Decrease In Daily Weight Gain Research Articles

Anatomical and carcass traits, partition of fat deposits, and meat quality in culled adult goats finished with high-fat diet

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a high-fat finishing diet on the in vivo performance, anatomical and carcass characteristics, and meat quality of adult culled goats. Over a period of 28 days leading up to slaughter, eighteen adult culled goats were subjected to a finishing diet provided in quantities sufficient to meet 3.0 times the nutritional requirements of adult non-dairy maintenance goats. The female goats were divided into two groups: one fed with the baseline diet without fat supplementation (n = 9) and the other fed a diet concentrated supplemented with whole full-fat linseed (n = 9). The diets varied in fat content (2.8% vs. 8.4% DM). The high-fat group exhibited a higher dry matter intake compared to the control group (+37%), along with elevated plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The control group experienced a significant decrease in daily weight gain between the second and final week of the finishing period (-70%), in contrast to the increase observed in the high-fat group (+59%). At slaughter, no differences were noted between the groups in anatomical and carcass characteristics. Additionally, no differences were found between the diets regarding proximate composition, pH, yellow color component, and lightness of loin. The high-fat group exhibited a higher redness of loin. The inclusion of high-fat levels in finishing diets for culled adult goats allows for increased feed intake and performance but does not appear to affect carcass or meat quality.

Adaptation of Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi) to different levels of dietary carbohydrates

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary carbohydrate on growth performance, feed utilization, proximate compositions, and hepatic glucolipid metabolism in Chinese perch. Triplicate groups of Chinese perch (29.51 ± 0.24 g) were fed five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing graded levels of carbohydrate (2.4%, 9.7%, 16.5%, 23.9%, and 30.1%) for 8 weeks. The results based on second-order polynomial regression analysis of specific growth rate (SGR) proved that Chinese perch obtained the best growth performance at the 10.93% dietary carbohydrate level. Compared to 2.4%-carbohydrate group, 9.7%-carbohydrate group exhibited the increase in daily weight gain (DWG) and protein retention ratio (PER) and the decrease in feed conversion efficiency (FCR). Moreover, 9.7%-carbohydrate group showed the increase in the mRNA levels of pfk and cs involved in aerobic oxidation pathway, the content of liver glycogen increased significantly, and no change in glucose level. Above results suggested that a part of carbohydrates may be converted into energy for growth by aerobic oxidation pathway, or converted into glycogen for storage to maintain glucose homeostasis in Chinese perch fed with moderate-carbohydrate diet. Differently, 23.9%-carbohydrate and 30.1%-carbohydrate groups showed the decrease in DWG and PER, and the increase in FCR, compared to 2.4%-carbohydrate group. Additionally, 23.9%-carbohydrate and 30.1%-carbohydrate group presented the increase in the mRNA levels of g6pca and pc involved in gluconeogenesis, which caused the increase in plasma glucose level. However, other plasma indices related to TG-metabolite and its transport (total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein) did not show difference, which combined with elevated fatty acid synthesis-related gene accα mRNA level resulted in excessive liver lipid deposition. Above results indicated that unregulated gluconeogenesis and invalid outward transportation of liver TG-rich metabolites may account for the glucose intolerance of Chinese perch fed with carbohydrate-rich diet. Furthermore, compared to the results from the 4th week, the expression of gk, pfk, pc, cs, and accα genes significantly increased in the 30.1%-carbohydrate group at the 8th week. Both liver and muscle exhibited a significant elevation in crude fat content, while Daily DWG experienced a noticeable decrease. These results indicated that the glucose metabolism and growth of Chinese perch in the high-carbohydrate group are influenced by the interaction of feeding duration and carbohydrate levels. And within a certain time frame, Chinese perch can tolerate a diet rich in carbohydrates.

