Higher Weight Gain Rate Research Articles

Supplementation of Clostridium butyricum LV1 lyophilised powder to cottonseed protein concentrate basal diets improves growth, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei

Clostridium butyricum (CB) is a strictly anaerobic gram-positive probiotic. In this study, CB strain (LV1) was extracted from the intestine of Litopenaeus vannamei for preparing CB lyophilised powder (CBLP, 5.6 × 108 CFU/g) by freeze-drying method, with the aim to explore the effect of CB LV1 lyophilised powder on the growth, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei after substitution of fishmeal with cottonseed protein concentrate (CPC). Six isonitrogenous and isolipid diets were formulated with 25% fishmeal in the positive control (FM) and 40% fishmeal replaced by CPC in the negative control (CBLP 0). CBLP was added to the CBLP 0 group at 3 × 105 CFU/g (CBLP 1), 1.2 × 106 CFU/g (CBLP 2), 4.8 × 106 CFU/g (CBLP 3), and 1.92 × 107 CFU/g (CBLP 4), respectively. The results showed that the CBLP 3 group had the highest weight gain rate and specific growth rate (P > 0.05). Serum superoxide dismutase and acid phosphatase activities were remarkably enhanced in the CBLP 2, CBLP 3, and CBLP 4 groups (P < 0.05). CBLP supplementation improved the intestinal digestive enzyme activity. The addition of CBLP optimized the structure of the intestinal microbiota, increased the beneficial bacteria, and reduced the potentially pathogenic bacteria. Chao1, ACE, and Sob indices were elevated in the CBLP 2, CBLP 3, and CBLP 4 groups (P < 0.001). Relish, PO, eIF4E1α, and IGF1 gene expressions were remarkably elevated in the CBLP 3 group (P < 0.01). CBLP further improved the intestinal morphological structure and enhanced the disease resistance. Muscle phenylalanine, histidine, and tyrosine contents were remarkably elevated in the CBLP 1 and CBLP 2 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of CBLP in CPC basal diets improved the growth, intestinal microbiota, and immunity of Litopenaeus vannamei. Binary regression analysis of SGR indicated that the appropriate addition level of CBLP was 8.79 × 106 CFU/g.

Effects of varied exercise intensities on growth, muscle quality and volatile compounds in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) cultured in recirculating aquaculture system

To explore the impact of different exercise intensities on the growth, muscle quality, and volatile compounds of largemouth bass, this study involved 270 fish with an initial weight of 96.05 ± 18.87 g. They were divided into three groups: a control group (CG) exposed to a constant current speed of 0.30 cm/s for 24 h/day; an interval exercise group (IE) exercising at a rate of 2 body lengths per second (bl/s) for 8 h/day; and a sustained exercise group (SE) exercising continuously at 2 bl/s for 24 h/day. The experiment was conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system over a period of 90 days. Results revealed that SE exhibited remarkably greater body mass and condition factor (CF), with higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to IE and CG (P < 0.05). SE exhibits superior growth performance. No significant differences was observed among the three groups in terms of centrifugal loss, drip loss, liquid loss, stored loss, and cooked rate. However, in terms of frozen leakage, the IE was considerably lower than the CG and SE (P < 0.05).In terms of raw meat texture, the hardness, chewiness, and shearing of the SE were notably greater than the CG (P < 0.05), and the SE were superior in hardness compared to the IE (P < 0.05). Regarding cooked meat texture, the SE exhibited significantly superior hardness, chewiness, springiness, and shearing compared to both the CG and IE (P < 0.05). The IE demonstrated higher levels of chewiness, springiness, and shearing compared to the CG (P < 0.05). With respect to nutritional indicators, the crude protein content of both the SE and IE was significantly higher than that of the CG. In terms of volatile substances, the CG had relatively high levels of carboxylic acid compounds and alcohol compounds in this experiment. The ketone compounds in the IE were significantly higher than those in the CG and SE. 2-Methylbutanoic acid methyl ester had the highest content in the SE. The results show that interval swimming exercise training and sustained exercise training can effectively improve the sensory quality of fish muscle, effectively remove the irritating smell in the muscle, and produce aromatic odor. Consequently, exercise training at varying intensities has been demonstrated to significantly enhance the growth and muscle quality of largemouth bass, offering potential strategies for improving fish product quality in the aquaculture industry. This contributes to increased efficiency and sustainability in fish farming practices and provides valuable insights for regulating the nutritional quality of fish muscle in future recirculating aquaculture system models.

