Serum Triiodothyronine Concentrations Research Articles

138 Growth performance and physiological response of nursery pigs fed a high canola meal diet with acidifiers

Abstract This study investigated the impact of feed additives aimed at reducing gut pH on the growth performance and physiological responses of nursery pigs when fed a high canola meal (CM) diet. A total of 315 nursery pigs, 6.0 ± 1.2 kg body weight (BW), were allotted to one of five dietary treatments with 9 replicates (7 pigs/pen) in a randomized complete block design. Dietary treatments were PC: corn-soybean meal-based diet with 20% CM, NC: corn-soybean meal-based diet with 40% CM; NC+A: NC diet with acidifier at 1,500 ppm, NC+B: NC diet with encapsulated butyrate at 500 ppm, and NC+A+B: NC diet with acidifier and encapsulated butyrate. All diets were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements of NRC (2012). All pigs received a common Phase 1 nursery diet during week 1 following weaning. Experimental diets were provided in Phase 2 (wk 2 and 3) and Phase 3 (wk 4 to 6). Individual pig BW and pen feed consumption were measured for each phase to calculate growth performance. At the conclusion of each phase, blood samples were collected from one pig per pen for analysis of serum triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations. The selected pig was euthanized within 24 h, and its organ weights and pH of digesta were measured. The results were analyzed using MIXED procedure in SAS with the pen as an experimental unit. There was no difference in BW and average daily gain throughout the overall period. However, PC treatment exhibited greater (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake in phase 3 by 18.2% and overall period by 13.4% compared with NC treatment and no difference with NC+A+B treatment. The NC+A and NC+A+B treatments tended to improve (P ≤ 0.10) gain to feed ratio in phase 3 by 17.9% and overall period by 16.1% compared with PC treatment, respectively. At the end of phase 3, the PC treatment tended (P < 0.10) to have greater serum T4 concentrations compared with NC and NC+A treatments (3.2 vs 2.5 and 2.4 ug/dL, respectively), whereas there was no difference between PC and NC+A+B treatments. In phase 3, the thyroid gland weight for PC treatment was less (P < 0.05) than for NC treatment (0.156 vs 0.202 g/kg), whereas there was no difference among PC, NC+B, and NC+A+B treatments. In phase 3, dietary encapsulated butyrate decreased (P < 0.05) the pH of jejunal digesta compared with PC treatment (6.28 vs 7.01), and dietary encapsulated butyrate treatments (NC+B and NC+A+B) tended to decrease (P < 0.10) the pH of hind-colonic digesta compared with the pH of PC treatment by 6.2% and 7.2%. In conclusion, dietary encapsulated butyrate in combination with acidifier may alleviate thyroid dysfunction that is anti-nutritional effect of high canola meal diets.

Performance, HSP70 expression, antioxidant enzymes, oxidative DNA damage biomarkers, metabolic hormones, and intestinal microbiota of broiler chickens fed mistletoe leaf powder supplemented diets under tropical high ambient temperatures

The study investigated the impact of Mistletoe Leaf Powder (MLP) supplementation on some parameters in heat-stressed broiler chickens. The standard baseline diets, comprising four different formulations, were provided during the starter and finisher stages. Chickens were randomly assigned to the 4 dietary groups: a negative control (CON) with no supplementation, a positive control (VTC) with 200 mg/kg vitamin C, and 2 experimental treatment groups with 2500 mg/kg (MLP2) and 5000 mg/kg (MLP5) MLP supplementation. The Body Weight Gain (BWG) in MLP2 and MLP5 treatment groups was comparable (P > 0.05) to those in VTC, while the CON group exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) lower BWG. Feed consumption was significantly (P < 0.05) lower broiler chickens in the CON group compared to those VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) levels were lower in broiler chickens belonging to VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups compared to those in CON, and MLP2 showed no difference (P > 0.05) from MLP5 and VTC. Serum glutathione peroxidase and catalase concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to MLP5, MLP2, and VTC groups compared to CON. The 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine concentration was lower (P < 0.05) in birds of VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 compared to the CON, with VTC showing the least concentration. Serum insulin levels were higher (P < 0.05) in MLP5 compared to those in CON, while serum triiodothyronine and leptin concentrations were lower (P < 0.05) in CON compared to birds in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5. Microbiota analysis revealed that the Coliform bacteria population was higher (P < 0.05) in birds belonging to CON compared to those in VTC, MLP2, and MLP5 groups, whereas lactic acid-producing bacteria were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in birds of CON and highest in MLP2 and MLP5 groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of MLP at 5000 mg/kg enhanced performance, oxidative status, influenced metabolic hormones, and gut microbiota in broiler chickens raised under high ambient temperature.

