Late Weaning Research Articles

Productivity and resistance of sheep depending on the grazing period duration

Abstract The purpose of the research is to establish the productive qualities and resistance of the sheep organism at different periods of keeping sheep on pastures. Studies on improving the pasture use system were carried out on three groups of sheep with the beginning of the pasture season on April 25: Group I – with the end of the pasture season on October 15, II – on November 15, and III – on December 15. The data obtained indicate that the females kept on pastures for a longer time exceeded their peers of other groups by 1.6-2.0 kg in live weight. Before being driven to pastures on April 20, their live weight also turned out to be higher by 0.8-1.2 kg, and during their stay on pastures – by 0.7-1.6 kg, which indicates the expediency of longer grazing of sheep. In terms of live weight, the superiority of late weaning compared to the average was 1.25%, over group I (early term) – 5.23% (P>0.95). The blood of young ewes with a long grazing period contained more leukocytes, gamma globulins, erythrocytes and, most importantly, hemoglobin.

Long-term effects of transition milk feeding on feed intake, growth performance, feeding behavior, and oxidative status of Holstein calves

This study investigated the long-term effects of feeding 5-d transition milk (TRANS) compared with milk replacer (MR) on parameters, including intake, growth, feeding behavior and oxidative stress. Fifty Holstein calves (30 females and 20 males) were fed either 12 L/day TRANS or MR for the first 5 d after an initial colostrum feeding of 3.5 L. Thereafter, all calves were fed with 12 L of MR/d (140 g/L) and were gradually weaned starting in wk 8 until wk 14. Throughout the 14 wk the calves had unrestricted access to concentrate (up to 9.8 kg/calf/day), hay, and water. After weaning all heifers were fed a total mixed ration for young cows. Oxidative status was assessed in blood samples from birth to first insemination. Parameters assessed included the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) for antioxidant capacity and the concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites by the dROM (detection of reactive oxygen metabolites) assay. In addition, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), oxidative damage in the form of lipid peroxidation as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were measured. An oxidative stress index (OSi) was calculated: dROM/FRAP x 100. Total protein (TP) concentration was also quantified via the Bradford assay. The only significant difference in feeding behavior between the 2 treatment groups was a higher concentrate intake by the TRANS calves during the weaning phase. Body weight and ADG did not differ significantly between the TRANS and MR groups. TRANS calves showed a trend for fewer cases of health disorders. Markers of oxidative status, including TBARS, AOPP, GSHPx, FRAP and ROM, showed no treatment effects but varied significantly over time. Of note, the oxidative stress index as ratio between pro- and antioxidants in both groups peaked during weaning and then returned to baseline, suggesting an effective response to this transition phase Overall, the results indicate that feeding TRANS during the first 5 d of life had no long-term effect on the parameters studied as compared with MR feeding under the present rearing conditions. These results provide insight into the changes of oxidative status with age and confirm that the relatively high milk feeding level, slow and late weaning enables calves to adapt well to solely solid feed.

295 The Effect of Weaning age and Diet Complexity on Nursery Pig Growth Performance and Weight at Market

Abstract Changes in weaning age and diet complexity can impact pig growth post-weaning. Weanling gilts and barrows [n = 432 Topigs Duroc X (US York X Landrace)] from the same farrowing group were utilized for a 30 or 35 day growth trial to compare early (EW) versus late weaning (LW) and high or low levels of specialty proteins in nursery diets. Pigs (n = 216) were EW (18 or 19 d, average Age = 18.4 days, average BW = 5.96 kg) and 216 pigs were LW 5 days later (24, 25 or 26 d, average Age = 24.6 d, average BW = 7.50 kg). At weaning pigs were blocked by weaning age, BW, sex and litter, and randomly allotted to 48 pens with 9 pigs/pen. Pigs at each weaning age were fed a High Complexity (HC) or a Low Complexity (LC) diet. The trial was conducted as a 2X2 factorial design: 1) EW+HC; 2) EW+LC; 3) LW+HC; 4) LW+LC. Pigs and feeders were weighed on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 for EW, and on d 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 30 for LW. The LW pigs had improved ADG and ADFI from days 0-7, 7-14, 14-21, and the final week of the nursery (P < 0.05). There were no differences in ADG and ADFI from days 21-28 (P > 0.05) between weaning ages. G:F decreased for LW pigs from days 21-28 (P < 0.01) compared with EW pigs; however, for the overall nursery trial LW pigs had increased G:F (P = 0.01). The LW pigs had increased overall nursery ADG vs EW pigs (452.5 g/d vs 400 g/d; P < 0.01). End of nursery BW was greater for LW vs EW pigs (21.70 kg vs 20.74 kg; P = 0.001). When comparing pigs of similar BW at weaning, LW pigs were lighter at end of nursery (20.13 kg vs. 21.66 kg; P < 0.01) but were more feed efficient (P < 0.01) than EW pigs. There was a BW block by weaning age interaction, EW heavy pigs had less ADG compared with LW heavy pigs; however, when comparing light weight pigs, the EW light pigs had improved ADG compared with LW light weight pigs (P = 0.017). The EW pigs were lighter at market (approximately day 146 of age) compared with LW pigs (120.78 vs 124.16 kg; P = 0.014). An interaction between weaning age, nursery diet, and sex (P < 0.07) was observed for market weight, EW barrows fed LC diets were lighter at market (120.77 kg) than EW barrows fed HC diets (126.54 kg). Whereas for LW barrows fed LC had greater market weights (130.04 kg) than LW barrows fed HC diets (127.59 kg). A similar, but non-significant pattern was observed for gilts. Weaning age and feeding pigs the correct diet for their age in the nursery can have a lifelong effect on the pig.

