Individual Feeding Research Articles

Intelligent algorithm selection for efficient update predictions in social media feeds

Efficiently synchronizing data with social media feeds while minimizing unnecessary requests presents a significant challenge in various fields. This paper investigates prediction algorithms for determining the optimal update intervals for Facebook and Twitter (now X) feeds, focusing on metrics such as delay (the time between a post’s publication and its retrieval) and requests per post. Variations in update intervals result in different algorithms producing varying results, making the selection of the most suitable algorithm for each feed crucial yet time-intensive. To address this, we propose three strategies for algorithm selection: baseline (applying a single algorithm to all feeds), optimum (identifying the best algorithm for each individual feed), and classification (selecting algorithms through a classification process based on each feed’s unique update patterns and context). Our strategies leverage various prediction algorithms, including static and adaptive algorithms, and inhomogeneous Poisson processes. We evaluate these strategies using real-world data from Facebook and Twitter, thoroughly assessing their performance in terms of delay and request efficiency. The findings demonstrate that the strategy Optimum effectively identifies the best algorithms for each feed, ensuring the highest prediction quality, though at a considerable computational cost. On the other hand, the strategy Classification offers superior runtime performance required to select algorithms. This research highlights the trade-offs between delay and request efficiency and presents a comprehensive solution for optimizing update predictions in social media feeds.

Metabolomics Profiling of Serum and Urine from Chuanzang Black Pigs with Different Residual Feed Intake.

This study was conducted to evaluate associations of blood variables and urine variables with different residual feed intakes (RFIs) in growing Chuanzang black (CB) pigs. A total of 228 growing CB boars from 99 days were used. The same basal diet was offered ad libitum and individual feed intake and body weight were measured over a period of 181 d. The CB pigs were categorized based on their residual feed intake values, with six individuals each from the high and low ends selected and divided into two groups: the low residual feed intake group (LS) and the high residual feed intake group (HS). Serum and urine samples were collected at the end of the experiment for determination of metabolomics profiling. Results showed that there were significantly different metabolites in serum and urine of different RFI groups (fold-change, FC > 2.0 or FC < 0.5, and p < 0.05), and 21 metabolites were identified in serum and 61 in urine. Cluster analysis showed that 20 metabolites were up-regulated and one metabolite was down-regulated in serum; 44 metabolites were up-regulated and 17 metabolites were down-regulated in urine. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that the differential metabolites of serum were enriched in linoleic acid metabolism, and the differential metabolites of urine were enriched in steroid hormone biosynthesis, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, and primary bile acid biosynthesis. The correlations between serum metabolites and urine metabolites indicated a significant positive correlation between all fatty acyls in serum metabolites and L-glutamate in urine. However, no compelling genetic or blood biomarkers have been found to explain the differences in RFI, suggesting multiple approaches to effective feed use in pigs. This study provides new insights into the subsequent assessment of RFI by metabolomics profiling, as well as the development of novel feed additives for the factors that will facilitate future research directions in CB pigs.

Precision feeding as a tool to reduce the environmental footprint of pig production systems: a life-cycle assessment.

Nitrogen and phosphorus excretion are major sources of environmental contamination in growing-finishing pig operations. Nutrient excretion can be reduced by feeding pigs daily-tailored diets to their estimated nutrient requirements using individual precision feeding (IPF) techniques. This study modeled and evaluated the environmental impact of moving from conventional group 3-phase feeding (CGF) to IPF systems in Quebec, Canada, using life-cycle assessment with SimaPro software. The cradle-to-farm model included inputs and outputs of each subphase: raw materials/feedstuffs production, feed mill processing, transport, animal rearing, and manure management. The model was identical for both treatments in all aspects except for the production of feeds and barn and manure emissions in the growing-finishing phases. All feed ingredients originated from Quebec, simulating agricultural practices using real management data from an average farm in Quebec. Based on observed pig growth data, the CGF and IPF systems were compared in the growing-finishing phase. IPF diets were modeled as the blend of 2 feeds (i.e., A and B), while CGF diets were stablished according to the industry. The evaluated impact categories were global warming potential (GWP), eutrophication potential (EP), and acidification potential (AP). The functional unit was 1 t of feed at the feed mill gate and 1 t of finished pig live weight at the farm gate. A Monte Carlo analysis determined the uncertainty of the growth performance results. Feeding programs were compared using analysis of variance. Corn was associated with elevated GWP and AP impacts, leading to higher impacts for diets with higher corn content. Feed B, which contained 83% corn, resulted in impacts of 645kg of CO2-eq., 8.53kg SO2-eq., and 4.89kg PO4-eq. Diets with higher EP impact had a higher percentage of soybean meal. Feed A contained 25% of this ingredient and had an impact of 608kg CO2-eq., 6.98kg SO2-eq., and 5.57kg PO4-eq. CGF diets had environmental impacts between those of feeds A and B. Compared to CGF, applying IPF programs during the growing-finishing phase decreased GWP by 7.6%, AP by 16.2% and EP by 13.0%. IPF significantly reduced the environmental impact in all categories through the more efficient use of nutritional resources by pigs. IPF could help to improve the sustainability of growing-finishing pig operations in Quebec and likely other regions using corn and soybean-based diets.

