Adaptation Period Research Articles

PSV-15 Evaluating the relationship between subcutaneous backfat thickness and sperm morphology in young beef bulls

Abstract Literature indicates that high-energy diets can lead to reductions in both sperm motility and morphology in bulls. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between individual variation in subcutaneous backfat thickness (SCBF) and sperm morphology in young beef bulls exposed to the same diet. We hypothesized that bulls with excessive subcutaneous fat thickness have increased sperm morphology defects compared with bulls with adequate subcutaneous backfat thickness. Historical data collected from yearling Bos taurus beef bulls (n = 557) enrolled in a bull development program were used in an observational retrospective cohort study to test this hypothesis. Over the course of 5 yr, bulls in two locations were developed according to industry standard practices, and performance was evaluated over 84 d with a 21-d adaptation period. At the end of the performance evaluation period, a carcass ultrasound was performed to evaluate ribeye area, SCBF, and intramuscular fat. Furthermore, breeding soundness examinations (BSE) were performed according to the Society of Theriogenology guidelines within 40 d after carcass ultrasonography. Bulls that failed the BSE for reasons unrelated to semen quality were excluded from this study. Within each year, bulls were ranked based on SCBF and classified as top 10% (TOP; n = 55), middle 80% (MID; n = 446), and bottom 10% (BTM;n = 56) for SCBF. Initial body weight (BW) was greater (P < 0.01) in TOP bulls compared with MID and BTM (Table 1). Off-test BW was also greater in TOP compared with MID and BTM bulls (P < 0.01). In contrast, average daily gain and scrotal circumference did not differ between experimental groups (P = 0.35 and P = 0.65, respectively). TOP bulls had greater (P < 0.01) SCBF compared with MID and BTM, and MID bulls had greater (P < 0.01) SCBF compared with BTM bulls. Similar results were observed for intramuscular fat (P < 0.01) and ribeye area (P < 0.01). Percentage of normal sperm cells was greater in both BTM and MID bulls compared with TOP bulls (P < 0.01). Additionally, percentage of primary abnormalities tended (P = 0.07) to be greater in TOP bulls compared with BTM and MID. There were no differences in the percentage of secondary abnormalities between experimental groups (P = 0.45). There was a tendency (P = 0.07) for a greater percentage of TOP bulls to fail the BSE compared with MID and BTM bulls. Moreover, there was a positive linear relationship (P = 0.01) between SCBF and the probability of failing the BSE. In summary, elevated SCBF in bulls exposed to the same diet was associated with an increase in sperm morphological abnormalities and tended to increase the percentage of bulls failing the BSE.

PSLBII-13 Bioinformatics of rumen fluid from steers fed alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures in the Deep South

Abstract When harvesting high-quality, high-water content forages like legumes, there is often a greater percentage of nutritive loss due to the drying process. Alternative feeding strategies like baleage provide a way to mitigate these losses. However, there is not much adoption of baleage in the Deep South. Therefore, our objective was to assess the influence of conserved forage type on rumen metabolomes of beef cattle systems in the Deep South. Three treatments including bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) baleage, and alfalfa-bermudagrass baleage were supplied to four fistulated steers with a calculated daily forage allowance based on intake, body weight, and feed refusals. Each diet was allocated to one of three periods in which all four animals received the same diet due to potential feed spoilage. Each period had a 21-d adaptation period followed by a 5-d collection period to analyze rumen fluid, total fecal weight, feed intake, feed refusal, and total urine. This study integrated 16S RNA sequencing and LC-MS-based metabolomics to evaluate rumen bacterial diversity and metabolome of beef steers. Sequencing data from the rumen fluid samples were then analyzed using QIIME2. Bermudagrass hay had a reduced alpha diversity compared with alfalfa baleage (Shannon: H = 5.19, P = 0.02). Additionally, we saw a change in beta diversity (P < 0.001), measured using the unweighted UniFrac distance, between conserved forage types and distinct clustering in the PCoA analysis. The most abundant taxa in all microbial communities were from the orders Lachnospirales, Bacteroidales, and Oscillospirales. Previous analysis in this study evidenced that baleage had an increased dry matter digestibility (DMD; P = 0.02). The increase in DMD was associated with the increase in diversity of the metabolome which could influence animal health and performance. Thus, baleage can serve as a beneficial conserved forage type that mitigates the losses of high-quality forages and diversifies the gut microbiome of ruminant animals.

