Improved Energy Balance Research Articles

Controlling herbage allowance and selection of cow genotype improve cow-calf productivity in Campos grasslands

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of herbage allowance and cow genotype on herbage and animal responses. High (Hi) and Low (Lo) herbage allowance (4.9 and 2.9 ± 0.14 kg of DM/kg of cattle BW, respectively) and pure (Pu, Hereford and Angus) and crossbred (Cr, F1 crosses) cow genotypes were compared in terms of herbage traits, stocking rate, cow BCS, energy intake, and calf BW at weaning during 2 cow-calf cycles (−240 to +120 d postpartum). Herbage height (5.5 vs. 3.5 ± 0.18 cm, mean ± SE) and herbage accumulation (15.0 vs. 12.5 ± 1.1 kg of DM/ha per d) were greater (P > 0.01) for Hi than Lo, whereas stocking rate did not differ (P > 0.2) between Hi and Lo (382 vs. 398 ± 7 kg of BW/ha, respectively). Cow BCS was greater (P > 0.05) in Hi than Lo (4.3 vs. 3.9 ± 0.02) and in Cr than Pu cows (4.2 vs. 4.0 ± 0.04). Calf BW at weaning was greater (20 and 10 kg) for Hi than Lo and for Cr than Pu cows, but energy intake (473 vs. 455 ± 4.6 kJ/kg of BW0.75 per d) was greater (P > 0.05), only in Hi compared with Lo cows. Modeling BCS evolution during the cow-calf cycle confirmed that Hi herbage allowance and Cr cows improved energy balance and cow-calf biological efficiency. This information can be used to improve profitability and mitigate weather variability effects on Campos grassland livestock systems.

Chemically Assisted Primary Sedimentation as a tool to improve energy balance of a large wastewater treatment plant

Chemicals addition at the mechanical part of wastewater treatment plant can improve overall treatment efficiency and help in solving some plant’s operational problems. Application of such process in the primary clarifiers, named as Chemically Assisted Primary Sedimentation, can also be a huge step towards energy balance improvement for the whole plant. Use of relatively cheap coagulants, such as ferric or alum salts can be an easy way to increase treatment efficiency significantly, as coagulation and flocculation intensifies followed by chemical precipitation. Additional removal of soluble pollutants and suspended solids increases their load in the primary sludge, avoiding their potential removal in the biological part of the plant. Additional organic matter in the primary sludge allows to produce more gas in the anaerobic digestion process and thus increase energy production by the CHP units. Efficiency of different coagulation agents (PIX 109 and PAX XL3) supported by polymer addition was investigated using real municipal wastewater collected from a large Polish wastewater treatment plant (over 500 000 p.e.) in a series of lab-scale tests. Proper selection of coagulant and potential polymer dosage has a serious impact on the overall costs of this additional treatment and energy balance. Based on obtained results, economic analysis was performed for the same plant to evaluate potential gains and losses of implementing such practice.

Effects of dry period length on milk production and energy balance in two cow breeds

Shortening the dry period (DP) has been proposed as a strategy to improve energy balance (EB) in cows in early lactation. This study evaluated the effects of shortening the DP on milk yield (MY), EB and residual feed intake (RFI) in two breeds; Swedish Red (SR) and Swedish Holstein (SH). Cows were blocked by breed and parity and then randomly assigned to one of two treatments; short DP of 4 weeks (4W, n=43) or conventional DP of 8 weeks (8W, n=34). Cows were kept and fed under the same conditions, except for the 4 weeks when the 4W group were still lactating prepartum and thus kept with the lactating cows. Milk yield and BW were recorded and body condition score (BCS) was rated from 10 weeks prepartum to 12 weeks postpartum. Dry matter intake (DMI) was recorded for lactating cows postpartum. Milk yield was reduced by 6.75 kg/day during the first 12 weeks postpartum (P<0.001) for the 4W cows compared with 8W cows, but there was no significant difference in total MY (3724 kg compared with 3684 kg, P=0.7) when the milk produced prepartum was included. Protein content was higher in 4W cows (3.42%) than in 8W cows (3.27%) (P<0.001) postpartum. In the 8W group, cows lost more BCS after calving (P<0.05). Cows of SR breed had higher BCS than cows of SH breed (SR=3.7, SH=3.2, P<0.001), but no differences in BW were found between breed and treatment. Energy balance was improved for cows in the 4W group (P<0.001), while feed efficiency, expressed as RFI, was reduced for 4W cows than for 8W cows (5.91 compared with −5.39, P<0.01). Shortening the DP resulted in improved EB postpartum with no difference between the breeds and no milk losses when including the milk produced prepartum.

