Chewing Activity Research Articles

Starch-Rich Diet Induced Rumen Acidosis and Hindgut Dysbiosis in Dairy Cows of Different Lactations.

Simple SummaryHigh-producing dairy cows receive high-energy diets for maintenance and production. This study showed that 60% concentrate in the diet, containing 27.7% starch, changed the fecal-microbial community and lowered its diversity, suggesting hindgut dysbiosis. Both ruminal and fecal pH decreased with high-starch feeding, which suggests further investigations in fecal pH as rumen- and hindgut-acidosis diagnostic tool. Cows in the third lactation spent more time below the threshold for subacute-ruminal acidosis (pH 6.0) than second or fourth-or-below lactation cows. Their higher susceptibility was caused by their high dry matter intake but missing counter-regulation by increased rumination activity. Further, we suggest that body weight and rumen size might play a role in the absorptive capacity of short-chain fatty acids. The study also identified indicator-bacterial phylotypes that changed with starch-rich diet and lactation number. In conclusion, we suggest including lactation number as a factor in practical feeding management for identification of high risk-cows for acidosis, and in dairy cow research.Starch-rich diets can cause subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) in dairy cows with potentially different susceptibility according to lactation number. We wanted to evaluate the bacterial community and the fermentation end products in feces to study susceptibility to hindgut acidosis and dysbiosis. Sixteen dairy cows received a medium-concentrate diet (MC, 40% concentrate, 18.8% starch) for one week and a high-concentrate diet (HC, 60% concentrate, 27.7% starch, DM) for four weeks. Milk yield, dry-matter intake, chewing activity, ruminal pH, milk constituents, and fecal samples for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), pH, and 16S rRNA-gene sequencing were investigated. The HC feeding caused a reduction in fecal pH, bacterial diversity and richness, an increase in total SCFA, and a separate phylogenetic clustering of MC and HC samples. Ruminal and fecal pH had fair correlation (r = 0.5). Cows in the second lactation (2ndL) had lower dry matter intake (DMI) than cows of third or fourth or more lactations (3rdL; ≥4 L), whereas DMI/kg body weight was lower for ≥4 L than for 2ndL and 3rdL cows. The mean ruminal pH was highest in ≥4 L, whereas the time spent below the SARA threshold was highest for 3rdL cows. The latter also had higher total SCFA in the feces. Our results suggest that hindgut dysbiosis is caused by increased substrate flow to the hindgut, but further investigations are needed to define hindgut acidosis. The 3rdL cows were most susceptible to rumen acidosis and hindgut dysbiosis due to high DMI level, but missing counter regulations, as suggested happening in 2ndL and ≥4 L cows.

Effect of botulinum toxin treatment in patients with bruxism and orofacial pain - randomized double-blind clinical trial

Introduction: Bruxism is defined as a parafunctional chewing activity characterized by the clenching and / or grinding of teeth that occurs both during sleep and during the surveillance period. Methods: Thirty female patients between 18 and 40 years old who had bruxism and orofacial pain were selected and randomized into two groups: control group (n = 15), where individuals received 0.05 ml of sterile saline solution that was applied to the bundle anterior temporal muscles and 0.2 ml for each masseter muscle, and an experimental group (n = 15), individuals received 20 units of A-botulinum toxin (Botox®) applied to each masseter muscle and 5 units of A-botulinum toxin applied to the anterior bundle of each temporal muscle. Patients were called back for reevaluation every thirty days. At these moments, they underwent an evaluation of the load force and electromyography. Results: At 30, 60, 90 and 120 days, a decrease in electromyographic activity was observed in the A-botulinum toxin group (p <0.001). In the experimental group, the left masseter muscle showed no significant difference between the variable load cell and time (p = 0.968), nor between electromyography versus load (p = 0.072), with a statistically significant difference between time and electromyography. (coef = 0.322; p <0.001). Conclusion: The intramuscular application of botulinum toxin type A in patients with bruxism has proved to be an effective method for hyperactivity of the masseter muscle in patients with bruxism, improving and decreasing the levels of muscle contraction.

Performance of growing lambs supplemented with ground licuri (Syagrus coronata).

