Weight Feed Research Articles

Effect of Water and Feeding Frequencies on Milk Production and Composition of Azikheli Buffalo in Northern Pakistan

Abstract The study aimed to determine the effect of water and feeding frequency on feed intake, weight gain, milk production, and composition of Azikheli buffalo in climate conditions of Northern Pakistan. Forty multiparous Azikheli buffaloes with similar live body weight, third lactation stage were selected and randomly divided into four groups with ten replicates in each group: GP-1 (water and feed once daily), GP-2 (water and feed twice daily), GP-3 (water-adlib + feed thrice daily), and GP-4 (water-adlib + adlib feed). The basic feed consisted of maize fodder, wild grass, wheat straw. The concentrate feed (2 kg) was supplemented to all groups. Individual access to watering and feed were provided for each animal. The feed samples were analyzed for their chemical composition, and digestibility. The data mean was calculated using repeated-measures ANOVA. Different water frequencies have a statistically significant effect on water intake, dry matter intake, milk production, and milk composition. The average daily water intake in GP1, GP2, GP3, and GP4 was 28.00, 44.00, 56.00 and 67.30 liters, respectively. The average intake of dry matter was 10.20, 11.15, 12.40 and 12.97 kg, respectively. Daily milk yield was 6.90, 7.44, 8.10 and 8.38 liters, respectively. Dry matter intake and milk production were significantly influenced by the frequency of water consumption and nutritional balance. A balanced diet and unrestricted access to water increased milk production by 1.90 liters per animal per day. It was determined that a balanced diet and ad libitum water consumption increased the feed intake and milk production in Azikheli buffaloes and could yield higher profitability of dairy farms.

Feeding broilers with the addition of an Ilex paraguariensis coproduct affects zootechnical performance and meat quality responses.

During the harvest ofIlex paraguariensis, approximately 2-5 tons per hectare of thick stems are left on the soil surface. The outer portion of these stems, referred to as the coproduct, constitutes 30% of the total residue mass. Although this coproduct has been partially characterized in terms of its phytochemical profile, its technological applications remain unexplored. The objective of this research is to evaluate whether broilers fed with feed incorporating I. paraguariensis harvest prunings will exhibit improved zootechnical performance as well as enhanced biochemical and impacts on meat quality. One-day-old Cobb 500 broilers (n = 300) were raised for 42days in the broiler shed at the experimental farm in housed in 2.0 m2 pens with a 10cm layer of poultry litter and equipped with tubular feeders and nipple drinkers. They were arranged in a completely randomized design, comprising four treatments with five replicates of 15 birds each. The treatments consisted of the following diets: a basal diet (0%; the control), feed with 1% coproduct (1% treatment), feed with 2% coproduct (2% treatment), and feed with 3% coproduct (3% treatment). Broilers were assessed for zootechnical performance, intestinal morphometry, and serum biochemical properties. Additionally, meat quality was evaluated, including centesimal composition, chlorogenic acid content, antioxidant activity, metal concentration, and fatty acid profile. Chlorogenic acid was not detected in the meat of broiler chickens. The inclusion of the coproduct impacted both zootechnical performance and meat quality, with a linear effect proportional to the concentration of the additive used in the diet; that is, the worst performance was seen in chickens that consumed 3% of the co-product. It reduced feed consumption and weight gain, lowered cholesterol and triglyceride levels in broiler blood, but increased polyunsaturated fatty acids in the meat, one effect verified for the two largest inclusions (2 and 3% of the co-product). In the intestine, greater villus height and levels of reactive oxygen species were observed in the highest dose of the additive, a group of birds in which greater activity of the enzymes creatine kinase and pyruvate kinase was also observed. In general, none of the doses tested proved to be effective in enhancing productive performance; in addition, it did not increase the concentration of chlorogenic acid in the meat, which would be our hypothesis of having a nutraceutical food.

