Supplement Research Articles

187 Effect of Piglet Weaning Weight on Wean-to-Finish Growth Performance and Ultrasound Carcass Measures

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of variation in piglet weaning weight (WW) resulting from interventions during lactation on post-weaning performance. A split-split plot design was used with a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: 1) Liquid milk replacer [MR; main plot; No Supplement (NS) vs. Supplement (SU)]; 2) Litter size [LS; sub-plot; LOW (4 pigs less than functional teat number) vs. HIGH (2 pigs greater than functional teat number)]; 3) WW [sub-sub-plot; LIGHT (2 lightest barrows and 2 lightest gilts within each litter) vs. HEAVY (2 heaviest barrows and 2 heaviest gilts within each litter)]. Each MR feeder was available to 2 litters, one on the LOW and one on the HIGH LS treatment. Cross-fostering was carried out at 24 h after birth to create LS treatment litters; MR treatment was applied from 24 h after birth until weaning (20 days of age). The study involved 256 pigs housed in mixed-sex pens of 4 pigs (2 barrows; 2 gilts) and was carried out from weaning to a fixed pen weight (130.0 ± 2.27 kg). Pigs were weighed at start and end of the study when ultrasound scans were collected (at the 10th rib) to measure backfat depth (BF) and Longissimus muscle area (LMA). Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS; the model accounted for fixed effects of MR, LS, WW, and all interactions, and random effects of replicate, replicate by MR interaction and replicate by MR by LS interaction. There were no treatment interactions (P > 0.05) for any measurements (Table 1). The MR treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on WW; the SU treatment had greater (P ≤ 0.05) ADFI but had no effect (P > 0.05) on other measurements compared with the NS treatment (Table 1). Compared with the LOW LS treatment, the HIGH LS treatment had lighter WW (1.7 kg; P ≤ 0.05), and greater days on test (4 days; P ≤ 0.05); however, there were no differences (P > 0.05) for other measurements. Compared with the LIGHT WW treatment, HEAVY pigs had greater WW (1.7 kg; P ≤ 0.05), fewer days on test (7.9 days; P ≤ 0.05), greater (P ≤ 0.05) overall ADG (38 g) and ADFI (78 g), less BF (0.17 cm; P ≤ 0.05) and greater LMA (1.37 cm2; P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, providing MR during lactation had little effect on post-weaning performance. However, increasing LS above sow functional teat number reduced WW and increased the time to reach harvest weight with no effect on post-weaning growth performance. In addition, HEAVY WW piglets had improved post-weaning growth performance and carcass lean measurements compared with LIGHT WW piglets.

180 Effect of Providing Liquid Milk Replacer During Lactation to Litters of Different Size on Piglet Pre-Weaning Performance

Abstract Larger litter sizes in commercial sows are generally associated with greater pre-weaning mortality (PWM) and lower piglet weaning weight (WW). Providing liquid milk replacer (MR) to piglets during lactation has been advocated for reducing PWM and increasing WW. The objective was to evaluate the effect of providing MR (using an automated feeder) to litters of different size on PWM and WW. A split-plot design with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used: 1) MR [main plot; No Supplement (NS) vs. Supplement (SU)]; 2) Litter Size [LS; sub-plot; LOW (4 piglets less than functional teat number) vs. HIGH (2 piglets greater than functional teat number)]. Each MR feeder was available to 2 litters, one on the LOW and one on the HIGH LS treatment. There were 26 sows and litters per MR and LS treatment. Cross-fostering was carried out 24 hours after birth to create LS treatment litters which had similar gender ratio, proportion of cross-fostered piglets, and average and CV of piglet birth weight. Milk replacer was available from 24 hours after birth (day 1; start of study) to weaning (day 20; end of study). Piglets were weighed at the start and end; all PWM was recorded. Piglet weight data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS; PWM data were analyzed using PROC GLIMMIX. Models accounted for the fixed effects of MR, LS, and the interaction, and random effects of replicate and replicate by MR interaction. There was a MR by LS treatment interaction (P ≤ 0.05) for total litter WW and PWM (Table 1). The MR treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on total litter WW for the LOW LS treatment; however, for the HIGH LS treatment total litter WW was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for the SU than the NS treatment. For the NS treatment, PWM was greater (P ≤ 0.05) for the HIGH than the LOW treatment; however, PWM did not differ (P > 0.05) between the LS treatments for litters that had access to MR. There was no effect (P ≤ 0.05) of MR treatment on litter size or average piglet weight at the start and end of the study. The HIGH LS treatment had greater (P ≤ 0.05) litter size at the start and end of the study, but less (P ≤ 0.05) average piglet WW. In conclusion, increasing litter size above sow functional teat number had negative effects on piglet WW. In addition, providing MR to litters during lactation increased total litter WW in the HIGH but not LOW LS treatment. These results also suggest that providing MR reduced the negative effect of the larger litter size on PWM; however, further research is needed to validate this finding.

Effect of Spirulina platensis Supplementation on Carcass Characteristics, Fatty Acid Profile, and Meat Quality of Omani Goats.

