Boric Acid in Milk Replacer as a Health Enhancer and Growth Promoter for Lambs in the Suckling Period.

This study was performed to investigate the effects of boric acid supplementation in milk replacer of lambs in the suckling period on performance, biochemical parameters, the antioxidant system, fecal culture, and expression of some genes. During the suckling period, 60 lambs (4 days old) were randomly given four levels of boric acid (0, 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg body weight) via milk replacer for 57 days. The lambs supplemented with boric acid had a higher weight gain and better feed conversion ratio. Boric acid supplementation quadratically increased serum triglyceride, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, serum antioxidant activity and oxidative stress biomarkers, and fecal flora and decreased IL1ß, IL10, iNOS, NF-kB, and TNF-α gene expressions. The effect of boric acid on rumen papilla development could not be determined since the animals were not slaughtered. In conclusion, the use of boric acid to lambs in the suckling period improved the average weekly body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency, positively affected some biochemical parameters, antioxidant system, and intestinal flora, and also affected gene expressions related to the immune system. Boric acid supplementation had a beneficial effect on the health and growth of suckling lambs.

Foot-and-mouth disease-associated myocarditis is age dependent in suckling calves.

Myocarditis is considered a fatal form of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in suckling calves. In the present study, a total of 17 calves under 4 months of age and suspected clinically for FMD were examined for clinical lesions, respiratory rate, heart rate, and heart rhythm. Lesion samples, saliva, nasal swabs, and whole blood were collected from suspected calves and subjected to Sandwich ELISA and reverse transcription multiplex polymerase chain reaction (RT-mPCR) for detection and serotyping of FMD virus (FMDV). The samples were found to be positive for FMDV serotype "O". Myocarditis was suspected in 6 calves based on tachypnoea, tachycardia, and gallop rhythm. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase myocardial band (CK-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cardiac troponins (cTnI) were measured. Mean serum AST, cTn-I and LDH were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in < 2 months old FMD-infected calves showing clinical signs suggestive of myocarditis (264.833 ± 4.16; 11.650 ± 0.34 and 1213.33 ± 29.06) than those without myocarditis (< 2 months old: 110.00 ± 0.00, 0.06 ± 0.00, 1050.00 ± 0.00; > 2 months < 4 months: 83.00 ± 3.00, 0.05 ± 0.02, 1159.00 ± 27.63) and healthy control groups (< 2 months old: 67.50 ± 3.10, 0.047 ± 0.01, 1120.00 ± 31.62; > 2 months < 4 months: 72.83 ± 2.09, 0.47 ± 0.00, 1160.00 ± 18.44). However, mean serum CK-MB did not differ significantly amongst the groups. Four calves under 2 months old died and a necropsy revealed the presence of a pathognomic gross lesion of the myocardial form of FMD known as "tigroid heart". Histopathology confirmed myocarditis. This study also reports the relevance of clinical and histopathological findings and biochemical markers in diagnosing FMD-related myocarditis in suckling calves.

The effects of exposure to and timing of a choline-deficient diet during pregnancy and early postnatal life on the skeletal muscle transcriptome of the offspring.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is related to muscle loss, but the precise mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. The aim of the present study was thus to determine the influence of maternal fatty liver and dietary choline deficiency during pregnancy and/or lactation periods on the skeletal muscle gene expression profile among 24-day-old male rat offspring. METHODS: Histological examination of skeletal muscle tissue specimens obtained from offspring of dams suffering from fatty liver, provided with proper choline intake during pregnancy and lactation (NN), fed a choline-deficient diet during both periods (DD), deprived of choline only during pregnancy (DN), or only during lactation (ND), was performed. The global transcriptome pattern was assessed using a microarray approach (Affymetrix® Rat Gene 2.1 ST Array Strip). The relative expression of selected genes was validated by real-time PCR (qPCR). RESULTS: Morphological differences in fat accumulation in skeletal muscle related to choline supply were observed. The global gene expression profile was consistent with abnormal morphological changes. Mettl21c gene was overexpressed in all choline-deficient groups compared to the NN group, while two genes, Cdkn1a and S100a4, were downregulated. Processes of protein biosynthesis were upregulated, and processes related to cell proliferation and lipid metabolism were inhibited in DD, DN, and ND groups compared to the NN group. CONCLUSIONS: Prenatal and early postnatal exposure to fatty liver and dietary choline deficiency leads to changes in the transcriptome profile in skeletal muscle of 24-day old male rat offspring and is associated with muscle damage, but the mechanism of it seems to be different at different developmental stages of life. Adequate choline intake during pregnancy and lactation can prevent severe muscle disturbance in the progeny of females suffering from fatty liver.