Impact of Fenugreek Seed Powder Supplementation on Growth Performance in Commercial Broilers Exposed to Dexamethasone

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the impact of fenugreek seed powder supplementation on the growth performance of commercial broilers exposed to dexamethasone, a synthetic corticosteroid known to induce stress and suppress growth. Study Design: A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks (Vencobb) were randomly allocated to four treatment groups, each with three replicates of 12 birds, for a 42-days trial, receiving different dietary treatments, including a control diet, dexamethasone treatment and diets supplemented with fenugreek seed powder (FSP). Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted for 42 days at the Instructional Poultry Farm of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, located in Pantnagar, U.S. Nagar, Uttarakhand Methodology: The treatment groups included: T1 (Control) - standard diet; T2 - standard diet with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg body weight); T3 - standard diet with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg body weight) and FSP (1% of the diet); and T4 - standard diet with FSP (1% of the diet). Growth parameters such as body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured over a period of 42 days of all the four groups. Results: The results demonstrated that dexamethasone treatment in the T2 group led to a noticeable reduction in weight gain. On the other hand, broilers in the T3 and T4 groups, supplemented with 1% FSP, showed significant improvements in feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency compared to those without FSP or subjected to dexamethasone alone (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Dexamethasone exposure significantly reduced growth performance, while fenugreek seed powder supplementation mitigated these negative effects. Broilers receiving FSP demonstrated improved body weight gain and FCR compared to the dexamethasone-only and control groups. The findings suggest that incorporating FSP into broiler diets enhances growth performance and mitigates the adverse effects of dexamethasone-induced stress, making it a valuable dietary intervention under both normal and stressful conditions.Further research on optimal dosage and long-term effects is recommended.

A single dorsal vagal complex circuit mediates the aversive and anorectic responses to GLP1R agonists.

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) effectively reduce feeding to treat obesity, although nausea and other aversive side effects of these drugs can limit their use. Brainstem circuits that promote satiation and that mediate the physiologic control of body weight can be distinguished from those that cause aversion. It remains unclear whether brainstem Glp1r neurons contribute to the normal regulation of energy balance and whether GLP1RAs control appetite via circuits distinct from those that mediate aversive responses, however. Hence, we defined roles for AP and NTS Glp1r -expressing neurons (AP Glp1r and NTS Glp1r neurons, respectively) in the physiologic control of body weight, the GLP1RA-dependent suppression of food intake, and the GLP1RA-mediated stimulation of aversive responses. While silencing non-aversive NTS Glp1r neurons interfered with the physiologic restraint of feeding and body weight, restoring NTS Glp1r neuron Glp1r expression on an otherwise Glp1r -null background failed to enable long-term body weight suppression by GLP1RAs. In contrast, selective Glp1r expression in AP Glp1r neurons restored both aversive responses and long-term body weight suppression by GLP1RAs. Thus, while non-aversive NTS Glp1r neurons control physiologic feeding, aversive AP Glp1r neurons mediate both the anorectic and weight loss effects of GLP1RAs, dictating the functional inseparability of these pharmacologic GLP1RA responses at a circuit level.

Dopamine Drives Feedforward Inhibition to Orexin Feeding System, Mediating Weight Loss Induced by Morphine Addiction.

Feeding behavior changes induced by opioid addiction significantly contribute to the worsening opioid crisis. Activation of the reward system has shown to provoke binge eating disorder in individuals with opioid use disorder, whereas prolonged opioid exposure leads to weight loss. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these phenomena is essential for addressing this pressing societal issue. This study demonstrates that weight loss resulting from feeding behavior changes during morphine addiction requires the activation of the ventral tegmental area dopamine (DA) system, which suppresses the orexin feeding center. Specifically, DA exerts an inhibitory effect on orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus area (LHA) through a feedforward inhibition mediated by GABA neurons in the LHA, involving D1 receptors (D1R) and T-type Ca2+ channels. Moreover, the morphine addiction-induced reduction in body weight and food intake can be reversed by the D1R antagonist SCH23390 and chemogenetic silencing of GABA neurons in the LHA. These findings delineate a neuromodulatory mechanism underlying morphine addiction-associated feeding behavior changes and weight loss.

