Liveweight Change Research Articles

The effect of diosmin against liver damage caused by cadmium in rats.

A total of 40, male Wistar Albino, 2-3-months-old rats were used and divided into four groups. Control group received the vehicle alone, diosmin group received 100mg/kg.bw diosmin, the cadmium group received 200ppm cadmium, cadmium plus diosmin group received 200ppm cadmium, and 100mg/kg.bw diosmin for 30days. Some biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde [MDA], nitric oxide [NO], superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], gluthatione peroxidase [GSH-Px], and glutathione [GSH]) were analyzed in the samples. Histo-pathological findings were evaluated in the liver. The body weights and liver weights of the animals were measured. The MDA and NO levels and biochemical enzyme activities examined were increased, whereas SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities and GSH levels decreased in cadmium-exposed group. There were also negative changes in body weight, liver weight, and liver tissue histo-phathology. Positive improvements were observed in all these parameters evaluated of the group co-administered cadmium and diosmin. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cadmium is one of the common environmental pollutants. Diosmin is a type of flavonoid found mainly in citrus fruits. It can also be produced from hesperidine. This compound is used for medical purposes and also has strong antioxidant properties. One of the toxic effects mechanisms of cadmium is oxidative stress and causes liver damage with different pathways. This compound can be used as a supporting agent in addition to the main treatment options against liver damage in case of exposure to possible cadmium. This flavonoid can also be taken with food for prophylactic purposes.

IMPACT OF ADDING CITRIC, LACTIC ACIDS AND PROPYLENE GLYCOL ON : 2- REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF BUCKS AND DOE RABBITS

Two experiments were designed on buck and doe rabbits. In the 1st experiment, a total of 25 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits bucks (9 months of age with a mean live body weight of 3400±173 g) were allotted into 5 treatments to study the effect of additive citric, lactic acids and propylene glycol on nutrients digestibility coefficients, blood picture, sexual urge, physical semen and spermatozoa characteristics, feed intake and live body weight changes. In the 2nd experiment, a total of 40 nulliparous does (8 months of age with an average live body weight of 3100±188 g) were allotted into 5 treatments. Does were inseminated with semen from untreated bucks. Does performance including:- blood picture, litter size and weight at birth and at weaning, milk yield, feed intake and body gain were studied. First group in both experiments received plain water and severed as a control group, while water for the 2nd ,3rd ,4th and 5th groups for the two experiments supplemented with citric, lactic acids (Concentration of citric and lactic acid 98%) or propylene glycol (2% propylene glycol, as an energy source) at 0.5 ml/liter drinking water and mixture of them with 0.75 ml/liter at 0.25 ml, each, respectively. Results showed in first experiments significant improvement in buck’s nutrients digestibility of OM, CP and NFE were significantly increased with mixture of (citric , lactic acid and propylene glycol ) group than in other groups. There was also a significant increase in CP and NFE in the group that received citric acid in the drinking water. There was no significant effect on CF and EE digestibility coefficient. Hematocrit, red blood cells counts and white blood cells counts increased significantly in all treated groups compared to control while hemoglobin values, increased significantly in all treated group (except lactic acid group) than control. Total protein, globulin, triiodothyronine and testosterone, were significantly increased due to supplemented of citric, lactic acids, propylene glycol individual or a mixture of them compared to the control group. Significantly improvements in each of sexual urge (libido) and all the semen and sperm characteristics in treated group compared to control group. In second experiments Does performance with using individual citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol or mixture of them to drinking water was improvements. Hematocrit, red blood cells counts, white blood cells counts and triiodothyronine increased significantly in all treated groups compared to control while hemoglobin values, increased significantly in all treated group (except lactic acid group) than control. Total protein, albumin, globulin and A/G ratio significantly affected by supplemented citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol and mixture of them and tended to increase by group received propylene glycol or group received mixture of them. The changes in weight gain of does in the four groups across the experimental period were significant in citric acids or propylene glycol group. organic acids or propylene glycol supplemented achieved improvement in litter weight at birth. At weaning day, all treated groups had heavier kits' weight than those in control. Litter size increased obviously due to supplemented water by citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol and mixture of them than that in control group during the all experimental days. Mortality rate reduced by supplemented water by citric, lactic acids or propylene glycol and mixture of them. Milk yield in 3rd week of lactation was increased significantly in all treated group compared to control. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of citric acid, lactic acid and propylene glycol and its ability to improve the performance of rabbits, by improving reproductive performance as a result role for additives in improved blood metabolites and improving available energy, improving nutrition digestion as well as improving milk quality, and thus affecting reproduction in farm animals

