Low-energy Diet Research Articles

Effects of Dietary Energy Level on Performance, Plasma Parameters, and Central AMPK Levels in Stressed Broilers.

This study aimed to characterize the effects of diets with different energy levels on the growth performance, plasma parameters, and central AMPK signaling pathway in broilers under dexamethasone (DEX)-induced stress. A total of 216 1-day-old male broiler chickens were allocated to groups fed with high (HED), National Research Council-recommended (control), or low (LED) energy diets. At 10 days old, chickens were treated with or without dexamethasone (DEX, 2 mg/kg body weight) for 3 consecutive days. HED increased broiler average daily gain (ADG) at 10 days old, compared with the LED (P < 0.05), while average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion rate (FCR) decreased as the dietary energy level increased (P < 0.05). Chickens fed a HED had higher total protein (TP) content, albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (TCHO), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, compared with the control group (P < 0.05). At 13 days old, DEX decreased ADG and increased FCR in broilers fed with different energy diets (P < 0.05). The DEX-HED group had a higher ADFI than non-DEX treated HED group chickens. In addition, TP, ALB, triglycerides (TG), TCHO, HDL, and LDL content levels in the DEX group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The uric acid (UA) content of the LED group was higher than that of the HED group (P < 0.05). Further, gene expression levels of liver kinase B1, AMP-activated protein kinase α1, neuropeptide Y, and GC receptor in the hypothalamus were increased in chickens treated with DEX (P < 0.05). There was a trend toward interaction between plasma TCHO and hypothalamic LKB1 expression (0.05 < P < 0.1). In conclusion, this study suggests that HED improves growth performance, plasma glucose and total cholesterol at 10 days old broilers, but had no significant effect on performance, plasma parameters, and central AMPK in stressed broilers.

Current preoperative strategies applied in the Dutch bariatric centers: A national survey.

SummaryThere is no consensus about the optimal management of patients undergoing bariatric surgery. This study aimed to identify current weight loss goals prior to bariatric surgery, as well as aimed to explore preoperative strategies related to diet, nutritional supplements and physical activity. An online survey was distributed among bariatric surgeons and dietitians in all 18 Dutch bariatric centers. This survey included the following four domains: weight loss, diet, nutritional supplements and physical activity. For the analyses one answer per center was used, either the most common answer or the answer given by the most expert responder. All 18 centers reported at least one response. Preoperative weight loss was requested in 28% of the centers, whereas 61% desired a stable weight or weight loss, and 11% had no requests. A preoperative diet was routinely recommended in 78% of the centers and on indication (ie, depending on baseline weight and/or comorbidity status) in 22%. The most frequently prescribed diet was a low‐energy diet (800‐1500 kcal/day) in 44% of the centers. Nutritional supplements were recommended in 78% of the centers. Physical activity with low intensity was recommended in 83% of the centers, while physical exercise training with mid‐ to high‐intensity was recommended in 72%. Inconsistent responses within centers were observed in 56% of the questions. The current bariatric practice within the Netherlands shows high variability and inconsistencies in preoperative management. Consensus‐building and standardization of strategies should be promoted in the future.

188 Evaluation of Alternative Summer Feeding Strategies to Optimize Performance in High Lean Genetics Using Energy, Narasin and Phytonutrient Blend Individually, Or, in Combination

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding medium energy diets together with feed ingredients (Narasin-Skycis, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN; Phytonutrient blend-LeanFuel, Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL) as compared to low and high energy diets in high lean genetics during the summer. A total of 1375 pigs (PIC 337×PIC 1050; average 32.92 kg) were used in the experiment and were randomly assigned within block to 1 of 5 treatments by weight and gender, and 5 diet phases were formulated to meet and exceed NRC 2012 requirements, and formulated to a constant Lysine:NE ratio using corn, soybean meal and fat as low-energy, 3307 kcal/kg ME (L), moderate-energy, 3362 kcal/kg (M) and high-energy, 3417 kcal/kg ME (H) diets, and the trial ran from 32.92 kg to slaughter. Treatments 1) L 2) H 3) M with 1135 g/ton of LeanFuel added from 81.65 kg onwards 4) M with 13.6 g/ton Narasin throughout 5) M with 13.6 g/ton Narasin throughout and LeanFuel added from 81.65 kg onwards. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX of SAS with pen serving as the experimental unit and blocks included in random effects. There was no difference in removals (P = 0.934). There was no difference in ADG between L and H, but H improved G:F by 2.5% (P &amp;lt; 0.01) as expected. ADG was intermediate for M+LF and M+Nar, with M+Nar+LF having a significantly greater ADG than both L and H by 4.8% for the overall period (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Feed efficiency was significantly lower for H, M+LF, M+Nar and M+Nar+LF as compared to L, but there was no difference for G:F between H and M+LF, M+Nar and M+Nar+LF. Gain per pig was increased by M+Nar+LF by 5.1 kg and 4.5 kg over L and H, respectively (P &amp;lt; 0.01). The combined use of Nar and LF offer an approach to supporting growth rate during the summer.

