Direct Effect of a Hot Environment on Ruminal Motility in Sheep

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Arikawa, Yuji,Higashi, Mika,Matsuda, Hiroshi,Takahashi, Hiroshi,Kuriwaki, Zyunichi,Kojiya, Zuikou,Uechi, Syuntoku,Hongo, Fujiya Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2002 Animal Bioscience Vol.15 No.6

The aim of this research was to clarify the direct effects of a hot environment on ruminal motility in sheep fed twice a day. In the first experiment, in order to equalize variable factors excluding the ambient temperature between the thermoneutral environment ($23^{\circ}C$, relative humidity 80%) and the hot environment ($32^{\circ}C$, relative humidity 80%), sheep were fed equal amounts of the same quality feed twice a day. The sheep were allowed free access to water for the duration of the two one-hour feeding periods (10:00 am-11:00 am, 5:00 pm-6:00 pm). On the fourth day after exposure to the hot environment, the frequency and strength of ruminal contractions were continuously recorded between 9:30 am and 11:00 pm. Prior to the exposure to a hot environment the frequency and strength of ruminal contractions were recorded in a thermoneutral environment during the period 9:30 am-11:00 pm. In the second experiment, in order to maintain the stomach content of the sheep at equal levels in both environments, the sheep were fed equal amounts of the same quality feed twice a day. Following the completion of the two one-hour feeding periods, a fixed amount of warm water was infused into the rumen. Rumen motility was then recorded during the same period as for the first experiment (9:30 am-11:00 pm). In the first experiment, when the frequency of ruminal contractions prior to (24, 24 frequency/15 min), during (48, 47 frequency/min) and after (22, 19 frequency/min) both the morning and afternoon feeding in a hot environment was compared with the values from the thermoneutral environment (20, 22; 50, 50; 21, 20 frequency/min), there was found to be no difference. However, the strength of ruminal contractions after morning and afternoon feeding (3.7, 3.1 mm Hg) in the hot environment decreased significantly in comparison with the thermoneutral environment (4.3, 3.8 mm Hg). In the second experiment, the frequency of ruminal contractions in the hot environment was not significantly different from that in the thermoneutral environment. The strength of ruminal contractions after ruminal infusion of warm water in the hot environment (morning: 4.6, afternoon: 4.5 mm Hg) was significantly lower than that in the thermoneutral environment (morning: 5.6, afternoon: 5.0 mm Hg). The results suggest that a hot environment acts directly on the strength of ruminal contractions in sheep fed twice a day rather than on the frequency.

Effects of Intraruminal Saliva Flow on Feed Intake in Goats Fed on Alfalfa Hay Cubes

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Nakatsu, Yoshifumi,Nishikubo, Yoriko,Ooshiro, Takeshi,Naitou, Kouta,Nagamine, Itsuki Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2002 Animal Bioscience Vol.15 No.12