D-Leu-4]-OB3 and MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3, small molecule synthetic peptide leptin mimetics, improve glycemic control in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice

We have previously shown that following oral delivery in dodecyl maltoside (DDM), [D-Leu-4]-OB3 and its myristic acid conjugate, MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3, improved energy balance and glucose homeostasis in genetically obese/diabetic mouse models. More recently, we have provided immunohistochemical evidence indicating that these synthetic peptide leptin mimetics cross the blood-brain barrier and concentrate in the area of the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in normal C57BL/6J and Swiss Webster mice, in genetically obese ob/ob mice, and in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. In the present study, we describe the effects of oral delivery of [D-Leu-4]-OB3 and MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 on glycemic control in diet-induced (DIO) mice, a non-genetic rodent model of obesity and its associated insulin resistance, which more closely recapitulates common obesity and diabetes in humans. Male C57BL/6J and DIO mice, 17, 20, and 28 weeks of age, were maintained on a low-fat or high-fat diet and given vehicle (DDM) alone or [D-Leu-4]-OB3 or MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 in DDM by oral gavage for 12 or 14 days. Body weight gain, food and water intake, fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance, and serum insulin levels were measured. Our data indicate that (1) [D-Leu-4]-OB3 and MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 restore glucose tolerance in male DIO mice maintained on a high-fat diet to levels comparable to those of non-obese C57BL/6J wild-type mice of the same age and sex maintained on a low-fat diet; and (2) the influence of [D-Leu-4]-OB3 and MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 on glycemic control appears to be independent of their effects on energy balance. These results suggest that [D-Leu-4]-OB3 and/or MA-[D-Leu-4]-OB3 may have application to the management of the majority of cases of common obesity in humans, a state characterized at least in part, by leptin resistance resulting from a defect in leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier. They further suggest that these small molecule synthetic peptide leptin mimetics, through their influence on glycemic control, may prevent the pre-diabetic state associated with most cases of common obesity from escalating into overt type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Measures of excess body weight and anthropometry among adult Albertans: cross-sectional results from Alberta\u2019s tomorrow project cohort

BackgroundExcess body weight during adulthood has been consistently associated with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at multiple sites among other chronic diseases. We describe the prevalence of excess body weight and abdominal obesity reported by participants enrolled in Alberta’s Tomorrow Project (ATP).MethodsATP is a geographically-based cohort study conducted among adults aged 35–69 years from across the province of Alberta. Participants completed anthropometric measures and health and lifestyle questionnaires at enrolment. Overweight and obese were categorized as a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0–29.9 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2, respectively. Abdominal obesity was categorized using cut-offs of waist circumference of >94 cm for men and >80 cm for women and waist-tp-hip ratio cut-offs of >0.90 for men and >0.85 for women.ResultsBMI and hip and waist circumference data were obtained from 12,062 men and 18,853 women enrolled between 2001 and 2009. Overall, 76.8% of men and 59.5% of women reported a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. The proportions of overweight and obese were significantly higher in older age groups (p < 0.001). In addition, the proportion of participants reporting being overweight and obese was higher among lower education (p < 0.001) and lower income groups (p < 0.001). Overall, approximately two thirds of men and women in ATP cohort reported abdominal obesity. Overweight, obesity and abdominal obesity were all associated with a history of several cardiometabolic chronic conditions including hypertension, heart attack, angina, high cholesterol, stroke and diabetes.ConclusionA large majority of ATP participants were overweight and carried excess abdominal fat. Strategies to improve energy balance among Albertans are encouraged and may have a notable impact on future chronic disease burden.