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary ground licuri on lamb performance.MethodsForty male lambs were used in a completely randomized design to test the effects of 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/kg of ground licuri added to diets. The trial lasted for 75 days. Intake, digestibility, physically effective neutral detergent fiber, and chewing activity were estimated. Blood samples were taken on day 45 to determine the concentrations of glucose, urea, non-esterified fatty acids, and triglycerides. Average daily gain (ADG) were determined on the last day of the experimental trial.ResultsLicuri inclusion markedly increased dietary neutral detergent fiber and ether extract (EE) content, but it decreased dry matter (DM) intake. However, the intake and digestibility of EE linearly increased. The ADG decreased linearly (p<0.05) with licuri inclusion. Licuri had no effect (p>0.05) on the concentrations of blood metabolites; however, blood urea increased (p<0.05), while serum glucose decreased (p<0.05).ConclusionThe physically effective fiber of ground licuri is similar to Tyfton hay and licuri inclusion decreases lamb performance due to a decreased in DM intake.

Effects of substitution of beet pulp for barley or corn in the diet of high-producing dairy cows on feeding behavior, performance, and ruminal fermentation

This study investigated the effects of substituting beet pulp (BP) for different grains (barley or corn) in the diet of high-producing dairy cows on intake, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation, milk production, and feed conversion efficiency. Eight second-parity Holstein cows (62 ± 2 d in milk; milk yield = 54 ± 1.2 kg/d; body weight = 624 ± 26; all mean ± SE) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design during 4 periods of 21 d. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 treatments that were a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of 2 grain sources (corn or barley) and 2 levels of BP inclusion [5 or 15% of dry matter (DM)] in the diet: (1) barley-based diet with BP at 5% of dietary DM; (2) barley-based diet with BP at 15% of dietary DM; (3) corn-based diet with BP at 5% of dietary DM; and (4) corn-based diet with BP at 15% of dietary DM. The increasing amount of BP in the diet was at the expense of decreasing an equal proportion of grain (barley or corn). All diets were high in concentrates (65% of diet DM) and formulated to have similar concentrations of energy and protein. The portion of feedstuffs that is potentially able to be consumed by humans is known as human edible. Accordingly, human-edible protein (HEP) and human-edible energy (HEE) inputs were calculated according to the recommended potential human-edible fraction of each dietary ingredient, and HEP and HEE outputs were determined as the amount of gross energy and true protein in the milk. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE) for HEP and HEE were expressed as output per input of each variable, whereas FCE for the production of fat-corrected milk (FCM) and energy-corrected milk (ECM) were expressed as the amount of each variable per DM intake. Results showed that substituting BP for grain did not affect DM intake, crude protein intake, or nutrient digestibility, whereas starch intake (5.70 vs. 7.43 kg/d for the low-BP vs. high-BP diets, respectively), HEP (2.34 and 1.92 kg/d), and HEE (186 and 147 MJ of gross energy/d) decreased. Treatments did not affect sorting and chewing activities, but increasing BP in the diet increased ruminal pH at 4 h after feeding (6.20 vs. 6.39) and milk fat content (2.92 vs. 3.15%). Similarly, FCE for ECM production (1.44 vs. 1.54) as well as FCE for HEE (0.653 vs. 0.851) and HEP (0.629 vs. 0.702) were greater in high-BP diets compared with low-BP diets. The interaction of BP and grain sources significantly affected FCE for ECM production, where improvements were more evident when BP was substituted for barley than for corn. The improvement in FCE for HEE was greater when BP was substituted for barley (0.236) rather than corn (0.161). In conclusion, the substitution of BP for barley or corn grains in high-concentrate diets of high-producing cows decreased starch intake, increased ruminal pH at 4 h after feeding, and improved FCE for FCM production. Substitution for barley, rather than for corn, promoted greater FCE for ECM production and HEE.

Consumption and ingestive behaviour of lambs fed varying levels of babassu mesocarp bran

Voluntary consumption (VolC) and ingestive behaviour (IB) of lambs fed diets containing different percentages (0.0; 7.5; 15.0 and 22.5%) of babassu mesocarp bran (I-BMB) were evaluated. The trial was at the Federal University of Tocantins, Campus de Araguaína-TO. Twenty lambs were evaluated using a completely randomized design, and five replications were performed. VolC data was obtained by measuring total volumes of both food supplied and food remaining after feeding. IB was evaluated throughout two, non-consecutive 24-h periods, with observations were recorded every five minutes that described the following behavioural variables: resting (REST), rumination (RUM), intake (INT) and chewing (CHEW). The particle size was also measured using a Penn State particle separator. All VolC parameters (dry matter intake, DMI; crude protein intake, CPI; neutral detergent fibre intake, NDFI; and acid detergent fibre intake, ADFI) increased linearly with I-BMB intake. I-BMB consumption did not interfere with water intake, nor did it affect I-BMB did not affect the duration of DMI, NDFI and ADFI. However, linear increases of rumination and chewing activities associated with DMI, NDFI and ADFI were observed as I-BMB levels increased. In summary, effects of inclusion I-BMB in diets of lambs included increased voluntary consumption, and reduced rumination and chewing, but not ingestion, efficiency. When economically favorable, these data suggest that inclusion of up to 22.5% I-BMB within balanced diets should be applied.