A Comparison of Infant Feeding Practices in South Asian-Born Mothers and Australian-Born Mothers Living in Australia.

South Asian infants and children have a higher predisposition to central adiposity, increasing their risk of metabolic diseases in childhood. Infant feeding practices are a key factor in reducing the risk of obesity in children. The current study aimed to compare infant feeding practices of South Asian-born mothers to Australin-born mothers. The 2010 Australian National Infant Feeding Survey data were used to compare infant feeding practices between South Asian-born mothers and Australian-born mothers with children aged up to 2 years. Chi-square and t-tests were conducted, as well as regression models, with adjustment for covariates, to assess individual infant feeding practices between the two groups. A total of 298 South Asian-born mothers and 294 Australian-born mothers were included. The age at which a child stopped receiving breast milk was lower among Australian-born mothers (3 months) compared with South Asian-born mothers (5 months, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of South Asian-born mothers reported that solids were introduced at or after 6 months of age compared to Australian-born mothers (86% vs. 69%, p < 0.001, respectively). South Asian-born mothers were engaging in some health-promoting infant feeding practices compared to Australian-born mothers; however, they were not meeting the infant feeding guidelines for exclusive breastfeeding and the introduction of solids. Further research is needed to better understand factors influencing infant feeding practices in South Asian-born immigrant mothers in Australia to determine whether culturally tailored interventions are needed to help these women achieve optimal feeding practices for their infants.

Research Progress on the Regulating Factors of Muscle Fiber Heterogeneity in Livestock: A Review.

The type of muscle fiber plays a crucial role in the growth, development, and dynamic plasticity of animals' skeletal muscle. Additionally, it is a primary determinant of the quality of both fresh and processed meat. Therefore, understanding the regulatory factors that contribute to muscle fibers' heterogeneity is of paramount importance. Recent advances in sequencing and omics technologies have enabled comprehensive cross-verification of research on the factors affecting the types of muscle fiber across multiple levels, including the genome, transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome. These advancements have facilitated deeper exploration into the related biological questions. This review focused on the impact of individual characteristics, feeding patterns, and genetic regulation on the proportion and interconversion of different muscle fibers. The findings indicated that individual characteristics and feeding patterns significantly influence the type of muscle fiber, which can effectively enhance the type and distribution of muscle fibers in livestock. Furthermore, non-coding RNA, genes and signaling pathways between complicated regulatory mechanisms and interactions have a certain degree of impact on muscle fibers' heterogeneity. This, in turn, changes muscle fiber profile in living animals through genetic selection or environmental factors, and has the potential to modulate the quality of fresh meat. Collectively, we briefly reviewed the structure of skeletal muscle tissue and then attempted to review the inevitable connection between the quality of fresh meat and the type of muscle fiber, with particular attention to potential events involved in regulating muscle fibers' heterogeneity.

Impact of Maize Nutrient Composition on the Developmental Defects of Spodoptera frugiperda

Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a crucial agricultural pest owing to its global impact on &gt;300 crops. Among these, the corn strain of S. frugiperda causes significant damage to maize (Zea mays L.). However, limited research exists on the influence of maize nutrients on the metamorphosis of S. frugiperda and the underlying mechanisms. In this study, the effects of different growth stages of maize leaves, namely, tender leaves (tender) and mature leaves (mature), on various aspects of larval development, including body weight, body length, developmental age, pupation rate, and eclosion rate, were investigated. Additionally, we measured the levels of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) and three types of juvenile hormone (JH; i.e., JH I–III) in S. frugiperda larvae fed on tender or mature. The results revealed that larvae fed on Tender exhibited significantly prolonged instar duration, reduced body weight and length, and decreased pupation and eclosion rates, with the emergence of abnormal adults. Analysis of nutritional components in maize leaves revealed significantly higher levels of amino acids, soluble sugars, and sterols in mature than in tender. Hormone analysis in S. frugiperda larvae revealed higher 20E titers in individuals feeding on mature during prepupal and pupal stages. We demonstrated the crucial role of sterols in regulating the level of 20E and pupation rate of S. frugiperda. Based on these findings, we propose that isoleucine, arginine, glutamic acid, sucrose, campesterol, and β-sitosterol serve as key nutrients influencing the development of S. frugiperda. Moreover, β-sitosterol is a significant factor influencing the interaction between maize leaves and S. frugiperda. Our research results provide a reference for the control strategy of S. frugiperda based on breeding insect-resistant varieties by altering host nutrition.

