Dietary Nutrient Density Research Articles

PSV-15 Effects of Supplementation of Protease to Different Nutrient Density of Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Profile, Gas Emission, Fecal Microflora in Growing-Finishing Pig

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the effects of protease supplementation and different nutrient density of diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, gas emissions, and fecal microflora in growing-finishing pigs. Crossbred growing pigs (n = 180; [Landrace × Yorkshire] x Duroc) with an initial body weight (BW; 18.74 ± 3.46 kg) were used for 15 weeks. Pigs were randomly assigned to 6 dietary treatments with 6 replicates of 3 pigs per pen in a 3 ⅹ 2 factorial through the following arrangement: Three groups of protease (1, Basal diets; 2, Protease A: 125 mg/kg protease derived from Streptomyces spp; 3, Protease B: 100 mg/kg protease derived from Bacillus licheniformis) at two different nutrient density diets (1; Basal requirement 2; 0.94-0.98% greater than requirement in dietary protein and 50 kcal/kg in energy). Supplementation of protease significantly increased (P < 0.05) BW at weeks 4 and 6. Also, supplementation of protease increased (P < 0.05) ADG at grower periods and weeks 13 to 15. In addition, improvement (P < 0.05) of ADG was observed in pigs fed a high nutrient density diet (HN) compared with basal nutrient density diet (BN) at grower periods and weeks 13 to 15. In apparent total track digestibility (ATTD) of crude protein (CP), there was increased (P < 0.05) in supplementation of protease at weeks 6 and 13. The HN showed increased (P < .0001) ATTD of CP at 6 weeks. BN increased (P < 0.01) ATTD of CP at week 13. Also, there was interaction (P < 0.05) between nutrient density of diets and supplementation of protease. In ATTD of gross energy, supplementation of protease showed increased (P < 0.05) at week 13. The supplementation of protease in diets decreased (P < 0.05) the concentration of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) at week 13. The supplementation of protease in diets decreased (P < 0.05) the emission of NH3 at weeks 6 and 13. Also, H2S was decreased (P < 0.05) due to supplementation of Protease A in diets. At weeks 6 to 9, average daily feed intake showed a tendency to increase (P < 0.10) when the BN diets were fed. Also, during the entire period, feed conversion ratio tended to increase (P < 0.10) when the BN diets were fed. In conclusion, supplementation of protease reduces NH3 in feces and BUN in whole blood by increasing the digestibility of CP and improved growth performance. Also, diets with high nutrient density improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility in grower periods.

181 Effect of Mixing at Weaning and Dietary Nutrient Density on Growth Performance and Welfare of Pigs

Abstract Mixing pigs at weaning compromises animal welfare and may reduce growth performance (GP). Reducing nutrient density of the nursery diet is a strategy to avoid gastrointestinal problems in newly weaned pigs. However, the potential for compensatory growth in subsequent stages and the impact on welfare are still unknown. This study investigated the effect of mixing and reducing dietary nutrient density on GP, body lesions (BL), and behavior in pigs from weaning to slaughter. Forty-eight litters [554 pigs, 11-12 pigs/litter; Danish Duroc × (Large White × Landrace)] were included in the trial. At 28 days of age, pigs were housed in the nursery rooms as litter pens (INTACT, n = 24) or mixed with other litters by body weight to reduce variability within pen (MIXED, n = 24). A dietary regimen meeting the nutritional requirements (CON) of the pigs and a low-density regimen (LOW; -10% energy and protein) completed a 2x2 factorial arrangement (Mixing x Diet, n =12). On day 73, pigs moved to a growing-finishing room without further mixing and all pigs received the CON dietary regimen. At the beginning and at the end of each production phase, the number of BL and the frequency of aggressions and damaging behavior were determined. Data were analyzed using general linear mixed models. Mixing increased FCR by 4.0 % during the nursery period (P = 0.003; Table 1). Pigs fed LOW had decreased GP during the nursery period but better feed conversion ratio (FCR; P = 0.008) during the growing-finishing period, when all groups were fed the same diet. However, pigs fed LOW showed a lower slaughter weight (-2.6 kg; P = 0.025). Initial differences in the coefficient of variation (CV) between MIXED (10.4%) and INTACT (17.6%; P < 0.001) were reduced in CON pens (6.9 % to 0.5 %) but not in LOW pens (7.9 % to 4.5 %; interaction P = 0.025) at the end of the nursery period. Pigs in MIXED pens showed 358% more BL (P < 0.001), more aggressions (P = 0.005) and damaging behavior (P = 0.042) at weaning, and more aggressions (P = 0.003) after being moved to growing-finishing rooms. Animals fed LOW showed more aggressions at weaning (P < 0.001) and more damaging behavior at the end of the nursery period (P < 0.001). When their diet was changed to CON, they showed 14% more BL (P = 0.009) but less aggressions (P = 0.004). Mixing animals at weaning had little impact on GP, but lesions, aggressions and damaging behavior towards pen mates indicate a detrimental effect on welfare and strategies to avoid mixing should be studied. The provision of a low-density diet during the nursery period had negative effects on welfare and growth was not totally compensated during the growing-finishing period.

