Effect of Immunocastration and Diet on Growth Performance, Serum Metabolites and Sex Hormones, Reproductive Organ Development and Carcass Quality of Heavy Gilts.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Perez-Ciria L
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8300150 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:Increasing fatness and avoiding puberty are desirable in gilts intended for high-quality dry-cured ham production. A total of 48 Duroc x (Landrace x Large White) females of 26.5 ± 3.70 kg body weight (BW) were used to evaluate the impact of immunocastration and to find the optimum application time of the second dose for immunocastration on growth; sex hormones; reproductive tract development; and carcass, meat, and fat quality. Gilts were allocated to four experimental treatments (n = 12): control (entire gilts, EG) and immunocastrated gilts (IG), providing the second dose at 12, 9, or 7 weeks before slaughter (with approximately 60, 75, or 90 kg BW, respectively). Mean slaughter BW was 125 kg. Immunocastrated gilts had lighter reproductive tracts and greater fat thickness than EG. Fat from IG was more saturated and less polyunsaturated than that from EG. Numerically, gilts immunocastrated 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter presented higher fatness than those immunocastrated 7 weeks before slaughter. In conclusion, immunocastration is a good strategy to improve the fatness of gilts destined to dry-cured ham elaboration, with the optimum time for the second dose application seemingly between 9 and 12 weeks before slaughter.
| S-EPMC7919812 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The main goals of this study were to determine whether boars and gilts respond differently to the standardized ileal digestible lysine to net energy ratio (SID Lys:NE) and model the response to optimize growth performance. A total of 780 finishing pigs, 390 boars and 390 gilts [Pietrain NN × (Landrace × Large White)], with an initial individual body weight of 70.4 ± 9.2 for boars and 68.7 ± 8.0 kg for gilts, were used in a 41-d dose-response experiment. Pens (13 pigs per pen) were randomly allocated to a dietary treatment (2.64, 3.05, 3.46, 3.86, 4.27 g SID Lys/Mcal NE) by block and sex, with six replicates per treatment and sex. Two isoenergetic diets (2,460 kcal NE/kg), representing the extreme SID Lys:NE, were formulated and then mixed. Pigs were individually weighed at days 0, 22, and 41, when the experiment finished. The differential effect of SID Lys:NE on growth performance and carcass composition between sexes was analyzed with orthogonal polynomial contrasts to compare the linear and quadratic trends in each sex. In addition, broken-line linear (BLL) models to optimize average daily gain (ADG), including average daily feed intake (ADFI) as a covariate, were fitted when possible. As expected, boars had a greater ADG and feed efficiency (G:F; P < 0.001) than gilts, but there was no evidence of differences in ADFI (P = 0.470). Increasing SID Lys:NE had a greater linear impact on boars ADG (P = 0.087), G:F (P = 0.003), and carcass leanness (P = 0.032). In contrast, gilts showed a greater linear increase in SID Lys intake per kg gain (P < 0.001) and feed cost per kg gain (P = 0.005). The best fitting BLL models showed that boars maximized ADG at 3.63 g SID Lys/Mcal NE [95% confidence interval (CI): (3.32 to 3.94)], although another model with a similar fit, compared with the Bayesian information criterion, reported the optimum at 4.01 g SID Lys/Mcal NE [95% CI: (3.60, 4.42)]. The optimum to maximize ADG for gilts was estimated at 3.10 g SID Lys/Mcal NE [95% CI: (2.74, 3.47)]. Thus, the present study confirmed that boars and gilts have a different linear response to SID Lys:NE, explained by the greater protein deposition potential of boars. Likewise, BLL models indicated that boars require a higher SID Lys:NE to maximize ADG from 70 to 89 kg. These results suggest that split feeding of finishing boars and gilts could be beneficial in terms of both performance and cost return.