Substitution of wheat straw with sugarcane bagasse in low-forage diets fed to mid-lactation dairy cows: Milk production, digestibility, and chewing behavior

Sugarcane bagasse (SB) is a low-quality roughage source that is often plentiful during times of forage shortage. It is generally less costly compared with other conventional sources of forage. We hypothesized that SB could be used as a source of roughage for dairy cattle by replacing wheat straw (WS), another low-quality forage. This study evaluated the effects of replacing WS with SB in diets offered to mid-lactation dairy cows on milk production and fatty acid profile, intake, digestibility, chewing activity, and ruminal fermentation. Nine multiparous Holstein cows averaging (mean ± standard deviation) 105 ± 12 d in milk, 42.1 ± 2.9 kg of milk/d, and 617 ± 59 kg of body weight were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. Treatments were (% of dietary dry matter, DM): (1) 0SB, diet containing 0% SB and 27% WS, (2) 9SB, diet containing 9% SB and 18% WS, and (3) 18SB, diet containing 18% SB and 9% WS. Sugarcane bagasse had greater organic matter (OM; 94.1 vs. 85.1% of DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF; 86.2 vs. 76.4% of DM), acid detergent fiber (ADF; 62.9 vs. 45.2% of DM), and lignin (19.9 vs. 10.3% of DM) concentration, but less crude protein (CP; 2.63 vs. 3.72% of DM) concentration than WS. Sugarcane bagasse also had greater physically effective NDF (total dietary NDF multiplied by % of TMR on the 8-mm + 19-mm sieves, peNDF8; 63.2 vs. 40.6% of DM) and undegraded NDF after 288 h of incubation (uNDF288; 35.5 vs. 21.2% of DM) contents than WS. The undegraded NDF after 30 h of incubation (uNDF30) content was similar for all diets; however, peNDF8 concentration and proportion of long particles (retained on a 19-mm sieve) increased linearly as SB inclusion in the diets increased. Cows increasingly sorted against long particles as SB replaced WS. Intakes of DM (26.53 kg/d) and NDF (8.58 kg/d) did not differ among the treatments, but intakes of OM and CP decreased, whereas ADF and uNDF288 intakes increased with SB inclusion level. Total-tract digestibilities of OM, CP, and NDF decreased linearly as SB replaced WS. Milk yield (37.0 kg/d), energy-corrected milk yield (ECM; 38.2 kg/d), feed efficiency (1.44 kg ECM yield/kg DM intake), and milk composition (fat, 3.89%; true protein, 2.90%) did not differ among diets. Increasing SB concentration of the diet linearly increased rumination time, but ruminal pH (ruminocentesis, 4 h after feeding) decreased. Total volatile fatty acid concentration increased linearly, whereas acetate:propionate decreased linearly, as SB replaced WS. The results indicate that replacement of WS with increasing levels of SB in low-forage diets with similar uNDF30 concentrations did not affect performance of mid-lactation dairy cows. We conclude that SB can be used as a fiber source in diets fed to dairy cows in mid-lactation; however, the decrease in total-tract digestibility of diets may decrease lactational performance when fed to high-producing dairy cows.

Distinct responses in feed sorting, chewing behavior, and ruminal acidosis risk between primiparous and multiparous Simmental cows fed diets differing in forage and starch levels

