Nutrient Utilization Research Articles

Microbiological mechanism of hydrogen fertilizer effect in soil.

For a long time, intercropping and rotation of leguminous with non-leguminous crops is widely used to reduce the application of nitrogen fertilizer and increase yield in agroecosystems. At present, most researchers considered that this management measure is helpful for reducing fertilizer consumption and increasing its efficiency, as it can improve nutrient supply of legumestonon-legumes, the spatial nutrient utilization efficiency by enhancing soil spatial heterogeneity, and improve soil structure and disease resistance. However, current theories cannot fully explain the positive effect of crop rotation and inter-cropping systems involving legumes. A large amount of hydrogen (H2) can be produced as an obligatory by-product of nitrogenase responsible for nitrogen (N2) fixation in the root nodules of leguminous plants. Despite of substantial amounts of H2 enriched in the rhizosphere of legumes, only a minor proportion of H2 is found to leak to soil surface. Increasing evidence showed that most H2 released in soil is immediately depleted in the surrounding of N2-fixing nodules by H2-oxidizing bacteria (HOB) thriving in soil. HOB can use H2 as an electron donor to assimilate and fix CO2 through redox reactions to synthesize cellular substances and consequently promote plant growth. To date, however, little is known about the biological mechanism and ecological process behind the "hydrogen fertilizer effect". Therefore, we review the H2-induced plant growth-promoting effects and its microbiological mechanisms. Our aims were to explore a new way for enhancing agroecosystem production, and to provide scientific basis for future utilization of H2 in agricultural production practices.

Designing calcium-fortified milk for improving stability and calcium bioaccessibility by solid dispersion emulsification

Approximately 70 % of the calcium intake in the adult diet worldwide is derived from dairy products. However, insoluble calcium salts, which are usually added directly during dairy production, have poor suspension stability and are prone to precipitation. The current study aimed to address the constraints of conventional production methods by utilizing solid dispersion emulsification technology to inhibit the aggregation of calcium salts. Calcium-fortified milk samples with different calcium content were prepared and compared with the commercial calcium-fortified milk, and their physicochemical, microstructural, and digestive properties were characterized. The results of this study demonstrated that all the prepared calcium-fortified milk samples exhibited a particle size of approximately 270 nm and a zeta-potential of approximately −40 mV. The calcium-fortified milk, which has been produced using solid dispersed emulsion technology, has been found to have 1.8 times more physical stability than commercial milk. Microstructural studies showed that aggregation of milk with more than 225 mg/100 mL calcium content occurred. During in-vitro digestion, it was found that the increasing calcium loading did not impact protein digestion without the creation of new fragments in the calcium-fortified milk. Calcium bioaccessibility was enhanced by approximately 50 % in comparison with the commercial product. While the release of free fatty acids was found to decrease with increasing calcium content. This study facilitates the development and utilization of calcium-fortified and low-fat foods and provides a new idea for the addition of milk minerals in dairy products.

A Study of Factors Contributing to the Nutritional Status of Elderly People Receiving Home Care.

(1) Background: Nutrition is a critical aspect of health and well-being in the elderly population, as physiological changes associated with aging can impact nutrient utilization and dietary needs. The aim of this study was the assessment of nutritional screening and associated factors among community-dwelling elderly people. (2) Methods: This study is the first phase of an intervention trial of people aged 65 years and over who received primary health services and resided in the municipality of Archanes Asterousia in Crete, Greece. Nutritional risk was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment. Diet-related factors were analyzed, including health status (oral hygiene, depression, cognitive decline, impaired functioning, quality of life), social factors (educational attainment, marital status, type of work before 60 years), and lifestyle factors (smoking, drinking, diet). (3) Results: A total of 730 elderly people were evaluated (males, 31.5%), with an average age (±SD) of 76.83 (±6.68) years. MNA was found to have a statistically significant connection with assessment of oral hygiene, mental state, Charlson comorbidity, functional independence (assessed with the Barthel scale), and quality of life. The exception was geriatric depression (GDS), with which no statistically significant association was found (p > 0.05). Nutritional risk analysis revealed 379 participants (51.9%) to be adequately nourished, 205 (28.1%) to be at risk of malnutrition, and 146 (20.0%) to be malnourished. (4) Conclusions: These results clearly demonstrated the key factors that contribute to the nutritional screening of elderly people and need to be addressed by health authorities and social services.

