Duration Of Feeding Research Articles

Genome-wide Association Studies of Novel Resilience Traits Identify Important Immune QTL Regions and Candidate Genes in Duroc Pigs

Resilience traits in pig populations allow animals to deal better with infectious disease and suboptimal production environments. The data on daily weight, feed intake and feed behaviors in pigs are collected in test period by automated feeding stations, which facilitate to evaluate the resilience traits. In this study, we adopted the mean square error roots (RMSE) of ordinary least squares (OLS) and the negative residuals of quantile regression (QR) to generate four different novel resilience traits using daily records of feed intake and feed duration between 90 and 180 days of age in a population of commercial Duroc pigs. The genome-wide association studies (GWAS) based on single- and two- trait mixed models were carried out on 550 pigs using 48,603 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to identify genomic regions associated with resilience traits in growing pigs. We further focused on the GWAS signals to conduct gene annotation, colocalization with multi-tissue eQTL summary statistics of PigGTEx project and identification of enhancers and promoters using the publicly available data. The genomic heritabilities of four novel resilience traits ranged from 0.09 to 0.41. The pairwise genetic and phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.16 to 0.95 and from 0.05 to 0.36, respectively. Twenty-seven SNPs were identified to be significantly associated with these resilience traits. They were distributed on nine chromosomes (SSC1, SSC2, SSC6, SSC7, SSC8, SSC12, SSC14, SSC16, and SSC17). After annotation, 39 QTLs and 49 candidate genes were identified. Several of these are functionally relevant candidate genes including OTUD4, TIFA and CARD14, which are involved in the host immune response, disease susceptibility and signal transduction. Eight unique SNPs were found to be causal in both GWAS and eQTL analyses across 15 tissues. Notably, one SNP (rs80794541) was associated with eQTLs identified concurrently across seven tissues/cell types, including the macrophage cell type. Furthermore, four significant SNPs (rs81467127, rs81356029, rs80794541, and rs81305085) were linked to the function of the primed enhancer, active element, and poised promoter in five pig tissues. Using the porcine fibroblast HiC dataset, SNP (rs81356029) on SSC2 regulates the CARNS1 and SSH3, while SNP (rs80794541) on SSC7 regulates the H2AC6. In this study, we generated four novel resilience traits and identified SNPs significantly associated with these resilience traits in a Duroc pig population. GWAS signals were associated with candidate genes involving in the immune traits, and were linked to the crucial regulatory elements as well. Our findings will contribute to elucidating the genetic mechanism that can enhance genome-enabled breeding and inform further research on resilience in domestic pigs.

Association between breast feeding and food consumption according to the degree of processing in Brazil: a cohort study

BackgroundThe benefits of breast feeding may be associated with better formation of eating habits beyond childhood. This study was designed to verify the association between breast feeding and food consumption...

Effect of Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tetranychidae, Tarsonemidae) at different infestation levels and feeding durations on chlorophyll content of bean plants

The study investigated the effects of different initial infestation levels and feeding durations of Tetranychus urticae and Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Acari: Tetranychidae, Tarsonemidae) on the chlorophyll content of the pinto bean plants [Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae)]. The experiment was carried out on 3 cm diameter leaf discs and potted plants. To determine the effects of mite feeding on the chlorophyll content of leaf disc, 0 (control), 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mated adult females (24-48 hours old) were separately placed on each disc. Chlorophyll measurements were made 5 and 10 days after the initial infestation. For the potted plant bioassay, young plants were infested separately with different densities of P. latus or T. urticae (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 females per plant) while noninfested plants acted as the control. Data were obtained at intervals of 5 days for a total of 5 times. The chlorophyll contents at infestation levels of 15, 20, and 25 T. urticae per disc were statistically lower than the control discs after exposure for 5 days. The heavily infested discs with 10 or more T. urticae were destroyed until the second measurement. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the chlorophyll contents of P. latus-infested and noninfested discs 5 days after infestation. However, the content was significantly lower in infested discs at all infestation levels than in noninfested discs 10 days after infestation. According to the potted plant experiment, the chlorophyll contents of T. urticae and P. latus-infested plants were significantly lower than the noninfested plants at all infestation levels from the 10th and 20th days of the infestation, respectively. A highly significant negative correlation was recorded between chlorophyll content and mite density, as well as exposure time indicating that the leaf chlorophyll content of infested bean plants decreased with increasing mite density and time. It was also determined that P. latus required a longer feeding time than T. urticae to affect the chlorophyll content of the bean plants.

