Protein-energy Supplementation Research Articles

Associations of Maternal Nutritional Status and Supplementation with Fetal, Newborn, and Infant Outcomes in Low-Income and Middle-Income Settings: An Overview of Reviews

Background/Objectives: Despite advances in maternal nutritional knowledge, the effect of maternal diet, micronutrient status and undernutrition, and the effect of maternal supplementation on fetal, neonatal and infant outcomes still have gaps in the literature. This overview of reviews is intended to assess the available information on these issues and identify the main maternal nutritional factors associated with offspring outcomes in low- and middle-income countries as possible targets for public health interventions. Methods: The literature search was performed in Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane Library datasets in June 2024. Pre-specified outcomes in offspring were pooled using standard meta-analytical methods. Results: We found consistent evidence on the impact of maternal undernutrition indicated by low body mass index (BMI), mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and stature, but not of individual micronutrient status, on intrauterine-growth retardation, preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age, with research showing a possible effect of maternal undernutrition in later child nutritional status. Studies on micronutrient supplementation showed possible beneficial effects of iron, vitamin D, and multiple micronutrients on birthweight and/or decreasing small for gestational age, as well as a possible effect of calcium on preterm birth reduction. Interventions showing more consistent beneficial outcomes were balanced protein-energy and lipid base supplements, which demonstrated improved weight in newborns from supplemented mothers and a decreased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. Conclusions: Further research is needed to identify the benefits and risks of maternal individual micronutrient supplementation on neonatal and further child outcomes.

Effect of heat stress in the first 1000 days of life on fetal and infant growth: a secondary analysis of the ENID randomised controlled trial

The intersecting crises of climate change, food insecurity, and undernutrition disproportionately affect children. Understanding the effect of heat on growth from conception to 2 years of age is important because of mortality and morbidity implications in the near term and over the life course. In this secondary analysis, we used longitudinal pregnancy cohort data from the Early Nutrition and Immunity Development (ENID) randomised controlled trial in West Kiang, The Gambia, which occurred between Jan 20, 2010, and Feb 10, 2015. The ENID trial assessed micronutrient supplementation in the first 1000 days of life starting from 20 weeks' gestation, during which anthropometric measurements were collected prospectively. We used multivariable linear regression to assess the effect of heat stress (defined by Universal Thermal Climate Index [UTCI]) on intrauterine growth restriction based on length-for-gestational age Z score (LGAZ), weight-for-gestational age Z score (WGAZ), and head circumference-for-gestational age Z score (HCGAZ) at birth, and assessed for effect modification of supplement intervention on the relationship between heat stress and infant anthropometry. We used multivariable, multilevel linear regression to evaluate the effect of heat stress on infant growth postnatally based on weight-for-height Z score (WHZ), weight-for-age Z score (WAZ), and height-for-age Z score (HAZ) from 0 to 2 years of age. Complete data were available for 668 livebirth outcomes (329 [49%] female infants and 339 [51%] male infants). With each 1°C increase in mean daily maximum UTCI exposure, in the first trimester, we observed a reduction in WGAZ (-0·04 [95% CI -0·09 to 0·00]), whereas in the third trimester, we observed an increase in HCGAZ (0·06 [95% CI 0·00 to 0·12]), although 95% CIs included 0. Maternal protein-energy supplementation in the third trimester was associated with reduced WGAZ (-0·16 [-0·30 to -0·02]) with each 1°C increase in mean daily maximum UTCI exposure, while no effect of heat stress on WGAZ was found with either standard care (iron and folate) or multiple micronutrient supplementation. For the postnatal analysis, complete anthropometric data at 2 years were available for 645 infants (316 [49%] female infants and 329 [51%] male infants). Postnatally, heat stress effect varied by infant age, with infants aged 6-18 months being the most affected. In infants aged 12 months exposed to a mean daily UTCI of 30°C (preceding 90-day period) versus 25°C UTCI, we observed reductions in mean WHZ (-0·43 [95% CI -0·57 to -0·29]) and mean WAZ (-0·35 [95% CI -0·45 to -0·26]). We observed a marginal increase in HAZ with increasing heat stress exposure at age 6 months, but no effect at older ages. Our results suggest that heat stress impacts prenatal and postnatal growth up to 2 years of age but sensitivity might vary by age. In the context of a rapidly warming planet, these findings could have short-term and long-term health effects for the individual, and immediate and future implications for public child health. Wellcome Trust.

