross-sectional study. Setting: Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. dog colony. Participants: Eighty-one geriatric dogs (mean age, 10.4; range, 7.9-14.2 years) and 30 mature-adult dogs (mean age, 5.0; range, 3.3-6.9 years). Intervention: Geriatric dogs were fed one of three foods (n = 27 per group) for 6 months: a traditional RPF (control) that was energy dense and mildly protein-restricted, or control food supplemented with increasing amounts of functional food bioactives: fish oil, lipoic acid, fruits and vegetables, and higher quality protein sources [functional foods one (FF1) and two (FF2)]. Geriatric dogs were compared before and after the feeding trial with mature adult dogs. Measurements: Renal function was assessed by GFR, LB% was determined by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and circulating biomarkers and metabolites were measured in blood. Results: Before the feeding trial, GFR (+28.2%), LB% (+18.6%), and serum total protein (+10.0%) were higher in mature versus healthy geriatric dogs (all P<0.001). Geriatric dogs consuming all three foods increased (P<0.001) GFR over time; group averages ranged from 13.0-16.9%. Dogs fed the highest supplemented level of bioactives (FF2) had lower (P<0.001) symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) concentrations (-14.3%). Feeding functional foods did not alter body weight, but increased (P<0.001) serum protein concentration (+6.7%). Conclusion: Supplementation with functional food bioactives can temporarily reverse the age-associated decline in renal function and serum total protein.

The effect of OmniGen-AF® (OG) supplementation on the expression of immune function markers in circulating whole blood cells was investigated in the first 28 d of feeding healthy Angus steers. Steers were randomly assigned to control (n = 4/group) or OG (n = 5/group; supplemented daily with 56 g/head OG), and fed a diet including grass hay, alfalfa, and ground corn. Steers were housed in a freestall barn and fed via Calan Broadbent system. Blood was collected via jugular puncture before the study (–4 d) and on d 14, 21, and 28 of supplementation. Genes evaluated included CXCR2, CD80, CD62L, IL10RA, IL10RB, MAPK8, NOD2, and TLR1. Data were analyzed using LinReg software to account for efficiency of amplification and normalized by three internal control genes (RPL19, RPS9, and TBP) and corrected to d –4. The qRT-PCR data were log-transformed and the data points with Studentized residuals t > 2 removed (i.e., outliers). The final data set was subjected to ANOVA analysis with treatment, time, and treatment × time as main effect and animal as random effect using Proc GLIMMIX of SAS. Time, treatment, and time × treatment did not have an impact on CD62L gene expression. The expression of CD80, CXCR2, IL10RA, IL10RB, MAPK8, and NOD2 was different through time (P < 0.05), and time had a tendency to influence TLR1 gene expression (0.05 < P < 0.10). Compared with controls, OG supplementation down-regulated CD80 and IL10RB gene expression (P < 0.05); OG supplementation had a tendency to down-regulate CXCR2 and MAPK8 expression compared with controls (0.05 < P < 0.10). A treatment × time effect was detected for CXCR2 gene expression (P < 0.05) with control steers displaying higher CXCR2 expression by the conclusion of the supplementation period compared with OG supplemented cattle. These results, when considered with previous data on immune function markers and OG supplementation, suggest OG may be regulating antigen presentation and signal transduction. Future studies may also consider using CD80, CXCR2, IL10RB, and MAPK8 as markers of OG efficacy within the first 28 d of supplementation.

Despite the availability of selenium (Se)-enriched trace mineral supplements, we have observed low Se status in cattle and sheep offered traditional inorganic Se supplements. Reasons for this may include inadequate intake or low bioavailability of inorganic Se sources. The objective of this study was to determine whether rumen microorganisms (RMO) alter the bioavailability of Se sources commonly used in Se supplements. Rumen microorganisms were isolated from ewes (n = 4) and incubated ex vivo with no Se (control), with inorganic Na selenite or Na selenate, or with organic selenomethionine (SeMet). Total Se incorporated into RMO and the amount of elemental Se formed were determined under equivalent conditions. Incorporation of Se from Na selenite, Na selenate, or SeMet into RMO was measured as fold change compared with control (no added Se). Incorporation of Se into microbial mass was greater for SeMet (13.2-fold greater than no-Se control) compared with inorganic Se supplements (P = 0.02); no differences were observed between inorganic Na selenate (3.3-fold greater than no-Se control) and Na selenite (3.5-fold greater than no-Se control; P = 0.97). Formation of non-bioavailable, elemental Se was less for RMO incubated with SeMet compared with inorganic Se sources (P = 0.01); no differences were observed between Na selenate and Na selenite (P = 0.09). The clinical importance of these results is that the oral bioavailability of organic SeMet should be greater compared with inorganic Se sources because of greater RMO incorporation of Se and decreased formation of elemental Se by RMO.