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Grassland carrying capacity is an indicator for measuring the stability of grassland ecosystems and can provide a basis for formulating regional sustainable grazing strategies. However, most previous studies on this have only considered annual fluctuations, but seasonal changes were ignored. In this study, the herbage yield and nutrient value of two grassland types in Yellow River Source Park (YRSP) were measured by sampling point survey method in four seasons, and the seasonal and annual grassland carrying capacity, carrying numbers of standard sheep unit (SU) were estimated based on the dry matter (DM) content, crude protein, and metabolic energy of herbage. Due to the carrying capacity being low during the yellow and wintering periods, we combined them and calculated the carrying capacity for only three periods, including the flourishing period, greening period, and withering period. The grassland pressure index (GPI) was measured by the ratio of the actual standard sheep number and the calculated number. The results showed that the herbage yield and nutrient output were higher in spring and summer, lower in autumn and winter, and showed a tendency for alpine meadows to be higher than alpine grasslands during the flourishing period (p < 0.05). The unit area carrying capacity varied significantly with the season and showed the seasonal changing characteristics of the flourishing period > greening period > withering period. The seasonal carrying number was much higher than the actual carrying number during the flourishing period and much lower than the actual carrying number during the withering period. In terms of annual carrying capacity, the GPI was balanced when considering livestock alone, while critical overloaded when considering livestock and wildlife. This study suggested the influence of seasonal change on the grassland carrying capacity should be fully considered in the grassland utilization. Meanwhile, the feeding needs of livestock and wildlife should be taken into account, and timely supplemented when forage is in short supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forage quality determines livestock production and overgrazing results in significant changes in forage quality of rangeland species. This study aimed to compare the effects of overgrazing on forage quality of Artemisia sieberi, Zygophyllum eurypterum and Stipa barbata as dominant species producing more than 90% of livestock feed in arid rangelands of Semnan, Iran. The study area was classified into non-grazed and overgrazed sites based on the estimated carrying capacity. Data collection was conducted at the end of the grazing season. The collected forage samples were analysed for crude protein (CP), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), acid detergent fibre (ADF), digestibility, percentage of dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolic energy (ME). Results from the t-test indicated that overgrazing led to significant (p < 0.05) reduction in CP, K, P, DMD and ME and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in ADF in A. sieberi and Z. eurypterum, in comparison to plants from non-grazed areas, with CP being the most sensitive qualitative parameter to overgrazing in the two species. Shrubs including A. sieberi and Z. eurypterum showed more susceptibility to overgrazing while the grass species S. barbata proved to be less affected. A rational grazing system is required where A. sieberi and Z. eurypterum are present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study (2020-2022), the effect of mineral fertilizers on the activity of the microbial pool and the enzymatic activity of meadow-chernozem soil under the sowing of sorghum-sudank hybrid (Sorghum х drummondii (Steud.) Millsp. & Chase), as well as the productivity of the culture. The experiment was carried out in a long-term stationary experiment of the laboratory of field feed production of the Omsk Agrarian Scientific Center. The highest population of microorganisms was observed with complex fertilization, an increase in relation to the non-maneuverable variant was 39%. The number of saprotrophic bacteria increased to 39,1 × 106 CFU/g of soil (30,0 × 106 CFU/g at the control), amylolytic microorganisms, including actinomycetes – up to 30,4 × 106 CFU/g (19,8 × 106 CFU/g at the control), cellulose–destroying - up to 97,0 × 103 CFU/g (66,6 × 103 CFU/g under control). It was found that microbiological processes in the soil proceeded more intensively on a fertilized (N60P60) background, the increase in the Pm coefficient was 15% compared to the control. The determination of the enzymatic activity of meadow-chernozem soil, depending on the application of the studied agricultural method, revealed an increase in the enzymatic processes of invertase and urease formation (up to 6%), inhibition of catalase (decrease to 34%) as a result of acidification of the soil by anions of mineral fertilizers. The improvement of the nutrient regime of the soil due to the integrated use of mineral fertilizers ensured the collection of 22,67 t/ha of green mass, 6,32 t/ha of feed units, 0,75 t/ha of digestible protein, 69,87 gj/ha of metabolic energy. Sponsorship information. The work was carried out within the framework of the state research program FNUN-2022-0015.

