Dietary Levels Research Articles

PSX-24 Effects of dietary protein level and gastrointestinal nematode parasite infection on carcass and non-carcass yield and meat composition of goats

Abstract A study was conducted to evaluate carcass and non carcass yield of parasite challenged goats, parasitized (INF) or non parasitized (NIF) with gastrointestinal nematode parasite Haemonchus contortus. Goats were fed either high protein (HP) diet containing 24% CP or low protein (LP) diet containing 20% CP. Sixteen growing, intact male meat goats were divided into two main groups of INF and NIF goats and were further divided into two groups of four goats and fed either a high (24% CP) or low (20% CP) containing diet. At the end of the study, empty (fasted) body weights were recorded after an overnight fast and animals transported to a commercial abattoir, and harvested. The weights of the hot carcass, blood and non-carcass pool, which included head, hide and visceral organs (intestine, lung, liver, kidney and spleen), and blood were recorded. Carcass yield was evaluated as dressing percentage (hot carcass weight/empty body weight). There was no difference (P > 0.05) in carcass yield (%), (HP diet=53.77 and LP diet=54.70; INF=53.85 and NIF=54.62); blood (gm) (HP diet=1029.52 and LP diet=1146.47) and INF = 1142.45 and NIF = 1032.54), head and hide (gm) (HP diet = 5645.32 and LP diet = 970.54; INF = 6221.32 and NIF = 5394.54); visceral organs (gm) (HP diet = 4151.66 and LP diet = 4740.92; INF = 4728.35 and NIF = 4164.23). The results of this study showed that supplementation of high dietary protein level above animals need may not be beneficial in improving the variables monitored against Haemonchosis.

Optimal fasting duration for mice as assessed by metabolic status

In the study of obesity and diabetes, mice are widely used for experimental research, and fasting is a common procedure used to reset metabolism in mouse models. The fasting duration for experimental mice varies greatly in nutritional and metabolic studies, ranging from 2 to 48 h. This study aims to assess the optimal fasting duration for mice fed low- and high-fat diets over a short period of time. C57BL/6J mice were fed a low-fat diet (LFD) or high-fat diet (HFD) and fasted for 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, or 24 h. The effects of different conditions after fasting on the metabolic level of mice were explored, and the data were collected for analysis. Our data indicate that fasting has inconsistent effects on mice fed a low-fat or high-fat diet. To compare the metabolic differences between mice in different dietary levels and thereby secure better scientific data, mice should fast for 6 h in animal experiments. Fasting for 6 h is also recommended when comparing glucose tolerance with insulin tolerance.

Impacts of substituting fish meal with full-fat or defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae on growth, quality, and health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

This study investigated the use of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL), provided in either full-fat (FBSF) or defatted (DBSF) forms, as an alternative protein source in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Specifically, the influence was assessed of BSFL on growth performance, hematological parameters, body composition, and histology. Nine diets (including the control) were formulated to be isonitrogenous (35 % crude protein) and isolipidic (6 % crude lipid), relying on fish meal as the primary protein source and gradually replacing it with BSFL meal at levels of 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, or 100 % on an equivalent protein basis, corresponding to dietary inclusion levels of 5.25 %, 10.25 %, 15.5 %, and 20.0 %, respectively. Fish with an initial mean weight ± standard deviation of 1.3 ± 0.26 g were fed for 12 weeks until the fish final weight was in the range 24.08–34.95 g. Based on the results, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in the growth performance or feed conversion ratios among the treatments. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the hematological responses or the proximate body composition. Furthermore, 100 % substitution of fish meal with FSFL and DBSF meal caused blood congestion in the hepatopancreas region and several intraepithelial leukocytes in the intestine. There were no detrimental impacts at levels of 25 %, 50 %, and 75 % on growth performance, hematological responses, body composition, or the intestines or liver histological characteristics of the O. niloticus fingerlings. This information should provide useful guidance for the management of Nile tilapia, an economically important species.

