Weight Gain Research Articles

Characteristics and biological properties of Imeglimin hydrochloride, A Novel antidiabetic agent: A systematic review.

WHO indicates that diabetes will become the 7th leading reason for death by 2030. The physiopathology of dysfunctioning is associated with obesity, weight gain and predominantly insulin resistance in insulin-sensitive cells and continuous deterioration of pancreatic beta cell function. Imeglimin is an investigational novel oral anti-diabetic drug Objectives: The motive of the review is to comprehensively explore the chemistry, biological and analytical analysis of the Imeglimin hydrochloride. To enhance the understanding a systematic review was conducted by forming a database of relevant existing studies from electronic resources like Web of Science, ScienceDirect and PubMed. The methodology is reflected in the PRISMA design. The drug was approved in the year 2021 for therapeutic purposes in Japan. It is the novel and first approved drug for this type of Anti-diabetic treatment. It is a small molecular drug whose molecular weight is 191.6 grams per mole utilized for oral administration. Imeglimin is thought to have both activities, as the amount of glucose is dependent on insulin secretory impact and insulin sensitivity is increased. Therapeutic, pharmacological, and analytical considerations for the novel drug Imeglimin hydrochloride are discussed in this review.

Anti-obesity effects of fucoidan from Sargassum thunbergii in adipocytes and high fat diet induced obese mice through inhibiting adipogenic specific transcription factor

The prevalence of obesity has increased and is a health concern worldwide. Due to the concerns regarding synthetic anti-obesity treatments, nowadays natural products become a trend. Previous studies proved that there is a potential to use marine algae as anti-obesity agents. Therefore, in this study, the lipid inhibitory effect of crude polysaccharide of amyloglucosidase-assisted hydrolysate from Sargassum thunbergii (STAC) and its fucoidan fractions (STAFs) on 3T3-L1 cells and high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice were investigated. According to the results, the STAF3, showed the highest xylose content and exhibited significant inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation by downregulating adipogenic and lipogenic proteins in 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, oral supplementation with STAC significantly declined gain in body weight and fat weight, and serum lipid contents in an HFD-induced obesity mouse model. Structural and chemical characterizations demonstrated that purified STAF3 has consistent surface morphology and small particle size, with similar structural characteristics as commercial fucoidan. Together, these results indicate that STAC and purified STAF3 from Sargassum thunbergia is a potent source to develop as ananti-obesity agents or functional food products to counter obesity.

Preventive effect of kiwi berry (Actinidia arguta) on loperamide-induced constipation

Constipation is a common intestinal disease. Kiwi berries can effectively prevent constipation. However, studies have yet to be done to determine how kiwi berries prevent constipation. For 2 weeks, mice in this study were continually orally gavaged with kiwi berry, loperamide, or a combination of the two. This study found that the kiwi group's feces had more water than the constipated mice. In addition, kiwi berries can speed up gastrointestinal transit (GI), shorten the time it takes to pass the first dark stool, and dramatically enhance body weight gain. In the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) cells and colon tissues, alterations in the protein expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), and aquaporin-3 (AQP3) were found. At 3, 6, and 12 h of ICC cells and mouse colon, the kiwi group’s VIP, cAMP, PKA, and AQP3 protein expression levels were lower than those of the constipated mice. The kiwi berry can decrease the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio and boost the diversity and quantity of gut microbiota. By influencing the gut microbiota and VIP-cAMP-PKA-AQP3 signaling pathway, kiwi berries prevent constipation.

Exploring the modulatory effects of sotagliflozin on dyslipidemia in mice: The role of glucagon, fibroblast growth factor 21 and glucagon-like peptide 1.