Dose dependent effects of Spirulina Platensis on liver health in rats

Spirulina platensis which is an important microalgae is interested in both human and animal nutrition for health balance. This study’s aimed to evaluate the dose dependent effects of S.platensis on body weight, height, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist/height ratio (WHtR), abdominal fat weight, liver weight, serum liver enzymes and liver histopathology. 30 male Wistar albino rats’re used in groups; Control, SP-1(500mg/kgbw) and SP-2(1000mg/kgbw). S.platensis was administered by oral gavage daily. The body weight, height, WC, BMI, WHtR and abdominal lipid weight were calculated. Also, serum cholesterol, ALT and AST were measured. End of the study, liver tissue samples were taken and scaled and histopathologic changes were recorded. There were no differences in body conditions, but positively significant correlations were found among parameters. As the doses were considered, in groupSP-1, significant positively correlations were determined among abdominal fat, growth, height, BMI and WC statistically. Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in liver weight, serum and histopathologic analyzes. S.platensis with its high concentration of functional nutrients is called as an important alternative therapeutic food and it can be used safely.

Health related quality of life measures and weight change in a clinical paediatric population with obesity

Health related quality of life measures and weight change in a clinical paediatric population with obesity

The effective use of biologically active substance that belongs to hydrolyse class “Lysozyme G3” in the composition of pigs premix

This article presents the results of the effective use of biologically active substance that belongs to hydrolyse class “Lysozyme G3” in the composition of pigs premix. New premix that can balance the main grains in pigs feeding has been developed. The main grains are wheat, corn, barley. These compounds are included into pigs feeding ration and they are the main crops in the South of Ukraine. The effect of using this new premix that contains the enzyme preparation “Lysozyme G3” for fattening pigs was also investigated. The productive effect of enzyme preparation in the rations with the same nutritional value for fattening pigs and its effect on the nutrients digestibility were studied. Experimental research activities were conducted at the agricultural enterprise “Avangard-D” LLC, Ovidiopol District, Odessa Oblast. The changes in live weight, as well as gains of fattening pigs at the age of 4, 5, 6 and 7 months were studied in the scientific and economical experience. During the main period (120 days), the increase in pigs live weight was observed in all groups. Thus, in the control group, this indicator changed from 27.8 to 107 kg; in II experimental group – from 28.1 to 109.2; in III experimental group – from 28.0 to 111.7 kg. When removing animals from fattening, the difference in live weight between the III experimental and control groups was 4.4% and it was statistically significant (P > 0.95). The average daily gains in piglets of II and III experimental groups significantly exceeded the indices of control one by 2.4% and 5.7%, respectively. The nutrients digestibility in animals of all experimental groups was studied to analyze more carefully. The analysis of digestibility indices in pigs rations during experiment (when pigs are fed with premix that contains biologically active substance Lysozyme G3), and its content in the ration indicated that nutrient digestibility indices had changed into the direction of increase. Feed consumption was calculated after analyzing these indices. Thus, the smallest feed consumption per unit of live weight gain was established in the third experimental group, where it was 3.2 feed units and was less in comparison with animals of the control group by 3.4%. During scientific and economical researches, blood samples were taken from animals of the first control group and the third experimental one for morphological and biochemical studies. It was found that the blood parameters of experimental animals during the entire period of fattening were within the physiological norm. The amount of protein in the blood indicates that animals of experimental group have higher growth rate by 10.9%. The economic indicators directly reflected above mentioned facts when the calculation of the economic part of the research were carried out. Thus, we got 1870.5 UAH from the first group, 1934.3 UAH from the second group, 1989.4 UAH from the third group, selling products from one head. Accordingly, the level of profitability of pork production was: in the first group (control) – 13.5; in the second (1 kg/ton of premix) – 16.5%; in the third (2 kg/ton of premix) – 19.8%.

