Higher Average Body Weight Research Articles

Effects of Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance, Metabolic Profile, and Health Status in Dairy Calves.

This study focused on assessing whether the inclusion of probiotics (B. subtilis) as feed additives during the preweaning stage can enhance the body weight and metabolic condition of neonatal calves. A total of 50 Holstein calves, all born on the same farm, were randomly divided into two homogeneous treatment groups after birth. The calves in the control group (CG) were fed a milk replacer (n = 25) (13 females and 12 males) and those in the B. subtilis-supplement-treated group (TG), (n = 25) (13 females and 12 males) were fed a milk replacer with 7.5 mL/calf/day of B. subtilis probiotic (complied with the manufacturer's guidelines). The probiotic was administered 24 h post-birth, signifying the start of the experimental period. It took one month to collect the animals. Body weight was measured at birth for all animals. A local veterinarian, working on the farm, conducted daily health checks of the calves, recording health parameters and any antibiotic treatments. Blood samples were collected from each calf at birth and 30, 60, and 90 days by puncturing the jugular vein using 10 mL evacuated serum tubes before morning feeding. Significant differences in body weight were observed between the CG and the TG at 30, 60, and 90 days of age. At 30 days, the TG had a 4.11% higher average body weight than the CG (54.38 kg vs. 52.71 kg). At 60 days, the TG's average weight was 3.75% higher (79.21 kg vs. 76.34 kg), and at 90 days, the TG had a 2.91% higher average weight (112.87 kg vs. 109.67 kg). At 30 days of age, the TG showed significantly lower AST activity, with a 41.12% decrease compared to the CG (51.02 IU/L vs. 72.00 IU/L). Conversely, GGT activity was significantly higher in the TG by 64.68% (40.64 IU/L vs. 14.35 IU/L). Phosphorus concentration at 30 days was also significantly higher in the TG by 9.36% (3.27 mmol/L vs. 2.99 mmol/L). Additionally, the TG had a significantly lower total protein concentration, with a 21.63% decrease at 30 days (46.32 g/L vs. 56.34 g/L) and a 20.28% decrease at 60 days (48.32 g/L vs. 58.12 g/L) compared to the CG. These findings indicate that dairy calves given conventional milk replacer along with a daily dose of 7.5 mL of B. subtilis probiotic experienced enhanced growth performance and a more favourable metabolic profile during the first 90 days of their lives.

Pituitary gland height evaluated with magnetic resonance imaging in premature twins: the impact of growth and sex.

Pituitary gland height reflects secretory activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. To assess the cumulative impact of fetal growth and sex on pituitary gland height in premature twins, dissociated from prematurity. A retrospective study was conducted, assessing the pituitary gland height in 63 pairs of preterm twins, measured from T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Auxological parameters, including body weight, body length, and head circumference, at birth and at the time of MRI, were used as proxies for fetal and postnatal growth, respectively. The study population was divided into two groups, using corrected age at around term equivalent as the cutoff point. Statistical analysis was performed using mixed-effects linear regression models. When pituitary gland height was evaluated at around term equivalent, a greater pituitary gland height, suggesting a more immature hypothamo-pituitary axis, was associated with the twin exhibiting lower auxological data at birth. The same association was observed when body weight and length at MRI were used as covariants. In the group evaluated after term equivalent, a smaller pituitary gland height, suggesting a more mature hypothamo-pituitary axis, was associated with male sex. This difference was observed in twin pairs with higher average body weight at birth, and in babies exhibiting higher auxological data at MRI. After isolating the effect of prematurity, at around term equivalent, pituitary gland height reflects the cumulative impact of fetal growth on the hypothalamo-pituitary axis. Subsequently, pituitary gland height shows effects of sex and of fetal and postnatal growth.

Современный взгляд на проблему генитального пролапса через призму факторов риска.

