Female Body Weight Research Articles

Impact of Rearing Substrates on Black Soldier Fly Growth and Fertility: A Semi-Industrial Scale Study to Optimize Egg Collection

Juvenile environments can influence adult phenotypes in holometabolous insects. This study examines the effects of larval rearing substrates on the reproductive outcomes of Black Soldier Flies (BSFs) at a semi-industrial scale. Larvae were reared on five substrates. Larval growth, adult size, and reproductive performance were monitored, with a specific focus on egg production and hatching rates across 17 continuous egg collection days. Egg production was positively correlated with female body weight, while male body weight appeared to influence the egg production peak. Extended larval feeding stages and shorter non-feeding periods were associated with an earlier onset of egg-laying, suggesting life-history traits as predictors for reproductive timing. Diets high in carbohydrates but low in protein and fat positively influenced larval growth, egg production, and female body weight, while diets rich in both protein and carbohydrates negatively affected all measured parameters. Notably, higher fecundity did not necessarily correlate with fertility (i.e., more viable larvae for bioconversion), highlighting the need to optimize diets for both egg quantity and hatchability to maximize productivity. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing larval nutrition and egg collection practices, enhancing reproductive efficiency and overall productivity in industrial BSF farming.

Experimental model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in pregnant rats to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy

Background: The growing incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the population contributes to the development of obstetric complications during pregnancy and demands searching effective methods of hepatoprotective therapy. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in an experimental model in pregnant rats. Materials and methods: this experimental study was carried out on 19 female Wistar rats weighing 250–300 g, obtained from the laboratory animal nursery of SMK Stezar Ltd. (Vladimir, Russia). Using a high-fat diet, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was simulated in the study groups as follows. Group 1 (n = 7) consisted of non-pregnant rats, group 2 comprised pregnant rats without therapy (n = 6), and group 3 included pregnant rats and intraperitoneal administration of 12 mg of the low-molecular sugar preparation from day 16 to day 20 of gestation (n = 6). During the experiment, the body weight of female rats was measured weekly. After the experiment was completed, we evaluated the blood serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, ferritin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, urea, total alkaline phosphatase, bile acids, glucose, C-reactive protein, cholinesterase, and malondialdehyde, as well as catalase activity. Histological examination of the rat liver was carried out using the standard method with hematoxylin and eosin staining. Results: This study showed that high-fat diet caused oxidative stress manifested by decreased the blood catalase level and increased malonovodialdehyde in both pregnant and non-pregnant females; the blood bile acids level also increased. In pregnant rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, the serum C-reactive protein and total alkaline phosphatase levels increased, the cholinesterase level decreased, and the catalase activity decreased even more. In the study group using the low-molecular sugar preparation, biochemical parameters in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease improved, probably due to the effect on lipogenesis and oxidative stress in the liver. The histological pattern was characterized by the impaired structural characteristics of hepatocytes and the circulatory bed. With the use of the low-molecular-weight sugar preparation, we noted a tendency to restore the structure of the hepatic beam area and a decrease in the manifestations of steatosis. Conclusions: The use of the low-molecular-weight sugar preparation in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease improves biochemical blood parameters and tends to restore the histological structure of the liver.

Gender-related Therapeutical Response to Apremilast: New Insights in a Tailored Management of Psoriasis

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin condition. One of the intriguing challenges in studying psoriasis has been identification of correlations between this disease and gender and body weight. Objective: A multicenter retrospective study was conducted among patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who attended the outpatient clinics of 6 University Hospitals in Italy. The effects of apremilast on weight and body mass index (BMI) according to gender after 24 weeks and 48 weeks of therapy were considered. Methods: We enrolled retrospectively 120 adult patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis who underwent apremilast treatment for at least 24 weeks. Baseline characteristics, including age, gender, psoriasis area severity index (PASI), comorbidities, smoking and alcohol habits, relevant medical history and previous psoriasis systemic and biologic treatments were recorded. Weight and body mass index (BMI) were evaluated at baseline (T0) and at 24 (w24) and 48 weeks (w48). A descriptive statistical analysis has been performed. Results: The analysis showed a significant reduction in body weight in females at w24 and w48 (p < 0.001), with a mean difference of −2.6 kg at w24 and of -5.7 kg at w48. We observed a reduction of weight of 3.6% at w24, and 7.9% at w48. Similar assessments were also observed for BMI, which was reduced in women by 3.6% at w24 and 8% at w48. In men, no changes in weight and BMI were observed at w24 and/or w48. Conclusion: Understanding the interplay between psoriasis, gender, and body weight is essential for effective disease management and improving patient outcomes.

