Influence Body Weight Gain Research Articles

Pertumbuhan Kelinci (Lepus spp.) Setelah Pemasangan Implan Stainless Steel AISI 316L

A lot of accidents can cause fractures/cracks, especially in the thigh bone. Bone fractures/cracks can be overcome through implants installation (implantation) particularly on the part of the femur. A test take the implant integration process about 4-6 week. Research on animals is performed the rabbit (Lepus spp.) implantation of stainless steel AISI 316L. The implantationof stainless steel AISI 316L implant was on the right femur between thigh bone and sceletal muscle, that was observed for 1,5 months. Parameters observed in this research were body weight gain, feed consumption, conversion of feed, and drinking consumption. Test used is t two test samples independent two sides with take samples 5 control and 5 treatment stainless steel AISI 316L. The results show the stainless steel AISI 316L implantsignificant differences body weight gain, feed consumption, and drinking consumption,but no significant different feed conversion. The conclusion is an implant stainless steel AISI 316L influence body weight gain rabbits after implantation for 1.5 months. Keywords: Rabbit, stainless steel AISI 316L, growth, body weight

Does eating good-tasting food influence body weight?

Does eating good-tasting food influence body weight? To investigate, we first established some concentrations of sucralose and mineral oil in chow that mice strongly preferred. Then, in Experiment 1, we compared groups of 16 mice fed plain chow (i.e., chow with no additives) to groups fed chow with added (a) sucralose, (b) mineral oil, (c) sucralose and mineral oil, or (d) sucralose on odd days and mineral oil on even days. During a 6-week test, the body weights and body compositions of the five groups never differed. In Experiment 2, we compared groups of 18 mice fed plain chow or plain high-fat diet to groups fed these diets with added sucralose. During a 9-week test, the high-fat diet caused weight gain, but the body weights of mice fed the sucralose-sweetened diets did not differ from those fed the corresponding plain versions. Two-cup choice tests conducted at the end of each experiment showed persisting strong preferences for the diets with added sucralose and/or mineral oil. In concert with earlier work, our results challenge the hypothesis that the orosensory properties of a food influence body weight gain. A good taste can stimulate food intake acutely, and guide selection toward nutrient-dense foods that cause weight gain, but it does not determine how much is eaten chronically.

Efficacy of probiotic supplementation on growth performance and carcass traits in Japanese quails

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of probiotics on fattening performance and carcass parameters in 1– to 35–day-old Japanese quails. Day-old male Japanese quail chicks (288) were randomly divided into 4 treatments with 3 replicates of 24 / pen (mean body weight 8.39 g). The dietary treatments were as follows: Group A, basal diet; group B, basal diet supplemented with 0.5 kg/tonne protexin; group C, basal diet supplemented with 1.0 kg/ tonne protexin; and group D, basal diet supplemented with 1.5 kg/tonne protexin. The study lasted for 5 weeks. Results showed that probiotic did not influence body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and carcass traits of 35–d-old broilers (P> 0.05). Inclusion of 1.5 kg/tonne probiotic in the diet of quails decreased average weekly body weights, compared with those fed with basal diet and another groups (P< 0.05).

AT1 receptor blockade alters nutritional and biometric development in obesity-resistant and obesity-prone rats submitted to a high fat diet.

Obesity is a chronic metabolic condition with important public health implications associated with numerous co-morbidities including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and hypertension. The renin angiotensin system (RAS), best known for its involvement in cardiovascular control and body fluid homeostasis has, more recently, been implicated in regulation of energy balance. Interference with the RAS (genetically or pharmacologically) has been shown to influence body weight gain. In this study we investigated the effects of systemic AT1 receptor blockade using losartan on ingestive behaviors and weight gain in diet induced obese (DIO) rats. Prior to losartan administration (30 mg/kg/day) body weight gain remained constant within the DIO animals (3.6 ± 0.3 g/day, n = 8), diet resistant (DR) animals (2.1 ± 0.6 g/day, n = 8) and in the age-matched chow fed control (CHOW) animals (2.8 ± 0.3 g/day, n = 8), Losartan administration abolished body weight gain in animals fed a high fat diet (DIO: -0.4 ± 0.7 g/day, n = 8; and DR: -0.8 ± 0.3 g/day, n = 8) while chow fed animals continued to gain weight (2.2 ± 0.3 g/day, n = 8) as they had previously to oral administration of losartan. This decrease in daily body weight gain was accompanied by a decrease in food intake in the HFD fed animals. Following the removal of losartan, both the DIO and DR animals again showed daily increases in body weight gain and food intake which were similar to control values. Our data demonstrate that oral losartan administration attenuates body weight gain in animals fed a HFD whether the animal is obese (DIO) or not DR while having no effect on body weight gain in age-matched chow fed animals suggesting a protective effect of losartan against body weight gain while on a HFD.