A formative study of the sociocultural influences on dietary behaviours during pregnancy in rural Bangladesh.

Balanced energy protein supplementation (BEP) is recommended for contexts of high maternal undernutrition by the World Health Organization. Despite recent improvements in undernutrition, Bangladesh remains a context where BEP could help accelerate progress towards nutrition goals. In preparation for an effective trial testing a fortified BEP, a qualitative study was undertaken to better understand sociocultural factors influencing dietary behaviours in pregnancy. Married women of reproductive age (n = 23), their husbands (n = 6) and mothers-in-law (n = 6) were interviewed, and focus group discussions were conducted with women (n = 4). Women had a clear understanding of which nutritious foods are important to consume during pregnancy, including green leafy vegetables, dairy and other animal-source foods. Many explained affordability as a barrier to consuming those foods with the desired frequency. Women acquired information about diet and nutrition in pregnancy from community health workers as well as other women in the community. Most preferred to seek information from their own networks before formal health care providers. Women and husbands generally had positive views about micronutrient supplements, although some mothers-in-law were more hesitant. Some food taboos relating to the consumption of certain foods like duck and pigeon meat persist, mainly stemming from concerns for the unborn child. Opportunities exist to build on existing perceptions of healthy diets, potentially framing food or nutrient supplements as a beneficial 'add-on' to promote a healthy pregnancy. There is a scope to strengthen nutrition counselling, especially for the family members, to dispel myths and misconceptions and promote dietary and other support for pregnant women.

Performance and Metabolic Responses of Nellore Cows Subjected to Different Supplementation Plans during Prepartum.

This study assessed the effects of different prepartum supplementation plans on Nellore cows' performance, metabolic responses, and early offspring development. Thirty-nine pregnant Nellore cows (224 ± 2.67 days of pregnancy, 5.3 ± 0.29 years of age, body weight 520 ± 15.2 kg, initial body condition score 6.0 ± 0.07) were assigned to one of four treatments: a control group receiving only mineral mixture ad libitum, and three groups receiving daily protein-energy supplements of 2, 4, or 6 g/kg BW for 60 days prepartum. Weights and body condition scores were evaluated at the start of the experiment, 7 days before calving, and at 45 and 90 days postpartum. Cows supplemented with 4 and 6 g/kg BW showed improved body weight and body condition scores prepartum and postpartum and had a shorter service period (p < 0.05). The highest blood urea nitrogen concentrations were observed in cows receiving 6 g/kg BW (p = 0.0124). There was a reduction in blood urea nitrogen at calving for the 6 g/kg BW group, while the control group showed an increase (p < 0.001). Non-esterified fatty acids concentrations were lower 21 days before calving for the 4 and 6 g/kg BW groups compared to the control (p < 0.05) and decreased postpartum for all treatments (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in calf birth weight or performance. Supplementing with 4 g/kg BW of protein-energy is recommended to enhance metabolic health and overall performance.

Soybean molasses can be used as a substitute for corn in grazing beef cattle supplements during the rainy season.

Soybean molasses (SBMO) is a byproduct derived from the production of soy protein concentrate, obtained through solubilization in water and alcohol. The utilization of SBMO as an animal feed ingredient shows promising potential, primarily due to its low cost and as a potential energy concentrate. This study aimed to assess the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters (pH and ruminal ammonia - NH3), nitrogen retention (NR) and microbial protein synthesis in grazing beef cattle supplemented with SBMO as a substitute for corn during the rainy season. Five Nellore (10-month-old) bulls with an average initial weight of 246 ± 11.2kg were utilized in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were housed in five paddocks, each consisting of 0.34ha of Marandu grass (Urochloa brizantha). Five isonitrogenous protein-energy supplements (300g crude protein [CP]/kg supplement) were formulated, with SBMO replacing corn at varying levels (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00g-1g). The supplements were provided daily at a quantity of 2.0kg-1 animal. The inclusion of SBMO at any level of corn substitution did not significantly affect the intake of pasture dry matter or total dry matter (P > 0.10). Likewise, the intake of CP and, consequently, the ruminal concentration of NH3 did not differ among the SBMO levels. Increasing the inclusion of SBMO did not have a significant impact on NR (P > 0.10), indicating that animals receiving supplements containing 100% SBMO as a substitute for corn may perform similarly to animals receiving supplements with 100% corn (0% SBMO). Soybean molasses represents a viable alternative energy source for grazing beef cattle during the rainy season and can entirely replace corn without adversely affecting animal nutritional performance.