Suboptimal Refeeding Compensates Stunting in a Mouse Model of Juvenile Malnutrition.

Early postnatal life is a critical period of rapid growth in mammals, heavily reliant on adequate nutrition. Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) during this window can lead to stunting and wasting, with lasting health consequences. This study developed a mouse model of juvenile PEM to assess the effects of refeeding with various diets and interventions on growth recovery, including probiotic supplementation and suboptimal refeeding diets. Outcomes included length and weight catch-up, organ weights, and glucose tolerance. Juvenile male and female C57Bl/6J mice (N = 8 to 11/group) were fed a low-protein diet (LPD, 5% kcal from protein) starting at postnatal day 14 (P14) to which the pups and dams had access. Following weaning, mice were refed an optimal diet (27% kcal from protein) at different times (P28 to P56). Male mice received additional interventions, including supplementation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WJL (LpWJL) during refeeding or refeeding with a Western diet (WD), 15.3% kcal from protein, or a modified Western diet (MWD) 7.5% kcal from protein. Statistical analyses used analysis of variance, analysis of covariance, and principal component analysis. Optimal refeeding restored growth in females (body weight in optimal-fed: 20.5 ± 0.3 g vs. 19.4 ± 0.6 g in P56-refed), but males showed persistent stunting (26.8 ± 0.7 g vs. 21.9 ± 0.9 g; P < 0.05). In males, LpWJL did not enhance growth recovery and exacerbated glucose intolerance in suboptimal refeeding groups. Males refed WD or MWD restored body length but showed impaired glucose metabolism, particularly in mice refed WD, with glycemia 30 min after glucose challenge reaching 20.4 ± 4.0 mM vs. 14.3 ± 3.0 mM in optimal-fed mice (P < 0.05). Sex-dependent differences in recovery from PEM were evident, with males showing incomplete growth recovery despite optimal refeeding. Suboptimal diets compensated for stunting but impaired glucose metabolism, and LpWJL did not improve growth outcomes.

Impact of dietary supplementation of beef cows with rumen-protected methionine during the periconceptional period on prenatal growth and performance to weaning.

Changes in maternal nutrition during the periconceptional period can influence postnatal growth in cattle. This study aimed to identify the impact of supplementing beef cows with rumen-protected methionine (RP-Met) during the periconceptional period on their female progeny. In exp 1, plasma methionine (Met) levels were analyzed in samples from 10 Angus crossbred, non-lactating beef cows. Cows were randomly assigned to receive 454g of cottonseed meal with 15g/d of RP-Met (RPM; Smartamine M, Adisseo) or not (CON) for 5 d and data were analyzed as a completely randomized design with repeated measures. A treatment-by-day interaction was observed (P < 0.001), where plasma Met concentrations increased in the RPM treatment yet remained basal in CON. In exp 2, 114 cows were fed a roughage-based diet and randomized to receive 454g/d of corn gluten supplemented with 15g/d of RP-Met (RPM n = 56) or not (CON n = 58) from d -7 to 7 relative to timed artificial insemination (TAI) using sexed semen to obtain females. Amino acids were measured in plasma samples from d -8, 0, and 7 in cows. In the female progeny, body weight, withers height, body length, and heart girth were measured every 60 d from birth through weaning at an average age of 242 ± 5.8 d. Liver, adipose tissue, and longissimus dorsi muscle biopsies were collected at 187.88 ± 5.5 d of age and a subset of 20 random samples (CON = 10; RPM = 10) were selected for RNA-seq on each tissue. data were analyzed as a generalized randomized block design with repeated measures. Methionine was increased (P < 0.01) in plasma from cows in the RPM treatment on d 0 and 7. After calving, 34 female calves (CON = 16; RPM = 18) remained in the study and no difference was observed in birth weights between treatments. Calves were taller at the withers for RPM than CON (P = 0.03; CON = 92 ± 1.0cm; RPM = 95 ± 1cm) but there were no effects of treatment on other measures of body size. A total of 30, 24, and 2 differentially expressed genes (DEGs; P < 0.01) were observed in liver, longissimus dorsi muscle, and adipose tissue respectively. In summary, feeding RP-Met to cows in the periconceptional period resulted in female calves that were taller than CON before weaning. There were DEGs in the tissue samples but no other changes in measurements associated with body size. In conclusion, supplementation of RP-Met to beef cows during the periconceptional period caused minor changes in the female offspring before weaning.

