Bone Weight Research Articles

Evaluation of morphological traits using multivariate techniques in Kotdhar goat native to Shivalik hill region of Himachal Pradesh.

The objective of this study was to analyze the diverse morphological attributes of Kotdhar goat native to Shivalik hill region of Himachal Pradesh. A total number of 180 goats, comprising 150 females and 30 males aged between 1 and 3years, were randomly selected to estimate15 distinct morphological traits and ten body indices. Mean values of 17.66cm, 11.68cm, 8.73cm, 71.94cm, 69.83cm, 74.48cm, 38.10cm, 73.38cm, 20.55cm, 16.48cm, 14.89cm, 13.57cm, 19.20cm, 7.71cm and 26.12kg were estimated for head length, head width, face length, body length, wither height, heart girth, chest depth, rump height, rump length, rump width, haunch width, bicoastal width, shoulder width, cannon bone and body weight respectively. In addition, morphological indices viz. body index, length index, body ratio, thoracic development, pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, transverse pelvic index, proportionality index, dactyl thorax index and relative depth of thorax were estimated from morphological traits. Results of morphological indices indicated that Kotdhar goat are medium bodied, longilinear, tall animals and well-suited for meat production. Phenotypic correlation among most of traits was positive and significant. Among all correlations, correlation between head length and head width was found lowest (- 0.270), while the correlation between heart girth and chest depth was observed highest (0.861). Canonical discriminant function analysis showed that there was no considerable level of intermixing for morphological traits in Kotdhar goat. Employing principal component analysis with varimax rotation, three principal components were observed, accounting for 68.47% of the total variation. First principal component (PC1) encapsulated the highest proportion of variance (44.39), revealing the high loadings on head length (0.777), body length (0.747), wither height (0.782), heart girth (0.785), chest depth (0.706), rump height (0.762), haunch width (0.734) and bicoastal width (0.793). Hence, it is possible to utilize these eight variables out of the 15 morphological traits for the characterization of the Kotdhar goat.

Correlation between the Maximum Length and the Weight of the Human Humerus Bone

The humerus bone of the humans is frequently used in anatomical science, forensic medicine and anthropological studies. This cross-sectional, descriptive study was done on 100 (43 right and 57 left) fully ossified dry human humerus in the Department of Anatomy, Mymensingh Medical College, Bangladesh, between July 2021 to June 2022. A non-random, purposive sampling technique was adopted. The maximum length was determined by measuring the distance between the most superior point on the head of the humerus and the most distal point of the trochlea of the humerus. The length was measured with a metallic scale, while the weight of the humerus was measured using a digital weighing machine. The mean (±SD) maximum length of the right humerus was 304.139 (±17.652) mm, while the left humerus was 300.42 (±20.779) mm. The mean (±SD) weight of the right humerus was 91.069 (±26.944) gm and the left humerus was 93.965 (±32.227) gm. A positive correlation was observed between the maximum length and the weight of the human humerus through regression analysis (r=0.653 and r=0.824 on right and life side respectively). The differences were statistically significant on both sides (P<0.001). CBMJ 2024 January: vol. 13 no. 01 P: 60-65

Pembrolizumab-combination therapy for NSCLC- effectiveness and predictive factors in real-world practice.

Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy has become the standard of care for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and the expression of programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in <50% of tumour cells (TC). We evaluated the efficacy of the treatment in real-world practice, paying attention to the predictive factors, with a special focus on low level of PD-L1 expression. This study is a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients with stage IV NSCLC. A group of 339 consecutive patients was analysed, among them 51% patients with low PD-L1 expression. In the overall population, the ORR was 40.6%, median PFS and OS were 13 months (95% CI 11.4-15) and 16.8 months (95% CI 13.3-20.3), respectively. In multivariate analysis for the entire study population, performance status - ECOG 1 vs. 0 (HR 2.2, 95%CI 1.1-4.6; p=0.02), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR)>3 (HR 2.3, 95%CI 1.3-4.2; p=0.04), presence of liver (HR 2.0, 95%CI 1-3.7; p=0. 03) and bone metastases (HR 1.3, 95%CI 1-3; p=0.04), weight loss (HR 1.8, 95%CI 1.1-2.8; p=0.01) and sum of measurable lesions diameters >110 mm (HR 1.7, 95%CI 1-2.9, p=0.049) had a negative impact on OS. In the real world, patients can clinically benefit from immunochemotherapy, regardless of the expression of PD-L1 and the histological type. Other clinicopathological factors such as performance status, extent, and location of secondary lesions have prognostic significance.