Effects of different feeds and stocking densities on growth and survival rates of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) at the stage from megalopa to crablet-1

Mud crabs (Scylla genus) are luxury foods in high demand internationally. The efficient techniques for mud crab hatcheries are vital for providing breeds for their aquaculture, which is rapidly growing in many countries. This study aims to investigate the effects of different feeds and stocking densities on mud crabs’ growth and survival rates (Scylla paramamosain) in the stage from megalopa to crablet-1 stage. Two separate experiments were conducted indoors in the 60-liter round plastic tanks (containing 50 liters of water at a 28‰ salinity). Experiment 1 investigated four feeds: frozen Artemia biomass, pureed shrimp meat, Lansy pellet feed (48% protein), and NRD pellet feed (55% protein). Megalopae (mean weight of 5.8 mg) were stocked at a density of 10/L. In experiment 2, the megalopae (mean weight of 5.4 mg) were stocked at densities of 20, 30, and 40/L and were fed the Lansy pellet feed, which was the best one selected from experiment 1. High survival rates were obtained at all four feeds (82.2–87.5%) and three stocking densities (88.4–90.1%). The growth performances in Lansy feed and frozen Artemia biomass were better than those in pureed shrimp meat and NRD pellet feed, which was seen through higher indicators of daily weight gain (DWG) and specific growth rate in weight (SGRw) (p < 0.05). Despite the survival rate showing no significant difference among the feeds, their highest value (87.5%) was observed in the Lansy pellet feed. On the other hand, the growth performances showed a significant decrease at stocking densities ≥ 30/L, as complemented by a significant decrease in DWG and SGRw at these stocking densities (p < 0.05). Both survival rate and metamorphosis durations did not show significant differences among the feeds or stocking densities (p > 0.05). The investigated feeds and stocking densities suit the nursing mud crab (S. paramamosain) megalopa. In contrast, the Lansy pellet feeds had a stocking density of 20/L, resulting in the highest nursing efficiency.

Effects of dietary threonine on growth performance and carcass traits of Yangzhou geese

 A dose-response experiment with 5 total dietary threonine (Thr) levels (0.54, 0.64, 0.74, 0.84 and 0.94%) was conducted to study the effect of dietary Thr on growth performance and carcass traits of Yangzhou geese from 0 to 8 weeks of age. Three hundred 1-day-old Yangzhou goslings were randomly allocated to 15 pens with 20 birds (10 males and 10 females) per pen according to similar pen weight. There were 5 dietary treatments, consisting of 3 replicate pens. Weight gain, feed intake and feed/gain of geese from each pen were measured at 2-week intervals from 0 to 8 weeks. At 56 days of age, four geese (2 males and 2 females) were selected randomly from each pen and slaughtered to evaluate the carcass quality. The results showed that an increase in dietary Thr resulted in an increase and then a decrease in daily weight gain in both periods. Peak daily weight gain responses appeared in geese fed the 0.74%Thr diet in both periods (36.120 and 61.96 g, respectively). Thr supplementation significantly affected feed/gain in the 0–4 week period (P ≤ 0.045) and daily feed intake in the 5–8 week period (P ≤ 0.012). No significant linear or quadratic responses from Thr supplementation were observed in growth performance and carcass traits of geese except for eviscerated carcass percentage (quadratic effect, P ≤ 0.016). The optimal Thr requirement of Yangzhou geese from 0 to 8 weeks of age was 0.726% for eviscerated carcass percentage. The results of our experiment reported herein would document that the Thr requirements suggested by NRC (1994) for geese up to 8 weeks of age are safe estimates; they may slightly overestimate the requirements but not by a large margin.

The effect of stocking density and feeder types on the performance of growing rabbits under conditions prevailing in Cameroon.

Weaned rabbits fed with a maize based diet supplemented with Guatemala grass were used in a factorial experiment to compare the effects of stocking rate (5 vs 10 per m²) and feeder type on production parameters and mortality over an 8 week period under Cameroon conditions. Stocking rate did not affect (p>0.05) feed intake, feed conversion efficiency or mortality rates. Increasing the number of animals from 2 to 4 in a cage resulted in a significant decrease in daily weight gain (P 0.05) effect on feed intake, growth rate, feed conversion efficiency or mortality rate. However, feed wastage was significantly (P 0.05) any of the parameters measured. The interaction between sex, feeder type, and cage density had a significant (P<0.01) effect only on feed wastage. The results of the study showed that rearing rabbits in pairs per cage and using a cylindrical metallic tin feeder would enhance faster growth and reduce the amount of feed wasted.