Sotagliflozin is the first dual SGLT1/2 inhibitor antidiabetic drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of heart failure. SGLT1/2 inhibition is observed to potentiate the secretion of the incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The current preclinical research sought to investigate the effect of sotagliflozin on the secretion of fat-regulating peptides such as GLP-1, glucagon and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) and their prospective association with sotagliflozin's potential beneficial effects on dyslipidaemia. During an oral fat tolerance test in mice, sotagliflozin substantially increased GLP-1 and insulin concentrations. Although sotagliflozin alone did not ameliorate postprandial lipemia, its combination with linagliptin (DPP-IV inhibitor) significantly improved lipid tolerance comparable to orlistat (lipase inhibitor). In a triton-induced hypertriglyceridemia model, sotagliflozin, along with other medications (fenofibrate, exenatide and linagliptin) reduced fat excursion; however, co-administration with linagliptin provided no extra advantage. Furthermore, sotagliflozin stimulated glucagon secretion in the alpha TC1.6 cells and healthy mice, which resulted in an increased circulating FGF21 and β-hydroxybutyrate concentration. Finally, chronic treatment of sotagliflozin in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed obese mice resulted in reduced body weight gain, liver triglyceride, cholesterol, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels compared with the placebo group. However, the addition of linagliptin did not provide any additional benefit. In conclusion, sotagliflozin was found to have an effect on GLP-1 and also stimulate the release of glucagon and FGF21, which are important for regulating fat metabolism. Therefore, sotagliflozin might represent a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic dyslipidemia and steatohepatitis.

Conceivable Mechanisms of Clozapine Propagated Dyslipidemia- A Short Review

Abstract: Clozapine is the most effective drug for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia, showing a good response in the treatment of patients with resistant schizophrenia, especially in reducing violent, aggressive, and suicidal tendencies. However, treatment with clozapine has been associated with hyperlipidemia especially high triglycerides, obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. An elevated level of lipids has a direct impact on the improvement of symptoms in schizophrenics treated with clozapine. Although the mechanism is not clear, there is a possibility of serum lipids play a major part in enhancing clozapine's therapeutic activity. The effect of clozapine on phospholipids might indicate that this rise is related to its therapeutic benefit as well. Moreover, increased fatty acids accompanied by a sharp rise in triglycerides, point towards the possible involvement of lipases, which are involved in the storage and release of fatty acids and triglycerides in the adipose tissue. An increase in hepatic lipid synthesis can be another cause of hyperlipidemia and lead to weight gain over a certain period. Lipogenesis and myelin synthesis can also become targets in schizophrenia since myelination and synaptogenesis are essential in the central nervous system. Hence, the upregulation of several genes involved in cholesterol and fatty acid biosynthesis focused, which are proven to be controlled by Sterol regulating element-binding protein transcription factors (SREBP). The antipsychotic drug Clozapine activates this SREBP system. This activation increases lipogenesis which can be one of the mechanisms of action, which in turn could explain the metabolic side effects produced by clozapine.

Protective effects of flaxseed oil against dexamethasone induced skeletal muscle atrophy on rats

The production of omega-3 fatty acids in the lipids of muscle tissue was boosted by flaxseed oil (Linum usitatissimum), which is well-described in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. In skeletal muscle disorders, atrophy is a major problem which arises due to cachexia, sarcopenia and immobilization. Nevertheless, despite significant efforts, few FDA-approved medications are available in the market to treat skeletal muscle atrophy. The current project was conceptualized to investigate the protective effects of flaxseed oil against dexamethasone-induced muscular atrophy in adult Sprague Dawley Rats. Marketed preparation of dexamethasone was used to induce muscle atrophy and flaxseed oil was administered orally after disease induction of 7 days till 28 days. Body weight and behavioural studies were carried out to assess muscle mass and glucose. Due to its high antioxidant and fatty acid Omega-3 content, flaxseed oil promotes significant improvements in diseased animals. Rats administered with flaxseed oil demonstrated great weight gain and a decreased blood sugar level. After three weeks-blood sugar levels, muscle mass, momentary changes in rats and HDL levels were all significantly higher in the dexamethasone alone treated control group animals. Flaxseed oil protects against the biochemical and histopathological changes caused due to dexamethasone toxicity. The findings of this study reveals that, flaxseed oil protects against dexamethasone induced skeletal muscle atrophy and protective effect may be due to flaxseed oil's antioxidant properties. However, further research is essential to prove the protective effects of flaxseed oil in some more studies mainly revealing its actions at cellular and molecular level.

