Effects Of Dietary Intervention Research Articles

A Dynamic Model for Estimating the Interaction of ROS-PUFA-Antioxidants in Rabbit.

Defining optimal nutrition in animals and humans remains a main scientific challenge. The objective of the work was to develop a dynamic model of reactive oxygen species (ROS)–polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)–antioxidant homeostasis using the rabbit as a model. The problem entity was to evaluate the main metabolites generated from interactions between traits included in the conceptual model and identified by three main sub–models: (i) ROS generation, (ii) PUFA oxidation and (iii) antioxidant defence. A mathematical model (VENSIM software) that consisted of molecular stocks (INPUTs, OUTPUTs), exchange flows (intermediate OUTPUTs) and process rates was developed. The calibration was performed by using standard experimental data (Experiment 1), whereas the validation was carried out in Experiments 2 and 3 by using supra–nutritional dietary inputs (VIT E+ and PUFA+). The accuracy of the models was measured using 95% confidence intervals. Analytical OUTPUTs (ROS, PUFA, Vit E, Ascorbic acid, Iso–/NeuroProstanes, Aldehydes) were well described by the standard model. There was also good accuracy for the VIT E+ scenario, whereas some compensatory rates (Kc1–Kc4) were added to assess body compensation when high levels of dietary PUFA were administered (Experiment 3). In conclusion, the model can be very useful for predicting the effects of dietary treatments on the redox homeostasis of rabbits.

31 The Effect of Increasing Inclusion of Hempseed Meal on Fiber Digestibility and Performance in Meat Rabbits

Abstract Legalization of hemp production in the United States shows potential for utilizing hempseed meal (HSM) as an effective byproduct feedstuff. Our objective was to determine total-tract fiber digestibility of rations containing increasing percentages of HSM in meat rabbits. Thirty-two Californian rabbits, assigned randomly to one of four treatments, were used in a generalized complete block design experiment with two 35-d feeding periods. Treatments replaced soybean meal and alfalfa such that 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% CP was replaced by HSM. Diets were isonitrogenous and contained 28% steam-flaked corn. Weights were collected every 7 d, and total feed, orts, and fecal samples were collected in the final 7 d of feeding for digestibility determination. Rabbits were harvested after feeding periods, and stomach (S) and cecum (C) content sampling was conducted. Feed, orts, and fecal samples were assayed for DM and fiber fractions for digestibility determination. There was no effect of dietary treatment on DMD (52.5%; P = 0.05), NDFD (-29.5%; P = 0.54), or ADFD (-57.7%; P = 0.56). There was also no effect of dietary treatment on S NDF (11.9 g; P = 0.62), S ADF (8.4 g, P = 0.80), S ADL (2.6 g; P = 0.88), C NDF (8.0 g; P = 0.23), C ADF (5.5 g; P = 0.26), or C ADL content (3.2 g; P = 0.33). S and C digesta data were calculated as a ratio (S:C) to evaluate fiber disappearance in GI tract. However, there was no effect of treatment on S:C NDF (1.6:1; P = 0.43), S:C ADF (1.6:1; P = 0.42), or S:C ADL (1.4:1; P = 0.34). Despite lack of differences, ADG was greatest (P < 0.05) from 25% HSM (35.1 g ± 1.16), least from 75% HSM (20.7 g ± 1.20), and intermediate from 0% (30.5 g ± 1.20) and 50% HSM (33.2 g ± 1.16). Data interpreted to mean that HSM may be a viable feedstuff in rabbit diets up to 50% without detrimental effects.

Effect of partially replacing soybean meal with sunflower meal with supplementation of multienzymes on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, ileal digestibility, digestive enzyme activity and caecal microbiota in broilers.

