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Copyright of Journal of Sport & Health Research is the property of Journal of Sport & Health Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Informacion Tecnica Economica Agraria is the property of Asociacion Interprofesional para el Desarrollo Agrario (AIDA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archivos de Zootecnia is the property of Archivos de Zootecnia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Thirty-nine ewe-lamb pairs were used to evaluate the effects of the diet of lactating ewes, the type of forage (pasture vs hay) and the inclusion of 10% quebracho in the concentrate on the fatty acid (FA) profile of their milk and the meat of their suckling lambs. The estimated forage–concentrate ratio was 80 : 20. Milk from pasture ewes had a higher percentage of saturated FAs (SFAs; 62.3 vs 56.5), lower percentages of monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs; 30.4 vs 36.6) and n-6 polyunsaturated FAs, and a lower n-6 : n-3 ratio (1.9 vs 2.3) than did that of hay ewes (P < 0.001). Meat of pasture lambs had higher percentages of total polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs; 23.0 vs 20.4; P < 0.05) and n-3 (7.0 vs 5.0; P < 0.001) and lower percentages of MUFAs (37.9 vs 41.8; P < 0.001) and n-6:n-3 (2.0 vs 2.8; P < 0.001) than did that of hay lambs. The inclusion of quebracho increased MUFAs in milk (P < 0.05) and decreased SFAs in meat (P < 0.05). Ewes were correctly classified to the different treatments by using the FA profile of milk (100% score outcome), and to a lesser extend by using the FA profile of lamb (82–100% score outcome); de novo synthesis of FAs in lamb muscle might have reduced the classification accuracy. In conclusion, forage type had a greater effect on the FA profiles of ewe milk and the meat of suckling lambs than did the inclusion of quebracho in the concentrate. To improve the classification of meat of suckling lamb, other biomarkers should be examined. These results are relevant for ewes farmed for the production of milk as well as lambs. Consumers demand animal products from grazing animals and that such products are guaranteed. The effects of the type of forage and the inclusion of quebracho, as a natural additive, in the concentrate during the lactation period on the FA profiles of milk and the meat of suckling lamb were evaluated. The FA profile of milk was mainly affected by the type of forage and can be used to trace ewe diet more accurately than can the FA profile of the meat of suckling lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eighty purebred Duroc castrated male pigs slaughtered at 210 days of age were used to evaluate the effect of lean yield (European Union carcass grading based on lean content; or R, O and P classes) on the fatty acid and amino acid composition of raw pork (Day 1 post-mortem), and technological meat quality after vacuum aging up to 4, 6 and 8 days. A strong relationship between slaughter weight and carcass lean-yield was observed. Carcasses graded as having a lower lean yield were fatter with higher intramuscular fat concentration, and differences in proportions of fatty acids with increased monounsaturated fatty acid and decreased polyunsaturated fatty acid percentage, but without adverse effect on ultimate pH, drip loss or colour attributes. There were no effects of carcass lean-yield on amino acid composition of raw pork, with valine being the limiting amino acid relative to lysine by ~30–35%. Vacuum aging did not reduce the shear force of raw pork, which may not be indicative of cooked pork response. The lipid oxidation had an inverse relationship with the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of each pork class, and it did not increase due to vacuum aging up to 8 days. Meat fatness did not affect its amino acid balance and technological quality (colour, drip loss, shear force and lipid stability) but modified intramuscular fat composition. Carry-over effects on chemical composition of raw pork and technological meat quality after vacuum ageing up to 4, 6 and 8 days may be observed due to carcass grading based on lean content. Meat fatness did not affect its amino acid balance and technological quality (colour, drip loss, shear force and lipid stability), but modified intramuscular fat composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To establish animal feeding recommendations, it is required to quantify whether the effects of combining dietary alfalfa