Body Weight Growth Rate Research Articles

Effect of different commercial feeds on growth and reproductive performance of Guppy, <em>Poecilia reticulata</em> Peters

A 15 week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of three commercial feeds; Prima diet, Galaxy diet and Prawn diet on the growth performance and reproductive performance of Guppy, Poecilia reticulata. Triplicate groups of guppy juveniles (mean initial weight of 0.07 + 0.03g) were stocked in 9 indoor glass aquaria (30 x 22 x 8.5cm), at a density of 20 fish tank-1 at a sex ratio of 1:1. Fish were fed ad-libitum 5 times daily using respective diet and growth performance (Total length, weight, %SGR, FCR) and reproductive performance (Gonadosomatic index (GSI), Time taken for first spawning, total number of larvae, and spawning interval) were evaluated. Feed consumption (10.80-12.58 % Bwt/day) was not differed among treatments. The highest growth performance of fish in terms of final mean body weight (0.83+ 0.46g), total length (4.63 + 0.41cm), and specific growth rate (SGR 2.34 + 0.03)) was observed in the fish fed Prawn diet compared to fish fed on other two feeds. Total body weight and GSI were found to be significantly higher in females compared to males in all treatments. Fish fed on Prawn diet recorded the significantly highest mean number of larvae per tank (33.67 + 7.51). However, total length of larvae showed no significant difference among three treatments. In the present study significant highest growth and reproductive performance (in terms of number of larvae tank-1) of guppy was observed in fish fed on Prawn diet. Therefore, for guppy broodstock rearing in indoor aquaria Prawn diet could be recommended as the best feed out of three commercial diets tested herein.

Influences of immersion bathing in Bacillus velezensis DY-6 on growth performance, non-specific immune enzyme activities and gut microbiota of Apostichopus japonicus

In this study, the influences of immersion bathing in different concentrations of Bacillus velezensis DY-6 on the body weight gain rate and non-specific immune enzyme activities of the coelom fluid of sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) were determined in order to obtain the optimum bacterial concentration. The gut microbiota change in A. japonicus was then analyzed through high-throughput sequencing during the immersion bathing in B. velezensis DY-6 at the optimum concentration for 49 d. The results illustrate that the body weight growth rate of all bathing groups was higher than that of the control. The highest growth rate (25.3%) was achieved when the bacterial concentration was 1×103 CFU/mL. The activities of non-specific immune enzymes (ACP, AKP, SOD and LZM) of all bathing groups increased, and the activities of the enzymes of groups bathed with the bacterium at 1×103 and 1×104 CFU/mL reached the highest on day 21 and day 28. Taking the growth rate and economic cost into consideration, the optimum concentration of B. velezensis DY-6 was 1×103 CFU/mL. The influences of immersion bathing in B. velezensis DY-6 at 1×103 CFU/mL on the gut microbiota of A. japonicus were then evaluated through 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. Results showed that the gut microbiota changed with the addition of B. velezensis DY-6, and the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota peaked twice on day 14 and day 21, respectively. In association with the non-specific immune enzyme activities and if day 28 was selected as the dividing point, the community structure of the gut microbiota could be obviously divided into two types. The correlation analysis revealed that the non-specific immune enzyme activities were correlated significantly to some gut bacteria (in the phyla Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes) after immersion bathing in B. velezensis DY-6. Our findings will provide the theoretical foundation for probiotic application in sea cucumber farming.

Immuno‐stimulating Activities of Purple Corn Stems

Maize hybrid grain, Saekso 1 was developed in 2008 by Gangwon Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Korea and registered in 2011. A single‐cross hybrid, Saekso 1 is a semi‐flint deep‐purple corn. Kernels are yellow, while the husks, cobs and stems are purple. Due to the Saekso 1 sensitivity to the excess moisture after seeding, water supply should be carefully managed, and it should be harvested at the suitable time to obtain the best anthocyanin pigment content. In this study, in order to enhance immune activities of Saekso 1 corn stems (S1S). Balb/c mice were feed daily for two weeks at S1S 1%, 10% and 15%. Treatment were to normal (general feed and saline), control (general feed and LPS) and treatment 1 (S1S 1% and LPS), treatment 2 (S1S 10% and LPS) and treatment 3 (S1S 15% and LPS). To measure body weight growth rate, the growth of splenocytes, the serum TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 level. The level of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐10 production was detected by the ELISA assay when using the cytokine kit. Cytokine was statistically increased at supplemented groups with LPS and treatment with S1S significantly decreased the LPS‐induced TNF‐α and IL‐6 production. The results of this study may suggest that supplementation with S1S increases the immune function by regulating cytokine production capacity for activated macrophages. Further studies are needed to identify the stimulative and immunomodulating components of purple corn stems.Support or Funding InformationPurple CornThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2019 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Estimates of Growth Curve of Body Weight and Absolute Growth Rate for Male Elk