Symposium review: Modulating adipose tissue lipolysis and remodeling to improve immune function during the transition period and early lactation of dairy cows

Despite major advances in our understanding of transition and early lactation cow physiology and the use of advanced dietary, medical, and management tools, at least half of early lactation cows are reported to develop disease and over half of cow deaths occur during the first week of lactation. Excessive lipolysis, usually measured as plasma concentrations of free fatty acids (FFA), is a major risk factor for the development of displaced abomasum, ketosis, fatty liver, and metritis, and may also lead to poor lactation performance. Lipolysis triggers adipose tissue (AT) remodeling that is characterized by enhanced humoral and cell-mediated inflammatory responses and changes in its distribution of cellular populations and extracellular matrix composition. Uncontrolled AT inflammation could perpetuate lipolysis, as we have observed in cows with displaced abomasum, especially in those animals with genetic predisposition for excessive lipolysis responses. Efficient transition cow management ensures a moderate rate of lipolysis that is rapidly reduced as lactation progresses. Limiting FFA release from AT benefits immune function as several FFA are known to promote dysregulation of inflammation. Adequate formulation of pre- and postpartum diet reduces the intensity of AT lipolysis. Additionally, supplementation with niacin, monensin, and rumen-protected methyl donors (choline and methionine) during the transition period is reported to minimize FFA release into systemic circulation. Targeted supplementation of energy sources during early lactation improves energy balance and increases insulin concentration, which limits AT lipolytic responses. This review elaborates on the mechanisms by which uncontrolled lipolysis triggers inflammatory disorders. Details on current nutritional and pharmacological interventions that aid the modulation of FFA release from AT and their effect on immune function are provided. Understanding the inherent characteristics of AT biology in transition and early lactation cows will reduce disease incidence and improve lactation performance.

Metabolic and molecular responses to calcium soap of fish oil fed to ewes during peripartal period.

It has been shown that n-3 long chain fatty acids (n-3 LCFA) are involved in energy/lipid metabolisms, reproductive parameters, and molecular regulations leading to maintained homeostasis. We hypothesized that supplementation of peripartal diets with fish oil (FO), as a source of n-3 LCFA, could improve energy balance and modulate metabolic pressure in a sheep model. Prepartum ewes (n = 24) were fed control (CON) or calcium soap of fish oil (FO) supplemented-diet from four weeks before until three weeks after parturation. Feed intake, body weight (BW) change, plasma metabolites, colostrums/milk composition, and fatty acids profile of milk along with the expression of core microRNAs in glucose and lipid metabolism were evaluated. Prepartal feed intake decreased in FO group (1674 ± 33.26 vs. 1812 ± 35.56) though post-partal intake was similar. Differences in BW were not also significant (55.47 ± 2.07 in CON vs. 53.69 ± 1.94 in FO). No differences were observed in plasma metabolites except for cholesterol that was lower in FO group (56.25 ± 0.71 vs. 53.09 ± 0.61). Milk fat percentage was reduced (8.82 ± 0.49 vs. 7.03 ± 0.45) while the percentage of milk total n-3 LCFA increased in FO group. In accordance, the relative transcript abundance of miR-101 (0.215 ± 0.08) and miR-103 (0.37 ± 0.15) decreased by FO supplementation. Results showed that FO supplementation during peripartal period decreased milk fat, feed intake, plasma cholesterol, milk n-6:n-3 ratio and the expression of miR-101. Although the trend indicated that FO could alter lipid metabolism during transition period, further studies are needed to fully address its effect on energy balance and homeorhetic processes.

Cooperative in-network computation in energy harvesting device clouds

The Internet of Things paradigm is creating an environment where the big data originators will be located at the edge of the Internet. Accordingly, data analytic infrastructure is also being relocated to the network edges, to fulfill the philosophy of data gravity, under the umbrella of Fog computing. The extreme edge of the hierarchical infrastructure consists of sensor devices that constitute the wireless sensor networks. The role of these devices has evolved tremendously over the past few years owing to significant improvements in their design and computational capabilities. Sensor devices, today, are not only capable of performing sense and send tasks but also certain kinds of in-network processing. As such, triple optimization of sensing, computing and communication tasks is required to facilitate the implementation of data analytics on the sensor devices. A sensor node may optimally partition a computation task, for instance, and offload sub-tasks to cooperative neighbouring nodes for parallel execution to, in turn, optimize the network resources. This approach is crucial, especially, for energy harvesting sensor devices where the energy profile and, therefore, the computation capability of each device differs depending on the node location and time of day. Accordingly, future in-network computing must capture the energy harvesting information of sensor nodes to jointly optimize the computation and communication within the network. In this paper, we present a theoretical model for computation offloading in micro-solar powered energy harvesting sensor devices. Optimum data partitioning to minimize the total energy consumption has been discussed based on the energy harvesting status of sensor nodes for different scenarios. The simulation results show that our model reduced both energy losses and waste due to energy conversion and overflows respectively compared to a data partitioning algorithm that offloads computation tasks without taking the energy harvesting status of nodes into consideration. Our approach also improves energy balance of a WSN which is an important factor for its long-term autonomous operation.