The experiment aims to evaluate the nutritional value of fermented pleurotus eryngii residue in yellow-feather broilers. 45 healthy male yellow-feather broilers (Tuhuang No.6) weighing (2.04±0.14) kg at 60 days old were randomly divided into 3 groups. Control group was fed with basal diet, groups A and B with basal diets + 20% and 30% fermented pleurotus eryngii residue, respectively. At the end of the experiment, the average daily feed intake (ADFI), energy metabolism and nutrient metabolism were measured. The experiment lasted for 13 days. The results showed as follows: the ADFI was significantly increased in groups A and B (P<0.05). The groups A and B with different substitution ratios of fermented fungus residue had a significant difference in the metabolic rates of calcium, phosphorus, and crude fiber calculated by the substitution method (P<0.05), while no significant differences were found in the metabolizable energy and nutrient metabolizable rates (P>0.05). The AME (TME) and AMEN (TMEN) of fermented fungus residue in groups A and B were 4.87, 5.21 MJ/kg (5.01, 5.39 MJ/kg) and 4.77, 5.14 MJ/kg (4.92, 5.32 MJ/kg), respectively. The total energy metabolism rate and nitrogen metabolism rate were 32.88%, 33.77% and 22.86%, 18.31%, respectively. The apparent (true) metabolic rates of DM, CP, EE, NDF, and ADF were 24.24%, 22.67% (26.37%, 24.55%), 22.86%, 18.31% (31.91%, 27.45%), 58.39%, 48.92% (59.02%, 49.58%), 19.20%, 25.44% (18.99%, 25.44%), and 62.67%, 58.51% (62.38%, 58.48%), respectively. It is concluded that the substitution ratio of untested raw materials may affect the metabolic rate of calcium, phosphorus, and crude fiber calculated by the substitution method, while metabolizable energy and other nutrient metabolizable rates can be used as a data reference for the application of fermented pleurotus eryngii residue in yellow-feather broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dietary energy level impacts rumen function and the microflora in ruminants, which are closely related to their growth and well-being. This study explored how dietary energy levels affect sheep's growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, barrier function, and microflora. Our findings indicated that the average daily weight gain and nutrient digestibility improve with the increase of dietary energy. Meanwhile, the concentration of total volatile fatty acids and propionate in rumen increased, which indicated the enhancement of rumen fermentation. The content and expression of tight junction proteins, which represents rumen barrier function, increased with the increase of dietary energy. In addition, the bacterial diversity in rumen decreased, and the relative abundance of some bacteria like Prevotellaceae, Muribaculaceae, Saccharofermentans, Prevotella and Succiniclasticum changed at the family and genus levels. Ultimately, the growth performance, fermentation characteristics and barrier function were the best when the daily dietary metabolizable energy was 9.8–10.4 MJ/kg. This study revealed the complex interaction between diet, microbiota, and rumen health, ultimately guiding the development of more effective and scientifically informed animal feeding strategies. Dietary energy is crucial for ruminants' performance and health. To determine optimal dietary energy levels for growing sheep, we evaluated their growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, barrier function, and microbiota under varying metabolic energy (ME) diets. Forty-five growing Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep, aged 10 months and weighing 30.8 ± 1.9 kg, were randomly allocated to five treatments, each receiving diets with ME levels of 8.0, 8.6, 9.2, 9.8 or 10.4 MJ/kg. The results showed that with increasing dietary energy, the average daily gain (ADG) as well as the digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) increased (p < 0.05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased linearly (p = 0.01). The concentration of total VFA (p = 0.03) and propionate (p = 0.01) in the rumen increased linearly, while rumen pH (p < 0.01) and the acetate–propionate ratio (p = 0.01) decreased linearly. Meanwhile, the protein contents of Claudin-4, Claudin-7, Occludin and ZO-1 as well as the relative mRNA expression of Claudin-4 and Occludin also increased (p < 0.05). In addition, rumen bacterial diversity decreased with the increase of dietary energy, and the relative abundance of some bacteria (like Saccharofermentans, Prevotella and Succiniclasticum) changed. In conclusion, increasing dietary energy levels enhanced growth performance, nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and barrier function, and altered the rumen bacterial community distribution. The optimal dietary ME for these parameters in sheep at this growth stage was between 9.8 and 10.4 MJ/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Defatting can be performed mechanically by cutting the frozen insect larvae and then pressing them to enable the leakage of intracellular fat, or chemically using petroleum ether extraction of the insect meal. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different defatting methods of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFM) on the metabolic energy and nutrient digestibility in laying hens. The results show that both defatting methods of BSFM had no adverse effects on the metabolic energy and nutrient digestibility in young laying hens, but pressed black soldier fly meal (BSFMp) demonstrated better effects on the digestibility of metabolic energy and nutrients in the feed for young laying hens. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different defatting methods of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal (BSFM) on the metabolic energy and nutrient digestibility in laying hens. Sixty young laying hens (Hy-Line W-36) aged 63 days were randomly divided into two groups (G1 and G2), each with five replicates of six hens housed in individual cages. Group G1 was fed 25% pressed black soldier fly meal (BSFMp) and 75% basal diet, and Group G2 was fed 25% extracted black soldier fly meal (BSFMe) and a 75% basal diet. Both diets included 5 g/kg chromium oxide as an external marker. A 7-day preliminary trial was followed by a 4-day experimental period. The results indicate that pressing and extracting significantly affected the digestibility of crude fat and total energy in BSFM, with BSFMp showing significantly higher crude fat digestibility than BSFMe. Similarly, total energy digestibility was also significantly higher in BSFMp. However, there were no significant differences in dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein digestibility between the two processing methods. The apparent metabolic energy values of BSFMp and BSFMe were 16.34 and 12.41 MJ/kg, respectively, showing a significant difference. The nitrogen-corrected metabolic energy values were 15.89 MJ/kg in BSFMp and 11.93 MJ/kg in BSFMe, indicating a highly significant difference. The digestibility of arginine and leucine in BSFMp was significantly higher than in BSFMe, while differences in lysine, cystine, threonine, tryptophan, and isoleucine were not significant. In conclusion, both defatting methods of BSFM had no adverse effects on the metabolic energy and nutrient digestibility in young laying hens, but BSFMp demonstrated better effects on the digestibility of metabolic energy and nutrients in the feed for young laying hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to determine the effects of Black Soldier Larva (BSF) meal on metabolic energy, protein digestibility, production performance, characteristics, and carcass quality of local crossbred chickens. The material for this research was 100 local crossbred chickens (the result of crossing male Kampung chickens with female laying hens) aged 30-35 days. The average initial body weight of chickens was 340.6 grams with a coefficient of variation of 5.24%. The research feed is a commercial feed for the finishing period. The experiment involved four treatment groups, where BSF larva meal was incorporated into the feed at levels of 0% (P0), 5% (P1), 10% (P2), and 15% (P3). The experimental design was a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The research variables were metabolic energy, protein digestibility, feed consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass percentage, and carcass quality. The data were subjected to an analysis of variance, and the differences between groups were determined by Duncan’s test. Based on statistical analysis, BSF Larva meal influences breast muscle weight, meat protein content, apparent metabolic digestibility, and N retention. It can be concluded that BSF larva meal can replace 10% of complete feed without reducing production performance.

There have been presented the study results on determining the quality of grain of wintering peas varieties ‘Fokus’ and ‘Zimus’ depending on agricultural methods. The purpose of the current study was to determine protein percentage and yield of basic nutrients in grain of wintering peas, depending on sowing dates and rates. The current study was carried out at the FSBSI “ARC “Donskoy” in 2019–2021. The soil of the experimental plot was represented by ordinary carbonate heavy loamy chernozem. The forecrop was winter wheat. Weather conditions during the years of study were characterized by increased air temperatures in autumn and the return of cold weather in spring, which led to significant damage and thinning of crops. The amount of productive precipitation during the period of grain filling had a positive effect on productivity formation. There has been found that the greatest collection of basic nutrients was obtained in the second ten days of October with a sowing rate of 1.2 and 1.4 million pcs/ha for the varieties ‘Fokus’ and ‘Zimus’, respectively. For the variety ‘Fokus’, the highest crude protein percentage was 25.42 %, with 2.58 t/ha of feed units, 0.557 t/ha of crude protein, 25.31 GJ/ha of metabolic energy, with 189 g of a supply of a feed unit with digestible protein. For the variety ‘Zimus’, the highest crude protein percentage was 25.46 %, with 2.57 t/ha of feed units, 0.555 t/ha of crude protein, 24.62 GJ/ha of metabolic energy, with 190 g of a supply of a feed unit with digestible protein. The studied varieties according to digestible protein percentage were at the level of 205–219 g per a kg of grain.

