Autoclaving time-related reduction in amino acid digestibility of poultry meal in broiler chickens and growing pigs.

Poultry meal, a rendered byproduct of poultry slaughter, is a valuable protein source in swine and poultry diets because of its highly digestible protein content and balanced amino acid (AA) profile. Rendering of poultry meal may reduce its AA digestibility because of heat damage to the byproduct. The effect of heat damage on AA digestibility of poultry meal may be different between broiler chickens and growing pigs. For this reason, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of autoclaving time on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in poultry meal fed to broiler chickens and growing pigs. Poultry meal from the same batch was autoclaved at 134 °C for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 min to produce seven heat-treated samples. Eight experimental diets were formulated. Poultry meal served as the sole source of nitrogen in seven diets that each contained one of the heat-treated byproducts and a nitrogen-free diet was formulated to assess basal ileal endogenous losses of AA. In experiment 1, 656 male broiler chickens (initial body weight = 719 ±â€…97 g) at day 18 post hatching were assigned to the eight diets in a randomized complete block design with body weight as a blocking factor. On day 23, birds were euthanized by CO2 asphyxiation and dissected for the collection of ileal digesta. In experiment 2, 16 barrows (initial body weight = 23.3 ±â€…0.7 kg) were surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum and allotted to a duplicate 8 × 4 incomplete Latin square design with the eight diets and four periods. Each experimental period consisted of 5-day adaptation and 2-day ileal digesta collection periods. Data for experiments 1 and 2 were pooled and analyzed as a 2 × 7 factorial treatment arrangement with the effects of species (i.e., pigs and broiler chickens) and autoclaving time (i.e., 0 to 180 min) as the two factors. Increasing autoclaving time decreased SID of nitrogen and all AA in both species, but the decrease in SID values except for leucine was greater (interaction, P < 0.05) or tended to be greater in pigs compared with broiler chickens. Given the species differences in AA utilization response to the severity of heat damage, target species should be considered when using SID of AA values of poultry meal in diet formulation.

Poultry meal, a rendered byproduct of poultry slaughter, is a valuable protein source in swine and poultry diets. Rendering is required during the processing of poultry meal to inactivate potential harmful bacteria and to reduce moisture content in the raw byproduct. However, rendering can induce heat damage to poultry meal, which may reduce amino acid (AA) digestibility. To mimic heat damage to poultry meal, the byproduct was autoclaved at 134 °C for 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, or 180 min in the current study. These seven heat-treated poultry meal samples were then fed to broiler chickens and growing pigs. AA digestibility in poultry meal decreased with increasing autoclaving time, but the decrease in digestibility of most AAs by autoclaving was larger in growing pigs compared with broiler chickens.

Evaluation of standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids and metabolic availability of methionine, using the indicator amino acid oxidation method, in black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens) meal fed to growing pigs.

Standardized ileal digestibility (SID, %) of crude protein (CP) and amino acid (AA) and the metabolic availability (MA) of Met using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method, in partially defatted black soldier fly larvae (PD-BSFL) meal were determined in growing pigs in 2 experiments. The Met SID value was then compared numerically with the Met MA to understand how different SID is compared with its MA value. In Exp. 1, 6 ileal-cannulated barrows (initial body weight [BW] = 18.03 ± 0.34 kg) were used in a 2-period switch back design and fed either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or test diet, with PD-BSFL meal as the sole source of AA, over two 11-d experimental periods, at a feeding level of 2.8 × estimated maintenance digestible energy requirement. Barrows were adapted for 9-d to the diet, followed by continuous 8-h ileal digesta collection on day 10 and 11. Digesta were pooled per pig within period. The SID of CP and Met of PD-BSFL meal were 76.1 ± 6.2% and 90.4 ± 3.9%, respectively. In Exp. 2, 7 barrows (initial BW = 18.77 ± 0.69 kg) were used in a 7 × 7 Latin square design with L-[1-13C]-Phe as the indicator AA. Each pig was randomly assigned to 1 of 7 dietary treatments over seven 3-d experimental periods. Two diet types were studied including reference (crystalline AA) and PD-BSFL test diets, each supplying graded intakes of Met at 55, 65, and 75% of the estimated SID requirement (NRC, 2012). The MA of Met was determined by comparing the IAAO response between the reference and PD-BSFL test diet using the slope-ratio method. Linear regression determined a negative slope of the best fit line for both the reference and test diets (P < 0.05). The MA of Met in PD-BSFL meal was 53.3%, which is as expected lower than the SID value. While it is generally appreciated that MA will be less than SID, the use of SID is more practical. In cases where SID cannot explain physiological outcomes of feeding a novel ingredient, IAAO may provide additional insight into whether MA should be explored.

