The effect of betaine supplementation on performance of laying hens in the tropical climate during the starting period

The study investigated the effects of dietary betaine on the growth performance of laying hens in a tropical climate during the starting period. In total, 192 laying hens strain Lohmann aged three weeks were assigned to four dietary treatments, each consisting of six replicates of eight birds. The dietary treatments included a basal diet (T0) and a basal diet supplemented with betaine at 6 mg/kg (T1), 12 mg/kg (T2), 18 mg/kg (T3). The treatments lasted for eight weeks. Temperature and relative humidity were measured with Hobo-U12, while the wet-bulb temperature was measured using Lutron HT-3027SD. The effect of betaine was not consistent where T3 decreased feed intake (FI) in week 2 but increased FI in weeks 4 and 5. Furthermore, T2 showed higher FI in weeks 6 and 7 than T0 (p<0.05). Accordingly, T2 and T3 led to lower weight gain in week 2, but they compensated with higher weight gain in week 4 when ambient temperature above 30°C occurred for 42 hours in a week. Overall, weight gain and body weight in week 8 was not affected by the treatment. It is concluded that the effect of betaine was more apparent when the birds were exposed to high ambient temperature.

In-Feed Supplementation of Resin Acid-Enriched Composition Modulates Gut Microbiota, Improves Growth Performance, and Reduces Post-Weaning Diarrhea and Gut Inflammation in Piglets

The weaning process represents a delicate phase for piglets, and is often characterized by lower feed intake, lower weight gain, diarrhea, and ultimately increased mortality. We aimed to determine the effects of RAC supplementation in diets on improving piglet growth and vitality, reducing post-weaning diarrhea, and enhancing gut health. In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, we selected forty sows and their piglets. Piglets were followed until seven weeks of age. There were no significant differences found between RAC treated and control piglets until weaning (p = 0.26). However, three weeks after weaning, RAC treated piglets had higher body weight and average daily growth (ADG) than the control piglets (p = 0.003). In addition, the piglets that received RAC after weaning, irrespective of mother or prior creep feed treatment, had lower post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) and fecal myeloperoxidase (MPO) level than control piglets. Gut microbiota analysis in post-weaning piglets revealed that RAC supplementation significantly increased Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Blautia, Butyricicoccus, Gemmiger and Holdemanella, and decreased Bacteroidales_unclassified. Overall, RAC supplementation to piglets modulated post-weaning gut microbiota, improved growth performance after weaning, reduced post-weaning diarrhea and reduced fecal myeloperoxidase levels. We therefore consider RAC to be a potential natural feed supplement to prevent enteric infections and improve growth performance in weaning piglets.

Effect of Cu Nanoparticles on the Properties of PP-g-PHMG/PE Monofilament and Its Antifouling Application

The modified polyethylene monofilament was prepared by melt blending and spinning using polyethylene (PE), polypropylene-grafted poly(hexamethylene guanidine) (PP-g-PHMG), and Cu nanoparticles (CuNPs). The effect of CuNP content on the structure, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial properties of the monofilaments was studied. In addition, the antifouling property of fishing nets using the modified polyethylene monofilaments was evaluated. The results showed that CuNPs were dispersed homogeneously in the monofilament matrix as microaggregates. The initial increase in the tensile strength of monofilament was attributed to the mechanical restraint, whereas a decrease in the tensile properties at 1.0 wt% CuNP content was due to the predominant effect of a decrease in the total crystallinity. A bacteriostatic test showed that the monofilament had an obvious inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, coupon test results showed that PP-g-PHMG/PE/CuNP nanocomposite netting had lower weight gain than PP-g-PHMG/PE netting (23.6% reduction) because of the combined antibacterial effect of both PHMG and CuNP. Therefore, PP-g-PHMG/PE/CuNP monofilament has the potential to produce green and efficient antifouling fishing nets.

Evaluation of broiler chickens rearing parameters in relation to intensity of infection with Eimeria protozoa

The study was aimed to assess the rearing parameters in Ross 308 broiler chickens depending on the intensity of infection with Eimeria protozoa. Two flocks were included in the analysis. One was found to be free from coccidiosis (healthy flock HF) and the other was classified as infected flock (IF). The collected data included the age of the chickens, losses (including falls and culls), body weight, weight gains, and daily feed intake. Additionally, the mean feed intake per kg body weight was estimated and the European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was calculated. The study demonstrated that the presence of Eimeria parasites in the rearing environment of broiler chickens had an impact on the rearing performance by increasing the demand for feed and the percentage of falls and culls during the rearing period, in comparison with chickens from the coccidiosis-free flock. Although they consumed higher amounts of feed, the coccidia-infected chickens were characterized by substantially lower weight gain values. The EPEF value on rearing day 42 in the Eimeria-infected broiler flock was by 103.66 lower than that calculated in the healthy flock.