During early lactation, both primiparous (PP) and multiparous (MP) cows are commonly fed diets rich in starch and low in forages to support their high energy requirements. Yet, the PP cows experience this dietary challenge for the first time, which might result in higher odds for them to develop rumen and systemic health disorders. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of decreasing the amount of forages in the diet on chewing and sorting behaviors and rumen and systemic health variables in PP and MP dairy cows. Twenty-four lactating Simmental cows [8 PP, average dry matter intake (DMI) of 19.1 ± 1.1 kg/d; 16 MP, average DMI of 22.5 ± 1.1 kg/d] with a body weight of 737 ± 90 kg and 50 ± 22 days in milk were used in this study. Cows were first fed a total mixed ration with 60% forage and 40% concentrate [on a dry matter (DM) basis] considered marginal in forages for 2 wk. Then, cows were switched to a diet low in forages with 40% forage and 60% concentrate (on a DM basis) for 4 wk. Reticular pH was measured continuously with wireless pH-sensors inserted into the reticulum to calculate the subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) index. Chewing activity was measured with noseband-sensor halters, and feed sorting was measured weekly. Blood samples were collected weekly and analyzed for metabolic and inflammation markers. Switching PP and MP cows from a marginal to low-forage diet decreased the time spent eating and ruminating per kilogram of DM. Primiparous cows chewed longer per kilogram of DMI than MP cows. Also, the PP cows sorted more pronounced for longer particles and against fine particles than MP cows did. Despite higher rumination activity per kilogram of DMI and the adaptive sorting behavior, the PP cows spent on average 4.6 h/d longer below a pH of 5.8 and had a higher SARA index (i.e., area pH <5.8/DMI) than MP cows, especially during the first week of the low-forage diet (9.5 vs. 4.8). The concentration of liver enzymes increased with the low-forage diet, which was especially pronounced in the PP cows. In conclusion, this study demonstrated greater susceptibility of PP cows to SARA and liver damage than MP cows fed the same diets. Although PP cows demonstrated greater chewing and ruminating activity per kilogram of DMI, as well as adapted sorting behavior in favor of large particles during the low-forage high-starch feeding, they developed more severe signs of SARA. This suggests higher forage fiber requirements for PP cows and the need for improved feeding strategies to mitigate rumen fermentation disorders during early lactation in these cows.

Graded supplementation of chestnut tannins to dairy cows fed protein-rich spring pasture: effects on indicators of protein utilization

An on-farm experiment was conducted in order to evaluate effects of graded supplementation with chestnut tannin extract to cows in situations of excessive dietary protein supply on a low-input organic dairy farm. Respectively 10 Swiss Fleckvieh cows received twice per day 1 kg of experimental pellets containing either 0, 50 or 100 g/kg of chestnut extract (targeted at approximately 0, 5 and 10 g extract/kg of total dietary dry matter). Experimental feeding lasted for 21 days. Measurements and collection of milk, faeces and urine spot samples were performed in weeks 0 (baseline), 1 and 3. All cows were kept in one herd on pasture; fresh grass and grass hay were provided in the barn during night. Milk yield was recorded and cows wore sensor halters for recording chewing activity. In urine, total nitrogen and purine derivatives were measured; faeces were analyzed for protein, fibre and particle fractions; in milk, solid concentrations were determined. The data was analyzed with a general linear model. Cows did not show differences in general eating and rumination behaviour, but needed time to accept the tannin-containing pellets. Milk yield and composition were not affected by treatment, except for lactose content. No relevant differences between treatments were found for urinary and faecal parameters. In conclusion, although technically easy to supplement, pellets containing chestnut tannin extract were not readily accepted by the cows and effects on protein digestion and metabolism were not found. Successful on-farm application of chestnut extract in order to improve nitrogen efficiency therefore seems questionable.

Comparison of chewing activity in patients requiring complete denture with two different occlusions

Background and Objectives: The loss of natural teeth causes many problems; one of major problems that are associated with edentulousness is the hypotonicity of muscles of mastication and decreasing the ability of the patient to chew food properly. Treatment of edentulous patients with complete denture will increase the muscle tonicity and chewing activity. The purpose of this study is to clinically compare patient's chewing ability between lingualized occlusion complete denture and bilaterally balanced occlusion complete dentures. Materials and methods: Two sets of complete dentures with different occlusions were fabricated for ten patients. The patients received bilaterally balanced occlusion (BBO) complete denture and lingualized occlusion (LO) complete denture in random order. The patients wear each set of complete denture for one month. During this month, chewing activity tests were performed for the patients in four different time intervals. The results of these tests were analyzed using t-test and paired t-test to compare between the lingualized occlusion and bilaterally balanced occlusion complete denture and also to compare the results of each time interval with each other. Results: The mean amount of the walnuts that passed through the sieve in LO dentures were (1.78g), during the fourth visit while it was (1.18g) in BBO. There were statistically significant difference between LO and BBO schemes of complete denture when measuring the amount of the chewed walnuts that passed through the sieve in second, third and fourth visit (p=0.037, 0.001 and 0.000). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it has beenconcluded that the chewing ability was higher in patients who were provided with complete dentures fabricated with the LO scheme as compared to those patients who received complete dentures made with BBO scheme. This was due to the fact that LO technique resulted in functionally better complete dentures as compared to the ones made by BBO technique