The combination of a glucagon-like peptide-1 and amylin receptor agonists reduces alcohol consumption in both male and female rats.

Combining different pharmaceuticals may be beneficial when treating disorders with complex neurobiology, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). The gut-brain peptides amylin and GLP-1 may be of potential interest as they individually reduce alcohol intake in rodents. While the combination of amylin receptor (AMYR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have been found to decrease feeding and body weight in obese male rats synergistically, their combined impact on alcohol intake is unknown. Therefore, the effect of the combination of an AMYR (salmon calcitonin (sCT)) and a GLP-1R (dulaglutide) agonist on alcohol intake in rats of both sexes was explored in two separate alcohol-drinking experiments. The first alcohol-drinking experiment evaluated the potential of adding sCT to an ongoing dulaglutide treatment, whereas the second alcohol-drinking experiment examined the effect when adding sCT and dulaglutide simultaneously. When adding sCT to an ongoing dulaglutide treatment, a reduction in alcohol intake was observed in both male and female rats. However, when combining sCT and dulaglutide simultaneously, an initial reduction in alcohol intake was observed in rats of both sexes, whereas tolerance towards treatment was observed. In both alcohol-drinking experiments, this treatment combination consistently decreased food consumption and body weight in males and females. While the treatment combination did not affect inflammatory mediators, the gene expression of AMYR or GLP-1R, it changed fat tissue morphology. Further investigation needs to be done on the combination of AMYR and GLP-1R agonists to assess their combined effects on alcohol intake.

Insights of the Population Structure and Breeding Biology of a Xanthid Crab Etisus laevimanus Randall, 1840, on the Rocky Intertidal Region of the Gujarat Coast.

The population structure and breeding biology of a Xanthid crab, Etisus laevimanus Randall, 1840, a commonly occurring species on the rocky intertidal region of Saurashtra coast of Gujarat State, India, were investigated. Samples were collected from the intertidal region for 12 consecutive months during low tide using catch per unit effort in a 500 m2 area. The individuals were categorized into male, non-ovigerous female, or ovigerous female. For fecundity estimation, the total number of eggs, size of eggs, and weight of egg mass were measured along with the carapace width and body weight of the respective ovigerous females. Sexual dimorphism was evident in the collected samples, with males being significantly larger than females. The overall as well as monthly sex ratio was female-biased. Size frequency distribution showed a bimodal frequency distribution in males while being unimodal in females. The occurrence of ovigerous females throughout the year suggests that the species has a continuous breeding pattern with peaks from December to April. The total number of eggs, size of eggs, and weight of the egg mass showed a significantly positive correlation with the carapace width of the ovigerous females.

Somatic Changes of Maternal High-Fat Diet on Offspring-Possible Deleterious Effects of Flavonoids?

