Nutrient Restriction Research Articles

Maternal Undernutrition Affects Fetal Thymus DNA Methylation, Gene Expression, and, Thereby, Metabolism and Immunopoiesis in Wagyu (Japanese Black) Cattle.

We aimed to determine the effects of maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) on the DNA methylation and gene expression patterns associated with metabolism and immunopoiesis in the thymuses of fetal Wagyu cattle. Pregnant cows were allocated to two groups: a low-nutrition (LN; 60% nutritional requirement; n = 5) and a high-nutrition (HN; 120% nutritional requirement, n = 6) group, until 8.5 months of gestation. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA sequencing were used to analyze DNA methylation and gene expression, while capillary electrophoresis-Fourier transform mass spectrometry assessed the metabolome. WGBS identified 4566 hypomethylated and 4303 hypermethylated genes in the LN group, with the intergenic regions most frequently being methylated. Pathway analysis linked hypoDMGs to Ras signaling, while hyperDMGs were associated with Hippo signaling. RNA sequencing found 94 differentially expressed genes (66 upregulated, 28 downregulated) in the LN group. The upregulated genes were tied to metabolic pathways and oxidative phosphorylation; the downregulated genes were linked to natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Key overlapping genes (GRIA1, CACNA1D, SCL25A4) were involved in cAMP signaling. The metabolomic analysis indicated an altered amino acid metabolism in the MNR fetuses. These findings suggest that MNR affects DNA methylation, gene expression, and the amino acid metabolism, impacting immune system regulation during fetal thymus development in Wagyu cattle.

The Effects of Maternal Nutrient Restriction during Mid to Late Gestation with Realimentation on Fetal Metabolic Profiles in the Liver, Skeletal Muscle, and Blood in Sheep.

Poor maternal nutrition during gestation negatively affects offspring growth and metabolism. To evaluate the impact of maternal nutrient restriction and realimentation on metabolism in the fetal liver, skeletal muscle, and circulation, on day 50 of gestation, ewes (n = 48) pregnant with singletons were fed 100% (CON) or 60% (RES) of requirements until day 90 of gestation, when a subset of ewes (n = 7/treatment) were euthanized, and fetal samples were collected. The remaining ewes were maintained on a current diet (CON-CON, n = 6; RES-RES, n = 7) or switched to an alternative diet (CON-RES, RES-CON; n = 7/treatment). On day 130 of gestation, the remaining ewes were euthanized, and fetal samples were collected. Fetal liver, longissimus dorsi (LD), and blood metabolites were analyzed using LC-MS/MS, and pathway enrichment analysis was conducted using MetaboAnalyst. Then, 600, 518, and 524 metabolites were identified in the liver, LD, and blood, respectively, including 345 metabolites that were present in all three. Nutrient restriction was associated with changes in amino acid, carbohydrate, lipid, and transulfuration/methionine metabolic pathways, some of which were alleviated by realimentation. Fetal age also affected metabolite abundance. The differential abundance of metabolites involved in amino acid, methionine, betaine, and bile acid metabolism could impact fetal epigenetic regulation, protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and signaling associated with glucose and lipid metabolism.

Asparagine synthetase and G-protein coupled estrogen receptor are critical responders to nutrient supply in KRAS mutant colorectal cancer.

Survival differences exist in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by sex and disease stage. However, the potential molecular mechanism(s) are not well understood. Here we show that asparagine synthetase (ASNS) and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor-1 (GPER1) are critical sensors of nutrient depletion and linked to poorer outcomes for females with CRC. Using a 3D spheroid model of isogenic SW48 KRAS wild-type (WT) and G12A mutant (MT) cells grown under a restricted nutrient supply, we found that glutamine depletion inhibited cell growth in both cell lines, whereas ASNS and GPER1 expression were upregulated in KRAS MT versus WT. Estradiol decreased growth in KRAS WT but had no effect on MT cells. Selective GPER1 and ASNS inhibitors suppressed cell proliferation with increased caspase-3 activity of MT cells under glutamine depletion condition particularly in the presence of estradiol. In a clinical colon cancer cohort fromThe Cancer Genome Atlas, both high GPER1 and ASNS expression were associated with poorer overall survival for females only in advanced stage tumors. These results suggest KRAS MT cells have mechanisms in place that respond to decreased nutrient supply, typically observed in advanced tumors, by increasing the expression of ASNS and GPER1 to drive cell growth. Furthermore, KRAS MT cells are resistant to the protective effects of estradiol under nutrient deplete conditions. The findings indicate that GPER1 and ASNS expression, along withthe interaction between nutrient supply and KRAS mutations shed additional light on the mechanisms underlyingsex differences in metabolism and growth in CRC, and have clinical implications in the precision management of KRAS mutant CRC.