Changes in thyroid function levels in female patients with first-episode bipolar disorder.

The identification of molecular biomarkers for bipolar disorder is anticipated to greatly improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The objective of this case-control study is to determine whether the blood thyroid hormone levels in bipolar disorder patients are associated with different types of first onset. From August 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021 a total of 120 female patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder and hospitalized at Qingdao Mental Health Center were recruited as the case group, including 60 patients with depression as their first onset (depression first-episode group, DF) and 60 with mania/hypomania as their first onset (mania/hypomania first-episode group, M/HF). A group of 60 healthy adult females matching general demographic data, such as race and age, were selected as the control group. Blood samples were taken from both groups to measure serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. The duration of current onset in the M/HF group was significantly less than that in the DF group (23.1 ± 20.2 vs. 125.2 ± 41.0 days). About 27% of patients in the M/HF group had thyroid abnormalities, in contrast to 60% in the DF group. The blood T3 and T4 levels in both the M/HF group and the DF group, as well as the TF3 levels in the DF group, were significantly lower as compared to control. The M/HF group had significantly higher T3 and FT3 levels than the DF group. The blood T3 levels were inversely correlated with the Young's Mania Scale score and the Hamilton Depression Scale score in both the M/HF and DF groups. Thyroid dysfunction resulting in reduced levels of blood thyroid levels may be involved in the disease progression of bipolar disorder, and correlated with the clinical symptoms in patients with depression or mania as the first episode.

Rat Serum Osteocalcin Concentration Is Decreased by Restriction of Energy Intake

We studied the effects of energy restriction on serum osteocalcin concentration and bone formation rate in rats. The experiment was designed to achieve energy restriction by reducing the carbohydrate intake while providing identical quantities of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. Energy intakes of three groups of post-weaning male rats were restricted by 20, 40 and 60% for 4 wk. Serum calclum, phosphorus, transthyretin, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol and immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentrations were determined. Energy restriction (20, 40 and 60%) produced a significant and gradual drop of serum osteocalcin concentrations, although the serum concentrations of its key regulators, i.e., 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol and iPTH, were not significantly affected. On the contrary, serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, transthyretin, T3 and T4 were significantly lower in the energy-restricted groups. However, our results do not support their implication in the regulation of serum osteocalcin synthesis by energy intake. Serum osteocalcin concentration was positively correlated with bone mineral apposition (r = 0.50, P < 0.05) and bone mineralization (r = 0.50, P < 0.05) rates suggesting that its decrease resulted from a reduction of bone formation, and not from abnormal mineralization, because osteoid seam thickness was not modified. Energy intake seems to be an important determinant of serum osteocalcin concentration and bone formation; however, the exact mechanism underlying this regulation remains to be determined.

Overnutrition of Ewe in Late Gestation and the Impact on Placental Efficiency and Lamb's Performance.

The objective of the study was to evaluate energy or energy/protein supplementation in the ewe diet, in the last third of gestation, on maternal placental and endocrine characteristics, as well as its effects on the behavior of neonatal lambs and productive performance until weaning. A total of 128 ewes were used, and the experimental diet was fed from 100 days gestation until lambing, with the birth of 172 lambs. The ewes were distributed into three treatments: CTL (control, n = 43) with metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) intake according to NRC (1985); ME (energy supplementation, n = 44) plus 21% ME; and MECP (energy/protein supplementation, n = 41) plus 26% ME and CP. Body weight, body condition score, serum hormone concentrations, placental characteristics, lamb performance and behavior, and production efficiency of the ewe from lambing to weaning were measured. ME and MECP ewes were heavier before (p = 0.006) and just after lambing (p = 0.002) and had higher serum triiodothyronine (p = 0.001) and cortisol (p = 0.004) concentrations on the day of lambing. ME ewes had higher placental efficiency (p = 0.036) and lower total cotyledon weight (p = 0.011). ME and MECP diets increased both lamb birth weight (p = 0.015) and weaning weight (p = 0.009). Production efficiency at birth and at weaning was not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. Lamb behavior was influenced by the ME and MECP diets, reducing the time to kneel (p ≤ 0.05), to try to stand (p ≤ 0.05), and the latency to stand (p ≤ 0.005). It is concluded that overnutrition in the last third of gestation was positive for the ovine production system, with improved production rates, hormonal profile, placental characteristics, and neonatal behavior.