Dietary starch level regulates the growth and glycolipid metabolism through the insulin-PI3K-AKT signaling pathway of juvenile mud crab (Scylla paramamosain)

A six-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary starch levels on growth performance, glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin signaling pathway of juvenile Scylla paramamosain. Three isonitrogenous (41.51% ± 0.31%) and isolipidic (8.68% ± 0.53%) experimental diets were formulated to contain 10%, 20% and 30% starch levels, respectively. A total 96 crabs were divided into 3 treatment groups. There were 4 replicates per treatment group and 8 crabs per replicate (initial weight 5.12 ± 0.05 g). The crabs fed the diet with 20% starch showed the best growth performance, with higher weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and feed efficiency (FE) compared to the other diets. Increasing starch levels in the diet resulted in higher levels of glycogen and lipid in the muscles and hepatopancreas. The levels of glucose (GLU), triglyceride (TG), and free fatty acid (FFA) displayed a significant increase in both hemolymph and hepatopancreas with the escalating dietary starch concentrations. In contrast, as the dietary starch levels increased, the concentrations of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) and insulin-like peptides (ILPs) in hemolymph and hepatopancreas demonstrated a notable decline. The glycolysis and pentose phosphorylation pathways were significantly promoted, while the gluconeogenic pathway was significantly inhibited, with dietary starch levels increasing from 10% to 30%. Additionally, increasing dietary starch levels led to a significant down-regulation of genes related to the lipid synthesis, lipolysis and insulin signaling pathway. Histological results showed that hepatopancreas fat accumulation increased with the increase of dietary starch level. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that adding 20% starch to the diet can promote growth and improve nutrient utilization. In addition, the level of dietary starch had significant effects on the glucose and lipid metabolism and insulin signaling pathway of mud crabs, thus affecting the deposition of lipid reserves in hepatopancreas.

Effects of three short-chain fatty acids on growth, intestinal microbiota composition, and ammonia tolerance of juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

The objective of this research was to examine how the growth, ammonia tolerance, and intestinal microbiota composition of juvenile yellow catfish are affected by dietary supplementation of isobutyric acid (IBA), isovaleric acid (IVA), and 2-methylbutyric acid (2-MBA). During the 8-week trial, four groups were fed the basal diet (Control), and the basal diet supplementation with 0.25% IBA, IVA and 2-MBA, respectively. The research shows that the yellow catfish in the IBA and 2-MBA groups had a higher weight gain rate and specific growth rate than the control group, but feed conversion ratio has the opposite trend. Dietary supplementation of IBA and 2-MBA can significantly improve digestive enzymes activities (α-amylase, lipase, and trypsin) in intestinal tract and blood health (serum albumin increased, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase decreased). The up-regulation of IGF-1, Myod, and MyoG gene mRNA expression levels occurred significantly in the muscle tissue of the IBA, IVA, and 2-MBA groups, but IL 1 and IL8 genes in intestinal tract were significantly down-regulated. Supplementation of IBA, IVA and 2-MBA significantly increased the relative abundance of Candidatus Arthromitus, while decreased the relative abundance of Achromobacter, most notably in IBA group. After 96-h ammonia stress, cumulative mortality in IBA group was the lowest. Supplementing the diet of yellow catfish with IBA or 2-MBA can enhance their growth, digestive enzyme activity, and blood health status. Additionally, IBA can improve ammonia tolerance, which may be related to the increase abundance of Candidatus Arthromitus in intestine.

Analyzing Children's Weight Growth Variations and Associated Factors in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam: Using Fractional Polynomial Mixed-Effects Model.

Children's growth is increasingly considered a key mediator of later life outcomes. When examining weight growth, the correlation between repeated observations on the same subject must be regarded as well-modelled. This study aimed to analyze children's weight growth variations and associated factors in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam using a fractional polynomial mixed-effects model. This study used longitudinal data from the Young Lives Cohort Study conducted from 2002 to 2016 in Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam. The study included 7,140 children of 1 to 15 years old A fractional polynomial mixed-effects model was used to analyze the data. Ethiopian, Peruvian, and Vietnamese children had significantly higher average body weights than children in India (1.426, P<0.001; 1.992, P<0.001; 1.334, P<0.001, respectively). Girl children's average body weight was significantly 0.15 times less than that of boys (-0.148; P=0.027). The average weight of rural children was significantly 0.671 times less than that of urban children (0.671, P<0.001). Children from Peru and Vietnam had higher rates of weight change than those from India. However, the rate of weight change was lower in Ethiopian children than in Indian children. Children from urban areas had a significantly higher rate of weight gain than those from rural areas. Country, sex, residence, parental education, household size, wealth, good drinking water, and reliable power affected children's longitudinal weight growth. Therefore, WHO and the nation's health ministry should monitor children's weight growth status and these associated factors to plan future action.