Circadian disruption by short light exposure and a high energy diet impairs glucose tolerance and increases cardiac fibrosis in Psammomys obesus

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases cardiac inflammation which promotes the development of cardiac fibrosis. We sought to determine the impact of circadian disruption on the induction of hyperglycaemia, inflammation and cardiac fibrosis. Methods: Psammomys obesus (P. obesus) were exposed to neutral (12 h light:12 h dark) or short (5 h light:19 h dark) photoperiods and fed a low energy (LE) or high energy (HE) diet for 8 or 20 weeks. To determine daily rhythmicity, P. obesus were euthanised at 2, 8, 14, and 20 h after ‘lights on’. Results: P. obesus exposed to a short photoperiod for 8 and 20 weeks had impaired glucose tolerance following oral glucose tolerance testing, compared to a neutral photoperiod exposure. This occurred with both LE and HE diets but was more pronounced with the HE diet. Short photoperiod exposure also increased myocardial perivascular fibrosis after 20 weeks on LE (51%, P < 0.05) and HE (44%, P < 0.05) diets, when compared to groups with neutral photoperiod exposure. Short photoperiod exposure caused elevations in mRNA levels of hypertrophy gene Nppa (atrial natriuretic peptide) and hypertrophy transcription factors Gata4 and Mef2c in myocardial tissue after 8 weeks. Conclusion: Exposure to a short photoperiod causes impaired glucose tolerance in P. obesus that is exacerbated with HE diet and is accompanied by an induction in myocardial perivascular fibrosis.

Novel dietary interventions for adolescents with obesity: A narrative review

Adolescent obesity is increasing and a range of treatment approaches are needed. Provision of tailored treatment options accounting for individual and family needs, preferences, and capacity may encourage adolescents with obesity to seek treatment, and/or improve treatment outcomes. Delivered by trained health care professionals, novel dietary interventions may have utility for adolescents not responding to conventional diets, adolescents with comorbidities or severe obesity, and/or when rapid or substantial weight loss is required. This review describes current evidence and clinical considerations relating to the use of very low energy diets, low carbohydrate diets, and intermittent energy restriction in the treatment of adolescent obesity. Emerging evidence on the use of these novel dietary interventions demonstrates short-term weight-related and cardiometabolic improvements. While the evidence is encouraging, and no serious adverse effects have been reported, monitoring of intervention safety is essential. Considerations for health care professionals providing care to adolescents include nutritional adequacy, psychosocial health and social relationships during the intervention. Furthermore, long-term weight-related, cardiometabolic and psychological health outcomes of these dietary interventions are not well understood. Large randomised controlled trials are warranted to inform clinical practice and future guidelines for the use of novel dietary interventions in adolescents with obesity.

Supplementation of Microbial and Fungal Phytases to Low Protein and Energy Diets: Effects on Productive Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Blood Profiles of Broilers

To evaluate in possible use of phytases for improving the utilization of low protein and energy diets, 420, one-day-old chicks were distributed among 7 groups (5 replicates of 12 chicks/group). During the starter (1–35 day), grower (37–56 day), and finisher (57–64 day) periods, the control group fed diets containing 21.2% crude protein (CP)-2947 Kcal/kg metabolizable energy (ME), 19.6 CP-3023 ME and 18.0 CP-3100 ME, respectively. The three low-CP groups received diets isocaloric but with −1% CP than the control, while the three low-CPME groups fed diets with −1% CP and −100 Kcal than the control. In addition, the low-CP and low-CPME groups were supplemented with 0 (low-CP_uns and low-CPME_uns), 500 U/kg of an Aspergillus niger (low-CP_AP and low-CPME_AP) or 500 FTU/kg of an Escherichia coli phytase (low-CP_EP and low-CPME_EP), respectively. Low-CP and low-CPME diets decreased (p &lt; 0.01) the intake of feed as well as the protein and metabolizable energy conversion ratios in comparison to the control group. In general, phytases lowered (p &lt; 0.01) the intake of feed, protein, and energy, but bacterial phytase showed a higher (p &lt; 0.01) effect than A. niger one. The diets with low-CP and low-CPME levels decreased (p &lt; 0.01) the amount of the excreta nitrogen. The supplementation of phytases had similar effects on digestibility of nutrients, carcass traits, bone mineralization and blood biochemistry. The supplementation of A. niger increased abdominal fat deposition of compared low-CPME diet compared to low-CPME_uns diet. All diets showed similar production index allowing the use of low-CPME diet when phytases was supplemented.

