Effect of Parity on Reproductive Performance and Composition of Sow Colostrum during First 24 h Postpartum

©. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ccby/4.0/ This document is the Published, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in [Animals]. To access the final edited and published work see [https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10101853]The aim of this study is to assess the e ects of parity number on sow reproductive performance and the chemical and immunological composition of colostrum and immunoglobin concentrations in the sera of the sows. Colostrum samples were collected at 0, 6 and 24 h after the births of the first piglets from 56 sows with di erent numbers of parturitions (ranging 1–6). The piglets born alive to primiparous sows had lower birth weights (p < 0.05) than piglets from second and fourth parturition sows. The colostrum composition was influenced (p < 0.05) by parity number: primiparous sows had higher concentrations of dry matter, fat, lactose and non-fat-solids. No parity-dependent di erences were found concerning total protein amount. Colostrumcomposition was drastically a ected (p < 0.001) by sampling time—the highest concentrations of dry matter and protein and lowest concentrations of fat and lactose were found immediately after parturition (0 h). The study revealed no e ect of parity (p 0.05) on the concentrations of immunoglobulins in colostrum. The immunoglobulin with the highest level in sow serum at day 110 of gestation was IgG, while IgA showed the lowest values and greater variability with respect to parity from an immunological point of view. Regarding the relationship between serum Ig levels at the end of gestation and colostrum Ig, serum IgG showed a strong correlation with colostrum IgG and IgM, while colostrum IgG was strongly related with colostrum IgM, but not with IgA. IgA did not correlate with any other immunoglobulin. The di erent behaviors of the immunoglobins in colostrum were probably due to IgG coming almost exclusively from the sows’ sera, whereas IgA is mainly synthetized by the mammary glan

Effects of the feeding level in early gestation on body reserves and the productive and reproductive performance of primiparous and multiparous sows

©. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/cc-by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Published, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in [Research un Veterinary Science]. To access the final edited and published work see [https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.05.002]Early gestation may be the best period for sows to recover body reserve losses from previous lactation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of restricted feeding in early gestation on the body status, productive and reproductive performance, and hormonal-metabolic status of primiparous and multiparous sows. A total of 130 sows were randomly assigned to one of three feeding levels: Treatment I, which sows were fed at the level commonly used from day 3 to 28 of gestation (2.5 kg⋅d-1 of a diet with 2.18 Mcal NE⋅kg-1 and 13.72 g CP⋅kg-1), and Treatments II and III, where feed was increased by 25% and 50%, respectively. Sow body status, litter size and weight, early mortalities, reproductive rates, weaning-to-estrus interval, and hormones linked to metabolism were recorded. The highest weight gain, body condition score, and backfat thickness were found in sows fed Treatment III compared to those fed the usual feeding level (Treatment I). No differences among treatment groups were found in litter size or litter weight, although a tendency for more live born piglets and fewer stillbirths was found in sows fed Treatment III. In contrast, litters from sows fed at higher feeding levels had a higher mortality at 72 h compared to those fed at the lowest feeding level (I), which was partly linked to a higher percentage of piglets culled at birth and piglets weighing less than 800 g. There were no differences in conception and farrowing rates, leptin, progesterone, insulin, or cortisol among treatment groups applied in early gestation. In conclusion, increasing the feeding level in sows during early gestation to improve their short-term productive and reproductive performance remains controversial. Further studies are needed to focus on how the restricted feeding level applied could affect the viability and proportion of low-weight piglets

Effects of Agro-Industrial Byproduct-Based Diets on the Growth Performance, Digestibility, Nutritional and Microbiota Composition of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.)

