Increase In BW Research Articles

Effects of different doses of 3-nitrooxypropanol combined with varying forage composition on feed intake, methane emission, and milk production in dairy cows.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of combining different doses of 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) with varying forage composition on gas emission and production performance of dairy cows. Seventy-two lactating Danish Holstein cows (36 primiparous and 36 multiparous) were enrolled in a continuous randomized block design with an initial 2-week covariate period followed by application of treatments for 12 consecutive weeks. Initial DMI and ECM yield were 23.8 ± 3.34 (mean ± SD) and 38.3 ± 7.12 kg/d, respectively. Cows were blocked according to parity and DIM. Treatments were organized in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement. The first factor was diet type, reflecting 2 different forage compositions of the diet. Ratio of grass-clover silage to corn silage was 60%:40% of total forage DM in grass-based diets and 40%:60% in corn-based diets. In total, forage constituted 56% of the DM in the partial mixed rations. The second factor reflected 3 doses of 3-NOP: 0, 60, or 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM. Gas emissions were measured using GreenFeed and feed intake by using Insentec. Weekly averages from the last 10 weeks were analyzed by using a mixed model including fixed effects and interactions among diet type, 3-NOP dose, week, and parity, and included a covariate term and accounted for repeated measures. Methane yield (g/kg DMI) was reduced by 34 and 31%, and CH4 intensity (g/kg ECM) was reduced by 34 and 32% at 60 and 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM, respectively, and there was no difference in CH4 yield or intensity between the 2 doses. The corn and grass based diets were similar in NDF and starch levels, and there was no interaction between dose of 3-NOP and diet type for CH4 yield or intensity. Total DMI was reduced by 9% in cows fed 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM across diet types, whereas there was no effect on DMI at 60 mg 3-NOP/kg DM. Similarly, ECM yield was reduced by 5% in cows fed 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM compared with no 3-NOP supplementation, and these cows had a 42% lower BW increase over the experiment compared with no supplementation. In conclusion, 3-NOP at 60 mg/kg DM was efficient in reducing CH4 without compromising feed intake and milk production, while 80 mg 3-NOP/kg DM negatively affected production performance.

Post-pandemic persistence of adverse health behaviors in patients with psychotic disorders: A follow-up study

ObjectiveThe ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients with psychotic disorders have been previously documented by the authors of this study. The aim of study is to investigate whether the effects of the pandemic continued among the same cohort of patients with psychotic disorders who participated in the initial study. Methods232 of the 255 participants in the initial study participated in this follow-up study. The assessment covered sociodemographic data, changes in physical and mental health since the pandemic, new diagnoses of physical illnesses, smoking, medication adherence, suicidal behavior. ResultsThe body weight of the patients before, during, and after the pandemic was 77.6 ± 13.1,81.3 ± 14.1,and 83.1 ± 14.3, respectively and there was increase in BW in the post-pandemic compared to before the pandemc and the during the pandemic (Z: - 8.658, p < 0.001, r: -0.57; Z: −6.852, p < 0.001, r: ‐0.45 respectively). The mean number of cigarettes smoked daily by the patient's before the pandemic, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic was 11.1 ± 14.2,14.9 ± 16.2,and 12.9 ± 14.9, respectively. There was a decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked daily in the post-pandemic compared to the during the pandemic (Z: −4753, p < 0.001, r: −0.45). Both suicidal ideations and attempts were significantly higher during the pandemic compared to after the pandemic (p < 0.001,p < 0.001). Medication adherence in the post-pandemic period was not different compared to the pandemic levels (Z: −0.621, p:0.535). ConclusionThe study confirmed the continuation of adverse outcomes noted previously, such as increased body weight, increased daily cigarette consumption, and diminished medication adherence.

What the hay: predicting equine voluntary forage intake using a meta-analysis approach