PSIX-28 Optimization of feeding trial length for evaluating feed efficiency in sheep

Abstract Feed efficiency tests are well established for beef cattle, but testing for sheep remains rare due to the lack of appropriate equipment and standardized protocols. To explore the optimum trial length for evaluating feed efficiency in sheep, freshly weaned Rideau Arcott ewe lambs [n = 80; 4to 5 mo of age and body weights (BW) of 16 to 25 kg] were enrolled in a 65-d feeding trial, following a 20-d adaptation period. A mixed ration containing barley gain and protein supplement pellets were offered twice daily, and lambs had ad libitum access to feed, water and bedding straw during the trial period. Daily feed intake of individual lambs was monitored with Vytelle SENSE feed bunks, BW was recorded biweekly, as well as on two consecutive days at the start and end of the trial. Lambs that had died or had abnormal growth patterns from sickness were removed, resulting in 62 lambs remaining in the final dataset. Optimum trial length for measuring feed intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated with R Software (v. 4.3.3) via a post-hoc analysis of constructing shortened trial lengths from the regular test. The DMI and ADG values from the shortened trial datasets were compared with those from regular trial days with correlation (Pearson and Spearman tests) and linear regression analyses. There were 64 shortened trial lengths for DMI by 1 d increments, and 15 sub-datasets for ADG consisting of trial lengths between every two BW measurements. Residual feed intake (RFI), residual average daily gain (RADG), and residual intake and BW gain (RIG) were calculated for and compared between the regular trial length (65 d) and favorable shortened trial lengths based on DMI and ADG evaluations. Correlation, regression and agreement analyses were used to determine the optimum trial lengths for RFI, RADG and RIG evaluations. Results showed that DMI and ADG measurements could be shortened to 42 (r > 0.95, R2 > 0.90, β > 0.95, P < 0.001) and 56 d (r > 0.96, R2 > 0.93, β > 0.96, P < 0.001), respectively. Additionally, trial length for RFI, RADG, and RG evaluations could be reduced to 56 d (r > 0.95, R2 > 0.91, β > 0.95, CCC > 0.95, P < 0.001), primarily due to the trial length requirement for accurate ADG measurement. Reducing the duration of trials for evaluating feed efficiency in sheep not only reduces testing costs, fostering greater uptake among sheep producers, but also allows for the evaluation of more lambs annually, thereby enhancing the overall productivity and profitability of the sheep industry.

PSXII-16 Effect of including sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers

Abstract In ruminant animals, the use of molasses has benefits related to improved voluntary intake and increased production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the rumen, especially butyrate. Butyrate is closely related to gastrointestinal tract health, as it may contribute to the increase in the absorption area of the ruminal epithelium and improve the utilization of diet components, resulting in improved voluntary intake and immune response capacity in stressful situations, such as weaning. Hence, our objective was to assess the effect of sugar cane molasses on rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers. Newly weaned Nellore × Red Angus heifers (n = 12) averaging 238 ± 5.1 kg body weight (BW), were used. All heifers were housed in individual pens with concrete floors, covered feeders, and drinkers. The basal diet was 50 % concentrate, and consisted of corn silage, sorghum silage, ground corn, soybean meal, urea, and a mineral premix. The diet was provided twice daily at 0700 and 1600 h, allowing up to 10% in orts (as fed). The following treatments were evaluated: control (no addition of powdered molasses) or addition of 50 g/kg of diet [dry matter (DM) basis] of powdered molasses. The experiment lasted for a total of 80 d, including a 14-d adaptation period. On d 68 and 76, rumen fluid samples were collected both before and 4 h after the morning feeding using an oral probe coupled to a vacuum pump. The initial fluid samples were discarded to prevent saliva contamination. The rumen fluid was filtered through four layers of cheesecloth, and then pH was measured. Subsequently, samples were taken and stored in an ultra-freezer (-80°C) for subsequent SCFA analysis. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 (α = 0.05). Providing molasses increased ruminal pH compared with control heifers (P < 0.032). Adding molasses did not affect SCFA concentration (P > 0.90). Conversely, we detected an effect of molasses on SCFA molar proportion. The molar proportion of both acetate (P < 0.013) and butyrate (P < 0.012) were greater in heifers fed molasses than with controls. On the other hand, dietary molasses addition decreased (P < 0.001). the propionate molar proportion. This resulted in an increased (P < 0.002) acetate-to-propionate ratio in heifers fed diets containing molasses. In conclusion, providing sugar cane molasses enhances rumen fermentation characteristics in young beef finishing heifers.