Introduction. Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is one of the varieties of pelvic floor hernias and has a significant impact on the quality of life of a modern woman. The prevalence of POP is quite high, and the peak values of its occurrence reach 5% in women aged 60 to 69 years. The current trend in the world towards an increase in the occurrence of POP is associated with an increase in the life expectancy of women, the participation of women in the production process, the presence of concomitant somatic pathology, the identification of risk factors in the detection of a small degree of prolapse allows identifying risk groups for rapid progression of POP and timely implementation of therapeutic measures. Aim. To identify new modern risk factors for POP. Materials and methods. The study is a cohort retrospective non-randomized. The main group consisted of 110 patients with grade II-IV POP according to the POP-Q classification. The control group consisted of 34 women without established gynecological diseases. Results. Women with PОР were significantly more likely to live in rural areas, had a higher average body weight than patients without gynecological pathology, they were in postmenopause for a longer time. Patients with POP were significantly more often observed for diseases of the chronic tonsillitis, the cardiovascular system, as well as for varicose veins of the lower extremities. The patients of the main group had more abdominal operations in the anamnesis and higher parity than in the control group. Conclusion. The risk factors for POP were the duration of postmenopause, high parity (natural childbirth) and overweight. The risk factors for PОР are diseases of the cardiovascular system, varicose veins of the lower extremities, chronic tonsillitis and surgical interventions on the abdominal organs.

Body Weight Improvement in Rats with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Secretome

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the decreasing of insulin production due to damage to pancreatic β-cells. Secretome is a substance that found in stem cell media have ability to regeneration cell because contain cytokines and growth factors. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the secretome in regenerating pancreatic cells to increase body weight in rat with diabetes mellitus type 1. This study used 60 rats and were divided into healthy control group; diabetes mellitus group; treatment group was induced with streptozotocin and injected with a secretome dose of 0.05; 0,1; 0,2 ml/kg body weight intraperitoneally once a week for four weeks intraperitoneally. The body weight of the rats was measured daily using a digital scale for four weeks. The results of this study showed a significant difference in the body weights of each group (p = 0.000). The lowest average body weight was observed in the diabetes mellitus group, whereas the highest average body weight was observed in the healthy control group. In the group that received treatment, the pattern that could be seen was that the more doses given, the more the body weight tended to increase. This study was confirming that there was increasing body weight in diabetes mellitus type 1 that treated with secretome.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica, Syn. Emblica officinalis) on Growth and Health of Commercial Broiler Chicken (CARIBRO Dhanraja)

The present research work was performed at Rathindra Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Palli Siksha Bhavana (Institute of Agriculture), Visva-Bharati, Sriniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal, during February–April 2022. The objective of the present study was to explore the effect of dietary supplementation of amla (Emblica officinalis) on the health and growth of broiler chicks (CARIBRO Dhanraja). A total of thirty-six (36) one-day old chicks were randomly distributed into three dietary treatment groups with three replicates for each treatment group and four birds in each replicate to conduct the proposed study. The three experimental dietary treatments were, Control group, fed with standard diet, i.e., without amla (E. officinalis) supplementation (T1), Test groups, fed with 1.5% amla (E. officinalis) supplemented diet (T2) and 2.5% amla (E. officinalis) supplemented diet (T3). From the results, the highest average body weight, highest weekly average body weight gain and better Feed Conversion Ratio were observed in T2 followed by T3. It was found that serum SGPT/ALT, SGOT/AST and ALP levels were found to be highest in the control group (T1), and were significantly reduced in amla-supplemented groups, least levels were observed in the T3 group. There was no significant difference observed in dressing yield among the treatments. However, in some carcass parameters, a significant difference was observed among the groups with different treatments. From the above study, it could be concluded that feed supplemented with amla (E. officinalis) improved the health and growth of the broiler chicken, which is economically profitable to the poultry farmers.

The Effect of Moderate Intensity Interval Training (MIIT) on Short-Term Memory Function, the Ratio of Neocortical Neurons and Glial Cells, and the Number of Hippocampal Pyknotic Granule Cells in Rats on a High-Calorie Diet

Consumption of a high-calorie diet correlates with increased metabolic disturbances that lead to various organ disorders, including neurodegenerative disease. Women are more susceptible to metabolic disorders due to a high-calorie diet, so they have higher risk factors for neuroinflammation. This study was conducted to explain the effect of Moderate Intensity Interval Training (MIIT) on short-term memory, neocortex glia neuron ratio, and hippocampal pyknotic granule cells in female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) with a high-calorie diet. The Wistar rats used were two months old. The study was conducted for four weeks, preceded by the acclimatization of experimental animals. MIIT intervention in the form of swimming is done every 5 minutes with a rest period of 2.5 minutes with two repetitions. Measurement of short-term memory using Y-maze instrument. Results: Before treatment, the highest average body weight was in groups C, B, and A (p=0.006). After treatment, the highest average body weight was found in groups B, C, and A (p=0.569). The test results of short-term memory measurement using the alternation indicator showed no significant difference between groups in the pre-alternation test (p=0.481). There was a significant difference between groups for the neuron-glia ratio (p=0.370) and the hippocampus of the pyknosis granule cells (p=0.078). In conclusion, there is a significant difference between groups A, B, and C towards the MIIT intervention.