Aromatic aldehyde compound cuminaldehyde protects nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rats feeding high fat diet.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by fat accumulation and is related with obesity and oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effect of cuminaldehyde on NAFLD in rats fed a high fat diet (HFD). Male Wistar rats were fed a HFD for 42 days to induce NAFLD. The progression of NAFLD was evaluated by histology and measuring liver enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase), serum and hepatic lipids (total triglycerides and total cholesterol), and oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase). The HFD feeding increased the liver weight and caused NAFLD, liver steatosis, hyperlipidemia, oxidative stress, and elevated liver enzymes. Administration of cuminaldehyde ameliorated the changes in hepatic morphology and liver weight, decreased levels of liver enzymes, and inhibited lipogenesis. Our findings suggest that cuminaldehyde could improve HFD-induced NAFLD via abolishment of hepatic oxidative damage and hyperlipidemia. Cuminaldehyde might be considered as a potential aromatic compound in the treatment of NAFLD and obesity through the modulation of lipid metabolism.

EFFECT OF FEEDING DIFFERENT CONCENTRATE ROUGHAGE RATIO ON GROWTH, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR OF SHEEP

The goal of this study was to examine the influence of feeding different concentrate roughage ratios on growth, reproductive parameters and behavior of sheep. The study design involved the use of a 30 sexually mature ewes assigned to three groups consisting of three ratios of concentrate (C) to roughage (R), Group1. 80%C: 20%R, Group2. 70%C: 30%R and Group3. 60%C: 40%R. The variables of the studies were live weight changes and Body condition score (BCS) of ewes during pregnancy and postpartum till weaning and behavior of ewes in addition to the birth weight and average daily gain of neonatal lambs and subsequent changes till weaning. The conception rate of ewes and their overall reproductive performance are under investigation. The results reveled that, different ratios of concentrate and roughage feeding had no significant effect on body weight, BCS and average dry matter intake of ewes during pregnancy and postpartum till weaning. Lambs birth weight and subsequent weights till weaning and average daily gain were significantly (P≤0.05) increased by feeding on ration contain 80%C: 20% R, followed by those feeding on 70% C: 30% R and lowest in those feeding on 60% C: 40%R. Rumination was significantly increased in Group3 lambs than other groups. Higher concentrate ratios had positive effect on reproductive performance of ewes and body weight, daily body weight gain and neonatal behavior of lambs till weaning.Key words: concentrate; roughage; ewe; lamb; growth performance; behavior

Effect of late prepartum fibre-based diets on the live weight changes and reproduction of Holstein cows in the subsequent lactation period

