Higher Levels Of Supplementation Research Articles

Rambutan fruit peel powder and dietary protein level influencing on fermentation characteristics, nutrient digestibility, ruminal microorganisms and gas production using in vitro fermentation techniques.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) fruit peel powder (RP) on fermentation characteristics, rumen microorganisms, and in vitro gas production. Three levels of crude protein (CP) in the concentrate (14%, 16%, and 18% CP) and supplementation of rambutan peel powder (0, 2, 4, and 6% of the total dietary substrate) were designed for treatments according to 3 × 4 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (CRD). The rumen fluid samples were collected from two-fistulated dairy bulls which had been fed on rice straw with concentrate to adjust the rumen environment. The ratio of roughage (R) and concentrate (C) at 60:40 was used, and all ingredients were added according to the mentioned ratio, respectively. Under this study, supplementation of CP at different levels in the concentrate diet significantly altered (P < 0.05) rumen NH3-N at 6 and after 12h of incubation, whereas the rumen pH was not significantly changed with CP and RP supplementation levels at any times of incubation. The rumen pH was declined at 18% CP at 6h of incubation time, as compared to 14 and 16% CP with 0% RP supplementation. The CP and RP supplementation could enhance and maintain the rumen pH during incubation to the optimum condition. The RP supplementation significantly doubled bacterial population while reduced protozoal population; however, fungal zoospores were not altered with CP and RP supplementation. The ruminal propionate (C3) production was remarkably higher (P < 0.05) by the RP and CP supplementation. The ratio of acetate to propionate (C2:C3) was decreased (P < 0.05) with RP supplementation. Meanwhile, rumen methane (CH4) production was significantly reduced by the RP supplementation. In addition, high level of RP supplementation (6% of total substrate) also significantly decreased the cumulative gas production and the in vitro true digestibility (%IVTDMD). Level of CP had no effect on rumen fermentation while interactive effects of CP level and RP supplementation were not found. This current study indicated that RP supplementation could suppress protozoal population, mitigate methane production, and improve rumen fermentation.

IMPACT OF USING CHAMOMILE FLOWER AS A FEED ADDITIVE ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF FARAFRA EWES DURING HEAT STRESS CONDITIONS

This work was carried out to investigate the effects of Chamomile flower supplementation as a feed additive on reproductive performance and physiological responses of ewes during heat stress conditions. Forty-five healthy fertile Farafra ewes aged 2.0-4.0 years with an average body weight of 42.1 ± 0.92 kg were equally divided into three groups (15 ewes each), control group: received basal diet with no additives, T1: received basal diet + 0.5 gm chamomile flower /10 kg L.B.W/ day and T2: received basal diet + 1.0 gm chamomile flower /10 kg L.B.W/ day. The experiment lasted through a season of mating till parturition during the summer season. Body weight of ewes was improved at the end of pregnancy and after lambing in both supplemented groups (T1 & T2) compared to the control group. Concerning reproductive performance, the number of ewes exhibited estrus inChamomile supplemented groups (T1, T2) was higher than those in the control group. Also, supplemented ewes exhibited estrus earlier than control ones, especially in T2. Conception rate was improved by Chamomile supplementation, it was 93.3% in T2 followed by 80.0% in T1 and the lowest one was in the control group (73.3%). Also, the numbers of total and alive lambs born were higher in supplemented groups compared to control. In addition, Chamomile supplementation increased birth weight of lambs, this increase was significant (P<0.05)between T2 versus control (4.02 vs. 3.32 kg) however, it was not significant between T1 and control. Rectal and skin temperatures values were lower in both Chamomile supplemented groups compared to control. At the same time, respiration rate was decreased significantly in treated groups (32.5 in T1 and 32.8 in T2) than the control group (40.6). However, opposite trend of results was obtained in gas volume/minute and tidal volume. Metabolic rate (MR) and heat production (HP) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 compared to both T1 and control groups. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin tended to insignificantly increase with chamomile supplementation. In addition, serum urea, creatinine, AST and ALT concentrations did not significantly differ among groups and all values of these investigated blood metabolites were within the normal range of sheep. In conclusion, supplementation of chamomile flowers as a herbal feed additive had a beneficial effect on reproductive performance of ewes and the better improvement was observed with the high level of supplementation (1.0 gm chamomile flower /10 kg L.B.W/ day). Moreover, the investigated physiological responses during heat stress were improved by the supplementation with no adverse side effects on blood metabolites.

