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Simple Summary: Handling of large litters in hyperprolific pig farms can only be done using a nurse sow system or artificial rearing system. Nurse sows are a group of sows used to nurse surplus piglets via extended lactation length. Understanding the husbandry aspects of the nurse sow system is required for improving pig farming practices. Furthermore, removal patterns focusing on nurse sows have not been carried out, and therefore, this research provides information that contributes to how culling decisions could be made in herds utilizing nurse sows. A high removal of young parity nurse sows affects herd structure. After weaning, nurse sows are highly removed due to failure to return to cycle and conceive. Return to estrus is considered the most important indicator of reproductive soundness of any weaned sow and therefore a crucial component in managing non-productive days in herds. Extended lactation length for nurse sows of two weeks appears to be the most appropriate period in which the nurse sow experiences a lesser chance of removal due to failure to express heat. This study aimed to characterize and quantify reasons for the removal of nurse sows and identify the removal associated with their extended lactation length (ELL). A total of 100,756 removed nurse sows within a period of 2016–2022 from 53 sow herds in the Midwest USA were analyzed. Reproductive failure was the most common removal reason (χ2 = 8748.421, p < 0.001) affecting P1, P2, and P3 nurse sows. Failure to conceive and absence of estrus were the main causes of reproductive failure (χ2 = 352.480, p < 0.001) affecting P1 and P2 nurse sows and P1 and P5 nurse sows, respectively. When P2 and P6 nurse sows had an ELL of 0–7 d, they faced a high chance (χ2 = 13.312, p = 0.021) of removal due to conception failure and failure to return to heat, respectively. When P2 and P5 nurse sows had an ELL of 8–14 d, they were highly vulnerable (χ2 = 59.847, p < 0.001) to removal due to failure to conceive and showing heat, respectively. Finally, when ELL was at 15–21 days, P4 and P5 nurse sows were more likely (χ2 = 41.751, p < 0.001) to be removed due to failure to express heat, whereas at the same time, P2 and P3 nurse sows experienced the same removal threat due to failing to conceive. These results could help producers manage nurse sow systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Mules cannot reproduce naturally; however; they can host embryos, gestate normally, and act as surrogate dams, producing milk for the foal. There are only a few studies on the composition of mule milk. We evaluated the chemical quality of the milk obtained from a mule dam that had foaled after receiving a mule embryo transfer. The quality of the mule milk was similar to that of horse and donkey milk. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids made up half of the total fatty acid content. Linoleic acid and linolenic acid were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk. The milk composition changed throughout lactation. Protein, fat, and ash decreased significantly from early lactation. The n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased at the end of lactation. The changes in milk composition throughout lactation are probably due to adaptations to the growth requirements of the foal. Despite their inability to reproduce naturally, mules can host embryos and be surrogate dams. The aim of this investigation was to increase our knowledge of the qualitative composition of mule's milk and its variations throughout the whole lactation period—namely, from 6 h after foaling to 180 days in milk (DIM). Milk was obtained from a mule dam that had foaled after receiving a mule embryo transfer. For each sample, the gross, mineral, and fatty acid composition was evaluated. The average quality of the mule milk was as follows: protein 1.97 g 100 mL−1, fat 0.90 g 100 mL−1, and ash 0.39 g 100 mL−1. Saturated fatty acids made up, on average, 50.00 g 100 g−1 of fat. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids made up half of the total fatty acid content (31.80 g 100 g−1 and 18.2 g 100 g−1 of fat, respectively). Linoleic acid and linolenic acid were the main polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk. The milk composition changed throughout lactation. Dry matter, protein, fat, and ash decreased significantly from early lactation (6 h to 14 DIM). The n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decreased at the end of lactation. The changes in milk composition throughout lactation are probably due to adaptations to the growth requirements of the foal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early stages of life, especially the period from conception to two years, are crucial for shaping metabolic health and the risk of obesity in adulthood. Adipose tissue (AT) plays a crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis and metabolism, and brown AT (BAT) and the browning of white AT (WAT) are promising targets for combating