502 Cat and mouse: The effect of consuming four different diet formants (intact mice, raw, canned wet and kibble) on energy expended to consume a meal and immediately post-prandial in domestic cats

Abstract Cats are obligate carnivores; however, we feed them a variety of different diet formats without a clear understanding of feeding behavior and metabolism among diet formats. Whole-prey or raw diets may mimic a more natural diet and require more energy to consume. However, there is currently a dearth of literature examining feline energy expenditure (EE) during the consumption of and immediate post-prandial period when fed different diet formats. The present study aimed to investigate differences in the energetics of adult cats consuming four different diet formats in isocaloric offerings: raw intact mice, commercial raw, canned wet, and kibble diets. Adult neutered male cats [n = 12; body weight (BW) = 4.82 ± 0.164 kg) were used in a 4 x 4 replicated Latin square design and adapted to consuming each diet format before the initiation of the study. Following a 2-d adaptation period, cats were fed 25% of their daily caloric requirement (50.77 ± 1.549 kcal) in indirect calorimetry chambers in which VO2 and VCO2 exchange were measured. Energy expenditure (kcal/BW0.67 kg) was calculated for the consumption period, 15 min immediately post-prandial and 2 h post-prandial. Respiratory gases were measured for one fasted reading, followed by the first feeding. During each feeding, measurements were taken during the consumption period and 15 min post-prandial. For the following 2 h, respiratory gases were measured every 25 min for an additional 4 measures of respiratory gases. All data were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model considering the effects of treatment, time and their interaction as fixed, and the effects of cat and period as random. A spatial power covariance structure was used to model repeated measures. Significance was considered at P < 0.05 and Tukey’s post-hoc test was performed to separate means. Energy expenditure during consumption and 15 min post-prandial was similar among treatments, and EE for 15 min post-prandial was greater than EE during consumption (P < 0.001). During the 2 h post-prandial, EE for the mice diet was greater than the kibble and canned wet diets (P < 0.001), while EE for the raw diet was only greater than the kibble diet (P < 0.001). Energy expenditure was similar between the kibble and canned wet diets (P = 0.919) and between the mice and raw diets (P = 0.598). Among all treatments and time periods, the mouse diet had the greatest mean EE. An increase in EE during the feeding period and post-prandial could benefit sedentary indoor cats who may be in positive energy balance. Feeding cats a naturalistic diet, such as intact mice or a raw diet, may increase activity levels and EE, but the longer-term effects of these feeding formats on energy balance need to be explored.

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 > 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.

Nutritive Value and Degradation Kinetic Parameters of Three Plants for Feeding Bradypus variegatus Schinz, In Vitro Evaluation.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of three feeds (Cecropia sp., Pterodon sp., and Inga sp.) for sloths (Bradypus variegatus), based on nutritional composition and in vitro gas production. After a 14-day adaptation period to these feeds, approximately 500 g of gastric contents were collected from three female sloths, processed, and incubated with the food samples to evaluate digestibility and in vitro degradation kinetics. Regarding the nutritional composition, the neutral detergent fiber (NDFcp) content was higher with 404 g kg-1 DM (p = 0.001) in the leaves of Cecropia sp. The non-fibrous carbohydrate contents were greater with 499 g kg-1 DM in Pterodon sp. (p = 0.002). The greatest cellulose content (211 g kg-1 DM) was found in the leaves of C. pachystachya, as well as the lowest value of 143 g kg-1 DM for hemicellulose. Significant differences in the in vitro digestibility of crude protein (p = 0.041) were observed, with Inga sp. showing the highest value at 547 g kg-1 DM. In terms of kinetic parameters, Pterodon sp. exhibited higher total gas production (Vt) at 99 mL (p = 0.023) and digestion rates of fibrous carbohydrates (kdFC) at 0.0223%/h (p = 0.020) (p < 0.05). The leaves of Pterodon sp. and Inga sp. showed potential as suitable feeds for B. variegatus, while Cecropia sp. may have negative effects on dry matter intake due to its high NDF content, because of possible repletion effects on the stomach.