The interest in black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal as a protein ingredient in swine feed has grown in the past years. As a novel protein ingredient, it is beneficial to evaluate the amino acid (AA) digestibility and metabolic availability (MA) of the limiting AA, Met, in pigs, in BSFL meal prior to incorporation in feed for a more precise formulation. Two different methodologies were used to determine the AA digestibility and MA, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) and indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method, respectively. Based on the SID values, the AA digestibility of BSFL meal, for some, but not all AA, is comparable to other commonly used protein ingredients in commercial swine feed. When compared with the MA result of Met, the Met SID value is much lower. This indicates that not all digested Met is available for protein synthesis or other metabolic processes in the animal.

Research Note: Phosphorus digestibility of corn, wheat, soybean meal, and corn gluten meal in quail chicks.

A series of experiments was designed and conducted to determine the apparent and standardized ileal phosphorus digestibility (i.e., AIDP and SIDP, respectively) of some grains and protein meals in Japanese quail at different age classes during the growing period from the hatch to 35 d of age. Experimental diets included a PFD, to measure basal endogenous P losses (EPL), corn, wheat, soybean meal (SBM), and corn gluten meal (CGM), so as to be each ingredient the sole source of P, were developed and fed to five experimental groups with 5 replicates of 30 chicks each. Titanium dioxide as an indigestible marker was added to the diets at the rate of 5 g/kg of diet. The EPL in birds fed on PFD was estimated at 201 mg/kg dry matter intake (DMI) and quail chicks fed on PFD exhibited the lowest performance compared to chicks received dietary P regardless of P sources (P = 0.001). The estimated coefficients of AIPD (P = 0.001) | SIDP (P = 0.004) for CGM, corn, SBM, and wheat were 49.2 | 51.9%, 38.8 | 44.9%, 41.4 | 45.9%, and 33.2 | 40.1%, respectively. The mean differences between AIPD and SIPD coefficients with each ingredients including CGM (P = 0.245), corn (P = 0.169), and SBM (P = 0.169) were not statistically significant, while the comparison of those estimations for wheat (P = 0.022) showed significant differences. The present work showed that the use of direct method could successfully estimate the coefficients of P digestibility in growing quail for both the cereals and protein meals that were studied. The high relative contribution of endogenous P in young quail fed on wheat during the first 2 wk posthatch makes it inevitable to correct AIDP for EPL and evoke the implementation of SIDP coefficients in the feed formulation matrix.

Maternal metabolizable protein restriction during gestation affects the vascular function of maternal and fetal placental arteries in sheep.

We hypothesized isocaloric diets low in protein would decrease the sensitivity of caruncular (CAR) and cotyledonary (COT) arteries compared to placental arteries from ewes receiving adequate metabolizable protein (MP) requirements. Pregnant ewes were fed one of three isocaloric dietary treatments that provided 60% (MP60), 80% (MP80), or 100% (MP100) of the MP requirements. Diets were fed from day 100-130 of gestation. In vitro dose response curves to bradykinin (BK), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), potassium chloride (KCl), and phenylephrine (PE) in CAR and COT arteries were performed. As MP decreased, the sensitivity to a low dose of KCl increased (P = 0.05) in the COT arteries. There was an overall treatment effect in the CAR and COT arteries for the BK dose response curve, where CAR arteries of MP80 ewes were more sensitive (P = 0.05) to BK compared with MP60 and MP100 ewes, and COT arteries of MP60 and MP80 ewes were more sensitive (P = 0.01) to BK compared with MP100 ewes. There were no treatment effects (P ≥ 0.09) on the SNP or PE dose response curves in CAR or COT arteries. The mechanism of the BK induced vasodilation needs to be elucidated. Moreover, MP restriction appears to alter placental vascular function, which could help explain the differences in nutrient flux previously reported.