Semen Characteristics and Blood Metabolites of Hi-Plus Buck Rabbits Fed on Microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata Meal during the Summer Season

Feeding tiny amounts of micro-algae meal to animals enhances animal physiology by improving immune response, disease resistance, and gut function, as well as enhancing anti-inflammatory and antibacterial protection, reproductive performance, feed conversion ratio, and weight gain. The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of dietary microalgae meal (Nannochloropsis oculata) on physical semen quality, serum biochemical parameters, and oxidative status of Hi-Plus buck rabbits for 12 weeks during the summer. A total of 45, Hi-Plus buck rabbits aged 20-24 weeks were divided into three equally comparable experimental groups. Bucks in the first, second, and third groups were daily supplemented in their diets with 0% (control), 0.50% (T1), and 1.0% (T2) microalgae meal, respectively. Semen and blood samples were collected to evaluate semen quality traits and some serum biochemical constituents, and oxidative status, as well as serum triiodothyronine (T3) and testosterone (Ts) hormones concentrations. The obtained data revealed that dietary supplementation of Nannochloropsis oculata meal significantly improved most physical semen characteristics, including ejaculate volume, progressive sperm motility, semen pH value, sperm cell concentration, total sperm output, live sperm, and semen quality factor. Blood serum glucose, total proteins, and their fractions increased significantly in T1 and T2, compared with the control group, while total serum cholesterol and hepatic enzymes concentrations recorded a significant decrease in bucks supplemented with T1 and T2, compared with the control group. The total antioxidant capacity of serum significantly increased in both two levels of microalgae, compared with the control group. Serum T3 concentration significantly increased in both levels of dietary microalgae compared with the control group. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with Nannochloropsis oculata meal (1.0%) was advised to improve semen quality, serum constituents, and antioxidative status without any adverse effects on the liver and kidney functions of rabbits.

Roles of leptin on energy balance and thermoregulation in Eothenomys miletus.

Leptin is a hormone mainly synthesized and secreted by white adipose tissue (WAT), which regulates various physiological processes. To investigate the role of leptin in energy balance and thermoregulation in Eothenomys miletus, voles were randomly divided into leptin-injected and PBS-injected groups and placed at 25°C ± 1°C with a photoperiod of 12 L:12 D. They were housed under laboratory conditions for 28days and compared in terms of body mass, food intake, water intake, core body temperature, interscapular skin temperature, resting metabolic rate (RMR), nonshivering thermogenesis (NST), liver and brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenic activity, and serum hormone levels. The results showed that leptin injection decreased body mass, body fat, food intake, and water intake. But it had no significant effect on carcass protein. Leptin injection increased core body temperature, interscapular skin temperature, resting metabolic rate, non-shivering thermogenesis, mitochondrial protein content and cytochrome C oxidase (COX) activity in liver and brown adipose tissue, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) content and thyroxin 5'-deiodinase (T45'-DII) activity in brown adipose tissue significantly. Serum leptin, triiodothyronine (T3), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) concentrations were also increased significantly. Correlation analysis showed that serum leptin levels were positively correlated with core body temperature, body mass loss, uncoupling protein 1 content, thyroxin 5'-deiodinase activity, nonshivering thermogenesis, and negatively correlated with food intake; thyroxin 5'-deiodinase and triiodothyronine levels were positively correlated, suggesting that thyroxin 5'-deiodinase may play an important role in leptin-induced thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. In conclusion, our study shows that exogenous leptin is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and thermoregulation in E. miletus, and thyroid hormone may play an important role in the process of leptin regulating energy balance in E. miletus.

