Heavier Body Weight Research Articles

Image-Guided Study of Interfraction and Intrafraction Set-up Variability and Margins in Reverse Semi-Decubitus Breast Radiation Therapy

Reverse semi-decubitus (RSD) technique could reduce cardiac dose during breast radiotherapy for patients unable to tolerate breath hold. This study aimed to report the interfraction and intrafraction set-up variability for RSD technique and to determine an appropriate clinical tumor volume (CTV) to planning target volume (PTV) margin to account for motion and positional uncertainties. Twenty-five consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in the protocol of RSD breast radiotherapy. The prescribed dose was 40 Gy in 15 fractions delivered by opposed tangential field or volumetric arc therapy with 7-mm PTV margin. The pre- and post-fraction cone-beam CT (CBCT) scans were acquired at fractions 1, 4, 7, 8, 11 and 14. CBCT data were matched to planning CT data using (i) chest wall and (ii) clips. Mean displacement (MD), systematic (Σ), and random (σ) translational errors in 3-dimensions (LR: left-right; AP: anterior-posterior; and CC: cranial-caudal) were analyzed. Positive values for LR, AP, and CC pointed at motion in right, anterior, cranial directions, respectively. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were recorded to examine predictive factors for set-up variability. The CTV to PTV margins were calculated based on the van-Herk formula (2.5Σ + 0.7σ). A total of 300 CBCT scans were analyzed for 25 patients. The population MD, systematic, and random errors based on each of chest wall and clip matches were shown in the Table 1. The calculated interfraction and intrafraction CTV to PTV margins were 8.8/12.9/11.2 and 8.7/13.5/11.4 mm (LR/AP/CC) for the chest wall and clip matches, respectively. A correlation was observed between interfraction setup variability in the AP direction and body weight (R2 = 0.32; p = 0.004) and BMI (R2 = 0.61; p < 0.001). To calculate the AP margin for patients with heavier body weight and higher BMI, we divided the patients into two groups for each median value. The AP margins were 9.2 and 8.4 mm for patients with lighter body weight, and lower BMI, respectively. The AP margins were 11.6 and 10.9 mm for patients with heavier body weight and higher BMI, respectively. This is the first study to determine the PTV margins for interfraction and intrafraction set-up variability for reverse semi-decubitus breast radiotherapy using pre- and post-fraction CBCT scans. A uniform 7-mm PTV margin is insufficient in the absence of CBCT. Table 1 Mean displacement (MD), systematic (Σ) and random (σ) translational errors, and calculated margins in 3-dimensions for chest wall and clip based cone-beam CT versus planning CT matches in reverse semi-decubitus positions (mm).Abstract 272; TableChest wall matchClip based matchInterfractionIntrafractionInterfractionIntrafractionLRMD0.3-0.20.7-0.2Σ1.90.91.80.9σ1.71.11.61.1Margin5.92.95.73.0APMD-2.3-0.5-1.6-0.6Σ3.30.93.61.0σ1.81.41.61.4Margin9.53.410.13.4CCMD0.80.30.40.3Σ2.51.02.60.9σ2.21.52.11.4Margin7.73.58.13.3 Open table in a new tab

Alterations to the microbiota–colon–brain axis in high-fat-diet-induced obese mice compared to diet-resistant mice

Obesity is underpinned by both genetic and environmental factors, including a high-saturated-fat diet. Some mice develop diet-induced obesity (DIO), but others remain diet resistant (DR) despite intake of the same high-saturated-fat diet, a phenomenon that mimics characteristics of the human obese phenotype. Microbiota–colon–brain axis regulation is important for energy metabolism and cognition. Using DIO and DR mouse models, this study aimed to examine gut microbiota, colonic inflammation and cognitive function to elucidate the role of microbiota–gut–brain regulation in DIO. C57Bl6/J mice fed a chronic saturated-palmitic-acid diet for 22 weeks showed significant body weight gain differences, with the top one third gaining 48% heavier body weight than the lower one third. There was significant reduction in gut microbiota richness and diversity in DIO mice but not in DR mice. At the phylum level, DIO mice had increased abundance of Firmicutes and Antinobacteria, and decreased abundance of Bacterioides and Proteobacteria in gut microbiota. DIO mice exhibited reduced tight junction proteins, increased plasma endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and increased inflammation in the colon and liver. Recognition memory and spatial memory were impaired in DIO mice, associated with decreased Bacteroidetes. Further examination showed that hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor was significantly decreased in DIO mice (vs. DR). Conversely, DR mice showed no changes in the above parameters measured. Therefore, gut microbiota, colon inflammation and circulating LPS may play a major role in the development of the obese phenotype and cognitive decline associated with a chronic high-saturated-palmitic-acid diet.