Effect of Feeding Duration with Different Levels of Culled E. Cottonii on Consumption, Nutrient Digestibility, Growth and Body Composition of Early Weaned Balinese Calves

The study aimed to evaluate the duration of complete feed containing culled red seaweed (E. cottonii) with different levels on nutrient utilisation, growth and body composition of early weaned Bali cattle calves. A total of 24 Bali cattle calves (initial BW ± 30-40 kg; 2-3 months old) were used in this study. Bali cattle calves were randomly grouped by initial body weight and placed in 4 different treatments following a group randomised design pattern. The 4 treatments were: CT0 = complete feed containing no cull ECOT; CT5 = complete feed containing 5% cull ECOT; CT10 = complete feed containing 10% cull ECOT and CT15 = complete feed containing 15% cull ECOT. The data obtained were analysed by analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test using SPSS 24 software. Feeding ECOT culls with different lengths of time and levels had a significant effect (P&lt;0.05) on increasing consumption and nutrient digestibility of early weaned Balinese calves, but there was no interaction effect (P&gt;0.05) between the length of time and level of ECOT culled on body weight gain and linear body size of early weaned Balinese calves. The same was true for body composition (meat and fat). The treatment also significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced the increase in bone weight in cattle treated with 5% cull ECOT and 10% cull ECOT. It was concluded that the use of culled ECOT up to 15% in complete feed could not increase the consumption and digestibility of nutrients but the duration of feeding affected the dry matter consumption and bone development of early weaned Bali cattle calves.

Phyllite (rock dust) as inorganic mineral source in rabbit supplementation

Rabbit farming is a growing activity, which implies need for precision nutrition aimed at best animal’s performance and health. Given some restrictions on the use of mineral sources in animal nutrition, inorganic supplementation with rock dust becomes an interesting alternative. The objective was to evaluate the effect of rock dust as an alternative source of inorganic balsistic mineral in nutrition. Three treatments were tested: (1) control group without addition of rock dust or phyllite, (2) kale group, treated with 13g of cabbage/animal/day and (3) phyllite group, treated with 1.5% rock dust addition. Eight animals per group were evaluated in vivo for weight gain, feed intake, shank thickness, average daily weight gain, calcium excretion by bromatology in feces and urine. After slaughter, carcass weight, shin bone weight, urine test and viscera weight were evaluated. There was an increase in weight gain in the animals with rock dust and greater weight in the shin bones; calcium excretion was higher in the kale and control group. There was no difference between the other variables. The use of rock powder proved to be efficient for a better minerals deposition and absorption in the bones.

Adaptations of bone and bone vasculature to muscular stretch training.

The magnitude of bone formation and remodeling is linked to both the magnitude of strain placed on the bone and the perfusion of bone. It was previously reported that an increase in bone perfusion and bone density occurs in the femur of old rats with moderate aerobic exercise training. This study determined the acute and chronic effects of static muscle stretching on bone blood flow and remodeling. Old male Fischer 344 rats were randomized to either a naive or stretch-trained group. Static stretching of ankle flexor muscles was achieved by placement of a dorsiflexion splint on the left ankle for 30min/d, 5d/wk for 4wk. The opposite hindlimb served as a contralateral control (nonstretched) limb. Bone blood flow was assessed during and after acute stretching in naive rats, and at rest and during exercise in stretch-trained rats. Vascular reactivity of the nutrient artery of the proximal tibia was also assessed in stretch-trained rats. MicroCT analysis was used to assess bone volume and micro-architecture of the trabecular bone of both tibias near that growth plate. In naive rats, static stretching increased blood flow to the proximal tibial metaphasis. Blood flow to the proximal tibial metaphysis during treadmill exercise was higher in the stretched limb after 4wk of daily stretching. Daily stretching also increased tibial bone weight and increased total volume in both the proximal and distal tibial metaphyses. In the trabecular bone immediately below the proximal tibial growth plate, total volume and bone volume increased, but bone volume/total volume was unchanged and trabecular connectivity decreased. In contrast, intravascular volume increased in this region of the bone. These data suggest that blood flow to the tibia increases during bouts of static stretching of the hindlimb muscles, and that 4wk of daily muscle stretching leads to bone remodeling and an increase in intravascular volume of the tibial bone.