| S-EPMC7426025 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The present study investigated the effects of immunocastration and housing conditions on carcass, meat, and fat quality traits. Immunocastrates (IC, n = 48), entire (EM, n = 48), and surgical castrates (SC, n = 48) male pigs were reared under three different housing conditions. The conditions were standard (n = 36), enriched (n = 36, twice as much space as standard and additional outdoor access), or standard with repeated social mixing (n = 72). Pigs of the IC group were vaccinated at the age of 12 and 22 wk. The animals were slaughtered in four batches, balanced for sex category and housing, at the age of 27 wk reaching 124.7 ± 1.0 kg. Immunocastration led to increased fat deposition (i.e., thicker subcutaneous fat at different anatomical locations, more leaf fat, fatter belly in IC than EM, P < 0.05) but did not affect muscularity traits. As a result, EM exhibited higher and SC lower (P < 0.05) carcass leanness than IC. Fatty acids composition of either subcutaneous or intramuscular fat (IMF) agreed with general adiposity, that is, IC were intermediate between EM and SC exhibiting the lowest and highest fat saturation (P < 0.05), respectively. Compared to SC, EM exhibited higher (P < 0.05) levels of muscle oxidation and collagen content than SC, with IC taking an intermediate position in the case of the level of peroxidation and collagen content, or closer to SC as regards to oxidation of muscle proteins (i.e., carbonyl groups). Meat quality (including marbling score, cooking loss, subjective color redness, and chroma) of IC was similar to EM, and both differed (P < 0.05) from SC. However, IC and SC had less (P < 0.05) tough meat than EM, consistent with protein oxidation. The effect of housing was less evident. Mixing of pigs resulted in lower (P < 0.05) carcass weight and fatness in all sex categories with lower (P < 0.05) oleic and higher (P < 0.05) arachidonic acid in IMF of EM.
| S-EPMC7284115 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Abstract Objectives of this research were to compare carcass characteristics, carcass cutting yields, and meat quality for market barrows and market gilts. Commercially-sourced carcasses from 168 market barrows and 175 market gilts weighing an average of 107.44 ± 7.37 kg were selected from 17 different slaughter groups representing approximately 3,950 carcasses. Each group was sorted into percentiles based on hot carcass weight with an equal number of barrows and gilts selected from each quartile so that weight minimally confounded parameters of interest. Carcass lean yield was determined for carcasses following fabrication (i.e. dissection of lean, fat, and bone tissue components) and meat quality measurements were evaluated at the time of fabrication (24 to 72 h postmortem) and following 14-d of postmortem storage. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design with carcass serving as the experimental unit, sex (barrow or gilt), the three hot carcass weight quantiles (light [<104 kg]; average [104 to 110 kg]; heavy [>110 kg]), and the interaction between sex and hot carcass weight quantile serving as fixed effects, and producer nested within slaughter event serving as a random effect. Results from the study demonstrated that gilt carcasses were leaner (3 mm less backfat thickness; 3.5 cm2 greater loin muscle area, 1.52% greater merchandized-cut yield, and 2.92% greater dissected carcass lean yield; P < 0.01) than barrow carcasses, while loins from barrows were higher quality (0.43% more intramuscular fat and slightly less shear force; P < 0.01) than loins from gilts. While this study confirms the well-known biological principle that barrow carcasses have greater levels of fat deposition and lower levels of carcass leanness when compared with gilt carcasses, this study provides a much-needed quantification of these differences for the commercial industry that will undoubtedly be useful as new technologies emerge in upcoming years.
| S-EPMC10464715 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This study aims to investigate the effects of zearalenone (ZEA) on the localizations and expressions of follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR) in the ovaries of weaned gilts. Twenty 42-day-old weaned gilts were randomly allocated into two groups, and treated with a control diet and a ZEA-contaminated diet (ZEA 1.04 mg/kg), respectively. After 7-day adjustment, gilts were fed individually for 35 days and euthanized for blood and ovarian samples collection before morning feeding on the 36th day. Serum hormones of E2, PRG, FSH, LH and GnRH were determined using radioimmunoassay kits. The ovaries were collected for relative mRNA and protein expression, and immunohistochemical analysis of FSHR, LHR, GnRH and GnRHR. The results revealed that ZEA exposure significantly increased the final vulva area (p < 0.05), significantly elevated the serum concentrations of estradiol, follicle stimulating hormone and GnRH (p < 0.05), and markedly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expressions of FSHR, LHR, GnRH and GnRHR (p < 0.05). Besides, the results of immunohistochemistry showed that the immunoreactive substances of ovarian FSHR, LHR, GnRH and GnRHR in the gilts fed the ZEA-contaminated diet were stronger than the gilts fed the control diet. Our findings indicated that dietary ZEA (1.04 mg/kg) could cause follicular proliferation by interfering with the localization and expression of FSHR, LHR, GnRH and GnRHR, and then affect the follicular development of weaned gilts.