©2022. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by /4.0/ This document is the Published, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Insects. To access the final edited and published work see https:// doi.org/10.3390/insects13040323The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of agro-industrial byproduct-based diets on the productive parameters, digestibility, insect composition, and gut microbiota of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) larvae. Three formulations corresponding to three different levels of starch and protein were tested: one formulation based on bread remains and brewer’s yeast, representing a diet of high starch (61.1%) and low crude protein (18.5%) (HS-LP); and two formulations in which an additional four byproducts (courgette (Cucurbita pepo) remains, tigernut (Cyperus scelentus) pulp, brewer’s spent grains, and rice straw) were incorporated in different proportions, consistent with a diet of both moderate starch (29.8%) and crude protein (21.0%) (MS-MP); and another corresponding to a diet of low starch (20.0%) and high crude protein (26.3%) (LS-HP). A total of 1920 young larvae (average weight = 0.65 mg per larva) were used in this study. The larvae were randomly distributed into 16 replicates per treatment (boxes of 22.5 cm 14.0 cm 4.75 cm). Ten replicates for the growth performance–digestibility trial and six replicates for the complementary trial to determine uric acid levels in the frass were assigned per treatment. For growth performance, the diets were administered ad libitum during the experiment. The average number of days for the larvae to start pupating was lower in those reared on the HS-LP and LS-HP diets (88.90 and 91.00 days, respectively) than those on the MS-MP diet (120.09 days) (p < 0.001). The final individual weight was higher (p < 0.001) in larvae of the LS-HP group (168.69 mg) compared to those of the other groups (100.29 and 112.99 mg for HS-LP and MS-MP, respectively). However, the feed conversion ratio was better (p < 0.001) in the HS-LP group with the lowest value (1.39 g/g), with dry matter digestibility being the highest for the same diet (70.38%) (p < 0.001). Mealworms reared on LS-HP and MS-MP diets had a higher crude protein content than those reared on the HS-LP diet (p = 0.039). The most abundant phyla in the gut microbiota of larvae were Tenericutes, Proteobacteria, and Firmicutes, with their abundance depending on the rearing substrate. The representation of Tenericutes phylum was higher (p < 0.05) in the mealworms reared on MS-MP and HS-LP diets, whereas Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria were higher in abundance (p < 0.001) in the insects reared on LS-HP. In conclusion, the larval growth, digestibility, insect composition, and gut microbiota of Tenebrio molitor were found to depend on the composition of the administered diet, and the results suggest great potential for the use of agro-industrial byproducts in their rearing and production

Marrow aplasia during high dose mebendazole treatment

A patient with chronic liver disease was treated with large doses of mebendazole for a hepatic hydatid cyst. Eighteen days after beginning treatment he developed marrow aplasia which reverted to normal after the drug was stopped. This is the sixth patient described as developing marrow aplasia when treated with large doses of mebendazole. We suggest that the aplasia is related to the dose of the drug, and that the patient's chronic liver disease was an important factor in its genesis. Patients treated with large doses of mebendazole should have their blood counts monitored during treatment

Marrow aplasia during high dose mebendazole treatment

A patient with chronic liver disease was treated with large doses of mebendazole for a hepatic hydatid cyst. Eighteen days after beginning treatment he developed marrow aplasia which reverted to normal after the drug was stopped. This is the sixth patient described as developing marrow aplasia when treated with large doses of mebendazole. We suggest that the aplasia is related to the dose of the drug, and that the patient's chronic liver disease was an important factor in its genesis. Patients treated with large doses of mebendazole should have their blood counts monitored during treatment

Effect of Alliaceae Extract Supplementation on Performance and Intestinal Microbiota of Growing-Finishing Pig