Activation induces shift in nutrient utilization that differentially impacts cell functions in human neutrophils

Neutrophils utilize a variety of metabolic sources to support their crucial functions as the first responders in innate immunity. Here, through in vivo and ex vivo isotopic tracing, we examined the contributions of different nutrients to neutrophil metabolism under specific conditions. Human peripheral blood neutrophils, in contrast to a neutrophil-like cell line, rely on glycogen storage as a major metabolic source under resting state but rapidly switch to primarily using extracellular glucose upon activation with various stimuli. This shift is driven by a substantial increase in glucose uptake, enabled by rapidly increased GLUT1 on cell membrane, that dominates the simultaneous increase in gross glycogen cycling capacity. Shifts in nutrient utilization impact neutrophil functions in a function-specific manner: oxidative burst depends on glucose utilization, whereas NETosis and phagocytosis can be flexibly supported by either glucose or glycogen, and neutrophil migration and fungal control are enhanced by the shift from glycogen utilization to glucose utilization. This work provides a quantitative and dynamic understanding of fundamental features in neutrophil metabolism and elucidates how metabolic remodeling shapes neutrophil functions, which has broad health relevance.

Change in leaf C:N:P stoichiometry and its correlations with soil available nutrients and dry matter yield in common vetch/oat intercropping under N fertilization

AbstractC, N, and P concentrations and stoichiometric ratios of the leaf are important for adaptive plant growth and nutrient utilization. However, our knowledge of how these traits change with N fertilization in intercropping systems remains limited. Hence, a 2‐year experiment was conducted with four cropping patterns, including two‐row common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) intercropping with one‐row oat (Avena sativa L.), one‐row common vetch intercropping with two‐row oat as well as sole oat and common vetch cropping with 0, 50, and 100 kg N/ha fertilization. Leaf total nitrogen (LTN) and phosphorus (LTP) concentrations and C:N:P stoichiometric ratios were measured and their linkages with soil nutrient availability were analysed. N fertilization significantly increased LTN, N:P, and C:P, while significantly decreasing LTP and C:N. Intercropping affected leaf nutrient concentrations and stoichiometric ratios, which were affected by N fertilization, basic soil fertility, and crop species. Intercropping and N fertilization affected soil nitrate nitrogen (SNN), available phosphorus (SAP) content, and dry matter (DM) yield. There were strong correlations between the leaf nutritional traits of oats and SNN, SAP, and DM, but few correlations were observed with common vetch. In conclusion, intercropping led to contrasting changes in leaf nutrient concentrations and stoichiometric ratios, which varied with N fertilization and crop species. We failed to reveal solid and direct effects of intercropping ratio on leaf nutritional traits. These findings contribute to a better understanding of crop nutritional traits and the link between leaves and soil in response to intercropping and N fertilization.

Diatom silicon isotope ratios in Quaternary research: Where do we stand?

Silicon stable isotope ratios (expressed as δ30Si) in biogenic silica have been widely used as a proxy for past and present biogeochemical cycling in both marine and lacustrine settings, in particular for nutrient utilization reconstructions. Yet an analysis of publication trends suggests a significant decline in the application of δ30Si to Quaternary science questions in the last five years. At the same time as δ30Si proxy applications have decreased, we are learning more about its complexities: an expanding body of work is highlighting biases, caveats or complications involved in the application of δ30Si-based approaches to the sediment record. These include the demonstration of species-specific silicon isotope fractionation factors (i.e. ‘vital effects’) or the potential for Fe or other trace metals to influence silicon isotope fractionation. Others have inferred the potential of biogenic silica dissolution to alter an initial δ30Si value, or questioned the preservation of the initial δ30Si through early diagenetic processes more generally. Another challenge receiving more attention is centered around deconvolving a δ30Si-value into a signal reflecting biological productivity and a signal reflecting changes in the δ30Si of dissolved silicon driven by whole-system and/or circulation changes. Finally, a number of studies focus on analytical difficulties, especially during sample preparation related to achieving and demonstrating a contaminant free biogenic silica. These challenges lead us to posit that the Quaternary science community is moving away from silicon isotope proxies because they are losing confidence in their reliability and usefulness. Here, focusing on the diatoms – the dominant biosilicifiers in both lakes and the ocean – we synthesize progress in understanding nuances and caveats of δ30Si-based proxies in order to answer whether the fall-off in δ30Si-based Quaternary research is warranted. We suggest that with some simple steps that can be readily implemented, and with the closing of key knowledge gaps, there is no reason to believe silicon isotopes do not have a promising future in the Quaternary sciences.