56 Early Weaning Stress Relocates Epithelial Enteroendocrine Cells and Alters Intestinal Nutrient Sensing and Transport Functions in Pigs

Abstract Intestinal nutrient sensing and enteroendocrine functions are critical in controlling feed intake and nutrient transport, yet have been overlooked in agricultural animals. Enteroendocrine cells (EECs) residing on intestinal epithelium monitor luminal chemical environment and orchestrate body neuronal and hormonal responses. After nutrient stimulation, the EECs release hormones, such as glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP2), which dynamically regulates intestinal nutrient transport and epithelial barrier homeostasis. In pigs, early weaning stress has negatively impacted intestinal development and functions. The objective of the present study is to evaluate effects of early weaning on intestinal nutrient sensing functions, EEC-derived GLP2 production, and epithelial nutrient transport in pigs. Commercial pig littermates (females, n = 9) were split-weaned at the age of d15 (early weaning, EW) and d 26 (late weaning, LW). Piglets were all raised under the same conditions and euthanized at 35 days of age. Intestinal tissues were collected and preserved for later immunohistochemistry staining and gene expression analyses. Immediately post euthanasia, the mucosal layers from jejunum and ileum were mounted on the Ussing chambers to investigate physiological functions. Nutrients transport activities were measured by short circuit current changes (ΔIsc) in response to luminal nutrients (glucose, alanine, lysine, and di-peptide) applications. Nutrient sensing function was measured by GLP2 release rate following glucose stimulation in Ussing chambers. Serum and intestinal tissue concentrations of GLP2 were also measured by ELISA. Data were analyzed by the student’s t-test. Our results showed altered electrogenic nutrients and ion transport activities between EW and LW pigs. The ileal basal Isc was significantly less in EW pigs, indicating a reduction in ions transport. The EW pigs significantly downregulated electrogenic lysine transport, while upregulated active transport of dipeptide. The EECs number in ileum was reduced in EW pigs, indicated by less ChgA (EEC cell marker) mRNA and significantly less ChgA positive-stained cells. In addition, EW pigs exhibited a pattern of EECs relocation, in which the ChgA-positive cells enriched towards the lower half of villi. Nutrient sensing activities of the EECs were suppressed in both jejunum and ileum in EW pigs, indicated by a significant reduction in the glucose-stimulated GLP2 release on Ussing chambers. Moreover, in contrast with the significantly greater GLP2 concentration in ileum, the serum GLP2 concentration was significantly less in the EW pigs, which reflected a decreased GLP2 release rate. In summary, our results suggested that early weaning stress altered EECs number and locations on epithelium, reduced EECs nutrient sensing activities and endogenous GLP2 release, and changed nutrient transport activities. Understanding the mechanism by which early weaning stress regulates intestinal nutrient sensing and transport functions will lead to novel feeding strategies that improve intestinal health and animal production.

