Feed-restricted Groups Research Articles

Transcriptome Analysis of Compensatory Growth and Meat Quality Alteration after Varied Restricted Feeding Conditions in Beef Cattle.

Compensatory growth (CG) is a physiological response that accelerates growth following a period of nutrient limitation, with the potential to improve growth efficiency and meat quality in cattle. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this study, 60 Huaxi cattle were divided into one ad libitum feeding (ALF) group and two restricted feeding groups (75% restricted, RF75; 50% restricted, RF50) undergoing a short-term restriction period followed by evaluation of CG. Detailed comparisons of growth performance during the experimental period, as well as carcass and meat quality traits, were conducted, complemented by a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the longissimus dorsi muscle using differential expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA). The results showed that irrespective of the restriction degree, the restricted animals exhibited CG, achieving final body weights comparable to the ALF group. Compensating animals showed differences in meat quality traits, such as pH, cooking loss, and fat content, compared to the ALF group. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 57 genes and 31 pathways differentially regulated during CG, covering immune response, acid-lipid metabolism, and protein synthesis. Notably, complement-coagulation-fibrinolytic system synergy was identified as potentially responsible for meat quality optimization in RF75. This study provides novel and valuable genetic insights into the regulatory mechanisms of CG in beef cattle.

Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals mechanisms of restriction feeding on lipid metabolism in ducks

Presently, excessive fat deposition is the main reason to limit the development of duck industry. In the production, the methods of restricted feeding (RF) were widely used to reduce the lipid deposition of ducks. The liver (L), abdominal adipose (AA), and subcutaneous adipose (SA) were the main tissues of lipid metabolism and deposition of ducks. However, the mechanisms of lipid metabolism and deposition of ducks under RF have not been fully clarified. In this study, in order to better understand the mechanisms of lipid metabolism and deposition in ducks under RF, a total of 120 male Nonghua ducks were randomly divided into a free feeding group (FF, n=60) and RF group (RF, n=60), then comparative transcriptomic analysis of L, AA, and SA between FF (n=3) and RF (n=3) ducks was performed at 56 d of age. Phenotypically, L, AA, and SA index of FF group was higher than that in RF group. There were 279, 390, and 557 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in L, AA, and SA. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that ECM-receptor interaction and metabolic pathways were significantly enriched in L, AA, and SA. Lipid metabolism-related pathways including fatty acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid synthesis, and steroidogenesis were significantly enriched in AA and SA. Moreover, through integrated analysis weighted gene coexpression network (WGCNA) and protein-protein interaction network, 10 potential candidate genes involved in the ECM-receptor interaction and lipid metabolism pathways were identified, including 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 2 (HMGCS2), aldolase B (ALDOB), formimidoyltransferase cyclodeaminase(FTCD), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), squalene epoxidase (SQLE), phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), choline kinase A (CHKA), and elongation of very-long-chain fatty acids-like 2 (ELOVL2), which could play a key role in lipid metabolism and deposition of ducks under RF. Our study reveals that the liver might regulate the lipid metabolism of abdominal adipose and subcutaneous adipose through ECM-receptor interaction and metabolic pathways (fatty acid metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid synthesis, and steroid synthesis), thus to reduce the lipid deposition of ducks under RF. These results provide novel insights into the avian lipid metabolism and will help better understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the effect of feed restriction on duck sternal development

Skeletal characteristics are important to the growth and development of poultry. In feeding management, constant free feeding (FF) of poultry may lead to imbalance between bone development and weight gain. Feed restriction (FR), to a certain extent, is one way to solve this problem. However, the effect of feed restriction on poultry bone development needs further elucidation at the molecular level. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effects of different levels of feed restriction (60% FR, 70% FR, 80% FR, and FF) on the sternum development of ducks at 7 and 8 wk old. In the seventh wk, with increasing feed restriction, the values of traits including body weight, breast muscle weight, sternal weight, keel length, and calcified keel length decreased. However, in the eighth wk, the sternum weight and keel length of ducks treated with 60% FR were unexpectedly higher than those of FF individuals, indicative of catch-up growth. Then, we conducted RNA-seq and metabolomic analysis on sterna from 7- and 8-wk-old FF and 60% FR ducks. The results identified multiple differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with sternum development that were influenced by feed restriction. Among them, we found that the mRNA expression levels of the chondroitin sulfate synthase 3 (CHSY3) and annexin A2 (ANXA2) which are involved in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis and bone mineralization, had smaller changes over time under FR treatment than under FF treatment, implying that the FR treatment to a certain extent prevented the premature calcification and prolonged the development time of duck sternum. In addition, the metabolomic and integrative analyses revealed that several antiaging-related metabolites and genes were associated with sternal catch-up growth. Pyrimidine metabolism was identified as the most significant pathway in which most differential metabolites (DMs) between FF and 60% FR were enriched. The results from integrative analysis revealed that the content and expression of 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and its related genes showed relatively higher activity in the 60% FR group than in the FF group. The present study identifies multiple biomarkers associated with duck sternum development that are influenced by feed restriction and suggests the potential mechanism of feed restriction-associated duck sternal catch-up growth.

