While the impact of physiological stage on nutrient utilization in sows is recognized, data on specific feed ingredients remain limited. Research has evaluated soybean meal (SBM) in mid-to-late gestation, but information is lacking across other stages. Furthermore, the available energy and nutrient digestibility of rapeseed meal (RSM) and dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) are largely unknown during gestation, lactation, and the post-weaning period. To fill this gap and expand the database of feed ingredient values for sows, this study aimed to evaluate the available energy and nutrient utilization of DDGS, SBM, and RSM in sows across gestation, lactation, and the post-weaning period. A total of 24 multiparous sows (initial body weight: 286.58 ± 11.35 kg) were used across gestation (50 d), lactation, and the post-weaning period, using a randomized complete block design with 4 dietary treatments (basal, DDGS, SBM, and RSM), with 6 replicates per treatment. The basal diet was a corn-soybean meal basal diet, and the three test diets were formulated by replacing part of the basal diet with 30% DDGS, 20% soybean meal, or 20% rapeseed meal, respectively. The results showed that for DDGS, the digestible energy (DE) in multiparous sows during lactation was greater than that during gestation and the post-weaning period (P < 0.05). The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), and gross energy (GE) during lactation was also greater than that during gestation (P < 0.05). For SBM, the DE and the ATTD of DM, crude protein (CP), and GE during gestation and the post-weaning period were greater than those during lactation (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the ATTD of EE and organic matter (OM) during gestation was greater than that during lactation (P < 0.05). For RSM, the DE and the ATTD of OM and GE during lactation were greater than those during the post-weaning period (P < 0.05). Physiological stage significantly affected the available energy and nutrient digestibility of DDGS, SBM, and RSM in multiparous sows. Specifically, for DDGS and RSM, higher digestibility of DE and nutrients was observed during lactation, whereas for SBM, higher digestibility of nutrients and DE was observed during gestation and the post-weaning period. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for both physiological stage and feed ingredient characteristics when evaluating feed ingredients and formulating diets for multiparous sows.
The objective of this study was to assess the effects of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) on androstenone metabolism and associated gene expression in hepatocytes isolated from intact (boars) and castrated (barrows) male pigs. Isolated porcine hepatocytes were treated with the SCFAs acetate, propionate, and butyrate, both individually and in combination, and then incubated with androstenone. Androstenone metabolism and gene expression were subsequently assessed. Androstenone metabolism was significantly increased by propionate (P < 0.01) and all SCFA combination treatments (P < 0.0001) in hepatocytes from both boars and barrows, and by butyrate in hepatocytes from boars (P = 0.009). Several key genes were upregulated in hepatocytes from barrows; this included AKR1C1 following all SCFA combination treatments (P ≤ 0.01), UGT2A1 and SULT2A1 following treatment with the combination of propionate and butyrate (P < 0.05) and the combination of all three SCFAs (P < 0.05), and SULT1E1 following treatment with the combination of acetate and butyrate (P = 0.005). Short-chain fatty acid treatments did not alter gene expression in hepatocytes from boars; however, plasma levels of estrone-1-sulfate, an abundant testicular steroid in boars, were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with UGT1A1, SULT1E1, and UGT2A1 expression in response to treatment with different SCFAs. These results suggest that SCFA-induced effects on hepatic androstenone metabolism and gene expression depend on the specific SCFA profile and are influenced by testicular steroid hormones.
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of human milk-derived Limosilactobacillus reuteri (REU) on growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, and systemic and intestinal health parameters of weaned pigs. Dietary supplementation of REU had greater (P = 0.046) average daily gain during d 1 to 7 and d 15 to 28, and feed efficiency over the overall period (d 1 to 28). Pigs in REU group had tended to lower (P = 0.060) frequency of diarrhea than non-supplemented group. Pigs fed REU tended to have lower concentrations of serum cortisol (P = 0.061) and had lower interleukin-6 (P = 0.014), and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.033) on d 7, and also had lower serum interleukin-6 (P = 0.027) and transforming growth factor-β1 (P = 0.008) levels on day 14 than those fed control diet. Probiotic REU had greater (P = 0.034) serum total protein levels on d 28 than non-probiotic diet. Pigs in REU group tended to have increased (P = 0.062) villus height in the ileum compared with those in control group. Pigs fed REU had upregulated claudin-1 (P = 0.002) and interferon-γ (P = 0.032) genes expression in the ileum than those fed control diet, but downregulated interleukin-8 (P = 0.004) gene expression. Dietary supplementation of human milk-derived REU improved growth performance of weaned pigs by modulating inflammatory responses and enhancing intestinal barrier integrity. These results suggest that the potential of human milk-derived probiotics as an effective strategy for improving growth performance and health in antibiotic-free swine production system.