Effects of Inclusion of Gongronema Latifolium Leaf Extract as a Supplementary Source of Vitamins and Minerals on the Growth Performance and Haematology of Broiler Finishers

The present study was conducted to determine the effects of Gongronema latifolium leaves extract (GLLE) as a supplementary source of vitamins and minerals on growth performance and haematology of broiler finishers. A total of 20 four (4) weeks old broilers were randomly selected and assigned to five treatment groups, namely water (control), water+ vitalyte, water+ 60ml GLLE, water+ 30ml GLLE and water+ 10mIGLLE. Results showed that there were significant (P<0.05) differences in weight gain but there were no significant differences (P>0.05) in Hb, PCV and RBC. The relative weights of gizzard, heart and liver of the broilers fed extract (except 30ml extract) were significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared with the broilers fed vitalyte. The group fed 30ml extract had the highest weight in gizzard. 30ml GLLE enhanced the growth performance of broilers without any adverse effect on their blood. GLLE can serve as a substitute to the commercially synthetic vitamins and minerals premixes in feeding poultry.

The effect of maternal sleep quality in late pregnancy on prenatal, birth and early postnatal outcomes.

This cross-sectional study investigated the effect of maternal sleep quality in late pregnancy on prenatal, birth and early postnatal outcomes. The research was conducted in three parts with women at 28 or more weeks of gestation. In the first part, pregnant women admitted for delivery were evaluated in terms of eligibility criteria. Pregnant women in the latent phase of labour completed the Prenatal Questionnaire. In the second part, labour follow-up was performed. The researchers completed the Birth Follow-up Questionnaire based on observations and hospital birth records. In the third part, mothers were interviewed between the 12th and 24th hour of postnatal. Participants filled out the Postnatal Questionnaire, the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (n = 385). The data were analysed using the chi-square independence test, Fisher test, independent samples t-test, effect sizes, and binary logistic regression analysis. Participants had a mean maternal sleep quality score of 4.00 ± 1.38. They slept for 7.53 ± 0.92 hr on average. One-third of the participants were poor sleepers (32.2%). Employed participants were 71.6% less likely to have poor maternal sleep quality than their non-employed counterparts (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval: 0.13-0.62; p = 0.002). The odds of poor maternal sleep quality increased by 13.7% when maternal weight gain during pregnancy increased by 1 kg (odds ratio = 1.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.03-1.26; p = 0.014). Increased maternal sleep quality positively affected the birth process (p < 0.05). Healthcare professionals should routinely screen the maternal sleep quality of pregnant women and increase their sleep hygiene.

Adequate cardiorespiratory fitness during pregnancy for a better quality of childbirth

Inadequate Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF) during childbirth can lead to potential problems, including preterm birth, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, pain and discomfort during pregnancy, cesarean birth, and postpartum weight gain. This study aimed to assess the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness during pregnancy and the quality of childbirth. An observational analytic study with a prospective cohort design was conducted among 52 pregnant women in their third trimester of gestation. Respondents were selected based on the purposive sampling technique. The variables - cardiorespiratory fitness, indicated by VO2max value, and the quality of childbirth - were respectively measured using the six-minute walk test and the Quality Childbirth Questionnaire, modified from the Pregnancy and Childbirth Outcome Set (PCB), the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ), and the Birth Satisfaction Scale (BSS), which were declared valid and reliable. Data analysis used descriptive and bivariate analysis with the Chi-Square test with a Risk Ratio (RR). The results showed a p-value of less than 0.001, confirming the hypothesis. There is a meaningful link between high VO2 max scores and improved childbirth experiences, with a RR of 6.882 at a 95% confidence interval. This suggests that pregnant women with better cardiorespiratory fitness are 6.882 times less likely to have an adverse labor and delivery outcome. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness through strategic antenatal physical activity with aerobic exercises is recommended to gain a positive childbirth experience.