Inducible Knockout of Twist1 in Young and Adult Mice Prolongs Hair Growth Cycle and Has Mild Effects on General Health, Supporting Twist1 as a Preferential Cancer Target

Twist1 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition, invasion, metastasis, stemness, and chemotherapy resistance in cancer cells and thus is a potential target for cancer therapy. However, Twist1-null mice are embryonic lethal, and people with one Twist1 germline mutant allele develop Saethre-Chotzen syndrome; it is questionable whether Twist1 can be targeted in patients without severe adverse effects. We found that Twist1 is expressed in several tissues, including fibroblasts of the mammary glands and dermal papilla cells of the hair follicles. We developed a tamoxifen-inducible Twist1 knockout mouse model; Twist1 knockout in 6-week-old female mice did not affect mammary gland morphogenesis and function during pregnancy and lactation. In both males and females, the knockout did not influence body weight gain, heart rate, or total lean and fat components. The knockout also did not alter blood pressure in males, although it slightly reduced blood pressure in females. Although Twist1 is not cyclically expressed in dermal papilla cells, knockout of Twist1 at postnatal day 13 (when hair follicles have developed) drastically extended the anagen phase and accelerated hair growth. These results indicate that Twist1 is not essential for maintaining an overall healthy condition in young and adult mice and that loss of function facilitates hair growth in adulthood, supporting Twist1 as a preferential target for cancer therapy.

Effects of Dietary Trans Fatty Acids on Fat Accumulation and Metabolic Rate in Rat

Dietary intake of high trans-fatty acids (TFAs) is well known to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. However, few reports demonstrated definitive relationships between dietary TFAs and obesity. In addition, the difference in the gastrointestinal absorption rate of TFAs containing oil from that of cis-FAs containing oil was not taken into consideration in many rat studies. In experiment A, we investigated the difference in the apparent absorption rate of TFAs containing oil from control oil. Hydrogenated rapeseed oil and a mixture of camellia oil and tristearin (90:10 [w/w]) were used as TFA-containing test oil and control oil, respectively. Ten Wistar rats were divided into the control group or TFA group, and fed the respective diet containing the control oil or the test oil for 1 week. The apparent absorption rates of these oils were measured by fecal fat excretion rate and dietary fat intake. The results showed a significantly lower gastrointestinal apparent absorption rate of the test oil (93.1%) than that of the control oil (96.2%). In consideration of the apparent absorption rate of these dietary oils, the effects of dietary TFAs on body fat accumulation and energy metabolism were investigated in rats. Twenty-eight Wistar rats were divided into the control group or the TFA group. Each group received an isoenergetic diet containing the control oil or the test oil for 8 weeks. Pre- and postprandial metabolic rates were measured between weeks 7 and 8. The test oil-based diet did not significantly influence body weight gain, fat accumulation, and metabolic rate. In contrast, liver weight, hepatic triglyceride content, and serum non-high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (CHO)/HDL-CHO ratio were significantly higher in the TFA group than in the control group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that dietary TFAs did not influence body fat accumulation but increased the levels of risk markers of cardiovascular diseases.

Bodyweight Assessment of Enamelin Null Mice

The Enam null mice appear to be smaller than wild-type mice, which prompted the hypothesis that enamel defects negatively influence nutritional intake and bodyweight gain (BWG). We compared the BWG of Enam−/− and wild-type mice from birth (D0) to Day 42 (D42). Wild-type (WT) and Enam−/− (N) mice were given either hard chow (HC) or soft chow (SC). Four experimental groups were studied: WTHC, WTSC, NHC, and NSC. The mother's bodyweight (DBW) and the average litter bodyweight (ALBW) were obtained from D0 to D21. After D21, the pups were separated from the mother and provided the same type of food. Litter bodyweights were measured until D42. ALBW was compared at 7-day intervals using one-way ANOVA, while the influence of DBW on ALBW was analyzed by mixed-model analyses. The ALBW of Enam−/− mice maintained on hard chow (NHC) was significantly lower than the two WT groups at D21 and the differences persisted into young adulthood. The ALBW of Enam−/− mice maintained on soft chow (NSC) trended lower, but was not significantly different than that of the WT groups. We conclude that genotype, which affects enamel integrity, and food hardness influence bodyweight gain in postnatal and young adult mice.

