Body Weight Values Research Articles

Effects of Feeding Different Levels on Digestibility Body Weight Body Condition Score and Stool Quality in Dogs

In this study, effects of different levels of feeding on digestibility, body weight(BW), body condition score(BCS) and some stool parameters were investigated. Fifteen adult Golden Retriever dogs were divided into 3 groups. ME content of food and ME requirements of the dogs were determined by the modified Atwater factors and the FEDIAF equation(95*BW0.75). The first group was fed 50% less than daily metabolic energy requirement(MER)(1), second group was fed 100%(2) and the third group was fed 50% more than the MER(3). Trial lasted 15 days. Stools were scored and stool samples were taken in last 4 days of the study. Dry matter(DMD) and organic matter digestibilities(OMD) were determined by acid-insoluble ash indicator method. BW and BCS values were determined on the 7th and 15th days. Changes in BW and BCS between days and groups were insignificant(P>0.05). DMD and OMD values were the highest in groups 1 and 2(P<0.05). Group 1 had the highest stool score(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in stool DM levels between all groups(P>0.05). In conclusion, modified Atwater factors and formula 95*BW0.75 were sufficient to preserve BW and BCS for this 15-day study. More studies are needed to compare the different formulas used to calculate the energy needs of dogs and the energy content in their diets. BW and BCS changes should be demonstrated with long-term trials. Effects of daily amount of food determined by the formulas on digestibility and health of dogs should also be investigated.

Genetic and phenotypic correlations between backfat thickness and weight at 28weeks of age, and reproductive performance in primiparous Landrace sows raised under tropical conditions.

Backfat thickness could reflect the energy reserve of female pigs that is required for their reproductivity, especially gilts that might be selected as replacements. In this study, genetic and phenotypic correlations between backfat thickness (BF) and body weight (BW) at 28weeks of age, and reproduction traits were estimated. They were considered for the possibility of using BF at the pre-selective stage as an early indicator of sow's reproduction potential. Pedigree information, BF and BW at 28weeks of age, age at first farrowing (AFF), transformed proportion of piglet loss at birth (tPL), and transformed weaning to first service interval (tWSI) of 806 primiparous Landrace sows were used to estimate the variance components by a restricted maximum likelihood procedure with an average information algorithm for multivariate analysis. The genetic correlation between BF and BW was 0.70 ± 0.13. Both BF and BW had a negative genetic correlation with AFF but not with tWSI. Genetic correlation estimates between tPL and other traits were unclear due to high standard error. The genetic correlation between AFF and tWSI was 0.78 ± 0.36. There were 19.35% of sires, 26.34% of dams, and 25.81% of sows that had preferable estimated breeding values for BF, BW, AFF, and WSI. These values indicated the feasibility of using selection index to improve BF and BW at the pre-selective stage and reduce AFF and tWSI of replacement gilt simultaneously. The estimation of genetic correlation between PL and other traits warrants further study in larger populations.

Weight-bearing in Trauma Surgery (WiTS) Study: A national survey of UK Trauma & Orthopaedic multidisciplinary health professionals

IntroductionWeight-bearing (WB) status following a fracture or surgical fixation is an important determinant of the mechanical environment for healing. In order for healthcare professionals to communicate and understand the extent of bearing weight through a limb, clear terminology must be used. There is widespread variation in the usage and definitions of WB terminology in the literature and clinical practice. This study sought to define the understanding and extent of variation across the United Kingdom. MethodsA nationwide online survey of UK-based Trauma & Orthopaedic (T&O) multidisciplinary healthcare professionals was conducted. Participants answered seven questions assessing their usage and understanding of various WB terminology. ResultsA total of 707 responses were received: 48% by doctors, 32% by physiotherapists, 13% by occupational therapists and 7% from other healthcare professionals. In terms of understanding of WB terminology with respect to percentage body weight (BW), 89% of respondents interpret ‘full WB’ as 100% BW, 97% interpret ‘non WB’ as 0% BW, 80% interpret ‘partial WB’ as 50% BW, and 89% interpret ‘touch/toe-touch WB’ as 10% or 20% BW. There were statistically significant differences between the responses of doctors and therapists for these four terms, with doctors tending to give higher %BW values. ‘Protected WB’ and ‘WB as tolerated’ had less consensus and more variability in responses. The majority (68%) of respondents do not usually quantify terminology such as ‘partial WB’ with a value, and 94% agreed that standardisation of WB terminology would improve communication amongst professionals. ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the substantial variation in the understanding of WB terminology amongst healthcare professionals, which likely results in ambiguous rehabilitation advice. Existing literature has shown that patients struggle to comply with terms such as ‘partial weight-bearing’. We recommend consensus within the T&O multidisciplinary community to standardise and define common weight-bearing terminology.

