bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on some risk factors and effects of bovine ketosis on dairy cows from the Galicia region (Spain)
Authors: Viña C. , Fouz R. , Camino F. , Sanjuán M. L. , Yus E. , Diéguez F. J. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe study was designed to determine the relation between β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations in milk from dairy cows after calving and the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305‐day normalized production, and to assess the influence of BHB concentrations on culling and test‐day milk productions and somatic cell counts (SCC) throughout the lactation that followed the BHB measurement. The data used in the study were obtained from 59 187 cows in the Galicia region (Spain). BHB determination was performed using Fourier‐transformed infrared spectrometry from the milk samples collected from each cow on the first post‐partum test day. For statistical analysis, the following methods were applied: (i) ordinal regression to assess the effect of the length of the previous lactation, the dry period and the 305‐day normalized milk production on milk BHB, (ii) a Cox model to estimate the influence of the BHB concentration on risk of culling (overall and for a variety of reasons) and (iii) linear regression to assess the link between BHB and the milk yield and SCC obtained from each of the tests day performed throughout lactation. The probability of having higher BHB concentrations increased when the length of the previous lactation (p = 0.006), the dry period (p = 0.003) and the 305‐day normalized milk yield (p = 0.005) increased. However, the slight increase observed (especially for the case of the dry period and the 305‐day milk yield) would not justify that measures be implemented to reduce these traits. Higher concentrations of BHB led to an increased risk of culling due to ‘death’ (p ≤ 0.001) and ‘urgent slaughter’ (p ≤ 0.002) (both causes of involuntary culling). It also led to a reduction in milk production (p < 0.001) and an increase in SCC (p < 0.001) in the post‐partum; from that moment onward (including peak lactation), there were no differences in those two parameters depending on the BHB levels.
Effects of Chinese herbal mixture on performance, egg quality and blood biochemical parameters of laying hens
Authors: Li X. L. , He W. L. , Wang Z. B. , Xu T. S. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Chinese herbal mixture (CHM) in laying hen diets on performance, egg quality and egg nutrition components, as well as selected blood biochemical parameters. A total of 270 Lohmann Brown laying hens, 24 week of age, were randomly distributed into three dietary treatments and fed for 6 week. The CHM was used at the levels of 0%, 0.5% and 1.0% in the diets of the control and two treatment groups respectively. Each dietary treatment was divided into five replicates, comprising of 18 hens each. Hens were housed in a 3‐tier battery system. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Blood samples and eggs were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that dietary treatments did not affect egg weight, mortality, eggshell thickness, albumen height, Haugh units, eggshell‐breaking strength and egg‐shape index. Dietary supplementation of CHM significantly improved (p < 0.05) laying rate and the lowest feed conversion ratio were observed with 1.0% CHM supplementation diets. CHM supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) cracked‐egg rate, egg yolk cholesterol, blood serum levels of cholesterol, triglyceride, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and increased blood serum levels of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C). No differences in serum total protein, serum albumen, serum glucose and aspartate amino transferase (AST) were observed in hens fed CHM. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with CHM improved egg production and egg quality and reduced serum cholesterol concentrations in laying hens. Dietary supplementation of 1.0% CHM in layer diets may be a feasible means of producing eggs with lower cholesterol and higher egg yolk phospholipid contents for health conscious consumers.