PSV-8 Early Life Adversity Impacts Intestinal Epithelial Development and Stem Cells Activities in Pigs

Abstract Early life adversity significantly impacts organ development and predisposes animals towards greater risk of diseases later in life. In the previous research in pigs, long lasting intestinal barrier dysfunctions have been found to be associated with early weaning stress. However, the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. Intestinal epithelial functions are associated with the number and maturation of multicellular components, including enterocytes, goblet cells, Paneth cells, and enteroendocrine cells (EEC). Intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESC) give rise to the whole epithelium within 5 to 7 days. Such rapid turnover rate allows intestinal adaptation to stress conditions. We hypothesized that the early life stress impacted stem cells activities which would contribute to the long-lasting post-stress functional changes in intestinal epithelium. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the epithelium component cells and IESC proliferation and differentiation activities in an early weaning stress model in pigs. Piglets (n = 18) were obtained from commercial litters and were pair-weaned at the age of d 15 (early weaning, EW) and d 26 (late weaning, LW). Piglets were co-housed and raised under the same conditions. At the age of d 35, ileal tissues were isolated and fixed for morphological measurements. Intestinal crypts were isolated and cultured in the Matrigel matrix to form enteroids. The proliferation activities of IESCs were measured by enteroids morphology; differentiation capacity was measured by quantification of epithelial cell markers with and without chemicals-induced enteroids differentiation. Gene expressions and (or) staining of specific markers for IESCs (Olfm4, BMI1), enterocytes (ALP1), goblet cells (Muc2), Paneth cells (LYZ), and EECs (ChgA) in ileal tissue and ileal enteroids were also quantified. Data were analyzed by the student’s t-test. Our results showed that EW significantly (P < 0.05) reduced ileal villus width and crypt fission rate, while no changes were found on villus height and crypt depth compared with LW control. The alterations of ileal epithelium components in EW pigs were indicated by significantly fewer number of EECs, greater number of the goblet cells, and reduced ALP1 marker expression. The enteroids formation and budding rates were both significantly suppressed in EW pigs, which indicated a reduced IESC proliferating activity. In the fully developed enteroids, gene expressions of LYZ, ALP1, BMI1, Olfm4, and Hes1 were least in EW, but Muc2 expression was greater compared with control. In the differentiation culture media, the enteroids from EW pigs exhibited significantly enhanced potential for goblet cell differentiation but reduced capacity for enterocyte differentiation compared with LW pigs. Overall, the results indicate that early weaning stress affects the programming and activity of IESCs, which leads to an altered epithelium cell population and intestinal functions. Further understanding of mechanisms regulating IESCs activity will shed light on novel strategies mitigating stress-associated intestinal dysfunctions.

Short and Long-Term Effects of Early and Late Weaning on Atlantic Cod, Gadus morhua

Studies have shown negative short-term effects of early weaning (EW) in finfish larvae but information on long-term effects of EW on growth and subsequent economic loss is lacking. We evaluated the short- and long-term effects of EW and late weaning (LW) on Atlantic cod. Cod larvae were fed with enriched rotifers from 2 to 35 days post-hatch (dph) and weaning carried out from 21 to 35 dph (EW) or with enriched rotifers from 2 to 29 dph followed by enriched Artemia nauplii from 25 to 56 dph and weaning carried out from 45 to 56 dph (LW). At 190 dph, 50 fish from each tank were tagged with an electronic tag and were transferred to sea cages at 10 months old. At the end of 30 months post-hatch, the weight of the fish was recorded. Our results showed a significant short-term effect of the weaning method on the growth of Atlantic cod at 65 dph, but no significant difference at 90 and 190 dph. However, fish from LW showed a significantly higher body weight compared to fish from EW at 30 months post-hatch. A cost analysis indicated substantial benefit for commercial cod farming by using LW and we recommend using LW to gain sizable financial benefit.

Nutritional assessment of pre-school children in Anganwadi centres and to understand its association with various socio-demographic factors

Background: Malnutrition is clearly linked to inappropriate feeding practices rather than food availability or household food security. A proper diet is essential from early stages of life for growth and development. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Results: Eighty-six percentage of children had normal weight for age, while 8.6% had low weight for age. 5% of children were stunted. Female children, those living in joint family, those having more number of siblings, low educational qualification of parents and late weaning were associated with under nutrition and stunting. Conclusions: Results of the present study showed that the nutritional status of children in the studied population were better compared to other available studies and the national standards.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Reconstruction of the Nostrial Ala by Composite Graft Apropos of a Case