Time domain analysis on myoelectric activity of masseter muscles in resting and chewing conditions

Masseter is a type of muscle which involves in the process of chewing. Any disorder in the masseter muscle creates dysfunction of the entire mastication process and leads to neuromuscular problems. Electromyograms (EMGs) act as a diagnostic tool in detecting any abnormalities present in the nervous and muscular system. The objective of this work is to record and analyze the electrical activity of the masseter muscle of healthy subjects during resting and chewing conditions. In this work, the electrical activity of the masseter muscle was recorded form healthy volunteers of different age, using non invasive surface electrodes. The EMG signals are recorded from left as well as right sides in resting and chewing conditions. The characteristics of the EMG signals in resting and chewing conditions are analyzed using various statistical measures, Fast Fourier Transforms (FFT) and Hjorth parameters such as complexity, activity, and mobility. Results demonstrate that the EMG signals acquired at resting conditions of different subjects have equal peak frequencies in the FFT. However, there is a significant shift in the peak frequency of the EMG signals during chewing activity. Furthermore, it is observed that there are variations in both the Hjorth parameters as well as the statistical parameters of EMG signals recorded during resting and chewing conditions. Results show that there is a significant change in the electrical activity of masseter muscle in the resting and chewing conditions. This work appears to be of high clinical significance, since the electrical activity of masseter muscle can provide diagnostic information for the analysis of various diseases in the oral structures.

The effect of forage theoretical cut lengths on chewing activity, rumen fermentation, dissolved gases, and methane emissions in goats

Rumen gases include hydrogen (H2), methane (CH4) and carbon oxide (CO2), which are mainly produced during the carbohydrate fermentation to volatile fatty acids. Forage particle size alters chewing activities, which can influence reticulo-rumen motility, and thus may affect the rumen dissolved gases and gases emissions. We hypothesised that increasing forage theoretical cut lengths (TCL) from 20 to 100 mm would alter the distribution of forage particle sizes, which could affect chewing activity, gases production, saturation and emissions in goats. Ten Xiangdong black goats of average body weight of 37 ± 5 kg were randomly assigned to two treatments in a cross-over design. The two dietary treatments had the same concentrate diet with a difference coming from the TCL of forages (20 and 100 mm). Although forage with 100-mm forage TCL had larger particle sizes than 20-mm forage TCL, both treatments had similar physically effective fibre contents larger than 8.98 mm (peNDF>8.98mm). Increasing forage TCL did not alter (P > 0.05) feed intake, total-tract nutrient digestibility, rumen pH, VFA concentration and molar percentage of individual VFA. Increasing forage TCL greatly increased (P < 0.05) time spent for eating (+20 %), rumination (+16 %) and chewing (+17 %), but did not alter (P > 0.05) dissolved H2, CH4 and CO2 in the liquid phase of rumen, gaseous H2 and CH4 in the gas phase of rumen and enteric CH4 and CO2 emissions. Increasing forage TCL had a tendency (P = 0.08) to decrease the saturation factor of H2. In summary, although increasing forage TCL from 20 to 100 mm increased dietary forage particle size, which altered chewing activity with increased eating and rumination activities, such changes in chewing activity had little impact on rumen gases concentrations, saturation factor of gases and enteric gas emissions in goats.

Comparison of two different suture knot techniques on postoperative morbidity after impacted mandibular third molar surgery

IntroductionIn third molar surgery, one of the most important factors is how the wound was closed. Tight suturing of the wound commonly gives more discomfort to the many patients in terms of postoperative pain, swelling and trismus. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of two different knot techniques in suturing after extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (IMTM) on quality of life and postoperative complications such as pain, swelling and trismus. Material and methodsThis study was conducted with a randomized and split-mouth design and included 50 patients over the age of 18 in the ASA I group who had bilateral horizontal impacted mandibular third molars. In all patients, the wounds were closed by simple sutures by applying two different knot techniques as locked (GroupL, n=50) and unlocked (Group UL, n=50) knots. In the postoperative period, pain, swelling, trismus, chewing activity and quality of life were examined. ResultsIn the group where the unlocked knotting technique was used, significantly better results were obtained in comparison to the group where the locked knotting technique was used for all values (P<0.05). ConclusionIn preventing postoperative complications that are observed after impacted mandibular third molar surgery and affect the quality of life of patients negatively, suturing of the wound by the method of unlocked knotting is a useful technique that may be preferred.