Enhancing growth, liver health, and bile acid metabolism of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) through combined cholesterol and bile acid supplementation in plant-based diets

The present study aimed to compare the nutritional effects of cholesterol, bile acids, and combination of cholesterol with bile acids in plant-based diets on juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT; Oreochromis niloticus). The isonitrogenous (321 g/kg crude protein) and isolipidic (76 g/kg crude fat) diets (Con diet) were based on plant protein sources, which included corn gluten meal, soybean meal, cottonseed meal and rapeseed meal. The Con diet was supplemented with 12 g/kg cholesterol (CHO diet), 0.2 g/kg bile acids (BAs diet), a combination of 12 g/kg cholesterol and 0.2 g/kg bile acids (CHO–BAs diet), respectively. Each diet was fed to three tanks in an indoor recirculating aquaculture system for 9 weeks. Results showed that compared to the Con group, fish had a higher weight gain rate, hepatosomatic index, and a lower feed conversion ratio in the CHO–BAs group. The highest levels of whole-fish fat and ash were found in the Con group. Serum parameters, including activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), along with levels of glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TG) except for total cholesterol (TCHO), were lower in the CHO, BAs, and CHO–BAs groups than those in the Con group (P < 0.001). Histological examination revealed that fish in the Con group exhibited severe hepatocyte vacuolization and diminished hepatocyte proliferation. Gene expression analysis indicated that the transcriptional levels of bile acid metabolism-related genes (including fxr, fgf19, bsep) were up-regulated in the CHO–BAs group (P < 0.05), whereas cholesterol metabolism-related genes (acly and hmgcr) were down-regulated in both CHO and CHO–BAs groups (P < 0.001). Moreover, UPLC-MS/MS analysis revealed that the higher taurine-conjugated bile acids (T-BAs), followed by free bile acids (Free-BAs) and glycine (G-BAs) were determined in tilapia bile. Among these, taurochenodeoxycholic bile acid was the predominant bile acid. Dietary bile acids supplementation also increased the proportion of T-BAs (tauro β-muricholic acid and taurodehydrocholic acid) while decreasing Free-BAs in the fish bile. In conclusion, the incorporation of cholesterol with bile acids into plant-based diets can effectively reduce cholesterol uptake, suppress bile acids synthesis, enhance bile acids efflux, and promote hepatocyte proliferation, which is helpful for maintaining the normal liver morphology in tilapia, and thus improving its growth performance.

The Photoperiod Significantly Influences the Growth Rate, Digestive Efficiency, Immune Response, and Antioxidant Activities in the Juvenile Scalloped Spiny Lobster (Panulirus homarus)

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of different photoperiods (0 L:24 D, 6 L:18 D, 12 L:12 D, 18 L:6 D, 24 L:0 D, “Light (L) and Dark (D)”) on the growth performance and physiological responses of the juvenile scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus). Over a period of 56 days, parameters such as growth rate, digestive enzyme, immune enzyme, and antioxidant enzyme were meticulously evaluated in 90 lobsters subjected to these varying light conditions. The present study found no significant differences in survival rate (SR), molting frequency (MF), and meat yield production (MYP) among the various photoperiod treatments (p &gt; 0.05). Notably, the highest weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed under a 12 L:12 D photoperiod. In the continuous dark phase (0 L:24 D), pepsin (PEP) activity remained high in gastric tissues, while trypsin (TRYP) and chymotrypsin (CHT) activities reached the highest in hepatopancreas tissues. The α-amylase (AMS) activity in the hepatopancreas was most elevated under 18 L:6 D, and the optimal lipase (LPS) activity was recorded under 12 L:12 D. The activity of acid phosphatase (ACP) in the hepatopancreas was highest in the absence of light (0 L:24 D), whereas the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and lysozyme (LZM) were most effective under the 12 L:12 D photoperiod. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), along with catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of the hepatopancreas reached the highest at 12 L:12 D. The highest activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was seen under 18 L:6 D. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of oxidative stress, was found to be highest under 12 L:12 D. Consequently, this specific photoperiod is essential for achieving optimal growth and maintaining appropriate physiological balance in the scalloped spiny lobster during aquaculture. These findings provide a foundational guideline for establishing the lighting environment in the farming of the juvenile scalloped spiny lobster.