Background/Objectives: The rapidly increasing rate of obesity has become an extremely important public health problem, particularly in developed countries. Obesity is associated with a range of health problems, often referred to as the metabolic syndrome. Adipose tissue is now regarded as an endocrine organ responsible for the hormonal secretion of adipokines, which are cytokines involved in various physiological processes. It has been established that adipokines play a key role in the regulation of many processes in the human body. The aim of the current study was to use an animal model to investigate the possible influence of obesity and adipokines on the gestational period, on the development of offspring, and to assess whether these changes are influenced by the administration of antioxidant agents and flavonoids. Methods: The present study was performed using 5 groups of 7 female Wistar albino rats. A control group was used to which a 5% lipid diet was administered, and the other 4 groups were fed an obesogenic 65% lipid diet. From the 4 groups that received obesogenic diet one group received no supplement, and the rest of 3 received Detralex, Sel-E-Vit and Rutin (antioxidants and flavonoids). Study times for both pregnant groups and offsprings: on day 15 of gestation, venous blood was drawn to determine adipokine (leptin and visfatin) levels; on days 18-22 ultrasound examination was performed to measure the thickness of adipose tissue in the abdominal wall; for each batch a number of 10 offspring were selected for the measurements (pup weight, brain weight, head length, head width, spine length, width between shoulder blades, coxal bone length), adipokine levels in the offspring (from brain tissue) were also determined, as well as the existence of changes in the brain tissue of the offspring identified by electron microscopy. Results: The results of the study showed that the high-fat diet (HFD) led to a significant increase in body weight and abdominal wall thickness in pregnant females compared to the control group. The levels of leptin and visfatin were also affected by the HFD, with leptin levels being significantly higher in the HFD group and visfatin levels being lower. In the offspring, the HFD group had a significantly higher body mass and brain weight compared to the control group. The anthropometric measurements of the offspring were also affected by the maternal diet, with the HFD group having larger dimensions overall. Interestingly, the offspring of the groups that received flavonoids in addition to the HFD had significantly smaller dimensions compared to both the HFD group and the control group. Conclusions: The results of this experimental study reinforce what is already known about the effects of obesity on the gestation period and offspring and at the same time, the current study highlights the existence of possible adverse effects of flavonoid compounds on the development of pregnancy and offspring, opening the way for future studies on the benefits and risks of using these compounds during gestational period.

Abstract 4116298: Once Weekly Utreglutide (GL0034), a Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, at 4 × 450 µg Doses Reduces Blood Pressure, Lipids, and Body Weight in Post-menopausal Females: A Phase I Study

Background: Utreglutide (GL0034), a novel, once weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), previously demonstrated significant reductions in body weight (BW) after a single dose ascending study in individuals with obesity . BW reductions after pharmacological treatment of obesity with GLP-1RA is associated with blood pressure (BP) lowering effects. Aim: This phase I study assessed the safety, tolerability, and cardio-metabolic effects of utreglutide after multiple ascending doses in post-menopausal female volunteers with overweight and obesity. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 12 post-menopausal female volunteers with overweight/obesity, aged 18 to 65 years old with a body mass index (BMI) ≥26 kg/m 2 were randomized (9:3) to subcutaneous utreglutide fixed doses (4 × 450 µg); or placebo once weekly for four weeks. Safety, tolerability, and key cardio-metabolic parameters were assessed. Biomarker measurements included oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) insulin and glucose area under the curve (AUC), systolic- and diastolic BP, lipid profile (triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), and non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL), creatinine, potassium, BW and leptin. Results: Utreglutide was generally well tolerated and related adverse effects were mainly gastrointestinal with dose-dependent nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite. Reductions in OGTT AUCs of insulin ( p &lt;0.05) and glucose ( p &lt;0.01) were noted on Day 23 after four weeks treatment with Utreglutide. This was accompanied by a decrease ( p &lt;0.001) in mean systolic and diastolic BP on Day 23 from baseline (BL). On Day 23, significant reductions in TC ( p &lt;0.01), LDL ( p &lt;0.05) and non-HDL ( p &lt;0.05) were observed. BW reduction versus BL ( p &lt;0.001) was 2.0 kg and 1.8 kg respectively on Day 29 and End of Study (EoS). Leptin levels significantly reduced from BL on Day 23 ( p&lt; 0.01) and EoS ( p &lt;0.001). No significant changes were observed for TG, creatinine and potassium (Table). Conclusions: Once weekly utreglutide dosing for four weeks at a dose of 450 µg in post-menopausal females with overweight and obesity, demonstrated clinically relevant reductions of systolic and diastolic BP. This was associated with improved performance of OGTT AUC of insulin and glucose, lipids, BW and leptin with an overall good tolerability and with potential to demonstrate cardio-metabolic benefits.