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the ameliorating effects of high-energy and high-amino acid (HEHA) diets on heat stress (HS) in yellow-feathered broilers. Broilers aged 35 d were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control and HS groups fed the basic normal diet, and the HEHA group fed the HEHA diet (basal diet + 100 kcal/kg AME + 15 % DAAs). The HS and HEHA groups were exposed to cyclic HS (30 ± 1 to 34 ± 1 ℃) for 2 wk, while the control group was maintained at 26 ± 1 ℃. The results indicated that the HEHA diet significantly alleviated HS-induced feed intake and body weight loss. HEHA feeding mitigated the increase in body temperature during HS. Compared with observations in the HS group, the HEHA diet reduced the levels of ALT, Alb, and corticosterone in the serum and downregulated the gene expression of HSP27 and HSP60 in the liver. Moreover, the HEHA group showed higher GSH-px activity in the serum and SOD and GSH-Px activity in the jejunal mucosa than that of the HS group. HEHA supplementation also reduced MDA levels in the liver. In conclusion, the HEHA diet improved the production performance of broilers under HS by increasing their antioxidant capacities. These findings suggest an effective strategy to combat HS in poultry production.

With the progress of science and technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has become one of the mainstream technologies in the current society, providing an important driving force for human development. Thereby, in order to improve the effect of animal feeding, using AI technology to improve animal feed has become a necessary measure. Based on this, this work designs to use Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) technology to build an intelligent prediction model of metabolic energy, which provides a reference for animal feed proportioning design. This work also explores the comprehensive performance of the LSTM model through simulation evaluation. The model is evaluated with different nodes as the main indicators. The results show that compared with the models with 5 and 20 nodes, the model with 10 nodes has better performance, and the highest data calculation accuracy of the model is about 90%. Meanwhile, the highest fitting degree of the model designed is 98.2%, and the lowest is 96.2%. It suggests that the model designed can better predict metabolic energy. This work provides technical support for expanding the application scope of AI technology and contributes to the intelligence of animal feeding.

This research aimed to find a suitable formulation for rations containing Black soldier fly larvae powder to support the optimal kampung hen production performance. Four to five-month-old Kampung hens were given feed with different amounts of black soldier fly larvae powder (n = 4 hens/treatment) to adjust protein and energy levels: R0 (commercial feed only, 17.53% protein, 3067 kcal/kg), R1 (14% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R2 (14% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R3 (16% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R4 (16% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R5 (18% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R6 (18% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R7 (20% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R8 (20% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R9 (22% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), and R10 (22% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy). We measured several performance parameters, including body weight, feed consumption, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, visceral index, intraperitoneal fat index, and tissue protein content. Results show that treatment R6 produced significantly better overall performance (p < 0.05) than all other treatments except R5. Feed containing black soldier fly larvae powder with 18% protein content and 2800 kcal/kg energy is an inexpensive and readily available way to support the maximum growth of Kampung hens.