©2020. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ This document is the Published, version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Animals. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10091557The aim of the present study was to ascertain whether an Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, such as propyl thiosulfonate (PTSO), added to the feed of growing-finishing pigs at 5 g/kg enhances growth performance or a ects the fecal microbiome, the levels of short-chain fatty acids, or the antioxidant capacity of the animals. Fifty male growing pigs (large white) of 23.07 2.87 kg average body weight were randomly allotted to two treatments in a 103-day trial. The trial was divided into two periods, an initial growing phase (56-days) and a finishing phase (47-days). Two dietary treatments for each phase (growing and finishing) were used: a control diet (CON) and an experimental diet consisting of the control diet to which 5 g/kg of Allium spp. extract was added to substitute sepiolite (GAR). Throughout the study, body weight, average daily gain (kg/day, ADG), feed intake (kg/day), and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg) were measured, while the backfat thickness and muscle depth were determined at the end of the study. Besides, feces samples were taken for bacterial counts by means of real-time PCR and short- chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile determination, and the antioxidant capacity was assessed in serum and saliva. In the animals receiving Allium spp. extract (5 g/kg) in the feed, ADG increased (p < 0.05) throughout the trial, Salmonella spp. and Clostridium spp. counts in feces had decreased (p < 0.05) when measured on day 56, and, by day 103, Salmonella spp., Clostridium spp., and Enterobacteriaceae counts had decreased (p < 0.05) and Lactobacillus spp. counts had increased (p < 0.01) in feces. Regarding the SCFA profile in feces and antioxidant capacity measured in serum and saliva, supplementation with Allium spp. extract significantly increased the levels of propionic, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids and the percentage of total branched fatty acids, while the c2/c3 and (c2 + c4)/c3 ratios were lower (p < 0.05) in feces; the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity levels in serum were significantly higher in the same pigs on day 103 than on day 0. Consequently, based on the current results, Allium spp. extract rich in organosulfur compounds, added to the diet at 5 g/kg,had a beneficial e ect on the microbiota and would seem to be a possible alternative for increasing the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs. However, further studies on the e ects of Allium spp. supplementation on carcass quality are necessary

Evaluando y aprendiendo: Feedback en los procesos de evaluación

[SPA] El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el repaso grupal del examen como herramienta de autoevaluación-aprendizaje. El estudio fue realizado en Nutrición Animal-Grado en Veterinaria. Tras un examen, se procedió a explicar las respuestas, con o sin apoyo de recursos multimedia. Antes y después de la corrección del examen, los estudiantes estimaron su calificación para evaluar las correlaciones con la nota real. Se realizó un cuestionario de 5 preguntas, valoradas de 1-5. Los aspectos más destacados fueron: herramienta de autoevaluación (4.58), instrumento de aclaración (4.48) y metodología de aprendizaje (4.29). La percepción en los estudiantes que recibieron explicaciones con soporte multimedia no fue diferente del control (p=0.150). Las correlaciones entre la calificación final y las estimaciones de la nota a priori y posteriori del repaso del examen fueron 0.37 y 0.77, respectivamente. El procedimiento de revisar un examen es valorado como técnica de autoevaluación-aprendizaje, y mejora la correspondencia entre las valoraciones. [ENG] The aim of the study was to analyze the review of an exam as a tool for self-assessment/learning. The study was conducted in the subject Animal Nutrition-Veterinary Degree. After an exam, the professor explained the answers, with or without the support of multimedia resources. Before and after the correction of the exam, students estimated theirs grades to assess the correlation with the final score. A 5-question survey was performed, using a 5-point scale. The most valued aspects were: self-assessment tool (4.58), mean for clarification (4.48), and learning methodology (4.29). There were not statistical differences between the students that received explanations supported by multimedia resources and the control (p=0.150). The correlations between the final grade and the a priori and a posteriori estimates were 0.37 and 0.77, respectively. The process of reviewing immediately an exam is understood as a self-evaluation/learning technique, improving the correspondence between the scores of students and professors

EXANET: Herramienta para fomentar el aprendizaje autónomo y auto-evaluación en contextos presenciales y virtuales