| S-EPMC8470812 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background The establishment of non-invasive diagnostic method for multiple ovulation prediction is helpful to improve the efficiency of multiple ovulation. The blood hormones and metabolites would be suitable indexes for this subject. Methods In this study, 86 estrus ewes (65 of induced estrus (IE) and 21 of spontaneous estrus (SE)) were selected and the blood samples were collected at the day before follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) injection (1st) and before artificial insemination (2nd). The serum reproductive hormones ofFSH, luteinizing hormone (LH), 17β-Estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) were measured through enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the untargeted metabolomics analysis was processed through LC–MS/MS. The embryos were collected after 6.5 days of artificial insemination. Results In total, 975 and 406 embryos were collected in IE and SE group, respectively. The analysis of reproductive hormones showed that concentrations of FSH, E2 and AMH were positive correlated with the embryo yield while concentrations of LH and P4 were negative correlated in both group at 1st detection. At 2nd detection, the trends of reproductive hormones were similar with 1st except P4, which was positive correlated with embryo yield. The metabolomics analysis showed that 1158 metabolites (721 in positive iron mode and 437 in negative iron mode) were detected and 617 were annotated. In 1st comparation of high and low embryonic yield populations, 56 and 53 differential metabolites were identified in IE and SE group, respectively. The phosphatidyl choline (PC) (19:0/20:5) and PC (18:2/18:3) were shared in two groups. In 2nd comparation, 48 and 49 differential metabolites were identified in IE and SE group, respectively. The PC (18:1/18:2) and pentadecanoic acid were shared. Most differential metabolites were significantly enriched in amino acid, fatty acid metabolism, digestive system secretion and ovarian steroidogenesis pathways. Conclusions This study showed that FSH, P4, AMH, the PC relevant metabolites and some anomic acids could be potential biomarkers for embryonic yield prediction in ovine multiple ovulation. The results would help to explain the relation between blood material and ovarian function and provide a theoretical basis for the multiple ovulation prediction. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-022-03387-1.
| S-EPMC9317590 | biostudies-literature
Project description:In the past several months, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-associated infection (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]) developed rapidly and has turned into a global pandemic. Although SARS-CoV-2 mainly attacks respiratory systems, manifestations of multiple organs have been observed. A great concern was raised about whether COVID-19 may affect male reproductive functions. In this study, we collected semen specimens from 12 male COVID-19 patients for virus detection and semen characteristics analysis. No SARS-CoV-2 was found in semen specimens. Eight out of 12 patients had normal semen quality. We also compared the sex-related hormone levels between 119 reproductive-aged men with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 273 age-matched control men. A higher serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and a lower ratio of testosterone (T) to LH were observed in the COVID-19 group. Multiple regression analysis indicated that serum T: LH ratio was negatively associated with white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels in COVID-19 patients. It's the first report about semen assessment and sex-hormone evaluation in reproductive-aged male COVID-19 patients. Although further study is needed to clarify the reasons and underlying mechanisms, our study presents an abnormal sex hormone secretion among COVID-19 patients, suggesting that attention should be paid to reproductive function evaluation in the follow-up.
| S-EPMC7361404 | biostudies-literature
Project description:ContextObesity is known to impact reproductive function in adults, but little is known about its effects on reproductive hormones during puberty.ObjectiveTo assess sex differences in effects of obesity on reproductive hormones and their relation to insulin sensitivity and secretion.DesignCross-sectional study including anthropometrics, serum and urine reproductive hormone concentrations, and intravenous glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT) to assess acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), and insulin sensitivity (Si).SettingOutpatient academic clinical research center.PatientsGirls (52%) and boys (48%) who were normal weight (NW; n = 51, BMI-Z score = -0.11 ± 0.77, age = 11.5 ± 1.7 years) and obese (n = 53, BMI-Z score = 2.22 ± 0.33, age = 10.9 ± 1.5 years), Tanner stage 2 to 3.ResultsBoys with obesity had lower total testosterone (P < 0.0001) and higher concentrations of the urinary estradiol metabolite, E1c, (P = 0.046) than boys with NW. Girls with obesity had higher free androgen index (FAI; P = 0.03) than NW girls. Both boys and girls with obesity had lower sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG; P < 0.0001) than NW. AIRg was inversely related to SHBG in boys (R = 0.6, P < 0.0001) and girls (R = 0.53, P = 0.0001). Si correlated with higher SHBG in boys (R2 = 0.67, P < 0.0001) and girls (R = 0.5, P = 0.0003), higher total testosterone for boys (R = 0.39, P = 0.01), and lower FAI for girls (R = -0.2, P = 0.04).ConclusionYouth with obesity have lower SHBG than youth with NW, but obesity has differential effects on reproductive hormones in girls versus boys, which are apparent early in puberty. Ongoing longitudinal studies will evaluate the impact of obesity on reproductive hormones in girls and boys as puberty progresses.