Nesfatin-1 expression and blood plasma concentration in female dogs suffering from cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra and its possible interaction with phoenixin-14

BackgroundNesfatin-1 is a neuropeptide that regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and may play a role in uterus function. It is co-expressed with other peptides, such as phoenixin, which can influence sex hormone secretion. Our previous research has confirmed that phoenixin-14 is involved in the development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) and pyometra in dogs. Therefore, based on the similarities and interactions between these neuropeptides, we hypothesized that nesfatin-1 might also regulate the reproductive system in dogs. This study aimed to determine the expression of nesfatin-1 and its interaction with phoenixin-14 in dogs with CEH or pyometra compared to healthy females, and concerning animals’ body condition score (BCS 4–5/9 vs. BCS > 5/9).ResultsThe analysis of nesfatin-1 in the uterus of bitches consisted of qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assays, and ELISAs. The results showed significantly higher nesfatin-1 encoding gene, nucleobindin-2 mRNA (Nucb2) and nesfatin-1 protein expression in overweight females and those suffering from CEH or pyometra compared to healthy animals. The immunoreactivity of nesfatin-1 was elevated in the uteri of bitches with higher BCS > 5/9. Moreover, nesfatin-1 blood concentrations increased in all examined overweight bitches. In the case of phoenixin signals, we found opposite results, regardless of the female body condition score.ConclusionThe etiology of CEH and pyometra are not fully known, although we have expanded the level of knowledge with respect to the possible interaction of nesfatin-1 and phoenixin in female dogs’ uteri. They interact oppositely. With increasing female body weight, the expression of nesfatin-1 in the uterus and its peripheral blood concentration increased. However, for female dogs affected by CEH and pyometra, a decreased level of phoenixin-14, irrespective of their body condition score is characteristic. This knowledge could be crucial in the development of biomarkers for these conditions, which may lead to earlier recognition.

Sexual dimorphism of the Pallas spadefoot toad (Pelobates vespertinus: Anura, Pelobatidae) metamorphs is reduced when tadpoles are developed in an overheated water body

Our survey was carried out in five local populations of Pelobates vespertinus (Pallas, 1771) in the floodplain of the Medveditsa river (Russia, Saratov region, Lysogorsky district) in 2009–2018. We have found that the sexual dimorphism in body length (SDIL) and weight (SDIW) of males and females of the Pallas spadefoot toad is a widespread feature of populations of this anuran amphibian species, characteristic not only among sexually mature individuals, but also among metamorphs. In metamorph populations, sexual dimorphism averages 3% and 9% in body length and live weight, respectively. It is less pronounced in metamorphs than in sexually matured individuals (by 3 and 4.5 times, respectively). The sexual dimorphism development level may undergo a significant transformation by temperature conditions during the tadpole development period in the spawning lake. The threshold value of the average temperature for the period of development up to the stage of metamorphosis (MDT90), at which any differences between males and females in body length are lost in metamorphs, is 18.2ºС. Against the background of climate warming over the past decade (2011–2020), there has been a significant expansion of the range area of this species, which is exposed to abnormally high water temperatures. Nevertheless, size–weight sexual dimorphism, even at the stage of metamorphosis, should hardly be excluded from the list of diagnostic characters of the species.