Behavioural patterns of boars by breed depending on age, season, and type of ventilation

An important tool for improving the productive characteristics of pigs, including boars, is a thorough study of their behavioural patterns and reactions to compliance with housing conditions, which serves as an indicator of the protocol for assessing the welfare of this sex group in commercial pig farms. The purpose of the experiment was to identify the influence of age, season of the year, and type of ventilation on the duration of behavioural acts of boars by breeds to establish their behavioural patterns in industrial technology. The experiment involved 18 boars of the Large White, Landrace, and Duroc breeds. The boars selected for the experiments were clinically healthy and divided into two groups of 9 animals each. The control group of boars was kept in a room with a transverse ventilation system, and the animals of the experimental group were kept in geothermal air supply conditions for a year. In the process of visualising the behaviour parameters of boars of different breeds, it was found that: the duration of rest was significant (P < 0.001) affected by 49.1-67.6% – age, 10.9-23.2% – season of the year, 0.1-3.0% – type of ventilation; the duration of movement during the day was significant (P < 0.001) affected by 44.7-68.0% – age, 9.1-28.5% – season of the year, 0.5-3.2% – type of ventilation; the duration of admission feed and water were significant affected (P< 0.001) by 49.7-71.9% – age, 7.9-25.9% – season of the year, 0.1-2.4% – type of ventilation. A behavioural act that prevailed in duration and frequency (P < 0.001), especially in the summer-autumn period, was rest, which increased in time with age from 72.3% to 76.4%, regardless of the breed, season of the year, and type of ventilation. In summer and autumn, the transverse air supply system visualised abnormal apathetic behaviour during rest in animals (lying on their sides, stomach, eyes closed, without any reactions to indifferent stimuli, and the time that boars spent on stereotypical behaviour (head banging, jumping and licking the bars of the cage) increased by 3% (P< 0.95) and in the “position of sitting dog” by 2% (P< 0.95). The results obtained allow introducing the use of ethological factors in industrial pig production to increase boar sperm production, and identify individuals with behavioural deviations to develop ways to assess welfare and integrate them into production

Activity and rumination of implanted Charolais × Angus feedlot steers versus non-implanted counterparts consuming 3 levels of roughage throughout a 361-day feeding duration

ObjectiveRumination and activity of growing feedlot steers were evaluated in response to growth-promoting implant administration, feeding duration, and dietary rough- age. Materials and MethodsCharolais × Angus steers (n = 80) were randomized to harvest (1, 42, 84, 126, 168, 210, 252, 294, 336, or 378 d on feed) and implant treatment (REV: Revalor-XS on d 0 and d 190; CON: no implant). Activity and rumination were objectively monitored via accelerometers attached to the left ear. Steers consumed 3 rations throughout the study: starter (38.5% roughage), intermediate (23% roughage), and finishing (8.5% rough- age). Data were logged in 2-h increments from 77 steers across 361 d and analyzed using mixed models. Results and DiscussionRumination and activity varied within 24-h, exhibiting bimodal patterns; rumination peaked at 0600 and 1400 h and troughed at 1000 and 1800 h. Activity peaked at 0800 and 1800 h and troughed at 0400, 1200 to 1400, and 2200 h. Steers administered REV ruminated less (331 vs. 354 min/d) than CON; however, activity was similar between treatments. Treatment × roughage interactions occurred for rumination and activity. Rumination tended to be greater for CON steers consuming 38.5% than CON steers consuming 23% roughage, furthermore, CON steers ruminated more than REV when consuming 8.5% roughage. Implanted and non-implanted steers ruminated less as roughage inclusion decreased from 38.5% and 23% to 8.5% (457 and 439 vs. 317 min/d, respectively) in the finishing ration. Activity was greatest for steers consuming 38.5% roughage and was similar between treatments; however, activity decreased upon transition to 23% and 8.5% roughage. Observed surges and declines in activity can be attributed to processing days and weather events. Implanted steers consuming 8.5% roughage were more active (342 vs. 337 and 333 min/d) than CON and REV steers consuming 23% roughage. Implications and ApplicationsIn conclusion, rumination and activity are responsive to hour of day, dietary roughage and growth-promoting implants.