Effect of dietary calcium and vitamin D supplements on plasma bone turnover biomarkers, bone mineralization, bone strength, and lameness score in gilts.

This study investigated the impact of calcium (Ca) and vitamin D supplements on bone metabolism, bone measurement, lameness, and selection rate in gilts fed five dietary treatments. Two Ca levels (6.85/6.42 [adequate; ACa] or 8.99/8.56 [high; HCa] g/kg) were combined with either 856 IU/kg vitamin D3 (Danish feeding standards; adequate; AD3) or 50 μg/kg 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (high; HHyD) to create ACaAD3, HCaAD3, ACaHHyD, and HCaHHyD diets. The values 6.85/6.42 and 8.99/8.56g/kg correspond to adequate and high Ca supply for gilts weighing 32 to 100 and 100 to 180kg body weight (BW), respectively. The fifth diet was a combination of HCa and 2,000 IU/kg vitamin D3 (high; HD3) to create HCaHD3. Two hundred gilts were phase fed the dietary treatments from 32 to 100 and 100 to 180kg BW until they were slaughtered, either at 100 or 180kg BW. The gilts were weighed fortnightly, and plasma and urine samples were collected at 100 and 180kg BW. At slaughter, the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones were collected for bone parameters measurements. Lameness and selection rate were assessed within the last 7 d at 100 and 180kg BW. Dietary treatments did not affect gilts' growth performance and plasma concentration of Ca, but urinary concentration of Ca was greater in HCa-supplemented gilts at both 100 (P = 0.003) and 180 (P = 0.05) kg BW. Plasma concentration of vitamin D3 (P < 0.001) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (P < 0.001) showed dose-dependent responses at both 100 and 180kg BW. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase was greater (P = 0.02) in the plasma sample collected at 180kg BW in gilts fed the HCaHD3 diet and tended to be greater in gilts fed the ACaAD3 diet (P = 0.06). The bone ash content (P = 0.02) was greater in gilts fed the HCaAD3 diet and slaughtered at 100kg BW compared with gilts fed the ACaAD3 and ACaHHyD diets. However, bone weight, length, thickness, dry matter, and mineral content did not differ among the dietary treatments at both 100 and 180kg BW (P > 0.05). Neither lameness nor selection rate was affected by the dietary treatments. The average daily gain of gilts weighing 32 to 100 and 100 to 180kg BW showed a positive correlation with bone strength (r = 0.37; P < 0.001) and bone ash content (r = 0.24; P = 0.02), respectively. In conclusion, higher Ca and vitamin D3 supplementation slightly increased bone ash content but had no effect on lameness or selection rate of the gilts compared to those fed according to the Danish nutrient standards.

Effects of added 25(OH)D3 with varying standardized total tract digestible phosphorus concentrations on nursery pig performance, bone characteristics, and serum vitamin D status.

