Liveweight Change Research Articles

Selection and genetic parameters of sheep of the Aginskaya breed of the Zugalay type

The results of the study of selectable traits, exterior-constitutional features of medium wool sheep of the Aginskaya breed of the Zugalay type are presented. The data of correlation-regression, variance analysis are given, according to the results of which paired and multifactor regression models have been designed. Body weight (6.4–12.6%), down length (19.3–19.7%) and awn length (13.1–16.9%) and cannon bone girth (9.1%) are characterized by the greatest variability in the studied sheep. In terms of physique indices, rams are distinguished by longer legs, better breast development, stronger bones, ewe lambs are distinguished by a more stretched, bunched and massive body with a better developed hind part. Correlation analysis of the breeding traits with external body parts indicates that live weight and wool clip in rams has a closer correlation with linear measurements in comparison with ewe lambs. In both males and females, live weight was more strongly correlated with the width in the dippers, wool clip – with the width at hips in rams, in ewe lambs the relationship was weak or practically absent. Linear regression coefficients indicate that live weight and wool clip gain in rams are predicted by an increase per unit in hip width (4.37 abs. gain; r = 0.824; p < 0.001 and 0.13 abs. gain; r = 0.792; p < 0.001). The coefficient of determination showed that in rams the changes in live weight and wool clip by 67.9 and 62.8% were explained by the width at hips, the influence of other factors – 32.1 and 37.2%, respectively. In multifactor regression models, 90.3 and 78.0% of changes in body weight and wool clip in rams are explained by the influence of a complex of linear measurements, in ewe lambs – by 25.7 and 17.5%, respectively, the remaining share is attributed to the influence of other factors, respectively.

Average daily gain in lambs grazing mixed annual forage species compared with single species and relationship to feed on offer

Context Annual forage crops provide high-quality fodder for livestock during typical autumn and winter feed-gaps in the south-east of Australia and benefits through rotations in cropping systems. While benefits from intercropping with cereals and pasture or mixing canola and peas have been studied in Australia, the potential animal-production benefits of grazing mixed annual species forage crops have not been examined. Aims To determine average daily gain (ADG) and rumen fluid parameters when sheep graze mixtures of annual fodder crops compared with a single species. Methods Ninety six Dorset × Border Leicester × Merino lambs (mean = 44.3 ± 0.55 kg) were allocated to one of the following four treatment groups (n = 24/treatment) on the basis of sex and liveweight; a single species brassica control (canola) (Br) or annual forage species mixes containing brassica (canola, turnip, radish) and cereal (wheat, cereal rye) (B + C), brassica and legume (vetch, arrowleaf clove) (B + L) or brassica, cereal and legume (B + C + L). Liveweight and rumen fluid parameters were assessed prior to grazing and again 21 and 35 days after the commencement of grazing. Key results Mean ADG from Day 0 to Day 21 was lower for female, but not male, lambs grazing the Br control (231 ± 23 g head−1 day−1) than for those grazing any forage mix (B + C = 292 ± 23 g head−1 day−1, B + L = 296 ± 23 g head−1 day−1, B + C + L = 310 ± 22 g head−1 day−1). Liveweight change over 35 days of grazing was not different between any forage mixtures. Rumen fluid pH was higher (P < 0.001) for sheep grazing forages containing cereals (B + C = 6.97 ± 0.06, B + C + L = 6.86 ± 0.06) than for those grazing brassica or legume (Br = 6.59 ± 0.06, B + L = 6.68 ± 0.06). Total volatile fatty acid concentration was lower and rumen pH was higher when sheep grazed B + C than when they grazed any other forage mix. Conclusions The higher ADG in females grazing mixtures than in those grazing the Br was related to higher dry matter on offer. Further research should determine whether the lower pH observed when sheep grazed brassica and legume than when grazing mixes containing cereals is associated with subacute rumen acidosis and reduced fibre degradation and forage energy utilisation. Implications Mixed forage species can provide higher DM on offer and ADG. Improved rumen efficiency could be related to improved growth.