Undernutrition Disrupts Cecal Microbiota and Epithelium Interactions, Epithelial Metabolism, and Immune Responses in a Pregnant Sheep Model.

Undernutrition may change cecal microbiota-epithelium interactions to influence cecal feed fermentation, nutrient absorption and metabolism, and immune function. Sixteen late-gestation Hu-sheep were randomly divided into control (normal feeding) and treatment (feed restriction) groups to establish an undernourished sheep model. Cecal digesta and epithelium were collected to analyze microbiota-host interactions based on 16S rRNA gene and transcriptome sequencing. Results showed that cecal weight and pH were decreased, volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins concentrations were increased, and epithelial morphology was changed upon undernutrition. Undernutrition reduced the diversity, richness, and evenness of cecal microbiota. The relative abundances of cecal genera involved in acetate production (Rikenellaceae dgA-11 gut group, Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, and Ruminococcus) and negatively correlated with butyrate proportion (Clostridia vadinBB60 group_norank) were decreased, while genera related to butyrate (Oscillospiraceae_uncultured and Peptococcaceae_uncultured) and valerate (Peptococcaceae_uncultured) production were increased in undernourished ewes. These findings were consistent with the decreased molar proportion of acetate and the increased molar proportions of butyrate and valerate. Undernutrition changed the overall transcriptional profile and substance transport and metabolism in cecal epithelium. Undernutrition suppressed extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and intracellular phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway then disrupted biological processes in cecal epithelium. Moreover, undernutrition repressed phagosome antigen processing and presentation, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, and intestinal immune network. In conclusion, undernutrition affected cecal microbial diversity and composition and fermentation parameters, inhibited extracellular matrix-receptor interaction and the PI3K signaling pathway, and then disrupted epithelial proliferation and renewal and intestinal immune functions. Our findings exposed cecal microbiota-host interactions upon undernutrition and contribute to their further exploration. IMPORTANCE Undernutrition is commonly encountered in ruminant production, especially during pregnancy and lactation in females. Undernutrition not only induces metabolic diseases and threatens pregnant mothers' health, but also inhibits fetal growth and development, leading to weakness or even death of fetuses. Cecum works importantly in hindgut fermentation, providing volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins to the organism. Intestinal epithelial tissue plays a role in nutrient absorption and transport, barrier function, and immune function. However, little is known about cecal microbiota and epithelium interactions upon undernutrition. Our findings showed that undernutrition affected bacterial structures and functions, which changed fermentation parameters and energy regimens, and therefore affected the substance transport and metabolism in cecal epithelium. Extracellular matrix-receptor interactions were inhibited, which repressed cecal epithelial morphology and cecal weight via the PI3K signaling pathway and lowered immune response function upon undernutrition. These findings will help in further exploring microbe-host interactions.

Feed restriction around parturition does not affect colostrum immunoglobulin G concentration in dairy fat-tailed sheep but does affect performance and blood metabolites in newborn lambs