To properly formulate diets, the ability to accurately estimate feed intake is critical as the amount of feed consumed will influence the amount of nutrients delivered to the animal. Inaccurate intake estimates may lead to under- or over-feeding of nutrients to the animal. Individual differences in equine forage intake are well-known, but predictive equations based on animal and nutritional factors are not comprehensive. The objective of the present study was to consolidate the current body of knowledge in the published literature on voluntary forage DM intake (VFDMI) in equines and conduct a meta-analysis to identify driving factors, sources of heterogeneity, and develop predictive equations. Therefore, a systematic literature search was applied and identified 61 publications which met the inclusion criteria. From each study, the outcomes of interest (e.g., forage intake), diet composition (e.g., forage information, nutrient composition), and animal factors (e.g., sex, age, breed, BW, exercise level) were extracted. Forage intake was analyzed as two different outcome variables: (1) VFDMI in kg/d and (2) VFDMI in g/kg BW. Linear mixed model analysis treating study as a random effect was applied, using a backward−stepping approach to identifying potential driving variables for VFDMI (both units) where all terms have P < 0.1. The best fitting models for VFDMI included similar factors (also across kg/d and g/kg BW) such as forage quality (i.e., neutral detergent fiber or CP content), forage type (i.e., grass, legume, or mixed), the animals’ size category (i.e., horses vs ponies), and some management factors (i.e., pasture access). As anticipated, forage intake increased when higher quality forages were fed (i.e., lower neutral detergent fiber or higher CP), potentially due to improved digestibility. Additionally, VFDMI increased as BW increased but ponies increased their VFDMI more per every kg increase in BW compared to horses. Lastly, pasture access (i.e., grazing) may influence VFDMI such that pastured animals consume less than stalled animals, possibly due to the time it takes to graze forage. In conclusion, equations to predict equine VFDMI with high accuracy and precision (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.82 – 0.95; root mean squared error RMSE = 0.82–5.49) were developed which could be applied in practice by equine nutritionists or owners and managers. The results of this meta-analysis confirm that animal traits and forage quality have a significant impact on the VFDMI of equines and should be accounted for when formulating diets to ensure nutritional requirements are met.

Assessing the impact of colostrum feeding delay on serum immunoglobulin G and total protein in dairy goat kids

This experiment was motivated by the need to understand the impacts of delaying the first colostrum feeding on the prevalence of failed transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). A cohort of 216 kids was stratified into groups based on the colostrum feeding delay postbirth: 0–4 h, 4–8 h, 8–12 h, and 12–16 h. All kids received a single colostrum meal of 300 mL, and blood samples were collected approximately 36 h after feeding. Serum immunoglobulin G (SIgG) was measured using ELISA, and serum total protein (STP) was assessed using the Bradford method and refractometry (STPb and STPr). Statistical methods like Pearson correlations, Bland-Altman plots, and Lin’s concordance coefficient were employed to assess associations and agreements between SIgG, STPb and STPr. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was employed to determine optimal STPb and STPr thresholds for predicting FTPI (SIgG < 12 g/L). Subsequently, areas under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were examined to assess the accuracy of these thresholds. Our results showed that for each hour’s delay from birth to colostrum intake (up to 16 h), IgG apparent efficiency of absorption (AEA) decreases at an approximate rate of 2.0% per hour, and SIgG decreases at an approximate rate of 1.0 g/L per hour. However, this decline is not constant over time but intensifies progressively with increased feeding delay. Specifically, reductions in IgG AEA were 1.3, 2.9, and 5.9% per hour, and decreases in SIgG were 0.2, 0.3, and 0.7 g per hour for SIgG across the time intervals of 0–4 to 4–8 h, 4–8 to 8–12 h, and 8–12 to 12–16 h, respectively. Additionally, there was an increase in SIgG of 1.2 g/dL but a decrease in IgG AEA of 1.9% for each gram per kg of BW increase in IgG intake. The correlations between SIgG and STPr and STPb were 0.62, and 0.36, respectively. Optimal STPr and STPb thresholds predicting FTPI were determined to be 4.6 and 6.2 g/dL. The prevalence of FTPI, according to SIgG, STPr, and STPb thresholds were 63, 62, and 45%. Overall, STPr showed higher values for key performance metrics (i.e., sensitivity, likelihood ratio of positive tests, overall accuracy, and Youden’s index), indicating better prediction ability than STPb. Our findings corroborate the critical importance of swift colostrum administration, ideally occurring no later than 12 h postbirth. Moreover, our research validates the effectiveness of Brix refractometry as a practical, on-farm method for assessing FTPI in goat kids.

Can failure be predicted in methotrexate treatment with the modified parameter?

The objective of the study was to increase the prediction of success of single-dose methotrexate therapy in ectopic pregnancy patients with modified parameters obtained from complete blood count and beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) parameters. In this way, it was aimed to predict patients whose methotrexate treatment may fail and rupture, to avoid unnecessary methotrexate treatment, to shorten the duration of hospital stay and to reduce patient mortality. 233 patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy between January 1, 2017, and March 01, 2022, in the obstetrics and gynecology service of a tertiary center were included in the study. The mean of β-hCG was 1976 in the methotrexate group and 2358 in the surgery group (p < 0.05). The ROC curve determined the effect of BW (β-hCGxWBC/1000) and BP (β-hCGx1000/PLT) markers in diagnosing patients who will need surgery in ectopic pregnancy. The areas under the ROC curve for β-hCG, BW and BP were 0.86, 0.99 and 0.94, respectively (p < 0.05). β-hCG > 2139.03, BW > 30.96 and BP > 10.17 values were significantly associated with the need for surgery in ectopic pregnancy patients (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that a 1-unit increase in BP caused a statistically significant 1.77-fold increase in surgical need in patients with ectopic pregnancy. In contrast, a 1-unit increase in BW caused a 2.34-fold increase in surgical need (p < 0.05). The study results showed that BW and BP values together with β-hCG are effective in predicting ectopic pregnancy patients who may undergo surgery.