Investigation of the Changes in the Physical Parameters of Fitness Members During the Covid-19 Pandemic Process (Sample Province of Kayseri)

Background: The period of Covid 19 epidemic effect not only illness people but also human lives. A lot of People, participating some of activities in gym center from Kayseri. Some of restraint during the covid 19 epidemic by the ministry of interior was affected people who went to fitness center. This situation affected people of Body Weight, Body Mass Index, Body Fat Index unfavorable. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical changes of the participants who actively attended fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the physical changes of the participants who actively attended fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: In this study, 211 participants (male:155, female:56) enrolled in fitness centers in the experimental group were checked for 2 months and their Body Weight (BW), Body Mass Index (BMI), Body Fat Index (BFI) and were recorded twice. The findings obtained were evaluated statistically with the package program Results: In our study, n=55 over the age of 18, 26.1% were female; n=156, 73.9% of the male individuals voluntarily participated. At the end of the study, it was found that there was an increase in BW, BMI and BFI values of male and female participants and that they were significant at the level of paired sample t test findings (p&lt;0.05). Although there was an increase in MMI values, these findings were found to be at the level of (p&gt;0.05). Conclusion: At the end of the research, it was found that individuals who actively continued in fitness centers during the Covid-19 pandemic in Kayseri province experienced restrictions and an increase in BW, BMI, and BFI due to sedentary life. Keywords: Covid 19 Restriction, Physical Parameter, Fitness Center

673-P: Effect of Once-Weekly Dulaglutide 3.0 and 4.5 mg in Patients with Different Baseline Renal Function: Post-hoc Analysis from the Award-11 Trial

Background: AWARD-11 study in patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin demonstrated similar safety and superior efficacy of dulaglutide (DU) 3.0 and 4.5 mg vs. DU 1.5 mg. A post hoc analysis assessed consistency in safety and efficacy of the three DU doses across patients with different baseline renal function (RF) levels. Methods: Participants randomized to DU 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 mg were categorized into three RF levels based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; eGFR≥90, eGFR 60-90, and eGFR 30-60; eGFR unit: ml/min/1.73m2). Key safety and efficacy parameters were explored at week 52. Results: There was no evidence of inconsistency in the effect of DU treatment across patients in any RF subgroup for incidence of gastrointestinal events, hypoglycemia, new onset albuminuria or macroalbuminuria, or change from baseline in heart rate, blood pressure, or PR interval (interaction p-value >0.05 for all). There was no evidence of inconsistency in the effect of DU treatment patients in any RF subgroups for change from baseline in HbA1c (interaction p-value=0.128) and bodyweight values (interaction p-value=0.607). Conclusions: Effect of DU treatment was associated with consistent safety and efficacy patterns for all patients regardless of their RF status at baseline. Disclosure L. Garcia-perez: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. J. M. Maldonado: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. K. T. Ranta: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company, Stock/Shareholder; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. S. Raha: Employee; Self; Eli Lilly and Company. Funding Eli Lilly and Company

Dietary effect of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on quail performance, carcass, blood metabolites and intestinal microbiota

This study aimed to assess the impacts of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) on the growth performance, carcass traits, intestinal microbiota, liver and kidney functions, immunity, oxidative status, and lipid profile of Japanese quails. A total of 200 one-week-old unsexed Japanese quails with an average initial body weight of 26.24 ± 0.2 g were randomly distributed into 5 equal groups of 40 birds and further subdivided into 5 replicates. The first (control) group was fed a diet without any licorice, while licorice powder was added at levels of 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg per kg diet in the second, third, fourth, and fifth groups, respectively. At the age of 3 wk, the group of quail fed on a diet supplemented with 750 and 1000 mg licorice/kg of diet gained the highest body weight (BW) and daily body weight (DBW), while attaining the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to other groups. Meanwhile, groups fed diets with licorice at levels of 0 and 250 mg/kg showed the highest feed intake. After the 5-wk feeding trial, the highest BW and DBW values, and the lowest FCR were recorded in the group fed with 750 mg licorice/kg diet. The different treatments produced no significant differences (P > 0.05) in quail carcass characteristics, including percentages of carcass, liver, gizzard, heart, giblets, and dressing. The blood of the group fed a 750 mg licorice diet had higher contents of total protein and GLOB, while its contents of A/G%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were lower. Apart from the high level of licorice (1000 mg/kg), the MDA level was linearly and quadratically (P = 0.0413 and 0.001) decreased with different licorice groups, while superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and M (IgM) were quadratically increased when compared to the control group. Licorice supplementation resulted in marked reductions in the number of total bacteria, coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonella, compared to those in the control. In conclusion, the inclusion of licorice at levels of 750 and 1000 mg/kg into the diet of Japanese quail enhances the animal's performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and maintains a healthy gut microbiota.

