Cow-calf contact (CCC) systems, although beneficial in many respects, introduce additional challenges to collect reliable data on milk production, which is important to assess individual cow efficiency and dairy farm profitability. Apart from weighing calves before and after each feeding, the amount of saleable milk lost due to calf suckling is practically impossible to measure. Here, we assess 2 indirect methods for estimating loss of saleable milk when housing cows and calves together in a robotic milking unit. In our study, treatment (CCC) cows and calves were kept together full time until the calves were 127 ± 6.6 d old (mean ± SD). Control cows were separated from their calves within 12 h of birth and then kept in the same unit as the treatment cows but with no access to either their own or treatment calves. Milk yield recording of both groups was performed from calving until pasture release at 233 ± 20 d in milk. The first estimation method relied on observed postseparation milk yield data, which were fed into a modified Wilmink regression model to determine the best-fitting lactation curve for the preseparation period. The second method was based on the cows' daily energy intake postseparation, calculated by measuring the daily feed intake and analyzing the energy content of the ration. The calculated energy intake was used to determine the average ratio between energy intake and the observed milk yield the following day for each individual cow, assuming constant rates of mobilization and deposition of body fat. The obtained ratio was then used to calculate the expected daily milk yield based on daily energy intake data during the preseparation period. In this paper, we analyzed data from 17 CCC cows kept together with their calves and 16 control cows; both groups calved from September to October 2020 and were followed up until release to pasture in May 2021. Saleable milk yield was lower in CCC cows than in control cows, both before and after separation. The 2 methods were used on data for control cows and showed milk yield loss using the lactation curve method (average of -3.4 ± 2.8 kg/d) and almost no loss using energy intake data (average of -1.4 ± 2.7 kg/d). Milk yield loss for CCC cows was estimated at average 11.3 ± 4.8 and 7.3 ± 6.6 kg milk/d, respectively. The proposed lactation curve estimation method tends to overestimate milk yield loss, whereas the method based on energy intake is more accurate. However, collecting detailed energy intake data per individual cow requires additional effort and equipment, which is not always feasible on commercial farms. Further research is needed to improve milk loss estimation and to better understand trade-offs in CCC systems.
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This study evaluated the effects of the duration of ZH supplementation and days on feed (DOF) on performance, carcass characteristics, and saleable meat yield of Nellore young bulls. The fixed effects included the duration (0, 20, 30, or 40 d before slaughter plus a 3 d ZH withdrawal period-8.33 mg of ZH/kg of DM) and DOF (90 and 117 d). Feed efficiency (G:F) linearly increased when the duration of ZH supplementation increased (p < 0.01). Nellore bulls fed ZH had greater HCW (p < 0.01), dressing percentage (p < 0.01) and Longissimus muscle area (LMA) (p < 0.01), but less 12th-rib fat (p = 0.04) than the control group. The hot carcass weight (HCW) (p < 0.01), and dressing percentage increased linearly (p < 0.01) with the increase of duration of ZH supplementation. The HCW, ossification, and 12th-rib fat increased with DOF (p < 0.01). The ZH supplemented group had most of the individual cuts of hindquarters and total saleable meat increased compared with the control. Zilpaterol hydrochloride was effective in improving hot carcass weight, hindquarter, and saleable meat yields of Nellore bulls when fed for at least 20 d before slaughter, independently of days on feed.