Rodents consuming the same toxic diet harbor a unique functional core microbiome

Gut microbiota are intrinsic to an herbivorous lifestyle, but very little is known about how plant secondary compounds (PSCs), which are often toxic, influence these symbiotic partners. Here we interrogated the possibility of unique functional core microbiomes in populations of two species of woodrat (Neotoma lepida and bryanti) that have independently converged to feed on the same toxic diet (creosote bush; Larrea tridentata) and compared them to populations that do not feed on creosote bush. Leveraging this natural experiment, we collected samples across a large geographic region in the U.S. desert southwest from 20 populations (~ 150 individuals) with differential ingestion of creosote bush and analyzed three gut regions (foregut, cecum, hindgut) using16S sequencing and shotgun metagenomics. In each gut region sampled, we found a distinctive set of microbes in individuals feeding on creosote bush that were more abundant than other ASVs, enriched in creosote feeding woodrats, and occurred more frequently than would be predicted by chance. Creosote core members were from microbial families e.g., Eggerthellaceae, known to metabolize plant secondary compounds and three of the identified core KEGG orthologs (4-hydroxybenzoate decarboxylase, benzoyl-CoA reductase subunit B, and 2-pyrone-4, 6-dicarboxylate lactonase) coded for enzymes that play important roles in metabolism of plant secondary compounds. The results support the hypothesis that the ingestion of creosote bush sculpts the microbiome across all major gut regions to select for functional characteristics associated with the degradation of the PSCs in this unique diet.

Yeast mixture supplementation modulates faecal microbiota and ileum morphology of weaning pigs

Different yeast strains benefit postweaning piglets by promoting intestinal health. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a yeast mixture containing Kluyveromyces marxianus fragilis, Pichia guilliermondii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Vetoquinol italia s.r.l., Italy) on gut health parameters and growth performance traits of weaned piglets. Forty-eight postweaning castrated male piglets (27 ± 1.7 days, 7.19 ± 0.54 kg) were randomly allocated to two homogeneous experimental groups and involved in a 28-day trial. Both the groups received a basal diet with (yeast mixture, YM) or without (control, CTR) the inclusion of 0.8% yeast mixture during weeks 1 and 2, and 0.6% during weeks 3 and 4. Individual BW and box feed intake were determined on days 0, 14, and 28, and average daily gain and Gain:Feed ratio were subsequently calculated for each administration period (0–14, 14–28). Individual faecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis on days 4, 14, 21, and 28, and faecal score was evaluated on the same days. At the end of the trial, 12 piglets for each group were sacrificed, and ileal tissue was sampled for morphological analysis and the evaluation of mucins profile, using Alcian-Blue/Periodic Acid-Shiff (PAS) staining. On ileum samples, dividing and differentiated epithelial cells were also identified using proliferating cell nuclear antigen and alkaline phosphatase expression, respectively. Differences in the means between the experimental groups were determined by ANOVA, while the metataxonomics analyses were performed by sequencing for V3 and V4 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Growth performance traits were not different among the two experimental groups when considering the whole trial period, while treated animals showed increased faecal consistency on weeks 1 and 4 (P = 0.036 and 0.021, respectively). Yeast mixture administration increased the abundance of Bifidobacterium (P = 0.006) and Coprococcus 2 (P = 0.015), and decreased Clostridium Sensu Stricto 1 (P = 0.019) at all the considered timepoints. Ileum villous height, villous width, and crypt depth were significantly increased by yeast mixture supplementation (P = 0.019; P = 0.013; P = 0.036, respectively), while no differences were observed for the villous:crypt ratio among the groups. The mucin profile showed no differences among experimental groups for acid and neutral glycoconjugates. However, a higher presence of PAS-positive mucins was highlighted in the villi of YM piglets (P < 0.001) compared to CTR. Overall, the administration of a yeast mixture to postweaning piglets showed positive effects on gut health when compared to piglets not receiving the tested product, improving beneficial genera and intestinal morphology.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in marine mammals: New data and transplacental transfer on threatened species