Feed Consumption and Weight Gain in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Rats Treated With Azadirachta Indica (Neem) and Plathymenia Reticulata

Introduction: Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss, Meliaceae) is a tree native to India that has several medicinal effects. It has been reported that the leaves and oil of Neem seeds present antihyperglycemic/hypoglycemic activity. Plathymenia reticulata benth, known as “vinhático”, is a Brazilian cerrado tree that has properties of pancreatic islet hyperplasia and glycemic control in diabetic rats. Objective: To verify weight gain correlating with feed intake in rats with type 1 and non-diabetic diabetes mellitus, undertreatment with Neem and Plathymenia and the association between them. Methodology: Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal streptozotocin (65mg/kg) administration after a 24-hour fast. The diagnosis was made using a blood glucose value above 200mg/dl. The study was conducted in 60 male adult Wistar rats, weighing between 180 and 220 grams, divided into 9 groups, between diabetics (DM) and non-diabetic controls (NDC), and treated with Neem (300 mg/kg), cold aqueous extract of Plathymenia (100 mg/kg), water (negative control) and insulin (3 IU/day) – positive control; and association between plants. The treatment was performed by orogastric gavage for a period of 28 consecutive days, and weekly weight and daily feed intake were performed. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer’s pos-hoc test, Pearson correlation with a significance level of 5% through the SPSS25.0 software. The results are expressed on average ± EPM. Results: There was lower weight gain in diabetic rats undergoing neem treatment, compared with positive and negative control (-13.00 ± 5.13 vs 150.40 ± 6.80, vs 15.79 ± 7.25, p&lt;0.001); the average daily feed intake was higher in rats treated with neem, compared with positive and negative control (42.00 ± 0.00 vs 26.00 ± 1.26 vs 33.83 ± 0.00; p=0,001). There was no significant difference between the other diabetic groups, except for positive control – insulin. There was also lower weight gain in control animals with Neem, compared with negative control (53.50 ± 4.21 vs 80.00 ± 5.76, p=0.010). The average daily food intake was higher in control animals with Neem compared to negative control (24.00 ± 0.00 vs 15.00 ± 0.00, p=0.029). There was a significant negative correlation between weight gain and food intake in the animals studied (p=0.005). Conclusion: The results allow evaluating a lower weight gain, with higher average daily food intake, in rats treated with Neem, both diabetic and control. This effect may indicate possible use of plant extract in prediabetics, obese diabetics and in the treatment of obesity.

Baby-Led Weaning: What Role Does It Play in Obesity Risk during the First Years? A Systematic Review

Childhood is a window of opportunity for the prevention of the obesity pandemic. Since “the first 1000 days of life” is a period in which healthy eating habits must be acquired, it should be the target for preventive strategies. Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an emergent way of weaning that could influence children’s health. The nutrition committees of the main pediatric societies affirm there is not enough evidence to support which is the best method of weaning. The aim was to determinate the influence of BLW on the infant’s weight gain compared to the traditional spoon-feeding, and to assess if it could decrease the risk of obesity in children. A systematic review was conducted, following the PRISMA method. Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched. Out of 747 articles, eight studies (2875 total infants) were included (two randomized control trials, 6 observational studies). Results were indecisive, while some studies seem to demonstrate lower weight gain in infants that apply BLW, others show inconclusive results. The risk of bias in all included studies was moderate or high. In conclusion, more clinical trials and prospective studies should be done prior to providing a general recommendation about the best method of weaning to reduce the risk of obesity.

