Live Weight Research Articles

Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract Attenuates Cafeteria-Diet-Induced Liver Metabolic Disturbances in Rats: Influence of Photoperiod.

This study investigated the influence of photoperiod (day length) on the efficacy of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) in mitigating metabolic disorders in obese rats fed a cafeteria diet. Rats were exposed to standard (L12), long (L18), or short (L6) photoperiods and treated with GSPE or vehicle. In the standard photoperiod, GSPE reduced body weight gain (50.5%), total cholesterol (37%), and triglycerides (34.8%), while increasing the expression of hepatic metabolic genes. In the long photoperiod, GSPE tended to decrease body weight gain, increased testosterone levels (68.3%), decreased liver weight (12.4%), and decreased reverse serum amino acids. In the short photoperiod, GSPE reduced glycemia (~10%) and lowered triglyceride levels (38.5%), with effects modified by diet. The standard photoperiod showed the greatest efficacy against metabolic syndrome-associated diseases. The study showed how day length affects GSPE's benefits and underscores considering biological rhythms in metabolic disease therapies.

Gene expression in the Longissimus dorsi muscle related to meat quality from tropical hair lambs.

The present study describes the expression of genes in the Longissimus dorsi muscle related to meat quality of hair lambs finished in an Integration Crop-Livestock system. Twenty-eight non-castrated lambs of two breeds, Somalis Brasileira and Santa Inês, at 120 ± 15 days of age, with an average initial live weight of 18 ± 3.1kg, were kept in a pasture-based finishing system with supplementation. Upon reaching 28kg body weight, animals were sent for slaughter. Samples of the Longissimus dorsi and Biceps femoris muscle were harvested for analyses of gene expression and physicochemical properties. Significant differences were detected between the breeds for tissue and chemical composition, whereas the physical aspects did not differ. We observed the expression of six genes related to lipid synthesis (acetyl-CoA carboxylase [ACACA], fatty acid synthase [FAS], stearoyl-CoA desaturase [SCD], lipoprotein lipase [LPL], cell death-inducing DFFA-like effector A [CIDEA], and thyroid hormone responsive [THRSP]) and six genes related to molecular synthesis (myostatin [MSTN], growth differentiation factor 8 [GDF8], insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF1], insulin-like growth factor 2 [IGF2], delta-like 1 homolog [DLK1], and growth hormone receptor [GHr]) in both breeds. The Santa Inês breed and the Somalis Brasileira showed similar expression patterns of genes related to lipogenesis and myogenesis of the Longissimus dorsi muscle, with the exception of the THRSP gene, in which the Somalis Brasileira have more receptors for the action of thyroid hormones, which resulted in greater thickness of fat in the carcass (subcutaneous fat) and higher lipid content in the chemical composition of the meat.

Insect Larvae as an Alternate Protein Source in Poultry Feed Improve the Performance and Meat Quality of Broilers.

The primary challenge facing the global animal industry is the scarcity of protein feed resources. Various insects are gaining prominence as innovative feed sources due to their economic, environmentally friendly, and nutritious attributes. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of a partial replacement of soybean meal with fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and black soldier fly Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) on the growth performances, blood parameters, gut histology, and meat quality of broilers. A total of 350 1-day-old (40 ± 0.15 g) male chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to seven experimental meals. Each treatment was repeated five times with 50 birds per dietary treatment. The seven dietary treatments included 4, 8, and 12% replacements of SBM with larvae of S. frugiperda and H. illucens. SBM was the basal diet considered the control. The data showed that broilers fed 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) live weight, average daily weight gain, and improved the feed conversion ratio. Meals with 12% S. frugiperda or H. illucens significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) haematological and gut histological parameters, including villus height, crypt depth, villus width, and villus height/crypt depth ratios. The meat of broilers fed the 12% S. frugiperda diet showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) lightness and yellowness. Replacing soybean meal up to 12% with either S. frugiperda or H. illucens larvae improves the growth performance, blood haematology, gut morphometry, and meat quality traits of broilers.