EARLY FETAL GROWTH RETARDATION IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH HYPERTENSIVE DISORDERS

Fetal growth retardation (FGR) is a complication of pregnancy that develops due to placental insufficiency and leads to the birth of a child with mass and growth parameters below the 10th percentile for a given gestational age. Newborns with FGR are at high risk of developing motor, neurological, cognitive and learning disorders, as well as cerebral palsy. Purpose. To determine the frequency, risk factors and perinatal outcomes in case of early fetal growth retardation (up to 32 weeks of gestation) in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of delivery histories was performed in 116 (8.95%) cases in pregnant women with hypertensive disorders. Hypertensive disorders included: gestational hypertension - 27 (23.2%), chronic arterial hypertension combined with preeclampsia - 18 (15.5%), severe preeclampsia - 35 (30.2%), moderate preeclampsia - 36 (31.1%) cases. Early fetal growth retardation (up to 32 weeks of gestation) was in 32 (26.8%) cases, late fetal growth retardation - in 84 (73.2%) cases. Perinatal losses occurred in 4 (34.4%o) cases in pregnant women with early FGR. Results. Pregnant women with hypertensive disorders most often had concomitant kidney disease, hypertension, obesity of II-III degree, and varicose veins. The highest percentage of newborns with FGR as in pregnant women with chronic arterial hypertension of 2-3 grades (38.9%) and in women with severe preeclampsia (31.4%). The lowest average body weight (1260±52 g) was in newborns whose mothers had blood pressure above 200/130 mm Hg. The highest average body weight (1485±85 g) was in newborns whose mothers had blood pressure up to 160/100 mm Hg. Conclusions. Thus, pregnant women with hypertensive disorders are at high risk of developing a serious complication - early fetal growth retardation. The highest risk of uteroplacental circulation disorders is in pregnant women with chronic hypertension of 2-3 grades and severe preeclampsia.

Health assessment of Holstein calves born after in vitro fertilization, biopsy-based genotyping at the blastocyst stage and subsequent embryo transfer

Establishing methods for evaluating genomic estimated breeding values of bovine embryos can potentially increase the efficiency of breeding programs by transferring only embryos with a high genomic estimated breeding value. This may be achieved by analyzing DNA from trophectoderm biopsies. However, manipulation of bovine embryos is associated with a risk of impaired conceptus health. More knowledge on the health implications of embryonic handling procedures is required. In this study, we followed pregnancies after transfer of in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos and assessed the health of the offspring during the first 2 weeks of life. Three groups of calves were studied: i) freshly transferred non-biopsied embryos (39 transfers, 17 calves; Group B-/C-); ii) biopsied and freshly transferred IVP embryos (42 transfers, 21 calves; Group B+/C-); iii) biopsied and cryopreserved IVP embryos (17 transfers, 6 calves; Group B+/C+). Blood biochemical and hematologic values were compared between groups and to a control group of 13 calves produced by conventional artificial insemination. The pregnancy rate on day 50 and the calving rate did not differ among the groups, but the average gestation length of the B+/C+ group was significantly shorter and with wider variation than the two other groups. There was a tendency toward a higher average body weight at birth in group B+/C+ (45.1 kg) and the standard deviation in body weight was larger (11.7 kg) compared to the B-/C- (39.5 kg; 3.2 kg) and B+/C- (41.8 kg; 6 kg) groups. Body weight on day 14 was higher in the B+/C+ calves compared to the other groups. There was no difference in the biochemical and hematological values at birth between the groups and these were within the normal range. However, when compared to a group of calves produced by standard artificial insemination, significantly higher concentrations were found for the hepatic-related enzymes ALAT, ASAT, ALP, and GGT in group B-/C-and B+/C-, while only higher ALP concentrations were found in B+/C+ calves. The biochemical findings indicate higher heterogeneity in IVP calves compared to calves produced by artificial insemination. The more manipulated IVP embryos also showed increased heterogeneity in body weight at birth, with a shift toward heavier calves, which calls for closer attendance at parturition to handle dystocia in a timely manner and minimize fetal losses.

