Comparison of Plasma Metabolite Concentrations and Enzyme Activities in Beef Cattle Raised by Different Feeding Systems in Korea, Japan and New Zealand

Abstract

Concentrations of metabolites and immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and activities of enzymes related to energy metabolism were measured in plasma of Korean and Japanese beef cattle, which were raised by the indoor feeding system programmed to feed larger amount of roughage in their growing periods and larger amount of concentrate diet in their finishing periods (Japanese feeding system), and grazing New Zealand beef cattle. By the Japanese beef grading system, Korean and Japanese beef cattle showed high beef quality score, average grade 3.3 and 3.6, respectively. The plasma free fatty acid and lactate concentrations and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities in Korean beef cattle were significantly higher than those in Japanese beef cattle. The plasma lactate concentration in Korean beef cattle was 8.40 mmol/l, which was similar to the values observed in lactic acidosis. The higher activities of plasma LDH, MDH and AST may indicate slight liver damage by slightly acidotic conditions in Korean beef cattle. New Zealand beef cattle fed on pasture which they harvest by grazing showed significantly lower plasma glucose, cholesterol, lactate and IRI concentrations and enzyme activities than those in Korean and Japanese beef cattle fed on larger amount of concentrate diets. Plasma metabolite concentrations and energy metabolism-related enzyme activities may be good indicators for evaluating metabolic conditions of beef cattle raised by different feeding systems.

Serum metabolite concentrations and enzyme activities in finishing bull calves fed different types of high-grain diets

“…When used in conjunction with the physical examination the chemistry panel may be useful for establishing initial baseline parameters, formulating a problem or rule out list, planning nutritional options and monitoring the response to it (Russell & Roussel 2007). In fact, in previous studies, plasma metabolite concentrations and the activities of certain enzymes involved in energy metabolism have been shown to be useful indicators of changes in the metabolic status of beef cattle and other animals (Brown et al 2000a, Arai et al 2003, Mori et al 2007.…”

Identification of yak lactate dehydrogenase B gene variants by gene cloning

“…This enzyme is also used as a genetic marker in diagnosis of energy metabolism related diseases [15] . LDH has significant influence on animal performance [16,17] .…”

Changes in metabolite, energy metabolism related enzyme activities and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) Populations in beef heifers with two differing liveweight change profiles in New Zealand

“…Elevation of plasma FFA concentrations in the liveweight losing heifers was considered to be response to under-nutrition. The plasma IRI concentrations in the heifers fed on pasture were significantly lower compared to those in beef cattle fed on high concentrate diets (Shingu et al 2001;Mori et al 2007). Lower IRI levels due to under-feeding led to mobilization of body fat for energy, and plasma FFA concentrations were elevated as breakdown product of stored fat in the liveweight losing heifers.…”

“…Diets containing high carbohydrate levels cause a change in concentrations of some plasma metabolites related to glucose and lipid metabolism (Janes et al 1985;Quigley and Bernard 1992;Rabelo et al 2001). In our previous report, plasma metabolite concentrations and energy metabolism related enzyme activities changed significantly in beef cattle with different feeding systems in Korea, Japan and New Zealand (Mori et al 2007). On the other hand, plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzyme patterns which are specific for each animal species, are used as a marker for evaluating metabolic conditions in animals including cattle (Arai et al 2003a;Tanaka et al 2006;Sako et al 2007).…”