Diet and biological characteristics of Atlantic Tomcod or Punamu, Microgadus tomcod (Walbaum, 1792) in Minas Basin, Nova Scotia

Atlantic tomcod are abundant in the Bay of Fundy, but their diet is unreported for Minas Basin. In this study prey content and biological characteristics of tomcod collected in the Avon River estuary of Minas Basin were examined. Their diet was numerically dominated by the amphipod Corophium volutator (Pallas, 1766) (Rate of Occurrence (RO) = 73.2%). Other major prey taxa consumed included Crangon septemspinosa Say, 1818 (29.3%), Gammarus spp. (19.5%), Polychaeta (14.6%), Portunidae (12.2%), Teleostei (9.8%), Isopoda (7.3%), andMollusca (3.3%). Of stomachs examined only 8.9% contained unidentifiable prey items. Every tomcod examined except one contained prey and the fullness index (HI) varied between 0.01-5.85%. Both mean total length and total body weight of females was significantly greater than for males (254 mm vs 202 mm; 143 g vs 78 g), and the condition factor (K) of both sexes was similar throughout the sampling period (Mean ± SD; 0.79 ± 0.13). Both mean male and female gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased significantly when approaching the winter spawning period, rising from 1.2 in early October to 11.6 by mid-December.The diversity of prey consumed indicated that tomcod fed opportunis-tically, but their predominate consumption of C. volutator was likely linked to the large populations of this amphipod on the intertidal mudflats of Minas Basin. Keywords: Atlantic tomcod, Bay of Fundy, condition factor, Corophium volutator, fullness index, gonadosomatic index

Identification of an ionic mechanism for ERα-mediated rapid excitation in neurons.

The major female ovarian hormone, 17β-estradiol (E2), can alter neuronal excitability within milliseconds to regulate a variety of physiological processes. Estrogen receptor-α (ERα), classically known as a nuclear receptor, exists as a membrane-bound receptor to mediate this rapid action of E2, but the ionic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we show that a membrane channel protein, chloride intracellular channel protein-1 (Clic1), can physically interact with ERα with a preference to the membrane-bound ERα. Clic1-mediated currents can be enhanced by E2 and reduced by its depletion. In addition, Clic1 currents are required to mediate the E2-induced rapid excitations in multiple brain ERα populations. Further, genetic disruption of Clic1 in hypothalamic ERα neurons blunts the regulations of E2 on female body weight balance. In conclusion, we identified the Clic1 chloride channel as a key mediator for E2-induced rapid neuronal excitation, which may have a broad impact on multiple neurobiological processes regulated by E2.

Ventral tegmental area amylin / calcitonin receptor signaling suppresses feeding and weight gain in female rats

The pancreatic peptide amylin promotes negative energy balance in part through activation of amylin receptors (AmyRs) expressed in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but studies have been limited to male rodents. We evaluated whether VTA amylin signaling governs feeding and body weight in female rats. Indeed, pharmacological VTA AmyR activation suppressed chow intake and body weight in females. Viral-mediated knockdown of VTA calcitonin receptor (GPCR of AmyR) supports the physiological relevance of VTA amylin signaling for energy balance control in females. Collectively, these data support the relevance of VTA amylin signaling for energy balance control in both sexes.

On-farm multi-location testing of synthetic dual-purpose chicken breed (DZ-white) at Lowland area of Kaffa Zone of Ethiopia

A study evaluated synthetic dual purpose DZ-white’s adaptability and production performance in lowland agro-ecology. A total of 900 day-old chicks were distributed to fifteen (15) participant farmers (sixty chicks per farmer). Vaccines for Newcastle and Gumboro were administered as per veterinarian recommendations. Initially, chicks were supplemented with commercial feed and gradually shifted to locally available feed resources. Data on body weight, age at first egg, egg production, egg weight and farmers’ perception were recorded. On average, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 331.2 grams and 273.3 grams per chicken, respectively. Moreover, in the present study, the adult male and female chicken body weight recorded at 20 weeks of age were 1541.3 grams and 476.9 grams per chicken, respectively. The result also showed that an average egg weight at initial laying stage 5%, 50% and peak production stage were 44.09 grams, 48.33 grams and 55.45 grams, respectively. In the current study, chickens produced 296 eggs annually. Based on the adaptability, production performance and social acceptance, participant farmers preferred synthetic dual purpose DZ- white chicken breed to commonly used local and exotic breeds. As a result of their moderate growth and production performance, scavenging ability and social acceptance, demonstration and scaling up of the breed in the rural smallholder production system are highly recommended.