Simple Summary: The cyanogenic glycosides (CGs) in flaxseed meal (FSM) severely limit its application in pig diets. Microbial fermentation is an effective method to reduce CGs in FSM. However, currently, there is limited information on the nutritional value of fermented flaxseed meal (FFSM) as a protein source in pig diets. In this study, we significantly reduced the CG content and enhanced the nutrient profile of FSM through microbial fermentation. Subsequently, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the nutritional value of FFSM, providing valuable information on the available energy value and amino acid standard ileal digestibility of FFSM. These data are crucial for the application of FSM in pig feed formulations, contributing to the development of more scientific and systematic feeding strategies to enhance pig production. Flaxseed meal (FSM) is a byproduct of flaxseed oil extraction which has rich nutritional value and can be used as a high-quality new protein ingredient. However, the anti-nutrient factor (ANF) in FSM restricts its potential application in feed. The strategy of microbial fermentation is a highly effective approach to reducing ANF in FSM and enhancing its feeding value. However, evaluation of the nutritional value of fermented flaxseed meal (FFSM) in growing pigs has not yet been conducted. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional value of FFSM in growing pigs and comparison of the effect of fermentation treatment on improving the nutritional value of FSM. Two experiments were conducted to determine the available energy value, apparent digestibility of nutrients, and standard ileal digestibility of amino acids of FSM and FFSM in growing pigs. The results showed as follows: (1) Fermentation treatment increased the levels of crude protein (CP), Ca and P in FSM by 2.86%, 9.54% and 4.56%, while decreasing the concentration of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) by 34.09% and 12.71%, respectively (p < 0.05); The degradation rate of CGs in FSM was 54.09% (p < 0.05); (2) The digestible energy (DE) and metabolic energy (ME) of FSM and FFSM were 14.54 MJ/kg, 16.68 MJ/kg and 12.85 MJ/kg, 15.24 MJ/kg, respectively; (3) Compared with FSM, dietary FFSM supplementation significantly increased the apparent digestibility of CP, NDF, ADF, Ca, and P of growing pigs (p < 0.05) and significantly increased the standard ileal digestibility of methionine (p < 0.05). These results indicate that fermentation treatment could effectively enhance the nutritional value of FSM and provide basic theoretical data for the application of FFSM in pig production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to find out the effects of diets with different levels of metabolizable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) administered during the pre-lay period on the subsequent productive performances of the Lohmann Brown hybrid. A low ME diet (2,690 kcal/kg) and a high ME diet (2,820 kcal/kg were prepared, each one with two variants of CP levels: low (15%) and high (17%). These diets were applied from 15 to 22 weeks of age. From 23 weeks of age, all birds were fed a diet containing 2,700 kcal/kg and 15.6% protein. Egg rate was significantly higher in the high-proteinhigh-ME fed group. In the same group, the intensity of the yolk colour decreased and the level of total protein concentration in the albumen was higher. Other researched productive parameters (feed intake, egg mass, feed conversion rate) and egg properties (eggshell colour, eggshell breaking strength, Haugh units) were found not significantly modified by the experimental pre-lay feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the progress of science and technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology has become one of the mainstream technologies in the current society, providing an important driving force for human development. Thereby, in order to improve the effect of animal feeding, using AI technology to improve animal feed has become a necessary measure. Based on this, this work designs to use Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) technology to build an intelligent prediction model of metabolic energy, which provides a reference for animal feed proportioning design. This work also explores the comprehensive performance of the LSTM model through simulation evaluation. The model is evaluated with different nodes as the main indicators. The results show that compared with the models with 5 and 20 nodes, the model with 10 nodes has better performance, and the highest data calculation accuracy of the model is about 90%. Meanwhile, the highest fitting degree of the model designed is 98.2%, and the lowest is 96.2%. It suggests that the model designed can better predict metabolic energy. This work provides technical support for expanding the application scope of AI technology and contributes to the intelligence of animal feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Natura & Scientia is the property of Semih Kale and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Acta Natura & Scientia is the property of Semih Kale and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Harran Journal of Agricultural & Food Science is the property of Harran University, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of the study was to monitor the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW) on milk productivity and metabolic profile in sheep of the Assaf breed during the first months of lactation. The experiment was conducted from January 2020 to April 2020 with 378 ewes aged 3 and 4 years (second and third lactation). The influence of BCS and BW on milk yield and dry matter (DM) and metabolizable energy (ME) intake was established. Animals with BCS < 3 had significantly higher average daily millk (ADM) consumed more DM and ME (P<0.01) and had a higher negative energy efficiensy (- 17.53%), compared to animals with BCS above 4.1. The sheep weighing 71 to 75 kg have a higher ADM, compared to animals weighing less than 71 kg and more than 76 kg, but also had a higher negative energy efficiency (-20.35%), despite the fact that they consumed significantly more DM and ME (P<0.01). It was found that the expenditure of ME for lactation was higher, the higher the milk yield of the animals (R² =0.9734). When combining the ME requirement for maintenance (MEm), Mcal and the ME requirement for gain (MEg), when ADG was positive the total MEred, Mcal, was highly related with the milk yield of the animals (R² =0.6519). The direct effect of milk yield on average daily gain shows a high correlation between the milk yield and average daily gain (R² =0.8747), which had an impact on body energy loss/gain, with the correlation between mean daily milk yield and body energy los/gain (BEL/g) being significant (R² =0.6309). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to find a suitable formulation for rations containing Black soldier fly larvae powder to support the optimal kampung hen production performance. Four to five-month-old Kampung hens were given feed with different amounts of black soldier fly larvae powder (n = 4 hens/treatment) to adjust protein and energy levels: R0 (commercial feed only, 17.53% protein, 3067 kcal/kg), R1 (14% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R2 (14% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R3 (16% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R4 (16% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R5 (18% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R6 (18% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R7 (20% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), R8 (20% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy), R9 (22% protein, 2600 kcal/kg energy), and R10 (22% protein, 2800 kcal/kg energy). We measured several performance parameters, including body weight, feed consumption, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, visceral index, intraperitoneal fat index, and tissue protein content. Results show that treatment R6 produced significantly better overall performance (p < 0.05) than all other treatments except R5. Feed containing black soldier fly larvae powder with 18% protein content and 2800 kcal/kg energy is an inexpensive and readily available way to support the maximum growth of Kampung hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. The research was carried out in IE «Babyni kozy» of Kyiv region at a goat farm where a stable-pasture system of goats is used. In winter, goats are kept at free-stall housing on a deep litter and during the grazing period, on a forage area. Goats are milked on a milking parlor into the milk line. The article presents the results of researches of the influence of ambient temperature during the thermo neutral period and during the period of high temperatures on the productivity, daily behavior and bioenergetic characteristics of Saanen goats. A group of goats of the Saanen breed of the 3rd lactation was formed during the period of the milk yield increasing. The research was performed in thermo neutral period (average daily air temperature was up to + 22.3 °C) and during the period of temperature load at an average daily air temperature of + 27.6 °C. Each period lasted 12 days. It has been found that goats responded to the change in temperature by reducing of productivity by 10.70 % (0.35 kg). Hereby, the mass fraction of fat in goat's milk during this period increased by 0.09 %. During the period of high temperatures, goats spent a little less time eating food, watering and walking, but rested more in a supine position compared to the thermo neutral period. In general, in both temperature periods, the duration of the main acts of behavior in goats corresponded to physiological norms. The decrease in the duration of feed consumption during the temperature load caused a decrease in the number of feed reactions and the duration of chewing the cuddy in goats. The energy index, i.e. the amount of net energy consumption of feed, which transfers into milk energy during the temperature load decreased by 1.42 MJ %. Net energy consumption per 1 MJ of milk energy during the period of high temperatures has increased by 0.62 MJ.

In order to promote the efficient and healthy development of yellow-feathered broiler breeders, it is very important to solve the existing problems such as dietary waste, environmental pollution and low reproductive efficiency. The paper summarized the relevant domestic and foreign literature on nutritional requirements and application of feeds of yellow-feathered broiler breeders. It summed up studies about requirements of metabolic energy, crude protein, main essential amino acids (methionine, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, arginine and isoleucine), vitamins (VA, VD and VE), and mineral elements (Ca, P, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn and Se), feed resource evaluation and utilization, application of bioactive additives, probiotics, plant extracts and Chinese herbal preparations, anti-stress agents in breeders of yellow-feathered broider, and analyzed the trend of future researches. On the whole, in recent years, there have been more and more researches on nutritional requirements and application of feed additives in yellow-feathered broiler breeders, but mainly concentrated in the egg-laying period. The highlight in the researches on nutritional requirements in recent years was correlation analysis between metabolic energy requirements per day and metabolic body weight, average daily gain, daily egg production. The prediction models of dietary nitrogen-corrected metabolic energy requirements for three types of breeder hens of yellow-feathered broilers were established with metabolic weight, average daily gain and egg production as variables. At present, there are few reports on nutrition and feed restriction technology in the brooding period and growing period of yellow-feathered broiler breeders. Key techniques for feed resource evaluation and safe & efficient utilization and reproductive performance improvement of breeder hens still need to be broken through.