A total of 360 pigs (DNA 600 × 241; initially 5.8kg) were used in a 45-d growth study to evaluate the effects of adding 25(OH)D3 with 3 levels of standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P on nursery pig growth performance, bone and urine characteristics, and serum vitamin D. Pigs were weaned at 19 d of age and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 12 replications per treatment. Dietary treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of 25(OH)D3 (0 or 50 µg/kg equivalent to 2,000 IU/kg of vitamin D3; Hy-D, dsm-firmenich, Plainsboro, NJ) and STTD P (70%, 100%, or 130% of the NRC [NRC 2012. Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th rev. ed. Natl. Acad. Press, Washington, DC) requirement estimate on a dietary percentage basis]. All diets contained 1,653 IU/kg of vitamin D3. On day 45, 1 pig per pen was euthanized to collect the right fibula, metacarpal, and 2nd and 10th ribs. Overall, increasing STTD P increased (quadratic, P ≤ 0.003) ADG, ADFI, and G:F with minimal improvement above 100% of the NRC STTD P requirement estimate. Added 25(OH)D3 had no effect on growth performance. Increasing STTD P decreased urinary Ca concentration (linear, P < 0.001) and increased urinary P concentration (quadratic, P < 0.001). When pigs were fed added 25(OH)D3, serum 25(OH)D3 increased (quadratic, P = 0.005) as STTD P increased but no differences were observed when 25(OH)D3 was not added and STTD P increased (25(OH)D3 × STTD P interaction, P = 0.032). When pigs were fed 25(OH)D3, serum 1,25(OH)2D3 increased (quadratic, P < 0.001) as STTD P decreased but the increase was not significant when no 25(OH)D3 was fed (STTD P × 25(OH)D3 interaction, P = 0.002). Bone ash percentage and weight increased (quadratic, P ≤ 0.065) in all bones as STTD P increased. Added 25(OH)D3 had no effect on bone density or bone ash weight; however, the reduction in bone ash percentage observed with reducing STTD P level tended to be less when 25(OH)D3 was provided (linear interaction, P = 0.098). Increasing STTD P decreased the likelihood of abnormal histologic bone lesions in the 10th rib. In summary, added 25(OH)D3 had limited effect on growth performance; however, an increase in serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 was observed. The addition of 25(OH)D3 to P-deficient diets increased percentage bone ash. Increasing STTD P to 100% of NRC [NRC 2012. Nutrient requirements of swine. 11th rev. ed. Natl. Acad. Press, Washington, DC] requirement estimate increased growth and 130% of NRC maximized bone ash.

The comparison of meat yield, quality, and flavor between small-tailed Han sheep and two crossbred sheep and the verification of related candidate genes.

In Northeast China, Dorper and Australian White rams are commonly crossbred with small-tailed Han (STH) ewes to improve the offspring's meat yield and quality. However, the differences in traits and the flavor between the crossbred sheep and STH sheep remain unclear. In addition, the candidate genes potentially influencing the meat quality in the three sheep breeds require further verification. A total of 18 2-month-old healthy rams were raised over a period of 5 months, which included 6 STH, 6 Dorper and small-tailed Han crossbred (Do × STH), and 6 Australian white and small-tailed Han crossbred (Au × STH) offspring. The differences in slaughter, meat quality traits, fatty acid and amino acid composition in the muscular longissimus dorsi (MLD), and volatile compounds in the semitendinosus muscle were compared between the sheep breeds. The candidate genes related to intramuscular fat (IMF) content and fatty acids were validated. The results of this study revealed that the crossbred sheep had higher body weight, carcass weight, bone weight, net meat weight, and IMF content than the STH sheep (p < 0.05). The Do × STH offspring had a higher pH value (24 h), moisture content, and cooking percentage; they also had redder and brighter meat color. The content of myristate, palmitic, and margaric acids in the crossbred sheep was higher than that in the STH sheep (p < 0.05). The Do × STH offspring had the highest saturated fatty acid content (p < 0.05). The Au × STH offspring had the highest protein content (p < 0.05). The arachidonic acid and amino acid (Asp, Ala, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr, and essential amino acid) contents were higher in the STH sheep than in the crossbred sheep (p < 0.05). The odor activity value (OAV) analysis showed that most of the aldehydes in the Au × STH offspring had higher values. The PDK4 gene expression was positively associated with the IMF content and was negatively correlated with the linoleic acid content in the Do × STH sheep (p < 0.05). The TMEM273 gene expression was positively associated with linoleic and arachidonic acid contents and was negatively correlated with oleic and palmitic acid contents in the Do × STH sheep (p < 0.05). The results showed the differences between the crossbred sheep and STH sheep and provided the candidate genes related to meat quality in sheep.

Caffeine and Ovariectomy Debilitate Bone Health in Rats on Calcium-deficient Diet.