PSXII-14 Fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy for indirect prediction of methane emissions from grazing cattle

Abstract Methane (CH4) production from enteric fermentation of ruminants accounts for over a quarter of the greenhouse gas emissions from the agriculture sector in the U.S. Accurate and precise quantification of CH4 is essential to identify strategies for mitigating CH4 emissions. Numerous techniques and methodologies exist for measuring enteric CH4 emissions from ruminants, however, many were designed for specific research purposes, potentially limiting their applicability on commercial farms. Our objective was to evaluate the application of fecal near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (FNIRS) to provide inputs for indirect CH4 prediction calibrations. The Grazingland Animal Nutrition Laboratory (GAN Lab) has produced FNIRS predictions of grazing livestock diet quality since 1995 in conjunction with animal performance (weight/body condition change) generated by the Nutritional Balance Analyzer (Nutbal) Software package. FNIRS is a non-invasive approach that provides a significant opportunity to inform models for grazing cattle CH4 emissions. From a comprehensive U.S. dataset of approximately 30,000 samples, we selected a subset representing beef cattle grazing the gulf coast region of Texas from 2016 to 2019 (n = 85). Inputs of diet crude protein (CP), diet digestible organic matter (DOM), live weight (LW), and estimated live weight change (LWC) were used to predict feed intake (FI) employing a published equation and, from outputs generated by Nutbal, i.e. FI_Eq and FI_Nut, respectively. The FI (kg DM/animal.day) generated by both methods were applied to established prediction equations to generate preliminary estimates of CH4 emissions (CH4 FI_Eq and CH4 FI_Nut, respectively). Differences among estimations were assessed through ANOVA, with significance determined at P < 0.05. The estimated FI was different (P < 0.01) for both methodologies, resulting in different (P < 0.01) predictions of CH4 emissions. The CH4 prediction for CH4 FI_Eq was 0.24 ± 0.03 kg/animal.day, compared to 0.38± 0.06 kg/animal.day for CH4_Nut. A difference was observed between years for the CH4 predictions estimated with CH4 FI_Eq (P < 0.01). The FNIRS/Nutbal technique provided useful inputs to the established CH4 calibrations but will need to be validated against CH4 reference methods. The Gan Lab FNIRS/Nutbal dataset offers an opportunity to not only estimate U.S. grazing ruminant CH4 emissions over the past 30 years, but also predictions of current and future emissions at individual operation to national scales. This technique will enable producers with the knowledge to optimize forage resources management, mitigate CH4 emissions, and enhance the sustainability of grazing animal agriculture.

Anticancer Effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. through HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 Axis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rat: A Biochemical, Molecular, Immunohistochemical, and Histopathological Approaches

Background and Purpose We investigated the effectiveness of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. fruit extract (VAFE) in protecting hepatocytes against N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by exploring its impact on biochemical, molecular, and antioxidant pathways, as well as its role in regulating the HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 axis pathway. Materials and Methods In the present study, 50 Wistar rats in 5 groups ( n = 10/group) of normal, HCC (80 mg/kg DEN), HCC rats receiving 200 and 400 mg/kg DEN + VAFE, and normal rats receiving 400 mg/kg VAFE were divided. The serum concentrations of liver function indices (bilirubin, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, and alkaline phosphatase), inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α, and IL-6) and oxidants parameters (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity and nitric oxide levels) were measured. Liver tissue HOTAIR, miR-124, Notch1, and Jagged1 genes and proteins were measured. p53-positive cells of liver hepatocytes were evaluated by immunohistochemical technique. Results DEN induced significant changes in body and liver weight, serum liver enzymes, antioxidant levels, inflammatory markers, and HOTAIR/miR-124/Notch1 axis genes/proteins expression related to liver pathways. VAFE demonstrated dose-dependent effects in countering these changes, significantly improving weight, liver health, antioxidant capacity, and inflammatory responses, especially at 400 mg/kg. The histopathological evaluation showed improvements in liver tissue structure with VAFE treatment. Conclusion Overall, our study demonstrates the administration of VAFE can anticancer effects of DEN-induced HCC.

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 > 0.95); in the 2-year period – by 14.1 (P > 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 > 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.

Euiin-Tang Attenuates Obesity-Induced Asthma by Resolving Metaflammation.