Healthy Life Style as the First Choice Management of NAFLD

Objectives: The aim of this article was to review the effectiveness of healthy diet and regular exercise to manage patients with NAFLD (Non alcoholic fatty live disease). Methods: > I performed a search over several published articles, different medical official websites and general practice organisations to identify peer reviews of similar subject by using search term ‘NAFLD’. I considered only papers written in English, with emphasis on more recent published articles. Results: The current body of scientific research consistently emphasizes the need for exercise and lifestyle therapies as crucial components in managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The combination of empirical observations, supported by thorough research, provides evidence for the therapeutic solid possibilities of customized exercise routines, dietary adjustments, and comprehensive lifestyle changes. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and strength training have been shown to empirically reduce non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These workout methods have reduced hepatic lipid buildup and improved metabolic indicators. The combination of exercise’s molecular pathways has several effects on the complicated pathophysiology of non- alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutritional changes are also necessary for NAFLD treatment. Nutrient-dense diets are beneficial, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. A balanced diet and enough food consumption may slow hepatic lipid accumulation and metabolic dysfunction. The symbiotic relationship between physical activity and nutrition highlights a fundamental principle of great importance. The powerful alliance described beyond a simple addition of numbers, resulting in an output surpassing each modality’s influence. Integrating exercise-induced physiological adaptations and nutritional improvements creates a comprehensive approach beyond a single intervention, resulting in a holistic strategy to address the various underlying .....

Effect of mixing at weaning and nutrient density of the weaner diet on growth performance and welfare of pigs to slaughter

BackgroundMixing pigs at weaning can compromise pig welfare and growth. Therefore, grouping littermates together may allow a diet nutrient and energy density reduction during the nursery period to reduce feed cost without affecting slaughter weight. This study investigated the combined effect of mixing and reducing dietary energy and nutrient density on growth performance, body lesions (BL), and behaviour in pigs from weaning to slaughter.ResultsForty-eight litters [554 pigs, 11–12 pigs/litter; Danish Duroc × (Large White × Landrace)] were included in the trial. At 28 days of age, pigs were weaned and housed in nursery rooms in litter groups (INTACT, n = 24) or mixed with other litters and grouped by weight to reduce within-pen pig weight variation (MIXED, n = 24). A dietary regimen meeting pigs’ nutritional requirements (CON) and a low-density dietary regimen (LOW; -10% energy and protein) completed a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (Mixing x Diet, n = 12). On day 74 of age, pigs moved to the grower-finisher accommodation without further mixing and all pigs received the CON dietary regimen. Mixing increased FCR by 4.0% during the nursery period (p = 0.003). Nursery pigs fed LOW experienced a growth retardation which was maintained until slaughter (-2.6 kg slaughter weight; p = 0.025). Initial differences in the coefficient of variation (CV) between MIXED (10.4%) and INTACT (17.6%; p < 0.001) pigs were reduced in CON pens but not in LOW pens (interaction p = 0.025) at the end of the nursery period. MIXED pigs had more fights and BL (p < 0.001) at weaning and showed more aggression (p = 0.003) after being moved to the grower-finisher rooms. At the end of the nursery period, MIXED pigs fed LOW showed the highest number of aggressive behaviours around the feeder (interaction; p = 0.003) and pigs fed LOW showed more damaging behaviour (p < 0.001).ConclusionsMixing animals at weaning had limited impact on growth performance but impaired welfare which was aggravated by energy and nutrient reduction in the nursery diet. Decreasing dietary nutrient density in the nursery stage retarded growth, which could not be compensated for during the growing-finishing period.