A CHECK POINT INHIBITOR-RELATED FATAL TOXICITY

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Lung Pathology 3 SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: 10/09/2018 01:15 PM - 02:15 PM INTRODUCTION: Monoclonal antibodies against the immune checkpoint programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) improve the hosts antitumor immune response and have demonstrated tremendous promise in the treatment of certain malignancies. Recently, there are emerging reports of serious autoimmune related toxicities from immune checkpoint blockade therapy. In our practice, we have encountered a fatal immune related adverse event on a patient who was treated with pembrolizumab. CASE PRESENTATION: 74 year old male with biopsy proven stage IV squamous cell esophageal cancer with metastasis to the lung presented to our service with a upper respiratory infection and cough with rusty colored sputum. He had been treated with pembrolizumab 3 days prior to the patient’s presentation. On examination, the patient was found to be hypoxemic on room air, tachycardic, and tachypneic. Initial chest film showed diffuse interstitial infiltrates; CT angiography of the chest elucidated significant new diffuse ground-glass infiltrates. The patient was initially treated for a suspected acute infectious pneumonia requiring high levels of noninvasive oxygen supplementation. Due to the lack of other etiologies such as environmental, infectious, and occupational, it was determined by pulmonology that this was most likely an adverse effect of the patient’s immunotherapy. The imaging studies were similar to previously seen pembrolizumab induced auto-immune pneumonitis. In accordance with both the pulmonology and oncology services, the patient was treated with high dose systemic steroids. Despite this, the dyspnea worsened and the patient declined mechanical ventilation. Eventually, he succumbed to the sequelae of pembrolizumab related auto-immune grade IV pneumonitis causing respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. DISCUSSION: The overall use of check-point inhibitors (CPIs) has increased survival in patients with certain types of cancer. While serious toxicities have been described in the literature from CPI therapy there are limited case reports describing auto-immune adverse effects such as vitilgo, auto-immune encephalitis, and auto-immune pneumonitis. In our review of previous literature, we found that there have only been several reported cases of auto-immune pneumonitis. In our case, there was a direct correlation between pembrolizumab and the development of grade IV auto-immune pneumonitis causing acute respiratory failure and death. CONCLUSIONS: There is a known relationship in the development of autoimmune toxicities in patients receiving checkpoint inhibitors. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion for high grade intestinal pneumonitis when patients treated with CPIs present with respiratory symptoms. It behooves us to further educate ourselves and direct therapy accordingly. These results encourage future Randomized Controlled trials (RCTs) to follow the efficacy and long-term side effects of these new therapies. Reference #1: Nishino, M. (2016). Incidence of Programmed Cell Death 1 Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis in Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Oncology, 12. doi:10.1001 Reference #2: Nishino, M. (2016). PD-1 Inhibitor-Related Pneumonitis in Advanced Cancer Patients: Radiographic Patterns and Clinical Course. Clinical Cancer Research, 24. doi:10.1158 Reference #3: Chuzi, S. (2017). Clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies in checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis. Cancer Management Research, 9. doi:10.2147 DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Nemer Dabage, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Ian Kahane, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by fiorella pendola, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Vijay Srinivasan, source=Web Response

Folic acid supplementation during pregnancy prevents cognitive impairments and BDNF imbalance in the hippocampus of the offspring after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia

Folic acid (FA) supplementation (400 μg/day) has been recommended during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. However, in some countries, flours are required to be fortified with FA, possibly increasing the levels of this vitamin in pregnant women. Our previous studies have evidenced a dual effect of the FA treatment in a rat model of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Aiming to better correlate with humans, this paper evaluated the effects of two different levels of FA supplementation during pregnancy on memory parameters and neuronal survival and plasticity in the hippocampus of rats submitted to the neonatal HI. During pregnancy, female Wistar rats received one of these diets: standard (SD), supplemented with 2 mg/kg of FA or with 20 mg/kg of FA. At the 7th PND, rats suffered the HI procedure. At the 60th PND rats were evaluated in the open field, Morris water maze, novel-object recognition and inhibitory avoidance tasks. Furthermore, neuronal density, synaptophysin densitometry and BDNF concentration were assessed in the hippocampus. Both doses of FA prevented the HI-induced memory impairments. The supplementation reversed the BDNF late increase in the hippocampus of the HI rats, but did not inhibit the neuronal death. In conclusion, FA supplementation during pregnancy prevented memory deficits and BDNF imbalance after neonatal HI. These findings are particularly relevant because neuroprotection was achieved even in the high level of FA supplementation during pregnancy, indicating that this intervention would be considered secure for the offspring development.