Anti-Obesity Effects of Chitosan and Psyllium Husk with L-Ascorbic acid in Guinea Pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate whether L-Ascorbic acid would facilitate the anti-obesity effects of chitosan and psyllium husk in vivo. The study was carried out with male Hartley guinea pigs for 5 weeks. The results show that chitosan itself did not influence body weight gain and food efficiency ratio (FER). However, the addition of L-Ascorbic acid to chitosan decreased these parameters; the body weight gain and FER in the chitosan-2 group (high-fat diet group with 5 % chitosan containing 0.5 % L-Ascorbic acid) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in F-controls (high-fat diet group), and was similar to that in controls (normal diet group). L-Ascorbic acid enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) the increases of total fecal weight and fecal fat excretion by chitosan. The addition of L-Ascorbic acid to psyllium husk did not differ from psyllium husk alone in terms of changes in weight gain, plasma lipid levels, and fat pad weight. We found that the addition of L-Ascorbic acid to chitosan influenced the reduction in body weight gain and FER, and the increase in total fecal weight and fecal fat excretion in guinea pigs fed a high-fat diet.

EFECTO DE UNA BACTERINA DE DOSIS ÚNICA CONTRA Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae SOBRE EL TÍTULO DE ANTICUERPOS, GANANCIA DE PESO Y LESIONES PULMONARES EN PORCINOS PROVENIENTES DE MADRES VACUNADAS.

The aim of the present study was to determine whether the immunization with a single dose of a commercial bacterin against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae influences antibody titles, bodyweight gain, and lung lesions in a commercial pig farm. Sixty piglets born from vaccinated sows were used. One group of 30 piglets (15males and 15 females) were vaccinated at 42 days of age and the other group remained unvaccinated, as a control group. Blood sampleswere collected at 21, 42, 70, 84, 112, and 145 days of age to determine antibody titleswith an Indirect ELISAtest.Animalswereweighed at 21 and 145 days of age and lung lesions were evaluated at slaughter (145 days). Nearly60% of pigs from both groups had high antibody titres at 21 days of age, but decreased by day 70. Titres increased between 84 and 145 days of age in the vaccinated group while increased by day 112 in the unvaccinated group. There were no significant differences in body weight gain between both groups. The 79.3 and 20.7% of piglets from the control group and the vaccinated group respectively, presented lung lesions. The results showed that vaccination with a single dose bacterin against M. hyopneumoniae increased antibody titles, although not in the entire population, and diminished the frequency of lung lesions, but no influenced body weight gain.

Influences of an essential oil mixture supplementation to corn versus wheat-based practical diets on growth, organ size, intestinal morphology and immune response of male and female broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diet type, supplementation diet with an essential oil mixture (EOM), and bird gender on the growth performance, carcass yield, internal organ weight, immune response, and small intestine histology of broiler chickens. To do this, a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement was designed. The variables used were: two diet types (based on either wheat or corn), 2 feed additives (with or without EOM), and gender (male or female). EOM supplementation in the diet decreased body weight in corn-fed male birds at Days 21 and 42, but not in those fed the wheat-based diet, signifying a diet × EOM × gender interaction. Cumulative feed intake was not influenced by either the diet type or EOM. The feed conversion ratio was not affected by diet type, whereas EOM improved feed conversion ratio over the 42-day growth period. Feeding birds on wheat decreased the carcass yield while it increased relative small intestine and large intestine weight. Relative weights of liver, bursa fabricius and serum infectious bursal disease (IBD) and Newcastle disease (ND) titers were not affected by any of the variables studied. EOM supplementation and feeding birds on corn increased jejunal villus height at both 21 and 42 days of age, while bird gender showed no effect. In general, EOM positively influenced body weight gain and efficiency of feed conversion in broiler chickens. Birds receiving the corn-based diet were more efficient in converting feed to body mass as com-pared to those fed on the wheat-based diet.