IMPROVING GROWTH TRAITS AND ESTIMATING HETEROSIS, ADDITIVE AND MATERNAL EFFECTS A CROSS DIALLEL MATING AMONG THREE LINES SELECTED HEAVIEST BODY WEIGHT UNDER HEAT CONDITION

A crossbreeding experiment was executed between three breeds were selected three generation for heavy body weight under high temperature condition Sinai (SI) and Rhode Island Red (RI) and Fayoumi breeds. 900 crossing meals from each genotype were recorded singular body weight and body weight gain at hatch, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. crosses SI XRI and reciprocal RI x Si significant heaver body weight and body weight gain compared than other crosses and pure breed. On the other hand body weight and body weight gain were significant heaver for pure line Sinai or Rod iland read and crosses SI x F, F x RI, Fx SI and RI xF compared to Fayoumi pure line. Heterosis was positive significant on body weight at hatch, 4,8 and 12 weeks of ages. As the same trend results of body weight gain but, negative significant at the intervals from 4wks to 8wks only. It could be observed that the hybrid vigor of body weight was significant positive effect for crosses SI X RI and reciprocal crosses RI XSI and RI XF ones.While, the hybrid vigor of body weight gain was significant positive effect for all diallel crossing except F X RI crosses. the direct additive effects were negative for line Fayoumi both body weight and weight gain taits at diferent age of these study. But these reciprocal effect were significant positive for Sinai and Rodiland red lines both body weight and body weight gain. These resuls shown that the croses RI XSI beter than SI X RI for both body weight and body weight gain. Maternal effect of body weight and body weight gain were significant positive effect at hatcher , for FF and SI SI. While, it was significant negative effect for RIRI. On the other hand, were significant positive for body weight at hatcher and 4 weeks of age only. While, maternal effect was significan positive at the intervals 0-4weeks only. The last shown that the maternal effect had a play essential role on body weght and body weight gain.Recommended used crosses Sinai and rod Iland red to produce commercial meat strains in hot climated countery.

The Comparison of Inappropriate-Low-Doses Use among 4 Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: From the Database of a Single-Center Registry

BackgroundInappropriate doses of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are often prescribed. This study evaluated the prevalence, outcomes, and predictors of the prescription of inappropriately low doses of 4 types of DOACs in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from a single-center registry with 2272 patients prescribed DOACs for AF (apixaban: 1014; edoxaban: 267; rivaroxaban: 498; dabigatran: 493). Patients were monitored for 2years and classified into appropriate-dose (n = 1,753; including appropriate low doses), inappropriate-low-dose (n = 490) and inappropriate-high-dose groups (n = 29). Major bleeding (MB) and thromboembolic events (TEEs) were evaluated. ResultsThe mean age was 72 ± 10years. The CHADS2 and HAS-BLED scores were 1.95 ± 1.32 and 1.89 ± .96, respectively. Overall, the incidences of MB and TEE were 2.3 and 2.1 per 100-patinet year, respectively. The inappropriate-low-dose group had younger age, heavier body weight, and higher creatinine clearance value than the appropriate-dose group. Multiple logistic regression analyses demonstrated the following independent determinants of the prescription of an inappropriately low dose: apixaban: HAS-BLED score; edoxaban: age; rivaroxaban: age, creatinine clearance value, HAS-BLED score, CHADS2 score, and antiplatelet therapy; dabigatran: age. There were not significant differences in the incidence of major bleeding and stroke/systemic emboli among the inappropriate-low-dose group of 4 DOACs compared with the appropriate-dose group of 4 DOACs. ConclusionsIn a single-center registry, 23% of patients with AF treated with a DOAC received an inappropriate dose. Several clinical factors, such as age and the creatinine clearance value, can identify patients at risk of under-treatment with DOACs.

