Integrated Single-Trait and Multi-Trait GWASs Reveal the Genetic Architecture of Internal Organ Weight in Pigs.

Internal organ weight is an essential indicator of growth status as it reflects the level of growth and development in pigs. However, the associated genetic architecture has not been well explored because phenotypes are difficult to obtain. Herein, we performed single-trait and multi-trait genome-wide association studies (GWASs) to map the genetic markers and genes associated with six internal organ weight traits (including heart weight, liver weight, spleen weight, lung weight, kidney weight, and stomach weight) in 1518 three-way crossbred commercial pigs. In summation, single-trait GWASs identified a total of 24 significant single- nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 5 promising candidate genes, namely, TPK1, POU6F2, PBX3, UNC5C, and BMPR1B, as being associated with the six internal organ weight traits analyzed. Multi-trait GWAS identified four SNPs with polymorphisms localized on the APK1, ANO6, and UNC5C genes and improved the statistical efficacy of single-trait GWASs. Furthermore, our study was the first to use GWASs to identify SNPs associated with stomach weight in pigs. In conclusion, our exploration of the genetic architecture of internal organ weights helps us better understand growth traits, and the key SNPs identified could play a potential role in animal breeding programs.

Fetal and placental development in early gestation of hyper-prolific sows.

Modern hyper-prolific sows produce large litters with a high within-litter variation in birth weight and an increased number of low-birth-weight piglets per litter with higher mortality rates and lower growth rates compared to heavier littermates. This study aimed to describe fetal development in hyper-prolific sows, to characterize differences between large and small fetuses, and to determine when within-litter variation in fetal weight can be detected. Forty-seven multiparous sows were blood-sampled and slaughtered at day 28, 33, 45, 50, and 56 of gestation. Number of fetuses were counted, fetal body and organ weights were measured, and the intrauterine positioning was recorded. Length, width, and area of each placenta was measured and the fetus weight/placental weight ratio was calculated. The umbilical cords of the smallest, medium and the largest fetus of each litter were sampled for histological analysis. In total measurements were obtained for 1161 fetuses. The results revealed no difference in fetal survival between the gestational days (P > 0.05). Intrauterine positioning near the cervix significantly reduced fetal weight at day 56 (P < 0.05). Total litter weight and average fetal weight increased with gestational age and individual fetal weight was negatively affected by litter size from day 33 and onwards (P < 0.05). The coefficient of variation for within-litter variation in fetal weight was higher at day 28 compared to the other gestational days (P < 0.05). Relative brain- and heart weights decreased from day 28-56 (P < 0.001). Small fetuses had relatively heavier brains and hearts at day 45, 50 and 56 (P < 0.001). Size of placenta, fetus weight/placental weight ratio and length of umbilical cord increased with gestational age (P < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between size of placenta and weight of individual fetus (P < 0.001), the weight of the fetus was positively correlated with umbilical cord length (P < 0.001) and the umbilical cross-sectional area was correlated to fetal weight at day 56 (P < 0.01). Individual fetal weight was positively correlated to the fetus weight/placental weight ratio (P < 0.001). In conclusion, fetal growth was affected by litter size, placental weight, and -area, and umbilical cord length. Lightweight fetuses were characterized by having placentas with lower weight and area and shorter umbilical cords. Lastly, within-litter variation in fetal weight was detectable at day 28, and the coefficient of variance remained stable from day 33-56.

Hazard characterization of bisphenol A (BPA) based on rodent models - Multilevel meta-analysis and dose-response analysis for reproductive toxicity.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely used synthetic industrial compound frequently detected in food. Dietary exposure to BPA has been recognised as a potential health concern. However, there are uncertainties regarding BPA toxicity. The primary objective of this study was to summarise and analyse multiple toxicity endpoints of adverse reproductive effects caused by BPA exposure in rodent models. Therefore, a multilevel meta-analysis and subsequent dose-response analysis were conducted. Relevant articles published in English between 2012 and 2021 were collected from online databases, viz. Scopus, EmBase, Web of Science, and PubMed. In total, 41 studies were included for statistical analysis. All statistical analyses were performed using open-source RStudio packages. Summary effects indicated the statistical significance of BPA exposure on decreased sperm concentration (Hedges' g: -1.35) and motility (Hedges' g: -1.12) on average, while no significant effects were observed on the absolute and relative weight of male and female reproductive organs. The lowest mean toxicological reference dose values of 0.0011 mg (kg bw)-1 day-1 was proposed for BPA exposure on sperm concentration from the dose-response model. In conclusion, potential health risks from BPA exposure were shown with regards to reproductive toxicity, especially that sperm concentration and sperm motility require further attention.

