Molecular Characterization of Goose Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Kinase 1 (Pepck) Gene and Its Potential Role in Hepatic Steatosis Induced by Overfeeding

Over-accumulation of triglycerides (TGs) in goose hepatocytes leads to the formation of fatty acid liver. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase 1 (PEPCK) is regarded as the rate-limiting enzyme for gluconeogenesis, and there is evidence that PEPCK is involved in regulating hepatic glucolipid metabolism. Hence, we proposed that PEPCK may have a role in goose hepatic steatosis. To test our hypothesis, the present study was conducted to firstly determine the sequence characteristics of goose PEPCK and then to explore its role in overfeeding-induced fatty liver. Our results showed that goose PEPCK encodes a 622-amino-acids protein that contains highly conserved oxaloacetate-binding domain, kinase-1 and kinase-2 motifs. PEPCK had higher mRNA levels in goose liver, and overfeeding markedly increased its expression in livers of both Sichuan White and Landes geese (p 0.05). Besides, expression of PEPCK was positively correlated with hepatic TG levels as well as plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Additionally, in cultured goose primary hepatocyte, treatment with either oleic acid (0.8, 1.2 or 1.6 mM) or linoleic acid (0.125 or 0.25 mM) significantly (p 0.05) enhanced the expression of PEPCK. Taken together, these data suggested a role for PEPCK in the occurrence of overfeeding-induced goose hepatic steatosis.(AU)

Molecular Characterization of Goose Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase Kinase 1 (Pepck) Gene and Its Potential Role in Hepatic Steatosis Induced by Overfeeding

Over-accumulation of triglycerides (TGs) in goose hepatocytes leads to the formation of fatty acid liver. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase 1 (PEPCK) is regarded as the rate-limiting enzyme for gluconeogenesis, and there is evidence that PEPCK is involved in regulating hepatic glucolipid metabolism. Hence, we proposed that PEPCK may have a role in goose hepatic steatosis. To test our hypothesis, the present study was conducted to firstly determine the sequence characteristics of goose PEPCK and then to explore its role in overfeeding-induced fatty liver. Our results showed that goose PEPCK encodes a 622-amino-acids protein that contains highly conserved oxaloacetate-binding domain, kinase-1 and kinase-2 motifs. PEPCK had higher mRNA levels in goose liver, and overfeeding markedly increased its expression in livers of both Sichuan White and Landes geese (p 0.05). Besides, expression of PEPCK was positively correlated with hepatic TG levels as well as plasma glucose and insulin concentrations. Additionally, in cultured goose primary hepatocyte, treatment with either oleic acid (0.8, 1.2 or 1.6 mM) or linoleic acid (0.125 or 0.25 mM) significantly (p 0.05) enhanced the expression of PEPCK. Taken together, these data suggested a role for PEPCK in the occurrence of overfeeding-induced goose hepatic steatosis.

The effect of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate on fatty liver and the composition of the intestinal microbiota in overfed landes geese

Goose fatty liver is a delicious food product and the overfeeding will cause the abnormal physiology of the geese. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation with hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) on the fatty liver, ileal and cecal microbiota of Landes geese during overfeeding. Sixty 70-day-old Landes geese (body weight= 3.0 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly divided into three groups, two of which were overfed with whole corn supplemented with or without HSCAS for 20 days when the fatty liver reaches to the maximum size and the negative control group was ad libitum access to the corn basal diet. The intestinal contents of the ileum and cecum from three geese per group were used for high-throughput sequencing. As a result of this study, the HSCAS-treatment led to an increase in relative liver weight (p 0.05) of geese compared with the overfeeding control group. The richness and diversity of the bacterial communities decreased in the ileum and ceca after overfeeding. Overfeeding increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, especially Lactobacillus, in ileal samples. HSCAS supplementation increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, and decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacillus in the ileum and the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichi, Bacteroides and Escherichia in the ceca. Bacterial richness indicators were also increased in samples from ileum and ceca after HSCAS supplementation. In conclusion, dietary HSCAS supplementation promoted liver performance in overfed Landes geese. HSCAS treatment had a beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiota composition in geese during the overfeeding.(AU)

The effect of hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate on fatty liver and the composition of the intestinal microbiota in overfed landes geese

Goose fatty liver is a delicious food product and the overfeeding will cause the abnormal physiology of the geese. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of supplementation with hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate (HSCAS) on the fatty liver, ileal and cecal microbiota of Landes geese during overfeeding. Sixty 70-day-old Landes geese (body weight= 3.0 ± 0.05 kg) were randomly divided into three groups, two of which were overfed with whole corn supplemented with or without HSCAS for 20 days when the fatty liver reaches to the maximum size and the negative control group was ad libitum access to the corn basal diet. The intestinal contents of the ileum and cecum from three geese per group were used for high-throughput sequencing. As a result of this study, the HSCAS-treatment led to an increase in relative liver weight (p 0.05) of geese compared with the overfeeding control group. The richness and diversity of the bacterial communities decreased in the ileum and ceca after overfeeding. Overfeeding increased the relative abundance of Firmicutes, especially Lactobacillus, in ileal samples. HSCAS supplementation increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, and decreased the relative abundance of Actinobacillus in the ileum and the relative abundance of Erysipelotrichi, Bacteroides and Escherichia in the ceca. Bacterial richness indicators were also increased in samples from ileum and ceca after HSCAS supplementation. In conclusion, dietary HSCAS supplementation promoted liver performance in overfed Landes geese. HSCAS treatment had a beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiota composition in geese during the overfeeding.