A trial was conducted to evaluate how rapidly one could introduce faba bean in broiler diets and to what maximum level one could feed 3 zero-tannin faba bean cultivars to broiler chickens based on growth performance, carcass traits, and yield of carcass cuts. A total of 662 male broiler chickens (Ross 708) were fed one of 10 dietary treatments over 3 growth phases (starter [Str], day 0-12; grower [Gwr], day 13-25; and finisher [Fnr], day 26-41). Treatment diets included 3 different zero-tannin faba bean cultivars (Snowbird, Snowdrop, and Tabasco), each fed at 3 different inclusions: low inclusion level of 5% in Str, 10% in Gwr, and 20% in Fnr; medium inclusion level of 10% in Str, 20% in Gwr, and 30% in Fnr; and high inclusion level of 15% in Str, 30% in Gwr, and 40% in Fnr. Wheat grain-soybean meal (SBM) diets were fed as control. Faba bean cultivars replaced SBM and wheat grain in phase diets. Neither cultivar nor inclusion level affected overall trial or growth phase BW, ADFI, ADG, G:F, slaughter weight (WT), chilled carcass WT, and proportion of saleable cuts. Carcass dressing was 0.6% units lower for high vs. medium or low faba bean inclusion level (P < 0.05). There was no effect on overall trial or growth phase ADFI and there were only slight reductions (P < 0.05) in BW, ADG, G:F, slaughter WT, chilled carcass WT, dressing percentage, and percentage of drumstick yield in broilers fed the treatment diets including faba bean compared with those fed the wheat-SBM control diet. The control diet's advantage was largely attributed to dehulling and the greater extent of processing to produce SBM vs. feeding raw, merely rolled, faba bean. In conclusion, broiler producers can feed any of the 3 zero-tannin faba bean cultivars evaluated as the most aggressive of the 3 inclusion levels tested (15, 30, 40% for the starter, grower, finisher phase) to maximize faba bean inclusion in broiler diets.
Prodigiosin is naturally synthesized red pigment derived from Serratia marcescens. The present study probes into one-step cost-effective production, characterization as well as in vitro antioxidant and anticancer activity. The statistical optimization of the surface area and moisture content of peanut oil cake as a solid substrate leads to a fifty-fold increase in prodigiosin production. Prodigiosin extracted from Serratia marcescens strain BAB 3285 was purified in acidified methanol and further characterized by HPLC and LC-MS/MS to confirm its purity, integrity, and molecular mass. The pigment demonstrated strong free radical scavenging potential, effective staining properties across diverse fabric types, and significant inhibitory activity against infectious organisms, including clinical dermatophytic fungi and bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, antiproliferative assays revealed IC50 values of 134 ± 1.7 µM against the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and 397 ± 7.9 µM against the normal fibroblast cell line, indicating selective cytotoxicity. Further, saleable cost comparison for 1 mg of purified prodigiosin obtained from present study compared to conventional media, modified media I and modified media II in the reported study are ∼2713.11 INR (∼32.6$), ∼20,302.46 INR (∼243.96$), 9,229.41 INR (∼110.91$) and 14,502.66 INR (∼174.27$) respectively. The economic gain achieved as well as potential activities in the present study is remarkable which can be further upscale and commercialized for industrial production.
Biofertilizers used in saleable formulations perform poorly in cold Himalayan regions owing to the suppressed metabolic activity of bioinoculants under low temperatures. Cold-adapted Actinobacteria, as potent plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), emerge as viable cold-active bioinoculants for sustainable nutrient management in high-altitude crop cultivation. This perspective aims to document the Actinobacterial metabolic diversity in the glacier bionetwork lying in the North-Eastern and North-Western Himalayan region. A comparative functional bioinformatics study of plant growth-promoting genes demonstrated distinct clustering of Himalayan versus non-Himalayan strains, driven by alanine/aspartate/glutamate metabolism, geraniol degradation, and pyruvate metabolism. This pioneering genomic differentiation of Himalayan actinomycetes from other cold habitats highlights unique cold-tolerance and plant growth-promoting factors that may target particular functionality for crop cultivation in the extreme glacier environment.
Natural mineral water (hora) is a mineral source widely available in Ethiopia. However, its specific impacts on sheep growth performance and carcass characteristics remain understudied. To evaluate the effect of hora supplementation on nutrient intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. Twenty Horro breed sheep with an initial body weight (IBW) of 17.27 ± 0.71 kg were assigned to five treatment groups in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), blocked on the basis of their IBW. The treatments included control group (CON) fed basal diet only, and four treatment groups (H-200, H-300, H-400, and H-500) receiving 200, 300, 400, and 500 mL, of hora per day respectively. All sheep were fed grass hay and water ad libitum. Throughout the feeding trial data on dry matter (DM) and nutrient intake, body weight changes and various carcass traits were measured. Hora supplementation significantly improved (p < 0.001) daily DM and nutrient intake. The H-400 group exhibited the highest intake, with total DM intake reaching 0.99 kg/day (p < 0.001), whereas CON and H-300 showed the lowest. Final body weight, live weight gain, average daily gain, and feed conversion efficiency were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the H-400 group. Polynomial contrasts revealed significant quadratic patterns (p < 0.05) for most intake and growth performance parameters. A significant linear trend (p < 0.001) was observed for empty body weight, hot carcass weight, and rib-eye area. Dressing and saleable percentages remained unaffected by hora supplementation (p > 0.05). Total edible offal components showed a significant quadratic pattern (p = 0.001), whereas total non-edible offal showed a significant linear trend (p = 0.002). Supplementation with 400 mL/day of hora is the optimal dose for significantly improving sheep growth performance, nutrient intake, and carcass characteristics. Overall, although hora provides clear benefits, its effects are dose-dependent, with potential diminishing returns beyond the 400 mL/day level.