The Influence of Oral Stimulation on the Improvement of Sucking Reflex and Weight Gain in Low Birth Weight Infants (LBW) at Bunda Patimah Primary Clinic

LBW suffer from many problems, including hypothermia, respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, hyperbilirubinemia, and hypoglycemia because the sucking reflex is weak, resulting in insufficient intake. This weakness in sucking is related to the maturity of the baby's nerve structure and the strength of the mouth muscles. Oral motor skills are one of the most important skills a baby has. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of giving oral stimulation on increasing the sucking reflex and increasing the weight of LBW babies. This research uses a type of quantitative research that uses a pre-test and post-test one group design (Notoatmodjo, 2018), with a Quasi-Experimental design without a control group that compares the evaluation results before and after treatment of respondents. Data were collected using Sucking Reflex and BB Increase observation sheets. The statistical test used is the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The measurement results showed that after giving oral stimulation there was an increase in the sucking reflex and an increase in BW (P value = 0.000), namely an increase in the Sucking Reflex of the majority in the strong category as many as 30 people (93.7%), and those in the minority in the weak category as many as 2 people (6.3%). Meanwhile, in weight gain, the majority in the category increased by 28 people (87.5%), and the minority in the category did not increase by 4 people (12.5%). Based on the research that has been carried out, it was concluded that there is an effect of giving oral stimulation on the Sucking Reflex and Increase in Body Weight in LBW.

Antidiabetic, antidyslipidemia and renoprotector potency of butterfly pea flower extract (Clitorea ternatea L.) in diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia rats model

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a long-term condition marked by high blood glucose levels caused by insulin resistance which will lead to complications of other diseases such as dyslipidemia which also affects the health of the liver and kidneys. Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitorea ternatea L.) has phenolic and flavonoid compounds which have the potential as herbal medicines for antidiabetics. Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine the potential of Butterfly Pea Flower Extract (BPE) as an antidiabetic, anti-dyslipidemia, and renoprotection. Methods: In vivo test was performed on Sprague Dawley rats (Rattus norvegicus L.) induced by Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide and High Fat Diet-Propylthiouracil as models of DM and dyslipidemia, and BPE was administered orally (200, 400, and 800 mg /kg BW) for 28 days. GSH-Px, GST, TNF-α, NF-kB, ALP, liver albumin levels, serum BUN, SCr, and serum UA, were measured by ELISA and colorimetry methods. Results: Treatment of BPE 800 mg/kg BW increase levels of GSH-Px, GST, albumin, and serum protein. BPE decreases TNF-α, NF-kB, and ALP. BPE also decreases BUN, serum CR, and serum UA. Conclusion: BPE has the potential to be used as a drug alternative for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia as well as a hepatoprotective and renoprotective agent.

Therapeutic Effect of Portulaca oleracea‎‎‎ Against Diarrhea ‎Induced by Escherichia coli in Male Rats

This study aimed to investigate the in vivo antidiarrheal efficacy of methanolic extract ‎of Portulaca ‎oleracea against diarrhea induced by Escherichia coli in male rats. The initial ‎phase involved the ‎extraction of P. oleracea‎ using 99.8% absolute methanol through ‎a Soxhlet extraction apparatus. ‎Phytochemical analyses of the extract unveiled the presence ‎of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, ‎carbohydrates, tannins, and proteins. In the experimental ‎phase, 20 Wistar albino male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into four ‎groups: the Negative Control ‎‎(uninfected and untreated); the Positive Control (infected but untreated); ‎POE group consisted of rats infected with E. coli‎‎ (1×109 CFU/mL) and subsequently treated ‎with 200 mg/kg BW of P. oleracea‎ methanolic extract orally ‎twice daily for seven ‎days; and CIP group included rats infected and treated with 7.14 mg/kg BW ‎of ‎ciprofloxacin orally twice daily for seven days. Outcome measures encompassed clinical ‎signs, ‎frequency of watery stools, rectal bacterial count, and changes in BW. ‎Remarkably, both POE and CIP groups demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the ‎frequency of watery stools ‎‎(P&lt;0.05) and a significant increase in BW (P&lt;0.05) ‎compared to Positive Control group. Notably, there was ‎no significant difference in these parameters ‎between POE and CIP groups, suggesting that P. oleracea‎ ‎methanolic extract performs ‎comparably to ciprofloxacin in treating E. coli‎‎-induced diarrhea. The ‎findings illuminate ‎the potential of herbal medications such as P. oleracea‎ as effective alternatives to ‎antibiotics, ‎thereby mitigating the overuse of antibiotics and the associated risk of bacterial resistance.