Dynamics of Tifton 85 pasture (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers) over seeded with cool season species, under continuous grazing / Dinâmica da pastagem de Tifton85 (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers) sobressemeado com espécieshibernais, submetida a pastoreio contínuo

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oat or ryegrass over seeding on the productive characteristics and morphological composition of Tifton85 grass under continuous grazing. The three studied treatments were: Oat + Tifton85, Ryegrass + Tifton85 and Tifton85, distributed in a completelyrandomized design, constituting four replications of area per treatment. The Ryegrass + Tifton85 treatment presented a forage mass 27% superior to the Oat + Tifton85 treatment. The leaf percentage of Tifton85 was superior for the treatment Oat + Tifton85 (41%), while the percentage of stem + sheath was superior in the treatment Ryegrass + Tifton85 (64%). There was a higher percentage of Tifton85 leaves in the treatment Oat + Tifton85, while the Ryegrass + Tifton85 treatment presented a higher proportion of the stem + sheath constituent. Overfeeding species of temperate climate has proven to be a viable alternative, since it potentiates the weight gain of animals without damaging the productive reestablishment of Tifton85.(AU)

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar os efeitos da sobressemeadura de Aveia ou Azevém sobre ascaracterísticas produtivas e composição morfológica do capim Tifton85 mantido sobre pastoreio contínuo.Os três tratamentos estudados foram Aveia + Tifton85, Azevém + Tifton85 e Tifton85, distribuídos emdelineamento inteiramente casualizado, constituindo quatro repetições de área por tratamento. Otratamento Azevém + Tifton85 apresentou massa de forragem 27% superior ao tratamento Aveia +Tifton85. O percentual de folha de Tifto85 foi superior para o tratamento Aveia + Tifton85 (41%),enquanto o percentual de colmo + bainha foi superior no tratamento Azevém + Tifton85 (64%).Observou-se maior percentual de folhas de Tifton85 no tratamento Aveia + Tifton85, enquanto otratamento Azevém + Tifton85 apresentou maior proporção do constituinte colmo + bainha. Asobressemeadura de espécies de clima temperada mostrou-se alternativa viável, visto que potencializa oganho de peso dos animais sem prejudicar o reestabelecimento produtivo do Tifton85.(AU)

Dynamics of Tifton 85 pasture (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers) over seeded with cool season species, under continuous grazing / Dinâmica da pastagem de Tifton85 (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers) sobressemeado com espécieshibernais, submetida a pastoreio contínuo

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of oat or ryegrass over seeding on the productive characteristics and morphological composition of Tifton85 grass under continuous grazing. The three studied treatments were: Oat + Tifton85, Ryegrass + Tifton85 and Tifton85, distributed in a completelyrandomized design, constituting four replications of area per treatment. The Ryegrass + Tifton85 treatment presented a forage mass 27% superior to the Oat + Tifton85 treatment. The leaf percentage of Tifton85 was superior for the treatment Oat + Tifton85 (41%), while the percentage of stem + sheath was superior in the treatment Ryegrass + Tifton85 (64%). There was a higher percentage of Tifton85 leaves in the treatment Oat + Tifton85, while the Ryegrass + Tifton85 treatment presented a higher proportion of the stem + sheath constituent. Overfeeding species of temperate climate has proven to be a viable alternative, since it potentiates the weight gain of animals without damaging the productive reestablishment of Tifton85.

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar os efeitos da sobressemeadura de Aveia ou Azevém sobre ascaracterísticas produtivas e composição morfológica do capim Tifton85 mantido sobre pastoreio contínuo.Os três tratamentos estudados foram Aveia + Tifton85, Azevém + Tifton85 e Tifton85, distribuídos emdelineamento inteiramente casualizado, constituindo quatro repetições de área por tratamento. Otratamento Azevém + Tifton85 apresentou massa de forragem 27% superior ao tratamento Aveia +Tifton85. O percentual de folha de Tifto85 foi superior para o tratamento Aveia + Tifton85 (41%),enquanto o percentual de colmo + bainha foi superior no tratamento Azevém + Tifton85 (64%).Observou-se maior percentual de folhas de Tifton85 no tratamento Aveia + Tifton85, enquanto otratamento Azevém + Tifton85 apresentou maior proporção do constituinte colmo + bainha. Asobressemeadura de espécies de clima temperada mostrou-se alternativa viável, visto que potencializa oganho de peso dos animais sem prejudicar o reestabelecimento produtivo do Tifton85.