Subpial Gene Delivery of synapsin‐promoted Caveolin‐1 Prolongs Survival in hSOD G93A mice Model of ALS

Introduction Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease resulting from loss of upper and lower motor neurons in brain and spinal cord . Familial (FALS) and sporadic (SALS) forms account for 90-95% and 5-10% of ALS cases, respectively. Due to the unknown etiology of SALS, interventions that afford neuroprotection and promote functional neuronal and synaptic plasticity are urgently needed. Recent clinical findings now shows an ALS-linked risk variant in the non-coding enhancer region of caveolin-1 (Cav-1), resulting in reduced Cav-1 protein expression and disruption of membrane/lipid rafts (MLRs). The present study tested whether spinal cord delivery of neuron-targeted Cav-1 (using adeno-associated virus serotype 9 (AAV9) encoding a synapsin-promoted Cav-1 construct (i.e., SynCav1)) via subpial lumber route of administration would improve motor function and extend survival in a mutant humanized mouse model of ALS (hSOD1G93A). Methods AAV9-SynCav1 subpial lumber injection (10 ul; 1.9x1013 genomic copies ml-1) at the lumber 1 level with thoracic 13 laminectomy was performed at 8 weeks (wk) of age. Weekly body weight (BW) was recorded and survival was determined using Kaplan-Meier curve. Running wheel (RW) tests were recorded at both 8 wk (pre-surgery baseline) and 16 wk (symptomatic age). BW and RW values were expressed as mean ± standard error while Kaplan-Meier was expressed as meidan days (d) survival. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Results Immunoblot assay revealed a significant decrease in Cav-1 protein expression in end-stage hSOD1G93A lumbar spinal cord tissue. Subpial SynCav1 delivery preserved Cav-1 expression without affecting misfolded SOD expression as determined by primary antibody for Cav-1 (#3267, 1:1000, Cell Signaling Technologies, Danvers, MA, USA, Denvor). Both male and female hSOD1G93A mice that received SynCav1 exhibited significantly greater survival compared to non-treated hSOD1G93A mice (male median survival 181 d for SynCav1-hSOD1G93A vs 158 d non-treated hSOD1G93A, p=0.002; female median survival 180 d for SynCav1-hSOD1G93Avs 167 d non-treated hSOD1G93A, p=0.008). No significant difference in BW or RW was measured among the groups. Conclusion SynCav1 gene delivery to the spinal cord via subpial administration significantly prolongs survival in the aggressive hSOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. We did not observe improvements on body weight nor motor function with SynCav1, possibly due to the aggressive nature of this particular transgenic disease model. From week 8 to week12, body weight from surgery group is even lower compare to non-treated hSOD1G93A mice due to surgery. Future direction is to optimize the dose of SynCav1 while simultaneously using a less invasive route of administration (e.g., intrathecal) in order to minimize 1) physical trauma with subpial procedure and 2) any surgery-associated inflammatory response, both of which could contribute to rapid disease progression.

Effect of Exercise Involving Standing Weight Shifting to the Nonparetic Side on an Inclined Surface in the Early Phase After a Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

This study aimed to clarify whether an exercise involving weight shifting to the nonparetic side while standing on an inclined surface improves standing balance in the early phase after stroke. This assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial included people undergoing inpatient rehabilitation at a university hospital. Participants (N = 52) with hemiparesis caused by a stroke were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n = 26) or control group (n = 26). Participants performed a weight-shifting exercise to the nonparetic side using a goal-directed reaching strategy while standing on an inclined surface that was elevated 5 degrees to the nonparetic side in the experimental group or a flat surface in the control group. The reaching exercise was conducted 30 times per day for 5days. Primary outcome was the Berg Balance Scale. Secondary outcomes were the posturographic examination (static standing and lateral weight shifting to the nonparetic and paretic sides), Trunk Control Test, Trunk Impairment Scale, Functional Ambulation Category, and Functional Independent Measure motor item scores. Through intention-to-treat analysis, no significant intervention effects were observed between groups on the Berg Balance Scale. A significant intervention effect was observed, however, with the experimental group on the lateral weight shifting to the nonparetic side in the mean percentage bodyweight values and center-of-pressure moving distance and to the paretic side in center-of-pressure moving distance and Functional Ambulation Category. There were no significant interaction effects concerning other outcomes. These results suggest that standing reaching exercises to the nonparetic side while standing on an inclined surface could improve lateral weight-shifting capacity and gait ability in participants in the early poststroke phase. This intervention should be incorporated into standard treatment programs focusing on the paretic side during early stroke rehabilitation.

