Plumage Response of Young Turkeys to Diets with Increased Methionine to Lysine Ratios at Three Dietary Arginine Levels

A 2 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two dietary methionine levels (Met; 30% and 45% of Lys content) and three arginine levels (Arg; 90%, 100%, and 110% of Lys content) on plumage development in 4- and 16-week-old female turkeys. One-day-old turkey poults were assigned to six groups (eight replicate pens per group and 18 birds per pen) and fed experimental diets containing 1.6%, 1.5%, 1.3%, and 1.0% of Lys in four successive four-week periods. After weeks 4 and 16 of feeding, eight turkeys per group were selected for plumage evaluation. Feathers were collected from the outer side of one thigh and from an area of 4 cm2 in the interscapular region. Plumage was evaluated based on an established pattern of five feather development stages in turkeys, from stage I (pinfeathers covered in sheaths) to stage V (mature feathers). An increase in the Met inclusion rate to 45% of Lys content had no significant effect on feather growth in 4-week-old turkeys, but it accelerated the development of feathers in 16-week-old birds. A lower percentage of stage II (p = 0.035), stage III (p = 0.019), and stage IV (p = 0.003) immature feathers, and a higher percentage of stage V (mature) feathers (p = 0.001) were observed. Methionine exerted a greater effect on the development of thigh feathers (p = 0.001) than interscapular feathers (p = 0.074). Unlike Met, different Arg concentrations had no influence on plumage development in turkeys. Overall, the present results indicate that supplemental Met has a potential for accelerating feather development in 16-week-old turkeys via an increased supply of total sulfur amino acids.

Clinical Outcomes of Severely Angulated Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures Treated Nonsurgically

Background: Reasonable functional outcomes for nonoperative management of isolated, closed fifth metacarpal neck fractures with up to 70° angulation have been reported; however, reported outcomes for fractures with greater than 70° angulation are limited. This study describes clinical outcomes of nonsurgically treated fifth metacarpal neck fractures with angulation of greater than 70°. Methods: A retrospective review of patients treated between May 1, 2016, and May 1, 2020, included: (1) patients aged 18 years and above with an isolated, closed, fifth metacarpal neck fracture; (2) nonsurgical treatment; (3) healed fractures with angulation greater than 70° measured on oblique radiographs; and (4) minimum 6-month follow-up after injury. Photographic hand motion and patient-rated outcomes (Functional Hand Scale, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand [QuickDASH], 12-item Short-Form Health Survey [SF-12]) were collected and reported. Results: A total of 364 fractures were identified; 11% (40/364) demonstrated angulation of greater than 70° (range: 71°-82°); and 15 patients (inclusion rate: 38%, 15/40) with mean fracture angulation of 73° (range: 71°-77°) participated in the study. Mean follow-up was 32 months (range: 8-120 months), the dominant hand was injured in 87% (13/15) of patients, and 47% (7/15) of patients worked in manual labor. All patients scored the highest rating of “very good” (range: 26-30 of 30 points) on the functional hand scale. A QuickDASH score of zero (no morbidity) was reported in 80% (12/15) of patients. About 87% (13/15) of patients had average or above-average scores on the SF-12 (mean = 109, range: 84-115). Conclusions: Patients with healed, isolated, closed fifth metacarpal neck malunions with severe angulation greater than 70° demonstrated acceptable functional outcomes based on patient-rated outcomes scoring.

Ferric citrate is a safe and digestible source of iron in broilers and piglets

Background Iron (Fe) is traditionally supplemented in poultry and swine diets using inorganic forms (e.g. sulfates, oxides). However, research suggests that organic sources are more beneficial due to greater bioavailability. In this paper, we present results from four studies aimed at assessing ferric citrate (CI-FER™, Akeso Biomedical Inc., Burlington, MA, USA) as a safe and effective source of Fe for broilers and piglets. Methods A total of four studies were performed in Germany following standard farming practices for each species. One study in day-old broiler chicks and one study in weaned piglets were designed as target animal safety studies where animals were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: a negative control group, the proposed dose group and a multifold dose group. Broilers and pigs were fed the experimental diets for 35 and 42 days, respectively. In each study, average daily feed intake, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio were measured, and blood samples were taken at study end for routine biochemistry and haematology. The other two studies were designed to evaluate different sources of dietary Fe for weaned piglets bred and managed under standard farm conditions. All piglets received routine Fe injections (200 mg Fe dextran, intramuscular) on day 3 of age, as well as the experimental diets for 42 days. In both studies, performance parameters were measured. In one study, Fe digestibility and serum Fe, superoxide dismutase and haptoglobin were also measured. In all studies, the general health status of the animals was monitored daily and all culls and mortality recorded. Each study followed a complete randomised block design. Results In broilers, ferric citrate was well tolerated up to 2,000 mg/kg feed (×10 the recommended inclusion rate) and no adverse effects on growth, blood parameters or mortality were observed. In piglets, ferric citrate was well tolerated up to 5,000 mg/kg feed (×10 the recommended inclusion rate) with no adverse effects on growth, blood parameters or mortality. In addition, piglets fed ferric citrate performed significantly better than animals fed the negative control diet (containing only endogenous Fe) and those fed inorganic forms of Fe. Moreover, piglets fed ferric citrate demonstrated improved Fe digestibility and improved oxidative status. Altogether, these findings show that ferric citrate is a safe and easily digestible source of dietary Fe for broilers and piglets.