Scrotum bipartite in sheep as a parameter indicative of adaptation to semi-arid climates: A thermographic and reproductive study

With the objective of assessing the influence of scrotum bipartition on scrotum-testiclar thermoregulation and semen quality in sheep native to a semiarid region, 14 adult crossbred rams were placed into groups, GI (7 with bipartition in the scrotum) and GII (7 without bipartition). Images were taken of the caudal scrotum surface using a Fluke (Ti25®) thermographic camera, for temperature analysis. Two semen collections were made, at an eight-day interval, by electroejaculation, to analyze macroscopic and microscopic parameters. It was observed that the surface temperatures of the proximal, medial and distal regions of the testicle and the epididymis tail did not present significant statistical difference (p > 0.05) between the groups. The GI showed a great ability to regulate the temperature in the tail region of the epididymis (p = 0.062), location of the bipartition, and the difference in temperature between the body surface and the epididymis tail was 0.54 °C much lower than the G2. Although no significant statistical difference (p > 0.05) was observed, the animals with bipartition presented higher means for body surface temperature, showing greater efficiency in heat dissipation and indicating that these animals used peripheral vasodilation on a larger scale to eliminate excess heat and thus had a lower energy expenditure. The semen parameters studied in both groups were within the desirable values for the species, with no differences between the groups (p > 0.05). Higher scrotum testiclar values were observed (scrotum circumference GI = 30.40 cm ± 0.53 and GII = 28.42 ± 1.13 cm, testicle length, right and left, respectively GI = 8.14 ± 0.90 cm, 8.00 ± 0.00 cm and GII = 7.28 ± 0.04 cm, 7.28 ± 0.48 cm) and bodyweight (GI = 44.57 ± 5.25 Kg and GII = 39.85 ± 1.57 Kg) in rams with scrotum bipartition (p > 0.05). It is concluded that scrotum bipartite in rams was shown to be an evolutionary indicator showing that animals with this characteristic dissipate heat more efficiently, have bigger scrotum-testicle biometrical parameters and heavier body weight. However, as the rams with scrotum bipartite presented division of less than 50% of the scrotum length, this degree did not influence the scrotum surface temperature and semen quality, as has been observed in goats with the same characteristic.

Lower spine curvature is an essential shock absorber for runners

Humans aren't the only animals to stride around on two legs – kangaroo rats scurry about on their hindlimbs and lizards often pull a wheelie – but modern humans and our ancestors are the only creatures that have evolved an S-shaped spine to balance our upright weight stably as we stride along. ‘What's surprising is that there's a lot of variability in the amount of curvature in the lower spine’, says Eric Castillo from Hunter College, USA, describing how runners and soccer players tend to have more curved lumbar spines, while the lower spines of swimmers and even ancient Neanderthals are relatively straight. ‘One long-held hypothesis is that a curved lower back helps the lower spine function like a shock absorber’, says Castillo, so he and his graduate advisor Daniel Lieberman from Harvard University, USA, began measuring how curvature of the lower spine impacts how well our bodies absorb shocks as we walk and run.‘Without ways to deal with these shocks, we would probably experience a lot more tissue damage and we'd even have trouble keeping our head balanced and seeing straight when running’, says Castillo, who selected young adults with a range of builds to run on a treadmill while he filmed their movements and measured the motion of the back at two locations low down on the spine with accelerometers. ‘It was tough to work with the accelerometers because they were extremely difficult to solder, wire and attach to people in ways that would give a clear signal’, says Castillo. And even after measuring the runners’ movements, it wasn't simply a case of directly comparing the acceleration traces. ‘Shocks generated during walking and running have different frequency components, which travel differently through the body’, says Castillo, so he and Lieberman had first to extract the particular accelerations generated by running impacts before analysing how they diminished as they were transmitted through the body. In addition, the duo measured the curvature of each volunteer's spine ready to begin untangling the effect of the shape of the lower back on shock absorption.Impressively, the duo discovered that there was a 10% increase in shock absorption as the curvature of the lower spine increased by just 1%; ‘That's pretty huge!’, exclaims Castillo. And when they built a model of how the cartilaginous discs that cushion the vertebrae contribute to shock absorption, they were surprised to find that they contributed as little as 20%; ‘Posture had an even stronger effect on shock attenuation than discs’, says Castillo.Having confirmed that the curvature of the lumbar spine is a crucial shock absorber that protects us from injury while running, Castillo is curious to find out how different tissues, including muscle, ligaments and tendons, dissipate shock energy. He is also fascinated to discover how lumbar spine curvature contributes to shock absorption in other modern human populations. ‘The fact that so many of us sit at desks most of the day certainly isn't normal from an evolutionary perspective, so it would be amazing to conduct this kind of experiment in non-Western groups that have very different lifestyles and physical activity patterns’, he says. And he suspects that the discovery could explain the differences in spine posture found in human fossils. ‘Neanderthals consistently seem to have had really straight lumbar spines compared to us and even earlier fossil species like Homo erectus and australopiths’, says Castillo, who suggests that Neanderthals may have depended less on running than early humans, possibly relying on their more stable spines to support their heavier body weight or carry heavy loads, such as carcasses for food.