Growth performance, fatty acid profile, antioxidant capacity, liver and gut histopathology in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fed various levels of oxidized fish oil and vitamin E

A 60-day research was carried out to investigate interactive effects of dietary oxidized fish oil (OXFO) and vitamin E (Vit E) interaction effects on the growth, body composition and health indices in Asian seabass juveniles (Lates calcarifer, 21.9 ± 0.1 g). Fresh fish oil (FFO) and two levels of OXFO (50 and 100 % dietary inclusion level) along with three levels of Vit E (125, 250 and 500 mg) were used to design a 3 × 3 factorial research trial. Accordingly, nine experimental diets were formulated, including FFO+125 (FFO + 125 mg Vit E), FFO+250 (FFO + 250 mg Vit E), FFO+500 (FFO + 500 mg Vit E), 50 %OXFO+125 (blends (1:1) of FFO + OXFO +125 mg Vit E), 50 %OXFO+250 (blends (1:1) of FFO + OXFO +250 mg Vit E), 50 %OXFO+500 (blends (1:1) of FFO + OXFO +500 mg Vit E), 100 %OXFO+125 (OXFO +125 mg Vit E), 100 %OXFO+250 (OXFO +250 mg Vit E) and 100 %OXFO+500 (OXFO +500 mg Vit E). Four hundred five L. calcarifer juveniles were stocked into twenty-seven 300-L circular tanks (15 fish/tank), in a flow through system. The greatest and least final weights were recorded in fish fed 50 %OXFO+250 and 100 %OXFO+125 diets (129.4 vs. 114.8 g final weight) diets, respectively. Whole body lipid content in fish fed FFO+125 increased compared to the other treatments. Fish oil oxidation significantly reduced Vit E concentration in the liver, meanwhile supplementing diet with 500 mg Vit E enhanced Vit E contents of the liver and muscle (P < 0.05). Eicosapentaenoic acid and long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) contents of fillet increased with increasing dietary OXFO content to 50 %, and supplementing diet with 250 mg Vit E enhanced LC-PUFA content of fillet. Hepatic catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities reduced by supplementing diets with Vit E. Sever pathological alterations occurred in liver and gut of L. calcarifer by dietary inclusion of OXFO or high Vit E concentration (500 mg). In summary, supplementing OXFO containing diets with moderate levels of Vit E (250 mg) could improve growth performance and feed utilization by ameliorating oxidative stress indices, improving antioxidant capacity, and increasing body LC-PUFA content in L. calcarifer.

PSLBI-21 Interactive effects of dietary betaine supplementation and soybean hulls inclusion on growth performance and carcass composition of young growing pigs

Abstract Growing barrow pigs [n = 24; Large White x Landrace x Duroc; 29.51 ± 3.24 kg initial body weight (BW)] were assigned to 4 treatments in a 2 x 2 factorial design to evaluate the synergistic effects of dietary levels of betaine (BET; 0 and 0.1%) and soybean hulls (SBH; 0 and 15%) on growth performance and carcass composition. Pigs were blocked by initial BW and housed in individual pens with ad libitum access to feed and water for a 28-d feeding period. Pigs were weighed and feed intake was recorded at 14-d intervals. Real-time ultrasonic (RTU) measurements of the 10th-rib longissimus dorsi muscle area (LMA) and off-midline backfat thickness (BF) were obtained initially and on d 28 for all pigs. Prediction equations were used to estimate total fat tissue (TOFAT) and fat-free total lean (FFTOLN) from the measurements. All data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of the SAS software. Growth performance data were analyzed as repeated measures on time and carcass data were analyzed as single measures with the respective baseline values used as covariate in the statistical model. There were no SBH x BET interactions for growth response variables. Pig growth was not affected by dietary BET supplementation. During the first 14 d of the study, pigs fed 15% SBH had decreased average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.01), average daily feed intake (ADFI; P = 0.02), and feed efficiency [gain:fee; (G:F;P = 0.04)] when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH. From d 15 to 28, dietary addition of 15% SBH reduced ADFI (P = 0.01), whereas no significant effects on the other growth performance variables were observed. Overall, when compared with pigs fed diets without SBH, pigs fed diets with 15% SBH had reduced feed intake (P = 0.01) and ADG (P = 0.04), which resulted in lighter pigs (P = 0.03) at the completion of the feeding trial. A SBH x BET interaction (P = 0.04) was observed for LMA, with decreased values (P &amp;lt; 0.05) detected for BET-supplemented pigs only when SBH was not included in the diet. No additional carcass composition traits were altered by BET supplementation. Including 15% SBH to the diet decreased BF (P = 0.05) and TOFAT (P = 0.04) in growing pigs. Neither BET supplementation nor SBH inclusion affected FFTOLN. In conclusion, adding supplemental BET to diets with SBH did not synergistically alter nutrient partitioning of young growing pigs. Although no beneficial effects of BET supplementation on growth and carcass composition traits were observed, feeding pigs diets containing 15% SBH resulted in slower growth rates with less fat deposition.