Castration alters the cecal microbiota and inhibits growth in Holstein cattle.

To determine the effects of castration on growth performance, serum hormone levels, cecal microbiota composition, and metabolites in cattle. A total of 18 Holstein bulls and steers were divided into bull and steer groups and randomly assigned to 3 pens (3 cattle per pen, and each cattle were separated by a fence) to determine the average daily gain (ADG), daily dry matter intake (DMI), and feed efficiency (G/F). After the finishing trial, six cattle per group were randomly slaughtered. Serum was collected to measure the hormone concentration, and the cecal content was collected to measure the pH, short-chain fatty acids, and digestive enzyme activities. Metagenome sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were used to investigate the microbiota composition, functional profiles, and differential metabolites of the cecal contents. We found that castration significantly decreased ADG, DMI, and G/F in cattle (P < 0.05). The serum testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone (P < 0.05), and triiodothyronine (P < 0.01) concentrations significantly decreased in the steer group when compared to those of the bull group. The activities of cellulase, xylanase, pectinase, and β-glucosidase (P < 0.05) significantly decreased in the steer group, whereas the activities of lipase and α-amylase significantly increased. Moreover, castration significantly decreased the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_bacterium, Treponema_porcinum, Oscillibacter_sp. (P < 0.05), and Alistipes_senegalensis (P < 0.01), whereas the relative abundance of Phocaeicola_plebeius (P < 0.05) was significantly increased. Also, the relative abundance of Phocaeicola_plebeius was negatively correlated with testosterone levels, and the function of the cecal microbiota was enriched in the GH29 and GH97 families in the steer group. Metabolomic analysis indicated that castration increased the levels of L-valine, L-phenylalanine, L-aspartic acid, L-isoleucine, L-lysine, methionine, L-glutamic acid, and L-leucine, while decreasing the levels of α-ketoglutaric acid through the 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism pathway. In addition, α-ketoglutaric acid was negatively correlated with Oscillibacter_sp. (P < 0.01). Overall, castration can inhibit cattle growth by altering the composition of the cecal microbiota. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical and practical basis for improving the growth performance of steers.

Peripubertal soy isoflavone consumption leads to subclinical hypothyroidism in male Wistar rats.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during critical windows of development may lead to functional abnormalities in adulthood. Isoflavones are a flavonoid group of phytoestrogens that are recognized by their estrogenic activity and are highly abundant in soybean. Since the thyroid gland presents estrogen receptors and infants, toddlers and teenagers may consume isoflavones from soy-based infant formula and beverages as alternatives to animal milk, we propose to investigate the potential effects of relevant concentrations of soy isoflavones in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) thyroid axis using peripubertal male rats as an experimental model. Thirty-two 23-day-old male rats were exposed to 0.5, 5, or 50 mg of soy isoflavones/kg from weaning to 60 days of age, when they were euthanized, and the tissues were collected to evaluate the mRNA expression of genes involved in the regulation of the HP thyroid axis and dosages of thyroid hormones (THs). Serum TSH concentrations were increased, while alterations were not observed in serum concentrations of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Regarding mRNA gene expression, Mct-8 was increased in the hypothalamus, Mct-8, Thra1, and Thrb2 were decreased in the pituitary, and Nis and Pds were reduced in the thyroid. In the heart, Mct8 and Thrb2 were increased, and Thra1 was decreased. In the liver, Mct8, Thra1, and Thrb2 were decreased. These results suggest that the consumption of relevant doses of soy isoflavones during the peripubertal period in males may induce subclinical hypothyroidism, with alterations in the regulation of the HP thyroid axis, modulation of TH synthesis, and peripheral alterations in TH target organs.