Intra-amniotic administration of l-glutamine promotes intestinal maturation and enteroendocrine stimulation in chick embryos.

Initial nutritional stimulation is a key driving force for small intestinal maturation. In chick embryos, administration of l-glutamine (Gln) into the amniotic fluid stimulates early development of the small intestinal epithelium by promoting enterocyte differentiation. In this study, we evaluated the effects of intra-amniotic administration of Gln on enterocyte morphology and function, and elucidated a potential enteroendocrine pathway through which Gln stimulates small intestinal maturation. Our results show that Gln stimulation at embryonic day 17 significantly increased enterocyte and microvilli dimensions by 10 and 20%, respectively, within 48 h. Post-hatch, enterocytes and microvilli were 20% longer in Gln-treated chicks. Correspondingly, Gln stimulation significantly upregulated mRNA expression of brush border nutrient transporters PepT-1 and SGLT-1 and tight junction proteins TJP-1 and TJP-2, before and after hatch (P < 0.05). Since GLP-2 signaling from intestinal L-cells is associated with enterocyte growth, functionality and integrity, we examined the effects of Gln stimulation on mRNA expression of key hormones and receptors within this enteroendocrine pathway and found significant increases in GLP-2R, IGF-1 and IGF-1R expression before and after hatch (P < 0.05). In conclusion, our findings link primary nutrient stimulation in the developing small intestine with enterocyte morphological and functional maturation and enteroendocrine signaling.

Blood and adipose tissue steroid metabolomics and mRNA expression of steroidogenic enzymes in periparturient dairy cows differing in body condition.

In high-yielding dairy cows, the rapidly increasing milk production after parturition can result in a negative nutrient balance, since feed intake is insufficient to cover the needs for lactation. Mobilizing body reserves, mainly adipose tissue (AT), might affect steroid metabolism. We hypothesized, that cows differing in the extent of periparturient lipomobilization, will have divergent steroid profiles measured in serum and subcutaneous (sc)AT by a targeted metabolomics approach and steroidogenic enzyme profiles in scAT and liver. Fifteen weeks antepartum, 38 multiparous Holstein cows were allocated to a high (HBCS) or normal body condition (NBCS) group fed differently until week 7 antepartum to either increase (HBCS BCS: 3.8 ± 0.1 and BFT: 2.0 ± 0.1 cm; mean ± SEM) or maintain BCS (NBCS BCS: 3.0 ± 0.1 and BFT: 0.9 ± 0.1 cm). Blood samples, liver, and scAT biopsies were collected at week -7, 1, 3, and 12 relative to parturition. Greater serum concentrations of progesterone, androsterone, and aldosterone in HBCS compared to NBCS cows after parturition, might be attributed to the increased mobilization of AT. Greater glucocorticoid concentrations in scAT after parturition in NBCS cows might either influence local lipogenesis by differentiation of preadipocytes into mature adipocytes and/or inflammatory response.

Early life nutrition and neuroendocrine programming.

Alterations in the nutritional environment in early life can significantly increase the risk for obesity and a range of development of metabolic disorders in offspring in later life, effects that can be passed onto future generations. This process, termed development programming, provides the framework of the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) paradigm. Early life nutritional compromise including undernutrition, overnutrition or specific macro/micronutrient deficiencies, results in a range of adverse health outcomes in offspring that can be further exacerbated by a poor postnatal nutritional environment. Although the mechanisms underlying programming remain poorly defined, a common feature across the phenotypes displayed in preclinical models is that of altered wiring of neuroendocrine circuits that regulate satiety and energy balance. As such, altered maternal nutritional exposures during critical early periods of developmental plasticity can result in aberrant hardwiring of these circuits with lasting adverse consequences for the offspring. There is also increasing evidence around the role of an altered epigenome and the gut-brain axis in mediating some of the central programming effects observed. Further, although such programming was once considered to result in a permanent change in developmental trajectory, there is evidence, at least from preclinical models, that programming can be reversed via targeted nutritional manipulations during early development. Further work is required at a mechanistic level to allow for identification for early markers of later disease risk, delineation of sex-specific effects and pathways to implementation of strategies aimed at breaking the transgenerational transmission of disease.