The weaning period is a crucial stage for piglets and can result in reduced growth performance and post-weaning diarrhea. In the swine industry, various feed additives have been widely evaluated to mitigate these challenges. Probiotics, especially lactic acid bacteria, are extensively studied as functional additives in swine production. However, the effects of probiotics are strain-dependent, and their underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of dietary Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L. plantarum) IDCC 3501 on growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, hematological parameters, biochemical parameters, intestinal morphology, immune responses, and gene expression of tight junction proteins and inflammatory cytokines in ileal tissue of weaned pigs. A total of 48 weaned pigs (initial body weight = 6.61 ± 0.85 kg; 28 days of age) were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments (four pigs per pen; six replicates per treatment) for 28 days. The dietary treatments included a basal nursery diet based on corn and soybean meal (CON) and the CON supplemented with 0.02% L. plantarum IDCC 3501 (LP; 2.4 × 106 CFU/g). Pigs fed LP had greater (P < 0.05) average daily gain from day 15 to 28 and tended to have greater (P = 0.057) feed efficiency from days 15 to 28 than those fed CON. Pigs fed LP tended to have a lower (P = 0.075) frequency of diarrhea during days 8 to 14 and had a lower (P < 0.05) hematocrit level on day 14. When LP was supplemented in the nursery diet, villus width and area in the jejunum tended to be greater (P = 0.081 and P = 0.072, respectively). The serum cortisol level was lower (P < 0.05) on day 7 when LP was fed. Also, dietary LP reduced (P < 0.05) concentrations of serum TNF-α and IL-6 on day 7, and IL-6 on day 14. At the end of the study, dietary LP supplementation upregulated (P < 0.05) expression of CLDN1, CLDN4, and IFNG genes, and downregulated (P < 0.05) expression of TNFA and IL8 genes. This study suggests that dietary LP supplementation may enhance growth performance of weaned pigs by mitigating post-weaning diarrhea, systemic stress and inflammatory responses, as well as improving intestinal barrier functions.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by inflammation and irreversible damage to the structure and function of kidneys. The kidneys require large amounts of energy to maintain their structural integrity and function, and in CKD there is a disruption of renal energy metabolism due to decreased oxidative phosphorylation and mitochondrial function. The canonical medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are caproic (C6:0), caprylic (C8:0), and capric (C10:0) acids, while lauric acid (C12:0) is considered an intermediate fatty acid. The purpose of this study was to assess circulating markers of energy status and inflammation in felines with CKD when fed trioctanoin (C8 MCT), a medium chain triglyceride, in the presence of fish oil. The C8 MCTs are hydrolyzed into MCFAs, which are more efficiently digested, transported to the liver, and absorbed into mitochondria than intermediate or long chain fatty acids. They also generate higher levels of ketone bodies such as beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which is a preferred source of energy for kidneys. Various lipid metabolites and BHB contribute to energy metabolism and modulate inflammation. The subjects were cats with naturally occurring CKD (at least International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 1 with symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) ≥14.0 ug/dL for at least three months; n = 16) housed at Hill's Pet Nutrition Center. In a cross-over study, based on sex and age cats were assigned to the order of feeding of a control food (dry food for management of renal disease) and test food. On an as-fed basis, pork fat was decreased from 12.3% in the control food to 4.3% in the test food, allowing for the addition of 8% C8 MCTs. Fasting blood and urine were collected after feeding each food for eight weeks. Analyses included assessing plasma metabolomics, serum and urine biochemistries, and complete blood counts. Fasting levels of circulating BHB were increased by the test food and carnitine adducts showed a bidirectional effect, as compared to control food (p < 0.05). There were also decreases in inflammatory lipid mediators including dihydro- and hexosylceramides, lysophospholipids, and phosphatidylcholines with test food (p < 0.05 vs control), suggesting reduced inflammatory signals. These results indicate feeding C8 MCTs to cats with CKD increases available energy from ketones and decreases lipids involved in inflammation, supporting a beneficial role of C8 MCTs in the nutritional management of CKD in cats.
Acetaminophen (acetaminophen, APAP), alternatively referred to as paracetamol, is generally accepted as a safe pharmacologic choice to treat pain and fever during pregnancy. This review examines the prevalence and patterns of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and the historical context behind this widespread use. We discuss the emerging and controversial data linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy and adverse effects on the fetus and offspring. Furthermore, we draw on mechanistic evidence from preclinical studies and observational clinical studies that support the hypothesis that in addition to the fetus and newborn, there is a potential impact of acetaminophen on the placenta. We draw on mechanistic data from pre-clinical experiments and observational data from clinical studies to assess the association between APAP exposure and placental cellular injury, preeclampsia, and growth restriction. We conclude that additional research is needed to ensure the most informed pharmacologic management of pain and fever during pregnancy.