and milk on meat composition of light lambs are overlapped or independent. This experiment aimed to evaluate the separate effects of dietary alfalfa and milk access on the light lamb carcass quality (10–11 kg), meat colour, chemical composition, fatty acid profile and α-tocopherol content. Thirty-two lambs were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design. The factors were the inclusion of dietary forage (grazed alfalfa vs. concentrate-fed indoors) and lactation length (weaning at a target live-weight of 13 kg vs. suckling until slaughter at 22–24 kg). Dietary alfalfa but not milk supply improved conjugated linoleic acid isomers (CLA), omega-3 fatty acids and α-tocopherol contents in lamb meat without affecting meat colour attributes. Milk supply affected more the fatty acid profile (more saturated) than the α-tocopherol content of meat. Thus, dietary alfalfa improved CLA, omega-3 fatty acids and α-tocopherol content in light lamb without affecting the meat colour, whereas lengthening the lactation period did not provide benefits in terms of meat colour or healthy nutrient composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation is a major concern in water resources studies. Being a main variable, the inefficiency of historical ground network, particularly at higher altitudes where precipitation and runoff augmentations are expected, constitutes a major drawback. This work analyses the competence of Spanish historical precipitation network and explores the physiographic influence of elevation and orientation at a national scale. The usefulness of slopes is also explored. Nearly 12 000 monthly precipitation series recorded from the 19th century until the hydrological year 2004/2005 over a high-resolution topographic map (200 m) of Spanish territory are used. Comparable statistics and precipitation lapse rates are managed once a completion of gaps is accomplished. Then, Spanish yearly rates range from 0.3 to 1.2 mm m-1, reaching 1.5 mm m-1 in Northern Iberian Peninsula, diminishing at highest altitudes. Conclusions address the inefficiency and uncertainties revealed by historical ground networks as well as the variable relationship existing between precipitation and physiographic parameters, such as altitude and orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pigs raised conventionally (n = 56) and indoors organically (n = 47) from different three-way crossbred genotypes were used to assess the capacity of pork colour attributes during ageing to discriminate between two methods of rearing pigs. Instrumental colour characteristics were measured on L. thoracis muscle from day 1 to 7 of storage, and the relative contents of metmyoglobin (MMb) and oxymyoglobin (MbO[sub 2]) were estimated. The yellowness and chroma indices were lower in conventional than organic pork at all sampling times except on day 3 of storage. Lightness and hue angle were lower, whereas redness index was greater, in conventional than organic pork during all days of storage. Using MMb rather than MbO[sub 2] could be useful to highlight myoglobin oxidation in pork meat because it was weakly correlated with the measured CIELab colour attributes. Despite the differences in instrumental colour attributes, discrimination between conventional and organic (not free-ranging) pig husbandry was not possible. However, 3 days of storage combined the best colour (low hue angle and high redness index) and haeminic pigment balance (low MMb and high MbO[sub 2]). Pork meat colour stability may differ between conventional and organic (not free-ranging) pig husbandry systems due to on-farm differences in feed ingredients and space allowance. Most objective measures of pork colour during ageing differed between husbandry systems, but canonical discrimination between conventional and organic pork based on colour was not possible. Three days of storage combined the best pork meat colour and haeminic pigment balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Animal Genetic Resources is the property of Cambridge University Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The episodic release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormones (GH) was studied in three suckling regimens and two breeds of Spanish suckled cows. Parda de Montaña (PA) cows ( n = 21) were assigned to once-daily, twice-daily or ad libitum (ADLIB) suckling. Pirenaica (PI) cows ( n = 7) were used to evaluate the breed effect in twice-daily suckling. Coccygeal blood samples were collected twice