110 Effects of Supplementation of Refined Functional Carbohydrates in Sow and Piglet Diets on Performance During pre-Weaning and in Nursery in Pigs Fed Diets without any Antimicrobials

Abstract The objective of the study was to test effects of supplementation of Refined Functional Carbohydrates in sow and piglet diets on performance during pre-weaning and in nursery in pigs fed diet without antibiotics and pharmacological level of Zinc Oxide. Hybrid-hyper prolific sows (n = 269) and their litters [(Landrace x Large-white) x Pietrain] were used for the trial. All sows participated in the gestation phase, but only 94 of them were monitored throughout the lactation phase and their piglets during nursery phase. During the first 90 days of gestation all sows were fed a common standard diet. On approximately d 90 of gestation, sows were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: 1) control group (CONTROL, n = 134), and 2) RFC group (0.02% CELMANAX SCP, n = 135), until transfer to farrowing unit (d 110 of gestation). A subset of sows received the corresponding lactation feed (CONTROL n = 54 and 0.02% CELMANAX SCP, n =4 6) after entering the farrowing room and throughout lactation. The day after farrowing, piglets were weighed individually and the number of piglets born alive, stillborn, and mummified were recorded. The piglets were supplemented with creep feed from day 7 of lactation with identical treatments as their sows. Sow body condition and feed intake during lactation and rectal temperature post farrowing were recorded. Piglet BW at weaning, pre-weaning mortality and medical treatments were recorded. Fecal score of sows and litter during pre-weaning were also recorded. At weaning, piglets were assigned to the 2 treatments (CONTROL and CELMANAX SCP, 0.02%), according to lactation treatment with 30 piglets/pen and 22 pens/treatment. Treatments were fed in the first two phases of nursery, 0-7 days and 7-21 days post weaning. Nursery pig performance was recorded. Data were analyzed with statistic software Minitab version 17.0 Windows using sow as the experimental unit for variables of gestation and lactation stages, and pen for the variables during nursery period. Sows that received diets supplemented with RFC showed a reduced mortality rate of piglets at 24 h of life (P=0.05). At weaning, an increase in piglet BW (P&amp;lt; 0.05) and a trend for greater ADG (P = 0.07) was noted in piglets from RFC supplemented multiparous sows. Nursery pigs fed diets supplemented with RFC had greater BW (P=0.03) and ADG (P=0.03) and a trend for greater ADFI during the first 21 days of nursery (P=0.08). In conclusion, sows supplemented with RFC in late gestation diet (d 90 to d 110) had reduced piglet mortality 24 h postpartum. Continued supplementation of RFC in lactation diet of sows and in piglet creep increased piglet weaning weight. Piglets supplemented with RFC in the early nursery stage (0 to 21d) also saw an improvement in the main productive indicators.

171 Effects of a Dietary Immuno-Modulator on Growth Performance in Nursery Pigs

Abstract Feed-grade antibiotics in pig production were used to not only treat and prevent disease, but to promote growth as well, with improvements in ADG of up to 16% and F:G of up to 6% in nursery pigs common. However, these uses may contribute to antibiotic-resistant microbes that negatively affect human and animal health, and the swine industry seeks alternatives. OmniGen-AF (Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ; OG), a blend of vitamins, minerals, and microbial ingredients is a dietary immuno-modulator used to support immune function and reduce the negative effects of stressors in dairy cattle. Weaning is inherently stressful to pigs. There are limited data, however, on the effects of OG on growth and well-being in swine. The objective was to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with OG on growth performance in 21-day-old weaned pigs. Barrows (n = 36) and gilts (n = 36) were blocked by weight, and placed in sex-specific pens of three pigs each. Within blocks, pens were assigned to ad libitum access to OG (4 g/45.4 kg∙BW-1ּּּ ∙day-1) or control diets in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. The factors consisted of sex and presence or absence of OG in the diets of a three-phase feeding regimen. There were 6 replicate pens per sex and dietary treatment combination. Compared with gilts, barrows were heavier (effect of sex, P &amp;lt; 0.01), and across diets pigs showed an increase in BW during the 42-d trial (effect of day, P &amp;lt; 0.01). There were no effects (P &amp;gt; 0.10) of diet, or diet by sex on growth performance (ADG, 0.86 vs. 0.84 kg, SE = 0.05; ADFI, 1.42 vs. 1.41 kg, SE = 0.07; and, F:G, 1.66 vs. 1.69, SE = 0.03, for OG and CON, respectively). Fecal consistency scores (1 to 5; 1 = exceptionally firm, 5 = very loose and watery) were affected by day (P &amp;lt; 0.01), increasing (P = 0.02) from day 0 (3.00 ± 0.07) to a peak on day 4 (3.29 ± 0.07), before decreasing to values on d 35 (3.00 ± 0.07) and 42 (3.00 ± 0.07) that were not different from values on day 0. There were no effects (P &amp;gt; 0.32) of diet or sex on scores. No pig deaths occurred during the experiment. In this study, dietary supplementation with OG did not affect growth performance in pigs. The experiment, however, was conducted in a clean, highly managed University facility, and overall pig health appeared excellent as indicated by daily observations, fecal consistency scores, and no mortality occurring during the study. In this situation, it would be difficult to show a positive effect of a feed additive because the pigs were perhaps already performing at or near their genetic potential.