A simple protocol to establish a conditionally immortalized mouse podocyte cell line.

Podocytes are specialized terminally differentiated cells in the glomerulus that are the primary target cells in many glomerular diseases. However, the current podocyte cell lines suffer from prolonged in vitro differentiation and limited survival time, which impede research progress. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a cell line that exhibits superior performance and characteristics. We propose a simple protocol to obtain an immortalized mouse podocyte cell (MPC) line from suckling mouse kidneys. Primary podocytes were cultured in vitro and infected with the SV40 tsA58 gene to obtain immortalized MPCs. The podocytes were characterized using Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Podocyte injury was examined using the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and flow cytometry. First, we successfully isolated an MPC line and identified 39 °C as the optimal differentiation temperature. Compared to undifferentiated MPCs, the expression of WT1 and synaptopodin was upregulated in differentiated MPCs. Second, the MPCs ceased proliferating at a nonpermissive temperature after day 4, and podocyte-specific proteins were expressed normally after at least 15 passages. Finally, podocyte injury models were induced to simulate podocyte injury in vitro. In summary, we provide a simple and popularized protocol to establish a conditionally immortalized MPC, which is a powerful tool for the study of podocytes.

Application of Statistical Analysis and Machine Learning to Identify Infants' Abnormal Suckling Behavior.

OBJECTIVE: Identify infants with abnormal suckling behavior from simple non-nutritive suckling devices. BACKGROUND: While it is well known breastfeeding is beneficial to the health of both mothers and infants, breastfeeding ceases in 75 percent of mother-child dyads by 6 months. The current standard of care lacks objective measurements to screen infant suckling abnormalities within the first few days of life, a critical time to establish milk supply and successful breastfeeding practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A non-nutritive suckling vacuum measurement system, previously developed by the authors, is used to gather data from 91 healthy full-term infants under thirty days old. Non-nutritive suckling was recorded for a duration of sixty seconds. We establish normative data for the mean suck vacuum, maximum suck vacuum, suckling frequency, burst duration, sucks per burst, and vacuum signal shape. We then apply computational methods (Mahalanobis distance, KNN) to detect anomalies in the data to identify infants with abnormal suckling. We finally provide case studies of healthy newborn infants and infants diagnosed with ankyloglossia. RESULTS: In a series of case evaluations, we demonstrate the ability to detect abnormal suckling behavior using statistical analysis and machine learning. We evaluate cases of ankyloglossia to determine how oral dysfunction and surgical interventions affect non-nutritive suckling measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Statistical analysis (Mahalanobis Distance) and machine learning [K nearest neighbor (KNN)] can be viable approaches to rapidly interpret infant suckling measurements. Particularly in practices using the digital suck assessment with a gloved finger, it can provide a more objective, early stage screening method to identify abnormal infant suckling vacuum. This approach for identifying those at risk for breastfeeding complications is crucial to complement complex emerging clinical evaluation technology. CLINICAL IMPACT: By analyzing non-nutritive suckling using computational methods, we demonstrate the ability to detect abnormal and normal behavior in infant suckling that can inform breastfeeding intervention pathways in clinic.Clinical and Translational Impact Statement: The work serves to shed light on the lack of consensus for determining appropriate intervention pathways for infant oral dysfunction. We demonstrate using statistical analysis and machine learning that normal and abnormal infant suckling can be identified and used in determining if surgical intervention is a necessary solution to resolve infant feeding difficulties.

