The impact of dietary Laminaria digitata and alginate lyase supplementation on the weaned piglet liver: A comprehensive proteomics and metabolomics approach.

The brown seaweed Laminaria digitata, a novel feedstuff for weaned piglets, has potentially beneficial prebiotic properties. However, its recalcitrant cell wall challenges digestion in monogastrics. Alginate lyase is a promising supplement to mitigate this issue. This study's aim was to investigate the impact of incorporating 10% dietary Laminaria digitata, supplemented with alginate lyase, on the hepatic proteome and metabolome of weaned piglets. These diets introduced minor variations to the metabolome and caused significant shifts in the proteome. Dietary seaweed provided a rich source of n-3 PUFAs that could signal hepatic fatty acid oxidation (FABP, ACADSB and ALDH1B1). This may have affected the oxidative stability of the tissue, requiring an elevated abundance of GST for regulation. The presence of reactive oxygen species likely inflicted protein damage, triggering increased proteolytic activity (LAPTM4B and PSMD4). Alginate lyase supplementation augmented the number of differentially abundant proteins, which included GBE1 and LDHC, contributing to maintain circulating glucose levels by mobilizing glycogen stores and branched-chain amino acids. The enzymatic supplementation with alginate lyase amplified the effects of the seaweed-only diet. An additional filter was employed to test the effect of missing values on the proteomics analysis, which is discussed from a technical perspective. SIGNIFICANCE: Brown seaweeds such as Laminaria digitata have prebiotic and immune-modulatory components, such as laminarin, that can improve weaned piglet health. However, they have recalcitrant cell wall polysaccharides, such as alginate, that can elicit antinutritional effects on the monogastric digestive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a high level of dietary L. digitata and alginate lyase supplementation on the hepatic metabolism of weaned piglets, using high throughput Omics approaches.

Dietary Ulva lactuca and CAZyme supplementation improve serum biochemical profile and hepatic composition of weaned piglets.

Ulva lactuca is a seaweed with antinutritional cell wall for monogastrics. Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes) supplementation can potentially cause its disruption. This study evaluates four diets: Ctrl-control diet; UL-control + 7% U. lactuca (wild caught, powdered form); ULR-UL + 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP; ULU-UL + 0.01% ulvan lyase on piglets' haematologic and serologic profiles, hepatic lipids and minerals. White blood cells and lymphocytes reached the highest values in piglets fed UL compared to control, and to control and ULR; respectively (P < 0.05). IgG levels were boosted by seaweed incorporation compared to control (P = 0.015). The glycaemic homeostasis was assured by the seaweed inclusion. Dietary seaweed decreased serum lipids (P < 0.001), with the exception of ULU, due to HDL-cholesterol increase (P < 0.001). Cortisol was decreased in ULR and ULU (P < 0.001). No systemic inflammation was observed (P > 0.05). While hepatic n-3 PUFA increased in piglets fed with seaweed diets due to increment of beneficial 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 fatty acids (P < 0.05), the opposite occurred for n-6 PUFA, PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios (P < 0.05). Hepatic pigments were unchanged (P > 0.05). ULR reduced α-tocopherol levels (P = 0.036) and increased serum potassium levels (P < 0.001) compared to control. Seaweed contributed to overcome piglets' weaning stress, with some benefits of including CAZyme supplementation.

Effect of Laminaria digitata dietary inclusion and CAZyme supplementation on blood cells, serum metabolites and hepatic lipids and minerals of weaned piglets.

Seaweeds, such as Laminaria digitata, are a sustainable alternative to conventional feedstuffs for weaned piglet diets, improving their health and mitigating environmental impacts. L. digitata has a complex cell wall that can be difficult for monogastrics to digest. However, carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) such as Rovabio® Excel AP and alginate lyase can help break down these polysaccharides and render intracellular nutrients more accessible. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of 10% L. digitata feed inclusion and CAZyme supplementation on piglet blood cells, serum metabolites, liver lipid and mineral profiles. Forty weaned piglets were randomly assigned to one of four diets (n = 10 each): a control diet, 10% L. digitata (LA), 10% L. digitata + 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP (LAR), and 10% L. digitata + 0.01% alginate lyase (LAL). After two weeks of trial, animals were slaughtered and liver and blood serum samples taken for analysis. The results showed that the LA and LAL diets increased blood lymphocytes, IgG and IgM, and decreased serum lipids, improving both cellular and humoral immune response and cardiovascular health. Dietary CAZymes reversed the anti-inflammatory and hematopoietic effects. Additionally, cortisol levels were reduced with seaweed inclusion compared to the control diet (P < 0.001). In the liver, total n-3 PUFA and n-6/n-3 ratio were increased and decreased, respectively, due to eicosapentaenoic acid and α-linolenic acid accumulation (P < 0.001). However, total liver mineral content was incorporated to a lesser extent with the combined seaweed and enzyme diets (P < 0.001), potentially indicating a negative effect on mineral bioavailability. Overall, results suggest that a 10% L. digitata inclusion can effectively improve piglet health by reducing stress during weaning, without the need for dietary CAZymes.