High-energy diets improve growth rates and shorten the growth period while resulting in excessive fat deposition in the liver of birds. The effect of different energy diets on lipid content and liver transcriptome in finisher Huxu chickens was examined here. A total of 200 90-d-old Huxu chickens with an average BW of 1.08 kg were randomly divided into two dietary treatments. The birds were fed diets either containing 12.06 MJ ME/kg (low metabolic energy, LME) or 13.31 MJ ME/kg (high metabolic energy, HME) for 45 days. Chickens fed the HME diet had significantly higher total triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations in both plasma and liver than did those fed the LME diet. Transcriptomic profiling showed 480 known differentially expressed genes (DEG), with 180 down-regulated and 300 up-regulated chickens from the HME diet compared with the LME diet. Notably, these genes were mostly enriched in lipid metabolism including the PPAR signalling pathway, fatty acid elongation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The relative mRNA expression level of 14 lipid metabolism-related genes, included 13 up-regulated (MBOAT2, PLA2G2E, AGPAT2, AGPAT3, PCYT2, PEMT, ELOVL2, HADHA, ACOT1L, FABP3, FABP1, PLIN1, RXRG) and one down-regulated (LCAT) gene. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that a high-energy diet likely regulates gene expression of the 14 lipid metabolism-related genes through the PPAR signalling pathway, fatty acid elongation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism resulting in excessive fat accumulation in the liver of Huxu chickens. These results provide a better understanding of the biological mechanisms by which the increased dietary energy induces fat accumulation in the liver.Highlights A high-energy diet without change in protein level induced excessive fat accumulation in the Huxu chickens. Chickens fed the high-energy diet had induced higher total triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations in both plasma and liver. This study showed a comprehensive profile of hepatic gene expression in chickens with fatty liver induced by high energy.

Rough hay and straw, and succulent silage and feeds are essential for feeding ruminants. Their quality depends on the phase of harvesting, technology and method of storage. Digestibility and energy value studies are vital for a balanced diet of ruminants. The aim of the study was to determine the gas production, digestibility and metabolic energy of straw, alfalfa hay and corn silage using in vitro methodologies in fresh and lyophilized rumen fluid. By means of a probe and a vacuum machine we collected inoculum (rumen fluid) from rams 2 - 3 years old from the breed Bulgarian dairy synthetic population (BDSP). An in vitro methodology was used to perform analyzes of rough and succulent feed's with the Ankom RF Gas Production System. Digestibility and metabolic energy was evaluated and gas production was analyzed at four levels: 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours of incubation, with fresh and lyophilized rumen fluid. The obtained results show lower values for digestibility of silage, alfalfa hay and straw in the lyophilized rumen fluid compared to fresh - 68.72%, 62.33%, 29.48% and 64.92%, 58.48%, 26.93% respectively. The values of metabolic energy (ME) in straw are higher in lyophilized inoculum compared to fresh - 5.904 and 5.676 ME, respectively. In alfalfa hay higher values were obtained with fresh rumen fluid 6,813 ME compared to lyophilized 5.637 ME. No differences were found in silage - 5.89 and 5.88 ME. In the case of maize silage, the values are closest in fresh and lyophilized inoculum at 24 hours of incubation - 99.019 and 92.730 dm/mL, respectively. The released gases are lower at the lyophilized rumen fluid by 15.5%, 13.4% and 13% at 48 h, 72 h and 120 h incubation respectively. Gas production in alfalfa hay with lyophilized rumen fluid as well as in corn silage is lower compared to fresh silage. The largest differences were found at 24 hour - 84.41 dm/mL for lyophilisate and 124.67 dm/mL for fresh inoculum. In the wheat straw, gas production at 24 hour is higher in the lyophilized rumen fluid 99.55 dm/mL compared to fresh 88.77 dm/mL. At the following levels, the released gases increase slightly and have close values. The obtained results in metabolic energy have divergent values for alfalfa hay and straw for different types of rumen fluid. Gas production in alfalfa hay as well as in corn silage with lyophilized rumen fluid is lower compared to fresh, and in straw the results for both types of inoculum are similar, with a slight increase in lyophilized rumen fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out to study the effect of various conditions of mineral nutrition on the productivity of sugar sorghum mixed with fodder beans in the conditions of the south of western Siberia. The work was carried out in 2020–2021 in a field experiment in Omsk oblast. The scheme of the experiment included the following options: soil supply with mobile phosphorus (factor A): medium (50–100 mg/kg according to F.V. Chirikov, background 0), increased (100–120 mg/kg, background I and 140–150 mg/kg, background II), high (150–200 mg/kg, background III); phosphorus fertilizer (factor B): P0 and P60; nitrogen fertilizer (factor C): N0, N30, and N60. The soil of the experimental plot in the arable layer in the control was characterized by a neutral reaction of the environment, a humus content of 7.01–7.24%, and a low supply of nitrate nitrogen in the 0–0.2 m. Cultivation of drought-resistant crops allows for efficient use of atmospheric and soil moisture resources. The use of mineral fertilizers also contributes to its economical use per unit of crop, significantly reducing the water-consumption coefficient. With an increase in the level of phosphorus supply, a trend towards an increase in the share of legumes was noted, the use of nitrogen mineral fertilizers increased the competitive ability of sugar sorghum. Optimization of the conditions of mineral nutrition ensured the production of up to 5680 feed units/ha and 28.29 t/ha of green mass at 3100 fodder units/ha and 15.38 t/ha of green mass in the control. The collection of more than 0.5 t of digestible protein and 60 GJ/ha of metabolizable energy in the harvest of the bean-sorghum mixture is a good contribution to the field forage production system in the forest-steppe of the south of western Siberia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heinz C Schröder,1 Meik Neufurth,1 Huan Zhou,2 Shunfeng Wang,1 Xiaohong Wang,1 Werner E G Müller1 1ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany; 2School of Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Heibei University of Technology, Tianjin, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Heinz C Schröder; Werner E G Müller, ERC Advanced Investigator Group, Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, Mainz, 55128, Germany, Tel +49 6131 392 5791 ; +49 6131 392 5910, Email hschroed@uni-mainz.de; wmueller@uni-mainz.deAbstract: Inorganic polyphosphates (polyP) are long-chain polymers of orthophosphate residues, which, depending on the external conditions, can be present both physiologically and synthetically in either soluble, nanoparticulate or coacervate form. In recent years, these polymers have received increasing attention due to their unprecedented ability to exhibit both morphogenetic and metabolic energy delivering properties. There are no other physiological molecules that contain as many metabolically utilizable, high-energy bonds as polyP, making these polymers of particular medical interest as components of advanced hydrogel scaffold materials for potential applications in ATP-dependent tissue regeneration and repair. However, these polymers show physiological activity only in soluble form and in the coacervate phase, but not as stable metal-polyP nanoparticles. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of formation of polyP coacervates and nanoparticles as well as their transformations is important for the design of novel materials for tissue implants, wound healing, and drug delivery and is discussed here.Keywords: polyphosphate nanoparticles, phase separation, biomaterial, metabolic energy, morphogenetic activity, tissue regeneration

Amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC), precipitated in the presence of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), has shown promise as a material for bone regeneration due to its morphogenetic and metabolic energy (ATP)-delivering properties. The latter activity of the polyP-stabilized ACC ("ACC∙PP") particles is associated with the enzymatic degradation of polyP, resulting in the transformation of ACC into crystalline polymorphs. In a novel approach, stimulated by these results, it was examined whether "ACC∙PP" also promotes the healing of skin injuries, especially chronic wounds. In in vitro experiments, "ACC∙PP" significantly stimulated the migration of endothelial cells, both in tube formation and scratch assays (by 2- to 3-fold). Support came from ex vivo experiments showing increased cell outgrowth in human skin explants. The transformation of ACC into insoluble calcite was suppressed by protein/serum being present in wound fluid. The results were confirmed in vivo in studies on normal (C57BL/6) and diabetic (db/db) mice. Topical administration of "ACC∙PP" significantly accelerated the rate of re-epithelialization, particularly in delayed healing wounds in diabetic mice (day 7: 1.5-fold; and day 13: 1.9-fold), in parallel with increased formation/maturation of granulation tissue. The results suggest that administration of "ACC∙PP" opens a new strategy to improve ATP-dependent wound healing, particularly in chronic wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Guangdong Agricultural Sciences is the property of South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

High-energy diets improve growth rates and shorten the growth period while resulting in excessive fat deposition in the liver of birds. The effect of different energy diets on lipid content and liver transcriptome in finisher Huxu chickens was examined here. A total of 200 90-d-old Huxu chickens with an average BW of 1.08 kg were randomly divided into two dietary treatments. The birds were fed diets either containing 12.06 MJ ME/kg (low metabolic energy, LME) or 13.31 MJ ME/kg (high metabolic energy, HME) for 45 days. Chickens fed the HME diet had significantly higher total triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations in both plasma and liver than did those fed the LME diet. Transcriptomic profiling showed 480 known differentially expressed genes (DEG), with 180 down-regulated and 300 up-regulated chickens from the HME diet compared with the LME diet. Notably, these genes were mostly enriched in lipid metabolism including the PPAR signalling pathway, fatty acid elongation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. The relative mRNA expression level of 14 lipid metabolism-related genes, included 13 up-regulated (MBOAT2, PLA2G2E, AGPAT2, AGPAT3, PCYT2, PEMT, ELOVL2, HADHA, ACOT1L, FABP3, FABP1, PLIN1, RXRG) and one down-regulated (LCAT) gene. In conclusion, the present findings indicate that a high-energy diet likely regulates gene expression of the 14 lipid metabolism-related genes through the PPAR signalling pathway, fatty acid elongation, and glycerophospholipid metabolism resulting in excessive fat accumulation in the liver of Huxu chickens. These results provide a better understanding of the biological mechanisms by which the increased dietary energy induces fat accumulation in the liver. A high-energy diet without change in protein level induced excessive fat accumulation in the Huxu chickens. Chickens fed the high-energy diet had induced higher total triglyceride and total cholesterol concentrations in both plasma and liver. This study showed a comprehensive profile of hepatic gene expression in chickens with fatty liver induced by high energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans expend more energy walking on uneven terrain, but the amount varies across terrains. Few experimental characterizations exist, each describing terrain qualitatively without any relation to others or flat ground. This precludes mechanistic explanation of the energy costs. Here we show that energy cost varies smoothly and approximately quadratically as a function of terrain amplitude. We tested this with healthy adults (N=10) walking on synthetic uneven terrain with random step heights of parametrically controlled maximum amplitude (four conditions 0 - 0.045 m), and at four walking speeds (0.8 - 1.4 m.s-1). Both net metabolic rate and the rate of positive work increased approximately with amplitude squared and speed cubed (R2 = 0.74,0.82 respectively), as predicted by a simple walking model. The model requires work to redirect the body center of mass velocity between successive arcs described by pendulum-like legs, at proportional metabolic cost. Humans performed most of the greater work with terrain amplitude early in the single stance phase, and with speed later in stance during push-off. Work and energy rates changed with approximately linear proportionality, with a ratio or delta efficiency of 49.5% (R2 = 0.68). The efficiency was high enough to suggest substantial work performed passively by elastic tendon and not only by active muscle. Simple kinematic measures such as mid-swing foot clearance also increased with terrain amplitude (R2 = 0.65), possibly costing energy as well. Nevertheless, most of the metabolic cost of walking faster or on more uneven terrain can be explained mechanistically by the work performed., (© 2025. Published by The Company of Biologists.)