Dietas insulina-estimulantes para las hembras porcina

Esta revisión bibliográfica tiene como objetivo presentar los efectos de la insulina modulada por la dieta en el rendimiento reproductivo y productivo de las cerdas. La insulina es una hormona que tiene papel de intermediario entre la nutrición y la reproducción, causando la síntesis de gonadotropinas, FSH y LH, a través de efectos directos sobre los ovarios. Los niveles de insulina endógena pueden estar influidos tanto por los nutrientes ingeridos como por la fuente de energía. Los estudios científicos han demostrado que las dietas donde los lípidos son la fuente principal de energía no producen mejoras en la condición corporal de las cerdas reproductoras durante la lactancia y tampoco en el desarrollo reproductivo después del destete. De hecho, puede empeorar la condición catabólica, debido al aumento de grasa en la producción de leche. Por otra parte, aumentar el contenido de carbohidratos durante la lactación puede mejorar el balance de energía, la secreción de gonadotropina y los perfiles de insulina y glucosa. Se ha demostrado que es posible modular los niveles de insulina en plasma mediante el consumo de hidratos de carbono complejos, tales como el almidón, que puede producir picos más prolongados de glucosa en comparación con los carbohidratos simples como dextrosas o sacarosas, promoviendo así el desarrollo folicular de los ovocitos, a partir de la síntesis de la hormona luteinizante a nivel en el ovario.

An analytical technique for solving quadratic nonlinear oscillator

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present an analytical technique, based on the He’s energy balance method (an improved version recently presented by Khan et al.), to obtain the approximate solution of quadratic nonlinear oscillator (QNO).Design/methodology/approachThis oscillator (QNO) is used as a mathematical model of the human eardrum oscillation.FindingsIt has been shown that the results by the present technique are very close to the numerical solution.Originality/valueThe results obtained in this paper are compared with those obtained by Hu (harmonic balance method) and Khan et al. The result shows that the method is more accurate and effective than harmonic balance as well as improved energy balance methods.

Whey Protein Components - Lactalbumin and Lactoferrin - Improve Energy Balance and Metabolism

Whey protein promotes weight loss and improves diabetic control, however, less is known of its bioactive components that produce such benefits. We compared the effects of normal protein (control) diet with high protein diets containing whey, or its fractions lactalbumin and lactoferrin, on energy balance and metabolism. Diet-induced obese rats were randomized to isocaloric diets: Control, Whey, Lactalbumin, Lactoferrin, or pair-fed to lactoferrin. Whey and lactalbumin produced transient hypophagia, whereas lactoferrin caused prolonged hypophagia; the hypophagia was likely due to decreased preference. Lactalbumin decreased weight and fat gain. Notably, lactoferrin produced sustained weight and fat loss, and attenuated the reduction in energy expenditure associated with calorie restriction. Lactalbumin and lactoferrin decreased plasma leptin and insulin, and lactalbumin increased peptide YY. Whey, lactalbumin and lactoferrin improved glucose clearance partly through differential upregulation of glucoregulatory transcripts in the liver and skeletal muscle. Interestingly, lactalbumin and lactoferrin decreased hepatic lipidosis partly through downregulation of lipogenic and/or upregulation of β-oxidation transcripts, and differentially modulated cecal bacterial populations. Our findings demonstrate that protein quantity and quality are important for improving energy balance. Dietary lactalbumin and lactoferrin improved energy balance and metabolism, and decreased adiposity, with the effects of lactoferrin being partly independent of caloric intake.

English

Based on the energy balance method (EBM), a more accurate analytical solution of the pendulum equation with rotating support was presented. The results were compared with those obtained by the differential transformation method (DTM) and He’s improved energy balance method. It was shown that the results are more accurate than the said methods. Key words: Energy balance method, approximate solutions, nonlinear oscillators, pendulum with rotating support.