Impact of dietary Chlorella vulgaris and feed enzymes on health status, immune response and liver metabolites in weaned piglets.

In this study, we analysed the impact of dietary inclusion of Chlorella vulgaris and carbohydrases on general health, redox status, immune response, liver lipids and metabolites in weaned piglets. Forty-four male piglets were allocated into four diets: control (n = 11), CH (control diet with 5% CH, n = 10), CH+R (control diet with 5% CH plus 0.005% Rovabio Excel AP, n = 10), and CH+M (control diet with 5% CH plus 0.01% of a pre-selected four-CAZyme mixture, n = 11). After 15 days of trial, animals were slaughtered and samples of blood and liver collected. Spectrophotometry methods and commercial kits were used to determine blood parameters and gas and liquid chromatography for hepatic fatty acid and chlorophylls profiles, respectively. While total, LDL- and VLDL-cholesterol were increased by CH, the opposite was recorded for HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.001). Piglets fed CH-based diets presented an increase of IgG and a decrease of IgM (p < 0.001) which along with lymphocytes exacerbation contributed for piglets' survival after weaning. n-6 PUFA were reduced in piglets fed CH and the opposite occurred for n-3 PUFA (p < 0.001), thus benefiting n-6/n-3 ratio in the liver. Chlorophylls amount was not changed by the use of Rovabio or enzymatic mixture. The discriminant analysis applied to hepatic parameters revealed a clear separation between control and CH-based diets but failed to discriminate feed enzymes. Our findings indicate health promoting effects of CH as feed ingredient in piglets' nutrition at weaning, without negatively impacting on animals' performance.

Effect of dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) on the intestinal function of post-weaned piglet: An approach combining proteomics, metabolomics and histological studies.

The effect of dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and CAZyme supplementation was assessed on the gut of weaned piglets, using an integrated NMR-metabolomics approach combined with Tandem Mass Tag labelled proteomics. Thirty weaned male piglets were assigned to one of the three following diets (n = 10): cereal and soybean meal basal diet (Control), basal diet with 10% Spirulina inclusion (SP) and SP diet supplemented with 0.01% lysozyme (SP + L). The experiment lasted 4 weeks and, upon slaughter, small intestine samples were collected for histological, metabolomic and proteomic analysis. No significant differences were found for the histology and metabolomics analysis between the three experimental groups. Lactate, glutamate, glycine and myo-inositol were the most abundant metabolites. Proteomics results showed 1502 proteins identified in the intestine tissue. A total of 23, 78, 27 differentially abundant proteins were detected respectively for the SP vs. Control, SP + L vs. Control and SP + L vs. SP comparisons. The incorporation of Spirulina and supplementation of lysozyme in the piglet's diets is associated to intestinal proteomic changes. These include increased protein synthesis and abundance of contractile apparatus proteins, related with increased nutrient availability, which has beneficial (increased glucose uptake) and detrimental (increased digesta viscosity) metabolic effects. SIGNIFICANCE: The use of conventional feedstuffs becomes increasingly prohibitive due to its environmental toll. To increase the sustainability of the livestock sector, novel feedstuffs such as microalgae need to be considered. However, its recalcitrant cell wall has antinutritional effects that can inhibit high dietary inclusion levels. The supplementation with CAZymes is a possible solution to this issue. The small intestine is a central piece in monogastric digestion and of particular importance for the weaned piglet. Studying the effect of dietary Spirulina and CAZyme supplementation on its histomorphology, metabolome and proteome allows studying relevant physiological adaptations to these diets.

