Apparent Retention Research Articles

PSII-17 Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on energy and nutrient utilization in diets fed to broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Abstract Beta-mannan (β-mannan) is a polysaccharide composed of repeating units of mannose, galactose, and glucose. The increased amount of β-mannan is present in various plant protein sources such as soybean meal, palm kernel meal, copra meal, and guar meal. β-mannan is considered an antinutritional factor for non-ruminant animals. Endo-β-mannanase enzymes are endo-hydrolases that can cleave the internal glycosidic bonds of the mannan backbone. As a result, β-mannanase is used to break down β-mannan in animal feeds, thereby aiming to reduce its potential anti-nutritional effects. Previous research has demonstrated that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves energy and nutrient utilization in broiler diets possibly by decreasing digesta viscosity in the gastrointestinal tract. However, results from previous studies have been inconsistent, mainly due to variable experimental conditions including animals, experimental design, and environment. Meta-analysis is a useful method to comprehensively evaluate and integrate various results from previous studies, thereby providing reliable and practical insights. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on digesta viscosity, and energy and nutrient utilization in diets for broiler chickens. Through an extensive literature search conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between January 2003 and December 2023, we identified 10 eligible studies. The meta-analysis was performed using the “metafor” package in R software version 4.1.3. (R Core Team, 2023), and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random effect model. The results revealed that dietary β-mannanase supplementation increased apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (SMD = 1.84; 95% CI: 0.46 to 3.21; P = 0.016), gross energy (SMD = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.12; P = 0.001), and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) in broiler diets (SMD = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.63 to 5.14; P = 0.002; Table 1). Moreover, dietary β-mannanase supplementation increased apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of gross energy (SMD = 6.65; 95% CI: 3.78 to 9.53; P = 0.002) and nitrogen (SMD = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.55 to 2.27; P = 0.006) in broiler diets (Figures 1 and 2). Finally, digesta viscosity (SMD = -3.35; 95% CI: -4.69 to -2.02; P < 0.001) in broiler chickens was decreased by dietary β-mannanase supplementation. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis indicates that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves the overall utilization of energy and nutrients in diets with decreasing digesta viscosity in broiler chickens.

20 Trace metal homeostasis in growing cattle

Abstract Apparent trace metal absorption and tissue retention upon incremental levels of supplemental Zn, Cu, and Mn were studied in growing cattle. A total of 60 Holstein bulls were enrolled for the study and fed for 28 d a diet consisting of barley straw (15%), molasses (10%) and pelleted concentrate (75%; Zn = 78 ppm, Cu = 15 ppm, Mn = 91 ppm). Thereafter, 20 bulls were randomly selected and slaughtered for determination of baseline tissue trace metal composition. The remaining 40 bulls [body weight (BW) = 394 ± 20 kg] were then blocked based on BW in 8 blocks of 5 bulls each. Bulls within a block were randomly assigned one of the diets differing in supplemental levels of Zn, Cu, and Mn (all from sulfate form) with the following dietary contents of Zn, Cu and Mn, respectively: No supplement (38, 7, and 47 ppm), Dose 1 (61, 11, and 68 ppm), Dose 2 (78, 15 and 91 ppm), Dose 3 (123, 26, 136 ppm) or Dose 4 (195, 43, and 214 ppm). These diets were fed for 12 wk, and complete collection of feces and urine were performed on wk 4, 8 and 12 for assessment of trace metals balance and apparent absorption. Gastrointestinal tissues, whole organs (heart, liver, spleen, and kidney), bile, cervical vertebra, and tibia were collected at slaughterhouse from all bulls. All samples were dried, ground, and analyzed for minerals. Data were processed using dietary treatment as a continuous variable and also as categorial variable. Both approaches adjusted for the fixed effect of block (Proc Mixed, SAS 9.4). Whole-body Zn, Cu and Mn balance quadratically increased (P < 0.05) with supplementation, with a significantly higher values for Dose 4 compared with all other dietary treatment (Figure 1, P < 0.05). Dose 4 also led to a 2-fold increase in urinary Zn and Cu excretions (P < 0.05), and a 4-fold increase in urinary Mn excretion (P < 0.01). Although magnitudes of change were moderate (8 to 15%), increasing dietary Zn supply linearly increased spleen Zn content (P = 0.03), and tended to increase ruminal and hepatic Zn content (P < 0.10). Hepatic Cu linearly increased from 264 to 667 mg/kg DM with increasing dietary Cu supply (P < 0.01), whereas Cu concentration in bile only increased at Doses 4 and 5 (P < 0.01). Increasing Mn supply resulted in quadratic increase of ruminal and biliary Mn content from 340 to 1140 mg/kg DM, and from 0.32 to 1.38 mg/L, respectively. Small intestine and cecum Mn concentrations linearly and quadratically increased (about 2-fold increase, P < 0.05) with incremental supply of Mn. Homeostatic regulation mechanisms were apparently overwhelmed at the greatest Zn, Cu and Mn supplementation levels evaluated in this study.