This study investigated the effects of ovariectomy and caffeine intake on bone health in rats on calcium-deficient diet. Forty adults female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups in a 2x2 factorial design: Ovary (OVX/SHAM) and Caffeine (placebo/caffeine). The animals were housed in individual cages for 8 weeks, receiving 18-20g of AIN-93M diet per day, containing 50% of the daily recommended intake of calcium. The rats underwent ovariectomy (OVX) or laparotomy (SHAM) surgery. Caffeine groups received 6mg of caffeine/kg/day. After euthanasia, the tibia and femur were dissected to determine the calcium content and bone fracture strength, respectively. Blood sample was collected to determine serum Ostase. 24-hour urine was analyzed for excreted calcium and NTx. Reduced bone fracture strength and calcium content were observed in OVX and Caffeine groups. When observed separately, OVX group showed increased urinary NTx and lower bone weight, blood ostase, and urinary calcium. Caffeine groups showed elevated urinary calcium. There was a positive correlation between bone fracture strength and calcium content. NTx correlated negatively with bone calcium, fracture strength and thickness. In conclusion, both OVX and caffeine intake debilitate bone health in rats on calcium-deficient diet.

Genome-Wide Association Study for Somatic Skeletal Traits in Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) Pigs.

The pig bone weight trait holds significant economic importance in southern China. To expedite the selection of the pig bone weight trait in pig breeding, we conducted molecular genetic research on these specific traits. These traits encompass the bone weight of the scapula (SW), front leg bone weight (including humerus and ulna) (FLBW), hind leg bone weight (including femur and tibia) (HLBW), and spine bone weight (SBW). Up until now, the genetic structure related to these traits has not been thoroughly explored, primarily due to challenges associated with obtaining the phenotype data. In this study, we utilized genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to discern single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes associated with four bone weight traits within a population comprising 571 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) hybrid pigs (DLY). In the analyses, we employed a mixed linear model, and for the correction of multiple tests, both the false discovery rate and Bonferroni methods were utilized. Following functional annotation, candidate genes were identified based on their proximity to the candidate sites and their association with the bone weight traits. This study represents the inaugural application of GWAS for the identification of SNPs associated with individual bone weight in DLY pigs. Our analysis unveiled 26 SNPs and identified 12 promising candidate genes (OPRM1, SLC44A5, WASHC4, NOPCHAP1, RHOT1, GLP1R, TGFB3, PLCB1, TLR4, KCNJ2, ABCA6, and ABCA9) associated with the four bone weight traits. Furthermore, our findings on the genetic mechanisms influencing pig bone weight offer valuable insights as a reference for the genetic enhancement of pig bone traits.

Targeting Longevity Gene SLC13A5: A Novel Approach to Prevent Age-Related Bone Fragility and Osteoporosis.

Reduced expression of the plasma membrane citrate transporter SLC13A5, also known as INDY, has been linked to increased longevity and mitigated age-related cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Citrate, a vital component of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, constitutes 1-5% of bone weight, binding to mineral apatite surfaces. Our previous research highlighted osteoblasts' specialized metabolic pathway facilitated by SLC13A5 regulating citrate uptake, production, and deposition within bones. Disrupting this pathway impairs bone mineralization in young mice. New Mendelian randomization analysis using UK Biobank data indicated that SNPs linked to reduced SLC13A5 function lowered osteoporosis risk. Comparative studies of young (10 weeks) and middle-aged (52 weeks) osteocalcin-cre-driven osteoblast-specific Slc13a5 knockout mice (Slc13a5cKO) showed a sexual dimorphism: while middle-aged females exhibited improved elasticity, middle-aged males demonstrated enhanced bone strength due to reduced SLC13A5 function. These findings suggest reduced SLC13A5 function could attenuate age-related bone fragility, advocating for SLC13A5 inhibition as a potential osteoporosis treatment.

Upper Limb Osteometry of the Colombian Population: A Comparative Characterization of Scapula, Clavicle, Humerus, Radius and Ulna

Background: In response to the lack of osteometry research in Colombia, this paper applies a pioneering methodology to the osteometry of the upper limbs and carries out a comparative evaluation of the results obtained with those from several studies conducted worldwide. Morphometric characterization is crucial to inform clinical interventions in areas ranging from orthopedic surgery to forensic anthropological research. Methods: Fifteen samples of dry scapula, clavicle, humerus, radius and ulna were measured. Original parameters were used for this morphometry. Values of p≤0.05 were considered significant. Results: Morphometry of the upper limb bones in the Colombian population is described. The mean weight of dry bones were: scapula 53.322 ± 16.717 grams; clavicle 21.545 ± 4.127 grams; humerus 104.913 ± 36.617 grams; radius 42.187 ± 9.785 grams; and ulna 46.159 ± 11.639 grams. Radius length was statistically significant: p=0.0259. Conclusions: This is the first published paper reporting the osteometry and comparative analysis of the upper limb bones in Colombia. The morphometric data presented in this study contribute to the field of Colombian osteometrics and provide a reference for future interdisciplinary research. KEY WORDS: Anatomy, Anthropometry, Arm Bones, Bones of Upper Extremity, Clavicle, Humerus, Osteology, Radius, Scapula, Ulna.

