Feeding Regime Research Articles

Clinical Outcomes of Slow versus Rapid Enteral Feeding Advancement in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates at a Tertiary Care Center

In India, every year around 3.5 million babies are born premature, accounting for almost 13% of total livebirths in the country as compared to 5% to 7% incidence in the West. Preterm is defined as babies born before 37 weeks ofpregnancy. The rapidity of feed volume increments involves controversies like faster weight gain, shorter hospital stays, therisk of necrotizing enterocolitis and vice versa. Methods: The present study was a randomized controlled trial conducted fromJune 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019. All infants in the study were randomized to slow and rapid feeding protocols by a stratifiedblock randomization sequence of 2, 4, 6 blocks. Group 1 or the slow advancement group included 64 newborns babies andGroup 2 or the rapid advancement group included 69 newborns babies. Results: The average weight gain in Group 1 was4.41 ± 0.9 g and in Group 2 it was 6.33 ± 1.3 g, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.02). Sixty out of 64 newbornsregained birth weight within 16.87 ± 0.9 days in Group 1, while 64 out of 69 newborns regained birth weight within 13.63 ±0.9 days in Group 2. The difference was statistically significant. Increment in the mean occipitofrontal circumference perweek was 0.29 ± 0.27 cm Group 1, while in Group 2 it was 0.42 ± 0.05 cm; the difference was statistically significant. Meanaverage length increment per week was found to be 0.55 ± 0.04 cm and 0.69 ± 0.05 cm in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively,the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.005). The mean duration of hospital stay was 27.47 ± 3.33 days in Group 1while in Group 2, the duration of stay was 23.15 ± 2.22 days, the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Ourstudy supports enteral nutrition by rapid enteral feeding regimen in stable preterm neonates with very low birth weight

The use of biomarkers in fresh meat and dairy products to identify the feeding regime in ruminants: a review

The use of biomarkers in fresh meat and dairy products to identify the feeding regime in ruminants: a review

No evidence for the consistent effect of supplementary feeding on home range size in terrestrial mammals.

Food availability and distribution are key drivers of animal space use. Supplemental food provided by humans can be more abundant and predictable than natural resources. It is thus believed that supplementary feeding modifies the spatial behaviour of wildlife. Yet, such effects have not been tested quantitatively across species. Here, we analysed changes in home range size owing to supplementary feeding in 23 species of terrestrial mammals using a meta-analysis of 28 studies. Additionally, we investigated the moderating effect of factors related to (i) species biology (sex, body mass and taxonomic group), (ii) feeding regimen (duration, amount and purpose), and (iii) methods of data collection and analysis (source of data, estimator and spatial confinement). We found no consistent effect of supplementary feeding on changes in home range size. While an overall tendency of reduced home range was observed, moderators varied in the direction and strength of the trends. Our results suggest that multiple drivers and complex mechanisms of home range behaviour can make it insensitive to manipulation with supplementary feeding. The small number of available studies stands in contrast with the ubiquity and magnitude of supplementary feeding worldwide, highlighting a knowledge gap in our understanding of the effects of supplementary feeding on ranging behaviour.

Effect of microalgae and bacteria inoculation on the startup of bioreactors for paper pulp wastewater and biofuel production

The use of microalgae and bacteria as a strategy for the startup of bioreactors for the treatment of industrial wastewater can be a sustainable and economically viable alternative. This technology model provides satisfactory results in the nitrification and denitrification process for nitrogen removal, organic matter removal, biomass growth, sedimentation, and byproducts recovery for added-value product production. The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of microalgae and bacteria in their symbiotic process when used in the treatment of paper pulp industry wastewater. The experiment, lasting fourteen days, utilized four bioreactors with varying concentrations in mgVSS/L of microalgae to bacteria ratio (R1-100:100, R2-100:300, R3-100:500, R4-300:100) in the startup process. Regarding the sludge volumetric index (SVI), the results show that the R1 and R2 reactors developed SVI30/SVI10 biomass in the range of 85.57 ± 7.33% and 84.72 ± 8.19%, respectively. The lipid content in the biomass of reactors R1, R2, R3 e R4 was 13%, 7%, 19%, and 22%, respectively. This high oil content at the end of the batch, may be related to the nutritional stress that the species underwent during this feeding regime. In terms of chlorophyll, the bioreactor with an initial inoculation of 100:100 showed better symbiotic growth of microalgae and bacteria, allowing exponential growth of microalgae. The total chlorophyll value for this bioreactor was 801.46 ± 196.96 μg/L. Biological removal of nitrogen from wastewater from the paper pulp industry is a challenge due to the characteristics of the effluent, but the four reactors operated in a single batch obtained good nitrogen removal. Ammonia nitrogen removal performances were 91.55 ± 9.99%, 72.13 ± 19.18%, 64.04 ± 21.34%, and 86.15 ± 30.10% in R1, R2, R3, and R4, respectively.