Is the addition of spray homeopathic in feed able to change dog behavior? / A adição de spray homeopático na ração é capaz de alterar o comportamento de cães?

This study aimed to determine if the homeopathic formulation based on Natrum muriaticum, Matricaria, Chamomilla, and Ignatia amara was effective for stress control in dogs in order to prevent and/or reduce the frequency of unwanted behaviors. Ten male beagle dogs were divided into two groups, with five animals per group. The control group was animals receiving 0.5 mL/day of placebo via spray in the feed for 30 consecutive days as a preventive. The treated group received 0.5 mL/day of tested drug spray in the feed for 30 consecutive days as a preventive. Behavioral tests were performed at two time points, before and after receiving the tested drug. We performed the following behavioral tests: a) persons known and unknown in the internal and external environment; b) interaction with toys; c) interaction with an unknown dog, d) test with a leash; and e) firecracker test. There was more engagement in digging and scaling the fence in the control group than in the treatment group (P < 0.05). The animals that received homeopathic medicine sat 2.54 times longer than the control (P = 0.0269). Dogs that received homeopathic showed 4.49 times more interest in general at D30 than at D1 (P = 0.0214). Animals in the treated group showed an 83% less chance of urinating than the control group in the tests involving displacements. We conclude that the preventive addition of homeopathic medicine containing Natrum muriaticum, Chamomilla, and Ignatia amara reduced undesirable behaviors related to anxiety and increased the incidence of interest behavior.(AU)

Este estudo visou determinar se a formulação homeopática baseada em Natrum muriaticum, Matricaria, Chamomilla, e Ignatia amara foi eficaz para o controle de stress em cães, a fim de prevenir e/ou reduzir a frequência de comportamentos indesejados. Dez cães beagle machos foram divididos em dois grupos, com cinco animais por grupo. O grupo controle recebeu 0,5 mL/dia de placebo via spray na ração durante 30 dias consecutivos, como preventivo. O grupo tratado recebeu 0,5 mL/dia de homeopático via spray na ração durante 30 dias consecutivos, como preventivo. Os testes comportamentais foram realiza-dos em dois momentos, antes e depois de receber o fármaco testado. Foram realizados os seguintes testes comportamentais: a) pessoas conhecidas e desconhecidas no ambiente interno e externo; b) interação com brinquedos; c) interação com um cão desconhecido, d) teste com a guia; e teste com fogos de artifício. Houve um aumento nos comportamentos cavar e escalar a grade no controle (P < 0,05). Os animais que receberam o homeopático sentaram-se 2,54 vezes mais do que o grupo con-trole (P = 0,0269). Os cães que receberam homeopático mostraram 4,49 vezes mais interesse em geral no D30 do que no D1 (P = 0,0214). Os animais do grupo tratado mostraram uma probabilidade 83% menor de urinar do que o grupo controle nos testes envolvendo deslocamento. Concluímos que a adição preventiva de medicamentos homeopáticos contendo Natrum muriaticum, Chamomilla, e Ignatia amara reduziu os comportamentos indesejáveis relacionados com a ansiedade e aumentou a incidência de comportamentos de interesse.(AU)

Use of spineless cactus associated with legume hay in the feedlot-finishing of lambs in semi-arid regions.