weekly during lactation to determine the interval from calving to first ovulation through peripheral progesterone. On day 32 ± 3 post-partum, jugular blood samples were drawn at 15 min intervals during 8 h to analyse circulating LH and GH. The interval to first ovulation was greater in PA cows suckling ADLIB than in restricted suckling treatment (RESTR1), whereas in RESTR2 it did not differ from the other two treatments. There were no differences between PA and PI cows in the interval to first ovulation. RESTR1 cows showed a tendency to have shorter LH peak widths than ADLIB cows. PA cows showed a tendency to have longer LH peak widths than their PI counterparts. There were no differences across treatments or breeds in any of the GH measures of secretion. The LH release was more affected by breed than by suckling frequency, whereas that of GH was not influenced by any of these parameters. The variables that best allowed discrimination between ADLIB and restricted nursing systems were the interval to post-partum first ovulation, LH peak number and the mean GH concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This experiment tested the hypothesis that alfalfa-raised light lambs suckling their mothers until slaughter (22–24kg) and having concentrate ad libitum may consume forage to achieve a similar performance to their weaned concentrate-fed counterparts. Thirty-two single Rasa Aragonesa lambs were assigned to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial design. The factors were the inclusion of forage in the diet (alfalfa grazing vs. concentrate-fed indoors) and lactation length (weaning at a target body-weight (BW) of 13kg vs. suckling until slaughter). After slaughter, the digestive contents of each gastrointestinal compartment were weighed individually and the pH of the rumen and caecum contents was recorded. Samples of the reticulo-rumen, caecum and colon-rectum contents were collected for neutral-detergent fibre (NDF), acid-detergent fibre (ADF) and lignin analysis. The empty BW was not affected by forage inclusion or suckling (P >0.05). The fresh reticulo-rumen and whole digestive tract contents (liquids+solids) were greater in weaned alfalfa-fed than in suckling alfalfa-fed lambs (P <0.05), but they were similar in concentrate-fed lambs (P >0.05). On a dry matter (DM) basis, these digestive contents did not differ between alfalfa and concentrate-fed lambs (P >0.05), but they were greater in weaned than in suckling lambs (P <0.01). Weaned alfalfa-fed lambs had greater ruminal and caecal pH values than the rest of treatments (P <0.05). The reticulo-rumen NDF content was greater in weaned alfalfa-fed than in suckling alfalfa-fed lambs (P <0.05), while it was similar in concentrate-fed lambs (P >0.05). The lowest reticulo-rumen ADF and lignin contents were observed in both groups of concentrate-fed lambs (P <0.05). The caecum and colon-rectum NDF contents did not differ among treatments (P >0.05). The caecum and colon-rectum ADF contents were greater in alfalfa-fed than in concentrate-fed lambs (P <0.05). According to digesta composition, weaned lambs raised on alfalfa consumed more forage than suckling lambs on these swards. Lactation length rather than forage supply was a major effect on the digestive tract fill capacity of light lambs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This experiment aimed at evaluating the effect of calf management and breed on the metabolic and luteal function of post-partum beef cows fed at maintenance. Fifty multiparous cows, 22 Parda de Montaña (PA) and 28 Pirenaica (PI), were assigned to either suckling once-daily for 30 min (RESTR) or ad libitum (ADLIB) from the day after calving. Blood samples were collected to analyse metabolites [non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate, total protein and urea)], insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and progesterone (P4) at different intervals. Cows from RESTR maintained their live-weight (LW) over the first 3 months post-partum, whereas ADLIB cows lost nearly 4% LW. Both genotypes showed similar LW gains during this period (p > 0.10). Calf daily gains were lower in RESTR than in ADLIB treatment (p < 0.05), but similar across breeds (p > 0.10). Milk and lactose production were lower in RESTR cows than in ADLIB (p < 0.05). Milk and protein yield were greater in PA than in PI breed (p < 0.05). Serum NEFA, total protein and urea were higher in PI cows suckling ADLIB than in the rest (p < 0.05). Cows from PI breed had