Influence of Chlorella vulgaris on growth, digestibility and gut morphology and microbiota of weaned piglet.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of Chlorella vulgaris (5% in the diet), supplemented or not with two exogenous carbohydrase mixtures on piglets' performance, nutrient digestibility and gut morphology, fermentation products and microbiota. Forty-four male piglets weaned at 28 days of age, with 11.2 ± 0.46 kg of live weight, were used and assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: cereal and soybean meal based-diet (control, n = 11), control diet with 5% of C. vulgaris (CH, n = 10), CH diet supplemented with 0.005% of Rovabio® Excel AP (CH + R, n = 10) and CH diet supplemented with 0.01% of a recombinant 4-carbohydrase mixture (CH + M, n = 11). Growth performance was not changed by the of C. vulgaris inclusion during 21 days of trial. However, total tract apparent digestibility of nutritional fractions was negatively impacted by the inclusion. In addition, the viscosity of duodenum plus jejunum contents slightly increased in all groups fed with the microalga. In contrast, dietary microalga increased duodenum villus height and promoted a healthier gut microbiota, with higher abundance of some specific bacterial taxa (Colidextribacter, Oscillospira and Lactobacillus). This study indicates that the dietary inclusion of 5% C. vulgaris improves piglets' gut health without impairing performance. Data also indicate that C. vulgaris reduces nutrient digestibility but promotes compensatory developments of gut mucosa and prebiotic effects. Dietary supplementation with exogenous carbohydrases does not seem to be necessary for this inclusion level. Therefore, the incorporation of CH as a sustainable feed ingredient in piglets' nutrition is a viable alternative approach.

Extensive Sheep and Goat Production: The Role of Novel Technologies towards Sustainability and Animal Welfare.

Sheep and goat extensive production systems are very important in the context of global food security and the use of rangelands that have no alternative agricultural use. In such systems, there are enormous challenges to address. These include, for instance, classical production issues, such as nutrition or reproduction, as well as carbon-efficient systems within the climate-change context. An adequate response to these issues is determinant to economic and environmental sustainability. The answers to such problems need to combine efficiently not only the classical production aspects, but also the increasingly important health, welfare, and environmental aspects in an integrated fashion. The purpose of the study was to review the application of technological developments, in addition to remote-sensing in tandem with other state-of-the-art techniques that could be used within the framework of extensive production systems of sheep and goats and their impact on nutrition, production, and ultimately, the welfare of these species. In addition to precision livestock farming (PLF), these include other relevant technologies, namely omics and other areas of relevance in small-ruminant extensive production: heat stress, colostrum intake, passive immunity, newborn survival, biomarkers of metabolic disease diagnosis, and parasite resistance breeding. This work shows the substantial, dynamic nature of the scientific community to contribute to solutions that make extensive production systems of sheep and goats more sustainable, efficient, and aligned with current concerns with the environment and welfare.

Effect of dietary incorporation of Chlorella vulgaris and CAZyme supplementation on the hepatic proteome of finishing pigs.

The combination of several factors, including an increase in world population and living standards in developing countries and world dependency on conventional crop imports drive a search for alternative feedstuffs for poultry and pig diets. This would reduce the environmental impact associated with the foreseeable increase in the demand for animal products. One of such alternatives are microalgae, a diverse group of aquatic organisms with interesting nutritional properties. Chlorella vulgaris is a green microalga with a crude protein content comparable to that of soybean meal. However, its recalcitrant cell wall prevents it from being used as a nutrient source in monogastric diets. CAZyme supplementation is a putative strategy to increase its nutritional value, aiming at disrupting the cell wall and make intracellular nutrients available for digestion. The impact of these dietary strategies on the hepatic metabolism is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the hepatic proteome of pigs fed with 5% C. vulgaris with or without CAZyme supplementation. Microalga inclusion has affected lipid metabolism and oxidative stress. CAZyme supplementation has caused higher oxidative stress in the liver, possibly caused by the higher digestive availability and consequent hepatic oxidation of fatty acids. SIGNIFICANCE: C. vulgaris, a microalga, is a novel feedstuff that is an alternative to conventional crops such as maize and soybean meal. Its recalcitrant cell wall may cause antinutritional effects when included in monogastric diets. This can be prevented by using exogenous enzyme supplementation, namely CAZymes, aimed at degrading this cell wall during digestion. Liver proteomics was used to identify the impact of these diets in finishing pig metabolism.