[SPA]El objetivo del trabajo es presentar y evaluar la herramienta EXANET del módulo docente en la plataforma de campus virtual de la Universidad de Murcia (SUMA 2.0). Dicha herramienta ha sido utilizada durante el desarrollo de las sesiones prácticas de la asignatura Nutrición Animal de la Licenciatura de Veterinaria durante los cursos académicos 2009/2010 y 2010/2011. Exanet ha sido utilizado como herramienta complementaria y de apoyo para fomentar el aprendizaje autónomo de los alumnos, y proporcionar información sobre sus progresos para preparar la evaluación del módulo de prácticas del primer y segundo cuatrimestre. Se han diseñado un total de 18 pruebas de auto-evaluación a partir de una base de datos de preguntas para cada bloque de contenidos (análisis químicos, microscopía de piensos, valoración nutritiva y legislación, formulación y alimentación práctica). Cada prueba constaba de 10 preguntas y era de carácter mixto, con preguntas tipo test y de emparejamiento de términos, además de la inclusión de imágenes. En la configuración de las pruebas virtuales, se especificó el inicio y tiempo máximo de resolución de cada examen, con la posibilidad de su corrección inmediata y su repetición tras dicha corrección. La herramienta ha sido utilizada por más del 90% de los alumnos en prácticas, accediendo una media de 3 veces por prueba. Los alumnos han valorado la incorporación de la herramienta de auto-evaluación como buena (49%) o muy buena (47%), y más del 20% no ha encontrado ningún inconveniente para su realización. Los resultados nos indican que EXANET ha sido una experiencia de innovación educativa válida y positiva. [ENG]The aim of this paper is to present and evaluate EXANET as a tool in the Virtual Campus of the University of Murcia (SUMA 2.0). This tool has been used for the practical sessions in the subject “Animal Nutrition” of the Veterinary Medicine degree during the academic years 2009/2010 and 2010/2011. EXANET has been used as a complement and support to encourage independent student learning, and to provide information about the progress in preparing the assessment of the practical sessions of the first and second term. We have designed a total of 18 self-assessment tests from a database of questions designed for each block of content (chemical analysis, feed microscopy, nutritive evaluation and legislation, feed formulation and practical feeding). Each test consisted of 10 questions, which could be multiple choice, matching words, or image identification. In the configuration of each virtual test was specified the start time and maximum resolution time, with the possibility of immediate correction and repetition after correction. The tool has been used by more than 90% of students, and, on average, they performed 3 times each test. Students have appreciated the inclusion of this self-assessment tool as good (49%) or very good (47%), and more than 20% of them did not find any drawback to its implementation. The results indicate that EXANET has been an innovative and positive educational experience.Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Universidad de Murcia, Región de Murci

Análisis de la utilidad de las herramientas docentes del Campus Virtual SUMA de la Universidad de Murcia percibida por los alumnos de Veterinaria. Póster

[SPA]En el marco de la Educación Superior, los Entornos Virtuales de Aprendizaje (EVA) son ampliamente utilizados como una de las herramientas de las Tecnologías de Información y Comunicación (TIC) usadas como soporte para la enseñanza virtual, mixta (blended) y presencial. La Universidad de Murcia ha desarrollado su propio entorno (EVA) denominado SUMA (Servicios de la Universidad de Murcia Abierta). El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la utilidad de las herramientas docentes implementadas por SUMA desde el punto de vista del estudiante de Veterinaria (Universidad de Murcia). Este estudio fue realizado durante el curso académico 2009/2010, llevándose a cabo una encuesta entre los estudiantes de la carrera de Veterinaria. Una muestra aleatoria de 177 encuestas fue obtenida para este estudio. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando el paquete estadístico SPSS. Las herramientas docentes “Llamamiento a exámenes”, “Contenidos” y “Tablón de anuncios de la asignatura” obtuvieron un valor de utilidad igual o mayor a 5, en una escala de Likert (de 1 a 6), en más de un 75% de los casos evaluados. Por otra parte, las herramientas que recibieron menor puntuación fueron el “Chat” y los “Foros”. [ENG]In the framework of Higher Education, the Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) are widely used as an Information and Communication Tool (ICTs) for supporting the virtual, blended and face-to-face teachinglearning process. The University of Murcia has developed its own VLE, named Services of the Open University of Murcia (SUMA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of the teaching tools provided by SUMA, from the veterinary students’ point of view (University of Murcia). To carry out this research, during the academic year 2009/2010, a survey was conducted among the students of the Veterinary Degree. A random sampling was conducted, obtaining a sample of 177 surveys. Data analysis was performed using several statistical tests using the SPSS software package. The teaching tools “Exams Notice Board”, “Content Delivery System” and “Subject Notice Board” got a value equal or higher than 5, in a Likert Scale of utility (1 to 6) in more than the 75% of the cases. On the other hand, the tools with lower score were “Chats” and “Forums”.Campus Mare Nostrum, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Universidad de Murcia, Región de Murci