Fasting in combination with the cocktail Sorafenib:Metformin blunts cellular plasticity and promotes liver cancer cell death via poly-metabolic exhaustion.

Dual-Interventions targeting glucose and oxidative metabolism are receiving increasing attention in cancer therapy. Sorafenib (S) and Metformin (M), two gold-standards in liver cancer, are known for their mitochondrial inhibitory capacity. Fasting, a glucose-limiting strategy, is also emerging as chemotherapy adjuvant. Herein, we explore the anti-carcinogenic response of nutrient restriction in combination with sorafenib:metformin (NR-S:M). Our data demonstrates that, independently of liver cancer aggressiveness, fasting synergistically boosts the anti-proliferative effects of S:M co-treatment. Metabolic and Cellular plasticity was determined by the examination of mitochondrial and glycolytic activity, cell cycle modulation, activation of cellular apoptosis, and regulation of key signaling and metabolic enzymes. Under NR-S:M conditions, early apoptotic events and the pro-apoptotic Bcl-xS/Bcl-xL ratio were found increased. NR-S:M induced the highest retention in cellular SubG1 phase, consistent with the presence of DNA fragments from cellular apoptosis. Mitochondrial functionality, Mitochondrial ATP-linked respiration, Maximal respiration and Spare respiratory capacity, were all found blunted under NR-S:M conditions. Basal Glycolysis, Glycolytic reserve, and glycolytic capacity, together with the expression of glycogenic (PKM), gluconeogenic (PCK1 and G6PC3), and glycogenolytic enzymes (PYGL, PGM1, and G6PC3), were also negatively impacted by NR-S:M. Lastly, a TMT-proteomic approach corroborated the synchronization of liver cancer metabolic reprogramming with the activation of molecular pathways to drive a quiescent-like status of energetic-collapse and cellular death. Altogether, we show that the energy-based polytherapy NR-S:M blunts cellular, metabolic and molecular plasticity of liver cancer. Notwithstanding the in vitro design of this study, it holds a promising therapeutic tool worthy of exploration for this tumor pathology.

Tissue-Specific Impact of One-Carbon Metabolite Supplementation and Nutrient Restriction in Gestating Heifers on Fetal Mitochondrial-Related Gene Profiles

Tissue-Specific Impact of One-Carbon Metabolite Supplementation and Nutrient Restriction in Gestating Heifers on Fetal Mitochondrial-Related Gene Profiles

Evaluation of nutritional value of common cooked food in Hubei Province by nutrient profiling

To understand the nutritional components of common cooked foods in Hubei Province. Forty-nine common cooked foods consumed by residents in Hubei Province were collected, and their edible parts were homogenized and tested for various nutrient contents according to the national standard method. The nutrient-rich foods index(NRF)model was used to calculate the NRF index(NRF 9.3) of various cooked foods, and the nutritional value of common cooked foods in Hubei Province was evaluated. The result of the nutrient-rich food index model showed that the NRF 9.3 index of all cooked dishes ranged from-176.9 to 224.4, the NRF 9.3 index ranking of all types of cooked food was mainly related to cooking method. The NRF 9.3 index of cold mixed vegetable dishes was generally higher than the 75th percentile value(66.9) of the monitoring result, indicating higher nutritional value. The mean NRF 9.3 index of fish and shrimp cooked foods(72.4)monitored in this study was higher than that of meat cooked foods(21.5). The sodium content of pickled vegetables and some pre-packaged cooked foods was relatively high, RESULTS: ing in negative NRF 9.3 index and lower nutritional value. The NRF 9.3 index of Xiangyang beef noodles(33.1)and tofu noodles(37.1)was higher than that of beef offal noodles(5.1). Vegetables and fish and shrimp are better sources of nutrition, and "cold and dressed with sauce" are a better way to cook. Pickled vegetables contain too many restricted nutrients, and their consumption frequency and amount should be reduced.