Using Microalgae as a Sustainable Feed Resource to Enhance Quality and Nutritional Value of Pork and Poultry Meat.

Cereal grains and soybean meal are the main feedstuffs used in swine and poultry feeding, two of the most consumed meats and of key relevance to food security worldwide. Such crops are grown mostly in North and South America and transported over large distances creating sustainability concerns and, furthermore, are in direct competition with human nutrition. Alternatives to these ingredients are, thus, a pressing need to ensure the sustainability of swine and poultry production. Microalgae seem to be a viable alternative due to their interesting nutritional composition. The use of different microalgae in monogastric feeding has been addressed by different researchers over the last decade, particularly their use as a supplement, whilst their use as a feed ingredient has been comparatively less studied. In addition, the high production costs of microalgae are a barrier and prevent higher dietary inclusion. Studies on the effect of microalgae on meat quality refer mostly to fatty acid composition, using these either as a functional ingredient or as a feedstuff. Within such a context and in line with such a rationale, in this review we address the current research on the topic of the use of microalgae in poultry and swine nutrition, particularly aspects concerning pork and poultry meat quality and nutritional traits.

A viewpoint on the use of microalgae as an alternative feedstuff in the context of pig and poultry feeding-a special emphasis on tropical regions.

With the current increase in meat and animal products consumption, there is a need to make production systems more sustainable. The use of microalgae in monogastric feeds, replacing widely used conventional feedstuffs such corn and soybean, can be a solution to overcome this problem. Several studies have shown promising results in the use of microalgae in feeding of both pigs and poultry. However, there are several important constraints associated to the production of microalgae. Such constraints are particularly limiting in the context of tropical regions. Research and scientific development on microalgae production systems are thus essential so that may be widely used in monogastric feeding. Herein, we conduct an overview of the major findings in the use of microalgae in the context of monogastric feeding and analyse the major constraints associated to its production and use, particularly in the specific context of tropical regions.

Effects of Chlorella vulgaris as a Feed Ingredient on the Quality and Nutritional Value of Weaned Piglets' Meat.

Chlorella vulgaris (CH) is usually considered a feed supplement in pig nutrition, and its use as an ingredient is poorly studied. Among many interesting characteristics, this microalga has high protein levels and can be a putative alternative for soybean meal. Our aim was to study the effect of a 5% CH incorporation in the diet, individually or combined with two carbohydrases, on meat quality traits and nutritional value. Forty-four post-weaned male piglets individually housed, with an initial live weight of 11.2 ± 0.46 kg, were randomly distributed into four experimental groups: control (n = 11, without CH) and three groups fed with 5% CH incorporation, plain (n = 10), with 0.005% Rovabio® Excel AP (n = 10), and with 0.01% of a pre-selected four-CAZyme mixture (n = 11). After two weeks of trial, piglets were slaughtered and longissimus lumborum collected. CH had no effect on piglets' growth performance. In turn, incorporation of CH improved the nutritional value of meat by increasing total carotenoids and n-3 PUFA content, thus contributing to a more positive n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio. The supplementation with Rovabio® benefited tenderness and increased overall acceptability of pork. Our results show beyond doubt the viability of the utilization of this microalga as a feed ingredient for swine production.

Stress response of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) to environmental contamination with selected pharmaceuticals: A proteomic study.

Pharmaceutical compounds have been found in rivers and treated wastewaters. They often contaminate irrigation waters and consequently accumulate in edible vegetables, causing changes in plants metabolism. The main objective of this work is to understand how lettuce plants cope with the contamination from three selected pharmaceuticals using a label free proteomic analysis. A lettuce hydroponic culture, grown for 36 days, was exposed to metformin, acetaminophen and carbamazepine (at 1 mg/L), during 8 days, after which roots and leaves were sampled and analysed using a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry proteomics-based approach. In roots, a total of 612 proteins showed differentially accumulation while in leaves 237 proteins were identified with significant differences over controls. Carbamazepine was the contaminant that most affected protein abundance in roots, while in leaves the highest number of differentially accumulated proteins was observed for acetaminophen. In roots under carbamazepine, stress related protein species such as catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidases presented higher abundance. Ascorbate peroxidase increased in roots under metformin. Cell respiration protein species were affected by the presence of the three pharmaceuticals suggesting possible dysregulation of the Krebs cycle. Acetaminophen caused the main differences in respiration pathways, with more emphasis in leaves. Lettuce plants revealed different tolerance levels when contaminants were compared, being more tolerant to metformin presence and less tolerant to carbamazepine. SIGNIFICANCE: The significant increase of emerging contaminants in ecosystems makes essential to understand how these compounds may affect the metabolism of different organisms. Our study contributes with a detailed approach of the main interactions that may occur in plant metabolism when subjected to the stress induced by three different pharmaceuticals (acetaminophen, carbamazepine and metformin).