Introduction: The authors report a case of nasal reconstruction by frontal flap and compound graft on an amputation of the nostril. The aim of the work is to determine the advantages and disadvantages of forehead flap with compound graft in nasal reconstruction. Observation: A 30-year-old patient with no particular history was admitted to the stomatology and maxillofacial surgery department of the University Hospital of OWENDO for amputation of the left nostril by human bite. The examination revealed a loss of cutaneous-musculo-cartilo-mucous substance of the nasal ala and part of the tip of the nose. The indication for reconstruction by frontal flap associated with a compound graft was established. The 1st operation allowed a repair combining a septal mucosal graft with the auricular cartilage and the frontal flap. The 2nd stage was performed on D26 and consisted of weaning and repositioning of the frontal flap, completed by degreasing at the level of the nasal wing. Result deemed satisfactory. Discussion: The use of the frontal flap is classically done in 3 stages with defatting in the 2nd stage and can be coupled with a compound graft. This use can also be done in 2 stages with degreasing and late weaning in the 2nd stage with or without a compound graft. One of the advantages remains the good reliability, and one of the disadvantages the frontal scar. Conclusion: The combination of frontal flap and composite graft allows good reconstruction of the nasal ala.

The effect of weaning age on animal performance in lambs exposed to naturally acquired nematode infections

The effects of mixed gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections on animal growth and post-weaning activity patterns were investigated in grazing intact ram lambs when naturally exposed to two different infection levels and weaned at different ages. Ewes and their twin-born lambs were turned-out to graze in two permanent pasture enclosures naturally contaminated with GIN the previous year. Ewes and lambs in the low parasite exposure group (LP) were drenched before turn-out and at weaning, respectively, with 0.2 mg ivermectin per kg body weight, whereas those in the high parasite exposure group (HP) were left untreated. Two weaning ages were applied, early weaning (EW) (10 weeks) and late weaning (LW) (14 weeks), respectively. The lambs were then allocated to one out of four groups based on parasite exposure level and weaning age (EW-HP, n = 12; LW-HP, n = 11; EW-LP, n = 13; LW-LP, n = 13). Body weight gain (BWG) and faecal egg counts (FEC) were monitored, in all groups, from the day of early weaning and every four weeks, for 10 weeks. In addition, nematode composition was determined using droplet digital PCR. Activity patterns measured as Motion Index (MI; the absolute value of the 3D acceleration) and lying time were monitored continuously from the day of weaning until four weeks post-weaning using IceQube® sensors. Statistical analyses were performed in RStudio, using mixed models with repeated measures. BWG was 11% lower in EW-HP compared with EW-LP (P = 0.0079) and 12% lower compared with LW-HP (P = 0.018), respectively. In contrast, no difference in BWG was observed between LW-HP and LW-LP (P = 0.97). The average EPG was higher in EW-HP compared with EW-LP (P < 0.001), as well as in EW-HP compared with LW-HP (P = 0.021), and LW-HP compared with LW-LP (P = 0.0022). The molecular investigation showed that animals in LW-HP had a higher proportion of Haemonchus contortus compared with EW-HP. MI was 19% lower in EW-HP compared with EW-LP (P = 0.0004). Daily lying time was 15% shorter in EW-HP compared with EW-LP (P = 0.0070). In contrast, no difference in MI (P = 0.13) and lying time (P = 0.99) between LW-HP and LW-LP was observed. The results suggest that a delayed weaning age may reduce the adverse effects of GIN infection on BWG. Contrarily, an earlier weaning age may reduce the risk of H. contortus infection in lambs. Moreover, the results demonstrates a potential use of automated behaviour recordings as a diagnostic tool for the detection of nematode infections in sheep.

Development of flank lesions in growing pigs after weaning: A case study.

Flank lesions in pigs are a common yet poorly understood consequence of damaging social behavior. One group of pigs on a commercial farm with group lactation and late weaning, and with the history of flank lesions was studied. Skin lesions on the flanks, including linear and circular lesions, and tail lesions on 69 pigs were recorded six times during 5 weeks after weaning at the age of 9 weeks. Nosing behavior was scanned during six sessions with multiple scans. The associations of age, trunk whiteness, weight gain, sow parity, litter size, sex, and tail lesions with the number of circular and linear lesions were analyzed using linear mixed models. The number of linear lesions increased as pigs aged, and pigs with a higher weight gain had more linear lesions. Moreover, pigs with a whiter trunk color were scored with more lesions of both types. According to descriptive behavior data, nosing and biting behaviors were most frequent during weeks 2-4 after weaning at the age of 11-13 weeks. On average, seven circular flank lesions were found per pig during the experiment, at the age of 10-14 weeks. After the peak on day 17, their occurrence decreased. Skin lesion occurrence was related to a lighter skin color on the trunks of pigs. We recommend reporting skin color in connection with lesion scoring results. Nosing behavior and flank lesions both peaked from 2 to 4 weeks after weaning, suggesting that nosing behavior contributed to lesion development during this time.