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 Seven Plant Essential Oils on the Growth, Development and Feeding Behavior of the Wingless Aphis gossypii Glover.

Cotton aphid Aphis gossypii Glover damages plants such as cotton directly by feeding on leaves and indirectly by transmitting viruses and excreting honeydew, which interferes with photosynthesis. The control of A. gossypii is still dominated by the frequent use of insecticides, which leads to a gradual increase in pesticide resistance in A. gossypii. Research is therefore needed on non-pesticide controls. In this study, seven plant essential oils (EOs) of Ocimum sanctum L., Ocimum basilicum L., Ocimum gratissimum L., Mentha piperita L., Mentha arvensis L., Tagetes erecta L., and Lavandula angustifolia Mill. were examined as potential controls for A. gossypii. We used life tables and electrical penetration graphs (EPG) to explore the effects of these EOs on the growth, development, and feeding behavior of A. gossypii, followed by a study of effects of the EOs on honeydew secretion by A. gossypii as a measure of their antifeedant activity. We found that the EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, M. arvensis and T. erecta significantly extended the pre-adult developmental period. Also, adult longevity, number of oviposition days, and total fecundity of A. gossypii treated with the EOs of M. arvensis or T. erecta were all significantly reduced. Aphids treated with the EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, or L. angustifolia showed significant reductions in their net reproductive rate (R0), intrinsic rate of increase (rm), and finite rate of increase (λ), and significant increases in mean generation time (T). In terms of their effects on the feeding behavior of A. gossypii, all seven EOs significantly reduced the total duration of phloem feeding (E2 waves), the number of phloem-feeding bouts, and the proportion of time spent in secretion of saliva into phloem sieve elements (E1 waves) and phloem feeding (E2). The total duration and number of E1 waves (saliva secretion) were significantly reduced by the EOs of O. sanctum, O. gratissimum, and M. arvensis. For C waves (probing in non-vascular tissues), the total duration spent in this behavior was significantly increased by the EOs of O. gratissimum, M. piperita, and L. angustifolia, but the number of such probing events was increased only by L. angustifolia EO. The EOs of O. basilicum, M. arvensis, and T. erecta significantly increased the total duration of ingestion of xylem sap (G waves), while the total time of mechanical difficulty in stylet penetration (F waves) was increased by M. arvensis. The total duration and number of the non-probing events (Np waves) were significantly increased by EOs of O. sanctum and O. basilicum. After treatment with all seven of these EOs, the area covered by honeydew was significantly reduced compared with the control. Studies have analyzed that EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, and T. erecta were most effective, followed by the EOs of M. arvensis and L. angustifolia, and finally the EOs of O. basilicum and O. gratissimum. In the present study, the EOs of O. sanctum, M. piperita, and T. erecta were found to have potential for the development as antifeedants of A. gossypii, and these data provide a basis for future research on non-pesticide chemical control of A. gossypii.

The Effect of Hospital-Based Liquid Diet and Commercial Formulas on Laboratory Parameters and Postoperative Complications in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer.

Background: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are at high risk of malnutrition. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of polymeric formulas available commercially and a high-protein liquid diet prepared in the hospital on laboratory parameters and postoperative complications in patients undergoing surgery for HNC. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 149 patients who underwent surgery for HNC between 2008 and 2017. The following data were collected: patient and tumor characteristics, postoperative complications, and laboratory parameters measured at baseline and after surgery, including creatinine, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and blood glucose levels. Correlations between the duration of enteral nutrition and blood parameters were assessed. Results: After surgery, patients receiving commercial formulas had lower creatinine and blood glucose levels and higher ALT and ASP levels than those on the hospital-based diet. The longer duration of feeding with commercial formulas before surgery was associated with enhanced preoperative levels of ALT and ASP and with lower postoperative blood glucose. Patients on the hospital-based diet had a higher rate of postoperative complications than those receiving commercial formulas (16.1% vs. 3.3%). Conclusions: There were no clinically important differences in blood parameters among patients with HNC depending on the type of preparations used for enteral feeding. However, increased levels of liver enzymes in patients fed with commercial formulas were notable. The early initiation of enteral nutrition before surgery helped achieve normal blood glucose levels after surgery. The use of commercial preparations contributed to reducing the number and incidence of postoperative complications.

Dietary Zn Deficiency Inhibits Cell Proliferation via the GPR39-Mediated Suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in the Jejunum of Broilers.