Skin To Skin Contact pada BBLR terhadap Waktu, Durasi dan Dampaknya

This research aims to examine the implementation of skin-to-skin contact for LBW, which includes an analysis of when it is fastest to start, how long it lasts, and what the impact is. The research method used was a systematic review through searches in electronic databases, namely Proquest, Scopus, EBSCOhost, Clinical Key, and Clinical Key for Nursing from 2013 to 2023. The study results showed that early skin-to-skin contact for LBW was safe from eight research articles. Starting in the first 24 hours of life, including mild to moderate unstable conditions, still using a breathing apparatus and IV line (umbilical or central). The initial duration starts from 40 minutes to 16 hours per day. The impact is in the form of a higher rate of weight gain, reduced need for parenteral nutrition, longer duration of breastfeeding, better immunological function and lung function, better sleep patterns, lower prolonged crying patterns, lower markers of stress in babies and mothers, and mortality rates. In the first month, it was quieter. In conclusion, skin-to-skin contact for LBW is safe to do from an early age, including for unstable LBW in the mild to moderate category; the duration starts from 40 minutes and is increased gradually according to the baby's tolerance and has been proven to have many positive impacts on both the baby and the mother. Keywords: LBW, Premature Babies, Kangaroo Method Treatment, Skin To Skin Contact

Critical research gaps in treating growth faltering in infants under 6 months: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

In 2020, 149.2 million children worldwide under 5 years suffered from stunting, and 45.4 million experienced wasting. Many infants are born already stunted, while others are at high risk for growth faltering early after birth. Growth faltering is linked to transgenerational impacts of poverty and marginalization. Few interventions address growth faltering in infants under 6 months, despite a likely increasing prevalence due to the negative global economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Breastfeeding is a critical intervention to alleviate malnutrition and improve child health outcomes, but rarely receives adequate attention in growth faltering interventions. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to identify and evaluate interventions addressing growth faltering among infants under 6 months that employed supplemental milks. The review was carried out following guidelines from the USA National Academy of Medicine. A total of 10,405 references were identified, and after deduplication 7390 studies were screened for eligibility. Of these, 227 were assessed for full text eligibility and relevance. Two randomized controlled trials were ultimately included, which differed in inclusion criteria and methodology and had few shared outcomes. Both studies had small sample sizes, high attrition and high risk of bias. A Bangladeshi study (n = 153) found significantly higher rates of weight gain for F-100 and diluted F-100 (DF-100) compared with infant formula (IF), while a DRC trial (n = 146) did not find statistically significant differences in rate of weight gain for DF-100 compared with IF offered in the context of broader lactation and relactation support. The meta-analysis of rate of weight gain showed no statistical difference and some evidence of moderate heterogeneity. Few interventions address growth faltering among infants under 6 months. These studies have limited generalizability and have not comprehensively supported lactation. Greater investment is necessary to accelerate research that addresses growth faltering following a new research framework that calls for comprehensive lactation support.

Effects of dietary chitosan oligosaccharide on the growth, intestinal microbiota and immunity of juvenile red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

This study aimed to evaluate the potential benefits of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on red claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) and explore its underlying mechanisms. The crayfish were randomly divided into six groups, and the diets were supplemented with COS at levels of 0 (C0), 0.2 (C1), 0.4 (C2), 0.6 (C3), 0.8 (C4), and 1 (C5) g kg−1. Treatment with COS significantly improved the growth performance of the crayfish with a higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) in the C2 group compared to the C0 group. Additionally, the content of crude protein in the crayfish muscles in the C1 group was significantly higher than that of the C0 group. Regarding non-specific immunity, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and the levels of expression of the genes related to immunity (SOD; anti-lipopolysaccharide factor [ALF]; thioredoxin1 [Trx1]; C-type lysozyme, [C-LZM]; and GSH-Px) in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph increased significantly (P < 0.05) after supplementation with 0.4 g kg−1 of COS, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (P < 0.05). The survival rate of C. quadricarinatus increased (P < 0.05) in the C2, C3, C4, and C5 groups after the challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. This study found that COS has the potential to modulate the composition of the intestinal microbiota and significantly reduce the abundance of species of the phylum Proteobacteria and the genera Aeromonas and Vibrio in the gut of C. quadricarinatus, while the abundance of bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes and the genus Candidatus_Hepatoplasma improved significantly. This study suggests that the inclusion of COS in the diet of C. quadricarinatus can enhance growth, boost immunity, and increase resistance to infection with A. hydrophila, especially when supplemented at 0.4–0.8 g kg−1.