Euiin-tang reduces obesity and hypertension. Patients with obesity may develop obesity-induced asthma (OIA) owing to phlegm dampness. This study aimed to determine whether euiin-tang alleviates high-fat diet (HFD)-induced OIA in C57BL/6 mice. OIA was developed by HFD feeding for 15 weeks in C57BL/6 mice, and euiin-tang (5 mg/10 g/day) was orally administered for the last five weeks. Oral administration of euiin-tang suppressed HFD-induced changes in body weight, liver weight, airway hypersensitivity (AHR), and immune cell infiltration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histological analysis revealed that euiin-tang treatment suppressed HFD-induced mucosal inflammation, hypersecretion, and fibrosis. The lungs and gonadal white adipose tissue showed increased expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-13, IFN-γ, MPO, and CCL2) following HFD, whereas euiin-tang inhibited this increase. HFD also increased the number of pro-inflammatory CD86+ M1 macrophages and decreased the number of anti-inflammatory CD206+ M2 macrophages in the lungs, whereas euiin-tang treatment reversed these effects. HFD induced a decrease in adiponectin and an increase in leptin, which was reversed by euiin-tang. Therefore, euiin-tang may be a potential therapeutic agent for OIA because it suppresses metaflammation as demonstrated in the present study.

Threshold for increased liver weight is protective of other effects in Peromyscus exposed to PFNA.

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) is a commercially relevant, long-chain (8 fully fluorinated carbon) perfluorinated carboxylic acid. PFNA has limited terrestrial ecotoxicity data and is detected in humans, animals, and the environment. This study is the fourth in a series with the objective of investigating the toxicity of a suite of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) detected on military installations in a mammal indigenous to North America. Peromyscus leucopus (white-footed mice, ∼25/sex/dose) were exposed via oral gavage to either 0, 0.03, 0.14, 1, or 3 mg PFNA/kg-d for 112 consecutive days (4 wk premating exposure followed by an additional 12 wk of exposure after onset of mating). Parental generation animals were assessed for potential reproductive and developmental effects, organ weight changes, thyroid modulation, and immunotoxicity. Pup weight and survival were assessed at postnatal days 0, 1, 4, 7, and 10. Change in liver weight was determined to yield the most sensitive dose response according to benchmark dose analysis, and serves as the most protective point of departure (BMDL = 0.37 mg/kg-d PFNA). Other effects of PFNA exposure included reduced formation of plaque-forming cells, which are indicative of functional immune deficits (BMDL = 2.31 mg/kg-d); decreased serum thyroxine (BMDL = 0.93 mg/kg-d) without changes in some other hormones; and increased stillbirths (BMDL = 0.61 mg/kg-d PFNA). Pup weight and survival were not affected by PFNA exposure. Combined with data from previous studies, data from Peromyscus provide a One Health perspective on health effects of PFAS.

BRIDGE to liver health: implementation of a group telehealth psychoeducational program through shared medical appointments for MASLD management

BackgroundMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) represents a significantly costly and increasingly prevalent disease, with treatment focused on lifestyle intervention. Integrating education and behavioral health into clinical care offers opportunities to engage and empower patients to prevent progression of liver disease. We describe the design and implementation of Behavioral Resources and Intervention through Digital Group Education (BRIDGE), a 6-session group telehealth program led by advanced practice providers (APPs) in 90-min shared medical appointments (SMAs) with small groups of MASLD patients in an academic outpatient hepatology clinic. The program contains multi-component group interventions, with didactic education and behavioral coaching, while leveraging peer-based learning and support.MethodsA mixed-methods exploratory pilot study was conducted. Feasibility and acceptability of the clinical intervention were assessed by tracking recruitment, attendance, and retention of BRIDGE participants, patient interviews, and debriefing of clinician and staff views of the clinical program. Implementation metrics included program development time, workflow and scheduling logistics, and billing compliance for sustainability. Finally, patient parameters including changes in liver enzymes, FIB-4, weight, and BMI from pre- to post-BRIDGE were retrospectively analyzed.ResultsWe included 57 participants (median age 57, interquartile range (IQR) 50 – 65 years), 38 (67%) female, 38 (67%) white, and 40% had public insurance. Thirty-three (58%) participants completed all six sessions, while 43 (75%) attended at least five sessions. Patients who completed all sessions were older (median age 61 vs 53.5; p = 0.01). Gender, race/ethnicity, and insurance type were not significantly associated with missed sessions, and patients had similar rates of completion regardless of weight, BMI, or stage of liver disease. Barriers to completion included personal illness, family reasons, work commitments, or insurance issues. Prior to BRIDGE, median BMI was 31.9 (SD 29 – 36), with a median weight loss of 2 pounds (IQR -2 – 6) after BRIDGE.ConclusionThe BRIDGE telehealth SMA program was feasible, well-attended, and positively reviewed. This pilot study informs future iterations of program development and evaluation of outcome measures.