The objective of this study was to evaluate two late prepartum fibre-based diets that differed in non-structural carbohydrate (NFC) and protein levels on live weight (LW) changes and fertility traits of Holstein cows until 120 days postpartum. At 30 days before calving, 120 pregnant Holsteins (heifers, n = 54 and dry cows, n = 66) from the Elsenburg herd were assigned to two nutritional treatments according to parity, expected calving date, LW, and milk production during the previous lactation. Prepartum heifers and cows were fed independently a similar type and level of a prepartum concentrate, associated with an ad libitum intake of either unchopped oat hay for the control group or a partial total mixed ration (pTMR: oat hay (48%), lucerne hay (43%) and soybean oil cake meal (9%)) for the treatment group. After parturition, cows in both the control and treatment groups were maintained on ad libitum cultivated irrigated kikuyu-ryegrass pastures, supplemented each with a post-partum concentrate of 7 kg/day from calving until 120 days in milk (DIM). As expected, young and still growing primiparous cows were significantly lighter in pre- and post-partum LW traits compared with mature multiparous cows (parity > 3). Prepartum LW of cows was similar between the control and the treatment in both parity groups. Post-partum LW of the primiparous cows differed significantly between the control and the treatment, which were 488 ± 9 and 507 ± 13 kg, respectively. However, no difference was observed in terms of post-partum LW of multiparous cows of the control and the treatment groups, which were 579 ± 10 and 579 ± 8 kg, respectively. Primiparous cows that received the prepartum oat hay-based diet showed significant decrease in post-partum LW loss changes, LWnadir, LW loss at nadir and rate of LW loss from calving to LWnadir in comparison with their counterparts on the prepartum pTMR-based diet, but these LW traits were similar in multiparous cows. Prepartum diets did not have an effect on post-partum fertility parameters of the multiparous cows, whereas primiparous cows that received the control diet recorded a significantly longer interval from calving to first service (CFS) in the subsequent lactation in comparison with their counterparts fed the treatment diet i.e. 117 ± 9 and 86 ± 8 days, respectively. Proportions of cows that were pregnant at 120 DIM were similar in the subsequent lactation between groups that received the prepartum oat hay- and pTMR-based diets in both parity groups. Further research is required to investigate different prepartum feeding periods and nutritional approaches involving various levels and sources of energy and protein nutrients to encourage post-partum metabolic and hormonal responses that benefit the fertility of dairy cows in the subsequent lactation.Keywords: Dairy, dry period, non-structural carbohydrate, protein, postpartum, pregnancy

EFFECT OF ADDING GINGER POWDER OR GINGER OIL ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EWES DURING LACTATION PERIOD

This experiment was carried out at Research Station of Maryout belonging to Desert Research Center to assess the effect of ginger forms (Zingiber officinale) on productive performance, rumen and blood parameters of Barki ewes. Forty Barki ewes at last pregnant stage, aged 3-4 year and average weighed 40.47 kg ± 0.99, were fed concentrate mixture and alfalfa hay (as traditional ration) and divided into four equal groups. 1st group (T1) fed traditional ration without any supplementation as control group, the 2nd (T2) and 3rd (T3) groups fed control ration with 3 or 6 gm. Ginger powder (GP)/head/day, respectively. The 4st (T4) fed control ration plus 2 ml/head/days of ginger oil (GO). Rations offered were adjusted according to ewe's weight and nutrient requirements. Results revealed that treatments had no significant effect on live body weight changes and total dry matter intake. Milk yield affect significantly (P<0.05) of adding ginger forms. T2 (Low GP) recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of milk production compared to experimental groups and control which recorded the lowest value. Experimental treatments significantly (P<0.05) affect milk fat and total soiled percentage. Ewes in T2 (3 gm. GP/h/d.) group recorded the highest values of milk component except fat. Feeding ewes on experimental treated rations led to decrease saturated fatty acids (C 12:0 and C16:0), While, the experimental groups (except T2) insignificantly increased milk unsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids. Treatments of ginger forms insignificantly affect pH and total volatile fatty acids. While, T4 decreased (P<0.05) ammonia concentration and protozoa population compared to other groups. Results of blood biochemical were differ significantly (P<0.05) as affected by experimental treatments. T3 recorded the highest values of total proteins and globulin as compared to other groups. Total lipids and triglyceride values were higher for T4 than other groups. Data of lamb's performance showed that birth and weaning weights of kids didn’t appear any significant differences among groups. On the other hand, T3 and T2 lambs recorded the highest (P<0.05) daily gain. Finally, T3 was better economic evaluation than other groups, where recoded the best feed conversion and net revenue for farmers.