Effect of probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic supplementation on circadian clock in rats with fructose-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver

BackgroundThe rate of NAFLD in the general population is estimated to be 25.2%. NAFLD is affected by lifestyle, diet, and inflammation. In this study, the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics was aimed to modulate the circadian clock in the liver and improve metabolic disorder through the gut–liver axis.MethodsSix-week-old, healthy, 43 Wistar albino rats were included in the study and their average weight was determined as 140.50 g (95.00–177.00) at the beginning of the study. Before the study, the rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, 8 animals were placed in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups and 11 animals were placed in the 2nd group. Rats in group 1 were fed standard food for 13 weeks. Rats in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups were fed with 10% fructose water during the 1-week adaptation period and then 20% fructose water. After the 7th week, probiotic treatment (2 × 109 CFU/ml Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) was administered to rats in group 3rd via gavage for 6 weeks, and prebiotic treatment was administered to rats in group 4th with feed containing 10% grape seed extract. Rats in the 5th group were given a feed consisting of 10% grape seed extract and 2 × 109 CFU/ml Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG via gavage.ResultsIt was determined that the use of prebiotics as a treatment option in fatty liver had a more positive effect on glucose, ALT, melatonin, and ZO-1 values. In addition, it was observed that synbiotic use had more positive effects on histopathological findings, NAS score, and the expression level of circadian clock genes. While there was no significant difference between the mRNA levels of circadian clock genes, it was observed that gene expression levels increased with fructose consumption and decreased especially with synbiotic treatment.ConclusionIt has been observed that fructose modulates the circadian rhythm by affecting some biochemical and genomic pathways as a result of synbiotic use in order to prevent the negative effects of fructose on fatty liver.

Pengaruh Pemberian Campuran Fermentasi Ampas Tahu dan Dedak Padi Dalam Ransum Terhadap Performa Bebek Hibrida

This study aims to determine the effect of giving a mixture of fermented tofu pulp and rice bran in rations on the performance of hybrid ducks. This research was carried out in Lambanapu Village, Kambera District, East Sumba Regency which took place from November to December 2023, where there was a 2-week adaptation period and 8 weeks of data collection period. This study used an experimental method with a Complete Random Design (RAL) with 4 treatments and 4 replicates, namely P0:BR2 (basal feed), P1: BR2 80% + tofu pulp fermentation 10% + rice bran fermentation 10%, P2: BR2 60% + tofu pulp fermentation 20% + rice bran fermentation 20%, and P3: BR2 40% + tofu pulp fermentation 30% + rice bran fermentation 30%. The results of this study showed that the administration of tofu pulp and fermented rice bran had a real effect (P&lt;0.05) on ration consumption and ration conversion, but had no effect on body weight gain. In conclusion, the application of 40% BR2 and a mixture of fermented tofu pulp 30% and rice bran 30% in the ration can increase ration consumption, but produce a high conversion value and the same body weight gain in Hybrid ducks.

PSXI-8 Effects of selected feed additives on feedlot cattle performance when fed diets containing rehydrated corn grain silage during adaptation period

PSXI-8 Effects of selected feed additives on feedlot cattle performance when fed diets containing rehydrated corn grain silage during adaptation period

Impact of dispensing optical, nonoptical, and electronic devices on the visual function of students attending the schools for the blind

Background: Many students attending schools for the blind have some vision that can be made use of to improve their vision function. Aims: Our study aimed to assess the impact of optical, nonoptical, and electronic devices on vision function of visually impaired students. Setting and Design: This prospective interventional study was conucted in schools for the blind in western Maharashtra, India. Methods: Students attending schools for the blind were evaluated with history-taking, visual acuity tests, ocular examinations, fundoscopy, and low vision workup in 2022–2023. The LV Prasad Functional Vision Questionnaire assessed impact on vision function, before and after 3-month adaptation period. Results: Five hundred and thirty-five students aged 5–25 years with visual acuity &lt;6/60 in the better eye from eight schools were evaluated. Among them, 172 (31.77%) received low vision aids, with 144 (84.70%) using nonoptical devices such as NoIR filters, Caps, Typo scopes, and White canes. Optical devices such as telescopes and magnifiers in 35 and electronic devices like portable video magnifier in 11 students. Forty-six received all three types. There was a significant enhancement (P &lt; 0.001) in tasks related to distance, near vision, mobility, and outdoor lighting conditions for students using nonoptical devices alone or combined with optical aids and video magnifiers. Among the 119 (70%) students using nonoptical devices, 80 (67.22%) exclusively used them, while 42 (32.77%) combined them with other aids, showing even more substantial improvement. Conclusion: Optical, nonoptical and electronic, when used together improved vision function of visually impaired students.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CARDIOINTERVALOGRAPHY INDICATORS AND PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPONENTS OF THE ADAPTIVE POTENTIAL OF CADETS IN THE FIRST YEAR OF STUDY