Influence of dietary Spirulina inclusion and lysozyme supplementation on the longissimus lumborum muscle proteome of newly weaned piglets.

Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) is a microalga with a high content of crude protein. It has a recalcitrant cell wall that limits the accessibility of the animal endogenous enzymes to its intracellular nutrients. Enzymatic supplementation aiming to degrade cell walls could benefit microalgae digestibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of dietary Spirulina and lysozyme supplementation over the muscle proteome of piglets during the post-weaning stage. Thirty piglets were randomly distributed among three diets: control (no microalga), SP (10% Spirulina) and SP + L (10% Spirulina +0.01% lysozyme). After 4 weeks, they were sacrificed and samples of the longissimus lumborum muscle were taken. The muscle proteome was analysed using a Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based quantitative approach. A total of 832 proteins were identified. Three comparisons were computed: SP vs Ctrl, SP + L vs Ctrl and SP + L vs SP. They had ten, four and twelve differentially abundant proteins. Glycogen metabolism and nutrient reserves utilization are increased in the SP piglets. Structural muscle protein synthesis increased, causing higher energy requirements in SP + L piglets. Our results demonstrate the usefulness of proteomics to disclose the effect of dietary microalgae, whilst unveiling putative mechanisms derived from lysozyme supplementation. Data available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD024083. SIGNIFICANCE: Spirulina, a microalga, is an alternative to conventional crops which could enhance the environmental sustainability of animal production. Due to its recalcitrant cell wall, its use requires additional measures to prevent anti-nutritional effects on the feeding of piglets in the post-weaning period, during which they endure post-weaning stress. One of such measures could be CAZyme supplementation to help degrade the cell wall during digestion. Muscle proteomics provides insightful data on the effect of dietary microalgae and enzyme activity on piglet metabolism.

Influence of Dietary Supplementation with an Amino Acid Mixture on Inflammatory Markers, Immune Status and Serum Proteome in LPS-Challenged Weaned Piglets.

In order to investigate the effect of a dietary amino acid mixture supplementation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged weaned piglets, twenty-seven 28-day-old (8.2 ± 1.0 kg) newly weaned piglets were randomly allocated to one of three experimental treatments for five weeks. Diet 1: a CTRL treatment. Diet 2: an LPS treatment, where piglets were intraperitoneally administered LPS (25 µg/kg) on day 7. Diet 3: an LPS+MIX treatment, where piglets were intraperitoneally administered LPS on day 7 and fed a diet supplemented with a mixture of 0.3% of arginine, branched-chain amino acids (leucine, valine, and isoleucine), and cystine (MIX). Blood samples were drawn on day 10 and day 35, and serum was analysed for selected chemical parameters and proteomics. The LPS and LPS+MIX groups exhibited an increase in haptoglobin concentrations on day 10. The LPS group showed an increased cortisol concentration, while this concentration was reduced in the LPS+MIX group compared to the control group. Similarly, the LPS+MIX group showed a decreased haptoglobin concentration on day 35 compared to the two other groups. Immunoglobulin concentrations were affected by treatments. Indeed, on day 10, the concentrations of IgG and IgM were decreased by the LPS challenge, as illustrated by the lower concentrations of these two immunoglobulins in the LPS group compared to the control group. In addition, the supplementation with the amino acid mixture in the LPS+MIX further decreased IgG and increased IgM concentrations compared to the LPS group. Although a proteomics approach did not reveal important alterations in the protein profile in response to treatments, LPS-challenged piglets had an increase in proteins linked to the immune response, when compared to piglets supplemented with the amino acid mixture. Overall, data indicate that LPS-challenged piglets supplemented with this amino acid mixture are more protected against the detrimental effects of LPS.

Domestic animal proteomics in the 21st century: A global retrospective and viewpoint analysis.