General toxicity and screening of reproductive and developmental toxicity following bioaccumulation of oral-dosed perfluorooctanoic acid: Loss of the Golgi apparatus

Despite its widespread use as a stabilizer across various industries over the past several decades, the health effects of chronic exposure to PFOA are still unclear. We administered PFOA by oral gavage (0, 12.5, 50, and 200 μg/day/mouse, eight groups) to male and female mice for six months. Body weight gain decreased with dose accompanied by increased liver weight, and PFOA altered liver damage-related-blood biochemical indicators and induced pathological lesions, including hepatocellular hypertrophy, cholangiofibrosis, and centrilobular hepatocellular vacuolation. Loss of the Golgi apparatus, formation of lamellar body-like structures, and lipid accumulation were observed in the liver of PFOA-treated mice. We also cohabited five pairs of male and female mice for the last ten days of administration, dosed PFOA to dam up to 28 days after birth, and investigated effects on reproduction and development. The survival rate of pups and the sex ratio of surviving mice decreased significantly at the highest dose. PFOA tissue concentration increased with the dose in the parent mice's liver and the pups' blood and brain. Taken together, we suggest that PFOA primarily affects the liver and reproduction system and that disturbance in lipid metabolism and Golgi's structural stability may be involved in PFOA-induced toxicity.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ БИОКОНВЕРСИИ ПИТАТЕЛЬНЫХ ВЕЩЕСТВ И ЭНЕРГИИ КОРМА В МЯСНУЮ ПРОДУКЦИЮ БАРАНЧИКАМИ РАЗНОГО ГЕНОТИПА

The purpose of the study is to determine the influence of the genotype of rams on the efficiency of transformation of protein and energy of the feed ration by purebred young animals of the Romanov breed (Group I), its crosses with the Edilbaevskaya breed of the first generation 1/2 Romanovskaya × 1/2 Edilbay (II group) and the second generation 1/4 Romanovskaya × 1/4 Edilbay – ( Group III) in food protein and energy of meat products. Crossbreeds of groups II and III were distinguished by less crude protein consumption per 1 kg of live weight gain than peers of group I – by 15.9 (1.62 %) and 33.5 g (3.48 %) and energy by 3.64 (4.23 %) and 4.89 mJ (5.77 %). An advantage was noted for crosses of groups II and III in terms of the weight of edible parts of the carcass, which amounted to 5.05 (36.89 %) and 6.79 kg (49.60 %). Purebred rams of group I were inferior to crossbred young animals of groups II and III in terms of protein content in the edible part of the carcass by 0.86 (31.62 %) and 1.15 kg (42.28 %), respectively, extractable fat – by 0.82 (66.13 %) and 1.25 kg (100.8 %), energy – by 46.54 (49.01 %) and 68.30 mJ (71.93 %). All this determined the advantage of crossbred rams of groups II and III in terms of the yield of nutrients, edible parts of the carcass and energy per 1 kg of pre-slaughter live weight. For protein, this advantage was 2.49 (3.53 %) and 4.32 g (6.12 %), extractable fat – 9.86 (30.65 %) and 16.01 g (49.77 %), energy – 0.59 (23.98 %) and 0.70 mJ (28.45 %). The advantage of crossbred young animals of groups II and III in terms of the protein bioconversion coefficient was established, which was 0.26 and 0.65 % for protein, 0.21 and 0.40 % for energy, respectively. The leading position in all indicators was noted for crossbreeds of the second generation of group III.

РОСТ И РАЗВИТИЕ БЫКОВ-ПРОИЗВОДИТЕЛЕЙ В УСЛОВИЯХ ПЛЕМЕННОГО ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ АО «КРАСНОЯРСКАГРОПЛЕМ»