Estimates of Growth Curve of Body Weight and Absolute Growth Rate for Male Elk

IMPACT OF PREPARED DIET ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF PUPPIES

The authors see energy components extremely relevant for animals and their health. Due to this fact, diets with energy components that satisfy pets with nutrients at different stages of growth is significant issue in veterinary nutrition. This could be achieved when applying diets that contain balanced necessary components. The research aimed at exploring the impact caused by ready diets on the growth and development of dogs that differ in age and breed is fragmentary one. The authors make a case about necessity for detailed investigation the growth parameters of animals when feeding them with this kind of diets in the low temperatures of Western Siberia. The impact of the finished ration on puppy growth and development was investigated in one of the s animal shelters in Novosibirsk in 2016. The main food used in the experiment for feeding puppies was YUMMI PREMIUM; the feed contains proteins - 26%, fats - 10, fiber - 7, ashes - 7, moisture - no more than 10, calcium – 1 and phosphorus - 0,8%. The authors observed that 50% are meat ingredients (beef, chicken, by-products), 35 are cereals (wheat, buckwheat), vegetable oils, dried milk and 5% are vegetables, chicken fat, mannanoligosaccharides (MOS), Shidiger yucca extract and sea kelp extract. The following food additives are included in the feed: Vitamin A (17000 IU/ kg), vitamin D3 (1700 IU/kg), vitamin E (200 mg/kg), B1 (15 mg/kg), B2 (20 mg/kg), B6, B12 (100 mg/kg), K3, niacin (85 mg/kg), pantothenic acid (50 mg/kg), biotin (950 µg/kg), iron, zinc, manganese, copper (20 mg/kg), iodine (2 mg/kg) and selenium (0.25 mg/kg). The food of the experiment was eaten by puppies with great pleasure. This experiment has shown that YUMMI PREMIUM for puppies increase body weight and average daily growth rates, as well as improve the main parameters of dogs development.

Efficacy Evaluation and Tracking of Bone Marrow Stromal Stem Cells in a Rat Model of Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury.

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bone marrow stromal stem cells (BMSCs) on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) and dynamically monitor engrafted BMSCs in vivo for the early prediction of their therapeutic effects in a rat model. Methods A rat model of RIRI was prepared by clamping the left renal artery for 45 min. One week after renal artery clamping, 2 × 106 superparamagnetic iron oxide- (SPIO-) labeled BMSCs were injected into the renal artery. Next, MR imaging of the kidneys was performed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after cell transplantation. On day 21, after transplantation, serum creatinine (Scr) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels were assessed, and HE staining and TUNEL assay were also performed. Results The body weight growth rates in the SPIO-BMSC group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05), and the Scr and BUN levels were also significantly lower than those in the PBS group (P < 0.05). HE staining showed that the degree of degeneration and vacuole-like changes in the renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly better than that observed in the PBS group. The TUNEL assay showed that the number of apoptotic renal tubular epithelial cells in the SPIO-BMSC group was significantly lower than that in the PBS group. The T2 value of the renal lesion was the highest on day 1 after cell transplantation, and it gradually decreased with time in both the PBS and SPIO-BMSC groups but was always the lowest in the SPIO-BMSC group. Conclusion SPIO-labeled BMSC transplantation can significantly promote the recovery of RIRI and noninvasive dynamic monitoring of engrafted cells and can also be performed simultaneously with MRI in vivo for the early prediction of therapeutic effects.