The calving period is one of the busiest times of the year in block-calving pasture-based dairy farm systems, and practices such as milking once a day (OAD) or 3 times every 2 d (3-in-2) are attractive options to reduce labor requirements during this period. In early lactation, the composition of milk can impair processability, so in many jurisdictions, there are legislative requirements to withhold colostrum from the milk supply. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of milking frequency on the efficiency of colostrum removal from the udder after calving. Three experimental groups were established, and cows were milked either twice a day (TAD; n = 25 cows), 3-in-2 (n = 25 cows), or OAD (n = 28 cows) for their first 10 d after calving. Milk samples were collected at each milking during this period and analyzed for IgG1 (IgG) and SCC. Using nonlinear regression, IgG concentration reached a constant value after approximately 80 kg of cumulative milk yield, irrespective of milking frequency. Due to differences in the rate of milk accumulation between milking frequencies, the milking number when this point was reached varied. Milking number or day remains a valuable practical measure for farmers to know when milk is suitable for collection. Considering IgG and SCC, the shortest risk period for inclusion of milk into the bulk tank occurred at milking 8 (d 4) for cows milked TAD, milking 7 (d 5) for cows milked 3-in-2 and milking 6 (d 6) for cows milked OAD. Furthermore, the decline in IgG concentration ceased at a higher IgG value for cows milked OAD relative to 3-in-2 and TAD. Consequently, legislative requirements should account for milking frequency if using milking number as a measurement basis. Adjustment of postcalving withholding periods to account for milking frequency, or using accumulated milk volume, would allow farmers to operate smaller groups of animals withheld from the bulk tank than solely using number of milkings, thereby reducing loss of saleable milk, management complexity and increasing accessibility of alternate milking frequencies for reducing pressure on labor resources.
Waste milk (WM) is unsuitable for human consumption due to the presence of drug residues, particularly antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as its high microbial load and somatic cell counts (SCC). Consequently, WM is commonly used to feed dairy calves. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of WM on humoral and cellular immunity in Holstein calves. Calves were assigned to three groups: saleable milk (SM, n = 10), pasteurized waste milk (PWM, n = 10), and raw WM (n = 10). Animals were monitored daily using standardized health scoring systems, and clinical samples were collected on days 7, 21, 35, 49, and 63 of life. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated, cultured, and stimulated with concanavalin A (ConA), Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus johnsonii, L. reuteri, and Bifidobacterium longum to assess proliferation (BrdU incorporation) and cytokine production (ELISA). Humoral responses were evaluated by serum total protein (STP), Brix refractometry, and IgG concentration. Generalized linear models revealed significant group differences. Clinical profiles were similar among groups. PWM and WM calves exhibited higher monocyte, lymphocyte, and total PBMC counts. Proliferation was greater in SM and PWM calves in response to ConA, E. coli, and L. johnsonii. SM and PWM calves showed higher IL-4 production, whereas WM calves had increased IL-17. IL-10 production was highest in SM. IgG concentrations increased across all groups; however, WM calves exhibited earlier and higher levels, while SM calves maintained the lowest. STP and Brix (%) trends paralleled IgG results. In conclusion, WM elicited an earlier and more intense pro-inflammatory immune response, PWM showed intermediate effects, and SM promoted greater IL-10 production, potentially modulating inflammation in calves.