Effects of β-Mannanase on broiler performance, gut morphology and immune system

An experiment was designed to assess the effects of graded levels of β-mannanase on performance, gut morphology and some blood proteins and leucocytes of broilers provided with diets based on corn and soybean meal. Broiler chickens are divided four group and supplied diet which contains 0, 500, 700, or 900 g/ton β-mannanase. Each treatment contained 4 pen with 15 birds/pen. 900 g/ton β- mannanase supplementation significantly reduced feed intake but did not influenced body weight gain and feed conversion ratio in both finisher and total period. 900 g/ton β-mannanase supplementation increased (P < 0.01) villus height and crypt depth and decreased (P < 0.01) goblet cell number, epithelial thickness and ratio of crypt depth to villus height in different sections of small intestine, suggesting that β-mannanase improves gut morphology in broiler chickens. The addition of β- mannanase at 700 and 900 g/ton to the diets significantly (P < 0.05) reduced jejunal viscosity compared with the control group. β-mannanase did not influence the blood serum proteins (albumin, alpha 1-, alpha 2-, beta and gamma-globulins) eosinophils and monocytes, but the addition β-mannanase increased lymphocyte, and decreased heterophil and heterophil: lymphocyte (H:L) ratio (p < 0.05). Thus it improved chickens immune system. Key words : Broiler, leucocytes, viscosity, serum proteins.

Whole inedible date in the grower–finisher broiler diets and the impact on productive performance, nutrient digestibility and meat quality

The growth performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality measurements were evaluated on broiler chicks fed different dietary levels of whole inedible dates (WID). WID used in this study were consisted of date fruits (∼850 g/kg) and date pits (∼150 g/kg). Three hundred unsexed Lohman broiler chicks were randomly and equally distributed into six groups. Each was formed of 50 chicks (five replicates, 10 chicks per replicate), and was assigned to a dietary treatment. Six dietary treatments of WID (0, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 g/kg feed) were included in the formation of isocaloric (metabolizable energy of ∼3060 kcal/kg feed) and isonitrogenous (CP of ∼192 g/kg feed) broiler rations. The treated rations were fed to the group chicks between 15 and 42 days of age (the experimental period). A straight-run design was considered. At 42 days of age, five males from each treatment were randomly chosen and slaughtered to determine carcass characteristics, internal organs and meat quality measurements. Digestibility of nutrients was measured at the end of the experimental period using five caged-individual males per treatment. The inclusion of broiler rations on WID for up to 150 g/kg feed, over the experimental period, did not significantly influence body weight gain (1452 to 1521 g/chick), feed intake (3268 to 3621 g/chick), feed conversion ratio (2.26 to 2.36 kg/kg) and dressed carcass (63.4% to 67.3%). In addition, levels of WID for up to 150 g/kg feed did not significantly influence the digestibility of nutrients and meat quality measurements. Such results suggest the possible inclusion of broiler rations on WID for up to 150 g/kg feed, during the period of 15 to 42 days of age without adverse effects on growth performance and meat quality.

Atorvastatin treatment attenuates motor neuron degeneration in wobbler mice

We aimed to study whether atorvastatin treatment can retard motor neuron degeneration in wobbler mice. Wobbler mice and their normal littermates were fed 0.01% atorvastatin-mixed food (10 mg/kg/day) or regular food from age 3-4 weeks of disease onset for four weeks (n=10/group) or more than eight weeks (n=10/group). Motor function was evaluated by pull-strength and deformity scale of the forelimbs. For those symptomatic assessment and body weight were measured weekly. Neuropathological and biochemical changes of the biceps muscle and the cervical cord were analyzed at four weeks after treatment. Compared to vehicle, atorvastatin-treated wobbler mice delayed progression of forelimb motor deficits by more than four weeks. Wobbler mice significantly increased body weight from three weeks post-treatment of atorvastatin, compared with vehicle (p<0.05). Atorvastatin administration suppressed denervation atrophy at 30% (p<0.01), maintained choline acetyl transferase activities of the biceps muscle (p<0.05), and attenuated approximately 30% loss of motor neurons in wobbler mice (p<0.01). Atorvastatin fed to normal littermates did not influence body weight gain, neuropathological and biochemical findings. These data suggest that atorvastatin has neuroprotective effects on denervating muscles and degenerating motor neurons in wobbler mice.