Research was carried out to ascertain whether or not the volume of saliva flowing into the rumen regulates dry forage intake in ruminants. Goats with a parotid fistula were fed roughly crushed alfalfa hay cubes, concentrated beef cattle feed and $NaHCO_3$ wice daily (10:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00). Except for the days on which experiments were conducted, the animals were free access to drinking water. The animals were intraruminally infused every day prior to the morning feeding period with parotid saliva collected from the parotid fistula over a 24 h period. The present experiment consisted of three treatments, non-infusion (NI), intraruminal infusion of parotid saliva (RSI), and intraruminal infusion of warm water (RWI). In the RSI treatment, approximately 4-5 kg of parotid saliva (280-290 mOsm/l) collected over a 24 h period was intraruminally infused 1 h prior to the commencement of morning feeding. In the RWI treatment, parotid saliva was substituted for warm water ($36^{\circ}C$). After infusions, the animals were fed on roughly crushed alfalfa hay cubes for 2 h. During feeding, eating and saliva secretion rates were measured. Blood samples were also periodically collected from the jugular vein. After 2 h feeding, water intake was measured for 30 min. These measurements were used to define thirst levels. On the day of the experiment, the animals were not access to drinking water during the morning feeding. It is thought that rumen fill in RSI and RWI treatments was higher than the NI treatment. In comparison with the NI treatment however, cumulative feed intake increased by 39.3% with RSI treatment and by 45.9% with RWI treatment after completion of the 2 h feeding period. After 2 h feeding, thirst level in the RSI treatment showed only a 10% decrease compared to the NI treatment, but thirst level in the RWI treatment decreased 49.8%. Despite the significant differences in thirst levels between RSI and RWI treatments, the cumulative feed intake in both treatments was similar. When comparing accumulated saliva secretion volumes 2 h after feeding, volumes in the RSI treatment were significantly 35.9% lower than the NI treatment while volumes in the RWI treatment were unchanged. However, the volumes of saliva and fluid flowing into the rumen were greater in both RSI and RWI treatments when compared to the NI treatment. The results indicate that the amount of saliva flowing into the rumen is a factor regulating feed intake in ruminants fed on dry forage.

The Role of Brain Somatostatin in the Central Regulation of Feed, Water and Salt Intake in Sheep

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Weisinger, Richard S.,McKinley, Michael J.,Purcell, Brett S.,Thomson, Craig,Burns, Peta L. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.7

The physiological role of brain somatostatin in the central regulation of feed intake in sheep was investigated through a continuous intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of somatostastin 1-28 (SRIF) at a small dose of $5{\mu}g/0.2ml/hr$ for 98.5 hours from day 1 to day 5. Sheep (n=5) were fed for 2 hours once a day, and water and 0.5 M NaCI solution were given ad libitum. Feed, water and salt intake were measured during ICV infusion of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and SRIF. The feed intake during SRIF infusion on days 2 to 5 increased significantly compared to that during CSF infusion. Water intake, when compared to that during CSF infusion, only increased significantly on day 4. NaCI intake during SRIF infusion was not different from that during CSF infusion. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate during SRIF infusion were not different from those during CSF infusion. The plasma concentrations of Na, K, Cl, osmolality and total protein during SRIF infusion were also not different from those values during CSF infusion.There are two possible mechanisms, that is, the suppression of brain SRIF on feed suppressing hormones and the direct actions on brain mechanisms controlling feed intake, explaining how SRIF works in the brain to bring about increases in feed intake in sheep fed on hay. The results indicate that brain SRIF increases feed intake in sheep fed on hay.

Significance of Hypovolemia in Feed Intake Control of Goats Fed on Dry Feed

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Prasetiyono, Bambang W.H.E.,Shinjo, Akihisa Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.9

The objective of this study was to examine the significance of feeding induced hypovolemia (decrease in plasma volume) in controlling the feed intake of goats fed on dry feed. In order to alleviate hypovolemia with feeding, a 2 h intravenous infusion (16-18 ml/min) of artificial saliva or mannitol solution was begun 1 h prior to feeding and continued until 1h after the start of the 2 h feeding period. In comparison with no infusion (NI), cumulative feed intake was increased by 41% with artificial saliva infusion (ASI) and by 45% with mannitol infusion (MI) by the completion of the 2 h feeding period. Both infusion treatments (ASI and MI) were significantly different (p<0.05) from the NI treatment in terms of the cumulative feed intake. The cumulative feed intake between the ASI and MI treatments was not significantly different (p>0.05). No infusion treatment (NI) had the lowest cumulative feed intake (929 g DM), whereas MI had the highest (1345 g DM), after completion of the 2 h feeding period. Generally, infusion treatments also increased the rate of eating at all time points after feeding was commenced. Following the first 30 mins of feeding, the rate of eating decreased sharply, and subsequently declined gradually in all treatments. Compared to the NI, both ASI and MI significantly (p<0.05) decreased thirst level (water intake for 30 mins after the completion of the 2 h feeding period) by approximately 13%. However, the thirst level caused by ASI and MI was not significantly different (p>0.05). Both ASI and MI decreased the plasma concentrations of osmolality and total protein, and hematocrit at 1 h after infusion. The results suggested that the thirst sensation in the brain could be produced by feeding induced hypovolemia. Moreover, the results indicate that hypovolemia is one of the factors controlling the feed intake of goats fed on dry feed.