Anthelmintic effects of Podang mango (Mangifera indica) fruit peel waste extract through in vivo application on Indonesian Etawa goat production and health.

The continuous use of anthelmintic drugs has led to global issues of resistance. One breakthrough to address this problem is the utilization of bio-anthelmintics derived from active compounds in agro-industrial waste. This in vivo study investigated the effectiveness of Podang mango (Mangifera indica L.) fruit peel waste extract for anthelmintic purposes, using concentrations up to 5%. This study included 28 Etawa crossbred goats aged 17 months. Goats were randomly assigned to four groups: A negative control, an aqueous fruit peel extract (AFPE) group at 2.5%, another AFPE group at 5%, and a positive control receiving ivermectin. Goats chosen had egg per gram (EPG) counts surpassing 1000 before exposure to Haemonchus contortus. For 7 days within a 9-week study, AFPE from Podang mangoes was given. On the 7th day, the positive control group was administered ivermectin. AFPE dosage relied on the average abomasum fluid per kilogram of animal weight. The feeding regimen consisted of concentrate and Pennisetum purpureum cv. Mott is customized for the nutritional needs of livestock. Data on feed consumption, digestibility, average daily gain, percentage reduction in fecal egg count, body condition score, and clinical parameters were collected throughout the study. At higher treatment levels (AFPE), there was a greater reduction in both EPG and fecal egg counts. The expected and normal ranges were maintained for consumption and digestibility. While body weight increased, FAMACHA parameters showed a decrease. Compared to the negative control group, substantial disparities (p < 0.05) existed for hemoglobin, red blood cells, and hematocrit in both the positive control and the treatment groups. Blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, indicative of liver and kidney health, were within normal ranges. At a concentration of up to 5%, Podang mango waste extract (AFPE) can function as a substitute for traditional helminth medicines or bio-anthelmintics in goats, enhancing their production.

Metabolic Profile and Lipid Metabolism Phenotype in Mice with Conditional Deletion of Hepatic BMAL1.

The disruption of circadian rhythms (CRs) has been linked to metabolic disorders, yet the role of hepatic BMAL1, a key circadian regulator, in the whole-body metabolism and the associated lipid metabolic phenotype in the liver remains unclear. Bmal1 floxed (Bmal1f/f) and hepatocyte-specific Bmal1 knockout (Bmal1hep-/-) C57BL/6J mice underwent a regular feeding regimen. Hepatic CR, lipid content, mitochondrial function, and systemic metabolism were assessed at zeitgeber time (ZT) 0 and ZT12. Relevant molecules were examined to elucidate the metabolic phenotype. Hepatocyte-specific knockout of Bmal1 disrupted the expression of rhythmic genes in the liver. Bmal1hep-/- mice exhibited decreased hepatic TG content at ZT0, primarily due to enhanced lipolysis, reduced lipogenesis, and diminished lipid uptake. The β-oxidation function of liver mitochondria decreased at both ZT0 and ZT12. Our findings on the metabolic profile and associated hepatic lipid metabolism in the absence of Bmal1 in hepatocytes provides new insights into metabolic syndromes from the perspective of liver CR disturbances.