Enhancing calcium and phosphorus utilization in broiler chickens with phytase in sequential calcium-phosphorus-deficient diets

ABSTRACT In this trial, a 3 × 2 factorial design was implemented with dietary treatments consisting of Diet-1 (1.00% calcium [Ca], 0.45% available phosphorus [P]), Diet-2 (0.80% Ca, 0.35% P), and Diet-3 (0.70% Ca, 0.30% P), alongside two phytase levels: 0 and 5,000 FTU/kg. A total of 540 Ross-308 broilers were used. Significant improvements (P < 0.05) in body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), live weight, carcass weight, and yield were observed in Diet-1 and Diet-2 when supplemented with phytase compared to Diet-3. Gross energy (GE) increased significantly (P < 0.05) with phytase in Diet-1 and Diet-2. Bone ash content was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in Diet-1 and Diet-2, with tibia Ca levels notably improved (P < 0.05) in Diet-1. Phytase supplementation also resulted in significantly elevated (P < 0.05) serum Ca and available P in Diet-1. The application of phytase restored body weight gain, live weight, carcass weight, GE, and tibia P in Diet-2. Overall, the findings highlight the beneficial effects of phytase supplementation on growth performance, bone mineralization, and nutrient utilization.

PSII-17 Effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on energy and nutrient utilization in diets fed to broiler chickens: A meta-analysis

Abstract Beta-mannan (β-mannan) is a polysaccharide composed of repeating units of mannose, galactose, and glucose. The increased amount of β-mannan is present in various plant protein sources such as soybean meal, palm kernel meal, copra meal, and guar meal. β-mannan is considered an antinutritional factor for non-ruminant animals. Endo-β-mannanase enzymes are endo-hydrolases that can cleave the internal glycosidic bonds of the mannan backbone. As a result, β-mannanase is used to break down β-mannan in animal feeds, thereby aiming to reduce its potential anti-nutritional effects. Previous research has demonstrated that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves energy and nutrient utilization in broiler diets possibly by decreasing digesta viscosity in the gastrointestinal tract. However, results from previous studies have been inconsistent, mainly due to variable experimental conditions including animals, experimental design, and environment. Meta-analysis is a useful method to comprehensively evaluate and integrate various results from previous studies, thereby providing reliable and practical insights. Therefore, the objective of this study was to conduct the meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of dietary β-mannanase supplementation on digesta viscosity, and energy and nutrient utilization in diets for broiler chickens. Through an extensive literature search conducted on Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar between January 2003 and December 2023, we identified 10 eligible studies. The meta-analysis was performed using the “metafor” package in R software version 4.1.3. (R Core Team, 2023), and the standardized mean difference (SMD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using the random effect model. The results revealed that dietary β-mannanase supplementation increased apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of dry matter (SMD = 1.84; 95% CI: 0.46 to 3.21; P = 0.016), gross energy (SMD = 2.16; 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.12; P = 0.001), and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) in broiler diets (SMD = 3.38; 95% CI: 1.63 to 5.14; P = 0.002; Table 1). Moreover, dietary β-mannanase supplementation increased apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of gross energy (SMD = 6.65; 95% CI: 3.78 to 9.53; P = 0.002) and nitrogen (SMD = 1.41; 95% CI: 0.55 to 2.27; P = 0.006) in broiler diets (Figures 1 and 2). Finally, digesta viscosity (SMD = -3.35; 95% CI: -4.69 to -2.02; P &amp;lt; 0.001) in broiler chickens was decreased by dietary β-mannanase supplementation. In conclusion, the current meta-analysis indicates that dietary β-mannanase supplementation improves the overall utilization of energy and nutrients in diets with decreasing digesta viscosity in broiler chickens.

PSLBII-30 The effect of different soybean meal batches and protease supplementation on nutrient utilization by broiler chickens

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM) is the major protein source in broiler chicken diets. However, the thermal processing of SBM may have an impact on its protein quality, reducing its solubility when over-processed. In this context, the use of exogenous protease may reduce the negative effects that the over-processing of SBM may have on protein digestibility in broiler chickens. The present study investigated two batches of SBM in broiler chicken diets supplemented or not with protease. One-d-old male Cobb 500 (n = 360) were randomly distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (SBM batches: A and B; Protease inclusion: 0 and 50 g/t of diet). SBM protein quality was evaluated through crude protein (CP), KOH solubility, and urease activity test (UA) in batches A and B. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the structural organization of particles from SBM A and B. On d 26, ileal digesta content was collected from 6 broiler chickens that were euthanized to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Data obtained were submitted to ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey test with a significance declared of 5% using the GLM procedure on R Software. Protein quality assessment demonstrated KOH solubility of 85% and 75% for SBM from batches A and B, respectively. For UA analysis, SBM batch A presented 0.09 and batch B of 0.01 mg N/g (Table 1). Microscopy images emphasized visual differences in particles from batches A and B. In SBM particles from batch A, disorganized cluster structures and asymmetric pores were observed, whereas in the SBM particles from batch B, insignificant pores and large cluster aggregates were visualized in a denser structure (Figure 1). The SBM batch B presented decreased AID of DM, CP, and IDE (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Protease supplementation improved the AID of CP (P &amp;lt; 0.05) in broilers at 26 d of age, regardless of SBM batches, but no effect was observed for DM and IDE (P &amp;gt; 0.05; Table 2). In conclusion, SBM from batch A had greater values of KOH solubility and UA, suggesting an appropriate thermal process, and ensuring protein quality, which is demonstrated through improvement in nutrient utilization by broiler chickens. The use of 50 g of exogenous protease per t of diet improved the ileal digestibility of CP, regardless of SBM batches.