Effects of dietary protein content on the productive and reproductive performance of unselected rabbit does and their litters during first two lactations

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of different dietary protein levels on the productive performance of unselected rabbit does and their litters during their first two lactations. For this purpose, fifty-two nulliparous rabbit does, 4.5 months of age and live weight of 3115 ± 71 g, were divided into three groups (17 or 18 females per group), kept in individual cages and each group received only one of the three experimental diets. These diets were iso-energetic (10.8 MJ DE/kg), but with increasing levels of crude protein (CP): 15%, 17% and 19 % for the low (L), medium (M) or high (H) diets, respectively. Breeding was carried out by natural copulation using 6 males of 5-6 months of age and 2865±21 g initial weight, controlled semi-intensive lactation and weaning at 35 days after birth. Female body weight, feed intake, milk production, litter size and weight were monitored at birth and weekly after parturition during the first two lactations. The protein intake of the rabbits increased with the amount of protein in the diet (L vs. M: +12.2%; L vs. H: +18.8%; p &lt; 0.001), without any effect on milk production and feed intake. Milk production was unaffected by parity. Throughout the pre-weaning period, litter size and weight and maternal mortality were unaffected by dietary protein level. Dietary protein level had no effect on live weight, birth to weaning weight gain, milk production or feed intake during the first two consecutive lactations of rabbit does.

Sand fly blood meal volumes and their relation to female body weight under experimental conditions

BackgroundSand fly females require a blood meal to develop eggs. The size of the blood meal is crucial for fecundity and affects the dose of pathogens acquired by females when feeding on infected hosts or during experimental membrane-feeding.MethodsUnder standard laboratory conditions, we compared blood meal volumes taken by females of ten sand fly species from four genera: Phlebotomus, Lutzomyia, Migonomyia, and Sergentomyia. The amount of ingested blood was determined using a haemoglobin assay. Additionally, we weighed unfed sand flies to calculate the ratio between body weight and blood meal weight.ResultsThe mean blood meal volume ingested by sand fly females ranged from 0.47 to 1.01 µl. Five species, Phlebotomus papatasi, P. duboscqi, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Sergentomyia minuta, and S. schwetzi, consumed about double the blood meal size compared to Migonomyia migonei. The mean body weight of females ranged from 0.183 mg in S. minuta to 0.369 mg in P. duboscqi. In males, the mean body weight ranged from 0.106 mg in M. migonei to 0.242 mg in P. duboscqi. Males were always lighter than females, with the male-to-female weight ratio ranging from 75% (in Phlebotomus argentipes) to 52% (in Phlebotomus tobbi).ConclusionsFemales of most species took a blood meal 2.25–3.05 times their body weight. Notably, the relatively tiny females of P. argentipes consumed blood meals 3.34 times their body weight. The highest (Mbl/Mf) ratios were found in both Sergentomyia species studied; females of S. minuta and S. schwetzi took blood meals 4.5–5 times their body weight. This parameter is substantially higher than that reported for mosquitoes and biting midges.Graphical

PERTUMBUHAN DAN KEMATANGAN GONAD IKAN WAKONG MERAH (Caesio chrysozona) DI KEPULAUAN BANDA

The fusilier fish (Caesio chrysozona) is an abundant fish resource that contributes to the economy of the Banda Islands community. This study aims to examine the growth, gonad maturity level (GML), and gonad maturity index (GMI) of the red fusilier fish landed on the coast of Kampung Baru Village, Banda District, Central Maluku. The study was conducted from July to August 2023. A total of 40 fish were collected, measured for their total length, and weighed for their body weight. After that, the fish were dissected for gonad observation, which was then weighed and determined for gonad maturity levels. The results showed that out of 40 fish, there were 14 male and 26 female fish. The length of the fish ranged from 18 to 24 cm, with body weights for females between 83 and 220 grams, and for males between 79 and 171 grams. The length-weight relationship analysis showed a (b) value for female fish of 3.664 with an ( R2) value of 0.834, while male fish had a (b) value of 1.446 with an (R2) value of 0.273. The length-weight relationship equations for female fish is (W=0.0018 L{3.664}), and for male fish (W=1.7876 L{1.446}). The gonad maturity level (GML) was dominated by GML II for both genders. The gonad maturity index (GMI) varied each month during the study, with the highest GMI for males reaching 3.10% and the lowest at 0.25%, while the highest GMI for females was 2.562% and the lowest was 0.091%.