Environmental impact assessment of double- and relay-cropping with winter camelina in the northern Great Plains, USA

Recent findings indicate that double- or relay-cropping winter camelina (Camelina sativa L. Crantz.) with, forage, or food crops can increase yield per area, improve energy balance, and provide several ecosystem services. Double-cropping can help balance food and energy production. The objective of this study was to determine the environmental impact of double- and relay-cropping systems as compared with monocultured maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the Midwest, USA. Ten crop sequences composed of double- and relay-cropped forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.] and soybean with winter camelina were evaluated and compared with their monoculture counterparts. The environmental aspects evaluated included global warming potential (GWP), abiotic depletion, acidification, eutrophication, ecotoxicity, and human toxicity. Additionally, provisioning and regulating ecosystem services were estimated, including: primary aboveground productivity, soil erosion, and biodiversity in each crop sequence. The analysis was conducted from ‘cradle-to-gate’, including only the agricultural phase. Global warming potential estimated by three different methods indicated that winter camelina as a monocrop had a GWP of 579 to 922kgCO2eha−1. Maize in monoculture had higher GWP than all other double- and relay-cropping systems studied. The higher emissions of double- and relay-cropping systems and maize can be explained by higher N fertilizer application, which led to greater field N2O emissions. Also, the additional sowing and harvesting of the double- or relay-crop increased CO2 emissions due to increased diesel use. Winter camelina as a monocrop had the lowest values in all impact categories, indicating camelina agricultural production phase has low environmental impact compared with maize and soybean in monoculture. Double- and relay- cropping systems increased primary productivity per unit area and biodiversity and reduced soil erosion potential. Increasing productivity with the additional environmental benefits of these systems may encourage more farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.

Sleep patterns in relation to dietary patterns and cardio‐metabolic risk: An update from Drummond Pump Priming Award recipients

AbstractThis article provides an update on the project ‘Sleep patterns in relation to dietary patterns and cardio‐metabolic risk’, which received funding from the British Nutrition Foundation (BNF) Drummond Pump Priming Award. Studying the relationship between sleep, the biological clock, timing of eating and nutrition is part of a new research area termed chrono‐nutrition. With the help of the BNF award, a PhD project was set up to investigate the effects of sleep duration and quality on energy balance, dietary intake and quality, and cardio‐metabolic risk factors. The project included three studies: (1) a systematic review and meta‐analysis investigating whether partial sleep deprivation results in positive energy balance; (2) a cross‐sectional study exploring associations between energy balance, dietary intake and quality, chrono‐nutrition and cardio‐metabolic risk factors; and (3) a randomised controlled intervention feasibility study investigating whether sleep extension in participants with chronic mild sleep deprivation can improve energy balance, diet quality, body composition and cardio‐metabolic risk profile. The systematic review showed that partial sleep deprivation results in a net positive energy balance arising from a significantly higher energy intake of 385 kcal/day, with no compensatory effect on energy expenditure. Results from the cross‐sectional and randomised controlled feasibility studies are expected later this year. Overall, the project will help to establish whether sleep extension can be used in combination with existing weight management strategies to reduce the burden of obesity and metabolic dysregulation, which are major public health threats.

The effect of dry period length and postpartum level of concentrate on milk production, energy balance, and plasma metabolites of dairy cows across the dry period and in early lactation

Shortening or omitting the dry period (DP) improves energy balance (EB) in early lactation because of a reduction in milk yield. Lower milk yield results in lower energy demands and requires less energy intake. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of DP length and concentrate level postpartum on milk yield, feed intake, EB, and plasma metabolites between wk -4 and 7 relative to calving of cows of second parity or higher. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 123) were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 DP lengths: 0-d DP (n = 81) or 30-d DP (n = 42). Prepartum, cows with a 0-d DP received a lactation ration based on grass silage and corn silage (6.4 MJ of net energy for lactation/kg of dry matter). Cows with a 30-d DP received a dry cow ration based on grass silage, corn silage, and straw (5.4 MJ of net energy for lactation/kg of dry matter). Postpartum, all cows received the same basal lactation ration as provided to lactating cows prepartum. Cows with a 0-d DP were fed a low level of concentrate up to 6.7 kg/d based on the requirement for their expected milk yield (0-d DP-L; n = 40) or the standard level of concentrate up to 8.5 kg/d (0-d DP-S; n = 41), which was equal to the concentrate level for cows with a 30-d DP (30-d DP-S; n = 42) based on requirements for their expected milk yield. Prepartum dry matter intake, concentrate intake, basal ration intake, energy intake, plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), and insulin concentrations were greater and plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and glucose concentrations were lower, but EB was not different in cows with a 0-d DP compared with cows with a 30-d DP. During wk 1 to 3 postpartum, milk fat yield and plasma BHB concentration were lower and dry matter intake and concentrate intake were greater in cows with a 0-d DP compared with cows with a 30-d DP. During wk 4 to 7 postpartum, fat- and protein-corrected milk (FPCM), lactose content, and lactose and fat yield were lower in 0-d DP-L or 0-d DP-S cows compared with 30-d DP-S cows. Basal ration intake, EB, body weight, plasma glucose, and insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations were greater and plasma FFA and BHB concentrations were lower in 0-d DP-L and 0-d DP-S cows compared with 30-d DP-S cows. Concentrate and energy intake were lower in 0-d DP-L cows than in 0-d DP-S or 30-d DP-S cows. Milk yield and concentrations of plasma metabolites did not differ in wk 4 to 7, although EB was lower in wk 6 and 7 postpartum in 0-d DP-L cows than in 0-d DP-S cows. In conclusion, a 0-d DP reduced milk yield and improved EB and metabolic status of cows in early lactation compared with a 30-d DP. Reducing the postpartum level of concentrate of cows with a 0-d DP did not affect fat- and protein-corrected milk yield or plasma FFA and BHB concentrations in early lactation but did reduce EB in wk 6 and 7 postpartum.