Macromineral requirements for maintenance and growth in male and female hair sheep

A better understanding of the nutritional requirements of sheep, especially in terms of minerals, is crucial for improving production. We estimated the net requirements for Ca, P, K, Mg, and Na for gain (NCag, NPg, NKg, NMgg, and NNag) and maintenance (NCam, NPm, NKm, NMgm, and NNam) in male and female hair sheep. Six datasets with 248 individual records of hair sheep (139 non-castrated males, 75 castrated males and 34 females) were used to estimate the net macromineral requirements for gain. To estimate the net macromineral requirements for maintenance, 52 observations (26 non-castrated and 26 castrated males) were used. A meta-analytical approach was applied, using non-linear mixed effects models and the study as a random effect. Based on information criteria for model selection, heterogeneous variance functions were more likely to describe mineral requirements with a low level of model selection uncertainty. The adopted criteria allowed the choice of the best models to represent the macromineral requirements. The chosen models explained the observed variability in the sex, and the choices were based on a low level of uncertainty (w ≥ 0.90). Irrespective of sex, NCag and NPg decreased with increasing BW from 10 to 30 kg and average daily gain (ADG) of 150 g/day, ranging from 1.71-1.38; 1.83-1.57; 1.82-1.51 of Ca and 0.86-0.66; 0.92-0.78; 0.92-0.75 of P for non-castrated males, castrated males, and females, respectively. The NKg remained constant, with mean values of 0.26 g/day. The NNag range was 0.17 to 0.14 g/day for non-castrated males, 0.20 to 0.25 g/day for females, and constant (0.18 g/day) for castrated males with an increase in BW from 10 to 30 kg and an ADG of 150 g/day. Macromineral requirements for maintenance (mg/kg BW) and retention (%) were 23.70 and 54.30 for Ca, 25.33 and 79.80 for P, 11.74 and 5.00 for K, 2.63 and 8.50 for Mg, and 7.01 and 8.10 for Na for males. The International Committees did not provide inferences about the sex influence on mineral requirements. Our study indicates that sex is one factor that influences the macromineral requirements for gain. The information generated in this study can be used to optimize the mineral management of hair sheep in the growing phase in tropical regions.

Effects of different levels of dietary crude protein on growth performance, blood profiles, diarrhea incidence, nutrient digestibility, and odor emission in weaning pigs.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary crude protein (CP) on growth performance, blood profiles, diarrhea incidence, nutrient digestibility, and odor emission in weaning pigs. A total of 240 weaning ([Yorkshire×Landrace]×Duroc) pigs (8.25±0.050 kg body weight [BW]) were assigned to six treatments based on sex and initial BW, with five replicates of eight pigs per pen in a randomized complete block design. Experimental diets with different crude protein levels for early and late weaning phases were as follows: i) CP16, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 16%/15% CP; ii) CP17, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 17%/16% CP; iii) CP18, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 18%/17% CP; iv) CP19, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 19%/18% CP; v) CP20, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 20%/19% CP; and vi) CP21, corn‒soybean-based diet containing 21%/20% CP. In the early weaning period, average daily feed intake increased when the dietary CP level decreased (linear, p<0.05). During the entire experimental period, average daily gain and the gain to feed ratio decreased when the dietary CP level increased (linear, p< 0.01). Additionally, a decrease in dietary CP level resulted in a linear increase in final BW (linear, p<0.05). In the early and late weaning periods, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) decreased when the dietary CP level decreased (linear, p<0.01). There were no significant differences in creatinine, glucose, total protein, triglyceride or insulin-like factor-1 levels over the experimental period. The concentrations of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and IgG were not significantly affected by dietary CP levels during the experimental period. In the early weaning period, fecal and urine N decreased when the dietary CP level decreased (linear, p<0.01). No differences in nutrient digestibility among the treatments during the early weaning period were found. Throughout the whole experimental period, when the dietary CP level decreased in the weaning pig diet, the diarrhea incidence decreased linearly (linear, p<0.01). Throughout the whole experimental period, when the dietary CP level decreased in the weaning pig diet, ammonia, amines and hydrogen sulfide decreased linearly (linear, p<0.01). Reducing dietary CP could decrease diarrhea incidence, the concentration of BUN in serum and odor emission in manure. Furthermore, it could improve N excretion in feces and urine and growth performance in weaning pigs.

Micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus extract in the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat

Opuntia stricta is a naturally occurring plant and is readily available in some parts of Zambia where it is used for its decorative nature and its fruits consumed. This present laboratory based study was carried out to assess some micro anatomical effects of aqueous cactus on the lungs of a diabetic Wistar rat. The male adult Wistar rats (30) weighing between 160-200 g were indiscriminately classified into five groups consisting of 6 Wistar rats namely: control, diabetic control, Diabetes+ Metformin, Diabetes+ cactus and cactus only groups. Diabetes was induced with Streptozotocin dose 70 mg/kg BW and sustained increase in blood glucose levels after 72 hours and treatment commenced with aqueous cactus extract and Metformin with 100 mg/kg body weight respectively and was administered orally for 4 weeks . Blood glucose levels (mmol/L) were monitored. After 4 weeks of treatment the animals were sacrificed by euthanasia, the lungs were excised, weighed and fixed in 10% formal saline. Data was analyzed using Excel and one way ANOVA. p&lt;0.05 was considered significant. Change in body weight and relative organ weight of the Diabetic+ cactus and Diabetes + Metformin was significant when compared to diabetic group(p&lt;0.05). Diabetic + cactus became normoglycemic at week 3 and diabetic+ Metformin at week 4. The histological examination of the lungs of the diabetic rats showed disruption in cytoarchitecture with necrotic pneumocyte. Diabetic + cactus and Diabetes + Metformin showed no disruption in their cytoarchitecture and both had healthy pneumocyte present. Cactus only was similar to control. In conclusion, aqueous extract of Cactus showed ameliorative effects on the lung of adult male Wistar rats against the damage caused by diabetes.

Phosphate, potassium and magnesium fertilization on oil palm productivity: 12 years of monitoring in the Brazilian Amazon

Despite the importance of oil palm, there is little research related to increasing the productivity of the palm under Brazilian conditions, especially in the Amazon region. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg) on oil palm production during the productive period in the Brazilian Eastern Amazon. The experimental area consisted of 12.64 ha with 1824 trees, spacing was in equilateral triangle (9.00 m between trees and 7.80 m between rows). The adopted design was in randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme 4 × 3 × 2, consisting of four doses of P, three doses of K and two doses of Mg. The evaluation of the experiment began at the 6th year of plant age, and the components of oil palm productivity were evaluated: numbers of fruit bunches per tree (NB), fresh fruit bunches weight per tree (BW), bunch productivity (BP) until the 12th year of plant age. Foliar analysis was performed for the nutrients N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Boron (B). The application of phosphate source promoted increases in NB, BW and BP of oil palm during all the years evaluated. Increasing the K-fertilizer dose implied increases in BW and BP in oil palm trees during all years. The application of Mg-sulfate does not promote an increase in the yield components and foliar Ca and Mg concentration of oil palm, from the 6th to the 12th year of development.

Insight into genetic potential for growth and survival of the Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) in the context of low‐protein and low‐fishmeal diet use

This study assessed genetic parameters including genotype by diet interactions in growth and survival of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed with a low-protein and low-fishmeal diet (protein: 35%, fishmeal: 9%) and a general commercial diet (protein: 42%, fishmeal: 25%). A total of 2774 shrimp from 38 families were divided into two groups for a feeding trial, an experimental group fed with the low-protein and low-fishmeal diet and a control one fed with the commercial diet. A 7.06% increase in BW of shrimp fed the control diet over the experimental diet, and no significant difference in survival rate between the diets was observed after 75 days of trial. There was no significant difference between heritability estimate of BW on the experimental diet (0.671 ± 0.119) and that on the control diet (0.585 ± 0.108; p > 0.05), and heritability estimate of survival on the experimental diet (0.199 ± 0.047) was significantly higher than that on the control diet (0.050 ± 0.019; p < 0.01). Genetic correlation between BW recorded on the two diets was very high (0.928 ± 0.042), indicating an insignificant genotype by diet interaction effect for this trait. Relatively, genetic correlation for survival was low (0.251 ± 0.160), indicative of genotype by diet interaction effect. Our results indicate that 35% protein and 9% fishmeal in diets with high level of plant-based protein are feasible in inducing acceptable growth and survival of L. vannamei. This study confirms that the current low-protein and low-fishmeal diet is an appropriate environment for evaluating and selecting genotypes for improved growth of L. vannamei.