Effect of replacing fish meal with soy protein concentrate on hematological and biochemical blood parameters in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The results of assessing the effect of replacing fish meal with soy protein concentrate at 10, 17, 24 and 30% of feed weight on hematological and biochemical parameters of rainbow trout blood are presented. According to the results of clinical and gross anatomy examination, it was found that soy concentrate at 24 and 30% of feed weight led to both a decrease in cavity fat accumulation and intestinal hyperemia, which may indicate the onset of intestinal inflammation. At lower concentrations (10 and 17% of feed weight), no such changes were detected in the intestine. Experiments showed that soy concentrate at 24 and 30% of feed weight increased the number of neutrophils and monocytes in the fish blood, while decreasing the leukocyte count. Lower doses of soy concentrate had no effect on hematological parameters. The key change in blood biochemical parameters was an increase in aspartaminotransferase activity and serum protein (albumin and globulin) concentrations, observed in the groups fed higher doses of soy concentrate. Preliminary data suggest that incorporating soy concentrate at 24 and 30% of feed weight may impair rainbow trout physiological parameters due to altered amino acid composition and the presence of anti-nutritional factors. However, soy concentrate had no observable effect on growth; all experimental groups exhibited similar growth dynamics.

Nutritional value improvement of soybean meal through solid-state fermentation by proteases-enhanced Streptomyces sp. SCUT-3.

With the global population expected to reach 10 billion by the 2050s, the demand for protein will surge, intensifying the need for high protein utilization efficiency. This study investigates the use of protease-enhanced Streptomyces sp. SCUT-3-3940 to degrade soybean meal (SBM) via solid-state fermentation (SSF). Optimized conditions resulted in anti-nutritional factors elimination and high soluble protein recovery (41.1g/100g), including bioactive oligopeptides (17.3g/100g) with antihypertensive and antioxidant properties. The degradation also produced free amino acids rich in essential amino acids, and other nutrient enhancing compounds. The fermented SBM (FSBM) exhibited superior digestibility, making it a valuable protein source. In a 60-day largemouth bass trial, replacing 10% SBM with FSBM in feed significantly improved feed intake and weight gain. This method offers an efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective solution to address global protein shortages.

Substituting Fishmeal with Napier Grass Protein: Effects on Intake, Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens fed diets with varying substitution levels of fishmeal (FM) 0 g/kg, 250 g/kg, 500 g/kg, 750 g/kg, and 1000 g/kg DM with Napier grass protein (NGP). Treatment diets included T0 (control diet), T250, T500, T750, and T1000 to represent the different substitution levels. After the starter phase, birds were finished on a conventional fishmeal-based diet for 14 days. Feed intake, weight gain, and hot carcass decreased (P < 0.01) at a decreasing rate with increasing substitution in starter diets. Feed intake, weight gain, and hot carcass were highest (P < 0.01) in T0 birds, followed by T250 birds. Feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein, and energy utilization efficiencies were highest (P < 0.01) in T0 birds, followed by T250 birds, and lowest for T1000 birds. Ileal CP digestibility (862.3 g/kg DM) was highest for T0 birds but comparable (P > 0.05) to T500 birds (716.4 g/kg DM). Similarly, ME digestibility was highest in T0 birds (819.5 g/kg DM) although comparable (P > 0.05) to T250 birds and T500 birds. In contrast, T250 and T500 birds showed higher (P < 0.05) crude fiber digestibility (645 g/kg DM) than T0 birds (402 g/kg DM). Hot carcass weight decreased (P < 0.01) with FM substitution with the heaviest carcasses recorded for T0 birds. As a percentage of the hot carcass, the weight of the breast and thigh reduced (P < 0.05) with increasing substitution of FM. Percentage weights of empty gizzard, caeca, and pancreas for T1000 birds were higher (P < 0.05) and double compared with T0 birds. In the finisher phase, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in weight gains of T0 and T250 birds, although T250 birds had numerically higher weight gain compared with T0 birds. However, the percentage change in weight gain in the finisher phase was influenced (P < 0.05) by the MFP substitution level in the starter phase. In the finisher phase, T1000 birds had the highest percentage change in weight gain (71.6%) compared to 40.7% for T0 birds. Nonetheless, regression analysis of FCR data in the starter phase showed that optimal FCR is attained at 150 g/kg NGP substitution in broiler diets. These results suggest that NGP is of low biological value in broiler diets, probably due to its high fiber content and deficiency in methionine and lysine, which are limiting essential amino acids in broiler diets.

Negative Healthcare Impacts of Management of Presumed Early-Onset Sepsis in Moderate to Late Preterm Infants on Feeding, Jaundice, and Hospital Length of Stay.

