published_or_final_version / Ecology and Biodiversity / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / abstract / toc / Ecology and Biodiversity / Master / Master of Philosophy

This trial was conducted in two phases during the period of February 2002 – June 2003. In phase 1 of the study the growth potential of calves fed either commercial Surromel Calf® (CSM) or experimental Surromel Calf (ESM) without calf starter was evaluated. In phase 2 of the study calves were fed either experimental Surromel Calf (ESM) or full milk with starter. High production cost and the availability of new technology prompted Clover SA to investigate other processes of manufacturing Surromel Calf®. The implementation of a new manufacturing process however, also necessitates evaluation of the end product. Twenty four Holstein heifer calves were used in a completely randomized block design. Calves were liquid fed only. For the first two weeks the milk replacer was allocated at 10% of body weight (2l fed twice daily), from week 3 to week 6 at 12.5% of body weight (2.5l fed twice daily) and during week 7 and week 8 calves received the milk replacer at 15% of body weight (3l milk fed twice daily). Water was available ad lib except for 30 minutes before and after milk replacer feedings. Body weight and skeletal development (body length, shoulder height, shoulder width and chest diameter) were measured weekly. The fecal consistency was subjectively scored daily. Mean average daily gains were 170g/day and 176g/day for calves receiving either ESM or CSM respectively. No differences were observed between treatments (P>0.05) for any change in body stature measurements over the 56 day trial period. If a price-competitive milk replacer could guarantee similar growth results as full milk, then milk producers would have confidence in using these replacers instead of full milk. In phase 2 of the trial calves were fed either 2l of full milk (FMS) or experimental Surromel Calf (EMSS) twice daily from birth up to 56 days. Calves had ad lib access to a commercial calf starter. Starter consumption was negligible for the first three weeks. Starter intake was 0.30kg/d and 0.34kg/d respectively at 35 days of age and 1.11kg/d and 1.10kg/d for FMS and EMSS calves respectively at 56 days (P>0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) were 370g/day and was unaffected by treatment (P>0.05). No differences were observed between treatments (P>0.05) for any change in body stature measurements. Growth standards for dairy calves with body weight less than 100kg have been included for the first time in the NRC Dairy 2001. Many producers are reluctant to use these recommendations since these have not been validated under South African conditions. The growth prediction was only compared with the growth of calves in Phase 2. The results showed that the NRC growth predictions are in agreement from week 3 onwards with the current study‘s growth results. / Dissertation (MSc (Agric) : Animal Nutrition)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

Thesis (MCurr)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background Diarrhoea (frequent, loose, watery stools) is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality globally and affects mainly infants and children under the age of five years. Unhygienic feeding practices and feeding utensils contribute to diarrhoeal incidences. The most common causes of acute gastroenteritis worldwide are infectious agents, such as viruses, bacteria and parasites Aim The aim of the study was to investigate which out of three particular sterilising methods is the most effective for sterilising feeding bottles and cups. Methods An experimental quantitative approach was most appropriate for the current study. An in vitro experimental study with a descriptive design was utilised under controlled laboratory conditions. The study was conducted at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) in April 2009. Results The sample size consisted of 16 samples, of which two were used for each method of sterilisation, namely: two (2) bottles and two (2) cups for sunlight; two (2) bottles and two (2) cups for Milton™; two (2) bottles and two (2) cups for Sunlight™ dishwashing liquid; and control utensils that consisted of two (2) bottles and two (2) cups. The target population for the study comprised infant feeding bottles and feeding cups. The analysis for the APC cultures that was compared in the cups vs. bottles, in order to see whether there was a significant difference between