A Water Polysaccharide-Protein Complex from Grifola frondosa Inhibit the Growth of Subcutaneous but Not Peritoneal Colon Tumor under Fasting Condition.

Grifola frondosa has been shown to induce immune modulatory, modulate autophagy, and apoptosis in cancer cells. However, little is known about its potential for managing tumor progression as an adjunct to nutrient restriction. Water extract produces a G. frondosa polysaccharide-protein complex (G. frondosa PPC) of average molecular weight of 46.48kDa, with glucose (54.8%) as the main constituent. Under serum-restricted conditions, G. frondosa PPC can significantly inhibit MC38 colorectal tumor cell migration in vitro. Under alternate-day fasting condition, G. frondosa PPC can only significantly inhibit the growth of subcutaneous (s.c.) tumor, but is feeble in halting its spread in the intraperitoneal (i.p.) cavity in tumor-bearing mice. Histopathological examination and Raman imaging show a significant increase in lipid content in the tumor microenvironment (TME) tissue of the s.c. tumor-bearing mice. G. frondosa PPC significantly increases C17:0 and C24:0 saturated fatty acids and significantly decreases C16:1 and C18:1 monounsaturated fatty acids in the TME of s.c. tumor-bearing mice compared with the i.p. cavity model. G. frondosa PPC significantly inhibits tumor growth in s.c. tumor-bearing mice under intermittent fasting conditions by altering the fatty acid composition of the TME.

Maternal Uterine Artery Adenoviral Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (Ad.VEGF-A165) Gene Therapy Normalises Fetal Brain Growth and Microglial Activation in Nutrient Restricted Pregnant Guinea Pigs.

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is associated with uteroplacental insufficiency, and neurodevelopmental and structural brain deficits in the infant. It is currently untreatable. We hypothesised that treating the maternal uterine artery with vascular endothelial growth factor adenoviral gene therapy (Ad.VEGF-A165) normalises offspring brain weight and prevents brain injury in a guinea pig model of FGR. Pregnant guinea pigs were fed a restricted diet before and after conception and received Ad.VEGF-A165 (1 × 1010 viral particles, n = 18) or vehicle (n = 18), delivered to the external surface of the uterine arteries, in mid-pregnancy. Pregnant, ad libitum-fed controls received vehicle only (n = 10). Offspring brain weight and histological indices of brain injury were assessed at term and 5-months postnatally. At term, maternal nutrient restriction reduced fetal brain weight and increased microglial ramification in all brain regions but did not alter indices of cell death, astrogliosis or myelination. Ad.VEGF-A165 increased brain weight and reduced microglial ramification in fetuses of nutrient restricted dams. In adult offspring, maternal nutrient restriction did not alter brain weight or markers of brain injury, whilst Ad.VEGF-A165 increased microglial ramification and astrogliosis in the hippocampus and thalamus, respectively. Ad.VEGF-A165 did not affect cell death or myelination in the fetal or offspring brain. Ad.VEGF-A165 normalises brain growth and markers of brain injury in guinea pig fetuses exposed to maternal nutrient restriction and may be a potential intervention to improve childhood neurodevelopmental outcomes in pregnancies complicated by FGR.