28 Integrating homeostasis in practical mineral supplementation recommendations

Abstract A long-established objective in ruminant nutrition is an accurate supply of the 4 main trace metal nutrients Zn, Cu, Mn, and Fe, respecting bioavailability, nutritional interactions, and nutrient tolerance. Although, current dietary supplementation practices, justified by the multiple uncertainties of trace metal supply, results in dietary levels that widely exceed nutritional guidelines. Additionally, reference feeding recommendations are defined assuming fixed and highly conservative uptake coefficients, an approach that disregards the opportunity, and limitations, of absorptive regulation, the main homeostatic mechanism of these nutrients. Mitigating deficiency risks by generous supplementation can result in a generally overlooked risk, exceeding tolerable trace metal availability. Complete nutrient balance studies have recently described the overwhelming homeostatic downregulation of trace metals at dietary levels that are not uncommon in practice. This finding calls for a novel approach to define supplementation that resolves this conundrum of trace metal adequacy. This approach integrated 3 elements: a stochastic analysis of native dietary supply; a stochastic analysis of net nutrient requirements; and the identification of the upper and lower boundaries of homeostatic regulation for these 4 nutrients in the bovine species. This last, aims to resolve the main limitation of current dietary guidelines, using the potential maximum uptake rates in homeostatic upregulation, and the minimum uptake rates achievable by downregulation, instead of assuming fixed uptake rates. As result, this approach delivers dietary supply ranges of adequate supply, instead of a minimum dietary level to meet dietary adequacy. The probability distribution of nutrient supply was determined by dry-matter intake variability, diversity in dietary composition, and variability of nutrient occurrence in feedstuffs. The probability distribution of net nutrient requirements was defined by the variability of the components of a classic factorial requirement approach applied to different animal conditions. A maximum apparent absorption efficiency was determined to define lower supply boundaries using published datasets. Upper boundaries were defined as the dietary supply level beyond which apparent absorption empirically has shown to exceed net requirements. As expected, this risk-based approach resulted in much lower supplementation recommendations than current reference models. However, it supports the value of preventive supplementation of Zn and Cu to growing and lactating animals, and Cu to non-lactating non-growing cows. This assessment also indicates merit in Mn supplementation to growing bovines. Furthermore, it confirms that under all circumstances native dietary Fe meets nutritional needs, but it also illustrates a tolerance risk to native Fe supply under multiple productive scenarios. Most interestingly, this analysis illustrates the risk of exceeding trace metal tolerance boundaries with common levels of supplementation under common conditions. This approach offers a novel perspective to trace metal supplementation, pointing at an opportunity to improve nutritional adequacy by reconsidering supplementation practices.

358 The effect of increasing dietary limestone concentration on growth performance, gas flux, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef cattle

Abstract Reducing methane (CH4) emissions from beef cattle is desirable as CH4 is a greenhouse gas that represents an energetic loss from the production system. Limestone is commonly fed to cattle as a source of calcium but may also act as a rumen buffer and decrease CH4 emissions by limiting hydrogen availability for methanogenesis. The objective of this experiment was to determine if diet limestone concentration influences growth performance, gas flux, and carcass characteristics in finishing beef cattle. Yearling steers [n = 16; initial body weight (BW) 619 ± 34 kg] were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 2 isocaloric and isonitrogenous dietary treatments in a completely randomized design where limestone was included at 1.3% (1X) or 2.6% (2X) of diet dry matter (DM). Finishing diets were formulated to contain 0.43 or 0.96% DM as Ca and were fed ad libitum using automated cattle feeders (SmartFeed Pro; C-Lock Inc.; Rapid City, SD) in a single pen for the final 37 d of finishing. Body weights were measured on d -1, 0, 36, and 37. An automated head chamber system (GreenFeed; C-Lock Inc.) was used to measure gas flux. Analysis of variance was conducted using JMP Pro 17 to determine the fixed effect of treatment with individual animal as the experimental unit. Statistical significance was defined as P ≤ 0.05 with a tendency defined as 0.05 &amp;lt; P ≤ 0.10. Increasing the dietary limestone concentration from 1.3 to 2.6% of DM did not influence DM intake, but numerically increased final shrunk BW (P = 0.68) and hot carcass weight (P = 0.75) and increased average daily gain (ADG; P = 0.02) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) by approximately 12%. Cattle fed the 2X diet tended to have 6.5% greater ribeye area (P = 0.09), but similar USDA yield grade, backfat thickness, and dressing percentage (P ≥ 0.34) when compared with cattle fed the 1X diet. Daily CO2 and CH4 emissions, daily O2 consumption, CH4 yield, and respiratory quotient were unaffected by treatment (P ≥ 0.47). The improvement in ADG resulted in a tendency for CH4 emission intensity to be decreased by 9.1% (P = 0.09) when the concentration of limestone was 2.6% of dietary DM. While increasing dietary limestone concentration from 1.3 to 2.6% of diet DM did not influence absolute daily CH4 emissions, it increased ADG through an improvement in feed efficiency, which translated to a tendency for a reduction in CH4 emission intensity. These preliminary data suggest that there may be a benefit to feeding limestone or calcium at levels greater than currently recommended by the NASEM (2016). Future research should focus on determining optimum dietary limestone or calcium levels for finishing cattle.