Effects of early intermittent maternal separation on behavior, physiological, and growth performance in piglets.

In pig production, the management of piglets by batch lactation due to the increase in litter sizes of sows may result in intermittent early neonatal maternal separation (NMS). We speculated that NMS may affect the piglets cognitive growth performance and health. To determine the extent of the effect, 12 litters of crossbred piglets (Large White × Duroc × Min-pig) were used in this trial. Piglets in the control (Con) group (n = 6) were given a standard feeding method during lactation. Piglets in the experimental group (n = 6) were subjected to the NMS model, in which sows were led out of the enclosure with food every day (8:00-11:00 and 13:00-16:00) starting from postnatal day (PND) 7. During the separation, the piglets were supplemented with milk. All experimental piglets were weaned on PND 35. The piglets were observed for aggression, play, mutual sniffing, and exploratory behavior on PNDs 7, 8, 21, 22, 34, 35, 38, 39, 51, 52, 64, and 65. Physiological indicators, namely serum adrenaline, cortisol, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured on PNDs 35, 38, and 65, while piglet growth performance was evaluated during suckling and 1 month after weaning. The results showed that aggressive behavior in the MS group was significantly higher than that in the Con group (P < 0.05). Playful and mutual sniffing behaviors in the MS group were significantly lower than those in the Con group except for PNDs 38 and 39 (P < 0.05). Active exploratory behavior in the MS group was significantly higher than that in the Con group on PNDs 7 and 8, and PNDs 21 and 22 (P < 0.05). The frequency of belly-nosing behavior was significantly higher in the MS group than that in the Con group except for PNDs 64 and 65 (P < 0.05). Compared with the Con group, epinephrine, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α concentrations on PNDs 35, 38, and 65 were significantly increased in the MS group (P < 0.01), while IL-4 concentration was significantly decreased (PND 35: P < 0.05; PNDs 38 and 65: P < 0.01). Compared with the Con group, the piglet diarrhea rate in the MS group during suckling was significantly increased (P < 0.01), the weaning weight was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and it had no significant effect on the body weight at the end of the trial (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the early intermittent NMS created stress and affected the growth performance of piglets during suckling. However, the growth rate was improved by compensatory measures during late weaning.

PSXIII-B-15 Late Weaning Improves Growth and Reduces the Breeding age in Alpine Dairy Goats

Abstract The aim was to evaluate the effect of weaning age on growth in Alpine dairy goats. Thirty-six female kids were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatments: 1) early weaning at 6 wk of age (6-wk), 2) weaning at 8 wk of age (8-wk), and 3) late weaning at 10 wk of age (10-wk). Treatments were blocked by BW and birth date, and each female kid was housed with a male companion of similar age and BW. Kids had ad libitum access to acidified milk replacer (ME=4.7 Mcal/kg DM), kid starter (ME=2.35 Mcal/kg DM), hay (ME=1.26 Mcal/kg DM) and water. Weaning was performed progressively over 7 d. For the 12 wk period, feed intakes for 6-wk, 8-wk and 10-wk were respectively: 135, 201 and 287 g/d for milk replacer; 90, 68, 54 g/d for hay; 25, 19 and 13 g/d for starter feed. Total ME intake was higher when increasing weaning age (6-wk, 281 kcal/d; 8-wk, 303 kcal/d; 10-wk, 371 kcal/d, P&amp;lt; 0.05). Interestingly, at weaning, total ME intake dropped more markedly when weaning was early (6-wk, 95 kcal/d; 8-wk, 297 kcal/d; 10-wk, 451 kcal/d, P&amp;lt; 0.05). 10-wk had higher BW at 12 wk of age (23.9 kg), compared with 6-wk (21.2 kg, P=0.004), and a trend was observed with 8-wk (22.2 kg, P=0.059). This effect of weaning age on BW was prolonged over time with heavier BW in 10-wk at 8 months (36.1 kg), compared to 6-wk (33.6 kg, P=0.04), and a trend was observed with 8-wk (34.0 kg). Using growth curves, extending the weaning age of dairy goats allowed to reach the breeding BW target of 32 kg sooner (6-wk, 191 d; 8-wk, 188 d; 10-wk, 161 d, P&amp;lt; 0.05). Overall, weaning kids at 10 wk limited the negative impact of earlier weaning on growth in the Alpine breed.