PSVI-22 Effects of supplementation of beef cows during gestation on progeny backgrounding frame size and performance

Abstract The implications of supplementation during gestation on growth and efficiency of offspring have gained interest worldwide. The hypothesis of this study was that supplementation of cows during gestation results in favorable progeny growth and nutrient utilization. Our objectives were to assess the impacts of providing supplementation to pregnant beef cows during the dry grazing period on progeny backgrounding performance. During a 2-yr period, Tabapuã cows (n = 36) were managed on Brachiaria pastures, which were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments as follows: no application of N on pasture and cows supplemented with mineral mix (CON), application of 165 kg of Nּ ha-1ּ yr-1 and cows supplemented with a commercial product containing 40% of CP, macro and micro minerals, and vitamins (SUP), and application of 165 kg of Nּ ha-1ּ yr-1 and cows supplemented with grass silage (GS). At the beginning of the dry period, the commercial supplement and silage were fed for 140 d (from 116 ± 27 to 256 ± 27 d of gestation). The mineral mix was offered all year round. Bull (n = 18 in yr 1 and 12 in yr 2) and heifer progeny (n = 13 in yr 1 and 17 in yr 2) were weaned with average age of 203 ± 18 d in yr 1 and 229 ± 15 d in yr 2. After weaning, progeny were weighed and allocated in individual pens and adapted to a growing diet over 90 in yr 1 and 89 d in yr 2. For both years, rations were formulated to provide 0.9 kg/d (Dietary NEm = 1.68 Mcal/kg and dietary Neg = 1.07 Mcal/kg, on average). The PROC MIXED procedure of SAS was used to analyze all variables. The statistical model included supplementation program as a fixed effect and sex (male or female) as a random variable. Initial BW, weaning age, estimated progeny difference, and d on feed were included as covariates. No differences were obtained for initial BW, final BW, ADG, DM intake, and G:F. Frame size (e.g., heart girth, hip height) was also unaffected by dam supplementation. Overall, supplementing pregnant beef cows, during the dry grazing period, with a commercial supplement or silage does not affect progeny performance during backgrounding.

Circadian Regulatory Networks of Glucose Homeostasis and Its Disruption as a Potential Cause of Undernutrition.

The circadian clock system, an evolutionarily conserved mechanism, orchestrates diurnal rhythms in biological activities such as behavior and metabolism, aligning them with the earth's 24-hour light/dark cycle. This synchronization enables organisms to anticipate and adapt to predictable environmental changes, including nutrient availability. However, modern lifestyles characterized by irregular eating and sleeping habits disrupt this synchrony, leading to metabolic disorders such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, evidenced by higher obesity rates among shift workers. Conversely, circadian disturbances are also associated with reduced nutrient absorption and an increased risk of malnutrition in populations such as the critically ill or the elderly. The precise mechanisms of these disturbances in leading to either overnutrition or undernutrition is complex and not yet fully understood. Glucose, a crucial energy source, is closely linked to obesity when consumed excessively and to weight loss when intake is reduced, which suggests that circadian regulation of glucose metabolism is a key factor connecting circadian disturbances with nutritional outcomes. In this review, we describe how the biological clock in various tissues regulates glucose metabolism, with a primary focus on studies utilizing animal models. Additionally, we highlight current clinical evidence supporting the association between circadian disturbance and glucose metabolism, arguing that such disruption could predominantly contribute to undernutrition due to impaired efficient utilization of nutrients.