130 Meta-analysis of the impact of Quebracho and Chestnut tannin extract supplementation on the growth performance in growing and finishing beef cattle

Abstract Integrating tannin extracts (TE) into the diet of growing and finishing beef cattle has shown promise in optimizing protein utilization while potentially mitigating methane emissions. Despite these potential benefits, there is a notable gap in a comprehensive analysis of the influence of TE on growth rate. This study addressed this gap by collecting data on the supplementation of a blend of condensed (from Schinopsis spp.) and hydrolyzable (from Castanea spp.) tannins, which has about 70% total tannins, and its impact on critical metrics, such as average daily gain (ADG, kg/d), dry matter intake (DMI, kg/d), and feed efficiency ratio (FER, g/kg). Our objective was to conduct meta-regression analyses to understand better the nuanced effects of condensed tannin supplementation on the overall performance of beef cattle during the critical stages of growth and finishing. The dataset was constructed by collecting published studies that reported in vivo experimental data on growing and finishing beef cattle supplemented with different levels of TE. It contained 132 observations from 35 publications. The meta-analysis was conducted by linear regression with a mixed-effects model fitted by the restricted maximum likelihood method using the nlme package of R software (ver. 4.3.1). Studies were assumed as random variables, and their interaction with the intercept and slope were included in the regression. The number of animals per treatment was used as a study-specific weight. Studies accounted for 32%, 35%, or 27% of the total variance when regressing ADG, DMI, or FER, respectively, on TE (% DM). After adjusting for random effects, the ADG increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) with increasing levels of dietary TE (P &amp;lt; 0.001): 1.344 (± 0.0071) + 0.240 (±0.0298) × TE (n = 99, r2 = 0.40). It was observed that as the dietary TE level increased, its impact on the ADG tended to decrease from 0.33 kgּ d-1ּ % TE-1 when fed up to 0.5% TE to 0.24 kgּ d-1ּ % TE-1 when fed up to 1.5% TE, suggesting a possible nonlinear relationship between these two variables. Similarly, DMI decreased slightly (P &amp;lt; 0.001) at 0.61 kg/d/% TE, but with a lower precision (n = 115, r2 = 0.14). Consequently, FER increased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) at 17 kgּ d-1ּ % TE-1 (n = 93, r2 = 0.34). Initial findings suggest that incorporating TE into the diet of growing and finishing cattle, up to a concentration of 0.5% DM, positively influences the growth rate and enhances FER while minimally affecting DMI. Subsequent research endeavors should delve into a more intricate examination of optimal TE inclusion levels and explore additional performance indicators for a comprehensive understanding of its impact.

Effects of dietary cholesterol on ovary development and reproductive capacity in Pacific white shrimp broodstock, Litopenaeus vannamei

Cholesterol is an important component of fresh biological baits and essential precursor to synthesize steroid hormones for crustacean. However, the cholesterol demand in Pacific white shrimp broodstock and its roles on ovary development and reproductive capacity are unknown. In the present study, female Pacific white shrimp broodstock (initial weight 51.3 ± 0.5 g) were fed with three diets contained 0.5 %, 1 % or 1.5 % cholesterol for 45 days. The results found that dietary cholesterol levels did not affect survival rate, weight gain, egg-laying number, vitellogenin content and vitellogenin receptor gene expression in the hepatopancreas. However, the hepatosomatic index, gonadosomatic index, egg diameter, vitellogenin level in the ovary and fertilized egg, C22:6n-3 (DHA) level in the fertilized egg, total protein, triglyceride and cholesterol contents were all increased in the 1.0 % and 1.5 % cholesterol groups than those in the 0.5 % cholesterol group. Moreover, compared with the 0.5 % and 1.0 % cholesterol groups, the 1.5 % cholesterol group had significantly higher gonad maturation number, mating rate, estradiol level in the hemolymph, steroid hormones synthesis related genes (HMGCR, StAR, 17βHSD and 1vMFBP) expression in the ovary and hepatopancreas. In conclusion, dietary 1.5 % cholesterol could promote ovary development and reproductive capacity in female Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock by improving nutrients accumulation and steroid hormones synthesis pathway. Our results provide guidance for design of artificial compound feed and healthy development of shrimp broodstock farm.