greater NEFA values than PA ones on the first week post-partum (p < 0.001). Circulating IGF-I was not affected by suckling frequency, breed nor their interaction (p > 0.10). Suckling frequency, but not breed, affected the interval from calving to first ovulation (p < 0.001), being shorter in RESTR than in ADLIB cows. In conclusion, the ad libitum suckling practice improved cow milk yield and offspring gain compared to once-daily suckling for 30 min from the day after calving, at the expense of impairing the onset of cyclicity. The effect of calf management was confounded with breed on the studied blood biochemical constituents, but any of these metabolites influenced the role of endocrine IGF-I in these genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This experiment was designed to study the effects of avoiding calf contact and genotype on the metabolic, behavioural and reproductive traits of beef cows during lactation. Fifty-two multiparous cows, 25 Parda de Montaña (PA) and 27 Pirenaica (PI), fed at maintenance were assigned from the day after calving to twice-daily nursing (2× 30-min sessions at 0800 and 1600h) either with fence contact with their calves (partial contact, PC) or without visual, tactile and olfactory contact (non-contact, NC) between suckling periods. Blood samples were collected to analyse metabolites (triglycerides, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate and urea) and progesterone at different intervals. Cow–calf behaviour was monitored on weeks 4, 9 and 15 of lactation. Cow activity at oestrus was recorded through collars. Cows from both treatments and breeds showed similar live-weight gains during the first three months post-partum (P >0.10). Milk yield and calf gains were not affected by treatment (P >0.10) but they were greater in PA than in PI (P <0.05). Plasma triglycerides and urea in the cows were not affected either by calf contact, breed or week post-partum (P >0.10). Plasma cholesterol increased from week 6 post-partum onwards in PA cows (P <0.05) while this rise was delayed to week 7 of lactation in PI breed (P <0.05). Plasma NEFA was greater in blood from PC–PA cows than in the rest of groups (P <0.05), and these metabolites were greater on week 1 and lower on week 11 than in rest of samplings (P <0.05). Plasma β-hydroxybutyrate was not affected by either calf contact or breed (P >0.10), but it was greatest on weeks 1–3 than in the rest of lactation (P <0.05). Cows with PC calves took less time to first contact after they entered the barn than their NC counterparts (P <0.05). Dams from both contact treatments nursed their offspring and remained in close proximity for similar time within suckling periods (P >0.10). PA cows devoted more time than PI ones to lick their young (P <0.001). There were no differences throughout lactation in any of the studied maternal behaviours (P >0.10). Calf contact and breed did not affect the interval to first post-partum ovulation or oestrus in these cows (P >0.10). Under twice-daily nursing conditions, the limitation of visual, tactile and olfactory contact with calves did not trigger different maternal or reproductive traits in these breeds but only a slightly higher mobilisation of body fat substrates in Parda de Montaña compared to Pirenaica. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Forty-eight adult ewes rearing single lambs were assigned to four management systems with the aim of comparing their productive, metabolic and luteal function response within the anoestrus season: (1) Indoor ewes (IND): Ewes and lambs permanently indoors. Dams fed a total dry mixed ration (forage to concentrate ratio 40:60). (2) Indoor plus rationed grazing ewes (IND-GR): Ewes stocked 8h daily outdoors and receiving a supplement of barley meal indoors. Lambs from IND and IND-GR were weaned at 6 weeks old and fed concentrates ad libitum whereas their dams were stocked continuously on grassland until late spring. (3) Grazing plus supplement for lambs (GR+S): Ewes and lambs continuously stocked on grassland. Lambs received concentrate ad libitum and suckled their mothers until slaughter. (4) Grazing (GR): The same management as GR+S, but lambs did not receive any concentrate. The average daily gain of ewes throughout the rearing period was higher in IND, GR+S and GR than in IND-GR (P <0.05). By contrast, on the whole 3 months post-partum ewes managed in confinement during lactation (IND) showed a slight daily loss of live-weight while the rest of the groups displayed gains (P <0.05). Energy-corrected milk yield during 6 weeks post-partum was higher in IND and GR+S (P <0.05). The mean plasma triglycerides during 3 months post-partum was higher in IND and GR (P <0.05). Plasma NEFA were greater whereas plasma urea was lower in IND and IND-GR on weeks 3 and 5 of lactation (P <0.05). After weaning of indoor treatments (IND and IND-GR), plasma urea was rebalanced in these groups until values close to continuous stocked treatments (GR+S and GR). The proportion of ewes resuming their first luteal phase within spring (nearly 45%) was similar across treatments (P >0.05). In conclusion, the divergent post-partum metabolic status of ewes managed under grass-based compared to concentrate-based systems during the spring season did not carry over significant effects on their post-partum luteal function. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cr exchanged ZSM-5 catalysts (Cr/Al=1) prepared by solid-state ion exchange were tested in SCR of NO with ammonia. Since CrCl3 precursor sublimates during the solid-state reaction, chromate species were stabilized in the exchange sites of H+-ZSM-5 (Si/Al=15) and Cr2O3 formation is, therefore, limited. However, using Cr nitrate and NH4 +-ZSM-5 (Si/Al=26) zeolite, massive particles of α-Cr2O3 occupied the catalyst surface. At the contrary, well-dispersed particles of Cr2O3 were detected with H+-ZSM-5 and Cr nitrate precursor. Starting from Cr acetate precursor, agglomerates of amorphous oxide were detected with H+-ZSM-5 like support. In the temperature range 50–300°C, Cr chloride and Cr nitrate precursors and H+-ZSM-5 led to highly active catalysts, while Cr nitrate and NH4 +-ZSM-5 led to a poorly active catalyst. However, catalysts issued from Cr acetate are promising in SCR but inefficient agglomerates of oxide (amorphous or crystalline chromia) could be avoided with NH4 +-ZSM-5 like support. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• The crossbred finishing pig including 75% Duroc genes and a local breed (Gascon) in maternal sire showed lower growth performance, carcass weight and dressing out than the Pietrain sired crossbreds. • Slaughtered at similar carcass fatness degree, the pork loin from Duroc genetic type had lower redness (a*) and it was tougher than their Pietrain counterparts. • Lean grade was not associated with earlier differences in growth, carcass performance or meat quality, except for a tendency for greater compression at 80%force in leaner raw pork. • Under the current organic husbandry system, the Pietrain-sired pigs may be recommended. Organic pig production may be conducted with different genetic types and the carcass outcome can differ in fatness content, however, the contribution of each effect to meat quality characteristics is not well established. The objective of this study was to evaluate two genetic types (Duroc x (Gascon x Duroc), Duroc-sired vs. Pietrain x (Landrace x Large White), Pietrain-sired) slaughtered at a different weights to achieve similar target carcass fatness (90 kg or 105 kg of body-weight, respectively), and the effect of two carcass lean grades (<60% or ≥60% lean) on growth rates, carcass and pork quality under organic husbandry. The daily gain and carcass yield were lower in Duroc than in Pietrain-sired pigs. The post-mortem and ultimate pH, moisture, lightness (L*), yellowness (b*), cooking loss and intramuscular fat content of loin meat were not influenced by genetic type, while redness (a*) and tenderness (shear force) were lower in Duroc than their Pietrain counterparts. Partition tree analysis showed that the highest shear force (≥4.63 kg) and the highest fat depth at Gluteus medius muscle (≥16 mm) were associated with Duroc-sired pigs. The lowest redness (a*<2.23) was associated with leaner (≥60%) pork. The crossbred finishing pig including 75% Duroc genes showed lower growth performance, carcass weight and dressing out than the Pietrain sired crossbreds. Lean grade was not associated with earlier differences in growth, carcass performance or meat quality, except for a tendency for greater compression at 80%force in leaner raw pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of consumers' culinary skills on purchasing cues of pork, with emphasis on niche demands (outdoor husbandry and/or certified organic), was assessed in cross-country regions of Spain (Catalonia and Aragon) and Portugal (North). A sample of 974 respondents answered an on-line survey with questions regarding consumer purchasing habits, product involvement