Patient-to-Nurse Ratios and Outcomes of Moderately Preterm Infants

Moderately preterm infants (30-34(6/7) weeks' gestational age) represent the largest population of NICU residents. Whether their clinical outcomes are associated with differences in NICU nurse-staffing arrangements has not been assessed. The objective of this study was to test the influence of patient-to-nurse ratios (PNRs) on outcomes of care provided to moderately preterm infants. Using data from a prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study of 850 moderately preterm infants from 10 NICUs in California and Massachusetts, we tested for associations between PNR and several important clinical outcomes by using multivariate random-effects models. To correct for the influence of NICU size, we dichotomized the sample into those with an average daily census of <20 or > or =20 infants. Overall, we found few clinically significant associations between PNR and clinical outcomes of care. Mean PNRs were higher in large compared with small NICUs (2.7 vs 2.1; P < .001). In bivariate analyses, an increase in PNR was associated with a slightly higher daily weight gain (5 g/day), greater gestational age at discharge, any intraventricular hemorrhage, and severe retinopathy of prematurity. After controlling for case mix, NICU size, and site of care, an additional patient per nurse was associated with a decrease in daily weight gain by 24%. Other variables were no longer independently associated with PNR. In this population of moderately preterm infants, the PNR was associated with a decrease in daily weight gain, but was not associated with other measures of quality. In contrast with findings in the adult intensive care literature, measured clinical outcomes were similar across the range of nurse-staffing arrangements among participating NICUs. We conclude that the PNR is not useful for profiling hospitals' quality of care delivery to moderately preterm infants.

Effect of dietary substitution with solvent extracted neem seed cake on growth and nitrogen metabolism of albino rats (wistar strain)

A study was conducted with 24 albino rats (wistar strain) ages 3 weeks to determine the effect of substitution of diets with processed neem seed cake on growth, performance and nitrogen metabolism of rats. Group 1 and those of groups II and III were fed experimental diets containing water, 75% methanol and 75% ethanol processed neem seed cake, respectively. Two groups were given standard and commercial diet (Pfizer Nigeria Limited). The diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric. The feeding experiment was conducted for two weeks (7days preliminary and 7days collection). Except for methanol neem seed cake (MNSC diet), there was significant (p<0.05) decrease in daily weight gain, protein efficiency ratio and feed efficiency ratio for all animals fed with processed neem seed cakes compared to standard protein. Nitrogen intake and urinary nitrogen excretion of processed neem seed cakes was significantly (p<0.05) lower than that of standard, but there was no difference in faeceal nitrogen excretion. Nutritional indices (true nitrogen digestibility, biological value and protein utilization) for all the processed neem seed cakes were comparable with standard diet.

Efeitos da restrição energética para suínos na fase final de terminação sobre o desempenho, característica de carcaça e poluição ambiental

Two trials were carried out to study the energy restriction (3200, 2960 and 2720 kcal of ME kg-1 ) for late finishing pigs, by means of adding dietary fiber (ground rice hull). Experiment I - 36 pigs were used (69.39 ｱ 5.38 kg). The variables studied (performance, carcass traits and PUN) were separated according to the slaughter weight (70-90 kg and 90-115 kg). 12 pigs weighting 87.55 ｱ 3.12 kg and 15 pigs weighting 115.41 ｱ 6.20 kg were slaughtered. None of the variables studied were influenced by the different levels of ME. Experiment II -15 barrows were used (84.8 ｱ 4.5 kg) and kept on metabolism crates. There was a linear increase of total feces, dry matter (DM) and organic matter output, according to dietary energy reduction, without causing an increase in total phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N) excretion. Digestibility coefficient of DM and crude protein decreased, which led to a decrease in daily weight gain and an increase in feed: gain ratio. Results suggest the possibility to slaughter high lean meat pigs, weighting up to 115 kg, without impairing performance and carcass traits, regardless dietary energy level. However, total feces output increased without causing an increase in N and P excretion, as ME decreased and crude fiber increased.