Nighttime Cooling Is an Effective Method for Improving Milk Production in Lactating Goats Exposed to Hot and Humid Environment

Katsunori Sunagawa,Itsuki Nagamine,Yasuhiro Kamata,Noriko Niino,Yoshihiko Taniyama,Kazuhide Kinjo,Ayano Matayoshi 아세아·태평양축산학회 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.7

Heat production in ruminants follows a diurnal pattern over the course of a day peaking 3 hours following afternoon feeding and then gradually declining to its lowest point prior to morning feeding. In order to clarify the cooling period most effective in reducing decreases in feed intake and milk production, experiments were carried out based on the diurnal rhythm of heat production and heat dissipation. In experiment 1, the effects of hot environment on milk production were investigated. The animals were kept first in a thermoneutral environment (20.0°C, 80.0%) for 12 days, they were then transitioned to a hot environment (32°C, 80.0%) for 13 days before being returned to second thermoneutral environment for a further 12 days. In experiment 2, the effectiveness of daytime cooling or nighttime cooling for improving milk production in hot environment was compared. While ten lactating Japanese Saanen goats (aged 2 years, weighing 41.0 kg) during early lactation were used in experiment 1, ten lactating goats (aged 2 years, weighing 47.5 kg) during mid-lactation were used in experiment 2. The animals were fed 300 g of concentrated feed and excessive amounts of crushed alfalfa hay cubes twice daily. Water was given ad libitum. The animals were milked twice daily. When exposed to a hot environment, milk yield and composition decreased significantly (p<0.05). Milk yield in the hot environment did not change with daytime cooling, but tended to increase with nighttime cooling. Compared to the daytime cooling, milk components percentages in the nighttime cooling were not significantly different but the milk components yields in the nighttime cooling were significantly higher (p<0.05). The results indicate that nighttime cooling is more effective than daytime cooling in the reduction of milk production declines in lactating goats exposed to a hot environment.

The Effects of Water Deprivation on Cerebrospinal Fluid Constituents During Feeding in Sheep

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Weisinger, Richard S.,McKinley, Michael J.,Purcell, Brett S.,Thomson, Craig,Burns, Peta L. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.4

The internal humoral factors in the central regulation of dry feed intake during water deprivation in sheep were investigated by measurement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) constituents. Five animals were fed dried alfalfa chaff for 2 hours once a day. Sheep in the water deprivation treatment were deprived of water for 28 hours, while the sheep in the control treatment were given free access to water. During the first hour of the 2 hour feeding period, a rapid reduction in blood volume occured in both treatments (water deprivation and free access to water). The CSF concentrations of Na, Cl and osmolality during the second hour of the 2 hour feeding period in both treatments were greater (p<0.01) than those during the first hour. The drinking behaviors in sheep were concentrated during the second hour of the 2 hour feeding period in periods of free access to water. Water intake during feeding in periods of free access to water was 1110 ml/2 h. The levels of increase in CSF osmolality with feeding during water deprivation were greater (p<0.01) than during periods of free access to water. The changes in CSF osmolality with feeding during water deprivation produced more vigorous thirst sensations in the brain compared to during periods of free access to water. The eating rates for the first hour of the allotted 2 hour feeding period were the same under both treatments. However, the eating rates for the second hour during water deprivation periods decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to those during periods of free access to water. The decreased eating rates for the second hour during water deprivation may be due to the vigorous thirst sensations produced in the brain. The results suggest that the increase in CSF osmolality with feeding during water deprivation acts as a thirst and satiety factor in brain mechanisms controlling feeding to decrease dry feed intake in water-deprived sheep.