State paid family leave policies and breastfeeding duration: cross-sectional analysis of 2021 national immunization survey-child

BackgroundPaid parental leave policies may promote breastfeeding, which can have short- and long-term health benefits for both members of the birthing person-infant dyad. In the United States, where 56% of the workforce qualifies for unpaid federal medical leave, certain states have recently enacted paid parental and family leave policies. We aimed to assess the extent to which living in states with versus without paid family leave was associated with feeding regimens that included breastfeeding.MethodsIn this cross-sectional analysis of the 2021 National Immunization Survey-Child, we assessed feeding outcomes: (1) exclusively breastfed (only fed breastmilk—never infant formula—both before and after six months of age), (2) late mixed breastfeeding (formula after six months), (3) early mixed breastfeeding (breastfed, formula before six months), and (4) never breastfed. We conducted Pearson χ2 to compare social-demographic characteristics and multivariable nominal regression to assess extent to paid family leave was associated with breastfeeding regimens, compared with never breastfeeding.ResultsOf the 35,995 respondents, 5,806 (25% of weighted respondents) were from states with paid family leave policies. Compared with never breastfeeding, all feeding that incorporated breastfeeding—exclusive breastfeeding, late mixed feeding (breastfed, formula introduced after six months), and early mixed feeding (breastfed, formula introduced before six months)—were more prevalent in states with paid family leave policies. The adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and differences in adjusted prevalence compared with never breastfeeding in states with versus without paid family leave policies were: aPR 1.41 (95% CI 1.15, 1.73), 5.36% difference for exclusive breastfeeding; aPR 1.25 (95% CI 1.01, 1.53), 3.19% difference for late mixed feeding, aPR 1.32 (95% CI 1.32, 1.97), 5.42% difference for early mixed feeding.ConclusionStates with paid family leave policies have higher rates of any breastfeeding and of exclusive breastfeeding than states without such policies. Because all feeding types that incorporate breastfeeding were higher in states with paid family leave policies, expansion of paid family leave may improve breastfeeding rates.

Regression Models for In Vivo Discrimination of the Iberian Pig Feeding Regime after Near Infrared Spectroscopy Analysis of Faeces.

The Iberian pig is a native breed of the Iberian Peninsula, which holds an international reputation due to the superior quality and the added value of its products. Different rearing practices and feeding regimes are regulated, resulting in different labelling schemes. However, there is no official analytical methodology that is standardised for certification purposes in the sector. Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology that provides information about the physicochemical composition of a sample, with several advantages that have enabled its implementation in different fields. Although it has already been successfully used for the analysis of Iberian pig's final products, samples evaluated with NIRS technology are characterised by a postmortem collection. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of NIRS analysis of faeces for in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pig feeding regime, using the spectral information per se for the development of modified partial least squares regressions. Faecal samples were used due to their easy collection, especially in extensive systems where pig handling is difficult. A total of 166 individual samples were collected from 12 farms, where the three different feeding regimes available in the sector were ensured. Although slight differences were detected depending on the chemometric approach, the best models obtained a classification success and a prediction accuracy of over 94% for feeding regime discrimination. The results are considered very satisfactory and suggest NIRS analysis of faeces as a promising approach for the in vivo discrimination of the Iberian pigs' diet, and its implementation during field inspections, a significative achievement for the sector.

Molecular characteristics of fowl adenovirus strains detected in broiler chickens on diets without immunostimulant supplements.

Outbreaks of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infection in chicken flocks in Poland threaten birds' health and lives and are rising in frequency. The risk of these infections in immunocompromised poultry flocks with developed clinical symptoms was analysed through virus detection in broiler chicks and correlation of cases with the birds' immune strength. Samples were analysed from four broiler farms with chicks from the same hatchery in Silesia, Poland where feeding regimes were different. A normal diet was provided to birds on the control farm; a normal diet and probiotic, prebiotic, vitamin and microelement supplementation was supplied on another farm; a normal diet and antibiotics on the third; and a normal diet and both forms of supplementation were given on the fourth farm. Amplification of the virus DNA in a PCR with hexon gene L1 loop hypervariable region 1-4 primers determined the molecular characteristics of isolates of adenovirus strains obtained from necropsy tissue samples. The amplicon sequences were analysed, the pair-wise distances were determined, the maximum likelihood estimate for the gamma parameter for site rates was produced, Tajima's D neutrality test was run and the relative synonymous codon usage and transition/transversion bias were calculated. Two species and two serotypes of fowl adenovirus - MW353018-FAdV-1/A-L-liver and MW353019-FAdV-5/B-I-intestine - were isolated in three-week-old broiler chicks on the control farm. Supplementation of broiler chicken flocks with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and microelements may have a significant beneficial effect on immunity and can prevent virus infection. The studies provided new information on the molecular characteristics of adenovirus strains isolated from chicks with a low level of immunity.