This study aimed to investigate the effect of prepartum and postpartum feed restriction of fat-tailed dairy sheep on colostrum IgG concentration, and performance and blood metabolites of newborn fat-tailed lambs. Twenty fat-tailed dairy sheep were randomly allocated into control (Ctrl; n = 10) and feed restriction (FR; n = 10) groups. The Ctrl group received a diet that met 100% of energy requirements, both prepartum (from wk -5 to parturition) and postpartum (from parturition to wk 5). The FR group received a diet equivalent to 100, 50, 65, 80, and 100% of the energy requirements in wk -5, -4, -3, -2, and -1 relative to parturition, respectively. After parturition, the FR group received a diet equivalent to the 100, 50, 65, 80, and 100% of the energy requirements in wk 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively. At birth, lambs were assigned to their dam's experimental group. Both the Ctrl lambs (n = 10) and the FR lambs (n = 10) were allowed to suck colostrum and milk from the dams. Colostrum samples (50 mL) were collected at parturition (0 h) and then at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h postpartum. Blood samples were collected from all lambs before suckling colostrum (0 h) and then at 1, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after birth and weekly until the end of the experimental period (i.e., wk 5 relative to birth). The data were evaluated using the MIXED procedure of SAS (SAS Institute Inc.). The model included feed restriction, time, and the interaction feed restriction × time as fixed effects. The individual lamb was set as a repeated subject. Variables measured in colostrum and plasma were considered dependent variables, and significance was set at P < 0.05. Prepartum and postpartum feed restriction in fat-tailed dairy sheep did not affect colostrum IgG concentration. Consequently, no differences in blood IgG concentrations were observed in the lambs. In addition, the prepartum and postpartum feed restriction experienced by fat-tailed dairy sheep caused decreased body weight and milk intake in lambs from the FR group compared with the Ctrl group. Feed restriction also promoted increased concentration of blood metabolites such as triglycerides and urea in FR lambs compared with control lambs. In conclusion, prepartum and postpartum feed restriction in fat-tailed dairy sheep did not affect either colostrum IgG concentration or blood IgG concentration of the lambs. However, prepartum and postpartum feed restriction decreased lamb milk intake and, therefore, lamb body weight gain during the first 5 wk after birth.

Effects of feeding methods on growth and slaughter performance, blood biochemical indices, and intestinal morphology in Minxinan black rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Feed restriction after weaning is a common strategy used in commercial rabbit farms to improve feed efficiency, promote health, and reduce mortality. However, few studies have investigated the feed restrictions of Minxinan black rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Thus, the effects of feed restriction on growth and slaughter performance, intestinal morphology, and blood biochemical indices of Minxinan black rabbits were evaluated in this study. Rabbits in group A (control group) had ad libitum intake, while those in feed restriction groups (groups B, C, and D) were restricted to 80% of the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of group A the day before. The rabbits in group B were fed once per day at 8:00 am. Rabbits in groups C and D were fed twice per day at 8:00 am (50%) and 4:00 pm (50%) and 8:00 am (30%) and 4:00 pm (70%), respectively. The experimental period lasted for 8 weeks. Compared to that in group A, the diarrhea rate of group C was significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and the ADFI, feed conversion ratio, abdominal fat weight, abdominal fat rate, total protein, albumin, globulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), low-density lipoprotein, and intestinal crypt depth of all feed restriction groups were significantly reduced (P < 0.01). Feed conversion ratio in group D was significantly better than that in groups B and C (P < 0.05). The efficiency index (EI) of groups C and D was higher than that of groups A and B (P < 0.01). Triglyceride levels in groups C and D were significantly lower than those in group A. The villus length to crypt depth of the duodenum and jejunum in group D was significantly higher than that in group A (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the following parameters can be improved by feed restriction: feed conversion ratio, diarrhea rate, abdominal fat rate, serum ALT, lipid indices and intestinal health of Minxinan black rabbits, and the EI of the farm. Feeding twice per day, 30% at 8:00 am and 70% at 4:00 pm, had the best comprehensive effects.

Effects of feeding restriction on skeletal muscle development and functional analysis of TNNI1 in New Zealand white rabbits

While restricting nutrition can improve diseases related to the digestive tract, excessive restriction of food intake can also lead to malnutrition and delayed physical growth. Therefore, this brings the demand to study the effect and potential mechanism of restricted feeding on skeletal muscle development in rabbits. This study utilized hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to detect muscle fiber area which depicted significant reduction in skeletal muscle fiber upon 30% feed restriction (p < 0.05). The control group and 30% feed restricted group showed 615 deferentially expressed genes (DEGs). Through the GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis demonstrated 28 DEGs related to muscle development. KEGG analysis showed enrichment of pathways including PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and Hedgehog signaling pathway. Further, the full length of troponin I1, slow skeletal type (TNNI1) was cloned. We studied the expression of skeletal muscle differentiation-related genes such as MyoD, Myf5 gene and Desmin. Specifically, the TNNI1 gene overexpression and knockdown studies were conducted. The over-expression of TNNI1 significantly enhanced the expression of the skeletal muscle development-related genes. Contrastingly, the silencing of TNNI1 gene reduced the expression significantly. These findings showed that TNNI1 may be a regulator for regulating the expression of muscle development-related genes.