497 Amylase supplementation influences nutrient digestibility regardless of corn type in broiler chicken diets

Abstract Corn is the primary energy supply in the broiler chicken diet. Physical and nutritional characteristics related to corn endosperm can affect nutrient utilization, as well as the inclusion of exogenous enzymes. This study aimed to evaluate two different corn types classified according to endosperm traits in diets for broiler chickens supplemented or not with amylase. Male broiler chickens (n = 360; 1-d old Cobb 500) were allocated in metabolic battery cages and randomly assigned in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (2 corn types; 2 amylase doses: 0 and 90 g/t of diet). A hardness test was performed to categorize and classify each corn type according to breakage force. Corn endosperms were assessed through scanning electron microscopy to investigate structure variations of starch granules. From 19 to 21 d, excreta samples were collected to estimate apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of nutrients and apparent metabolizable energy (AME). On d 26, ileal digesta content was collected to determine apparent ileal nutrients digestibility (AID) and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Data were analyzed using the Student t-test for hardness test (P < 0.05). The Tukey test was performed with a significance declared of 5% to compare the averages obtained for ATTR and AID using the GLM procedure on R Software. Differences were observed in the hardness test (P < 0.05), which classified each corn type either as hard (217 N) or soft (166 N; Table 1). The SEM highlighted structural variations between the floury and vitreous endosperm of each corn. In soft corn, starch granules were more dispersed in the floury endosperm, with a less dense distribution observed in the vitreous endosperm compared with hard corn (Figure 1). However, hard corn exhibited a more compact starch granules distribution in both floury and vitreous endosperm. No differences were observed (P > 0.05) in ATTR of dry matter, crude protein, or AME attributed to corn type, but amylase supplementation improved ATTR of dry matter (P = 0.015) and crude protein (P = 0.020; Table 2). On AID, corn type affected (P = 0.041) dry matter coefficient, and amylase supplementation significantly improved dry matter (P = 0.019), crude protein ileal digestibility (P = 0.012), and IDE (P = 0.018). No interactions between corn type and amylase supplementation were observed (P > 0.05). These findings demonstrated that amylase supplemented in broiler diets impacts nutrient utilization regardless of the corn type used.

Evaluation of fibrous feed ingredients alternatives to oat hulls as a source of feed structure in broiler diets

This study aimed to evaluate several fibrous feed ingredients as potential substitutes for oat hulls (OH), assessing their efficacy in providing structural integrity to broiler feeds. A total of 4,160 day-old male Ross-308 broilers were allocated to eight dietary treatments, including a control group (CON) without additional fiber supplementation and 7 diets where 3% of the wheat content was replaced by either OH, soy hulls (SH), beet pulp (BP), carob bean (CB), wheat straw (WS), rice hulls (RH), or wheat bran (WB). The experimental design followed a complete randomized block design with 10 pens per treatment and 52 birds each. Growth performance and gut development indices were monitored, and the coefficients of total tract apparent retention (CTTAR) of nutrients were measured at 28 d. The OH improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) during the entire growth period (1-36 d) compared to the CON, SH, CB, WS, RH, and WB (P < 0.05). Conversely, BP diets reduced the final BW and ADFI compared to OH (P < 0.05) but were not different from the CON (P > 0.05). However, the FCR in birds fed with BP was similar to OH but lower than the CON group. In addition, BP-fed birds had higher CTTAR of ether extract and non-starch polysaccharides and relative weight of empty proventriculus and gizzard to BW at 14 and 28 d compared to CON. The WS, RH, and WB yielded similar final BW to OH and CON but higher FCR (P < 0.05). The CB, on the other hand, resulted in the highest FCR when contrasted with the other substitutes and CON (P < 0.05). Finding an alternative to OH with comparable benefits remains a challenge, with WS, RH, and WB showing similar final BW but inferior FCR to OH, and BP showing similar FCR but lower BW and ADFI.

Effect of increasing β-mannanase supplementation in diets containing copra meal on growth performance, meat quality, liver health, intestinal morphology, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens.