Relationship between abnormal pelvic floor electromyography and obstetric factors in postpartum women: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the surface electromyography (sEMG) of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), compare between vaginal birth and cesarean section and correlate with maternity and obstetrics characteristics in primiparous 6–8 weeks postpartum.MethodsPFMs surface electromyography screening data of primiparous postpartum women in our hospital at 6–8 weeks postpartum from 2018 to 2021 were selected and analyzed. The study collected data on delivery activities of 543 postpartum women totally.ResultsIn general, the abnormal incidence of pelvic floor electromyography in postpartum women mainly occurred in slow muscle (type I fiber) stage and endurance testing stage. Compared to vaginal birth postpartum women, the incidence of abnormal pelvic floor electromyography in cesarean section postpartum women is lower. There were statistical differences in measurement values of pelvic floor electromyography in several different stages between cesarean section and vaginal birth (P < 0.005). Regarding the influence on pelvic floor electromyography, there were more influencing factors on vaginal birth postpartum women including age, height, weight, weight gain during pregnancy, gestational week, and first and second stage of labor than on cesarean section postpartum women whose influencing factors included age, weight gain during pregnancy, and newborn weight.ConclusionEffects on surface electromyography (sEMG) of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) at 6–8 weeks postpartum differed based on the different modes of delivery. The high-risk obstetric factors closely related to abnormal surface electromyography (sEMG) of pelvic floor muscles (PFMs) were maternal age, height, weight, and second stage of labor.

Beyond Weight Loss: A Comprehensive Review of Pregnancy Management following Bariatric Procedures

The increasing prevalence of bariatric surgery among women of childbearing age raises critical questions about the correct management of pregnancy following these procedures. This literature review delves into the multifaceted considerations surrounding pregnancy after bariatric surgery, with a particular focus on the importance of preconception counselling, appropriate nutrition assessment, and the necessity of correct folic acid supplementation. Key areas of investigation include nutrient absorption challenges, weight gain during pregnancy, and potential micronutrient deficiencies. Examining the relationship between bariatric surgery and birth defects, particularly heart and musculoskeletal issues, uncovers a twofold increase in risk for women who underwent surgery before pregnancy, with the risk emphasized before folic acid fortification. In contrast, a nationwide study suggests that infants born to mothers with bariatric surgery exhibit a reduced risk of major birth defects, potentially associated with improved glucose metabolism. In addition, this review outlines strategies for managing gestational diabetes and other pregnancy-related complications in individuals with a history of bariatric surgery. By synthesizing existing literature, this paper aims to provide healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for the correct management of pregnancy in this unique patient population, promoting the health and well-being of both mother and child.

BMI Growth Profiles Among Black Children from Immigrant and US-Born Families.

A large body of research has documented racial/ethnic disparities in childhood obesity in the United States (US) but less work has sought to understand differences within racial groups. Longitudinal studies are needed to describe BMI trajectories across development, particularly for Black children from immigrant families who have been underrepresented in childhood obesity research. The current study utilizes BMI data collected longitudinally from ages 5 to 8 years and growth mixture modeling to (1) identify and visualize growth patterns among Black children from primarily Caribbean immigrant families, and (2) to compare these patterns to growth trajectories among Black children from US-born families. First, we identified four classes or trajectories of growth for Black children from immigrant families. The largest trajectory (70% of the sample) maintained non-overweight throughout the study period. A second trajectory developed overweight by age 8 (25%). Two small trajectory groups demonstrated high rates of moderate and severe obesity-i.e., specifically, a trajectory of accelerated weight gain ending in moderate/severe obesity (3%), and a trajectory of early severe obesity with BMI decreasing slightly with age (2%). We identified a very similar four class/trajectory model among Black children from US-born families, and compared the model to the one for children from immigrant families using multi-group growth mixture modeling. We found that the patterns of growth did not differ significantly between the populations, with two notable exceptions. Among Black children from immigrant families, ∼ 5% were classified into the two heavier BMI trajectories, compared to ∼ 11% of children from US-born families. Additionally, among children with an accelerated weight gain trajectory, children from immigrant families had lower BMIs on average at each time point than children from US-born families. These findings describe the multiple trajectories of weight gain among Black children from immigrant families and demonstrate that although these trajectories are largely similar to those of Black children from US-born families, the differences provide some evidence for lower obesity risk among Black children from immigrant families compared to Black children from US-born families. As this study is the first to describe BMI trajectories for Black children from immigrant families across early and middle childhood, future work is needed to replicate these results and to explore differences in heavier weight trajectories between children from immigrant and US-born families.