A prior investigation revealed that a lack of Zinc (Zn) could hinder intestinal cell proliferation in broiler chickens; however, the mechanisms responsible for this effect remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the possible mechanisms of dietary Zn deficiency in inhibiting the jejunal cell proliferation of broilers. For this study, a total of 112 chickens (21 days old) were randomly divided into two treatments (seven replicate cages per treatment, eight chickens per replicate cage): the control group (CON) and the Zn deficiency group. The duration of feeding was 21 d. Chickens in the control group were provided with a basal diet containing an extra addition of 40 mg Zn/kg in the form of Zn sulfate, whereas chickens in the Zn deficiency group were given the basal diet with no Zn supplementation. The results indicated that, in comparison to the CON, Zn deficiency increased (p < 0.05) the duodenal and jejunal crypt depth (CD) of broilers on d 28 and jejunal and ileal CD on d 35, and decreased (p < 0.05) the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) on d 28 and the jejunal VH, jejunal and ileal villus surface area, and VH/CD on d 35. Furthermore, Zn deficiency decreased (p < 0.0001) the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen-positive cells and downregulated (p < 0.01) the mRNA or protein expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phosphorylated PI3K, phosphorylated serine-threonine kinase (AKT), phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39), and extracellular-regulated protein kinase, but upregulated (p < 0.05) the mRNA or protein expression levels of P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) 1 and JNK2, and phosphorylated protein kinase C in the jejunum of the broilers on d 42. It was concluded that dietary Zn deficiency inhibited cell proliferation possibly via the GPR39-mediated suppression of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the jejunum of broilers.

Transoral Robotic Surgery for Oral Cancer: Evaluating Surgical Outcomes in the Presence of Trismus.

Trismus, defined as restricted mouth opening, is a common complication among Taiwanese oral cancer patients, especially those who chew betel quid. However, the impact of trismus on survival outcomes in oral cancer patients undergoing transoral robotic surgery (TORS) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the associations between trismus and surgical outcomes in Taiwanese male oral cancer patients treated with TORS. We conducted a retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study of 40 Taiwanese male oral cancer patients who underwent TORS between 2016 and 2022. Overall, 20 patients with trismus were matched to 20 patients without trismus. TORS achieved similar operative and short-term clinical outcomes in trismus patients to non-trismus patients. There were no significant differences between groups in operation time, blood loss, margin status, flap reconstruction rates, duration of nasogastric tube feeding, or length of hospital stay. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were performed to compare overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups. The overall survival (OS) rate at three years was significantly lower in patients with trismus than those without trismus (27.1% vs. 95.0%, log-rank p = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference in disease-free survival (DFS) rates between the trismus and non-trismus groups (36.6% vs. 62.7%, log-rank p = 0.87). After adjusting for confounders, trismus was independently associated with a 13-fold increased risk of mortality (adjusted HR 12.87, 95% CI 1.55-106.50, p < 0.05). In conclusion, trismus appears to be an independent prognostic factor for reduced long-term OS in Taiwanese male oral cancer patients undergoing TORS, though short-term surgical outcomes were non-inferior in the trismus patients. Further research is warranted to clarify the mechanisms linking trismus and survival in this population.

Reversing malnutrition and low muscle strength with targeted enteral feeding in patients awaiting liver transplant: A randomized controlled trial.

Most patients with decompensated cirrhosis fail to meet their nutrition targets. The impact of nasogastric feeding (NGF) on malnutrition in cirrhosis remains unknown. This study aims to assess the impact of pretransplant NGF on pre-liver transplant and post-liver transplant outcomes. This single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial of 55 patients with severe malnutrition and low handgrip strength (HGS) compared a standard high-energy high-protein diet to diet plus supplemental nocturnal NGF while awaiting transplant. The primary outcome was a change in HGS. The median age was 58.5 years (IQR: 51.1-64), median MELD was 24 (20-28.5), and 32 (58%) patients were male. The median duration of NGF was 63.0 days (34.5-127), following which time the median between-group difference in HGS was 3.6kg (95% CI: 1.7-5.2, p <0.001), an increase of 20% from baseline. Mid-upper-arm circumference, triceps skinfold, and immune function all increased significantly with NGF. Muscle and nutritional parameters continued to improve with increasing duration of feeding. NGF significantly increased daily energy intake between groups by 1285kcal (95% CI: 860-1677) and protein intake by 51g (95% CI: 32-71) (both p <0.001). All NGF patients met >100% of their measured nutritional requirements. Posttransplant clinical outcomes were similar between groups. Targeted enteral feeding before liver transplant improves HGS, anthropometry, and immune function in severely malnourished patients with cirrhosis. These findings provide a strong rationale for early consideration of NGF to reverse malnutrition and improve muscle strength. Appropriately powered studies should explore whether NGF can also impact clinically relevant outcomes including pretransplant and posttransplant mortality.