L-serine improves lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and intestinal parameters in feed restricted broiler chickens during the hot-dry season.

The study evaluated effects of L-serine on lipid profile, performance, carcass weight and small intestinal parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens subjected to feed restriction. Broiler chickens were divided into four groups, comprising 30 each. Group 1, feed restriction (FR); Group 2, feed restriction + L-serine (200mg/kg) (FR + L-serine); Group 3, ad libitum (AL); Group 4, ad libitum + L-serine (200mg/kg) (AL + L-serine). L-serine was administered orally from days 1 to 14, and feed restriction was performed on days 7-14. Serum harvested from blood samples on days 21, 28 and 35 was evaluated for lipid profile. Feed and water intake, live weight gain, organ and carcass weight were measured. At 35days old, broiler chickens (n = 7) per group were sacrificed to evaluate small intestinal morphology. Temperature-humidity index in the pen (30.88 ± 0.81) was above thermoneutral zone, indicating that chickens were subjected to heat stress. Concentrations of low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol and total triglycerides were lower (p < 0.05), while higher concentration of high-density lipoprotein was recorded in L-serine groups than in the controls. Feed intake and live weight gain on day 35 in L-serine groups were higher (p < 0.05) than in controls. In L-serine groups, liver, spleen, pancreas and heart weight were higher, but abdominal fat was lower than in FR and AL groups. Villus height:crypt height ratio and area of villus surface were highest in L-serine groups than any other group. In conclusion, L-serine decreased low-density lipoprotein, increased feed intake, live weight, organ and carcass weight, villus height:crypt height ratio and villus surface area.

Compensatory growth and energy reserves changes in the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) reared in different temperatures and under feed restriction in biofloc technology system (BFT)

It was evaluated the occurrence of compensatory growth in the Litopenaeus vannamei reared in different temperatures and under feed restriction in Biofloc Technology System (BFT) and its effects in energy reserves and immune system. The experiment lasted 64 days and was divided in two phases: (1) Restriction and (2) Recovery. L. vannamei were stocked with 1.78 ± 0.38 g at a stocking density of 300 shrimps/m3. In the first phase (36 days), the experiment was performed using three temperatures and two feed regimes experimental design, totaling six treatments (in triplicate). Three temperatures were chosen: optimum (28 °C), intermediate (24 °C) and low (20 °C) and two feeding regimes were established for each temperature: the control that received 100% of the calculated feed rate and the feed restriction group, where the feed rate was 40% of the control. In phase 2 (28 days), all the experimental units were exposed to favorable conditions. Total protein, glycogen and triglycerides content were quantified in hepatopancreas and muscle and differential hemocyte count (DHC) was analyzed in hemolymph, in days 0, 36 and 64. At the end of the experiment, previously restricted shrimps held at 24 and 28 °C displayed complete body weight catch-up through compensatory growth following the restriction period with depressed growth. Shrimps maintained at 20 and 24 °C with no feed restriction did not reach 28 °C treatment body mass when favorable temperature (28 °C) was established. Protein levels in hepatopancreas and muscle were not affected in any treatment over the experiment and glycogen was used as a metabolic fuel in all restricted groups during phase 1, but fully recovered when total feed supply was offered in phase 2. Triglycerides were also used in restricted shrimps held at 24 and 28 °C in phase 1, and after the recovery period, only treatment previously maintained at 24 °C presented total recovery. DHC presented differences among treatments, but was maintained in the optimal range for healthy shrimps reared in BFT system over the experimental period. Also, survival was not affected by feed restriction or low and intermediary temperatures. Therefore, it is possible to submit L. vannamei to partial feed restriction with as a trigger for total compensatory growth, in order to improve feed efficiency and decrease feed supply. Also, in regions that low temperatures are a limiting to shrimp growing seasons, it is viable to explore partial compensatory growth to increase annual harvests.