Effect of Pulsed Feeding of GIFT Strain of Tilapia in Biofloc System Using Inland Saline Water

Feed is one of the major inputs in aquaculture system and constitutes 60%–80% of total production costs of tilapia. Inappropriate selection of feed quality and the feeding strategy affects the feed utilization resulting in high food conversion ratio (FCR). A 60 days experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and immuno-physiological responses of GIFT tilapia, (Oreochromis niloticus) by pulsed feeding under biofloc culture system in inland saline water. For the experiment, feeding pattern in pulsed was followed viz., in situ biofloc with daily feeding (T1), in situ biofloc with alternate day feeding (T2), in situ biofloc with every third day feeding (T3), in situ biofloc with no feeding (T4), and clear water control with daily feeding (C) each in triplicates. Biofloc based treatment receiving daily feeding (T1) resulted in significantly (P<0.05) higher average body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to control. T1 and C showed a significantly similar feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Fish maintained in T4 grew the least and survival was lowest (85%). The immunological parameters showed a significant difference (P<0.05) for nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and myeloperoxidase content whereas no significant difference (P>0.05) for lysozyme activity was observed. Higher NBT activity was observed in biofloc based treatments compared to control. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity were considerably higher (P<0.05) in biofloc based treatments than control. Among biofloc based treatments the antioxidant activities were lower in T1. The carbohydrate metabolism enzymes lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) were lower in T1, T2, and T3 compared to control and T4. In conclusion, in-situ biofloc with daily feeding is found to be effective in growth improvement and to elicit immune-physiological responses in GIFT tilapia under pulsed feeding using biofloc based system.

Impact of multiple different high-fat diets on metabolism, inflammatory markers, dysbiosis, and liver histology: study on NASH rat model induced diet

Background: The spectrum of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), can lead to advanced liver disease. It is known that a variety of diets play a significant role in the development of NAFLD/NASH. The goal of this study was to determine the most appropriate composition of diet to induce NASH in an animal model. Methods: This research used Rattus norvegicus strain Wistar (n=27), which were divided into four groups and given each diet for 12 weeks: normal diet (ND, n=7), high-fat diet (HFD, n=6), western diet (WD, n=7) and high-fat-high-fructose diet (HFHFD, n=7). Subjects were documented for body weight. Blood samples were taken for biochemical analysis: low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hepatic lipase, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Feces were taken for short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) analysis. Liver histology was analyzed using NAS (NAFLD activity score). The comparison test was carried out using the one-way ANOVA or Kruskal–Wallis test. Results: The highest average body weight was in the WD group (346.14 g). Liver enzymes, LDL, triglyceride, propionic acid, and acetic acid in each group were not significantly different. TNF-α, IL-6, and hepatic lipase were significant (p = 0.000; p = 0.000; p = 0.004) and the highest was in the HFD group. Butyrate level was significant (p = 0.021) and the least was in the HFHFD group (4.77 mMol/g). Only WD and HFHFD had an NAS ≥ 5 (14% and 14%). The highest percentage of borderline NAS was found in WD (57%). Conclusions: The HFD group showed significant liver inflammation but did not produce NASH histologically, whereas the WD and HFHFD groups had the potential to develop NASH because the diets affected metabolic and inflammatory parameters as well as liver histology.

Effect of selenium, vitamin C and highly unsaturated fatty acids- enriched Brachionus calyciflorus on growth, survival, physio-metabolic and anti-oxidative responses in Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792) larvae