ObjectiveAn experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of partially replacing soybean meal (SBM) with sunflower meal (SFM) with added exogenous multienzymes (MEs) on various biological parameters in broilers.MethodsOne week-old, 400 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatments (control, 3SFM, 6SFM, and 9SFM) with 5 replicates/treatment (20 chicks/replicate). Control diet was without SFM and MEs, while diets of 3SFM, 6SFM, and 9SFM treatments were prepared by replacing SBM with SFM at levels of 3%, 6%, and 9%, respectively, and were supplemented with MEs (100 mg/kg). Feeding trial was divided into grower (8 to 21 day) and finisher phases (22 to 35 day). External marker method was used to measure the nutrient digestibility. At the end of trial, twenty birds (one birds per replicate) with similar body weight were slaughtered for samples collection.ResultsNo significant effect of dietary treatments was found on all parameters of growth performance and carcass characteristics, except relative weight of bursa. Weight (25.0 g) and length (15.80 cm) of duodenum were significantly (p<0.05) higher in 3SFM than control. Lowest (p<0.05) villus height/crypt depth ratio was found in 3SFM and 9SFM than control. Most of meat quality parameters remained unaffected, however, highest pH of breast meat (6.16) and thigh meat (6.44) were observed in 9SFM and 3SFM, respectively. Lowest (p<0.05) cook loss of thigh meat was found in 6SFM (31.76%). Ileal digestibility of crude protein was significantly (p<0.05) higher in 3SFM (72.35%) than control (69.46%). In addition, amylase (16.87 U/mg) and protease (85.18 U/mg) activities were significantly (p<0.05) higher in 3SFM than control. However, cecal microbial count remained unaffected.ConclusionPartial replacement (up to 9%) of SBM with SFM, with added MEs can help to improve the nutrient digestibility, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activities without affecting cecal microbial count and growth performance in broilers.

Feeding level is associated with altered liver transcriptome and follicle selection in hen†.

Genetic selection for particular traits in domestic animals may have altered the optimal feedback regulation among systems regulating appetite, growth, and reproduction. Broiler breeder chickens have been selected for fast and efficient growth and, unless feed restricted, consume excessively resulting in poor reproductive efficiency. We examined the effect of dietary treatment in full-fed and restricted-fed broiler breeder hens on ovarian responses, liver morphology, and transcriptome associated with reproductive function. Although full-fed broiler breeder hens had lower egg production (P < 0.01), the total number of ovarian follicles >8mm (P < 0.01), 6-8mm (P < 0.03), and 3-5mm (P < 0.04) were greater in full-fed hens compared to restricted-fed hens. There was a large amount of lipid accumulation in the liver of full-fed hens and differential gene analysis yielded 120 genes that were differentially expressed >2-fold in response to feeding level (P < 0.01; false discovery rate< 0.05). Elevated T3 may indicate that general metabolism was affected by diet and GHR (P < 0.01) and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) (P < 0.04) mRNA expression were both greater in the liver of full-fed hens as compared to restricted-fed hens. It is likely that selection for increased growth, associated with enhanced activity of the IGF1 system, has altered nutritional coupling of feed intake to follicle development.

Effect of multi-enzymes supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, ileal digestibility, digestive enzyme activity and caecal microbiota in broilers fed low-metabolizable energy diet

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using low energy diet with multi-enzymes supplementation on different biological parameters in broilers.MethodsThree hundred Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly divided into three groups (Cont, standard metabolizable energy(ME); L-ME, ME reduced by 50 kcal/kg without enzyme; and L-ME-MES, L-ME diet was supplemented with multi-enzymes) with five replicates per group (20 chicks per replicate) at the start of second week. Grower and finisher diets were formulated according to breed specific guide and offered with free access in respective phase (two weeks for grower [8 to 21 d]; two weeks for finisher [22 to 35 d]). External marker method was used to measure the nutrient digestibility. After feeding trial, fifteen birds (one bird per replicate) were selected randomly and slaughtered for samples collection.ResultsThe results exhibited no effect (p>0.05) of dietary treatments on all parameters of growth performance, carcass traits, relative weight of internal organs except bursa and overall parameters of thigh meat quality. Relative weight of bursa was significantly (p<0.05) higher in L-ME than control. Multi-enzymes supplementation in low-ME diet significantly (p<0.05) improved the breast meat pH 24 h, digestibility of crude protein, duodenum weight and length, jejunal morphology, counts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., lipase and protease activities than control. Jejunum length was increased in both L-ME and L-ME-MES treatments than that of the control (p<0.05). Breast meat cooking loss and color lightness was lower in L-ME (p<0.05) than control.ConclusionIt can therefore be concluded that broilers could be reared on low energy diet with supplementation of multi-enzymes without compromising the growth performance. In addition, it is beneficial for other biological parameters of broilers.

The Role of Diet in Prognosis among Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Dietary Patterns and Diet Interventions.