Effective breastfeeding techniques and associated factors among lactating women: a community-based study, north east Ethiopia.

Background: Effective breastfeeding techniques, which include proper attachment, positioning, and suckling, offer a range of benefits for both the mother and the infant. These techniques ensure efficient milk transfer, reduce the risk of infections, support optimal infant weight gain, enhance maternal comfort, and foster a strong emotional bond. This study aimed to identify the magnitude and factors associated with effective breastfeeding techniques among lactating women in the Legambo district of South Wollo, Ethiopia, in 2022. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to November 2022. Samples were selected using a multi-stage sampling method from 18 wards (kebele). Data were collected using an interviewer-administered structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. The collected data were entered into Epi-Data and then exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the magnitude and associated factors. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 on multivariable analysis were considered independent factors associated with the outcome variable. Results: Six hundred and ten lactating women were included for observation and interviewed, resulting in a 96.2% response rate. The magnitude of effective breastfeeding technique practice was found to be 25.9% (95% CI: 22.47-29.57%). Factors associated with effective breastfeeding technique practice included being a working woman (AOR = 1.70; 95%CI: 1.07-2.72), age between 26 and 30 years (AOR = 0.37; 95%CI: 0.16-0.84), urban residence (AOR = 1.59; 95%CI: 1.06-2.39), initiating breastfeeding 1 to 2 h after birth (AOR = 0.27; 95%CI: 0.16-0.43), and initiating breastfeeding after 2 h of birth (AOR = 0.34; 95%CI: 0.17-0.67). Additionally, not receiving breastfeeding education (AOR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.30-0.72) and experiencing current breast problems (AOR = 0.28; 95%CI: 0.28-0.75) were also found to have a significant association with effective breastfeeding technique practice. Conclusion: Only one in four women demonstrated effective breastfeeding techniques, indicating that their practice was below the WHO's recommendations. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the identified variables to improve the practice of effective breastfeeding techniques.

Bacillus subtilis alleviates excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells in intrauterine growth restriction suckling piglets via the members of Bcl-2 and caspase families.

BACKGROUND: The intestine is a barrier resisting various stress responses. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) can cause damage to the intestinal barrier via destroying the balance of intestinal epithelial cells' proliferation and apoptosis. Bacillus subtilis has been reported to regulate intestinal epithelial cells' proliferation and apoptosis. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if B. subtilis could regulate intestinal epithelial cells' proliferation and apoptosis in intrauterine growth restriction suckling piglets. RESULTS: Compared with the normal birth weight group, the IUGR group showed greater mean optical density values of Ki-67-positive cells in the ileal crypt (P < 0.05). IUGR resulted in higher ability of proliferation and apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, by upregulation of the messenger RNA (mRNA) or proteins expression of leucine rich repeat containing G protein coupled receptor 5, Caspase-3, Caspase-7, ß-catenin, cyclinD1, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated agonist of cell death, and BCL2 associated X (P < 0.05), and downregulation of the mRNA or protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 and B-cell lymphoma-2-like 1 (P < 0.05). However, B. subtilis supplementation decreased the mRNA or proteins expression of leucine rich repeat containing G protein coupled receptor 5, SPARC related modular calcium binding 2, tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 19, cyclinD1, Caspase-7, ß-catenin, B-cell lymphoma-2 associated agonist of cell death, and Caspase-3 (P < 0.05), and increased the mRNA expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: IUGR led to excessive apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, which induced compensatory proliferation. However, B. subtilis treatment prevented intestinal epithelial cells of IUGR suckling piglets from excessive apoptosis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Maternal behavior of dairy cows and suckling behavior of dairy calves in different cow-calf-contact conditions.