Changes in white adipose tissue gene expression in a randomized control trial of dieting obese men with lowered serum testosterone alone or in combination with testosterone treatment.

The aim of this study was to determine early weight loss-associated changes in subcutaneous abdominal white adipose tissue (WAT) gene expression in obese men with lowered serum testosterone by RNA next-generation sequencing. Fourteen men, mean age (IQR) 51.6 years (43.4-54.5), BMI 38.3 kg/m2 (34.6-40.8) and total testosterone 8.4 nmol/L (7.5-9.5) provided subcutaneous WAT samples at baseline and after 2 weeks of a very low energy diet. Body weight loss was similar in participants receiving testosterone (n = 6), -5.27 kg [95% CI -6.17; -4.26], and placebo (n = 8), -4.57 kg [95% CI -6.10; -3.55], p = 0.86. In placebo-treated men, of the 14,410 genes expressed in subcutaneous WAT, four genes, Angiopoietin-like 4, Semaphorin 3 G, Neuropilin 2 and Angiopoietin 4, were upregulated (adjusted false discovery rate P < 0.05). In an exploratory analysis comparing men receiving testosterone and placebo, the most-upregulated gene in the testosterone group (exploratory p < 0.0005) was the neuropeptide y receptor 2. In obese men, dieting is associated with upregulation of WAT-expressed Angiopoietin-like 4, a secreted protein that regulates lipid metabolism, Semaphorin 3 G, a proposed adipocyte differentiation factor and secreted adipokine, and its receptor Neuropilin 2, as well as Angiopoietin 4, a vascular integrity factor. In an exploratory analysis, testosterone was associated with the upregulation of neuropeptide y receptor 2, a receptor involved in appetite regulation. Further studies are needed to confirm these observations and their potential biological implications. clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT01616732, Registration date: June 8, 2012.

Impact of high dietary energy on obesity and oxidative stress in domestic pigeons.

Obesity is associated with increased risk of oxidative stress in humans and laboratory animals but information regarding obesity‐induced oxidative stress in birds is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of high‐energy diets (HED) on obesity and oxidative stress in domestic pigeons. Forty‐five adult clinically healthy‐domestic male pigeons were randomly assigned to three equal dietary groups including low (2,850 kcal/kg), medium (3,150 kcal/kg) and high (3,450 kcal/kg) energy diets (named low energy diet, medium‐energy diet and HED, respectively). All birds received formulated diets for 60 consecutive days. Several parameters such as feed intake, body weight (BW), average weight gain (AWG) and total weight gain were determined. Serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐, low‐ and very‐low‐density lipoprotein cholesterols, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were evaluated at days 0, 30 and 60; and serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and cortisol were also measured at day 60. On day 60, five pigeons from each group were randomly euthanized and some parameters such as weight and relative weight of liver, breast muscle, and abdominal fat were determined. Furthermore, hepatic total fat content was also evaluated. BW, AWG, total weight, and circulating TG, TC, ALT, AST, ALP, MDA and cortisol in HED were significantly higher than other groups. Serum T‐AOC in HED was significantly lower than the other groups. In conclusion, this study showed that increasing dietary energy up to 3,450 kcal/kg in pigeons led to obesity and oxidative stress in them. Accordingly, it could be stated that HED and obesity induce oxidative stress in pigeon and controlling the dietary energy intake of pigeons is necessary to prevent oxidative stress in them.

Comparison between volunteer- and expert-led versions of a community-based weight-loss intervention.

This study compared the effect of volunteer- and expert-led versions of a community-based weight-loss intervention in a non-randomized comparative trial conducted in Ibaraki, Japan from 2016 to 2017. Participants were 145 Japanese adults with overweightness or obesity, aged 20-69years, with 77 in a volunteer-led group and 68 in an expert-led group. Both groups received the same program content and intervention period. Community volunteers were trained in four or five 3-hour training sessions while experts were highly trained and experienced professionals in the fields of exercise and nutrition prescription. Participants were also instructed to maintain a well-balanced, low-energy diet. The primary outcome measure was body weight change. In the volunteer- and expert-led groups, 58 of 77 (75%) and 61 of 68 (95%) participants completed the 12-week intervention, respectively. The mean (95% confidence interval, CI) weight loss of the volunteer-led group was 6.4 (95% CI: 5.6-7.2) kg, corresponding to 8.9% of initial body weight, while that of the expert-led group was 6.3 (95% CI: 5.5-7.1) kg, corresponding to 8.2% of the initial body weight. The proportion of participants who completed the course was significantly higher in the expert-led group (P<0.05); however, the degree of the body weight change was similar for both groups. With improvement in the completion proportion of the volunteer-led weight-loss interventions, such programs could be an alternative strategy for the wide-scale dissemination of low-cost obesity management.