Role of Natural Protein Adequate Intake in Enhancing Anaerobic Power of Bodybuilders following 8-Week Resistance Training Program

This study aimed to investigate the effects of natural daily adequate protein intake on the anaerobic power of bodybuilders undergoing 8-week resistance training program. Thirty-one participants were randomly assigned to a group (n=31) who consumed their daily protein requirements from their regular diet. Participants' age, height, weight, and Body Mass Index were measured before and after the program. The anaerobic power of all participants was assessed pre- and post-8-week resistance training program through tests including 1 RM (Bench Press), 1 RM (Squats), 30-meter sprint test, Vertical Jump Test, and Peak Power Test (wingate test). The results showed a significant improvement in the anaerobic power of participants after the 8-week program. These findings suggest that natural daily adequate protein intake from regular diet can lead to significant improvements in anaerobic power of bodybuilders undergoing 8-week resistance training program. Therefore, coaches and athletes can focus on a balanced, nutrient-dense diet to meet their protein needs and enhance their anaerobic power without relying solely on protein supplements.

Efficacy of Best Prelay Diet on Production Performance of White Leghorn Layers Fed with Different Layer Diets

Background: Feeding high nutrient density best prelay diet (BPD) 2-3 weeks before egg production is beneficial and may allow to reduce layer diet nutrient density. Methods: Total 180, 16-week-old White Leghorn pullets were assigned to six-layer feeding strategies (kcal ME per kg/%CP/%Ca) during 19-40 weeks. Treatments were T0 (BIS control-2600/18.0/3.0), T1 (2500/18.0/3.0), T2 (2500/18.0/4.0), T3 (2500/17.0/4.0), T4 (2500/16.0/4.0) and T5 (2500/15.0/4.0). These layers were fed with same BPD (2700/18.0/2.5) during 16-18 weeks. Performance parameters were recorded during the study. Result: Feeding BPD did not influence pullets (16-18 woa) CaI, PI and MEI. The 3.0% layer Ca (T0 and T1) decreased (p less than 0.01) CaI than 4.0% (T2 to T5) and layer diet CP reduction from 18.0 to 15.0% decreased PI but 2500 or 2700 kcal ME/kg layer diet did not affect MEI (19-40 woa). BPD did not support 16 or15% layer diet CP (T4 and T5) but allowed to reduce CP (T3) by 1.0% (18.0 to 17.0%) to support production. BPD (2700/18.0/2.5) with BIS (2007) layer diet in T0 (2600/18.0/3.0) is the best combination for supporting BWG without affecting FC and improving EN, HDEP, FCDE, EFPR and PEI in layers.

Development of an efficiency ranking system for beef cows and effects on feed intake, ruminal fermentation, NDF turnover, and apparent total tract digestibility

Beef cows ( n = 100) were ranked for efficiency based on cow rump fat thickness at calving, calving date, and calf weaning weight (% dam BW) over 2 years. The nine most (ME) and least efficient (LE) cows were used to compare feed intake and ruminal fermentation using four 26-day periods with decreasing dietary nutrient density. There were no phenotype × diet interactions for variables of primary interest. Rump fat and calf weaning weight were greater, and the calving date was earlier for ME cows than LE cows ( P ≤ 0.032). The ME cows were lighter ( P &lt; 0.001) but had similar DMI ( P = 0.93) to the LE cows, resulting in greater dry matter intake (DMI) %BW ( P &lt; 0.001). Ruminal contraction amplitude height and area ( P ≤ 0.015) and ruminal digesta weight were greater for LE than ME cows ( P = 0.043). Ruminal ash-free neutral detergent fiber (aNDFom) passage was greater for ME cows than LE cows ( P = 0.047), but the rate of aNDFom degradation did not differ ( P = 0.69). Total tract digestibility did not differ. Efficient cows had greater rump fat, weaned heavier calves, ate more relative to their BW, had a smaller ruminal digesta mass, and had greater ruminal passage of aNDFom without reducing digestibility.