The effect of using either soybean or groundnut straw as part of basal diet on body weight gain, and carcass characteristics of Gumuz Sheep

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soybean or groundnut straw replacement for hay on live weight change and carcass characteristics of Gumuz sheep at Pawe Agricultural Research Centre. Thirty yearling male intact Gumuz sheep with initial body weight of 18.91 ± 2.6 kg (mean ± SD) were used in the experiment. The study consists of 90 days of feeding trial period after acclimatization of 15 days for the treatment feed, followed by evaluation of carcass characteristics at the end. The experimental design used was randomized complete block design. The experimental animals were grouped in to six blocks based on their initial body weight and each animal was randomly assigned to one of the five treatment diets; namely, Hay alone basal diet (control treatment; (T1), 50% Hay + 50% soybean straw (T2), 50% Hay + 50% groundnut straw (T3), 25% Hay + 75% groundnut straw (T4), and 25% Hay + 75% soybean straw (T5). Toasted soybean grain of 172 g and 5% molasses (of daily feed offered) were supplemented for each treatment group equally throughout the experiment period. Water and salt lick were available free choice. Natural pasture hay, soybean straw and groundnut straw contained 7.12, 4.39, and 8.08% CP, respectively. The daily body weight gains of T3 (91.48 g/d) was higher (P<0.01) than other treatment groups, whereas T2 (58.5) exhibited lower daily body weight gain. There was no difference in feed conversion efficiency (FCE) among treatments. The hot carcass weight of sheep in T3 and T4 were higher (P<0.01). The mixture of natural pasture hay with groundnut straw 50:50 or 25:75, respectively, resulted in heavier carcass yield showing the priority basal feed, but use of all combinations of the basal feed resulted in good performance of the Gumuz sheep breed. Key words: Metekel, natural pasture hay, replacement.

The Effect of Probiotics on High Fiber Diet in Rumen Fermentation Characteristics

The productivity of cattle must be achieved through feed efficiency which has strong correlation with the rumen work. The efforts to increase productivity of cattle can use probiotics as feed additive in animal feeding. Probiotics are increasingly used in commercial animal production operations to profitably alter the gastrointestinal flora, thus improving animal health and productivity. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different type of probiotics on high fiber diet in live weight change, rumen fermentation, the total rumen of bacteria, and the total of lactic acid bacteria. Three fistulated cattle received a daily ration 2% from body weight (DM) of Pennisetum purpureum (70% of DM), concentrates (30% of DM), and mineral mix (1% of DM). The experiment was arranged as a crossover design with six treatments and three sampling periods as replications. The treatments were (R0) control diet, (R1) control diet + 10 mL of Lactobacillus plantarum TSD-10 per day, (R2) control diet + 10 mL of L. plantarum MX-16 per day, (R3) control diet + 10 mL of L. brevis SPCE-39 per day, (R4) control diet + 10 mL of mix Lactobacillus plantarum TSD-10, L. plantarum MX-16, and L. brevis SPCE-39 per day, (R5) control diet + 10 mL of commercial probiotics per day. Neither pH nor the total of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were significantly affected by the treatment. Among others treatment, R3 showed a tendency body weight gain. The total of rumen bacteria was affected significantly for R2, R3, R4, and R5 compared with R0. The acetate to propionate ratio were affected for R3, R4, and R5, but were not affected significantly for R2 and R3 compared with R0. The butyrate ratio and rumen ammonia concentration were not affected by the treatment. In conclusion, probiotics change the population of the rumen bacteria. In addition, based on metabolism characteristics, particularly on propionate production and C2/C3 ratio, R3 was shown the best probiotics candidate on high fiber diet. Nevertheless, the difference pattern in volatile fatty acid indicates that different mechanisms may be involved.