Olsalazine pretreatment augments chemosensitivity of gemcitabine in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Recently, olsalazine a DNA hypomethylating agent was found to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of olsalazine pretreatment in the potentiation of chemosensitivity of gemcitabine for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).In silico molecular docking was performed to analyze the interaction of olsalazine and gemcitabine with DNMT1 and DNA, respectively, using the AutoDock tools 1.5.6. Cytotoxicity of olsalazine, gemcitabine, and combination were measured on human HePG2 cells using MTT assay. Antiproliferative effects were assessed using animal model of N-nitrosodiethylamine and carbon tetrachloride-induced HCC. Treatment was initiated from 8th week of induction to 11th week and change in body weight, liver weight, and survival rate were measured. Following treatment, blood samples were collected for estimation serum biochemistry. Blood serum was used for the estimation of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein[CRP],lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and P53 levels. Oxidative stress markers were measured in liver tissue homogenates. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were performed on liver sections to detect the morphological changes and P53 expression. Docking analysis revealed the interactions between olsalazine and DNMT1 with a binding energy score of -5.34 and gemcitabine and DNA with a binding energy score of -5.93. Olsalazine pretreatment potentiated the antiproliferative effect of gemcitabine in cell line study. In the group receiving olsalazine pretreatment showed significant reductions in relative liver weight and improved survival rate of gemcitabine treatment group. Serum biochemical markers:serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase,serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin revealed improved liver functions. Olsalazine pretreatment also reduced the levels of inflammatory markers like CRP, LDH, TNF-α, and IL-6 and oxidative stress markers dose dependently. Histopathology and IHC showed improved liver morphology with potentiated the induction of P53 upon olsalazine pretreatment in combination with gemcitabine. In conclusion, sequential combination of olsalazine and gemcitabine improvedthe treatment outcomes during the progression of HCC.

Antitussive, Expectorant and Antipyretic Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of the Leaves of Momordica charantia L.

The traditional use of the M. charantia L. plant to treat coughs, fever and expectoration is widely practiced in different cultures, but its effectiveness and safety still require scientific investigation. This study sought to perform a chemical analysis and evaluate the antitussive, expectorant and antipyretic effects of the ethanolic extract of M. charantia leaves (EEMc) in rats and mice. The EEMc was subjected to chemical analysis by HPLC-DAD, revealing the presence of the flavonoids astragalin and isoquercetin. Acute oral toxicity in mice did not result in deaths, although changes in liver weight and stool consistency were observed. EEMc demonstrated an antitussive effect at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg in mice subjected to cough induction by citric acid nebulization. Furthermore, it showed expectorant activity at a dose of 300 mg/kg, assessed based on the elimination of the phenol red marker in bronchoalveolar lavage. In the evaluation of antipyretic activity in rats, fever induced by Saccharomyces cerevisiae was reduced at all doses tested during the first hour after treatment. This innovative study identified the presence of astragalin and isoquercetin in EEMc and indicated that the extract has antitussive, expectorant and antipyretic properties. Therefore, EEMc presents itself as a promising option in herbal medicine for the treatment of respiratory symptoms and fever.

The association between histopathologic effects and liver weight changes induced in mice and rats by chemical exposures: an analysis of the data from Toxicity Reference Database (ToxRefDB).

Absolute (ALW) and relative (RLW) liver weight changes are sensitive endpoints in repeat-dose rodent toxicity studies, and their changes are often used for quantitative assessment of health effects induced by hepatotoxic chemicals using the benchmark dose-response modeling (BMD) approach. To find biologically relevant liver weight changes to chemical exposures, we evaluated all data available for liver weight changes and associated liver histopathologic findings from the Toxicity Reference Database (ToxRefDB). Our analysis of 389 subchronic mouse and rat studies for 273 chemicals found significant differences in treatment-related ALW and RLW changes between dose groups with and without liver histopathologic changes. In addition, we demonstrate that chemical treatment-induced ALW and RLW changes can predict the presence of histopathologic findings and inform the selection of biologically relevant liver weight changes for BMD modeling and derivation of toxicity values.