weight gain. Nutritional factors during prenatal and early postnatal stages can influence the development of AT, affecting the likelihood of obesity later on. This narrative review focuses on the nutritional programming of AT features. Research conducted across various animal models with diverse interventions has provided insights into the effects of specific compounds on AT development and function, influencing the development of crucial structures and neuroendocrine circuits responsible for energy balance. The hormone leptin has been identified as an essential nutrient during lactation for healthy metabolic programming against obesity development in adults. Studies have also highlighted that maternal supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and polyphenols during pregnancy and lactation, as well as offspring supplementation with myo-inositol, vitamin A, nicotinamide riboside, and resveratrol during the suckling period, can impact AT features and long-term health outcomes and help understand predisposition to obesity later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disuse muscle atrophy (DMA) is a significant healthcare challenge characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and function resulting from prolonged inactivity. The development of effective strategies for muscle recovery is essential. In this study, we established a DMA mouse model through hindlimb suspension to evaluate the therapeutic potential of lactate in alleviating the detrimental effects on the gastrocnemius muscle. Using NMR-based metabolomic analysis, we investigated the metabolic changes in DMA-injured gastrocnemius muscles compared to controls and evaluated the beneficial effects of lactate treatment. Our results show that lactate significantly reduced muscle mass loss and improved muscle function by downregulating Murf1 expression, decreasing protein ubiquitination and hydrolysis, and increasing myosin heavy chain levels. Crucially, lactate corrected perturbations in four key metabolic pathways in the DMA gastrocnemius: the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan; phenylalanine metabolism; histidine metabolism; and arginine and proline metabolism. In addition to phenylalanine-related pathways, lactate also plays a role in regulating branched-chain amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism. Notably, lactate treatment normalized the levels of eight essential metabolites in DMA mice, underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent against the consequences of prolonged inactivity and muscle wasting. This study not only advances our understanding of the therapeutic benefits of lactate but also provides a foundation for novel treatment approaches aimed at metabolic restoration and muscle recovery in conditions of muscle wasting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Methionine dipeptide (Met-Met) could improve milk protein synthesis in bovine epithelia mammary cells and lactating mice, while the effects of Met-Met on lactating dairy cows have not been explored. We hypothesized that supplementation of Met-Met could improve lactation performance of dairy cows. In this study, we elucidated the effects of different forms of Met-Met (rumen-protected and -unprotected) on lactation performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota profile of dairy cows. Results provided the first evidence that Met-Met supplementation can improve lactation performance of dairy cows, and suggested that the rumen-protected form presents greater benefits on milk performance and rumen behavior. Methionine dipeptide (Met-Met) could improve milk protein synthesis in bovine epithelia mammary cells and lactating mice, while the effects of Met-Met on lactation performance, rumen fermentation and microbiota profile in lactating dairy cows have not been explored. For this reason, 60 Chinese lactating Holstein cows were allocated into three treatment groups: control group (CON), 6 g/d methionine dipeptide group (MM), and 6.12 g/d rumen-protected methionine dipeptide group (RPMM). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks to monitor lactation performance, plasma amino acid profile and rumen fermentation parameters and microbiota profile. Results showed that MM increased the energy-corrected milk (ECM), and RPMM increased both milk yield and ECM (p < 0.05). The milk protein concentration and yield were increased by MM and RPMM (p < 0.05). The rumen fermentation showed that RPMM increased total volatile fatty acids, acetate and valerate concentrations (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Firmicutes, including Succiniclasticum, Selenomonas and Clostridium_XlVa, were enriched and the Prevotella was decreased by RPMM (p < 0.05). In summary, daily supplementing with 6 g of MM or RPMM in lactating dairy cows could improve milk yield and both percentage and yield of milk protein, and RPMM benefited the rumen fermentation and altered the bacterial composition. These results provided the first evidence that Met-Met