Predictive value of postprandial C-peptide for utilizing multiple daily injection therapy in type 2 diabetes.

Multiple daily injection (MDI) insulin therapy is an effective method of glycemic control and appropriate assignment to MDI therapy could minimize the risks of hypoglycemia and weight gain. The aim of the present study was to identify factors associated with indication for MDI therapy in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We recruited 360 participants with T2DM that were admitted to the Endocrinology Department of Peking University People's Hospital between August 2017 and July 2018. They first underwent intensive insulin therapy, then were switched to an optimized, simpler insulin treatment that aimed to maintain fasting blood glucose between 4.4 and 7.2 mmol/L, without episodes of hypoglycemia. The baseline characteristics of groups administering either MDI or basal/premix insulin were compared and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratios (ORs) for factors associated with MDI therapy. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were then used to identify independent predictors of MDI insulin regimen efficacy. The mean age of the participants was 57.6 ± 12.9 years, and diabetes duration was 14.2 ± 8.2 years. Two hundred and sixty-seven participants administered basal/premix insulin and 93 underwent MDI therapy, of whom 61.8% and 46.2% were male, respectively (p = 0.01). The duration of diabetes was significantly longer in the MDI group (13.1 ± 7.7 years vs. 17.3 ± 8.7 years; p < 0.01). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) was higher in the MDI group than in the basal/premix group (8.3 [6.7, 11.3] mmol/L vs. 7.2 [5.7, 9.3] mmol/L; p < 0.01), while the postprandial C-peptide concentration (PCP) was significantly lower in the MDI group (2.6 [1.8, 3.5] ng/mL) compared to the basal/premix group (3.6 [2.5, 6.2] ng/mL, p < 0.01. Multivariable logistic regression analysis suggested that diabetes duration and FPG were positively associated with MDI therapy: OR (95% confidence interval [CI]) 1.06 (1.02, 1.10) and 1.12 (1.02, 1.24), respectively. In addition, PCP was negatively associated with MDI therapy (0.72 [0.60, 0.86]). ROC analysis suggested that a PCP of < 3.1 ng/mL predicted MDI therapy with 59.6% sensitivity and 72.1% specificity. The results of our study suggest that longer diabetes duration, higher FPG, and lower PCP were associated with necessity for MDI insulin regimen. These findings should assist with the personalization of insulin treatment.