Potential mechanism of hepatic lipid accumulation during a long-term rest phase restricted feeding in mice

ABSTRACT Eating during a rest phase disrupts the biological clock system and leads to obesity and metabolic diseases. Although a rest phase restricted feeding (RF) is reported to enhance hepatic lipid accumulation, the mechanism(s) of the phenomenon is still unknown. This study evaluated the potential involvement of the CD36-related transport of lipids into the liver in mice with the RF procedure. This study showed that hepatic lipid accumulation was more significant in the RF group compared with mice under an active phase restricted feeding (AF). The RF procedure also elevated the expression of CD36 mRNA and its protein on the cellular membrane throughout the day. The transcription factor profiling array revealed that the RF activated the proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), one of the CD36 transcript enhancers. In the liver of RF mice, the expression of miR-27b-3p, which is known to interfere with PPARγ gene expression, significantly decreased. These results suggest that the RF procedure inhibits the expression of miR-27b-3p in the liver and subsequently elevates PPARγ activity. Activated PPARγ might lead to CD36 upregulation, which, in turn, stimulates the transport of lipids into the liver.

Effect of skip-feeding and re-feeding regimes on compensatory growth, body composition, feed utilization, feeding cost and survival of monosex tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in pond aquaculture system

Monosex tilapia has great acceptability particularly among the lower income people due to its lower price. However, due to increased feed price the price of tilapia has been increased in recent years. Compensatory growth (CG) of fish that is achieved after a period of feed deprivation can potentially reduce the feed cost. The present study aimed to get CG in tilapia farming so as to reduce the production cost of this popular fish. Tilapia fry of 0.54 g body weight were nursed in hapa for one month and then stocked in earthen ponds where two different restricted feeding regimes were imposed for next two months followed by one month feeding at satiation level. Sampling was done fortnightly to record average weight gain in control and treatment groups. Average individual weight in restricted feeding group (T1) reached to 170.11±4.6 g in a three months experimental period and it did not significantly (p&gt;0.05) differ with the weight gained in control group (182.79±5.32 g) where fish were fed on regular basis. The specific growth rate (SGR) also showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between T1 (SGR 2.66±0.011 % day-1) and control group (SGR 2.69±0.012 % day-1). Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) in T1 (1.26) was found significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower to that of control group (1.47), hence the per unit production cost was also found significantly lower in T1 (BDT 75 Kg-1) compared to that of control (BDT 88.23 Kg-1). On the other hand no significant difference was evident in biochemical parameters between the control and restricted feeding groups. Thus, this study suggests skip feeding as an appropriate tool to achieving CG in monosex tilapia and to trim down the production cost as well.&#x0D;

Compensatory growth, antioxidant capacity and digestive enzyme activities of Sobaity ( Sparidentex hasta ) and yellowfin seabreams ( Acanthopagrus latus ) subjected to ration restriction

The compensatory growth response (CGR) and some selected physiological parameters were evaluated in sobaity (Sparidentex hasta, 10 g) and yellowfin seabreams (Acanthopagrus latus, 4.3 g) juveniles subjected to a 2-week restricted feeding. Fish were first fed at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of the satiation level for a 2-week period, and then, they were refed for 6 weeks at the visual satiation level. The control group was fed to the satiation everyday for 8 weeks. Three hundred sobaty seabream juveniles were stocked into 15 tanks (20 fish tank−1), and 450 yellowfin seabream juveniles were allocated into 15 tanks (30 fish tank−1) and were fed on a commercial feed (500 g kg−1 crude protein and 150 g kg−1 crude fat). Survival rate was decreased in R0% group in S. hasta because of the cannibalism, which was triggered by feed restriction. After the 2 weeks of feed restriction, the control and R0% treatments in S. hasta (16.0 vs. 9.3 g) and A. latus (3.9 vs. 6.2 g) had the highest and lowest body weight, respectively. After the 6 weeks of refeeding trial, all the ration-restricted groups showed a full CGR in S. hasta. Regarding A. latus juveniles, except for R0%, the other groups showed a full CGR. Feed conversion ratio was improved in S. hasta that subjected to the 2-week feed restriction, but this parameter did not change in A. latus. Antioxidant enzyme activities in the liver of S. hasta juveniles, including glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase along with liver enzymes including alkaline aminotransferase, aspartate amino transferase, lactate dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase gradually were decreased with reducing the severity of the feed restriction. Regarding A. latus, all mentioned antioxidant and the liver enzymes in the feed-restricted groups were higher than the control. R75% and control groups in S. hasta had the greatest and the least trypsin and alkaline phosphatase activities. In A. latus, R25%, R50% and R75% groups had higher trypsin, chymotrypsin and lipase activities compared with the other groups (p < .05). By considering all the selected physiological responses in both species, it can be concluded that increasing the feed restriction severity can trigger oxidative stress that may compromise health condition.