Body weight and morphological profile of blood of deer (Cervus elaphus) in the conditions of Polissia Volyn

The homeostasis of the whole organism and the analysis of hematological parameters in red deer (Cervus elaphus) play an essential role in comparative physiology for health assessment and disease diagnosis. The obtained blood results can be the basis for assessing the condition of wild deer populations with an existing clinical picture or characterize the nutritional status, habitat, or other stress factors, as the hematopoietic system is susceptible to any changes in the animal body. In the course of the research, it was found that the body weight of adult deer varied depending on the population. Female deer of the Latvian and Lithuanian crossbreeds and the Eastern European population had the highest weight. As for the males, the animals of the Hungarian population had a higher weight than the English population. A high level of growth intensity in the early postnatal period was characteristic of both young females (body weight gain was in the range of 44.8–45.8 kg) and males (42.6–44.12 kg). The analysis of hematological parameters confirmed that the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin content increased in the blood of animals of the English population under technological stress (by 5.6 and 4.4 %). Regarding individual populations, it was noted that under the same conditions of immobilization of animals (medication), the number of red blood cells in the blood of Latvian crossbred deer was 8.5 % higher than the English population. The hemoglobin content was 5.3 % lower, and the saturation of red blood cells with hemoglobin was 12.9 % lower. It was found that the hematological parameters of 3–4 month-old fawns (females and males) of the English population were characterized by relative stability. Against the background of a tendency to a higher number of red blood cells in females (by 12.8 %), the hemoglobin content was 3.3 % lower than in males. The number of leukocytes in the blood of females was slightly higher than that of males, although no significant deviations were noted in some forms of white blood cells.

Length of Overnight Fasting and 6-year Weight Change in the Cancer Prevention Study-3

BackgroundLonger overnight fasting (ONF) is a potential strategy for weight control. Although promising, the evidence from large population-based studies is limited. ObjectivesTo examine the association of self-reported ONF duration with 3- and 6-y weight change in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Prevention Study-3 prospective cohort. MethodsUnited States adult Cancer Prevention Study-3 participants completed a 24-h validated meal and snack timing and frequency grid (weekday and weekend) in 2015, from which weighted ONF hours were calculated. Participants reported body weight in 2015, 2018, and 2021. Three- and 6-y weight change (kg, and % body weight) were assessed. ResultsAmong 104,420 mostly female (78.5%) participants aged 52.7 ± 9.5 (standard deviation) y followed for 6 y, a 1-h increase in ONF length was associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in weight gain over 3- and 6-y periods [multivariable-adjusted mean difference in % body weight = −0.02, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.05, −0.00, P = 0.03 and −0.04, 95% CI: −0.07, −0.01, P < 0.01, respectively]. The mean difference of 6-y % reduction in weight gain was slightly greater among individuals with overweight (−0.05, 95% CI: −0.10, 0.00, P = 0.05) and obesity (−0.06, 95% CI: −0.12, 0.01, P = 0.08) compared with those with healthy body mass index (−0.03, 95% CI:−0.07, 0.01, P = 0.13) or underweight (0.16, 95% CI: −0.04, 0.36, P = 0.13, Pinteraction < 0.0001). Stronger associations were observed among those ≤55 y than 56+ (P < 0.001), and those with higher waist circumference (Pinteraction < 0.0001) but not by sex or earlier/later fasting period. ConclusionsLonger ONF was associated with slightly lower body weight in adult males and females over 6 y that was stronger among those with overweight or obesity, higher waist circumference, and those aged ≤55 y. The magnitude of weight change, although in the hypothesized direction, suggests that prolonged ONF may have modest impact on weight control over time.