This study evaluated a novel steak dry-aging (StDA) protocol in which portioned beef steaks were dry-aged until reaching an average weight loss of 15% and subsequently wet-aged to achieve a total aging time of either 14 or 28 days. The new protocol was compared with conventional dry aging (DA) for 28 days and unaged controls. Under the experimental conditions, StDA increased saleable yield (up to 35% higher than DA) and reduced trimming steps during processing. Physicochemical composition, water activity, total free amino acids, and microbiological quality (< 3.5 log CFU/g) were similar between DA and StDA samples. StDA aged for 28 days had a free amino acid profile comparable to DA, but with higher glutamic acid content (2.30 vs. 0.80 mg/g protein), associated with umami flavor, and lower taurine content (0.59 vs. 1.13 mg/g protein). DA samples had lower shear force (27.45 vs. 35.54 N) and a lighter (L* = 43.39 vs. 38.77) and more intensely (C* = 26.66 vs. 21.31) red color. Overall, 28-day StDA combined high yield, preservation of sensory-related attributes, and process efficiency, representing a viable and scalable alternative for producing high-quality dry-aged beef. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The data from this study demonstrate that the "Steak Dry Aging" method offers a practical way for processors to produce dry-aged beef with higher yield, less waste, and shorter production times. Because it avoids heavy trimming and allows part of the aging to occur during distribution, it can be easily adopted by small and medium facilities. This makes premium dry-aged beef more affordable, offering a novel and economically viable alternative for the meat sector.
Waste milk (WM) on dairies is commonly fed to pre-weaned calves, raising concerns about antimicrobial drug (AMD) residues and their potential role in selecting for antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in their gut microbiota. The current observational study assessed AMD residue prevalence in WM and examined associations with AMR patterns in its bacterial isolates. Over a 10-month period, 40 WM samples were collected from eight dairies across Northern California, Northern San Joaquin Valley, and Greater Southern California. ELISA was used to detect six AMD residues, and bacterial isolates (n = 348), including coliforms, Streptococcus spp., Staphylococcus spp., and Staphylococcus aureus, were tested for AMR. Antimicrobial resistance was evaluated using the broth microdilution test, and associations with the presence of residues were analyzed via interval-censored accelerated failure time models. Ceftiofur was the most frequently detected residue (30%), followed by penicillin (5%), florfenicol (5%), and sulfadimethoxine (5%). Resistance varied by bacterial species, with significant associations observed between florfenicol residues and resistance in coliforms (MIC ratio = 2.12; p < 0.01), and between ceftiofur residues and resistance in Streptococcus spp. (MIC ratio = 10.51; p = 0.03). These findings suggest that WM may contain low-level AMD residues linked to elevated AMR, highlighting the need for targeted antimicrobial stewardship practices to mitigate AMR dissemination in dairy calves.
The number of beef-on-dairy calves being produced has been steadily increasing. Many calves are sent off-site to calf ranches for raising after birth. The objective of this survey was to describe management practices of beef-on-dairy calves in commercial calf ranches. A total of 15 calf ranches were surveyed in 3 regions: the High Plains (n = 7), Midwest (n = 6), and West (n = 2). Operation capacities were categorized as less than 1,000, between 1,000 and 20,000, 20,000 to 50,000, and greater than 50,000 calves. All operations received calves less than 4 d of age. There was a variety of types of pre-weaning housing. Almost all operations fed milk replacer with one operation feeding saleable milk; feeding protocols (timing and quantity) varied among operations. Every operation offered calf starter upon arrival, but formulation of starter differed among ranches. Weaning age ranged between 42 and 72 d with about 53% of operations weaning calves at 60 d or greater. Calves spent anywhere between 0 and 180 d in a group pen setting. Thirty-three percent of operations moved calves through multiple group pens post-weaning. Similarly, 33% of operations transitioned calves through multiple diets once they were in group pens. Most operations fed the transition/grower diet ad libitum, however the ingredients used were variable among operations. All operations administered at least 2 health products such as vaccines, antimicrobials, etc. while the calf was on the property. These results provide important information regarding the management of beef-on-dairy calves at commercial calf ranches.