Military service is a very specific type of activity, during which the human body can be exposed to a whole range of unfavorable factors of various etiologies. The most difficult period in military service is the initial adaptation period, when the physiological and psychological restructuring of the soldier's body occurs, his adaptation to life and everyday life, to the requirements of the military environment. Adaptation of military personnel to military activities affects the success of this activity, as well as the preservation of the health of military personnel. The study of the features of the process of adaptation to military service seems important for organizing high-quality training of personnel and achieving the ability of military personnel to withstand significant physical and neuropsychic stress. All this also applies to students of military educational institutions. In this case, motivation will be understood as a time-limited psychophysiological process that controls the behavior of an individual, setting its direction, organization, activity and stability; the ability of a person to actively satisfy his needs, while further acting in the interests of the state and society. One of the important areas of this work, which has great practical significance, is the study, assessment and forecasting of the adaptive capabilities of the cadets' body. Most often, psychological diagnostic methods are used to determine the level of adaptation, but recently instrumental research methods, in particular, heart rate variability analysis, have become increasingly widespread.

Effects of benzoic acid in pig diets on nitrogen utilization, urinary pH, slurry pH, and odorous compounds.

The objective was to investigate the effects of dietary benzoic acid (BA) on nitrogen (N) balance, urinary pH, slurry pH, and odorous compounds in feces and slurry of pigs. Twelve barrows with an initial body weight of 56.2±2.6 kg were individually housed in metabolism crates. The animals were allocated to a replicated 6×4 incomplete Latin square design with 12 animals, 6 experimental diets, and 4 periods, resulting in 8 observations per treatment. The basal diet consisted mainly of corn, soybean meal, and rapeseed meal. Benzoic acid was supplemented to the basal diet at 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%, or 2.5% BA at the expense of corn starch. Each period consisted of a 4-day adaptation period and a 24-hour collection period for slurry, followed by a 4-day collection period for feces and urine. On day 5, feces and urine were collected for 24 hours and mixed to obtain slurry samples. The daily digested N linearly increased (p<0.05) with increasing BA supplementation. Supplemental BA lowered urinary pH (p<0.001) and slurry pH (p<0.05) in a linear and quadratic manner. In the fecal samples, the concentrations of acetate, propionate, butyrate, and skatole linearly decreased (p<0.05) with supplemental BA. In the slurry samples, the concentrations of butyrate, isovalerate, and skatole linearly decreased (p<0.05) by supplemental BA. In conclusion, supplemental benzoic acid has the potential to improve nitrogen digestion in a dose-dependent manner for pigs. Additionally, dietary benzoic acid lowers urinary pH, slurry pH, and concentrations of odorous compounds in pig feces and slurry.

Data-driven program adaptation and continuous improvement: A case study of the Adolescents 360 (A360) project in Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Tanzania

Interventions benefit from ongoing continuous quality improvement during implementation to refine and strengthen them in response to changing contexts and emerging opportunities. This article reflects on the experience from the Adolescents 360 (A360) project in implementing user-centered, adaptive programming across Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria from 2018 to 2020. During this implementation period, A360 progressed through three distinct phases: an ‘optimization’ of project interventions in pursuit of efficiency and preparation for scale; a re-focusing on user-centered programming to go beyond efficiency and pursue greater impact; and a rapid course correction in response to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. A360’s approach to data-informed adaptation evolved throughout these phases. From a hyper focus on cost-efficiency during optimization to a more expansive use of mixed methods data for adaptation during its second phase and finally iteration in response to an extremely restrictive service delivery environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this article we reflect on how these periods of adaptation and course correction contributed to the evolution of the project’s interventions and provided significant lessons which the project has taken into its new investment phase. Balance is key – utilizing a range of mixed methods data instead of a singular focus on cost-efficiency, streamlining interventions while not compromising long-term impact, and retaining a user-focus even while considering sustainability.