The influence of the use of fertilizer doses at different intensity of tillage on the yield and quality of green feed based on winter barley varieties Romance, Kondrat, Dobrynya, Carioca was studied. The research was carried out in 2018-2020 in the Republic of Adygea on low-humus heavy-duty heavy-clay merged leached chernozems according to the method of field experience of B.A. Dospekhov. It was revealed that disking reduced the productivity of the green mass of various varieties of winter barley by 14,0–41,0%; the average yield for both processing methods varied from 5,75 to 11,2 t/ha. It was found that the most effective method of cultivation was the introduction of 60 kg of d.v. N by background, by both methods of processing, but plowing options are preferable in terms of yield. The use of this method of cultivation allowed to obtain the highest level of yield on these options for all studied varieties: Romance 15,3 t/ha, Dobrynya 14,6 t/ha, Kondrat 14,2 t/ha, Carioca 7,4 t/ha (on average for both methods of processing). The nutrient content in 1 kg of dry matter of feed varied from 8,02 to 11,0% crude protein; 11,1–11,74 MJ of exchange energy; 1,04–1,14 KE. The green mass of the Kondrat, Carioca, Romance varieties is classified as low- and medium-protein feeds, however, in terms of the content of feed units and exchange energy, all varieties are Class I feeds. The studied varieties contain an average of 0,42 to 0,605 EQ of cattle (energy feed units) in 1 kg of natural feed. According to the qualitative indicators in 1 kg of dry matter of feed, as well as the content of EKE in 1 kg of natural feed, the advantage belongs to the Dobrynya variety. The best variety in terms of yield, as well as nutritional and energy value for harvesting from 1 ha is the Romance variety.

Researchers have made advances in reducing the metabolic rate of both walking and running by modulating mono-articular energy with exoskeletons. However, how to modulate multiarticular energy with exoskeletons to improve the energy economy of both walking and running is still a challenging problem, due to the lack of understanding of energy transfer among human lower-limb joints. Based on the study of the energy recycling and energy transfer function of biarticular muscles, we proposed a hip–knee unpowered exoskeleton that emulates and reinforces the function of the hamstrings and rectus femoris in different gait phases. The biarticular exo-tendon of the exoskeleton assists hamstrings to recycle the kinetic energy of the leg swing while providing hip extension torque in the swing phase. In the following stance phase, the exo-tendon releases the stored energy to assist the co-contraction of gluteus maximus and rectus femoris for both hip extension and knee extension, thus realizing the phased modulation of hip and knee joint energy. The metabolic rate of both walking (1.5 m/s) and running (2.5 m/s) can be reduced by 6.2% and 4.0% with the multiarticular energy modulation of a hip–knee unpowered exoskeleton, compared to that of walking and running without an exoskeleton. The bio-inspired design method of this study may inspire people to develop devices that assist multiple gaits in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TCN006, a formulation of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyrate glycerides, is a promising ingredient for enhancing ketone intake of humans. Ketones have been shown to have beneficial effects on human health. To be used by humans, TCN006 must be determined safe in appropriately designed safety studies. The results of a bacterial reverse mutation assay, an in vitro mammalian micronucleus study, and 14-and 90-day repeat dose toxicity studies in rats are reported herein. In the 14- and 90-day studies, male and female Wistar rats had free access to drinking water containing 0, 75,000, 125,000 or 200,000 ppm TCN006 for 92 and 93 days, respectively. TCN006 tested negative for genotoxicity and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for toxicity in the 14- and 90-day studies was 200,000 ppm, the highest dose administered. In the longer term study, the mean overall daily intake of TCN006 in the 200,000 ppm groups was 14,027.9 mg/kg bw/day for males and 20,507.0 mg/kg bw/day for females. At this concentration, palatability of water was likely affected, which led to a decrease in water consumption in both males and females compared to respective controls. This had no effect on the health of the animals. Although the rats were administered very high levels of (R)-3-Hydroxybutyrate glycerides, there were no signs of ketoacidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the obtained data in 2019-2020, a plant height of the earliest variety Galiya was 201 cm, mid-season L-7897 and Tandem were 218 cm, late ripening Yarik was 282 cm. The maximum yield was obtained from the hybrid Yarik 77.0 t ha-1 of green matter and 21.5 t ha-1 of dry matter. A significant yield of green and dry matter was provided by L-7897 and Tandem. The data of the dry matter analysis show that the combinations Tandem and Yarik exceed the rates of the best standard Silosnoe 88 in terms of crude protein content and have high rates of metabolic energy. The crude fat content was similar to the standard rates. It was also found to be significant in the varieties Tandem and L-7897. The presence of crude fiber was low. The lowest rate was obtained in the hybrid Yarik. In comparison to the replaceable amino acids, the essential amino acids in the dry matter of sweet sorghum, which was cut in the milk-wax stage of ripeness, have a lower content. The average presence of essential amino acids was found in valine, phenylalanine, and argirine. Leucine had a significant rate. The maximum rates were found in the new combinations of Yarik and Tandem. Among the replaceable amino acids, the highest content had glutamic, aspartic acids, proline, alanine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition, metabolic energy (ME), organic matter digestibility (OMD) and methane production capacities of tree leaves in the form of ghazel that fall in autumn. In thiss tudy, the leaves of peach, plum, cherry, apricot, apple, blackplum, and pear trees were examined. Drymatter (DM) content varied between 26.79 and 43.43%. The high est dry matter content was determined in peach leaves. The lowest crude ash (CA) content was observed in the pearleaf at 9.09%, while the highest was observed in the apricot leaves at 20.55%. The Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) contents of tree leaves were changed between 28.67 and 44.48%. The lowest NDF content was determined in cherry leaves, while the highest was determined for peach leaves. The highest aciddetergent fiber (ADF) values were observed in pear leaves at 26.07%, while the lowest were obtained from apricot leaves with 21.52%. The lowest crude protein (CP) content was determined for pear leaves with 5.43%, while the highest was determined for plum leaves at 9.27%. Gas production values and net methane production values of tree leaves ranged from 84.53 to 113.86 ml, and 10.52 to 15.63 ml respecti vely. While the percent methane production values of tree leaves ranged between 12.09 and 14.56%, the lowest was observed in pear leaves. OMD contents were changed between 70.31-81.42 %. The highest OMD content was determined in apricot leaves and the lowest in pear leaves. ME values ranged between 7.67-9.13, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In the modern conditions of RF agro-industrial complex development, the transfer of animal husbandry to an industrial basis is possible only with high-grade vegetable protein production increase. Silage of the aboveground mass of pure corn during all phases of plant growth and development does not provide the content of nutrients in the feed unit according to the zootechnical requirements. Therefore, to optimize the finished feed in terms of the carbohydrate-protein ratio, green mass of legumes should be added to its composition during the preparation of silage from corn. The selection of the legume component should be carried out taking into account the following main criteria: coincidence with corn by the growing season duration, the same attitude to soil and climatic resources and insolation conditions, high provision of the legume component with digestible protein, dry matter, starch and exchange energy during the ensiling period. It has been established that the joint ensiling of corn with yellow lupine is expedient when the corn is in waxy ripeness, and the lupine is in the phase of shiny beans with the component ratio of 55:45%. In this case, the content of digestible protein in 1 feed unit of finished silage is 100.2 g at reliable feed supply with both irreplaceable (36.0 g) and critical (7.2 g) amino acids.