Cancer survival continues to improve in high-income countries, partly explained by advances in screening and treatment. Previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between individual dietary components and cancer prognosis in tumours with good therapeutic response (breast, colon and prostate cancers). The aim of this review is to assess qualitatively (and quantitatively where appropriate) the associations of dietary patterns and cancer prognosis from published prospective cohort studies, as well as the effect of diet interventions by means of randomised controlled trials (RCT). A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, and a total of 35 prospective cohort studies and 14 RCT published between 2011 and 2021 were selected. Better overall diet quality was associated with improved survival among breast and colorectal cancer survivors; adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated to lower risk of mortality in colorectal and prostate cancer survivors. A meta-analysis using a random-effects model showed that higher versus lower diet quality was associated with a 23% reduction in overall mortality in breast cancer survivors. There was evidence that dietary interventions, generally combined with physical activity, improved overall quality of life, though most studies were in breast cancer survivors. Further cohort and intervention studies in other cancers are needed to make more specific recommendations.

The First Insight Into Full-Fat Superworm (Zophobas morio) Meal in Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) Diets: A Study on Multiple-Choice Feeding Preferences and Growth Performance

Abstract Insect meals are sustainable alternative protein sources in animal nutrition. However, the data on their application in petfood and ornamental fish nutrition are scarce. Thus the present study was undertaken to assess their usability in guppy (Poecilia reticulata) diets. The first experiment aimed to investigate the attractiveness of select insect meals for guppies, and the second evaluated superworm (Zophobas morio) meal monodiet effects. The first experiment (free-choice feeding test) lasted five days. Fish were given a choice between four attractants: fish meal, black soldier fly (Hermetia illuces) meal (HI), Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal (MC), and superworm (Zophobas morio) meal (ZM). The preliminary part of the study showed that the most frequently chosen attractant throughout the entire free-choice feeding test period was ZM. Based on the obtained results, the second part of the study was designed as a growth test with the use of a ZM monodiet compared to commercial feed. The experiment lasted 90 days, and 150 guppy fry were used. The fish were randomly divided into two groups (CON – commercial feed, ZM – Zophobas morio meal). No effects of dietary treatment were found in terms of survival rate, fish body length, or fish body length gain. The present study shows that ZM was the most preferred attractant and that a monodiet based on insect meal can be successfully applied in guppy fry nutrition.

Does the use of lactic acid as an antibiotic substitute in broiler diets affect growth, carcass traits, blood indices and intestinal microbiota?

The objective of the current study was to determine the impact of lactic acid (LAC) as an antibiotic alternative in broiler diets on growth performance, carcass traits, blood indices and intestinal microbial load. A total of 300 broiler chicks one day old (Ross 208) were allotted to five experimental groups in a complete randomized design experiment. Each group was subdivided into six replicates, each of ten unsexed chicks. The treatments were as follows: NC: negative control (basal diet); PC: positive control (basal diet + 0.5 g Colistin® antibiotic/kg diet); LAC2, LAC4, and LAC6: basal diet + 2, 4, and 6 cm3 lactic acid/kg diet, respectively. Results showed no significant effects of dietary treatments (antibiotic or lactic acid) on growth performance traits (body weight, BW; daily body weight gain, DBWG; feed intake, FI and feed conversion ratio, FCR) and carcass characteristics except for Thigh %. All blood biochemical traits were affected (p > 0.01) by dietary treatments. The highest values of blood total protein and albumin were found in birds of LAC2 group. Adding graded doses of LAC to broiler diets inhibited the activity of liver enzymes and reduced the concentration of blood urea. The positive effect of LAC supplementation excelled that of antibiotics regarding the antioxidant status parameters. The lowest pathogenic bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella) were recorded by LAC4 and LAC6 groups. It could be concluded that dietary supplementation of lactic acid did not significantly affect most growth performance traits. But its use could have beneficial impacts on blood parameters, oxidative status and intestinal microbial counts. Based on our results, the highest level (6 cm3 LAC/kg diet) is the recommended level for the best results.