Maternal intervention with a combination of galacto-oligosaccharides and hyocholic acids during late gestation and lactation increased the reproductive performance, colostrum composition, antioxidant and altered intestinal microflora in sows.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) and hyocholic acids (HCA) during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance, colostrum quality, antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota in multiparous sows. A total of 60 healthy multiparous cross-bred sows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly fed 4 groups diets as follows: the basal diets (CTRL group), or the basal diets containing only 600 mg/kg GOS (GOS group), 600 mg/kg GOS + 100 mg/kg HCA (GOS + Low HCA group), and 600 mg/kg + 200 mg/kg HCA (GOS + High HCA group) from d 85 of gestation to weaning. Multiple parameters of sows were determined. There was a trend of shortening the labor process of sows (p = 0.07) in the GOS group and GOS + Low/High HCA group. Compared with the CTRL group, the GOS + Low/High HCA group increased the average piglets weight at birth (p < 0.05), and increased the IgA concentration of colostrum (p < 0.05). In addition, serum triglyceride (TG) concentration was lower (p < 0.05), and serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was higher (p < 0.05) in the GOS and GOS + Low/High HCA groups than in the CTRL group at farrowing. Serum catalase (CAT) activities was higher in the GOS and GOS + High HCA groups than in the CTRL group at farrowing. The 16S rRNA analysis showed that GOS combination with high-dose HCA shaped the composition of gut microbiota in different reproductive stages (d 107 of gestation, G107; d 0 of lactation, L0; d 7 of lactation, L7). At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Bacteroidota and Desulfobacterota in G107, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria in L0, and Planctomycetota in L7 was increased in GOS + High HCA group (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed that Streptococcus was positively correlated with the serum TG but negatively correlated with the average piglets weight at birth (p < 0.05). This investigation demonstrated that the administration of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) in conjunction with hyocholic acids (HCA), to sows with nutrient restrictions during late gestation and lactation, further improved their antioxidant capacity and milk quality. The observed beneficial effects of GOS + HCA supplementation could potentially be linked to an improvement in gut microbiota disorders of the sows.

Regional-scale biogeographical patterns of soil extracellular enzyme activities across eight Chinese fir plantation locations

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata) is the most important conifer tree species in plantations in subtropical China. Soil extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs) play key roles in mediating multiple forest ecosystem functions, such as organic matter decomposition, nutrient cycling, and plant productivity. In this study, the activities of five soil extracellular enzymes and their stoichiometric (EES) features were investigated at eight Chinese fir plantation locations. The results showed that the soil EEAs exhibited distinct biogeographic differences and were primarily affected by the spatial heterogeneity of soil nutrients. We found that the soil EES was strongly influenced by soil pH and mean annual temperature. Moreover, soil properties were found to be more important than climatic factors in influencing changes in soil microbial nutrient restrictions based on vector length (0.43 vs. −0.1). Random forest analysis indicated that changes in microbial nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) limitations were mainly affected by soil NO3−-N and dissolved organic carbon (DOC), whereas soil microbial C limitation was largely influenced by pH, DOC, and total C content. This study sheds light on how soil and climatic factors affect soil EES in subtropical Chinese fir plantation ecosystems and provides useful insights for the development of management strategies to improve the productivity of Chinese fir forests.

C-terminal Poly-histidine Tags Alter Escherichia coli Polyphosphate Kinase Activity and Susceptibility to Inhibition

In Escherichia coli, many environmental stressors trigger polyphosphate (polyP) synthesis by polyphosphate kinase (PPK1), including heat, nutrient restriction, toxic compounds, and osmotic imbalances. PPK1 is essential for virulence in many pathogens and has been the target of multiple screens for small molecule inhibitors that might serve as new anti-virulence drugs. However, the mechanisms by which PPK1 activity and polyP synthesis are regulated are poorly understood. Our previous attempts to uncover PPK1 regulatory elements resulted in the discovery of PPK1* mutants, which accumulate more polyP in vivo, but do not produce more in vitro. In attempting to further characterize these mutant enzymes, we discovered that the most commonly-used PPK1 purification method – Ni-affinity chromatography using a C-terminal poly-histidine tag – altered intrinsic aspects of the PPK1 enzyme, including specific activity, oligomeric state, and kinetic values. We developed an alternative purification strategy using a C-terminal C-tag which did not have these effects. Using this strategy, we were able to demonstrate major differences in the in vitro response of PPK1 to 5-aminosalicylic acid, a known PPK1 inhibitor, and observed several key differences between the wild-type and PPK1* enzymes, including changes in oligomeric distribution, increased enzymatic activity, and increased resistance to both product (ADP) and substrate (ATP) inhibition, that help to explain their in vivo effects. Importantly, our results indicate that the C-terminal poly-histidine tag is inappropriate for purification of PPK1, and that any in vitro studies or inhibitor screens performed with such tags need to be reconsidered in that light.