the mean bacteria counts, shows that the average bacteria count (on the ln scale) was 6 cfu/ml and 9 cfu/ml for the cups and bottles, respectively. The t-value was -1.17524. As the ρ-value was 0.2595, no significant difference was found between the cups and bottles. The E. coli cultures were compared in the cups vs. bottles to see whether there was a significant difference between the mean bacteria counts. The results show that the average bacteria count (on the ln scale) was 7 cfu/ml and 7.6 cfu/ml for cups and bottles, respectively. The t-value was -0.211902. The ρ-value was 0.835237, and therefore there was no significant difference between cups and bottles. Conclusion The current study showed no significant difference between the sterilising methods or between the use of either bottles or cups. Therefore, a study with a larger sample size is recommended for further research. Recommendations The researcher recommends that future researchers conduct broader studies, with a larger sample size on the topic. Studies with a larger sample size enabled the real differences to be large enough to be significant. The use of sunlight is recommended as a sterilisation method for infant feeding utensils, as it is both time- and cost-effective. Sunlight is an inexpensive and readily available method of sterilisation; therefore, it can be used by relatively under resourced socio-economic communities. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Agtergrond Diarree (gereelde, los, waterige stoelgang) is een van die hoofoorsake van morbiditeit en sterflikheid wêreldwyd en affekteer hoofsaaklik suigelinge en kinders onder die ouderdom van vyf jaar. Onhigiëniese voedingspraktyke en -gereedskap dra by tot die voorkoms van diarree-gevalle. Die mees algemene oorsake van akute gastroënteritus wêreldwyd word veroorsaak deur aansteeklike agente soos virusse, bakterieë en parasiete. Doel Die doel van hierdie studie is om ondersoek te doen na watter van die drie bepaalde steriliseringsmetodes die mees effektiewe is vir die sterilisering van bottels en koppies. Metodes ’n Eksperimentele kwantitatiewe benadering is die mees geskikte een vir die huidige studie. ’n In vitro-eksperimentele studie met ’n deskriptiewe ontwerp is onder gekontroleerde laboratorium omstandighede aangewend. Die studie is by die Universitet van die Wes-Kaap (UWK) in April 2009 uitgevoer. Resultate Die steekproefgroote het bestaan uit 16 monsters waarvan twee gebruik is vir elke steriliseringsmetode, naamlik: twee (2) bottels en twee (2) koppies vir sonlig; twee (2) bottels en twee (2) koppies vir Milton™; twee (2) bottels en twee (2) koppies vir Sunlight™ skottelgoedopwasmiddel; en kontrole gereedskap wat bestaan het uit twee (2) bottels en twee (2) koppies. Die teikenbevolking vir die studie het bestaan uit voedingsbottels en -koppies vir suigelinge. Die analise vir die APC-kulture wat vergelyk is in die koppies vs. bottels om te bepaal of daar ’n beduidende verskil is tussen die gemiddelde bakterie-tellings, toon dat die gemiddelde bakterie-telling (op die In-skaal) is 6 cfu/ml en 9 cfu/ml vir die koppies en bottels respektiewelik. Die t-waarde is -1.17524. Aangesien die p-waarde 0.2595 is, is daar geen beduidende verskil gevind tussen die koppies en die bottels nie. Die E. coli-kulture is vergelyk in die koppies vs. bottels om te bepaal of daar ’n beduidende verskil tussen die gemiddelde bakterie-tellings is. Die uitslae wys dat die gemiddelde bakterie-telling (op die In-skaal) is 7cfu/ml en 7.6 cfu/ml vir koppies en bottels respektiewelik. Die t-waarde is -0.211902. Die p-waarde is 0.835237 en dus is daar geen beduidende verskil tussen koppies en bottels nie. Gevolgtrekking Die huidige studie toon dat daar geen beduidende verskil tussen die steriliseringsmetodes of tussen die gebruik van of bottels of koppies is nie. Dus, ’n studie met ’n groter steekproefgrootte word aanbeveel vir toekomstige navorsing. Aanbevelings Die navorser beveel aan dat toekomstige navorsers meer omvattende studies met ’n groter steekproefgrootte oor die onderwerp uitvoer. Studies met ’n groter steekproefgrootte sal veroorsaak dat die werklike verskille vanweë hul grootte genoegsaam sal wees, om beduidend te wees. Die gebruik van sonlig as ’n steriliseringsmetode vir die gereedskap van suigelinge word aanbeveel, aangesen dit beide tyd- en kostebesparend is. Sonlig is ’n goedkoop en maklik verkrygbare metode van sterilisasie; dus kan dit gebruik word deur gemeenskappe wat nie oor die nodige middele beskik nie, vanweë hul sosio-ekonomiese situasies.