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of increasing β-mannanase supplementation in diets containing copra meal (CM) on growth performance, meat quality, liver health, intestinal morphology, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens. A total of 1,600 3-d-old Ross 308 broiler chickens (initial body weight [BW] ± SD = 43.3 ± 1.08 g) were randomly allotted to 1 of 5 treatment groups with 8 replicates. One group was fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet (control). Other 4 diets were prepared by inclusion of 10% commercial CM in the control diet with 0, 400, 800, and 1,600 U β-mannanase/kg. Experiments lasted for 32 d. Birds fed the control diet had less (p=0.001) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed diets containing 10% CM without β-mannanase supplementation. Increasing supplementation of β-mannanase in diets containing 10% CM had no linear and quadratic effects on body weight gain, feed intake, and FCR in broiler chickens. The control diet had greater (p<0.01) apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of DM, GE, and N as compared to the diets containing 10% CM without β-mannanase supplementation; however, no differences in the ATTR of Ca and P were identified between 2 diets. There were no linear and quadratic effects of increasing supplementation of β-mannanase on the ATTR of DM, GE, N, Ca, and P in broiler diets containing 10% CM. Both inclusion of 10% CM and increasing supplementation of β-mannanase in broiler diets did not affect apparent ME (AME) and N-corrected ME (AMEn) values in treatment diets. The use of 10% CM in broiler diets during growing and finishing period impairs growth performance by decreasing energy and nutrient utilization in diets. Increasing β-mannanase supplementation in diets containing 10% CM has no positive effects on performance, meat quality, liver health, intestinal morphology, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens.

Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digesta viscosity, and nutrient utilization in broiler chickens: Meta-analysis and meta-regression.

The present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, digesta viscosity, and dietary nutrient utilization in broiler chickens through a meta-analysis. The effects were further examined by a meta-regression analysis with activity levels of β-mannanase in broiler diets. A total of 23 studies, which conducted in 11 countries and completed between December 2003 and August 2023, were finally selected for this meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated as the effect size metrics using random effect model, with I2 value being utilized to measure heterogeneity. Investigated measurements included body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), villus height (VH), crypt depth (CD), VH:CD ratio, digesta viscosity, nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn), apparent ileal digestibility (AID), and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), gross energy (GE), and nitrogen (N). All statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.3.3. Results revealed significant positive effects of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on BWG (P = 0.005), FCR (P < 0.001), VH (P < 0.001), VH:CD (P < 0.001), digesta viscosity (P < 0.001), AMEn (P = 0.011), AID of GE (P = 0.002) and N (P = 0.003), and ATTR of DM (P = 0.019), GE (P = 0.002), and N (P = 0.005) in broiler chickens. In the meta-regression analysis, increasing activity levels of β-mannanase in broiler diets increased VH:CD (P < 0.001, R2 = 79.2%) and AID of N (P = 0.038, R2 = 67.4%). the current meta-analysis indicates that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves energy and nutrient utilization in broiler diets possibly by decreasing digesta viscosity and enhancing intestinal morphology in broiler chickens. These beneficial effects can contribute to improved growth performance in broiler chickens.

Determination of optimal dietary calcium levels under different sources of zinc in Jing tint 6 layer chicks from 15 to 42 d of age

An experiment was conducted to investigate the optimal dietary calcium (Ca) levels in Jing Tint 6 layer chicks fed different sources of zinc (Zn). The diets were formulated using 2 different Zn sources: organic Zn (80 mg/kg Zn as HMZn) and inorganic Zn (80 mg/kg Zn as sulfate). For each Zn source, 5 diets were formulated to contain Ca levels of 0.80, 0.90, 1.03, 1.10, and 1.20%. Results showed that dietary Ca levels had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). In addition, BWG was significantly enhanced by the organic Zn diets (P < 0.05). Dietary Ca levels significantly affected tibia length (P < 0.05) and serum Ca and P contents (P < 0.05) but did not affect serum total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), or alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels (P > 0.05). The apparent total tract retention coefficients (ATTRC) of Ca showed a quadratic trend (P < 0.05) with increasing Ca levels. Furthermore, organic Zn diets reduced excreta Ca output and enhanced the ATTRC of Ca in birds on d 42 compared with inorganic Zn diets. The optimal dietary Ca levels were estimated as 0.93, 0.94, and 0.96% for birds fed organic diets and 1.07, 0.99 and 0.94% for birds fed inorganic diets using nonlinear models based on the criteria of BWG, tibial length, and serum P, respectively. In general, organic Zn supplementation improved growth performance and reduced the calcium requirements of birds on d 42.