Intermittent Versus Continuous Low-Energy Diet in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Protocol for a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundIntensive face-to-face weight loss programs using continuous low-energy diets (CLEDs) providing approximately 800 kcal per day (3347 kJ per day) can produce significant weight loss and remission from type 2 diabetes (T2D). Intermittent low-energy diets (ILEDs) and remotely delivered programs could be viable alternatives that may support patient choice and adherence.ObjectiveThis paper describes the protocol of a pilot randomized controlled trial to test the feasibility and potential efficacy of remotely supported isocaloric ILED and CLED programs among patients with overweight and obesity and T2D.MethodsA total of 79 participants were recruited from primary care, two National Health Service hospital trusts, and a voluntary T2D research register in the United Kingdom. The participants were randomized to a remotely delivered ILED (n=39) or CLED (n=40). The active weight loss phase of CLED involved 8 weeks of Optifast 820 kcal/3430 kJ formula diet, followed by 4 weeks of food reintroduction. The active weight loss phase of ILED (n=39) comprised 2 days of Optifast 820 kcal/3430 kJ diet and 5 days of a portion-controlled Mediterranean diet for 28 weeks. Both groups were asked to complete 56 Optifast 820 kcal/3430 kJ days during their active weight loss phase with an equivalent energy deficit. The diets were isocaloric for the remainder of the 12 months. CLED participants were asked to follow a portion-controlled Mediterranean diet 7 days per week. ILED followed 1-2 days per week of a food-based 820 kcal/3430 kJ diet and a portion-controlled Mediterranean diet for 5-6 days per week. Participants received high-frequency (weekly, fortnightly, or monthly depending on the stage of the trial) multidisciplinary remote support from a dietitian, nurse, exercise specialist, and psychologist via telephone or the Oviva smartphone app. The primary outcomes of the study were uptake, weight loss, and changes in glycated hemoglobin at 12 months. An outcome assessment of trial retention was retrospectively added. Secondary outcomes included an assessment of adherence and adverse events. A qualitative evaluation was undertaken via interviews with participants and health care professionals who delivered the intervention.ResultsA total of 79 overweight or obese participants aged 18-75 years and diagnosed with T2D in the last 8 years were recruited to the Manchester Intermittent and Daily Diet Diabetes App Study (MIDDAS). Recruitment began in February 2018, and data collection was completed in February 2020. Data analysis began in June 2020, and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in 2021.ConclusionsThe outcomes of the MIDDAS study will inform the feasibility of remotely delivered ILED and CLED programs in clinical practice and the requirement for a larger-scale randomized controlled trial.Trial RegistrationInternational Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN) 15394285; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15394285International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/21116

DIETS AND DIETARY INGREDIENTS SELECTION BY BROILER CHICKEN: EFFECTS ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE, CARCASS QUALITY AND ECONOMICS OF PRODUCTION

A total of 90day – old Hypeco broiler chicks were used in a choice-feeding trial to investigate whether meat-type chicken could select adequate nutrients that would support fast growth rate from a choice of imbalanced diet and feed ingredients. Three diets were used: a control diet (diet A= 200g/kg CP, 3031 kcal/kg ME) and two test diets; a low protein, high-energy diet (diet B=166g/kgCP, 3021 kcal/kg ME) and a low-protein, low-energy diet (diet C=168g/kgCP, 2838 kcal/kg ME). The diets were fed singly. The test diets were also used in a choice-feeding with ground maize and soya-bean meal (SBM). The study lasted for 5weeks and the response criteria included growth performance, carcass and organ characteristics, and economics of production. Weight gain and feed conversion ratio were significantly (P &lt; 0.01) and (P &lt; 0.001 respectively) influenced. Birds on the control diets had the highest weight gain and best feed conversion ratio. Birds on the low-protein, high-energy diet had performances not significantly (P &gt; 0.05) lower than the control. The low-protein, low-energy diet depressed performance. Feeding the imbalanced diets (diets B and C) singly produced better performances than feeding them with a choice of dietary ingredients. Birds exhibited selection potentials by selecting the ground maize and SBM to compensate for deficiencies in the imbalanced diets but not at a level adequate enough to improve performances. Only the relative chest weight was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) influenced amongst the carcass and organ weights measured. It decreased with decreasing feed quality. Economics of production showed that low quality and cheaper priced feeds do not necessarily give higher income and profit. The benefits of feeding single balanced diets and the possibility of decreasing the protein content of broiler finisher diets without compromising profits were revealed. It was suggested that broiler chicken appeared to select nutrients for maximize economic performance and that feed quality control should be enforced.