Comparison of feed intake, digestion and rumen function among domestic ruminant species grazing in upland vegetation communities
Authors: Ferreira L. M. M. , Hervás G. , Belenguer A. , Celaya R. , Rodrigues M. A. M. , García U. , Frutos P. , Osoro K. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis study aimed to compare feed intake, digestion, rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial community of 5 beef cows, 12 crossed ewes and 12 goats grazing together in spring–early summer on heather–gorse vegetation communities with an adjacent area of improved pasture. Organic matter intake (OMI) and digestibility (OMD) were estimated using alkane markers. Ruminal fluid samples were collected for measuring fermentation parameters, and studying the bacterial community using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP). Spot samples of urine were taken to determine purine derivative (PD) and creatinine concentrations to estimate microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. Herbaceous species were the main dietary component in all animal species. Cattle had higher (p < 0.05) daily OMI (g/kg LW0.75) and OMD, whereas sheep and goats showed similar values. The highest ammonia concentration was observed in sheep. Total VFA, acetate and butyrate concentrations were not influenced by animal species, while propionate concentrations in goats were 1.8 times lower (p < 0.05) than in sheep. Acetate:propionate ratio was greater (p < 0.05) in goats, whereas cattle excreted more allantoin (p < 0.05). Estimated supply of microbial N was higher in cows (p < 0.01), whereas the efficiency of microbial protein synthesis was lower (p < 0.01) in this animal species. Hierarchical clustering analysis indicated a clear effect of animal species on rumen bacterial structure. Differences among animal species were also observed in the relative frequency of several T‐RFs. Certain T‐RFs compatible with Lachnospiraceae, Proteobacteria and Clostridiales species were not found in goats, while these animals showed high relative frequencies of some fragments compatible with the Ruminococcaceae family that were not detected in sheep and cattle. Results suggest a close relationship between animals’ grazing behaviour and rumen bacterial structure and its function. Goats seem to show a greater specialization of their microbial populations to deal with the greater fibrous and tannin content of their diet.
Effect of dietary lignocellulose on ileal and total tract digestibility of fat and fatty acids in broiler chickens
Authors: Bogusławska‐Tryk M. , Piotrowska A. , Szymeczko R. , Burlikowska K. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe study was conducted to determine the effect of a lignocellulose supplemented diet on apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of fat and fatty acids (FA) in broiler chickens. A total of 48 21‐day‐old male Ross 308 chickens were divided into four treatment groups (n = 12) with six replicates per treatment. From 21 to 42 days of age, the broilers were fed experimental diets varied in the amount of lignocellulose: 0%, 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%. Total excreta were gathered during the last 3 days of the feeding trial and digesta was collected from the ileum at 42 days of the bird age. Digestibility was determined by the indicator method. The ether extract content in diet/digesta/excreta was determined by the gravimetric method, and fatty acid methyl esters were analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Fat digestibility measured to the end of the small intestine and in the whole gastrointestinal tract in birds was high and exceeded 90% and 87% respectively. Addition of lignocellulose (1%) increased (p < 0.05) ileal fat digestibility but had no significant effect on total tract fat digestion. Absorption of total fatty acids (TFA) as well as myristic (C14:0), palmitoleic (C16:1) and α‐linolenic (C18:3n−3) acids, estimated by both methods, was significantly higher in birds fed the diets supplemented with lignocellulose, especially at a dose of 1%. Total tract absorption of some dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (C20:2, C20:4n−6) was significantly lower from diet supplemented with 0.5% and 0.25% lignocellulose. There was observed a decrease in apparent digestibility of fat and most examined fatty acids, when measured between terminal ileum and total gastrointestinal tract. The results suggest that lignocellulose can affect digestion and FA absorption in broilers but, as the effect of lignocellulose was not studied previously, further investigations are necessary to confirm the results of the present experiment.