Coastal areas are affected by urban, industrial and agriculture pollutants runoff, wastewater and stormwater discharges, making this environment the final repository of chemical contaminants. These contaminants have the potential to spread out to the entire food chain, impacting marine life and the quality of their habitat. In this aspect, the concept of marine mammals as bioindicators provides an approach to the degree of contamination in the environment and to the identification and management of multiple sources of contaminants. The present study analyzed several elements like As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn in liver tissue from two dolphin species: Sotalia guianensis, a near-threatened species, and the vulnerable Pontoporia blainvillei. In the study, we also investigated if dolphins (population) recorded using the heaviest urban areas have higher concentrations of contaminants in their tissues. Dolphin samples (n = 40 S. guianensis; n = 97 P. blainvillei) were collected by daily monitoring carried out by Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (PMP-BS), from stranded individuals found in São Paulo state. The Spearman's rank correlation showed distinct correlations in the accumulation of trace elements by both species, indicating different sources of exposure to the elements studied or distinct biochemical processes between species. Interspecific and intraspecific variations were observed, possibly related to the individual distribution and feeding habits. Correlations were observed between age and concentrations of trace elements, positive for Cd, Hg and Mo. Finally, our findings indicate high levels of Cu, Zn, and concentrations of As, V and Hg in fetuses, in particular, an analysis was performed on a fetus found inside a stranded individual, indicating placental transfer as the first route of exposure for some elements.

Effects of rate of body weight gain during the first trimester of gestation on beef heifer and offspring performance, concentrations of hormones and metabolites, and response to vaccination.

Our study objectives were to evaluate the effects of divergent rates of body weight (BW) gain during early gestation in beef heifers on F0 performance, metabolic and endocrine status, colostrum immunoglobulins, and subsequent F1 calf characteristics, growth performance, concentrations of hormones and metabolites, and response to vaccination. Angus-based heifers (n = 100; BW = 369 ± 2.5kg) were adapted to individual feeding for 14 d and bred using artificial insemination with female-sexed semen. Heifers were ranked by BW assigned to either a basal diet targeting 0.28kg/d gain (LG, n = 50) or the basal diet plus an energy/protein supplement targeting 0.79kg/d gain (MG, n = 50) until d 84 of gestation. Dam BW and blood samples were collected at 6 time points during gestation; body composition was evaluated at d -10 and 84; and fetal measurements were taken on d 42, 63, and 84. At calving (LG, n = 23; MG, n = 23), dam and calf BW were recorded; and colostrum, calf body measurements, and blood samples were collected. Cow-calf pairs were managed on a common diet from calving to weaning, followed by a common postnatal development period for all F1 female offspring. Growth performance, hormone and metabolite profiles, feeding behavior, and reproductive performance were assessed from birth to pre-breeding in F1 heifers. Offspring were vaccinated against respiratory disease and bovine viral diarrhea pathogens on d 62.3 ± 4.13 and 220.3 ± 4.13 post-calving. By design, MG dams were heavier (P < 0.0001) than LG at d 84, and the BW advantage persisted until subsequent weaning of F1 calves. Concentrations of serum IGF-1 and glucose were increased throughout gestation (P < 0.001) for MG dams, whereas concentrations of NEFA were decreased (P < 0.001) in LG dams. Calves from MG dams were 2.14kg heavier (P = 0.03) and had larger chest circumference (P = 0.04) at birth compared with LG cohorts. Heifers from MG dams continued to have greater (P ≤ 0.03) BW gain and feed efficiency during the development period, but no differences were observed (P ≥ 0.13) in body composition, concentrations of hormones and metabolites, feeding behavior, puberty attainment, and response to vaccination in F1 offspring. Hence, early gestation rate of gain impacted BW and concentrations of glucose and IGF-1 throughout gestation in the F0 dam, resulting in altered F1 calf BW and measurements at birth and increased gain and efficiency during the development period.

Negative energy balance affects perinatal ewe performance, rumen morphology, rumen flora structure, and placental function.

This study investigated the effects of negative energy balance (NEB) on perinatal ewes, with a focus on changes in growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, rumen fermentation, ruminal bacteria composition, placental phenotype-related indicators, and expression levels of genes related to placental function. Twenty ewes at 130 days of gestation were randomly allocated to either the positive energy balance (PEB) or NEB groups. In the experiment, ewes in the PEB group were fed the same amount as their intake during the pre-feeding baseline period, while ewes in the NEB group were restricted to 70% of their individual baseline feed intake. The experiment was conducted until 42 days postpartum, and five double-lamb ewes per group were selected for slaughter. The results demonstrated that NEB led to a significant decrease in body weight, carcass weight, and the birth and weaning weights of lambs (P < 0.05). Additionally, NEB caused alterations in serum biochemical parameters, such as increased non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate levels and decreased cholesterol and albumin levels (P < 0.05). Rumen fermentation and epithelial parameters were also affected, with a reduction in the concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid, total acid and a decrease in the length of the rumen papilla (P < 0.05). Moreover, NEB induced changes in the structure and composition of ruminal bacteria, with significant differences in α-diversity indices and rumen microbial community composition (P < 0.05). Gene expression in rumen papilla and ewe placenta was also affected, impacting genes associated with glucose and amino acid transport, proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis (P < 0.05). These findings screened the key microbiota in the rumen of ewes following NEB and highlighted the critical genes associated with rumen function. Furthermore, this study revealed the impact of NEB on placental function in ewes, providing a foundation for investigating how nutrition in ewes influences reproductive performance. This research demonstrates how nutrition regulates reproductive performance by considering the combined perspectives of rumen microbiota and placental function.