Early-onset sepsis in neonates is a potentially catastrophic condition that demands prompt management. However, laboratory diagnosis via cerebral spinal fluid and blood tests is often inconclusive, so diagnosis on the basis of clinical symptoms and risk factors is frequently required, and the majority of neonates treated with antibiotics for presumed early-onset sepsis (PEOS) do not have culture-proven sepsis. The management of such PEOS is mainly achieved via antibiotic therapy, which itself has adverse effects, creating a dilemma for clinicians in optimising healthcare. This study aimed to assess the impact of PEOS management on the common neonatal concerns of feeding tolerance, hyperbilirubinaemia, weight gain, and length of stay (LoS) in moderate to late preterm infants. A single-site, matched-cohort, retrospective study was performed on infants born between 32+3 and 36+6 weeks (2016 to 2019) admitted to the Neonatal Unit. PEOS infants on antibiotics (PEOS) were strictly matched by gestational age (±1 day) and birthweight (±5%) against a non-PEOS reference group (NPEOS). The key outcomes included the following: enteral feeding commencement and achievement; feeding intolerance (FI); phototherapy commencement and duration; antibiotic therapy duration; maximum bilirubin (MaxBili); LoS; and net postbirth weight gain. There were no cases of culture-proven early-onset sepsis. PEOS (n = 185): NPEOS (n = 185) via multivariable analysis showed delayed enteral feed commencement (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.32, 3.27); there was no difference in FI, delayed onset of peak jaundice (aOR: 1.24; 95%CI: 1.12, 1.37), increased duration of phototherapy (aOR: 1.24; 95%CI: 1.10, 1.41), and increased LoS (aOR: 1.31; 95%CI; 1.02, 1.67). A univariate analysis also showed the following results (PEOS: NPEOS): no significant difference in MaxBili and delayed full enteral feed achievement (p = 0.010). Univariant or multivariable analysis showed no difference in irradiance levels. However, for NPEOS infants undergoing 0 or 1 phototherapy light treatment, there was an increased irradiance for PEOS (<0.001, 0.037, respectively). In moderate to late preterm infants, while PEOS diagnosis and management resolve the negative health impacts of potential sepsis, they are associated with negative healthcare outcomes on feeding, jaundice, and hospital length of stay.

Neurobiological mechanisms of nicotine's effects on feeding and body weight.

Nicotine, a neuroactive substance in tobacco products, has been widely studied for its effects on feeding and body weight, mostly focusing on the involvement of nervous system, metabolism, hormones, and gut microbiota. To elucidate the action mechanism of nicotine on feeding and body weight, especially the underlying neurobiological mechanisms, we reviewed the studies on nicotine's effects on feeding and body weight by the regulation of various nerve systems, energy expenditure, peripheral hormones, gut microbiota, etc. The role of neuronal signaling molecules such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and kappa opioid receptor (κOR) were specialized in the nicotine-regulating energy expenditure. The energy homeostasis-related neurons, pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), agouti-related peptide (AgRP), prolactin-releasing hormone (Prlh), etc, were discussed about the responsibility for nicotine's effects on feeding. Nicotine's actions on hypothalamus and its related neural circuits were described in view of peripheral nervous system, reward system, adipose browning, hormone secretion, and gut-brain axis. Elucidation of neurobiological mechanism of nicotine's actions on feeding and body weight will be of immense value to the therapeutic strategies of smoking, and advance the medicine research for the therapy of obesity.

Effect of Daucus carota subsp. sativus on pigmentation and profitability of Cobb 500 broiler chicken

Background: The quality of chicken meat, essential for consumer satisfaction, is influenced by skin pigmentation. The lack of carotenoids in conventional diets motivates the search for cost-effective alternatives to enhance these aspects in poultry production. Objective: This study assessed the impact of partially replacing commercial balanced feed with different levels of carrot flour (Daucus carota subsp. sativus) on productive parameters and the pigmentation of broiler chickens. Methods: 64 Cobb 500 birds were randomly assigned to four experimental diets, each with eight replicates of two birds. The control group (T1) received a standard diet, while experimental groups received a diet with 10% (T2), 15% (T3), and 20% (T4) replacement with carrot flour. Variables such as feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion, mortality, skin pigmentation, and profitability were evaluated. Results: Treatments with 15% and 20% carrot flour showed higher feed consumption. Birds in experimental groups exhibited higher weight gain and improved feed conversion, with no reported mortality. Regarding pigmentation, carrot flour influenced skin color as its concentration in the diet increased. In terms of profitability, the 15% replacement treatment stood out by generating higher income and a superior cost-benefit ratio. Conclusion: Orange cultivar carrot flour can be a viable dietary source of natural pigment for broiler chickens. It may also be beneficial in promoting weight gain and reducing mortality, translating into economic advantages.