The purpose of research is to study the growth and development of bulls in the conditions of JSC Krasnoyarskagroplem in the Krasnoyarsk Region. Objectives: to study changes in live weight, linear measurements and body composition indices during ontogenesis. The object of the study is bulls of the Holstein (red-motley) (n = 11) and red-motley (n = 4) breeds aged from one to five years. Study period: 2014–2019. Calculation of absolute growth, taking body measurements, and calculation of indices were carried out according to generally accepted methods. Holstein bulls at all age periods exceeded red-motley bulls in height at the withers and oblique length of the body. Bulls of the red-motley breed in chest width at one year of age exceeded Holstein sires by 3.25 %; at 1.6 years – by 13.8 (P &gt; 0.95); in the 2-year period – by 14.1 (P &gt; 0.999); in a 3-year-old – by 7.59; in a 4-year-old – by 6.1; in a 5-year-old – by 9.7 % and metacarpal girth: by 3.1; 2.4; 1.3; 4.5 % (P &gt; 0.95), by 2.4 and 1.2 %, respectively. The variabi-lity of traits in bulls of the Holstein and red-motley breeds was characterized by a low degree at all age periods, which indicates the homogeneity of the population and high stability of exterior qualities. Calculation of indices characterizes red-motley bulls as compact with a low-set body, having a long body and a deeper chest. Holstein bulls have higher legs. Red-mottled breed and Holstein bulls have a pronounced milk type.

THE EFFECTS OF SINGLE CELL PROTEIN ON AL-AWASSI LAMBS IN IRAQ

The effects of single cell protein (SCP) were studied in Al-Awassi lambs in Iraq. Four groups of lambs received 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of (SCP) as a replacer for a soybean. The influence of (SCP) on the performance and carcass data of lambs and their blood pictures were studied. The total uric acid, blood urea and the histopathological changes were also investigated. The results - showed” that ‘there were no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences ‘among the initial, slaughtered, total weights gained and chilled carcass weights. The wholesale cuts showed. no significant (P&gt;0.05) differences. The eye rib area, fat thickness of. longissmus doris muscle, average percentage of organs and offal dressing percentage (calculated in live and empty body weight basis) were similar in all groups examined. the blood and serum parameters did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) among the experimental groups.

Metabolic Profiling Changes Induced by Fermented Blackberries in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Mice Utilizing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic changes associated with the anti-obesity effects of fermented blackberry extracts in the liver tissues of high-fat-diet-fed mice using mass spectrometry-based metabolomics analysis. C57BL/6J mice were divided into eight groups: normal-diet-fed mice, high-fat-diet-fed mice, high-fat diet treated with blackberry extract, high-fat-diet mice treated with blackberry fermented by L. plantarum, and high-fat diet with blackberry fermented by L. brevis. After 12 weeks, the high-fat-diet group exhibited a greater increase in liver weight compared to the control group, and among the groups, the group administered with blackberry fermented with L. plantarum showed the most pronounced reduction in liver weight. As the primary organ responsible for amino acid metabolism, the liver is crucial for maintaining amino acid homeostasis. In our study, we observed that the levels of several essential amino acids, including isoleucine and valine, were decreased by the high-fat diet, and were recovered by administration of blackberry extract fermented with L. plantarum. Our results demonstrated the potential of blackberry extract fermented with L. plantarum as a functional material for metabolic disorders by restoring some of the amino acid metabolism disturbances induced by a high-fat diet.

Laparoscopic Extended Segmentectomy VIII Guided by Three-Dimensional Reconstruction and Hepatic Veins with a Cranio-Caudal Approach.