In a 70-day study, 36 Jabbali and Sahrawi bucks, aged 11 months, were utilized to evaluate the effects of different levels of spirulina dietary supplement (SP) on carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile, and meat quality traits in Omani goat breeds. The goats were put into six groups of six bucks, each at random. The diet consisted of a conventional concentrate feed ration (CFR) without spirulina (CON), and the CFR diet supplemented with spirulina at the levels of 2 g/head daily (T1) and 4 g/head daily (T2). In general, Sahrawi bucks showed a highly significant response to SP feeding compared with Jabbali bucks. The treatment groups, especially T1, showed a significant increase in average daily gain and carcass traits (body length, leg length, and the rack weight) compared with the CON group of Sahrawi bucks. The weights of omental and kidney fat were also significantly higher in T1 compared with CON and T2 groups of Sahrawi goats, while they were significantly higher in T2 compared with CON and T1 groups of Jabbali goats. Carcass profile and meat quality, including ultimate ph and meat color lightness (L*) were increased significantly with dietary spirulina in both LD and SM muscles of Sahrawi goats. Most of the Sfa, Mufa, Pufa, Pufa n-6, Pufa n-3, and n-6/n-3 ratios of the LD showed significant differences in diets supplemented with SP compared with CON for Sahrawi bucks, while some of them were significant in Jabbali bucks. The LD muscle of Sahrawi goats fed diets supplemented with SP of the T1 group significantly decreased in the amounts of pentadecanoic and margaric acids compared with the T2 and CON groups. The study concluded that incorporating SP (2 g and 4 g/head daily) into the diet of Omani goats, especially Sahrawi goats, can increase growth performance, as well as improve fatty acid composition and meat quality.

132 Weight and Reproduction Response to a Peanut Skins Plus Corn Supplement Offered to Heifers Grazing Spring Wheat Pasture During Artificial Insemination Breeding

Abstract The objective was to assess heifer weight and reproduction response to a peanut skins plus corn supplement during spring wheat grazing. In spring of 2021 and 2022, 10 and 8 pastures (1.62 ha/pasture) of fall overseeded wheat were randomly assigned to supplement (SUP) or control (CONT) constrained to the same number of replications per treatment. Pastures were stocked with 6 heifers/pasture each year. The initial goal was to use peanut skins as a single ingredient; however, testing palatability in year 1, before spring grazing, demonstrated a need to create a mixed supplement for improved acceptance. Over 5 weeks from initiation of grazing to breeding, heifers were transitioned from a 33:67 to a 50:50 peanut skins:corn mix. Supplement was offered at 0.5% BW, as-fed, at the start of spring wheat grazing in early March. An additional 2.4% and 8.3% inclusion of dried molasses was incorporated to further enhance acceptance in year 1 and 2, respectively. Estrus synchronization (ES) began March 31 and April 5 for each year. Data were analyzed across year with year considered as a random effect and pasture the experimental unit. Initial weight was 12 ± 5.8kg greater (P = 0.05) for SUP. Weight at ES tended (P = 0.11) to be 9.4 ± 5.55kg greater for SUP. Reproduction tract score was similar (P = 0.55), averaging 4.2 ± 0.13, and heifers were of similar (P = 0.33) age (405 ± 4.1 days) at time of insemination. Average daily gain from initial wheat grazing until removal for natural service breeding did not differ between treatments (P = 0.92) and averaged 1.0 ± 0.21 kg. Body condition score was similar (P = 0.43) at ES and averaged 5.7 ± 0.7. The heavier initial BW of SUP heifers was sustained through wheat grazing (P = 0.05). Ultrasound determined pregnancies averaged 66.7 and 50.0 ± 6.6% for SUP and CONT, respectively, for an odds ratio of 2.1 ± 0.79 (P = 0.08) at 30 days after insemination. Overall pregnancy rates following natural service averaged 88.9 and 79.6 ± 4.88% for SUP and CONT, respectively with an odds ratio of 2.1±1.12 (P=0.19). High dietary protein has been associated with reduced reproductive performance. Using the peanut skins plus corn supplement was hypothesized to improve reproduction on a high protein diet due to the possible effect of peanut skins tannins on dietary protein utilization and corn altering the rumen degradable protein to organic matter ratio. While the fixed time artificial insemination pregnancy rates for CONT would not be considered poor, there was a tendency for SUP to secure more pregnancies among heifers of similar age, reproductive tract score, and body condition.

