• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.42 no.8
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• pp.740-749
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• 2009

The objectives of this study was to determine whether a new physically modified cornstarch by ultra-fine- or nanoscale pulverizer to reduce particle size offers better bioactive function than native cornstarch in weanling Sprague-Dawley rats. Male weaning Sprague-Dawley rats were fed diets containing native cornstarch (NAC), ultra fine pulverized cornstarch (UFC) or nano-scale pulverized cornstarch (NSC) for 4 weeks. In vitro rate of starch hydrolysis, growth performance, organ weight, intestine length intestinal proliferation and the fermentation by Bifidobacterium of rat cecum were evaluated. The diet with reduced particle size (UFC or NSC) significantly increased body weight gain and organ weight. Feed efficiency was increased in NSC fed rats and was not affected in UFC fed rats. Intestinal proliferation was decreased in NSC group. Reduction of particle size also increased cecal short chain fatty acid concentration and the growth and acidifying activity of Bifidobacterium. It is concluded that a reduction of particle size of starch granules by physically modification may increase growing performance and gut function.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2009

Purpose : We compared body growth, blood cell counts, and chemistry among infants receiving soy-based formula (SF), breast milk (BM), and casein-based formula (CF). Methods : Full-term neonates delivered at our hospital from June 2001 to August 2003 were recruited and divided into 3 feeding groups (BM=20, SF=19, CF=12 ) according to the parents wishes. Breast feeding or artificial formulae were given during the initial 3 months of age; thereafter, weaning foods were added freely. Height, weight, head circumference, skin-fold thickness, and mid-arm circumference were measured at birth and 1, 2, 4, 5, 12, and 36 months of age. Cell counts and blood chemistry were analyzed at 5, 12, and 36 months of age. Result : At 5 months of age, body weight was the lowest in the SF group; the height was similar among all groups. Thereafter, there were no differences in height or weight among the groups until 36 months of age. Hemoglobin was the lowest in the BM group at 5 and 12 months of age (P< 0.05 ). At 5 months of age, serum cholesterol, BUN, phosphates, and K+ were significantly lower in the SF group; thereafter, all chemical parameters were similar until 36 months of age. Conclusion : Infants fed with SF showed normal growth during the first 3 years of life as compared to infants fed with BM and CF. Low values of serum phosphates and K+ at 5 months of age in the SF group, despite the high mineral content, suggest that further investigation is needed for effective mineral absorption.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.221-228
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• 2010

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of Fe-soy proteinate chelate (Fe-SP) on sows milk, piglet blood parameters and performance. A total of 15 sows of 3 wk before parturition and pigs after births to 3 wk were assigned to three dietary treatments: control (sow-basal diet, piglets with Fe injection); Fe-SP 100 (Fe 100 ppm as Fe-SP in sow and piglet diet); Fe-SP 200 (Fe 200 ppm as Fe-SP in sow and piglet diet). Each treatment had 5 replicates (sows) of six piglets per sow randomly selected from the same offspring. For this experiment, Fe-SP was manufactured. There were no significant differences among treatments in number of pigs born in total or alive per litter, birth weight, number of pigs weaned per litter and weaning weight. However, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio significantly (p<0.05) decreased as the supplementation level of Fe-SP increased. There were no significant differences among treatments in Fe content at 3 wk before parturition in sow blood. However, Fe content at 2 wk before parturition in sow blood significantly (p<0.05) increased as the supplementation of Fe-SP. While there were no significant differences among treatments in Fe content at 1 wk before parturition in sow blood, it tended to increase as the supplementation level of Fe-SP increased. There were no significant differences among treatments in Fe content of sow milk. However, it tended to increase as the supplementation level of Fe-SP increased. Iron content in the blood of piglets was significantly (p<0.05) higher in control (Fe injected) than Fe-SP 100 and Fe-SP 200 treatments at $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ wk but it was significantly higher in Fe-SP 200 than others in $3^{rd}$ wk. Zinc content in the blood also significantly (p<0.05) increased as the Fe-SP supplementation level increased in $3^{rd}$ wk. In conclusion, Fe-SP supplementation significantly affected Fe content in the blood of piglets. Iron injection was more effective at $1^{st}$ and $2^{nd}$ wk, while Fe-SP 200 supplementation was effective at $3^{rd}$ wk in improving blood Fe level in piglets.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.34 no.12
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• pp.1963-1973
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• 2021