Dengue virus (DENV) is a rapidly expanding infectious disease threat that causes an estimated 100 million symptomatic infections every year. A barrier to preventing DENV infections with traditional vaccines or prophylactic monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies is the phenomenon of Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE), wherein sub-neutralizing levels of DENV-specific IgG antibodies can enhance infection and pathogenesis rather than providing protection from disease. Fortunately, IgG is not the only antibody isotype capable of binding and neutralizing DENV, as DENV-specific IgA1 isotype mAbs can bind and neutralize DENV while without exhibiting any ADE activity. However, the development of IgA1-based mAb therapies is currently hindered by inefficient in vitro expression systems and the lack of saleable purification platforms. Accordingly, alternative delivery modalities are required to realize the therapeutic potential of IgA-based infectious-disease therapies. In this study we describe the development and optimization of a DENV-specific single-chain IgA construct that retains the desirable biological properties of the parental IgA mAb yet is compatible with efficient in vivo delivery with a novel/liver-tropic lipid nanoparticle. We propose that this platform is uniquely and exceptionally well suited for preventing and/or treating DENV infections and may have broad applicability in the greater infectious disease space in situations where the use of IgG isotype mAbs may be counterindicated.
Studies have uncovered delicate mechanisms that enable plant acclimation to fluctuating light. Translating the knowledge to controlled environment agriculture could advance the development of cost-effective dynamic lighting strategies where the light intensity is purposely alternated, mirroring the spot electricity price, but its effects on vegetable crops remain poorly understood. Here, we recorded photosynthetic parameters, metabolic responses, and growth of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. "Katusa" under dynamic lighting. The light intensity was altered at different times of the photoperiod with uniform daily light integral. Three different setups, including a plant phenotyping facility, a small-scale vertical farm testbed and a larger-scale vertical farm, were utilized to address the physiological responses and scalability of lighting strategies. The lettuces readily adjusted their photosynthetic light reactions and carbon metabolism according to the changing light intensities. However, the overall metabolic composition of lettuce leaves did not respond to dynamic lighting. Upon simulation of commercial production in the larger-scale vertical farm, constant and dynamic lighting regimes yielded lettuce heads with equal saleable sizes of 87-89 g, even under artificial "Split-Night" regimes where the photoperiod was interrupted by two periods of darkness. These findings suggest that dynamic lighting strategies enable cost-effective lighting via optimization of electricity use in indoor cultivation.
Three-dimensional (3D) measurements extracted from beef carcass images were used to predict the weight of four saleable meat yield (SMY) traits (total SMY and the SMY of the forequarter, flank, and hindquarter) and four primal cuts (sirloin, ribeye, topside and rump). Data were collected at two UK abattoirs using time-of-flight cameras and manual bone out methods. Predictions were made for 484 carcasses, using multiple linear regression (MLR) or machine learning (ML) techniques. Model inputs included breed type, sex, and abattoir as fixed effects, and cold carcass weight, visually assessed EUROP fat and conformation classes, and 3D measurements as covariates. Machine learning techniques were only used for models including 3D measurements. The CCW and fixed effects resulted in high accuracy (SMY R2 = 0.72-0.90, RMSE = 2.12-3.96 kg, primal R2 = 0.56-0.67, RMSE = 0.36-0.91 kg), and including the EUROP covariates increased accuracies (SMY R2 = 0.75-0.96, RMSE = 2.00-3.11 kg, primal R2 = 0.58-0.79, RMSE = 0.36-0.79 kg). The 3D measurement covariates and abattoir resulted in moderate accuracy (SMY MLR R2 = 0.39-0.58, RMSE = 3.26-10.31 kg, primal MLR R2 = 0.33-0.52, RMSE = 0.44-1.14 kg) and high accuracy when combined with CCW and all fixed effects (SMY MLR R2 = 0.72-0.95, RMSE = 1.81-3.42 kg, primal MLR R2 = 0.52-0.74, RMSE = 0.40-0.81 kg). The best ML models resulted in similar accuracies to the MLR models. Models including 3D measurements produced similar accuracies to models built using conventional data recorded at the abattoir, indicting the potential for automated prediction.