Factors influencing establishment of the ovarian reserve and their effects on fertility

A reserve of primordial follicles is set up in the ovaries of fetuses or neonates, depending on the species, and serves as the source of developing follicles throughout the reproductive lifespan. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms currently known to control the establishment of this reserve, and their regulation by environmental factors. Most mutations in genes controlling germ cell proliferation and survival, meiosis or follicle assembly lead to the absence of primordial follicles or a sharp reduction in their number, incompatible with fertility in adults. Inadequate maternal nutrition affects the cellular metabolism, increases the oxidative stress and delays follicle formation in fetal ovaries. Despite the existence of compensation mechanisms of some developmental processes, the early-life nutritional environment imprints the long-term ability of follicles to enter growth and develop in adult ovaries. However, maternal undernutrition, overfeeding or high-fat diet during the establishment of the ovarian reserve does not seem to affect the fertility of the female offspring, unless their metabolism or neuroendocrine status is altered. Exposure of fetal or neonatal ovaries to excess steroids inhibits or stimulates follicle formation in a complex manner depending on the nature of the steroid, the dose and the animal species. Estrogens can control follicle formation through intra-ovarian mechanisms involving members of the TGF-beta family such as activin and BMP2. Early-life exposure to synthetic estrogens or environmental pollutants with estrogen-like activity impairs meiotic progression and follicle assembly, and affects long-term primordial follicle activation in adult ovaries. The effects of compounds with estrogen-like activity on the ovarian reserve can be transmitted to several generations through the female germline. Further investigations are needed to establish the earlylife effects of the environmental factors on the female reproductive lifespan and decipher the mechanisms of their epigenetic effects on the size and quality of the ovarian reserve.(AU)

Factors influencing establishment of the ovarian reserve and their effects on fertility

A reserve of primordial follicles is set up in the ovaries of fetuses or neonates, depending on the species, and serves as the source of developing follicles throughout the reproductive lifespan. This review focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms currently known to control the establishment of this reserve, and their regulation by environmental factors. Most mutations in genes controlling germ cell proliferation and survival, meiosis or follicle assembly lead to the absence of primordial follicles or a sharp reduction in their number, incompatible with fertility in adults. Inadequate maternal nutrition affects the cellular metabolism, increases the oxidative stress and delays follicle formation in fetal ovaries. Despite the existence of compensation mechanisms of some developmental processes, the early-life nutritional environment imprints the long-term ability of follicles to enter growth and develop in adult ovaries. However, maternal undernutrition, overfeeding or high-fat diet during the establishment of the ovarian reserve does not seem to affect the fertility of the female offspring, unless their metabolism or neuroendocrine status is altered. Exposure of fetal or neonatal ovaries to excess steroids inhibits or stimulates follicle formation in a complex manner depending on the nature of the steroid, the dose and the animal species. Estrogens can control follicle formation through intra-ovarian mechanisms involving members of the TGF-beta family such as activin and BMP2. Early-life exposure to synthetic estrogens or environmental pollutants with estrogen-like activity impairs meiotic progression and follicle assembly, and affects long-term primordial follicle activation in adult ovaries. The effects of compounds with estrogen-like activity on the ovarian reserve can be transmitted to several generations through the female germline. Further investigations are needed to establish the earlylife effects of the environmental factors on the female reproductive lifespan and decipher the mechanisms of their epigenetic effects on the size and quality of the ovarian reserve.

Gene Expression Patterns of Geese Expression Patterns of L-FABP, Spot 14, OB and APO A1 Genes in Different Tissues of Overfed and Control Geese

Ten-week-old Langde geese in similar body weight were randomly selected, four for overfeeding and four for routinly feeding. The abundance of liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), thyroid hormone-responsive (THRSP or Spot 14), obese (OB), and apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) genes in goose were detected by quantitative RT-PCR. L-FABP was higher expressed in liver and intestine than other tissues, but no expression was detected in the pancreas or brain. The other three genes were widely expressed in different tissues, OB was higher expressed in pancreas and abdominal fat, Spot 14 and Apo A1 was higher expressed in sebum and abdominal fat. Spot 14 and Apo A1 genes were up-regulated in overfed goose livers compared with that in the control. Thus, Spot 14 and Apo A1 genes may play important roles in lipid metabolism in goose fat liver.(AU)

Equine metabolic syndrome in Colombian creole horse: case report / Síndrome metabólica equina em cavalo crioulo Colombiano: relato de caso