Prefrontal Consolidation and Compensation as a Function of Wearing Denture in Partially Edentulous Elderly Patients

BackgroundThe cognitive effects of wearing a denture are not well understood. This study was conducted to clarify the effects of denture use on prefrontal and chewing muscle activities, occlusal state, and subjective chewing ability in partially edentulous elderly individuals.MethodsA total of 16 partially edentulous patients were enrolled. Chewing-related prefrontal cortex and jaw muscle activities were simultaneously examined using a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) device and electromyography, under the conditions of unwearing, and wearing a denture. Occlusal state and masticatory score were also determined under both conditions. Using multiple linear regression analysis, associations between prefrontal and chewing activities with wearing were examined using change rates.ResultsChewing rhythmicity was maintained under both conditions. As compared with unwearing, the wearing condition was associated with improved prefrontal cortex and chewing muscle activities, occlusal state in regard to force and area, and masticatory score. Also, prefrontal activities were positively associated with burst duration and peak amplitude in masseter (Mm) and temporal muscle activities, as well as masticatory scores. In contrast, prefrontal activities were negatively associated with occlusal force.ConclusionWearing a denture induced a positive association between burst duration and peak amplitude in Mm and temporal muscle activities and prefrontal activity, which may indicate a parallel consolidation of prefrontal cortex and rhythmical chewing activities, as well as masticatory scores. On the other hand, denture use induced a negative association of occlusal force with prefrontal activities, which might suggest that prefrontal compensative associations for the physiocognitive acquisition depended on biomechanical efficacy gained by wearing a denture.

Performance and feeding behavior of dairy cows fed high-concentrate diets containing steam-flaked or ground corn varying in particle size

Steam-flaked corn (SFC) and ground corn (GC) of different particle sizes were evaluated for their effects on dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield and components, chewing activity, ration sorting, ruminal fermentation, and digestibility in lactating dairy cows. Eight multiparous Holstein cows in mid-lactation (46.6 ± 3.5 kg/d milk production and 101 ± 10 d in milk) were used in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Cows were fed diets (dry matter basis) containing 36.2% forage (alfalfa hay and corn silage), 37.4% corn grain, and 26.4% other ingredients. The corn grain was ground (coarse: 1.08 mm; medium: 0.84 mm; and fine: 0.73 mm) or steam-flaked (SFC; density = 0.40 kg/L). The dry matter proportion retained on an 8-mm sieve was greater for the SFC diet than for the GC diets. There were no treatment effects on DMI, milk yield, fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, fat or lactose yield, protein or lactose content, or milk urea nitrogen concentration. However, digestibility of dry matter and organic matter were greater for fine GC and SFC than the other diets. In addition, cows fed SFC had lower total-tract starch digestibility than cows fed GC diets. Cows fed SFC tended to have lower propionate proportion (22.8 vs. 27.1 mM) and total volatile fatty acid concentration (88.6 vs. 99.8 mM) in ruminal fluid than those fed GC diets. Acetate and butyrate concentration, acetate to propionate ratio, and ruminal concentration of ammonia-nitrogen were not affected by treatments. Ruminal pH (6.46 vs. 6.01) as well as milk fat content (2.75 vs. 2.59%) and efficiencies (fat-corrected milk/DMI and energy-corrected milk/DMI) were greater for SFC than GC, regardless of its particle size. Milk fat content tended to increase linearly with increasing particle size of GC. Eating activity (min/d) tended to be less for SFC compared with GC, but rumination activity (min/d) and total chewing activity (min/d) were not affected by processing or particle size. The results of study indicate that, compared with GC, steam flaking of corn with 400 g/L density increased milk fat content and efficiency of high-producing dairy cows without any negative effect on milk yield. For GC, milk fat content tended to linearly increase and starch digestibility decreased linearly with increasing particle size.

Review: How Forage Feeding Early in Life Influences the Growth Rate, Ruminal Environment, and the Establishment of Feeding Behavior in Pre-Weaned Calves.