Increased lung weight in fatal intoxications is not unique to opioid drugs.

Fatal intoxications with opioids are known to be associated with an increased lung weight, as well as with brain and pulmonary edema and urinary retention. However, there is evidence to suggest that fatal intoxications with non-opioid substances are also associated with increased lung weight; however, the latter aspect has not been comprehensively analyzed. To determine to what extent opioid and non-opioid substances are associated with increased lung and brain weight, we studied these organs in cases where the cause of death was attributed to intoxication with a single agent. Using data from cases autopsied at the National Board of Forensic Medicine (NBFM) in Sweden from 2009 through 2019 where the cause of death was attributed to a single substance, we created models of combined lung weight and brain weight. The models used age and sex as predictors as well as nested varying effects for the specific intoxicant and category of intoxicant. Suicidal hanging with negative toxicology cases served as controls. The population majority was male among both intoxications (68%) and controls (83%). The most common single substance group was opioids. All tested substances were associated with heavier lungs than controls, with the largest effect in the opioid group. Our findings show that several substances are associated with increased lung weight and that among intoxication deaths there is no difference in expected brain weight between substances. Hence, heavy lungs, without a reasonable explanation, should prompt a broad toxicological screening.

Subchronic toxicity of oral deltamethrin in laying chickens.

Pyrethroid pesticides, with low toxicity to birds and mammals and short persistence in the environment, are widely used now. With the development of intensive poultry farming, pesticide application leads to residues in poultry products and pollution in ecological environment. The aim of the present study was to examine deltamethrin subchronic toxicity in laying chickens. One hundred and twelve laying chickens were randomly assigned to 14 groups including 13 groups medicated with deltamethrin (n = 8) and one unmedicated group used as control (n = 8). Tissue samples were collected during and after administration for weighing and histopathological analysis. A single dose of deltamethrin (20 mg·kg-1·BW·d) was administered orally to laying chickens for 14 days. The results showed that deltamethrin has no significant effect on the relative organ weight of laying chickens (p > 0.05). The activities of aspartate aminotransferase and cholinesterase in the plasma gradually decreased over time in the medicated group (p < 0.05). Plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, and creatinine significantly increased during treatment (p < 0.05), and significant liver damage and loss of intestinal villous epithelium were observed. The intestinal wall thickness, villus height, and crypt depth of laying chickens were altered by deltamethrin treatment. During treatment was withdrawn, the intestinal repair was more extensive than the liver repair.

A Preliminary Study of Organ Weight After Histological Exclusion of Abnormality During Autopsy in the Adult Population of Uttarakhand, India.

Organomegaly can be a strong predictor of an underlying pathological condition. There are many standard tables available in various texts listing the normal organ weight range, yet there is a lack of a standard table that is accepted globally. The main reason behind this is variation in organ weight due to socioeconomic status, geographical variation, and racial and stature variation among different global populations. The Western population has different stature compared to our population, that is, residents of Uttarakhand, India. Different studies tabulated organ weights in different regions of the world and correlated with different bodily parameters such as sex, race, stature, BMI, etc, which have shown a significant variation. There are different sets of data available that cannot be accepted universally due to regional variation. Most of the studies done in various parts of the world do not specify the condition of the organ, whether it was normal at the time of study or not. The methods of dissection of organs were also not explained in different studies. In this study, a total of eight organs were weighed from 137 autopsies conducted at the mortuary of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Rishikesh over a period of 1.5 years. It was found that the average brain weighed in males was 1313.2 gm (±127.7 gm) and among females, it was 1218.0 gm (±122.82 gm). The weight of the heart was 310.1 gm (±83.97 gm) in males and 241.2 gm (±71.42 gm) in females. Right and left lungs weighed 499.4 gm (±207.5 gm)/407.5 gm (±128.66 gm) and 459.6 gm (±179.19 gm)/369.4 gm (±144.17 gm) among males and females, respectively. The liver weight was 1477.0 gm (±370.52 gm) in males and 1309.0 gm (±274.18 gm) among females. Spleen weighed 154.0 gm (±74.63 gm) in males and 156.0 gm (±65.0 gm) in females. The right and left kidneys weighed 125.9 gm (±37.92 gm)/108.1 gm (±28.80 gm) and 126.3 gm (±31.26 gm)/106.6 gm (±22.4 gm) among males and females, respectively. In our study, we have done a histological examination to rule out any pathological condition before including the weight of the organs in the study. The present study is to derive a standard organ weight among the inhabitants of Uttarakhand, India, and to look for a variation in organ weight among different studies done in the past in different regions of the world.