Optimal dietary lipid requirement of hybrid lemon fin barb (Barbonymus gonionotus ♀× Hypsibarbus wetmorei ♂) larvae

ABSTRACT Hybrid lemon fin barb is a crossed product between silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) and lemon fin barb (Hypsibarbus wetmorei). In the present study, the optimum dietary lipid requirement of larval hybrid lemon fin barb was examined using a total of 90 hybrid larvae (L) of 3-day-old (0.36 ± 0.01 mg). The larvae were stocked in triplicated 90 L tanks and fed with micro diets containing 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16% (FO 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16) dietary lipid levels for 20 days. While hybrid larvae fed non-lipid diet showed lowered survival and growth, larvae fed FO12 diet increased (p < .05) in weight gain, total length gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio after 20 days. Hybrid larvae’s whole-body lipid content was increased with increasing dietary lipid level. Hybrid larvae consisted of significantly improved (p < .05) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and n-3 fatty acid contents at 12% dietary lipid. Excessive dietary lipids resulted in lipid droplets in enterocytes and swollen hepatocytes. The hybrid larvae fed non-lipid diet had shrunken hepatocytes. In conclusion, the optimum dietary lipid requirement for hybrid lemon fin barb larvae in terms of maximum growth is determined at 13.5% dietary fish oil by second-order polynomial analysis.

Which Novel Ingredient Should be Considered the “Holy Grail” for Sustainable Production of Finfish Aquafeeds?

ABSTRACTThe immense production of fishmeal and fish oil is dramatically intensifying the severe state of pelagic fisheries overexploitation. The latter in conjunction with the increasing demand for low‐cost protein‐rich food supply prompt aquaculture to employ new practice. Several novel dietary ingredients are currently under evaluation for potential incorporation in aquafeeds in an effort to shift the aquaculture sector toward a more sustainable and economic production. The present review aims to summarize the existing findings regarding the effects of studied alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil on the most valuable and commercially produced marine (Sparus aurata and Dicentrarchus labrax) and freshwater (Salmo salar and Oncorhynchus mykiss) finfish species in European aquaculture. Alternative protein sources, including macroalage (marine plants), krill (marine fishery), insects (terrestrial), terrestrial animal by‐products (processed/rendered), and single cell ingredient (biotechnology), are discussed for their efficiency in promoting the growth and the welfare of both fry and adult cultured finfish species. Applicability of these ingredients is reviewed in terms of nutrient composition, dietary inclusion level, performance output, digestibility, and health benefits. In addition, a meta‐analysis was conducted based on data from peer‐reviewed scientific publications in order to assess whether novel ingredients meet the dietary protein (amino acid) and lipid requirements of finfishes. Aquafeed reformulation strategies should ensure the recommended daily nutritional requirements and additionally indicate the meta‐analysis alternatives, such as microalgae, which are deficient in essential amino acids. The sustainable expansion of aquaculture is on the horizon, but which novel ingredients may be regarded as the key drivers to its establishment?

Effects of high-dose selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance, antioxidant status, tissue fat content and selenium concentration, and selenoenzyme mRNA expression in chicks