Waste milk (WM) is commonly used in calf feeding to reduce rearing costs; however, its effects on the innate immune response remain unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of WM on the innate immune response and inflammatory profile of pre-weaned dairy calves. Thirty male Holstein calves were assigned to receive pasteurized waste milk (PWM), saleable milk (SM), and WM (n = 10 in each group). Blood samples were collected on D7, D21, D35, D49, and D63 (days of life) to assess the white blood cell (WBC) count, phagocytic activity of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN), and nitric oxide (NO) production by monocyte-derived macrophages, in addition to the measurement of oxidative stress biomarkers and haptoglobin concentration. A trend towards a higher occurrence of respiratory disease was detected in calves that received WM, followed by PWM. A group effect (P = 0.00) was observed in absolute monocyte values, with higher values found in the WM group. Only the TBARS concentration showed a group × time interaction among all oxidative stress biomarkers, with the highest mean found in calves receiving WM, followed by those receiving PWM and SM. Elevated TBARS concentrations indicated higher lipid peroxidation, which may have resulted from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to immune challenges from ingesting pathogens present in WM. Haptoglobin concentration was unaffected. WM promoted lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activity, suggesting a pro-inflammatory effect. The time-effects of PMN phagocytosis reflected the development of the immune system in neonatal calves, which is consistent with previous studies.
Difficulty with walking can lead to reduced quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease (pwPD); improving walking is considered a treatment priority. Drug therapies can control PD symptoms; however, pwPD often still experience mobility problems.Functional electrical stimulation (FES) induces movement in weak muscles via external electrical stimulation. FES is used in stroke and multiple sclerosis patients to correct dropped foot by stimulating the common peroneal nerve and is associated with improved quality of life and mobility. The randomised feasibility study preceding this definitive study showed that daily FES can produce a clinically meaningful improvement in walking speed in pwPD; this was sustained 4 weeks after FES was withdrawn. STEPS II is the first definitive randomised controlled trial, with blinded outcome assessment, aiming to determine the efficacy of FES in pwPD. STEPS II is a two-group, parallel, assessor-blinded, superiority randomised controlled trial with an internal pilot, designed to compare FES plus usual care versus usual care alone. 234 participants will be randomised across eight UK sites. Telephone pre-screening and face-to-face screening will determine eligibility. The intervention group will attend four unblinded FES visits to receive the device and assess walking with and without FES. All participants have blinded assessments at baseline and weeks 2, 6, 18 and 22. The primary objective is to compare whole body bradykinesia at 18 weeks post-baseline via changes in 10m walking speed. Secondary objectives will assess the wider effects of FES on Parkinsonian gait and quality of life. An embedded qualitative component will explore wider experiences of FES. This study received ethical approval from the Yorkshire and The Humber-Sheffield Research Ethics Committee (reference 23/YH/0193). A Data Monitoring Committee and Trial Steering Committee will provide independent oversight. Dissemination will be via publications, conferences and social media. FES intervention and training materials will be made open access. ISRCTN13120555.
Livestock producers would benefit from more precise predictions of the growth response from nutrients consumed. Previously published models are often limited by the realities of data collection and are unable to account for alterations to body composition, due in part to the response of visceral organs to an alternate diet. The computerized tomography (CT) scanning of lambs enables the analysis of changes in body composition of individual animals over time, potentially supporting better model development and testing. The aim of this experiment was to develop a repeatable method for the analysis of live lamb body composition using CT scans. A secondary aim was to compare the data collected from CT scanning during a feeding trial to 2 predictive lamb growth models. Cross-bred lambs were fed 2 feeding levels at 2 stages of maturity, with CT scans at the beginning and end of each 8-wk feeding period. The CT scan-derived values for body composition taken at the beginning of feeding periods were used as inputs for 2 existing lamb growth models. Predictions of body composition were compared with CT scan-derived values at the end of feeding periods. The CT scan analysis method used a proportion of images from each lamb to reduce manual image editing. The method was developed by comparing the estimated mass and volume of empty body components using all available CT scans to estimated values using a reduced number of scans from 12 lambs. The CT scan-derived lean tissue mass aligned with model predictions at the end of each feeding period, however, CT scan-derived fat mass was greater than predictions by both models especially for the high feeding level at the later stage of maturity. These results highlight that the analysis of body composition using CT scans requires further validation, particularly for the viscera, and that models likely require refinement to better predict the efficiency of energy utilization by different tissues. The use of live animal CT scans can provide more accurate predictions of the growth of saleable products than measuring liveweight alone and will enable ruminant growth models to better adapt to different genetics and changing diets than comparative slaughter. To replicate the current data using comparative slaughter would require 4 times the animals, as individual lambs were CT scanned 4 times in this study, demonstrating the potential value of CT scanning in live animal research. Predictive growth models are unable to properly account for the effects of changes to body composition on the energetic efficiency of lamb growth and improving these models has been limited by the realities of data collection. By tracking changes in individual animal body composition, it is likely that better predictions of the effects of genetics, nutrition, and management on lamb growth can be made. The computerized tomography (CT) scanning of lambs enables the analysis of changes in body composition over time, potentially supporting better model development and testing. A repeatable method for analyzing lamb CT scans was developed and results were compared with 2 existing lamb growth models. Lean tissue mass derived from CT scans aligned with model predictions but fat mass estimated using CT scans was greater than model predictions, particularly for lambs fed at later stages of maturity. Further verification is needed by combining CT scanning and comparative slaughter, especially with respect to the weight of internal organs and the stomach and intestinal contents to better inform predictive growth models.