Minimally invasive resection of segment VIII is a technically challenging procedure, made even more challenging when the resection is extended to segment IV and/or segment VII. Parenchymal-sparing resections are frequently used in the management of liver metastases but expose to the risk of R1 resection, especially with a minimally invasive approach. Preoperative surgical planning with 3D reconstruction and intraoperative guidance with hepatic vein is helpful for laparoscopic oncological liver resection.1-3 PATIENT AND METHODS: We present the case of a 58-year-old female with three metachronous liver metastases from epidermoid anal cancer. The disease was stable 6 months after cessation of chemotherapy. Metastases were mainly located in segment VIII (with a large segment VIII dorsal) but also in the territory of glissonian pedicles from segments IV and VII. Prior to surgery, three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction showed that a segmentectomy VIII would not be sufficient to have a safety margin and showed the relation between metastases and hepatic veins. Transection of the liver was performed with an ultrasonic dissector. Exposure of the hepatic veins was performed by gently pulling of the hepatic tissue from the vein, using the nonactive blade of the ultrasonic device. Activation of ultrasonic energy was performed only for sealing and dividing small collateral veins. Three transection lines were necessary. The posterior transection line, in segment VII, was determined with intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS), at 1 cm below the metastasis. The liver was transected superficially only. The medial transection line, in segment IV, was determined with IOUS, at 1cm on the left of the metastasis, parallel to the middle hepatic vein. Finally, the inferior transection line, between segment V and segment VIII, was approximately determined with IOUS, vertically aligned with the hepatic vein of segment V. The transection line was further corrected after clamping the glissonian pedicle of segment VIII, according to fluorescence. The surgical procedure began with the mobilization of the right liver, including division of the hepato-caval ligament, followed by the superficial transection of the posterior margin in segment VII. Then, transection of segment IV was performed near the termination of the middle hepatic vein, which was further exposed with a cranio-caudal approach to minimize the risk of vein injury. The hepatic vein of segment V was then used as a landmark for the identification of the Glissonian pedicle of segment VIII, which was transected.4 Termination of the right hepatic vein (RHV) was then identified, and the ventral branch of the RHV was transected. The dorsal branch of the RHV was exposed with a cranio-caudal approach. Finally, transection of segment VII was performed toward the transection line made initially. Operative time was 360 min with 450 mL blood loss. The Pringle maneuver was used during 148 min. The patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. Pathological examination confirmed R0 resection, with 20-60% necrosis of the three liver metastases. The resected liver weight was 225 g. Six months after liver resection, the patient had a recurrence in a celiac lymph node, which was treated by radiotherapy. Fifteen months after liver resection, the patient is free of disease without active treatment. Preoperative virtual hepatectomy facilitates surgical planning by increasing the understanding of the tumors-vessels relationship. Intraoperative hepatic vein guidance with a cranio-caudal approach enables to follow preoperative surgical planning and to perform safe complex laparoscopic liver resection.

Citrullus mucosospermus Extract Reduces Weight Gain in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet.

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Citrullus mucosospermus extract (CME) in counteracting adipogenesis and its associated metabolic disturbances in murine models. In vitro experiments utilizing 3T3-L1 preadipocytes revealed that CME potently inhibited adipocyte differentiation, as evidenced by a dose-dependent reduction in lipid droplet formation. Remarkably, CME also attenuated glucose uptake and intracellular triglyceride accumulation in fully differentiated adipocytes, suggesting its ability to modulate metabolic pathways in mature adipose cells. Translating these findings to an in vivo setting, we evaluated the effects of CME in C57BL/6N mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. CME administration, concomitantly with the HFD, resulted in a significant attenuation of body weight gain compared to the HFD control group. Furthermore, CME treatment led to substantial reductions in liver weight, total fat mass, and deposits of visceral and retroperitoneal adipose tissue, underscoring its targeted impact on adipose expansion. Histological analyses revealed the remarkable effects of CME on hepatic steatosis. While the HFD group exhibited severe lipid accumulation within liver lobules, CME dose-dependently mitigated this pathology, with the highest dose virtually abolishing hepatic fat deposition. An examination of adipose tissue revealed a progressive reduction in adipocyte hypertrophy upon CME treatment, culminating in a near-normalization of adipocyte morphology at the highest dose. Notably, CME exhibited potent anti-inflammatory properties, significantly attenuating the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines' mRNA levels (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in the livers of HFD-fed mice. This suggests a potential mechanism through which CME may exert protective effects against inflammation associated with obesity and fatty liver disease.