Simple SummaryUnder natural grazing systems, calves are likely to consume forage in early life. However, forage inclusion in the diet of pre-weaned calves has long been a controversial issue due to it possibly being associated with negative calf performance. Recent published literature seems to confound previous research. This review aims to understand the factors that may influence forage inclusion in the ration of pre-weaned calves. We have explored research related to the effect of feeding forage on rumen and behavioral development to better understand whether forage should be fed to the young calf. Based on the findings, it is concluded that a small amount of good quality forage is recommended for calves to improve their behavioral expression and rumen environment, which may further improve calf performance.The provision of forage to pre-weaned calves has been continuously researched and discussed by scientists, though results associated with calf growth and performance have remained inconsistent. Multiple factors, including forage type, intake level, physical form, and feeding method of both solid and liquid feed, can influence the outcomes of forage inclusion on calf performance. In the current review, we summarized published literature in order to get a comprehensive understanding of how early forage inclusion in diets affects calf growth performance, rumen fermentation, microbiota composition, and the development of feeding behavior. A small amount of good quality forage, such as alfalfa hay, supplemented in the diet, is likely to improve calf feed intake and growth rate. Provision of forage early in life may result in greater chewing (eating and ruminating) activity. Moreover, forage supplementation decreases non-nutritive oral and feed sorting behaviors, which can help to maintain rumen fluid pH and increase the number of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen. This review argues that forage provision early in life has the potential to affect the rumen environment and the development of feeding behavior in dairy calves. Continued research is required to further understand the long-term effects of forage supplementation in pre-weaned calves, because animal-related factors, such as feed selection and sorting, early in life may persist until later in adult life.

Effect of Chewing on the Expression of Salivary Protein Composition: A Systematic Review.

Salivary proteins have an imperative role in the maintenance of oral health and repairing mechanisms of injured tissues. However, there is paucity of information reported in the literature about the influence of chewing activities on the secretion or expression of salivary proteins. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the effect of chewing on the expression of salivary proteins composition in healthy individuals. A thorough systematic search shows 14 eligible studies for the review. The results of the systematic review show the effect of chewing on total protein concentration, alpha-amylase (α-amylase), peroxidase, lysozyme, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and mucin. Six papers concluded that chewing has a little or no effect on total protein concentration, α-amylase, peroxidase, lysozyme, and IgA activities. Five papers reported a negative (decreasing) effect of chewing on the function of total protein, α-amylase, IgA, and mucin. Only two papers showed an increase in total protein and IgA function upon chewing stimulation. The results of this systematic review indicate that more standardized evidence-based research is required for better assessment of chewing effects on salivary proteins. Within the limitations of this review, the existing evidence suggests that chewing in healthy people has minimum effect on the expression and activities of salivary proteins.

Can eating harder textured foods slowly influence appetite?

AbstractIntroductionChewing a greater number of chews per bite has been shown to increase fullness, lower hunger levels and lead to a lower energy intake, when compared to chewing each bite fewer times. Increased levels of fullness and decreased levels of hunger have also been observed after consuming harder textured foods which require more chewing activity and have a longer oro-sensory exposure time. The aim of this study was to investigate whether consumption of foods differing in texture, classified as ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ foods, combined with differences in oral processing behaviours (chewing normally or more slowly), has an impact on self-reported hunger, fullness and satiety outcomes.Materials and MethodsThis is an interim analysis of a randomised crossover experiment designed to test the impact of both oral processing behaviours and food texture on self-reported hunger, fullness and satiety. Participants consumed two breakfasts of different texture (a ‘fast’ yoghurt and fruit compote option, and a ‘slow’ granola option) twice; once at their normal rate of eating and once after being instructed to eat slowly. Measures of self-reported appetite (hunger, fullness, satiety, desire to eat and prospective food consumption) were assessed using a visual analogue scale at three time points; baseline (minimum 20 minutes before consumption), immediately pre-consumption and post-consumption. Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS; paired sample t tests and one-way analysis of variance was conducted to measure whether change in appetite ratings between the time points differed between the four breakfast options.ResultsData were collected from 16 healthy volunteers (study aiming to recruit n = 21; mean age 32.1 y, female n = 13, 81.3%). For all four breakfast options, levels of hunger, desire to eat and prospective food consumption significantly decreased, and levels of fullness and satiety significantly increased between both baseline and post-consumption, (p &lt; 0.05) and between pre-consumption and post-consumption (p &lt; 0.05). However, amongst the four breakfast options, no significant differences were observed in change in these appetite measures between baseline and post-consumption and pre- and post-consumption (p &gt; 0.05).DiscussionThis interim analysis demonstrates no differences in mean change in appetite measures for breakfast options of different texture chewed normally or more slowly. Analysis of the full study will determine the effect of oral processing behaviours and food texture on self-reported hunger, fullness and satiety outcomes.