Impact of a live bacterial-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) postpartum and weaning system on performance, mortality, and health of Najdi lambs

Abstract Among the non-nutritive additives available for lamb nutrition, direct-fed microbial (DFM) stands out for altering rumen fermentation and increasing animal productivity. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of DFM and weaning systems on performance, mortality, and health of newborn lambs. A total of 60 newborn lambs were divided into 4 equal groups and assigned to one of 4 treatments: Control (C) without DFM and late weaning; T1, DFM and early weaning; T2, DFM and mid weaning; and T3, DFM and late weaning. Each lamb in the treated group received 3 doses of DFM (5 mL/lamb). The mortality was reduced by 80% compared to the control group. Lambs in the T2 and T3 with DFM groups had significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher body weight (BW) and body weight gain (BWG) than lambs in the C group. Glucose, creatinine, and urea nitrogen levels of T3 lambs were significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in late weaning compared with the remining treatments. DFM supplementation and weaning system significantly (P &lt; 0.01) reduced serum Zn concentration. These results suggest that the addition of DFM to the diet of newborn lambs and weaning at 60 days improves the overall performance and immunity of the lambs and consequently reduces the mortality rate.

Antimicrobials added to the feed of weaned piglets at two ages improves the molecular expression of intestinal barrier proteins

Context Weaning is the most critical period during a pig’s life, because it is a challenge with the change of environment, and the digestive system is not adapted to a solid diet at the time of weaning, favouring the appearance of intestinal disorders, infections and diarrhoea. Aims To quantify the gene abundance of intestinal barrier tight junction proteins in pigs fed diets added with antimicrobials and weaned at two ages. Methods A total of 150 pigs weaned at two ages (21 and 28 days) were distributed into groups: Control Diet 1 (D1-Ctrl) without antimicrobial; Diet 2 (D2-Ant): Ctrl with an antibiotic (bacitracin zinc); Diet 3 (D3-Prob): Ctrl with Bacillus subtilis PB6 (PTA-6737); Diet 4 (D4-OEO): Ctrl with oregano essential oil (OEO; Lippia origanoides); Diet 5 (D5-OA): Ctrl with a mixture of organic acids. On post-weaning Days 1, 15 and 30, pigs were euthanised, and a portion of the jejunum was removed to assess the gene abundance of the intestinal tight junction proteins (occludin-OCLN, zonula occludens-ZO-1 and claudins-CLAU) that were measured by qPCR. Key results The pigs fed the diet with the addition of D3-Prob and D4-OEO showed a higher abundance (P &lt; 0.05) of intestinal barrier tight junction protein genes (CLAU-1, CLAU-4, OCLN, ZO-1) compared with the other diets. This abundance was observed in both piglets weaned early, at 21 days, and later at 28 days of age, where, in addition, a statistically significant difference between weaning ages (P &lt; 0.05) was evidenced in favour of later weaning. Conclusions The addition of probiotics in the growth phase, together with weaning at 28 days of age, have a favourable impact on the intestinal digestive function of pigs, being able to influence morphometric and productive parameters, and serve as a basis for the analysis of molecular research related to intestinal health. Implications This research provides a basis for the use of natural nutritional alternatives, such as probiotic bacteria, as alternatives to growth-promoting antibiotics in the feed of growing pigs; in addition to encouraging a better adaptation of the piglet to the post-weaning phase, through late weaning.

Fecal Microbiota Dynamics Reveal the Feasibility of Early Weaning of Yak Calves under Conventional Grazing System.