Effects of Rehmannia 14 on Hormone Levels and Renal Function in Geriatric and Kidney Yang Deficiency Mice

The objective of this study was to investigate Rehmannia 14 (R14), a Chinese herbal medicine, reported to be effective in treating endocrine and renal function disorders in geriatric and Kidney Yang Deficiency cases. Using a geriatric and Kidney Yang Deficiency mouse model (GKDM) with a control group, 60 male Kunming mice expressing clinical signs of GKDM (weight loss, lethargy, cool limbs, decreased rectal temperature) were treated with R14 to investigate its impact on serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol (COR), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the content of nitric oxide (NO) in renal homogenates. Study results demonstrated that GKDM model mice had decreased body weight/rectal temperatures and lethargy while R14 treated animals had improved weight gains/normal rectal temperature and improved activity levels. The GKDM mice also had decreased T3/T4/ACTH with increased TSH while the R14 dosed animals had increased T3/T4/ACTH and decreased TSH levels. In addition, R14 exerted protective effects on the kidneys with decreased NO, CRE and BUN concentrations. Study findings concluded that R14 improved serum concentrations of key endocrine indicators of disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and has a protective effect on renal function in a GKDM mouse model. The findings from this study provide a basis for the clinical use of R14 in the treatment of endocrine and renal disorders associated with aging and Kidney Yang/Qi Deficiency in animals.

T3 alleviates neuroinflammation and reduces early brain injury after subarachnoid haemorrhage by promoting mitophagy via PINK 1-parkin pathway

Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a common and devastating complication of haemorrhagic stroke. SAH is characterised by high mortality rates, permanent disabilities, and is often caused by the rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Low serum triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations have been associated with severe SAH and poor prognosis. T3 has been previously described as an inhibitor of lung fibrosis, and it acts by stimulating autophagy and mitophagy. Here, we indicated in vitro that T3 treatment suppressed neuronal apoptosis by reducing the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) decrease. Moreover, this preventative effect was reversed by PINK 1-siRNA treatment. We showed that in vivo T3 treatment promoted mitophagy, decreased microglial activation, alleviated neuroinflammation, and reduced neuronal apoptosis following SAH. Overall, this thyroid hormone (TH) exerts a protective effect on neurones after SAH via the PINK 1/PARKIN pathway. Considering the protective function of TH against neuronal damage, further research can establish TH treatment as a promising and effective therapeutic option for early brain injury (EBI) after SAH.

Major differences between single or twin hair lambs in the immediate postpartum period: Metabolic and thermodynamic patterns detected by infrared thermography

The objective was to evaluate the differences between hair lambs, born from single or twin births, regarding the latency periods for standing up and suckling, the vitality, glycemic, cortisol, and triiodothyronine concentrations, as well as the phenotypic characteristics related to the maintenance of homeothermy in the immediate postpartum. Single (n = 10) or twin (n = 12) Morada Nova lambs were evaluated after birth, during the first successful suckling (M0 = Timepoint 0), and at regular intervals of 20 min (M20, M40, M60). Lambs from single births had higher birth weight (3.09 vs 2.58 kg; P ≤ 0.05) and higher serum triiodothyronine concentration (267 vs 209 ng/dL; P ≤ 0.05) compared to twin lambs. There was a positive correlation between weight and blood glucose (0.57; P ≤ 0.05) for both single and twin lambs. The type of birth did not affect vitality, which was negatively associated with cortisol concentration (−0.53; P ≤ 0.05). Twin lambs had higher internal and ocular temperatures (39.29 vs 38.67 °C and 38.84 vs 38.13 °C; P ≤ 0.05, respectively). Body surface temperatures increased over time in both groups (P ≤ 0.05). An increase in the temperature of the hips region (ysingle = 27.88 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.96; P = 0.019 and ytwin = 28.74 + 0.019*time; R2 = 0.94; P = 0.029) was observed for both single and twin lambs, which coincides with the region of brown adipose tissue deposition. The lowest absolute thermal variabilities between twin and single lambs in M0 and M60 were recorded in the midloin and integral dorsal area. The parturition type did not influence the latencies to stand up (P = 0.908) and for the first suckling (P = 0.888), and the vitality score (P = 0.353). Thus, single and twin lambs do not differ in neonatal behavior, but they presented specific metabolic strategies to regulate body temperature over time. Midloin and integral dorsal areas are anatomical regions suggested for use in serial thermographic monitoring. Infrared thermography may be an important complementary resource in neonatal care.