Ce travail de thèse a pour oblectif de simuler numériquemetn les impacts de recharges sédimentaires sur la morphodynamique du tronçon du Vieux-Rhin situé entre les barrages de Kembs et Breisach. Dans le cadre du projet InterReg de redynamisation du Vieux-Rhin, ces simulations sont primordiales pour évaluer l'efficacité des scénarios de recharge sédimentaire ainsi que lesrisques associés , tels que la fixation des dépôts ou encore la déstabilisation du lit pavé. a l'échelle du vieux-Rhin entioer (50 km) les simulations numériques 1D des années 1950, 1990 et 2009 ont permis d'appréhender la dynamique fluviale du lit en tenant compte de l'impact de la végétation. Les modélisations des processus granulométriques en jeu dans les recharges sédimentaires ont été préalablement testés et améliorés sur des expériences de laboratoires avec le modèles numériques 1D RubarBE. Dans ces modélisations, le tri granulométrique longitudinal, les évolutions morphologiques et le phénomène de capture des sédiments les plus fins ont été reproduits. Les modélisations bi-dimensionnelle à l'échelle des sites d'injections ont été réalisées avec le modèle numérique Rubar20TS. Les évolutions morphologiques des recharges ont été simulées et les zones favorisant les dépôts sédimentaires ont été identifiées. Les conclusions suivantes ont été tirées des simulations d'un banc sédimantaire et des scénarios de redynamisation : des flancs de banc pentus facilitent la mobilisation sédimentaire ; le choix du site et de la largeur du banc semblent très imporants afi de créer des conditions suffisament dynamiques en bordure de banc ; l'injection d'un banc de galets apparaît plus efficace qu'une érosion latérale de berge. Un scénario de recharge sédimentaire optimal pourrait consister en des injections de bancs latéraux étroits d'un volume d''environ 20 000 m3 répétées dans le temps et/ou dans l'espace. / Pas de résumé en anglais

Orientadores: Elizete Aparecida Lomazi da Costa Pinto, Maria Aparecida M. S. Mezzacappa / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciencias Medicas / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-08T17:03:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Pedras_CinthiaTiagoPaesdeAlmeida_M.pdf: 1544722 bytes, checksum: 51b679cdaf3e6c8adc03ca833dcd4ecc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2007 / Resumo: INTRODUÇÃO: O enfoque dado às técnicas alternativas de alimentação que evitam o desmame precoce, principalmente em neonatos prematuros, tem sido restrito. OBJETIVO: Comparar a evolução da transição alimentar, a freqüência e a duração do aleitamento materno em prematuros de muito baixo peso no primeiro ano de vida, segundo o uso de mamadeira ou copo durante a internação hospitalar. MÉTODO: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte retrospectivo. Todos os prontuários no período entre janeiro de 2001 a dezembro de 2003, foram revisados. Do total de 196 prontuários 165 foram analisados, sendo 88 do grupo mamadeira e 77 do grupo copo. RESULTADOS: O grupo copo recebeu maior volume de leite ordenhado nos cinco dias que precederam a sucção ao seio (114,3 ± 89,0 mL vs 78,3 ± 89,1 mL), enquanto que o grupo mamadeira apresentou valores superiores em: peso ao início da transição sonda-via oral (1850,2 ± 149,9 g vs 1820,3 ± 207,8 g), duração da internação hospitalar (56,1 ± 3,7 dias vs 49,4 ± 21,8 dias) e quedas na saturação de hemoglobina durante as mamadas (37,5% vs 19,4%). A duração do aleitamento materno no primeiro ano de vida foi significativamente maior no grupo copo (mediana de 5 meses vs 4 meses do grupo mamadeira, p=0,03), assim como a freqüência da amamentação (67,2% aos 3 meses, 41,0% aos 6 meses e 33,2% aos 12 meses vs 58,4% aos 3 meses, 35,2% aos 6 meses e 22,4% aos 12 meses, p=0,0345). As variáveis que, de forma isolada, associaram-se com o tempo de desmame foram: displasia broncopulmonar (RR; IC95%=1,591; 1,045-2,420), volume de leite ordenhado nos 5 dias que precederem a sucção ao seio (RR; IC95%=0,994; 0,991-0,996), amamentação na alta (RR; IC95%=13,736; 7,583-24,879) e tipo de amamentação na alta (não amamentação x amamentação exclusiva, RR; IC95%=25,364; 13,182-48,805 e amamentação mista x exclusiva, RR; IC95%=3,582; 2,286-5,612). Após análise múltipla, a variável tipo de amamentação na alta permaneceu associada ao risco de desmame. CONCLUSÃO: O copo e a mamadeira não foram associados a risco de menor tempo de amamentação e à duração da transição alimentar durante a internação hospitalar. O uso da mamadeira se associou a um maior número de quedas de saturação de hemoglobina durante as mamadas. A maior média de volume de leite materno ordenhado nos 5 dias que precederam a sucção ao seio foi fator de proteção para a duração da