Effect of Cage Stocking Density and Dietary Nutrient Density on Productive Performance, Egg Quality and Blood Parameters of Japanese Quail

Effect of Cage Stocking Density and Dietary Nutrient Density on Productive Performance, Egg Quality and Blood Parameters of Japanese Quail

Putting small fish on the table: the underutilized potential of small indigenous fish to improve food and nutrition security in East Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa has a high prevalence of food insecurity. Small pelagic fish such as Silver cyprinid (Rastrineobola argentea) which is indigenous to Lake Victoria, can be a nutritious animal sourced food that contributes to a more nutrient dense diet. Potential sustainable catch of Silver cyprinid is estimated at 2 million tonnes yearly, which is four times the amount of the current catch. Whole sun-dried Silver cyprinid was purchased from several markets in Kenya and analysed for nutrient composition, microbial counts and metal content. The results show that utilizing the whole potential catch of Silver cyprinid would provide a significant daily source of vitamin B12, calcium, zinc and iron to the roughly 33 million people living in the Lake Victoria basin. Heavy metal concentration appears to be low, but other food safety aspects like microbial counts call for value chain improvements. We conclude that the underutilized potential of sun-dried Silver cyprinid could substantially contribute to fight malnutrition and food insecurity by providing an affordable nutrient dense animal sourced food to a large number of people. It also highlights the need to improve the value chains to increase the safety of these products.

Chicken adaptive response to nutrient density: immune function change revealed by transcriptomic analysis of spleen.

Feed accounts for the largest portion (65-70%) of poultry production costs. The feed formulation is generally improved to efficiently meet the nutritional needs of chickens by reducing the proportion of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels in the diet. Although many studies have investigated the production performance during dietary restriction, there is a lack of research on the mechanisms by which immune cell function is altered. This study examined the effects of ME and CP restriction in the chicken diet on serum immunoglobulins and expression of immune function genes in spleen. Changes in serum immunoglobulins and immune-related gene expression were analyzed in 216 YS-909 broilers fed with 9 different dietary treatments, including experimental treatment diets containing low, standard, and high levels of ME or CP in the diet. At 42 days of age, serum immunoglobulins and expression of spleen immune genes in 6 female chickens selected randomly from each dietary treatment (3×3 factorial arrangement) group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing, respectively. The results showed that the IgM level in the low ME group chickens was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in other groups. In addition, immune-related genes, such as MX1, USP18, TLR4, IFNG and IL18 were significantly upregulated when the dietary nutrient density was reduced, which may put the body in an inflammatory state. This study provided general information on the molecular mechanism of the spleen immune response to variable nutrient density.

83 Effect of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on intake and digestion in young horses undergoing exercise training