Meta-analysis of the effects of monensin on growth and bloat of cattle on pasture.

Monensin has been part of the beef production landscape for over 45 years. Although first approved for use in finishing cattle, it has since been approved for cattle in extensive production systems and has been an economical way to increase performance of forage-fed animals. This meta-analysis investigated the impacts of monensin on performance of stocker cattle on high-forage diets. The stocker performance analysis resulted from 38 experiments with 73 mean comparisons; bloat analysis was conducted with 12 experiments with 23 mean comparisons. The metaphor package (version 2.4-0) for R (version 4.0.3; www.r-project.org) was used to determine the overall effect size of monensin compared to a negative control. Each study’s n, means, and SEM or P-value was used to calculate the mean difference and estimate of within-study variance for responses of interest. Moderators of monensin response considered in the analysis were delivery method, dose, study duration, initial calf BW, diet ME and CP, and forage category. Initial BW and basal ADG averaged 236 ± 45.9 kg and 0.72 ± 0.28 kg, respectively. In the ADG analysis, the only significant moderator of those considered was length of the study (P < 0.01); as duration of the study increased, the ADG response to monensin decreased by 0.0007 kg/day. For the average 112-day length of study, the average monensin response was estimated to be 0.0784 kg/day increase in ADG, approximately 10% above controls. Sufficient information was presented in 18 citations representing 40 mean comparisons for determining the effect of monensin on BW at the end of the experiment. The response model (P < 0.01) for ending BW, kg = 22.3–0.05 (initial calf BW, kg). Thus, for the average initial BW of 235 kg the average monensin response was estimated to be 10.6 kg increase in average ending BW. The incidence (−20%) and severity (−0.7 bloat score) of bloat was found to be reduced in bloat-prone pastures. There is ample evidence that monensin increases performance of growing calves on high forage diets along with reducing the incidence and severity of bloat.

Performance and processing yield comparisons of Large White male turkeys by genetic lines, sources, and seasonal rearing

Large White male turkey genetic lines (GL) comparison in performance and processing yields under the same conditions are rare in the literature. Two rearing experiments (EXP) were conducted to accomplish 2 objectives. The first objective was to test the effects of poult source and genetic lines on performance and processing yields. The second objective was to extract season and growth patterns when comparing both EXP common treatments. In EXP 1, male poults from 5 different sources were randomly assigned to 48 concrete: litter-covered floor pens. In EXP 2, male poults from 7 different genetic lines were randomly assigned to 48 concrete: litter-covered floor pens. For both EXP, the experimental design was a completely randomized block design with a one-factor arrangement. Both EXP were placed in the same house with the same management and nutrition in two separate seasons of the same year. Bird performance and carcass processing yield were analyzed in SAS 9.4 or JMP 15.1 in a mixed model. In EXP 1 no significant difference in BW or processing yield was observed. However, a similar GL from a commercial hatchery had an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) over the same GL sourced directly from the genetic company hatchery. In EXP 2, statistical differences were observed in performance and breast meat yield depending on the GL. A season effect was observed when comparing the two EXP. Birds raised in the fall season had a 2 kg BW increase, on average, over their spring counterparts. This difference in BW can also be observed in a statistically higher breast meat yield by the birds raised in the fall over the ones raised in the spring. In conclusion, a comparison between GL resulted in effects due to genetic line, poult source, and rearing season on bird performance and carcass yield.