amamentação. Para esta população, não estar em amamentação exclusiva na alta hospitalar se associou ao maior risco de desmame / Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Reports on transitional techniques used in premature infants for preventing breastfeeding weaning are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of feeding transition technique on the frequency and length of breastfeeding during their first year of life, in very low birth weight premature infants fed by cup or bottle, during the period from birth to hospital discharge. METHODS: A retrospective cohort was conducted by reviewing charts of all premature neonates born from January 2001 to December 2003. One hundred and ninety six charts were reviewed and 165 were selected to the study, 88 had used bottle as transitional feeding technique (bottle feeding group) and 77 had used cup (cup feeding group). RESULTS: Cup feeding group received greater volume of expressed breastmilk, during a five days period before breast suckling (114,3 ± 89,0 mL vs 78,3 ± 89,1 mL) whereas bottle-feeding group presented superior values of (1) weight at time of transition from tube to bottle (1850,2 g ± 149,9 vs 1820,3 g ± 207,8), (2) admission length (56,1 days ± 3,7 vs 49,4 days ± 21,8) and (3) decrease in hemoglobin saturation when suckling (37,5% vs 19,4%). Breastfeeding length during first year of life was significantly longer in cup-feeding group (median: 5 months vs 4 months, p=0,03), also breastfeeding frequency was superior in this group (67,2% during 3 first months of life, 41,0% up to 6 months e 33,2% up to 12 months vs 58,4%, 35,2% and 22,4% respectively, p=0,0345). The following variables were associated to weaning in Cox regression univariate analysis: bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR; IC95%=1,591; 1,045-2,420), volume of expressed breastmilk during a five days period before breast suckling (RR; IC95%=0,994; 0,991-0,996), breastfeeding at hospital discharge (RR; IC95%=13,736; 7,583-24,879) and type of breastfeeding at hospital discharge (no breastfeeding x exclusive breastfeeding, RR; IC95%=25,364; 13,182-48,805 and partial breastfeeding x exclusive breastfeeding, RR; IC95%=3,582; 2,286-5,612). Considering Cox multiple regression results, the variable type of breastfeeding at hospital discharge remained associated with risk of weaning. CONCLUSION: Cup and bottle did not associated with increased risk of breastfeeding short length or with feeding transition length. Bottle group presented more episodes of decrease in hemoglobin saturation when suckling. Greater volume of expressed breastmilk during a five days period before breast suckling had a protector effect on breastfeeding length. In this population no exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge was associated to higher risk of weaning / Mestrado / Saude da Criança e do Adolescente / Mestre em Saude da Criança e do Adolescente

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Resumo: A fragmentação da paisagem resultante das ações antrópica gera inúmeras conseqüências, sendo delas a mais grave a perda da biodiversidade. A restauração ecológica tem como objetivo levar um ecossistema degradado a um estado mais próximo possível daquele anterior aos distúrbios. As borboletas frugívoras são consideradas como ótimos insetos bioindicadores. Para se avaliar os esforços da restauração, faz-se necessário o monitoramento dessas áreas, através de bioindicadores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a comunidade de borboletas frugívoras de áreas em processo de restauração, comparando a fragmentos de floresta nativa e a áreas degradadas (pastagem), para confirmar a hipótese de que a composição e distribuição de borboletas frugívoras (Nymphalidae) nas áreas em processo de restauração estão mais próximas às características da comunidade dos fragmentos da região do que das áreas de pastagens. O estudo foi realizado em três sítios diferentes, onde foram avaliados 3 tratamentos: uma área de pastagem (matriz), um fragmento florestal e uma área de plantio misto com espécies nativas (plantios realizados há 11 anos, visando à restauração florestal da área). As coletas dos indivíduos foram feitas em armadilhas atrativas, considerando-se um conjunto de cinco armadilhas em linha como uma unidade amostral por tratamento (Restauração, Fragmento e Pasto), em cada sítio amostral (1, 2 e 3). Foram analisadas a abundância e riqueza observada de espécies, a riqueza esperada pela curva de rarefação e a distribuição e composição das espécies para cada tratamento. Foram calculados os índices de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener e de alfa de Fisher e eqüidade de Pielou.. As amostras foram comparadas entre si através de análise de agrupamento pelo método... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract : The landscape fragmentation resulting from the human actions generates countless consequences, among them the most serious is the biodiversity loss. Ecological restoration has as objective taking a degraded ecosystem back to a state as close as possible to that previous to the disturbances. To evaluate the effectiveness of restoration efforts it is necessary the monitoring of those areas by means of indicators. The fruit-feeding butterflies are considered as good bioindicator insects. This research aimed at evaluating the fruit-feeding butterflies (Nymphalidae) community of ecosystems in restoration process in comparison with the neighboring native forest fragments and grasslands (pastures). The study was settled at 3 different sites where mixed tree restoration plantings were established 11 years ago. The butterflies surveys were made using attractive traps, considering a group of 5 five traps in line as one sampling unit for each treatment (Restoration, Fragment and Pasture) in every one of the three study sites (1, 2 and 3). The data were analyzed to verify the diversity patterns and expected species richness within the habitats in each treatment. We also estimated Shannon-Wiener's and Fisher's alpha diversity indexes and Pielou's Equitability. The expected richness was estimated by rarefaction curves. The samples were compared by Bray- Curtis' cluster analysis and correspondence analysis. Stepwise multiple regressions were made to correlate the environmental characteristics with butterfly abundance and species richness. A total of 978 individuals were collected, distributed within 48 species, representing six subfamilies of Nymphalidae. Concerning the species composition of the fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages, we found differences among treatments, were... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Orientador: Vera Lex Engel / Coorientador: Marcio Uehara-Prado / André Victor Lucci Freitas / Banca: Ricardo Ribeiro Rodrigues / Mestre

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-03-02Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:09:42Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 furlanetti_prr_me_botfca.pdf: 630497 bytes, checksum: 5582f10c88dd5e1c4e6dd80bdb26a3dd (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A fragmentação da paisagem resultante das ações antrópica gera inúmeras conseqüências, sendo delas a mais grave a perda da biodiversidade. A restauração ecológica tem como objetivo levar um ecossistema degradado a um estado mais próximo possível daquele anterior aos distúrbios. As borboletas frugívoras são consideradas como ótimos insetos bioindicadores. Para se avaliar os esforços da restauração, faz-se necessário o monitoramento dessas áreas, através de bioindicadores. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a comunidade de borboletas frugívoras de áreas em processo de restauração, comparando a fragmentos de floresta nativa e a áreas degradadas (pastagem), para confirmar a hipótese de que a composição e distribuição de borboletas frugívoras (Nymphalidae) nas áreas em processo de restauração estão mais próximas às características da comunidade dos fragmentos da região do que das áreas de pastagens. O estudo foi realizado em três sítios diferentes, onde foram avaliados 3 tratamentos: uma área de pastagem (matriz), um fragmento florestal e uma área de plantio misto com espécies nativas (plantios realizados há 11 anos, visando à restauração florestal da área). As coletas dos indivíduos foram feitas em armadilhas atrativas, considerando-se um conjunto de cinco armadilhas em linha como uma unidade amostral por tratamento (Restauração, Fragmento e Pasto), em cada sítio amostral (1, 2 e 3). Foram analisadas a abundância e riqueza observada de espécies, a riqueza esperada pela curva de rarefação e a distribuição e composição das espécies para cada tratamento. Foram calculados os índices de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener e de alfa de Fisher e eqüidade de Pielou.. As amostras foram comparadas entre si através de análise de agrupamento pelo método... / The landscape fragmentation resulting from the human actions generates countless consequences, among them the most serious is the biodiversity loss. Ecological restoration has as objective taking a degraded ecosystem back to a state as close as possible to that previous to the disturbances. To evaluate the effectiveness of restoration efforts it is necessary the monitoring of those areas by means of indicators. The fruit-feeding butterflies are considered as good bioindicator insects. This research aimed