Associations of gestational weight gain with birth weight outcomes in early pregnancy weight loss women: Findings from the Beijing Birth Cohort Study.

To explore the relationship between gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth weight outcomes and establish suggested GWG patterns in early pregnancy weight loss women. This retrospective study was conducted based on the Beijing Birth Cohort Study from 2014 to 2021 and included 20 688 women. Weight change in early pregnancy was calculated using weight measurements within 16 weeks of gestation. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships of different GWG categories, based on the Chinese standard, and birth weight outcomes. The statistical-based approach was used to determine the optimal GWG ranges and weekly weight gain. Compared to 3313 women who gained appropriate weight in early pregnancy, 2614 women who lost weight in the same period increased the risk of small for gestational age (SGA) (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.14-1.80, P = 0.002). However, the relationship disappeared after adjusting for total GWG. Among the early pregnancy weight loss women, both excessive GWG and inadequate GWG were associated with adverse birth weight outcomes after adjusting for confounders. The suggested GWG range and rate were 11.0 ~ 16.0 kg and 0.46 to 0.67 kg/week from 16 weeks to delivery for women with normal body mass index (BMI) and weight loss in early pregnancy. Weight loss in early pregnancy was not the independent risk factor of birth weight outcomes. GWG may offset the expected effects. To achieve optimal outcomes, women with normal BMI and weight loss in early pregnancy need to have a higher weight gain rate in mid-late pregnancy but similar total GWG ranges with the Chinese standard for general women.

Characteristics and outcome of patients with anorexia nervosa on medical nutritional therapy: an institutional study with review of literature.

Eating disorders (EDs) are debilitating mental illnesses that can lead to significant medical complications from malnutrition. Eating disorders are on the rise in Asia and the prevalence is expected to increase. The aim of this study was to understand the characteristics of local patients and evaluate our current inpatient nutritional rehabilitation protocol for anorexia nervosa (AN). Retrospective descriptive data were gathered from 47 patients diagnosed with AN. Patients with admissions were further stratified according to their nutritional management based on whether they were on the AN protocol or standard hospital care. Data on their rate of weight gain, length of stay and calorie prescription were collected. Similar to previous studies, the majority of AN patients were female (96.7%). However, the age at presentation of AN in this study, as compared with previous local studies, had decreased (14 vs. 16 years). We also found that patients on the AN protocol were prescribed a higher amount of calories than those given standard care (2,700 vs. 2,317 calories). Patients on the AN protocol achieved a higher rate of weight gain per week (1.15 vs. 0.29 kg) and had a shorter length of hospital stay (23 vs. 36 days). Patients with AN appear to be presenting at a younger age. Medical stabilisation of AN patients can be achieved more quickly through a higher calorie inpatient AN treatment protocol. Future local studies examining actual calorie consumption, its effect on weight gain trajectory, severity of refeeding syndrome and time to remission will be beneficial.