Animal production and health are of significant economic importance, particularly regarding the world food supply. Animal and veterinary sciences have evolved immensely in the past six decades, particularly in genetics, nutrition, housing, management and health. To address major challenges such as those posed by climate change or metabolic disorders, it is of utmost importance to use state-of-the-art research tools. Proteomics and the other post-genomic tools (transcriptomics or metabolomics) are among them. Proteomics has experienced a considerable development over the last decades. This brought developments to different scientific fields. The use and adoption of proteomics tools in animal and veterinary sciences has some limitations (database availability or access to proteomics platforms and funding). As a result, proteomics' use by animal science researchers varies across the globe. In this viewpoint article, we focus on the developments of domestic animal proteomics over the last decade in different regions of the globe and how the researchers have coped with such challenges. In the second part of the article, we provide examples of funding, educational and laboratory establishment initiatives designed to foster the development of (animal-based) proteomics. International scientific collaboration is a definitive and key feature in the development and advancement of domestic animal proteomics. SIGNIFICANCE: Animal production and health are very important for food supply worldwide particularly as a source of proteinaceous foods. Animal and veterinary sciences have evolved immensely in the last decades. In order to address the major contemporary challenges facing animal and veterinary sciences, it is of utmost importance to use state-of-the-art research tools such as Proteomics and other Omics. Herein, we focus on the major developments in domestic animal proteomics worldwide during the last decade and how different regions of the world have used the technology in this specific research field. We address also major international efforts aiming to increase the research output in this area and highlight the importance of international cooperation to address specific problems inherent to domestic animal proteomics.

The application of omics in ruminant production: a review in the tropical and sub-tropical animal production context.

The demand for animal products (e.g. dairy and beef) in tropical regions is expected to increase in parallel with the public demand for sustainable practices, due to factors such as population growth and climate change. The necessity to increase animal production output must be achieved with better management and production technologies. For this to happen, novel research methodologies, animal selection and postgenomic tools play a pivotal role. Indeed, improving breeder selection programs, the quality of meat and dairy products as well as animal health will contribute to higher sustainability and productivity. This would surely benefit regions where resource quality and quantity are increasingly unstable, and research is still very incipient, which is the case of many regions in the tropics. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate how omics-based approaches play a major role in animal science, particularly concerning ruminant production systems and research associated to the tropics and developing countries. SIGNIFICANCE: Environmental conditions in the tropics make livestock production harder, compared to temperate regions. Due to global warming, the sustainability of livestock production will become increasingly problematic. The use of novel omics technologies could generate useful information to understand adaptation mechanisms of resilient breeds and/or species. The application of omics to tropical animal production is still residual in the currently available literature. With this review, we aim to summarize the most notable results in the field whilst encouraging further research to deal with the future challenges that animal production in the tropics will need to face.

Amino acid profiles of muscle and liver tissues of Australian Merino, Damara and Dorper lambs under restricted feeding.

Seasonal weight loss (SWL) is a major constraint in extensive animal production systems in the tropics and Mediterranean. The objective of this study was to characterize the amino acid profile of muscle and hepatic tissues of Australian Merino, Damara and Dorper lambs under restricted feeding to evaluate the impact of SWL at the metabolic and physiological levels. SWL induced generalized muscle protein breakdown among restricted groups of all breeds, with varying intensity. Dorper breed mobilized less muscle amino acids when under these conditions, with the Damara having frequent significant differences, namely by having lower amino acid concentrations in the muscle of restricted lambs. Damara lambs showed greater ability to catabolize branched-chain amino acids in the muscle tissue, which indicates yet another mechanism that provides the Damara with the necessary tools to endure harsh conditions. Overall, the Damara breed mobilized more muscle amino acids than the other breeds, with a better capacity to catabolize branched-chain amino acids in the muscle, while maintaining muscle structural integrity.

A real time, wearable ECG and continous blood pressure monitoring system for first responders.

The study of stress and fatigue among First Responders is a major step in mitigating this public health problem. Blood pressure, heart rate variability and fatigue related arrhythmia are three of the main "windows" to study stress and fatigue. In this paper we present a wearable medical device, capable of acquiring an electrocardiogram and estimating blood pressure in real time, through a pulse wave transit time approach. The system is based on an existent certified wearable medical device called "Vital Jacket" and is aimed to become a tool to allow cardiologists in studying stress and fatigue among first response professionals.