NUTRITIONAL EFFECT OF LINSEED OIL ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE, CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS AND BLOOD PICTURE OF GROWING RABBITS

A number of eighty growing NZW rabbits at 5 weeks age and 620 ± 30 g average live body weight were weighed and distributed into five experimental groups. The experiment aimed at studying the effect of linseed oil at the rate of 1,2, 3 and 4% on their productive performance, carcass characteristics, some blood parameters, T3 and T4 as well as histological changes in the liver and testis of the tested animals. Adding linseed oil to rabbit diets at the level of 2% improved significantly (P≤0.05) LBW compared to the control one as well as the other 3 levels of oil. The DWG showed no significant differences among the five experimental groups, except for the treatment of 2% linseed oil which significantly differed (P≤0.05) compared to the control group and the other 3 treatments of linseed oil. The highest significant BWG value (P≤0.05) was obtained with adding 2% linseed oil to the diet, while the lowest value obtained with the 4% oil treatment, but without significant difference with other 2 oil levels or the control one. The increase in BWG came in a descending order with increasing oil % in the diet. The amount of daily feed intake remarkably (P≤0.05) decreased than the control one with age when diets contained 2 and 3% linseed oil. The pest (P≤0.05) FCR (3.58) was obtained in the group of 2% linseed oil, while the worst (4.36) was recorded with adding 4% linseed oil to the diets. Live body weight at slaughtering time as well as carcass weight insignificantly differed among the five tested groups. Adding linseed oil to the diets of tested rabbits improved carcass weight generally over that of the control one. The group fed 2% linseed oil diet gave the highest carcass weight. Regarding weights of carcass organs, i.e. head, heart, abdominal fat and back quarters, except back quarters yield, showed no significant differences among the 5 different treatments. Weights of liver, kidney and testis and their yield as well as dressing percentage and back quarters yield noticeably increased (P≤0.05) in the group of 2% linseed oil diet compared to the control one and other 3 linseed oil treatment groups. Diet supplemented with linseed oil generally increased blood TP, Alb., HDL, LDL, T3 and T4 values compared to the control group, while it decreased glob. and cholesterol as well as TG in the two high levels of oil supplementation only. The experimental dietary treatments showed beneficial effect of omega-3-PUFA on liver and testis structures of rabbits fed diet supplemented with linseed oil at the rate of 2 and 3% since it did not show any abnormality in the histological structure of both organs. Conclusively, on the light of the aforementioned results, it could be concluded that addition of linseed oil to growing rabbit diets at the rate of 2 followed by 3% resulted in lowering daily feed intake accompanied by improved feed conversion ratio and increase in body weight gain without adverse effects on hematological aspects. Moreover, the same treatments induced the most noticeable changes in carcass characteristics as well as structural changes in the histology of both liver and testis of males.

Dietary administration effects of fenugreek seeds on skin mucosal antioxidant and immunity status of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

Improving fish defense through the preventive administration of immunostimulants has an important role in controlling the outbreak of the disease in aquaculture. As a continuity of our previous studies, this paper describes the effects of dietary fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seeds on the skin mucosal antioxidant status and immune response of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). Fish were fed with four experimental diets: one a basal diet (control) and three diets with powdered fenugreek seeds incorporated in the fish feed at 1%, 5%, and 10%. After eight weeks of feeding, free radicals scavenging and antioxidant assays were assessed in skin mucus by measuring the peroxidation of phospholipid liposomes, hydroxyl radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging, measurement of total antioxidant activity and the determination of antioxidant activity in a linoleic acid system. The skin mucosal immune response was evaluated by measuring the IgM levels and some enzymatic activities (peroxidase, antiprotease, protease, esterase, and ceruloplasmin). Our results demonstrated that fenugreek inclusion improved the hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity and conferred very high antioxidant activity. Besides, only the highest supplementation level (10%) was able to augment the peroxidase and protease activities confronted by a general decrement in the antiprotease activity in the experimental fed groups with 1% and 10%. These results suggest that the dietary administration of fenugreek at the higher inclusion dose enhances the skin mucosal immunity response and the antioxidant status of gilthead seabream a species with one of the highest rates of production in marine aquaculture.