The article presents the results of three-year (2017-2019) field studies on changes in agrochemical characteristics of soil and formation of productivity of birdsfoot trefoil and timothy grass mixture in dependence of the liming (hydrolytic acidity 0.25) and application of mineral fertilizers, phosphorite meal in particular. The soil is sod-podzolic, medium loamy, strongly acidic, with intermediate concentration of mobile phosphorous and metabolizable potassium, humus content is 1.9 %, and mobile aluminum – from 4.27 to 5.24 mg/kg of soil. It has been established that application of finely ground lime at a dose of 3 tons per hectare prior to sowing of birdsfoot trefoil and timothy grass mixture decreased soil acidity in the layer of 0-10 cm from 4.2 to 5.6 pH units by next autumn. Application of phosphorite meal (1t/ha) led to an increase in the concentration of mobile phosphorous in the layer of 0-10 cm by 135-163 %. The highest productivity of birdsfoot trefoil and timothy mixture during 3 years was obtained by means of combined application of lime and mineral fertilizers, and for 3 years on the average the yield of metabolic energy exceeded 50 GJ/ha, which is over 35 % higher than in the control variant without fertilizers. The use of mineral fertilizers increased grass mixture productivity only during the first two years. The applied dosage of phosphorite meal (1t/ha) promoted the increase in grass productivity on strongly acidic soil only in the year of sowing. Additional treatment with ammonium nitrate (N30) together with phosphorous and potassium fertilizers (Р60К60), as well as potassium chloride (К60) with phosphorite meal did not result in significant rise in metabolizable energy yield.

Sled dogs are purpose-bred dogs selected for endurance work. Prior studies in racing dogs showed that serum thyroid parameters (total T4, free T4, and T3) are lower than the reference range in approximately 25% of dogs. Whether this is related to training, breeding, or body condition remains unclear. We hypothesized that retired sled dogs of normal body condition (9–13 years old) would have predominantly normal serum thyroid parameters and that serum thyroid status would be correlated to energy consumption based on metabolic body weight. Eighty-six sled dogs who were deemed healthy on physical exam, not on confounding medications, and without a prior diagnosis of hypothyroidism were included. All dogs' mean body condition scores were 5.1 ± 0.4 and body weight 24.5 ± 4.2 kg at fasting blood collection with stable dietary intake for 3 months before sampling. The total T4, free T4, and T3 serum concentrations were 23.4 ± 9.1 nmol/L, 9.53 ± 4.3 pmol/L, and 0.93 ± 0.39 nmol/L, respectively, with 38% lower than the reference range for total T4, 45% for free T4, and 37% for T3. All dogs were negative for thyroglobulin antibody, and TSH results were within normal ranges. Pearson's correlates based on kilocalories consumed on a metabolic body weight basis for total T4 (R = 0.14), free T4 (R = 0.01) and T3 (R = 0.23) showed poor correlation. No differences were observed between thyroid hormones and age, breed, or sex. Inactive, retired sled dogs can be misdiagnosed with hypothyroidism; therefore, our data suggests that misdiagnosis of hypothyroidism can occur and that the racing Alaskan sled dog has a unique reference range that should be considered when assessing serum thyroid status.

The release of greenhouse gas emissions from ruminants into the atmosphere is a global problem and requires in-depth inquiry. The aim of these research is to compare the produced gas emissions, digestibility and metabolic energy of different feeds by in vitro analysis with fresh and lyophilized rumen fluid. The following feeds were included in the study: spring peas, winter peas, spring vetch, anniversary sainfoin, sorghum - two hybrids, Sorghum sudanense and maize. An in vitro methodology was used to perform analyzes of feed's with the Ankom RF Gas Production System. Gas production was analyzed at two levels - 24 and 48 hours, and incubation, digestibility, metabolic energy, acid detergent fiber - ADF and neutral detergent fiber - NDF with fresh and lyophilized rumen fluid. Highest produced quantities of gas at 24 h and 48 h of incubation were found for spring pea's varieties - 196.8 dm/mL and 210.7 dm/mL and hybrid sorghum varieties - 190.7 dm/mL and 227.4 dm/mL respectively. The gas production of technical sorghum and Sorghum sudanense, are lower 172 and 178 dm/mL. Sainfoin had the lowest levels of gas production with - 107.7 dm/ mL and 152.7 dm/mL. The digestibility of spring peas, spring vetch and winter peas has similar values, ranging from 84.78% to 90.23%. The digestibility of hybrid sorghum varieties is 79.55%, in technical sorghum is 49.19%, and in Sorghum sudanense is 60.69%. The data of the metabolic energy obtained using fresh and lyophilized rumen fluid in winter peas and spring peas are very close. In the three groups of analyzed feeds the metabolic energy has almost equal values: 8.74 for hybrid sorghum, 8.55 for technical sorghum and 8.69 for Sorghum sudanense. The comparison between fresh and lyophilized rumen fluid, using in "in vitro" analysis of different feeds shows minor variation. Lyophilized inoculum is applicable in "in vitro" analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]