Effects of different floor housing systems on the welfare of fast-growing broilers with an extended fattening period

Abstract. This study was made to investigate the long-term effects of different floor housing systems on the welfare of fast-growing broilers. The experiment was performed on 210-day-old fast-growing hybrid male chickens with identical conditions until 47 days of age. Animal-based welfare parameters were measured to investigate the welfare level in the group housed on deep litter, a litter and slat system, and a slatted floor, with five replicates for each group. Results showed that the main welfare indicators in live birds, such breast dirtiness, plumage score, footpad lesion, and hock burn lesion, were negatively affected in broilers kept on conventional deep-litter floor housing. But hemorrhage or lesion scores of the breast and shoulder of broilers in slat floor housing were found to be significantly greater than in conventional deep litter as a result of a heavy body weight at a greater slaughter age (p&lt;0.05). Pathologically, the prevalence of footpad and hock joint dermatitis was very high in the deep-litter housing system. Femoral head necrosis was not observed in any floor housing group. The results indicated that keeping broilers on a slat flooring system is preferable for younger slaughter ages and for a lighter slaughter weight. When considering the relationship between animal welfare and production economy, moving from one floor house system to another floor housing system should be carefully weighted in future decisions. Moreover, further investigations are needed in order to examine the incidence of joint and bone problems with muscle inflammation in heavier broilers in commercial conditions.

Effect of Tube Voltage on Contrast Enhancement and Contrast Medium Dose in Abdominal Contrast-enhanced Computed Tomography

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of tube voltage on relationship between a patient's body weight and contrast enhancement in abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). Five phantoms with diameters ranging from 19.2 to 30.6 cm, including syringes filled with iodine solution diluted to different concentrations, were used to compare the effects at tube voltages of 80, 100, and 120 kVp. Furthermore, for clinical study, 300 patients who underwent abdominal contrast-enhanced CT examinations were enrolled and enhancements of aorta and hepatic parenchyma in arterial phase and equilibrium phase were compared at 80, 100, and 120 kVp using a contrast medium administration proportional to the body weight. The contrast enhancement was decreased with increase in phantom size because of the beam-hardening effect, and however, the decrease was less at low tube voltages of 80 and 100 kVp (lowest at 80 kVp), demonstrating the beam-hardening effect was reduced at low tube voltages. The enhancements of aorta and hepatic parenchyma indicated tended to increase in patients with a heavy body weight, and this trend was stronger at 80 and 100 kVp (80 kVp>100 kVp). Therefore, it was indicated that the problem of excessive contrast enhancement in patients with a high body weight was prominent at low tube voltages because the beam-hardening effect in patients with a heavy body weight was weaken by low tube voltages.