Are New Ultra-Rapid-Acting Insulins Associated with Improved Glycemic Control and Reduced Hypoglycemia in Comparison to Conventional Rapid-Acting Insulins for Individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: This study aimed to compare efficacy and safety of ultra-rapid-acting insulin analogs (URAIs; faster aspart [FAsp], ultra-rapid lispro [URLi], and technosphere insulin [TI]) with rapid-acting insulin analogs (RAI) in individuals with type 1 (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). Methods: Searching for randomized control trial comparing the effects of URAI versus RAI that lasted at least 12 weeks, we initially selected 15 studies for analysis. Three studies involving TI were excluded due to a high degree of heterogeneity. The final meta-analysis included only 12 studies with either FAsp or URLi. Results: Mealtime URAI significantly reduced overall early 1 h postprandial glycemia in individuals with T1D (-20.230 mg/dL [95% confidence interval, 95% CI -24.040 to -16.421]; P < 0.001; I2 = 33.42%) and those with T2D (-9.138 mg/dL [95% CI -12.612 to -5.663]; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). However, the significant reduction in 2 h postprandial glucose remained only in individuals with T1D (-17.620 mg/dL [95% CI -26.047 to -9.193]; P < 0.001; I2 = 65.88%). These benefits were lost when URAI was administered postmeal. At 24-26 weeks, there was no significant difference in HbA1c between groups, but at 52 weeks, a slight reduction in HbA1c with mealtime URAI was observed (-0.080% [95% CI -0.147 to -0.013]; P = 0.019; I2 = 0%). No difference in weight or the rate of severe or confirmed hypoglycemia was observed. Only individuals with T1D showed a small, but significant increase in early 1-h hypoglycemia with URAI (1.468 [95% CI 1.235 to 1.747]; P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). Conclusion: Mealtime URAI improves 1 and 2 h postprandial glycemic control compared to RAI without increasing hypoglycemia or weight gain.

The Growth Performance of Yankasa Rams Fed Gamba Grass (Andropogon Gayanus) and Various Levels of Ensiled Urea Treated Groundnut Shell Meal Supplementary Diet

This study was carried out to investigate the feed intake, nutrient intake, and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and various levels of ensiled urea treated groundnut shell meal supplementary diet. A total of twenty (20) growing Yankasa rams aged between 7 and 8 months with an average body weight of 11.50 kg were used for this experiment. Five treatment groups were established, with varying levels of UTGSM supplementary diet (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Parameters such as organic matter, crude protein, fiber, ether extract, ash, NFE (nitrogen-free extract), concentrate, and forage intake were measured. Average total weight gain and average daily weight gain were also determined. The results showed significant variations in nutrient intake among the treatment groups. The results showed that animals on T5 with 20% UTGSM inclusion in their supplementary diet had the highest feed intake, nutrients intake and growth performance compared to the other treatments. It was concluded that 20% level of UTGSM inclusion could replace maize offal 100% in the supplementary diet of Yankasa rams to improved feed and nutrients intake, and growth performance. It was recommended that livestock producers can incorporate up to 20% of UTGSM into small ruminants feed in order to reduce the cost of production especially during the dry season.

Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Born &lt; 26 Weeks Gestation before and after Implementation of a Nutrition-Care Bundle

Background: This study aimed to assess the impact of a nutrition-care bundle on growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of micro-preterm infants born in a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by two years corrected age. Methods: A nutrition-care bundle emphasizing the prompt initiation of parenteral nutrition at birth, initiation of enteral feeds within 6 h after birth, and early addition of human milk fortifiers was implemented in 2015 for infants born &lt; 26 weeks gestation. This before-and-after study evaluated growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants born between 2012–2013 (before-nutrition-bundle, BNB) and 2016–2017 (after-nutrition-bundle, ANB). Results: A total of 145 infants were included in the study. Infants in the ANB group (n = 73) were smaller (birthweight and gestational age), and there were more male infants and multiples included compared to the BNB group (n = 72). Enteral feeds and fortifiers started earlier in the ANB group. Growth velocity and weight z-score changes were similar in both groups during NICU stay and post-discharge. Systemic steroid use, but not cohort, was linked to lower Bayley scores across all domains. Conclusions: Implementing a nutrition-care bundle was not consistently associated with improved weight gain and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the micro-preterm infant population, possibly due to ongoing high-quality nutritional care by the clinical team.

Influence of Silicon Supplementation on Growth, Immunity, Antioxidant, Hormonal Profile and Bone Health Biomarkers in Pre-ruminant Crossbred Calves.