Dietary effects of protein and lipid levels on growth performance and flesh quality of large-size largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance and flesh quality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). A 3 × 3 two-factor design was used, including three crude protein levels of 46%, 50%, 54% (P46, P50, P54) and three crude lipid levels of 8%, 12%, 16% (L8, L12, L16). Thus, a total of nine diets (P46/L8, P46/L12, P46/L16, P50/L8, P50/L12, P50/L16, P54/L8, P54/L12 and P54/L16) were prepared and fed to large-size largemouth bass with initial body weight of 109.7 g for 84 days. At the same dietary protein level, weight gain rate (WGR), protein efficiency rate (PER), viscerosomatic index and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) percent in flesh showed an increasing trend with increasing the dietary lipid level, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a decreasing trend. At P46 and P50, whole fish crude protein, muscle crude protein, total collagen content, hardness, springiness, chewiness and shear force increased, and steaming loss and freezing loss decreased with increasing the dietary lipid level, while the above indicators showed an opposite trend at P54. At P50, the protein retention (PR) of 16% crude lipid group was significantly higher than that in the 8% and 12% crude lipid groups (P < 0.05). At the same dietary lipid level, the 50% and 54% crude protein groups presented higher WGR and lower FCR than the 46% crude protein group. The P54/L16 group had the highest WGR (184.4%) and lowest FCR (0.92) among all the groups, but the P50/L16 group presented similar WGR and FCR to the P54/L16 group (P > 0.05). The P50/L16 group showed the highest PER, PR, whole fish protein, muscle protein, total collagen, PUFAs, muscle hardness, springiness, chewiness, shear force and the lowest steaming loss. In conclusion, based on growth performance and flesh quality, the appropriate dietary protein and lipid requirements for large-size largemouth bass were 50% and 16%, respectively.

Standardisation of fermented pellet feed of Tenebrio molitor larvae for use as a biodiesel raw material

Abstract To use mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larva) as a raw material for biodiesel production, after selecting three raw materials (wheat bran, mealworm frass, food waste) among 10 raw materials, WB50-FW50 (wheat bran:food waste = 50:50), which had the highest weight gain rate (WGR) and body fat content increase efficacy, was determined to be the optimal raw material combination. As a result of fermenting WB50-FW50 using microorganisms (Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Pediococcus acidilactici) with excellent enzymatic activities to increase the absorption rate in the body, WGR was increased by 40% compared to non-fermented WB50-FW50. To increase the value of the product and the convenience of distribution and use, we attempted to manufacture a pellet-type feed with a diameter of 6 mm and length of 10 mm. Based on the selection of inexpensive raw materials without adversely affecting viability and WGR, 0.05% sorbic acid was added as a preservative, and 20% agar was added as an excipient. The drying time after pellet moulding was determined to be 50 min, considering the high WGR, and the final pellet-type fermented mixed feed with sorbic acid and agar (PFMF) preparation was completed. Finally, compared to powdered wheat bran, a conventional mealworm feed, PFMF fed to mealworms increased WGR by 25.6% and body fat content by 18.8%. In conclusion, we suggest that the PFMF is a valuable feed with high economic feasibility, eco-friendliness, and convenience for breeding of mealworms for biodiesel production.

Effect of Tea Polyphenols, α-Lipoic Acid and Their Joint Use on the Antioxidant and Lipid Metabolism Performance of Hybrid Grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂E. lanceolatu) Fed with High-Lipid Diets.

This study investigated tea polyphenols (TP), α-lipoic acid (ALA) and their joint use on the antioxidant and lipid metabolic performance of hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂E. lanceolatu) took food with high-fat diets. Six high-lipid diets with isonitrogen (50% of dry matter) and isolipid (17% of dry value) were designed, in which a total content of 1,000 mg/kg additives were added to each group except for the control group (FL). The additives addition ratios in each group were ALA (AL), TP (PL), ALA : TP = 1 : 1 (EL), ALA : TP = 1 : 2 (OL), ALA : TP = 2 : 1 (TL). Each diet was divided into three repeat groups with 30 tails (6.84 ± 0.01 g) in each group and fed for 8 weeks. The consequences were as follows: (1) the highest weight gain rate, specific growth rate, as well as the lowest feed conversion ratio and ingestion rate were discovered in the OL team, which were opposite to the TL group. (2) The body fat content and muscle fat content in the fish oil group were the lowest (P < 0.05), while those of the TL group were the highest. (3) Serum catalase, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase activities were the highest, and the content of reactive oxygen species was the lowest in the OL group. (4) The OL group has the highest hepatic lipase activity and the lowest very low-density lipoprotein content of the liver. In contrast, the TL group had the highest fatty acid synthetase (FAS) activity (P < 0.05). (5) The oil-red aspects of liver tissue displayed lipid particles in other groups were reduced to different degrees compared with FL group, and the OL group showed the best lipid-lowering effect. (6) Compared with the FL group, the relative expressions of FAS, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (acc), and apolipoprotein b-100 (apoB100) genes in the liver were decreased. The relative expressions of lipoprotein lipase (lpl) and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors-α (pparα) genes related to lipid catabolism were increased, among which the OL group had the most significant change (P < 0.05). (7) According to the 7-day challenge test of Vibrio alginolyticus, the OL group had the highest survival rate. To sum up, both ALA and TP have positive effects on relieving the lipid metabolism disorder of hybrid grouper. If they are jointly used, adding ALA : TP in a ratio of 1 : 2 (OL) may have the best effect, and an addition ratio of 2 : 1 (TL) may inhibit the hybrid grouper growth and increase the feeding cost.