104 Twelve-week provision of supplemental essential amino acids, fatty acids, and marine-based calcium does not impact horse hoof growth

Supplemental amino acids have improved muscle mass in horses and hoof structural formation in ruminants. Calcium supports sulfur crosslinks between hoof proteins, and fatty acids contribute to the periople, a barrier that sustains hoof horn quality. The objective was to test a hypothesis that a supplement containing essential amino acids lysine, threonine, methionine, fatty acids, and marine-based calcium would positively impact hoof growth and muscle mass in horses. A secondary objective was to develop a method for consistent measurement of hoof growth. The protocol was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. In a 24-wk crossover design, 12 horses aged 17 ± 7 yrs, 540 ± 65 kg BW, and 6.4 ± 0.8 BCS were fed prairie grass hay and 14% protein feed balanced to meet NRC requirements (CON), with or without 0.45 kg of added supplement (SUPPL), 6 horses on each diet per 12-wk period. Period 1 was Dec to Mar (winter), Period 2 Mar to Jun (spring). Horses were shod or trimmed throughout the trial and maintained in light to moderate work. To start, a cordless drill with 1.6 mm drill bit was used to mark the external horn of each front hoof, 20 mm below the coronary hairline and 2 mm in depth, deep enough to persist without any tissue damage. Every 2 wk, yellow Play-Doh was placed in the drill mark to improve visibility,and the distance between the coronary band and drill mark in each front hoof measured using a digital caliper (Penn Tool Co. Inc., Maplewood, NJ). Pictures of the caliper placement on each coronary band were taken on d 0 to provide consistent reference points for subsequent measurements. Photos for muscle mass scoring were taken at the end of each period, randomized, then scored post hoc by an observer blind to dietary treatment, with 1 = very little to 5 = significant muscle development, 3 = average. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures (SAS Ver. 9.4). All horses consumed the supplement willingly with no feed refusals. The supplement did not impact hoof growth (16.7 ± 1.8 mm CON vs 15.9 ± 1.0 mm SUPPL; P = 0.21), BW (P = 0.76), or BCS (P = 0.64). Muscle mass scores were higher (P = 0.030) when horses were fed SUPPL (3.4 ± 0.2) vs CON (2.7 ± 0.2). Hoof growth was affected by season (P < 0.0001), greater in spring (20.3 ± 0.8 mm) vs winter (12.3 ± 0.8 mm). While 12-week provision of a supplement containing essential amino acids, fatty acids, and marine-based calcium did not impact hoof growth, muscle mass increased, and seasonal effects on hoof growth were noted.

Spermidine-Eugenol Supplement Preserved Inflammation-Challenged Intestinal Cells by Stimulating Autophagy

Increases in non-communicable and auto-immune diseases, with a shared etiology of defective autophagy and chronic inflammation, have motivated research both on natural products in drug discovery fields and on the interrelationship between autophagy and inflammation. Within this framework, the tolerability and protective effects of a wheat-germ spermidine (SPD) and clove eugenol (EUG) combination supplement (SUPPL) were investigated on inflammation status (after the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)) and on autophagy using human Caco-2 and NCM460 cell lines. In comparison to the LPS treatment alone, the SUPPL + LPS significantly attenuated ROS levels and midkine expression in monocultures, as well as occludin expression and mucus production in reconstituted intestinal equivalents. Over a timeline of 2-4 h, the SUPPL and SUPPL + LPS treatments stimulated autophagy LC3-11 steady state expression and turnover, as well as P62 turnover. After completely blocking autophagy with dorsomorphin, inflammatory midkine was significantly reduced in the SUPPL + LPS treatment in a non-autophagy-dependent manner. After a 24 h timeline, preliminary results showed that mitophagy receptor BNIP3L expression was significantly downregulated in the SUPPL + LPS treatment compared to the LPS alone, whereas conventional autophagy protein expression was significantly higher. The SUPPL shows promise in reducing inflammation and increasing autophagy to improve intestinal health.

Effects of feeding a vitamin and mineral supplement to cow-calf pairs grazing native range.

Our objectives were to evaluate the impacts of providing vitamin and mineral (VTM) supplements to cow-calf pairs during the summer grazing period on cow and calf performance and liver concentrations of minerals. During a two-year period, 727 crossbred cows and their calves (initial cow BW = 601.7 ± 48.1 kg; calf BW = 87.8 ± 5.0 kg; n = 381 in year 1, n = 346 in year 2) from the Central Grasslands Research Extension Center (Streeter, N.D.) were blocked by parity (young [parity 1 to 3], and old [parity 4+]) and randomly assigned to pastures at the beginning of the grazing season (16 in year 1 and 14 in year 2). Pastures were assigned to receive a free-choice VTM supplement (SUPP) or no VTM supplement (CON) from pasture turnout to pasture removal (158 and 156 days in year 1 and 2, respectively). Consecutive day weights were taken from cows and calves at pasture turnout and removal and liver biopsies were collected from a subset of cows at both timepoints and from calves at weaning. Cows were bred via AI 37 to 41 d after pasture turnout and by natural service cleanup bulls for a 70 to 80 d breeding season. Calving and weaning data were collected from the calf conceived and gestated during treatments. Data were analyzed for the effect of VTM treatment (SUPP vs. CON), block of parity, and their interaction using the GLM procedure of SAS with pasture as the experimental unit. Year was considered a random effect in the final analysis. Cow pregnancy success was evaluated using the GLIMMIX procedure in SAS with model terms of VTM treatment, parity, and their interaction with year as a random effect. In year 2, cows in differing days postpartum (DPP) groups at pasture turnout (66.1, 48.8, and 34.5 ± 1.04 DPP for EARLY, MID, and LATE groups, respectively) were selected for liver biopsies with cow as the experimental unit. Cow and calf BW and BW change were not impacted (P ≥ 0.20) by VTM access. Pregnancy rate to AI, overall pregnancy rate, gestating calf birth BW and calving distribution were not affected (P ≥ 0.11) by treatment. Liver concentrations of Se, Cu, and Co were greater (P ≤ 0.002) at pasture removal and weaning for cows and suckling calves that had access to VTM. Cows considered EARLY calving had greater (P = 0.05) concentrations of liver Se compared with LATE calving cows. Although VTM supplementation enhanced concentrations of key minerals in the liver of cow-calf pairs, reproductive and growth performance was not affected.