Cow-calf contact (CCC) has been suggested as an alternative to the common practice of early separation of dairy cow and calf. Increasing CCC poses challenges by reducing the machine milk yield and increasing separation stress. Part-time CCC may prove more feasible than full-time contact for farmers but may affect the maternal behavior of the cows. Gradually reducing the daily contact could gradually wean the calf off milk, preparing it for separation. This study aims to investigate 1) how cows' maternal behaviors toward their own calf are affected by part-time contact, and 2) whether calves' suckling behavior is reduced by reducing daily cow contact. Fifty-six dairy cows and their calves were assigned to either full-time (23 h/d) or part-time (10 h/d) cow-calf contact for 7 weeks (main rearing period). This was followed by 2 weeks of either reduced contact (50% in wk 8, then 25% of original contact time in wk 9) or unchanged contact. First, the maternal behavior of full and part-time cows was observed for 24 h in the third week of the main rearing period. Part-time cows spent less time nursing and grooming their own calf than full-time cows did. However, the amount of nursing in the inverse parallel position and the probability of a cow nursing a calf other than her own did not differ between the 2 treatments. Second, calf suckling behavior was observed for 24 h in both weeks of the reduced contact period. Averaged across both observations, total suckling time (i.e., time spent suckling any cow) was lower in part-time calves that experienced reduced contact compared with part-time calves with unchanged contact. In wk 9, time spent suckling only the dam was lower for full-time calves with reduced contact compared with part-time calves with unchanged contact. In conclusion, although we found a lower nursing and grooming time in part-time cows compared with full-time, we found no difference between treatments with regards to nursing in the inverse parallel position and nursing a calf other than the cow's own. The effect of gradually reducing cow-calf contact on calves' suckling time requires more research.

Iron status in piglets at three days of age and at weaning and possible seasonal effects on the blood haemoglobin levels in a Swedish outdoor pig-producing farm.

BACKGROUND: Piglets are born with limited stores of iron, and with an increasing number of live-born piglets, there may be a risk that the sows cannot provide enough iron to their offspring. The iron content in soil may not meet the demands of today's piglet, born and reared in an outdoor setting. The study aimed to describe the blood haemoglobin (Hb) levels in pigs reared outdoors and to determine whether piglets have higher Hb levels at weaning when an iron supplement is administered intramuscularly at three days of age, as compared to pigs not given an iron supplement. The seasonal variation in Hb-levels was also to be investigated. The Hb concentration was analysed with a HemoCue 201 + Hb photometer. RESULTS: In total 56 litters (399 piglets) were included in the study and sampled at three days of age, while 378 piglets were sampled at weaning. The mean Hb level at three days of age was 91 g/L (48-154 g/L). In total 47% of the piglets had Hb levels < 90 g/L at three days of age. The mean Hb level at weaning was 127 g/L (76-176 g/L), with a lower level (122 g/L) in the group given the iron supplement than in the group not given an iron supplement (132 g/L). Only 1% of the piglets had Hb levels lower than 90 g/L at weaning. Results indicative of a seasonal effect on Hb levels at three days of age was demonstrated. Piglets born in spring had significantly lower Hb levels, and piglets born in autumn had significantly higher Hb levels. No seasonal effect could be demonstrated for Hb levels at day 33. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the natural uptake from the environment was sufficient, but that there was a seasonal effect on the Hb levels at three days of age. This indicates that there might be a need for different routines regarding iron supplementation in outdoor reared piglets depending on the climate and season.

Observation of the Effects of Different Enzyme Digestion Time and Enzyme Digestion Methods on the Extraction of Primary Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells from Sprague-Dawley Suckling Mice.

Renal tubular epithelial cells are one of the essential functional cells in the kidney. Optimizing the isolation and culture method of primary renal tubular epithelial cells from SD mammary rats provides better experimental materials for renal tubule-related studies, which is essential for studying the pathogenesis of renal diseases, especially diabetic nephropathy and drug screening. SD rat renal tubular epithelial cells were isolated and purified by 2.5-mg/ml collagenase II or 2 mg/ml trypsin + 2.5 mg/ml collagenase II enzymatic digestion. The isolation and purification were observed at different time points (15 min, 30 min, 45 min, and 60 min) to determine the optimal extraction time for the enzymatic digestion method. After comparing the two enzymatic methods, it was determined that the trypsin + collagenase II enzymatic method was more effective. The primary renal tubular epithelial cells extracted by the trypsin + collagenase II digestion method were identified by the marker Cytokeratin 18 of renal tubular epithelial cells at 45 min of digestion with high purity. We established a simple, efficient, and reproducible method for isolation and culture of renal tubular epithelial cells in SD mammary gland rats.