Effects of feeding selenium, vitamin C and HUFA-enriched rotifer on growth, survival, physio-metabolic changes and digestive enzyme activity were investigated. A 15-days experimental trial was conducted to examine the effects of different diets on the growth and survival of Anabas testudineus larvae. A total of 180 numbers of 3 days post hatch (dph) larvae (0.021 ± 0.001 mg) were stocked randomly in five treatments in triplicates. Fish used in the experiment were fed rotifer enriched with selenium (D1), vitamin-C (D2), HUFA (D3) and combination of selenium-vitamin C- HUFA (D4) and un-enriched rotifer (C). The growth rate, survival and digestive enzymes activity of A. testudineus fed enriched rotifer were significantly higher than those fed un-enriched rotifer. The highest average body weight, better growth performance (30.81 ± 1.11 mg), and higher survival (37.41 ± 1.12%) were observed in the rotifer enriched with D4 group fed fishes among the treated groups. Larvae experience less stress when fed with vitamin C enriched diet, as evidenced by the decreased level of SOD and catalase activity found in the tissue of the D2 fed group. The GPx levels was highest in D1 group and there is no significant difference (P < 0.05) between D1 and D4 treatment groups. Digestive enzyme analysis revealed no significant difference in intestinal amylase activity across treatment groups, however the D4 fed group displayed the greatest levels of lipase (0.72 ± 0.01 U mg protein−1 min−1) and protease (1.74 ± 0.02 U mg protein− 1 min−1) activity. The reduced level of AST, ALT, MDH and LDH activity was seen in the tissue of the D4 fed group, indicating that experimental fishes had lower levels of metabolic enzyme activity. The findings revealed that A. testudineus larvae fed with enriched rotifer were significantly different (P < 0.05) from those fed with un-enriched rotifer in terms of growth performance and survival. The combination of selenium-vitamin C-HUFA enriched rotifer is the most favourable for A. testudineus larvae.

ASTAXANTHIN PREVENTS HEPATOSTEATOSIS AND HYPERLIPIDEMIA BUT NOT OBESITY IN HIGH-FAT DIET FED MICE

Astaxanthin (AX) is a natural compound that regulates lipid metabolism in the liver, specifically in reducing hepatosteatosis. To the increment in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLD) ratio and its burdens, prevention/treatment should address the world health problem. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of AX and its prolonged effects on the physiology of mice fed a high-fat diet. Mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) (n=12) were orally given AX at a dosage of 30 mg/kg body weight/day for 16 weeks, followed by eight weeks of AX termination, along with other CTL (normal chow diet) and HFD only group. At four time points of 8, 12, 16, and 24 weeks of the trial, three mice from each group were randomly dissected to collect blood, liver, and adipose tissue samples. AX given through oral gavage showed an excellent factor for maintaining total cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and Low-density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c). Moreover, AX did have impacts on preventing dyslipidemia in mice fed with HFD. Unexpectedly, AX supplied group caused excess weight gain in mice, shown in higher average body weight than HFD fed group. However, all the AX effects wore off after 8 weeks of termination. AX was a good player for liver and plasma lipid homeostasis, but not for weight control. Taken together, AX was a potential compound for preventing hepatosteatosis and hyperlipidemia, but not for controlling weight in mice fed with a HFD.

Effect of mother bonded rearing on growth, health and physiological state of Murrah buffalo calves

We investigated the effect of different types of mother-young contacts (fenceline, restricted and no contact) on the health, growth performance, behaviour and physiological state of Murrah buffalo calves. A total of 24 calves were allocated to three groups of 8: NCM (no calf-mother contact), RCM (restricted calf-mother contact) and FCM (fenceline calf-mother contact). At three months of age, the FCM calves had a higher average body weight (58.6 ± 1.5 kg) than the RCM (52.8 ± 1.3 kg) and NCM (53.6 ± 1.3 kg) calves (P < 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) at three months of age was greater in FCM (0.6 ± 0.1 kg/d) than RCM (0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d) and NCM (0.5 ± 0.1 kg/d) calves (P < 0.05). The mean immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations were significantly greater on d 7, 28, 42 and d 56 of sampling (P < 0.05 for all comparisons) in FCM than RCM and NCM calves. The mean cortisol levels were highest in the NCM calves followed by RCM and the lowest values were observed in FCM calves on d 0, d 7, d 28, d 42 and d 56, respectively (P < 0.05, for all recorded days). The diarrhoea score and eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) were significantly greater in the NCM group compared to the RCM and FCM groups. The time spent in cross sucking, licking inanimate objects and self-licking was greatest (P < 0.05) in NCM calves, followed by RCM calves, and was almost non-existent in the FCM group on all the recorded weeks. Time spent in backward ear position was greater (P < 0.05) in FCM than RCM and NCM calves. The average time spent in forward ear position was greatest (P < 0.05) in the RCM calves followed by NCM with the lowest time observed in FCM calves. The mean duration of time spent by calves in the asymmetrical and axial ear position differed significantly (P < 0.05) among NCM, RCM and FCM calves, P < 0.05. The full and fenceline buffalo calf-mother contact system showed higher growth rates, lower levels of stress responses, oral stereotypies and eggs per gram of faeces. In addition, ear postures may be used as a dependable, and reliable measure of positive, low arousal emotional states.