Associations of weight gain and food intake with leukocyte sub-sets in Large White pigs

Associations between productivity and a range of immune traits were tested by multiple regression analysis on 128 Large White pigs (62 male, 66 female). Daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and efficiency (i.e. weight gain/feed intake), assessed from 14 to 24 weeks of age, were the productivity traits. Total and differential white blood cell count and leukocyte sub-sets positive for CD4, CD8, CD11R1, gamma delta T cells, B cell, and monocyte markers, all measured at 18 and 24 weeks, were the immune traits. At 24 weeks of age, higher percentages of monocytes were associated with a decrease in daily weight gain. Higher percentages of B cells were associated with a decrease in daily feed intake. Higher percentages of CD11R1 positive cells were associated with a decrease in daily weight gain and a decrease in efficiency. Relationships at the age of 18 weeks were similar, but slightly less significant. Associations between the numbers of monocytes, MIL-4 positive cells and B cells and certain performance traits were also observed at the age of 24 weeks. Overall, these results indicate an association between productivity and certain immune traits. We suggest that the observed associations between these immune traits and performance could be due to the impact of sub-clinical infections.

Effect of feeding low quality date palm on growth performance and apparent digestion coefficients in fattening Najdi sheep

Fattening and digestibility trials were conducted to evaluate growth performance, feed consumption, digestibility, and N balance in Najdi lambs fed diets supplemented with low quality date palm. In the fattening experiment, animals were randomly distributed into three groups, eight lambs each. The first group (C) was fed a control diet containing 50% Rhodes grass hay, 25% wheat bran and 25% ground barley grain. Two levels of date’s flesh of 10% (group D10) and 20% (group D20) were used to substitute the same levels from the concentrate part. In the digestibility trial, three animals from each group were housed separately in metabolism cages in order to collect feces and urine. Results of the fattening experiment revealed that replacing the concentrates with 10 or 20% date flesh was associated with a non-significant decrease in daily weight gain (148, 131 and 127 g/day for group C, D10 and D20, respectively). The respective feed intakes were significantly different (1167, 1028 and 877 g/day). The corresponding feed conversions (kg DM/kg gain) were 7.87, 7.82 and 6.92. In the digestibility trial, the digestibility of OM, CP, NFE, and CF decreased significantly as the date flesh in diets increased. The same pattern was recorded for TDN and DCP. Nitrogen balance decreased insignificantly in the diets containing date flesh compared to the control ration. From an economic point of view, diets supplemented with up to 20% dates could be used efficiently in feeding Najdi lambs without adverse effects on growth and digestion of nutrients.

The quantitative effects of feed restriction in fattening pigs on weight gain, efficiency of feed utilisation and backfat thickness

From the published data summarised in Table 1, it was calculated that, at an average degree of feed restriction of 15·8 %, daily weight gain decreased by 12·50% (or 0·78% for each 1% restriction), feed conversion efficiency improved by 3·96% (or 0·31% for each 1% restriction) and backfat thickness diminished by 7·63% (or 0·53% for each 1% restriction).Equations were calculated to show the degree to which daily weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and backfat thickness change with increasing feed restriction (Figures 1, 2 and 3).As the degree of feed restriction increases, the decrease in daily weight gain becomes relatively greater and the decrease in backfat thickness relatively smaller. Efficiency of feed utilisation, however, improves at first, but eventually decreases as restriction becomes more severe.It is thought that the equations found can be used, within certain limits, to calculate the average effects of feed restriction for different breeds of pigs, which when fed ad libitum consume 2·7 kg. meal ration (of normal composition) per day and have a growth rate of about 750 g. daily from 30 to 90 kg., and backfat thickness of about 37 mm. when kept under average environmental conditions.