Young growing horses subjected to exercise have greater dietary requirements than horses at maintenance necessitating the delivery of a more nutrient dense diet. Inclusion of a grain concentrate in the total daily ration achieves this goal but also may put the young horse at risk of digestive disorders and reduced forage utilization. As such, the objective of this study was to determine if a dietary S. cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP; TruEquine C, Diamond V) could influence nutrient utilization in young horses being introduced to grain concentrate feed and if the response was dose dependent. Thirty Quarter horse yearlings (561 ± 15.8 d of age and 371 ± 24.4 kg BW) were adapted to a 14% CP grain concentrate feed (Nutrena SafeChoice Original formulated without microbial ingredients), fed at 1% of BW as fed to meet or slightly exceed nutrient requirements for yearling horses undergoing light to moderate work and allowed ad-libitum access to Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay (67.8% NDF) and fresh water. Horses were stratified by age, BW, and sex and randomly assigned to one of 3 levels of SCFP: 0, 46, or 92 mg/kg BW divided evenly and top-dressed onto the grain concentrate meal at 12 h intervals. After 14 d of adaptation, intake and total fecal production were measured overa 4-d period. Horses were housed in individual 3.7 × 3.7 m stalls and allowed 1 h of exercise in individual 3.7 × 7.4 m runs daily during the collection period. All statistical analyses were performed in SAS 9.4 using PROC MIXED with the model containing treatment and horse included as the random variable. There was no significant treatment difference for any measure of intake (P ≥ 0.33); forage DM intake averaged 6.14 kg/d, total DM intake averaged 9.60 kg/d, and total digestible organic matter intake averaged 4.97 kg/d. There was a tendency for improved DM digestibility (P = 0.09) with supplementation (56.3 and 56.8% for 46 and 92 mg/kg BW, respectively) compared with no supplementation (54.2%). Supplementation of SCFP resulted in no significant differences (P ≥ 0.15) in organic matter (OM) or NDF digestibility. There were no differences in any indicator of nutrient digestibility between the low and high level of SCFP supplementation. An observed tendency for improved DM digestibility with SCFP supplementation suggests further research is warranted.

Diet Quality and Its Relationship with Weight Characteristics in Pregnant Japanese Women: A Single-Center Birth Cohort Study

Maternal underweight and inadequate gestational weight gain (GWG) are problems in Japan. However, increases in food intake aimed at weight gain alone are not sufficient for mother-child health. This study assessed diet quality based on the 3-day dietary records of pregnant women in an urban area of Japan in order to show the importance of evaluating diet quality, using the Nutrient-Rich Food Index 9.3 (NRF9.3), which is one metric based on nutrition profiling, and the Japanese Food Guide Spinning Top (JFGST). After excluding misreporters of energy intake, we stratified women (n = 91) by pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and determined energy intake, diet quality status, and their relationship with GWG. Intakes of carbohydrate-containing staple foods, vegetable dishes, and fruit were insufficient regardless of BMI. Most of the underweight women with inadequate GWG had insufficient energy intake but high diet quality, as assessed by NRF9.3. In contrast, most women who consumed energy within the recommended range had low diet quality and gained weight at inappropriate levels. These results highlight the importance for pregnant Japanese women to maintain diet quality through a nutrient-dense diet, while simultaneously increasing energy intake after evaluation of their individual diet quality.

Transition of young adults with metabolic bone diseases to adult care.

As more accurate diagnostic tools and targeted therapies become increasingly available for pediatric metabolic bone diseases, affected children have a better prognosis and significantly longer lifespan. With this potential for fulfilling lives as adults comes the need for dedicated transition and intentional care of these patients as adults. Much work has gone into improving the transitions of medically fragile children into adulthood, encompassing endocrinologic conditions like type 1 diabetes mellitus and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, there are gaps in the literature regarding similar guidance concerning metabolic bone conditions. This article intends to provide a brief review of research and guidelines for transitions of care more generally, followed by a more detailed treatment of bone disorders specifically. Considerations for such transitions include final adult height, fertility, fetal risk, heritability, and access to appropriately identified specialists. A nutrient-dense diet, optimal mobility, and adequate vitamin D stores are protective factors for these conditions. Primary bone disorders include hypophosphatasia, X-linked hypophosphatemic rickets, and osteogenesis imperfecta. Metabolic bone disease can also develop secondarily as a sequela of such diverse exposures as hypogonadism, a history of eating disorder, and cancer treatment. This article synthesizes research by experts of these specific disorders to describe what is known in this field of transition medicine for metabolic bone diseases as well as unanswered questions. The long-term objective is to develop and implement strategies for successful transitions for all patients affected by these various conditions.

Supplementing oat hulls to the diet of suckling piglets altered their intestinal tract and colonic microbiota development.