Effect of iodinated radiographic contrast media on radioimmunoassay for measuring thyroid hormones

Radioimmunoassay (RIA) is one of the most routine laboratory tests for diagnosing thyroid disease. Patients might receive iodine in the form of intravenous iodinated radiographic contrast media (IRCM) before testing of serum thyroxin (T4) or triiodothyronine (T3) concentration by RIA. The objective was to determine the effect of IRCM on T4 and T3 hormone tests in normal, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid hormone conditions by RIA. IRCMs (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mgI/mL) used in this study were iopromide and iodixanol. RIA was determined by commercial T4 RIA kit and T3 RIA kits. The method suggested by the manufacturer was followed. Normal, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid hormones condition were 1.2 ng/mL, 0.2 ng/mL and 2.2 ng/mL for T3 hormone concentration and 70 ng/mL, 30 ng/mL and 140 ng/mL for T4 hormone concentration, respectively. %Bound values were compared between IRCM-incubated groups and non-incubated group. The data showed that iopromide-incubated groups did not statistically significant change %bound values of T3 and T4 hormone tests in normal, hypothyroid, and hyperthyroid conditions, compared to the non-incubated group. In the same way, %bound values of T3 and T4 hormone tests in iodixanol-incubated groups did not change at all conditions when compared to the non-incubated group. This finding suggested that iodinated radiographic contrast media was unlikely to result in significant problems with radioimmunoassay for measuring T3 and T4 thyroid hormones.

PSVIII-8 Physiological Response of Broiler Chickens Fed Cold-Pressed Canola Cake-Based Diets with Soluble Fiber Source or Feed Additives

Abstract Effects of soluble fiber source or feed additive supplementation in cold-pressed canola cake (CPCC) containing diets on growth performance, organ weights, and blood thyroid hormones, and pH of digesta of broilers were investigated. A total of 96 one-day-old broilers were assigned to 6 dietary treatments, consisting of 8 cages of 2 birds each. The diets included a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based diet and corn-SBM-CPCC 20% diets without or with barley, acidifier, encapsulated butyric acid, and probiotics. Birds were fed a commercial diet for the first week and fed experimental diets for 2 weeks. Body weight (BW) and feed intake of broilers were measured on d 7 and 21. On d 21, all birds were euthanized to collect samples of blood, organs, and digesta. Collected blood samples were analyzed for serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4), and pH of digesta in gizzard, ileum, ceca, and large intestine was measured. Broilers fed CPCC diet with butyric acid or probiotics had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) growth performance than broilers fed CPCC diet. There were no significant differences in relative weights of thyroid glands and liver to BW. Supplementation of either butyric acid or probiotics in CPCC diets reduced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) serum T3 concentration compared with CPCC diet by 34% and 21%, respectively. Also, supplementation of butyric acid in CPCC diet showed no difference in serum T3 concentration compared with corn-SBM diet. Dietary treatments in CPCC diets did not affect pH of digesta in gizzard and ileum, whereas supplementation of barley or acidifier decreased pH of cecal digesta compared with that of broilers fed CPCC diet by 0.5 and 0.51 pH units, respectively. Supplementation of encapsulated butyric acid in the 20% CPCC diet can improve growth performance of broilers by mitigating the toxic effects of dietary CPCC as evidenced by reduced serum T3 concentration.

244 Physiological Response of Nursery Pigs Fed Cold-Pressed Canola Cake-Based Diets with Soluble Fiber Source or Feed Additives

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of soluble fiber source or feed additives on physiological response of nursery pigs fed cold-pressed canola cake (CPCC) based diets. A total of 24 nursery pigs [initial body weight (BW) = 7.29 kg] were housed in 24 metabolic crates and fed 6 diets (4 pigs/diet) in a completely randomized design. The diets were a corn-soybean meal (SBM)-based diet and corn-SBM-CPCC (30%)-based diets without or with barley, acidifier, encapsulated butyric acid, and probiotics. The diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (2012) nutrient recommendations for nursery pigs and were fed for 2 weeks. Pig BW and feed intake were measured on day 0 and d 14. On d 14, blood samples were collected for measuring serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4), then all pigs were euthanized for measuring organ weights and pH of digesta in the gastrointestinal tract. Pigs fed corn-SBM based diet had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) gain to feed ratio compared with pigs fed CPCC diet by 24%. Dietary acidifier increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) of pigs fed CPCC diet by 45.6% and had no difference from that of pigs fed corn-SBM based diet. There were no differences in weight of the thyroid gland, liver, and heart relative to BW. Dietary treatments did not affect serum T3 and T4 concentrations of pigs fed CPCC diets. Dietary barley, acidifier, or butyric acid had no influence on digesta pH of duodenum, jejunum, ileum, cecum, proximal colon, and distal colon in pigs fed CPCC diets. However, dietary probiotics increased (P &amp;lt; 0.05) pH of distal colonic digesta (6.62) compared with pigs fed corn-SBM diet (6.15) and CPCC diet (6.13). Supplementation of acidifier in 30% CPCC diet increased average daily gain of nursery pigs while maintaining normal metabolic organ weights and serum thyroid hormones level.