Exploring the Potential of Microalgae Cocultivation on Bacterial Community Dynamics in a Nile Tilapia and Garlic Aquaponic System

The cocultivation of microalgae in aquaponic systems can improve nutrient removal and enhance water quality. Moreover, it can promote the biological and physicochemical balance in aquaponic ecosystems. However, the bacterial communities in aquaponic systems have not yet been comprehensively characterized and the effects of microalgae cocultivation remain unclear. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we sought to elucidate the effects of a cocultivation of Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus species, and Spirulina platensis cocultivation on the bacterial communities in the rearing tanks and the biofilter of a garlic (Allium sativum L.) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) aquaponic system during a 56‐days experiment. Feed intake, weight gain, and survival rates of Nile tilapia significantly improved in experimental groups cocultivated with microalgae compared to the control group, while garlic plant biomass, leaf number, and shoot length were not significantly different from the control. Alpha‐diversity analysis revealed significantly higher richness and evenness in the bacterial communities from the biofilter and rearing tanks of the cocultivated systems when compared with the control system. The cocultivation also had a statistically significant effect on the bacterial composition: nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis of a Bray–Curtis dissimilarity matrix demonstrated unique clustering patterns, indicating distinct bacterial communities in the biofilter and rearing tank water cocultivated with microalgal strains. We found significantly decreased abundances of the potentially pathogenic bacterial genera Janthinobacterium, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, and Flavobacterium in aquaponic systems cocultivated with microalgae when compared to the control. Furthermore, the beneficial bacterial genera Fusibacter, Geothrix, Thiobaca, and Treponema were significantly enriched in the microalgae cocultivated systems. The results clearly demonstrate that integrating microalgae into an aquaponic recirculating aquaculture system (RAS), not only improves weight gain and survival rates of Nile tilapia, but also enriches beneficial bacterial genera and reduces potentially pathogenic microorganisms, offering a promising strategy to reduce antibiotic use and enhance water quality in aquaponics, without growth impairments of cocultivated plants.

Feed intake, weight gain and nutrient digestibility of large white Yorkshire pigs fed banana pseudo-stem silage and mixed silage of banana pseudo-stem and taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Feed intake, weight gain and nutrient digestibility of large white Yorkshire pigs fed banana pseudo-stem silage and mixed silage of banana pseudo-stem and taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Ameliorative effect of Aloe vera supplementation on the growth indices, intestinal health and oocysts shedding under an experimentally challenged with coccidia in Japanese quails

Coccidia poses significant challenges to poultry farming, impacting productivity and welfare. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Aloe vera supplementation in managing coccidial infection in quails. A total of 360 one-day-old quails chicks were divided into five groups (six replicates with twelve birds per replicate) and challenged with mixed sporulated oocysts of Eimeria species (E. tenella, E. nicatrix, E. maxima, E. mitis). The groups included a positive control (infected, untreated), negative control (uninfected, untreated), and three treatment groups: Amprolium (1 g/l water), Aloe vera 2% (AV2), and Aloe vera 4% (AV4). Results demonstrated significant (p < 0.01) improvement in feed consumption, weight gain, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in Aloe vera supplemented groups compared to the positive control. Histomorphological analysis revealed restoration of gut health in supplemented groups, characterised by increased villus height, crypt depth, and improved villus height-to-crypt depth ratio. Furthermore, mortality and lesion scores significantly reduced(p < 0.01) in 4% Aloe vera supplemented quails. Aloe vera supplementation showed promising efficacy in mitigating the negative impact of coccidial infection on quail performance and gut health. These results demonstrated that supplementing the diet with 4% Aloe vera effectively restored productive performance, as well as lesion score and microscopic intestinal histological features, in Eimeria-infected quails.