IMPACTS OF CONCENTRATE FEEDING LEVEL WITH OR WITHOUT N-CARBAMYLGLUTAMATE ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF GOATS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding three levels of concentrate 2%, 3%, and 4% with or without additives of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) on the digestibility, feed efficiency, and daily gain of Shami goats. Twenty-four male goats were used aged 8-10 months with an initial weight 32.687 ± 1.52kg divided into six treatments in a 2×3 factorial experiment/ Completely Randomized Design. Individual feeding was used for 70 days preceded by 14 days as an adaptation period. The results of increasing concentrate showed a non-significant increase in nutrients intake with superiority of NCG treatments and a significant increase (P&lt;0.01) of ether extract intake. Non-significant increase in digestibility with increasing feed intake. Significant increases (P&lt;0.01) in total and daily gain of 3% concentrate with or without NCG and non-significant increases for final weight. The better feed efficiency with 3% concentrate then 2% and 4% respectively. In conclusion: A level of feeding 3% had a positive effect on animal performance and the best for fattening.

Influence of host plant on the wing shape of Bactrocera cucurbitae and Bactrocera tau (Diptera: Tephritidae)

ABSTRACT Bactrocera fruit flies are a significant pest of fruits and vegetables. Some of them are polyphagous and show rapid reproduction. Our study evaluated the impact of three host plants: bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula), and cucumber (Cucumis sativus) on the shape and size of the wings of Bactrocera cucurbitae and B. tau by using geometric morphometrics. The wings of females were significantly larger than those of males, and the wings of B. cucurbitae were significantly smaller than those of B. tau. Individuals feeding on different host plants did not differ significantly in wing size. Wing shape differed significantly both between sexes and between species. Differences in wing shape between males and females were larger than differences between B. cucurbitae and B. tau. Wing shape can be used to identify males and females of the two species without errors. Wing shape differed significantly between males of the two species feeding on cucumber and bottle gourd. Wing shape can be used to identify males of B. cucurbitae and B. tau feeding on those two host plants without errors.

Growth and dry matter intake curve analysis of crossbred male calves in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The study was carried out at Holetta agricultural Research center dairy farm to estimate the growth and dry matter intake curves parameters of different genetic groups of crossbred male calves. A total of 48 weaned Friesian Boran (FB) crossbred calves consisting of 24 male calves having 50% Friesian blood level and another 24 growing calves having 75% Friesian blood level were used for this study. The calves were managed under individual feeding management for a fattening period of 626 days. Body weight and dry matter intake data were fitted into Gompertz nonlinear growth model. Mean values for growth parameters in 50% FB and 75% FB crosses were 727.0 and 730.2 kg; 2.85 and 2.78; 0.0019 and 0.0017 kg/day; 547.95 and 595.68 days; 257.46 and 268.63 kg; for mature weight, integration constant, maturity rate, age at inflection point and body weight at inflection point, respectively. This study revealed that 50% FB crossbred bull calves are fast maturing genotype and had significantly lower DMI at mature age than 75% FB crosses. Generally, 50% FB crossbred bull calves can be used for fattening purpose to meet increasing lean meat demand of consumers in Ethiopia with decreased feed cost under improved feeding system.

Influence of steroidal implants and zinc sulfate supplementation on growth performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes in skeletal muscle of feedlot steers.