Perfluorooctanoic acid affects mouse brain and liver tissue through oxidative stress.

The aim of this study was to investigate oxidative stress induced by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in the brain and liver tissues of Balb/c mice as well as protective effects of taurine and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in both organs. For this purpose, animals were treated with PFOA (15 and 30 mg/kg) orally and their lipid peroxidation, total glutathione levels (GSH), and antioxidant enzyme activities measured and both tissues analysed for histopathological changes. Our results showed a dose-dependent decrease in body weight and increase in relative brain and liver weights, PFOA-induced lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the brain tissue, and changes in GSH levels, GPx, superoxide dismutase (Cu-Zn SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver tissue. Pre-treatment with taurine or CoQ10 provided protection against PFOA-induced Cu-Zn SOD reduction in the liver tissue. Our findings evidence the depleting effect of PFOA on antioxidative systems and confirm that PFOA exerts its (neuro)toxicity through oxidative stress, but further research is needed to identify the exact toxicity mechanisms, especially in the brain.

Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis on Growth Performance, Organ Weight, Digestive Enzyme Activities, and Serum Biochemical Indices in Broiler.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing Bacillus subtilis and an antibiotic (Zinc bacitracin) in the diet of broilers on growth performance, organ weight, blood metabolites, and digestive enzymes of broiler chickens. A total of 600 1-d Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allotted to five treatments. Each treatment consisted of six replicates with four pens, and each pen had five birds. The chicks were fed (1) the basal diet (control), (2) the basal diet with 500 mg/kg Zinc bacitracin (APZ), (3) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 1 × 108 CFU/g (B.Sut-1), (4) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 3 × 108 CFU/g (B.Sut-3), and (5) the basal diet with B. subtilis at 5 × 108 CFU/g (B.Sut-5). The experiment lasted for 42 days. In this study, the supplementation of diets with B. subtilis (B.Sut-3 and B.Sut-5 groups) increased body weight gain from 1 to 21 days compared with control (p < 0.05). Additionally, the B.Sut-3 group had a significantly heavier bursa of Fabricius than control at 21 days (p < 0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, and high-density lipoprotein concentrations were increased in B.Sut-5 and APZ groups (p < 0.05) over the whole period. Serum low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and total cholesterol concentrations were decreased in B.Sut-5 and APZ groups at 21 and 42 days (p < 0.05). Chicks in the B.Sut-5 and APZ groups had higher serum lipase, pepsin, and amylase activities (p < 0.05) at 21 and 42 days. From the results obtained from the study, it can be concluded that Bacillus subtilis ATCC19659 at 5 × 108 CFU/g could be applied as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry diets.

A Protective Role of Okadaic Acid in Liver Injury Induced by Amoxicillin.

This study was performed to investigate whether okadaic acid (200 ng/kg) produces a protective effect in experimental liver injury induced by intragastric administration of 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg amoxicillin in Sprague-Dawley rats (n=50). The control group was given carboxymethylcellulose sodium solution. Liver injury was assessed by the relative organ weight index, serum ALT activity, and liver malondialdehyde content. Histopathological examination of the liver from rats treated with amoxicillin revealed cell swelling, congestion, apoptosis, and necrosis. The relative liver weight index, ALT activity, and liver malondialdehyde content in these animals were higher than in the control. Administration of okadaic acid reduced the degree of amoxicillin-induced damage to hepatocytes. Thus, okadaic acid can alleviate liver injury caused by amoxicillin.