Maternal-fetal interfaces transcriptome changes associated with placental insufficiency and a novel gene therapy intervention.

The etiology of fetal growth restriction (FGR) is multifactorial, although many cases often involve placental insufficiency. Placental insufficiency is associated with inadequate trophoblast invasion resulting in high resistance to blood flow, decreased availability of nutrients, and increased hypoxia. We have developed a non-viral, polymer-based nanoparticle that facilitates delivery and transient gene expression of human insulin-like 1 growth factor ( hIGF1 ) in placental trophoblast for the treatment of placenta insufficiency and FGR. Using the established guinea pig maternal nutrient restriction (MNR) model of placental insufficiency and FGR, the aim of the study was to identify novel pathways in the sub-placenta/decidua that provide insight into the underlying mechanism driving placental insufficiency, and may be corrected with hIGF1 nanoparticle treatment. Pregnant guinea pigs underwent ultrasound-guided sham or hIGF1 nanoparticle treatment at mid-pregnancy, and sub-placenta/decidua tissue was collected 5 days later. Transcriptome analysis was performed using RNA Sequencing on the Illumina platform. The MNR sub-placenta/decidua demonstrated fewer maternal spiral arteries lined by trophoblast, shallower trophoblast invasion and downregulation of genelists involved in the regulation of cell migration. hIGF1 nanoparticle treatment resulted in marked changes to transporter activity in the MNR + hIGF1 sub-placenta/decidua when compared to sham MNR. Under normal growth conditions however, hIGF1 nanoparticle treatment decreased genelists enriched for kinase signaling pathways and increased genelists enriched for proteolysis indicative of homeostasis. Overall, this study identified changes to the sub-placenta/decidua transcriptome that likely result in inadequate trophoblast invasion and increases our understanding of pathways that hIGF1 nanoparticle treatment acts on in order to restore or maintain appropriate placenta function.

Sweet dreams could be made of this: carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) as a target for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.

Rewiring of cellular metabolism is now fully recognized as a hallmark of cancer. Tumor cells reprogram metabolic pathways to meet the energetic and macromolecular demands to support unrestricted growth and survival under unfavorable conditions. It is becoming apparent that these adaptations underpin most of the traits that define a cancer cell's identity, including the ability to avoid immune surveillance, endure nutrient and oxygen restrictions, detach and migrate from their natural histological niche, and avert human-made aggressions (i.e., therapy). In a recent study, Benichou and collaborators identify carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP), a master regulator of physiological glucose metabolism, as an oncogene in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Upregulation of ChREBP expression results in a self-stimulatory loop interconnecting PI3K/AKT signaling and glucose metabolism to feed fatty acid and nucleotide synthesis supporting tumorigenesis. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of ChREBP activity quells in vivo HCC tumor growth without causing systemic toxicity. This study identifies novel oncometabolic pathways and open up new avenues to improve the treatment of a deadly tumor.

Escherichia coli removal in down-flow hanging sponge reactors: insights from laboratory reactor studies

Down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) reactors, employed in domestic wastewater treatment, have demonstrated efficacy in eliminating Escherichia coli and other potentially pathogenic bacteria. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of removal of E. coli by employing a cube-shaped polyurethane sponge carrier within a compact hanging reactor. An E. coli removal experiment was conducted on this prepared sponge. Escherichia. coli level was found to decrease by more than 2 logs after passing through five nutrient-restricted DHS sponges. Conversely, a newly introduced sponge did not exhibit a comparable reduction in E. coli level. Furthermore, under conditions of optimal nutritional status, the reduction in E. coli level was limited to 0.5 logs, underscoring the crucial role of nutrient restriction in achieving effective elimination. Analysis of the sponge-associated bacterial community revealed the presence of a type VI secretion system (T6SS), a competitive mechanism observed in bacteria. This finding suggests that T6SS might play a pivotal role in contributing to the observed decline in E. coli level.