Abstract 10659: Blood DNA Methylation at TXNIP and Glycemic Changes in Response to Weight-Loss Diet Interventions: The POUNDS Lost Trial

Introduction: Thioredoxin Interacting Protein ( TXNIP ) functions as a master regulator for glucose homeostasis. Hypomethylation at the 5'-cytosine-phosphate-guanine-3' (CpG) site cg19693031 of TXNIP has been consistently related to islet dysfunction, hyperglycemia, and type 2 diabetes. DNA methylation (DNAm) may reveal the missing mechanistic link between obesity and type 2 diabetes; however, little is known about whether the DNAm level at TXNIP in blood is associated with glycemic changes in response to weight-loss diet interventions. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that participants with varying DNAm level of TXNIP responded differentially to weight-loss diet interventions on glycemic changes. Method: We included 639 overweight and obese participants from Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies (POUNDS Lost) trial, who were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 weight-loss diets varying in macronutrient contents. Blood DNAm levels were profiled by a high-resolution methylC-capture sequencing at baseline. We defined regional methylation level of TXNIP as average methylation level over CpGs within 500 bp of cg19693031. Results: Higher regional methylation level at TXNIP was correlated with lower fasting glucose, HbA1c, and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) at baseline (p&lt;0.05 for all). Participants with distinct regional methylation level of TXNIP showed significantly different changes in fasting insulin (p-interaction=0.007) and HOMA-IR (p-interaction=0.009) in response to average- vs. high-protein diet intervention at 6 months, independent of weight loss. Among participants with an average-protein diet, higher regional methylation level at TXNIP was associated with a greater reduction of fasting insulin and HOMA-IR at 6 months, while an opposite association was found among those with a high-protein diet. Such difference was attenuated to be nonsignificant at 2 years. Conclusions: DNAm level at TXNIP in blood may modify the effects of diet interventions on changes in glycemic traits, independent of weight loss. Overweight and obese individuals with higher methylation level at TXNIP may benefit more in improving insulin and HOMA-IR by consuming an average-protein diet than a high-protein diet.

Spirulina platensis alleviates high fat diet-induced cognitive impairment in mice via the gut-brain axis

• Spirulina platensis alleviates HFD induced cognition deficits in mice. • Spirulina platensis inhibited Aβ accumulation, tau-hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. • Spirulina platensis abrogated HFD induced gut microbial dysbiosis and unbalance of gut microbial metabolites. • The study first revealed that the protective effect of Spirulina platensis on cognitive deficits was associated with the regulating the gut microbiome-brain axis. Increasing evidence suggested that the gut microbiome-brain axis plays a critical role in regulating cognitive functions. In this study, we aimed to investigate the dietary treatment effect of Spirulina platensis on learning deficits in high fat diet (HFD) fed mice and clarify the potential mechanisms via investigating the gut microbiome-brain axis. Dietary administration of 1% and 2% Spirulina platensis for 16 weeks significantly improved the spatial learning and memory performance of the HFD-fed mice in both Barnes Maze test and Morris water maze test. The Aβ accumulation, tau-hyperphosphorylation, and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus were significantly inhibited by Spirulina platensis . Spirulina platensis also abrogated HFD induced gut microbial dysbiosis and unbalance of gut microbial metabolites indicating its modulating effect on the gut-brain axis. This study provides further evidence for the application of Spirulina platensis as functional supplement for treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

A Comparison of Production Performance, Egg Quality, and Cecal Microbiota in Laying Hens Receiving Graded Levels of Vitamin B12.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of fortified diets with standard vs. high levels of vitamin B12 on cecal microbiota composition, production performance, and eggshell quality of laying hens. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet with no supplementation of vitamin B12 or supplemented with 25, 100, and 400 μg/kg vitamin B12, respectively. A total of 432 laying hens were randomly assigned to four treatments with six replicates per treatment. No significant effect of dietary treatments on the production performance of hens was detected. The shell thickness of eggs from hens fed diet supplemented with 100 μg/kg of vitamin B12 was higher (P < 0.01) than that of eggs from hens fed control diet or supplemented with 25 μg/kg vitamin B12. The shell percentage of eggs from hens fed diet supplemented with 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 was higher (P < 0.01) than that of eggs from hens fed other treatment diets. Dietary vitamin B12 did not modulate diversity of the cecal microbiota of the layers. At genus level, the cecal content from layers fed diet with supplemental level of 100 or 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 had higher (P < 0.01) abundance of Faecalibacterium and lower (P < 0.05) abundance of Acinetobacter compared with the cecal content from layers fed other two diets. The abundance of Lactobacillus in the cecal samples from layers fed 100 μg/kg of supplemental level of vitamin B12 was higher (P < 0.05) than that from layers fed other three diets. The abundance of Butyricicoccus was higher (P < 0.05), while Bilophila was lower (P < 0.05) in the cecal content of layers fed 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 diet compared with those from layers fed other three diets. The results of PICRUSt analysis indicated that 10 predicted metabolic functions of the cecal microbial communities were positively correlated to dietary vitamin B12 level. Overall, dietary supplementation of 100 or 400 μg/kg of vitamin B12 had equivalent effects and caused the significant change in composition and metabolic functions of cecal microorganisms, which could positively impact eggshell quality, metabolism, and gut health of laying hens.