The equine metabolic syndrome is a condition that can be recognized because of obesity, insulin resistance and laminitis. Genetic factors could play a role in the occurrence of this syndrome. Certain breeds such as ponies (including the South American creole horses) have a lower sensibility to insulin and a higher prevalence of hyperinsulinemia. The environment and management conditions, such as overfeeding and lack of exercise are factors that bring a propensity for obesity. The adipose tissue works as an endocrine organ producing hormones (adipokines or adipocytokines) that affect the horse´s metabolism. The objective of this report is to describe the first case report of a Colombian creole mare with a metabolic syndrome, diagnosed by means of the combined test of glucose-insulin and clinical signs. Early diagnosis of this entity and an adequate treatment are useful for improving the life and the zootechnical conditions of the patient.(AU)

A síndrome metabólica equina é uma alteração reconhecida por apresentar obesidade, resistência à insulina e laminite. Fatores genéticos poderiam ser relevantes na ocorrência dessa síndrome, em que certas raças consideradas pôneis (incluídas as raças crioulas de cavalos sul-americanos) têm mais baixa sensibilidade à insulina e mais alta prevalência de apresentar hiperinsulinemia. As condições ambientais e de manejo, como superalimentação e falta de exercício, são fatores predisponentes para o desenvolvimento da obesidade. O tecido adiposo cumpre atividades como um órgão endócrino produtor de hormônios (adipocinas ou adipocitocinas) que afetam o metabolismo do cavalo. O objetivo deste relatório é descrever o primeiro registro de caso de uma égua de raça Cavalo Crioulo Colombiano (CCC) com síndrome metabólica, diagnosticada pela prova combinada de glicose-insulina e por quadro clínico. O diagnóstico precoce desta entidade e seu tratamento adequado permitem melhorar as condições de vida e zootécnicas do paciente que dela padece.(AU)

Equine metabolic syndrome in Colombian creole horse: case report / Síndrome metabólica equina em cavalo crioulo Colombiano: relato de caso

The equine metabolic syndrome is a condition that can be recognized because of obesity, insulin resistance and laminitis. Genetic factors could play a role in the occurrence of this syndrome. Certain breeds such as ponies (including the South American creole horses) have a lower sensibility to insulin and a higher prevalence of hyperinsulinemia. The environment and management conditions, such as overfeeding and lack of exercise are factors that bring a propensity for obesity. The adipose tissue works as an endocrine organ producing hormones (adipokines or adipocytokines) that affect the horse´s metabolism. The objective of this report is to describe the first case report of a Colombian creole mare with a metabolic syndrome, diagnosed by means of the combined test of glucose-insulin and clinical signs. Early diagnosis of this entity and an adequate treatment are useful for improving the life and the zootechnical conditions of the patient.(AU)

A síndrome metabólica equina é uma alteração reconhecida por apresentar obesidade, resistência à insulina e laminite. Fatores genéticos poderiam ser relevantes na ocorrência dessa síndrome, em que certas raças consideradas pôneis (incluídas as raças crioulas de cavalos sul-americanos) têm mais baixa sensibilidade à insulina e mais alta prevalência de apresentar hiperinsulinemia. As condições ambientais e de manejo, como superalimentação e falta de exercício, são fatores predisponentes para o desenvolvimento da obesidade. O tecido adiposo cumpre atividades como um órgão endócrino produtor de hormônios (adipocinas ou adipocitocinas) que afetam o metabolismo do cavalo. O objetivo deste relatório é descrever o primeiro registro de caso de uma égua de raça Cavalo Crioulo Colombiano (CCC) com síndrome metabólica, diagnosticada pela prova combinada de glicose-insulina e por quadro clínico. O diagnóstico precoce desta entidade e seu tratamento adequado permitem melhorar as condições de vida e zootécnicas do paciente que dela padece.(AU)

Gene Expression Patterns of Geese Expression Patterns of L-FABP, Spot 14, OB and APO A1 Genes in Different Tissues of Overfed and Control Geese

Ten-week-old Langde geese in similar body weight were randomly selected, four for overfeeding and four for routinly feeding. The abundance of liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), thyroid hormone-responsive (THRSP or Spot 14), obese (OB), and apolipoprotein A1 (Apo A1) genes in goose were detected by quantitative RT-PCR. L-FABP was higher expressed in liver and intestine than other tissues, but no expression was detected in the pancreas or brain. The other three genes were widely expressed in different tissues, OB was higher expressed in pancreas and abdominal fat, Spot 14 and Apo A1 was higher expressed in sebum and abdominal fat. Spot 14 and Apo A1 genes were up-regulated in overfed goose livers compared with that in the control. Thus, Spot 14 and Apo A1 genes may play important roles in lipid metabolism in goose fat liver.