Effect of multi-strain probiotic supplementation as alternative to antibiotics on growth, blood biochemistry, ileal digestibility, bacterial growth, and gut histomorphology of broiler fed on poultry byproduct meal

ABSTRACT The study aimed to evaluate the effects of multi-strain probiotic (MSP) on broiler growth, health, and nutrient utilization under high animal protein concentrate conditions. Male Ross-308 broilers were assigned to four groups: a control (C), MSP at 50 mg/kg (MSP50), MSP at 100 mg/kg (MSP100), and Zinc bacitracin (ZB) as a positive control. MSP supplementation significantly improved feed intake, weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency, with MSP100 demonstrating the best feed conversion ratio during both starter and finisher phases. MSP also enhanced dressing percentages and positively influenced blood lipid profiles. The supplementation reduced harmful bacterial growth (E. coli, Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens) while promoting beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus). Moreover, MSP positively impacted gut histomorphology, showing higher villus height, width, and crypt depth in the MSP100 group. Digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was enhanced in birds fed the MSP100 diet. Overall, MSP supplementation exhibited positive effects on broiler performance, health, and nutrient digestibility, indicating its potential as an antibiotic alternative for improving practices in the poultry feed industry.

Gut Microbial Composition and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in Dairy Calves with Diarrhea.

Calf diarrhea is a prevalent and significant health issue in dairy farming, severely impacting feed intake, weight gain, and survival rates in young calves. This study aimed to investigate the microbial composition and antibiotic resistance profiles of diarrheic calves to provide insights into the epidemiology and management of the condition. The prevalence of diarrhea in 1685 calves was analyzed. Rectal fecal samples were collected from five healthy and five diarrheic Holstein calves on a large dairy farm in Shaanxi Province, China. High-throughput 16S-rRNA sequencing and PCR were utilized for microbial and resistance gene analysis. In 2023, the overall diarrhea rate among 1685 calves was 9.08%, with a significantly higher diarrhea rate during the suckling period (8.13%) compared to the post-weaning period (0.95%) (p < 0.001). No differences in species diversity and richness were detected among the different groups. However, LEfSe analysis identified six genera (Eubacterium, Eubacteriaceae, Prevotella, Comamonadaceae, Comamonas, and Firmicutes) significantly enriched in diarrheic calves compared to healthy ones (LDA scores > 2, p < 0.05). Additionally, antibiotic resistance genes for quinolones, β-lactams, chloramphenicol, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides were detected, with significantly higher prevalence in diarrheic calves. These findings demonstrate distinct microbial and antibiotic resistance profiles between healthy and diarrheic calves, emphasizing the importance of microbial management in controlling calf diarrhea.

The combination of a glucagon-like peptide-1 and amylin receptor agonists reduces alcohol consumption in both male and female rats.

Combining different pharmaceuticals may be beneficial when treating disorders with complex neurobiology, including alcohol use disorder (AUD). The gut-brain peptides amylin and GLP-1 may be of potential interest as they individually reduce alcohol intake in rodents. While the combination of amylin receptor (AMYR) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists have been found to decrease feeding and body weight in obese male rats synergistically, their combined impact on alcohol intake is unknown. Therefore, the effect of the combination of an AMYR (salmon calcitonin (sCT)) and a GLP-1R (dulaglutide) agonist on alcohol intake in rats of both sexes was explored in two separate alcohol-drinking experiments. The first alcohol-drinking experiment evaluated the potential of adding sCT to an ongoing dulaglutide treatment, whereas the second alcohol-drinking experiment examined the effect when adding sCT and dulaglutide simultaneously. When adding sCT to an ongoing dulaglutide treatment, a reduction in alcohol intake was observed in both male and female rats. However, when combining sCT and dulaglutide simultaneously, an initial reduction in alcohol intake was observed in rats of both sexes, whereas tolerance towards treatment was observed. In both alcohol-drinking experiments, this treatment combination consistently decreased food consumption and body weight in males and females. While the treatment combination did not affect inflammatory mediators, the gene expression of AMYR or GLP-1R, it changed fat tissue morphology. Further investigation needs to be done on the combination of AMYR and GLP-1R agonists to assess their combined effects on alcohol intake.

Test Weight Validation in Preterm Infants.