The effect of biofloc produced from a fish farming system on nutrients digestibility, rumen fermentation, feeding behavior, and blood parameters of Najdi goats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of biofloc produced from a fish pond on digestibility, rumen fermentation, rumination activity, and blood parameters of Najdi goats. At the first, 200 common carp fish (1.00 g) in two water tanks were used for producing biofloc. Then, 12 goats (average body weight of 32.00 ± 1.50 kg aging eight months) were assigned through a completely randomized design to two treatments (six replicates) and fed for one month. The treatments were comprised of a control diet and a trial diet containing 1.50% biofloc. At the end of the experiment, digestibility of nutrients, rumen fermentation, blood metabolites, and rumination activity were measured. The results showed that the digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) significantly increased in goats fed with 1.50% biofloc. Also, the rumen protozoa population, plasma glucose, average time of eating, rumination, and chewing per NDF and ADF intakes, total rumination time, and chewing activity were significantly increased. There was no significant difference between treatments for DM intake, ruminal ammonia nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, and triglyceride. The pH of rumen fluid significantly decreased in treatment containing biofloc. The results of the current study confessed that the use of biofloc (1.50% DM) as a supplement in Najdi goat’s diet can improve the digestibility of the diet. It is recommended further and detailed trials with different levels of biofloc in sheep or different livestock species to know more about this untapped supplement source.

Automatic Food Intake Monitoring Based on Chewing Activity: A Survey

Good nutrition is essential for optimal growth, development, and prevention of disease. Due to the importance of nutrition in human life, researchers have been interested in understanding the science of assessing food intake episodes for decades. With the advancement of technology, automated food monitoring tool develops with the help of sensors to address issues related to self-reporting methods. Food monitoring technology is evolving rapidly due to the advancement of sensors; however, automatic monitoring of food intake remains open problems to be solved. For food intake episode detection and monitoring, the sensors used to detect bites, chew, swallow, and hand gestures movement. This survey will be focusing on chewing activity detection during eating episodes. In this survey, a wide range of chewing activity detection explored to outline the sensing design, classification methods, performances, chewing parameters, chewing data analysis as well as the challenges and limitations associated with them.

The influence of Megasphaera elsdenii on rumen morphometrics of cull cows immediately stepped up to a high-energy finishing diet.

Forty-five beef cull cows [body weight (BW) = 503 ± 58 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 2.1 ± 0.6] were randomized into two treatments to compare the effects of oral drenching of no probiotic vs. 100 mL of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (M. elsdenii culture; Lactipro Advance; 2 × 108 cfu/mL; MS Biotec, Inc., Wamego, KS) on the realimentation of cull cows. The study featured a rapid 0-d step-up of concentrate-naïve cull cows to a 90% concentrate diet (1.43 Mcal/kg of NEg). The cows were finished for 35 d and were fitted with a wireless rumination tag (Allflex Flex Tag; SCR Engineers, Ltd, Netanya, Israel), which tracked head movement to record eating and chewing activity. Rumen morphometrics was recorded on the harvest floor, with each carcass assigned a rumenitis score, and a fragment of the cranial sac removed for further papillae analysis. An additional 23, thin, non-fed cull cows were harvested at the same abattoir to compare the effects of concentrate realimentation on ruminal morphometrics. Megasphaera elsdenii culture-drenched cattle registered a 13.3% increase in rumination time (39.27 min/d, P = 0.03) during the first week of the trial compared to controls. A numerical rumination advantage for M. elsdenii culture-administered cattle was observed during week 2 of trial (P = 0.17), with no differences between treatments from weeks 3 to 5 (P ≥ 0.40). Subjective rumenitis evaluations approached a tendency (P = 0.12), with non-M. elsdenii culture-drenched concentrate-fed cattle logging twice the score of their day 0 cohorts (2.52 vs. 1.17) suggesting considerable lactic insults occurred to the ruminal epithelium in the short 35-d trial. Despite the short feeding duration, concentrate realimentation prompted a significant improvement in mean papillae area (P < 0.01). Among concentrate-fed treatments, M. elsdenii culture-drenched cattle posted superior absorptive surface area (P = 0.01) and a greater ratio of papillae area of absorptive surface area (P = 0.05), suggesting that M. elsdenii culture is favorably altering the ecology of the rumen and promoting papillae growth perhaps by mitigating lactate-driven pH drops. In conclusion, M. elsdenii culture application in a 0-d step-up protocol to finishing diets can help mitigate the effects of ruminal acidosis.