Simple SummaryYak (Bos grunniens) is the most economically and culturally important domestic bovine species adapted to the extreme ecological environment of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP), which provides milk, meat, transportation, fuel (yak dung), and wool for local nomads as well as major sources of income. Calves are an important part of the sustainable development of the yak industry on the QTP, and the quality of calf rearing directly determines the production performance of adult animals. Under the traditional grazing management, late weaning (>180 days) of yak calves seriously affects the improvement of their production performance. A comparative study of fecal microbiota dynamics of yak and cattle (Bos taurus) calves in different months after weaning will help to understand the changes in intestinal microbiota structure, and will aid in in improving growth rate and survivability of early weaned calves. Our research will contribute to the development of appropriate strategies to regulate the gut microbiome and thus improve the growth and health of the grazing ruminants on the QTP.Background: The gut microbiota plays an important role in the health and production of animals. However, little information is available on the dynamic variations and comparison of intestinal microbiota in post-weaning yak calves living on the QTP. Methods: We explored the fecal bacterial microbiota succession of yak calves at different months after early weaning (60 d) compared with cattle calves by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and functional composition prediction. Results: We found no significant difference in blood biochemical parameters related to glucose and lipid metabolism between yaks and calves in different months after weaning. The core fecal bacterial microbiota from both species of calves was dominated by Ruminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae. The fecal microbial community has a great alteration within the time after weaning in both cattle and yak calves, but cattle showed a larger change. After five months, the microbiota achieves a stable and concentrated state. This is also similar to the functional profile. Conclusions: Based on the exploration of dynamic changes in the fecal microbiota at an early stage of life, our results illustrated that there were no negative effects of intestinal microbiota succession on yak calves when early weaning was employed.

Complementary Feeding and Growth in Infants Born Preterm: A 12 Months Follow-Up Study.

Evidences demonstrated that timing of weaning influences long-term growth in full term infants. However, studies on preterm infants are still lacking, and the international guidelines are focused only on healthy full-term newborn, without consensus for preterms. We aimed at evaluating, in a cohort study, the consequences of different timing of weaning on auxological outcomes up to 12 months of corrected age in a population of neonates born with gestational age < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g. We divided the enrolled neonates in two cohorts according to the timing of weaning: (i) Early Weaning: introduction of complementary food before 6 months of corrected age; (ii) Late Weaning: complementary food introduced after 6 months of corrected age. Growth parameters (weight, length, body mass index, and ponderal index) were measured at 12 months of life. The two groups were statistically comparable for baseline clinical characteristics, and differences on growth parameters were not reported between the two study groups. These results were confirmed in linear and binary logistic regression multivariate models. Timing of weaning is not related to growth of preterm newborns in the first 12 months of corrected age. Studies are needed to reach consensus for the appropriate nutritional approach for preterm babies after discharge.

Effect of Divergent Feeding Regimes During Early Life on the Rumen Microbiota in Calves.

The objective of this study was to determine whether divergent feeding regimes during the first 41 weeks of the life of a calf are associated with long-term changes in the rumen microbiota and the associated fermentation end-products. Twenty-four calves (9 ± 5 days of age) were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with two divergent treatments across three dietary phases. In phase 1 (P01), calves were offered a low-milk volume/concentrate starter diet with early weaning (CO) or high-milk volume/pasture diet and late weaning (FO). In phase 2 (P02), calves from both groups were randomly allocated to either high-quality (HQ) or low-quality (LQ) pasture grazing groups. In phase 3 (P03), calves were randomly allocated to one of two grazing groups and offered the same pasture-only diet. During each dietary phase, methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2) emissions and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured in respiration chambers, and rumen samples for the evaluation of microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) characterizations were collected. In P01, CO calves had a higher solid feed intake but a lower CH4 yield (yCH4) and acetate:propionate ratio (A:P) compared with FO calves. The ruminal bacterial community had lower proportions of cellulolytic bacteria in CO than FO calves. The archaeal community was dominated by Methanobrevibacter boviskoreani in CO calves and by Mbb. gottschalkii in FO calves. These differences, however, did not persist into P02. Calves offered HQ pastures had greater DMI and lower A:P ratio than calves offered LQ pastures, but yCH4 was similar between groups. The cellulolytic bacteria had lower proportions in HQ than LQ calves. In all groups, the archaeal community was dominated by Mbb. gottschalkii. No treatment interactions were observed in P02. In P03, all calves had similar DMI, CH4 and H2 emissions, SCFA proportions, and microbial compositions, and no interactions with previous treatments were observed. These results indicate that the rumen microbiota and associated fermentation end-products are driven by the diet consumed at the time of sampling and that previous dietary interventions do not lead to a detectable long-term microbial imprint or changes in rumen function.