Effects of Higher Levels of Zinc Supplementation on Performance, Mineral Availability, and Immune Competence in Broiler Chickens

SUMMARY Two feeding trials were simultaneously conducted utilizing 210 and 140 1-d-old commercial broiler chicks for evaluating the effect of Zn supplementation on performance, mineral availability (experiment I), and immune response (experiment II), respectively, up to 4 wk of age. A basal diet was formulated using corn-soybean meal without supplemental Zn. Six test diets were prepared in which the basal diet was supplemented with Zn at 10, 20, 40, 80, 160, or 320 ppm using ZnSO4·7H2 O. Diets were fed ad libitum to broilers in cages from 8 to 28 d of age. Supplemental Zn did not influence body weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency, ready-to-cook yields, leg scores, or tibia weight at 4 wk of age. Tibia ash was significantly lower only at 320 ppm level. The percent Ca and P in tibia increased steadily with supplemental Zn up to 80 and 40 ppm, respectively, and decreased thereafter. A linear increase in Zn deposition was observed in bone, liver, and kidney with Zn supplementation. The humoral and cell mediated immune responses were significantly higher at the 80-ppm level compared with lower levels. The heterophil and lymphocyte ratios were narrow, indicating less stress with Zn at 40 ppm and above. The weights of bursa and spleen were higher at 40 ppm compared with lower levels. This study showed that the basal diet Zn (29 ppm) was adequate to support optimum performance of broilers. For better mineral retention, immune response, and alleviation of stress, 80 ppm of Zn was required up to 4 wk of age.

Validating the current amino acid and energy requirements of coloured broiler chickens

AbstractBackground: Coloured broilers are gaining popularity in the Indian subcontinent. However, very scanty reports are available on their dietary requirements for amino acid (AA) and energy. An experiment was conducted involving three levels of amino acids (115, 100 and 85% AA level of the NRC), at three levels of energy (13.40, 12.55 and 11.72 MJ kg−1 diet) for 0–28 days of age. Results: Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 115% AA group was better than those fed diets with 100 and 85% AA. Dietary energy levels did not influence body weight gain up to 14 days of age but thereafter it was higher (P &lt; 0.01) in birds offered the 13.40 MJ ME kg−1 diet. The exponential regression equation had better curve fitting for daily body weight gain over daily AA intake and the power regression model for FCR. Nitrogen retention was higher in birds offered the diets with 115 and 100% AA than 85% AA, although nitrogen retention was not affected by dietary energy level. Thymus weight (P &lt; 0.036) and in vivo response to PHA‐P (P &lt; 0.006) was significantly higher in birds offered the 85% AA diet. Dietary energy levels had no effect on the immune response of the birds. Weight of gizzard, proven‐triculus and small intestine was higher in birds offered the 85% AA diet. Conclusion: Body weight of coloured broilers may be optimised by feeding higher level of AA and immune response can be optimised by feeding 12.55 kJ ME kg−1 diet and 15% lower level of AA as suggested by the US National Research Council. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry

Effect of Supplemental Manganese on Mineral Uptake by Tissues and Immune Response in Broiler Chickens

Two feeding trials were simultaneously conducted using 240 and 120 broiler chicks (Hubbard) for evaluating the mineral retention by tissues and immune competence, respectively as influenced by manganese (Mn) levels in feed. Mn was added at 0, 100, 400, 800, 1600 or 3200ppm levels to a corn-soya basal diet, using sulphate salt. In both trials, chicks were uniformly distributed into 6 experimental groups and housed in stainless steel battery brooders. From 8-28 days of age, each experimental diet was fed ad libitum to one test group. Results indicated that Mn supplementation from 0-800ppm did not influence body weight gain or feed consumption, but a significant depression in both parameters was noticed at 1600 and 3200ppm levels. The feed conversion efficiency was however, not affected by dietary Mn levels. Excess (1600ppm and above) or non - supplementation of Mn increased leg abnormality scores. Mn levels above 400ppm significantly decreased Ca, P and Zn retention in tibia, which was related to higher leg scores. A linear increase of Mn content in bone, kidney, liver and pancreas was noticed with the increase of Mn in feed. The antibody titers against inoculation of sheep red blood cells or cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity to phytohaemagglutinin-P were not influenced by the dietary increases of Mn up to 800 or 1600ppm levels, respectively. Both responses were negatively affected by increased Mn levels in feed. Heterophil to lymphocyte ratios, the indicators of stress were not altered by Mn supplementation up to 800ppm, but higher levels produced wider ratios. In conclusion, supplementation of Mn at 100ppm level was essential for leg health, better retention of Ca, P and Zn in bone besides optimum immune response. Mn supplementation at 100ppm level was as efficient as higher levels (upto 800ppm). Higher levels of Mn (1600ppm and above) had negative effect on all parameters studied in broilers up to 28 days of age.