The Effects of Dietary Protein Level on the Growth Performance, Body Composition, Intestinal Digestion and Microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei Fed Chlorella sorokiniana as the Main Protein Source.

This study investigated the effect of dietary protein levels on Litopenaeus vannamei. Five isolipid diets with protein levels of 32%, 36%, 40%, 44% and 48% were prepared using C. sorokiniana as the main protein source. L. vannamei (initial body weight 0.83 ± 0.02 g) were fed these five diets for 8 weeks and referred to as the CHL32, CHL36, CHL40, CHL44 and CHL48 groups, respectively. When the feeding trial was finished, the growth performance, body composition, intestinal digestion and microbiota of L. vannamei were studied. The results showed that the maximum weight gain rate (WGR) of L. vannamei was in the CHL40 group while the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was in the CHL48 group. According to the regression analysis using WGR as the evaluation index, the best growth performance of L. vannamei was obtained when the dietary protein level was 40.81%. The crude protein content of whole shrimp showed an increasing and then decreasing trend with increasing dietary protein levels. Furthermore, the L. vannamei muscle amino acid composition was relatively stable and, to some extent, independent of dietary protein levels. Trypsin, lipase and amylase (AMS) activity increased and then decreased with increasing dietary protein levels and, significantly, peaked in the CHL44 group. Analysis of the alpha diversity of the intestinal microbiota showed that the Chao1 index peaked in the CHL40 group and was significantly lower in the CHL48 group. Additionally, the relative abundance of pathogenic bacteria decreased significantly while the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria increased significantly in the intestine of L. vannamei as the dietary protein levels increased. The functional prediction of the intestinal microbiota revealed that dietary protein levels may influence the growth of L. vannamei by regulating various metabolic activities, and the highest WGR in the CHL40 group may have been related to the significant enrichment of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and biotin metabolism functions. In summary, the optimal protein requirement for L. vannamei was around 40% when C. sorokiniana was used as the primary protein source. Too high or too low dietary protein levels could adversely affect shrimp body composition, intestinal digestion and microbiota.

Effects of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid on the growth performance, fatty acid profile, immunity and heat tolerance of juvenile abalone Haliotis discus hannai Ino

A 93-day growth trial was performed to evaluate the influences of graded dietary EPA levels (0.03% (control group), 0.24%, 0.63%, 1.07%, 1.72% and 2.25%) on the growth performance, immunity and heat tolerance of juvenile abalone Haliotis discus hannai with a mean initial weight of 4.15 ± 0.18 g. After the feeding trial, the findings found that the highest weight gain rate (WGR) belonged to the groups fed with 0.63% ∼ 1.72% of dietary EPA (P < 0.05). The lowest feed conversion ratio was distinguished in the groups with 0.63% ∼ 1.07% of dietary EPA (P < 0.05). Also, EPA supplementation in abalone feed increased the content of crude lipid in the soft body and the activity of lipase in the intestine (P < 0.05). The total antioxidative capacity increased when dietary EPA levels rose from 0.03% to 1.07%, and then decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, compared to the control group, the 0.24% and 0.24% ∼ 0.63% of dietary EPA significantly down-regulated the mRNA levels of IκB kinase and kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, respectively (P < 0.05). However, nuclear factor-κB and interleukin 1 receptor-associated kinase 4 genes expression in the digestive gland were significantly up-regulated by the use of 1.72% and 2.25% of EPA in diet (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 16 were significantly up-regulated by the 2.25% of dietary EPA (P < 0.05). The 1.72% of dietary EPA significantly increased the falling rate of abalone after the heat stress compared with the control (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal dietary EPA requirement of juvenile abalone was determined as 1.36% based on quadratic regression analysis against WGR. Moderate dietary EPA content (0.63% ∼ 1.07%) improved the immunity and heat resistance of abalone. Excessive dietary EPA content (1.72% ∼ 2.25%) decreased the growth, meanwhile, increasing the oxidative stress, inflammation and susceptibility of abalone to heat stress.

