Amrish Kumar Tyagi

Feed intake, milk production and composition of crossbred cows fed with insect-protected Bollgard II® cottonseed containing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins.

Twenty crossbred lactating multiparous cows were used in a 28-day study to compare dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, milk composition and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) protein concentrations in plasma when fed diets containing Bollgard II(®) cottonseed (BGII) or a control non-genetically modified isogenic cottonseed (CON). Bollgard II cottonseed contains the Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab insecticidal proteins that protect cotton plants from feeding damage caused by certain lepidopteran insects. Cows were assigned randomly to the BGII or CON treatments after a 2-week adjustment period. Cows consumed a concentrate containing 40% crushed cottonseed according to milk yield and green maize forage ad libitum. All cows received the same diet but with different crushed cottonseed sources. Cottonseed was included to provide approximately 2.9 kg per cow daily (dry matter basis). The ingredient composition of the concentrate was 40% crushed cottonseed, 15% groundnut cake, 20% corn, 22% wheat bran, 1% salt and 2% mineral mixture. Milk and blood plasma were analyzed for Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab proteins. DMI, BW, milk yield and milk components did not differ between cows on the BGII and CON treatments. Although milk yield and milk fat percentage were not affected by treatment, 4% fat-corrected milk (FCM) production and FCM/kg DMI for cows on the BGII treatment (14.0 kg/cow per day, 1.12 kg/kg) were significantly improved compared with cows on the CON treatment (12.1 kg/cow per day, 0.97 kg/kg). Gossypol contents in BGII cottonseed and conventional cottonseed were similar. Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab2 proteins in Bollgard II cottonseed were 5.53 and 150.8 μg/g, respectively, and were not detected in the milk or plasma samples. The findings suggested that Bollgard II cottonseed can replace conventional cottonseed in dairy cattle diets with no adverse effects on performance and milk composition.

Evaluation of complementary effects of 9,10-anthraquinone and fumaric acid on methanogenesis and ruminal fermentation in vitro

The objective of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that 9,10-anthraquinone (AQ) in combination with fumaric acid (FMA) may provide complementary effects to inhibit methanogens and enhance rumens capacity for better utilisation of FMA towards propionate production. Three levels of AQ and four levels of FMA were tested in a 3 × 4 factorial design using in vitro gas production technique. AQ reduced the total gas and methane production significantly. The combination of 4 ppm AQ with FMA had additive effect on concentration of propionate. Supplementation of AQ alone resulted in hydrogen accumulation (p < 0.001), whereas presence of FMA (up to 6.5 mM) along with AQ declined hydrogen concentration (p < 0.001). The level of 4 ppm AQ did not affect in vitro digestibility, however, a reduction of organic matter digestibility was caused by 8 ppm AQ (p < 0.001), which was partially compensated by the addition of FMA (p = 0.06). The optimum FMA level depended on the AQ concentration. At 4 ppm AQ, a FMA level of 3.5 mM had best possible effect on partitioning factor and microbial biomass production (p < 0.001), though, at 8 ppm AQ the higher level of FMA (6.5 mM) responded better. Overall, FMA in combination with AQ provided an alternative hydrogen sink and might be introduced as a novel strategy for mitigation of enteric methane emission. Nevertheless, the result should be proved by in vivo experiments.

Dietary supplementation of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens alters fatty acids of milk and rumen fluid in lactating goats.