Study of quercetin and fisetin synergistic effect on breast cancer and potentially involved signaling pathways.

Naturally-derived drugs have drawn much attention in recent decades. Efficiency, lower toxicity, and economic reasons are some of their advantages that justify this broad range of administration for different diseases, including cancer. If we can find a specific combination that boosts the effects of their single therapy, leading to synergism effect, increased efficiency, and decreased toxicity, they can act even better. Quercetin and fisetin, two well-known flavonoids, have been used to fight against various cancers. In this study, we investigated their possible synergism quercetin and fisetin on MCF7, MDA-MB-231, BT549, T47D, and 4T1 breast cancer cell lines. Then the optimum combined dose was used to study their impacts on wound healing abilities and clonogenic properties. The real-time qPCR was used to study the expression of their validated downstream effectors in predicted pathways. A significant synergism effect (p < .01, combination index:<1) was observed for all cell lines. Combination therapy was significantly more effective in colony formation (p < .0001) and wound healing assays (p < .001) compared to single therapies. The expression level of potential effectors was also showed a greater change. In vivo study confirmed the in vitro results and showed how significantly (p < .001) their synergism promotes their singular function in inhibiting cancer progression. The breast cancer mouse models receiving combined therapy lived longer with higher average body weight and smaller tumor sizes. These results exhibit that quercetin and fisetin inhibit cancer cell proliferation, migration and colony formation synergistically, and matrix metalloproteinasesignaling and apoptotic pathways are relatively responsible for inhibitory activities.

PADAT TEBAR OPTIMUM UNTUK MENDUKUNG OPTIMASI KUALITAS AIR DAN PRODUKSI TAMBAK INTENSIF UDANG VANAME (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aimed to determine the optimum stocking density that supported optimization of water quality and production of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) ponds. This study was conducted in 2 different cycles, namely cycles 14 and 15 and with different shrimp stocking densities in each cycle, namely 94 and 150 shrimp/m2. Each cycle and stocking density was represented by 2 ponds, namely ponds B5 and B6. Experimental animals used were white shrimp post-larvae stadia 9-10 (PL 9-10) with a size of 9-12 mm. Experimental parameters observed included water quality parameters (brightness, salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, alkalinity, ammonium, and nitrite) and production performance (average body weight, average daily growth, biomass, feed conversion ratio, survival rate, and feed intake). Water quality of rearing medium reached the optimum value at a stocking density of 94 shrimp/m2. This was indicated by higher dissolved oxygen (4.0-5.3 mg/l) and lower ammonium (0.5-3.0 mg/l) compared to rearing ponds with a stocking density of 150 shrimp/m2 (4 0.0-5.0 mg/l; 1.0-3.0 mg/l). A stocking density of 94 shrimp/m2 showed a higher production performance than a stocking density of 150 shrimp/m2. This was indicated by the higher average body weight, average daily growth, and SR (18.20-19.77 g/shrimp; 0.30-0.48 g/day; 80.60-80.90%) and the lower FCR (1.11-1.33) at stocking density of 94 shrimp/m2 compared to 150 shrimp/m2 (17.18-17.40 g/shrimp; 0.45-0.50 g/day; 73, 92-78.32%; 1.64-1.75). The results of this study indicated that stocking density could affect water quality and shrimp production performance. The optimum shrimp stocking density in this study was 94 shrimp/m2.