A long-term growth hormone treatment stimulates growth and lipolysis in gilthead sea bream juveniles

The enhancement of the endocrine growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) system by the treatment with a sustained release formulation of a recombinant bovine GH (rBGH), is a good strategy to investigate growth optimization in aquaculture fish species. To further deepen into the knowledge of rBGH effects in fish and to estimate the growth potential of juveniles of gilthead sea bream, the present work evaluated rBGH injection on growth, GH/IGF-I axis and lipid metabolism modulation, and explored the conservation of GH effects provoked by the in vivo treatment using in vitro models of different tissues. The rBGH treatment increased body weight and specific growth rate (SGR) in juveniles and potentiated hyperplastic muscle growth while reducing circulating triglyceride levels. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the in vivo treatment enhanced also lipolysis in both isolated hepatocytes and adipocytes, as well as in day 4 cultured myocytes. Furthermore, these cultured myocytes extracted from rBGH-injected fish presented higher gene expression of GH/IGF-I axis-related molecules and myogenic regulatory factors, as well as stimulated myogenesis (i.e. increased protein expression of a proliferation and a differentiation marker) compared to Control fish-derived cells. These data, suggested that cells in vitro can retain some of the pathways activated by in vivo treatments in fish, what can be considered an interesting line of applied research. Overall, the results showed that rBGH stimulates somatic growth, including specifically muscle hyperplasia, as well as lipolytic activity in gilthead sea bream juveniles.

Growth, digestive enzymes activities, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared at different stocking densities in in-pond raceway recirculating culture system

The feeding trial was conducted in 80 days to assess the effects of stoking densities on growth, digestive enzymes activities, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant status of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) reared in in-pond raceway recirculating culture system (IPRS). Fish (initial body weight: 6.25 ± 0.32g ) were randomly allotted to six in-pond raceways (22 × 5 × 2.5 m) stocked at three different stocking densities: low stocking density (LSD, 0.28 kg/m3), medium stocking density (MSD, 0.57kg /m3) and high stocking density (HSD, 0.85 kg /m3). The results indicated that no significant differences were observed in final body weight, weight gain and specific growth rate of GIFT reared at different stocking densities on day 20 (p > 0.05). Fish reared in the HSD group showed poor growth than those reared in the LSD and MSD groups on day 50, but fish reared in the MSD and HSD groups showed poor growth than those reared in the LSD group on day 80. There were no significant differences found in digestive enzyme activities, serum cortisol, lysozyme and superoxide dismutase (SOD) content, hepatic catalase (CAT), total SOD, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) content among fish reared at different densities treatments (p > 0.05). Fish reared in the HSD group exhibited significant higher red blood cell number, haematocrit and glucose (GLU) contents on day 80 (p < 0.05). In brief, under this trial conditions, high stocking densities (0.57 kg/m3) resulted in decrease in growth, and GIFT might have an adaptation capability to crowding stress without a change in antioxidant activity, some physiological and immune parameters.

Nutritional evaluation of Nannochloropsis powder and lipid as alternative to fish oil for kuruma shrimp, Marsupenaeus japonicus

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary Nannochloropsis sp. as powder or lipid on survival, growth performance and fatty acids content in Kuruma shrimp juvenile. Seven isonitrogenous, isolipidic and isocaloric diets were formulated to contain in first group graded levels of Nannochloropsis powder: 0% (CON, control diet), 4% (A), 7% (B) and 10% (C) dry matter then in second group algae oil proportionally extracted (AE, BE and CE, respectively). The feeding trial was conducted for 50 days. The results showed that the substitution of fish oil (FO) with algae powder diets A, B and C significantly (P < .05) improved shrimp growth compared to control, with the highest final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) recorded for C group. Shrimp fed diet containing algae lipid as FO replacement (1:1 dry matter) performed higher than control with an exception of group AE. The fatty acids analyse of shrimp tissue revealed that the group fed algae lipid had an improved profile of the fatty acids as the essential fatty acids was digested better than algae powder diet or CON. Fish oil partially replaced with dietary algae significantly increased the amount of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in shrimp muscle. A small addition of DHA content was also observed indicating the occurrence of n-3 PUFA bioconversion from Nannochloropsis sp. into n-3 HUFA. Nannochloropsis powder can be used to substitute fish oil at the optimum level of 1.58 g algae lipid (26.33% FO) without negative effect on growth, survival and fatty acids profile of juvenile kuruma shrimp.

Inhibitory effect of Athelia rolfsii exopolysaccharides on organ damage in lead-exposed Kunming strain mice.