PSIV-A-7 Effects of late gestational nutrient restriction of beef heifers on small intestinal crypt depth in neonatal calves

Abstract We hypothesized that late gestational nutrient restriction would impair small intestinal development in neonatal calves, including crypt cell depth and proliferation. Fall-calving crossbred beef heifers [body weight (BW) = 466 ± 30 (SD) kg; BCS: 5.4 ± 0.5] bred to a single sire were individually-fed 100% (control; n = 10) or 70% (nutrient restricted; n = 12) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Calves were removed from their dams immediately post-calving and fed artificial colostrum and milk replacer relative to body weight until euthanasia at 48.7 ± 0.4 h of age. The gastrointestinal tract was removed, and proximal jejunum samples were dissected from each calf and immersion-fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Tissues were embedded in paraffin blocks and cut into 5-µm sections that were mounted on glass slides. Slides were incubated with Ki-67 (marker of nuclear proliferation) and counterstained with Hematoxylin using an autostainer. Images were taken at 5× magnification using an upright microscope. QuPath software was used to measure crypt depth, starting at the base of the crypt region and ending at the furthest cluster of Ki-67 positive cells, perpendicular to the base of the mucosa. For each calf, 10 crypt depth measurements were taken from 4 images, resulting in 40 crypt depth measurements that were averaged. Nutritional plane was a fixed effect in the model, and maternal sire, date of study initiation, and calf sex (when P &amp;lt; 0.25) were considered covariates. We previously reported that calves born to nutrient restricted dams weighed less (P ≤ 0.05) at birth and 48 h than calves born to control dams. Small intestinal mass tended to be less (P = 0.11) in offspring of nutrient restricted dams but was not affected (P = 0.58) when expressed relative to body weight. Calves born to nutrient restricted dams also tended to have less (P = 0.11) small intestinal mass relative to brain weight. Maternal nutrient restriction did not affect (P = 0.95) jejunal crypt depth. Additionally, crypt depth relative to body weight was not affected (P = 0.20) by nutrient restriction. Although crypt depth was not affected, further analysis of proliferation and morphology will help to understand the relationship between maternal nutrient restriction and small intestine development in neonatal calves.

PSIV-A-4 Effect of late gestational nutrient restriction on locomotor activity of beef heifers

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effects of nutrient restriction on locomotor behavior during late gestation. Fall-calving crossbred beef heifers were moved to 3.7 × 15.8 m partially-covered pens and individually-fed 100% (control; n = 13) or 70% (nutrient restricted; n = 13) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements for maintenance, pregnancy, and growth from d 160 of gestation to calving. Diets were based on chopped sorghum sudan hay fed in Calan gates and supplemented to meet targeted nutritional planes. IceQube accelerometers (iceRobotics, Edinburgh, UK) were placed on the left hind fetlock between d 158 and 168 of gestation to determine standing time, lying time, step count, number of lying bouts, and motion index. Daily behavior data were averaged for 5 distinct periods (period 1: IceQube placement to d 180 of gestation; period 2: d 181 to 201 of gestation; period 3: d 202 to 222 of gestation; period 4: d 223 to 243 of gestation; and period 5: 244 to 264 of gestation). Days in which animals were moved from their pens were excluded from the data set, resulting in an average of 17.2 ± 2.35 d per period. Data were analyzed with fixed effects of nutritional plane, period, and their interaction in the model. Maternal sire and day of treatment initiation were included as covariates. The number of lying bouts was affected (P = 0.02) by the nutritional plane × period interaction. Within period, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.20) of nutritional plane on lying bouts. Lying bouts in control heifers decreased (P = 0.008) from period 1 to 2, whereas lying bouts in nutrient restricted heifers decreased (P = 0.002) from period 1 to 2 before increasing (P = 0.02) again from period 2 to 3. Motion index and step count were affected (P ≤ 0.05) by nutritional plane, where both were greater in control heifers. Motion index and step count were affected (P &amp;lt; 0.001) by period, while standing time and lying time tended to be affected (P ≤ 0.09) by period. Motion index and step count decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) between periods 1 and 2 and periods 3 and 4 but increased (P ≤ 0.004) between periods 2 and 3 and periods 4 and 5. Standing time decreased (P = 0.02), while lying time increased (P = 0.02), between periods 3 and 4. These data suggest that nutrient restricted heifers may have reduced locomotor behavior in late gestation compared with control heifers. Throughout all periods of gestation, control heifers took more daily steps and had a greater motion index, suggesting that nutrient availability in late gestation may directly impact locomotor behavior of beef heifers.