Clinical outcomes after tracheoplasty in patients with congenital tracheal stenosis in 1997–2014

BackgroundMortality and morbidity of congenital tracheal stenosis (CTS) remain high. The aim of this study was to determine the factors predicting 12-month survival and 2-month successful extubation after tracheoplasty in patients with CTS. MethodsRetrospective chart reviews were conducted in patients with CTS undergoing tracheoplasty at a single institution between 1997 and 2014. Patients’ characteristics at disease onset and tracheoplasty were summarized. Twelve-month survival rate and 2-month extubation rate without tracheotomy after tracheoplasty were analyzed. ResultsWe reviewed 81 patients’ records. Multivariate analysis for 12-month survival revealed that older age (>2 months, hazard ratio [HR]: 0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02–0.36) or heavier body weight (>4.4 kg, HR: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02–0.73) at tracheoplasty was a predictive factor for survival. Body weight at tracheoplasty (>8.2 kg, HR: 3.83, 95% CI: 1.88–7.79), preoperative balloon dilatation (HR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.12–0.78), and carina involvement (HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.19–0.69) were predictive factors for successful extubation. ConclusionsAlthough CTS management is individualized, age or body weight at tracheoplasty needs to be considered and assessed for survival, as well as preoperative balloon dilatation, and carina involvement for successful extubation. Levels of EvidenceLevel III.

Effect of age and sex on carcass characteristics and internal organ weights of scavenging chickens and helmeted guinea fowls

ABSTRACTThe objective of the study was to determine the effect of age and sex on carcass characteristics and internal organ weights in scavenging guinea fowls and chickens. Ninety-six scavenging birds, purchased from farmers, were used comprising 48 guinea fowls and 48 chickens from communal farmers. Guinea fowls comprised 25 females and 23 males, with 21 growers and 27 adults. Chickens had 18 females and 30 males with 19 growers and 29 adults. Guinea fowls had heavier body weight and relative hot carcass and cold dressed weight than chickens and which increased with age. Breast and wing relative weights were higher in guinea fowls. Chickens recorded the higher weight of leg and drumstick than guinea fowls. The neck, feet and head weights were heavier in chickens except for the back which was similar to guinea fowls. Chickens had significantly higher abdominal fat than guinea fowls. Relative weights of the heart, liver, kidney, lung and gizzard were higher in chickens. Relative total intestinal weight and lengths of total intestines, small and large intestines were higher in chickens than in guinea fowls. Relative lengths of the intestines decreased with age. Chickens and guinea fowls could have different capacities to utilize scavengeable feed resources.

Complications and short-term outcomes associated with single-port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs.

To describe a technique and report complications and outcome for single-port laparoscopic splenectomy in dogs. Retrospective study. Twenty-two client-owned dogs. Medical records of dogs that underwent single-port laparoscopic splenectomy at 4 veterinary teaching hospitals were evaluated. Commercially available single-port devices were used in all dogs. In all cases, a vessel-sealing device was used to perform a hilar splenectomy. After the procedure was completed, the spleen was exteriorized through the single-port device incision or placed into a specimen retrieval device; enlargement of the incision was required in some cases. Median weight of dogs was 9.9 kg (interquartile range [IQR], 7.0-26.0). Splenectomy was performed because of splenic mass (n = 14), diffuse splenic disease (n = 4), or as adjunctive treatment for management of immune-mediated disease (n = 4). In cases with splenic masses, median maximal diameter of the largest splenic mass was 2.0 cm (IQR, 1.3-2.5). In 6 of 22 cases, mild splenic capsular bleeding occurred during the procedure. Conversion occurred in 6 of 22 cases to either a laparoscopic-assisted approach (n = 5) or an open celiotomy (n = 1). Reasons for conversion included large splenic dimensions (n = 3), adhesion formation (n = 1) or poor visualization resulting from abundant intra-abdominal fat (n = 1) or hemorrhage (n = 1). Heavier body weight was significantly associated with conversion (odds ratio, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.51), but body condition score, having a splenic mass, splenic mass size, and surgical time were not. Single-port laparoscopic splenectomy is an effective approach for elective splenectomy in dogs. The technique may be well suited to smaller dogs with modestly sized splenic masses or diffuse splenic disease.

