scholarly journals Food insecurity increases energetic efficiency, not food consumption: an exploratory study in European starlings

PeerJ ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. e11541
Author(s):  
Melissa Bateson ◽  
Clare Andrews ◽  
Jonathon Dunn ◽  
Charlotte B.C.M. Egger ◽  
Francesca Gray ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Food Consumption ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Energetic Efficiency ◽  
European Starlings ◽  
Bomb Calorimetry ◽  
Adequate Food ◽  
Reduced Physical Activity

Food insecurity—defined as limited or unpredictable access to nutritionally adequate food—is associated with higher body mass in humans and birds. It is widely assumed that food insecurity-induced fattening is caused by increased food consumption, but there is little evidence supporting this in any species. We developed a novel technology for measuring foraging, food intake and body mass in small groups of aviary-housed European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Across four exploratory experiments, we demonstrate that birds responded to 1–2 weeks of food insecurity by increasing their body mass despite eating less. Food-insecure birds therefore increased their energetic efficiency, calculated as the body mass maintained per unit of food consumed. Mass gain was greater in birds that were lighter at baseline and in birds that faced greater competition for access to food. Whilst there was variation between experiments in mass gain and food consumption under food insecurity, energetic efficiency always increased. Bomb calorimetry of guano showed reduced energy density under food insecurity, suggesting that the energy assimilated from food increased. Behavioural observations of roosting showed inconsistent evidence for reduced physical activity under food insecurity. Increased energetic efficiency continued for 1–2 weeks after food security was reinstated, indicating an asymmetry in the speed of the response to food insecurity and the recovery from it. Future work to understand the mechanisms underlying food insecurity-induced mass gain should focus on the biological changes mediating increased energetic efficiency rather than increased energy consumption.

Hydration status of Greco-Roman wrestlers in an authentic precompetition situation

2013 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 621-625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vahur Ööpik ◽  
Saima Timpmann ◽  
Andres Burk ◽  
Innar Hannus
Keyword(s):  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Urine Osmolality ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Urine Specific Gravity ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Greco Roman ◽  
Reduced Body ◽  
Body Mass Gain

We assessed the urinary indexes of hydration status of Greco-Roman wrestlers in an authentic precompetition situation at the time of official weigh-in (OWI). A total of 51 of 89 wrestlers competing in the Estonian Championship in 2009 donated a urine sample. Questionnaire responses revealed that 27 wrestlers (body mass losers (BMLs)) reduced body mass before the competition, whereas 24 wrestlers (those who do not lose body mass (n-BMLs)) did not. In 42 wrestlers, values of urine specific gravity ≥1.020 and urine osmolality ≥700 mOsmol·kg−1 revealed a hypohydrated status. The prevalence of hypohydration in the BMLs (96%) was higher than in the n-BMLs (67%) (χ2 = 7.68; p < 0.05). The prevalence of serious hypohydration (urine specific gravity >1.030) was 5.3 times greater (χ2 = 8.32; p < 0.05) in the BMLs than in the n-BMLs. In the BMLs, the extent of body mass gain during the 16-h recovery (2.5 ± 1.2 kg) was associated (r = 0.764; p < 0.05) with self-reported precompetition body mass loss (4.3 ± 2.0 kg) and exceeded the body mass gain observed in the n-BMLs (0.7 ± 1.2 kg; p < 0.05). We conclude that hypohydration is prevalent among Greco-Roman wrestlers at the time of OWI. The prevalence of hypohydration and serious hypohydration is especially high among wrestlers who are accustomed to reducing body mass before competition. These results suggest that an effective rehydration strategy is needed for Olympic-style wrestlers, and that changes in wrestling rules should be considered to reduce the prevalence of harmful body mass management behaviours.

Comparative studies of body mass, body measurements and organ weights of wild-derived and laboratory golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)

2002 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 445-454 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Gattermann ◽  
P. Fritzsche ◽  
R. Weinandy ◽  
K. Neumann
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Social Stress ◽  
Adrenal Glands ◽  
The Body ◽  
Body Measurements ◽  
Housing Conditions ◽  
Golden Hamsters ◽  
Stress Symptoms

All laboratory golden hamsters originate from a sibling pairing back in 1930. To investigate possible differences between domesticated and wild conspecifics, descendants of both strains were maintained under standardized laboratory conditions individually and in unisexual groups. Body mass and food consumption were monitored from birth to 22 weeks of age. The animals were subsequently sacrificed, and body measurements and body composition were analysed. In addition, the absolute and relative masses of different organs were measured. Laboratory hamsters gained more body mass through higher food consumption. However, they did not get fatter, since relative fat values were the same for both strains. Body measurements revealed only minor differences (in body and ear lengths). As deducible from the body mass, the organs (spleen, kidneys, adrenal glands, testes, epididymis and ovaries) were seen to be heavier in laboratory hamsters. Furthermore, with the exception of the kidneys, the same went for the relative values. There were distinct sexual specific differences in both strains only for body fat (♂♂↑) and adrenal glands (♂♂↑). In females, group housing induced an elevated level of aggression. In general, these housing conditions led to social stress symptoms, such as heavier adrenal glands. Additionally, spleen, kidneys, ovaries, body length and mass, body water and body fat were increased in group-housed hamsters. In conclusion, no major differences between laboratory and wild-derived hamsters were observed.