The objective of this study were to examine the effects of diets containing spineless cactus associated with hays of different legume species [gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium), "catingueira" (Caesalpinia bracteosa), "sabiá" (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth) and "catanduva" (Piptadenia moniliformis Benth)] on the intake, digestibility, performance and carcass traits of lambs. Twenty-four ½ Santa Inês × ½ Soinga lambs with an average body weight of 21.4 ± 2.53 kg were distributed into four treatments in a completely randomized design. Treatments consisted of diets formulated with the association of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) and hay of four legume species, namely, "catanduva", "sabiá" "catingueira" and gliricidia. The lowest intakes (P<0.05) of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total carbohydrates occurred in the animals that received the diet containing catingueira hay. However, there were no diet effects (P>0.05) on the intakes of crude protein (CP), ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The diets also did not change (P>0.05) the weight gain (0.197 kg/day) or final weight (33.18 kg) of the lambs or the apparent digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP and NDF. Consequently, the parameters of live weight at slaughter (34.10 kg), hot carcass weight (14.81 kg), cold carcass weight (14.66 kg), hot carcass yield (45.60%) and cold carcass yield (45.07%) exhibited the no response to treatment. In addition to these variables, the diets also did not influence subcutaneous fat thickness (2.54 mm), longissimus muscle area (13.34 cm2), morphometric measurements of the carcass, or the proportions of muscle and fat. Therefore, legume hays associated with spineless cactus can be used to feed ½ Santa Inês × ½ Soinga lambs in the feedlot, as this strategy provides heavy animals at the time of slaughter and carcasses with desirable degrees of muscularity and adiposity.

Potential improvements of the cognition of piglets through a synbiotic supplementation from 1 to 28 days via the gut microbiota.

The influence of feed supplements on behavior and memory has been recently studied in livestock. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effects of a synbiotic on: an episodic-like (SOR: Spontaneous Object Recognition), a working (BARR: Fence barrier task), a long-term (TMAZE: Spatial T-maze task) memory test and on gut microbiota composition. Eighteen female piglets were supplemented from 1 to 28 days of age with a synbiotic (SYN), while 17 served as control (CTL). Feces were collected on days 16, 33 and 41 for 16S rRNA gene composition analyses. In the SOR, SYN piglets interacted more quickly with the novel object than CTL piglets. In the BARR, SYN piglets had shorter distances to finish the test in trial 3. In the TMAZE, SYN piglets were quicker to succeed on specific days and tended to try the new rewarded arm earlier during the reversal stage. Difference of microbiota composition between treatments was nonexistent on D16, a tendency on D33 and significant on D41. The synbiotic supplement may confer memory advantages in different cognitive tasks, regardless of the nature of the reward and the memory request. Difference in memory abilities can potentially be explained by differences in microbiota composition.

Ergogenic Effects of Green Tea Combined with Isolated Soy Protein on Increasing Muscle Mass and Exercise Performance in Resistance-Trained Mice.

It is well known that supplementation with high protein after exercise can effectively promote muscle synthesis and repair, while green tea is rich in catechins that have antioxidant effects. We aimed to explore the effects of green tea combined with isolated soy protein on increase muscle mass in resistance-trained mice. A total of 32 male ICR mice (8-weeks old) were divided into four groups (n = 8/group), sedentary control group (SC), isolated soy protein with green tea group (ISPG), resistance training group (RT), isolated soy protein and green tea combine with resistance training group (ISPG + RT). All mice received control or ISPG by oral gavage for four consecutive weeks. Forelimb grip and exhaustive swimming time were used for exercise performance evaluation. In biochemical profile, we analyzed lactate, ammonia, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and glucose and muscle damage index creatine kinase (CK) after exercise as biochemical parameters of exercise fatigue. The grip strength, muscular endurance, and exhaustive swimming time of the ISPG + RT group were significantly increased than other groups (p < 0.05), and also significantly decreased in serum lactate and ammonia levels (p < 0.05, respectively). The ISP + RT group was not only increased in quadriceps weight, (p < 0.05) but also decreased EFP (p < 0.05). We recommend using a 4-week supplementation with ISPG, combined with RT, to increase muscle mass, exercise performance, glycogen storage, and reduce fatigue biochemical parameters after exercise. The benefits of long-term supplementation or application to human supplementation can be further explored in the future.

Protein Appetite at the Interface between Nutrient Sensing and Physiological Homeostasis.

Feeding behavior is guided by multiple competing physiological needs, as animals must sense their internal nutritional state and then identify and consume foods that meet nutritional needs. Dietary protein intake is necessary to provide essential amino acids and represents a specific, distinct nutritional need. Consistent with this importance, there is a relatively strong body of literature indicating that protein intake is defended, such that animals sense the restriction of protein and adaptively alter feeding behavior to increase protein intake. Here, we argue that this matching of food consumption with physiological need requires at least two concurrent mechanisms: the first being the detection of internal nutritional need (a protein need state) and the second being the discrimination between foods with differing nutritional compositions. In this review, we outline various mechanisms that could mediate the sensing of need state and the discrimination between protein-rich and protein-poor foods. Finally, we briefly describe how the interaction of these mechanisms might allow an animal to self-select between a complex array of foods to meet nutritional needs and adaptively respond to changes in either the external environment or internal physiological state.