Gestating sows with a restricted feed allowance require a longer adaptation period before collecting feces compared with lactating sows in total tract digestibility assessments using index method.

The objective of the present experiment was to determine the minimum adaptation period for total tract digestibility experiments in gestating and lactating sows using the indigestible index method. Five gestating and 5 lactating sows at parities 3 to 5 were used. An indigestible index of 0.5% chromic oxide was supplemented to a diet based on corn and soybean meal. The daily feed allowance for gestating sows was 2kg and 2 equal meals were provided to the sows. Lactating sows were fed 6kg of feed per day in 3 equal meals. After feeding a diet without supplemental chromic oxide for 5 d, index-supplemented diets were provided to the gestating and lactating sows. Feces were collected at 24-h intervals for 9 and 7 d from gestating and lactating sows, respectively. Fecal Cr concentrations increased linearly (P < 0.001) and quadratically (P < 0.001) with collection time in both gestating and lactating sows. Minimum adaptation periods were estimated by one-slope broken-line model. The break point of Cr concentrations in feces was day 7.2 (SE = 0.3) in the gestating sows and day 4.2 (SE = 0.2) in the lactating sows, respectively. Apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and energy on day 4 was less (P < 0.001) than that on days 8 to 9 in gestating sows fed the experimental diet with a 2-kg feed allowance. In lactating sows fed the experimental diets with a 6-kg feed allowance, the apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and energy on day 3 was less (P < 0.05) than that on days 5 to 7. In conclusion, at least 8 d of adaptation period are required for gestating sows to determine total tract digestibility using Cr as the indigestible index method whereas 5 d of adaptation period are required for lactating sows. An insufficient adaptation period results in lower digestibility values.

Motor adaptation to continuous lateral trunk support force during walking improves trunk postural control and walking in children with cerebral palsy: A pilot study

PurposeTo determine whether the application of continuous lateral trunk support forces during walking would improve trunk postural control and improve gait performance in children with CP. Materials and methodsNineteen children with spastic CP participated in this study (8 boys; mean age 10.6 ± 3.4 years old). Fourteen of them were tested in the following sessions: 1) walking on a treadmill without force for 1-min (baseline), 2) with lateral trunk support force for 7-min (adaptation), and 3) without force for 1-min (post-adaptation). Overground walking pre/post treadmill walking. Five of them were tested using a similar protocol but without trunk support force (i.e., control). ResultsParticipants from the experimental group showed enhancement in gait phase dependent muscle activation of rectus abdominis in late adaptation period compared to baseline (P = 0.005), which was retained during the post-adaptation period (P = 0.036), reduced variability of the peak trunk oblique angle during the late post-adaptation period (P = 0.023), and increased overground walking speed after treadmill walking (P = 0.032). Participants from the control group showed modest changes in kinematics and EMG during treadmill and overground walking performance. These results suggest that applying continuous lateral trunk support during walking is likely to induce learning of improved trunk postural control in children with CP, which may partially transfer to overground walking, although we do not have a firm conclusion due to the small sample size in the control group.

Effects of natural additives as an alternative to ionophores on performance and carcass traits of Nellore cattle in feedlot submitted to transport stress