Effect of a Prenatal Balanced Energy-Protein (BEP) Supplement on Gestational Weight Gain in Rural Ethiopia

Effect of a Prenatal Balanced Energy-Protein (BEP) Supplement on Gestational Weight Gain in Rural Ethiopia

Examining Energy and Macronutrient Intake Substitution in Home-Based Diets Among Pregnant Women in a Balanced Energy-Protein (BEP) Supplementation Trial in Sarlahi, Nepal

Examining Energy and Macronutrient Intake Substitution in Home-Based Diets Among Pregnant Women in a Balanced Energy-Protein (BEP) Supplementation Trial in Sarlahi, Nepal

Maternal Fortified Balanced Energy-Protein Supplementation Increases Diversity of the Maternal Gut Microbiome and the Capacity of Carbohydrate Uptake in Infant Gut

Maternal Fortified Balanced Energy-Protein Supplementation Increases Diversity of the Maternal Gut Microbiome and the Capacity of Carbohydrate Uptake in Infant Gut

Effect of maternal postnatal balanced energy protein supplementation and infant azithromycin on infant growth outcomes: an open-label randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMaternal undernutrition is a direct risk factor for infant growth faltering. ObjectivesWe evaluated the effect of postnatal balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation in lactating women and azithromycin (AZ) in infants on infant growth outcomes. MethodsA randomized controlled superiority trial of lactating mother–newborn dyads was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan. Mothers intending to breastfeed their newborns with mid-upper arm circumference of <23 cm and live infants between 0 and 6 d of life were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 arms in a 1:1:1 ratio. Lactating mothers in the control arm received standard-of-care counseling on exclusive breastfeeding, nutrition, infant immunization, and health promotion plus iron-folate supplementation until the infant was 6 mo old. In intervention arm 1, mothers additionally received two 75-g sachets of BEP per day. In intervention arm 2, along with the standard-of-care and BEP to the mother, the infant also received 1 dose of azithromycin (20 mg/kg) at the age of 42 d . The primary outcome was infant length velocity at 6 mo. The total sample size was 957 (319 in each arm). ResultsFrom 1 August, 2018 to 19 May, 2020, 319 lactating mother–newborn dyads were randomly assigned in each arm, and the last follow-up was completed on 20 November, 2020. The mean difference in length velocity (cm/mo) between BEP alone and control was 0.01 (95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.03, 0.06), BEP plus AZ and control was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.13), and between BEP + AZ and BEP alone was 0.06 (95% CI: 0.01, 0.11). There were 1.46% (14/957) infant deaths in the trial, and 17.9% (171/957) nonfatal events (injectable treatment and/or hospitalizations) were recorded. ConclusionsPostnatal maternal BEP supplementation and infant AZ administration could modestly improve infant growth outcomes at 6 mo, suggesting potential benefits in simultaneously addressing maternal and infant undernutrition.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03564652.

Balanced Energy Protein Supplementation in Pregnancy: Adherence and Acceptability among Pregnant Women in Rural Ethiopia

BackgroundBalanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation in pregnant women in low-and middle-income countries may reduce the risk of stillbirth and low birth weight. ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess the adherence to and acceptability of a corn–soy blend (CSB) BEP product among pregnant women in rural Ethiopia. MethodsThis formative study was conducted from October to November 2018 among pregnant women in the rural Amhara region of Ethiopia prior to initiation of a clinical effectiveness study (ISRCTN: 15116516). We assessed adherence and acceptability of a micronutrient-fortified CSB BEP supplement among 40 pregnant women during a 4-wk utilization period. Acceptability was assessed using a 7-point Likert-style scale about the hedonic characteristics of the BEP product at 2 wk and 4 wk. Adherence was assessed by weekly monitoring and empty sachet counts for BEP consumption over 4 wk. ResultsAdherence to the BEP was, on average, 89% over the month-long pilot. The BEP product was rated favorably (mean Likert score >6 of 7) for the following domains: color, taste, odor, and likeability at mid and endpoints. Women found the product convenient to eat [mean (standard deviation [SD] = 5.9 (1.0))] and filling (mean (SD) = 6.1 (1.5) out of 7). Scores on acceptability and perception of the product remained stable throughout the duration of use. A majority of women (63%) reported consuming the BEP as a snack to supplement meals and splitting the serving over 2 or more sessions (68%). A quarter of respondents reported sharing the supplement with family members. ConclusionsAdherence and acceptability of the CSB BEP product were high among this population in rural Amhara, Ethiopia. This formative data was important to select the final product and shape the counseling and delivery of BEP in the parent study.

The effect of balanced energy-protein supplementation provided to lactating women on maternal and infant outcomes: study protocol for a prospectively planned individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis

Abstract* Background The high prevalence of infant stunting and maternal undernutrition in low- and middle-income countries poses a significant public health threat. The World Health Organization recommends balanced energy-protein (BEP) supplementation to pregnant women from populations with a high prevalence of underweight (prepregnancy BMI &lt;18.5 kg/m2), leaving a notable gap in guidance for lactating women. Therefore, we established the Maternal BEP Studies Harmonization Initiative (BEP Initiative) to investigate the impact of BEP supplementation given to pregnant and/or lactating women on maternal and infant outcomes by synthesizing data from multiple clinical trials. This is a study protocol for our prospective individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis on BEP lactation trials. Methods Data from four randomized controlled trials that include mother-infant dyads in India (n=816), Pakistan (n=957), Burkina Faso (n=800), and Nepal (n=726) will be pooled and analysed. Women were randomized to BEP (one trial had a third arm with maternal BEP plus infants receiving azithromycin) or control groups at baseline (during the first week) and received the intervention through six months postpartum. A one-stage IPD meta-analysis will be done using mixed-effects linear and log-binomial regression models to account for between-trial heterogeneity. The primary outcome of infant length-for-age z scores (LAZ) and secondary outcomes of maternal and infant indicators of nutritional status, all at six months of age, will be examined. Also, we will assess baseline characteristics as covariates and effect modifiers for the BEP to outcome relationship. Discussion This prospective IPD meta-analysis uses a one-stage IPD meta-analysis, which allows for higher statistical power to examine outcomes, more flexibility in defining variables, and can examine effect modifiers, which could inform which individuals or populations may benefit more from BEP given during lactation.

Nutritional Performance of Grazing Beef Cattle Supplemented with High-Protein Distillers' Dried Grain.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of including high-protein distillers dried grains (HP-DDG; 430 g/CP) in supplements for beef cattle in an intensive finishing pasture system. Five Nellore bulls with an average body weight (BW) of 413.5 ± 32 kg were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were randomly allocated to Marandu palisade grass paddocks (Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu), with 0.32 ha each. Protein-energy supplements were evaluated and formulated with different replacement levels (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1000 g/kg) of soybean meal (SBM) by HP-DDG. Supplements were offered once a day in the amount of 6.0 kg/animal. Replacing SBM with HP-DDG had no effect (p > 0.10) on the intake of total and pasture DM, OM, CP, NDFap, digestible organic matter (DOM), metabolizable protein and CP:DOM ratio. Total and pasture DM intake averaged 6.07 and 11.54 kg/day, respectively. Replacing SBM with HP-DDG reduces and increases, respectively, the intake of degradable (RDP) and undegradable (RUP) protein in the rumen (p < 0.10) with a consequent linear reduction in ruminal ammonia concentration (RAN), nitrogen excretion in urine and serum N concentration (SUN) (p < 0.10). In supplements offered in the amount of 6.0 kg animal/day, SBM can be completely replaced by HP-DDG.