Изменение живой массы и морфо- биохимических показателей крови свиноматок при скармливании природного сорбента в зонах с разной экологической напряженностью

Изменение живой массы и морфо- биохимических показателей крови свиноматок при скармливании природного сорбента в зонах с разной экологической напряженностью

Inhibition of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) delays liver fibrosis in a medaka model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

The rise in the incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has necessitated the development of an effective prevention methodology. An antidiabetic drug, belonging to the group of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, has been tested for its therapeutic effect on NASH; however, no studies to date have demonstrated the preventive effect of an SGLT2 inhibitor on the histological progression of steatosis and fibrosis in a sequential manner in animal models. In the present study, we examined the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor, tofogliflozin (Tofo), on NASH liver tissue using medaka as an animal model, maintaining a feeding amount and drug concentration in all animal bodies. We generated a medaka NASH model by feeding d‐rR/Tokyo medaka a high‐fat diet and administered Tofo by dissolving the drug directly in the water of the feeding tank. Thereafter, the effects of Tofo on body weight (BW), liver weight, hepatotoxicity, fatty infiltration, and fibrotic changes in the liver were examined. We report here that SGLT2 is expressed in medaka fish and that Tofo inhibits the accumulation of fatty tissue and delays the progression of liver fibrosis in the medaka NASH model by inhibiting increases in blood sugar, serum lipids, and transaminase, irrespective of changes in BW. These results suggest that Tofo is effective for treating NASH and that the medaka model may be useful for developing new therapeutic drugs for this disease.

Effect of natural zeolite on live weight changes, ruminal fermentation and nitrogen metabolism of ewe lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of natural zeolite on the performance and nitrogen metabolism of Rambouillet ewe lambs. Forty Rambouillet ewe lambs with an initial weight of 41.06 ± 3.9 kg were randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets, namely 0, 20, 40 and 60 g of natural zeolite (Comercializadora Omega® Mexico) per kg dietary dry matter in a completely randomized design and sixteen ewe lambs were used in a 4 x 4 Latin square metabolism study. Performance was not modified by natural zeolite levels in the diet, and daily gain showed a quadratic response. Ammonia concentration at 8 and 12 hours increased linearly with zeolite. Zeolite increased ruminal pH linearly at 8 and 12 hours. Acetate and butyrate presented a quadratic response, and total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentration was linearly increased by zeolite. Nitrogen retention showed a linear and quadratic response to zeolite. The estimated fractions of protein digested in the small intestine, when rumen-fermentable energy was limiting (PDIE) and when rumen-fermentable nitrogen was limiting, showed a linear and quadratic response to zeolite. PDIE was positively correlated (r = 0.96) with average daily gain. Keywords : Sheep, ammonium, ruminal fermentation, productive, soluble nitrogen

Gastrointestinal nematode infection and feeding behaviour of goats in a heterogeneous vegetation: No evidence of therapeutic self-medication

The aim of this study was to identify modifications in the feeding behaviour of goats browsing a tropical deciduous forest (TDF) when natural gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection was suppressed. Continuous bite monitoring through direct observation was implemented in 12 Criollo goats (adults, non-pregnant) foraging for 4 h per day during the rainy season. In the first Period (P1, one observation point) all goats were maintained with natural GIN infection. In the second Period (P2, three observation points), goats were equally distributed into 2 groups: i) moxidectin treated group (TG) used in a suppressive scheme; and ii) naturally infected group (IG). For each observation point, goats were monitored at three timepoints per day (80 min each), for three consecutive days, to estimate their intake of dry matter (DM), condensed tannins (CT), crude protein, metabolizable energy and digestible DM. Live weight (LW), faecal samples and blood samples were obtained every 28 days to determine LW change, faecal egg counts (FEC) and packed cell volume (PCV). During P1 and P2, the TG and IG had similar LW change and PCV. During both periods, the intake of DM, CT and all macronutrients were similar for TG and IG. The suppression of GIN infection did not modify the feeding behaviour of goats. Therefore, a therapeutic self-medicative behaviour was not identified in Criollo goats browsing a TDF.

Effects of Xiaotan Tongfu decoction on hepatic metastasis in obesity-associated colorectal cancer.