Human Milk Components and the Infant Gut Microbiome at 6 Months: Understanding the Interconnected Relationship

BackgroundHuman milk oligosaccharides have been shown to relate to the infant gut microbiome. However, the impact of other human milk components on infant gut bacterial colonization remains unexplored. ObjectivesOur cross-sectional analysis aimed to investigate associations between human milk components (energy, macronutrients, free amino acids, inflammatory markers, and hormones) and infant gut microbiome diversity and composition (phylum, family, and genus) at 6 mo of age. MethodsHuman milk and infant stool samples were collected at 6 mo postpartum. The infant gut microbiome was profiled using 16S rRNA sequencing. Linear regression models were performed to examine associations, adjusting for pregravid BMI (kg/m2), delivery mode, duration of human milk feeding, and infant sex, with q < 0.2 considered significant. ResultsThis analysis included a total of 54 mothers (100% exclusively feeding human milk) and infants (n = 28 male; 51.9%). Total energy in human milk showed a negative association with α-diversity measures (Chao1 and Shannon). Interleukin (IL)-8 in human milk was positively associated with Chao1 and observed operational taxonomic units. At the family level, human milk glutamine and serine levels showed a negative association with the abundance of Veillonellaceae, whereas isoleucine showed a positive association with Bacteroidaceae. Human milk IL-8 and IL-6 concentrations were positively associated with Bacteroidaceae abundance. IL-8 also had a positive relationship with Bifidobacteriaceae, whereas it had a negative relationship with Streptococcacea and Clostridiaceae. Human milk IL-8 was positively associated with the phylum Bacteroidetes, and negatively associated with Proteobacteria. At the genus level, human milk IL-8 exhibited a positive relationship with Bacteroides, whereas human milk isoleucine had a negative relationship with Bacteroides and Ruminococcus. Pregravid BMI and sex effects were observed. ConclusionsIL-8 in human milk could potentially prepare the infant’s immune system to respond effectively to various microorganisms, potentially promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and protecting against pathogens.

55 Evaluation of feed efficiency and feeding behavior in Katahdin lambs housed in a Vytelle Sense system

Abstract Genetic selection focused on feed efficiency may prove to be valuable in reducing feed consumption costs and animal maintenance requirements without compromising growth. The Vytelle Sense system allows measurement of individual lamb DMI and varying feeding behaviors to identify feed efficient lambs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of sire selection based on fecal egg count estimated breeding value (FEC EBV) on residual feed intake (RFI), gain:feed (G:F), and daily DMI. Katahdin ewes at the Virginia Tech Southwest Virginia Agricultural and Research Center (SWAREC) were mated to Katahdin rams (LowFEC: n = 4; HighFEC: n = 4) to divergently select for FEC EBV in their offspring (LowFEC: n = 36; HighFEC: n = 32). Post-weaning, lambs were fed a complete pellet (14% CP, 76% TDN) ad libitum in the Vytelle Sense system for 58 days. RFI was calculated as the difference between actual and expected DMI. DMI was predicted based on ADG and metabolic body size. Feeding duration per meal and DMI per meal were analyzed to determine feeding behavior. Statistical analyses were performed using PROC Mixed SAS (SAS Institute, Cary, NC). Sire FEC EBV type tended to have an effect on RFI (P = 0.06). Individual sire had a significant effect on RFI, G:F, and daily DMI (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Sex did not impact RFI (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Ram lambs had greater G:F values compared with ewes (0.32 vs. 0.26 kg; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Rams had greater daily DMI compared with ewes (2.37 vs. 1.89 kg/d; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Significance was detected between sires for meal duration (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Ewe lambs exhibited greater meal duration compared with rams (237.3 vs. 203.4 s/meal; P &amp;lt; 0.05). However, ewes had reduced DMI per meal compared with rams (0.29 vs. 0.34 kg/meal; P &amp;lt; 0.05). Individual sire did not have an effect on meal DMI (P &amp;gt; 0.10). To evaluate sire impact on RFI across multiple locations, LowFEC Katahdin rams (n = 2), mentioned previously, were bred to Katahdin ewes at the NC State University Upper Piedmont Research Station (UPRS) and the SWAREC. Genetic connectedness between locations allowed for comparisons of progeny performance. Post-weaning, UPRS lambs were fed a complete pellet (16% CP, 75% TDN) ad libitum in the Vytelle sense system for 45 d. Location did not impact RFI prediction for either sire (P &amp;gt; 0.10). Variation between sires indicates potential sire impact on progeny feed efficiency and feeding behavior. Further studies are needed to evaluate sire RFI trends across multiple locations.