Silicon (Si), a newer trace element, is believed to be important for healthy bone formation and to decrease bone resorption, improving the quality of bone by manipulating several hormones and enzymes. Therefore, the current investigation was conducted to determine the impact of Si supplementation on growth, immunity, antioxidant, hormonal profile and biomarkers of bone health in pre-ruminant crossbred calves. Twenty-four crossbred calves (5-7 days) were selected on the basis of their body weight (BW 31.65 ± 0.46 kg) and divided into 4 groups (n = 6) and fed as per ICAR (2013) feeding standards except that these were additionally supplemented with 0 (Si0), 50 (Si50), 100 (Si100) and 150 (Si150) mg of Si/kg dry matter (DM) in four respective groups for 90 days. Every month, peripheral blood samples were drawn (0, 30, 60 and 90 days post supplementing with Si) and analysed for antioxidant status, hormonal profile and bone health biomarkers. It is reported that dietary Si supplementation improved (P < 0.05) net body weight gain (kg), average daily gain (g) and average dry matter intake (kg), whereas feed intake (kg/100 kg BW), was not altered due to Si supplementation. Structural growth measurements were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in Si100 and Si150 groups as compared to Si50 and control groups. However, immune response (humoral as well as cell-mediated immunity), erythrocytic antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD, glutathione peroxidase, GPx and catalase), plasma ferric reducing total antioxidant power (FRAP) activity and the plasma concentration of total immunoglobulins (TIg) remained unaffected by Si supplementation. Silicon increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of plasma growth hormone (GH), vitamin D3, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) in Si100 and Si150 groups, but the levels of calcitonin, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and hydroxyproline (HYP) remained similar among all the groups. As a result of the current investigation, it can be inferred that the inclusion of 100 and 150 mg of Si/kg DM was effective in improving the growth performance, growth hormone, vitamin D3 and bone health status in pre-ruminant calves. However, supplementation of 150 mg of Si/kg DM had no additional benefit; therefore 100 mg of Si/kg DM is the optimum level of Si supplementation in pre-ruminant calves.

How do grazing beef and dairy cattle respond to virtual fences? A review.

Virtual fencing (VF) is a modern fencing technology that requires the animal to wear a device (e.g. a collar) that emits acoustic signals to replace the visual cue of traditional physical fences (PF) and, if necessary, mild electric signals. The use of devices that provide electric signals leads to concerns regarding the welfare of virtually fenced animals. The objective of this review is to give an overview of the current state of VF research into the welfare and learning behavior of cattle. Therefore, a systematic literature search was conducted using two online databases and reference lists of relevant articles. Studies included were peer-reviewed and written in English, used beef or dairy cattle, and tested neck-mounted VF devices. Further inclusion criteria were a combination of audio and electrical signals and a set-up as a pasture trial, which implied that animals grazed in groups on grassland for four hours minimum while at least one fence side was virtually fenced. The eligible studies (n = 13) were assigned to one or two of the following categories: animal welfare (n studies = 8) or learning behavior (n studies = 9). As data availability for conducting a meta-analysis was not sufficient, a comparison of the means of welfare indicators (daily weight gain, daily lying time, steps per hour, daily number of lying bouts, fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM)) for virtually and physically fenced animals was done instead. In an additional qualitative approach, the results from the welfare-related studies were assembled and discussed. For the learning behavior, the number of acoustic and electric signals and their ratio were used in a linear regression model with duration in days as a numeric predictor to assess the learning trends over time. There were no significant differences between VF and PF for most welfare indicators (except FCM with lower values for VF; P = 0.0165). The duration in days did not have a significant effect on the number of acoustic and electric signals. However, a significant effect of trial duration on the ratio of electric to acoustic signals (P = 0.0014) could be detected, resulting in a decreasing trend of the ratio over time, which suggests successful learning. Overall, we conclude that the VF research done so far is promising but is not yet sufficient to ensure that the technology could not have impacts on the welfare of certain cattle types. More research is necessary to investigate especially possible long-term effects of VF.