and intrinsic and credence attributes. They also chose between two contrasting boneless pork loins and express willingness to pay (WTP) for different product scenarios with different pig farm facilities and for organic pork standards. Two optimal segments were identified based on food-related habits: 'uninvolved' and 'innovative cook lovers', both similarly balanced across socio-demographics, score for credence attributes or consumer involvement dimensions. Overall mean WTP premium across countries was 11.8% for marbled pork, 20.0% for outdoor pork and 24.3% for organic logo stamp. Credence cues of pork claiming health issues (absence of antibiotics and hormone residues) rather than consumers' culinary skills defined the WTP for niche pork in these regions. • Two optimal segments were identified based on food-related habits. • 'Uninvolved' and 'innovative cook lovers' scored similarly credence cues of pork. • The respondents preferred purchasing the marbled over lean pork loin. • Credence cues claiming health issues defined the WTP for niche pork. • The overall mean WTP premium was 24.3% for organic logo stamp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four Ru/KL-zeolite catalysts containing 2 wt% of Ru were prepared from Ru 3 (CO) 12 , RuNO(NO 3 ) 3 , Ru(C 5 H 7 O 2 ) 3 and RuCl 3 precursors. The evolution of electronic structure and local chemical environment of ruthenium in the samples named Ru(c)/KL, Ru(n)/KL, Ru(acac)/KL and Ru(Cl)/KL was studied by in-situ XANES during temperature-programmed reduction. Also by CO chemisorption and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) the sizes of the Ru nanoparticles were determined. Activity and selectivity of the catalysts were evaluated in the transformation of ethanol, under kinetic conditions, in a fixed bed flow reactor, at 523 K–573 K. Characterization of the samples shows that metal dispersion values follow the trend Ru(c)/KL ≥ Ru(n)/KL > Ru(Cl)/KL ≥ Ru(acac)/KL. Activity of the catalysts is in the order Ru(acac)/KL ≥ Ru(c)/KL > Ru(n)/KL ≥ Ru(Cl)/KL. The TOF values, however, are in the same order of magnitude for all the samples, nonetheless the Ru(Cl)/KL catalyst has slightly lower TOF at all the reaction temperatures. Selectivity towards the dehydrogenation product, acetaldehyde, follows the trend Ru(c)/KL > Ru(n)/KL = Ru(acac)/KL >> Ru(Cl)/KL, this being 100% for Ru(c)/KL. Selectivity towards acetaldehyde is highly diminished for Ru(Cl)/KL in favor of the dehydration products, diethyl ether and ethylene, the higher the decrease the higher the temperature. The catalytic results are related to the properties of the surface metal species and their location in the zeolite framework, as well as to their surroundings, as evidenced from the results of the characterization measurements, which are in turn influenced by the different nature of the metal precursor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The physiological response to concentrate supplementation in low milk potential ewe breeds has been scarcely studied. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of concentrate inclusion on feed intake, blood metabolites and milk yield and milk fatty acids (FA) composition of ewes raising lambs under forage-based diets. During the last 10 weeks of pregnancy (pre-partum period) and the 6 weeks of lactation (post-partum period), ewes were fed forage hay ad libitum with or without concentrate (inclusion of 300g/day in pre-partum period and 750g/day in post-partum) in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The inclusion of concentrate did not affect the forage intake in pre-partum period (P>0.05), whereas during the post-partum feed intake was similar between treatments during weeks 1 and 2 of lactation, but thereafter it was greater in ewes receiving concentrate supplementation (P<0.05). The replacement rate was steady during the pre-partum period and it was not affected by concentrate supplementation or the number of carried foetuses (average 9.1±2.0%, P>0.05). During lactation, ewes supplemented with concentrate showed a replacement rate between 16% and 31%, being greatest during the first 3 weeks of lactation than afterwards (P<0.05). Concentrate supplementation during pregnancy did not affect subsequent milk yield (P>0.05) but this practice increased milk yield during lactation (P<0.05). The main milk FA groups did not differ between treatments (P>0.05) except PUFA n-3 content (P<0.001), which was greater in purely forage-fed ewes than in their