Factors Effecting the Duration of Breast Feeding and the Time of Weaning

Factors Effecting the Duration of Breast Feeding and the Time of Weaning

Sex-Specific Differences in Nutrient Intake in Late Preterm Infants.

The study involved a retrospective analysis of preterm infants admitted to the NICU and evaluated between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks of corrected gestation. Late preterm infants appropriate for gestational age who were spontaneously fed formula milk ad-lib and free of any respiratory support for at least two days were included. The study excluded infants with short gut syndrome, severe chromosomal anomalies, or congenital heart conditions. We included 85 male and 85 female infants in this study. The data collected included sex, gestational age, birth weight, anthropometric data at birth, maternal data, nutritional intake, and neonatal morbidity. This study found that female infants consumed more volume, protein, and calories than male infants. The mean formula intake in female and male infants was 145.5 ± 20.8 mL/kg/d and 135.3 ± 19.3 mL/kg/d, respectively, with p = 0.002. However, ad-lib feeding duration was not different between the sexes. Growth velocity was also higher in female infants. This study is the first to demonstrate differences in formula milk intake among late preterm infants fed ad libitum. Additional research is needed to confirm our findings and understand sex-specific differences in neonatal nutrition in extremely early preterm infants.

Urinary Metabolomic Differentiation of Infants Fed on Human Breastmilk and Formulated Milk.

Human breastmilk is an invaluable nutritional and pharmacological resource with a highly diverse metabolite profile, which can directly affect the metabolism of infants. Application of metabolomics can discriminate the complex relationship between such nutrients and infant health. As the most common biological fluid in metabolomic study, infant urinary metabolomics may provide the physiological impacts of different nutritional resources, namely human breastmilk and formulated milk. In this study, we aimed to identify possible differences in the urine metabolome of 30 infants (1-14 days after birth) fed with breast milk (n = 15) or formulated milk (n = 15). From metabolomic analysis with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, 163 metabolites from single mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and 383 metabolites from tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) were confirmed in urinary samples. Various multivariate statistical analysis were performed to discriminate the differences originating from physiological/nutritional variables, including human breastmilk/formulate milk feeding, sex, and duration of feeding. Both unsupervised and supervised discriminant analyses indicated that feeding resources (human breastmilk/formulated milk) gave marginal but significant differences in urinary metabolomes, while other factors (sex, duration of feeding) did not show notable discrimination between groups. According to the biomarker analyses, several organic acid and amino acids showed statistically significant differences between different feeding resources, such as 2-hydroxyhippurate.

D-Limonene Affects the Feeding Behavior and the Acquisition and Transmission of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus by Bemisia tabaci.

Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is an important invasive pest transmitting plant viruses that are maintained through a plant-insect-plant cycle. Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) can be transmitted in a persistent manner by B. tabaci, which causes great losses to global agricultural production. From an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and efficient point of view, in this study, we explored the function of d-limonene in reducing the acquisition and transmission of TYLCV by B. tabaci as a repellent volatile. D-limonene increased the duration of non-feeding waves and reduced the duration of phloem feeding in non-viruliferous and viruliferous whiteflies by the Electrical Penetration Graph technique (EPG). Additionally, after treatment with d-limonene, the acquisition and transmission rate of TYLCV was reduced. Furthermore, BtabOBP3 was determined as the molecular target for recognizing d-limonene by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), fluorescence competitive binding assays, and molecular docking. These results confirmed that d-limonene is an important functional volatile which showed a potential contribution against viral infections with potential implications for developing effective TYLCV control strategies.

The effect of gastrostomy tube feeding on growth in children with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis.