Economic feasibility of extruded dried distillers grains cube as a supplement for beef steers grazing introduced mixed-grass pastures

Our objectives were to evaluate the effects of dried distillers grains (DDG) cubes (MasterHand Milling) on performance, and to assess the economics of steers grazing introduced pastures (n = 9 pastures; 7.2 ± 2.90 ha) in summer 2020 (n = 155 d) and 2021 (n = 182 d). Each year, crossbred steers (n = 140) were assigned to pastures, and pastures were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments (n = 3 pastures per treatment): (1) fertilized control (FC)—no supplement was given to steers on N-fertilized pastures (112 kg of N/ha); (2) fertilized supplement (FS)—steers were supplemented DDG cubes at 1.2 kg/d prorated for 3-d/wk feeding on N-fertilized pastures; or (3) supplement (SP)—steers were supplemented DDG cubes at 0.75% of BW/d prorated for 5-d/wk feeding on unfertilized pastures. Economic feasibility was determined each year using an enterprise budget analysis. Both FS and SP had greater ( P ≤ 0.01) mid-summer and final BW than FC steers. However, FS steers had greater total season supplemental efficiency ( P = 0.03) than SP. Cost of gain was the least ( P < 0.01) for FC animals and the greatest for SP ( P < 0.01). Supplementation increased gross returns ( P < 0.01), but FC had the greatest net returns ( P < 0.01). Our results suggest that DDG cubes are a suitable supplement and can replace N fertilizer for steers grazing introduced pastures, but the producer must determine the management strategy most profitable to meet their production goals.

186 Effect of Feedlot Finishing Compared with Grass fed Beef Following Bale Grazing and Delayed Feedlot Entry on Steer Performance, Carcass Measurement and net Return

Abstract In a grass-fed system grazing study, yearling crossbred Aberdeen Angus x Red Angus x Angus x Angus steers (n = 72; 3 reps/8 steers/rep) were assigned to either a grass-fed annual forage (GFANN) or a grass-fed native range (GFNR) system, and compared with a NR feedlot control system (FLT), in a delayed feedlot entry program, to determine the effect of grazing and feedlot finishing performance, carcass measurements, and systems net return. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS. After 176.0 grazing days, GFANN, GFNR, and FLT steers were transitioned to free-choice cover crop hay bale feeding (BGRZ) and 3.09 kg daily of a wheatmidd-based supplement (SUP). GFANN and GFNR received hay and SUP for 92 d; FLT control steers received hay and SUP for 69 d before transfer to the University of Wyoming feedlot. Grass-fed and FLT steers were harvested at federally inspected abattoirs in Green Bay, WI, and Ft. Morgan, CO, respectively. BGRZ gain and ADG for GFANN and FLT were greater than GFNR (P = 0.075; P = 0.072). When GFANN and GFNR bale grazing finishing costs were combined with FLT cost, feed cost/unit of gain were greater for GFANN and GFNR compared with FLT (P = 0.006). Steer FLT HCW was 26% and 34% heavier (P = 0.001), marbling score was 32% and 38% greater (P = 0.001), and carcass value was 16% and 24% greater (P = 0.001) than GFANN and GFNR, respectively. Net return was -$88.25, $62.70, and $160.22 for GFANN, GFNR, and FLT, respectively. Farming and long-haul transportation cost for GFANN and GFNR negatively affected net return.

Vitamin B-12 malabsorption and renal function are critical considerations in studies of folate and vitamin B-12 interactions in cognitive performance: NHANES 2011–2014