Effects of dietary copper supplementation on performance, egg quality parameters, yolk cholesterol and fatty acid profiles in laying hens

The present study envisaged the effects of different levels of dietary copper supplementation on performance, egg quality parameters, serum and yolk cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and yolk fatty acid profile in laying hens. Total 96 Lohman laying hens (38 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (n=24 each). Experimental diets were prepared by adding copper (0, 200, 250 or 300 mg/kg) to basal diet and feeding was lasted 12 weeks. Dietary copper supplementation decreased egg weight and feed intake but did not affect other performance parameters compared to the control diet. Shape index, shell weight, shell thickness, yolk color, yolk index, albumen index, and haugh unit were not influenced by dietary copper supplementation, whereas shell strength increased due to the inclusion of copper in the basal diet. Copper supplementation did not affect the fatty acid profile of the egg yolk. The yolk cholesterol ratio decreased by 7.22% in the presence of 250 mg/kg copper supplementation compared to control diet. Therefore, high levels of dietary copper supplementation in the diet of laying hens can be beneficial for improving shell strength and reducing the cholesterol content of the yolk.

UTILIZATION OF FIBEROLYTIC ENZYMES FOR IMPROVING DIGESTIBILITY IN ASSAF LAMBS FEED

The three sets of 12 Assaf lambs (4 each) feed the following diets: Control, which comprised of 15% alfalfa hay and 85% concentrate feed mixture, (CFM) (on DM basis).; (T1): Control + 2 g fibrolytic enzymes/h/day; and (T2): Control + 4 g fibrolytic enzymes/h /day. The growth experiment went on for 28 weeks. Lambs were fed diets at levels of 3.5 % DM of body weight. The weight of animals was measured weekly before feeding at 8:00 a.m. to ascertain the average daily gain (ADG). Lambs were fasted for 12 hours before butcher, weighed just before slaughter (SW) and after complete lose blood from the body. Weights of cadaver separable fat, inward and outer offals and body fats were weighted and computed as percentage of body weight at slaughtering (SW). Blood serum specimen and rumin liquor were taken at the last day of treatment immediately before butchering from jugular vein from all lambs. The fundamental outcomes outlined as follows: Feed intake and body weight: There were no significant impact between lambs regarding feed intake, primary LBW and last LBW. Carcass traits:Dressing percentages A or B were not significantly influenced by fibrolytic enzymes treatment.Cadaver cuts: Lambs fed portions with low (T1) or high level of fibrolytic enzymes (T2) significantly raised (P 0.05) influence weights of legs, rack, brisket and flank. Low and high level of fibrolytic enzymes reduced the percent of shoulder and rack than control, but raised the percent of loin, flank and neck than control. Edible offals: Lambs fed portions supplemented with fibrolytic enzymes (low level) (T1) significantly (P 0.05) between the diverse sets relating to head, feets and GIP full. Rumen liquor: pH demonstrated insignificant (P>0.05) values by Assaf lambs fed on control, T1and T­2 diets. All ruminal pH values were above 6.0. Time of sampling had a significant impact (P 0.05) affect its levels. Economical efficiency: was raised to be the highest with high fibrolytic enzymes level and was the lowest with control. From the previous results, it could be concluded that supplementation of fibrolytic enzymes as 2 or 4g/h/d enhanced productive performance of Assaf lambs, but it was the highest with high level of fibrolytic enzymes supplementation than low fibrolytic enzymes level.

Carcass and non-carcass characteristics of Tigray highland lambs fed mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal at different supplementation levels

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of mulberry (Morus alba) leaf meal levels on growth performance and carcass characteristics of Tigray highland lambs. The experiment consisted of five treatments; and conducted in a randomized complete block design using thirty intact yearlings Tigray highland male lambs. The experimental diets were 300g concentrate mix alone, 225g concentrate mix + 86.55g mulberry leaf, 150g concentrate mix + 173.1g mulberry leaf, 75g concentrate mix + 259.7g mulberry leaf and 346.2g mulberry leaf alone with barley straw ad libitum to all treatments. The mix was prepared from Noug seed cake and wheat bran at ratio of 1:2, respectively. Higher weights of total edible offal component, empty body weight, rib eye muscle area and slaughter weight were observed as a result of high level of mulberry leaf meal supplementation than the sole concentrate mix treatment. On the other hand, the dressing percentage on slaughter weight base as well as empty body weight base and hot carcass weight showed less difference (p&gt;0.05) between sole mulberry leaf meal and sole concentrate mix treatments. The result of the present study indicated that substitution of mulberry leaf meal for concentrate mix can be used effectively without affecting the results of growth parameters as well as edible or non edible offal components that can be achieved by sole concentrate supplementation. Hence, the finding revealed that feeding mulberry leaf meal alone to Tigray highland lambs could substitute the costly and even less accessible commercial concentrate mix to resource poor farmers and could result in reasonably better performance of lambs.