PSIII-12 Dynamics of neonatal dairy calf behaviors and their association with early gut microbiota

Abstract The behavior of dairy cattle can be both an indicator and a determinant of their productivity and health. Additionally, animal behavior is also associated with their gastrointestinal microbiota through the bi-directional pathways of the gut-brain axis, influencing nutrient utilization and gut health. Few studies have looked at the dynamics of neonatal calf behaviors and their associations with early microbiota development. Therefore, the objective of this study is to observe feeding behaviors and activity of neonatal dairy calves and investigate its associations with the diversity and composition of early-stage gut microbiota. We used Holstein-Angus crossed calves (n = 25) raised in individual outdoor hutches and bucket-fed milk replacer twice daily. The number of milk exposures until calves were successfully bucket trained was recorded, along with milk consumption times during the AM feedings on d 7, 11, and 14. We also monitored the activity of the calves using HOBO Pendant G Data Logger accelerometers secured on the right hind leg of each calf to monitor standing and lying behavior from d 3 to d 13. Fecal samples were collected from the recto-anal junction of the calves at d 7 and 14 after birth and gut microbiota were analyzed using full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing on an Oxford Nanopore sequencer. The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was applied to evaluate effects of gender and birth weight on behavior and gut microbiota using RStudio 4.2.1. The Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) was used to determine the unique bacterial species for each behavioral group. The results revealed that there was no influence of sex or birth weight on bucket training or consumption time; however, male calves exhibited significantly increased total standing time compared with female calves. We found no significant difference in microbiota between fast-learning calves (one milk exposure; n = 3) and slow-learning calves (5 or more exposures; n = 3). We observed greater alpha diversity of slow drinking calves (top 25%; n = 6) compared with fast drinking calves (top 25%; n = 6) on d 7 (Chao1; P = 0.03). The LEfSe analysis identified Akkermansia muciniphilia to be more abundant in fast drinking calves, and Megasphaera elsdenii to be more abundant in slow drinking calves. Additionally, a trend of differing microbiota composition was observed between the most active and least active calves (n = 4 per group) on d 14 (Bray-Curtis; P = 0.1), and many Prevotella species were more abundant in the most active calves. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the gut-brain axis of neonatal dairy calves at the species-level and provides further insights into cognitive, consumptive, and active behaviors.

PSII-19 Effect of dietary supplementation of xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase on growth performance and intestinal measurements in broiler chickens

Abstract Poultry feeds primarily comprise plant ingredients such as cereal grains and cereal by-products that are high in non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). However, poultry has limited digestive enzymes to efficiently utilize NSPs, and therefore, exogenous NSP-degrading enzymes (NSPase) are typically supplemented to poultry diets. Xylanase is the most widely used as NSPase in poultry diets because xylanase degrades arabinoxylans which is in increased amounts in most feed grains like corn and wheat, thereby improving dietary nutrient utilization and subsequent productive performance. β-glucanase is another potential exogenous NSPase used to degrade β-glucans present in plant ingredients. Although the benefits of dietary xylanase are well-documented, limited information regarding effects of dietary xylanase and β-glucanase complex is available. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase on growth performance and intestinal measurements in broiler chickens. A total of four hundred 8-d-old male and female Ross 308 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments with 10 replicates. Each replicate had 5 male and 5 female birds. Dietary treatments included a positive control (PC) diet with adequate energy and nutrients, a negative control (NC) diet with high NSP-containing ingredients and less AMEn by 100 kcal/kg than PC diet, and 2 NC-based diets supplemented with 0.1% xylanase (4,000,000 units/kg) or 0.1% xylanase-glucanase complex (4,000,000 units/kg xylanase and 2,000,000 units/kg β-glucanase). The experiment lasted for 28 d. For intestinal measurements including jejunal morphology and ileal digesta viscosity, 1 male chicken per replicate was selected based on the body weight at the end of the experiment. Results indicated that birds fed PC diets had less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) FCR than those fed NC diets (Table 1). Birds fed diets supplemented with xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase had also less (P &amp;lt; 0.05) FCR than those fed NC diets. No difference in FCR was observed between birds fed PC diets and those fed diets supplemented with xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase. However, dietary treatments had no effects on body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of broiler chickens. Jejunal villous height to crypt depth ratio (VH:CD) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for birds fed PC diets or diets supplemented with combination of xylanase and β-glucanase than those fed NC diets (Table 2). Feeding diets supplemented with xylanase alone or combination of xylanase and β-glucanase decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ileal digesta viscosity as compared with feeding NC diets (Table3). In conclusion, feeding high NSP and low energy diets supplemented with either 0.1% xylanase alone or 0.1% xylanase and β-glucanase complex results in similar productive performance of broiler chickens as compared with feeding typical corn-soybean meal-based diets possibly due to improved intestinal structure and decreased digesta viscosity.