Anadolu-T Etlik Piliç Saf Hatlarının Gelişme ve Karkas Özellikleri

This study aimed to determine the growth and carcass traits of Anadolu-T broiler pure lines, which were kept breeding and selection over five generations from 2017 to 2021, in comparison with a commercial hybrid. After the selection process, pure lines (A1, A2, A3, B1, B2) and commercial hybrid (Ross-308) eggs were incubated and 120 female-male chicks were produced from each genotype in each generation. The broiler chickens were reared in broiler production standards for 6 weeks and carcass traits were determined by slaughtering at the end of this period. In this study, growth traits such as body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and livability; breast and thigh meat ratio were considered as carcass traits. The highest average BW (2961.2 to 3481.2 g) and best FCR (1.43 to 1.60) at 6 weeks of age over the five generations occurred in Ross-308 commercial hybrids; followed by sire (BW: 2633.8 to 3180.2 g; FCR: 1.65 to 1.77), dam lines (BW: 2307.7 to 2698.5 g; FCR: 1.65 to 1.78), respectively. Although there were some numerical differences in livability between generations in pure lines, it was generally at a similar level (96-100%) with commercial hybrids. The breast ratio was lower than commercial hybrid in both dam and sire lines, but it was determined that the thigh ratio was higher in pure lines. The fact that pure lines have a short selection history of five generations does not allow for detailed evaluation. We expect that the use of individual feed efficiency test in dam and sire lines, and additionally using body weight and breast

Factors affecting the growth of children till the age of three years with overweight whose mothers have diabetes mellitus: A population-based cohort study

BackgroundThe prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) during pregnancy and childhood obesity is increasing worldwide. Factors affecting the growth of children with overweight whose mothers had DM are complicated and inconclusive. Few longitudinal studies have focused on the growth of infants with macrosomia born to mothers with DM and the factors influencing their overweight. This study explored risk factors for childhood overweight/obesity (OWOB) among children of mothers with DM. Perinatal, maternal socio-demographic, infant care, and maternal body weight characteristics as well as child growth until age 3 years were analyzed using a longitudinal design.MethodsIn total, 24,200 pairs of mothers and their children from the Taiwan Birth Cohort Study were included. Combined Taiwan Children Growth Curve report classifications were analyzed for infant growth at birth and at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months old (m/o). A multiple logistic regression analysis with different model settings was used to assess factors affecting the growth of high birth weight children of mothers with diabetic mellitus (HODM).ResultsChildren in the HODM group had a higher average body weight than did those in the non-DM group at different age stages. Relative to the non-DM group, weight gain in the HODM group was slower before 18 m/o but faster from 18 to 36 m/o, particularly after 24 m/o. Maternal DM was a major risk factor for childhood OWOB (odds ratio [OR]: 3.25–3.95). After adjustment for related confounders, the OR was 2.19–3.17. Maternal overweight or obesity and higher gestational weight gain were greater risk factors for childhood OWOB at 3 years old after adjusted maternal DM and other selected confounders (OR: 1.45 and 1.23, respectively). Breastfeeding until 6 m/o was a protective factor against childhood OWOB (OR: 0.95). The HODM and non-DM groups did not differ significantly in perinatal, maternal socio-demographic, or infant care characteristics.ConclusionsMaternal DM is a major factor of childhood OWOB. Maternal body weight before and after pregnancy affects childhood OWOB, and this effect increases with the child’s age.

Providing environmental enrichments affects activity and performance, but not leg health in fast- and slower-growing broiler chickens

Effects of environmental enrichment on activity, behaviour, walking ability, contact dermatitis and performance were investigated in fast- and slower-growing broiler chickens. A total of 840 day-old male broilers, 420 of a fast-growing strain (Ross 308) and 420 of a slower-growing strain (Hubbard JA757), were housed in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, using a complete randomized design. Broilers were housed in 28 pens of 3 m2 in one climate-controlled room. Half of the pens per strain were enriched (EE) with barrier perches, ramps, platforms and a dustbathing area, and the other half of the pens were not enriched (NE). In the EE pens, also black soldier fly larvae were provided daily in the dustbathing area and broilers in NE pens received an additional protein-fat mix, to achieve similar energy and nutrient intake compared to the EE treatment. Behaviour was observed by scan sampling and focal sampling in weeks 2, 4, 5 and 7. Walking ability, footpad dermatitis and hock burn were measured in three broilers per pen at a body weight of 1.7 and 2.6 kg. Performance was determined weekly. Results showed that in the enriched environment, at the same age slower-growing broilers made more use of provided enrichment materials than fast-growing broilers (P < 0.001; Δ = +13.5 %). Providing enrichment decreased the proportion of slower-growing chickens standing idle, whereas this effect was not found for fast-growing broiler chickens (P = 0.006; Δ = -2.8 % for slower-growing broilers). Furthermore, at the same age, more slower-growing broilers were active (Δ = +4.5 %) compared to fast-growing broilers, whereas fast-growing broilers showed more sitting idle (Δ = +4.2 %) and ingestion behaviour (Δ = +2.8 %) than slower-growing broilers in both EE and NE pens (P < 0.05). Broilers of both strains in EE pens showed longer duration of activity (P < 0.05; Δ = +11.3 %) compared to broilers in NE pens. No effects of enrichment or strain were observed for walking ability and contact dermatitis. Fast-growing broilers and broilers in NE pens had a higher average body weight, a higher average daily gain and a higher feed intake than slower-growing broilers and broilers in EE pens, respectively. In conclusion, environmental enrichment was most used by slower-growing broilers and providing enrichments increased activity to a similar extent in both strains. However, providing enrichments did not improve walking ability and had an adverse effect on performance in both strains.