Evidence of Immunological Abnormalities in Sitosterolemia

Objectives: Mutations involving the ABCG8 gene cause sitosterolemia (STSL), a rare metabolic disease due to an abnormal plasmatic plant sterols level. STSL hematological findings include stomatocytic hemolysis and macrothrombocytopenia. So far, few cases of leukopenia have been reported and there are no studies that consider inflammatory activity. The purpose of our study is to evaluate immunological abnormalities in STSL and the effect of dietary and pharmacological treatment. Study Design: In a sitosterolemic patient presenting leukopenia and increased inflammatory indexes were evaluated in vitro interleukin 1B secretion from monocytes and type 1 interferon (IFN) signature. Besides, Stimulation Indexes (SI) of patient’s and two Healthy Controls’ (HCs) T-helper lymphocytes in response to proliferative stimuli were assessed, when incubated in enriched medium alternately with patient plasma or with AB Rh+ group control plasma. SI (compared to the same HCs) and IFN signature have been evaluated again three (T3) and six (T6) months apart, after patient received therapy. Results: Following treatment with Ezetimibe (EZE) and adequate diet, lower plasmatic plant sterols levels and progressive improvement of hematological and immunological abnormalities were observed. These data were confirmed by the negativization of IFN signature at T3 and by the progressive normalization at T3 and T6 of SI in patient’s and HCs’ T-helper lymphocytes incubated in patient’s plasma-enriched medium. Conclusion: High plasmatic phytosterols levels due to STSL seems to affect white blood cells proliferation and trigger pro-inflammatory process, justifying leukopenia and increased phlogosis indexes observed in our patient. These hypotheses are supported by normalization of clinical and laboratory data during EZE therapy. Take-home Message: Immunological abnormalities should be considered among the hematological manifestations of sitosterolemia, moreover high levels of plasma phytosterols could be a pro-inflammatory trigger. Treatment with ezetimibe seems to reverse these manifestations.

Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease With Episodic Rhabdomyolysis Due to Two Novel Mutations in the β Subunit of Mitochondrial Trifunctional Protein and Effective Response to Modified Diet Therapy.

A 29-year-old female experienced chronic progressive peripheral neuropathy since childhood and was diagnosed with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) at age 15. She developed recurrent, fever-induced rhabdomyolysis (RM) at age 24. EMG studies showed decreased amplitude of compound muscle action potential, declined motor conductive velocity, and absence of sensor nerve action potential. Acylcarnitine analysis revealed elevated C16-OH, C18-OH, and C18:1-OH. Muscle biopsy showed scattered foci of necrotic myofibers invaded by macrophages, occasional regenerating fibers, and remarkable muscle fiber type grouping. Whole-exome sequencing identified two novel heterozygous mutations: c.490G>A (p.G164S) and c.686G>A (p.R229Q) in HADHB gene encoding the β-subunit of mitochondrial trifunctional protein (MTP). Reduction of long-chain fatty acid via dietary restrictions alleviated symptoms effectively. Our study indicates that the defect of the MTP β-subunit accounts for both CMT and RM in the same patient and expands the clinical spectrum of disorders caused by the HADHB mutations. Our systematic review of all MTPD patients with dietary treatment indicates that the effect of dietary treatment is related to the age of onset and the severity of symptoms.