Live and internal organ weights of male growing pigs fed low protein and low energy diets supplemented with multi-enzyme

Organ characteristics of male growing male pigs fed low crude protein and low energy diets supplemented with multi-enzyme were determined using 36 hybrid (Landrace x Large white) male pigs of 8-10 weeks old. Two metabolizable energy (3000 and 2600 Kcal ME/kg) and three crude protein levels (14, 16 and 18 % CP) were used to formulate six dietary treatments; T1: control (3000 Kcal ME/kg; 18 % CP), T2 (3000 Kcal ME/Kg; 16 % CP), T3 (3000 Kcal ME/kg; 14 % CP), T4 (2600 Kcal ME/kg; 18 % CP), T5 (2600 Kcal ME/kg; 16 % CP) and T6 (2600 Kcal ME/kg; 14 % CP). The enzyme was added to all the treatments at 1g/kg diet except the control. The treatments were replicated three times with two pigs per replicate. The experiment was a 2 x 3 factorial. The pigs were starved for 12 hours but allowed access to drinking water, stunned and bled completely. It was cut open though the thorax region along the underline to the abdomen, exposing the entire internal organs and GIT contents. The heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, spleen and other internal organs were examined, carefully removed and weighed with a sensitive electronic kitchen scale, model SF-400. Higher (P &lt;0.05) live weight (33500.00g), with lower (P &lt;0.05) mean values for heart and viscera were recorded in male growing pigs fed T4. Male growing pigs fed with T3 and T6 had lower (P&lt;0.05) live weight (12200.00g and 11500.00g), and higher (P&lt;0.05) relative internal organs. Male growing pigs fed 14 % CP diets (T3 and T6) with their corresponding metabolizable energy levels (3000kcal and 2600kcal) recorded higher (P&lt;0.05) heart and viscera's values. Keeping growing (male) pigs on low crude protein diets (14 %) supplemented with multi-enzyme, irrespective of the energy levels, did not improve live weight but increased relative organ weight. &#x0D; &#x0D; Les caractéristiques des organes de porcs mâles en croissance nourris à faible en protéines brutes et en énergie mais plutôt supplémentée en multi-enzymes ont été déterminées en utilisant 36 porcs mâles hybrides (Landrace x Large white) âgés de 8 à 10 semaines. Deux énergies métabolisables (3000 et 2600 Kcal ME / kg) et trois niveaux de protéines brutes (14, 16 et 18% CP) ont été utilisés pour formuler six traitements diététiques ; T1 : contrôle (3000 Kcal ME / kg ; 18% CP), T2 (3000 Kcal ME / Kg ; 16% CP), T3 (3000 Kcal ME / kg ; 14% CP), T4 (2600 Kcal ME / kg ; 18 % CP), T5 (2600 Kcal ME / kg ; 16% CP) et T6 (2600 Kcal ME / kg ; 14% CP). L'enzyme a été ajoutée à tous les traitements à raison de 1 g / kg de régime sauf le témoin. Les traitements ont été répliqués trois fois avec deux porcs par réplica. L'expérience était une factorielle 2 x 3. Les porcs ont été affamés pendant 12 heures mais ont eu accès à l'eau potable, étourdis et saignaient complètement. Il a été ouvert à travers la région du thorax le long du trait de soulignement jusqu'à l'abdomen, exposant l'ensemble des organes internes et le contenu du 'GIT'. Le cœur, les poumons, le foie, les reins, la rate et d'autres organes internes ont été examinés, soigneusement prélevés et pesés avec une balance de cuisine électronique sensible, modèle SF-400. Un poids vif plus élevé (P &lt;0,05) (33500,00 g), avec des valeurs moyennes plus faibles (P &lt;0,05) pour le cœur et les viscères ont été enregistrés chez des porcs en croissance mâles nourris au T4. Les porcs mâles en croissance nourris avec T3 et T6 avaient des organes internes relatifs inférieurs (P &lt;0,05) (12 200,00 g et 11500,00 g) et supérieurs (P &lt;0,05). Les porcs mâles en croissance nourris avec 14% de régimes 'CP' (T3 et T6) avec leurs niveaux d'énergie métabolisables correspondants (3000 kcal et 2600 kcal) ont enregistré des valeurs cardiaques et viscérales plus élevées (P &lt;0,05). Le fait de garder les porcs en croissance (mâles) avec des régimes pauvres en protéines brutes (14%) supplémentés en multi-enzymes, quels que soient les niveaux d'énergie, n'a pas amélioré le poids vif mais augmenté le poids relatif des organes

