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BACKGROUND Betaine and conjugated linoleic acid ( CLA) may alter growth and body composition in pigs, although their mode of action is not well understood. Portal-drained viscera ( PDV) have a disproportionate influence with respect to their masses, and this may affect the productivity of more profitable tissues. The objective of this study was to determine if the use of betaine and/or CLA in the diet affects PDV heat production. RESULTS Postprandial portal blood flow ( PBF) was greater (19.0%, P = 0.004) for control compared with the other three diets. The lowest ( P < 0.001) value for postprandial PDV O2 consumption corresponded to betaine + CLA followed by betaine and CLA diets (32.7, 25.4 and 17.7% respectively with respect to control diet). Postprandial PDV heat production was greater (26.4%, P < 0.001) for control with respect to the other three diets, with the minimum value corresponding to betaine + CLA (34.1% lower than control). CONCLUSION Supplementation with betaine and/or CLA reduced the PBF, O2 consumption and therefore PDV heat production with respect to control diet. This effect was more pronounced when betaine and CLA were supplemented together, potentially increasing the energy availability for other body tissues. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND In terms of whole-body metabolism, visceral tissues have a disproportionate influence with respect to their masses, and under certain circumstances their high metabolic rate may compromise nutrient availability to the tissues of productive/economic interest. The low energy efficiency of Iberian compared to modern breeds could be partly explained by the contribution of portal-drained viscera to heat production. The objective of this study was to determine the relative contribution of portal-drained viscera heat production ( PDVHP) to total heat production ( THP) in Iberian and Landrace gilts fed a diet with low protein content. RESULTS Compared to Landrace, Iberian gilts (29 ± 0.9 kg body weight) had lower pre- and postprandial portal vein blood flow (654 vs. 965, and 746 vs. 1133 mL min−1, respectively; P < 0.01), postprandial PDVHP (3.09 vs. 3.88 kJ h−1 kg−0.75; P < 0.01) and PDVHP/ THP ratio (0.08 vs. 0.13; P < 0.05), and greater THP (38.5 vs. 31.8 kJ h−1 kg−0.75; P < 0.05), when offered 0.25 of their daily ration in a 6 h sampling period. CONCLUSION In spite of the low energetic efficiency and growth rate of Iberian compared to modern breeds, the contribution of PDV energy expenditure relative to THP was lower in Iberian compared to Landrace gilts in the present study. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosystem II (PSIJ) from Cu-deficient pea plants (Pisuin sativum L, cv. Lincoln) has been investigated for electron transport activity, Cu content, and changes in some lipid components. Total fatty acid content was lower that in control plants, with an additional shift in the C18 fatty acid patterns. Less α-linolenic and more linoleic and oleic acids were found. PSII preparations from Cu-depleted plants showed a decreased carotenoid content in light harvesting chlorophyll a/b complex of photosystem II (LHCII) and additional variations in pigment composition of pigment-protein complexes. in the green alga. Dunaliella the effect of Cu deficiency on fatty acid composition was similar to that in pea plants, but the influence on the carotenoid pattern was much less pronounced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]