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the influence of including L-glutamine along with glutamic acid as a supplement in weaned piglets' diets with and without whey powder. Methods: Two assays were carried out. A total of 40 piglets ([Landrace×Large White]×Pietrain) weaned at 24 days of age with an initial body weight of 6.6±0.6 kg were used in the first assay, and the following parameters were evaluated: growth performance, the incidence of diarrhea, morphometry, intestinal integrity, and hepatic glycogen index. The animals were then blocked into four groups according to different diets: diet all-grain feeding (G); diet all-grain feeding with whey powder (GW); and with vs without 1% supplementation of the commercial product containing L-glutamine and glutamic acid (A or NA). Whey powder was added according to the stage of life, corresponding to 17%, 10%, and 5%, respectively, in order to meet the need for lactose. The animals were evaluated at 24 to 42 days and at 24 to 55 days of age. The nutrient digestibility for the second assay was carried out by using 24 animals with an average weight of 11.49±1.6 kg, and the same diets were tested. Results: The supplementation of L-glutamine + glutamic acid or the addition of whey powder in diets for weaned piglets provided (p<0.05) greater feed intake, greater weight gain and improved feed conversion in the initial period (24 to 42 days age). However, in the whole period (24 to 55 days age) only amino acid supplementation affected (p<0.05) growth performance. There was a positive interaction (p<0.05) between the type of diet and L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation on villus height, crypt depth and the villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum. In addition, L-glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation reduced (p<0.05) the crypt depth and improved the villus:crypt ratio in the jejunum. The inclusion of whey powder affected (p<0.05) positively the digestibility coefficients analyzed except mineral matter digestibility coeficients. The supplementation of 1% the commercial product composed of L-glutamine and glutamic acid improved (p<0.05) only the digestibility coefficient of crude protein. Conclusion: These results indicate that supplementation of 1% commercial product containing L-glutamine + glutamic acid in diets for piglets from 24 to 55 days of age, dispenses with the use of whey powder when evaluating growth performance. Amino acid supplementation alone or associated with whey powder affects (p<0.05) positively the indicators of the intestinal integrity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.717-722
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• 1992

An experiment was conducted to examine the feasibility of producing multiple calves using embryo transfer in Japanese Black cattle. Milk yield of cows and forage intake of calves were measured for 11 cows with single calves, 14 cows with twins and one cow with triplets. The means of 26 weeks cumulative milk yield were 854, 1028 and 1271 kg for cows having singles, twins and triplets, respectively. Male birth weights for single calves, twins and triplet were 34.9, 26.6 and 19.9 kg, and female ones were 31.7, 24.1 and 22.1 kg, respectively. Weight and daily gain of calves were affected by weeks (W), sex (S), the number of calves (N), parity, birth season, $W{\times}N$, $S{\times}N$ and regression on milk yield. Growth rate was higher for single calves than for twins until about 9 weeks of age, then weights increased at a similar rate. Male calf weaning weights for singles, twins and triplets were 207.0, 177.1 and 162.2 kg, and those for females were 185.4, 151.6 and 180.4 kg, respectively. Average regression coefficients of calf growth on milk yield were significant, and single calf was affected more than twin calves by increment of milk yield. As the number of calves per cow increased, hay intake of calves decreased and concentrate intake tended to increase between 6 and 13 weeks of age.

• Nutritional Sciences
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.256-261
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• 2005

Although nutrition education for pregnant women is important, few such programs have been carefully examined from the participants' perspective in Korea. Focus groups were used to identify 1) perceived eating behaviors during pregnancy and lactation, 2) factors associated with healthy eating behaviors, and 3) needs for nutrition education programs. Using a trained moderator, we conducted 7 focus group interviews with 44 pregnant women over a four-month period. Focus group discussions were video - and audio - taped, transcribed and categorized by major themes. Participants expressed interest in receiving nutrition education regarding healthy eating, weight control after delivery, weaning foods and health management, yet they showed little interest in breastfeeding. The majority of them said that meal balance and meal regularity were the most important components of good health during pregnancy. They were less likely to be confident about taking dietary supplements, including Oriental medicines. life stress and poor appetite associated with pregnancy were major barriers to healthy eating habits during pregnancy. The most important sources of nutrition and health information were friends and family members, especially those who had become pregnant recently. Qualified educators and reliable information appeared to be the most important aspects of program development. Regarding types of nutrition education, participants tended to prefer a combination of individual counseling and small group education with hands-on materials and interactive formats. The use of Web-based nutrition education was well received Major concerns about Web-based nutrition education were authenticity, tailored messages and interactive formats for sharing information. These results offer useful information for designing nutrition education programs for pregnant and lactating women in Korea for health promotion.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.3-11
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• 1997

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of protein levels and casein/whey ratios on organ growth and protein metabolism in early weaned rats. Premature rats weaned by the 17th day were fed six semipurified synthetic, isocaloric and gel diets that contained three levels (low, medium and high) and two different combinations(casein/whey ; 80 : 20 or 20 : 80) of milk protein for 8 days. On the 25th day postpartum, frest weigth and DNA, RNA and milk protein contents in brain, liver, kidney and muscle were determined to ascertain organ and cellular growth. Futher, with a view to ascertain protein metabolism and renal functions, serum total protein, $\alpha$-amino N, urea N, and creatinine and creatinine and urinary urea N, creatinine and hydroxproline were determined. Total DNA contents of brain, liver and kidney, which may represent as an index of cell numbers in those organs were significantly decreased in the rats fed diets containing low level protein regardless of casein/whey ratio. However, as fat as the rats fed high protein diets were concerned, their fresh weight, protein contents and GFR of kidney were significantly increased. Furthermore, nitrogen components, $\alpha$-amino N, urea N and creatinie in serum and urine were also increassed. Another observation was that high casein/whey ratio significantly facilitated accumulation of porteins in muscle and kidney and urinary hydorxyproline excretion, not affecting the DNA content of those organs. This study showed that low(8%) or high(32%) contents of protein had less desirable effects either on protein metabolism or on organ cellular growth in prematurely weaned rats, whereas there were no effects on general growth and bone strength.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.1473-1477
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• 2007