TECNOLOGIAS APLICADAS A SISTEMAS DE PRODUÇÃO DE OVINOS DESLANADOS PARA ELEVAÇÃO DA PRODUTIVIDADE: SOBREALIMENTAÇÃO TARDIA NA GESTAÇÃO E TERMOGRAFIA INFRAVERMELHA NO PÓS-PARTO

A ovinocultura vem demonstrando crescente aumento nos últimos anos. A valorização e demanda pela carne ovina tem estimulado a intensificação dos sistemas produtivos, para tanto é essenciais pesquisas sobre o uso de novas tecnologias, buscando o aumento do desempenho dos animais. Ovelhas apresentam alta exigência de energia no terço final de gestação, sendo que a subnutrição ou sobrealimentação durante a gestação podem afetar o desenvolvimento e produtividade da progênie. No momento do parto, ocorre uma intensa interação comportamental entre o neonato e a ovelha, e tal interação materno-filial é determinante para a sobrevivência do neonato. Soma-se a isso a necessidade de termorregulação dos cordeiros neonatos, devido à redução abrupta da temperatura envolvente, em decorrência do nascimento. Desta forma, o monitoramento dos mecanismos termorreguladores pode garantir a sobrevivência dos cordeiros, e sobre esse aspecto o uso da termografia por infravermelho tem se mostrado um método eficiente e simples para quantificar a perda de calor em animais adultos, mas pouco usada em neonatos. Já foi demostrado que estímulos durante os diferentes estágios gestacionais em ovelhas são capazes de afetar o desenvolvimento e o crescimento, a saúde, produção e reprodução da sua progênie após o nascimento. Assim, buscamos avaliar a influência de diferentes níveis de energia na alimentação de ovelhas da raça Morada Nova durante o terço final da gestação. Neste sentido, a tese foi dividida em capítulos, que contêm três manuscritos científicos. O capítulo denominado Comportamento, vitalidade e homeotermia no pós-parto imediato de cordeiros deslanados nascidos de partos simples ou gemelares (Capítulo 2, apresentado na íntegra) objetivou avaliar as diferenças de cordeiros deslanados, oriundos de partos simples ou de partos gemelares, quanto à expressão imediata de comportamentos inatos relacionados à vitalidade, aos perfis glicêmico e endócrino, bem como as características fenotípicas relacionadas à manutenção da homeotermia no pós-parto imediato; o capitulo denominado Sobrealimentação materna no terço final de gestação afeta características puerperais e eficiência placentária em ovelhas deslanadas e melhora o desempenho dos cordeiros até o desmame (Capitulo 3, apresentado na íntegra) objetivou avaliar a influência da oferta dietética diferencial de concentrado a ovelhas durante o terço final da gestação sobre características morfométricas placentárias e endócrinas maternas, além de seus efeitos na expressão comportamental de cordeiros no pós-parto imediato e no desempenho produtivo ao desmame; o capitulo denominado Sobrealimentação materna no terço final de gestação afeta características puerperais e eficiência placentária em ovelhas deslanadas e melhora o desempenho dos cordeiros até o desmame (Capitulo 4, apresentado na íntegra) objetivou avaliar a sobrealimentação no terço final de gestação em ovelhas tropicalizadas: desempenho e crescimento da prole até o desmamem. O conhecimento gerado com este estudo ajudará na compreensão da programação fetal em ovinos naturalizados, bem como dos processos termorregulatórios em cordeiros deslanados neonatos, e na consolidação das mesmas como práticas de manejo para intensificação dos sistemas produtivos da ovinocultura brasileira.

Sheep farming has shown a growing increase in recent years. The appreciation and demand for sheep meat has stimulated the intensification of production systems, for which reason research on the use of new technologies is essential, seeking to increase the performance of animals. Sheep have a high energy requirement in the final third of gestation, and undernutrition or overfeeding during pregnancy can affect the development and productivity of the offspring. At the time of delivery, there is an intense behavioral interaction between the newborn and the ewe, and this maternal-infant interaction is crucial for the newborn's survival. Added to this is the need for thermoregulation of newborn lambs, due to the abrupt reduction in the surrounding temperature, as a result of birth. Thus, the monitoring of thermoregulatory mechanisms can ensure the survival of lambs, and on this aspect the use of infrared thermography has been shown to be an efficient and simple method to quantify heat loss in adult animals, but little used in neonates. It has been shown that stimuli during different gestational stages in ewes are able to affect the development and growth, health, production and reproduction of their offspring after birth. Thus, we sought to evaluate the influence of different energy levels on the feeding of Morada Nova breed ewes during the final third of gestation. In this sense, the thesis was divided into chapters, which contain three scientific manuscripts. The chapter entitled "Behavior, vitality and homeothermy in the immediate postpartum of hairless lambs born from single or twin births" (Chapter 2, presented in full) aimed to evaluate the differences of hairless lambs, from single or twin births, as the immediate expression of innate behaviors related to vitality, glycemic and endocrine profiles, as well as the phenotypic characteristics related to the maintenance of homeothermy in the immediate postpartum period; the chapter entitled "Maternal overfeeding in the final third of pregnancy affects puerperal characteristics and placental efficiency in hairless ewes and improves the performance of lambs until weaning" (Chapter 3, presented in full) aimed to evaluate the influence of differential dietary concentrate supply to ewes during the final third of pregnancy on placental and maternal endocrine morphometric characteristics, in addition to their effects on the behavioral expression of lambs in the immediate postpartum period and on productive performance at weaning; the chapter entitled "Maternal overfeeding in the final third of pregnancy affects puerperal characteristics and placental efficiency in hairless ewes and improves the performance of lambs until weaning" (Chapter 4, presented in full) aimed to evaluate overfeeding in the final third of pregnancy in tropicalized ewes : offspring performance and growth until weaning. The knowledge generated by this study will help to understand fetal programming in naturalized sheep, as well as the thermoregulatory processes in newborn hairless lambs, and to consolidate them as management practices for the intensification of productive systems in Brazilian sheep farming.