Selenium-enriched Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SSC) as organic selenium (Se) has been shown to have better advantages and is approved for use in animal feed rather than inorganic Se, however, there is little available data on the toxic effects of SSC on poultry. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of high-dose SSC on growth performance, antioxidant status, tissue fat content and Se concentration, and selenoenzyme mRNA expression in chicks. A total of 500, 1-day-old SPF chicks were randomly divided into 5 groups with 10 replicates of 10 chicks each. Group 1 served as a control and was fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.15 mg/kg Se from sodium selenite (SS), group 2 was fed the basic diet supplemented with 1.5 mg/kg Se from SS, while groups 3, 4, and 5 were fed the basal diet supplemented with 1.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg Se from SSC, respectively. The results showed that SS and SSC supplementation significantly affected the average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed/gain ratio (FCR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, tissue fat content and Se concentration, and GPx1 and GPx4 mRNA levels compared with the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with group 2, group 3 exhibited higher GPx and SOD activities, tissue Se concentration, and lower MDA content on d 30, and higher Se concentration, GPx1 mRNA levels in liver and breast muscle and GPx4 mRNA levels in liver and thigh muscle, and lower MDA content on d 60 (P < 0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that high-dose SSC supplementation was positively correlated with AFDI, FCR, MDA content, and tissue Se concentration, and negatively correlated with GPx and SOD activities, T-AOC, GPx1 and GPx4 mRNA levels in tissues. In conclusion, up to 1.5 mg/kg Se from SSC in diet may be a safe concentration for chicks that exhibited better biological effects than SS, the toxic effects of high-dose SSC supplementation mainly exhibited growth decrease, peroxidation and lipid metabolism disturbance, and became stronger with the increase of dietary Se levels.

Supplementing Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (Linnaeus, 1758) larvae with dietary beta-glucan could improve their growth, survival, immune function, intestinal and liver histomorphology

Abstract Β-glucan exerts a positive impact and consider as a functional feed additives to enhance fish growth, immunity, control disease outbreaks and pathogen infections by increasing functional, immune and decreasing harmful responses. The present study aimed to determine the most effective dietary level of beta-glucan (βG) to improve Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fry growth performance, feed utilization, and hematological indicators. Seven isonitrogenous (32% crude protein) and isocaloric diets (18 MJ/kg) were formulated. All diets were identical except for the variation in βG levels.The basal experimental diet (control diet) had no βG added. Diets 2–7 each contained βG at levels of 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 mg/kg diet, respectively. A total of 840 fish with an average body weight of 0.2±0.01 g were allocated into the seven experimental treatments (in triplicate). The trial lasted for 120 days, Nile tilapia fry growth performance and feed utilization were significantly (P≤0.05) higher in all treatments receiving βG diets than in the control diet. The fish fed with ßG0.1 diet showed the highest significant growth induces and the best FCR values. The survival (S%) of the fish also showed a significant increase in the βG diets up to ßG0.8 levels, when compared to the other experimental diet groups. All hematological parameters increased (P≤0.05) in fish fed with a diet supplemented up to ßG0.8 compared to the control group. Histological examination of the intestine and liver in the control group revealed histopathological alterations in the villi. On the other hand, the groups treated with βG had longer and structurally normal villi. The most well-preserved intestinal tissue and the tallest villi were observed in ßG0.1, followed by ßG0.050 and ßG0.8 groups. In the liver, the control group exhibited fatty degeneration, necrosis and pyknosis whereas the ßG0.1 group displayed the most preserved hepatic tissue, followed by ßG0.8 and ßG0.2 groups. The results indicate that according to FBW-based broken-line model analysis, the optimal dietary level of βG for Nile tilapia fry to exhibit superior growth and diet utilization efficiency associated with the best FCR for Nile tilapia should be 0.12% βG /kg diet. To increase the immunity of fish and improve the properties of hematological and histopathological indices, the dose can be increased to 0.8% βG without any adverse effects.

Association of dietary fiber intake with epileptic seizures in U.S. adults: A Population-base study of 13,277 participants

ObjectiveEpilepsy, a neurological disorder, is identified by the presence of recurrent seizures. We aimed to detect dietary fiber intake and its association with epilepsy prevalence in U.S. adults. MethodsThis cross-sectional study obtained data from the 2013–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey database. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were employed to estimate the association between dietary fiber intake and epilepsy prevalence. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was also applied to investigate the dose-response relationships between dietary fiber intake and epileptic seizure events(ESEs). ResultsOur final sample included 13,277 NHANES participants, with the average prevalence of ESEs being 1.09 % (145/13277). After adjusting for all confounding factors, the third quartile of dietary fiber intake levels remained significantly associated with a decreased risk of ESEs[odds ratios (OR) 0.54,95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.33–0.88, P = 0.014)] compared to the first quartile. Higher fiber intake indicated a stable negative association with ESEs in the multivariate logistic regression analysis, weighted generalized additive model. A nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between dietary fiber intake levels and decreased ESEs risk (P for overall=0.017, P for nonlinear=0.155). Interaction tests showed no significant effect of demographic and disease status on the association between dietary fiber intake and ESEs. ConclusionIn this cross-sectional study, people with a high dietary fiber intake were at a reduced risk of ESEs. However, further prospective studies are needed to investigate the effect of dietary fiber intake in epilepsy events and to determine causality.