Body weight, organ development and jejunal histomorphology in broiler breeder pullets fed n-3 fatty acids enriched diets from hatch through to 22 weeks of age.

Dietary long chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) may be beneficial to broiler breeder (BB) development. Therefore, the effects of feeding sources of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) from hatch through to 22 weeks of age (woa) on growth, organ weight, and jejunal histomorphology were investigated. A total of 588-day-old Ross × Ross 708 BB were reared on one of 3 diets: 1) control, corn-soybean meal diet, 2) Control + 1% microalgae (DMA, Aurantichytrium limacinum), as a source of DHA and 3) Control + 2.50% co-extruded full fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (FFF, 1:1 wt/wt), as a source of ALA. Diets DMA and FFF had similar total n-3 and n-6: n-3 ratio. Diets were allocated to floor pens (28 birds/pen) to give 9 or 6 replicates per diet for control or DMA and FFF, respectively and fed according to breeder curve in 3 phases: starter (0-4 woa), grower (5-19 woa), and pre-breeder (20-22 woa). Individual body weight (BW) was taken weekly and 6 birds/pen necropsied at 5 and 12 woa for gastrointestinal, spleen, bursa, and liver weight and samples for jejunal histomorphology. There was no (P > 0.05) diet effect on growth by 20 woa. With exception of 5 woa, pullets fed DMA showed (P < 0.001) lower BW coefficient of variation (C.V.) than pullets fed control between 2 and 7 woa. However, pullets fed DMA had higher BW CV at 20 woa than birds fed either control or FFF. At 5 woa, birds fed DMA had taller (P ≤ 0.01) villi and deeper crypt than birds fed either control or FFF but VH or CD were similar (P > 0.05) between CON and FFF pullets. At 12 woa, birds fed FFF had taller VH than birds fed control diet but similar (P > 0.05) to that of birds fed DMA. Therefore, different responses to sources of omega-3 FA may implicate other components, however, the BW uniformity and intestinal histomorphology responses suggested benefits of feeding omega-3 FA during rearing.

Effects of blood loss on organ attenuation on postmortem CT and organ weight at autopsy.

BACKGROUND: Cases of external hemorrhage are difficult to recognize on postmortem computed tomography (PMCT). PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of blood loss on CT attenuation of the spleen, liver, kidneys, and lungs on PMCT and to assess the relationship between blood loss and organ weight. METHODS: A total of 125 cases with blood loss were sex- and age-matched to 125 control cases without blood loss. Individual organ attenuation was measured on transverse CT images. Organ weights of the liver, spleen, kidneys, and lung were extracted from the autopsy protocols. RESULTS: Organ weight was significantly lower in cases with blood loss (lung 30%, spleen 28%, kidneys 14%, liver 18%) than in controls. CT attenuation of the lungs was significantly lower (30%) in cases with blood loss than in controls. CT attenuation of the spleen and kidneys did not significantly differ between cases and controls. CT attenuation of the liver was significantly higher (25%) in cases with blood loss than in controls. CONCLUSION: Blood loss decreases organ weight and CT attenuation of the lungs but appears to have no significant effect on CT attenuation of the spleen and kidneys. The increased liver attenuation in cases with blood loss compared to controls was an unexpected finding and remains challenging to explain. One probable interpretation refers to different levels of hepatic glycogen; however, further work is warranted to substantiate this hypothesis.

Apple cider vinegar administration on carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens.