Intracellular Regulation Limits the Response of Intestinal Ferroportin to Iron Status in Suckling Rats.

SCOPE: Iron status is regulated via iron absorption as there is no active iron excretion. Divalent metal-ion transporter-1 (DMT1) and ferroportin (FPN) are two key proteins vital for iron absorption, but the regulation of them in suckling mammals differs from that in adults. This study aims to explore regulation of iron transporters under different iron conditions during suckling. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study developed suckling rats under different iron conditions. Unexpectedly, unchanged FPN at different iron status are detected. Since FPN is the only known iron exporter for mammals, unchanged FPN limits iron exported into blood during suckling. Thus, factors regulating FPN at transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational levels are detected. Results showed that Fpn mRNA is upregulated, while micro RNA-485(miR-485) which could silence Fpn mRNA is upregulated at low iron status limiting translation of Fpn mRNA. Besides, serum hepcidin and liver Hamp mRNA are upregulated, but ring finger protein 217( Rnf217) mRNA remained unchanged at high iron status leading to FPN not downregulated as adults. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study indicates that translational regulation limits intestinal FPN protein response to iron deficiency and Rnf217 cannot effectively mediate the degradation of FPN at high iron status, which provides a reference for maintaining iron homeostasis during suckling.

Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial diversity and volatile fatty acid, and blood biochemical indices of suckling donkeys fed diets supplemented with multienzymes.

BACKGROUND: As the foal grows, the amount of breast milk produced by the donkey decreases. In such cases, early supplemental feeding is particularly important to meet the growth needs of the foal. Foals have an incompletely developed gastrointestinal tract with a homogenous microbiota and produce insufficient amounts of digestive enzymes, which limit their ability to digest and utilize forage. Improving the utilization of early supplemental feeds, promoting gastrointestinal tract development, and enriching microbial diversity are the hotspots of rapid growth research in dairy foals. Plant-based feeds usually contain non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs), including cellulose, xylan, mannan, and glucan, which hinder nutrient digestion and absorption. In addition, proteins and starch (both biomolecules) form a composite system mainly through non-covalent interactions. The proteins wrap around the surface of starch granules and act as a physical obstacle, thereby inhibiting water absorption and expansion of starch and decreasing the enzyme's catalytic effect on starch. Glyanase, ß-mannanase, ß-glucanase, cellulase, protease, and amylase added to cereal diets can alleviate the adverse effects of NSPs. The current study determined the effects of adding multienzymes (glyanase, ß-mannanase, ß-glucanase, cellulase, protease, and amylase) to the diet of 2-month-old suckling donkeys on their growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, fecal volatile fatty acid (VFA) and pH, fecal bacterial composition, and blood biochemical indices. RESULTS: On day 120 of the trial, fecal samples were collected from the rectum of donkeys for determining bacterial diversity, VFA content, and pH. Moreover, fresh fecal samples were collected from each donkey on days 110 and 115 to determine apparent digestibility. The multienzymes supplementations did not affect growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility in the donkeys; however, they tended to increase total height gain (P = 0.0544). At the end of the study, the multienzymes supplementations increased (P < 0.05) the Observed species, ACE, Chao1, and Shannon indices by 10.56%, 10.47%, 10.49%, and 5.01%, respectively. The multienzymes supplementations also increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of Firmicutes, Oscillospiraceae, Lachnospiraceae, Christensenellaceae, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Streptococcus in feces, whereas decreased (P = 0.0086) the abundance of Proteobacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Multienzymes supplementations added to a basal diet for suckling donkeys can increase fecal microbial diversity and abundance.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme rennet containing chymosin and pepsin A from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats, lambs and buffaloes.