Current study evaluated the effect of a fine and coarsely ground insoluble dietary fibre source on the gastrointestinal development of suckling pigs. Oat hulls (OH) were selected as a model feedstuff, rich in cellulose, lignin, and insoluble dietary fibre. Three experimental supplemental diets were formulated: a finely ground, low fibre and nutrient dense diet served as control (CON). For the 2 high fibre diets, 15% heat-treated starch in CON was exchanged with OH, either finely (OH-f) or coarsely ground (OH-c). Litters of 10 primi- and multiparous sows (mean litter size 14.6±0.84) were used. Within a litter, experimental diets were allotted to triplets of 4 piglets. From approximately 12d of age, piglets' individual feed intakes were recorded 2 times per day when separated from their dam for 70min. Piglets could suckle with their dam for the remainder of the day. On d 24 and 25, from the total pool of 120 piglets, seven healthy well-eating piglets per treatment were selected for post-mortem evaluation, resulting in 14 replicates per treatment. Consumption of OH-c and OH-f did not impede clinical health and production performance of piglets. The full stomach weights tended to be greater for OH-c compared to OH-f whereas CON was intermediate (P=0.083). Supplementing OH significantly increased ileal villus height and caecal dry matter concentration (P<0.05). For the colon, OH increased its length, contents weight, short-chain fatty acid concentration and reduced total bacterial count as well as γ-proteobacteria count and proportion (P<0.05). The OH-c treatment specifically increased full gastrointestinal tract weight and caecum contents weight compared to piglets fed CON and OH-f. Furthermore, OH-c reduced colonic crypt depth when compared to OH-f (P=0.018). In conclusion, supplementing OH to a diet for suckling piglets exerted subtle developmental effects on gastrointestinal morphology and colonic microbial community. These effects were largely independent from the particle size of the OH.

Ascites in Broiler: Updates

In recent years, intensive selection has resulted in the development of metabolic diseases, including ascites, in chickens as a consequence of their genetic potential to grow rapidly. Many factors interact to cause ascites, including management practices, environmental conditions, and genetic makeup. In the modern broiler industry, ascites syndrome (AS), also called pulmonary hypertension syndrome (PHS), is regarded as the main reason for morbidity and mortality. Current meat chicken lines have a faster metabolic process, which requires a greater amount of oxygen, particularly when they are fed high nutrient density diets or when they are kept in cold environments, Due to their underdeveloped cardiorespiratory systems, broilers cannot get enough oxygen to meet their requirements and suffer from hypoxemia, which in turn leads to pulmonary hypertension syndrome. A wide range of management practices as controlled feeding protocols, and limited lighting periods, besides adding antioxidants to feed, are outlined for reducing ascites incidence in broiler chickens. Also, the use of higher levels of dietary vitamins such as C and E, besides selenium, is believed to help lower the incidence of ascites. The improvement of low-temperature environmental shelter conditions appears to reduce the prevalence of PHS. Molecular genetics employed to diagnose and select against susceptible broilers' grandparents is being employed to eliminate involved genes.

Formulation and Optimization of Functional Milk Beverage using D – optimal Mixture Design

Functional foods are in great demand worldwide because of their many health benefits. As milk is a nutrient-dense diet that comprises all vital nutrients, it can be utilized as the primary base to produce a variety of functional foods. Ginger, cinnamon and pumpkin possess tremendous nutritional and therapeutic properties such as stimulating the digestive system, lowering blood cholesterol levels and exhibiting antioxidant,antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral and anti-carcinogenic activities, preventing oxidative stress-related diseases and in the ageing process. In this study, aqueous cinnamon and ginger extracts and pumpkin pulp were made and their functional properties like antioxidant activity and total phenolic content have been evaluated. Functional milk beverage was made using milk, cinnamon aqueous extract, ginger aqueous extract and yellow pumpkin pulp. The level of inclusion of these components was optimized using D-optimal mixture design (Design Expert Software) with regard to sensory attributes.The optimized level of functional milk beverage was chosen based on the desirability of the design and the range assigned to each response. The level of incorporation of milk, pumpkin pulp, aqueous cinnamon and ginger extracts were optimized at 40%, 10%, 20%, and 30% respectively. The antioxidant activity of the cinnamon aqueous extract, ginger aqueous extract, pumpkin pulp and optimized functional milk beverage was found to be 69.95 ± 0.07 %, 56.45 ± 0.08 %, 25.80 ± 0.10 and 60.53 ± 0.03 % respectively. The total phenolic content of cinnamon aqueous extract, ginger aqueous extract, pumpkin pulp and optimized functional milk beverage were 450.88 ± 0.03 mgGAE/100g, 106.93 ± 0.02 mgGAE/100g, 15.59 ± 0.09 mgGAE/100g and 280.63 ± 0.02 mgGAE/100g respectively

Brain-gut-brain axis, nutrition, and autism spectrum disorders: a review.