Complex relationship between amino acids, fitness and food intake in Bombus terrestris.

The ratio of amino acids to carbohydrates (AA:C) that bumble bees consume has been reported to affect their survival. However, it is unknown how dietary AA:C ratio affects other bumble bee fitness traits (e.g., fecundity, condition) and possible trade-offs between them. Moreover, while individual AAs affect phenotype in many species, the effects of AA blend on bumble bee fitness and food intake are unclear. We test how the AA:C ratio that bumble bees (Bombus terrestris) consume affects their condition (abdomen lipid and dry mass), survival following food removal, and ovarian activation. We then compare ovarian activation and food intake in bees fed identical AA:C ratios, but where the blend of AAs in diets differ, i.e., diets contained the same 10 AAs in an equimolar ratio or in the same ratio as in bee collected pollen. We found that AA:C ratio did not significantly affect survival following food removal or ovarian activation; however, high AA intake increased body mass, which is positively correlated with multiple fitness traits in bumble bees. AA blend (i.e., equimolar versus pollen) did not significantly affect overall ovarian activation or consumption of each experimental diet. However, there was an interaction between AA mix and dietary AA:C ratio affecting survival during the feeding experiment, and signs that there may have been weak, interactive effects of AA mix and AA:C ratio on food consumption. These results suggest that the effect of total AA intake on bumble bee phenotype may depend on the blend of individual AAs in experimental diets. We suggest that research exploring how AA blend affects bumble bee performance and dietary intake is warranted, and highlight that comparing research on bee nutrition is complicated by even subtle variation in experimental diet composition.

Impact of different levels of low-fat dried distillers grains on performance of young Nellore bulls during the finishing phase.

This study evaluated the effect of including low-fat dried distillers grains (DDG) on young Nellore bulls performance, nutritional parameters, and nitrogen metabolism. Thirty-five Nellore cattle were randomly divided into four diets: without dried distillers grains (D0) or with the inclusion of DDG at 150 g/kg (D150), 300 g/kg (D300), or 450 g/kg (D450). The evaluation period lasted 126 days, and three periods of collection of feces and urine were carried out. Final body weight (P = 0.099) and average daily gain (P = 0.097) tended to decrease linearly; the digestibility of dry matter (P < 0.001), organic matter (P < 0.001), ether extract (P < 0.001) and nonfiber carbohydrates (P < 0.001), and intakes of total digestible nutrients (TDN, P < 0.001) decreased linearly. The increase in crude protein intake (P < 0.001) did not result in an increase in the amount of nitrogen retained (P = 0.540). We concluded that the inclusion of low-fat DDG in finishing diets up to the level of 450 g/kg tends to reduce animal performance and the intake of TDN.

Effect of maternal overnutrition on predisposition to insulin resistance in the foal: Foal skeletal muscle development and insulin signaling.