Corn fermented protein, an alternative protein to soybean meal to support growth in young turkey poults

Abstract A new distiller’s high protein product (corn fermented protein – CFP) from the dry grind bioethanol process was evaluated as an alternative to soybean meal (SBM) protein in starter and grower diets for turkey poults. One-day- old male BUT6 poults (250) were distributed randomly into 50 pens. Each pen was allocated to one of the following treatments (10 pens each), control (high protein with soybean meal as primary protein source), CFP4% (4% CFP in replacement of SBM); CFP8% (8% CFP in replacement of SBM); HF-CFP4% (4% CFP with lower protein, higher fibre SBM, as primary protein source) and Premium (5% soy protein isolate (SPI) in place of high protein SBM). All diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic. Growth performance was measured weekly. At day 42, three poults per pen were sampled to obtain the ileal digesta. Apparent amino acid digestibility (AAAD), nitrogen retention (ANR) and apparent metabolisable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) were measured. At day 42 poult weight and day 0–d42 weight gain for birds fed CFP8% were significantly better than the control. From day 0–42 feed intake nor feed conversion ratio were affected by dietary treatment (P &gt; 0.05). Poults receiving CFP 8% had higher AMEn and ANR compared to the control (P &lt; 0.05). The CFP8%-fed poults had significantly higher valine, isoleucine and proline digestibility compared to the control. Feeding the CFP8% diet significantly lowered growth carbon footprint (P &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, CFP8% can increase ANR and growth performance of turkeys. This would decrease the dependency on SBM, reducing both economic and the environmental cost of turkey production.

Preparation of a salt-responsive zwitterionic hydrophobically associating polymer and its application in a saturated sodium chloride drilling fluid

Conventional drilling fluid viscosity enhancers have poor anti-temperature and anti-salt properties, making it difficult to regulate the rheological properties of drilling fluids in the high-temperature, high-mineralisation environment of deep formations, which is prone to causing downhole accidents such as stuck drills and well-wall instability. In the present study, a salt-responsive amphiphilic hydrophobically attached polymer (PAADS) was synthesised by free-radical micellar polymerisation and used as a viscosity builder for saturated sodium chloride drilling fluids. The molecular structure and thermal stability were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance and thermogravimetric analysis. The results reveal that the molecular structure of PAADS is consistent with the expected target and has good thermal stability. The viscosity-increasing performance of PAADS in a saturated sodium chloride drilling fluid was evaluated according to the American Petroleum Institute standard. PAADS can effectively maintain the rheological performance of the drilling fluid under high-temperature and high-salt conditions, and the apparent viscosity retention rate of the saturated sodium chloride drilling fluid containing 2 wt% PAADS can be up to 47.5% after 180 °C hot rolling. NaCl exhibits significant salt-responsive properties by affecting the hydrodynamic radius of PAADS molecules. In addition, PAADS solutions exhibit excellent shear dilution, viscoelasticity and stable internal space structure. This study provides new ideas for salt-resistant drilling fluid additives, which are of great significance for the efficient development of deep oil and gas resources.

Comparative responses of Lohmann Select Leghorn-lite and Shaver Heritage White Leghorn hens when fed diets containing fine and coarse oat hulls

A standard commercial mash (control), or a mixture of control and fine (FOH) or coarse oat hulls (COH) at a ratio of 80:20 w/ w were fed to 57-week old Lohmann Select Leghorn-lite (LSL) and 44-week old Shavers Heritage White Leghorns (SHW) for 28 days. There was no ( P &gt; 0.05) strain and diet interaction or diet effects on egg production indices (EP) and feed intake (FI). However, LSL hens had similar ( P &gt; 0.05) FI but higher ( P &gt; 0.05) EP than SHW. There was no strain and diet interaction observed on apparent retention of gross energy (ARGE) and gizzard weight ( P &gt; 0.05). However, the control hens had higher ARGE, and lighter gizzards compared to oat hull-fed hens ( P &lt; 0.01). In addition, COH hens had higher ARGE and heavier gizzards compared to FOH hens. The SHW hens exhibited greater jejunal crypt depth ( P = 0.011) compared to LSL hens. An interaction ( P = 0.041) between strain and diets on ceca digesta short chain fatty acids (SCFA) was such that oat hulls reduced SCFA in LSL but not in SHW hens. In conclusion, despite differences in age, relative to predecessors the modern hen is adaptable to ingestion of structural material rich insoluble fiber without negative impact on egg production and feed intake.

Effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets

BackgroundPromoting the synchronization of glucose and amino acid release in the digestive tract of pigs could effectively improve dietary nitrogen utilization. The rational allocation of dietary starch sources and the exploration of appropriate dietary glucose release kinetics may promote the dynamic balance of dietary glucose and amino acid supplies. However, research on the effects of diets with different glucose release kinetic profiles on amino acid absorption and portal amino acid appearance in piglets is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the kinetic pattern of dietary glucose release on nitrogen utilization, the portal amino acid profile, and nutrient transporter expression in intestinal enterocytes in piglets.MethodsSixty-four barrows (15.00 ± 1.12 kg) were randomly allotted to 4 groups and fed diets formulated with starch from corn, corn/barley, corn/sorghum, or corn/cassava combinations (diets were coded A, B, C, or D respectively). Protein retention, the concentrations of portal amino acid and glucose, and the relative expression of amino acid and glucose transporter mRNAs were investigated. In vitro digestion was used to compare the dietary glucose release profiles.ResultsFour piglet diets with different glucose release kinetics were constructed by adjusting starch sources. The in vivo appearance dynamics of portal glucose were consistent with those of in vitro dietary glucose release kinetics. Total nitrogen excretion was reduced in the piglets in group B, while apparent nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention increased (P < 0.05). Regardless of the time (2 h or 4 h after morning feeding), the portal total free amino acids content and contents of some individual amino acids (Thr, Glu, Gly, Ala, and Ile) of the piglets in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A, C, and D (P < 0.05). Cluster analysis showed that different glucose release kinetic patterns resulted in different portal amino acid patterns in piglets, which decreased gradually with the extension of feeding time. The portal His/Phe, Pro/Glu, Leu/Val, Lys/Met, Tyr/Ile and Ala/Gly appeared higher similarity among the diet treatments. In the anterior jejunum, the glucose transporter SGLT1 was significantly positively correlated with the amino acid transporters B0AT1, EAAC1, and CAT1.ConclusionsRational allocation of starch resources could regulate dietary glucose release kinetics. In the present study, group B (corn/barley) diet exhibited a better glucose release kinetic pattern than the other groups, which could affect the portal amino acid contents and patterns by regulating the expression of amino acid transporters in the small intestine, thereby promoting nitrogen deposition in the body, and improving the utilization efficiency of dietary nitrogen.

Research Note: Evaluation of phytic acid disappearance, ileal P digestibility, and total tract P retention in canola meal supplemented with increasing levels of exogenous phytase using conventional and cecectomized precision-fed roosters and growing chicks

Apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of P, apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of P, and phytic acid disappearance in canola meal were evaluated in the presence of increasing levels of exogenous phytase. In Experiment 1, a precision-fed rooster assay was used to determine phytic acid (myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakis; InsP6) and inositol phosphate (InsP6-3; InsP-P) disappearance in conventional and cecectomized Leghorn roosters. Roosters were crop intubated with 25 g of canola meal mixed with 0, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FTU/kg of exogenous phytase. In Experiment 2, InsP6 and InsP-P disappearance and AID and ATTR of P were determined using ad libitum-fed broiler chickens. Treatments consisted of semi-purified diets containing 45% canola meal as the sole source of P. Phytase was added to increase phytase activity by 0, 500, 1,000, or 2,000 FTU/kg. Experiments contained 6 replicates per treatment. Canola meal contained a high phytase activity (1,630 FTU/kg as-fed) due to contamination with a commercially available phytase at the feed mill from which the canola meal was sourced. In Experiment 1 with precision-fed roosters, there was no effect (P > 0.05) of phytase or bird type on InsP6 and InsP-P disappearance; however, phytase linearly reduced (P < 0.05) InsP3 concentrations in excreta. In Experiment 2 with ad libitum-fed chickens, phytase linearly increased (P < 0.05) ileal InsP6 and InsP-P disappearance, and phytase had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on excreta InsP6 and InsP-P disappearance. Increasing dietary phytase activity resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.05) in AID of P and phytase had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on ATTR of P. In conclusion, titration of high levels of phytase (1,600 to 3,600 FTU/kg as-fed) reduced InsP3 concentrations in precision-fed roosters but did not affect overall phytic acid hydrolysis, which was 78% or greater for all treatments; however, increasing the total phytase activity from 700 to 2,700 FTU in ad libitum-fed broiler chickens increased phytic acid disappearance and P digestibility.

Characterization of Red Seaweed Chondracanthus Chamissoi from the Coasts of Perú: Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity and Functional Properties.

The present investigation finds that Chondracanthus chamissoi seaweed abounding in Peruvian coasts is characterized by its nutritional composition, total polyphenols, antioxidant capacity, and functional properties such as water-holding capacity (WHC), oil-holding capacity (OHC), and swelling capacity (SC). Boiling and steaming were applied before dehydration to evaluate the effect of these thermal treatments, keeping a control sample. The results indicated that the control dried seaweed sample presented 20.2 ± 0.16g/100g dw of proteins, 20.0 ± 0.61g/100g dw of ash, and 56.6 ± 0.08g/100g dw of total dietary fiber. In addition, the control sample presented 1.6 ± 0.07mg GAE/g of total polyphenol content and 2.4 ± 0.30 mM Trolox mg/g of antioxidant capacity. In boiling samples, the apparent nutrient retention factors for proteins, fat, and dietary fiber are 96, 47 and 74%, respectively. In the steaming sample, the values were 102, 29, and 92%. The boiling before dehydration causes a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in total polyphenols and increases carbohydrates. Steaming before dehydration, a significant (p < 0.05) increase occurs in carbohydrates without significantly altering the concentration of total polyphenols. Regarding the functional properties, C. chamissoi presents 17.6 ± 0.15g/g of WHC, 2.4 ± 0.78g/g of OHC, and 9.8 ± 0.75 mL/g of SC. Boiling produces an increase in WHC and OHC; steaming does not affect the properties of the control sample.C. chamissoi seaweed collected from the coasts of Perú is an excellent alternative for use as food and ingredients in processed foods for human consumption.