This study evaluated the effect of apple cider vinegar (ACV) on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of broiler chickens. A total of 300 broilers (Arbor Acre) were randomized to six treatments replicated 5 times (50 birds/treatment and 10 birds/replicate) from 2 days old till the sixth week of age in a 2 by 3 factorial layout consisting of dosages (5.0 mL/L and 10.0 mL/L ACV) and administration frequency (antibiotics following standard schedule, twice/week ACV and thrice/week ACV). At the sixth week, sixty birds (10 birds/treatment) were selected for carcass yield, cut part yield, organ weight, meat technological properties, lipid profiles, and malondialdehyde (MDA) level evaluation. Data obtained were subjected to two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's test at a P < 0.05 significant level. Birds administered 5.0 mL/L ACV thrice weekly presented a significantly (P < 0.05) higher plucked, eviscerated, dressed, thigh and breast weight compared with the other treatments. The spleen of birds in the control group was significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than those administered ACV. The meat from the 5.0 mL/L ACV group had significantly higher (P < 0.05) water absorptive power and lower refrigeration loss, as depicted in the main effect table. Meat cholesterol, phospholipids, and MDA levels did not differ across the treatments except triglyceride, which was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the 5.0 mL/L ACV thrice-weekly group. This study concludes that ACV administration could improve carcass yield and meat quality indices. Thus, its use as an alternative to conventional antibiotics for broiler chickens might be beneficial.

Growth and Slaughter Characteristics of Weaning Male Kids of Turkish Native Goat Breeds.

There is little knowledge about the carcass potential of Turkish native goat breeds raised under different rearing conditions. It is necessary to compare the carcass characteristics of these breeds to minimize the effect of the rearing conditions. Therefore, this study aims to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of male kids at weaning age to eliminate the impact of rearing conditions. Kids born to Angora (n = 6), Hair (n = 6), Honamli (n = 6), and Kilis (n = 6) Turkish native goat breeds, ranging in age from 2-3 years, were slaughtered at 90 days of weaning age and carcass characteristics were determined immediately. There were differences (p < 0.05) among breeds in terms of birth weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) from birth to weaning age. Honamli kids had higher BW and DWG than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). Similarly, carcass weights (hot-cold) and yields (hot-cold) of Honamli kids were higher compared to kids born to other breeds (p < 0.05). Additionally, Honamli and Hair kids had higher longissimus-dorsi (LD), and semitendinosus (ST) muscle weights compared to Kilis and Angora kids. Interestingly, Kilis kids had lower BW and DWG than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) among breeds in terms of non-carcass parts and organ weights. Positive correlations were calculated between cross-sectional area and weight (r = 0.793; p < 0.01), length and weight (r = 0.723; p < 0.01), and depth and weight (r = 0.698; p < 0.01) in LD muscle of all kids. A similar correlation trend was calculated for the ST muscle (cross-sectional area and weight; r = 0.699; p < 0.01, length and weight; r = 0.751; p < 0.01, and depth and weight; r = 0.528; p < 0.05) in all kids. In conclusion, the present study results showed that Honamli kids could be used for fattening material due to their good carcass quality compared to other native breeds.

Age-Related Changes in Pediatric Physiology: Quantitative Analysis of Organ Weights and Blood Flows : Age-Related Changes in Pediatric Physiology.

Development of comprehensive and updated quantitative relationships between physiological parameters and age for pediatrics remains to be accomplished. Towards this goal, we have performed a thorough literature search and collected published data on organ weights and organ blood flow rates for 0-20-year-old male and female human subjects. The data were used to develop continuous relationships between physiological parameters and age, using a single form of mathematical equation. Four sets of equations (0-2 years male, 0-2 years female, 2-20 years male, 2-20 years female) for the body weight vs. age, height vs. age, and organ weight vs. age relationships and 2 sets of equations (0-20 years male, 0-20 years female) for organ flow rate vs. age relationship were developed. The variability of each physiological parameter was also estimated, and the equations allow simulation of a virtual population for a specific age, weight, and sex. We further compared the physiological parameters vs. age curves simulated using our equations to the existing databases (Simcyp Simulator and PK-Sim). The predicted physiological parameters were comparable between our study and the existing databases, validating our equation's utility. Additionally, we described body weight-normalized organ weights and organ blood flow rates as a function of age, to provide an insight into how the contribution of each organ towards total body weight and total blood flow changes throughout ontogenesis. The physiological parameter database and equations presented here can serve as an open source to facilitate the development of pediatric physiologically based pharmacokinetic models.

Acute oral toxicity of a novel functional drink based on Ilex guayusa, Vernonanthura patens, and cocoa husk.