The Effect of Stool Transplantation on Weight Control in Obese Rats

Introduction Obesity is defined as a multifactorial metabolic syndrome in which there is an excessive number of fat cells within the tissues. It is discussed that intestinal microbiota might have a relevant relation with obesity, since it is relevantly altered in obese patients. Objectives To assess the effect of stool transplantation (ST) in the condition of obesity and its outcomes in an experimental model of cafeteria diet by analyzing histology and weight gain. Methods Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 5 groups: control (CO), control with antibiotics (CO + ATB), obesity (CAF + ATB), stool transplantation (ATB + ST) and obesity with stool transplantation (CAF + ATB + ST). During the experiment, obesity induction groups received cafeteria diet, whereas the remaining groups had normal diet ad libitum. After 3 months, daily ST was carried out for 8 weeks by gavage procedure. The animals were euthanized, and the small intestine was harvested for further analysis. Results It was observed that before starting the ST, the cafeteria and normal diet groups had significant weight difference (p < 0,0001). In the comparison between CAF + ATB and CAF + ATB + ST during the gavage period, the CAF + ATB + ST group presented lower weight gain (p = 0.0017). The histopathological evaluation show that the ATB + ST group did not present intestinal crypt distortion. Conclusion Cafeteria diet resulted in an expected weight gain. In relation to the ST, it has been shown that the procedure is effective in reducing weekly weight gain. Apparently, there was no induction of disabsortive syndrome in nonobese animals that received ST.

The methanolic extract of Garcinia atroviridis (MeGa) reduces body weight and food intake, and improves lipid profiles by altering the lipid metabolism: a rat model

Garcinia species are widely used for their slimming effects via increased fat burning and suppression of satiety. However, scientific evidence for the biological effects of Garcinia atroviridis (GA) is lacking. We investigated the phytochemical composition, safety profiles, and antioxidant and antiobesity effects of methanolic extracts of Garcinia atroviridis (MeGa) in obese female rats. Repeated dose toxicity studies were conducted according to the OECD guidelines. Upon sacrifice, haematological, biochemical, lipid profile, and serum-based metabolomics analyses were performed to evaluate metabolic expression changes and their related pathways. MeGa contains several phytochemical groups and GA fruit acids. MeGa was found to be nontoxic in both male and female rats with an oral lethal dose (LD50) of 2000 mg/kg. After 9 weeks of treatment, MeGa-treated obese rats had lower weight gain and better lipid profiles (cholesterol and triglyceride), which correlated with the altered metabolic pathways involved in the metabolism of lipid (glycerophospholipid) and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acid. In addition, MeGa caused differential metabolism pathways of arachidonic acid and tryptophan that affect the inflammatory response and suppression of appetite. We concluded that MeGa is safe, and its slimming effects are due to the differential metabolism of lipids

Risk factors for discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding within 1-month: A retrospective cohort study

Background: While breastfeeding provides both optimal nutrition for infants and health benefits for the mother, many women either do not breastfeed or terminate breastfeeding earlier than recommended. The aim of this analysis was to identify factors associated with early discontinuation of breastfeeding in Japanese women.Methods: This study utilized medical records from the Iwase General Hospital in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan to assess cessation of breastfeeding by the 1-month postpartum appointment. Demographic, medical, and family predictors among 734 women who had initiated breastfeeding during their delivery hospital stay were examined, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.Results: In a bivariate analysis, it was observed that women who were primipara, unmarried, smoked before pregnancy, were exposed to secondhand smoke, employed, and/or had asthma were more likely to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding. Infant factors associated with discontinuation were lower birthweight, earlier gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, treatment for jaundice, or lower weight gain. In multivariable analysis, primiparity, smoking before pregnancy, maternal employment and neonatal jaundice therapy remained associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding.Conclusions: Several maternal factors are associated with discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. In particular, women who smoke before pregnancy may need to be targeted for additional support for breastfeeding.

Risk factors for discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding within 1 month: A retrospective cohort study

Background While breastfeeding provides both optimal nutrition for infants and health benefits for the mother, many women either do not breastfeed or terminate breastfeeding earlier than recommended. The aim of this analysis was to identify factors associated with early discontinuation of breastfeeding in Japanese women. Methods This study utilized medical records from the Iwase General Hospital in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan to assess cessation of breastfeeding by the 1-month postpartum appointment. Demographic, medical, and family predictors among 734 women who had initiated breastfeeding during their delivery hospital stay were examined, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. Results In bivariate analysis, women who were primipara, unmarried, smoked before pregnancy, were exposed to secondhand smoke, employed, or had asthma were more likely to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding. Infant factors associated with discontinuation were lower birthweight, earlier gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, treatment for jaundice, or lower weight gain. In multivariable analysis, primiparity, smoking before pregnancy, maternal employment and neonatal jaundice therapy remained associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding. Conclusions Several maternal factors are associated with discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. In particular, women who smoke before pregnancy may need to be targeted for additional support of breastfeeding.