Meat Substitution with Oat Protein Can Improve Ground Beef Patty Characteristics

The consumer acceptance of alternative plant-focused ingredients within the meat industry is growing globally. Oat protein is insoluble and used to increase product yield and fat retention. Furthermore, inclusion of oat protein can provide manufacturers another option for extending beef supplies. As the consumer diet shifts for improvements in nutritional density, oat protein is an alternative ingredient that lacks information on inclusion in a ground beef formulation. Coarse ground beef was allocated to one of four treatments, mixed with oat protein (0%, 1.5%, 3.5% and 4.5%), water, salt, pepper, textured vegetable protein, soy protein concentrate, and sodium tripolyphosphate. Meat blocks (n = 3 batches) were finely ground and formed into patties (N = 65/treatment). Patties were placed onto an expanded polystyrene tray, overwrapped with polyvinyl chloride film and displayed for 7 days. Instrumental color (L*, a*, and b*) decreased throughout simulated display (p = 0.0001). Increased usage rates of oat protein in patties resulted in greater cook yields (p = 0.0001). Objective measures of Allo-Kramer shear force values increased as oat protein inclusion rates increased (p = 0.0001). Oat protein can be incorporated in ground beef patties with positive effects on cook yield, but inclusion rate may have a deleterious impact on color and instrumental tenderness.

Feasibility and Effect of Physiological-Based CPAP in Preterm Infants at Birth

Background: Preterm infants are commonly supported with 5–8 cmH2O CPAP. However, animal studies demonstrate that high initial CPAP levels (12–15 cmH2O) which are then reduced (termed physiological based (PB)-CPAP), improve lung aeration without adversely affecting cardiovascular function. We investigated the feasibility of PB-CPAP and the effect in preterm infants at birth.Methods: Preterm infants (24–30 weeks gestation) were randomized to PB-CPAP or 5–8 cmH2O CPAP for the first 10 min after birth. PB-CPAP consisted of 15 cmH2O CPAP that was decreased when infants were stabilized (heart rate ≥100 bpm, SpO2 ≥85%, FiO2 ≤ 0.4, spontaneous breathing) to 8 cmH2O with steps of ~2/3 cmH2O/min. Primary outcomes were feasibility and SpO2 in the first 5 min after birth. Secondary outcomes included physiological and breathing parameters and short-term neonatal outcomes. Planned enrollment was 42 infants.Results: The trial was stopped after enrolling 31 infants due to a low inclusion rate and recent changes in the local resuscitation guideline that conflict with the study protocol. Measurements were available for analysis in 28 infants (PB-CPAP n = 8, 5–8 cmH2O n = 20). Protocol deviations in the PB-CPAP group included one infant receiving 3 inflations with 15 cmH2O PEEP and two infants in which CPAP levels were decreased faster than described in the study protocol. In the 5–8 cmH2O CPAP group, three infants received 4, 10, and 12 cmH2O CPAP. During evaluations, caregivers indicated that the current PB-CPAP protocol was difficult to execute. The SpO2 in the first 5 min after birth was not different [61 (49–70) vs. 64 (47–74), p = 0.973]. However, infants receiving PB-CPAP achieved higher heart rates [121 (111–130) vs. 97 (82–119) bpm, p = 0.016] and duration of mask ventilation was shorter [0:42 (0:34–2:22) vs. 2:58 (1:36–6:03) min, p = 0.020]. Infants in the PB-CPAP group required 6:36 (5:49-11:03) min to stabilize, compared to 9:57 (6:58–15:06) min in the 5–8 cmH2O CPAP group (p = 0.256). There were no differences in short-term outcomes.Conclusion: Stabilization of preterm infants with PB-CPAP is feasible but tailoring CPAP appeared challenging. PB-CPAP did not lead to higher SpO2 but increased heart rate and shortened the duration of mask ventilation, which may reflect faster lung aeration.

Scientific and Engineering Practices Included in the Content of the Science Book for the Second Intermediate Grade in Saudi Arabia

This study aims to identify the percentage of inclusion of scientific and engineering practices in the content of the science book for the second intermediate grade in Saudi Arabia. To achieve the aim of the research, a descriptive and analytical method was used. A content analysis card based on the list of scientific and engineering practices found in (NRC, 2012). Appropriate statistical analyses were carried out to calculate the frequency and the percentage of all practices. The results showed that the availability of all scientific and engineering practices in the content of the analyzed book was very low, as the inclusion percentage ranged from (2.7% - 27.4%). The content did not include the practice of “engaging in the argument based on the evidence”, "where the inclusion rate was (0%). The study recommended a review of the framework of the content of science books to ensure that students undoubtedly practice scientific and engineering practices.