Alterations in growth performance and stress responses in juvenile rockfish, Sebastes schlegelii, exposed to dietary chromium with varying levels of dietary ascorbic acid supplementation

Juvenile rockfish Sebastes schlegelii (mean length 10.8 ± 1.4 cm, and mean weight 31.7 ± 3.6 g) were exposed for 4 weeks to different levels of dietary chromium (Cr6+) at 0, 120, and 240 mg/L and ascorbic acid (AsA) at 100, 200, and 400 mg/L. Growth performance of S. schlegelii was significantly decreased due to dietary Cr exposure, whereas lysozyme activity was notably increased. Exposure to dietary Cr resulted in substantial accumulation of Cr in the blood. Levels of two stress indicators, plasma cortisol and heat shock protein 70, of S. schlegelii were increased due to dietary Cr exposure. The results indicated that dietary Cr exposure affected growth performance, lysozyme activity, and stress responses of S. schlegelii, and high levels of AsA supplementation significantly attenuated dietary Cr-induced toxicity.

Combined exploitation of CO2 and nutrient replenishment for increasing biomass and lipid productivity of the marine diatoms Thalassiosira weissflogii and Cyclotella cryptica

Diatoms are promising candidates for sustainable production of biofuels but their use is restricted due to the difficulties of combining high-biomass productivity and lipid accumulation. Here, we report the effect of high levels of nutrients and supplementation of 10% CO2 on biomass and lipid productivity of the marine diatoms Thalassiosira weissflogii and Cyclotella cryptica. Daily nutrient replenishment stimulated growth and increased the biomass but reduced lipid synthesis and dropped the level of triglycerides (TAG) close to zero. On the contrary, addition of 10% CO2 (v/v) doubled or tripled lipid content in comparison with air-sparged cultures, but induced only a modest increase of biomass. Assessment of the content in carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins suggested that CO2 stimulated lipogenesis from carbohydrates in both diatoms. In order to combine these effects, we also tested a two-stage cultivation that alternated nutrient replenishment together with addition of CO2 during nutrient shortage. T. weissflogii and C. cryptica responded to these conditions by increasing dry biomass to 1.25 g L−1 without reduction of total lipid percentage. In both species, TAG became the main lipid component and accounted for more than 60% of total glycerolipids in C. cryptica. These results underline the metabolic plasticity of diatom cells and indicate a possible way to maximize the production of biomass and functional products by tuning culture conditions.

English

The experiment was conducted for 90 days of feeding trial at Bako district, Western Ethiopia using twenty yearling male Horro sheep weighing 20.42 &plusmn; 0.35 kg (mean &plusmn; SD) with the objectives to evaluate the effect of supplementation of nougseed meal and wheat bran mix (1:1) on body weight (BW) gain and carcass characteristics of Horro sheep. The experiment was arranged with four blocks and four treatments in a randomized complete block design. The treatments were ad libitum feeding of urea treated maize husk (UTMH, T1) and untreated maize husk (UMH) supplemented with 200 g (T2), 300 g (T3) and 400 g (T4) of nougseed meal (NSM) and wheat bran (WB) mix (1:1) on the dry matter (DM) basis. Supplementation decreased (P&lt;0.001) UMH DM intake as compared to intake of sole UTMH. Daily BW gain, final BW, empty BW, hot carcass weight and dressing percent (DP) were higher (P&lt;0.001) in supplemented treatments. Sheep fed on the high level of supplementation (T4) had significantly heavier (P&lt;0.001) rib eye muscle area and more muscle deposition. It was concluded that supplementation of Horro sheep with different levels of NSM and WB mix promoted BW gain, (DP) and increased the proportion of edible offal. Increasing trend of BW gain between the different levels of supplementation during the trial used in this study is an indication of the use of additional level than the high (T4) level of supplementation to obtain more BW gain in Horro sheep. &nbsp; Key words: Body weight, carcass characteristics, concentrate mix, Horro sheep, maize husk.