Use of crude glycerin in dairy goat feeding and its effects on milk and cheese performance and quality

This study aimed to assess the impact of stepwise dietary inclusion of crude glycerin (CG) on the productive traits of dairy goats and the quality of their milk and cheese. Sixteen Saanen goats, averaging 55 ± 6 kg live weight and 45 days in milk, were allocated into four simultaneous Latin squares (4×4) and fed on diets containing 0 (control), 50, 100, and 150 g/kg of CG in the dry matter (DM). A linear decrease (P < 0.05) was observed in DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and non-fibrous carbohydrates intake with increasing CG levels in the diet, with a significant reduction (P < 0.05) noted at 100 and 150 g/kg of CG. Additionally, CP digestibility, nitrogen balance, and plasma urea nitrogen decreased (P < 0.05) with CG inclusion. Milk yield corrected for 3.5 % fat, total solids content, and total fatty acid (FA) amounts in goat milk decreased (P < 0.05) with 100 and 150 g/kg of CG. Furthermore, inclusion of 150 g/kg of CG decreased (P < 0.05) fat content in "coalho" cheese, although cheeses from goats fed up to 50 g/kg of CG showed superior (P < 0.05) appearance, global impression, and purchase intention. The CG inclusion increased (P < 0.05) short and odd-chain FA contents while decreasing (P < 0.05) long-chain and polyunsaturated FA levels in goat milk. Overall, we recommend incorporating up to 50 g/kg of CG in dairy goat diets as it does not affect milk and "coalho" cheese performance and quality.

Protective effect of honokiol on cadmium-induced liver injury in chickens

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal in the environment, poses a significant threat to livestock and poultry farming. Honokiol (HNK), a Chinese herbal extract with potent antioxidant activity, acts through oxidative damage and inflammation. Cd induces oxidative stress and causes liver damage in animals. However, whether HNK can alleviate Cd-induced liver injury in chickens and its mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the 48 chickens were randomly allocated into 4 groups, control group, Cd group (70 mg/kg Cd), HNK group (200 mg/kg HNK) and Cd + HNK group (70 mg/kg Cd+200 mg/kg HNK). Results showed that HNK improved the Cd induced reduction in chicken body weight, liver weight, and liver coefficient. HNK recovered the Cd induced liver damaged through increased serum liver biochemical indexes, impaired liver oxidase activity and the disordered the expression level of antioxidant genes. HNK alleviated Cd induced pathological and ultrastructure damage of liver tissue and liver cell that leads apoptosis. HNK decreased Cd contents in the liver, Cd induced disturbances in the levels of trace elements such as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium. HNK attenuated the damage to the gap junction structure of chicken liver cells caused by Cd and reduced the impairment of oxidase activity and the expression level of antioxidant genes induced by Cd. In conclusion, HNK presents essential preventive measures and a novel pharmacological potential therapy against Cd induced liver injury. Our experiments show that HNK can be used as a new green feed additive in the poultry industry, which provides a theoretical basis for HNK to deal with the pollution caused by Cd in the poultry industry.

The Protective Activity of Kaempferol Glycosides from Soya Leaf Extract for Experimentally Induced Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Wistar Rats

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranks as one of the most important chronic liver conditions globally, characterized by excessive fat deposition in the liver, central obesity, insulin resistance and in general with characteristics of the metabolic syndrome. Thus, it is vital to treat NAFLD as well as its accompanying metabolic disorders. The present study is to evaluate Kaempferol glycosides activity from Glycine.max leaves extract in experimentally induced NAFLD in rats. The study evaluated the KG activity of G.max extract from leaves on a the HFD and Fructose induced rat model, utilizing Albino Wistar rats with daily doses of 200-250g. Parameters included body weight, liver weight, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance, lipid profiles, and histopathological investigations. The doses for KGE were 300mg/kg as medium and 400mg/kg as high. From the research results it was determined that medium dose (300mg/kg) and high dose (400mg/kg) demonstrated a substantial effect when compared to HFD and fructose induced positive control. The study demonstrated that Kaempferol glycosides from Glycine.max leaves extract can prevent and cure HFD and fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver in Albino Wistar rats. The extract's action was substantial at medium and high doses, compared to HFD and fructose-induced positive controls. This shows that Kaempferol glycosides could be a promising natural therapeutic agent against NAFLD, hyperlipidaemic diseases, and metabolic syndromes with less adverse effects compared to conventional medications.