Accounting for genetic architecture for body weight improves accuracy of predicting breeding values in a commercial line of broilers.

BLUP (best linear unbiased prediction) is the standard for predicting breeding values, where different assumptions can be made on variance–covariance structure, which may influence predictive ability. Herein, we compare accuracy of prediction of four derived‐BLUP models: (a) a pedigree relationship matrix (PBLUP), (b) a genomic relationship matrix (GBLUP), (c) a weighted genomic relationship matrix (WGBLUP) and (d) a relationship matrix based on genomic features that consisted of only a subset of SNP selected on a priori information (GFBLUP). We phenotyped a commercial population of broilers for body weight (BW) in five successive weeks and genotyped them using a 50k SNP array. We compared predictive ability of univariate models using conservative cross‐validation method, where each full‐sib group was divided into two folds. Results from cross‐validation showed, with WGBLUP model, a gain in accuracy from 2% to 7% compared with GBLUP model. Splitting the additive genetic matrix into two matrices, based on significance level of SNP (Gf: estimated with only set of SNP selected on significance level, Gr: estimated with the remaining SNP), led to a gain in accuracy from 1% to 70%, depending on the proportion of SNP used to define Gf. Thus, information from GWAS in models improves predictive ability of breeding values for BW in broilers. Increasing the power of detection of SNP effects, by acquiring more data or improving methods for GWAS, will help improve predictive ability.

Association of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor I genotype with body weight, dominance of body weight, and mRNA expression in Korat slow-growing chickens.

ObjectiveGrowth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) play a critical role in animal growth rates. We aimed to investigate the effect of GH and IGF-I genotypes on body weight (BW), dominance, and gene expression in slow-growing chickens at different ages.MethodsA total of 613 Korat chickens (KRs) were bred and divided into three groups by genotype – A1A1, A1A3, and A3A3 for GH and AA, AC, and CC for IGF-I. Chickens were weighed every two weeks, and liver and breast muscle tissues were collected at 10 weeks of age. Genetic parameters of KRs were estimated using ASReml software. The GH and IGF-I mRNA levels were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Significant differences between traits were analyzed using the generalized linear model.ResultsA significant effect of GH genotypes on BW was found at most ages, and the A1A1 genotype had the highest value of BW. Compared with the A3A3 genotype, the A1A1 and A1A3 genotypes showed a higher dominance effect at 0 and 2 weeks, and genotype A1A1 had the highest value of dominance at 8 weeks of age. A difference in GH mRNA levels between genotypes was detected in breast muscle at 6 weeks and in the liver tissue at 2 weeks. In the case of IGF-I gene, the AA genotype had the highest BW at the beginning of life. Significant differences in BW dominance were found at 2 weeks. However, IGF-I mRNA levels were not different among genotypes in both breast muscles and liver tissues.ConclusionOur results revealed that GH and IGF-I influence growth, but may not be involved in heterosis. GH can be used as a marker gene in selection programs for growth because the homozygous genotype (A1A1) had the highest BW at all ages. The IGF-I is not a useful marker gene for selection programs.