Cognitive health is a public health concern among older adults. Dietary supplement (SUP) use is common and concerns have been raised about high folic acid intake among those with vitamin B-12 deficiency and exacerbation of poor cognitive performance (PCP). We evaluated SUP use, usual folic acid intake, and blood folate and vitamin B-12 concentrations in relation to cognitive performance. We used NHANES 2011-2014 data on adults aged ≥60 y (n=2867) and estimated total usual folic acid intake from diet and supplements, vitamin B-12 intake from SUPs, blood folates, vitamin B-12 concentrations, vitamin B-12 insufficiency (≤258pmol/L), high folate (serum folate ≥59nmol/L or RBC folate ≥1609nmol/L), and PCP (<34 on the Digit Symbol Substitution Test). We assessed folate distributions adjusted for multiple variables, including renal function. Compared with persons without PCP, adults with PCP were less likely to use supplements containing folic acid (mean±SEE: 34.4%±2.4%) or vitamin B-12 (mean±SEE: 47.5%±1.6%). Among vitamin B-12-insufficient adults, 18.0%±1.6% (mean±SEE) reported taking a vitamin B-12 supplement. Among participants with high folate and insufficient vitamin B-12 concentrations, 34.3%±11.5% (mean±SEE) reported taking vitamin B-12-containing supplements. Persons with high folate and normal vitamin B-12 concentrations had lower odds of PCP [aOR (adjusted odds ratio): 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45, 0.83] than persons with normal folate and vitamin B-12. Persons with high folate and normal methylmalonic acid (MMA) had lower odds of PCP (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.40, 0.78) than those with normal folate and MMA concentrations. After adjustment for renal function, elevated risk of PCP was attenuated among persons with high folate and MMA. Concurrent high folate and insufficient vitamin B-12 concentrations were not associated with PCP. Differential associations between vitamin B-12 and MMA highlight the need to consider renal function in studies of high folate and low vitamin B-12 status. Consumption of vitamin B-12 supplements concurrent with low vitamin B-12 status may indicate vitamin B-12 malabsorption.

The Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation After Resistance Training on Physiological Characteristics in Futsal Players with Vitamin D Deficiency

Background: Recent research indicates the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency worldwide and is conflicting evidence as to whether vitamin D supplementation actually improves physical performance. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on improving muscle strength, muscle volume and cardiorespiratory fitness through resistance training in male athletes with vitamin D deficiency. Methods: This study was conducted with pre-test and post-test series design and quasi-experimental method. The population included 36 male futsal players with vitamin D deficiency that were randomly divided into four groups of nine: exercise (EX), exercise-supplement (EXS), supplement (SUP) and control (CON). SUP and EXS groups received vitamin D3 (50,000 intramuscular injections) every two weeks for 8 weeks and performed three resistance training (RT) sessions per week at a rate of 75% 1RM. Before and after intervention, blood sampling were drawn and measurements performed for 1RM, muscle volume (cm2), and VO2max by standard Bruce test. Correlated t-test was used to compare pre-test and post-test results and to measure the differences between groups, one-way analysis of variance and LSD post hoc test were used using SPSS statistical software. Results: Muscle volume increased significantly (P-value = 0.001) only in EX and EXS groups. Cardio-respiratory fitness did not change significantly in any of the groups (P &gt; 0.05). There were no significant differences between EXS and SUP groups for any of the measured variables (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusions: It seems that simultaneous application of vitamin D supplementation and resistance training for 8 weeks does not have a significant effect on the improvement of the strength and endurance of futsal players.

The effect of a novel dietary supplement based on fishery industry waste hydrolysate, essential fatty acids and phytochemicals on honey bee nuclei development

In the late winter or early spring, beekeepers stimulate the colonies to increase the population of bees using different dietary supplements, principally based on carbohydrates and proteins. Honey bees require multiple sources of nectar and pollen to obtain balanced nutrition, so the formulation of effective supplements requires the identification and testing of candidate components, especially at the colony level. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of a nutritional supplement (SUP) composed of two important phytochemicals that have been reported to improve honey bee health (abscisic acid (ABA) and p-coumaric acid (CUM)) combined with fish protein hydrolyzate (FPH), and essential omega fatty acids (Ω3/6) in nuclei colonies. We first evaluated the toxicity of SUP compared with the control (sugar syrup) in laboratory bioassays during 96 hours. Then, we tested the effect on the amount of brood, honey, and pollen in bee hives nuclei supplemented with SUP for thirty days. In addition, we quantified and compared the concentration of total proteins in individual honey bees collected at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. The results obtained show that SUP is palatable, nontoxic to Apis mellifera, and significantly increases the amount of open brood and pollen reserves of bee nuclei compared with nuclei feed with sugar syrup. No significant differences were observed, between nuclei feed with SUP and control nuclei, in the amount of honey reserves and total proteins of individual bees. Here, we show the value of a nutritional supplement that combines essential nutritional components and phytochemicals to improve important parameters associated with colony fitness. We expected this nutritional supplement helps beekeepers to develop their colonies in view of the increase of industrial agriculture and the consequent loss of floral resources.

Dietary Concentrate Supplementation Alters Serum Metabolic Profiles Related to Energy and Amino Acid Metabolism in Grazing Simmental Heifers.