Key Predictors of Anemia in Under Five Children in Rural Setting of Bangladesh: A Cross Sectional Study

Introduction: Anemia is a substantial public health problem that happens worldwide with higher prevalence noted in children less than 5 years and rural children. The studywas aimed to explore the keypredictors of anemia of study population in rural setting of Bangladesh. Methodology & Materials: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural Bangladesh from 1 July 2018 to December 2019. Under-five children aged six months to below sixty months were enrolled in the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interview from attending primary caregiver and from the results of laboratory tests of blood sample from target children. Data were analyzed through SPSS 23 software. Initially univariate analysis was done to identify predictors of anaemia followed by multivariate analysis to explore the key predictors through logistic regression. Results: A total data of258 under-five children aged 6-59 month were included in this study from the rural areas of Bangladesh. Among the studied children overall prevalence of anaemia was found 61.8%. The significant predictors (p <0.05) of anaemia through univariate analysis are age, maternal education level, monthly family income, exclusive breast feeding, proper complementary feeding practice as well as regular consumption of animal protein, fruits and vegetables. In addition, children who were under-weight stunted and wasted. Through multivariate analysis the key factors were explored as age group 6-24 month (AOR=0.02; p=0.006), family income less than 10000 BDT group-i.e 5000BDT or below (AOR=0.27;p=0.01) and 5001- 10000 BDT (AOR=8.84; 0.02), early and late weaning practiced children (AOR=0.23;p=0.002), low consumption of animal protein (AOR=0.05; p=0.001), and vegetables (AOR=0.18; p<0.001), stunting (AOR=0.18;p<0.001), wasting (AOR=0.14; p=0.03) and children who have chronic or recent infection (AOR=0.33; p=0.008). Conclusion: The keypredictors of anaemia are explored in this study are age below 2 year, family income less than 10000 BDT (in 2018 AD) or below, early and late weaning practice, low consumption of animal protein and vegetables, chronic malnutrition, acute malnutrition and chronic or recent infection. Rising mass awareness among the caregiver group on child care, nutrition and special focus to the children below age of two years will be the key strategies to prevent and control this extensive public health problem in Bangladesh.

Obesity, not a high fat, high sucrose diet alone, induced glucose intolerance and cardiac dysfunction during pregnancy and postpartum

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Obesity is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Nearly 60% of women of reproductive age are considered overweight or obese, cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality continue to be pervasive. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of an obesogenic diet on the cardiometabolic health of dams during pregnancy and postpartum. Female mice were fed either a high-fat, high-sucrose diet (HFHS) or a refined control diet (CON) for 8 weeks before initiation of pregnancy and throughout the study period. Mice in the HFHS showed two distinct phenotypes, obesity-prone (HFHS/OP) and obesity resistance (HFHS/OR). Pre-pregnancy obesity (HFHS/OP) induced glucose intolerance before pregnancy and during postpartum. Systolic function indicated by the percent fractional shortening (%FS) was significantly decreased in the HFHS/OP at late pregnancy (vs. HFHS/OR) and weaning (vs. CON), but no differences were found at 6 weeks of postpartum among groups. No induction of pathological cardiac hypertrophy markers was found during postpartum. Plasma adiponectin was decreased while total cholesterol was increased in the HFHS/OP. Our results suggested that obesity, not the diet alone, negatively affected cardiac adaptation during pregnancy and postpartum.

EFFECTS OF WEANING SYSTEM ON MILK AND EXTERNAL MAMMARY CONFORMATION TRAITS OF SICILO-SARDE TUNISIAN DAIRY EWE

A better development of the Sicilo-Sarde dairy sheep in Tunisia needs a review of its behavior by adopting early weaning and generalizing mechanical milking that involves an adaptation of the external mammary morphology (MM). Thirty ewes were divided into two groups (early and late weaning; EW and LW respectively) to study the effects of weaning system (WS) and milking time (MT) on milk and external MM traits in early milking period. MM was evaluated by six measurements and three scores of udder and teat. EW group had higher milk production (MP) and lower fat and protein amounts that increased with MT advancement (P0.001). WS did not affect MM traits (P&gt;0.05), only teat length was higher for LW ewes (P0.05). Udder depth, teat diameter, distance between teats and teat angle score decreased with MT (P0.01). Significant interactions were noted between WS and MT for most traits studied. MP was negatively correlated with fat and protein amounts (-0.38 and -0.50 respectively) and moderately correlated with udder depth, cistern height, teat diameter (from 0.31 to 0.42). Fat and protein had negative correlation with udder depth, teat diameter and distance between teats. Higher correlation was determined between udder depth and distance between teats (r=0.60; P0.001). In conclusion, EW system allows a better start of the milk production in early milking period. Cistern height, teat length and teat angle score are the prominent traits which affect milk ability and adaptation of ewe to machine milking and consequently they must be included in selection program.