supplementation can improve lactation performance of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have shown that maternal vitamin D deficiency (VDD) causes long-term metabolic changes in offspring. However, little is known about the impact of maternal VDD on offspring endocrine pancreas development and insulin secretion in the adult life of male and female animals. Female rats (Wistar Hannover) were fed either control (1000 IU Vitamin D3/kg), VDD (0 IU Vitamin D3/kg), or a Ca2+-enriched VDD diet (0 IU Vitamin D3/kg + Ca2+ and P/kg) for 6 weeks and during gestation and lactation. At weaning, VDD status was confirmed based on low serum calcidiol levels in dams and pups. Next, male and female offspring were randomly separated and fed a standard diet for up to 90 days. At this age, serum calcidiol levels were restored to normal levels in all groups, but serum insulin levels were decreased in VDD males without affecting glucagon levels, glycemia, or glucose tolerance. Islets isolated from VDD males showed lower insulin secretion in response to different glucose concentrations, but this effect was not observed in VDD females. Furthermore, VDD males, but not females, showed a smaller total pancreatic islet area and lower β cell mass, an effect that was accompanied by reduced gene expression of Ins1, Ins2, Pdx1, and SLC2A2. The decrease in Pdx1 expression was not related to the methylation profile of the promoter region of this gene. Most of these effects were observed in the male VDD+Ca2+ group, indicating that the effects were not due to alterations in Ca2+ metabolism. These data show that maternal VDD selectively impairs the morphology and function of β cells in adult male offspring rats and that female offspring are fully protected from these deleterious effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The susceptibility of high-yielding dairy cows to heat stress results in significant economic losses for the dairy farming industry. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Lonicera japonica extract (LJE) with different chlorogenic acid (CGA) contents on lactation performance, serum biochemical and antioxidant indicators, immune factors, and rumen fermentation parameters in heat-stressed high-yielding dairy cows. After feeding dairy cows for 56 days, we found that the addition of LJE promoted lactation performance and rumen fermentation in high-yielding cows experiencing heat stress. It also increased the levels of IgG and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity, while reducing the concentrations of creatinine, malondialdehyde and inflammatory factors in the serum. Furthermore, while maintaining a consistent level of CGA content, the effects of addition from both types of LJE are similar. These findings demonstrate that LJE exhibits remarkable efficacy in alleviating heat stress and enhancing the lactation performance of dairy cows during hot summers, with CGA serving as the effective ingredient responsible for its anti-heat stress properties. This examined the effects of Lonicera japonica extract (LJE) with different chlorogenic acid (CGA) contents on lactation performance, antioxidant status and immune function and rumen fermentation in heat-stressed high-yielding dairy cows. In total, 45 healthy Chinese Holstein high-yielding dairy cows, all with similar milk yield, parity, and days in milk were randomly allocated to 3 groups: (1) the control group (CON) without LJE; (2) the LJE-10% CGA group, receiving 35 g/(d·head) of LJE-10% CGA, and (3) the LJE-20% CGA group, receiving 17.5 g/(d·head) of LJE-20% CGA. The results showed that the addition of LJE significantly reduced RT, and enhanced DMI, milk yield, milk composition, and improved rumen fermentation in high-yielding dairy cows experiencing heat stress. Through the analysis of the serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indicators, we observed a reduction in CREA levels and increased antioxidant and immune function. In this study, while maintaining consistent CGA content, the effects of addition from both types of LJE are similar. In conclusion, the addition of LJE at a level of 4.1 g CGA/(d·head) effectively relieved heat stress and improved the lactation performance of dairy cows, with CGA serving as the effective ingredient responsible for its anti-heat stress properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Bangladesh, buffalo dairy farming is gaining traction for its cost-effectiveness and the nutritional benefits of buffalo milk. This study aims to examine how environmental factors like age, number of past calvings, season of calving, intervals between calvings, and dry periods influence milk yield and lactation patterns. Through monitoring 384 buffaloes from seven populations across different ecological zones, significant impacts of various factors on milk production and reproduction were observed. Findings indicate that such environmental considerations are crucial for enhancing buffalo dairy farming, suggesting that a focus on these aspects could substantially