Angus-cross steers (n = 144; 362 kg ± 20.4) were used to determine the effect of Zn and steroidal implants on performance, trace mineral status, circulating metabolites, and transcriptional changes occurring in skeletal muscle. Steers (n = 6 per pen) were stratified by body weight (BW) in a 3 × 2 factorial. GrowSafe bunks recorded individual feed intake (steer as experimental unit; n = 24 per treatment). Dietary treatments (ZINC; eight pens per treatment) included supplemental Zn as ZnSO4 at 1) 0 (analyzed 54mg Zn/kg DM; Zn0); 2) 30mg/kg DM (Zn30); 3) 100mg Zn/kg DM (Zn100). After 60 d of Zn treatment, steers received a steroidal implant treatment (IMP) on day 0: 1) no implant; NO; or 2) high-potency combination implant (TE-200, Elanco, Greenfield, IN; 200mg TBA, 20mg E2; TE200). BWs were taken at days -60, 0, and in 28 d increments thereafter. Liver biopsies for TM analysis and blood for TM, serum glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea-N, and IGF-1 analysis were collected on days 0, 20, 40, and 84. Glucose, NEFA, and insulin were used to calculate the revised quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (RQUICKI). Linear and quadratic effects of ZINC were evaluated in SAS 9.4. Means for IMP were separated using the LSMEANS statement with the PDIFF option. Day -60 BW was a covariate for performance and carcass data. Growth performance, plasma, liver, and metabolite data were analyzed as repeated measures. TE200 tended to decrease plasma Zn by 8.4% from days 0 to 20 while NO decreased by 3.6% (IMP × day; P = 0.08). A tendency for a ZINC × day effect on G:F was noted (P = 0.06) driven by Zn30 and Zn100 decreasing significantly from period 0-28 to period 28-56 while Zn0 was similar in both periods. An IMP × day effect was noted for RQUICKI where (P = 0.02) TE200 was greater on day 40 compared to NO cattle, but by day 84 RQUICKI was not different between TE200 and NO. On day 20, increasing Zn supplementation linearly increased mRNA abundance (P ≤ 0.09) of protein kinase B (AKT1), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and myogenic factor 5 (MYF5). In this study, Zn and implants differentially affected genes related to energy metabolism, satellite cell function, and TM homeostasis on days 20 and 84 postimplant. These results suggest steroidal implants increase demand for Zn immediately following implant administration to support growth and may influence insulin sensitivity in finishing cattle.

Effects of flavoring additives on feed intake, growth performance, temperament and markers of immune function for newly received feedlot cattle.

Ninety Angus × Hereford steers (259.9 ± 36.18kg body weight (BW)), were used in a 56-d experiment to assess the effects of flavoring additives on feed intake, and stress and immune response of newly received feedlot cattle. Steers were homogenously distributed by BW into six pens equipped with an individual feed intake monitoring system, and pen was randomly assigned to one of three treatments (15 head/pen; 30 head/treatment): a standard feedlot receiving diet (CT), or the same diet with a flavoring additive comprised of either sweeteners (Luctarom Feedlot, SW) or a mix of basic tastes (Luctarom Feedlot Mix, MX) at 1kg/mT. Pens were equipped with a feed intake monitoring system, while BW, chute behavior, flight speed, blood and saliva samples were collected bi-weekly, and hair samples collected at 4-week intervals during the study. Data were analyzed using a mixed-effects model for a pen study using individual animal records with repeated measures. There was a treatment × week interaction (P < 0.01) where meal duration was greater in SW steers than MX and CT on wk 3, and than CT on wk 7 and 8. A trend for treatment × week interaction (P = 0.06) showed that the number of visits per day tended to be greater in SW than MX steers on wk 4 and 5, and it tended to be greater in SW than MX and CT on wk 5. The concentration of IL-6 was greater (P <0.01) on d 1 and 28 than on d 14. The IgM concentration was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 compared to d 14, 28 and 56. The concentration of haptoglobin was greater (P < 0.01) on 14 than d 28, 42 and 56, and it was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 than d 42 and 56. The concentration of serum amyloid A was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 compared to the rest of sampling days. Fibrinogen concentration was greater (P < 0.01) on d 1 compared to d 14 and 42. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was greater (P < 0.01) on d 42 and 56 compared to d 1 and 28, and greater (P < 0.01) on d 14 compared to d 28. Hair and saliva cortisol concentration were lower (P < 0.01) on d 56 compared to d 1 and 28, respectively. The use of flavoring additives, particularly when based on sweeteners (SW), caused some changes in the feeding pattern of newly received steers. These changes, however, were not consistent over the 56-d feeding period and were not accompanied by a change in growth performance, temperament, biomarkers of stress, inflammation, or immune function.

Short-term high-calorie high-fat feeding induces hyperinsulinemia and blunts skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow in healthy humans.

Skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF) plays an important role in glucose disposal in muscle. Impairments in muscle MBF contribute to insulin resistance and prediabetes. Animal studies show that short-term (3 day) high-fat feeding blunts skeletal muscle MBF before impairing insulin-stimulated glucose disposal. It is not known whether this occurs in humans. We investigated the temporal impact of a 7-day high-calorie high-fat (HCHF) diet intervention (+52% kJ; 41% fat) on fasting and postprandial cardiometabolic outcomes in 14 healthy adults (18-37 yr). Metabolic health and vascular responses to a mixed-meal challenge (MMC) were measured at pre (day 0)-, mid (day 4)- and post (day 8)-intervention. There were no significant differences in body weight, body fat %, fasting blood glucose, and fasting plasma insulin concentrations at pre-, mid- and postintervention. Compared with preintervention there was a significant increase in insulin (but not glucose) total area under the curve in response to the MMC at midintervention (P = 0.041) and at postintervention (P = 0.028). Unlike at pre- and midintervention, at postintervention muscle MBF decreased at 60 min (P = 0.024) and 120 min (P = 0.023) after the MMC. However, macrovascular blood flow was significantly increased from 0 to 60 min (P < 0.001) and 120 min (P < 0.001) after the MMC at pre-, mid- and postintervention. Therefore, short-term HCHF feeding in healthy individuals leads to elevated postprandial insulin but not glucose levels and a blunting of meal-induced skeletal muscle MBF responses but not macrovascular blood flow responses.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to investigate skeletal muscle microvascular blood flow (MBF) responses in humans after short-term high-calorie high-fat (HCHF) diet. The main findings were that HCHF diet causes elevated postprandial insulin in healthy individuals within 3 days and blunts meal-induced muscle MBF within 7 days, despite no impairments in postprandial glucose or macrovascular blood flow.

138 Growth performance and physiological response of nursery pigs fed a high canola meal diet with acidifiers

Abstract This study investigated the impact of feed additives aimed at reducing gut pH on the growth performance and physiological responses of nursery pigs when fed a high canola meal (CM) diet. A total of 315 nursery pigs, 6.0 ± 1.2 kg body weight (BW), were allotted to one of five dietary treatments with 9 replicates (7 pigs/pen) in a randomized complete block design. Dietary treatments were PC: corn-soybean meal-based diet with 20% CM, NC: corn-soybean meal-based diet with 40% CM; NC+A: NC diet with acidifier at 1,500 ppm, NC+B: NC diet with encapsulated butyrate at 500 ppm, and NC+A+B: NC diet with acidifier and encapsulated butyrate. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements of NRC (2012). All pigs received a common Phase 1 nursery diet during week 1 following weaning. Experimental diets were provided in Phase 2 (wk 2 and 3) and Phase 3 (wk 4 to 6). Individual pig BW and pen feed consumption were measured for each phase to calculate growth performance. At the conclusion of each phase, blood samples were collected from one pig per pen for analysis of serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations. The selected pig was euthanized within 24 h, and its organ weights and pH of digesta were measured. The results were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS with the pen as an experimental unit. There was no difference in BW and average daily gain throughout the overall period. However, PC treatment exhibited greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily feed intake in phase 3 by 18.2% and overall period by 13.4% compared with NC treatment and no difference with NC+A+B treatment. The NC+A and NC+A+B treatments tended to improve (P ≤ 0.10) gain to feed ratio in phase 3 by 17.9% and overall period by 16.1% compared with PC treatment, respectively. At the end of phase 3, the PC treatment tended (P &amp;lt; 0.10) to have greater serum T4 concentrations compared with NC and NC+A treatments (3.2 vs 2.5 and 2.4 ug/dL, respectively), whereas there was no difference between PC and NC+A+B treatments. In phase 3, the thyroid gland weight for PC treatment was less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than for NC treatment (0.156 vs 0.202 g/kg), whereas there was no difference among PC, NC+B, and NC+A+B treatments. In phase 3, dietary encapsulated butyrate decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) the pH of jejunal digesta compared with PC treatment (6.28 vs 7.01), and dietary encapsulated butyrate treatments (NC+B and NC+A+B) tended to decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.10) the pH of hind-colonic digesta compared with the pH of PC treatment by 6.2% and 7.2%. In conclusion, dietary encapsulated butyrate in combination with acidifier may alleviate thyroid dysfunction that is anti-nutritional effect of high canola meal diets.