Skeletal muscle plays an integral role in the ability of a horse to perform at high levels. Shifts in skeletal muscle development in response to maternal plane of nutrition may have substantial and lasting impacts on athletic performance and whole-body metabolism. Therefore, sixteen Quarter Horse mares were used in a completely randomized design and maintained at a body condition score (BCS) 6 until start of third trimester. On d 235 of gestation, mares were randomly assigned to receive one of two dietary treatments with a diet formulated to meet requirements during late gestation (CON; n = 8), and an overfed diet (HIGH; n = 8) where mares received an additional 40% above CON. Five h after parturition, foals were euthanized, and gluteus medius, triceps brachii, and semitendinosus were harvested for analyses. Gene expression was determined by qPCR and western immunoblotting was used to quantify total and phosphorylated forms of proteins involved in skeletal muscle metabolism with tubulin as the loading control. All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Foals from HIGH mares exhibited larger skeletal muscle fibers by area (P <0.05), and a shift in muscle fiber development towards type I slow twitch muscle fibers (P <0.05). Relative expression of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) was lower in HIGH foals compared to CON in gluteus medius (P = 0.05). Insulin receptor isoform B (INSR-B) and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) were greater in triceps brachii of HIGH foals compared to CON (P ≤ 0.03). Insulin receptor isoform A (INSR-A), however, tended to be lower in triceps brachii of HIGH compared to CON (P = 0.10). Ratios of phosphorylated to total extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and c-June N-terminal kinase (JNK) were higher in HIGH foals compared to CON (P ≤0.04) in gluteus medius. There were no differences observed for phosphorylated to total protein ratios in semitendinosus and triceps brachii muscles; however, total ERK1/2 tended to be elevated (P <0.10) in semitendinosus from CON foals compared to HIGH. There was no difference in phosphorylated or total protein kinase B (AKT) (P >0.14). These data indicate hypertrophy of skeletal muscle fibers and a shift towards type I slow twitch fibers in HIGH foals. Furthermore, this study identifies muscle specific changes in gene expression and downstream insulin receptor signaling, which may contribute to future metabolic abnormalities in response to maternal overnutrition.

Maternal Supplementation with Cow's Milk Naturally Enriched with PUFA Alters the Metabolism of Sows and the Fatty Acid Profile of the Offspring.

The study aimed to evaluate the supplementation of gilts with cow's milk naturally enriched with n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on reproductive outcomes, and the serum biochemical and FA profile of swine females and their offspring. During 316 days, 30 gilts were distributed into three groups: (1) Control, fed a basal diet + milk from cows without oil; (2) n-3, fed a basal diet + milk from cows fed a diet enriched with linseed oil; (3) n-6, fed a basal diet + milk from cows fed a diet enriched with soybean oil. The gilts receiving the diets containing PUFA had higher serum urea and very-low-density lipoprotein levels and lower serum total protein and low-density lipoprotein levels compared to the Control group. Females supplemented with n-3 presented higher serum palmitic acid and γ-linolenic acid levels than those fed n-6. Piglets from the Control group were heavier at birth than those from females supplemented with enriched milk. The piglets from females receiving enriched milk had 140 g higher body weight from 1 to 21 days old compared to the Control group, and greater average daily weight gain from 7 to 14 days old. The serum eicosapentaenoic acid level of piglets fed n-3 was 69% higher than those fed n-6, which reduced the AA/EPA ratio. Gilts supplemented with PUFA-enriched cow's milk showed changes in their serum palmitic and γ-linolenic acid levels, in addition to improved performance, EPA concentration and consequently reduced AA/EPA ratio in their piglets, demonstrating beneficial results for their progeny.

Maternal supplementation with a combination of wheat bran and sugar beet pulp during late gestation and lactation improves growth and intestinal functions in piglets.

Maternal diet has a profound impact on growth and immune development of offspring. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of maternal supplementation with a combination of wheat bran (WB, a source of insoluble dietary fiber) and sugar beet pulp (SBP, a source of soluble dietary fiber) on growth and intestinal morphology, immunity, barrier function and microbiota in piglets. Thirty sows (Landrace × Yorkshire; 3-6 parity) were randomly allocated to 2 dietary treatments from d 85 of gestation to weaning (d 21 of lactation). The 2 dietary treatments were: a control diet (CON, a corn-soybean meal diet) and a dietary fiber diet (DF, 15% WB and 10% SBP during gestation and 7.5% WB and 5% SBP during lactation). Maternal DF supplementation improved growth, serum growth hormones and ileal morphology in piglets. Piglets fed DF showed enhanced intestinal barrier function as indicated by reduced serum concentrations of diamine oxidase and endotoxin, and increased ileal mRNA level of occludin. Maternal DF supplementation reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines in the colostrum, milk and serum of piglets. Furthermore, maternal DF supplementation decreased the colonic abundance of Subdoligranulum and Mogibacterium, and increased the colonic abundance of Lactobacillus and norank_f__Bacteroidales_S24-7_group and the colonic concentration of acetate and butyrate in piglets. In summary, maternal supplementation with a combination of SBP and WB during late gestation and lactation improved cytokines in colostrum and milk, growth, immune responses, intestinal morphology, barrier function and microbiota in piglets, which may be a potential strategy to improve offspring growth and intestinal functions.