Estimation of breeding value for bodyweight of grasscutters

Animal breeders are interested in the genetic worth or total genetic merit of an animal for a given trait. The value of an animal in a breeding program for a particular trait is called the breeding value. The aim of this study was to predict the breeding values for bodyweight of grasscutters at 4, 6 and 8 months of age using univariate animal model. Four families of grasscutters with five grasscutters per family were used for the study. Families 3 and 4 had higher bodyweight at 4 and 6 months compared with families 1 and 2. Family 4 had the highest bodyweight at 8 month and family 2 had the least. The estimated breeding values (EBV) for bodyweight of grasscutters ranged from -0.06kg to 0.45kg at 4 month, -0.05kg to 0.45 kg at 6 month and -0.04kg to 0.55kg at 8 month. The reliability of the EBV (%) ranged from 51.00 to 62.50, 22.25 to 43.81 and 25.84 to 49.00 at 4, 6 and 8 months of age respectively. This implies that the correlations between estimated breeding value and true genetic merit were medium to high in magnitude. The reliability of the EBV could be improved further through collecting more phenotypic information on the animal and its relatives and by improving the heritability of the trait. Les éleveurs s'intéressent à la valeur génétique ou au mérite génétique total d'un animal pour un trait donné. La valeur d'un animal dans un programme d'élevage pour un trait particulier est appelée valeur de reproduction. Le but de cette étude était de prédire les valeurs de reproduction du poids corporel des coupe-herbes à l'âge de 4, 6 et 8 mois à l'aide d'un modèle animal univarié. Quatre familles de coupe-herbes avec cinq coupes-herbes par famille ont été utilisées pour l'étude. Les familles 3 et 4 avaient un poids corporel plus élevé à 4 et 6 mois comparativement aux familles 1 et 2. Famille 4 avait le poids corporel le plus élevé à 8 mois et la famille 2 avait le moins. Les valeurs de reproduction estimées (le 'EBV') pour le poids corporel des coupe-herbes allaient de -0.06 kg à 0,45 kg à 4 mois, -0.05 kg à 0.45 kg à 6 mois et -0.04 kg à 0.55 kg à 8 mois. La fiabilité de l'EBV (%) 51.00 à 62.50, 22.25 à 43.81 et 25.84 à 49.00 à 4, 6 et 8 mois respectivement. Cela implique que les corrélations entre la valeur de reproduction estimée et le véritable mérite génétique étaient de taille moyenne à élevée. La fiabilité de l'EBV pourrait être encore améliorée en recueillant plus d'informations phénotypique sur l'animal et ses parents et en améliorant l'hérabilité du trait.

Formononetin ameliorates muscle atrophy by regulating myostatin-mediated PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway and satellite cell function in chronic kidney disease.

Muscle atrophy is a common complication in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Inflammation and myostatin play important roles in CKD muscle atrophy. Formononetin (FMN), which is a major bioactive isoflavone compound in Astragalus membranaceus, exerts anti‐inflammatory effects and the promotion of myogenic differentiation. Our study is based on myostatin to explore the effects and mechanisms of FMN in relation to CKD muscle atrophy. In this study, CKD rats and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α)‐induced C2C12 myotubes were used for in vivo and in vitro models of muscle atrophy. The results showed that FMN significantly improved the renal function, nutritional status and inflammatory markers in CKD rats. Values for bodyweight, weight of tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius muscles, and cross‐sectional area (CSA) of skeletal muscles were significantly larger in the FMN treatment rats. Furthermore, FMN significantly suppressed the expressions of MuRF‐1, MAFbx and myostatin in the muscles of CKD rats and the TNF‐α‐induced C2C12 myotubes. Importantly, FMN significantly increased the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and FoxO3a and the expressions of the myogenic proliferation and differentiation markers, myogenic differentiation factor D (MyoD) and myogenin in muscles of CKD rats and the C2C12 myotubes. Similar results were observed in TNF‐α‐induced C2C12 myotubes transfected with myostatin‐small interfering RNA (si‐myostatin). Notably, myostatin overexpression plasmid (myostatin OE) abolished the effect of FMN on the phosphorylation of the PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway and the expressions of MyoD and myogenin. Our findings suggest that FMN ameliorates muscle atrophy related to myostatin‐mediated PI3K/Akt/FoxO3a pathway and satellite cell function.

Correction of INRAPORC® prediction errors for a commercial pig system

ABSTRACT: INRAPORC® is a mechanistic, dynamic, and deterministic model system that is used in commercial pig production. However, its use is limited as it requires performance information for animals under ad libitum (AL) feed management, which is not provided at all stages of production. Verification of the INRAPORC® calibrations were conducted in this investigation using data from a small group of animals fed with AL in a laboratory situation, to simulate the mean kinetics of a larger commercial population and generate the correction equations for the predicted body weight (BW), and backfat thickness (BT). Analyses were performed by comparing the predicted and observed data, and by submitting them to prediction calibration curve tests (b0 = 0, and b1 = 1). The obtained curves presented a systematic, fixed effect error (+2.37 mm) for BT. The predicted BW and BT values were corrected using the values of the systematic errors obtained. As a result, 100% of the BW averages observed were contained in the confidence intervals (CI) of the INRAPORC® predicted averages, without the need for corrections, and 78.5% of the actual BT averages were contained in the CI of the averages predicted by the system, after corrections. The INRAPORC® calibrations, based on a small population of animals in laboratory conditions could thus be utilized to make predictions for commercial pig production systems and for value correction procedures for the BW and BT of pig populations that have systematic errors in their prediction validations.