Prevalence and factors associated with chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease in HIV-1-infected Asian patients in Tokyo

This single-center cross-sectional study determined the prevalence and factors associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in HIV-1-infected Asian patients at the largest HIV clinic in Japan. HIV-1-infected patients who visited the clinic between September and December 2016 were analyzed. CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or proteinuria ≥1+, observed at least over three months. A logistic regression model was used to estimate the effects of various variables on CKD. The study included 1,990 patients; with 97% Asians, 34% aged of ≥50 years, and 94% had HIV-1 load <50 copies/ml. The median time from HIV-1 diagnosis to study enrollment and duration of ART were 9.1 years (IQR4.8–14.2) and 7.35 years (IQR3.28–12), respectively. CKD and ESRD were diagnosed in 256 (13%) and 9 (0.5%) patients, respectively. The prevalence of CKD was 18.6% for age 50–59, 28.5% for 60–69, and 47% for over 70. Older age, heavier body weight, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and longer duration of ART, but not duration of TDF exposure, were associated with CKD. The traditional risk factors, rather than HIV-1-related variables, were associated with CKD, suggesting the importance of management of such comorbidities in maintenance of renal function.

Performance, carcass traits, meat quality and amino acid profile of different Japanese quails strains.

Poultry production is considered one of the prospective opportunities to accomplish sustainable and quick production of superior protein to challenge the growing mandate for animal protein. Therefore, this study was aimed to explore the difference on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and amino acid profile of different Japanese quails strains. A total of 480 quail chicks of four different plumage colors (120 of each white, golden, gray and brown) were collected after hatching. At 6week of age, birds were stunned and decapitated to determine the physical meat quality, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and amino acid profile. White quails had the highest weight of slaughter, carcass, dressing, carcass yield, liver, gizzard, heart and spleen (197.27g, 169.27g, 91%, 82%, 6.63g, 6.53g, 2.27g and 0.40g, respectively). Also, they had the highest PhU, lightness, yellowness and water holding capacity with the lowest level of redness, cooking losses and thiobarbituric acid in pectoral (6.28, 46.40, 12,46, 22.17, 9.20, 19.21 and 0.44, respectively) and thigh muscles (6.37, 42.30, 11.51, 26.01, 10.12 and 0.93, respectively). Moreover, they possessed the highest level of all essential (11.68 and 10.16g/100g protein in pectoral and thigh muscles, respectively) and non essential amino acids (13.27 and 12.54g/100g protein in pectoral and thigh muscles, respectively). Therefore, the current study revealed that white quails had the heaviest body weight with the best carcass traits and meat quality.

Double vs. single cord blood transplantation in adolescent and adult hematological malignancies with heavier body weight (≥50 kg)

ABSTRACTBackground: Double-unit cord blood transplantation (CBT) can be used to overcome the limitation of single-unit CBT with low cell content for adults and larger adolescents. However, whether double-unit CBT is superior to single-unit CBT remains controversial.Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 228 consecutive hematological malignancies who received CBT between November 2005 and December 2013. Ninety-seven eligible patients met the criteria (age ≥14 years and body weight ≥50kg) and were enrolled in this study.Results: The incidence of myeloid engraftment in the double-unit CBT group was significantly lower that in the single-unit CBT group (89.2 vs. 96.7%) (p = 0.026), and the incidence of platelet engraftment in the double-unit CBT group was slightly lower (70.3 vs. 86.7%) (p = 0.057). The 5-year transplant-related mortality rate was significantly higher in the double-unit CBT group when compared with that of the single-unit CBT group [54.1 vs. 33.3%, p = 0.026]. The 5-year probabilities of overall survival, disease-free survival and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) -free/relapse-free survival in the double-unit CBT group were significantly lower than that of the single-unit CBT group (37.8 vs. 56.7%, p = 0.037; 32.4 vs. 55.0%, p = 0.017; 24.3 vs. 50.0%, p = 0.006). The incidences of GVHD and relapse were similar.Conclusions: For adolescent and adult hematological malignancies with heavier body weight (≥50kg), double-unit CBT has an inferior clinical outcome when compared with single-unit CBT having a sufficient cell dose. Double-unit CBT should only reserve for patients who need an urgent transplant but lacking of a related or unrelated donor and without an adequately dosed single CB.

Growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and muscle amino-acid profile of different rabbits breeds and their crosses

Meat production efficiency can be enhanced by crossbreeding to capture heterosis. This study aimed to investigate the impact of rabbit genotype on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and amino acids profile. A total of 504 weaned rabbits from nine genotypes of full factorial crossing of New Zealand White (NZW), Californian (CA) and Rex (RX) were used. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles were assessed for meat quality and amino acids profile. There were no differences between groups at weaning and 6weeks, but by 10weeks differences were significant (P<0.001) and the numerically heaviest groups were CA×RX and RX×NZW (1970g, P<0.001) with to some extent better amino acids profile. In conclusion, RX growth performance was improved by crossing CA sire with RX dam and RX sire with NZW dam and to have dual purpose breed with better growth performance without hazard on carcass and meat quality. CA×RX and RX×NZW had the heaviest body weight at 10weeks of age and highest body weight gain during the whole finishing period.

USE OF FEED COLOR AND ODOR AS ATTRACTIVE TOOLS FOR MANAGING TURKEY CHICKS AT EARLY FEEDING

A total number of 180 one-day old unsexed native turkey chicks were chosen for evaluating the response of turkeys to different feed odors and colors on growth performance, carcass characteristics, some meat quality and health traits. Birds were allocated in three main groups according to feed odor (non-odor, molasses and fish odors) and then each main group was divided to two sub-groups corresponded to non-colored and green colored feed, respectively. The findings indicated that birds fed diets of molasses or fish odors had significantly better values of body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Birds fed green color had heavier BW than those fed non color feed. BW, BWG and FC of birds fed green feed with molasses and fish odors significantly exceeded those of untreated feed at marketing age. No significant differences were found in each of some carcass traits, meat tender and juiciness due to feed odors, colors and their interactions. Liver percentage and meat flavor were increased in birds fed diets with molasses and fish odors than those of the non-odor group. Score of meat color was higher in birds fed green feed than those of the other group. Birds fed green feed with molasses or fish odor had the highest values of liver percentage, meat color and flavor scores. Plumage condition, H / L ratio and tonic immobility of turkeys fed green feed was significantly better than those of non-color group. No significant differences were found in plumage condition, body temperature, H / L ratio and tonic immobility due to feed odors. Considering the improved performance, it could be concluded that the native turkeys prefer green feed with molasses or fish odors over traditional one. Finally, the feeding on green colored feeds with molasses or fish odors for turkeys during growing period may be recommended.

Characterizing physiological status in three breeds of bulls reared under ecological and climate conditions of the Altai region

Ecological and climatic factors have an impact on the health, productivity and reproduction of the cattle. The goal of this work is the study of physiological status of servicing bulls reared under ecological and climate conditions of the Altai region, by defining the differences between Red-Steppe, Simmental and Black-and-White breeds in spermatogenic, hormonal, biochemical and hematological parameters. Samples of peripheral blood and ejaculates were taken from 48 grown-up servicing bulls (average age 5.6±0.3 years) in autumn period. It was established that Red-Steppe bulls have higher concentrations of nonorganic phosphorus, leucocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in comparison with animals of Simmental breed, and the hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit are also higher in comparison with Black-and-White breed. It was noted that bulls of Black-and-White breed have a higher level of cortisol in comparison with the other breeds. The lowest level of serum urea and total protein and increased serum activity of creatine kinase and γ-glutamyl transferase, as well as the heaviest body weight were observed in Simmental breed bulls. The differences between breeds in a wide spectrum of physiological measures reflect not only genetically determined peculiarities of homeostatic mechanism, but also may reflect different ability to adapt to local ecological and climate conditions of the Altai region. Spermatogenic, biochemical and hematological measures in bull sires reared in the Altai region were similar to those in bulls bred in other Russian regions and some other countries. The measures reported could serve as reference values and therefore represent ‘normal’ values of physiological status for these bull sires reared in this ecological and climatic zone, but could be utilized in further studies for comprehensive monitoring of cattle breeding stock in other ecological and climatic zones of the Siberian region of Russia.