BACKGROUND Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have high health amelioration potential and hence it is of great interest to increase the CLA content in dairy products. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of administration of high CLA producing Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens In-1 on fatty acid composition of milk and rumen fluid in lactating goats. Four groups (n = 5) of lactating goats were assigned the following treatments: Control (C) (basal diet); T1 (basal diet + linoleic acid source), T2 (basal diet + suspension of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens In-1, 10(9) CFU head(-1)) and T3 (basal diet + linoleic acid source + suspension of Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens In-1, 10(9) CFU head(-1)). RESULTS Rumen liquor and milk samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 60 and 90 of the experiment and linoleic isomerase enzyme (LA-I) activity and fatty acid profiles were elucidated. Major effects of treatments were seen on day 30 of the experiment. Total CLA content of rumen fluid increased (P < 0.05) by 218.72, 182.26 and 304% whereas total saturated fatty acid (SFA) content was lowered (P < 0.05) by 6.1, 4.44 and 9.55% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, as compared to control. Vaccenic acid in groups T2 and T3 increased (P < 0.05) by 66.67% and 105.7% as compared to control. In milk, total CLA increased by 2.03, 1.61 and 0.61 folds in T3, T2 and T1, respectively. Total monounsaturated fatty acid and polyunsaturated fatty acid content increased (P < 0.05) in group T3 by 14.15 and 37.44%, respectively. CONCLUSION Results of the present study indicated that administration of B. fibrisolvens In-1 along with a linoleic acid (LA) source is a useful strategy to alter the biohydrogenation pattern in the rumen that subsequently decreased SFA content while increased CLA and unsaturated fatty acids in ruminants milk.

Association of novel SNPs in the candidate genes affecting caprine milk fatty acids related to human health

In the present investigation, 618 milk samples of Sirohi breed of goat were collected, and analyzed for conjugated linoleic acid (CLA, C18:2) and other fatty acids. The CLA in studied goat milk samples was 4.87 mg/g of milk fat and C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 contributes 2.9 mg/g of milk fat and trans10 cis12 contributes 0.82 mg/g of milk fat. The saturated fatty acids in the milk accounted for 69.55% and unsaturated fatty acid accounted for 28.50%. The unsaturated fatty acid was constituted by monounsaturated fatty acid (24.57%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (3.96%.). The major contribution (45.56%) in total fatty acid was of C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0. C18:0 and short chain ones (C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0) have a neutral or cholesterol-decreasing effect. The DNA sequence analysis of the genes (DGAT1, SCAP, PPARG, OLR, FABP3 and PRL) in a random panel of 8 Sirohi goats revealed 38 SNPs across the targeted regions. Out of the studied SNPs (38) across these genes, 22 SNPs had significant effect on one or a group of fatty acids including CLA. The genotypes at these loci showed significant differences in the least square means of a particular fatty acid or a group of fatty acids including CLA and its isomers.

Effect of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid enriched diet on plasma IGF-1 and testosterone concentration, puberty and semen quality in male buffalo

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 and omega-6 PUFA enriched diet on plasma IGF-1 and testosterone concentrations, puberty, sperm fatty acid profile and semen quality in male buffalo. Eighteen male buffalo calves were distributed randomly in three different groups and fed concentrate mixture along with green fodder and wheat straw in 50:40:10 ratios as per requirements. Basis ration of animals in group I was supplemented with 4% of prilled fat (PFA), while in group II and group III were added 4.67% of Calcium salt from Soybean (CaSFA) and Linseed oil (CaLFA), respectively. Male buffalo fed omega-3 PUFA high diet significantly increased concentrations of IGF-1 and testosterone in plasma as compared to two other diets (p<0.05). The age of puberty and scrotal circumference significantly increased by dietary fat effect (p<0.05) of which n-3 PUFA enriched diet (CaLFA) had the largest influence as compared to other diets (PFA and CaSFA). Feeding of n-3 PUFA rich diet significantly increased the DHA (C22:6n-3) content in sperm (p<0.05), which contributed to increased fluidity of plasma membrane, elevated quality of sperm (motility, viability) and in vitro fertility (plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity) in both fresh and post-thawing semen. These findings indicate that feeding of n-3 PUFA enriched diet increased IGF-1 and testosterone secretion, reduced pubertal age and improved both fresh and post-thawing semen quality in male buffalo.