Improved biological methanation using tubular foam-bed reactor

BackgroundPower-to-gas is the pivotal link between electricity and gas infrastructure, enabling the broader integration of renewable energy. Yet, enhancements are necessary for its full potential. In the biomethanation process, transferring H2 into the liquid phase is a rate-limiting step. To address this, we developed a novel tubular foam-bed reactor (TFBR) and investigated its performance at laboratory scale.ResultsA non-ionic polymeric surfactant (Pluronic® F-68) at 1.5% w/v was added to the TFBR’s culture medium to generate a stabilized liquid foam structure. This increased both the gas–liquid surface area and the bubble retention time. Within the tubing, cells predominantly traveled evenly suspended in the liquid phase or were entrapped in the thin liquid film of bubbles flowing inside the tube. Phase (I) of the experiment focused primarily on mesophilic (40 °C) operation of the tubular reactor, followed by phase (II), when Pluronic® F-68 was added. In phase (II), the TFBR exhibited 6.5-fold increase in biomethane production rate (MPR) to 15.1 (LCH4/LR/d)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$({\ ext{L}}_{{\ ext{CH}}_{4}}\ ext{/}{\ ext{L}}_{\ ext{R}}\ ext{/d)}$$\\end{document}, with a CH4 concentration exceeding 90% (grid quality), suggesting improved H2 transfer. Transitioning to phase (III) with continuous operation at 55 °C, the MPR reached 29.7 LCH4/LR/d\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{L}}_{{\ ext{CH}}_{4}}\ ext{/}{\ ext{L}}_{\ ext{R}}\ ext{/d}$$\\end{document} while maintaining the grid quality CH4. Despite, reduced gas–liquid solubility and gas–liquid mass transfer at higher temperatures, the twofold increase in MPR compared to phase (II) might be attributed to other factors, i.e., higher metabolic activity of the methanogenic archaea.To assess process robustness for phase (II) conditions, a partial H2 feeding regime (12 h 100% and 12 h 10% of the nominal feeding rate) was implemented. Results demonstrated a resilient MPR of approximately 14.8 LCH4/LR/d\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$${\ ext{L}}_{{\ ext{CH}}_{4}}\ ext{/}{\ ext{L}}_{\ ext{R}}\ ext{/d}$$\\end{document} even with intermittent, low H2 concentration.ConclusionsOverall, the TFBR’s performance plant sets the course for an accelerated introduction of biomethanation technology for the storage of volatile renewable energy. Robust process performance, even under H2 starvation, underscores its reliability. Further steps towards an optimum operation regime and scale-up should be initiated. Additionally, the use of TFBR systems should be considered for biotechnological processes in which gas–liquid mass transfer is a limiting factor for achieving higher reaction rates.

Breaking the spell: Changes in the behavior of two zoo-kept tigers (Panthera tigris) after exposure to a distinct feast-and-fast feeding regime.