Valorization of Fecal Sludge Stabilization via Vermicomposting in Microcosm-Enriched Substrates Using Organic Plant-Derived Materials and Agricultural Soil for Compost Production

The enormous generation of fecal sludge without proper treatment is a major sanitation problem. Vermicomposting of fecal sludge is an innovative way of producing value added compost called vermicompost. A vermicomposting technique that involves augmenting vermibed substrates with organic rich materials to provide additional nutrients and underlying layers needed for microcosm development to produce desirable vermicompost is mostly referred to as substrate enrichment. This study investigated the substrate enrichment of using plant-derived materials, which include coconut coir, palm coir and saw dust, combined with agricultural soil for the production of vermicompost from fecal sludge. Enriched substrates were prepared with 80 g of agricultural soil as amending material, 120 g of fecal matter (65-70% dry matter) and 160 g of the plant-derived materials. The treatments were labeled T1-T3, thus, T1 contained coconut coir, T2 contained palm coir and T3 contained saw dust, followed by a control treatment (T4) that had no plant-derived material. Treatments were triplicated and about 3-week-old 20 clitellated, E. fetida (live weight ∼255–275 mg) were used in the vermicomposting for 12 wk. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, Organic Carbon (Corg), Total Nitrogen (Ntot), Available Phosphorus (Pavail), Exchangeable Calcium (Caexch), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb) and Aluminum (Al) test were performed. Vermicompost at T1 had the most Corg mineralization, most enhancement in Ntot, Pavail, Caexch, and least concentration of Fe, Pb and Al. Less than 20% earthworm mortality was recorded in all treatments except T4 (28.38 ± 8.71%). The enriched substrates were suitable for vermiculture with a worm weight ranged from 593.77 to 569.39 ± 2.30 mg and the vermicompost recorded high nutrient contents. The nutritious nature and the reduced metal concentration of the produced vermicompost might be safe and productive for agricultural use. However, further studies on the effectiveness of the vermicompost on plants growth and yield needs to be investigated.

Size Gynomimicry in the Sanmartinero Creole Bovine of the Colombian Orinoquia.

Variations in the size of animals of the same species but of different sex are called sexual size dimorphism. The aim of this study was to compare the biometrics between males and females of the Sanmartinero creole bovine, of Colombia, to establish if sexual dimorphism appears in the breed. A total of 94 animals (16 uncastrated males and 78 females, average age of 4.3 ± 1.4 and 4.2 ± 2.3 years, respectively) from three different farms were measured. A total of 21 linear variables were obtained using standard morphometric methods and live weight. A one-way NPMANOVA was used to evaluate between sexes, ages, and farms, a Principal Component Analysis was used to detect the most discriminating variables, and a multivariate regression used age as an independent value. Statistically significant differences were reflected between sexes (p = 0.033) and not by age and farms. The variables that differentiated the most between males and females were those related to size (thoracic circumference, body length, dorso-sternal diameter, height at the withers, height at the rump, and horn length), variables that were biased toward males, although only the height at the withers and the rump were the ones that presented statistically significant differences.

Desempenho reprodutivo, características da lactação e medidas biométricas de caprinos Manavlı

This study determined reproductive performance, milking traits and body measurements in 630 Manavlı goats that were reared purely in the Denizli province of Türkiye in six goat flocks. In this study, live weights and zoometrical body measurements of does and bucks were defined. Additionally, flock reproductive traits and milk yield were determined for six flocks. Overall, birth rate, twin birth rate, kidding rate and litter size in six flocks were determined as 98.34%, 43.42%, 1.41 and 1.44, respectively. The mean of the lactation milk yield, lactation period and daily milk yield were 160.48 kg, 198 days and 0.810 kg, respectively. The live weights of does ranging in age from 4.1 to 4.7 were between 74.59 and 86.30 kg, while the live weights of bucks ranging in age from 2.1 to 2.7 were between 101.19 and 118.23 kg . Some body measurements of does, such as height at withers, rump height, rump width, body length, heart girth, ear length, tail length, and front and back wrist girth, were measured as 92.80, 93.07, 22.86, 91.97, 105.02, 26.83, 20.19, 12.35 and 12.31 cm, respectively, before mating season. The same values at the abovementioned period were measured as 98.27, 98.71, 23.87, 100.48, 109.89, 26.97, 22.30, 14.46 and 14.41 cm, respectively. This study is the first research related to Manavlı goats, for which no features have been reported to date. The obtained results will help to contribute to livestock diversity.