Change of the mtor pathway in tissues of overfed geese

This study aimed at examining the effect of overfeeding on the activity of the mTOR pathway in the liver and muscle tissues of Gang geese. Eighty healthy male Gang geese were reared under the same feeding conditions, and were divided at 14 weeks of age into a control group and an overfed group. All birds were slaughtered after three weeks of over feeding. Gene expression and protein content of several genes involved in the mTOR pathway were evaluated. The results showed that the gene expression of mTOR, raptor, and rictor, and the protein contents of mTOR and PI3K were higher in liver, breast muscle, and leg muscle of the overfed group than that of control group. However, the S6K expression level was clearly lower in the liver of the overfed group than that of control group, and there was no evident difference in both breast muscle and leg muscle between the control group and the overfed group. These results suggest that overfeeding induces the activity of raptor, rictor, and mTOR, and that mTOR signaling pathway was closely linked with PI3K pathway in the evaluated geese.(AU)

Change of the mtor pathway in tissues of overfed geese

This study aimed at examining the effect of overfeeding on the activity of the mTOR pathway in the liver and muscle tissues of Gang geese. Eighty healthy male Gang geese were reared under the same feeding conditions, and were divided at 14 weeks of age into a control group and an overfed group. All birds were slaughtered after three weeks of over feeding. Gene expression and protein content of several genes involved in the mTOR pathway were evaluated. The results showed that the gene expression of mTOR, raptor, and rictor, and the protein contents of mTOR and PI3K were higher in liver, breast muscle, and leg muscle of the overfed group than that of control group. However, the S6K expression level was clearly lower in the liver of the overfed group than that of control group, and there was no evident difference in both breast muscle and leg muscle between the control group and the overfed group. These results suggest that overfeeding induces the activity of raptor, rictor, and mTOR, and that mTOR signaling pathway was closely linked with PI3K pathway in the evaluated geese.

Conceitos básicos sobre nutrição e alimentação de cães e gatos / Basics concepts about nutrition and feeding dogs and cats

A evolução nas pesquisas sobre nutrição de cães e gatos nos últimos anos resultou em um maior entendimento de suas necessidades nutricionais, reduzindo assim a ocorrência de desnutrição nessas espécies. Porém, por serem animais considerados por muitos como membros de uma mesma categoria, alguns tutores podem cometer um erro primário de alimentar gatos como se fossem cães. Além disso, uma vez que as formulações estão cada vez mais sofisticadas facilita que os tutores sejam propensos a cometerem outro erro no manejo alimentar; a superalimentação. Considerando que um manejo nutricional adequado pode retardar ou prevenir enfermidades, melhorar a qualidade de vida e promover longevidade, objetiva-se com o presente trabalho evidenciar peculiaridades, requerimentos nutricionais e fornecer informações para mensuração da quantidade e o manejo alimentar.

Advances in researches on dogs and cats nutrition in recent years resulted in a betterknowledgeabout their nutritional requirements. Due to the extensive availability of commercial food ready for consumption, the occurrence of under nutrition is lower. However, because they are animals considered by many to be members of the same class, some tutors can make a primary error feed cats like little dogs. Additionally, since the formulations are increasingly sophisticated facilitates the tutors are likely to commit an error in other food handling; one overfeeding. Once an adequate nutritional management can delay or prevent diseases, improve quality of life and promote longevity, the objectives of this work is to demonstrate peculiarities, nutritional requirements and provide information to measure the quantity and handling of food.

Conceitos básicos sobre nutrição e alimentação de cães e gatos / Basics concepts about nutrition and feeding dogs and cats

A evolução nas pesquisas sobre nutrição de cães e gatos nos últimos anos resultou em um maior entendimento de suas necessidades nutricionais, reduzindo assim a ocorrência de desnutrição nessas espécies. Porém, por serem animais considerados por muitos como membros de uma mesma categoria, alguns tutores podem cometer um erro primário de alimentar gatos como se fossem cães. Além disso, uma vez que as formulações estão cada vez mais sofisticadas facilita que os tutores sejam propensos a cometerem outro erro no manejo alimentar; a superalimentação. Considerando que um manejo nutricional adequado pode retardar ou prevenir enfermidades, melhorar a qualidade de vida e promover longevidade, objetiva-se com o presente trabalho evidenciar peculiaridades, requerimentos nutricionais e fornecer informações para mensuração da quantidade e o manejo alimentar.(AU)