Investigation of functional constipation in elderly inpatients and analysis of its influencing factors: A cross-sectional study.

To investigate the prevalence of functional constipation (FC) in elderly hospitalized patients and analyze the influencing factors. This was a cross-sectional study in which 506 patients hospitalized in general surgery from February to June 2020 were selected. Information on patients' age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, intake of vegetables, fruits, meat, and spicy foods, sleep, smoking, alcohol consumption, time of defecation, and mode of defecation was collected through questionnaires, and the factors affecting functional constipation were analyzed using binary logistic regression models; among 506 patients, 254 had FC, with a prevalence of 50.19%. Among the clinical symptoms of FC, the most common ones were straining to defecate (83.85%) and lumpy or hard stools (81.80%). Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in family history of constipation (P = .033), sedentary (P = .004), self-care ability (P = .001), body mass index (P = .013), defecation time (P < .0001), spicy food intake in dietary preference (P = .001), age (P = .004), and education level (P = .016), and binary logistic regression analysis showed that defecation time and spicy food consumption were independent influencing factors of FC. For hospitalized elderly people, regular morning defecation and not eating spicy foods can more helpful to slow the occurrence of functional constipation.

Effects of Dietary Lipid Levels on the Growth, Muscle Fatty Acid and Amino Acid Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Lipid Deposition in Mirror Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

In fish, increasing the crude lipid level of feed can save protein and improve feed utilization. Mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most widely farmed fish species in the world. In this study, mirror carp larvae were fed isonitrogenous diets with different lipid levels (3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, 11%, and 13%). The rearing trial lasted for eight weeks. The results revealed that when the fat content was 9%, the AWGR, WGR, and FCR were highest, whereas FCR was lowest. The AWGR was correlated with the dietary lipid level, and the regression equation was y = -2.312x2 + 45.01x + 214.49. Compared with those in the control group, the T-CHO and TG contents were significantly greater in the 13% lipid content groups and significantly lower in the 9% lipid content groups (p < 0.05). In terms of muscle quality, the contents of MUFAs, PUFAs, and DHA + EPA were significantly greater than those in the other experimental groups (p < 0.05). Oil red O staining revealed a lipid content of 13% with severe fat deposition. In addition, the results of the analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity revealed that the activities of GSH, CAT and T-AOC were significantly greater at the 9% lipid content, and that the MDA content was significantly greater at the 13% lipid content (p < 0.05). Similarly, the mRNA levels of GH, IGF-I, FAS, and LPL were significantly highest at a lipid level of 9% (p < 0.05). The above results revealed that the optimal dietary lipid requirement for the fast growth of mirror carp (6.86 ± 0.95 g) was 9.74% on the basis of nonlinear regression analysis of the AWGR. The dietary lipid level (9%) improved the growth, stress resistance, and lipid utilization of mirror carp to a certain extent.

High Iron Consumption Modifies the Hepatic Transcriptome Related to Cholesterol Metabolism.

Iron supplementation is a common method for alleviating symptoms of iron deficiency, but excessive iron intake may lead to systemic copper deficiencies and hypercholesterolemia. In our study, we explored the intricate relationship between dietary iron and copper levels and their impact on cholesterol metabolism. Using a rat model, we conducted dietary interventions with varying iron and copper concentrations and analyzed hepatic transcriptomes. High iron intake coupled with low copper intake induced hypercholesterolemia and altered the expression of genes associated with cholesterol and lipid metabolism, thereby, exacerbating cardiovascular disease risks. Conversely, copper supplementation mitigated these hepatic gene expression alterations, suggesting that dietary copper plays a role in cholesterol regulation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of genes involved in cholesterol synthesis and antioxidative pathways in response to high iron intake, while genes involved in cholesterol elimination were downregulated. Furthermore, high iron consumption was associated with cellular apoptosis and the activation of cholesterol synthesis. Our findings underscore the importance of balanced iron and copper intake in cholesterol homeostasis and highlight the potential of copper supplementation for mitigating iron-induced hypercholesterolemia.

Effects of Dietary Energy Levels on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Rumen Barrier and Microflora in Sheep.