A novel functional drink with nutraceutical properties was formulated from the aqueous extracts of Ilex guayusa, and Vernonanthura patens leaves, and cocoa husks. This juice contains various bioactive compounds, such as phenolic compounds and methylxanthines, with antioxidant and stimulant properties of pharmacological interest. However, it is known whether herbal extracts' interaction may have adverse toxic effects on human health. To evaluate this functional drink's innocuity, we estimated the acute oral toxicity (AOT) in experimental mice. This paper presents the AOT evaluation of two formulations of a functional drink (pre-formulation and microencapsulation) at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.). No signs of adverse toxicity and mortality were observed after a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg b.w. Likewise, no significant body and organ weight changes, food and water consumption behavior, and no histopathological changes were observed in the main organs evaluated. In conclusion, this functional drink can be categorized as low toxicity " according to the Globally Harmonized Classification System (GHS), making it a potential beverage with high nutritional and pharmacological value.

Effect of dietary folate level on organ weight, digesta pH, short-chain fatty acid concentration, and intestinal microbiota of weaned piglets.

Folate is increasingly thought to promote gastrointestinal health and regulate the diversity of gut microbiota to alleviate weaning stress in piglets. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of folate on organ weight, digesta pH, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration, and intestinal microbiota in weaned piglets. A total of 28 piglets (6.73 ± 0.62 kg) were allocated to four dietary treatments consisting of a control group, 3, 9, and 18 mg/kg of folate supplementation in a 14-d feeding trial. The results showed that piglets fed with 9 and 18 mg/kg of folate supplementation had greater (P < 0.05) average liver and spleen weight than the control group. Folate supplementation (9 and 18 mg/kg) can significantly increase (P < 0.05) the stomach pH and tend (P < 0.10) to decrease the cecum pH. Folate treatment (9 and 18 mg/kg) had a positive effect on the metabolism of SCFAs in piglets, in particular, compared with the control group, and the content of acetic acid (AA) and valeric acid was markedly increased (P < 0.05) in the cecum and colon, respectively. Moreover, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, and isovaleric acid were tended (P < 0.10) to increase in the colon. Cecum contents samples were used to determine bacterial community diversity by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. At the genus level, in the cecum, there was a higher (P < 0.05) relative abundance of Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus salivarius, and Lactobacillus mucosae in the 9 mg/kg folate supplementation group. The functional pathways analysis predicted that folate may modify nutrient metabolism by changing the gut microbiota function of weaned piglets. Furthermore, the data showed that Lactobacillus was positively correlated with AA in the cecum. Overall, these findings suggested that folate treatment could increase the organ weight and the stomach pH of weaned piglets and had beneficial effects on gut health, which might be attributed to the alteration in intestinal microbiota induced by folate and the interaction of the intestinal microbiota with SCFAs.

Physiological parameter values for physiologically based pharmacokinetic models in food-producing animals. Part III: Sheep and goat.

This report is the third in a series of studies that aimed to compile physiological parameters related to develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for drugs and environmental chemicals in food-producing animals including swine and cattle (Part I), chickens and turkeys (Part II), and finally sheep and goats (the focus of this manuscript). Literature searches were conducted in multiple databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and ProQuest), with data on relevant parameters including body weight, relative organ weight (% of body weight), cardiac output, relative organ blood flow (% of cardiac output), residual blood volume (% of organ weight), and hematocrit reviewed and statistically summarized. The mean and standard deviation of each parameter are presented in tables. Equations describing the growth curves of sheep and goats are presented in figures. When data are sufficient, parameter values are reported for different ages or production classes of sheep, including fetal sheep, lambs, and market-age sheep (mature sheep). These data provide a reference database for developing standardized PBPK models to predict drug withdrawal intervals in sheep and goats, and also provide a basis for extrapolating PBPK models from major species such as cattle to minor species such as sheep and goats.

Physiological parameter values for physiologically based pharmacokinetic models in food-producing animals. Part II: Chicken and turkey.