One-month of a low-energy diet, with no additional effect of high-protein, reduces Obstructive Sleep Apnea severity and improve metabolic parameters in obese males.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is closely associated with obesity. Weight loss ameliorates OSA and its associated metabolic disorders. A high protein intake may improve weight loss through increased energy expenditure, and fat-free mass maintenance during weight loss. To evaluate the effects of a low-energy, high-protein diet on OSA severity and metabolic parameters in obese men. Forty-five OSA obese (BMI≥30kg/m2) males were included in this randomized study and submitted to nocturnal polysomnography, body composition measured by plethysmography, biochemical analyses of blood glucose, insulin and lipids, and food intake evaluations before and after one month of a low-energy diet. Diets were designed to create a 30% deficit in total energy expenditure with 1.6g of protein/kg/day (High Protein group - HP) or 0.8g of protein/kg/day (Low Protein group - LP). Only a time effect of the intervention was observed in body mass (-3.7±2.0% for the LP group and-4.0±1.5% for the HP group; p<0.001), Body Mass Index (p<0.001), fat mass in kg (p<0.01) and fat-free mass in kg (p<0.01). Significant improvements in Apnea Hypopnea Index were observed in both groups (54.0±25.0 to 33.7±31.7 in LP group; 39.7±24.3 to 21.4±25.9 in HP group; p=0.06). Improvements of 38% and 46% in the Apnea-Hypopnea Index were observed in the LP and HP groups, respectively. Both interventions provided equivalent metabolic benefits as reductions in glucose (p<0.001), insulin (p<0.001), HOMA-IR (p=0.005), triglycerides (p=0.002), and in total cholesterol (p=0.004). One month of a low-energy diet resulted in significant improvements in OSA severity in obese men. Increased protein intake during a short period of low-energy diet had no further beneficial effects on OSA severity or biochemical parameters than a standard protein diet. Registered under ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier no. NCT01985035.

Effect of Bacillus pumilus supplementation on performance, intestinal morphology, gut microflora and meat quality of broilers fed different energy concentrations

In this research trial, the effects of the dietary supplementation with a probiotic were evaluated in broiler chickens fed diets with standard or reduced (-4%) metabolizable energy concentration. A total of 640 day-old Ross-308 male chicks were allocated into four equal treatments with ten replicates each (16 chicks per pen). The control treatment (D1) was fed with the basal diets (starter 1−10 days, grower 11−24 days, and finisher 25−35 days). The second treatment (D2) was fed diets containing 4% lower metabolizable energy, compared to the control. The third treatment (D3) and fourth treatment (D4) were fed the diets of the first and second treatments, respectively, further supplemented with a probiotic (Bacillus pumilus) at the level of 7 × 108 CFU (viable spores)/kg feed. All diets were supplied in mash form, and feed and water were provided to the birds ad libitum. The examined parameters included performance, gut histology, gut microbiota populations, welfare parameters (diarrhea and foot pad dermatitis scores), bedding material quality and carcass quality parameters. Two-way analysis of variance method (energy concentration x probiotic supplementation) was used for the statistical analysis. The main significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects of the lower energy diets were: decreased final body weight and weight gain; decreased ileum villus height and number of goblet cells; decreased counts of Bacillus spp in the ileum and the ceca; increased diarrhea score (day 24) and footpad dermatitis score (days 24 and 35); increased bedding material moisture and nitrogen concentration; change of carcass composition by lowering the fat percentage while increasing moisture and protein percentages; improved meat oxidative stability under refrigerated storage up to 4 days. Furthermore, the main significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects of the Bacillus supplementation were: increased final weight and weight gain, and improved feed conversion ratio; increased ileum villus height and number of goblet cells; increased counts of Lactobacillus and Bacillus spp in the ileum and the ceca; improved diarrhea score (days 10 and 24) and footpad dermatitis score (days 10 and 24); decreased bedding material moisture and nitrogen concentration; improved meat oxidative stability under refrigerated storage up to 4 days. In conclusion, the results showed that this probiotic supplementation of the diet can support broiler performance, welfare and meat quality. In addition, as treatment D4 had similar body growth and feed conversion with treatment D1, it appears that the probiotic supplementation had an energy sparing effect on the energy-diluted diets.