The Effect of Non-Circadian Photoperiod on Growth and Puberty Onset of Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis Mitchill.

Simple SummaryThere has been intensive research addressing the positive effects of different prolonged photoperiods on wide spectrum of aspects of salmonids aquaculture. The present study was an attempt to assess non-circadian photoperiod regimens on growth and puberty onset of brook trout. We found regimen under which fish was exposed to 48 h of natural ambient photoperiod alternating with 24 h of constant light to be remarkably effective on the delay of gonad development and onset of puberty, enabling fish farmers to fight with negative aspects related to brook trout puberty.The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of a prolonged photoperiod on growth rate and sexual maturation in brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis. The task of the experiment was to determine the most effective light regimen capable to minimizing the effects of puberty, including impairment of somatic growth and further general characteristics. In this regard, the studied fish were reared under three photoperiod regimens in which fish were exposed to 24 h continuous light alternating with 24 or 48 h under the ambient photoperiod or 48 h continuous light alternating with a 24 h ambient photoperiod. A control group was reared under the natural ambient photoperiod. Four-hundred and fifty fish with an average initial body weight of 101.3 ± 1.2 g were used for each experimental group (three replicates of each treatment plus control). A statistically lower growth rate showed control groups in both sexes. At the end of the study, control males had an average body weight of 226.6 ± 39.8 g and control females a body weight of 199.8 ± 12.2 g. At the same period, a significantly higher average body weight was found in groups reared 24 h under ambient photoperiod alternating with a 48 h continuous light regime (2CP:1AP) in both sexes (296.56 ± 62.5 g—males, and 239.9 ± 19.2 g—females, respectively). A significantly higher percentage of sexually mature fish was observed in the control group (80% of males and 29% of females, respectively). We found significantly fewer sexually mature females compared to males. The lowest survival was observed in group 2CP:1AP at 92%. It was concluded that regimen under which fish was exposed to 48 h of natural ambient photoperiod alternating with 24 h of constant light (1CP:2AP) lead to the successful delay of gonad development and onset of puberty and increased somatic growth in both sexes.

Yam‐based biofloc system improves the growth, digestive enzyme activity, bacterial community structure and nutritional content in milkfish ( Chanos chanos )

An experimental trial was conducted for 90 days to evaluate the effect of different carbon sources viz. yam and potato on growth performance of milkfish (Chanos chanos) in biofloc-based system. Milkfish fry (average body weight of 0.66 ± 0.01 g) was stocked in biofloc treatments, yam-based biofloc (BFY) and potato-based biofloc (BFP), and clear water (CW) as control in triplicates. Milkfish reared in biofloc-based units obtained significantly better (p < 0.05) performance in terms of growth, digestive enzyme activity and survival when compared to clear water control. Among the biofloc-based treatments, the highest average body weight (11.62 ± 0.24 g), specific growth rate (3.21 ± 0.01% day−1), percentage weight gain (1688.10 ± 19.05) and survival (90.83 ± 2.01%) were found in BFY group. Similarly, the essential amino acid and non-essential amino acid contents of biofloc and experimental fish were higher in BFY as compared to BFP. Additionally, the highest level of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and total n-6 and n-3 PUFA were found higher in BFY. Bacterial composition analysis showed that BFY treatment groups had a more diverse bacterial community than those with BFP treatment groups. This study demonstrated that biofloc-based culture system is suitable for rearing of C. chanos fry and the most preferable type of carbon source is found to be Yam.