Related Experiment Videos
The nutritional contribution to bovine spongiform encephalopathy
M A Crawford1, P Budowski, P Drury
1Institute of Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition, London.
Nutrition and Health
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Dietary changes can alter ruminant cell membranes, potentially increasing susceptibility to neurological diseases like Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE). Essential fatty acid deficiency may compromise neural integrity and immune function in cattle.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Feeding styles significantly impact the fatty acid composition of ruminant tissues.
- Observed membrane changes in zoo giraffes mirror those experimentally induced to cause neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how altered feeding styles affect ruminant tissue membrane fatty acid composition.
- To explore the potential link between these membrane changes and susceptibility to neurological diseases in cattle, including Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE).
Main Methods:
- Comparison of membrane fatty acid composition between zoo giraffes and those in their natural habitat.
- Analysis of potential impacts of cattle feed composition (animal protein, nitrogen) on essential fatty acid levels.
Main Results:
- Giraffe feeding changes induced membrane alterations similar to those linked to encephalomalacia.
- Cattle feed changes, including animal protein and increased nitrogen, may cause essential fatty acid deficiency, reducing membrane stability.
Conclusions:
- Altered cattle feed composition could deplete tissue membranes of essential fatty acids, potentially increasing susceptibility to BSE.
- Essential fatty acids are crucial for neural integrity and immune function, principles likely applicable to cattle.