ObjectiveThis study was performed to assess the influence of obesity on colorectal cancer (CRC) and investigate the efficacy of Xiaotan Tongfu (XTTF) decoction to CRC treatment.MethodsBALB/C mice were used to establish an obesity-associated CRC model by a high-fat diet and tumor implantation. The tumors were harvested from mice inoculated with CT26 cell suspension. Body weight, liver weight, hepatic metastasis, and histological changes were observed. Immunohistochemical analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to measure the levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3).ResultsObesity influenced the secretion of IGFs and aggravated CRC, while XTTF decoction inhibited the process of hepatic metastasis in CRC by upregulating the secretion of IGF-1/IGF-1R and downregulating the secretion of IGFBP-3.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that XTTF decoction can serve as a candidate curative treatment for CRC.

Assessment of mulberry leaf as a potential feed supplement for animal feeding in P.R. China.

ObjectiveMulberry (Morus alba L.) is a cultivated shrub grown widely in the sub-tropical and tropical areas. It has been shown that mulberry leaf contains high levels of protein while having polyphenols as phytonutrients. Therefore, it is important to conduct an experiment to assess potential toxic level from mulberry on behavior, blood hematological and coagulation parameter using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats.MethodsBoth male and female SD rats were given an intragastric administration of respective treatments of mulberry leaf intakes (control, low and high levels). Parameters of feed intake, hematological and coagulation of blood parameters, as well as liveweight changes were taken during the 7 d of adaptation, 28 d of treatment exposure, and 14 d of recovery periods, respectively. All treatment data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance of SPSS17.0 for Windows Statistical Software following the Randomized complete block design with sex as a block.ResultsMost of the parameters of the physical symptoms of the SD rats, were not significantly different (p>0.05) when compared with that of the control group. Those which remain unchanged in each dose group were, body weight (BW) gain, feed intake, the hematology and coagulation indexes. Although, there were a few individual indicators that were abnormal, but the overall physiological appearance of the rats were normal.ConclusionResults under this experiment revealed that most hematological and coagulation parameters of the SD rats in both male and female were normal, although the weight gain of female rats in high-dose group was significantly reduced than those of the male rats. Under this study, the use of mulberry leaf up to 2 g/kg BW did not result in abnormal phenomenon in the SD rats. These findings would offer useful information for further in vivo feeding trials in animals to extensively use of mulberry leaf to improve animal production, particularly in P.R. China.

Use of Feed Resources in Intensive Urban Ruminant Production Systems of West Africa: A Case Study from Burkina Faso

A longitudinal study was conducted in the built-up area of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso) to assess the resource use efficiency in zero-grazing beef cattle production enterprises, determine the animals’ liveweight (LW) changes; and evaluate whether the feeding regime was able to meet the animals’ energy requirements for maintenance and growth. Five representative farms were purposively selected out of a total of 133 farms surveyed in a previous study. The average number of cattle per farm was 3.6±2.01. Measurements were carried out in bi-weekly intervals for ten months. LW of animals averaged 270±128.8 kg and LW gain (LWG) ranged from 162 to 423g/day with an average of 290±161 g/day. The average daily supplies of crude protein (CPoffer) and metabolizable energy (MEoffer) of 25±12.7g/kg0.75 and 1.3±0.67 MJ/kg0.75 (dry season) and 33±9.6 g/kg0.75 and 1.8±0.63 MJ/kg0.75 (rainy season), respectively, clearly exceeded the animals’ requirements for maintenance plus growth. Hence, the calculated conversion ratios for offered feed and protein as well as energy use efficiency were very low. With the current management, part of the offered feeds ends up at the dung heap. Monthly manure mass collected per farm and tropical livestock unit averaged 93±30.9 kg dry matter; if well recycled, it could contribute substantially to crop production and yield high revenue, especially, in urban vegetable production.