The Effects of Magnetically Treated Water on the Performance and Immune System of Broiler Chickens

The effects of water treatment (tab water (CTW) vs. magnetically treated water (MTW)) on the performance (body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (feed/gain)) from day to 32 days of age, water consumption (WC) and Water: feed consumption ratio (WFR) during the first three weeks of age (starter phase), carcass composition at 32 days of age, and antibody responses to SRBS antigens of sexed broiler chickens were investigated. MTW was prepared by exposing the water to a magnetic field of approximately 500 gauss. The exposure of water to the magnetic field slightly increased the pH of water from 7.72 to 7.86. The water treatment influenced WC of birds. The daily WC of birds on the MTW was significantly (P<0.05) lower than those on the CTW during the starter phase. The MTW did not influence the WFR during the starter phase, and performance and carcass composition of birds at 32 days of age. Sex of birds influenced body weight gain, and carcass composition at 32 days of age and WC over the starter phase. Males consumed more water, and had a heavier weight gain with high proportions of thigh and drumstick in their carcasses than females. Sex of birds did not influence feed intake and FCR at 32 days of age, and WFR at the starter phase. Water treatment and sex of bird did not influence antibody responses to SRBC antigens. There were significant interaction between water treatment and sex of birds on feed intake, weight gain, WC, and thigh proportion of the carcass. Males consumed more feed and water and had a higher weight gain than females when they drank the CTW, but not when they drank the MTW. Males had a higher thigh proportion in their carcasses than females when they drank the MTW, but not when they drank the CTW. It is concluded that the exposure of tab water to a magnetic field of approximately 500 gauss reduced water consumption, but did not significantly influence the performance, carcass composition and immune system of broiler chickens. Additionally, magnetically treated water reduced the difference in the performance between sexes of broiler chickens to a non-significant level.

Interaction of dietary iron and vitamin A influences the performance of broilers

Avian broiler chickens (504, 1-day old) were randomly divided into 9 groups with 4 replicates per treatment, to investigate the influence of dietary Fe and vitamin A levels on production performance, immune competence, serum catalase activity, serum insulin concentration, and indicators of blood iron status such as haemoglobin concentration and red cell count. Supplemental levels were: 0, 30, and 60 mg iron/kg diet; 750, 1500, and 2700 IU vitamin A/kg diet. The results showed that the iron concentration in the basal diet was sufficient for nutritional requirements and that iron supplementation was not necessary. Dietary iron levels did not affected bodyweight gain and feed : gain (P &gt; 0.05) during the whole period, but influenced serum insulin concentration significantly (P &lt; 0.01), with serum insulin concentration reaching a peak for the treatment 60 mg iron/kg. The influence of dietary iron level on haemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte count was significant (P &lt; 0.05) from 0 to 4 weeks, and on erythrocyte count from 5 to 7 weeks. Different supplemental levels of vitamin A did not influence production performance and serum antibody titre to Newcastle Disease Virus, but the influence on blood T lymphocyte levels was significant (P &lt; 0.01). The treatment with 2700 IU vitamin A/kg resulted in lower feed : gain and higher blood T lymphocyte levels than other treatments. Dietary vitamin A levels influenced serum catalase activity significantly (P &lt; 0.01). Catalase activity was the highest when vitamin A supplemental level was 2700 IU/kg. Dietary vitamin A levels significantly affected erythrocyte count (P &lt; 0.01) but not haemoglobin concentration during the whole period. The interaction of iron and vitamin A significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced bodyweight gain, serum antibody titre to Newcastle Disease Virus, and blood T lymphocyte levels. The interaction of iron and vitamin A significantly (P &lt; 0.01) influenced serum catalase activity at the end of Week 7, haemoglobin concentration during the whole period, and erythrocyte count from 0 to 4 weeks.The haemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte count in the group with no Fe supplementation and 750 IU vitamin A/kg were lower than normal values. The complementary effect between iron and vitamin A improved haemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte count in broilers.