Effect of Restricted Feeding on Metabolic Health and Sleep-Wake Rhythms in Aging Mice.

Aging, an irreversible and unavoidable physiological process in all organisms, is often accompanied by obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, sleep disorders, and fatigue. Thus, older adults are more likely to experience metabolic symptoms and sleep disturbances than are younger adults. Restricted feeding (RF) is a dietary regimen aimed at improving metabolic health and extending longevity, as well as reorganizing sleep-wake cycles. However, the potential of RF to improve metabolic health and sleep quality in older adults who are known to show a tendency toward increased weight gain and decreased sleep is unknown. To elucidate this issue, aged mice were assigned to an RF protocol during the active phase for 2 h per day for 2 weeks. Sleep-wake cycles were recorded during the RF regime in RF group and control mice. At the end of this period, body weight and blood biochemistry profiles, including blood glucose, cholesterol, and enzyme activity, in addition to dopamine concentrations in the brain, were measured in the RF group and age-matched controls. RF for 2 weeks improved the metabolic health of aged mice by reducing their body weights and blood glucose and cholesterol levels. At the beginning of the RF regime, sleep decreased in the dark period but not in the light period. After stable food entrainment was achieved (7 days post-RF commencement), the amount of time spent in wakefulness during the light period dramatically increased for 2 h before food availability, thereby increasing the mean duration of awake episodes and decreasing the number of wakefulness episodes. There was no significant difference in the sleep-wake time during the dark period in the RF group, with similar total amounts of wakefulness and sleep in a 24-h period to those of the controls. During the RF regime, dopamine levels in the midbrain increased in the RF group, pointing to its potential as the mechanism mediating metabolic symptoms and sleep-wake regulation during RF. In conclusion, our study suggested that RF during aging might prohibit or delay the onset of age-related diseases by improving metabolic health, without having a severe deleterious effect on sleep.

Transcriptome profiling of hepatic and renal mRNAs and lncRNAs under a nutritional restriction during pregnancy in a sheep model

This study aimed to investigate the transcriptome profiles of liver and kidney in pregnant sheep under a nutritional restriction. Twenty Hu sheep were segregated into control group (CON) and severe feed restriction (FR) group. Results showed that the concentration of insulin decreased, whereas glucagon, epinephrine, and norepinephrine increased in the FR group. Histological morphology showed no apparent difference in terms of fat deposition in the kidney. In addition, FR significantly decreased the hepatic gene expression of gluconeogenic genes. However, in the kidney, the relative mRNA expression levels of gluconeogenic genes and glucose transporter 1 were observed to increase while the mRNA expression of sodium-glucose co-transporter 1 were decreased by FR. The differentially expressed genes in the liver were associated with fatty acid metabolism and inflammation. In the kidney, FR mainly activated the gluconeogenesis improving negative energy balance. These results provide a better understanding of the consequences of starvation during pregnancy.

Prepartum and Postpartum Feed Restrictions Affect Blood Metabolites and Hormones Reducing Colostrum and Milk Yields in Fat-Tailed Dairy Sheep

This study aimed to investigate the effect of prepartum and postpartum feed restriction on body weight (BW), blood metabolites, and hormones as well as colostrum and milk yields and compositions in fat-tailed dairy sheep. In this study, 20 multiparous and pregnant ewes were randomly allocated to either the control (Ctrl; n = 10) or the feed-restricted (FR; n = 10) groups from week -5 to week 5 relative to parturition. Despite dry matter intake being decreased in the FR group compared to the Ctrl throughout both prepartum and postpartum periods, no differences in BW were detected between groups in any of the studied periods. Feed restriction increased both free fatty acids and beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations during both prepartum and postpartum periods. Similarly, feed restriction increased triglyceride concentration postpartum. Additionally, feed restriction increased insulin and growth hormone and decreased prolactin concentrations during both prepartum and postpartum periods. Feed restriction caused a decreased colostrum yield and a relative increase of the main colostrum components in the FR group. Similarly, milk yield decreased in the FR group compared to the Ctrl group, although milk components were not affected. In conclusion, feed restriction did not affect BW but decreased colostrum and milk yield in fat-tailed dairy sheep.