Lubabegron (LUB) is a β-adrenergic agonist/antagonist approved for reduction of ammonia gas emissions in feedlot cattle; improvements in growth and carcass yield have also been reported, although the underlying mechanism remains unresolved. Thirty-two Angus-influenced steers (524 ± 5 kg) were assigned to control (CON) or LUB diets (3.5 mg/kg DM; targeted 36 mg/steer/d for 63 d). All steers had received a trenbolone acetate-estradiol implant (TE-200) at arrival, 58 d before treatment initiation, administered identically across groups. Growth performance, carcass traits, longissimus muscle (LM) composition, transcriptome, signaling protein abundance, and IGF-1 were measured. LUB increased final BW (637 vs. 612 kg), ADG, DMI, and gain-to-feed ratio relative to CON (P < 0.01). Hot carcass weight was 18.5 kg greater in LUB (P < 0.01), whereas dressing percentage, ribeye area, 12th-rib fat, and marbling score were unaffected (P ≥ 0.25). LM crude protein was higher (23.6 vs. 22.5%; P < 0.01) and crude fat tended lower (5.0 vs. 6.4%; P = 0.051) in LUB steaks. Warner-Bratzler shear force was greater in LUB at 2 d (4.36 vs. 3.67 kg; P = 0.03) and 14 d (3.74 vs. 2.76 kg; P < 0.01) postmortem. Serum creatinine, total protein, bilirubin, and cholesterol were elevated in LUB steers (P ≤ 0.02). Transcriptomic profiling at day 56 identified 643 differentially expressed genes, with upregulation of myogenic regulators, glycolytic enzymes, and fast-twitch fiber genes and downregulation of adipogenic networks. Phospho-mTOR abundance (P = 0.03) and the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (P = 0.05) were greater in LUB. Although LUB is an established β3-AR agonist, receptor binding and protein abundance were not assessed; β3-AR transcript in LM was minimal and undetectable in 40.6% of samples, and neither p-CREB nor the p-CREB/CREB ratio differed between treatments (P ≥ 0.32), arguing against p-CREB-dependent β3-AR signaling as the primary driver. IGF-1 protein in LM was greater in LUB-supplemented steers at day 56 (P = 0.01), whereas circulating IGF-1 did not differ overall (P = 0.66), although a treatment × time interaction was detected (P < 0.05). The dissociation between elevated local muscle IGF-1 and the absence of a sustained systemic increase supports an autocrine and paracrine IGF-1 mechanism with downstream Akt/mTOR activation as a coherent framework for the muscle response observed with LUB supplementation.
High-quality drinking water is critical for efficient feedlot production. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of drinking water intake (DWI) of cattle in feedlots and developed and evaluated models that predict DWI against industry standard predictions. Three search engines were used to identify experiments that included DWI in feedlot cattle. Results of experiments were evaluated to ensure that these were: from peer-reviewed journals or theses published in English; in vivo and evaluated use of DWI in feedlot cattle; had appropriate study designs; had appropriate analysis of data; and contained data to determine the effect size for outcomes. Environmental and production measures were extracted, and temperature humidity index (THI) and heat load index (HLI) were calculated. A mixed model meta-regression with the random effects of experiment within study was used to evaluate the univariate effects of temperature, THI, HLI, body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, dry matter percentage of the diet, sex, and shade on DWI. Multivariable, multi-level models to predict DMI were constructed by backwards stepping separately for temperature and THI when average daily temperature is > 12 °C. Existing equations for DWI for feedlot cattle were evaluated and compared to the models developed in this study by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient rho_c, Pearson's correlation, and Bland and Altman's (1986) limits of agreement. Thirty-five studies with up to 131 experimental comparisons were included in the meta-analysis. The mean DWI was 31.2 L/d (SD = 4.31), mean temperature was 23.1 °C (SD = 24.10), and temperature humidity index (THI) was 69.1 (SD = 9.62). Two models to predict DWI for feedlot cattle were developed, the first with temperature and body weight both independently predicting DWI [Root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.40 L/d] based on 20 studies and 75 experiments. The second model had THI and dry matter intake independently predicting DWI (RMSE = 2.83 L/d) based on 14 studies and 57 experiments. These models are consistent with estimates from other individual studies, but lower than those of the NRC (2016). Drinking water intake decreased by 0.2 L for every 100 mg/L increase in water sulfate (SO4). Shade reduced DWI by 3.4 L/d. We provide updated robust estimates of changes in DWI for feedlot cattle with increases in environmental temperature, THI, body weight, and feed intake to guide industry in water resource allocation.