Growth rate, phenotypic correlation and repeatability estimates of body weight and linear body traits of Cobb and Arbor Acre broiler strains

Correlation coefficients are useful tool in animal breeding as a means of predicting potential response. In this study, body weight (BW) and linear body traits records of Arbor Acre and Cobb broiler strains obtained at 3 – 8 weeks were used to compare the growth performance of the strains as well as estimate the phenotypic correlations (rp ) among BW and the linear body traits. Repeatability (R) values of BW and the linear body traits were estimated at weeks 3, 5 and 7. Atotal of 200 day old chicks, 100 each of Arbor Acre and Cobb were used for the study. The linear body traits considered were body length (BL), shank length (SL), chest circumference (CC), keel length (KL), wing length (WL) and drum stick length (DSL). Significant differences (P&lt;0.05) were observed between the strains for BW and the linear body traits at the various weeks. BW differed significantly at weeks 5, 6 and 7, which ranged from 1036.67 ± 36.93 – 1736.67 ± 46.41 for Arbor Acre and 930.00 ± 20.59 – 1563.33 ± 33.26 for Cobb. Arbor Acre showed significant (P&lt;0.05) superiority to Cobb in their linear body traits in most of the weeks. BW had high significant (P&lt;0.05; P&lt;0.01) positive rp with the linear body traits, which ranged from 0.535 (KL) – 0.842 (BL) for Arbor Acre and 0.523 (SL) – 0.834 (BL) for Cobb. The rp among the linear body traits in both Arbor Acre and Cobb were positive but ranged from moderate to high. The R estimate of BW of Arbor Acre and Cobb were all very highly repeatable at weeks 3, 5 and 7 ranging from 0.90 – 0.99. R values for the linear body traits ranged majorly from moderate {(0.31 – 0.67 and 0.37 – 0.69)}to high {(0.78 – 0.97) and 0.97) and (0.71 – 0.92)} for Arbor Acre and Cobb, respectively across the weeks evaluated. The result of this study indicates that Arbor Acre could be a strain of choice for rearing in our study area owing to its superiority over Cobb in terms of growth performance. All the linear body traits measure were good estimators of BW in both strains as well as each other, implying that any phenotypic selection on one trait will lead to improvement of others. The high repeatability estimates of body weight and some of the linear traits indicate that fewer records would be required to adequately characterize the inherent growing ability of the birds at the various stages of growth.

Genetic parameters for methane emission traits in Australian dairy cows

Methane is a greenhouse gas of high interest to the dairy industry, with 57% of Australia's dairy emissions attributed to enteric methane. Enteric methane emissions also constitute a loss of approximately 6.5% of ingested energy. Genetic selection offers a unique mitigation strategy to decrease the methane emissions of dairy cattle, while simultaneously improving their energy efficiency. Breeding objectives should focus on improving the overall sustainability of dairy cattle by reducing methane emissions without negatively affecting important economic traits. Common definitions for methane production, methane yield, and methane intensity are widely accepted, but there is not yet consensus for the most appropriate method to calculate residual methane production, as the different methods have not been compared. In this study, we examined 9 definitions of residual methane production. Records of individual cow methane, dry matter intake (DMI), and energy corrected milk (ECM) were obtained from 379 animals and measured over a 5-d period from 12 batches across 5 yr using the SF6 tracer method and an electronic feed recording system, respectively. The 9 methods of calculating residual methane involved genetic and phenotypic regression of methane production on a combination of DMI and ECM corrected for days in milk, parity, and experimental batch using phenotypes or direct genomic values. As direct genomic values (DGV) for DMI are not routinely evaluated in Australia at this time, DGV for FeedSaved, which is derived from DGV for residual feed intake and estimated breeding value for bodyweight, were used. Heritability estimates were calculated using univariate models, and correlations were estimated using bivariate models corrected for the fixed effects of year-batch, days in milk, and lactation number, and fitted using a genomic relationship matrix. Residual methane production candidate traits had low to moderate heritability (0.10 ± 0.09 to 0.21 ± 0.10), with residual methane production corrected for ECM being the highest. All definitions of residual methane were highly correlated phenotypically (>0.87) and genetically (>0.79) with one another and moderately to highly with other methane candidate traits (>0.59), with high standard errors. The results suggest that direct selection for a residual methane production trait would result in indirect, favorable improvement in all other methane traits. The high standard errors highlight the importance of expanding data sets by measuring more animals for their methane emissions and DMI, or through exploration of proxy traits and combining data via international collaboration.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Pulmonary Function and Aerobic Capacity in Sedentary Men