Dietary lactalbumin and lactoferrin interact with inulin to modulate energy balance in obese rats.

To determine whether diets enriched with the whey protein components lactalbumin and lactoferrin interact additively with inulin to improve energy balance by decreasing food intake and body weight (BW). In four experiments, diet-induced obese rats were randomized to diets containing either lactalbumin or lactoferrin at low (20% kcal) or high (40% kcal) doses, and inulin at low (7.5% w/w) or high (15% w/w) doses, alone or in combination. Energy intake (EI), energy expenditure (EE), respiratory quotient (RQ), BW, body composition, plasma insulin, and leptin concentrations were measured. Lactalbumin and inulin at low doses were ineffective, whereas high doses additively decreased EI and RQ. Low doses of lactoferrin and inulin additively decreased EI, BW, fat and lean mass, and RQ. High doses of lactoferrin and inulin additively decreased EI, supra-additively decreased BW, fat, and lean mass, and also decreased RQ and plasma leptin concentrations. High doses of lactalbumin and inulin additively decreased EI. Importantly, lactoferrin and inulin at both low and high dose combinations, additively or supra-additively, decreased EI, BW, and adiposity.

Effects of dry period length and dietary energy source on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in dairy cows

Negative energy balance in dairy cows in early lactation has been associated with increased inflammation and oxidative stress in these cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dry period (DP) length and dietary energy source on inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress in dairy cows. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (60 primiparous and 107 multiparous) were assigned randomly to a 3 × 2 factorial design with 3 DP length (0, 30, or 60 d) and 2 early lactation rations (glucogenic or lipogenic). Cows were fed a glucogenic or lipogenic ration from 10 d before the expected calving date. Blood was collected in wk -3, -2, -1, 1, 2, and 4 relative to calving. Dry period length affected inflammatory biomarkers and oxidative stress, especially in wk 1 and 2 after calving. Cows with a 0-d DP had higher levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites, and they tended to have higher haptoglobin levels compared with cows with a 30- or 60-d DP. Cows with a 0-d DP had a lower plasma paraoxonase and bilirubin in the first 2 wk after calving and a lower liver functionality index compared with cows with a 60-d DP. Cows of parity >3 fed a glucogenic ration had higher cholesterol levels compared with cows of parity >3 fed a lipogenic ration. No interaction between DP length and ration was present for inflammatory biomarkers or oxidative stress variables. Plasma bilirubin levels for cows with a 0-d DP were negatively related to energy balance and metabolic status in these cows. Moreover, occurrence of clinical health problems (fever, mastitis, metritis, and retained placenta) was 41, 27, and 30% for cows with 0-, 30-, and 60-d DP, respectively. High levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites in cows with 0-d DP were related to the occurrence of health problems in these cows. In conclusion, omitting the DP increased levels of ceruloplasmin, cholesterol, and reactive oxygen metabolites, and decreased levels of bilirubin and paraoxonase in plasma, independent of ration, compared with cows with a 60-d DP. These contrasting effects of DP length on inflammatory status could be explained in part by the improved energy balance and occurrence of health problems in these cows, but was not related to increased somatic cell count in cows with a 0-d DP. Cows with a 0-d DP had better energy balance, but also had higher levels of oxidative stress compared with cows with a 60-d DP. Moreover, occurrence of health problems did not differ between cows with different DP lengths.