Increasing dietary Lys and remaining essential AA above requirements might counter impaired growth resulting from pigs being fed a low-protein (LP) diet in the early weaning period. It was hypothesized that by increasing dietary Lys and remaining essential AA levels in a 4-week (W) non-reduced period (W5-8) after a 4-W reduced dietary crude protein period (W1-4) would potentially increase growth performance. At weaning, 67 piglets with an ADG of 200-220 g/day during the suckling period were selected based on their weaning weight for the study. On the day of weaning pigs were pre-allocated to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: control (STD-STD), standard (LP-STD), STD+10% Lys (LP-STD10+) and STD+20% Lys (LP-STD20+). From weaning to W4 after weaning LP-STD, LP-STD10+ and LP-STD20+ pigs were fed the same LP starter diet (81/79% total/digestible of CP level in STD diet), whereas STD-STD pigs were fed a diet formulated according to recommendations. From W5 to W8 after weaning LP-STD pigs were fed a diet with standard protein level, and LP-STD10+ and LP-STD20+, respectively, fed a diet with STD protein level plus 10% and 20% Lys including remaining essential AA. One day before weaning, and at W4, and at W8 after weaning, respectively, seven pigs (baseline Dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning), six STD and six LP pigs, and 12 STD-STD, 12 LP-STD, 12 LP-STD10+ and 12 LP-STD20+ pigs were slaughtered to DXA scan the carcasses. The data were analyzed using ANOVA function in R, with dietary treatment as fixed and pig nested within pen as random effect for BW, ADG and DXA parameters. For ADFI, G:F per pig, G:CP dietary treatment was used as fixed effect. For the fecal scoring the model included dietary treatment and day as fixed and pen as random effect. Results revealed no difference (P > 0.05) in BW, ADG, total feed intake or average daily feed intake between pigs fed STD and LP diet in W1-4, but LP pigs displayed greater (P < 0.01) gain-to-CP-ratio. Furthermore, pigs in the LP compared with STD group tended (P < 0.10) to display greater bone mass deposition, fat mass and fat mass deposition after W4. In W5-8 ADG was similar between STD-STD (0.96 kg/day) and LP-STD20 + (0.90 kg/day), which were both numerically greater than LP-STD (0.83 kg/day) and LP-STD10 + (0.86 kg/day). In conclusion, pigs fed the LP diet did not display expected reduction in ADG but tended to display an altered body composition after W4. This limited the study objective of investigating effect on increasing Lys and remaining essential AA levels, although observed that pigs fed the LP-STD20+ diet maintained an ADG numerically comparable to the STD-STD pigs throughout the non-reduced period in W5-8.
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of substituting DDGS with canola meal (CM) on nutrient and amino acid (AA) intake, flow, and digestibility. Jersey steers (n = 6; BW = 257 ± 16.5 kg) with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used in a duplicated 3 × 3 Latin square design. Diets consisted of (DM basis) dry-rolled corn (65%), hay (10%), liquid supplement (5%), and test ingredients (20%). Treatments were: 1) 20% DDGS inclusion (CON), 2) CM replacing 50% of DDGS (CM50), and 3) CM replacing 100% of DDGS (CM100). Each period lasted 17-d, consisting of a 10-d diet adaptation followed by a 7-d collection period. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS, with fixed effect of diet, and random effects of period, square, and animal nested within square. Linear and quadratic contrasts were used to assess responses to varying levels of DDGS and CM. Intakes of DM, OM, and NFC were greater (P ≤ 0.03, quadratic) for CON and CM100 compared to CM50. Despite the quadratic effect on DMI, no differences were observed for N intake (P = 0.17 linear and P = 0.15 quadratic), ruminal digestibility, duodenal flow from either feed or microbial origin, post-ruminal digestibility, and N balance (P ≥ 0.12). Intakes of arginine, lysine, tryptophan, and glycine (P ≤ 0.05) linearly increased with CM inclusion. Tyrosine intake was greater for CON and CM100 compared to CM50 (P ≤ 0.054, quadratic). Despite that, the amount of EAA and NEAA reaching the small intestine, as well as the post-ruminal digestibility of AA, were unaffected by treatment (P ≥ 0.20). This response can be explained by AA utilization in the rumen, which was similar between treatments (P ≥ 0.13). Most AA exhibited AA utilization indexes greater than 1.0, indicating net ruminal gain. Propionate responded quadratically to dietary inclusion of CM (P < 0.01) with greater concentrations for CM100 followed by CON and CM50. The opposite pattern was observed for acetate (P < 0.01, quadratic). Consequently, the acetate to propionate ratio also responded quadratically (P < 0.01; 1.79, 2.46, and 1.49 for CON, CM50, and CM100 respectively). These results demonstrate that CM can fully replace DDGS in finishing cattle diets without detrimental effects on DMI, N utilization, or duodenal AA supply. Despite inherent differences in protein source and AA composition, ruminal microbial metabolism effectively buffered dietary variation, resulting in comparable MP supply and N retention across treatments.