Response of broiler chicks fed by clove and cardamom alcoholic extracts

This study investigated the effectiveness of clove and cardamom alcoholic extracts as growth promoters on performance, carcass traits, some blood serum components, immunity parameters, intestinal microbial population and intestinal morphology of broiler chicks. To this purpose, a total of 240 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308 strain) were distributed randomly into three groups in a form of completely randomized design. The experimental groups were subdivided into four replicates with 20 chicks each. The experiment was continued 6 weeks. Chicks were fed by basal diet as control, basal diet contain 300 (ml.ton) clove and basal diet contain 300 (ml.ton) cardamom alcoholic extract. The result showed that significant increase in FI and BW in clove and cardamom groups while FCR decreased significantly. Using these herbal extracts already reduced abdominal fat and bursa of fabricius percentage while liver and spleen weight percentage increased significantly. Triglyceride and cholesterol levels decreased in treatments and high-density lipoprotein HDL increased. Also, low density lipoprotein LDL level decreased significantly in clove and cardamom groups. As result reveled antibody titers (ND and SRBC) increased significantly in treated groups compared to the control. It was showed that clove and cardamom extracts had significant effects on intestinal microbial population compared to control group. Data showed that Escherichia coli population decreased while Lactobacillus increased significantly compared to the control. We could demonstrate that inclusion of clove and cardamom extracts may useful and have beneficial effects on performance, blood serum components, values of immunity parameters and intestinal morphology in experimental Ross 308 broiler chicks.

Effects of feeding lubabegron on gas emissions, growth performance, and carcass characteristics of beef cattle housed in small-pen environmentally monitored enclosures during the last 3 mo of the finishing period.

The development of technologies that promote environmental stewardship while maintaining or improving the efficiency of food animal production is essential to the sustainability of producing a food supply to meet the demands of a growing population. As such, Elanco (Greenfield, IN) pursued an environmental indication for a selective β-modulator (lubabegron; LUB). LUB was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be fed to feedlot cattle during the last 14 to 91 d of the feeding period for reductions in gas emissions/kg of unshrunk final BW and HCW. A 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used with the factors of dose (0.0, 1.38, 5.5, or 22.0 mg·kg−1 DM basis) and sex (steers or heifers). Three 91-d cycles were conducted (112 cattle/cycle) with each dose × sex combination being represented by a single cattle pen enclosure (CPE; 14 cattle/CPE) resulting in a total of 168 steers and 168 heifers (n = 6 replicates/dose). There were no interactions observed between dose and sex for any variable measured in the study (P ≥ 0.063). Five gases were evaluated for all pens based on CPE concentrations relative to ambient air: NH3, CH4, N2O, H2S, and CO2. Cumulative NH3 gas emissions were reduced by feeding cattle 5.5 and 22.0 mg·kg−1 LUB (P ≤ 0.023) and tended (P = 0.076) to be lower for the cattle fed 1.38 mg·kg−1 LUB compared with the negative controls (CON). The cumulative NH3 gas emission reductions of 960 to 1032 g, coupled with HCW increases (P ≤ 0.019) of 15 to 16 kg for all LUB doses vs. CON, led to reductions in NH3 gas emissions/kg HCW for all three LUB treatments (P ≤ 0.004). Similar to HCW, reductions in NH3 gas emissions/kg of unshrunk final BW were observed for all LUB doses (P ≤ 0.009) and were attributable to both decreases in NH3 gas emissions and numerical increases in BW. Dose had no effect on cumulative emissions or emissions standardized by BW or HCW for the other four gases (P ≥ 0.268). LUB is a novel tool to reduce emissions of NH3 gas per kilogram of unshrunk live BW and hot carcass weight.

94 The Effects of Weather, Body Weight, and Dry Matter Intake on Total Daily Water Intake in Beef Steers

Abstract Weaned angus steers (n = 26; 272.92 + 21.29 kg) were selected to study the effects of weather, predicted daily BW, and DMI on total daily water intake (TDWI) from December 2019 to May 2020 (181 days). Calves were provided with ad libitum access to feed and water, under a monoslope barn, for the duration of the study. In periods of cold stress, cattle were provided with corn stalk bedding within the dry lot, away from the monoslope barn. Measurements of feed and water disappearance were obtained by utilizing an automated feed and water system (Insentec RIC, Hokofarm, Marknesse, Netherlands), where disappearance was assumed to be caused by intake. Calves were weighed every 28 days in order to calculate ADG and therefore predict daily BW for each calf. Daily weather records, including windchill (°C), solar radiation (W/m2), and maximum relative humidity (%), were obtained through the South Dakota Mesonet automated weather station located 3.86 km from where the calves were housed. A linear mixed effects model with both random intercept and slope were used to account for the within subject correlations. Increased TDWI was associated with increased wind chill (0.38-kg per 1°C; P &amp;lt; 0.0001), increased solar radiation (1.04-kg per 1 W/m2; P &amp;lt; 0.0001), and decreased maximum relative humidity (-0.14 kg per 1%; P &amp;lt; 0.0001). For every kg increase in DMI, TDWI increased by 1.07 kg (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Lastly, for every kg increase in BW, TDWI increased by 0.05 kg (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Effects of DMI, BW, SRAD, windchill, RHMax were predictive of TDWI in beef calves fed during the winter. This model will be useful for predicting TDWI during the winter months where calves are raised in regions where temperatures are regularly below freezing.