The food enzyme containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) and pepsin (EC 3.4.23.1) is prepared from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats, lambs and buffaloes by Caglificio Clerici S.p.A. It is intended to be used in the production of cheese. As no concerns arise from the source of the food enzyme, from its manufacture and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considered that toxicological data were not required and no exposure assessment was necessary. The similarity of the amino acid sequences of the two proteins (chymosin and pepsin A) to those of known allergens was searched and two matches were found with respiratory allergens. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Short-term responses of meat ewes facing an acute nutritional challenge in early-mid lactation.

Simulating a consequence of a climate change event on feed availability, responses of Mediterranean meat ewes facing an acute undernutritional challenge (CHA; i.e., fed only low nutritional value cereal straw) were evaluated at a sensitive physiological stage (i.e., early suckling). Forty Romane ewes were chosen at early-mid pregnancy (around 2 mo) according to parity (20 primiparous, PRIM; 20 multiparous, MULT); feed efficiency genetic line of their sires (residual feed intake [RFI]; efficient, RFI-, n = 10 per parity; inefficient, RFI+, n = 10 per parity); litter size (i.e., bearing twins, diagnosed by ultrasonography); body weight (BW, kg) and body condition score (BCS) (initial BW and BCS [mean ±â€…SD]: 51.6 ±â€…7.41 kg; 2.5 ±â€…0.20, respectively; representing flock' averages per parity). Effects on dry matter intake (DMI), ewes' BW and BCS, subcutaneous dorsal fat thickness (DFT), energy metabolism (plasma non-esterified fatty acids [NEFA], ß-hydroxybutyrate (ß-OHB), glucose, urea, triiodothyronine [T3]), and lambs' growth (BW and average daily gain [ADG]; g/d) were examined before, during and after CHA. Individuals' profiles of the response-recovery to CHA were described using a piecewise mixed-effects model. The fixed effect of parity and genetic line and the random effect of individual (ewe) were considered. A linear mixed-effects model was fitted to explore the effects on lambs' growth. The 2-d straw-only CHA had significant effects on most of the recorded parameters. Meaningful drops and recoveries were observed on ewes' DMI, BW, and DFT with effect on postchallenge levels. BW, BCS, DFT, or DMI were also affected by parity (MULT > PRIM) but not by genetic line. Plasma NEFA, ß-OHB, glucose, urea, and T3 responded well to CHA with drops in T3, urea, and glucose levels, whereas NEFA and ß-OHB significantly increased after CHA. MULT ewes presented sharper ß-OHB recovery from CHA than PRIM (P ≤ 0.05). With this study, we provide tangible and necessary data for an emerging field of research. Our results give new insights into how such a short and abrupt CHA affects some key zootechnical and physiological parameters, and to what extent the impacts of CHA and the ewes' response-recovery are influenced. It also revealed potential between-individual differences in the adaptive capacities of ewes, which require further exploration.

Bile Acid Metabolic Profiles and Their Correlation with Intestinal Epithelial Cell Proliferation and Barrier Integrity in Suckling Piglets.

Bile acids (BAs) are crucial for maintaining intestinal epithelial homeostasis. However, the metabolic changes in BAs and the communication between intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in infants after birth remain unclear. This study aims to elucidate the BA profiles of newborn piglets (NPs) and suckling piglets (SPs), and to investigate their regulatory effects on IEC proliferation and barrier integrity, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. In this study, compared with NPs, there were significant increases in serum triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, and albumin levels for SPs. The total serum BA content in SPs exhibited an obvious increase. Moreover, the expression of BA synthase cytochrome P450 27A1 (CYP27A1) was increased, and the ileal BA receptor Takeda G-coupled protein receptor 5 (TGR5) and proliferation marker Ki-67 were upregulated and showed a strong positive correlation through a Spearman correlation analysis, whereas the expression of farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and occludin was markedly downregulated in SPs and also revealed a strong positive correlation. These findings indicate that the increased synthesis and metabolism of BAs may upregulate TGR5 and downregulate FXR to promote IEC proliferation and influence barrier function; this offers a fresh perspective and evidence for the role of BAs and BA receptors in regulating intestinal development in neonatal pigs.