Use of Opioids and Epidural Anaesthesia in Labor Analgesia as Important Risk Factors for Apparent Postpartum Urinary Retention: A Case-Control Study.

Labor analgesic interventions, particularly the use of opioids and epidural anaesthesia, have raised concerns regarding their potential impact on postpartum urinary retention (PUR), necessitating a comprehensive investigation into their association with this clinical outcome. This retrospective case-control study analysed clinical data from postpartum patients at our hospital from January 2023 to December 2023. Anaesthetic methods, including opioid and non-opioid drug usage, epidural analgesia and non-use of analgesia, were assessed. Logistic regression analysis was also performed to determine important associations with apparent PUR. This study included clinical data from 54 postpartum patients with PUR and 54 without urinary retention. A higher percentage of women with apparent PUR received opioids during labour compared with those without PUR (p = 0.033). Conversely, a lower percentage of women with apparent PUR received non-opioid analgesics compared with those without PUR (p = 0.026). In addition, a higher percentage of women with apparent PUR received epidural analgesia compared with those without PUR (p = 0.041). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that opioid consumption during labour was significantly associated with apparent PUR (odds ratio (OR) = 2.469, p = 0.022). By contrast, non-opioid consumption during labour was inversely associated with apparent PUR (OR = 0.297, 95% CI = 0.123-0.681, p = 0.005). In addition, the use of epidural analgesia during labour showed a remarkable association with apparent PUR (OR = 2.857, 95% CI = 1.289-6.552, p = 0.011). Opioid use during labour and the use of epidural analgesia were identified as important risk factors for apparent PUR. These findings emphasise the need for a thoughtful and balanced approach to analgesic management during labour to minimise the risk of PUR in obstetric patients.

Comparative impact of bacitracin and select feed additives in the feeding program of Lohmann LSL-Lite pullets at the onset of lay through to 31 weeks of age

Abstract There are limited investigations on the role of feed additives in easing transition of pullets to egg production phase. We investigated the effects of supplementation of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD) and select feed additives (myristic acid [MA], benzoic acid [BA], and Aspergillus niger probiotic [PRO]) in feeding program for pullets from the onset of lay through to 31 weeks of age (woa). Parameters measured included hen-day egg production (HDEP), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), egg quality characteristics, ceca microbial activity, apparent retention of components, and plasma metabolites. A total of 1,200 Lohmann LSL Lite pullets were procured at 18 woa and placed in enriched cages (30 birds/cage) based on body weight (BW) and allocated to five diets. The diets were a basal diet formulated to meet specifications or basal mixed with either BMD, MA, BA, or PRO. Birds had free access to feed and water throughout the experiment. Between 18 and 20 woa, birds fed BMD ate a similar (P &amp;gt; 0.05) amount of feed to BA birds, but more (P = 0.0003) than birds fed basal, MA, or PRO diets. Basal birds had lower HDEP (P = 0.001) and lighter eggs (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) than birds fed any of the feed additives between 21 and 31 woa. The basal hens had a higher (P = 0.009) abundance of Escherichia coli than birds fed BMD, BA, and PRO diets. Consequently, BMD, BA, and PRO birds had a higher (P = 0.011) Lactobacilli: E. coli ratio (LER) than hens fed the basal diet. Specifically, relative to basal-fed hens, the LER of the BMD, MA, BA, and PRO hens was higher by 37%, 21%, 26%, and 45%, respectively. Moreover, birds fed PRO tended to have a higher concentration of ceca digesta acetic acid (P = 0.072) and a lower concentration of isobutyric acid (P = 0.096). In conclusion, supplementing pullet diets with broad-spectrum antibiotics or feed additives (MA, BA, and PRO) had a positive impact on FI, and egg production linked to modulation of indices of gut health. The results suggested supplementing feed additives in feeding programs for pullets at the onset of lay can bolster productivity outcomes.

Beta-Carotene Retention and Consumer Acceptability of Selected Products Made from Two Provitamin-A Maize Varieties.