Analytic solution of transversal oscillation of quintic non-linear beam with energy balance method and global residue harmonic balance method

Beams are very important element in structures because of its widespread usage in steel construction such as buildings, bridges, aircraft arm, aerospace vehicles and many other industrial usages. To attain a proper design of the beam structures, it is essential to realize how the beam vibrates in its transverse mode which in turn yields the natural frequency of the system. The main objective of present study is to obtain highly accurate analytical solutions for vibrations of a beam with quintic nonlinearity. Two new analytical methods are the improved energy balance method, and the global residue harmonic balance method. Subsequently, the analytical results are compared with the numerical solution of the exact equation in order to evaluate the correctness of the applied approaches.

Crude glycerin decreases nonesterified fatty acid concentration in ewes during late gestation and early lactation.

Crude glycerin is a gluconeogenic substrate in ruminants and may help to decrease the occurrence of pregnancy toxemia. The objective in this trial was to determine the effects of feeding a diet containing crude glycerin on DMI, milk yield, milk composition, and blood metabolites in periparturient ewes and lamb performance. One hundred eighteen 90 (±1.1)-d pregnant Santa Inês ewes were used. After lambing, 32 ewes (62.8 ± 1.3 kg BW) were allotted in a randomized complete block design defined by prelambing diet, BW, BCS, lambing date, type of birth (single or twin), and sex of offspring. Diets were isonitrogenous (13.0 ± 0.3% CP, DM basis), composed of concentrate and raw sugarcane bagasse (70:30 ratio, DM basis), and fed ad libitum daily. Crude glycerin (83.6% glycerol) levels were 0 or 10% (DM basis), corresponding to the experimental diets G0 and G10, respectively. From 8 until 56 d of lactation, DMI was determined. In the same period, once a week at 1000 h, the ewes were separated from the lambs and mechanically milked after intravenous administration of 10 IU of synthetic oxytocin. Three hours after the first milking, ewes were milked again and milk yield and composition were determined. Glucose, NEFA, and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) were determined at -14, -7, 0, 7, 14, 28, and 56 d relative to lambing and insulin was determined at -14, -7, 0, and 7 d. Crude glycerin did not affect DMI (2.2 kg/d for G0 vs. 2.2 kg/d for G10; = 0.93) or milk production (171 g/3 h for G0 vs. 164 g/3 h for G10; = 0.66). However, there was a decrease ( = 0.01) in milk fat percentage (8.1% for G0 vs. 7.0% for G10) for ewes fed glycerin. Ewes fed the G10 diet had decreased ( < 0.01) NEFA concentration (0.27 mmol/L for G0 vs. 0.18 mmol/L for G10). There was an interaction between diet × time for glucose ( = 0.04), insulin ( = 0.05), and BHBA ( = 0.01); feeding glycerin increased glucose (5.61 mmol/L for G0 vs. 7.42 mmol/L for G10; < 0.01) and insulin concentrations (10.5 μIU for G0 vs. 24.5 μIU for G10; < 0.01) at parturition compared with G0. The BHBA was less ( = 0.02) on the day of lambing (0.40 mmol/L for G0 vs. 0.29 mmol/L for G10) and it was greater ( < 0.01) on d 56 for ewes fed the G10 diet (0.46 mmol/L for G0 vs. 0.61 mmol/L for G10). There was no effect of diets fed to ewes on lamb growth from birth to weaning. Crude glycerin improved energy balance of periparturient ewes, suggesting a reduced risk of developing clinical metabolic-related disorders. Crude glycerin can be added at 10% of ewes' diets without affecting DMI and milk yield.

Nonlinear transversely vibrating beams by the improved energy balance method and the global residue harmonic balance method

Mathematical modeling of many engineering systems such as beam structures often leads to nonlinear ordinary or partial differential equations. Nonlinear vibration analysis of the beam structures is very important in mechanical and industrial applications. This paper presents the high order frequency-amplitude relationship for nonlinear transversely vibrating beams with odd and even nonlinearities using the improved energy balance method and the global residue harmonic balance method. The accuracy of the energy balance method is improved based on combining features of collocation method and Galerkin–Petrov method, and an improved harmonic balance method is proposed which is called the global residue harmonic balance method. Unlike other harmonic balance methods, all the former global residual errors are introduced in the present approximation to improve the accuracy. Finally, preciseness of the present analytic procedures is evaluated in contrast with numerical calculations methods, giving excellent results.