concentrate-supplemented counterparts especially during early lactation (P<0.05). Likewise, the inclusion of concentrate in the diet hardly affected the blood energy metabolites concentration (P>0.05), except plasma β-hydroxybutyrate during the pre-partum period, which was greater in purely forage-fed ewes (P<0.05). In conclusion, the inclusion of concentrate in forage-based diets fed to unselected sheep breeds hardly affected forage intake but increased milk yield. During the last third of pregnancy, concentrate supplementation (300g/day) improved blood ketone status, whereas concentrate supplement (750g/day) during the 6 weeks of lactation did not improve the ewe nutritional status. A mild decrease in milk polyunsaturated fatty acids n-3 was observed due to concentrate feeding. In this context, concentrate supplementation should only be recommended to improve the nutritional status before lambing but this practice failed to counteract lactation demands during the post-partum period. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The characteristics of the host are crucial in the final outcome of COVID-19. Herein, the influence of genetic and clinical variants in COVID-19 severity was investigated in a total of 1350 patients. Twenty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes involved in SARS-CoV-2 sensing as Toll-like-Receptor 7, antiviral immunity as the type I interferon signalling pathway (TYK2, STAT1, STAT4, OAS1, SOCS) and the vasoactive intestinal peptide and its receptors (VIP/VIPR1,2) were studied. To analyse the association between polymorphisms and severity, a model adjusted by age, sex and different comorbidities was generated by ordinal logistic regression. The genotypes rs8108236-AA (OR 0.12 [95% CI 0.02-0.53]; p = 0.007) and rs280519-AG (OR 0.74 [95% CI 0.56-0.99]; p = 0.03) in TYK2, and rs688136-CC (OR 0.7 [95% CI 0.5-0.99]; p = 0.046) in VIP, were associated with lower severity; in contrast, rs3853839-GG in TLR7 (OR 1.44 [95% CI 1.07-1.94]; p = 0.016), rs280500-AG (OR 1.33 [95% CI 0.97-1.82]; p = 0.078) in TYK2 and rs1131454-AA in OAS1 (OR 1.29 [95% CI 0.95-1.75]; p = 0.110) were associated with higher severity. Therefore, these variants could influence the risk of severe COVID-19., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

This study aimed to assess the impact on growth, economic results, apparent nutrient digestibility (CTTAD), physiological variables, and animal behaviour when 214 fattening pigs (78 ± 8.5 kg of initial body weight and 130 ± 4.5 days of age) of both sexes (gilts and boars) were fed two levels of carob pulp (Cp, 0 vs. 20%) and two doses of vitamin E (Vit E, 30 vs. 300 IU/kg) for 40 days. No interaction effects between factors studied (Cp, Vit E, and sex) were observed on the variables. Most productive traits were unaffected by Cp or Vit E inclusion. However, the Cp increased the feed conversion ratio during the first 20 days. The Cp group showed a higher CTTAD of ether extract and hemicellulose but lower CTTAD of crude protein. Pigs fed Cp had a lower plasmatic urea content than the control group. The high Vit E doses increased the CTTAD of every nutrient and the plasmatic α-tocopherol content. The pigs fed Cp tended to spend more time eating in the early morning, likely to mitigate tannins' astringent effects. Dietary inclusion of 20% Cp in finishing high-conformation pigs is possible without affecting overall performance though it reduces nutrient CTTAD and increases feeding cost. Supra-nutritional doses of Vit E do not affect pig performance but increase the α-tocopherol deposition with potential antioxidant effects.

Purpose: Most data regarding infective endocarditis (IE) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) comes from TAVI registries, rather than IE dedicated cohorts. The objective of our study was to compare the clinical and microbiological profile, imaging features and outcomes of patients with IE after SAVR with a biological prosthetic valve (IE-SAVR) and IE after TAVI (IE-TAVI) from 6 centres with an Endocarditis Team (ET) and broad experience in IE., Methods: Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. From the time of first TAVI implantation in each centre to March 2021, all consecutive patients admitted for IE-SAVR or IE-TAVI were prospectively enrolled. Follow-up was monitored during admission and at 12 months after discharge., Results: 169 patients with IE-SAVR and 41 with IE-TAVI were analysed. Early episodes were more frequent among IE-TAVI. Clinical course