Significance of Feeding Induced Hypovolemia in Feed Intake Control of Goats Fed on Alfalfa Hay

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Prasetiyono, Bambang W.H.E.,Nagamine, Itsuki Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2002 Animal Bioscience Vol.15 No.3

The objective of this study was to examine whether feeding induced hypovolemia (decrease in plasma volume) acts on the regulation of feed intake in goats fed on dry forage. In order to prevent feeding induced hypovolemia, a 2 h intravenous infusion (16-18 ml/min) of isotonic mannitol solution was begun 1 h prior to feeding and continued until 1 h after the start of the 2 h feeding period. The intravenous infusion of isotonic mannitol solution (MI) decreased plasma osmolality by 1.0%, plasma total protein concentration by 4.2% and hematocrit by 5.9%, respectively. In comparison with no infusion (NI), MI significantly decreased thirst level by approximately 13%. At the completion of the 2 h feeding period, cumulative feed intake had been increased by 43% by MI. In conclusion, feeding induced hypovolemia in goats fed on dry forage increased thirst level more than the increase in plasma osmolality did. The results demonstrate that feeding induced hypovolemia is one of the factors controlling feed intake in goats fed on dry forage.

The Physiological Suppressing Factors of Dry Forage Intake and the Cause of Water Intake Following Dry Forage Feeding in Goats - A Review

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Nagamine, Itsuki Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2016 Animal Bioscience Vol.29 No.2

The goats raised in the barn are usually fed on fresh grass. As dry forage can be stored for long periods in large amounts, dry forage feeding makes it possible to feed large numbers of goats in barns. This review explains the physiological factors involved in suppressing dry forage intake and the cause of drinking following dry forage feeding. Ruminants consume an enormous amount of dry forage in a short time. Eating rates of dry forage rapidly decreased in the first 40 min of feeding and subsequently declined gradually to low states in the remaining time of the feeding period. Saliva in large-type goats is secreted in large volume during the first hour after the commencement of dry forage feeding. It was elucidated that the marked suppression of dry forage intake during the first hour was caused by a feeding-induced hypovolemia and the loss of $NaHCO_3$ due to excessive salivation during the initial stages of dry forage feeding. On the other hand, it was indicated that the marked decrease in feed intake observed in the second hour of the 2 h feeding period was related to ruminal distension caused by the feed consumed and the copious amount of saliva secreted during dry forage feeding. In addition, results indicate that the marked decreases in dry forage intake after 40 min of feeding are caused by increases in plasma osmolality and subsequent thirst sensations produced by dry forage feeding. After 40 min of the 2 h dry forage feeding period, the feed salt content is absorbed into the rumen and plasma osmolality increases. The combined effects of ruminal distension and increased plasma osmolality accounted for 77.6% of the suppression of dry forage intake 40 min after the start of dry forage feeding. The results indicate that ruminal distension and increased plasma osmolality are the main physiological factors in suppression of dry forage intake in large-type goats. There was very little drinking behavior observed during the first hour of the 2 h feeding period most water consumption occurring in the second hour. The cause of this thirst sensation during the second hour of dry forage feeding period was not hypovolemia brought about by excessive salivation, but rather increases in plasma osmolality due to the ruminal absorption of salt from the consumed feed. This suggests the water intake following dry forage feeding is determined by the level of salt content in the feed.