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of an 8-week aerobic exercise program on the respiratory function and aerobic capacity of sedentary men. Methods: A total of 24 male sedentary individuals between 18-23 years who were living in the Gaziantep, participated in the present study voluntarily. Participants were randomly divided into two groups as experimental group (n=12, age: 21.86±2.78 years) and control group (n=12, age: 22.51±2.32 years). The experimental group participated in the aerobic exercise program for three days per week for eight weeks. No exercise program was administered to the control group. Before and after the exercise program, body weight (BW), body mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BFP), resting heart rate (RHR), maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), vital capacity (VC), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced expiratory rate (FEV1/FVC %) and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) measurements were performed. Respiratory parameters were measured with the M.E.C. The Pocket Spiro USB-100 device. The VO2max was measured with the MEC PFT ergo-spirometer system. Body weight and height were measured using the N.A.N. device. Paired Sample t test was used for intra-group comparison and Independent Sample t test was used for inter-group comparison for statistical analysis of the data. The level of significance was determined as p<0.05. Results: There were statistically significant improvements (p<0.05) in the BW, BMI, BFP, RHR, VO2max, VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC % and MVV values of the experimental group. The weight and BMI values of the control group were found significant (p<0.05). There was no significance in the other data. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in favor of the experimental group, in the assessments of BMI, BFP, RHR, VO2max, VC, FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC % and MVV values (p<0.05). Conclusion: As a result, it is considered that the aerobic exercise program which was applied to the sedentary individuals has a positive effect on the respiratory functions and aerobic capacity values. It can be said that regular and planned aerobic exercises will affect respiratory functions and aerobic capacity positively.

Biomechanical Posture Assessment of Salted Fish Industry Workers in West Aceh

Salted fish is dried fish that is preserved by adding salt as the preservative medium. The process of production starts with cleaning, salting, boiling, drying, sorting, and packing. The length and complexity of the process lead to an increase in the risk of MSDs and posture complaints among the workers. This study aimed to find out the factors that caused the complaints with the biomechanical posture method. Six subjects were measured for the tension at erector spinae and the moment at (lumbar 5 sacrum 1) L5-S1 vertebral joint created by body segments and load, the calculation of the workers’ body segment weight, the distance of the body’s center point to the lumbar 5 sacrum 1 (L5-S1), and biomechanics at L5-S1. The largest body segment weight was found at the cleaning station, which dealt with the process of manually lifting the fish, with a bodyweight value of 70 kg, Wtrunk: 350 N, Whead: 58.8 N, Warm: 35.7 N and Wload: 300 N. The farthest distance from the body’s center point to L5-S1 was found at the drying station, which deals with the process of drying the fish, with values of the distance of head (dhead): 54.78 cm, distance of trunk (dtrunk): 59.26 cm, distance of arm (darm): 67.39 cm and distance of box (dbox): 86.11 cm. The largest moment in force on L5-S1 was found at the packing station, which deals with the fish transferring and packaging process, with the value of the moment of force at 5351.86 N and 4215.28 N. Therefore, it is suggested that the salt fish industry finds solutions, re-designing the work station, decreasing the lifting load, and producing proper equipment to assist workers during labor to improve their safety and health.

Temperament of Nelore growing-steers receiving supplementation in grazing system: Performance, ultrasound measures, feeding behavior, and serum parameters

A study was performed to evaluate the temperament of beef cattle on grazing system regarding performance, ultrasound measures, feeding behavior, and physiological parameters. Twenty growing animals [Nelore; non-castrated males; 220 ± 33 kg initial body weight (BW); 10 ± 1 months of age] on rotational stocking system (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés) were used. Individual temperament scores were calculated by averaging animal chute score and exit velocity score [adequate (ADQ) ≤ 3; or excitable (EXC) > 3] at the beginning of the trial period (d 0). At the same day, animals were ranked by temperament and BW, and assigned to receive (n = 10) or not (control = CON; n = 10) a supplementation (SUP). Body condition score (BCS), BW, hip height (HH), and ultrasound evaluations (ribeye area - uLMA; backfat thickness - uBFT) were recorded on d 0 and 84. Difference between BW (d 84 and 0) were used to determine the average daily gain (ADG). Blood samples were collected at 0, 28, 56, and 84 d and analyzed for serum cortisol, insulin, and haptoglobin. Feeding behavior data (time of grazing, rumination, resting, and drinking water) were obtained by all-animals scan sampling (4 d; 24-h per day). No interactions of temperament with supplementation were detected for performance. ADQ animals had a greater initial and final BW (P ≤ 0.032), and ADG (P = 0.031) than EXC animals. No differences were found for the other growth performance variables studied regarding temperament classification. SUP group had greater values for final BW (P< 0.001), ADG (P< 0.001), initial and final uLMA (P ≤ 0.002), and higher final HH (P = 0.007) than CON group. Interactions of temperament with period (P< 0.01) were observed for grazing, rumination, and resting behaviors. ADQ animals showed higher probability of grazing, ruminating, and resting events during some periods of the day, whereas EXC animals had higher probability of ruminating events and resting events in other periods. No effects of temperament were identified for serum parameters (P ≥ 0.157), however, a tendency for diet effect was detected (P = 0.066) for cortisol concentration, for which SUP animals showed higher values than CON animals. In conclusion, growth performance and feeding behavior are impacted in Nelore growing cattle by temperament and supplementation. Therefore, animal temperament is a characteristic that must be considered in beef cattle produced in grazing systems.