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of natural additives, based on essential oils and yeast cell wall products, as alternatives for monensin as a growth promoter for beef cattle. A total of 160 Nellore bulls with an average initial body weight of 352 kg were randomly distributed (40 animals/treatment) in four collective pens equipped with 24 automatic feeders (6 devices per pen). The feedlot period lasted 116 days, with a 14-day period of animal adaptation to the facilities. After the adaptation period, a transport stress (8 hours/400 km) was induced in all animals to simulate a commercial feedlot situation. The treatments were: 1) CON - Negative control (no additive); 2) MON - Monensin (27 mg/kg of dry matter (DM)); 3) EO - Essential oil-based additive (Valkalor Plus: 1.3 g/ kg DM); 4) EOYW - Essential oil and yeast cell wall-based additive (Viandi Plus: 1.8 g/ kg DM). The EO additive Valkalor Plus (IDENA®, Sautron, France) consists of a blend of essential oils (eugenol and geranyl acetate), while the EOYW additive Viandi Plus (IDENA®, Sautron, France) contains a combination of essential oils (linalol and geranyl acetate) with yeast cell wall. All statistical analyses were performed in SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.), using GLIMMIX procedure and comparing the least square means by Tukey’s test at P < 0.05 and tendency between 0.05 <P < 0.10. A tendency (P = 0.091) and a significant effect (P = 0.032) were observed for final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG), respectively. Treatment MON presented greater FBW and ADG compared to CON (546 kg; 1.656 kg/d vs. 529 kg; 1.486 kg/d) but did not differ from treatment EO and EOYW. Dietary treatment EOYW presented greater dry matter intake (DMI), compared to MON (7 %; P = 0.006), but did not differ from CON and EO (P > 0.10). On the other hand, dietary treatment MON presented greater gain: feed ratio than all other treatments (P = 0.003). The treatments CON and EO presented greater presence of liver abscesses compared to MON and EOYW (P = 0.030). On average, the presence of liver abscess was 4.62 % for MON and EOYW vs. 23 % for CON and EO. Animals fed EO and EOYW diets, particularly during the initial adaptation period (0–12 days), had greater fluctuations in DMI compared to bulls fed CON and MON diets (P < 0.0001). Bulls treated with MON spent more time eating and had a greater DMI rate (min/kg; P < 0.0001) per kg compared to EOYW bulls during both the adaptation phase and the entire study period. In terms of daily feeding behavior, MON and EO-treated bulls exhibited more visits than EOYW bulls throughout the adaptation, final, and overall study periods (P < 0.0001). The serum haptoglobin concentration was greater for animals fed EO and EOYW compared to other treatments on average and at d 116 after enrollment (P < 0.0001). Altogether, these outcomes indicate that EOYW may be a viable alternative to MON in feedlot diets for finishing animals.

Analysis of the Relationships between Quality of Life, Resilience, and Life Satisfaction Variables in Retired Individuals

Quality of life, resilience, and life satisfaction are influential variables during periods of change and adaptation, such as retirement. To assess the relationships between these variables and to analyze differences based on sex and length of time in retirement. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted with a sample of 63 participants, aged 50 to 84 years, who were effectively retired and residing in Spain. Participants completed a form measuring levels of resilience, quality of life, life satisfaction, and sociodemographic data. The data showed a positive and significant correlation between resilience and life satisfaction, and between quality of life and life satisfaction. Significant differences were found in quality of life based on the length of time in retirement. This study has elucidated the relationships between quality of life, resilience, and life satisfaction, as well as the influence of sociodemographic variables on these factors. These insights will aid in developing effective intervention programs for the retirement stage that promote quality of life, resilience, and life satisfaction among retired individuals.

Enhancing the adaptation of international students to life and study in Kazakhstan

ABSTRACT The significance of this study is highlighted by the various challenges faced by international students in the educational process in Kazakhstan. The main objective was to explore the unique aspects of these students’ adaptation within higher education institutions. The research methods utilized included surveys, interviews, logical analysis, and functional analysis. Throughout the study, has been identified the difficulties encountered by foreign students during their adaptation period. This was achieved through conducting interviews like ‘Your Life and Study at the Preparatory Faculty’ and ‘A Man Among People,’ as well as administering the ‘Study is Your Present, Which Defines Your Future’ questionnaire, among other techniques. These methods allowed us to examine trends in the responses of foreign students to generalized scenarios they encounter during adaptation. The study found that foreign students in Kazakhstan face significant challenges, including psycho-physiological difficulties, educational barriers, and socio-cultural adjustments, influenced by language proficiency and social relationships. It highlights the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for successful adaptation. The practical importance of the findings lies in the recommendations and strategies proposed to accelerate and improve the efficiency of foreign students’ adaptation in Kazakhstan across all essential areas.

Assessing burden tolerance amid the Medicaid Great Unwinding

AbstractThe pandemic era ushered in a period of policy adaptation in how states deliver programs. One aspect of this experimentation is how burdensome safety net administrative processes should be. Using national surveys taken before and after the end of the public health emergency, we offer evidence of how tolerant the public is about burdens when allowed to choose between discrete policy implementation options. First, we show that burden tolerance beliefs are durable and largely unmovable, staying relatively consistent over time, and unaffected by experimental frames. Second, while there is varying support for specific strategies, the public is broadly supportive of tools that reduce burdens in Medicaid. Third, we find consistent predictors of burden tolerance: conservative beliefs and racial resentment are associated with support for burdens, while empathy toward others, belief in burdens as a form of systemic racism, and low administrative capital make people less tolerant of burdens.