Nutrition: Page 296

Influence of medium-chain triglycerides on consumption and weight gain in rats

The aim of this study was to determine whether there is evidence that the use of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) reduces consumption and body weight gain in rats. A search of scientific work was performed in November 2011 on two bases: 'Web of Science' and 'PubMed'.

Effects of diet type on pharmacokinetics of levothyroxine sodium oral solution

The pharmacokinetics of serum total thyroxine concentration (TT4) in euthyroid dogs was studied after concomitant administration of a levothyroxine oral solution with different types of dry diet. Mixing levothyroxine with different types of dry diet did not have any effect on TT4 pharmacokinetics in the dogs.

Effect of feeding galacto-oligosaccharides and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum on cat intestinal microbiota

The objective of this study is to evaluate the growth kinetics of a strain of Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum (BP) on 4 oligo- or polysaccharides and the effect of feeding a selected probiotic-prebiotic combination on intestinal microbiota in cats. Ten healthy adult cats were selected for testing. Growth kinetics of a strain of cat-origin BP (BP-B82) on fructo-oligosaccharides, galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), lactitol or pectins was determined, and the combination of GOS and BP-B82 was selected.

Using gene expression, molecular biology to understand pet obesity

Approximately 55% of dogs and 53% of cats in the U.S. are considered overweight or obese. The domestication of dogs and cats and, more recently, their anthropomorphism, have drastically changed their environment and social behavior.

Comparison of metabolites in domestic cats after isoflavone exposure

Some felid diets contain isoflavones but the metabolic capacity of cats towards isoflavones is relatively unknown, despite the understanding that isoflavones have divergent biological potential according to their metabolite end-products. The objective of this study was to determine the plasma metabolites detectable in domestic cats after exposure to two different dietary forms of isoflavones.

Response of plasma fatty acid profiles to changes in dietary n-3 fatty acids

An elevated level of long-chain n-3 fatty acids in tissue membranes has a positive influence on the progression and treatment of many diseases. Therefore, dietary supplementation of n-3 fatty acids is recommended in some diseases.

Genomes show dogs adapted to starch-rich diet

The domestication of dogs was an important episode in the development of human civilization. The precise timing and location of this event is debated, and little is known about the genetic changes that accompanied the transformation of ancient wolves into domestic dogs.

Genetically modified food labeling to be voted on in Washington, USA

Mandatory labeling of genetically modified foods will be voted on in November by state legislators in Washington, USA, where a new initiative was recently introduced. If passed, Initiative 522, or "The People's Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act," would require that agricultural commodities and processed foods containing genetically engineered ingredients must be labeled accordingly.

Nutrition update: The latest probiotics for petfoods

Probiotics are crucial to our digestive health by providing “friendly bacteria” to our bodies—they help flush away toxins and other harmful waste left behind after digestion. Consumers of pet products now know to look for these digestive aids on ingredient lists when searching out a petfood for a dog with a finicky stomach.

Pet parents now know to look for probiotic digestive aids on ingredient lists when searching out a petfood for a dog with a finicky stomach.

Pet Food Market

Petfood companies must adapt to changing pet market and consumers

When Colgate-Palmolive, parent company of Hill's Pet Nutrition, reported its fourth-quarter 2012 results last week, they included a worrisome sign for Hill's: While sales and profit had both increased for the parent company, Hill's sales declined 1% while operating profit decreased 2%, according to theWall Street Journal.

Market Trends and Reports

New calorie regulations approved by Association of American Feed Control Officials

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) held its "mid-year" meeting January 22-24 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. By far the biggest news was the vote in the General Session to approve the proposed changes to AAFCO Model Regulation PF9 that would require calorie content statements on ALL (not just "lite" and "reduced calorie") dog and cat food labels.

AFIA Pet Food Conference draws 25 percent higher attendance in 2013

The American Feed Industry Association hosted its annual Pet Food Conference, along with the Poultry Protein & Fat Council, at the International Production and Processing Expo, drawing 25 percent higher attendance than in 2012. The day-long conference featured a variety of experts discussing topics impacting today’s petfood and petfood ingredient manufacturer.

Page 296 of 330