Conjugated linoleic acid: a multifunctional nutraceutical from the rumen

Milk fat generally had a bad image for its relatively high content of saturated fatty acids that may increase plasma cholesterol in consumers. However, in the recent past, a lot of attention has been directed toward conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) that is naturally present in milk and its products. The formation of CLA is a part of process called biohydrogenation that takes place in the rumen, which converts linoleic acid to stearic acid. Hence, ruminants are the major reservoir for this fatty acid. Though, the presence of CLA in milk was known for a long time, there has been an explosion of interest in CLA research in the last two decades after the discovery that it possesses potential anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, anticholestrolemic and immuno-modulatory health benefits.

Effect of ammonia fiber expansion on the available energy content of wheat straw fed to lactating cattle and buffalo in India

The seasonal lack of availability of lush green forages can force dairy farmers in developing nations to rely on crop residues such as wheat and rice straw as the major feed source. We tested whether ammonia fiber expansion (AFEX) treatment of wheat straw would increase the energy available to Murrah buffalo and Karan-Fries cattle consuming 70% of their diet as wheat straw in India. Forty lactating animals of each species were blocked by parity and days in milk and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatment diets (n = 10). Treatments were a nutrient-rich diet with 0 to 20% straw (positive control; PC) and 3 high-straw diets with various levels of AFEX-treatment: (1) 70% untreated straw (no AFEX), (2) 40 to 45% untreated straw with 25 to 30% AFEX-treated straw (low AFEX), and (3) 20% untreated straw with 50% AFEX-treated straw (high AFEX). The AFEX-treated straw was pelleted. Urea was added to the no and low AFEX diets so they were isonitrogenous with the high AFEX diet. Animals were individually fed the PC diet for 14 d followed by 7 d of adaptation to treatments, full treatments for 28 to 35 d, and finally PC diets for 21 d. Compared with buffalo fed the PC diet, those fed high-straw diets consumed 29% less feed dry matter, put out 16% less milk energy, and lost 0.8 kg/d more body weight; the AFEX treatment of straw did not alter intake or milk production but greatly ameliorated the body weight loss (-1.0 kg/d for no AFEX and -0.07 kg/d for high AFEX). In Karan-Fries cattle, high-straw diets decreased dry matter intake by 39% and milk energy by 24%, and the high AFEX diet increased intake by 42% and milk energy by 18%. The AFEX treatment increased digestibilities of organic matter, dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude protein by 6 to 13 percentage points in buffalo and 5 to 10 points in cattle. In conclusion, AFEX treatment increased the digestibility and energy availability of wheat straw for lactating buffalo and cattle and has commercial potential to improve milk production and feed efficiency when high-quality forages or grains are not available.

Growth and haematological parameters in murrah buffalo calves as affected by addition of Lactobacillus acidophilus in the diet

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion of Lactobacillus acidophilus in diet on DM intake, growth and haematological parameters in Murrah buffalo calves. Twenty four neonatal calves (5–7 days) were divided into four groups of six animals each. The calves were assigned to different dietary treatments viz. CON (basal diet alone, control), T1 (basal diet+ fermented milk @100 mL/calf/d having 108 CFU/mL), T2 (basal diet+ fermented milk @ 200 mL/calf/d having 108 CFU/mL) and T3 (basal diet+ fermented milk @ 300 mL/calf/d having 108 CFU/mL) for a period of 90 d. The weight gain and average daily gain was higher (P<0.05) in probiotic supplemented group as compared to control group. The DM intake was also higher (P<0.05) in groups T2 and T3 compared to CON. There was a significant increase in leucocyte count in groups T2 and T3 as compared to control and T1 groups. There was no effect of the supplementation of probiotic on haemoglobin, total erythrocyte count and packed cell volume. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in groups T2 and T 3 showed higher values as compared to control and T1 groups. The values of mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were higher (P<0.001) in groups T1, T2 and T3 than control group. The values of neutrophils (%), lymphocytes (%), monocytes (%), eiosinophils (%) and basophils (%) were similar in all the groups. It might be concluded that supplementation of probiotic as fermented milk @ 200 and 300 mL/calf/d having 108 CFU/mL to Murrah buffalo calves would be beneficial in terms of improved growth, DM intake, leukocyte count, MCV, MCH and MCHC. Further, it was also observed that supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus as fermented milk @ 200 mL/calf/d was optimum.

