Influence of a combination of formic and propionic acids added to wheat- and barley-based diets on the performance and gut histomorphology of broiler chickens

Day-old male chicks were used to test the effects of a combination of formic and propionic acids (CFP) added to wheat- and barley-based diets on the performance and gut histomorphology of broilers. The CFP, containing formic and propionic acids based on an inorganic phyllo-silicate carrier, was added to starter and grower broiler diets of standard (NRC, 1994) or lower nutrient density (LND) using different levels of wheat and barley. Body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of broiler chicks were significantly (P < 0.001) improved by CFP supplementation at 21 days of age regardless of nutrient density (ND). However, at 35 days of age CFP addition significantly (P < 0.001) increased BWG and FCR. Proventriculus weight was also significantly affected by the dietary treatments. Ileal viscosity was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by ND which was associated with wheat and barley contents, whereas feed viscosity was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by CFP supplementation. Villus height was significantly (P < 0.05) increased by the CFP supplementation. In the case of villus width, an interaction effect was observed: there was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the group fed the standard ND diet, but only a numerical decrease in the group fed the LND diet compared to control group. No significant effect of dietary treatment on the thickness of the lamina muscularis mucosae could be detected

Fexibility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: modified Adam’s forward bending test

Session: Free Papers - Spine Deformities I: Abstract no.: 39335Introduction: This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of the modified Adam’s Forward Bending Test (mAFBT), which is a new physical examination method assessing rotational flexibility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Method: This is a prospective cohort study of 40 AIS patients. In the mAFBT, without coming up to an erect position, subjects were asked to bend to the convex side of the curve in the axial plane. Evaluation of the rib/loin hump flexibility was performed during this maneuver. Scoliometric measurements were done during the AFBT and mAFBT. Results: Significant correlations were noted between the Cobb angle and AFBT (p=0.005), fulcrum bending and the mAFBT (p=0.0001), side-bending and mAFBT (p=0,0001), and the postoperative Cobb angles and AFBT (p=0.003). There were significant positive correlations between curve flexibility as based on the fulcrum bend to that of the CFI (r=0.347, p=0.036) and side-bending technique (r=0.416, p=0.008). Based on ROC analyses (AUC range=0.71-0.78), the mAFBT demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity rates for flexible and rigid curves, respectively. Conclusion: This is the first study to report the mAFBT and the CFI for evaluation of AIS. The mAFBT was found to be a reliable test for clinical assessment of rotational flexibility in AIS patients

Flexibility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: modified Adam's forward bending test

Session - Free Papers Spine Deformities 1: abstract no. 39335INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the diagnostic utility of the modified Adam’s Forward Bending Test (mAFBT), which is a new physical examination method assessing rotational flexibility in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. METHOD: This is a prospective cohort study of 40 AIS patients. In the mAFBT, without coming up to an erect position, subjects were asked to bend to the convex side of the curve in the axial plane. Evaluation of the rib/loin hump flexibility was performed during this maneuver. Scoliometric measurements were done during the AFBT and mAFBT. RESULTS: Significant correlations were noted between the Cobb angle and AFBT (p=0.005), fulcrum bending and the mAFBT (p=0.0001), side-bending and mAFBT (p=0,0001), and the postoperative Cobb angles and AFBT (p=0.003). There were significant positive correlations between curve flexibility as based on the fulcrum bend to that of the CFI (r=0.347, p=0.036) and side-bending technique (r=0.416, p=0.008). Based on ROC analyses (AUC range=0.71-0.78), the mAFBT demonstrated high specificity and sensitivity rates for flexible and rigid curves, respectively. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report the mAFBT and the CFI for evaluation of AIS. The mAFBT was found to be a reliable test for clinical assessment of rotational flexibility in AIS patients

Sunflower meal in commercial layer diets formulated on total and digestible amino acids basis

An experiment was conduced to evaluate the inclusion of sunflower meal (SBM) in commercial layer diets formulated on total or digestible amino acids basis. One hundred forty-four 41-week-old Lohmann LSL layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement with three replications of six birds each. Treatments consisted of a combination of four SBM inclusion levels SBM(0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%) and feed formulation according two amino acid recommendations (total or digestible). The experimental period was divided into five periods of fourteen days. Performance parameters (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion, egg mass) were evaluated for each period. In the last two days of each period, three eggs per replication were collected to evaluate egg quality (Haugh units, specific gravity, egg weight, eggshell thickness, and eggshell percentage). Hens fed on total amino acid recommendation presented the highest values for egg weight. Diets formulated on digestible amino acids basis showed an improvement in eggshell percentage and egg specific gravity. SBM addition in commercial layer diets did not influence performance; however, increasing SBM dietary levels SBM improved eggshell quality