Beef cattle fattening practices, marketing systems and challenges: The case of Bench Sheko and Sheka Zones of southwest Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess beef cattle fattening practices, marketing systems, and challenges in the Bench Sheko and Sheka zones of South West Ethiopia. Multi-stage purposive and random sampling procedures were used. A total of 384 households were selected randomly and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Secondary data were collected from zones and district offices. The collected data were managed and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Statistical differences were declared at P < 0.05. The mean difference was assessed by the Tukey test. The result of this study depicted that the major (87.5 %) cattle fattening system prevailing in the study areas was an extensive/traditional fattening system. The majority (68.5 %) of fatteners preferred local cattle for fattening in the study areas. Body condition was the major (52.3 %) criterion to buy and sell their beef cattle; but the mean ages selected for fattening were 4.51 ± 0.082 and 4.84 ± 0.089 years for male and female, respectively. The majority (58.9 %) of respondents fattened two times per year indicated that fattening was not their only activity in the study areas. The overall mean of cattle fattened per household per fattening period was 3.41 ± 0.077 in the study area. However, a significantly (P < 0.001) higher number of cattle was fattened in the Sheka (3.67 ± 0.126) than in the Bench Sheko (3.14 ± 0.089) per fattening period. About 81.5 % of respondents decided to finish the fattening period by considering live weight change but the rest decided by anticipated current and future price (13.5 %) and calculating feeding length (4.9 %). Village markets were the major (87.8 %) buying and selling place of cattle; whereas local butchers accounted for the highest share (62.2 %) in buying finished beef cattle in the study areas. Diseases and parasites were the severe challenges for beef cattle production while seasonal fluctuations of demand and price also challenged marketing systems. However, an increase in meat demand (41.7 %) and environmental suitability (28.1 %) were the most important opportunities for beef cattle production and marketing in the study areas. Therefore, improved beef cattle fattening practices and profit-oriented fattening systems should be adopted in areas through private and state holders in collaboration.

Additive Impacts of Liveweight and Body Condition Score at Breeding on the Reproductive Performance of Merino and Non-Merino Ewe Lambs.

Ewe lambs that are heavier due to improved nutrition pre- and post-weaning achieve puberty at a younger age, are more fertile, and have a higher reproductive rate. Fatness is intimately linked to reproduction, and we hypothesised that higher body condition scores at breeding would have positive effects on the reproductive rate of ewe lambs over and above liveweight. We also expected that if only a proportion of ewe lambs were presented for breeding, then it would be more effective to select them based on both liveweight and body condition score. To test these hypotheses, we analysed data from over 17,000 records from Merino and non-Merino ewe lambs from 22 different flocks across Australia. Non-Merino ewe lambs were more fertile (69.4% vs. 48.7%) and achieved a higher reproductive rate than Merino ewe lambs (96.9% vs. 60.7%). There were significant curvilinear relationships between liveweight (p < 0.001) or body condition score (p < 0.001) prior to breeding and reproductive rate for both Merino and non-Merino ewe lambs. For both breeds, there was a significant (p < 0.001) quadratic effect of body condition score prior to breeding on reproductive rate, independent of the correlated changes in liveweight, and at the same liveweight, an extra 0.5 of a body condition score up to 3.3 improved reproductive rate by about 20%. Nevertheless, the results indicated that if only a proportion of ewe lambs were selected for breeding, then selection based on both liveweight and body condition scores may only improve the overall reproductive rate by 1 to 2% compared to selection based on liveweight alone. We conclude that liveweight is a more effective method than body condition score for selecting ewe lambs for breeding.

Effects of grazing and climate change on aboveground standing biomass and sheep live weight changes in the desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China

CONTEXTThe Stipa breviflora desert steppe ecosystem is fragile and sensitive to climate change and grazing disturbance. Previous studies have reported the effects of climate change and grazing on aboveground standing biomass of the plant community and sheep live weight, however, the interaction between climate change and grazing remains unclear. Process models have become ideal tools for the evaluation of the effects of grazing management practices under climate change. OBJECTIVEWe used the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere Continuum System (SPACSYS) model to investigate aboveground standing biomass and the live weight of sheep in the desert steppe of Inner Mongolia under future climate change scenarios and different grazing management. The results will be used to inform adaptive management strategies. METHODSThe grazing experiment consisted of four treatments: no grazing (0 sheep ha−1 half year−1), light stocking rate (0.91 sheep ha−1 half year−1), moderate stocking rate (1.82 sheep ha−1 half year−1), and high stocking rate (2.71 sheep ha−1 half year−1). We used observed data on soil temperature, soil volumetric water content, changes to sheep live weight, and aboveground standing biomass of plant community to provide parameterization and validation for the SPACSYS model. We then predicted aboveground standing biomass of the plant community and sheep live weight changes for different grazing management under three representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5) from 2021 to 2100. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSModerate and high stocking rates decreased aboveground standing biomass and sheep live weight changes more than the light stocking rate. A light stocking rate can maintain higher aboveground standing biomass and sheep live weight as well as meet production requirements. Therefore, a light stocking rate is a potentially effective management approach to improve food production security and combat global climate change in the desert steppe. SIGNIFICANCEThe model can inform management strategies for grazing in the desert steppe under climate change, supporting efforts to maintain the stability of the steppe ecosystem and increase economic benefits, while also providing a theoretical basis for adaptive management in the desert steppe.