Herein, Athelia rolfsii exopolysaccharides (AEPS) were used to alleviate organ damage in lead-exposed mice. Analysis of the body weight growth rate and visceral index revealed that AEPS maintained the normal body weight growth rates in lead-exposed mice. Biochemical indicators (T-SOD, CAT, MDA) in serum revealed that AEPS increased the activity of T-SOD in the serum of lead-exposed mice. The lead concentrations in the brain, liver, kidneys, testis and faeces were measured by flame atomic absorption. The percent reductions in lead accumulation in these organs were 76.65% (brain), 60.42% (liver), 78.43% (kidneys) and 56.47% (testis). The data suggest that a significant portion of the lead was expelled in the faeces. The results proved that AEPS prevented lead accumulation in the organs of lead-exposed mice. A histological evaluation of the brain, liver, kidneys and testis also revealed that AEPS significantly alleviated liver and kidney damage caused by lead poisoning and protected neurons and sperm cells. We hypothesize that the ingested AEPS chelated the lead in the digestive system of the mice, leading to excretion through the faeces. Thus, AEPS represent a promising method of detoxification following lead poisoning.

Effect of Supplementing Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) Leaves Meal to Quail Diets on Productive Performance

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of M. oleifera leaves meal (MOLM) as natural growth promoter on the productive performance of quail birds. A total number of 180 unsexed one week old Japanese quail chicks with nearly similar initial average weight were used in this study. Chicks were randomly distributed into four experimental groups each of 45 birds in 3 replicates each of 15 birds. Chicks of the 1st experimental group were fed on the basal diet (without additives) and considered as the control group. Chicks of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups were fed the basal diets supplemented withMOLM at levels of 3, 6 and 9 g/kg diet, respectively. Results obtained revealed significant variation (p<0.05) in averages of body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), growth rate (GR), feed conversion (FC), carcass traits, mortality rate and relative economical efficiency (REE). The highest significant improvements in LBW, BWG, GR, FC, PI, carcass traits, REE and lower mortality rate were observed in the group of chicks that fed on diet supplemented with MOLM at a level of 6 g/kg diet, followed by those fed diet supplemented with MOLM 3 g/kg diet by then those fed diet supplemented with 9 g/ kg diet. However, chicks fed control diet showed lower averages of LBW, BWG, GR, FC, PI, carcass traits and higher mortality rate. From the economical point of view, it could be recommended to use MOLM at a level of 6 and 3 g/ kg diet, respectively to improve the productive performance and economical efficiency of quails.

EVALUATION OF SPIRULINA PLATENSIS ENRICHED DIET ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND IMMUNE RESPONSE OF OREOCHROMIS NILOTICUS

Two hundred and twenty five Oreochromis niloticus with average body weight 36±1 g, were distributed randomly into five groups in triplicates. The control group was fed on basal diet, while the other groups were supplemented with various levels of Spirulina platensis (0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2%) for 90 days. The growth performance, biochemical parameters (Alanine aminotransferase activity, Aspartate aminotransferase, Creatinine and cortisol), antioxidant effect (Reduced Glutathion enzyme), IgM and lysozyme were determined. Also, investigating the differences between fish fed the control diet and diet supplemented with Spirulina (1%) against the infection with pathogenic strain of Aeromonas hydrophila. The final body weight, gain percent and specific growth rate was significantly (P˂0.05) increased in fish fed on supplemented diet with Spirulina comparable with that fed on the control diet. The highest final body weight (49.60±0.52g), body gain (11.70±1.04g) and body gain (30.87±4.10%) were recorded in fish fed on diet supplemented with 2% Spirulina. Biochemical, immunological parameters and antioxidant enzyme (GSH) were improved in the group supplemented with Spirulina in comparing with fish fed on basal diet. The best result was recorded in-group fed on Spirulina supplemented diet by level of 1% at which the levels of IgM was 42.40 ±0.66 μg /ml, lysozyme level was 31.33 ±0.44 μg /ml and the level of GSH was 11.7 ±0.39 mg/g tissues. Moreover, Spirulina supplemented with (1%) in diet enhanced fish protection against A. hydrophila infection. The survival rate was (80%) in fish fed on diet supplemented with 1% Spirulina.