The indigestible core of forage fiber, quantified as indigestible neutral detergent fiber (iNDF, also denoted parametrically as Ω), critically influences ruminant intake, rumen fill, digestibility, and microbial substrate availability. This study estimated digestion kinetics and Ω for 17 forage species (nine grasses and eight legumes) using long-term in vitro incubations and developed a scaling function for Ω prediction from the Lignin(sa):aNDFom ratio. Multivariate analysis of chemical composition (DM, CP, CF, ash, aNDFom, Lignin(sa), and NFC) revealed distinct grass-legume profiles, with grasses showing greater aNDFom (592-763 g/kg DM) and lesser CP (76-166 g/kg DM) than legumes, and lignin ratios ranging 40-230 g/kg aNDFom. Incubations (up to 2,500 h, with medium and inoculum renewal every 96 h) produced biphasic degradation profiles that were fitted with nonlinear mixed models (EXP1, EXP2, GMM1, GMM2, and compartmental GηG1 and GηG1G1) in R (nlme). Information-theoretic criteria selected the heterogeneous two-pool compartmental model G6G1G1, which incorporated specimen-specific parameters, random block effects on the lag rate, power-of-the-mean variance, and a continuous autoregressive correlation structure. Fast pools ranged from 140-571 g/kg, slow pools from 59-379 g/kg, with corresponding degradation rates of 0.033-0.128 h⁻¹ and 0.0026-0.0102 h⁻¹. Parametric bootstrap (3,000 replicates) indicated that approximately 300 h of incubation is sufficient to capture 95% of potentially digestible fiber, despite uncertainty in the slow pools. The scaling law Ω = 2.22Lignin(sa)/aNDFom1.06 best predicted the indigestible residue, with diagnostics confirming model adequacy. Limitations include the modest number of forage specimens and residual uncertainty in the slow pools. This work integrates kinetic and chemical predictors to improve feed evaluation and ration formulation for ruminants.
The objectives of this study were to determine how diets distinctly processed from the same raw batch to mimic common pet food formats may affect apparent total tract macronutrient digestibility (ATTD), gastrointestinal transit time (GTT), and fecal characteristics, metabolites, and the microbiota of healthy dogs. Ten spayed female adult beagles (age: 6.10±1.20 yr; body weight: 8.63±0.77 kg) were used in a replicated 5x5 Latin square design to test the following diet formats: retorted (RT), mildly cooked [sous vide (SV), steamed (ST)], and raw [high-pressure processed (HPP), freeze-dried (FD)]. The study comprised five 28-d periods, including a 7-d diet transition, 14-d treatment, and 7-d collection phase. All feces excreted during the collection phase were pooled and analyzed for dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), lipids, and gross energy. On the first day of fecal collections, one fresh fecal sample was collected to measure pH, DM, fermentative metabolite concentrations, and microbiota composition. Data were analyzed by Mixed Models using SAS 9.4, with P<0.05 being statistically significant. Dogs consuming the RT and FD diets had a higher (P<0.05) as-is fecal output to DM intake ratio than dogs consuming the ST and HPP diets. The HPP and ST diets had higher (P<0.05) DM and OM ATTD than the RT, FD, and SV (ST not different) diets. All diets had greater (P<0.05) CP ATTD than the RT diet and higher (P<0.05) fat ATTD than the FD diet. Energy ATTD was higher (P<0.05) in the ST, HPP, and SV diets than in the FD and RT (SV not different) diets. Fecal acetate and butyrate concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in dogs consuming the RT diet than the ST and SV (butyrate only) diets. Fecal isobutyrate, isovalerate, total branched-chain fatty acid, indole, and ammonia concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in dogs consuming the RT diet than all other diets (ST not different for indole and ammonia). Alpha and beta diversity measures were not impacted, but diet altered the relative abundances of 3 bacterial phyla and 19 genera (P<0.05). In summary, processing method influenced nutrient digestibility as well as the fecal metabolite concentrations and microbiota populations of dogs, but did not impact GTT, fecal score, pH, DM, and alpha and beta diversity measures. More research is needed to evaluate additional factors such as packaging size, ingredient inclusion levels, macronutrient concentrations, different processing parameters, and other formats.