Behavioural responses of beef cattle to different grazing systems and the influence of these responses on water productivity of livestock in a tropical savannah

Environmental conditions and available forage on pastures greatly differ between different farming systems, which can affect the behaviour of grazing cattle. The interplay between environment-, forage-, and animal-related variables may affect the use of feed and water resources in grazing-based systems. Hence, our objectives were (i) to study the differences between grazing-based systems and seasons in environment- and pasture-related variables as well as the behaviour, feed intake, performance, and water productivity of Nellore heifers, and (ii) to understand the interrelationships between these variables. The measurements were performed in a conventional grazing system (CON), an integrated crop-livestock (ICL), and a crop-livestock-forestry (ICLF) systems in the Brazilian Cerrado during the rainy and dry seasons. Ambient temperature and relative air humidity were hourly measured in both seasons. Forage biomass and sward height were determined every month. Forage samples were taken to determine the proportions of alive leaves, alive stems, and dead plant material and to analyse their nutritive value. Forage intake, drinking water intake, and liveweight changes were quantified in 12 Nellore heifers per system and season. Feeding behaviour was recorded by chewing sensors on nine continuous days in each season. Drinking water intake was measured by water meters attached to drinking water troughs, whereby trial cameras at the troughs recorded the frequency of drinking events of individual animals. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were estimated. The ICLF reduced the exposure time to high ambient temperatures so that heifers even grazed during the hottest hours. Forage biomass in ICL and CON had greater proportions of stem and dead plant material than in ICLF. Forage intake rate was greater and grazing events were longer for animals in ICLF than those in CON, whereas the daily number of grazing events was greater in CON. Feed conversion efficiency and water productivity were greater in integrated systems than in CON. Amongst studied variables, thermal environment and forage canopy structure with its proportions of dead plant material are the main driving factors for animal behaviour, forage intake rate, and animal performance. These variables reduce feed conversion efficiency and water productivity in grazing cattle. Further research should analyse strategies for promoting thermal comfort for the animals, increasing the proportions of alive biomass, and enhancing the nutritional value of pastures for more efficient use of forage and water resources in grazing-based systems.

Noise and silver nanoparticles induce hepatotoxicity via CYP450/NF-Kappa B 2 and p53 signaling pathways in a rat model.

Co-exposure to noise and nanomaterials, such as silver nanoparticles (Silver-NPs), is a common occurrence in today's industries. This study aimed to investigate the effects of exposure to noise and the administration of silver-NPs on the liver tissue of rats. Thirty-six adult male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: a control group (administered saline intraperitoneally), two groups administered different doses of Silver-NPs (50mg/kg and 100mg/kg, 5days a week for 28days), two groups exposed to noise in addition to Silver-NPs (at the same doses as mentioned before), and a group exposed only to noise (104dB, 6hours a day, 5days a week for 4weeks). Blood samples were taken to assess hepatic-functional alterations, such as serum ALP, ALT, and AST levels. Additionally, biochemical parameters (MDA, GPX, and CAT) and the silver concentration in the liver were measured. Histopathological analysis, mRNA expression (P53 and NF-κB), protein expression (CYP450), and liver weight changes in rats were also documented. The study found that the administration of Silver-NPs and exposure to noise resulted in elevated levels of ALP, ALT, AST, and MDA (p < .01). Conversely, GPX and CAT levels decreased in all groups compared with the control group (p < .0001). There was a significant increase (p < .05) in liver weight and silver concentration in the liver tissues of groups administered Silver-NPs (50mg/kg) plus noise exposure, Silver-NPs (100mg/kg), and Silver-NPs (100mg/kg) plus noise exposure, respectively. The expression rate of P53, NF-κB, and cytochromes P450 (CYPs-450) was increased in the experimental groups (p < .05). These findings were further confirmed by histopathological changes. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that exposure to noise and the administration of Silver-NPs exacerbated liver damage by increasing protein and gene expression, causing hepatic necrosis, altering biochemical parameters, and affecting liver weight.