Supplementation plays a vital role in the growth performance of grazing heifers. We investigated the effects of maize-based concentrate supplementation on the serum metabolome in grazing heifers. Twenty-four 7-month-old heifers (211.65 ± 4.25 kg BW) were randomly divided into a supplement (SUP) group and a control (CON) group. The results indicated that concentrate supplementation increased the final body weight (BW) of grazing heifers, and the average daily gain (ADG) was 61.5% (P = 0.011) higher in the SUP group than in the CON group. Serum concentrations of total protein (TP), triglyceride (TG), and leptin were higher in the SUP group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Supplementation increased serum metabolites and amino acids and markedly altered glucose, lipid, and protein metabolism, which contributed to the heifer growth. Furthermore, by multivariate analysis, 45 serum metabolites were identified as significantly different between the two groups. Enrichment analysis revealed that arginine biosynthesis and tryptophan metabolism as well as glycerophospholipid metabolism were significantly enriched between the two groups. We concluded that the growth potential of heifers could be improved by maize-based concentrate supplementation, and the main biological pathways affected were those related to energy and amino acid metabolism.

The Effect of a Multi-ingredient Supplement on Resistance Training-induced Adaptations.

Resistance exercise training (RET) induces muscle hypertrophy that, when combined with co-temporal protein ingestion, is enhanced. However, fewer studies have been conducted when RET is combined with multi-ingredient supplements. We aimed to determine the effect of a high-quality multi-ingredient nutritional supplement (SUPP) versus an isonitrogenous (lower protein quality), isoenergetic placebo (PL) on RET-induced gains in lean body mass (LBM), muscle thickness, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA). We hypothesized that RET-induced gains in LBM and muscle CSA would be greater in SUPP versus PL. In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, 26 (13 male, 13 female) healthy young adults (mean ± SD, 22 ± 2 yr) were randomized to either the SUPP group (n = 13; 20 g whey protein, 2 g leucine, 2.5 g creatine monohydrate, 300 mg calcium citrate, 1000 IU vitamin D) or the PL group (n = 13; 20 g collagen peptides, 1.4 g alanine, 0.6 g glycine) groups, ingesting their respective supplements twice daily. Measurements were obtained before and after a 10-wk linear progressive RET program. Greater increases in LBM were observed for SUPP versus PL (SUPP: +4.1 ± 1.3 kg, PL: +2.8 ± 1.7 kg, P < 0.05). No additive effect of the supplement could be detected on vastus lateralis muscle CSA, but SUPP did result in increased biceps brachii muscle CSA and thickness (P < 0.05). We conclude that when combined with RET, the consumption of SUPP increased LBM and upper-body CSA and thickness to a greater extent than to that observed in the PL group of healthy young adults.

Effects of a Long Chain n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid-rich Multi-ingredient Nutrition Supplement on Body Composition and Physical Function in Older Adults with Low Skeletal Muscle Mass

Six months of supplementation with a multi-ingredient nutrition supplement was investigated in older adults with low skeletal muscle mass given the recently purported benefits of such approaches. Community-dwelling older adults (age, 74.9 ± 3.6 y; M/F, 18/19) participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial involving daily consumption of either fruit juice placebo (PLA) or supplement (SUPP) in the form of a 200-mL carton of a juice-based emulsion of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFA) (3000 mg as 1500 mg docosahexaenoic acid and 1500 mg eicosapentaenoic acid), whey protein isolate (8 g), vitamin D3 (400 IU), and resveratrol (150 mg). Body composition, physical function, and circulating markers of metabolic health were assessed at baseline (PRE), and after 3 (MID) and 6 (POST) months of supplementation. Lean body mass (LBM) was unchanged in either group, but fat mass increased in SUPP by 1.41 (0.75, 2.07) kg at POST (+6.4%; p < .001; d = 0.20). Hand-grip strength was maintained in SUPP, but declined in PLA by 2.50 (0.81, 4.19) kg at POST (−6.8%; p = .002; d = 0.38). Short physical performance battery score was unchanged in PLA, but increased in SUPP by 1.13 (0.41, 1.84) above PRE at POST (p = .001; d = 0.47). Circulating markers of metabolic health were unchanged in response to the intervention in either PLA or SUPP. Long-term supplementation with an LC n-3 PUFA-rich multi-ingredient nutrition supplement demonstrates potential efficacy for improving physical function in older adults in the absence of exercise training and independent of a change in LBM.

PSX-36 Late-Breaking Abstract: Effect of increasing levels of soy hulls in finishing diets of feedlot cattle offered free-choice hay on performance, roughage intake and carcass characteristics