scholarly journals Effect of High Intensity Interval and Continuous Swimming Training on Body Mass Adiposity Level and Serum Parameters in High-Fat Diet Fed Rats

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guilherme L. da Rocha ◽  
Alex H. Crisp ◽  
Maria R. M. de Oliveira ◽  
Carlos A. da Silva ◽  
Jadson O. Silva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Interval Training ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Standard Diet ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Continuous Training ◽  
Body Mass Gain ◽  
Training Standard

This study aimed to investigate the effects of interval and continuous training on the body mass gain and adiposity levels of rats fed a high-fat diet. Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups, standard diet and high-fat diet, and received their respective diets for a period of four weeks without exercise stimuli. After this period, the animals were randomly divided into six groups (n=8): control standard diet (CS), control high-fat diet (CH), continuous training standard diet (CTS), continuous training high-fat diet (CTH), interval training standard diet (ITS), and interval training high-fat diet (ITH). The interval and continuous training consisted of a swimming exercise performed over eight weeks. CH rats had greater body mass gain, sum of adipose tissues mass, and lower serum high density lipoprotein values than CS. The trained groups showed lower values of feed intake, caloric intake, body mass gain, and adiposity levels compared with the CH group. No significant differences were observed between the trained groups (CTS versus ITS and CTH versus ITH) on body mass gains and adiposity levels. In conclusion, both training methodologies were shown to be effective in controlling body mass gain and adiposity levels in high-fat diet fed rats.

Does testosterone or coloration affect growth rates of adult males of the lizard Psammodromus algirus?

2000 ◽  
Vol 78 (8) ◽  
pp. 1463-1467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfredo Salvador ◽  
José P Veiga
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Breeding Season ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
Reproductive Period ◽  
The Body ◽  
Adult Males ◽  
Psammodromus Algirus ◽  
Ornamental Traits ◽  
Breeding Coloration

Elevation of circulating testosterone levels during the breeding season stimulates the development of breeding coloration and favors traits that maximize reproductive success, but it may have several costs. Retardation of growth by testosterone has been proposed as one of these costs to males of long-lived species. We examine the results of a field experiment on the short-term (within the breeding season) and long-term (1 year) effects of heightening levels of testosterone on the growth of males of the lacertid lizard Psammodromus algirus. Testosterone did not affect the mass gain of males during the reproductive period or between years. The between-years increase in snout-vent length in testosterone-supplemented males tended to be less than in control individuals. Within-season individual mass gain was mainly determined by body mass at emergence: the lower the body mass the higher the mass gain. Our results do not support the idea that the production of ornamental traits limits growth, as the negative correlation between degree of head coloration and mass gain disappeared when body mass was controlled for.

Seasonal variation in body mass and composition of eastern coyotes

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (9) ◽  
pp. 1625-1633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie-Lazarine Poulle ◽  
Michel Crête ◽  
Jean Huot
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Canis Latrans ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Low Fertility ◽  
Late Winter ◽  
Fat Percentage ◽  
Protein Mass ◽  
Fat Deposits ◽  
The Mean

Fat and protein reserves were estimated from body mass and the kidney and femur fat index for 135 coyotes (Canis latrans) of different ages and both sexes. These coyotes were collected in southeastern Quebec during five trapping periods between summer 1990 and autumn 1991. Coyotes were 27–28% heavier during autumn–winter than during summer: 16.0 versus 12.5 kg for males and 14.0 versus 11.0 kg for females. This mass gain consisted of 0.6–0.7 kg of protein and 1.5–2.0 kg of fat (water accounted for the balance). The mean fat percentage varied widely among individuals but did not differ according to sex or age. It varied according to trapping period and almost doubled from summer to autumn (10 versus 18%), did not change significantly from late October to late March, but then decreased from winter to summer. It appears that fat deposits accumulated by coyotes during autumn were not used progressively during the winter. However, they allowed the coyotes to survive during brief periods of food shortage. Furthermore, spring and summer seemed to be periods of relative food scarcity for coyotes, because they lost 16–17% of their protein mass from late winter to summer. Only 41% of the 39 females old enough to reproduce ovulated, but no relationship was apparent between this low fertility rate and the body composition of the females.

scholarly journals Prevention of Elevation in Plasma Triacylglycerol with High-Dose Bezafibrate Treatment Abolishes Insulin Resistance and Attenuates Glucose Intolerance Induced by Short-Term Treatment with Dexamethasone in Rats

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Maiara Destro Inácio ◽  
Alex Rafacho ◽  
Nathália Aparecida de Paula Camaforte ◽  
Poliana Teixeira ◽  
Priscilla Maria Ponce Vareda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Glucose Intolerance ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Lipid Lowering ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Short Term Treatment ◽  
Nonesterified Fatty Acids ◽  
Plasma Triacylglycerol