Offering maternal composite ewes higher levels of nutrition from mid-pregnancy to lambing results in predictable increases in birthweight, survival and weaning weight of their lambs

Management of nutrition during pregnancy for maternal composite ewes has the potential to improve lamb production and survival in prime lamb production systems but existing condition score (CS) guidelines developed for Merinos may not be appropriate for the optimum production of maternal ewes. To address this, three replicated experiments were conducted at two research sites in Victoria and one in Western Australia. Ewes (781–800 per site) were allocated to four CS treatments following pregnancy scanning (~Day 50) and differentially fed to reach approximate targets of CS 2.4, 2.8, 3.2 and 3.6 by lambing. Single and multiple bearing ewes grazed together, and nutritional treatments were applied until the end of lambing after which ewes and lambs were aggregated into management groups containing all treatments. At lambing, maternal ewe liveweight had a range between treatments of 13.7–19.1 kg (average 16.4 kg) and CS varied by 1.1–1.5 of a CS (average 1.24). Across site analysis indicated that lamb birthweight and weaning weight increased with application of higher CS treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.001). There was also an improvement in survival of multiple born lambs with increasing CS at lambing (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Birthweight was significantly related to survival (P &amp;lt; 0.001) at all sites with no significant effect of birth type on lamb survival. Changes in birthweight and weaning weight could be predicted from ewe joining liveweight, ewe liveweight change to Day 90 and ewe liveweight change Day 90 to lambing. The coefficients derived for each of these effects were similar to those found in previous experiments examining Merino and crossbred Border Leicester Merino ewes. The optimum CS targets for multiple bearing maternal composite ewes may be higher than the industry recommended target for Merino ewes based on advantages in lamb survival and weaning weight.

Productivity and profitability of alternative steer growth paths resulting from accessing high-quality forage systems in the subtropics of northern Australia: a modelling approach

Beef producers have to determine the best allocation of a limited resource of high-quality forage. This analysis assessed the most profitable way of incorporating high-quality forages into the whole-of-life steer growth path on forage systems in central Queensland, using property-level, regionally relevant herd models that determine whole-of-business productivity and profitability over a 30-year investment period. Twenty-two growth paths (liveweight change over time) from weaning to marketing were investigated for steers grazing buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) pastures with and without access to leucaena–grass pastures (Leucaena leucocephala spp. glabrata + perennial, tropical grass (C4) species) or forage oats (Avena sativa) for varying intervals throughout their growth path. The production, economic and financial effect of each growth path was assessed by comparison to a base scenario that produced finished, slaughter steers (605 kg) from buffel grass pastures. The relative profitability of marketing steers at feedlot entry (feed-on) weight (474 kg) instead of slaughter weights was also assessed. The growth paths were applied within two beef enterprises, namely (1) steer turnover and (2) breeding and finishing. For both enterprises, grazing steers on leucaena-grass pastures from weaning until they achieved feedlot entry weight (474 kg) was substantially more profitable than any other growth path. Compared with the base scenario, this optimal growth path improved profitability by 121% and 37% for the steer turnover and the breeding and finishing enterprises respectively. The purchase of additional breeders for the latter enterprise was required to optimise utilisation of the leucaena–grass pastures immediately. Incorporating leucaena–grass pastures at any steer age improved the profitability of the steer turnover enterprise (AU$7368–AU$106508 extra profit/annum), and similarly for the breeding and finishing enterprise (AU$1754–AU$31383 extra profit/annum) except for two scenarios where leucaena–grass pastures were provided to older steers targeted at the feed-on market (AU$4816 and AU$23886 less profit/annum). However, incorporation of leucaena–grass into steer growth paths also resulted in increased peak deficit levels and financial risk to the business compared with buffel grass-only production systems, with payback periods for the most profitable growth path of 8 and 14 years for the steer turnover and the breeding and finishing enterprise respectively. All growth paths that incorporated forage oats and leucaena–grass resulted in lower economic and financial performance than did comparable growth paths that incorporated leucaena–grass only. Furthermore, incorporating oats into buffel grass-only growth paths always reduced the enterprise profitability. There was no relationship, across scenarios within an enterprise, between change in profit and the number of extra weaners produced or the amount of extra beef produced per hectare.