Barley endosperm contains mostly fermentable fiber (resistant starch including amylose and β-glucan). Instead, barley hull contains non-fermentable fiber whose fermentability might be increased by steam explosion. Barley fiber may benefit gut health and thereby enhance growth performance. The objective was to study effects of feeding barley endosperm with different amylose and β-glucan content and hull processing on diet digestibility and growth performance of weaned pigs. In nine randomized complete blocks, 216 weaned pigs housed in 54 pens were fed six diets containing 58% of either low amylose and β-glucan (LAB) or high amylose and β-glucan (HAB) barley endosperm, plus 8.5% of either (untreated) oat hull, (untreated) barley hull, or steam-exploded (StE) barley hull starting 1 week post-weaning for two 14-day phases. Diets provided 2.3 Mcal net energy (NE)/kg, and 5.5 g or 5.1 g standardized ileal digestible Lys/Mcal NE for phase 1 or phase 2, respectively. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement with endosperm and hull as main effects. The hull-less barley grain with HAB endosperm contained 7.8%-unit more amylose and 1.5%-unit more β-glucan than dehulled barley with LAB endosperm. Microscopic images showed that steam explosion disturbed the structure of barley hull. In phase 1, endosperms and hulls interacted for diet apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD). Diet ATTD of gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) were greater (P < 0.05) for LAB than HAB endosperm when diets contained oat or barley hull, but not StE barley hull. In phase 2, diet ATTD of GE and CP were greater (P < 0.05) for LAB than HAB endosperm; diet ATTD of GE was greater (P < 0.05) for StE barley hull than barley hull; diet ATTD of GE and CP were lower (P < 0.05) for barley hull than oat hull. For the entire trial (d 0-28), an interaction (P < 0.05) was observed for average daily feed intake (ADFI). The ADFI of pigs was lower (P < 0.05) feeding HAB than LAB endosperm when combined with StE barley hull in diets. Average daily gain (ADG) was lower (P = 0.001) for pigs fed HAB than LAB endosperm, but ADG did not differ among hulls. Gain-to-feed did not differ between endosperms or among hulls. In conclusion, feeding diets with high amylose and β-glucan barley endosperm reduced diet total tract digestibility and weaned pig growth performance. Steam explosion of hulls increased diet digestibility in phase 2 but did not increase growth performance in weaned pigs.
Benzoic acid (BA) is an organic acid feed additive that increases protein digestibility and growth performance in nursery pigs. However, its post-absorptive metabolism to hippuric acid (HA) requires nitrogen from Gly. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing BA intake in crude protein (CP)-limited diets on nitrogen utilization in nursery pigs. Thirty-six castrated male pigs (initial body weight = 14.25 ± 1.22 kg) were housed individually in metabolism crates and assigned to one of four treatment diets (n = 9): 1) BA-0 (BA, 0 g/kg); 2) BA-0.5 (BA, 5 g/kg); 3) BA-1 (BA, 10 g/kg); or 4) BA-1.5 (BA, 15 g/kg); all diets contained 3,577 kcal metabolizable energy (ME)/kg, 15.3% CP, and 1.34% standardized ileal digestible Lys. Pigs were adapted to treatment diets for 7 d and received three equal meals at 08:00, 12:00, and 16:00 at 2.1 × ME requirements for maintenance; water was provided freely with each meal. During the 7-d experimental period, feed intake and refusals were recorded at each meal; fresh fecal samples were collected daily and pooled; and total urine output was collected daily, subsampled, and pooled. Diet, feces, and urine were analyzed for nitrogen content. Blood was collected at the start and end of the experimental period for plasma amino acid, BA, and HA analysis. Nitrogen intake was not affected by BA inclusion. Increasing BA intake increased apparent total tract digestibility of nitrogen from 89.6% to 94.5% (linear, P < 0.01), decreased fecal nitrogen output from 1.45 to 0.77 g/d (linear, P < 0.01), and increased urine nitrogen output from 1.60 to 2.52 g/d (linear, P < 0.01). However, whole-body nitrogen retention was not different among treatments. While nitrogen retention efficiency was likewise not affected by BA inclusion, the biological value of nitrogen decreased from 87.1% to 80.8% with increasing BA intake (linear, P < 0.01). Plasma and urine HA concentration and urine HA output increased, whereas plasma Gly concentration decreased, with increasing BA intake (linear, P < 0.01). Collectively, BA effectively improved protein digestibility, even in CP-limited diets, but greater nitrogen output in urine counteracted this effect, leading to no overall differences in nitrogen retention. Since the biological value of nitrogen was reduced with greater BA intakes, both dietary CP and Gly content should be considered when formulating nursery diets with added BA.
Nitrogen metabolism in pigs is closely associated with gut microbiota, but the differential effects of dietary fiber sources on nitrogen metabolism and gut microbiota remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of pectin, β-glucan, arabinoxylan, and cellulose on nitrogen metabolism, fecal microbiota, and metabolic characteristics in growing-finishing pigs. Sixty healthy castrated male pigs (initial body weight 44.32 ± 0.29 kg) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 12 per group) for a 28-day trial, receiving a basal diet supplemented with 7.0% wheat bran (CON group), 3.5% pectin (PC group), 3.5% β-glucan (BG group), 3.5% arabinoxylan (AX group), or 3.5% cellulose (CL group). Compared with the CL group, the PC and AX groups had significantly higher blood ammonia (BLA) and urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (P < 0.05). Compared with the CON and CL groups, the PC, BG, and AX groups had significantly higher fecal nitrogen (N) content (P < 0.05). Different fiber sources significantly altered the composition and functional potential of the fecal microbiota, leading to changes in key genera including Limosilactobacillus, Lactobacillus, and Escherichia-Shigella (P < 0.05). Compared with the CL group, the PC group exhibited higher microbial nitrogen cycling-related functions, fecal microbial protein (MCP), and ammonia nitrogen concentrations (P < 0.05). In conclusion, different dietary fiber sources exert differential effects on nitrogen metabolism and fecal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs. Pectin and cellulose induce distinct changes in nitrogen excretion through modulation of the gut microbiota, offering insights into using plant fiber byproducts to reduce nitrogen pollution in swine production.