Advances in researches on dogs and cats nutrition in recent years resulted in a betterknowledgeabout their nutritional requirements. Due to the extensive availability of commercial food ready for consumption, the occurrence of under nutrition is lower. However, because they are animals considered by many to be members of the same class, some tutors can make a primary error feed cats like little dogs. Additionally, since the formulations are increasingly sophisticated facilitates the tutors are likely to commit an error in other food handling; one overfeeding. Once an adequate nutritional management can delay or prevent diseases, improve quality of life and promote longevity, the objectives of this work is to demonstrate peculiarities, nutritional requirements and provide information to measure the quantity and handling of food.(AU)

Efeito da frequência alimentar e taxa de arraçoamento no desempenho zootécnico, composição corporal e metabólitos plasmáticos em juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo

A alimentação dos peixes na aquicultura objetiva atender às exigências nutricionais para alcançar maior crescimento, boa saúde, ótimo rendimento de carcaça e o mínimo desperdício de ração, otimizando a produção. Otimizar o manejo alimentar para melhorar a utilização dos nutrientes é fundamental para aliar o crescimento dos peixes à redução nos custos com alimentação. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar uma possível interação entre frequência alimentar e taxa de arraçoamento no crescimento, composição corporal e metabólitos plasmáticos, em juvenis de tilápia-do-nilo. Grupos de 26 peixes, com peso médio de 6,57 g foram distribuídos em 24 unidades experimentais, em delineamento completamente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial. Foram testados dois fatores 1) frequência alimentar: duas, quatro e seis vezes ao dia e 2) taxa de alimentação: saciedade aparente e restrita (85% em relação à saciedade aparente), totalizando assim, seis tratamentos com quatro repetições cada. O experimento durou 51 dias e os peixes foram pesados a cada 12 dias para monitorar o crescimento e ajustar o fornecimento de ração do tratamento restrito. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à ANOVA bifatorial e ao teste de Tukey, a um nível de significância de 5%. A frequência alimentar não afetou o consumo alimentar ou o ganho em peso nos peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente, bem como naqueles alimentados sob o regime restrito. O ganho em peso diário e a taxa de crescimento específico foram 56% e 19% maiores, respectivamente, nos peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente, quando comparados àqueles alimentados no regime restrito. A eficiência alimentar foi 14% melhor nos peixes alimentados no regime restrito. Além disso, os peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente apresentaram maior acúmulo de gordura corporal (8,92%), quando comparados aos peixes submetidos ao regime alimentar restrito (6,64%). Os níveis de triglicerídeos e glicose também foram maiores nos peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente, indicando um possível excesso de alimentação. A retenção proteica foi maior nos peixes alimentados no regime restrito, quando comparada aos peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente (49,17% versus 42,51%, respectivamente), sendo que não houve interação entre os fatores para as variáveis supracitadas. Os peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente cresceram mais devido a maior ingestão de nutrientes, ocasionado pelo maior consumo destes peixes. Entretanto, a eficiência alimentar foi reduzida e houve maior acúmulo de gordura quando os peixes foram alimentados até a saciedade aparente. Peixes alimentados até a saciedade aparente ganharam, em média, 62% mais gordura e 34% mais proteína, que aqueles sob o regime de alimentação restrita. Desta forma, conclui-se que, quando alimentados até a saciedade aparente os peixes utilizam a proteína da ração de uma maneira menos eficiente, refletindo na menor retenção proteica, sendo o excesso de proteína catabolizado para a produção de energia. Esta energia seria então armazenada como gordura. Os peixes submetidos ao regime alimentar restrito provavelmente otimizaram o processo de digestão, aproveitando os nutrientes de uma forma mais eficiente.

Fish feeding in aquaculture aims to meet nutritional requirements to achieve higher growth rates, good health, optimum dressing yield, and minimal feed waste. Optimizing feed management to improve nutrient utilization is a crucial key to match fish growth and feeding costs. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate a possible interaction between feeding frequency and feeding rate on growth, nutrient utilization, body composition, and plasma metabolites of juvenile Nile tilapia. Groups of 26 fish (6.57 g) were randomly distributed in 24 experimental units, following a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement. We tested 1) three feeding frequencies: two, four, and six times a day and 2) two feeding ratios: apparent satiation or restricted regime (85% of apparent satiation), totaling six dietary treatments, set up in quadruplicate. The feeding trial lasted 51 days and fish were weighed every 12days to monitor growth and to establish feed allowance. Resulting data were subjected to a two-way ANOVA; Tukeys test was used to separate means, and the level of significance of 5% was adopted in all tests. Feeding frequency did not affect feed intake or weight gain in fish fed to apparent satiation as well as in fish fed under the restricted regime. The daily weight gain and specific growth rate were 56% and 19% higher in fish fed at apparent satiation when compared to fish fed at the restricted regime, respectively. However, feed efficiency was 14% higher in fish fed at the restricted regime. Fish fed to apparent satiation presented the highest body lipid (8.92%) than the ones fed at the restricted regime (6.64%) the lowest. Glucose and triglycerides were also higher in fish fed to apparent satiation, so overfeeding cannot be ruled out. The protein retention ratio was highest at the restricted regime (49.17% versus 42.51%, respectively). One could conclude that fish grow more when they are fed to apparent satiation since higher feed intake means higher nutrient intake, which improve fish growth. However, our results show that feed efficiency decreased when fish were fed to apparent satiation. Fish fed at apparent satiation got 34% more body protein, but also 62% more body fat than the fish fed at the restricted regime. We conclude that at apparent satiation fish tend to use protein less efficiently, as shown by the lowest protein retention when the excess protein is probably catabolized to yield energy. Fish under the restricted feeding regime probably optimized the digestion process, using nutrients in a more efficient way.