The behavior of zoo carnivores has received intense attention due to their propensity for locomotor stereotypies. We observed two adult male tiger (Panthera tigris) siblings kept together for the duration of 104 days by round-the-clock video observation. The period consisted of three baseline periods with the zoo's regular feeding regime of five feeding days per week interrupted by two individual fasting days, with feeding occurring in the evening (B1-B3 of 14 days each). These periods were interrupted by two intervention periods (I1: randomized feeding times, 28 days; I2: gorge-feeding with three 10-day fasting periods, 34 days). As expected, day and night-time behavior was different, with the majority of sleep occurring at night. Pacing, which was mainly considered anticipatory, significantly decreased from 88 ± 132 min/day during B1 to 20 ± 33 min/day during B3. Pacing did not increase during the fasting days of I2. Over the course of whole study, lying time decreased and nonpacing locomotion increased. A major difference was observed between gorge-feeding and the subsequent first fasting days: during gorge-feeding, tigers spent a large part of the day feeding and locomoting (and less sleeping); on the subsequent day, they locomoted about 4.5 h less and slept about 4.3 h more. We suggest that interrupting routines by fasting periods of several days may be effective for reducing regular anticipatory behavior and creates an across-day structure that may correspond to the evolved psychological disposition of large carnivores.

Silver Nanoparticles Encapped by Dihydromyricetin: Optimization of Green Synthesis, Characterization, Toxicity, and Anti-MRSA Infection Activities for Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

To achieve the environmentally friendly and rapid green synthesis of efficient and stable AgNPs for drug-resistant bacterial infection, this study optimized the green synthesis process of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Dihydromyricetin (DMY). Then, we assessed the impact of AgNPs on zebrafish embryo development, as well as their therapeutic efficacy on zebrafish infected with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light-scattering (DLS) analyses revealed that AgNPs possessed an average size of 23.6 nm, a polymer dispersity index (PDI) of 0.197 ± 0.0196, and a zeta potential of -18.1 ± 1.18 mV. Compared to other published green synthesis products, the optimized DMY-AgNPs exhibited smaller sizes, narrower size distributions, and enhanced stability. Furthermore, the minimum concentration of DMY-AgNPs required to affect zebrafish hatching and survival was determined to be 25.0 μg/mL, indicating the low toxicity of DMY-AgNPs. Following a 5-day feeding regimen with DMY-AgNP-containing food, significant improvements were observed in the recovery of the gills, intestines, and livers in MRSA-infected zebrafish. These results suggested that optimized DMY-AgNPs hold promise for application in aquacultures and offer potential for further clinical use against drug-resistant bacteria.

Hourly Feeding Regime of Modern Genetics Lactating Sows: Enhancing Productive Performance, Welfare, and Piglet Growth in Smart Farm-Based Systems

Effective management of lactating sows significantly influences various aspects of swine production. This study compared the impact of an hourly feeding regime and a five-times-daily feeding regime on the productive performance, body condition, and welfare of lactating sows, as well as on the growth performance of their offspring. Twenty-eight lactating sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were divided into two groups: Group 1 was fed five times a day, and Group 2 was fed according to an hourly regime. The data were analyzed using independent-samples T-tests and the Mann–Whitney U test using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2011, Version 9.3) software. An hourly feeding regime positively affected (p &lt; 0.05) sows’ feed intake and body condition, significantly reducing the days from the weaning-to-estrus interval. Group 1 exhibited significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) reductions in backfat thickness (BFT) and body condition score (BCS) during the weaning period compared to Group 2. Additionally, significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in regard to sow body weight loss, feed intake, piglet livability and mortality rate at weaning, sow index, and calculated milk yield. Feeding sows according to an hourly regime positively impacted their productive performance compared to those fed five times daily. No significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) were recorded in regard to the total number of piglets born, live births, mummified piglets, stillbirths, piglet mortality, litter size at weaning, and sow feed conversion ratio (FCR). However, the number of piglets weaned per sow per year (PSY) was numerically higher in Group 2 (p &gt; 0.05). The piglets from Group 2 had significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) weaning weights and exhibited lower feed intake, greater weight gain, improved average daily gain, and greater litter size weight gain than those from Group 1. Statistically, sows from Group 2 exhibited a higher frequency of standing (p &lt; 0.05), which potentially contributed to the reduction in shoulder skin lesions in sows (p &gt; 0.05). In conclusion, an hourly feeding regime could optimize sow productive performance, body condition, milk yield, welfare, and piglet growth in swine production.

Feeding strategy and feed protein level affect the gut microbiota of common carp (Cyprinus carpio).

Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were fed food with different protein concentrations following different feeding regimes, which were previously shown to affect growth, nitrogen excretion and amino acid catabolism. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to investigate the gut microbiota of these fish. Lower dietary protein content increased microbial richness, while the combination of demand feeding and dietary protein content affected the composition of the gut microbiota. Hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) activity was correlated to the composition of the gut microbiota in all dietary treatments. We found that demand-fed carp fed a diet containing 39% protein had a significantly higher abundance of Beijerinckiaceae compared to other dietary groups. Network analysis identified this family and two Rhizobiales families as hubs in the microbial association network. In demand-fed carp, the microbial association network had significantly fewer connections than in batch-fed carp. In contrast to the large effects of the feeding regime and protein content of the food on growth and nitrogen metabolism, it had only limited effects on gut microbiota composition. However, correlations between gut microbiota composition and liver GDH activity showed that host physiology and gut microbiota are connected, which warrants functional studies into the role of the gut microbiota in fish physiology.

Effects of functional amino acid blend dietary supplementation with different feeding regimens on growth performance and protein utilization in weaned pigs

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of functional amino acid (AA) blend dietary supplementation with different feeding regimens on growth performance and protein utilization in weaned pigs. Pigs were fed either a standard (STD) diet or a supplemental (SUP) diet, which included an additional AA blend in the STD diet. Ninety-six piglets (6.51 ± 0.34 kg) were randomly assigned to one of four feeding regimens: a STD diet throughout the experiment, or a SUP diet for phase I (SUP7), until phase II (SUP21), or until phase III (SUP35). During phase I, pigs fed an SUP diet exhibited a greater ( P &lt; 0.05) average daily gain and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F) than those fed the STD diet. Pigs in the SUP35 group had a higher ( P &lt; 0.05) G:F than those in the SUP7 group. Pigs in the SUP21 and SUP35 groups had greater ( P &lt; 0.05) digestibility of N than those in the SUP7 group. Pigs in the SUP35 group had upregulated ( P &lt; 0.05) mRNA encoding mammalian targets of rapamycin and cationic AA transporter1 in longissimus dorsi than those in the SUP21 group. Feeding the SUP diet throughout the 5-week nursery phase is recommended to achieve optimal growth performance and protein metabolism.

PSIV-A-3 Effect of fiber and stimbiotic on growth performance and the gut microbiome in pigs challenged with F18 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)

Abstract Dietary fiber has been shown to promote a healthy gut microbiota, while stimbiotics enhance fermentable substances and boost the expansion of the commensal microbiome, improving host health by alleviating deleterious effects of proinflammatory responses. The intended purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the effectiveness of dietary fiber sources and stimbiotic on the sustainability of F18 enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) challenge. A total of 216 piglets were blocked (n = 8) by weaning body weight (BW) and randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments, including corn-SBM based control diet (CC), high fiber diet (HF: 5.0, 3.8. 2.5% sugar beet pulp and 4.0, 3.0 and 2.0% soy hulls for phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively), CC plus 0.01% stimbiotic (CS: Signis, ABVISTA Marlborough, UK), and HF plus 0.01% stimbiotic (FS). Pigs were fed a four-phase feeding regimen: phase 1 (d 0-9), phase 2 (d 9-16), phase 3 (d 16-22), phase 4 (d 22-41). Dietary fiber and stimbiotic were provided from weaning (d 0) to d 22, and then a common diet was fed from d 22 to the end of the trial. On d 5 postweaning, all pigs were orally inoculated with 10 mL of F18 ETEC (108 CFU/mL). One median BW pig from each pen was selected at weaning for fecal sampling. Before the challenge, the same pigs were sampled on d 5 and again on d 8 and d12. Samples were used to quantify the E. Coli using 3M Petrifilm (3M Food Safety, St. Paul, MN) and virulence genes of the isolate were qualified using multiplex PCR. Colony-forming-count was log-transformed. All data normality was verified using Univariate procedure and analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS (Cary, NC). Pigs fed both CS and HF increased average daily gain (ADG) in phase 2 and phase 1-3 compared with pigs fed CC diets, while adding stimbiotic had no additional benefit to HF (Fiber×Stimbotic P = 0.03 and 0.06, respectively). This response led to heavier BW in pigs fed CS at the end of phase 3 compared with pigs fed CC with HF and FS as intermediate (Fiber×Stimbotic P = 0.06, respectively). Overall, average daily feed intake (ADFI) was greater in pigs fed CS than pigs fed FS while no difference was found between CC and CF (Fiber×Stimbotic P = 0.02). Dietary fiber did not impact gain to feed ratio (G:F); however, G:F was improved in stimbiotic fed pigs in phase 2 (Stimbiotic P = 0.01). Total coliform count was reduced from d 2 to d 7 (day; P &amp;lt; 0.01), but neither fiber nor stimbiotic altered the coliform count. Results of this study demonstrated that both high fiber and stimbiotic help restore ADG when pigs were challenged with ETEC. Additionally, stimbiotic also benefited feed efficiency and resulted in the heaviest BW.