Energy requirements of early‐weaned Dorper cross‐bred female lambs
Authors: Ma T. , Xu G.‐S. , Deng K.‐D. , Ji S.‐K. , Tu Y. , Zhang N.‐F. , Diao Q.‐Y. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe net and metabolizable energy (NE and ME) requirements of Dorper cross‐bred female lambs with BWs of 20–35 kg were assessed in a comparative slaughter trial. Thirty‐five Dorper × thin‐tailed Han cross‐bred female lambs weaned at ~50 days of age (20.3 ± 2.15 kg BW) were used. Seven randomly selected lambs were slaughtered at the start of the trial (baseline group). An intermediate group consisting of seven randomly selected lambs fed ad libitum was slaughtered when the lambs reached an average BW of 28.5 kg. The remaining 21 lambs were allotted randomly to three levels of dry matter intake: ad libitum or restricted to 70% or 40% of the ad libitum intake. All the lambs were slaughtered when the sheep fed ad libitum reached a BW of 35 kg. Total body energy, nitrogen, fat, ash and moisture content were determined. In a digestibility trial, an additional 15 Dorper × thin‐tailed Han cross‐bred female lambs (28.7 ± 1.75 kg BW) were housed in metabolism cages and used in a completely randomized design experiment to evaluate the ME value of the diet at the three feed intake levels. The maintenance requirements for NE and ME were 245.5 and 380.3 kJ/kg metabolic shrunk body weight (SBW0.75) respectively. The partial efficiency of energy use for maintenance was 0.645. The NE requirements for growth ranged from 1.18 to 5.18 MJ/d for the lambs gaining 100–350 g/d from 20 to 35 kg BW. Partial efficiency of ME for growth was 0.44. In conclusion, the current study suggests that the NE requirement for maintenance and growth of Dorper early‐weaned cross‐bred female lambs is lower than the current AFRC and NRC recommendations.
The use of inulin in poultry feeding: a review
Authors: Bucław M. 
Published: April 2016

SummarySince the European Union enforced the ban on antibiotic growth promoters in 2006, the research has been focused on natural feed additives which would have a proven positive impact on both production and animal health. Inulin is both the most commonly used and the most effective probiotic additive. The mechanism of inulin interactions with the avian body is complex, multidirectional and not fully understood. Despite a number of unresolved issues, many authors have demonstrated the positive impact of inulin on the host organism. Dietary supplementation of poultry feeding with inulin contributes to the modulation of intestinal microbiota through favouring a quick proliferation of beneficial Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microbes. There are indications that inulin‐provoked changes in the host gut microbiota in poultry may alter the structure and histomorphology of the intestinal mucosa and improve its absorption capacity in poultry. It has also been demonstrated that inulin may affect the immune system and the systemic metabolism of minerals and lipids. The reports on inulin effects on the body and performance of poultry are often contradictory, as the effectiveness of this prebiotic is strongly dependent on the type and dose used, and the duration of its administration.
Study on cortisol, cortisone and prednisolone presence in urine of Chianina cattle breed
Authors: Chiesa L. , Pavone S. , Pasquale E. , Pavlovic R. , Panseri S. , Valiani A. , Arioli F. , Manuali E. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe Chianina, one of the oldest and most important cattle breeds of Italy, is now reared all over the world. The Chianina has been known and appreciated since ancient times because, from a nutritional point of view, its meat has no proper rivals. To date, studies have been performed to evaluate the genetic profile of the breed, but knowledge about the chemical profile is generally lacking. Due to the increased interest from farmers regarding breeding of the Chianina, this study proposes a preliminary evaluation of main endogenous urinary corticosteroids (cortisol and cortisone) and most commonly used synthetic one (dexamethasone). Moreover, after recent findings regarding the presence of endogenous prednisolone in the urine of more popular breeds, particular attention was given to analysis of the presence of prednisolone and prednisone, as well. For this aim, the urine samples of 12 young cows and 30 young bulls was collected at the farms and analysed using a fit‐for‐purpose LC‐MS/MS method. The preliminary results of this study show that prednisolone was found only in Chianina females (3 out of 12). Cortisol and cortisone were found at concentrations that showed a high inter‐individual variability, and that were higher in female urine compared to that of males.