PSIV-B-20 A fecal arsenic excretion pattern in pigs fed arsenic-containing rice bran

Abstract Rice bran is a common feed/food stuff for animals and humans; however, it usually contains a substantial amount of arsenic that is a class-I, non-threshold carcinogen to humans. This study was to investigate the fecal arsenic excretion pattern from the pigs fed an arsenic-containing rice bran. Twenty growing gilts (26.3 kg) were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments (n = 6 or 7) with Diets I, II, and III containing 0, 36.7, and 73.5% rice bran, and 0, 306, and 612 ppb arsenic, respectively. The feeding trial lasted 6 weeks, and fresh fecal samples were collected on Days 0, 14, 28, and 42 post-treatments. Fecal arsenic concentrations were analyzed using an ICP-MS protocol standardized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Tobit statistical model was employed for data analysis because some censored values were obtained from the laboratory sample analysis. Results (Table 1) showed that there were no differences in fecal arsenic concentrations from Day 0 through 42 post-treatment in pigs fed Diet I (a control diet). Nevertheless, the fecal arsenic concentration was increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on Days 14 and 28 when compared to Day 0 post-treatment with Diet II (a moderate level of rice bran inclusion), and it was further increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) on Day 42 post-treatment. The fecal arsenic excretion pattern in pigs fed Diet III (a high level of rice bran inclusion) was the same as that in pigs fed Diet II. The dietary treatment effects on fecal arsenic excretion were already reported previously. In short, the results of this study suggest that the fecal arsenic excretion is increased in the first 4 weeks and then further increased around the 6th week since the start of feeding arsenic-containing rice bran. This further increase may be due to the saturation of arsenic retention in pig body.

Fatty acid metabolism in lambs supplemented with different condensed and hydrolysable tannin extracts.

Five groups of lambs (n = 9 each) were used to test the effect of plant extracts rich in hydrolysable (HT) or condensed tannin (CT) on animal performance, fatty acid composition of rumen content, liver and meat. The control group (CO) received a concentrate-based diet without tannins supplementation. The other groups received the same diet as the control lambs plus 4% chestnut (CH) and tara (TA) extracts as a source of HT and mimosa (MI) and gambier (GA) extracts as a source of CT. One-way ANOVA was used to assess the overall effect of dietary treatments, tannins supplementation (CO vs. CH+TA+MI+GA) and the effect of tannin type (HT vs. CT: CH+TA vs. MI+GA) on animal performance, rumen content, liver and intramuscular FA. Dietary CH negatively affected animal performance. The rumen content of the different groups showed similar levels of 18:3 c9c12c15, 18:2 c9c12, 18:2 c9t11, 18:1 t11 and 18:0, whereas 18:1 t10 was greater in CO. Also, 18:1 t10 tended to be lower in the rumen of HT than CT-fed lambs. These data were partially confirmed in liver and meat, where CO showed a greater percentage of individual trans 18:1 fatty acids in comparison with tannins-fed groups. Our findings challenge some accepted generalizations on the use of tannins in ruminant diets as they were ineffective to favour the accumulation of dietary PUFA or healthy fatty acids of biohydrogenation origin in the rumen content and lamb meat, but suggest a generalized influence on BH rather than on specific steps.

Effect of supplementing lactation and nursery pig diets with capsaicin on growth performance and gene expression of nursery pigs.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing capsaicin in diets for lactating sows and their offspring on the growth performance and gene expression of pigs postweaning. Twenty-eight multiparous sows were fed corn-soybean meal-based diets without (n = 14) and with (n = 14) capsaicin (2.5 mg/kg) during a 19-d lactation period. Litters from these sows (n = 288 pigs) were weaned and assigned to 36 blocks (pens) based on maternal dietary treatment and initial body weight (BW) to provide 8 pigs/pen. Blocks were assigned randomly to one of two nursery dietary treatments (control or capsaicin supplemented diets) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to provide nine replications per treatment combination. A three-phase nursery feeding program was used and consisted of feeding phase 1 (weaning to d 7), phase 2 (d 8–21), and phase 3 (d 22–38) diets postweaning, without and with 1.0, 1.3, and 1.6 mg capsaicin/kg of diet, respectively. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with the effect of nursery dietary treatment nested within sow lactation treatment, the effect of time with repeated measures, and interactions between treatments and wk postweaning. On d 38 postweaning, blood samples were collected from one pig in each pen (n = 36) with BW closest to the pen average for RNA sequencing and gene expression analysis. There were no effects of feeding capsaicin diets to lactating sows and/or their weaned offspring on BW, average daily gain, or average daily feed intake of pigs during the 35-d nursery period. However, pigs weaned from sows fed capsaicin during lactation and continuing to be fed capsaicin diets during the nursery period tended (P = 0.09) to have greater gain:feed (G:F) than pigs fed the other dietary treatments. Furthermore, there was an interaction (P < 0.01) for G:F for dietary treatment and week postweaning, where the magnitude of improvement was greater during the first week postweaning than subsequent wks. There were a limited number of differentially expressed genes among dietary treatment combinations but the greatest number occurred in offspring from sows that were fed capsaicin during lactation. In conclusion, the combination of feeding capsaicin to sows during lactation and to their offspring after weaning appears to improve gain efficiency for the first wk postweaning and may alter gene expression to a greater extent than when capsaicin is supplemented only in the nursery diets.