Dietary energy is crucial for ruminants' performance and health. To determine optimal dietary energy levels for growing sheep, we evaluated their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, barrier function, and microbiota under varying metabolic energy (ME) diets. Forty-five growing Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep, aged 10 months and weighing 30.8 ± 1.9 kg, were randomly allocated to five treatments, each receiving diets with ME levels of 8.0, 8.6, 9.2, 9.8 or 10.4 MJ/kg. The results showed that with increasing dietary energy, the average daily gain (ADG) as well as the digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) increased (p < 0.05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased linearly (p = 0.01). The concentration of total VFA (p = 0.03) and propionate (p = 0.01) in the rumen increased linearly, while rumen pH (p < 0.01) and the acetate-propionate ratio (p = 0.01) decreased linearly. Meanwhile, the protein contents of Claudin-4, Claudin-7, Occludin and ZO-1 as well as the relative mRNA expression of Claudin-4 and Occludin also increased (p < 0.05). In addition, rumen bacterial diversity decreased with the increase of dietary energy, and the relative abundance of some bacteria (like Saccharofermentans, Prevotella and Succiniclasticum) changed. In conclusion, increasing dietary energy levels enhanced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and barrier function, and altered the rumen bacterial community distribution. The optimal dietary ME for these parameters in sheep at this growth stage was between 9.8 and 10.4 MJ/kg.

Association between Fat Intake, Dietary Fiber Intake, Physical Activity with Triglyceride Levels among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients at Grogol Health Center, Sukoharjo

Background: Hyperlipidemia is closely associated with dietary intake and physical activity. Excessive dietary fat intake, inadequate dietary fiber, and low physical activity will increase the risk of obesity and lipid profile disorder among type 2 diabetics. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the association between fat intake, dietary fiber intake, and physical activity with triglyceride levels among type 2 diabetics. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using Sequential Random Sampling on 31 patients with type 2 diabetes with dyslipidemia from Grogol Community Health Center, Sukoharjo, in March 2023. The 3x24-hour food recall nonconsecutive days was used to collect data on fat and fiber intake, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was employed to obtain physical activity data, and the patient's medical record for the last month was utilized to obtain fasting blood sugar and triglyceride levels. The statistical test was carried out using the Spearman Rank correlation test. Results: Around 54.8% of subjects had excessive fat intake (60.90 g/day); 96.8% of subjects had severe deficit fiber intake (9.74 g/day); 51.6% of subjects had low physical activity (894.74 METs/minute/week). A statistically significant association exists between fat intake and level of triglyceride (p=0.005; r=0.493), but there was no significant association between dietary fiber intake and triglyceride levels (p=0.897; r=0.024), and there was no significant association between physical activity and level of triglyceride (p=0.394; r=-0.159). Conclusions: There is a significant association between fat intake and the level of triglyceride. As such, it is necessary to decrease intakes of saturated fat and trans fatty acids; replacing them with unsaturated fatty acids could be beneficial in lowering triglyceride levels.

Investigatory Study of the Growing Effect of African Teak (Pterocarpus erinaceus) Bark in Modified Feed Using Rabbit

A total number of 3 growing rabbits about two weeks old were used in an experiment that lasted for 2 weeks. To investigate the growing effect of Pterocarpus erinaceus on growing rabbits. Three experimental diets, T1, T2, and T3 containing 0 %, 2.5 and 5 % of Pterocarpus erinaceus meal respectively were formulated, and three rabbits were randomly assigned to each diet. Daily feed intake was significantly higher in animals receiving Pterocarpus erinaceus bark meal than in animals on the control diet. Body weight changes of the animals on T1 were significantly higher than those on T2 and T3. The feed conversion ratio was the same in both T1, T2 and T3. The result of this experiment reveals that Pterocarpus erinaceus bark meal can be used in the diet for growing rabbits at a 5 % dietary level to enhance feed intake and weight gain thereby growing rabbits without compromising feed efficiency. The insight from the medicinal point of view makes the feed potent for ailment treatment and enhances both PCV and Hb. The initial PCV before the administration of the feed was for T1; 20.30 %, T2; 20.70 %, and T3; 21.68 %. After the administration of the feed, the final PCV was for T1; 24.60 % T2; 27.20 %, and T3; 28.20%. In the case of Hb, the initial Hb for T1 was 6.8, T2 was 6.9 and T3 was 7.2 whereas, after the administration of the feed, the final Hb for T1 was 8.2 g/dL, T2 was 9.2 g/dL and T3 was 9.4 g/dL. The use of Pterocarpus erinaceus as a natural source in meal preparation may help to reduce cost of feed preparation, improve, maintain and supplement to meet daily requirements of essential nutrients by reducing the use of synthetic food supplements.