Validity and reliability of the Neonatal Discharge Assessment Tool
Authors: Aykanat Girgin Burcu , Cimete Güler 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeTo investigate the reliability and validity of the Neonatal Discharge Assessment Tool (N‐DAT) designed to assess risk factors related to infants’ and parents’ readiness for discharge to home.Design and MethodsThe sample was composed of 238 high‐risk preterm infants, born at gestational age of 24 to 37 weeks, and their parents. High scores on the N‐DAT indicated higher risk for discharge of preterm infants and their parents. Psychometric analyses of the N‐DAT included content validity, internal consistency reliability, and construct validity.ResultsContent validity of the N‐DAT items was supported by experts (content validity index = .98). Internal consistency reliability was supported by a Cronbach's alpha for the total instrument of .94. N‐DAT total and subscale score correlations ranged from .42 to .89. Known‐groups analysis indicated that infants born at <31 weeks’ gestation and infants who were rehospitalized during 8 weeks after discharge had significantly higher N‐DAT total and subscale scores than infants born at ≥31 weeks or not rehospitalized. Also, mothers who reported experiencing problems with infant care at home had significantly higher N‐DAT Competencies subscale scores than mothers who did not report problems.Practice ImplicationsThe N‐DAT is a reliable and valid instrument to evaluate the risks related to discharge of preterm infants so that nurses can provide parents with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources they need prior to discharge.
Hispanic parents’ perceptions of their preschool children's weight status
Authors: Gauthier Kristine I. , Gance‐Cleveland Bonnie 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the accuracy of Hispanic parents’ perceptions of their preschool children's weight status.Design and MethodsA cross‐sectional descriptive design with Hispanic parent–child dyads (n = 83) from a Head Start setting was used to compare parents’ perceptions of their children's weight status with their 2‐ to 5‐year‐old children's body mass index (BMI) and weight categories. Methods included a word choice from five response options, and varying body size silhouettes presented in a linear fashion and a random circular pattern. Parents’ perceptions were compared with the children's BMI, and in relationship to parents’ demographic characteristics and BMI.ResultsApproximately half of parents underestimated their child's weight status, and overweight/obese parents tended to underestimate their overweight/obese children's weight status.Practice ImplicationsEliciting parent perception of their child's weight is one way providers can engage in obesity prevention dialogue.
Comparing an exotic shrub's impact with that of a native life form analogue: Baccharis halimifolia vs Tamarix gallica in Mediterranean salt marsh communities
Authors: Fried Guillaume , Panetta F. Dane 
Published: April 2016

AbstractQuestionsTo what extent may impact vary according to the invaded community, region or sites? Do impact thresholds exist, above which native species richness and/or cover declines rapidly? Does impact following invasion by the exotic shrub Baccharis halimifolia differ from that of a native shrub (Tamarix gallica) during natural successions?LocationMediterranean coast, SE France.MethodsVegetation was sampled on 120 4‐m² quadrats, half of which were in areas invaded by B. halimifolia and the other half in nearby non‐invaded areas, in two distinct community types nested in three sites in each of two regions. Mixed models were built to explain variations in impacts on native vegetation according to community types, sites and regions. Next, 85 additional plots variously invaded by B. halimifolia were used to assess the nature of the relationships between B. halimifolia cover and impact in Juncus communities. Linear regressions were compared to polynomial regressions, and when relevant, regression trees were built to identify threshold values. Finally, we compared the vegetation from 90 plots either dominated by B. halimifolia, by T. gallica (a native shrub) or without a shrub layer (control) using dissimilarity indices in wet meadows.ResultsThe magnitude of B. halimifolia impacts depended mainly on community type, with no differences between regions. Community structure (species richness, Shannon's diversity) declined linearly with increasing cover of B. halimifolia, with the most rapid decline in annual species. Native species cover fitted better with a cubic regression, with an impact threshold of around 86% cover of B. halimifolia. Impact of B. halimifolia on community diversity was higher than that of the native shrub T. gallica. While the magnitude of species composition changes was comparable for both shrubs, the higher nestedness component of dissimilarity found for B. halimifolia may indicate a higher short‐term impact.ConclusionImproved understanding of the impacts of exotic shrubs on community structure and composition can be gained via comparisons with the impacts caused by native shrubs. Higher impacts of the exotic B. halimifolia on Mediterranean salt marsh vegetation are likely explained by a denser canopy, shorter juvenile period and more frequent recruitment.