Effect of supplementing Leucaena leucocephalaleaves alone or in conjunction with malic acid on nutrient utilization, performance traits, and enteric methane emission in crossbred calves under tropical conditions.

Dietary strategies aiming at minimizing enteric methane (CH4) emission in ruminants are of practical interest from nutritional, economical, and environmental point of view. The present study evaluated the effects of supplementing Leucaena leucocephala leaves either alone or in conjunction with malic acid on nutrient utilization, growth performance, and enteric CH4 emission in crossbred cattle fed wheat straw and concentrate-based diet under tropical conditions. Eighteen crossbred (Karan-Fries) calves were randomly allocated into 3 groups: G-I (control)-fed wheat (Triticum aestivum) straw and concentrate mixture in the ratio 50:50; G-II-fed wheat straw, concentrate mixture, and Leucaena leucocephalaleaves in the ratio45:45:10; and (3) G-III-fed similar diet like G-II with an additional supplementation of 1% malic acid on dry matter intake basis. Experimental feeding spanning 90days included a 7-day metabolism trial and CH4 quantification study by sulfur hexafluoride tracer technique. Results revealed no significant effect of dietary treatments on dry matter intake (DMI) and digestibility of nutrients, except neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility which was 5.5% higher (P < 0.05) in G-III as compared to control. Further, nitrogen (N) metabolism, rumen microbial protein synthesis, and growth performance remained similar among the treatments. No significant effect was also observed for enteric CH4 emission (expressed as g/day and g/kg DMI) in calves supplemented with Leucaena leucocephala leaves and malic acid. Therefore, the present findings depict modest improvement in fiber digestibility with no encouraging effect in mitigating enteric CH4 in growing cattle calves by supplementing Leucaena leucocephala leaves alone or with malic acid within the selected levels.

Pelvic floor biofeedback is an effective treatment for severe bloating in disorders of gut-brain interaction with outlet dysfunction.

The pathophysiology of bloating is partially understood. We investigated in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) the relationship between severity of bloating, abdominal girth changes and defecation pattern, and the efficacy of pelvic floor biofeedback treatment on bloating. Disorders of gut-brain interaction patients with severe bloating as the main complaint were prescribed 2 weeks dietary advice and underwent abdominal girth measurements. At the first visit, all patients underwent a questionnaire on the subjective improvement of bloating, a (0-100) VAS abdominal bloating, and abdominal girth measurement. Patients reporting inadequate bloating relief underwent a standardized balloon expulsion test. Furthermore, they were invited to undergo pelvic floor electromyography and biofeedback treatment previously used for constipation due to dyssynergic defecation. The primary outcome was bloating improvement on a 5-point Likert scale. The secondary outcomes were the effect of diet intervention and pelvic floor biofeedback treatment on bloating severity and quality of life changes as well as the effect of pelvic floor biofeedback treatment on BET and EMG on straining. One hundred and fifty six patients (129F, 39.3±11.7mean age) completed the 2-week run-in period. 105 patients were diet non-responder and underwent balloon expulsion test, with the vast majority (64%) failing the test. Patients who scored higher bloating on VAS had a significant association with failed balloon expulsion test (adjusted B 0.4 [95% CI 10.8-25.7], p<0.0001). 63% agreed to perform pelvic floor biofeedback treatment at Verona center, 54% became responders reporting fair or major improvement/cure (ITT analysis, McNemar test, p<0.0001), and all of them showed a 50% decrease in bloating severity. Disordered defecation is a prevalent etiology in DGBI patients with bloating unresponsive to conservative measures; pelvic floor biofeedback treatment to improve the defecation effort significantly relieved bloating (http://www.isrctn.com, ISRCTN17004079).

