Intake and digestibility of four rations with different fiber levels in alpacas (Vicugna pacos).

The aim of this study was to evaluated the impact of different fibre levels in alpaca diet on voluntary feed intake and apparent digestibility, and to estimate the digestibility of organic matter (OMD) from the content of crude protein (CP) in feces. The study was carried out with twelve alpacas (36.7 ± 6.

Trace Mineral Supplementation for Beef Cows: Dry Range Environment.

Range mineral supplementation is based on providing trace minerals not adequately provided from grazed forage in meeting beef cattle needs throughout life cycle stages. Supplementation programs should be developed with consideration of ranch production goals, economics, and practicality for implementation. Factors such as season of grazing, forage analysis, water analysis including antagonistic elements, and measured animal responses are used in mineral supplement formulation for range cattle.

Trace Mineral Nutrition of Sheep.

Trace mineral nutrition of sheep often focuses on their greater susceptibility to copper toxicosis due to a lesser biliary excretion ability compared with other ruminants. Our understanding of sheep trace mineral requirements has improved for most elements allowing for a factorial approach to determining daily requirement instead of a dietary concentration. Forage trace mineral content is influenced by many factors making issues of trace mineral supplementation geographic-dependent.

Trace Mineral Metabolism: The Maternal-Fetal Bond.

Trace minerals are essential nutrients that have many biologic functions, many of which are related to metabolic activities, immune function, and antioxidant capacity. The pregnant dam provides essential nutrients to support fetal development, including trace minerals. Milk is known to be an insufficient source of many trace minerals during the early nursing neonatal period.

Pregnancy Toxemia in Sheep and Goats.

Pregnancy toxemia is a common metabolic disease of late pregnant ewes and does, which potentially has devastating impacts on health and performance. This metabolic syndrome is not only one of over conditioned animals but is more typically associated with inadequate energy intake to support pregnancy requirements leading to body protein and fat mobilization. Blood chemistries provide insight into diagnosis and possibly may predict responsiveness to treatment and outcome.

Ruminant Metabolic Diseases: Perturbed Homeorhesis.

The 6-week period encompassing parturition, termed the transition period, is recognized as the most fragile period in the life cycle of the ruminant animal. The period accounts for the greatest risk of health events that can adversely affect animal health, lactational performance, and future reproductive success. Critical endocrine and metabolic adaptations take place in allowing the animal to change nutrient priorities from supporting pregnancy to sustaining lactation.

Metabolic Profiling in Ruminant Diagnostics.

A herd-based approach and interpretative perspective is necessary in using metabolic profile testing in contrast to individual animal disease diagnostics. Metabolic profile testing requires formulating a question to be answered, followed by the appropriate selection of animals for testing. A range of blood analytes and nutrients can be determined with newer biomarkers being developed.

Nonnutritional factors influencing response to the nutritional program.

In this article, the important role of the cow's environment is addressed, namely, the facilities that provide opportunities to eat, sleep, drink water, and socially interact. Research and anecdotal observation suggest that cow comfort is a critical factor to success of any nutritional program.

Transition cow nutrition and feeding management for disease prevention.

In this article, an overview is presented of nutrient modeling to define energy and protein requirements of the late pregnant cow, and metabolic relationships between fetus and cow as they relate to nutrient utilization and risk for postparturient disease are discussed. Recommendations for formulating dry cow diets are provided, with emphasis on opportunities to minimize variation and risk for postparturient disease events.

Higher whole-blood selenium is associated with improved immune responses in footrot-affected sheep.

We reported previously that sheep affected with footrot (FR) have lower whole-blood selenium (WB-Se) concentrations and that parenteral Se-supplementation in conjunction with routine control practices accelerates recovery from FR. The purpose of this follow-up study was to investigate the mechanisms by which Se facilitates recovery from FR. Sheep affected with FR (n = 38) were injected monthly for 15 months with either 5 mg Se (FR-Se) or saline (FR-Sal), whereas 19 healthy sheep received no treatment.

Nutritional diseases of llamas and alpacas.

Limited published reports of nutritional diseases affecting llamas and alpacas were found in a detailed review of relevant literature sources. Anecdotal clinical experiences and nutritional diseases that have been reported range from those diagnosed in common with other species to diseases having a presentation unique to camelids. Vitamin D-associated rickets and greater susceptibility to hepatic lipidosis and zinc deficiency are distinctive nutritional problems for llamas and alpacas.

Nutritional requirements and assessing nutritional status in camelids.

It has been nearly 30 years since the first imported llamas and alpacas have been commercially raised in the United States. Nutritional requirements for these animals have not been well understood and most feeding practices were based on extrapolated and experiential information. Only recently has a National Research Council committee reviewed the available published information relative to nutrient requirements of llamas and alpacas.

Effect of type of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplement (corn oil or fish oil) on immune responses in healthy horses.

The objective of this study was to compare effects of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation (corn oil or fish oil) on selected immune responses in normal horses. Two groups of horses (n = 5) were randomly assigned a dietary supplement with either 3.0% corn oil or fish oil for a period of 14 weeks.

Dietary (n-3) fatty acids from menhaden fish oil alter plasma fatty acids and leukotriene B synthesis in healthy horses.

The study objective was to determine the effect of feeding corn oil or fish oil to horses on plasma fatty acid profiles and leukotriene B (LTB) synthesis by stimulated peripheral blood neutrophils. Two groups of horses (n = 5) were randomly assigned to diets supplemented with either 3.0% (by weight) corn oil or fish oil for a period of 14 weeks.

Vitamin D-responsive rickets in neonatal lambs.

An unusual clinical presentation of rickets in nursing lambs is described. Two sets of twin nursing lambs were presented for enlarged joints and mild angular deformity. Rickets was suspected, based on radiographic evidence.

Seasonal interaction of serum vitamin D concentration and bone density in alpacas.

Objective: To evaluate temporal changes in bone mineral density associated with seasonal variation in serum vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations in alpacas.

Animals: 5 healthy mature neutered male alpacas.

Procedure: Metacarpal bone mineral density was measured at 4 times during a year.