A study was carried out to determine beta-carotene retention and acceptability of selected products made from two provitamin-A maize varieties grown in Malawi, namely, MH43A and MH44A. Beta-carotene retention in the provitamin-A maize products was determined by using a "completely randomised block design" (CRBD) whereby the maize varieties (replicates) were treated as fixed blocks, and similar treatments (analytical tests) were applied in each block. Acceptability of the provitamin-A maize products was determined in 6 to 23-month-old children and their caregivers using a cross-sectional design. Results showed that in three maize products, namely, porridge, maize meal, and fermented maize beverage, there was an increase in beta-carotene, with apparent retentions of 111.13%, 170.27%, and 138.22% for MH43A and 156.50%, 207.13%, and 126.17% for MH44A varieties, respectively. Results on pregerminated maize flour produced from MH43A and MH44A maize varieties showed lower beta-carotene apparent retention values of 63.3% and 84.7%, respectively. Results on acceptability showed that most of the caregivers (47.1%) preferred porridge prepared from MH43A flour compared to porridge prepared from MH44A (30.6%) and the control variety (MH26-white maize) (22.4%). For roasted maize, roasted white maize grains (49.6%) were more preferred compared to the two provitamin-A varieties. Results on acceptability with respect to children showed that most children (63.5% and 53.7%) who tested MH43A and MH44A porridge, respectively, consumed all the porridge. Results from this study have shown that there is a high acceptability of provitamin-A maize porridges amongst children prepared from MH43A (55.5%) and MH44A (51.9%) maize varieties. The study therefore recommends that provitamin-A maize varieties should be promoted through appropriate preparation methods that ensure high beta-carotene retention to address vitamin-A deficiency.

The effect of varying levels of corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal on growth performance, apparent retention of feed components, and physiological and meat quality parameters in Jumbo quail

This study evaluated the effect of varying levels of corticated marama bean (Tylosema esculentum) meal (CMBM) on growth performance, apparent retention (AR) of feed components, and physiological and meat quality responses in Jumbo quail. Five isocaloric and isoproteic diets were formulated to contain 0 (T1), 51.25 (T2), 67.49 (T3), 83.74 (T4), and 99.98 g/kg (T5) of CMBM. A total of 385, one-week-old quail chicks (26.7 ± 2.16 g live-weight) were placed in cages (11 birds/cage) based on body weight. The diets were allocated to cages in a completely randomised design to give 7 replicate cages per diet. Feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), as well as AR of feed components were measured. The birds were slaughtered at day 35 for measurements of blood indices, organs weight, carcass and meat quality attributes. Feeding increasing levels of CMBM reduced FI (P = 0.005) linearly in week 2 but had no effect on FI in weeks 3–5. Similarly, linear reductions (P < 0.0001) were observed for average weekly BWG and G:F in weeks 2 and 3. A positive linear effect (P = 0.033) and a negative cubic effect (P = 0.048) for AR of neutral detergent fibre and organic matter were recorded as CMBM levels increased, respectively. However, varying responses (P < 0.05) were observed for AR of essential amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine, etc.). Serum lipase, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and basophils linearly increased (P < 0.05) with dietary CMBM levels. Significant cubic or quartic effects (P < 0.05) were recorded for serum glucose, albumin, white blood cells, neutrophils, monocytes, basophils, and platelets. There were negative linear effects (P < 0.05) for final body weight, carcass yield, and breast meat drip loss. However, linear increases were recorded for gizzard, proventriculus, small intestine, and large intestine weights as dietary CMBM levels increased. In conclusion, the inclusion of CMBM up to 99.98 g/kg in Jumbo quail diets compromised growth performance, physiological responses, slaughter weights and carcass yield of Jumbo quail.

Digestible calcium equivalency of phytase and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens fed graded levels of limestone or phytase during the starter phase

The current study aimed to quantify the digestible Calcium (Ca) equivalency of a new phytase (HiPhoriusTM) in broiler chickens. A total of 1,152 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were used in an experiment in which 8 diets consisting of graded levels of Ca supplied with limestone or graded levels of the phytase were fed. The 8 dietary treatments were based on a corn-soybean meal diet containing 5.1 g/kg of Ca and 5.1 g/kg of phosphorus (P) as negative control (NC); the NC + 1.3, 2.6, or 3.9 g/kg of Ca from limestone; and the NC + 500, 1000, 2000, or 4000 FYT/kg of phytase. Birds were fed the experimental diets for 3 d (from d 7 to 10) or 14 d (from d 7 to 21) to determine apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (DM), CP, Ca, and P. In the 10-d-old birds, increasing the levels of Ca decreased the AID of P and Ca (linear, P < 0.05). Increasing the levels of phytase quadratically improved (P < 0.05) the AID of Ca and P. The AID of DM and CP in the younger birds quadratically increased (P < 0.05) as the levels of Ca increased. There were linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05) of increasing phytase level for the AID of DM and a linear effect (P < 0.05) for the AID of CP. In the 21-d-old birds, increasing Ca levels resulted in a linear decrease (P < 0.05) in the AID of CP and P, and a quadratic decrease (P < 0.05) in the ATTR of CP. Increasing phytase levels linearly and quadratically (P < 0.05) improved the AID and ATTR of CP, P, and the ATTR of Ca. The analyzed phytase activity in the diets supplemented with phytase ranged from 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg. The digestible Ca equivalence for dietary phytase at 1,520 to 7,661 FYT/kg ranged from 1.55 to 2.02 g/kg in the 10-d-old birds fed for 3 d and from 0.52 to 0.64 g/kg in 21-d-old birds fed for 14 d. The results showed the reduction in Ca level that could be accommodated by phytase supplementation, which is markedly different between the younger and older birds. Feeding duration influenced the impact of phytase supplementation on Ca and P digestibility, with better efficacy of phytase observed in the 10-d-old birds fed for 3 d. Also, the results showed the extra-phosphoric effects of phytase on the utilization of other essential nutrients such as protein and Ca.