Gastrostomy tube (GT) feeding is used to promote nutrition and growth in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We explored the relationship between gastrostomy feeding and growth parameters in children with CKD, looking specifically at the nutritional composition of feeds. Children with CKD stages 3-5 or on dialysis in a tertiary children's kidney unit were studied. Data on anthropometry, biochemistry, and nutritional composition of feeds were collected from the time of GT insertion for 3years or until transplantation. Forty children (18 female) were included. Nineteen children were on peritoneal dialysis, 8 on hemodialysis, and 13 had CKD stages 3-5. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age at GT insertion was 1.26 (0.61-3.58) years, with 31 (77.5%) under 5years of age. The median duration of gastrostomy feeding was 5.32 (3.05-6.31) years. None received growth hormone treatment. Children showed a significant increase in weight standard deviation score (SDS) (p = 0.0005), weight-for-height SDS (p = 0.0007) and body mass index (BMI) SDS (p < 0.0001). None of the children developed obesity. Although not statistically significant, the median height-SDS increased into the normal range (from -2.29 to -1.85). Weight-SDS positively correlated with the percentage of energy requirements from feeds (p = 0.02), and the BMI-SDS correlated with the percentage of total energy intake as fat (p < 0.001). GT feeding improves weight-SDS and BMI-SDS without leading to obesity. GT feeding improved height-SDS but this did not reach statistical significance, suggesting that factors in addition to nutritional optimization need to be considered for statural growth.

Integrated Analysis of the Transcriptome and Microbial Diversity in the Intestine of Miniature Pig Obesity Model.

Obesity, a key contributor to metabolic disorders, necessitates an in-depth understanding of its pathogenesis and prerequisites for prevention. Guangxi Bama miniature pig (GBM) offers an apt model for obesity-related studies. In this research, we used transcriptomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to discern the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) within intestinal (jejunum, ileum, and colon) tissues and variations in microbial communities in intestinal contents of GBM subjected to normal diets (ND) and high-fat, high-carbohydrate diets (HFHCD). After a feeding duration of 26 weeks, the HFHCD-fed experimental group demonstrated notable increases in backfat thickness, BMI, abnormal blood glucose metabolism, and blood lipid levels alongside the escalated serum expression of pro-inflammatory factors and a marked decline in intestinal health status when compared to the ND group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a total of 1669 DEGs, of which 27 had similar differences in three intestinal segments across different groups, including five immune related genes: COL6A6, CYP1A1, EIF2AK2, NMI, and LGALS3B. Further, we found significant changes in the microbiota composition, with a significant decrease in beneficial bacterial populations within the HFHCD group. Finally, the results of integrated analysis of microbial diversity with transcriptomics show a positive link between certain microbial abundance (Solibacillus, norank_f__Saccharimonadaceae, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and unclassified_f__Butyricicoccaceae) and changes in gene expression (COL6A6 and NMI). Overall, HFHCD appears to co-contribute to the initiation and progression of obesity in GBM by aggravating inflammatory responses, disrupting immune homeostasis, and creating imbalances in intestinal flora.

Innovative high fat diet establishes a novel zebrafish model for the study of visceral obesity

Obesity is a complex chronic condition associated with multiple health risks, including visceral obesity, which is particularly detrimental. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying obesity and its associated pathologies, a novel zebrafish model was established using an innovative high-fat diet (HFD). The primary goal was to induce visceral obesity in zebrafish and study the associated structural changes. To achieve this, a unique HFD consisting of 40% beef fat (HFD40) was developed and supplemented with magnesium aluminometasilicate to improve stability in a high humidity environment. Feeding regimens were initiated for both juvenile (starting at 2 weeks post-fertilization, lasting 18 weeks) and adult zebrafish (3 months post-fertilization, 8 weeks feeding duration). The innovative dietary approach successfully induced visceral obesity in both juvenile and adult zebrafish. This new model provides a valuable tool to study obesity-related pathologies, metabolic syndrome, and potential therapeutic interventions. Most importantly, the low-cost and easy-to-prepare composition of HFD40 was seamlessly incorporated into the water without the need for separation, was readily absorbed by the fish and induced rapid weight gain in the zebrafish population. In conclusion, this study presents a novel HFD40 composition enriched with a high beef fat concentration (40%), which represents a significant advance in the development of an experimental zebrafish model for the study of visceral obesity and associated metabolic changes.