Objective. Fibrates are used as lipid-lowering drugs and are well tolerated as cotreatments when glucose metabolism disturbances are also present. Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are diabetogenic drugs that cause dyslipidemia, dysglycemia, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance when in excess. Thus, we aimed to describe the potential of bezafibrate in preventing or attenuating the adverse effects of GCs on glucose and lipid homeostasis. Methods. Male Wistar rats were treated with high-dose bezafibrate (300 mg/kg, body mass (b.m.)) daily for 28 consecutive days. In the last five days, the rats were also treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, b.m.). Results. Dexamethasone treatment reduced the body mass gain and food intake, and bezafibrate treatment exerted no impact on these parameters. GC treatment caused an augmentation in fasting and fed glycemia, plasma triacylglycerol and nonesterified fatty acids, and insulinemia, and bezafibrate treatment completely prevented the elevation in plasma triacylglycerol and attenuated all other parameters. Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance induced by GC treatment were abolished and attenuated, respectively, by bezafibrate treatment. Conclusion. High-dose bezafibrate treatment prevents the increase in plasma triacylglycerol and the development of insulin resistance and attenuates glucose intolerance in rats caused by GC treatment, indicating the involvement of dyslipidemia in the GC-induced insulin resistance.

Sexual size dimorphism in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis): effects of population density

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (9) ◽  
pp. 1661-1670 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mylène LeBlanc ◽  
Marco Festa-Bianchet ◽  
Jon T Jorgenson
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Phenotypic Expression ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
Bighorn Sheep ◽  
Ovis Canadensis ◽  
The Body ◽  
Young Males ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Female Body Mass

Sexual dimorphism is an important characteristic of many mammals, but little is known about how environmental variables may affect its phenotypic expression. The relationships between population size, body mass, seasonal mass changes, and sexual mass dimorphism were investigated using 22 years of data on individually marked bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) on Ram Mountain, Alberta. The number of adult ewes was artificially maintained low from 1972 to 1981 and then allowed to increase. The body mass of males from 0 to 7 years of age was negatively affected by population density. Female body mass was negatively affected by population density up to 2 years of age. As the number of ewes increased, sexual mass dimorphism of sheep aged 2–7 years declined. Population density had a negative effect on seasonal mass changes of young males and females. Density also had a weak but significant positive effect on yearly mass gain of 2-year-old females, suggesting compensatory growth. Females appear to compensate for resource shortages early in life, while males show a lifelong negative effect. We suggest that these sexual differences are due to the greater flexibility of resource allocation to growth or reproduction by females than by males.

scholarly journals The effect of the diet on incidence of footpad lesions and productivity of broilers

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 353-360 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z. Skrbic ◽  
Z. Pavlovski ◽  
M. Lukic ◽  
V. Petricevic ◽  
B. Miljkovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Consumption ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
The Body ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Broiler Performance ◽  
Feeding Programs ◽  
Feeding Program ◽  
Foot Pad ◽  
Performance Trial

Nutrition factors are considered to be very important for incidence of foot-pad dermatitis through the effect on the quality of litter. Objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of two feeding programs for broilers available on the market and declared in the nutritional/economical sense as standard and economical, on quality of litter, incidence of leg dermatitis (foot-pad and hock burns) and production performance. Trial was carried out on 500 one day old chickens of Hubbard genotype, in two treatments and five replicates. Chopped straw was used as litter. During the trial, the mortality and food consumption were monitored, and at the end of trial the body mass was controlled, as well as the incidence of foot-pad and hock burns and their severity were evaluated and quality of litter analyzed. Research results indicate significant effect of the diets from the aspect of broiler welfare and productivity. Application of the feeding program declared in the nutritional/economical sense as economical resulted in higher content of litter moisture, significantly higher frequency of incidence of the most severe forms of foot-pad dermatitis and significantly lower broiler performance.

scholarly journals Vpliv SNP znotraj FTO in LEP gena na prirast telesne mase pri govedu

2016 ◽  
Vol 108 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Iva ČERNOŠA ◽  
Žan PIRC ◽  
Andrej RENČELJ
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Growth Traits ◽  
Mass Gain ◽  
The Body ◽  
Polymorphic Site ◽  
Fto Gene ◽  
Body Mass Gain ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Lep Gene

Body mass gain in a certain time period is one of the most important parameters in beef production. Some candidate genes, which have major impact on growth traits, are known from the literature, notably among them the FTO (fat mass and obesity-associated) and LEP (leptin) locus. In our experiment, we assessed the frequency of alleles at two polymorphic sites within the FTO gene (FTO6 and FTO10) and at polymorphic site in the LEP gene in a sample of Aberdeen Angus (AA) and Holstein Friesian (HF) breeds. In a larger sample, containing dairy and beef cattle breeds we tested the association of these three SNPs with the body mass gain in a 200-day period (between 165th and 365th day of age). In our material we could not confirm the linkage between two SNPs within the FTO locus, due to the existence of the region with high recombination rate between exon 5 and intron 5 in the FTO gene. We demonstrated significant impact of birth weight, breed and SNPs in the FTO gene on the growth. The effect of the polymorphic site within the LEP gene could not be confirmed.

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