Long-lasting adverse effects of short-term stress during the suckling-mastication transition period on masticatory function and intraoral sensation in rats.

Early-life stress affects brain development, eventually resulting in adverse behavioral and physical health consequences in adulthood. The present study assessed the hypothesis that short-term early-life stress during infancy before weaning, a period for the maturation of mastication and sleep, poses long-lasting adverse effects on masticatory function and intraoral sensations later in life.Rat pups were exposed to either maternal separation (MS) or intermittent hypoxia (IH-Infancy) for 6 h/day in the light/sleep phase from postnatal day (P)17 to P20 to generate "neglect" and "pediatric obstructive sleep apnea" models, respectively. The remaining rats were exposed to IH during P45-P48 (IH-Adult). Masticatory ability was evaluated based on the rats' ability to chew pellets and bite pasta throughout the growth period (P21-P70). Intraoral chemical and mechanical sensitivities were assessed using two-bottle preference drinking tests, and hind paw pain thresholds were measured in adulthood (after P60).No differences were found in body weight, grip force, and hind paw sensitivity in MS, IH-Infancy, and IH-Adult rats compared with naïve rats. Masticatory ability was lower in MS and IH-Infancy rats from P28 to P70 than in naïve rats. MS and IH-Infancy rats exhibited intraoral hypersensitivity to capsaicin and mechanical stimulations in adulthood. The IH-Adult rats did not display inferior masticatory ability or intraoral hypersensitivity.In conclusion, short-term early-life stress during the suckling-mastication transition period potentially causes a persistent decrease in masticatory ability and intraoral hypersensitivity in adulthood. The period is a "critical window" for the maturation of oral motor and sensory functions.

Sodium butyrate administration improves intestinal development of suckling lambs.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions, and intestinal bacterial communities in sucking lambs. Forty lambs of 7 d old, with an average body weight (BW) of 4.46 ±â€…0.45 kg, were allocated into the control (CON) or SB group, with each group having five replicate pens (n = 5). Lambs were orally administered SB at 1.8 mL/kg BW in the SB group or the same volume of saline in the CON group. Treatments were administered from 7 to 35 d of age, when one lamb from each replicate was slaughtered to obtain intestinal tissues and contents. The results showed that supplementation with SB tended to increase the BW (P = 0.079) and the starter intake (P = 0.089) of lambs at 35 d of age. The average daily gain of lambs in the SB group was significantly greater than that in the CON group (P < 0.05). The villus height of jejunum in the SB group was markedly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the CON group. In ileum, lambs in the SB group had lower (P < 0.05) crypt depth and greater (P < 0.05) villus-to-crypt ratio than those in the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin were increased (P < 0.05) in the SB group. Supplementation with SB decreased the relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria, including Clostridia_UCG-014 (P = 0.094) and Romboutsia (P < 0.05), which were negatively associated with the intestinal barrier function genes (P < 0.05). The relative abundance of Succiniclasticum (P < 0.05) was higher in the SB group, and it was positively correlated with the ratio of villi height to crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, the function "Metabolism of Cofactors and Vitamins" was increased in the SB group lambs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, SB orally administration during suckling period could improve the small intestine development and growth performance of lambs by inhibiting the harmful bacteria (Clostridia_UCG-014, Romboutsia) colonization, and enhancing intestinal barrier functions.

It is well known that butyrate and its derivatives have various benefits for the rumen development of ruminants, whereas its effects on the small intestine in preweaned lambs have received little attention. Therefore, the present study investigated the effects of sodium butyrate (SB) supplementation on growth performance, intestinal barrier functions, and intestinal bacterial communities in sucking lambs. The results indicated that SB dietary treatment has beneficial effects on the small intestine development and growth performance of suckling lambs.

The roles of 6K protein on Getah virus replication and pathogenicity.