THE EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION AT THE STARTER PHASE ON PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Two hundred and twenty five day old straight run broiler chicks were utilized in completely randomized design to test the effect of restricting feed intake of four groups of chicks to 92.5% 85.0%, 77.5% and 70.0% of the unrestricted (control) group in the starter phase and following adlibitum feeding for all groups in the finisher phase. The treatments were simply designated as A, B, C, D and E. The starter phase in which the restriction was carried out lasted 28 days and the finisher phase 42 days. Parameters evaluated during the starter and finisher phases included; growth rate, feed conversion ration and mortality rate. Results show gain in weight among all groups while the group fed diet B and the control had comparable weight gain at the starter phase. The percentage weight difference between the control and each of the other dietary groups was: 4.4%, 8.4%, 8.6% and 10.4% for the treatments B, C, D and E respectively. Feed gain ration improved as the level of restriction became stricter. Following ad-libitum feeding of all grops at the finisher phase, the feed restricted groups at the starter phase voraciously increased their feed intake, thus, producing comparable performance values with the unrestricted (control) group in weight gain in the 8th week of the study. Although birds in all groups averaged more than 2000g final live weight in 10weeks, significant differences exist between groups that were fed diets C, D, and E that were restricted at the starter phase, an indication that complete compensatory growth was not obtainable. Feed gain ration improved for restricted groups. Mortality rate did not show any trend attributable to levels of feed restriction. This study shows that broiler chicks fed restricted levels of balanced diet at the starter phase but later fed ad-libitum at the finisher phase could attain a finished weight of about 2000g or more at a market age of 10 weeks (70 days) with an improvement in feed gain ration.

Effect of feed restriction period and strain on growth performance and haematological indices of pullet chicks

An eight weeks restricted feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of restricted feeding and strain on the growth performance and haematological parameters of two strains of pullet chicks. Five hundred and forty chicks comprising of Isa Brown (270) and Bovans Nera (270) strains were assigned to six treatments arranged in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of Isa Brown and Bovans Nera on ad libitum (R ), skip-a-day (R ) and skip-2-days (R ) restrictions per week, respectively. Final live weight and weight gain of pullet chicks reduced (P &lt; 0.05) with increasing level of feed restriction. Chicks on ad libitum showed improved (P&lt;0.05) final live weight and weight gain. Results showed significant (p&lt;0.05) reduction in feed intake and body weight of chicks due to restricted feeding. The birds maintained on R feed restriction group recorded the highest significant (p&lt;0.05) values of final body weight (544.57g), feed intake per day (33.70g/day) and daily weight gain (9.82g/day). R birds recorded significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher values of final weight, feed intake and weight gain when compared with R birds with final body weight of 480.84g, daily feed intake of 28.42g/day and daily weight gain of 8.48g. Furthermore, Bovans Nera pullet chicks recorded significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) final weight and daily weight gain when compared with the Isa Brown birds of same age. The R pullets had significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) white blood cells when compared with the R and R birds. Heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (0.52) was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower with the Isa brown birds.

Effects of Strain and Skip-A-Day Feed Restriction on Haematological Parameters of Broiler Chickens at Finisher Stage

Feed restriction is a management tool designed to reduce the amount of feed consumed by birds to produce more meat without jeopardizing their health condition. The present study was therefore, undertaken to investigate the effects of strain and feed restriction on haematological parameters of broiler chickens. The strains of broilers reared are Arbor Acre, Hubbard and Marshall. The four treatments and three replicates per treatment applied are: A- full feeding (control), B-5th week feed restricted, C- 6th week feed restricted and D- 7th week feed restricted groups. After each feed restriction regime the birds were restored to full feeding until the termination of the experiment on the 56th day. At the end of the experiment on the 56th day, two birds from each replicate were randomly selected for blood collection. Analyzed results showed that there was no significant (p&gt;0.05) effect of strain on all the haematological parameters at 8th week except for red blood cell. With respect to red blood cell, Hubbard birds showed superiority to other two strains which recorded similar (p&gt;0.05) mean values. All feeding trials employed had positive impact on the birds’ hematological parameters regardless of strain. Therefore, any of the feed restriction regime could be employed without compromising the health of the birds.