SHB1/HY1 Alleviates Excess Boron Stress by Increasing BOR4 Expression Level and Maintaining Boron Homeostasis in Arabidopsis Roots.

Boron is an essential mineral nutrient for higher plant growth and development. However, excessive amounts of boron can be toxic. Here, we report on the characterization of an Arabidopsis mutant, shb1 (sensitive to high-level of boron 1), which exhibits hypersensitivity to excessive boron in roots. Positional cloning demonstrated that the shb1 mutant bears a point mutation in a gene encoding a heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) corresponding to the HY1 gene involved in photomorphogenesis. The transcription level of the SHB1/HY1 gene in roots is up-regulated under excessive boron stimulation. Either overexpressing SHB1/HY1 or applying the HO1 inducer hematin reduces boron accumulation in roots and confers high boron tolerance. Furthermore, carbon monoxide and bilirubin, catalytic products of HO1, partially rescue the boron toxicity-induced inhibition of primary root growth in shb1. Additionally, the mRNA level of BOR4, a boron efflux transporter, is reduced in shb1 roots with high levels of boron supplementation, and hematin cannot relieve the boron toxicity-induced root inhibition in bor4 mutants. Taken together, our study reveals that HO1 acts via its catalytic by-products to promote tolerance of excessive boron by up-regulating the transcription of the BOR4 gene and therefore promoting the exclusion of excessive boron in root cells.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on performance and rumen fermentation and microbiota in dairy cows fed a diet containing low quality forage

BackgroundA possible option to meet the increased demand of forage for dairy industry is to use the agricultural by-products, such as corn stover. However, nutritional value of crop residues is low and we have been seeking technologies to improve the value. A feeding trial was performed to evaluate the effects of four levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; Original XP; Diamond V) on lactation performance and rumen fermentation in mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows fed a diet containing low-quality forage. Eighty dairy cows were randomly assigned into one of four treatments: basal diet supplemented with 0, 60, 120, or 180 g/d of SCFP per head mixed with 180, 120, 60, or 0 g of corn meal, respectively. The experiment lasted for 10 wks, with the first 2 weeks for adaptation.ResultsDry matter intake was found to be similar (P > 0.05) among the treatments. There was an increasing trend in milk production (linear, P ≤ 0.10) with the increasing level of SCFP supplementation, with no effects on contents of milk components (P > 0.05). Supplementation of SCFP linearly increased (P < 0.05) the N conversion, without affecting rumen pH and ammonia-N (P > 0.05). Increasing level of SCFP linearly increased (P < 0.05) concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate, and butyrate, with no difference in molar proportion of individual acids (P > 0.05). The population of fungi and certain cellulolytic bacteria (Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens and Fibrobacter succinogenes) increased linearly (P < 0.05) but those of lactate-utilizing (Selenomonas ruminantium and Megasphaera elsdenii) and lactate-producing bacteria (Streptococcus bovis) decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with increasing level of SCFP. The urinary purine derivatives increased linearly (P < 0.05) in response to SCFP supplementation, indicating that SCFP supplementation may benefit for microbial protein synthesis in the rumen.ConclusionsThe SCFP supplementation was effective in maintaining milk persistency of mid-lactation cows receiving diets containing low-quality forage. The beneficial effect of SCFP could be attributed to improved rumen function; 1) microbial population shift toward greater rumen fermentation efficiency indicated by higher rumen fungi and cellulolytic bacteria and lower lactate producing bacteria, and 2) rumen microbial fermentation toward greater supply of energy and protein indicated by greater ruminal VFA concentration and increased N conversion. Effects of SCFP were dose-depended and greater effects being observed with higher levels of supplementation and the effect was more noticeable during the high THI environment.

A mouse model of vitamin D insufficiency: is there a relationship between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and obesity?