Synergic Effects of Carica papaya Leaves and Fermented Fish Waste on Growth Performance, Carcass Yields, Sensory Attributes, and Profitability in Broiler Production

Poultry production sustainability requires innovative dietary supplements to improve performance while addressing environmental concerns. This research investigates the effects of supplementing broiler chicken diets with Carica papaya leaf meal (CPL) and fermented fish waste (FFW) in water on various growth parameters, carcass traits, sensory attributes, and profitability. A Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with a 2x4 factorial arrangement was employed, evaluating two factors: CPL dietary supplementation at 10% and FFW water supplementation at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Each treatment combination was replicated four times with five broiler chicks per replication, totaling 160-day-old broilers. Results indicated that while CPL negatively influenced final body weight and weight gain, FFW positively impacted feed intake, final weight, and weight gain. Additionally, FFW supplementation led to significant increases in drumstick and thigh weights compared to the control, with notable interactions observed between CPL and FFW for breast, wing, and back weights. However, neither CPL nor FFW affected the weights of edible visceral organs. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences in meat quality attributes across treatments. Despite increased production costs, supplementation with CPL and FFW resulted in higher dressed weights and profitability, with the highest return on investment achieved by broilers receiving the standard diet plus 15% FFW supplementation. These findings suggest that optimized utilization of CPL and FFW at 10% and 15% respectively, presents an economically viable strategy for enhancing broiler growth, carcass quality, and profitability while leveraging nutritional benefits and reducing environmental waste.

Effect of Different Levels of Extruded Coffee (Coffea arabica) Pulp Flour on the Productive Performance and Intestinal Morphometry of Cobb 500 Broiler Chickens

Coffee pulp is a by-product of the coffee industry. Due to conventional management techniques, it represents a severe environmental problem due to its negative impact on the soil (anaerobic fermentation and pH changes), water sources (the infiltration of pollutants into streams, acidification of water sources, and modification of microorganisms), and biodiversity (soil microbiology, fish, crustaceans, and other vertebrates). Therefore, it is essential to develop protocols for the treatment of this waste so that it can be used again in other productive activities under the circular economy approach. This means that all the waste from a production process can be reused, can generate value for the benefit of the producer, and, in turn, mitigate the environmental impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of 5 levels of wheat bran (WB) with extruded coffee pulp flour (ECPF) as an alternative to a conventional fiber source in broiler finisher diets. A total of 300 Cobb 500 chickens in the finishing phase were assessed in the study, grouped in 5 treatments: T1, a conventional diet or control treatment (100% WB and 0% ECPF), T2 (75% WB and 25% ECPF), T3 (50% WB and 50% ECPF), T4 (25% WB and 75% ECPF), and T5 (0% WB and 100% ECPF). Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and intestinal morphometry (villus length: VL, villus width: VW, crypt depth: CD, villus height/crypt depth ratio: V/C, and villus surface area: VSA) were evaluated at the level of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Feed intake decreased correspondingly as the ECPF in the diet was increased, with statistical differences (p &lt; 0.01) between their averages; the most significant weight gain (834.61 g) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, this being statistically different (p &lt; 0.01) from T4 and T5; similarly, the best FCR (1.58) was evidenced with the T2 treatment, followed by the control treatment T1 (with 1.64); however, they were not statistically different (p &gt; 0.05). All treatment results were similar to the VL control samples in the three intestinal portions, except for the T5 in the jejunum, which showed statistical differences from the control. In VW, the treatment results were similar to the control samples of the jejunum and ileum; however, in the duodenum, the T5 results showed the highest value (172.18 μm), being statistically different (p &lt; 0.05) from the other treatments being evaluated. For CD, it was only in the duodenum that the T2 and T3 treatments were similar to the control. Likewise, for V/C in the duodenum, only the T2 results were similar to the control. There was no significant difference in the VSA among the different treatment groups. T2 showed better production parameters without altering the intestinal villi. In conclusion, ECPF is a potential input for use to replace up to 25% of WB in the feed of broilers in the finishing phase.