Total dietary studies and food safety assessment in Taiwan-food preservatives as an illustration

This second total diet study (TDS) in Taiwan was initiated to assess the health risk posed on general consumers from the dietary intake of benzoic acid and sorbic acid as an illustration of a risk assessment of food preservatives. Health risk was assessed by estimating the ratio of the exposure level to the acceptable daily intake (ADI) level of an analyte. This ratio, known as the hazard index (HI), must be less than 100% to ensure no health risk of concern. The ADI values were obtained from the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The present TDS was conducted based on the two analytes, benzoic acid and sorbic acid. Exposure levels of the analytes were determined by using three sets of local data: 1) the analyte concentrations (C) in pertinent food samples, 2) the individual consumption rates (CR) of these food samples, and 3) the body weight (BW) of consumers. C values were obtained by chemical analysis of the analytes in food samples, while CR and BW values were derived from the database of the Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT). The HI values were calculated using the equation below and expressed as % ADI. HI J = ∑1=ln%ADIJ = ∑1=lnADDlJ/ADIP×100% = ∑1=lnC1×CRlJ/BW J×ADIP×100% A scheme was developed to select food items to represent the total diet consumed in Taiwan. Based on the NAHSIT database, the total diet was classified into 12 categories and 47 sub-categories. By ranking food consumption rates, 128 food items were selected to form a basic list for the TDS, which represented 83% of the total diet consumed daily in Taiwan. Taking into consideration the occurrence pattern of the analytes in foods, the list was adjusted to a total of 97 food items for sample collection and preparation for chemical analysis. Food products were purchased from 50 strategic sampling sites throughout Taiwan over two seasons (spring/summer and autumn/winter) for two consecutive years. Food samples were prepared according to the conditions of serving and were homogenized and mixed prior to chemical analysis to obtain data on C, of which the maximum concentration of each food item was used to make a conservative estimate. The BW of nine age groups and CR of individual food items by each age group were used as exposure factors in risk calculation. The results indicated that the levels of exposure to benzoates and sorbates of the general consumers at 95 th percentile in Taiwan were below 50% ADI for benzoates and around 10% ADI for sorbates, which suggest relatively low risk of concern. The present TDS work has helped to renew and strengthen the framework of TDS in Taiwan and facilitate further similar risk assessment work on other target chemicals in food.

Tissue‐specific Humanized Models Expressing Human UGT1A1

The human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) represent an important family of drug‐metabolizing enzymes. Among the nine UGT1A proteins, UGT1A1 has been the most extensively studied. UGT1A1 is the sole enzyme responsible for the glucuronidation of bilirubin and is involved in the conjugation of endogenous and many exogenous substances, including pharmaceutical drugs. Although the liver is considered a major organ for detoxification, intestinal UGT1A1 is also an important contributor for drug clearance. In order to investigate the role of both intestinal and hepatic human UGT1A1, we generated humanized strains that express only the UGT1A1 gene in either liver (hAlb1A1) or small intestine (hVil1A1). The two models were characterized by demonstrating hepatic and intestinal tissue specific expression of human UGT1A1. Body weight (BW) and total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels were monitored during different developmental stage. Both humanized models exhibited similar BW and normal TSB values in the adult stages. Differences between the two animal models were observed in the neonatal stage where hVil1A1 pups presented significantly lower TSB levels than hAlb1A1 mice, confirming that the intestinal expression of UGT1A1 is crucial in preventing bilirubin toxicity during development. Of importance is the finding that we have new humanized UGT1A1 mouse models to examine tissue‐specific glucuronidation. Given the importance of the intestinal tract in xenobiotic activation, metabolism and detoxification, we subsequently have isolated intestinal crypt organoids from these same animal models. The use of these in vivo models and their in vitro complementary primary cell models provide important tools for studying intestinal and hepatic toxicity of drugs and environmental toxicants that are metabolized by UGT1A1.Support or Funding InformationSupported by National Institutes of Health grants GM126074 and ES010337