Reproductive failure is an increasing concern for polar bear (Ursus maritimus) populations. Although hormone monitoring has improved understanding of reproductive function, serum-based assessments have been underutilized. This study evaluated the use of multiplex immunoassays to characterize key hormones in females. Serum samples (n = 103; 2-8 per bear) were collected from 25 females and used to characterize follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), growth hormone (GH), leptin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL) using commercial panels. Assay validation confirmed biologically meaningful profiles parallelism, acceptable spike-and-recovery (range: 91.6-99.8%), and analyte stability across four freeze-thaw cycles (< 15% difference). Age groups were defined as juvenile (0-5.0 y), young adult (5.1-12.0 y), adult (12.1-20.0 y), and senior (> 20.0 y). Juveniles were excluded from analyses except where age group was evaluated. Seasons were classified based on northern hemisphere astronomical seasons. FSH was frequently below the assay's minimum detectable limit (MDL), indicating that although assay specificity was confirmed, the sensitivity was insufficient to reliably quantify physiological concentrations in this species. Detectable values (range: 7.8 to 22.4 ng/mL) were mostly restricted to the breeding season, with no samples above the MDL from May through November. GH concentrations differed significantly by season (P = 0.001), with the greatest model-adjusted mean during winter (4.29 ± 2.0 ng/mL) and lowest during summer (0.59 ± 0.28 ng/mL). Leptin concentrations differed by age group (P = 0.001), with the greatest model-adjusted mean in seniors (1.69 ± 0.50 ng/mL) and lowest in young adults (0.58 ± 0.42 ng/mL). LH also varied by age (P = 0.0002), with seniors showing the greatest model-adjusted mean (0.65 ± 0.18 ng/mL) and immature bears, the lowest (0.16 ± 0.04 ng/mL). PRL model-adjusted mean peaked in winter (38.05 ± 9.71 ng/mL) and spring (36.38 ± 8.49 ng/mL; P = 0.0001) and age group (P = 0.04); however, post-hoc tests revealed no significant difference in pairwise comparisons among the age groups. These results demonstrate the applicability of multiplex technology for reproductive hormone monitoring in polar bears. Notably, this study provides the first comprehensive characterization of several key hormones in female polar bears.
A total of 128 weanling pigs (initial body weight, 7.5 ± 0.79 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of nucleotide (NUCL) supplementation to an adequate or low crude protein (CP) diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota composition, metabolic and inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Pigs were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments (n = 8 replicates) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary CP level [adequate protein (AD) or low protein (LP)] and NUCL supplementation (0 or 9 g/kg) for a 42-d trial. The experimental diets were AD without NUCL (AD0), AD with NUCL (AD9), LP without NUCL (LOW0), and LP with NUCL (LOW9). Fecal samples were collected on d 39, 40 and 41 to determine the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients. On d 42, fresh fecal samples were collected for microbiome analysis, and two pigs per pen were intraperitoneally injected with either saline or LPS (LPS; 25 µg/kg BW). Rectal temperature (RT) was recorded post-challenge, and blood samples were collected for serum analysis. Pigs fed AD diets had higher overall ADG (P < 0.01), G:F and final BW (P < 0.001) compared to LP pigs. Nucleotide supplementation increased (P < 0.05) ADG from d 28-42, final BW, and overall G:F. A significant (P < 0.01) NUCL × CP interaction was observed for d 0 to 14 ADFI which was higher in pigs fed AD9 compared to AD0, but was not different between LOW9 and LOW0 pigs. Nucleotide supplementation also increased (P < 0.01) ATTD of dry matter (DM) and gross energy (GE), while feeding low CP diets tended (P = 0.07) to increase ATTD of nitrogen compared to AD. Low CP diets had lower (P < 0.05) RT at 0 and 4 h compared to AD, while NUCL supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) RT at 4 h post-challenge compared to unsupplemented diets. A NUCL × CP (P < 0.001) interaction was found with serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) which was lower in LOW9 pigs compared to LOW0, but not different in AD pigs regardless of NUCL supplementation. Both alpha and beta diversities were affected (P < 0.05) by dietary CP level, but not NUCL supplementation. Differential abundance analysis also showed that significant shifts in microbial community structure were primarily associated with dietary CP level. Collectively, these findings suggest that NUCL supplementation influences feed intake during the early post-weaning period, supports immune resilience, and modulates inflammatory responses in a dietary CP-dependent manner.
Assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is used to treat infertility in humans, in agriculture for animal production, and in wildlife preservation efforts. In humans, ART is known to be associated with increased risks and adverse outcomes in pregnancy for both mother and offspring, likely due to changes in placental development. Research using animal models as well as human tissue offers the opportunity to examine what placental changes are present in ART pregnancies to better understand the etiology of ART effects on pregnancy. Promising directions in research include both transcriptomic and proteomic studies to elucidate how specific gene and signaling pathways in the placenta may be altered with ART. This may allow us to develop treatment options to make ART pregnancies safer and more efficient. In this review of the literature, we will discuss the current knowledge from transcriptomic and proteomic studies of ART placentas in both animal and human pregnancies.
Ectoine, a compatible solute produced by extremophilic bacteria, is widely used for mucosal protection due to its cytoprotective and anti‑inflammatory properties. However, its effects within the female reproductive tract and its interaction with sperm‑associated immune responses remain unknown. This study provides the first assessment of ectoine's immunomodulatory activity in bovine cervical and uterine tissues and its influence on sperm-polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) interactions. Cervical and uterine explants from follicular‑phase heifers (n = 5) were pre‑incubated with 0, 0.5, 5, or 50 mM ectoine prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or sperm. Cytokine concentrations (IL‑8, IL‑6, and IL‑1β) were measured by ELISA, and sperm-PMN binding and sperm motility following PMN co‑incubation were evaluated. Baseline cytokine secretion was higher in uterine versus cervical explants (P < 0.05), indicating distinct tissue‑specific immune profiles. Ectoine alone did not alter basal cytokine secretion (P > 0.05). LPS increased IL‑8, IL‑6, and IL‑1β secretion from cervical explants and IL‑8 and IL‑1β in uterine explants (P < 0.05), and ectoine did not modify these responses (P > 0.05). Sperm elevated IL‑1β release from uterine explants (P < 0.01), while IL‑6 and IL‑8 remained unchanged; this response was also unaffected by ectoine (P > 0.05). Ectoine did not influence sperm-PMN binding or sperm motility in the presence of PMNs (P > 0.05). Collectively, this study provides the first reproductive‑tract safety evaluation of ectoine, demonstrating that it does not disrupt constitutive or stimulus‑induced inflammatory signaling nor interfere with sperm-immune interactions. These findings support ectoine's safe incorporation into semen preservation and assisted reproductive technologies.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium spp., either alone or combined with Nannochloropsis gaditana, on milk yield and composition, milk fatty acid profile, and oxidative status in lactating ewes. Thirty-two crossbred dairy ewes in early lactation (50 ± 5 d in milk) were allocated to four groups (n = 8 per group) balanced for milk yield, body weight, and age. The control group (CON) received a concentrate without microalgae, whereas the supplemented groups received concentrates providing 30 g/ewe/d of Schizochytrium spp. (SC30) or 30 g/ewe/d (MB30) or 40 g/ewe/d (MB40) of a 70:30 blend of Schizochytrium spp. and N. gaditana. The experiment lasted 90 d, and milk and blood samples were collected on d 18, 36, 54, 72, and 90. Dietary treatment did not affect milk yield, fat-corrected milk (FCM), energy-corrected milk (ECM), milk fat yield, or milk protein yield (P > 0.10), although milk fat percentage tended to be lower in MB30 than in CON (P = 0.083). Milk C18:0 and cis-9 C18:1 concentrations were lower in all supplemented groups than in CON (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively). Trans-11 C18:1 and cis-9, trans-11 CLA were greater in SC30 and MB40 than in CON and MB30 (P = 0.012 and P = 0.015, respectively). Milk C20:5 n-3 increased in all supplemented groups and was greatest in MB40 (P < 0.001), whereas C22:6 n-3 was greater in all supplemented groups than in CON, with the greatest concentrations observed in SC30 and MB40 and an intermediate concentration in MB30 (P < 0.001). Similarly, total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and n-3 PUFA were greater in SC30 and MB40 than in CON, with MB30 showing intermediate values (P < 0.001), whereas the n-3/n-6 ratio increased in all supplemented groups compared with CON (P < 0.001). In plasma, catalase activity tended to be greatest in MB40 (P = 0.066), glutathione transferase activity was greatest in MB40 and higher than in SC30, with CON and MB30 showing intermediate values (P = 0.036), and protein carbonyl concentrations were lower in MB30 than in CON and SC30 (P = 0.015). In milk, ABTS radical-scavenging capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were lower in all supplemented groups than in CON (P = 0.003 and P = 0.043, respectively). Overall, microalgae supplementation, particularly treatments supplying greater amounts of Schizochytrium spp. (SC30 and MB40), enriched ewe milk with long-chain PUFA without impairing milk yield or major production traits.