Perceived progress toward scale of 14 maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition (MNCHN) assets at subnational level in Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Inequitable coverage of evidence-based MNCHN interventions is particularly pronounced in low and middle income countries where access and delivery of these interventions can vary dramatically at the subnational level. We conducted health system assessments in nine subnational geographies in five countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, India, Kenya and Nigeria) to explore progress toward scale of 14 evidence-based MNCHN interventions (iron-folic acid, oxytocin, magnesium sulfate, misoprostol; 7.1% chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care, neonatal resuscitation, kangaroo mother care, community regimen for the treatment of possible severe bacterial infection; amoxicillin dispersible tablets, multiple micronutrient supplements, balanced energy protein supplementation, early and exclusive breastfeeding, feeding of small and sick newborns, and management of severe and moderate acute malnutrition in children less than five years old). Between March and October 2021, we conducted key informant interviews with a purposive sample of 275 healthcare providers and 94 district health management (DHMT) staff to better understand bottlenecks, facilitators and uptake of the interventions across varied subnational settings. Across all interventions and geographies, providers and DHMT staff perceived lack of robust HMIS data as the most significant barrier to scale followed by weak facility infrastructure. DHMT staff viewed limited budget allocation and training as a much larger barrier than healthcare providers, most likely given their purview as subnational managers. Healthcare providers were focused on supply chain and staffing, which affect workflows and service provision. Understanding provider and health facility management views of why interventions do or do not advance towards effective coverage can assist in creating enabling environments for the scale of best practices. These types of data are most helpful when collected at the subnational level, which allows for comparisons both within and between countries to show health disparities. Importantly, this strategic data collection can provide a starting point for improvement efforts to address existing health system gaps.

Effects of Feed Ingredients with Different Protein-to-Fat Ratios on Growth, Slaughter Performance and Fat Deposition of Small-Tail Han Lambs.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of feed ingredients with different protein-to-fat ratios on growth, slaughter performance and meat quality of Small-Tail Han lambs. Forty-five Small-Tail Han lambs (♂) (BW = 34.00 ± 2.5 kg, age = 120 ± 9 d) were randomly divided into groups with three different experimental treatments: (1) PF 5, with the ratio of protein to fat (CP:EE) of 50 to 5; (2) PF10, CP: EE = 50:10; (3) PF20, CP: EE = 50:20. Each treatment group had 15 lambs, and each sheep was a repeat. This experiment lasted for 65 days, with feed intake recorded daily, and animals being weighed on days 0, 30, and 65. At the conclusion of the experiment, eight lambs from each group were slaughtered to assess slaughter performance and meat quality. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of the three groups were 315.27, 370.15 and 319.42 g/d, respectively. The PF10 group had the highest ADG (370.15 g) (p < 0.05). Forestomach weights (1216.88 g) of the PF10 group were significantly higher than those of the other groups (p < 0.05). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in fat percentages in various parts of body among treatments. Feed conversion of the PF10 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that of PF 5 and PF 20 groups. Furthermore, the PF10 group had a higher (p > 0.05) carcass weight and slaughter rate and there were few differences between the other groups in terms of dry matter intake, meat quality, organ weight, and fat deposition (p > 0.05). The protein-energy supplement with protein-to-fat ratio, PF10 appeared to be more desirable to promote the growth and development in Small-Tail Han Lambs.

Effects of Early Weaning on Performance and Carcass Quality of Nellore Young Bulls.

This study compared early weaning (EW; 150 days) with conventional weaning (CW; 240 days) in Nellore young bulls, evaluating performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. A total of 74 non-castrated male calves were divided into two weaning strategies: EW (n = 37) and CW (n = 37). During the growth phase, which lasted 454 ± 14 d for EW calves and 359 ± 16 d for CW calves, animals received a protein-energy supplement at a ratio of 5 g per kg of body weight while grazing Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandu. The animals were managed for an 87d finishing phase in three collective feedlot pens, with a 3-week adaptation protocol, starting with corn silage to a concentrate ratio of 55:45 and reaching a ratio of 30:70 in the final diet. Body weight, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), feed efficiency (FE), carcass characteristics, and meat quality were evaluated. The EW group was approximately 44 kg lighter than the CW at the time of conventional weaning (p < 0.001). However, this weight difference did not influence ADG, DMI, and FE in the finishing phase. No significant differences were observed in carcass characteristics such as yield percentage, loin area, subcutaneous fat thickness, and meat quality, except for the weight of primal cuts, which was greater in the CW group (p < 0.001). Thus, although calves weaned early are lighter throughout subsequent production phases than those weaned conventionally, performance, efficiency, carcass yield, and meat quality are not affected.