Effects of Protease and Sex on Skin, Bone and Muscle Yields and Percentages of Major Primal Cuts in Broilers

Summary This study aimed to assess the effects of different dietary levels of the protease enzyme and sex on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of breast, drumsticks and thighs as the most valuable carcass parts of broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old, mixed-sex broiler chickens (Cobb 500) were randomly divided into 3 dietary treatments with different levels of protease supplementation (group C: a standard diet without Ronozyme ProAct; group E-I: a diet with 200 mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 4% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet; and group E-II: a diet with 300mg/kg Ronozyme ProAct and a 6% crude protein reduction compared to the standard diet). All diets were maize- and soybean meal-based. Feed and water were provided ad libitum throughout the 49-day feeding trial. The results obtained indicate that the dietary treatments had no significant effect on skin, bone and muscle yields and percentages of the drumsticks, thighs and breast (P &gt; 0.05), except for the breast muscle weight in the female chickens (especially between the E-I and E-II groups), and the drumstick bone percentage in the males between the C and E-2 groups (P &lt; 0.05). In all three groups, the male chickens exhibited higher weights of skin, muscle and bone in breast, drumsticks and thighs than the female chickens, and the differences were not significant only in the skin weight of drumsticks and thighs (P &gt; 0.05). The females had a higher yield of muscle tissue in breast and drumsticks, a higher percentage of skin in drumsticks and thighs, and a lower percentage of bone in drumsticks and thighs than the males (P &lt; 0.05). Major differences resulted from the effect of broiler sex, whereas the dietary treatments containing 3 levels of protease supplementation had a very small effect on the yields and percentages of skin, bone and muscle in breast, drumsticks and thighs.

The Relationship Between Body Size and Bone Weight (Breast and Thigh) in Kampung Chicken (Gallusdomesticus) Results Third Generation Selection

The aim of this study is to identify the characteristics of body size and shape in kampung chickens, as well as the relationship between body size and meat weight. To achieve this, 200 kampung chicken DOC were directly observed using purposive sampling. Purposive sampling where the chickens were divided into 3 groups of body weight, namely high, medium and low.Body size was recorded at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age, and the weight of flesh and bone at 12 weeks of age was analyzed using the ttest.The samples used to obtain the weight of meat and bones (breast and thighs) were 35 males and 23 females.The study used principal component analysis to identify body size and shape characteristics for males and females. Regression and correlation analysis were then conducted to determine the relationship and closeness between body size and the weight of flesh and bone.The results of the study showed that the body size and weight of flesh and bone in kampung male chickens aged 12 weeks were significantly higher

Veterinary and sanitary assessment of rabbit meat according to quality and safety indicators