Alphavirus is a type of arbovirus that can infect both humans and animals. The amino acid sequence of the 6K protein, being one of the structural proteins of the alphavirus, is not conserved. Deletion of this protein will result in varying effects on different alphaviruses. Our study focuses on the function of the Getah virus (GETV) 6K protein in infected cells and mice. We successfully constructed infectious clone plasmids and created resulting viruses (rGETV and rGETV-Δ6K). Our comprehensive microscopic analysis revealed that the 6 K protein mainly stays in the endoplasmic reticulum. In addition, rGETV-Δ6K has lower thermal stability and sensitivity to temperature than GETV. Although the deletion of the 6K protein does not reduce virion production in ST cells, it affects the release of virions from host cells by inhibiting the process of E2 protein transportation to the plasma membrane. Subsequent in vivo testing demonstrated that neonatal mice infected with rGETV-Δ6K had a lower virus content, less significant pathological changes in tissue slices, and milder disease than those infected with the wild-type virus. Our results indicate that the 6K protein effectively reduces the viral titer by influencing the release of viral particles. Furthermore, the 6K protein play a role in the clinical manifestation of GETV disease.

Safety evaluation of the food enzyme rennet containing chymosin and pepsin A from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats and lambs.

The food enzyme rennet containing chymosin (EC 3.4.23.4) and pepsin A (EC 3.4.23.1) is prepared from the abomasum of suckling calves, goats and lambs by GENENCOR INTERNATIONAL B.V. The food enzyme is intended to be used in milk processing for cheese production. As no concerns arise from the animal source of the food enzyme or from its manufacture and based on the history of safe use and consumption, the Panel considered that toxicological data and the estimation of dietary exposure were not required. On the basis of literature data, the Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions by dietary exposure could not be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns under the intended conditions of use.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of Split-Suckling in Pigs According to Birth Weight.

Forty-eight litters were used, with a total number of 645 piglets involved in the study. The split-suckling technique was applied to half of the litters at the end of farrowing by removing the heaviest piglets over three periods of 1 h. The piglets were individually weighed at 0, 1 d, and at weaning. Piglet losses were recorded daily. Traceability was maintained until the carcass splitting and meat analysis took place. Carcasses were eviscerated and weighed individually. Total mortality at weaning was affected by body weight, where the low-body-weight piglets showed a mortality rate almost four times higher than that of the normal-weight piglets. Mortality was highest in the first days of life, especially in the low-body-weight piglets. At weaning, split-suckling treatment caused a slight increase in mortality compared to the control group piglets (25% vs. 17.1%). Split-suckling had a positive effect on weight gain during the first 24 h of life (p = 0.014), and there was an interaction between treatment and parity (p = 0.007), with split-suckling being more effective in the primiparous sows compared to the multiparous sows. The piglets from litters receiving the split-suckling treatment had a lower average daily gain during the lactation period (p < 0.001) than the piglets from the control group. Weight gain during the first 24 h of life of the piglets subjected to split-suckling was higher than those of the control group. A lower IgG and α-tocopherol in plasma in the heavier piglets subjected to split-suckling treatment was observed in comparison to their respective control. The piglets from litters receiving the treatment showed a lower average daily gain during the lactation period (p < 0.001) than the piglets from the control group. No difference in slaughter weight was observed according to treatment. The pigs which received split-suckling treatment showed lower subcutaneous fat thickness (p < 0.0013) and higher lean meat yield (p < 0.0027), this effect being more marked in pigs from primiparous sows. Intramuscular fat concentration was higher in the Longissimus Dorsi muscle of the low-body-weight piglets. In the pigs that received split-suckling treatment, a higher concentration of C18:3n-3 (p = 0.036) and a tendency towards a higher concentration of C18:2n-6 (p = 0.107) and unsaturation index (p = 0.113) was observed in intramuscular fatty acids at slaughter, together with a lower concentration of C16:0 (p = 0.053) and SFA (p = 0.064). In conclusion, long-term response to split-suckling, particularly in low-birth-weight piglets, suggests an alteration in adiposity and metabolic regulation in these piglets that receive high levels of colostrum.