Administering the maternal bovine appeasing substance improves overall productivity and health in high-risk cattle during a 60-d feedlot receiving period.

This experiment evaluated health, physiological, and performance responses of high-risk cattle administered the maternal bovine appeasing substance (mBAS) during feedlot receiving. Angus-influenced, newly weaned male calves (n = 120) were purchased from an auction facility. Calves arrived at the research feedyard on day -1 and body weight (BW) was recorded upon arrival (199 ± 1 kg). Calves were ranked by arrival BW and received 1 of 2 treatments prior to initial processing (day 0): (1) 10 mL of an mBAS (Ferappease; FERA Diagnostics and Biologicals; College Station, TX) or (2) 10 mL of mineral oil (CON; placebo). Treatments were applied topically to the nuchal skin area (5 mL) and above the muzzle (5 mL). Calves were vaccinated against Clostridium and respiratory pathogens, dewormed, implanted, band-castrated, and received metaphylaxis at initial processing, and then distributed into 10 drylot pens according to arrival BW and treatment (n = 12 calves/pen, 5 pens/treatment). Calves were reapplied treatments (mBAS or CON) concurrently with booster vaccination on d 14. Feed intake and incidence of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) were recorded daily. Blood and hair samples from the tail-switch were collected on days 0, 14, 28, 42, and 60 for analysis of physiological variables. Calves were sampled for nasal microbiota analysis via swab on days 0, 14, and 28. Final shrunk BW was recorded on day 61 after 16 h of feed and water restriction. Calf BW gain and final BW did not differ between treatments (P ≥ 0.40). Incidence of BRD was similar (P = 0.99) between mBAS and CON (56.7% for both treatments; SEM = 6.45). A greater (P = 0.04) proportion of mBAS calves diagnosed with BRD required a single antibiotic treatment to regain health (70.6 vs. 47.0%; SEM = 8.32), and mortality was greater (P = 0.03) in CON calves diagnosed with BRD (17.6 vs. 2.94%; SEM = 5.133). Relative abundance of Mycoplasma in nasal microbiota was reduced (P = 0.04) in mBAS calves compared with CON (34.7 vs. 27.4%; SEM = 2.35). Cortisol concentration in hair from the tail-switch was less (P = 0.01) on day 28 for mBAS calves compared with CON. Administering mBAS improved (P = 0.04) total pen-based liveweight change during the experiment (498 vs. 309 kg/pen; SEM = 65.2) and final pen-based total liveweight (2,676 vs. 2,484 kg/pen; SEM = 65.4). Administration of mBAS to high-risk cattle decreased physiological stress markers, reduced mortality, and increased pen-based productivity during a 60-d receiving period.

Supplementing a Bacillus-based probiotic to high-risk stocker cattle.

This experiment evaluated the performance, health, and physiological responses of high-risk steers receiving a Bacillus-based probiotic during a 90-d grazing period. A total of 240 Angus-influenced steers were used in this experiment that was replicated over 2 yr (120 steers/year). Each year, steers were obtained from an auction yard and transported to the experimental facility (120 km). Steer body weight (BW) was recorded at arrival (day -1), and this value was averaged with BW recorded on day 0 to represent the initial BW (236.6±1.5kg). On day 0, steers were ranked by BW and allocated to 1 of 12 pastures with stockpiled native grass (4-ha pastures; 10 steers/pasture). Pastures were randomly assigned to receive daily supplementation with dried distillers' grains at 1% of BW containing either: 1) Bacillus subtilis + B. licheniformis probiotic (BOV; 2g/steer daily of Bovacillus; Novonesis, Horsholm, Denmark) or 2) no feed additive (CON). Cattle received treatments from days 0 to 90, in addition to free-choice access to water and mineral + vitamin mix without ionophore. Steers were assessed for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) signs daily. Blood samples were collected and full BW was recorded on days 0, 14, 28, 56, and 90. Shrunk BW was recorded on day 91 after 16h of feed and water restriction, and a 4% pencil shrink was used to calculate the final BW. Average daily gain (ADG) was calculated based on initial and final BW. No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.73) for steer final BW and ADG. A treatment × day interaction was detected (P ≤ 0.05) for plasma haptoglobin concentration, which was greater for CON steers on days 14 and 28 (P ≤ 0.02). Incidence of BRD signs did not differ (P = 0.97) between treatments (51.7% and 51.3% for BOV and CON, respectively; SEM = 7.70). However, steer mortality + removals for health complications were greater (P = 0.01) in CON compared to BOV (0.00% vs. 5.04%, respectively; SEM = 1.41). Supplementing BOV improved (P ≤ 0.04) total pasture-based liveweight change (643 vs. 502kg/pasture, respectively; SEM = 45) and final pasture-based total liveweight (3,007 vs. 2,869kg/pasture, respectively; SEM = 46). Collectively, supplementation with a probiotic based on B. subtilis and B. licheniformis to high-risk stocker cattle did not alleviate the incidence of BRD signs nor improved ADG, but decreased acute-phase protein response, reduced steer mortality + removal, and increased pasture-based productivity during a 90-d grazing period.