Dietary supplementation of VA enhances growth, feed utilization, glucose and lipid metabolism, appetite, and antioxidant capacity of Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi).

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin A on juvenile Chinese perch (Siniperca chuatsi). Chinese perch were fed with five experimental diets containing 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80mg VA·kg-1 for 8weeks. Results showed that dietary vitamin A significantly influenced the fish's growth, feed utilization, glucose and lipid metabolism, appetite, and antioxidant capacity. Vitamin A-supplemented groups had higher weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) compared to the control group. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was also lower in the vitamin A-supplemented groups. Dietary vitamin A had no significant effect on the survival rate (SR). Compared to the control group, fish fed with vitamin A had increased feed intake (FI), and the expression of appetite-promoting genes (npy and agrp) was significantly higher in the 40mg VA·kg-1 group. Vitamin A also enhanced the utilization of dietary protein by Chinese perch. The serum glucose content of the fish fed with 40mg VA·kg-1 diet was significantly higher than that of the control group and 20mg VA·kg-1 diet, indicating that the promoting effect of VA on gluconeogenesis was greater than that on glycolysis. Additionally, dietary vitamin A increased the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes (hl and fas) and antioxidant genes (nrf2 and gpx) in the fish. These results suggest that the optimal vitamin A requirement of juvenile Chinese perch bream was estimated to be 37.32mg VA·kg-1 based on broken-line regression analysis of WGR. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of dietary vitamin A on the growth, metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of Chinese perch.

Astragalus polysaccharide improves the growth, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and bacterial resistance of Furong crucian carp (Furong carp♀ × red crucian carp♂)

To evaluate the functional effects of APS (Astragalus polysaccharide) on Furong crucian carp, APS-supplemented diets (0.00 %, 0.05 %, 0.10 % and 0.15 %) were prepared and utilized in feeding experiment. The results showed that the 0.05 % APS group has the highest weight gain rate and specific growth rate, and the lowest feed coefficient rate. In addition, 0.05 % APS supplement could improve muscle elasticity, adhesiveness and chewiness. Moreover, the 0.15 % APS group had the highest spleen-somatic index and the 0.05 % group had the maximum intestinal villus length. 0.05 % and 0.10 % APS addition significantly increased T-AOC and CAT activities while MDA contents decreased in all APS groups. The plasma TNF-α levels in all APS groups significantly increased (P<0.05), and the 0.05 % group showed the highest TNF-α level in spleen. In APS addition groups, the tlr8, lgp2 and mda5 gene expressions were significantly elevated, while xbp1, caspase-2 and caspase-9 expressions decreased in uninfected and A. hydrophila-infected fish. Finally, higher survival rate and slower disease outbreak rate were observed in APS-supplemented groups after being infected by A. hydrophila. In conclusion, Furong crucian carp fed by APS-supplemented diets possesses elevated weight gain rate and specific growth rate, and improved meat quality, immunity and disease resistance.

In vivo effects of low dose prenatal bisphenol A exposure on adiposity in male and female ICR offspring

BackgroundBisphenol A (BPA) is known to exhibit endocrine disrupting activities and is associated with adiposity. We examined the obesogenic effect of prenatal BPA exposure in the present study. MethodsPregnant ICR mice were exposed to vehicle or BPA via the drinking water at a dose of 0.5 μg/kg·d throughout the gestation. Obesity-related indexes were investigated in the 12-wk-old offspring. Primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) collected from treated embryos were used to test effects of BPA on adipocyte differentiation. ResultsOffspring presented a significantly higher rate of weight gain than the control, with impaired insulin sensitivity and increased adipocyte size. Differentiation of MEFs from BPA-treated mice showed a higher propensity for the adipocyte commitment as well as up-regulation of genes enriched in lipid biosynthesis. TGF-β signaling pathway was found to modulate obesogenic effect of BPA in MEF model, but estrogen signaling pathway had no effect. ConclusionsThe present study provides strong evidence of the association between prenatal exposure to low dose of BPA and a significant increase in body weight in the offspring mice with a critical role played by TGF-β signaling pathway. The potential interactions modulating the binding of BPA and TGF-β that activate its obesogenic effects need to be examined.