EFFECTS OF SEVERE ENERGY VERSUS PROTEIN DEPRIVATION DURING GESTATION OF REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND BLOOD METABOLITES OF GILTS

Diets designated as high energy, high protein (HEHP), low energy, high protein (LEHP), high energy, low protein (HELP) and low energy, low protein (LELP) were fed to gilts from breeding through farrowing. Feeding rates were 1.82 (HEHP, HELP) or 0.68 kg (LEHP LELP) of diet per gilt per day. Diets were calculated to provide 6.6 (HEHP, HELP) or 2.2 Meal (LEHP, LELP) of digestible energy and 272 (HEHP, LEHP) or 60 g (HELP, LELP) of protein per gilt per day. Protein contents of the HEHP, LEHP, HELP and LELP diets were 15, 40, 3.3 and 9%. All sows and their progeny were treated similarly after farrowing. Gilts on the high energy diets (HEHP, HELP) gained significantly more weight during gestation than the gilts on the low energy diets (LEHP, LELP). Farrowing percentages were 100, 100, 80 and 40% for the HEHP, HELP, LEHP and LELP gilts respectively. Average litter size, birth weight, number of pigs weaned per litter or weaning weights were not significantly different among treatments. At the same stages of gestation, there were no significant differences among treatments in plasma glucose levels but plasma glucose significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) in all treatments with advancing pregnancy. Serum albumun concentrations were significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in the HELP group than in the other groups by the end of gestation. The data indicate that lowering protein intake during gestation may be one way of reducing feed costs without impairing reproductive performance.

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN THE GROWTH PATTERN OF BRIOLERS UNDER DIFFERENT DIETARY AND HOUSING CONDITION

Two hundred and seventy day old broiler chicks were randomly distributed among three dietary treatment (iso-nitrogenous high and low energy straight-run diets and a conventional broiler diet) and two housing condition (the cage and deep litter) to study the comparative growth pattern between the male and female broilers. Each treatment was replicated thrice at 15 birds per replicate. The chicks were raised for 8 weeks. There were significant interactions (p&lt;0.05) between age, diet housing location and sex. The male broiler had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher body weight gains than the females especially at the finisher phase. While the females performed better on high energy diet at both phases, the males respond to low energy diet at the starter phase and high energy at the finisher, hence a narrow male: female divergence ratio at the finisher phase. Generally, location had no significant effect (p&gt;0.05) on body weight gains (215.0g vs 214.3g/bird/wk – cage vs floor). However, males gained slightly more weight in the cage while female gained slightly more on deep litter. Both recorded higher gains on the floor at the starter phase and in the cage at the finisher period. Coefficient of variation was respectively lower for the male broilers, birds in the cage, birds at the finisher phase and lowest for birds on conventional diet. Feed consumption was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) for lower energy diet (68.9 vs 65.1g/birds/day) as well as by birds in the cage (69.4 vs 64.5g/birds/day) with correspondingly lower utilization rate.

Impact of Dietary Betaine and Metabolizable Energy Levels on Profiles of Proteins and Lipids, Bioenergetics, Peroxidation and Quality of Meat in Japanese Quail.

Simple SummaryThree hundred and sixty quails were divided into six groups to evaluate the effect of dietary betaine on profiles of proteins and lipids, bioenergetics, peroxidation and quality of meat of Japanese quail fed diets containing three levels of metabolizable energy (ME) viz. optimum (2900 kcal ME/kg), restricted (2800 kcal ME/kg) and low (2700 kcal ME/kg). Dietary betaine improved meat quality parameters viz. cooking loss, thawing loss and water-holding capacity of Japanese quail fed diets containing either restricted or low ME by enrichments of the meat with omega-3 fatty acids and reduction of lipids levels.Three different diets were formulated with three levels of metabolizable energy (ME) (optimum; 2900, restricted; 2800 and low; 2700 kcal ME/kg diet) without or with (0 and 0.15%) betaine supplementation in 2 × 3 factorial design to evaluate the effect of six experimental diets on performance, proteins and lipids profiles, bioenergetics, peroxidation and meat quality of Japanese quail. Therefore, 360 quails allocated into six groups in a 23-day experiment. Dietary betaine and ME levels did not affect the performance, meat energy indices (ATP and AMP) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of Japanese quail meat. Dietary betaine and/or ME levels induced significant changes in serum triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterols (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-c), meat total lipids and cholesterol of Japanese quail. Optimum and restricted ME levels reduced total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) whereas dietary betaine increased ecosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic acids (DHA) and glutamine concentrations in breast meat of Japanese quail. Dietary betaine and low energy diet improved cooking loss, thawing loss (ThL) and water holding capacity (WHC) in breast meat of Japanese quail. Conclusively, dietary betaine improved meat quality of Japanese quail fed diets containing either restricted or low ME by enrichments the meat with omega-3 fatty acids and reduction of lipids levels.