at evaluating the fruit-feeding butterflies (Nymphalidae) community of ecosystems in restoration process in comparison with the neighboring native forest fragments and grasslands (pastures). The study was settled at 3 different sites where mixed tree restoration plantings were established 11 years ago. The butterflies surveys were made using attractive traps, considering a group of 5 five traps in line as one sampling unit for each treatment (Restoration, Fragment and Pasture) in every one of the three study sites (1, 2 and 3). The data were analyzed to verify the diversity patterns and expected species richness within the habitats in each treatment. We also estimated Shannon-Wiener’s and Fisher’s alpha diversity indexes and Pielou’s Equitability. The expected richness was estimated by rarefaction curves. The samples were compared by Bray- Curtis' cluster analysis and correspondence analysis. Stepwise multiple regressions were made to correlate the environmental characteristics with butterfly abundance and species richness. A total of 978 individuals were collected, distributed within 48 species, representing six subfamilies of Nymphalidae. Concerning the species composition of the fruit-feeding butterfly assemblages, we found differences among treatments, were... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

The objectives of the research were to examine the effects of high dietary levels of fibrous feeds, and of supplementation with Roxazyme® G2 (RX), on the digestive metabolic and physiological responses of growing pigs fed maize-soybean diets. The nutrient and dietary fibre (DF) composition, the swelling and water-binding capacities of maize (MM), its hominy chop (HC) and cobs (MC), dehulled soybean (dSBM) and the hulls (SH), brewer’s grains (BG), lucerne hay (LH) and wheat bran (WB) were evaluated using standard procedures. Feed fibre fractions were isolated by simulating upper tract digestion in an Ankom® DaisyII Incubator, whereby each feed was digested in pepsin (porcine, 200 FIP-U/g, Merck No, 7190), followed by pancreatin (porcine, grade IV, Sigma No P-1750), with recovery of the fibrous residues. In a third step to complete the simulated pig gastro-intestinal digestion, the pepsin-pancreatin fibre extracts were digested by RX or Viscozyme L ® V2010 (VZ). Enzyme activity was measured as the coefficients of partial degradability (solubilisation) of the washed fibre extracts. The kinetics and products of fermentation of the DF were evaluated in an AnkomRF gas production system, using buffered faecal inoculum. Among the feed ingredients, dissimilar, fibre source-dependent activities between RX (0.02 to 0.12) and VZ (0.04-0.33) were observed. The lowest RX activities were observed on the maize and soybean derived fibres, with similarly low VZ activity on MC fibre. Variation in the activity of faecal microbial enzymes was similarly indicated by the variable production of fermentation gas (51.8-299.4 mL g-1 DM) and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (2.3-6.0 mMol g-1 DM). Soy hull, dSBH, MM and HC fibres were highly fermentable, with low fermentability of BG, MC and WB fibres. The fibres differed in the composition of fermentation SCFA, whereby SH, LH and MC shifted fermentation to Ace, and BG, dSBM, WB, MM, HC favoured Pro, while MM and HC favoured But production. The same nutritional properties were similarly evaluated in complete diets which were formulated from the ingredients for growth, and metabolic trials. For the growth trial, a standard (STD) (control), 141 g total dietary fibre (TDF) kg-1 dry matter (DM) maize-soybean growing pig diet, and five iso-nutritive, 246 g TDF kg-1 DM nutritionally balanced diets were formulated. The high DF was achieved by partial replacement of the MM and dSBM in the STD diet with MC, SH, BG, LH or WB. The differences in RX and VZ activities and in the fermentation characteristics which were observed on the fibre extracts from the high fibre ingredients were reflected in the DF from the respective complete diets in which they were included. However, the fibre from the basal dietary ingredients reduced the absolute values and the variation in the activities of RX (0.03-0.06) and VZ (0.16-0.22), and similarly reduced the variation in gas (126.6-187.6 mL g-1 DM) and SCFA (4.1-5.4 mMol g-1 DM) production of the DF from the fibrous diets. Enzyme activities on the STD DF were low for RX (0.03) and high for VZ (0.25). The STD DF produced 205.3 mL gas g-1 DM, which was similar to SH DF, and higher than all the other diets. The STD DF produced 5.0-mMol SCFA g-1 DM, which was quantitatively, and not statistically higher than the other fibres. The composition of SCFA was similar across all diets, except for