The impact of non‐reproductive plant species on assessments of community structure and species co‐occurrence patterns
Authors: Schamp Brandon S. , Aarssen Lonnie W. , Piggott Gillian S.J. , Dante Sneha K. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimsStudies of community structure and co‐occurrence patterns rely on the premise that community data reflect where species successfully grow and which species they grow with. However, plant censuses generally do not distinguish between species with reproductive individuals and those only represented by non‐reproductive individuals. We tested whether inclusion of non‐reproductive species, which may not reflect success in that location, significantly impacts evaluations of community structure and co‐occurrence.LocationQueen's University Biological Station, Ontario, Canada, old‐field plant communities.MethodsWe quantified the impact of non‐reproductive species in two plant communities by comparing community structure and co‐occurrence patterns when non‐reproductive species were included or excluded.ResultsIncluding non‐reproductive species significantly increased plot‐level species richness in both communities (54% and 13% increases), altered species evenness in both communities, significantly impacted beta‐diversity among plots in one site, and disproportionately impacted assessments of diversity in species‐rich plots. Excluding non‐reproductive species resulted in reduced negative co‐occurrence patterns in both communities, with a substantially larger impact in one community. In that community, the impact of non‐reproductive species was even more pronounced when abundance data were used in analysis, and when pair‐wise co‐occurrence patterns were assessed. Additionally, including non‐reproductive species drastically decreased the number of species pairs with perfect negative co‐occurrence across sites, indicating that these species can add ‘noise’ to co‐occurrence patterns. We examined possible explanations for the presence of non‐reproductive species. In one community, non‐reproductive species were 22 times less abundant (per plot) than reproductive species within plots, although they were not rare overall. Differences in the number of non‐reproductive species per plot across our focal communities were not clearly driven by differences in clonality, stress from extreme weather or low N. While these patterns are consistent with the interpretation that non‐reproductive species are present due to mass effects, this possibility requires further research.ConclusionsIncluding non‐reproductive plant species in censuses can significantly impact assessments of community structure and species co‐occurrence. The divergent impact of their inclusion on our two communities highlights the possibility that excluding non‐reproductive species from surveys may remove noise from community data and clarify theories of plant species co‐existence.
Effects of dietary polyphenols on metabolic syndrome features in humans: a systematic review
Authors: Amiot M. J. , Riva C. , Vinet A. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryDietary polyphenols constitute a large family of bioactive substances potential beneficial effect on metabolic syndrome (MetS). This review summarizes the results of clinical studies on patients with MetS involving the chronic supplementation of a polyphenol‐rich diet, foods, extracts or with single phenolics on the features of MetS (obesity, dyslipidemia, blood pressure and glycaemia) and associated complications (oxidative stress and inflammation). Polyphenols were shown to be efficient, especially at higher doses, and there were no specific foods or extracts able to alleviate all the features of MetS. Green tea, however, significantly reduced body mass index and waist circumference and improved lipid metabolism. Cocoa supplementation reduced blood pressure and blood glucose. Soy isoflavones, citrus products, hesperidin and quercetin improved lipid metabolism, whereas cinnamon reduced blood glucose. In numerous clinical studies, antioxidative and anti‐inflammatory effects were not significant after polyphenol supplementation in patients with MetS. However, some trials pointed towards an improvement of endothelial function in patients supplemented with cocoa, anthocyanin‐rich berries, hesperidin or resveratrol. Therefore, diets rich in polyphenols, such as the Mediterranean diet, which promote the consumption of diverse polyphenol‐rich products could be an effective nutritional strategy to improve the health of patients with MetS. © 2016 The Authors. Obesity Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of World Obesity