THE INFLUENCE OF OBESITY INDUCED BY THE DIET ON REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS AND OFFSPRING IN ZEBRAFISH

Obesity is a transgenerational epigenetic metabolic disturbance. Animal models of obesity like zebrafish (Danio rerio) are useful to understand the signaling pathways involved on this condition. In this study, we analyzed, on zebrafish, the effect of maternity and paternity obesity on reproduction and offspring (F1). Animals of both genders were used, divided into two groups; the control group (C) which received a balanced diet, and the obesity group induced by overfeeding (DIO). The feeding protocol was contucted for eight weeks and the animals were reproduced weekly. To verify the impact of obesity on the parents, we made histologic assessment through morphometry of adipose tissue (AT) visceral and subcutaneous, and we measured the hepatosomatic (GSI) and gonadosomatic (HSI) indexs. The impact of overfeeding was evaluated on reproduction, spawning, fertility and fertilization rate. On the offspring were analyzed the mortality rate, hatching, lordosis, and tail deformity. Glucose and triglycerides plasma levels were measure in zebrafish adult and offspring. As a result, we identified that the induction of obesity caused hypertrophy on AT and an increase of HSI, in both sexes and an increase of GSI on the females. The obesity not caused infertility of the zebrafish. However, overfeeding caused high mortality rate of offspring, morphologic deformities and high plasmatic levels of glucose and triglycerides, with 100% of mortality at 60 dpf. We concluded that the induction of obesity through overfeeding didnt have any effect on the reproductive capacity of zebrafish, however, it caused negative effects on its offspring with the high occurrence of deformities and mortality.

Obesity is a transgenerational epigenetic metabolic disturbance. Animal models of obesity like zebrafish (Danio rerio) are useful to understand the signaling pathways involved on this condition. In this study, we analyzed, on zebrafish, the effect of maternity and paternity obesity on reproduction and offspring (F1). Animals of both genders were used, divided into two groups; the control group (C) which received a balanced diet, and the obesity group induced by overfeeding (DIO). The feeding protocol was contucted for eight weeks and the animals were reproduced weekly. To verify the impact of obesity on the parents, we made histologic assessment through morphometry of adipose tissue (AT) visceral and subcutaneous, and we measured the hepatosomatic (GSI) and gonadosomatic (HSI) indexs. The impact of overfeeding was evaluated on reproduction, spawning, fertility and fertilization rate. On the offspring were analyzed the mortality rate, hatching, lordosis, and tail deformity. Glucose and triglycerides plasma levels were measure in zebrafish adult and offspring. As a result, we identified that the induction of obesity caused hypertrophy on AT and an increase of HSI, in both sexes and an increase of GSI on the females. The obesity not caused infertility of the zebrafish. However, overfeeding caused high mortality rate of offspring, morphologic deformities and high plasmatic levels of glucose and triglycerides, with 100% of mortality at 60 dpf. We concluded that the induction of obesity through overfeeding didnt have any effect on the reproductive capacity of zebrafish, however, it caused negative effects on its offspring with the high occurrence of deformities and mortality.

Metabolic hormones and reproductive function in cattle

Diets can alter the concentrations of circulating hormones such as insulin and IGF_I. Such responsive hormones are related directly to nutritional status and moreover, directly or indirectly associated with reproductive function and fertility. Metabolic hormones are involved in follicular development, number and size of ovarian structure, circulating concetrations of steroid hormones duration of estrus, steroidogenesis, ovulation and embryonic development. Howeverm circulating metabolic hormones in excess, resulting from high dry matter/energy intake can also contribute to the reduction of oocytes and embryo quality. Although changes in dietary intake affect ovarian funciton in Bos taurus and Bos indicus cattle, it seems that overfeeding influences more profoundly oocytes/embryos from heifers and cows of Bos taurus than of Bos indicus breeds. There is also a distinct effect of nutrition on in vitro vs. in vivo embryo production, in which metabolic hormones seem to affect more the la ter stages of follicle development. Thus, this paper presents and discusses the results of some relevant studies on the role of feed intake and its association with metabolic hormones in mbovinemreproduction.