81 Effects of udder quarter location on colostrum yield, nutrients, and immunoglobulin G in beef heifers

Abstract We hypothesized that colostrum total nutrients and immunoglobulin G (IgG) would not be affected by side of the udder, but that they would be greater in the rear versus the front half of the udder due to difference in volume of colostrum produced. Complete colostrum yield was collected individually from each quarter pre-suckling [40.5 ± 21.0 min (SD)] from fall-calving crossbred beef heifers (body weight = 472 ± 34 kg; body condition score (= 5.3 ± 0.4) that were either individually-fed 100% (control; n = 12) or 70% (nutrient restricted; n = 12) of NASEM metabolizable energy and metabolizable protein requirements from d 160 of gestation to calving. Analysis of colostrum lactose, protein, triglycerides, and free glucose was performed using colorimetric assays on a UV-visible light microplate reader. Colostrum IgG was analyzed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Quarter yield, nutrient or IgG concentration, and total nutrients or IgG were analyzed using the mixed procedure of SAS with fixed effects of udder location, nutritional plane, and their interaction in the model. Nutritional plane was not part of the current objective, but was included to account for variation in colostrum yield due to nutrient restriction, as we have previously reported. Separate statistical comparisons were made between the front and rear quarters and between the right and left quarters of the udder, with each quarter considered a sampling unit within each experimental unit (half) for both analyses. The interaction of udder location × nutritional plane did not affect (P ≥ 0.11) any variable. Nutrient restriction decreased (P ≤ 0.03) colostrum yield, total lactose, and total free glucose compared with controls. Front quarters produced less volume (P &amp;lt; 0.001; 36.2% of total); total lactose, protein, and free glucose (P ≤ 0.02; 34.3 to 43.3%); and total IgG (P &amp;lt; 0.001; 33.7%) than rear quarters. Front quarters tended to produce less (P = 0.07; 43.3%) total triglycerides than rear quarters. Lactose concentration was 10.5% greater (P = 0.05) in front compared with rear quarters, but other nutrient or IgG concentrations were not affected (P ≥ 0.18). Udder side did not affect total volume (P = 0.78), total nutrients (P ≥ 0.36), or total IgG (P = 0.79). The left side represented 50.7% of the total volume and 50.1 to 53.4% of total nutrients and IgG produced. Concentration of nutrients and IgG also were not affected (P ≥ 0.31) by udder side. In conclusion, colostrum did not differ between udder sides, but, relative to front quarters, rear quarters produced greater nutrient and IgG yield due to greater colostrum volume with minimal differences in nutrient or IgG concentrations.

The importance of developmental programming in the beef industry

The beef industry relies on multiple focused segments (e.g., cow-calf, stocker/feeder, and meat packing) to supply the world with beef. Thus, the potential impact of developmental programming on the beef industry needs to be evaluated with regards to the different production traits that drive profitability within each segment. For example, when nutrient restriction of dams occurred early in gestation embryo survival was decreased and the ovarian reserve of heifer progeny was negatively affected. Restriction during mid- to late gestation negatively impacted first service conception rates and pregnancy success of daughters. Even non-nutrient stress has been reported to impact transgenerational embryo development through the male progeny. Primary and secondary muscle fibers form during months two to eight (Days 60–240) of gestation. Therefore, external stimuli (nutrition or environmental) during this window have the potential to decrease the postnatal number of muscle fibers; which has an irreversible impact on animal growth and performance. Nutrient restriction during the last third of gestation resulted in decreased weaning weights, and in some instances decreased dry mater intake, hot carcass weight, and marbling scores. Protein supplementation during late gestation; however, increased weaning weight and ADG to weaning, but progeny of dams restricted in protein in late gestation had greater ribeye area. The importance of developmental programming is recognized; however, its precise application depends on comprehension of its integrated effects across the multiple-focused segments of the beef industry.