during hospitalization was similar in both groups, except for a higher incidence of atrioventricular block in IE-SAVR. The most frequently causative microorganisms were S. epidermidis, Enterococcus spp. and S. aureus in both groups. Periannular complications were more frequent in IE-SAVR. Cardiac surgery was performed in 53.6% of IE-SAVR and 7.3% of IE-TAVI (p=0.001), despite up to 54.8% of IE-TAVI patients had an indication. No differences were observed about death during hospitalization (32.7% vs 35.0%), and at 1-year follow-up (41.8% vs 37.5%), regardless of whether the patient underwent surgery or not., Conclusion: Patients with IE-TAVI had a higher incidence of early prosthetic valve IE. Compared to IE-SAVR, IE-TAVI patients underwent cardiac surgery much less frequently, despite having surgical indications. However, in-hospital and 1-year mortality rate was similar between both groups., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: To explore the technology-based tools available for supporting the identification of victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery in remote services and consider the benefits and challenges posed by the existing tools., Methods: We searched six academic databases. Studies were considered for inclusion if they were published in English between 2000 and 2023. The QuADS quality appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted using the convergent integrated approach., Results: Twenty-four studies were included, of which two were professional guidelines; each reported on a distinct technology-based tool for remote services. All tools related to domestic abuse and 21 focused on screening for intimate partner violence among young and mid-life women (18-65) in high-income countries. The review did not identify tools that support the identification of victims of modern slavery. We identified eight common themes of tool strengths, highlighting that the remote approach to screening was practical, acceptable to victims, and, in some circumstances, elicited better outcomes than face-to-face approaches. Five themes pointed to tool challenges, such as concerns around privacy and safety, and the inability of computerised tools to provide empathy and emotional support., Conclusions: Available technology-based tools may support the identification of victims of domestic abuse by health and social care practitioners in remote services. However, it is important to be mindful of the limitations of such tools and the effects individuals' screening preferences can have on outcomes. Future research should focus on developing tools to support the identification of victims of modern slavery, as well as empirically validating tools for screening during remote consultations., Competing Interests: Declaration of conflicting interestsThe author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Two of the main issues related to cured meat products are castration to avoid boar taint and the hefty reliance on soybean meal to feed pigs. However, data on the effects of immunocastration in pigs and alternative crop protein feeds on the sensory traits and consumers' acceptance of dry-cured loin are still limited. A preliminary study was conducted on the effect of sex type (surgical castrated male pigs and immunocastrated male and female pigs, at approximately 140 kg in weight and 7 months of age) and animal diet (pea vs. soya) on dry-cured loins. The study involved a sensory evaluation of six treatments, with a 3 × 2 factorial design, conducted by trained panellists and untrained consumers in Spain ( n = 126) and Portugal ( n = 80). The consumers were also checked for their skatole sensitivity using a pure substance. The results showed that the pea-based diet was significantly different ( p < 0.001) from the soy-based diet, as determined by a trained panel of surgically castrated male pigs, although the immunocastration treatments were not split. Dry-cured loin from immunocastrated male pigs fed with peas was considered tenderer and juicier ( p < 0.05) than those fed soya-based diets. The untrained consumer panel scored higher on the sensory traits (flavour, juiciness, and overall liking) from the loin samples of surgically castrated male pigs fed a pea diet. All consumers scored similarly in boar taint detection. This study demonstrates the applicability of the pea-based diet for the feeding of pigs destined for cured meat and highlights immunocastration as a tool that does not compromise the skatole detection score.