Evaluation of Muscle Long Non-Coding RNA Profile during Rearing and Finishing Phase of Bulls Subjected to Different Prenatal Nutritional Strategies.

Maternal nutrition has the ability of influence critical processes in fetal life, including muscle development. Also, in this period, epigenetic sensitivity to external stimuli is higher and produces long-lasting effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate epigenetic mechanisms, including the identification and characterization of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) from animals that had undergone different strategies of prenatal supplementation. A group of Nellore cows (n = 126) were separated into three nutritional plans: NP (control)-Not Programmed, without protein-energy supplementation; PP-Partially Programmed, protein-energy supplementation in the final third of pregnancy; and CP-Complete Programming, protein-energy supplementation during the full period of gestation. A total of 63 male offspring were used in this study, of which 15 (5 per treatment) had Longissimus thoracis muscle at 15 (biopsy) and 22 months (slaughter). Biopsy samples were subjected to RNA extraction and sequencing. Differential expression (DE) of remodeling factors and chromatin-modifying enzyme genes were performed. For the identification and characterization of lncRNA, a series of size filters and protein coding potential tests were performed. The lncRNAs identified had their differential expression and regulatory potential tested. Regarding DE of epigenetic mechanisms, no differentially expressed gene was found (p > 0.1). Identification of potential lncRNA was successful, identifying 1823 transcripts at 15 months and 1533 at 22 months. Among these, four were considered differentially expressed between treatments at 15 months and 6 were differentially expressed at 22 months. Yet, when testing regulatory potential, 13 lncRNAs were considered key regulators in the PP group, and 17 in the CP group. PP group lncRNAs possibly regulate fat-cell differentiation, in utero embryonic development, and transforming growth factor beta receptor, whereas lncRNA in the CP group regulates in utero embryonic development, fat-cell differentiation and vasculogenesis. Maternal nutrition had no effect on differential expression of epigenetic mechanisms; however, it seems to impair lncRNA regulation of epigenetics.

Influência de suplementos de baixo e médio consumo na fase de crescimento de novilhos mantidos em pastagem tropical e terminados em confinamento

ABSTRACT: The objective was to evaluate the animal production and ingestive behavior of the steers fed different supplements during the growth phase in Aruana grass, and the influence of this supplementation on production performance in feedlot phase. The treatments consisted of three supplements during the growing phase: mineral salt (0.12 g/kg of body weight - BW), low intake energy-protein supplement (1.26 g/kg of BW), and medium intake (3.76 g/kg of BW). Forage canopy characteristics, animal production, and animal behavior on pasture were evaluated in a completely randomized design with three replicates (paddocks). The titanium dioxide marker was used to determine the intake and apparent digestibility during the pasture phase. The production performance in feedlot was evaluated in a completely randomized design with eight replicates (animals). Twenty-four Aberdeen Angus steers (15 ± 1.5 months old; 364.8 ± 21.7 kg BW) were used. At the end of the growth phase the animals were confined and fed a single diet. Dry matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of forage and intake were not influenced by the treatments. The average daily gain was higher for the medium intake supplement in pasture phase. The apparent digestibility of NDF (P = and chewing rate were higher for the medium intake supplement. The average daily gain and fat thickness of carcasses were higher for the medium intake supplement in the feedlot phase. The supplements of medium intake increase animal productivity during the growing phase on pastures and cattle’s finishing performance in intensive production systems.

Metabolomics Changes in Meat and Subcutaneous Fat of Male Cattle Submitted to Fetal Programming.