144 Bioavailability of calcium salt of hydroxy analogue of methionine relative to DL-methionine to support growth performance of 11 to 20 kg pigs

Abstract Methionine (Met) is typically the third limiting AA in commercial swine diets and is commonly supplied as dry DL-Met (99% pure) or DL-Met hydroxy analogue. Data on the relative bioavailability (RBV) of calcium salt of hydroxy analogue of DL-Met (MHA-Ca; 84%) compared with DL-Met in weaned pigs is scarce. The objective of the experiment was to determine the RBV of MHA-Ca compared with DL-Met to support growth performance of 11 to 20 kg pigs. A total of 504 piglets [DNA x Pietrain pigs; approximately 42 d of age and 11 kg body weight (BW)] were used in two blocks of 252 pigs each with 6 pigs (3 entire males and 3 gilts) per pen and 12 replicate pens per treatment. Within each block, pigs were randomly allotted to 7 diets for 21 d. A basal diet (BD) was formulated to be adequate in all essential nutrients except for Met (0.22% standardized ileal digestible Met), which was 61% of the SID Met requirement of 0.36% recommended by NRC (2012) for 10 to 25 kg pigs. The Met-deficient BD was then supplemented with 3 graded levels of DL-Met (0.05, 0.10, and 0.15%) or MHA-Ca (0.077, 0.154, and 0.231%) at the expense of corn. Pigs had ad libitum access to feed (mash) and water. Individual pigs and pen feed disappearance were weighed on d 0 and d 21 to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion rate (FCR). On d 21, blood samples were collected from 1 pig per pen after 8 h fasting to determine total protein, albumin and glucose. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design using GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 (SAS Inst. Inc.). Orthogonal-polynomial contrasts were used to determine linear and quadratic effects of increasing levels of DL-Met and MHA-Ca, and the effect of Met sources. The final BW at d 21 and overall average daily gain (ADG; 375, 401, 429, 430, 402, 431, and 428 g/d for diets 1 to 7, respectively) increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by graded additions with both Met sources. The ADFI was not different but the overall FCR (1.64, 1.55, 1.51, 1.45, 1.59, 1.46, and 1.50 for diets 1 to 7, respectively) improved linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) by supplementation with DL-Met or MHA-Ca. Pig performance responses (ADG, ADFI and FCR) was not different (P ≥ 0.15) when Met was supplemented in the Met-deficient diet at a DL-Met to MHA-Ca ratio of 65:100 on a product basis. Plasma concentrations of total protein, albumin and glucose on d 21 were not affected (P &amp;gt;0.05) by dietary treatments or Met sources. Based on ADG as a response of Met supplementation level, the linear and exponential regressions estimated the RBV of 64 and 65%, respectively for MHA-Ca relative to DL-Met (product-to-product basis) in 11 to 20 kg pigs.

PSV-19 Impact of precision feeding and bump feeding strategy during gestation on the performance of post-weaning pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the post-weaning growth performance of piglets from sows of parities 1 to 3 fed with 4 different feeding programs during gestation; Flat feeding (FF, constant concentration and feed intake), Bump feeding (BF, constant concentration and variable feed intake), precision feeding by parity (PFP, variable concentration and variable feed intake using the average weight per parity), individual precision feeding (PFI, variable concentration and variable feed intake using the weight of each sow at breeding). At weaning of each parity, five litters from each of the dietary treatments were selected and five average piglets from each of these litters were transferred to a nursery building with 20 pens. All pens received the same feeding program in 3 phases of 14 d each. Piglets were weighed at the beginning and end of each feeding phase. The quantity of feed was noted for each phase. At the end of phases 1 and 3, one piglet per pen was scanned on the DXA to assess its body lean, fat, and bone mineral composition. During phase 1, average daily gain (ADG) was greater for piglets from parity 1 sows than those from parity 2 and 3 while average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion (FC) were greater for piglets from parity 3 sows (P &amp;lt; 0.05; Table). Dietary treatments during gestation did not affect performances in phase 1. In phase 2, ADG and ADFI were greater while FC was decreased for piglets from sows of parity 2 and 3 (P&amp;lt; 0.001). Piglets from FF treatment had a greater ADG and a lesser FC (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than piglets from BF, piglets from PFP and PFI being intermediate. In phase 3, piglets from parity 2 sows and those from FF treatment had greater ADG and ADFI than piglets from PFI treatment, piglets from PFP and BF treatments being intermediate (P &amp;lt; 0.005). For all post-weaning period, piglets from parity 2 sows had greater ADG, ADFI and body weight at 42 d (P &amp;lt; 0.001) while piglets from the FF treatment had better ADG and weight at 42 d (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than those from BF and PFI (P &amp;lt; 0.05), PFP being intermediate. The lean ADG was greater for piglets from FF treatment (P &amp;lt; 0.021) than piglets from PFI, piglets from BF and PFP being intermediate. Piglets from sows of parity 2 and 3 had also greater lean ADG (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Fat ADG was also higher for piglets from parity 2 sows (P &amp;lt; 0.010) than piglets from parity 1 sows, piglets from parity 3 sows being intermediate. Piglets from parity 2 sows clearly had better post-weaning performances. The FF treatment during gestation led to better post-weaning performance, suggesting that energy or nutrient intake in early gestation affects offspring growth and development in post-weaning period.