Effect of Parotid Saliva Secretion on Dry Forage Intake in Goats

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Nakatsu, Yoshifumi,Nishikubo, Yoriko,Ooshiro, Takeshi,Naitou, Kouta,Nagamine, Itsuki Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2003 Animal Bioscience Vol.16 No.8

Research was carried out to clarify whether a suppression of dry forage intake during the early stages of feeding in ruminants is caused by feeding induced hypovolemia which is produced by the accelerated secretion of parotid saliva. Goats with a parotid fistula were fed roughly crushed alfalfa hay cubes, commercial ground concentrate feed and $NaHCO_3$ twice daily (10:00-12:00, 16:00-18:00). The animals were free access to drinking water all day prior to, during and after experiments. The animals were intraruminally infused every day prior to the morning feeding period with parotid saliva collected from the parotid fistula over a 24 h period. The present experiment consisted of two treatments, non-infusion (RNI) and intraruminal infusion of parotid saliva (RSF). In the RSF treatment, 4-5 kg of parotid saliva (280-290 mOsm/l) collected over a 24 h period was intraruminally infused 1 h prior to the commencement of the morning feeding. During feeding, eating and parotid saliva secretion rates were measured. Blood samples were also periodically collected from the jugular vein. During and after 2 h feeding, water intakes were measured, respectively. These measurements were used to define thirst levels. It is thought that rumen fill in the RSF treatment was higher than the RNI treatment. Plasma osmolality in the RSF treatment increased in the first half of the 2 h feeding period due to the intraruminal infusion of parotid saliva. Therefore, parotid saliva secretion rates in the RSF treatment were lower than the RNI treatment for 30 min period from 30 to 60 min after the commencement of feeding. On the other hand, plasma total protein concentration and hematocrit in the RSF treatment decreased by 3.2 and 3.3% prior to the commencement of feeding due to the intraruminal infusion of parotid saliva. In the first half of the 2 h feeding period, plasma total protein concentration and hematocrit in the RSF treatment showed a tendency to decrease compared to the RNI treatment. Thirst level in the RSF treatment during feeding was approximately 31.3% less than the RNI treatment. Upon the completion of the 2 h feeding period, cumulative feed intake in the RSF treatment was significantly larger (19.7%) than the RNI treatment. The results suggest that a suppression of dry forage intake during the early stages of feeding in goats is partly caused by feeding induced hypovolemia, which is produced by the accelerated secretion of parotid saliva.

Nighttime Cooling Is an Effective Method for Improving Milk Production in Lactating Goats Exposed to Hot and Humid Environment

Sunagawa, Katsunori,Nagamine, Itsuki,Kamata, Yasuhiro,Niino, Noriko,Taniyama, Yoshihiko,Kinjo, Kazuhide,Matayoshi, Ayano Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2015 Animal Bioscience Vol.28 No.7

Heat production in ruminants follows a diurnal pattern over the course of a day peaking 3 hours following afternoon feeding and then gradually declining to its lowest point prior to morning feeding. In order to clarify the cooling period most effective in reducing decreases in feed intake and milk production, experiments were carried out based on the diurnal rhythm of heat production and heat dissipation. In experiment 1, the effects of hot environment on milk production were investigated. The animals were kept first in a thermoneutral environment ($20.0^{\circ}C$, 80.0%) for 12 days, they were then transitioned to a hot environment ($32^{\circ}C$, 80.0%) for 13 days before being returned to second thermoneutral environment for a further 12 days. In experiment 2, the effectiveness of daytime cooling or nighttime cooling for improving milk production in hot environment was compared. While ten lactating Japanese Saanen goats (aged 2 years, weighing 41.0 kg) during early lactation were used in experiment 1, ten lactating goats (aged 2 years, weighing 47.5 kg) during mid-lactation were used in experiment 2. The animals were fed 300 g of concentrated feed and excessive amounts of crushed alfalfa hay cubes twice daily. Water was given ad libitum. The animals were milked twice daily. When exposed to a hot environment, milk yield and composition decreased significantly (p<0.05). Milk yield in the hot environment did not change with daytime cooling, but tended to increase with nighttime cooling. Compared to the daytime cooling, milk components percentages in the nighttime cooling were not significantly different but the milk components yields in the nighttime cooling were significantly higher (p<0.05). The results indicate that nighttime cooling is more effective than daytime cooling in the reduction of milk production declines in lactating goats exposed to a hot environment.