Hepatic transcriptomic assessment of Sprague Dawley rats in response to dietary perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) ingestion

Perfluorobutane sulfonate is a short-chain PFAS that is a less toxic replacement for the rather more toxic long-chain perfluorooctane sulfonate. PFBS is widespread in the environment and has raised environmental and health concerns. The study goal was to investigate whether dietary ingestion of PFBS would induce hepatic damage. Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to three PFBS treatment groups for 11 weeks followed by clinical markers analyses in the serum and liver. There was a significant increase in liver and body weights of PFBS rats. Total antioxidant capacity was significantly reduced in the PFBS-treated group. ALT levels increased based on concentration ingested. Close to 1000 gene transcripts were differentially expressed. Further, transmembrane transport and oxidation-reduction processes were the most up-regulated biological processes. Inflammatory genes were up-regulated in the exposed group and those associated with oxidative damage were down-regulated. In conclusion, PFBS ingestion produced mild effects in the liver of Sprague Dawley rats.

Dehydrated and live black soldier fly larvae as environmental enrichment in indigenous slow-growing chickens: performance, gut health, and chitinolytic enzyme activity

The demand for sustainable and ethically farmed animal products is on the rise as consumers become more environmentally and animal welfare conscious. The need to diminish the consumption of soybean meal is urgent, and companies are looking for ways to respond to this necessity by looking for alternatives to soybean meal. This study assessed the impact of introducing whole dehydrated and live black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) into the diet of an indigenous chicken breed as environmental enrichment. A total of 144 39-day-old male Bianca di Saluzzo chickens were distributed among 18 pens and assigned to three different experimental groups. The control group received a diet where soybean meal was entirely replaced by alternative ingredients. The two experimental groups were given the same diet supplemented with 5% of the expected daily feed intake of whole dehydrated BSFL or whole live BSFL. Throughout the trial period (from the bird age of 39–174 days of age), live weight was recorded every 21 days, and the average daily gain, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were calculated. The time required for the birds to consume the larvae was recorded three times a week. At age 147 and 174 days, 12 birds per treatment were selected based on mean live weight and slaughtered. Measurements included hot and chilled carcass weights, organ weights (spleen, liver, heart, stomach), breast and thigh muscle weights, and the corresponding yields were calculated. Acid protease activity was measured in proventriculus extract, and chitinase and chitosanase activity was calculated based on the release of reducing sugars from chitin or chitosan. The results showed little improvement in final live weights and daily feed intakes of the animals fed the insect larvae compared with control birds. Larva supplementation had no negative impact on the overall well-being of the animals assessed by blood analysis and histopathological assessment of the intestinal tract, spleen, and liver. No differences were found between the dehydrated vs live insect larvae consumption times, with all larvae being eaten up very rapidly (< 3 min). The birds fed BSFL showed an increase in chitinase activity. These findings support the potential use of whole BSFL as a form of environmental enrichment, particularly in their dehydrated form, being more convenient to use and store, which would also encourage the uptake of this practice by farmers.

P-408 Monozygotic twins from in vitro fertilization: can bring the rate closer to that of natural conception?