BackgroundVitamin D insufficiency (serum 25-OH vitamin D > 10 ng/ml and < 30 ng/ml) is prevalent in the obese (body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2), yet relationships between the two are poorly understood. Objectives of this study include identification of the impact of obesity on reducing serum 25-OH vitamin D concentration, particularly in response to altered vitamin D3 supplementation, and to elucidate the longitudinal impact of serum 25-OH vitamin D on body mass index.MethodsTwenty four-week-old lean and obese male C57BL/6 J mice were fed low, standard, or high levels of cholecalciferol supplementation and followed for 24 weeks. Longitudinal measurements include serum 25-OH and 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D, intact PTH, and calcium concentrations, as well as BMI, bone density and body fat/lean mass.ResultsBaseline serum 25-OH concentrations were not different in lean and obese mice (lean 32.8 ± 4.4 ng/ml versus obese 30.9 ± 1.6 ng/ml p = 0.09). Lean mice receiving low supplementation exhibited rapid declines in serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations, falling from 33.4 ± 5.4 ng/ml to 14.5 ± 3.4 ng/ml after 2 weeks, while obese mice declined at a lower rate, falling from 30.9 ± 1.5 to 19.0 ± 0.9 ng/ml within the same time period. Surprisingly, high vitamin D3 supplementation did not substantially increase serum vitamin D concentrations above standard supplementation, in either lean or obese mice. No differences in serum 1,25-(OH)2 vitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) or serum calcium were observed between lean and obese mice within the same vitamin D supplementation group. Yet obese mice exhibited lower serum calcitriol, higher serum PTH, and lower bone mineral density (BMD) than did lean mice. Additionally, neither body mass index nor body fat % was significantly correlated with vitamin D concentrations. Interestingly, lean mice with high vitamin D supplementation consumed significantly more food than did lean mice with standard or low supplementation (14.6 ± 1.7 kcal/mouse/day versus 11.8 ± 1.4 and 12.3 ± 1.7 respectively, p < 0.0001 for both).ConclusionsLow cholecalciferol supplementation in both lean and obese mice significantly and sustainably reduces serum 25-OH vitamin D concentrations. Interestingly, obesity slowed the rate of decline. Over the period of the study, vitamin D insufficiency was not subsequently correlated with greater BMI/body fat, although lean mice with high supplementation consumed greater calories with no apparent BMI increase.

Performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive responses of Nellore heifers submitted to different supplementation levels pre- and post-weaning.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of high and low supplementation levels pre- and post-weaning on performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive responses of Nellore heifers. Fifty Nellore heifers with 132 ± 9.9kg average body weight (BW) and 138 ± 19days of age were supplemented from 4 to 14months. The heifers were distributed into five supplementation plans: HH-6g/kg of BW of supplement pre- and post-weaning, HL-6g/kg of BW of supplement pre-weaning and 3g/kg post-weaning, LH-3g/kg of BW pre-weaning and 6g/kg of BW post-weaning, LL-3g/kg of BW pre- and post-weaning, and CC-control, no supplementation. Interactions were not significant (P > 0.10). The level of supplement fed pre-weaning did not affect any of the performance variables evaluated at the end of the experiment (P > 0.10). There was a significant effect of supplementation and level of supplementation fed post-weaning on average daily gain (ADG) and final BW (P < 0.05). Overall ADG was also affected only by supplementation and level of supplement fed post-weaning (P < 0.05) with animals receiving 6g/kg of BW post-weaning gaining more weight. Follicular diameter was greater in animals that received 6g/kg of BW post-weaning (P < 0.05). In summary, performance, endocrine, metabolic, and reproductive variables evaluated in the current study were improved by the level of supplement fed post-weaning. Heifers receiving supplementation of 6g/kg of BW post-weaning had greater responses, independent of the level received during the pre-weaning phase.

High levels of iron supplementation prevents neural tube defects in the Fpn1ffe mouse model.