99 Phytochemicals as medical growth promoter replacement on growth performance in wean to finisher pigs

Abstract Stress can disturb the ecological balance of the microbiota residing in the GI tract of piglets leading to dysbiosis. This unhealthy imbalance causes the piglets to be more vulnerable to deleterious effects induced by opportunistic pathogens. Antibiotics and increased zinc levels have often been used as dietary supplements to help minimize these stressors in pigs. Emerged evidence suggests that phytochemicals can promote growth by boosting nutrient digestibility, immune cell activity, and possessing bactericidal characteristics. We evaluated two phytochemicals formulations as safer and more environmentally friendly dietary alternatives for postweaning pigs. We used a total of 240 weaned piglets [average body weight (BW): 6.26 ± 0.36 kg] which were blocked (n = 8) by BW and then randomly assigned to 1 of 5 dietary treatments. Treatments were negative control (NC), Mecadox 10 (Phibro Animal Health Corp., Teaneck, NJ) + ZnO positive control (PC), Mecadox + phytochemical 1 (Lippia origanoides; Phyt1+AB), phytochemical 1 alone (Phyt1), and phytochemical 2 (Lippia origanoides + Rosmarinus officinalis + Sodium humates; Phyt2). The pigs were fed a 7-phase feeding regime: Nursery phase (NP) 1, 2, and 3, Grower phase 1 and 2 (Grower), and Finisher phase 1 and 2 (Finisher). The antibiotic and ZnO were withdrawn at the end of NP3, while Phyt1 and Phyt2 remained in feed throughout the entire study period. Data were analyzed using Mixed procedure of SAS (Cary, NC) with treatments as the main effect and BW blocks as the random effect. Pen was the experimental unit. Supplemental phytochemicals (Phyt1+AB, Phyt1, Phyt2) had greater average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) during NP1 when compared with the pigs fed NC, but were still less than pigs fed PC (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Pigs fed PC maintained a greater ADG during nursery overall than NC, Phyt1, and Phyt2 with pigs fed Phyt1+AB as intermediate (P &amp;lt; 0.0001). Phyt1 exerted an adverse effect (Phyt1+AB and Phyt1) on ADG during relatively mild stress in Grower phase (Grower, P = 0.0146), and resulted in the lighter BW at the end of Grower than pigs fed PC (P = 0.031). Notably, the pigs experienced summer heat stress during the Finisher phase, of which, the presence of phytochemicals minimized. Pigs fed Phyt2 had a greater ADG during Finisher than pigs fed NC with pigs fed PC, Phyt1+AB, and Phyt1 as intermediates (Finisher, P = 0.0419), while pigs fed Phyt1+AB and Phyt2 had greater G:F when compared with pigs fed PC and NC with pigs fed Phyt1 as intermediate (Finisher, P = 0.0032). Collectively, we demonstrated that phytochemical 2 can be a safer medication diet replacement to help pigs sustain weaning and heat stress. The mode of action and the optimum concentrations of these phytochemicals to achieve maximum benefits need further investigation.