Abstract Study question Whether the occurrence of monozygotic twins in human in vitro fertilization is associated with zona manipulations, and can we explore approaches to reduce its rates? Summary answer Monozygotic twinning is partially caused by zona manipulation, and it can be lowered by creating a larger opening in the zona before embryo transfer. What is known already While the rate of monozygotic twins in spontaneous conception is 0.5% of live births, the frequency of monozygotic twins after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer can be a few times higher. Various factors have been suggested to contribute to this phenomenon, including ovarian stimulation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo cryopreservation, extended culture, embryo quality, maternal age, genetic factors, and micromanipulation of the zona pellucida, such as assisted hatching and biopsy. Due to the fact that the overall rate is low, it is difficult to pinpoint the main reason(s) contributing to it, and there are no effective approach(es) to lower this rate. Study design, size, duration We studied monozygotic twins in 8,063 clinical pregnancies resulting from single blastocyst transfers from 2016 to 2023. Blastocysts, whether fresh or frozen, were transferred with or without biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing and/or blastocyst collapse. Clinical pregnancy, embryo implantation, including twin implantation, and clinical outcomes such as live birth, ongoing pregnancy, and birth weight were further evaluated. Monozygotic twin rates were compared between partial zona removal (larger hole) and no zona removal (small hole) Participants/materials, setting, methods Monozygotic twins were initially evaluated in blastocysts with or without biopsy in 732 clinical pregnancies after fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Subsequently, monozygotic twins were further evaluated in 7331 clinical pregnancies after an approach to open a larger hole in the zona before blastocyst transfer. Additionally, 56 monozygotic twins were evaluated for live birth and birth weight outcomes. Main results and the role of chance In the context of fresh blastocyst transfer, the monozygotic twin rate following biopsy was significantly higher than that for blastocysts that did not undergo zona manipulation (3.4% vs. 0.29%; p = 0.025). After blastocysts underwent biopsy and cryopreservation/warming, the monozygotic twin rate was 2.79%, a similar rate as observed in fresh blastocyst transfer after biopsy. However, when frozen blastocysts (either biopsied and/or collapsed) underwent partial zona removal before transfer, the rate of monozygotic twins significantly decreased to 0.6% (p = 0.00001). When we further examined whether the biopsy procedure increased the monozygotic twin rate (28/4947) under the conditions that partial zona removal was performed by comparing those with blastocysts without biopsy (16/2384), we did not find a significant difference (0.57% vs. 0.67%, p = 0.587) between the two treatments. In this study, there were 34 twin live births (60.7%) including 5 ongoing twin pregnancies, and 9 (16.1%) singleton live births, contributing to an overall live birth rate of 76.8%. Ten cases (17.8%) experienced pregnancy loss with heartbeat cessation during the first trimester. Furthermore, 3 cases (5.4%) had abnormal pregnancies. When the birth weights were evaluated among the monozygotic twins, it was found that lower birth weight (&amp;lt; 1500g) was only observed in twin live birth. Limitations, reasons for caution This study only included data from one large clinic in the US under the conditions and protocols (embryo culture, embryo biopsy, and cryopreservation) used in this clinic. Different patients and protocols would affect the rate differently. Wider implications of the findings Zona manipulations are associated with an increased monozygotic twin rate in both fresh and frozen embryo transfers. This effect can be mitigated by creating a larger opening in the zona before embryo transfer, and this approach can bring the monozygotic twin rate closer to that of natural conception. Trial registration number NA

Organ weights and length anthropometry measures at autopsy for sudden infant death syndrome cases and other infant deaths in the Chicago infant mortality study.

Organ weights are a possible diagnostic or pathophysiological clue to distinguishing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases from other infant deaths but suffer from major confounding. Using autopsy data from the Chicago Infant Mortality Study, a majority African-American case-control study of deceased infants under 1 year conducted 1993-96, we assessed differences in the weights of brain, thymus, kidneys, lungs, liver, spleen, total body, and four length anthropometry measures in SIDS-diagnosed infants compared to controls. Using exact and coarsened matching, we ran Bayesian linear models with these anthropometry outcomes and repeated the analyses substituting the corresponding fitted allometrically-scaled organ weight indices to account for body size. After detailed analysis and adjustment for potential confounders, we found that matched SIDS infants were generally bigger than controls, with higher mean brain, liver, spleen, thymus, lung, and total body weights, and higher mean head and chest circumference, crown-heel, crown-rump lengths. SIDS infants also had higher mean thymus, liver, spleen, lung and total body weight indices. The association with thymus weight was proportionately greater in magnitude than any other outcome measure and independent of body size. The results of these more detailed analyses are consistent with recent findings from other studies with differing racial compositions, and substantially confirm the primary organ sites for more detailed mechanistic research into the biological dysregulation contributing to underlying pathophysiology of SIDS.