Food security has become especially acute for the population of Ukraine. The quality and safety of rabbit meat depends on the welfare of the animals during production, and the meat productivity is determined by genetic heredity, conditions of keeping, feeding and well-being. Rabbit meat can reduce the dose of internal radiation of the population, because it practically does not accumulate radionuclides. According to our research, the content of 137Cs and 90Sr in the meat of 4-month-old rabbits raised on the territories contaminated with radionuclides as a result of the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant was, respectively: 8.8±0.8 Bq/kg and 3.5±0.7 Bq/kg. In older rabbits, the content of 137Cs and 90Sr, respectively, was at the level of: 12.3±1.2 Bq/kg and 8.2±1.5 Bq/kg (according to DR-2006, respectively, 200 Bq/kg and 20 Bq/kg). According to the results of our research, live weight, slaughter weight, weight of muscle tissue and bones, muscularity of carcasses depend on the season, age and breed characteristics. To increase productivity and improve the quality of rabbit meat, it is advisable to use interbreed crossing for the purpose of enriching the heredity of one of the breeds on the basis of two or more. According to the results of our research, the highest slaughter weight (P &lt; 0.01) was found in 4-month-old crossbred rabbits of the first generation (♀ California × ♂ Flanders) and was 56.56±0.20%, while their counterparts it was at the level of 49.65±0.55% of the Californian precocious breed. According to special criteria of meat productivity, crossbred rabbits of the first generation also prevailed over the parent breeds. In particular, their confusion index was 79.82±0.23%, while it was at the level of 77.08±0.08% in Flanders. Therefore, crossbreds of the first generation received maturity from the maternal line, and greater fleshiness is from the paternal line. Rabbit meat can be considered as a highly nutritious, dietary "functional" food that provides all the necessary biologically active substances, practically does not accumulate radionuclides, and therefore has a beneficial effect on human health and is an important reserve in solving food security in Ukraine. Key words: food safety, productive qualities of rabbits, rabbit meat, nutritional properties and biological value, dietary highly nutritious product.

Environmental enrichment in finishing pigs: does it promote any changes in bone biomechanics?

The resistance of pigs' bone structure was evaluated for the first time, reared with and without environmental enrichment (EE) in the finishing phase using techniques in bone biomechanics; 432 swine from the Hampshire breed, being males and females, with initial body weight between 22 and 27kg and final body weight between 110 and 125kg were evaluated for 112days. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 6 treatments, distributed in a 2 × 3 factorial scheme (sex × conditions in creation), with 12 repetitions/treatment, totaling 72 pens. The treatments were as follows: branched chain for males (T1), sisal branched string for males (T2), males without EE (T3), branched chain for females (T4), sisal branched string for females (T5), and females without EE (T6). At the end of the experimental period, all animals were slaughtered in an industrial slaughterhouse, having their femur bones collected for bone biomechanics analysis. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the interaction (enrichment × sex) and individual factors for bone weight. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) of the interaction for flexion force, being higher in males enriched with branched ropes and chains. For breaking stress, there was an interaction effect (P = 0.04), being the females without EE the ones showing the lowest breaking stress, favoring bone fragility. The use of branched ropes and chains strengthens the bone structure in swine in the termination phase (110-125kg BW - 183-190days in age), being an important strategy used to meet the animal welfare requirements.

Comparison of curettage vs. trephination technique for harvesting anterior iliac crest bone graft: A cadaveric study

PurposeThe purpose of this cadaveric study was to compare the volume and weight of bone graft harvested using the curettage vs. the trephination technique from the anterior iliac crest. MethodsEmbalmed cadavers were studied in this experimental research. The right hemipelvis of each cadaver was used for the trephine bone harvesting technique, whereas the left hemipelvis was used for the conventional curettage technique. The weight and the volume of the harvested bone were measured and statistically compared between the 2 sides. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was employed to compare the graft volume and weight obtained from the right and left sides of the hemipelvis. ResultsTen embalmed adult cadavers were used in this study. All subjects were Caucasian males with a mean age of 59.8 years (range 44 – 73 years) at the time of death. A total of 81 cylindrical bone grafts were harvested from the right iliac crest. In 9 out of 81 (11.1 %), the cortex of the ilium was penetrated by the chisel. The mean weight of the bone graft harvested with the trephine technique (26.97 ± 2.32) g was heavier than the curettage technique (23.74 ± 2.09) g (p = 0.007). Similarly, the volume of the bone graft was higher in the trephine technique (8.40 ± 0.84) cm3 compared to the curettage technique (6.60 ± 1.26) cm3 (p = 0.011). The trephination technique lasted a mean of (12.76 ± 1.87) min (range 10.30–16.10 min), while the curettage technique lasted a mean of (14.53 ± 0.89) min (range 13.50–16.00 min) (p = 0.028). ConclusionHarvesting anterior iliac crest bone graft with the trephine technique provides a higher bone volume and weight than the conventional curettage technique. The trephine technique might be advocated over the curettage technique, especially when a large amount of autologous bone graft is required. However, a meticulous harvesting technique should be followed to prevent complications, particularly the three-dimensional anatomy should be kept in mind, and the depth of trephination should be well-controlled. Clinical trial registrationInstitutional Review Board registration: 2022/499.