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing quantity of soy-hulls in diets of feedlot cattle offered free-choice hay on finishing performance, roughage intake, and carcass characteristics. Sixty heifers and 54 steers, Angus*Simangus-crossbreds, were used in a randomized complete block design. Cattle were stratified by sex and weight and randomly assigned to 1 of 12 pens. Treatment 1 consisted of 5% soy hulls (SH; 5%SH), 70% cracked corn (CC), 15% dry distiller grains with soluble (DDGS), 10% mineral supplement (SUP). Treatments 2 (10%SH) and 3 (15%SH) included an additional 5% and 10% SH in place of CC, respectively. Hay was offered ad libitum and separate from the concentrates in different bunks, both concentrate and forage were fed in GrowSafe units. Data were analyzed as a complete block design and mean differences in group means were determined using polynomial contrast [lineal (L) and quadratic (Q)]. There was a quadratic effect of soy hull inclusion on final body weight (fBW) and concentrate intake (Q-P ˂ 0.05); 5%SH and 15%SH had a greater fBW and concentrate intake compared to those fed 10%SH. Gain to feed ratio was not affected by treatments (L-P ≥ 0.33). There was a linear effect of SH on hay intake (L-P ˂ 0.05) with cattle fed 5%SH consuming less hay than those fed 15%SH. There was no effect on ribeye area, yield grade, or backfat (L-P ≥ 0.35; Q-P ≥ 0.14). Hot carcass weight tended to quadratically respond to dietary treatments (Q-P &amp;lt; 0.10), while marbling score tended to be linearly decreased by increased SH inclusion (L-P = 0.09). Kidney-pelvic-heart fat was linearly decreased by increased SH inclusion (L-P ˂ 0.05). Results indicate that non-roughage NDF from by-products can effectively contribute to a reduction of roughage utilization in feedlot diets without compromising growth performance or carcass characteristics.

Effects Of Esport Specific Supplementation On Esport Performance And Physiological Measurements

Esports, or competitive video gaming, requires persistent cognitive functioning, alertness, quick reaction time, and mental clarity. As Esports has gained attention, more research is justified to elucidate performance enhancing strategies. Interestingly, Esport supplements aimed to improve reaction time, focus, and energy levels have yet to be heavily investigated. PURPOSE: To examine the impact of an Esport specific supplement on Esports performance and physiological responses. METHODS: Fifteen males (age = 22.0 ± 1.1 yrs, ht = 181.7 ± 10.2 cm, wt = 83.6 ± 14.5 kg, gaming = 13.9 ± 6.6 hrs) participated in the study. After completion of a baseline familiarization session including an Esports aim trainer (AT), subjects completed 2 performance sessions in a counterbalanced crossover design. Participants were given an Esports supplement (SUP) [caffeine, L-Theanine, Ginkgo Biloba, Vitamin B6, D3, B12] or placebo (PLA) 30 minutes prior to starting AT. During AT sessions, 3 rounds of 3 tests were completed each session: classic (CLA), reflex (RE), simple (SIM), and 1 round of time trial (TT). During each test, score (SCO), accuracy (ACC), and time per hit (TPH) were recorded, as well as time to completion (TTC) during CLA and TT. Before and after AT, BP and 5min resting HR and HrV were assessed. Subjects were asked mental fatigue and alertness prior to and after AT, along with SRPE after AT. Paired samples t-tests with an alpha level at p< 0.05 were used to compare measurements of HR, HrV, BP, peak ACC, peak SCO, peak TPH, and peak TTC between SUP and PLA. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between SUP or PLA in regard to ACC (CLA 91.3 ± 3.0 vs 90.3 ± 4.4 %, RE 40.7 ± 12.9 vs 39.2 ± 12.0 %, SIM 61.7 ± 14.1 vs 61.7 ± 17.8 %, TT 48.0 ± 14.9 vs 49.7 ± 14.2 %, p ≥ 0.05), SCO (CLA 116357.1 ± 60706.9 vs 113642.9 ± 51013.7, RE 45839.3 ± 29161.1 vs 42339.3 ± 27287.2, SIM 40964.3 ± 22276.6 vs 38892.9 ± 24041.8, TT 16714.3 ± 20364.7 vs 20000.0 ± 18630.0, p ≥ 0.05), TPH (CLA 0.6 ± 0.1 vs 0.6 ± 0.1 sec, SIM 1.9 ± 0.5 vs 1.9 ± 0.5 sec, TT 1.8 ± 0.5 vs 1.7 ± 0.5 sec, p ≥ 0.05), and TTC (CLA 85.9 ± 23.1 vs 90.7 ± 15.4 sec, TT 177.5 ± 59.7 vs 161.7 ± 53.1 sec, p ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSION: SUP did not improve Esports performance during AT compared to PLA. This could be due to dosage, AT used, and level of experience of participants.

Supplementation of rangeland primiparous Bos indicus x Bos taurus beef heifers during lactation. 2. Effects upon the reproductive development of bull calf progeny