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models are growing in popularity due to human food safety concerns and for estimating drug residue distribution and estimating withdrawal intervals for veterinary products originating from livestock species. This paper focuses on the physiological and anatomical data, including cardiac output, organ weight, and blood flow values, needed for PBPK modeling applications for avian species commonly consumed in the poultry market. Experimental and field studies from 1940 to 2019 for broiler chickens (1-70 days old, 40 g - 3.2 kg), laying hens (4-15 months old, 1.1-2.0 kg), and turkeys (1 day-14 months old, 60 g -12.7 kg) were searched systematically using PubMed, Google Scholar, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect for data collection in 2019 and 2020. Relevant data were extracted from the literature with mean and standard deviation (SD) being calculated and compiled in tables of relative organ weights (% of body weight) and relative blood flows (% of cardiac output). Trends of organ or tissue weight growth during different life stages were calculated when sufficient data were available. These compiled data sets facilitate future PBPK model development and applications, especially in estimating chemical residue concentrations in edible tissues to calculate food safety withdrawal intervals for poultry.

Growth performance, organ weight, fecal scores, plasma, and ceca digesta microbial metabolites in growing pigs fed spent biomass of Pichia kudriavzevii.

Growth performance, liver and spleen weight, plasma, and ceca digesta metabolites and incidences of diarrhea were investigated in growing pigs fed spent biomass of Pichia kudriavzevii. Ninety six barrows (~25 kg, 4 pigs/pen) were fed 1 of 4 experimental diets (n = 6) for 7 weeks. The diets were control, corn-, and soybean meal-based diet or control plus 2.5%, 3.75%, or 5.0% P. kudriavzevii. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric and iso nitrogenous. Feed intake and body weight (BW) were recorded weekly for calculation of average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F). Fecal scores were taken 3 d/wk to assess incidence and severity of diarrhea. One pig/pen close to pen average was bled for plasma metabolites on days 7 and 49 and subsequently euthanized for spleen and liver weight, ileal and cecum digesta samples for concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). The concentration of crude protein, crude fat, and non-fiber carbohydrates in P. kudriavzevii biomass was 36.4%, 9.6%, and 50.8% DM, respectively. Inclusion of P. kudriavzevii tended (P = 0.06) to linearly reduce ADG from days 8 through 49 resulting in a trend (P = 0.06) for linear reduction in the final BW. The final BW was 79.0, 79.2, 76.8, and 75.5 kg for the 0%, 2.5%, 3.75%, and 5.0% P. kudriavzevii, respectively. Diets had no effect (P > 0.10) on ADFI, G:F, spleen, and liver weight throughout the entire experiment. On day 7, there was cubic (P = 0.03) decrease and quadratic (P = 0.02) increase in plasma concentration of creatinine and urea N, respectively. However, there were no (P > 0.10) diet effects on plasma metabolites on day 49. There was a tendency (P = 0.08) for linear increase in cecum digesta concentration of acetic acid. There were no diet effects (P > 0.10) on fecal score in the first 4 wk of feeding. In conclusion, feeding P. kudriavzevii yeast tended to depress growth and stimulate cecum fermentation at higher dose and had no detrimental effects on organ weights or plasma metabolites in growing pigs.

Effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan on immune function in growing Huoyan geese.

This present experiment was performed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of chitosan (CS) on immune function in growing Huoyan geese. A total of 320 28-day-old healthy growing Huoyan geese (sex balance) with similar body weight were randomly allotted into control, CS100, CS200, and CS400 groups. Each group includes 4 replicates with 20 geese per replicate, and the feeding trial lasted for 4 wk. The 4 diets contained 0, 100, 200, and 400 mg CS per kg feed, respectively. The results showed that compared with the control group, the relative weight of thymus, serum concentrations of IGF-I, INS, GH, T3, T4, IgM, IgG, IgA, complement C3, and IL-2 in CS200 group were significantly higher at both 42 and 56 D of age, respectively (P < 0.05). In addition, relative weight of bursa of fabricius (BF), spleen, serum complement C4, and TNF-a concentrations in CS200 group were higher at 56 D of age (P < 0.05), no differences were observed at 42 D of age (P > 0.05). These results indicated that addition of 200 mg/kg CS enhanced immune organs weight, serum concentrations of immunoglobulins, complements, hormone, as well as cytokines, and improved immune function of growing Huoyan geese.