Effects of pre-incubation storage duration and nonventilation incubation procedure on embryonic physiology and post-hatch chick performance

This study investigated the effects and possible interactions of storage and nonventilation during incubation for eggs from Sasso broiler breeder flock on pre- and post-hatch incubation results.A total of 1,260 Sasso eggs from a 58-wk-old broiler breeder flock were individually numbered, weighed and stored for 7 d or for 18 d in a climate-controlled room (16°C, 75% RH). After storage, eggs were weighed, and randomly assigned equally into 2 incubators. One of the incubators was ventilated (V) for the entire incubation and the second was nonventilated (NV) for the first 12 d. At d 18, the eggs were weighed, candled, and fertile eggs were transferred from the turning trays to hatching baskets. During the last 3 d of incubation, hatching eggs were checked individually every 3 h for hatching events and hatchability of fertile eggs. After pull out at d 21.5, post-hatch performances was determined until 1 wk of age.Results showed that, embryo weights from eggs in NV incubator was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in both stored eggs compared to those from eggs in ventilated incubator, but embryos from eggs stored for 18 d were smaller (P < 0.05) than those from eggs stored for 7 d. Hatchability was higher (P < 0.0001) in NV incubator compared to V incubator in both 7 d and 18 d stored eggs and an interaction was found between incubation ventilation and storage duration on both hatchability and embryonic mortality (P < 0.0001). Chick weights from NV incubator at 7 d post-hatch was greater (P = 0.0009) than those from V incubator. Serum Tri-iodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxin (T4) concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in NV compare to V group.It was concluded that the effect of long-term pre-incubation storage on embryonic physiology and post-hatch growth interacted significantly with incubation ventilation and that nonventilation can compensate for the negative effects of storage on some hatching and post-hatch performances.

Role of Shear Wave Elastography of Thyroid Gland in Children With Newly Diagnosed Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: Preliminary Study.

The data on the use of shear wave elastography (SWE) in children with thyroid disorders is limited. We aimed to assess the role of SWE in the evaluation of the thyroid gland in children newly diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). The thyroid gland was evaluated in 18 children (5 boys and 13 girls, age range: 5-12 years) with newly diagnosed HT and 27 (21 boys and 6 girls, age range: 4-12 years) healthy controls using grayscale ultrasound followed by SWE. The values of SWE (in kPa) were compared between cases and controls and were also correlated with various demographic variables and serum thyroid hormone concentrations. The overall median of SWE values in cases and controls was 20.6kPa (IQR=19.16-26.94) and 10.7kPa (IQR=9.9-16.32), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (W=438.5, P < .001). There was a moderate positive correlation between serum triiodothyronine concentrations and SWE (ρ=0.57, P=.016) and a moderate negative correlation between serum thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations and SWE (ρ=-0.54, P=.020). A significant difference (W=61.0, P=.003) was also seen in median SWE of the thyroid gland between boys (median: 29.63 kPa, IQR=27.53-32.88) and girls (median: 19.43 kPa, IQR=18.88-21.32). There is a significant difference between SWE values of thyroid in normal children and children with newly diagnosed HT. Hence, SWE may be used as a noninvasive imaging technique in distinguishing normal and abnormal thyroid gland at an early stage. We suggest larger studies to confirm our preliminary findings of SWE in pediatric HT.