Maternal nutrient restriction alters thyroid hormone dynamics in placentae of sheep having small for gestational age fetuses.

Thyroid hormones regulate a multitude of metabolic and cellular processes involved in placental and fetal growth, while maternal nutrient restriction (NR) has the potential to influence these processes. Those fetuses most impacted by NR, as categorized by weight, are termed small for gestational age (SGA), but the role of thyroid hormones in these pregnancies is not fully understood. Therefore, the aims of the present study were to determine effects of NR during pregnancy on maternal and fetal thyroid hormone concentrations, as well as temporal and cell-specific expression of mRNAs and proteins for placental thyroid hormone transporters, thyroid hormone receptors, and deiodinases in ewes having either SGA or normal weight fetuses. Ewes with singleton pregnancies were fed either a 100% NRC (n = 8) or 50% NRC (NR; n = 28) diet from Days 35 to 135 of pregnancy with a single placentome surgically collected on Day 70. Fetal weight at necropsy on Day 135 was used to designate the fetuses as NR NonSGA (n = 7; heaviest NR fetuses) or NR SGA (n = 7; lightest NR fetuses). Thyroid hormone levels were lower in NR SGA compared to NR NonSGA ewes, while all NR fetuses had lower concentrations of thyroxine at Day 135. Expression of mRNAs for thyroid hormone transporters SLC16A2, SLC16A10, SLCO1C1, and SLCO4A1 were altered by day, but not nutrient restriction. Expression of THRA mRNA and protein was dysregulated in NR SGA fetuses with protein localized to syncytial and stromal cells in placentomes in all groups. The ratio of deiodinases DIO2 and DIO3 was greater for NR SGA placentae at Day 70, while DIO3 protein was less abundant in placentae from NR SGA than 100% NRC ewes. These results identify mid-gestational modifications in thyroid hormone-associated proteins in placentomes of ewes having SGA fetuses, as well as a potential for placentomes from NonSGA pregnancies to adapt to, and overcome, nutritional restrictions during pregnancy.

Effect of hay with or without concentrate or pellets on growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs on the Inner Mongolian Plateau.

This study aimed to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs fed native grass hay without or with concentrate (HC) or pellets. Ninety non-castrated 6-month-old male lambs of good health and similar body weight (26.83 ± 0.26 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (five lambs per cage). The average daily gain and intake of the pellets and HC groups were significantly greater (p < .05) than those in the hay group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin eye area, and backfat thickness were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC groups. The intramuscular fat was significantly greater (p < .05) in the pellets and HC groups, while the shear force was significantly decreased (p < .05) in pellets and HC groups. The C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, and C18:2n6 contents were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC and pellet groups, while the C18:3n3 content was significantly greater (p < .05) in the hay group. Collectively, the present study suggested that feeding native grass hay with concentrate or pellets improved the growth in lambs.

Effects of fermented Yupingfeng on intramuscular fatty acids and ruminal microbiota in Qingyuan black goats.

Our previous work has demonstrated that Yupingfeng, a Chinese herb medicine, considered as prebiotic showed beneficial properties in poultry health and disease prevention and regulated intestinal microbiota. The effects of Yupingfeng on fatty acids related to meat flavor and ruminal microbiota are not yet known in Qingyuan black goat. In this study, we supplemented fermented (FYP) and unfermented (UYP) Yupingfeng in different combinations to 90 goats. Compared with the normal control group, FYP and UYP significantly increased the concentration of palmitic acid, octadecanoic acid, and arachidonate acid (related to meat flavor) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (p < .05). In addition, the significant upregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and fatty acid translocase (CD36) was observed in the FYP and UYP groups (p < .05). In addition, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundance in goat rumen. At the genus level, FYP and UYP significantly increased Ruminococcus related to fiber degradation, and Alistipes related to short-chain fatty acids production. In summary, Yupingfeng could improve fatty acids of goat meat, which is probably triggered by the increase of PPARγ and CD36, and microbial activity. Besides, FYP showed more beneficial effects than UYP, with increased flavor fatty acids and beneficial microbes.