the high percent Ace, with low Pro by the SH DF. Compared to the STD, the high DF diets increased percent Ace, with reduced Pro and But. The STD, MC, SH, BG, LH and WB diets were each prepared in duplicate mixes, one of which was fortified with 200 mg RX kg-1 feed (as fed). Seventy-two intact Large White X Landrace, male, 32.0 ± 5.6 kg live weight (LW) pigs were allocated to the diets in two completely randomised weight blocks in a 2 (fibre source) X 2 (enzyme) factorial arrangement. The pigs were fed ad libitum for 10 weeks. Cumulative LW gain and feed intake were measured at different stages of growth, and at slaughter. Apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients was estimated at 65-70 kg LW, using 0.2% (as fed) chromium oxide as the indigestible marker. Ileal tissue was sampled 50 cm above the ileo-caecal valve, on which villi height and area, and crypt depth were evaluated by computerised image analysis. Blood was sampled at slaughter from the severed vena jugularis, 16 hours after feeding. Serum urea, creatinine, triglycerides, glucose, and total cholesterol were analysed chemically. The serum metabolome was further explored using Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (1H -NMRS). There was fibre X RX interaction for villi height, whereby the enzyme reduced the villi height in pigs on the SH, STD and WB diets, with an opposite effect on pigs on the MC, BG, LH diets. The soluble fibre content was negatively correlated with crypt depth. Chemical analysis did not detect differences in metabolite concentration between the STD and the high fibre diets. However, more serum cholesterol was observed in pigs fed the WB compared to the LH and MC diets. 1H-NMRS indicated that feeding pigs the WB diet increased serum Cys and His, while supplementation of RX increased serum formate, glucose, and urea. There was diet X enzyme interaction for fructose, glucose, Arg, Cys, Ser, and Trp, whereby RX increased the levels in pigs on MC and WB, with an opposite effect in pigs on the other diets. There was large DF source-dependent variation among diets in ATTD of DM (0.80-0.85), organic matter (OM) (0.81-0.87), gross energy (GE) (079-0.85) and CP (0.81-0.85), whereby, relative to the STD diet, high DF reduced the ATTD of DM (all diets except SH), organic matter (OM) and energy and CP (all diets except the MC). Positive correlation was observed between fermentability and the ATTD digestibility of DM, OM, energy, ADF, NDF, and fat. Negative correlation was observed between the swelling capacity and the ATTD of DM, OM, energy and protein, between DF solubility and DM, OM, protein, ADF and NDF, and between water binding capacity and ATTD of DM and OM, energy and NDF. At slaughter, there was similarly large, and DF source-dependent variation among the high fibre diets in feed intake (2.31-2.71 kg as fed day-1), live weight gain (0.75-0.86 kg day-1), and feed: gain ratio (2.73-3.00). Corresponding values for the STD diet were 2.44 kg day-1, 0.83 kg day-1and 2.86 kg day-1, respectively. Relative to the STD, LH reduced feed intake and live weight gain, and MC increased the feed: gain ratio. Predictions based on the in vitro fermentability of DF and feed intake suggested that due to poor fermentability, and or restriction of feed intake, relative to a standard fibre diet, high dietary levels of MC, WB and BG may reduce fermentation in the lower gut, while similar dietary levels of SH and LH may result in substantial increases in fermentation. At 50 kg LW, the fermentability of DF was positively correlated with feed intake and with weight gain, while water binding capacity and solubility of DF were negatively correlated with feed intake. At slaughter, the solubility of DF was negatively correlated with feed intake and feed: gain ratio. Large variation among the high fibre diets was also observed in the slaughter weight (89.2-96.8 kg), dressing % (68.6-76.4), meat colour (80.4-82.3), lean % (69.5-71.2), and fat % (10.1-12.6). In comparison, pigs on the STD diet scored 94.7 kg slaughter weight, 75.1% dressing, 81.6 cm carcass length, 82.5 meat colour, 68.4% lean, and 15.0% fat. Relative to the STD, LH reduced dressing and fat %. Lucerne hay and WB increased the lean%. For the metabolic trial, two iso-nutritive, mixed high fibre (319 g TDF kg-1 DM), nutritionally balanced diets were formulated to contain DF of high (HF) versus low (LF) fermentability. The diets had similar content of soluble DF and similar swelling and water binding capacities. Viscozyme was more active than RX on both the HF (0.20 versus 0.04) and the LF (0.17 versus 0.07) DF. The combination of RX and VZ statistically increased the enzyme activity on the HF (0.25) and quantitatively increased