Camelina Meal and Chromium Picolinate Effects on Broiler Thigh Meat Nutritional Properties

The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effects of trivalent chromium and camelina meal on proximate composition, mineral content and fatty acids profile of broiler chicken thigh meat. An experiment with 2 x 3 factorial arrangement was performed on 240 Ross 308 broiler chicken aged 14 days. Six dietary treatments were elaborated as follows: 0 and 3% inclusion rate of Camelina meal and 0, 200 and 400 μg/kg chromium picolinate (CrPic). Supplementation of broiler diets with 3% Camelina meal led to significantly (P<0.05) increased crude fat concentrations in thigh samples compared to control group or with single chromium supplemented groups. In thigh samples, Zn and Fe concentrations increased under CrPic influence and fatty acids profile was influenced by Camelina meal presence in the diets. In Camelina meal supplemented groups, were registered significantly increased omega 3 fatty acids concentrations compared to control group or single chromium supplemented groups. The results of the present study found that Camelina meal and chromium picolinate supplements in broilers diets improved the nutritional properties of thigh meat, especially essential minerals content and fatty acids profile.

Dietary Inclusion of Scent Leaf Meal (Ocimum Gratissimum) Affects Immune Genes Expression in Chicken Spleen at 28 and 56 Days

This study was conducted to examine the effects of scent leaf meal (Ocimum gratissimum) on expression of inflammatory cytokines in the spleen of two chicken strains. A total of 150birds (75 of each strain) were randomly allotted into five dietary treatments at fifteen birds per treatment. Birds were fed diet containing varying levels of Ocimum gratissimum leaf meal. Treatment one (T1) had 0% OG, while treatment two (T2), treatment three (T3), treatment four (T4) and treatment five (T5) had 0.5% OG, 1.00% OG, 1.5% OG and 2% OG respectively. Feed and water was provided adlibitum throughout the feeding trial. Three birds were slaughtered from each treatment at day 28 and day 56, spleen samples were collected and stored using RNALater in a -20oc freezer prior to RNA extraction. Real-time qPCR was performed in 40cycles using the PowerUp SYBR Green reagent and analyzed with the 2-∆∆Ct method. Gene expression data were subjected to two-way analysis of variance. Strain effect was significantly different (P<0.05) at both time points. All the genes studied significantly differed (P<0.05) in their expression patterns at 28 and 56days of age. Increased inclusion rate of the test ingredients significantly (P<0.05) reduced IL1β and NF-KB1, while increasing IL10 and NF-KB2. Ocimim gratissimum leaf meal shows promise in the regulation of inflammation in chickens and can be used to efficiently replace antibiotics in broiler production.

Mycotoxin Deactivator Improves Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Reduces Oxidative Stress in Nursery Pigs Fed Diets Containing Mycotoxins

Ingestion of mycotoxins can result in many problems, including decreased growth rates and immune suppression. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the supplementation of a mycotoxin deactivator composed by adsorbent clay minerals, inactivated fermentation extracts of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, blend of antioxidants, organic acids and botanicals in diets containing added mycotoxins for nursery pigs on their performance and antioxidant status. Ninety pigs weaned with 24 days of age (7.12 ± 0.68 kg of BW) were used. Pigs were housed in pens of 3 animals each according to body weight, litter origin and sex. The dietary treatments consisted of feeding the pigs with: a standard control diet as negative control (NC; mycotoxin levels at accepted regulatory Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture standards Deoxynivalenol (DON): &lt;100 ug/ kg; Zearalenone (ZEA): &lt;20 ug/ kg Fumonisins (FB): &lt;1 mg/ kg); the standard diet added with mycotoxins to reach a low contamination level considered as positive low (PCL-; DON: 900 ug/ kg; ZEA: 100 ug/ kg; FB: 5,000 ug/ kg) without deactivator; a positive low added the deactivator at an inclusion rate of 1 kg/ ton (PCL+); the standard diet added with mycotoxins to reach a high contamination level considered as positive high (PCH-; DON: 4,500 ug/ kg; ZEA: 500 ug/ kg; FB: 18,000 ug/ kg) without the deactivator; and a positive high added the deactivator at an inclusion rate of 5 kg/ ton (PCH+). Pigs were individually weighed at the beginning and at the end of each phase and feed intake recorded based on daily pen intake during the experiment. On d 7, 19, 34 and 43 post-weaning blood samples were drawn for antioxidant analyses. Antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total superoxide dismutase (TSOD)), vitamins (Vit A, E, and C), and malondialdehyde (MDA)) were evaluated in erythrocyte and plasma samples. Pigs challenged with mycotoxins presented lower performance traits, decrease in the efficiency of central antioxidant systems (↓GPx, ↓TSOD, ↓Vit A, ↓Vit E and ↓Vit C) and a higher oxidative damage to lipids (↑MDA) when compared to the control and deactivator associated treatments. Our findings showed that the use of a mycotoxin deactivator can mitigate the negative impacts on performance and oxidative stress when animals are subjected to diets contaminated by different levels of mycotoxins.