Replacement of barley with oats and dehulled oats: Effects on milk production, enteric methane emissions, and energy utilization in dairy cows fed a grass silage-based diet

Sixteen Nordic Red dairy cows, at 80 ± 4.6 d in milk and with an average body weight of 624 ± 91.8 kg, were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design to investigate the effects of different concentrate supplements on milk production, enteric CH4 emissions, ruminal fermentation, digestibility, and energy utilization. The cows were blocked into 4 groups based on parity and milk yield and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental concentrates: (1) barley, (2) hulled oats, (3) an oat mixture consisting of hulled and dehulled oats, 50:50 on dry matter basis, and (4) dehulled oats; canola meal was a protein supplement in all 4 concentrates. The cows were fed grass silage and experimental concentrate (forage-to-concentrate ratio 60:40 on dry matter basis) ad libitum. To compare the effects of barley and oats, the barley diet was compared with the overall mean of the hulled oat, oat mixture, and dehulled oat diets. To investigate the effects of gradual replacement of hulled oats with dehulled oats, linear and quadratic contrasts were specified. Milk and energy-corrected milk (ECM) yield were higher on the oat diets compared with the barley diet but were not affected by the type of oats. Concentrations of milk constituents were not affected by grain species or type of oats, except for protein concentration, which was lower on the oat diets than on the barley diet. Feeding the oat diets led to higher milk protein yield and higher milk urea N concentrations. Feed efficiency tended to be higher on the oat diets, and linearly increased with increased inclusion of dehulled oats. Methane emissions (g/d) and CH4 yield (g/kg of dry matter intake) were unaffected by grain species but increased linearly with increasing inclusion of dehulled oats in the diet. Because of higher ECM yield, CH4 intensity (g/kg of ECM) was on average 5.7% lower from cows on the oat diets than on the barley diet. Ruminal fermentation was not affected by dietary treatment. Total-tract apparent digestibility of organic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber was unaffected by grain species but linearly increased with increasing inclusion of dehulled oats. Gross energy content was higher on the oat diets and linearly increased with increasing inclusion of dehulled oats. Feeding the oat diets led to a lower ratio of CH4 energy to gross energy intake, greater milk energy and heat production but no change in energy balance. Gradual replacement of hulled oats with dehulled oats linearly increased gross energy digestibility, CH4 energy, metabolizable energy intake, heat production, and energy balance. We observed no effect of dietary treatment on efficiency of metabolizable energy use for lactation. In conclusion, replacing barley with any type of oats increased milk and ECM yield, which led to a 5.7% decrease in CH4 intensity. In addition, dehulling of oats before feeding is unnecessary because it did not significantly improve production performance of dairy cows in positive energy balance.

Full-fat insect meal in pelleted diets for weaned piglets: Effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gastrointestinal function, and microbiota

Insects, such as the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), are suggested as a sustainable novel protein source for pigs. The BSFL contains chitin, medium-chain fatty acids, and antimicrobial peptides, which could improve the gastrointestinal function and health of the post-weaning pig. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of increased inclusion of full-fat BSFL in diets for post-weaning pigs on growth performance parameters, digestibility of nutrients, gut morphology, and the microbial community in the colon. Eighty crossbred pigs were weaned at approximately 32 days of age, with an average weaning weight of 10.6 ± 0.8 kg. For four weeks, pigs were fed: a control diet or one of three diets containing increasing amount of full-fat BSFL meal at 4.76%, 9.52%, and 19.06%. The average daily gain (ADG) for the overall experimental period showed a negative cubic effect of dietary treatment, where the ADG was highest for pigs fed the control diet and lowest for pigs fed the diet with 4.76% BSFL (P = 0.031). Increased level of full-fat BSFL in the diet did not affect feed efficiency or fecal consistency. A linear reduction in the coefficient of apparent total tract digestibility (CATTD) of crude protein (P = 0.011) was found for increasing inclusion of BSFL, whereas for crude fat both the coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (P = 0.043) and the CATTD (P < 0.001) increased linearly. Jejunal, ileal, or colonic morphometry was not affected by the BSFL inclusion. No differences in the short-chain fatty acid concentrations were detected among the dietary treatments, but a few minor changes in the colon microbiota were observed. At the phylum level, the colon microbiota was dominated by Bacteroidota and Firmicutes, but there was no clear pattern relationship with the BSFL inclusion level. At the genus level, the inclusion of BSFL in the diet reduced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus (P = 0.015) compared to the control. Collectively, the results indicate that up to 19.06% of full-fat BSFL meal could be included in a balanced diet for post-weaning pigs with only minor effects on growth performance, general gut function, and gut health.