PSXIII-22 Intake, digestibility, and ruminal parameters of Nellore cattle fed with amylolytic and fibrolytic enzymes in feedlot

Abstract This study was carried out to evaluate the use of dietary exogenous enzyme (ENZ) products with amylolytic and fibrolytic activity on nutrient intake, digestibility, and ruminal volatile fatty acids production (VFA) of Nellore cattle in feedlot. Rumen-cannulated Nellore steers [n = 10; body weight (BW) = 543 kg ± 28.6 BW] were distributed in a replicated Latin-square design (5 × 5) in individual pens. The treatments consisted of a negative control (CON; without ENZ); Amylase (AML; Amaize, Alltech, 0.5 g/kg of DM); Xylanase (FBL, Fibrozyme, Alltech, 0.9 g/kg of DM); Half dose (HD; AML 0.25 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.45 g/kg of diet DM); and Full dose (FD; AML 0.5 g/kg of diet DM and FBL 0.90 g/kg of diet DM; Table 1). The experimental period lasted 19 d (14 d of adaptation and 5 d of collection). Between d 15 and 18, total fecal collection was performed and on d 19 rumen fluid was collected at 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h post-feeding for ammonia, VFA, and pH determination. The data were analyzed as orthogonal contrasts using SAS: (C1) CON vs. ENZ, (C2) AML vs. FBL, (C3) HD vs. FD, and (C4) AML + FBL vs. HD + FD. There were no C1 differences for nutrient digestibility, total VFA, or ruminal pH (P &amp;gt; 0.10). However, a tendency effect in neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake (P = 0.065) was observed, where animals fed ENZ had reduced values compared with animals kept in CON group. In the same way, ENZ reduced ther extract (EE) intake (P = 0.023), ruminal ammonia (P &amp;lt; 0.001), and isovalerate proportion (P = 0.080) as well as increased proportion of acetate (P &amp;lt; 0.001), valerate (P &amp;lt; 0.001) and acetate:propionate ratio (P = 0.030). No differences were observed in nutrient intake between AML and FBL (P &amp;gt; 0.10), but AML had greater organic matter (OM) digestibility (P = 0.097) and ruminal valerate (P = 0.039) and decreased butyrate proportion (P = 0.068). Animals that received FD had greater values of dry matter (DM; P = 0.009) and OM (P &amp;lt; 0.001) digestibility than HD. The enzyme combination resulted in greater DM (P = 0.026), OM (P = 0.062), crude protein (P = 0.018), EE (P = 0.063) and NDF (P = 0.040) intake and reduced OM digestibility (P = 0.008) compared with AML and FBL alone. The addition of exogenous enzymes in feedlot diets affected nutrient utilization and ruminal fermentation of Nellore cattle fed a feedlot finishing diet.

336 Effects of feeding an immunomodulatory feed additive (NutraGen) on metabolite concentrations and cortisol production in calves following exposure to a combination bovine respiratory disease challenge

Abstract Two 89-d experiments (Exp 1 and Exp 2) evaluated the effects of feeding an immunomodulatory feed additive (NutraGen; NG) in calves following exposure to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) on d -3 and Mannheimia haemolytica (MH) infection on d 0. For each experiment, steers [body weight (BW) = 251 ± 38.2 kg)] were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 treatments. Treatments included a placebo (CON; Exp 1 n = 5; Exp 2 n = 5), a placebo fed from d -18 to d -3 followed by NG fed from d -3 to d 28 (CHLG; Exp 1 n = 5; Exp 2 n = 6), and NG fed from d -18 to d 28 (PREC; Exp 1 n = 6; Exp 2 n = 5). Data were analyzed using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS Version 9.4 (SAS Institute, Cary, N.C.). Animal served as the experimental unit and time served as a repeated measure. Treatment, time, and the treatment × time interaction served as fixed effects. Block was included as a random effect. Multiple treatment × time interactions and time effects occurred for serum glucose, lactate, blood urea nitrogen, and non-esterified fatty acid concentrations (P ≤ 0.003) in both experiments. There was a general trend for serum glucose to decrease over time post-challenge, suggesting increased cellular utilization of glucose in response to the challenge. In Exp 1, treatment effects occurred for serum glucose (P ≤ 0.001) and serum lactate (P ≤ 0.01), where calves assigned to the CHLG treatment displayed the greatest concentrations of the metabolites. Blood urea nitrogen concentrations peaked at h 48 in Exp 1 and h 6 in Exp 2. There were no treatment effects or treatment × time interactions for serum cortisol, hair cortisol, or fecal corticosterone concentrations in either experiment (P ≥ 0.17). There were, however, multiple time effects for serum cortisol, hair cortisol, and fecal corticosterone concentrations in both experiments (P ≤ 0.02), indicating that the challenge directly impacted cortisol and corticosterone production. Serum cortisol steadily increased from h 96 to h 168 in both experiments. Trends in cortisol and corticosterone production were similar in both experiments; however, peak concentration times for these variables occurred later in Exp 2. These data suggest that feeding NG to calves may alter glucose availability and nutrient utilization in response to infection resulting from a bovine respiratory disease challenge.