Four-and-a-half LIM-only protein 3 (FHL3) is a member of the LIM protein superfamily and can participate in mediating protein-protein interaction by binding one another through their LIM domains. In this study, the 5'- and 3'- cDNA ends were characterized by RACE (Rapid Amplification of the cDNA Ends) methodology in combination with in silico cloning based on the partial cDNA sequence obtained. Bioinformatics analysis showed FHL3 protein contained four LIM domains and four LIM zinc-binding domains. In silico mapping assigned this gene to the gene cluster MTF1-INPP5B-SF3A3-FHL3-CGI-94 on pig chromosome 6 where several QTL affecting intramuscular fat and eye muscle area had previously been identified. Transcription of the FHL3 gene was detected in spleen, liver, kidney, small intestine, skeletal muscle, fat and stomach, with the greatest expression in skeletal muscle. The A/G polymorphism in exon II was significantly associated with birth weight, average daily gain before weaning, drip loss rate, water holding capacity and intramuscular fat in a Landrace-derived pig population. Together, the present study provided the useful information for further studies to determine the roles of FHL3 gene in the regulation of skeletal muscle cell growth and differentiation in pigs.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.703-712
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• 1996

This study planned to compare the effects of source and amount of dietary n-3 fatty acid, tuna oil and perilla oil, on lipid metabolism and eicosanoids production in Spargue-Dawley strain male rats. Weaning rats were fed 5 different experimantal diets for 4 weeks. (S : beef tallow 50%+sesame oil 50%, T1 : beef tallow 50%+sesame oil 40%+tuna oil 10%, T2 : beef tallow 50%+sesame oil 25%+tuna oil 25%, P1 : beef tallow 50%+sesame oil 40%+perilla oil 10%, P2 : beef tallow 50%+sesame oil 25%+perilla oil 25%) Food intake was higher in T2 group than in other groups, but body weight gain and food efficiency tate were not different among groups. Plasma total lipid and triglyceride were significantly lower in groups fed perilla oil as much as groups fed tuna oil than in S. But tuna oil reduced plasma cholesterol level more than perilla oil. Liver total lipid per unit, cholesterol and triglyceride were not affected by dietary fat sources. Peroxisomal $\beta$-oxidation was higher in T1 and T2 than in P1 and P2. Activities of glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme were lower in T1 and T2 than in group fed sesame oil only. Plasma TXB2 was affected by n-3 fatty acid consumption, and it was lower in perilla oil groups as much as tuna oil groups than in S. But 6-keto PGF1$\alpha$ was not different among experimental groups. The results of this study indicated that tuna oil and perilla oil both decreased plasma lipids, however, the mechanism may be different. And tuna oil and perilla oil had a similar effects on eicosanoids production.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.11-14
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• 2003

To evaluate the ewe reproductive performances of three Iranian local sheep breeds, namely Moghani, Chal and Zel, 27 rams and 473 ewes were used as the foundation flock in a crossbreeding program. The three breeds were crossed amongst themselves reciprocally. Ram breed and ewe breed showed a two-way interaction on apparent fertility. The Zel ewes showed higher fertility than the Chal and Moghani ewes (94.4 vs 77.3 and 84.6%). Prolificacy among main and individual mating groups were not significantly different (p>0.05). Zel ewes were 22.3 and 14.8% more reproductive (p<0.05) than Chal and Moghani ewes, respectively. Zel and Moghani ewes showed higher (p<0.05) ewe productivity than Chal ewes. Ram breed had a significant (p<0.05) effect on ewe efficiency. The Zel rams were not completely successful to mate with Chal ewes, this caused a to way-interaction between ram and ewe breeds. The Zel ewes mated with Chal and Moghani rams showed 26.1 and 28.5% more efficiency than those mated with Zel rams. This observation strongly supports the use of crossbreeding to improve the efficiency of the Zel ewes. With decreasing lamb mortality, through supplemented feeding of lambs in pre-weaning period, and increasing litter weight, through crossbreeding, it should be possible to improve the efficiency of Zel ewes even better than Chal and Moghani ewes. Small body size of Zel ewes that needs the lower maintenance requirements would be a well advantageous to using Zel ewes as the dam herd to produce commercial lambs in north area of Iran.