Periconception maternal nutrition and folate in particular are important factors influencing the incidence of neural tube defects (NTDs). Many but not all NTDs are prevented by folic acid supplementation and there is a pressing need for additional strategies to prevent these birth defects. Other micronutrients such as iron are potential candidates, yet a clear role for iron deficiency in contributing to NTDs is lacking. Our previous studies with the flatiron (ffe) mouse model of Ferroportin1 (Fpn1) deficiency suggest that iron is required for neural tube closure and forebrain development raising the possibility that iron supplementation could prevent NTDs. We determined the effect of periconception iron and/or folic acid supplementation on the penetrance of NTDs in the Fpn1ffe mouse model. Concurrently, measurements of folate and iron were made to ensure supplementation had the intended effects. High levels of iron supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of NTDs in Fpn1ffe mutants. Fpn1 deficiency resulted in reduced folate levels in both pregnant dams and embryos. Yet folic acid supplementation did not prevent NTDs in the Fpn1ffe model. Similarly, forebrain truncations were rescued with iron. Surprisingly, the high levels of iron supplementation used in this study caused folate deficiency in wild-type dams and embryos. Our results demonstrate that iron supplementation can prevent NTDs and forebrain truncations in the Fpn1ffe model. Surprisingly, high levels of iron supplementation and iron overload can cause folate deficiency. If iron is essential for neural tube closure, it is possible that iron deficiency might contribute to NTDs. Birth Defects Research 109:81-91, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Birth Defects Research Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Prevention of neural tube defects in Lrp2 mutant mouse embryos by folic acid supplementation.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common structural birth defects in humans and are caused by the complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. Periconceptional supplementation with folic acid can prevent NTDs in both mouse models and human populations. A better understanding of how genes and environmental factors interact is critical toward development of rational strategies to prevent NTDs. Low density lipoprotein-related protein 2 (Lrp2) is involved in endocytosis of the folic acid receptor among numerous other nutrients and ligands. We determined the effect of iron and/or folic acid supplementation on the penetrance of NTDs in the Lrp2null mouse model. The effects of supplementation on folate and iron status were measured in embryos and dams. Periconceptional dietary supplementation with folic acid did not prevent NTDs in Lrp2 mutant embryos, whereas high levels of folic acid supplementation by intraperitoneal injection reduced incidence of NTDs. Importantly, Lrp2null/+ dams had reduced blood folate levels that improved with daily intraperitoneal injections of folate but not dietary supplementation. On the contrary, iron supplementation had no effect on the penetrance of NTDs in Lrp2 mutant embryos and negated the preventative effect of folic acid supplementation in Lrp2null/null mutants. Lrp2 is required for folate homeostasis in heterozygous dams and high levels of supplementation prevents NTDs. Furthermore, high levels of dietary iron supplementation interfered with folic acid supplementation negating the positive effects of supplementation in this model. Birth Defects Research 109:16-26, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Birth Defects Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Can the amount of digestible undegraded protein offered to ewes in late pregnancy affect the periparturient change in resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes?

Ewes experience a temporary decline in resistance to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) during the periparturient period, characterised by a rise in faecal egg count (FEC) that represents a major source of pasture contamination for naïve progeny. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of level of supplementation with digestible undegraded protein (DUP) during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy on periparturient FEC and the performance of ewes with a naturally acquired parasite infection. Eighty-five Belclare and Belclare x Scottish Blackface twin/triplet-bearing ewes were allocated to 1 of 4 dietary groups representing the combination of 2 concentrates (DUP concentration 29 and 94g/kg dry matter) with 2 levels of concentrate during the final 6 weeks of gestation (18 and 30kg in total for ewes with twins; 24 and 35kg for ewes with triplets). All ewes were housed during the pre-partum feeding period and offered grass silage ad libitum; food intake was recorded daily. The intake of DUP varied from 26 to 72g/d among treatments and was reflected in variation of 0.76 to 1.20 in metabolizable protein supply as a proportion of requirements. After lambing, ewes and lambs grazed on permanent sheep pasture, without concentrate supplementation, until weaning (14 weeks post lambing). The variables studied, from week 6 pre-lambing up to week 10 post-lambing, included: FEC, serum pepsinogen concentration, body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS). The effect of week (relative to lambing date) on FEC was highly significant (P<0.001). However, diet did not influence FEC (P>0.05) at any stage either pre- or post-partum. Pepsinogen concentration also varied with time but was not influenced by dietary treatment (P>0.05). The changes in BW and BCS from 6 weeks before lambing to weaning were not affected by the concentration of DUP in the supplement but ewes on treatments involving the higher level of supplementation lost less BW and BCS (P<0.001). The results of this study indicate that the level of DUP supplementation during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy does not affect FEC, BW or BCS of housed ewes with a naturally acquired GIN infection.

Where Are We Going Wrong?

Despite efforts to achieve the World Health Organization’s best practice standards for a Baby-Friendly status, only 54% of babies discharged from a tertiary-care hospital in 2015 were exclusively breastfed. This is despite an initiation rate for breastfeeding of 92%. This report describes maternal and nurse beliefs about exclusive breastfeeding, supplementation, and human milk banking. To help us understand our high levels of formula supplementation, we surveyed 94 mothers and 75 nurses and found differing beliefs about formula supplementation and the use of human donor milk. The breastfeeding policy was not being followed. Maternal and nurse breastfeeding education, along with up to date breastfeeding policies, are essential for organizations to meet the World Health Organization’s standards to achieve Baby-Friendly status.