Screening of intestinal probiotics and the effects of feeding probiotics on the growth, immune, digestive enzyme activity and intestinal flora of Litopenaeus vannamei

In this experiment, 426 strains were isolated from the intestinal tract of Litopenaeus vannamei, and 11 strains showed strong digestive enzyme production activity and antagonistic effect against common bacterial pathogens of shrimp. After hemolysis activity test and drug sensitivity test, 2 candidate probiotics with good bacteriostatic activity, strong enzyme production ability and relatively sensitive to antibiotics were screened out, and were identified by 16s rDNA molecular identification and Biolog-System as Enterobacter hominis (E3) and lactobacillus (L3). First, the biological characteristics of 2 candidate probiotics were studied. The optimum growth conditions of E3: temperature, 30 °C; pH, 8.0; NaCl, 2.5%; bovine bile salt, 0.15%; and the optimum growth conditions of L3: temperature, 40 °C; pH, 6.0; NaCl, 0.5%; bovine bile salt, 0.0015%. Secondly, a 28-day feeding experiment was conducted using probiotic concentration of 107 CFU g−1 to determine the changes of the activities of blood related immune enzymes (SOD, PPO, ACP, POD, CAT, LZM) and intestinal digestive enzymes (NP, AL, LPS) during the feeding process of shrimp, the results showed that during the course of feeding, the activities of immune enzyme and digestive enzyme of shrimp fed with probiotics showed an increasing trend, and the growth rate of body weight of shrimp was higher than that of control group. After feeding, the cumulative mortality of probiotics groups were significantly lower than that of the control group after WSSV infection. And the mid-gut of L. vannamei was observed by electron microscope, the results showed that the intestinal mucosa was tight and the epithelium cells showed an active secretory state in probiotics group. Finally, the intestinal microbial communities of shrimp were compared and analyzed by using Biolog-ECO method in the later period of feeding, the results showed: compared with the control group, the average color change rate of the experimental group fed with probiotics increased significantly, indicating that probiotics enhanced the intestinal microorganism activity; The ability of intestinal microorganism to utilize carbon source was significantly enhanced in the experimental group, which indicated that the digestive enzyme secreted by probiotics could improve the digestion and absorption rate of prawn feed, thus promoting the rapid growth of shrimp; The Shannon index, Simpson index and McIntosh index of probiotics groups showed significant difference in 1st and 5th days, but tended to be the same in the 10th day, the results showed that probiotics could maintain in L. vannamei intestines at least 5 days.

Dietary tuna hydrolysate modulates growth performance, immune response, intestinal morphology and resistance to Streptococcus iniae in juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer

This study investigated the effects of tuna hydrolysate (TH) inclusion in fishmeal (FM) based diets on the growth performance, innate immune response, intestinal health and resistance to Streptococcus iniae infection in juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic experimental diets were prepared with TH, replacing FM at levels of 0% (control) 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%, and fed fish to apparent satiation three times daily for 8 weeks. The results showed that fish fed diets containing 5% and 10% TH had significantly higher final body weight and specific growth rate than the control. A significant reduction in blood glucose was found in fish fed 10%, 15% and 20% TH compared to those in the control whereas none of the other measured blood and serum indices were influenced by TH inclusion. Histological observation revealed a significant enhancement in goblet cell numbers in distal intestine of fish fed 5 to 10% TH in the diet. Moreover, fish fed 10% TH exhibited the highest resistance against Streptococcus iniae infection during a bacterial challenge trial. These findings therefore demonstrate that the replacement of 5 to 10% FM with TH improves growth, immune response, intestinal health and disease resistance in juvenile barramundi.

Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction reverses MNNG-induced precancerous lesions of gastric carcinoma in vivo and vitro: Regulation of apoptosis through NF-κB pathway

In recent years, Chinese medicine has played an important role in the prognosis of gastric cancer. Precancerous lesions of gastric carcinoma (PLGC) is a class of gastric cancer which is closely related to the gastric mucosal pathology changes in the role of carcinogenic incentives, and plays key role in the progression of normal gastric mucosal cells into gastric cancerous cells. In current experiment, we explore the relationship between Chinese traditional medicine (Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction) and gastric cancer in the PLGC rat animal models and epithelial-mesenchymal transitioned GES-1 cells which were induced useing 1- Methyl-3-nitro-1-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). PLGC rat model showed significant deterioration in the gastric mucosa with terrible growth rate in body weight and more atypical hyperplasia in gastric mucosa. MC cells, MNNG induced GES-1 cells which epithelial- mesenchymal-transition (EMT)-related proteins have a great change compare with normal GES-1 cells. The cells had characteristics of malignant cells including proliferation, invasion and metastasis ability. Our research founds that Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction could inhibit cell proliferation and increased apoptosis by increase the level of pro-apoptotic proteins like Bax and caspase-3 and decreased the level of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, block the cells in G0/G1 phase simultaneously. Furthermore, Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction could inhibit nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer (NF-kB) activity and inhibit its transfer from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. However, when we incubated with NF-κB activator PMA, the effect of Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction was reversed. These results suggested that Xiao Tan He Wei Decoction could be used as a method for the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions, and possibly provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of gastric cancer and gastric precancerous lesions.