Abstract 3003: Ketogenic Diet Limits Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

Background: Intermittent fasting and ketogenic diet may improve cardiovascular health. We studied the impact of ketogenic dietary intervention on experimental abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: AAAs were induced in male mice via topical abluminal porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) application at laparotomy in C57BL/6J, and 28 day administration of exogenous angiotensin (Ang) II in apolipoprotein E deficient strains, respectively. As feeding regimens, mice were fed standard or ketogenic diets 3 days prior to or 3 days following, AAA induction. Influence on AAA development was assessed by serial transabdominal ultrasonography and histopathologic analysis at sacrifice. Results: Ketogenic diet promotes cardiovascular health in part by increasing ketone body production. The Figure summarizes the influence of ketogenic diet on experimental AAAs in two distinct models. Following PPE application, subsequent aortic diameter enlargement was significantly reduced in mice receiving ketogenic vs. standard diets at 7 and 14 days regardless of specific feeding regimen. On histologic analysis, ketogenic diet feeding resulted in improved aortic medial elastin and smooth muscle cell retention, reduced mural macrophage, CD4 + and CD8 + T and B cell infiltration, and attenuated mural angiogenesis. In the Ang II infusion model, ketogenic diet limited Ang II-induced aortic diameter expansion, lowered AAA incidence and reduced AAA severity. Conclusion: Ketogenic dietary intervention suppressed experimental AAA progression in complementary murine modeling systems. Already popular clinically, this dietary modification may prove effective in limiting clinical AAA disease progression as well as other cardiovascular disease endpoints.

CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF CLINICAL EQUATIONS TO PREDICT RESTING ENERGY EXPENDITURE COMPARED TO INDIRECT CALORIMETRY IN NON-SEVERE BURN PATIENTS

Underfeeding and overfeeding can inhibit recovery and negatively impact quality of life during and after receiving treatment for a burn injury. Clinicians rely on accurate estimation of resting energy expenditure to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding their patients. The criterion standard for measuring resting energy expenditure is indirect calorimetry. Many burn services use predictive equations to prescribe feeding regimes because they are cheaper, time efficient and logistically more expedient than indirect calorimetry and do not require specialised equipment. However, the validity of these clinical equations has not been established in non-severe burns (&amp;lt;15% total burn surface area, TBSA). In this study, resting energy expenditure was predicted for 35 participants with non-severe burn injuries using seven clinical equations and compared with the criterion-standard (indirect calorimetry). We found that all clinical equations may be inaccurate in predicting resting energy expenditure measured using indirect calorimetry, with the Schofield equation agreeing most closely (95% limits of agreement: -836 to 711 kcal.day-1). Agreement between clinical equations and indirect calorimetry remained poor even after correcting for TBSA. Our findings indicate clinical equations may not accurately predict resting energy expenditure of people who have sustained a non-severe burn. As such, we urge caution against relying solely on the existing predictive equations to guide clinical decisions regarding energy intake after non-severe burns.

Investigations on Xenopus laevis body composition and feeding behavior in a laboratory setting

The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as a laboratory animal for decades in many research areas. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional physiology of this amphibian species and the feeding regimen is not standardized. The aim of the present study was to get more insights into the nutrient metabolism and feeding behavior of the frogs. In Trial 1, adult female X. laevis were fed either a Xenopus diet or a fish feed. After 4 weeks, they were euthanized, weighed, measured for morphometrics and dissected for organ weights and whole-body nutrient analysis. There were no significant differences between the diet groups regarding the allometric data and nutrient contents. The ovary was the major determinant of body weight. Body fat content increased with body weight as indicator of energy reserves. In Trial 2, 40 adult female frogs were monitored with a specifically developed digital tracking system to generate heat-maps of their activity before and up to 25 min after a meal. Three diets (floating, sinking, floating & sinking) were used. The main feed intake activity was fanning the feed into the mouth, peaking until 20 min after the meal. The different swimming characteristics of the diets thereby influenced the activity of the animals. Our dataset helps to adjust the feeding needs to the physical composition and also to meet the natural behavioral patterns of feed intake as a prerequisite of animal wellbeing and animal welfare in a laboratory setting.