This experiment evaluated the effect of pre-weaning plane of nutrition of dams upon reproductive development in Bos indicus x Bos taurus bull offspring reared under extensively managed conditions in the northern Australia rangelands. Following artificial insemination (AI cohort; n = 26), or natural mating (NM cohort; n = 36), grazing primiparous heifers received either nil supplement (Control; CON), thereby experiencing a moderate nutritional restriction, or were provided a protein supplement (SUPP) between parturition and weaning at mean age 199 ± (SD) 26 d. Bull progeny grazed rangeland pastures without supplementation from weaning until the experiment concluded at 675 d. At 120 ± 3 d and 140 d ± 10 d age, within the AI and NM cohort, respectively, bull calves were subjected to a GnRH challenge (1.5 μg/kg of body weight i.m.). Jugular blood samples collected immediately before and at 60 min after administration of GnRH were analysed for LH, FSH, testosterone and inhibin concentrations. Overall mean concentrations of testosterone in SUPP bulls were greater in both the AI cohort (P = 0.05) and the NM cohort (P = 0.06). At 60 d intervals during the post-weaning period, scrotal circumference (SC) was measured and semen collected to assess concentration, progressive motility and morphology of sperm. Bulls reared by SUPP heifers had greater (P = 0.05) SC at 375 d and tended to have greater (P = 0.09) mean percentage of morphologically normal sperm (PNS). Within the NM cohort, NMSUPP bulls had greater (P = 0.04) overall mean SC and tended (P = 0.07) to demonstrate both greater progressive motility and PNS. A greater incidence of sperm morphological abnormalities, associated with sexual immaturity, were observed in CON bulls. Consequently, NMCON bulls demonstrated delayed (P = 0.03) age of sexual maturity as compared to NMSUPP bulls. In summary, improving the plane of nutrition supplied to Bos indicus x Bos taurus bulls between parturition and weaning via moderate supplementation of grazing dams reduces age at sexual maturity with consequent economic advantages to the producer.

Effects of a commercially available branched-chain amino acid-alanine-carbohydrate-based sports supplement on perceived exertion and performance in high intensity endurance cycling tests

BackgroundSports nutritional supplements containing branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) have been widely reported to improve psychological and biological aspects connected to central fatigue and performance in endurance exercise, although the topic is still open to debate. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the intake of a commercially available BCAA-based supplement, taken according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, could affect the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and performance indexes at the beginning (1d) and end of a 9-week (9w) scheduled high intensity interval training program, with an experimental approach integrating the determination of psychometric, performance, metabolic and blood biochemical parameters.MethodsThis was a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. Thirty-two untrained, healthy young adults (20 males and 12 female) were enrolled. A high-intensity endurance cycling (HIEC) test was used to induce fatigue in the participants: HIEC consisted in ten 90 s sprints interspersed by ten 3 min recovery phases and followed by a final step time to exhaustion was used. In parallel with RPE, haematological values (creatine kinase, alanine, BCAA, tryptophan, ammonia and glucose levels), and performance indexes (maximal oxygen consumption - VO2max, power associated with lactate thresholds - WLT1, WLT2 and time to exhaustion - TTE) were assessed. All subject took the supplement (13.2 g of carbohydrates; 3.2 g of BCAA and 1.6 g of L-alanine per dose) or placebo before each test and training session. Dietary habits and training load were monitored during the entire training period.ResultsThe administration of the supplement (SU) at 1d reduced RPE by 9% during the recovery phase, as compared to the placebo (PL); at 9w the RPE scores were reduced by 13 and 21% during the sprint and recovery phase, respectively; at 9w, prolonged supplement intake also improved TTE and TRIMP. SU intake invariably promoted a rapid increase (within 1 h) of BCAA serum blood levels and prevented the post-HIEC tryptophan: BCAA ratio increase found in the PL group, at both 1d and 9w. There was no difference in dietary habits between groups and those habits did not change over time; no difference in glycemia was found between SU and PL. VO2max, WLT1 and WLT2 values improved over time, but were unaffected by supplement intake.ConclusionsOn the whole, these results suggest that i) the intake of the BCAA-based commercially available supplement used in this study reduces RPE as a likely consequence of an improvement in the serum tryptophan: BCAA ratio; ii) over time, reduced RPE allows subjects to sustain higher workloads, leading to increased TRIMP and TTE.

The role of local isolates of Trichoderma sp. as a decomposer in the substrate of cacao pod rind (&lt;i&gt;Theobroma cacao&lt;/i&gt; L.)

Implementation of the utilization of reasonably available biological resources on an ongoing basis is the development of industrial technology and the production of bio-compost pellet-granule organic fertilizer (with an active ingredient of <i>Trichoderma</i> sp.). Microorganisms can be formulated and developed into a land probiotic technology to optimize its role as a decomposer and plant growth promoters. This study was designed of six treatments and three replications. The base substrate consisted of concentration of the cacao pod rind (CPR) with the supplement (SP) cacao leaf waste + chicken manure + goat manure + cow manure with ratio at (1:1:1:1). The experimental treatments were CPR 100% + without SP (CPR100-SP0), CPR 80% + SP 20% (CPR80-SP20), CPR 75% + SP 25% (CPR75-SP25), CPR 70% + SP 30% (CPR70-SP30), CPR 65% + SP 35% (CPR65-SP35) and CPR 60% + SP 40% (CPR60-SP40). The results showed that the process of composting for 28 days with inoculation of <i>Trichoderma</i> sp. can increase C-organic, nitrogen, phosphor, calcium, potassium content and pH of bio-compost. The high C-organic and nitrogen were found at CPR70-SP30, CPR65-SP35 and CPR60-SP40. The phosphor, calcium and potassium content increased with the increasing of the supplement in the bio-compost. The high pH was found at CPR75-SP25, CPR70-SP30, CPR65-SP35 and CPR60-SP40. The data from the pH measurement of the bio-compost ranges from 7.53 to 7.81.