Insulin in aging and cancer: antidiabetic drug diabenol as geroprotector and anticarcinogen

The effects of new antidiabetic drug Diabenol ® (9-β-diethylaminoethyl-2,3-dihydroimidazo-(1,2-α)benzimidazol dihydrochloride) on life span and spontaneous tumor incidence in NMRI and transgenic HER-2/neu mice as well as on colon carcinogenesis induced by 1,2-dimethylhydrazine in rats are studied. It is shown that treatment with the drug failed influence body weight gain dynamics, food and water consumption and the body temperature, slowed down age-related disturbances in estrous function and increased life span of all and 10% most long-living NMRI mice. The treatment with diabenol inhibited spontaneous tumor incidence and increased the mammary tumor latency in these mice. Diabenol treatment slowed down age-related changes in estrous function in HER-2/neu mice, failed influence survival of these mice and slightly inhibited the incidence and decreased the size of mammary adenocarcinoma metastases into the lung. In rats exposed to 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, treatment with diabenol significantly inhibited multiplicity of all colon tumors, decreased by 2.2 times the incidence of carcinomas in ascending colon and by 3.1 times their multiplicity. Treatment with diabenol was followed by higher incidence of exophytic and well-differentiated colon tumors as compared with the control rats exposed to the carcinogen alone (76.3% and 50%, and 47.4% and 14.7%, respectively). Thus, the drug increases survival and inhibits spontaneous carcinogenesis in mice and inhibits colon carcinogenesis in rats.

Effects of body weight at, and lighting regimen and growth curve to, 20 weeks on laying performance in broiler breeders

1. A total of 4000 Ross broiler breeders were reared to a 20-week target body weight of 1·55, 2·16 (standard), 2·50 or 2·84 kg, using either a convex or concave growth curve. Each treatment group was either exposed to a conventional broiler breeder lighting regimen, with a series of weekly one-hour increments in photoperiod from 8 h at 19 weeks to a 16-h maximum, or maintained from 4 d on a 17-h photoperiod. 2. Each 100 g increment in body weight at 20 weeks was associated with a significant increase of 0·55 kg in cumulative food intake, and a 1·5-d advance in sexual maturity. However, leaner body weights at 20 weeks resulted in smaller body weight gains between 20 and 60 weeks (− 2·4 g/d/kg body weight at 20 weeks), and an increased production of double-yolked eggs. Neither egg production nor mean egg weight was affected by 20-week body weight. 3. Birds fed to produce more rapid early growth had higher feed intakes to 20 weeks, but reached sexual maturity 7 d later than birds permitted accelerated growth from 15 weeks. Growth curve did not influence body weight gain in lay, egg production or mean egg weight. 4. Birds maintained on 17-h photoperiods reached sexual maturity 27 d later, produced 7 fewer eggs to 60 weeks, and had a mean egg weight 1·2 g heavier than birds photostimulated at 19 weeks. Lighting treatment did not affect food intake to 20 weeks, the proportion of double-yolked eggs or body weight gain between 20 and 60 weeks. 5. Birds fed to have a faster growth early in the rearing phase and maintained on 17-h photoperiods produced 11 fewer eggs than those fed to have accelerated growth at the end of the rearing phase, yet there was only one egg difference between the growth-curve groups for the conventionally lighted birds, which was not significant. 6. The earlier sexual maturity of the conventionally lighted birds compared with those maintained on 17-h photoperiods either indicates that broiler breeders require an increment in photoperiod to stimulate rapid gonadal development or that broiler breeders exhibit juvenile photorefractoriness that takes longer to be dissipated when birds are not given a period of short days. 7. The findings suggest that a nutritional stimulus late in rearing is only necessary for satisfactory egg production if birds have not received a concurrent increment in photoperiod.