This study investigated changes in meat and subcutaneous fat metabolomes and possible metabolic pathways related to prenatal nutrition in beef cattle. For this purpose, 18 Nellore bulls were used for meat sampling and 15 for fat sampling. The nutritional treatments during the gestation were: NP-not programmed or control, without protein-energy supplementation; PP-partially programmed, with protein-energy supplementation (0.3% of body weight (BW)) only in the final third of pregnancy; and FP-full programming, with protein-energy supplementation (0.3% of BW) during the entire pregnancy. The meat and fat samples were collected individually 24 h after slaughter, and the metabolites were extracted using a combination of chemical reagents and mechanical processes and subsequently quantified using liquid chromatography or flow injection coupled to mass spectrometry. The data obtained were submitted to principal component analysis (PCA), analysis of variance (ANOVA), and functional enrichment analysis, with a significance level of 5%. The PCA showed an overlap between the treatments for both meat and fat. In meat, 25 metabolites were statistically different between treatments (p ≤ 0.05), belonging to four classes (glycerophospholipids, amino acids, sphingolipids, and biogenic amine). In fat, 10 significant metabolites (p ≤ 0.05) were obtained in two classes (phosphatidylcholine and lysophosphatidylcholine). The functional enrichment analysis showed alterations in the aminoacyl-tRNA pathway in meat (p = 0.030); however, there was no pathway enriched for fat. Fetal programming influenced the meat and fat metabolomes and the aminoacyl-tRNA metabolic pathway, which is an important candidate for the biological process linked to meat quality and related to fetal programming in beef cattle.

Strategies of virginiamycin supplementation in the postweaning phase on growth performance and carcass quality of beef cattle.

The present study evaluated the effects of supplementing VM in grazing cattle during the rearing phase on performance and carcass quality of beef cattle in the finishing phase. Two experiments with a randomized block design were conducted in consecutive years to contrast two post-weaning supplementation strategies using VM at 45 mg/100 kg body weight (BW). In the first year, treatments were protein supplement in the dry season and mineral supplement in the rainy season versus the addition of VM both in the protein and mineral supplements. In the second year, was contrasted with protein supplement in the dry season and protein-energy supplement in the rainy season. Performance, carcass traits, and carcass quality were evaluated at the end of both phases. In Year 1, adding VM in mineral supplement increased final backfat thickness (P=0.05), backfat gain (P=0.06), final rump fat thickness (P=0.02), and rump fat gain (P=0.01). In the finishing phase, VM-treated cattle had a greater dry matter intake (P=0.03) and tended to show a greater backfat thickness than non-treated cattle (P=0.07). In Year 2, no VM effects were observed on post-weaning phase performance and carcass traits. However, cattle-fed VM during the post-weaning phase tended to show a lower feed conversion ratio (P=0.09) and had a significantly higher gross feed efficiency (P=0.03) than non-treated cattle at slaughter. Virginiamycin supplementation during rearing on pasture improves performance and carcass fattening in the growth phase and has a residual effect in the finishing phase that may reflect greater backfat thickness and gross feed efficiency.

Assessing implementation outcomes for launching balanced energy protein supplementation: A formative study in rural Bangladesh.

Balanced energy protein (BEP) supplementation is an efficacious intervention in pregnancy for improving birthweight and is recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) in countries with high maternal undernutrition. Few countries have implemented BEP programmes due in part to high cost, lack of data on acceptability and feasibility, and complexity of delivery. We sought to address implementation gaps in BEP interventions through a formative study designed to understand implementation outcomes. We conducted 52 in-depth interviews and 8 focus-group discussions with married women of reproductive age, family members, health care providersand pharmacists in three unions of the Gaibandha district in rural Bangladesh. Interviews were translated and transcribed in English and analysed using an analytic framework for implementation science in nutrition. BEP was viewed as an acceptable and appropriate intervention to combat undernutrition in this setting. There was a lack of clarity on who should or could be responsible for providing/distributing BEP in a way convenient to mothers. Many participants preferred door-to-door delivery and thought this approach could address social and gender inequities, but providers mentioned already being overworked and worried about adding new tasks. Participants were concerned about the affordability of BEP and opportunity costs associated with travel to proposed distribution sites such as ANC or pharmacies. Women in these communities do not always have the agency to travel without supervision or make purchasing decisions. BEP supplementation is a complex intervention; future trials seek to assess ways to overcome these implementation challenges and inform a long-term systems-owned BEP intervention.