Brief formula low-energy-diet for relapse management during weight loss maintenance in the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT).

Weight loss maintenance (WLM) is critical for sustaining type 2 diabetes (T2D) remission, but poorly evidenced. We evaluated brief return to formula low-energy-diet (LED) as relapse treatments (RTs) during the WLM phase of the Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial (DiRECT). This post-hoc evaluation included all participants commencing the WLM phase of DiRECT. The protocol offered RT when regain of >2kg occurred. In total, 123/149 (83%) DiRECT intervention participants commenced the WLM phase after 26 (17%) had withdrawn prior to the WLM phase. Most participants [99/123 (80%)] regained >2kg during the WLM phase, among whom 60/99 (61%) were recorded as using RT and 39/99 (39%) not using any RT. At baseline, RT users had a higher mean (SD) body mass index [35.8 (4.9)kg m-2 vs. 33.8 (3.9)kg m-2 , p=0.0231] and had greater social deprivation (P=0.0003) than non-users, although otherwise the groups were similar. Weight loss≥2k g was achieved in 30/93 (32%) of RT attempts. At 2years, those regaining >2kg and using RT (n=60) had mean (SD) weight losses of 7.4 (6.1)kg, with 25 (42%) remissions and 7 (12%) programme withdrawals. Those regaining >2kg but not using RT (n=39) had weight losses of 8.8 (6.0)kg, with 21 (54%) remissions and 4 (10%) programme withdrawals (all not significant). Twelve participants were never recorded as having regained >2kg or using RTs and, at 2years, their weight losses were 12.9 (9.2)kg, with 4 (33%) remissions and 8 (67%) programme withdrawals. Most people with T2D experience weight regain >2kg during the 2years after substantial weight loss with a LED. Only one-third of RTs corrected their 2-kg regain, resulting in similar weight losses, remissions and programme withdrawals at 2years compared to those not using RTs; however, both groups had weight losses below those not recorded as regaining >2kg during WLM.

Evolving Emulsifier Supplementation Strategy for Low Energy Diet in Broiler Chickens

Background: High performance hybrid broilers require a high energy diet to exploit their full genetic potential. Therefore, high energy sources are being used in broiler diet which creates interest in the use of emulsifiers along with fat source. Hence, this study was conducted to evolve emulsifier supplementation strategy in low energy diet containing tallow as fat source in commercial broiler chickens. Methods: Total of 150 day old broiler chicks randomly distributed into three treatments with 5 replicates of ten chicks each. Treatment groups were fed basal diet which contains tallow as energy source (T1), basal diet supplemented with emulsifier at 250g per tonne of feed (T2) and 80 kcal Metabolizable energy reduced from basal diet supplemented with emulsifier at the rate of 250g per ton of feed (T3). Result: At 6th week of age significantly highest body weight was noticed in T2 group, lowest feed intake was recorded in T2 group but feed conversion ratio was comparable between T3 (1.72) and T2 (1.74) groups. No significant difference in carcass parameters and serum biochemical parameters were noticed. Emulsifier supplementation with reduced metabolizable energy can be used as a feeding strategy in broiler chickens to improve the production performance.

Investigating IGF-II and IGF2R serum markers as predictors of body weight loss following an 8-week acute weight loss intervention: PREVIEW sub-study

BackgroundWeight reduction is effective in preventing T2D however, weight reduction and maintenance is difficult to achieve on a population scale. Serum insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) and IGF-II receptor (IGF2R) have been associated with diabetic status and body weight in prior studies and, in addition, IGF-II has been indicated as predictive of future weight change. We measured these serum markers in participants with obesity/overweight and prediabetes from the New Zealand arm of the PREVIEW lifestyle intervention randomised trial before and after an 8-week low energy diet (LED). MethodsTotal IGF-II (n = 223) and soluble IGF2R (n = 151) were measured using commercial ELISA kits on fasted serum samples taken prior to an 8-week LED and also from participants completing the LED. ResultsIGF-II levels were not correlated with baseline body weight although mean levels did significantly decrease following the LED. Change in IGF-II serum level was correlated to fasting glucose change (p = 0.04) but not to weight change. Baseline serum IGF2R was correlated with BMI (p = 0.007) and was significantly higher in Māori compared to European Caucasian participants independent of body weight (p = 0.0016). Following LED, IGF2R change was positively associated with weight change (p = 0.02) when corrected for ethnicity. Pre-LED levels of these serum markers were not predictive of the magnitude of weight loss over the 8 weeks. ConclusionNeither marker was useful in predicting magnitude of short-term weight loss. IGF2R is positively associated with BMI and is higher in Māori compared to European Caucasian individuals.