| S-EPMC6736047 | biostudies-literature
Project description:1. Groups of intact male and female rats and castrated rats injected with oestradiol or testosterone were given a diet containing hydrogenated coconut oil for 9 weeks, and at intervals the amounts and fatty acid compositions of the carcass and liver lipids were determined. 2. Male rats grew faster and larger, and exhibited typical external essential fatty acid deficiency symptoms sooner than did females. Testosterone-treated castrated male rats were similar to males, and oestradiol-injected castrated male rats resembled females. 3. Intact females maintained a higher linoleic acid concentration in their carcass than did males. Total amounts of carcass linoleic acid remained similar for all groups, only 200mg. being removed in 9 weeks regardless of body size. 4. The amounts of total cholesteryl esters were independent of liver size. They were higher in males and testosterone-treated castrated male rats than in females and oestrogen-treated castrated male rats. 5. Phospholipids represented about 80% of the liver lipids. The total amounts of the phospholipid linoleic acid and arachidonic acid were similar for all groups regardless of liver size, and were not affected appreciably by the deficiency. Females and oestrogen-treated castrated male rats maintained a higher proportion of phospholipid arachidonic acid for longer periods than did their male counterparts. Both the total amounts and the proportions of eicosatrienoic acid and palmitic acid were higher in males than in females. 6. Supplementation of the essential fatty acid-deficient diet with linoleic acid caused a rapid loss of eicosatrienoic acid and palmitic acid with a concomitant increase in stearic acid and arachidonic acid. 7. There were no obvious differences in the way that the essential fatty acids were metabolized or mobilized from adipose tissue of male or female rats during essential fatty acid deficiency. 8. The results indicated that the greater growth rate of the male rats caused them to require and synthesize more phospholipids than did the females. In the absence of adequate amounts of arachidonic acid, eicosatrienoic acid was substituted into the additional phospholipid. The earlier symptoms of essential fatty acid deficiency in the male rat could therefore be ascribed to the higher tissue concentrations of this unnatural phospholipid and its inability to perform the normal metabolic functions of phospholipids.
| S-EPMC1264666 | biostudies-other
Project description:STUDY QUESTION:Is adherence to an a priori defined diet quality indices [Alternate Healthy Index 2010 (AHEI-2010), relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED) or dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH)] associated with semen quality and reproductive hormone levels in young men? SUMMARY ANSWER:Greater adherence to the DASH diet is related to higher sperm counts. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY:Studies assessing the relationship between dietary intake and male reproductive function have mainly been focused on specific nutrients, food groups or data-driven dietary patterns, but the evidence on a priori defined dietary indices is still scarce. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION:Cross-sectional study of 209 male university students recruited from October 2010 to November 2011 in Murcia Region (Southern Spain). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS:Healthy young men aged 18-23 years were included in this study. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire and three a priori-defined dietary indices (AHEI-2010, rMED and DASH) were calculated. Linear regression was used to analyze the relation between the three dietary indices and semen quality parameters and reproductive hormone levels accounting for potential confounders and covariates. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE:We found statistically significant positive associations between the DASH index and sperm concentration (P, trend?=?0.04), total sperm count (P, trend?=?0.04) and total motile sperm count (P, trend?=?0.02). No associations were observed for other semen parameters or male reproductive hormones. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION:Even though we adjusted for several known and suspected confounders we cannot exclude the possibility of residual or unmeasured confounding or chance findings. Subjects were blinded to the study outcomes thus reducing the potential influence on their report of diet. Our sample size may be too small to rule out associations with other semen parameters or reproductive hormones. Causal inference is limited, as usual with all observational studies. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS:The results suggest that greater adherence to the DASH may help improve sperm counts. This study was carried out on young men from the general population. However, results may differ among other populations (e.g. infertile men). Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these findings and extend these results to other populations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S):This work was supported by Fundación Séneca, grants No 08808/PI/08 and No 19443/PI/14; Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (AES), grants No PI10/00985 and No PI13/01237; and grant P30DK046200 from the National Institutes of Health. Authors have no competing interests to declare.
| S-EPMC6810545 | biostudies-literature