99mTc-Labeled FAPI SPECT Imaging in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis: Preliminary Results.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is associated with a poor prognosis, presenting the most aggressive form of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Activated fibroblasts are crucial for pathological processes. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor (FAPI) tracers would be promising imaging agents for these diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 99mTc-labeled FAPI tracer, 99mTc-HFAPI imaging in IPF patients. Eleven IPF patients (nine males and two females; age range 55-75 year) were included in this pilot study. 99mTc-HFAPI serial whole-body scintigraphy at 5 min, 20 min, 40 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, and 6 h was acquired for dynamic biodistribution and dosimetry estimation in seven representative patients. SPECT/CT tomography fusion imaging of the chest region was performed in all patients at 4 h post-injection, which was considered as the optimal acquisition time. Dosimetry was calculated using OLINDA/EXM software (version 2.0; HERMES Medical Solutions). The quantified or semi-quantified standardized uptake values (SUVs) and lesion-to-background ratios (LBRs) of affected lung parenchyma were also calculated. The high-resolution CT (HRCT) stage was determined with visual evaluation, and the total HRCT score of each patient was measured using a weighting factor formula. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were recorded as well. Then, the relationships between the 99mTc-HFAPI results, disease extent on HRCT, and PFT results were investigated. Normal physiological uptake of 99mTc-HFAPI was observed mainly in the liver, intestinal tract, pancreas, gallbladder, and to a lesser extent in the spleen, kidneys, and thyroid, with no apparent retention in the blood circulation at the late time point. The mean injected activity of 99mTc-HFAPI was 813.4 MBq (range 695.6-888.0 MBq). No subjective side effects were noticed. The average whole-body effective dose was 0.0041 mSv/MBq per patient. IPF patients exhibited elevated pulmonary 99mTc-HFAPI uptake in abnormal lung regions, which was correlated with fibrotic regions on HRCT. Among different HRCT stage groups, both SUVmax and LBR showed significant differences (p < 0.001). The higher HRCT stage demonstrated significantly higher SUVmax and LBR. A linear correlation between 99mTc-HFAPI uptake and total HRCT score was observed for SUVmax (r = 0.7839, F = 54.41, p = 0.0094) and LBR (r = 0.7402, F = 56.33, p = 0.0092). 99mTc-HFAPI uptake also had moderate correlations with PFT results. Our preliminary data show that the 99mTc-HFAPI SPECT imaging is a promising new imaging modality in IPF patients. Investigations of its clinical value in monitoring disease progression and treatment response are needed in the future.

Crude protein digestibility in broiler chickens fed rice husk-based diets supplemented with phytase

A total of 288, one day-old Arbor acres broiler chicks (BC) fed broiler starter till day 20 were used to investigate the effect of phytase on the digestibility of crude protein. On day 21, the chicks were weighed and allotted to 6 treatments with 6 replicates of 8 birds each using a 3x2 factorial arrangement in a randomized complete block design. Between days 25 and 27 post-hatch, samples of fresh excreta were collected once daily, bulked and stored in the freezer at -4ºC. On day 28, the birds were euthanized with carbon (IV) oxide asphyxiation and dissected to obtain digesta from the distal two-third of the ileum. Six semi-purified diets with 150, 300 and 450g/kg rice husk (RH) and 0 or 1000 units of phytase (Natuphos) were formulated. Ileal crude protein (CP) of the birds was significantly (P&lt; 0.05) reduced by feeding graded levels of RH, while interaction of phytase and CP had no significant effect on the excreta CP (P&gt;0.05). Apparent CP digestibility and retention of the birds had no linear and quadratic (P&gt;0.05) responses as the dietary supply of protein from RH increase. Increasing dietary concentration of protein intake from RH, addition of phytase and the interaction, influenced digested and retained CP significantly (P&lt;0.05). Therefore, digestibility of crude protein by broiler chickens fed RH-based diets supplemented with phytase improved digested and retained crude protein in broiler chickens.