Endocrine, metabolic and apical effects of in utero and lactational exposure to non-dioxin-like 2,2′,3,4,4′,5,5′-heptachlorobiphenyl (PCB 180): A postnatal follow-up study in rats

PCB 180 is a persistent and abundant non-dioxin-like PCB (NDL-PCB). We determined the developmental toxicity profile of ultrapure PCB 180 in developing offspring following in utero and lactational exposure with the focus on endocrine, metabolic and retinoid system alterations. Pregnant rats were given total doses of 0, 10, 30, 100, 300 or 1000 mg PCB 180/kg bw on gestational days 7−10 by oral gavage, and the offspring were sampled on postnatal days (PND) 7, 35 and 84. Decreased serum testosterone and triiodothyronine concentrations on PND 84, altered liver retinoid levels, increased liver weights and induced 7-pentoxyresorufin O-dealkylase (PROD) activity were the sensitive effects used for margin of exposure (MoE) calculations. Liver weights were increased together with induction of the metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B1, CYP3A1, and CYP1A1. Less sensitive effects included decreased serum estradiol and increased luteinizing hormone levels in females, decreased prostate and seminal vesicle weight and increased pituitary weight in males, increased cortical bone area and thickness of tibial diaphysis in females and decreased cortical bone mineral density in males. Developmental toxicity profiles were partly different in male and female offspring, males being more sensitive to increased liver weight, PROD induction and decreased thyroxine concentrations. MoE assessment indicated that the 95th percentile of current maternal PCB 180 concentrations do not exceed the estimated tolerable human lipid-based PCB 180 concentration. Although PCB 180 is much less potent than dioxin-like compounds, it shares several toxicological targets suggesting a potential for interactions.

Progesterone supplementation in Holstein heifers subjected to cooling and timed AI during summer: physiological and reproductive variables and thyroid hormone concentrations.

Our aim was to evaluate the effects of progesterone supplementation after fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) on physiological and reproductive variables and serum thyroid hormone concentrations of cooled Holstein heifers during a hot summer season. Sixty-nine Holstein heifers were randomly assigned to three treatments: (1) heifers under visual estrus detection and inseminated according to AM-PM rule (n = 23; control (C)), (2) heifers subjected to FTAI after estrus synchronization using a CIDR insert (n = 24; FTAI group), and (3) heifers treated as the FTAI group plus progesterone supplementation between the day 4 and 14 post-insemination with a reused CIDR device (n = 22; FTAI+SP4 group). All heifers were cooled daily with misting and fans. Physiological variables were measured; likewise, blood samples were collected to determine serum progesterone, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine concentrations. Both respiration rate and rectal temperature were similar among treatments. Conception rate was greater (P < 0.05) in C (65.2%) and FTAI+SP4 (59.1%) heifers than in FTAI heifers (33.3%). Serum triiodothyronine and progesterone concentrations of FTAI+SP4 heifers were similar to those of C heifers but greater (P < 0.05) than those of FTAI heifers. In conclusion, progesterone supplementation post-insemination increased conception rate and serum progesterone concentrations without affecting thermoregulation capacity in Holstein heifers subjected to FTAI and cooling during a hot summer season.

Evaluation of serum analytes in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cows as indicators of pregnancy

This study was conducted to reveal the dynamics of haematological indicators in pregnant and non-pregnant dairy cows. Sixty multiparous healthy dairy cows were divided into four groups based on the length of time they had been pregnant, namely first, second and third trimesters, and non-pregnant (n=15 each). Blood was collected from each animal, and serum was harvested and stored at -20 °C for biochemical profiling. Concentrations of serum total oxidants (TOC), ceruloplasmin oxidase (CpO) and triiodothyronine (T3) were higher (P &lt;0.05) during the third trimester compared with non-pregnant cows. Serum arylesterase (Ary) concentration was lower (P &lt;0.05) during the second and the third trimesters compared with the non-pregnant cows. The concentration of serum total homocysteine (tHcy) was higher (P &lt;0.05) the third trimester compared with the first and the second trimesters. The concentrations of serum total antioxidants (TAC), paraoxonase 1 (PON1), thyroxine (T4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were not different in the pregnant and the non-pregnant cows. Thus, TOC, Ary, CpO, tHcy and T3 could be taken as biological markers to assess the progression of pregnancy and to develop management tools to improve health status during late gestation in dairy cows&#x0D; Keywords: ceruloplasmin, hepatic enzymes, late gestation, triiodothyronine