enzyme activity on the LF (0.18) DF, suggesting additive or synergistic effects. More gas was produced by the HF (159.5 mL g-1 DM) compared to the LF DF (96.6 mL g-1 DM). More SCFA were produced by HF (5.0 mMol g-1 DM), compared to the LF DF (3.6 mMol g-1 DM). Compared to the STD, HF DF increased percent Ace, with reduced Pro and But. The LF DF increased percent Ace, with quantitative, and not statistical reduction of Pro and But. In a metabolic trial, the HF and LF diets, and their duplicates containing 0.270 g RX kg-1 DM of feed (as fed) were fed ad libitum to eight ileum T-cannulised, intact Large White X Landrace male pigs weighing 65.0 ± 5.1 kg. The diets were allocated to the pigs in a duplicate 4 x 4 Latin Square design, in a 2 (enzyme) x 2 (fermentability) factorial arrangement. Each period consisted of two weeks of adaptation followed by five days of sampling. The ileal digesta was collected in each period and was similarly subjected to the fermentation test. Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and ATTD were determined using 0.2% (as fed) chromium oxide as the indigestible marker. N excretion in faeces and urine were measured, and N retention was calculated. Blood was sampled by vena jugularis puncture on the last day of each period. Two blood samples were collected, the first 15 hours after removal from feed (15-hour serum), and the second 3 hours after re-introduction to feed (3-hour serum). Serum metabolites were evaluated by both chemical analyses and by 1H-NMRS, as described for the growth trial. Roxazyme did not affect the fermentation characteristics of the ileal digesta. In similar proportion to the fermentability of the PP digesta, the HF ileal digesta was more fermentable (65.4 mL gas g-1 DM and 6.1 mMol SCFA g-1 DM) than the LF ileal digesta (46.7 mL gas g-1 DM and 4.4 mMol SCFA g-1 DM SCFA). Prediction based on the in vitro fermentability of DF and feed intake suggested the HF diet could support one half times more fermentation in the lower gut compared to the LF diet. The HF diet had higher AID of DM (62.5 vs. 58.6), OM (65.6 vs. 62.1), energy (64.4 vs. 61.0), fat (85.8 vs. 81.7) and ash (41.8 vs. 32.7). The AID of HO-Pro, Met and Val were higher for the LF diet. There was diet X enzyme interaction on the AID of Met, whereby the RX reduced the AID of met in the LF diet, and not that of the HF diet. The ATTD was higher for the HF diet for DM (74.2 vs. 68.4), NDF (64.7 vs. 57.4), and ADF (35.1 vs. 21.0). There was positive correlation between the fermentability of DF and the AID DM, OM, ash, ash, fat and energy. The solubility of DF was negatively correlated with the AID of DM, OM, ash, fat, ADF and energy, and with the ATTD of DM, OM, ash, fat, energy, NDF, and ADF. Negative correlation was also observed between the swelling capacity of DF and the AID of protein, Trp and Lys. The solubility of DF was positively correlated with Ser, Ala, Val, Iso-Leu and His. There was diet X enzyme interaction for urea in the 15- hour serum, whereby RX tended to reduce the urea in the LF diet, while it increased that of the HF diet. Fermentability negatively correlated with urea in the 15- hour serum, and positively correlated with serum glucose in the 3-hour serum. In the 3-hour sample, 1H-NMRS indicated higher fucose, Pro and cholesterol in the LF diet. 1H-NMRS also indicated fermentability x RX interaction for Ser, Tyr, Lys, creatine, and possibly, glucose or fructose, glycerol or Gly and His or Arg, whereby RX increased the levels in the LF diets, with opposite effect in the HF diet. In conclusion, enzyme activities and fermentability were higly variable among different DF sources, and the effects were evident in the fibrous complete diets. The results of the in vitro studies supported the application of the methods to formulate fermentable insoluble fibre-rich, maize-soybean-mixed co-product diets. Correlation analyses suggested that DF fermentability, and solubility, swelling and water binding capacities explained significant proportions of the variances of the metabolic and physiological responses of the pigs to different feeds. Predictions based on the in vitro fermentability of DF and feed intake suggested that a strategy whereby pig diets are enriched in DF after the feedstuffs are screened on DF fermentability could substantially increase fermentation in the lower gut. Overall, the results suggested that productivity can be maintained in growing pigs fed diets containing up to twice the standard levels of DF, provided producers target co-product feeds that contain highly fermentable DF. The use of RX to improve nutrient digestion and to stimulate gut fermentation was not justified. / Environmental Sciences / Ph.D. (Environmental Sciences)