Excessive climate warming exacerbates nitrogen limitation on microbial metabolism in an alpine meadow of the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence from soil ecoenzymatic stoichiometry

Soil ecoenzymatic stoichiometry reflects the dynamic equilibrium between microorganism's nutrient requirements and resource availability. However, uncertainties persist regarding the key determinants of nutrient restriction in relation to microbial metabolism under varying degrees of warming. Our long-term and multi-level warming field experiment (control treatment, +0.42 °C, +1.50 °C, +2.55 °C) in a typical alpine meadow unveiled a decline in carbon (C)- and nitrogen (N)-acquired enzymes with escalating warming magnitudes, while phosphorus (P)-acquired enzymes displayed an opposite trend. Employing enzymatic stoichiometry modeling, we assessed the nutrient limitations of microbial metabolic activity and found that C and N co-limited microbial metabolic activities in the alpine meadow. Remarkably, high-level warming (+2.55 °C) exacerbated microbe N limitation, but alleviate C limitations. The structural equation modeling further indicated that alterations in soil extracellular enzyme characteristics (SES) were more effectively elucidated by microbial characteristics (microbial biomass C, N, P, and their ratios) rather than by soil nutrients (total nutrient contents and their ratios). However, the microbial control over SES diminished with higher levels of warming magnitude. Overall, our results provided novel evidence that the factors driving microbe metabolic limitation may vary with the degree of warming in Tibet alpine grasslands. Changes in nutrient demand for microorganism's metabolism in response to warming should be considered to improve nutrient management in adapting to different future warming scenarios.

Influence of Maternal Nutrition and One-Carbon Metabolites Supplementation during Early Pregnancy on Bovine Fetal Small Intestine Vascularity and Cell Proliferation.

To investigate the effects of nutrient restriction and one-carbon metabolite (OCM) supplementation (folate, vitamin B12, methionine, and choline) on fetal small intestine weight, vascularity, and cell proliferation, 29 (n = 7 ± 1 per treatment) crossbred Angus beef heifers (436 ± 42 kg) were estrous synchronized and conceived by artificial insemination with female sexed semen from a single sire. Then, they were allotted randomly to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main factors of nutritional plane [control (CON) vs. restricted feed intake (RES)] and OCM supplementation [without OCM (-OCM) or with OCM (+OCM)]. Heifers receiving the CON level of intake were fed to target an average daily gain of 0.45 kg/day, which would allow them to reach 80% of mature BW by calving. Heifers receiving the RES level of intake were fed to lose 0.23 kg/heifer daily, which mimics observed production responses in heifers that experience a diet and environment change during early gestation. Targeted heifer gain and OCM treatments were administered from d 0 to 63 of gestation, and then all heifers were fed a common diet targeting 0.45 kg/d gain until d 161 of gestation, when heifers were slaughtered, and fetal jejunum was collected. Gain had no effect (p = 0.17) on the fetal small intestinal weight. However, OCM treatments (p = 0.02) displayed less weight compared to the -OCM groups. Capillary area density was increased in fetal jejunal villi of RES - OCM (p = 0.02). Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) positivity ratio tended to be greater (p = 0.08) in villi and was less in the crypts (p = 0.02) of the RES + OCM group. Cell proliferation decreased (p = 0.02) in villi and crypts of fetal jejunal tissue from heifers fed the RES + OCM treatment compared with all groups and CON - OCM, respectively. Spatial cell density increased in RES - OCM compared with CON + OCM (p = 0.05). Combined, these data show OCM supplementation can increase expression of VEGFR2 in jejunal villi, which will promote maintenance of the microvascular beds, while at the same time decreasing small intestine weight and crypt cell proliferation.