Effect of Different Bypass Fat Sources on Nutrient Utilization, Blood Parameters and Growth in Male Murrah Buffalo Calves

Eighteen animals were divided into three groups of 6 animals each in a completely randomized design to study the effect of different rumen protected fat sources on utilization of nutrients, blood parameters and growth in male buffalo calves. All animals were fed with concentrate mixture, green fodder and wheat straw in 50: 40: 10 ratio as per requirements. Prilled fat (PFA) treatment was supplemented with rumen protected palm oil at level of 4% of concentrate mixture on DM basis while soybean fed group (CaSFA) and linseed oil (CaLFA) treatments were supplemented with 4.67% of calcium salt of soyabean oil and linseed oil, respectively. Dietary protected fat sources did not influence the nutrient intake and growth of animals. No significant effect was observed on digestibility of nutrients except that EE and OM digestibility was higher in CaSFA and CaLFA group as compared with PFA group. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) added to diet significantly affected (P<0.05) plasma malondialdehyde and insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) level. Mean scrotal circumference improved in buffalo fed CaSFA and CaLFA as compared to PFA. It might be concluded that dietary supplementation of rumen protected fat sources rich in PUFA resulted in the improvement in digestibility of EE and OM. It also increased IGF-1 level and scrotal circumference in male buffalo calves as compared saturated fatty acid rich diet.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid: A Milk Fatty Acid with Unique Health Benefit Properties

Human diet comprises of milk and milk products in both developed and developing parts of globe. Milk fat is the major energy source in Indian diet but due to the fear of hypercholesterolemia, saturated fats have lead to avoidance of dietary fats especially of animal origin. However, milk contains a number of components with beneficial properties, one such compound associated with the fat phase is Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) which has potential health benefits towards human beings. Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) refers to a mixture of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid (cis-9, cis-12, C18:2) with two conjugated double bonds at various carbon positions in the fatty acid chain. It is formed as an intermediate during the biohydrogenation of linoleic acid by linoleic acid isomerase from the rumen bacteria Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens (Kritchevsky, 2000) or from the endogenous conversion of trans-11, C18:1 (Transvaccenic Acid) another intermediate of linoleic or linolenic acid biohydrogenation by ∆9-desaturase in the mammary gland (Corl et al., 2001). Milk fat is the richest natural dietary source of CLA. Milk contains an average 4.5mg CLA/g of fat (Kelly et al., 1998). Recent studies have shown that the CLA content of milk fat can be markedly enhanced by dietary manipulation especially those involving dietary addition of plant oils which are high in unsaturated fatty acids (Griinari and Bauman, 1999). Dietary increase of linoleic acid (C18:2) and linolenic acid (C18:3) is one of the feeding strategies for increasing the CLA concentration in milk which is the main precursor of CLA. The main sources of linoleic acid for feeding animals are cereals, oil seeds, oils etc (Kelly et al., 1998) There is an increasing research interest towards the CLA and its potential health benefits such as anticarcinogenic, antiatherogenic, antidiabetic and immunomodulatory effects (Belury, 2002; Tyagi and kathirvelan, 2006). The potential anti-cancer effect of CLA is well documented, with the majority of experimental work conducted in vitro or in animal models (Ip et al., 1994). It has been demonstrated that CLA has the ability to affect mammary cancer, stomach cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer. Most of the anticarcinogens are of plant origin but CLA is unique, it is present in food from animal sources and its anti-cancer efficacy is expressed at concentrations close to human consumption level. The unique structural and functional properties of CLA appear to modulate cellular process involved in carcinogenesis.