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects social skills and behavior. A significant number of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) may not display noticeable symptoms until they reach the age of three or older. Several factors, including genetic and environmental issues, could affect the progression of ASD in children. Dietary behavior or administration may have a crucial role in the development of autism. Epidemiological investigations have demonstrated that environmental influences play a significant role in how changes in diet can affect behavior and physiology. However, exclusion diets have not been thoroughly studied in relation to this effect. Atypical food behaviors, altered nutritional profiles, and being overweight, obese, or underweight are all associated with autism in children. Overweight or underweight was common in children with autism, but it was not necessarily uncommon in children with normal growth. Moreover, deficiencies in certain vitamins (B12, B9, and D), minerals (calcium and iron), fatty acids (omega-3 and -6), energy, and protein have been documented in children with ASD. The deficiency of these nutrients may lead to gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and change the microbiota in children with ASD. Some nutritional interventions could help individuals with ASD to improve their mental health. Recognizing dietary habits and nutrient requirements can help in planning the best overall treatment for autism. This review discusses GI symptoms and disorders related to nutrition and nutrient-dense diets for ASD.

Effect of a Combination of Lysolecithin, Synthetic Emulsifier and Monoglycerides on the Apparent Ileal Digestibility, Metabolizable Energy and Growth Performance of Growing Pigs.

Two studies were conducted to determine the impact of an absorption enhancer containing a combination of lysophospholipids, monoglycerides and synthetic emulsifiers (LEX) on apparent ileal digestibility, metabolizable energy (ME), and growth performance of growing pigs. In the digestibility study, 12 male crossbred [Duroc x (Large White x Landrace)] pigs with an initial body weight (BW) of 30 kg were randomly allocated to two dietary treatments: (1) a positive control (PC) receiving standard diets formulated to 3100 kcal ME/kg, and (2) a negative control formulated with −100 kcal ME/kg and −2.5% AA content vs. PC and supplemented with LEX at 500 g/t. Apparent ileal digestibility of essential AA was significantly increased for lysine, methionine, threonine, histidine, isoleucine and phenylalanine in the LEX treatment (p < 0.05). Average uplift in AA digestibility as a percent of the PC was +1.88%; with greatest improvement for histidine (+4.22%). LEX supplementation effectively compensated energy deficiency of low-density diet and provided additional ME improvement compared to the PC diet (p < 0.05). A second study was conducted to evaluate LEX dose response on the growth performance of pigs fed a low nutrient density diet. Total 450 cross-bred pigs (240 males (castrated) and 210 females) [Duroc x (Large White x Landrace)] with an average initial BW of 7.19 kg were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments: (1) a positive control (PC) formulated with standard specifications, (2) a negative control formulated with −100 kcal ME/kg and −2.5% AA content vs. the PC (NC), (3) NC + LEX at 250 g/t (NC + 250) and (4) NC + LEX at 500 g/t (NC + 500). Results showed significant improvement with LEX supplementation on the final BW, average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of pigs of >50 kg body weight. Across the study, NC + 500 significantly increased ADG vs. PC and NC, and significantly reduced FCR compared to all other treatments. FCR of negative control diets improved by 9 and 15 points with the supplementation of 250 g/t and 500 g/t of LEX, respectively (p < 0.05). FCR in the NC + 250 diet was statistically similar vs. PC, which was significantly reduced compared to the NC. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that the addition of an absorption enhancer containing a combination of lysophospholipids, monoglycerides and synthetic emulsifiers can improve growth performance in growing pigs, driven by increased nutrient digestibility and retention.