Effects of prenatal fish oil supplementation on the development and performance of female kids after weaning.

This study was performed to determine the influence of fish oil, an omega-3 fatty acids source, supplemented to diets of goats throughout all stages of gestation on the growth and milk production of weaned female kids. Eighty German Fawn (75%) x Hair (25%) crossbred goats were randomly assigned to treatment (fish oil, FiO group) and control (Rumen protected fat, RPF group) groups during the first half of pregnancy. Subsequently, the FiO group was further allocated into FiO-FiO and FiO-RPF subgroups and RPF group was further divided into RPF-FiO and RPF-RPF subgroups containing 20 goats in each during the second half of pregnancy. The growth and feed intake of 41 female kids (aged 75.1 ± 6.73 days, with a mean live weight of 11.6 ± 3.00 kg) were recorded for a 98 day post-weaning, In the continuation of the study, live weight changes, milk yield and composition of young female goats from mating to the second month of lactation and the growth of female kids until weaning were studied for a total of 210 days. Maternal nutrition slightly influenced the live weight gain of female kids over a 98-day investigation period (p = 0.070). When growth performance was considered, a higher feed conversion efficiency of female offspring was determined in RPF-FiO (5.52) treatment group compare to female kids in other treatment groups (p = 0.086). However, the maternal feeding system significantly affected live weight in the RPF-FiO treatment group during the mating period (P = 0.054). Concerning the feed intake, maternal nutrition significantly affected the feed intake of female kids (p < 0.01) with the highest feed consumption in the FiO-RPF group. The findings of this study have shown that fish oil enriched diet given to goats during gestation improved daily live weight changes and total live weight gain of female kids despite the initial disadvantage after weaning. At mating time, the live weight of young female goats in the RPF-FiO treatment group, which exhibited the highest feed conversion ratio during the 98-day study, was higher than the remaining treatment groups. Maternal nutrition had no effect on milk yield or milk components in young goats during lactation. Young female goats born to dams in the FiO-RPF group showed better performance than the other groups regarding live weight performance of their offspring on 56th day postpartum.

Changes in live weight and protein parameters of blood in growing heifers and steers up to the age of 13 months

The studies were conducted on bulls and heifers of Holsteinized black-breed. Two groups of 10 animals were formed in each group according to the analogy principle. In the first group, there were heifers and in the second group, there were steers. Feeding and growing conditions were the same. Blood for biochemical studies was taken at 1,3,6,9,12 and at 13 months of age. The live weight of the heifers and steers was monitored at the same time and we calculated the average daily gain. Total protein and albumin were determined by the colorimetric method. The number of globulins and the value of protein coefficient (albumin/globulins) were calculated by the calculation method. With increasing age of experimental animals, the level of total blood protein gradually increased. Thus, in heifers the concentration of total protein by 13 months of age increased by 9.3 g/l and amounted to 70.1±0.9 g/l. In steers, the increase was 11.3 g/l and amounted to 72.0±1.1 g/l. Comparing the indices of total protein between experimental animals it was found that during the experiment the level of total protein in blood was not significantly higher in steers. The amount of albumin in heifers from 1 to 13 months of age increased by 9.8 g/l, and in steers by 12.3 g/l. In all periods of the experiment, the level of albumin was higher in steers in relation to heifers. The level of globulins from 1 to 13 months of age in heifers and steers changed irregularly. There were no differences in this index between heifers and steers. The value of protein index increased with increasing age of heifers and steers. The live weight of the heifers at 13 months of age was 353.0±1.7 kg, and of the steers 377.7±2.1 kg.