Effect of graded levels of dietary corn steep liquor on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, haematology and histopathology of broilers

This experiment was conducted to assess nutritional potential of corn steep liquor (CSL) as an alternative protein source in broiler's diet. A total of 280-day-old unsexed broiler chicks were randomly distributed into four experimental groups in a simple randomised experimental design (each group had seven replicates; 10 birds per each). Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric broiler starter and finisher diets (C, LCSL, MCSL and HCSL) were formulated containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% CSL respectively. Results revealed that chicks fed MCSL diet had significantly (p≤.05) the heaviest Body weight, highest Body weight gain and the lowest feed conversion ratio followed by those fed HCSL diet. In the starter period, LCSL and MCSL diets resulted in better (p≤.05) dry matter (DM) (89.57%) and crude protein (67.67%) digestibilities respectively. In the finisher period, DM, crude fibre and fat digestibilities were not affected by CSL inclusion levels; while crude protein digestibility was significantly (p≤.05) high in the groups fed LCSL and HCSL diets. The CSL inclusion had no effect on blood haematology except serum uric acid, which tended to increase with increasing CSL levels. No microscopic changes were exhibited on liver, heart, kidneys and intestine of birds across all dietary treatments. However, crops in birds fed HCSL diet showed moderate to severe hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the mucosal lining. The study showed that CSL could be added up to 15% in broiler's diet without any adverse effect on bird's performance.

Evaluation of Some Immunostimulants on the Immune-response of Broiler Chickens Against Avian Influenza and Newcastle Diseases Vaccination

Immunostimulants get an increasing importance to enhance the immune system and allowing maximum performance in poultry production. The effects of using different immunostimulants on the immune response of broiler chickens to Newcastle disease (ND) and Avian influenza (AI) vaccination were investigated in this study. 100 day-old Ross broiler chicks were randomly divided into 4 groups, 25 birds for each group. Group A was not treated with any immunostimulants and used as a control, while groups B, C and D were supplemented with Imutrix® (oregano oils plus β-glucan), Evit liquid® (Vitamin E plus selenium) and inmunair®17.5 (Propionibacterium acnes and E. coli lipopolysaccharides), respectively. Statistical analysis results demonstrated significant divergence (P < 0.05) in body weight (BW) and feed conversion ratio among the applicable treatments. Birds of group B had the heaviest body weight (2.03 kg), followed by group C (1.87 Kg) and D (1.82 Kg) in comparison to the birds of group A (control, 1.79 Kg). Bursa of Fabricius weight showed non-significant differences among groups except in group B that showed an increase in the Bursa of Fabricius weight more than other groups especially the control group (1.15 g more). Comparable immune response was recorded for both AI and ND vaccination. The highest mean antibody titers were recorded for birds in group B at 14, 28 and 35 days old, while those in group D had the lowest antibody titre values. Thus, supplementing immunostimulants especially Imutrix® and Evit liquid® had a significant positive effect on performance characteristics and immune response against AI and ND vaccination in broiler chickens in contrast to non-treated group, which had low levels of immune response, rapid decreasing and no persistence for keeping high HI titer for long time.

Dietary fat preference and effects on performance of piglets at weaning.

ObjectiveAn experiment was to evaluate the interplay of dietary lipid sources and feeding regime in the transition from sow milk to solid food of abruptly weaned piglets.MethodsSoon after weaning, 144 piglets were selected and were trained over a 15 day period to experience gradually reducing dietary fat content from 12% to 6% for lard (L), soybean oil (S), and coconut oil (C) and their feeding behavior and diet preference then tested in a behavior observation experiment. Another 324 weaned piglets were used in three consecutive feeding experiments to measure the effect of different dietary fats on performance and feed choice in the four weeks after abrupt weaning. The lipid sources were used as supplements in a 3% crude fat corn/soya basal diet, with 6% of each being included to form diets 9C, 9S, and 9L respectively, and their effects on performance measured. Combinations of these diets were then further compared in fixed blends or free choice selection experiments.ResultsPiglets pre-trained to experience reducing lipid inclusion showed different subsequent preferences according to lipid source, with a preference for lard at 9%, soybean oil at 3%, and coconut oil at 6% inclusion rate (p<0.001). Following abrupt weaning, whilst after 4 weeks those fed 9C had the heaviest body weights (18.13 kg, p = 0.006). Piglets fed a fixed 1:1 blend of 9C+9S had a poorer feed conversion ratio (FCR = 1.80) than those fed a blend of 9C+9L (FCR = 1.4). The 9C and 9L combination groups showed better performance in both fixed blend and free choice feeding regimes.ConclusionAfter abrupt weaning, they still have dependence on high oleic acid lipids as found in sow milk. A feeding regime offering free choice combination of lipids might give the possibility for piglets to cope better with the transition at weaning, but further research is needed.