169 Vitamin and mineral supplementation to gestating beef heifers: Fetal physiology and metabolic programming

Abstract Vitamins and minerals have key roles in hormone production and action, enzyme activity, tissue synthesis, oxygen transport, and energy production. These micronutrients are efficiently transferred from the dam to the fetus during gestation to be partitioned for metabolic use and stored as postnatal mineral reserves. Maternal nutrient intake is one of the main factors that influence the availability of vitamins and minerals to the fetus. Thus, an inadequate supply of these critical nutrients can have a long-lasting impact on offspring growth and health. Evidence suggests that biological processes regulating normal growth, development, and nutrient utilization are programmed in utero, even during the earliest developmental stages. Therefore, there is a critical need to evaluate the effects of micronutrient supplementation during gestation on fetal physiology and metabolic programming. Our research group has developed research models examining the impact of maternal vitamin and mineral supplementation (VTM, supplemented vs. NoVTM, not supplemented) during the periconceptual period or throughout gestation in beef heifers. A metabolomic analysis revealed that metabolites in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway were more abundant in the liver of fetuses from VTM than NoVTM dams, suggesting that a greater supply of micronutrients during the periconceptual period and first trimester of pregnancy may positively modulate mitochondrial energy metabolism in offspring. These changes in the abundance of metabolites suggested physiological adaptations to meet fetal metabolic needs. Further, high-resolution respirometry analysis revealed greater efficiency of energy utilization in small intestinal samples of neonatal calves from VTM dams. In fact, VTM offspring were heavier from weaning to breeding phase than NoVTM offspring, suggesting that maternal nutrition affects physiological mechanisms in utero that modulate offspring energetics and efficiency of nutrient utilization in the postnatal period. Furthermore, we reported increased concentrations of histidine, aspartate, and 12 out of 14 neutral amino acids in the allantoic fluid of VTM-supplemented dams. Finally, genes involved with amino acid transport in fetal liver were upregulated in response to VTM supplementation, highlighting the intricate relationship between maternal and fetal nutrition. Vitamin and mineral supplementation were also associated with changes in gene expression, biological processes and pathways in placental tissue at d 83 of gestation. We observed an upregulation of genes in the calcium signaling and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (CGMP)-PKG signaling pathways in response to micronutrient supplementation. Calcium-mediated systems may modulate cell proliferation and steroidogenic activity in bovine placentomes, while CGMP-PKG plays a key role in vascular homeostasis. Placental blood vessel vascularity at term was indeed increased in heifers supplemented throughout gestation, emphasizing the importance of micronutrient supplementation beyond early pregnancy. Altogether, our findings suggest that vitamin and mineral supplementation in the periconceptual period and during gestation play a pivotal role in fetal metabolic programming with consequences extending to the postnatal period.

Impact on Growth and Nutrient Utilization on Health and Hematological Effects of Cassia tora (L) on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1882)

Impact on Growth and Nutrient Utilization on Health and Hematological Effects of Cassia tora (L) on Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1882)

497 Amylase supplementation influences nutrient digestibility regardless of corn type in broiler chicken diets

Abstract Corn is the primary energy supply in the broiler chicken diet. Physical and nutritional characteristics related to corn endosperm can affect nutrient utilization, as well as the inclusion of exogenous enzymes. This study aimed to evaluate two different corn types classified according to endosperm traits in diets for broiler chickens supplemented or not with amylase. Male broiler chickens (n = 360; 1-d old Cobb 500) were allocated in metabolic battery cages and randomly assigned in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (2 corn types; 2 amylase doses: 0 and 90 g/t of diet). A hardness test was performed to categorize and classify each corn type according to breakage force. Corn endosperms were assessed through scanning electron microscopy to investigate structure variations of starch granules. From 19 to 21 d, excreta samples were collected to estimate apparent total tract retention (ATTR) of nutrients and apparent metabolizable energy (AME). On d 26, ileal digesta content was collected to determine apparent ileal nutrients digestibility (AID) and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Data were analyzed using the Student t-test for hardness test (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The Tukey test was performed with a significance declared of 5% to compare the averages obtained for ATTR and AID using the GLM procedure on R Software. Differences were observed in the hardness test (P &amp;lt; 0.05), which classified each corn type either as hard (217 N) or soft (166 N; Table 1). The SEM highlighted structural variations between the floury and vitreous endosperm of each corn. In soft corn, starch granules were more dispersed in the floury endosperm, with a less dense distribution observed in the vitreous endosperm compared with hard corn (Figure 1). However, hard corn exhibited a more compact starch granules distribution in both floury and vitreous endosperm. No differences were observed (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in ATTR of dry matter, crude protein, or AME attributed to corn type, but amylase supplementation improved ATTR of dry matter (P = 0.015) and crude protein (P = 0.020; Table 2). On AID, corn type affected (P = 0.041) dry matter coefficient, and amylase supplementation significantly improved dry matter (P = 0.019), crude protein ileal digestibility (P = 0.012), and IDE (P = 0.018). No interactions between corn type and amylase supplementation were observed (P &amp;gt; 0.05). These findings demonstrated that amylase supplemented in broiler diets impacts nutrient utilization regardless of the corn type used.