Disruption of ruminal homeostasis by malnutrition involved in systemic ruminal microbiota-host interactions in a pregnant sheep model

BackgroundUndernutrition is a prevalent and spontaneous condition in animal production which always affects microbiota-host interaction in gastrointestinal tract. However, how undernutrition affects crosstalk homeostasis is largely unknown. Here, we discover how undernutrition affects microbial profiles and subsequently how microbial metabolism affects the signal transduction and tissue renewal in ruminal epithelium, clarifying the detrimental effect of undernutrition on ruminal homeostasis in a pregnant sheep model.ResultsSixteen pregnant ewes (115 days of gestation) were randomly and equally assigned to the control (CON) and severe feed restriction (SFR) groups. Ewes on SFR treatment were restricted to a 30% level of ad libitum feed intake while the controls were fed normally. After 15 days, all ewes were slaughtered to collect ruminal digesta for 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing and ruminal epithelium for transcriptome sequencing. Results showed that SFR diminished the levels of ruminal volatile fatty acids and microbial proteins and repressed the length, width, and surface area of ruminal papillae. The 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that SFR altered the relative abundance of ruminal bacterial community, showing decreased bacteria about saccharide degradation (Saccharofermentans and Ruminococcus) and propionate genesis (Succiniclasticum) but increased butyrate producers (Pseudobutyrivibrio and Papillibacter). Metagenome analysis displayed that genes related to amino acid metabolism, acetate genesis, and succinate-pathway propionate production were downregulated upon SFR, while genes involved in butyrate and methane genesis and acrylate-pathway propionate production were upregulated. Transcriptome and real-time PCR analysis of ruminal epithelium showed that downregulated collagen synthesis upon SFR lowered extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, inactivated JAK3-STAT2 signaling pathway, and inhibited DNA replication and cell cycle.ConclusionsGenerally, undernutrition altered rumen bacterial community and function profile to decrease ruminal energy retention, promoted epithelial glucose and fatty acid catabolism to elevate energy supply, and inhibited the proliferation of ruminal epithelial cells. These findings provide the first insight into the systemic microbiota-host interactions that are involved in disrupting the ruminal homeostasis under a malnutrition pattern.6T8uqJgnNvqkGDyfqTJNsJVideo

Arginine infusion rescues ovarian follicular development in feed-restricted Hu sheep during the luteal phase

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms of arginine (Arg) on follicular development of acute feed-restricted ewes during the luteal phase. From day 6 of the estrous cycle, 24 multiparous Hu sheep were randomly assigned into three groups: control group (a maintenance diet; n = 6), feed restriction group (0.5 maintenance diet, saline infusion; n = 9) and Arg treatment group (0.5 maintenance diet, infusion with 155 μmol of Arg-HCl/kg body weight; n = 9). The intravenous administrations were performed three times per day from day 6 to day 15 of the estrous cycle. At the end of treatment, the hypothalamus and pituitary were collected, as well as the follicular fluid (FF) and granulose cells (GCs) in the ≥2.5 mm follicles. The transcription level of NPVF was significantly increased, and the expression level of GNRH was significantly decreased in the hypothalamus with feed restriction. In addition, feed restriction significantly decreased the number of ≥2.5 mm follicles in the ovaries. In the ≥2.5 mm follicles, feed restriction significantly increased estradiol (E2) level in FF and the expression levels of steroidogenesis related genes (STAR, 3BHSD and CYP19A1) in GCs, while significantly decreased the expressions of FSHR and cell proliferation related genes (YAP1, CCND1 and PCNA) in GCs. Moreover, the activities of glucose metabolism enzymes (PFKP and G6PDH) were significantly decreased in GCs of the ≥2.5 mm follicles with feed restriction. Interestingly, as a precursor of nitric oxide, Arg supplementation can rescue the effects of feed restriction on follicular development by enhancing glucose metabolism and cell proliferation of GCs, and alleviating the abnormal E2 secretion in the ≥2.5 mm follicles, accompanied with recovering the expressions of NPVF and GNRH in the hypothalamus. These findings will be helpful for understanding the role of nutrition and Arg in sheep follicular development.