Effects of dietary oxidized fish oil on growth performance, antioxidant defense system, apoptosis and mitochondrial function of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing fresh fish oil (peroxide value, POV: 7.2 meq kg−1, diet FR) and three degrees of oxidized fish oil (POV: 155, 275 and 564 meq kg−1, diet OX155, OX275 and OX564, respectively) were formulated to investigate the effects of dietary oxidized fish oil on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant defense system and mitochondrial function of juvenile largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides. After a 12-week feeding trial, fish fed the OX155 obtained significantly higher (P < .05) weight gain, final body weight and specific growth rate than the FR because of their remarkable higher feed intake. Malonaldehyde (MDA) levels were markedly increased in plasma, liver and mitochondria of largemouth bass fed diet OX564 than those fed FR. Fish fed the OX564 also obtained the highest levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) than other groups. Antioxidant enzyme activities and mRNA levels were stimulated after 12 weeks of feeding. The highest activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) in liver and plasma were obtained in group OX564. The relative expression of TNF-α was decreased with the increasing oxidative degree of dietary fish oil, while the relative expression of Caspase 8, 9 and 10 were increased with the increasing oxidative degree of dietary fish oil. The relative expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL were lower in fish fed the OX275 and OX564. The lowest activities of malate dehydrogenase (MDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and citrate synthase in liver were found in group OX564, in which the ATP level also lower than other groups. Liver mitochondria of fish fed the FR were more resistant to the calcium-induced mitochondrial swelling. More reactive oxygen species (ROS) were produced in fish fed the OX564 compared with those fed the FR after the 12-week trial. Membrane potential and Ca2+ induced swelling of mitochondria also affected by dietary oxidized fish oil. The present study indicated that dietary oxidized fish oil increased oxidative stress, influenced antioxidant system and induced apoptosis of largemouth bass, hepatic mitochondrial function and energy metabolism also were impaired by dietary oxidized fish oil.

Heritability of relative growth rate and its relationship with growth-related traits in Afshari sheep

Data on 1496 Afshari lambs collected from 1998 to 2005 was analysed to estimate heritability of relative growth rate in five growth phases, namely birth to weaning (RGR1), weaning to 6-month (RGR2), weaning to 9-month (RGR3), weaning to yearling (RGR4), and 6 months to yearling (RGR5) using a derivative-free algorithm combined with a series of six univariate linear animal models. The most appropriate animal model for each trait was determined based on Akaike's information criterion (AIC). Additionally, bivariate analyses were done to estimate (co)variance components between relative growth rate and corresponding absolute growth rates (AGR1, AGR2, AGR3, AGR4 and AGR5) and body weight at different ages (birth weight, BW; weaning weight, WW; 6-month weight, W6; 9-month weight, W9 and yearling weight, YW). Estimates of direct heritability (h2) were 0.15, 0.06, 0.03, 0.05 and 0.05 for RGR1, RGR2, RGR3, RGR4 and RGR5, respectively. Estimated values of additive coefficient of variations (CVA) were also low and ranged from 3.20% (RGR1) to 17.64% (RGR5), which revealed little additive vitiation in the variance of RGR. Genetic correlations ranged from −0.68 (RGR1-RGR4) to 0.98 (RGR1-AGR1) and the phenotypic correlations were in the range between −0.64 (RGR5-AGR1) to 0.82 (RGR2-AGR2). In general, results indicated that owing to low additive genetic variation, selection would not be very effective for modifying relative growth rate in body weight of lambs during pre- and post-weaning periods and that improvement in management condition and exploiting non-additive variances could be more effective strategy to improve RGR.

Mid-term follow-up study of neonatal isolated aberrant right subclavian artery.