Effect of diet on cognitive function and gut microbiota

AbstractBackgroundAlterations in the gut microbiota have been observed in patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Dietary consumption directly modulates gut microbiota; therefore, the quality of a diet may impact cognitive function and susceptibility to dementia. We hypothesized that consumption of the nutrient dense Mediterranean diet (MeDi) would improve cognitive function through beneficial changes to the gut microbiota as compared to the diet primarily consumed by Americans, the Western diet (WD).MethodTen‐week‐old Sprague Dawley male rats were assigned a MeDi (n = 10) or WD (n = 9). After three months, Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess spatial reference memory cognition. MWM data were analyzed with two‐way RM ANOVA. Fecal samples were collected prior to the MWM. Microbial composition was determined by 16S rRNA sequencing, and analyses included Mann‐Whitney with false discovery rate.ResultThe MeDi group also spent significantly more time in the target quadrant during probe testing (p = 0.03) and was quicker to reach the platform on reversal testing (p = 0.004), indicative of improved cognitive flexibility. Microbiota α‐diversity indices, Shannon (p = 0.053), Simpson (p = 0.054), and Chao1 (p = 0.056), had a trend to be increased in the MeDi. Microbiota β‐diversity was dissimilar between diets (p&lt;0.001). At the phylum level, Actinobacteria decreased and Patescibacteria increased with consumption of the MeDi as compared to the WD. Actinobacteria relative abundance correlated with MWM time in target quadrant (r = ‐0.58, p = 0.009). Further, relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Patescibacteria correlated with MWM reversal distance to reach platform (Actinobacteria, r = 0.77, p = 0.0001; Patescibacteria, r = ‐0.59, p = 0.007).ConclusionThe MeDi maintained long‐term spatial memory, as measured by the MWM, compared to the WD. Additionally, diet‐modulated gut microbiota at the phylum level and these changes were correlated with cognitive function. Modulation of the gut microbiota through a neuroprotective diet, such as the MeDi, may serve as a method to improve cognitive function.

The role of hen body weight and diet nutrient density in an extended laying cycle

The egg production (EP), egg quality and health of heavier or lighter hens fed a diet of either higher nutrient density (HND) or lower nutrient density (LND) during early lay, was assessed at very late lay. Based on their body weight (BW) at 18 wk of age (WOA) ISA Brown pullets were allocated as either heavier weight (HW; average 1.65 kg) or lighter weight (LW: average 1.49 kg). Half of each BW group received the HND (2,901 kcal/kg; 17.6% crude protein (CP) or LND (2726 kcal/kg, 16.4% CP) diet from 18 to 24 WOA. From 25 to 90 WOA all birds received identical early, then mid and late-lay diets. Hen BW was measured after peak-lay (36 WOA) and at 90 WOA. At 89 WOA and across 18 to 36 and 18 to 89 WOA feed intake (FI), EP, egg mass (EM), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Eggshell quality, breast score, relative ovary weight and liver and bone health were evaluated in very late lay. Differences in BW continued to 90 WOA. At 36 WOA HW hens produced heavier eggs, and had higher 18 to 36 WOA cumulative FI, EM (P < 0.001) and FCR (P < 0.05). When 89 WOA HW birds consumed more feed (P < 0.001) but EP, EM and FCR did not differ from LW hens. Cumulatively, 18 to 89 WOA FI and EM were higher for HW hens (P < 0.05), but cumulative EP and FCR was not different. The early-lay HND diet improved very late lay eggshell thickness (P < 0.05) and shell breaking strength (P=0.05). Lighter hens fed HND and HW hens fed LND diet produced heavier eggs, higher relative oviduct weight and lower liver lipid peroxidase in very late lay (P < 0.05). Bone strength did not differ, but LW hens had higher femoral manganese and zinc (P < 0.05), lowering their likelihood of osteoporosis. Overall LW hens sustained EP throughout a longer laying cycle with beneficial bone characteristics. The HND diet improved eggshell strength and, in LW hens reduced hepatic oxidation.