249 Effects of sorghum silage kernel processing on growth performance and blood metabolites of beef heifers

Abstract Our previous studies suggested that using a shredlage (SHRD) processor or a conventional (CONV) sorghum kernel processor leads to similar apparent total tract nutrient digestibility of whole plant sorghum silage (WPSS). This study evaluated the effects of feeding WPSS harvested using different kernel processors (CONV vs. SHRD), on growth performance of beef heifers. Grain sorghum (ADV2450IG; Advanta Seeds, Argentina) was harvested at the hard-dough stage with a Class Jaguar 950 (Harsewinkel, Germany), switching the kernel processor to generate the forage material for the two treatments: CONV and SHRD. The material was bagged in two 2.7 m diameter bags and allowed to ferment for 3 mo. Black Angus heifers [n = 96; body weight (BW) = 15 ± 1 mo, 249.6 ± 28.6 kg] were blocked by initial BW, and randomly assigned to pens (8 heifers/pen, 6 pens/treatment). Diets consisted, all in DM basis, of WPSS of each respective type (SHRD or CONV) at 90.5%, expeller soybean meal at 7.0%, and a vitamin-mineral-NNP concentrate at 2.5%. The experiment consisted of a 14-d adaptation period, followed by a 56-d growing period; and feed was offered once daily. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design, using pen as the experimental unit, with the fixed effect of treatment and the random effect of block. No differences were observed (P &amp;gt; 0.10) for final BW, dry matter intake, and residual feed intake. However, CONV fed heifers tended to gain more BW per day (ADG, 0.83 vs. 0.77 kg/d; P = 0.07) and had greater gain to feed ratio (GF, 0.083 vs. 0.075 kg/kg; P = 0.05) and greater Kleiber ratio (KR, 12.1 vs 11.2 g/kg; P = 0.05) as compared with SHRD fed heifers. Furthermore, performance calculated dietary Net Energy of gain (NEg) in CONV fed heifers tended to be greater than that for SHRD (0.70 vs. 0.65 Mcal/kg of diet DM, respectively; P = 0.06). Moreover, blood serum from CONV fed heifers had 16% greater total bilirubin (P = 0.04), 12% greater cholesterol (P = 0.02), and slightly greater non esterified fatty acids (P = 0.03) concentrations. Noteworthy, serum concentrations of total bilirubin were correlated (P ≤ 0.03) with ADG, GF, KR and NEg. In conclusion, the type of kernel processor utilized for the harvest of sorghum silage may have an impact on feed efficiency of beef cattle. These differences could be related to changes on the site of utilization of nutrients, particularly starch; what could also explain the differences on blood metabolites. However, further research is needed to help explain these findings.

Genome-wide analysis reveals transcriptional and translational changes during diapause of the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis)

BackgroundDiapause, a pivotal phase in the insect life cycle, enables survival during harsh environmental conditions. Unraveling the gene expression profiles of the diapause process helps uncover the molecular mechanisms that underlying diapause, which is crucial for understanding physiological adaptations. In this study, we utilize RNA-seq and Ribo-seq data to examine differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and translational efficiency during diapause of Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis, ACB).ResultsOur results unveil genes classified as “forwarded”, “exclusive”, “intensified”, or “buffered” during diapause, shedding light on their transcription and translation regulation patterns. Furthermore, we explore the landscape of lncRNAs (long non-coding RNAs) during diapause and identify differentially expressed lncRNAs, suggesting their roles in diapause regulation. Comparative analysis of different types of diapause in insects uncovers shared and unique KEGG pathways. While shared pathways highlight energy balance, exclusive pathways in the ACB larvae indicate insect-specific adaptations related to nutrient utilization and stress response. Interestingly, our study also reveals dynamic changes in the HSP70 gene family and proteasome pathway during diapause. Manipulating HSP protein levels and proteasome pathway by HSP activator or inhibitor and proteasome inhibitor affects diapause, indicating their vital role in the process.ConclusionsIn summary, these findings enhance our knowledge of how insects navigate challenging conditions through intricate molecular mechanisms.