Objective: Accuracy in the assessment of feed intake is important for preterm infants at risk of growth failure. Clinical observation tools are unvalidated in this population, and test weight measurement may be inaccurate in preterm infants taking small feed volumes. Methods: Test weights were performed to assess agreement between weights using a standardized protocol and a feed of known weight in preterm infants (born at <35 weeks gestational age [GA]) during their transition to oral feeding. Reproducibility was assessed using two repeated measurements in each participant. Agreement between test weights and known feed weights was assessed, and minimal detectable change was calculated. Results: Thirty-eight preterm infants (GA 30 + 5 (28-33 + 1), birth weight 1574 g (+/- 671 g)) were recruited and had test weights performed at CGA 35 + 3 (± 10 days). Each infant was weighed twice before and twice after each measured feed, and a high degree of reproducibility was found for both the paired pre-feed weights, ICC = 0.99 [0.99-0.99] and the paired post-feed weights, ICC = 0.99 [0.99-0.99]. The mean absolute difference between test weight and feed weight was 1.7 g (±2.2). We calculated the minimum detectable change as 0.96 g, representing the magnitude of change below which there is more than 95% chance that no real change occurred. Conclusions: During the establishment of oral feeds, a standardized protocol at the bedside for repeated pre- and post-feed weights demonstrated a high degree of reproducibility. Based on our data, test weight measurements are appropriate for use in this preterm population during the establishment of oral feeds.

Glp1r-Lepr coexpressing neurons modulate the suppression of food intake and body weight by a GLP-1/leptin dual agonist.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and leptin signal recent feeding and long-term energy stores, respectively, and play complementary roles in the modulation of energy balance. Previous work using single-cell techniques in mice revealed the existence of a population of leptin receptor (Lepr)-containing dorsomedial hypothalamus (DMH) neurons marked by the expression of GLP-1 receptor (Glp1r; LepRGlp1r neurons) that play important roles in the control of feeding and body weight by leptin. Here, we demonstrate the existence of a population of LepRGlp1r neurons in the DMHs of nonhuman primates (NHPs), suggesting the potential translational relevance of these neurons. Consequently, we developed a GLP-1R/LepR dual agonist and demonstrated the physiological activity of both components in vivo using leptin-deficient and Lepr-deficient murine models. We further found roles for LepRGlp1r neurons in mediating the dual agonist's efficacy on food intake and body weight loss. Ablating Lepr in Glp1r-expressing neurons (LeprGlp1rKO mice) abrogated the suppression of food intake by the dual agonist. Furthermore, reactivation of Glp1r expression in Lepr neurons on an otherwise Glp1r-null background (Glp1rLeprRe mice) was sufficient to permit the suppression of food intake and body weight by the dual agonist. Hence, LepRGlp1r neurons represent targets for a GLP-1R/LepR dual agonist that potently reduces food intake and body weight.

Early-life cold stress and broiler breeder age: effects on metabolism and performance in broiler chicks

Context Understanding the interaction between breeder age and environmental stressors, such as cold, is crucial for poultry production. Previous research has highlighted the impact of these factors on chick development, but there is limited information on how breeder age specifically influences stress resilience and growth performance in broilers, particularly under suboptimal conditions. Aims The study aimed to assess the impact of broiler breeder age and 8-h exposure to cold stress on chicks during the first 7 days of rearing. Methods A total of 600 male chicks from two Cobb flocks were divided into groups based on breeder age (29 or 42 weeks) and rearing temperature (thermoneutral or cold-stressed for 8 h/day during the first week). Key results Chicks from 42-week-old breeders exhibited faster yolk sac absorption under thermal comfort conditions (P &lt; 0.05). Corticosterone levels were higher in chicks from 29-week-old breeders exposed to cold stress (P &lt; 0.05). Cold-exposed birds showed elevated heterophil/lymphocyte ratios regardless of breeders’ age (P &lt; 0.05). Feed intake and weight gain were superior in birds from 42-week-old breeders up to 35 days, whereas cold stress negatively impacted the feed conversion ratio (P &lt; 0.05). Viability was lower in chicks from 29-week-old breeders and those subjected to cold stress (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion Although cold stress did not affect weight gain at 35 days, it impaired the feed conversion ratio. Moreover, chicks from 29-week-old breeders were more susceptible to cold stress during the first week of life compared with those from 42-week-old breeders. Implications The study reveals that breeder age significantly influences chick resilience to cold stress, with older breeders (42-week-old) producing more robust offspring. The findings suggest that optimizing the management of thermal conditions is critical for enhancing feed efficiency, growth performance and overall viability in broiler production.