Globally, demands for the kidneys have surpassed supply both living and deceased donors. High demands relative to the availability have made the kidney one of the most saleable human organs. The main objective was to explore the drivers of kidney selling. Literature related to kidney selling and its drivers was explored in three databases including MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus (Elsevier), and JSTOR covering the period from 1987 to 2022. A total of 15 articles were selected, which underwent thematic analysis. Investigators independently assessed the articles for relevance and study quality to synthesize the data. The thematic analysis involved a critical approach to understanding the reasons for kidney selling by examining power disparities and social inequities. Kidney selling and the underlying reasons for it showed similarities across various geographic regions. Several factors were identified which increased individuals' vulnerability for kidney selling. At the micro level, poverty and illiteracy emerged as significant factors. Lack of financial safety nets obliged family to resort to kidney selling which helped to alleviate poverty, resolve debt, and other urgent financial issues. Nonetheless, the revenues from kidney selling were also used to purchase luxury items (diverting away from investing in livelihood expenses) such as buying motorbikes, mobile phones and televisions. Family, and gender responsibilities also played roles in kidney selling such as obligations related to paying dowry made parents particularly vulnerable. Surprisingly, a few victims of kidney selling later adopted kidney brokering role to support their livelihood. Kidney selling was further fostered by lack of stringent policy to regulate and monitor background checks for kidney transplantation. There were myriad factors that affected individual's vulnerability to kidney selling which stemmed from micro (poverty, illiteracy), meso (weak legal system, lacking stringent institutional policy, regulatory framework) and macro (social inequalities, corruption, organ shortage, insufficient health infrastructure) levels.
Understanding the impacts of, and options for, controlling invasive species is crucial to their management. Wetlands are a widely invaded ecosystem, since dispersal of aquatic species is facilitated by seasonal flooding. This study evaluated the effects of the translocated pondweed Monochoria hastata on fish and rice production in two wetlands of Bangladesh over six years (2017-2022). Fish and rice production were compared between control (negligible M. hastata) and three treatments under different M. hastata management methods comprising manual-, herbicide- and mechanical-treatment. Density of M. hastata increased significantly in all treatment groups over time in both wet and dry seasons. However, M. hastata density was lower by 270% in the dry season than the wet season. For fishes, a negative relationship between M. hastata density and fish production was recorded for snakeheads and catfishes, the most saleable fishes, whereas a mixed pattern was recorded for barbs and minnows across treatments. A positive relationship occurred between the density of M. hastata and production of the most common fish, mud eel, and therefore, the overall fish production increased in all treatment groups. Compared to control plots, rice production was lower in M. hastata infested plot groups. Among the M. hastata infested plot groups, rice production in herbicide-and mechanical-treatment groups was similar but lower than the manual-treatment group. Although manual-treatment plots yielded greater rice production, the weed management cost was also higher. This study provides evidence that translocated M. hastata can be of an invasive nature and impact rice production, not only by reducing yield but also by increasing the production costs through additional management for M. hastata control. Its presence in wetlands in Bangladesh can increase overall fish production due to the overriding influence of increased mud eel yield which has little demand locally but can decrease the species of high demand (e.g. snakehead and catfish). None of the existing control measures are effective in controlling M. hastata. Further research is needed on better management approaches for both agricultural and fish production in areas invaded by M. hastata.