Aberrant right subclavian artery is the most common congenital aortic arch anomaly. There are a few reports concerning the clinical manifestations and follow-up of this CHD detected by echocardiographic screening. A total of 1737 full-term neonates, with a male-to-female ratio of 900:837, received echocardiographic screening. Neonates with or without isolated aberrant right subclavian artery were studied during infancy. Among the 1737 cases, a total of 15 (0.86%) female-predominant neonates, with a male-to-female ratio of 6:9, had isolated aberrant right subclavian artery. They were compared with 20 age- and gender-matched normal neonates. There were no significant differences in maternal age, gestational age, or para gravity between the two groups, except for birth size (birth length- and weight-for-age percentiles, p = 0.006 and 0.045, respectively), which was smaller in the aberrant right subclavian artery group. Although there were no significant differences in developmental history, gastrointestinal, or respiratory symptoms, neonates with aberrant right subclavian artery had a higher incidence of mild developmental delay and feeding difficulty than normal infants (21 versus 0%, p = 0.061; 36 versus 20%, p = 0.264, respectively). The growth rates of body length and weight during infancy were not significantly different between the two groups. Echocardiography can be applied as a first-line investigation in the diagnostic work-up for aberrant right subclavian artery. Neonates with aberrant right subclavian artery had a smaller size at birth, although growth rates were not significantly different from those of normal infants. This study does not support an active surgical policy for asymptomatic infants with isolated aberrant right subclavian artery. A larger study and longer follow-up of affected infants is recommended.

Effects of postweaning calorie restriction on accelerated growth and adiponectin in nutritionally programmed microswine offspring.

Poor prenatal development, followed by rapid childhood growth, conveys greater cardiometabolic risk in later life. Microswine offspring exposed to perinatal maternal protein restriction [MPR; "low protein offspring" (LPO)] grow poorly in late-fetal/neonatal stages. After weaning to an ad libitum (AL) diet, LPO-AL exhibit accelerated growth and fat deposition rates with low adiponectin mRNA, despite low-normal body fat and small intra-abdominal adipocytes. We examined effects of caloric restriction (CR) on growth and metabolic status in LPO and normal protein offspring (NPO) randomized to AL or CR diets from weaning. CR transiently reduced growth in both LPO and NPO, delaying recovery in female LPO-CR. Over 7.5-12.5 weeks, linear growth rates in LPO-CR were slower than LPO-AL ( P < 0.001) but exceeded NPO-AL; body weight growth rates fell but were lower in LPO-CR versus NPO-CR. Linear acceleration ceased after 12 weeks. At 16 weeks, percent catch-up in LPO-CR was reduced versus LPO-AL ( P < 0.001). Plasma growth hormone was low in LPO ( P < 0.02). CR normalized fat deposition rate, yet adiponectin mRNA remained low in LPO-CR ( P < 0.001); plasma adiponectin was low in all LPO-AL and in female LPO-CR. Insulin sensitivity improved during CR. We conclude that in LPO: 1) CR delays onset of, but does not abolish, accelerated linear growth, despite low growth hormone; 2) CR yields stunting via delayed onset, plus a finite window for linear growth acceleration; 3) MPR lowers adiponectin mRNA independently of growth, adiposity, or adipocyte size; and 4) MPR reduces circulating adiponectin in LPO-AL and female LPO-CR, potentially enhancing cardiometabolic risk.

Effects of dietary supplementation with freeze-dried powder ofAmpithoesp. on the growth performance, energy metabolism, and ammonia-nitrogen tolerance of the Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

This study evaluated the influence of dietary supplementation with freeze-dried powder of Ampithoe sp. (FDPA) on the growth, energy metabolism, and resistance to ammonia-nitrogen stress in Litopenaeus vannamei. There were four treatment groups: a 0% group (no FDPA addition), a 33% group, a 66% group (33% and 66% of the shrimp diet, respectively, replaced with FDPA), and a 100% group (only FDPA). The results of this study suggested a positive effect of FDPA supplementation on shrimp survival: the supplemented groups had significantly higher survival than the 0% group (p < 0.05). The body length, body weight, and specific growth rate (SGR) of the 33% group were higher than those of the other groups and were significantly higher than that of the 100% group (p < 0.05). FDPA feeding had a negative effect on carbohydrate metabolism pathways and energy consumption due to decreases in pyruvate kinase (PK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and respiratory electron transport system (ETS) activity in shrimp fed FDPA during the culture period. The shrimp in the 33% group exhibited good resistance to ammonia-nitrogen stress. Additionally, the glycolysis pathway and energy consumption of shrimp in the 33% group were enhanced during the ammonia-nitrogen stress period. Consequently, it was inferred that FDPA supplementation could improve the resistance of shrimp to ammonia-nitrogen stress (in the 33% group), which might be related to the effects of the supplement on energy metabolism pathways, particularly in terms of enhancing glycolysis to provide sufficient energy for the stress response.