PSIV-17 Effect of Phytase Supplementation on Growth Performance, Bone Mineralization, Metabolism, and Excretion of Calcium and Phosphorous on Fattening Pigs Fed a Diet Containing no Inorganic Phosphate

Abstract Global concern about sustainability has led many countries to establish legislation to reduce phosphorus (P) pollution. Phytase application has evolved significantly in the last years, with greater dose rates leading to a greater reduction in inorganic P supplementation and decreased feeding costs. An experiment was conducted to determine the impact of 3 supplementary levels of phytase on pig growth performance, bone mineralization, and mineral excretion (P, Ca, and N) in corn/barley/wheat/SBM based diets containing no inorganic P. Crossbred [(Landrace x Large White) Duroc] pigs [n=137; initial body weight (BWi) = 16.8 ± 4.04 kg) were housed in 24 pens containing 5 or 6 pigs/pen) for 62-day trial. After a 21-day adaptation period, each pen was assigned one of three experimental treatments according to the dietary inclusion dose of the study phytase (Quantum Blue, AB Vista): 500, 800 and 1,500 FTU/kg feed. The feeding program was based on a single diet that was pelleted and formulated according to FEDNA (2013) recommendations. The basal diet was designed with a similar composition of ingredients and nutrients (2,450 kcal/kg net energy, 15.3% crude protein, and 0.23% phytic P) except for the levels of total P and calcium. Feed consumption (per pen) and individual BW of the animals were recorded on days 0, 21, 42, and 62 of the study. On day 62 of the study, pigs were euthanized. Feces and blood samples from 2 pigs per pen were collected on days 0, 42, and 62 of the study. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model with repeated measures. The statistical model included experimental treatment, initial BW block, study day and their interaction as fixed effects, and pen as a random effect of the fit model platform in JMP 16.0. The addition of 1,500 FTU/kg phytase tended to improve (P = 0.10) feed conversion by 4.3% relative to lower phytase inclusion levels. This production improvement is explained by the combination of greater animal growth (1.3%) and lower feed consumption (3.5%). Tendencies were observed in the net bone weight (10.41, 11.50, and 11.24 g, for 500, 800, and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively; P = 0.05) and in bone ash content (6.26, 6.88, and 6.71 g for 500, 800, and 1,500 FTU/kg, respectively; P = 0.08), with greater values at 800 and 1,500 FTU/kg compared with 500 FTU/kg. The inclusion of 1,500 FTU/kg phytase significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) reduced fecal P and calcium content throughout the study compared with inclusion levels of 500 and 800 FTU/kg. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of adding 1,500 FTU/kg phytase to diets formulated without inorganic P to improve feed conversion, bone mineralization, and environmental sustainability, and could be an economically advantageous solution to reduce feed costs.

Anti-Osteoporotic Potential of Water Extract of Anethum graveolens L. Seeds.

Anethum graveolens L., known as European dill, is a versatile herb widely used in both traditional medicine and culinary practices. Despite its long-standing history, the potential impact of the water extract of A. graveolens seeds (WEAG) on bone health remains unexplored. In this study, we investigated the influence of WEAG on osteoclast differentiation and assessed its potential as an anti-osteoporotic agent. WEAG hindered osteoclast differentiation through the suppression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) expression in osteoclast-supporting cells and by directly targeting osteoclast precursor cells. WEAG significantly reduced the expression of key osteoclastogenic transcription factors, namely c-Fos and NFATc1, typically induced by RANKL in osteoclast precursors. This reduction was attributed to the suppression of both MAPKs and NF-κB pathways in response to RANKL. In vivo experiments further revealed that WEAG administration effectively reduces trabecular bone loss and weight gain triggered by ovariectomy, mimicking postmenopausal osteoporosis. Furthermore, our comprehensive phytochemical analysis of WEAG identified a range of phytochemical constituents, associated with bone health and weight regulation. Notably, we discovered a specific compound, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucuronide, within WEAG that exhibits anti-osteoclastogenic potential. Overall, this research elucidated the beneficial effects and mechanistic basis of WEAG on osteoclast differentiation and bone loss, indicating its potential as a viable alternative to address bone loss in conditions like postmenopause.