benefit genetic improvement programs. Household buffalo dairy farming is gaining popularity nowadays in Bangladesh because of the outstanding food value of buffalo milk as well as the lower production cost of buffalo compared to cattle. An initiative has recently been taken for the genetic improvement of indigenous dairy buffaloes. The present study was carried out to determine the influence of some environmental factors like age, parity, season of calving, calving interval, dry period on the lactation yield, and lactation curve of indigenous dairy buffaloes of Bangladesh. A total of 384 indigenous dairy buffaloes from the 3rd and 4th parity of seven herds under two different agroecological zones covering four seasons were selected and ear tagged for individual buffalo milk recording. A milk yield of 300 days (MY300d) was calculated following the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) and the data were evaluated using the generalized linear model (GLM). In production traits, the mean of calculated lactation period (CLP), calculated lactation yield (CLY), and milk yield of 300 days (MY300d) of the overall population were 267.28 days, 749.36 kg, and 766.92 kg, respectively, whereas calving interval (CI) and dry period (DP) as reproductive traits were 453.06 days and 185.78 days, respectively. The season of calving, age of buffalo cows, population or herd, agroecological zone, calving interval, and dry period had significant effects on production traits (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The season of calving, level of milk production of 300 days, population, and agroecological zone significantly affected the reproduction traits (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Parity was found to be non-significant for both types of traits. The average peak yield of test day (TD) milk production was highest at TD4 (4.47 kg, 98th day of lactation). The average MY300d of milk production was the highest in the Lalpur buffalo population (1076.13 kg) and the lowest in the buffalo population of Bhola (592.44 kg). The correlations between milk production traits (CLP, CLY, and MY-300d) and reproduction traits (CI and DP) were highly significant (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Positive and high correlation was found within milk traits and reproduction traits, but correlation was negative between milk traits and reproduction traits. Therefore, these non-genetic factors should be considered in the future for any genetic improvement program for indigenous dairy buffaloes in Bangladesh. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document explores the use of physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to study the effects of drugs on pregnant women, lactating women, and neonates. It discusses the limitations of traditional dosing methods and the potential risks of inadequate or harmful drug effects. The document provides examples of successful applications of PBPK modeling, such as predicting drug concentrations in human milk. It emphasizes the need for further research and data to improve these models and better understand the unique physiological characteristics of these populations. The authors stress the importance of systematic searches, data integration, and clinical data in refining these models and promoting evidence-based pharmacotherapy for vulnerable populations. [Extracted from the article]

The build-up of lactate in solid tumors stands as a crucial and early occurrence in malignancy development, and the concentration of lactate in the tumor microenvironment may be a more sensitive indicator for analyzing primary tumors. In this study, we designed a self-powered lactate sensor for the rapid analysis of tumor samples, utilizing the coupling between the piezoelectric effect and enzymatic reaction. This lactate sensor is fabricated using a ZnO nanowire array modified with lactate oxidase (LOx). The sensing process does not require an external power source or batteries. The device can directly output electric signals containing lactate concentration information when subjected to external forces. The lactate concentration detection upper limit of the sensor is at least 27 mM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 1.3 mM and a response time of around 10 s. This study innovatively applied self-powered technology to the in situ detection of the tumor microenvironment and used the results to estimate the growth period of the primary tumor. The availability of this application has been confirmed through biological experiments. Furthermore, the sensor data generated by the device offer valuable insights for evaluating the likelihood of remote tumor metastasis. This study may expand the research scope of self-powered technology in the field of medical diagnosis and offer a novel perspective on cancer diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of various lactate measurements within the first 24 h post-intensive care unit (ICU) admission for predicting 30-day mortality in cardiogenic shock patients. It compared initial lactate levels, 24 h levels, peak levels, and 24 h clearance, alongside the Simplified Acute Physiology Score 3 (SAPS3) score, to enhance early treatment decision-making. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 64 patients assessed the prognostic performance of lactate levels and SAPS3 scores using logistic regression and AUROC calculations. Results: Of the baseline parameters, only the SAPS3 score predicted survival independently. The lactate level after 24 h (LL) was the most accurate predictor of mortality, outperforming initial levels, peak levels, and 24 h-clearance, and showing a significant AUROC. LL greater than 3.1 mmol/L accurately predicted mortality with high specificity and moderate sensitivity. Conclusions: Among lactate measurements for predicting 30-day mortality in cardiogenic shock, the 24 h lactate level was the most effective one, suggesting its superiority for early prognostication over initial or peak levels and lactate clearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For much of human evolution, the average lifespan was <40 years, due in part to disease, infant mortality, predators, food insecurity, and, for females, complications of childbirth. Thus, for much of evolution, many females did not reach the age of menopause (45–50 years of age) and it is mainly in the past several hundred years that the lifespan has been extended to >75 years, primarily due to public health advances, medical interventions, antibiotics, and nutrition. Therefore, the underlying biological mechanisms responsible for disease risk following menopause must have evolved during the complex processes leading to Homo sapiens to serve functions in the pre-menopausal state. Furthermore, as a primary function for the survival of the species is effective reproduction, it is likely that most of the advantages of having such post-menopausal risks relate to reproduction and the ability to address environmental stresses. This opinion/perspective will be discussed in the context of how such post-menopausal risks could enhance reproduction, with improved survival of offspring, and perhaps why such risks are preserved. Not all post-menopausal females exhibit risk for this set of diseases, and those who do develop such diseases do not have all of the conditions. The diseases of the post-menopausal state do not operate as a unified complex, but as independent variables, with the potential for some overlap. The how and why there would be such heterogeneity if the risk factors serve essential functions during the reproductive years is also discussed and the concept of sets of reversible epigenetic changes associated with puberty, pregnancy, and lactation is offered to explain the observations regarding the distribution of post-menopausal conditions and their potential roles in reproduction. While the involvement of an epigenetic system with a dynamic "modification-demodification-remodification" paradigm contributing to disease risk is a hypothesis at this point, validation of it could lead to a better understanding of post-menopausal disease risk in the context of reproduction with commonalities may also lead to future improved interventions to control such risk after menopause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In pastoral farms, understanding the productivity of local goat milk is crucial; however, comprehensive data on complete lactation and the factors affecting lactation curves are limited. Our study aims to model local goat lactation curves and explore the factors affecting the parameters of individual lactation curves. The observed low production per goat and significant variation highlight potential opportunities for enhancement. Implementing improved farming practices and establishing a national genetic improvement program for a local goat breed in Tunisia could effectively address these challenges. The present study aims to use Wood's model to determine the parameters of individual lactation curves in a local goat population and their factors of variation under a pastoral system. A total of 137,927 records from 432 local goats were collected to assess the impact of litter size, year and month of kidding, herd and the age of the dam on lactation curve parameters. Wood's model parameters were estimated using non-linear regression, and individual curves were fitted. The characteristics of the lactation curves were computed. The initial yield (A), rate of increase (B) and rate of decline (C) parameters in Wood's model for local goats were 730 g, 0.26 and 0.09 respectively. The values of peak milk production (PP), peak date (PD) and persistency (PC) were 931.88 g/d, 23.39 days and 91.50%, respectively. Persistence was higher in goats with simple births, while peak production increased by around 0.3 kg for each additional kid. The curve parameters "A" and "C" differed according to the herd and month of kidding (p < 0.05); the age of the dam only had an impact on parameter "A" (p < 0.01). Parameter "B" was not significantly influenced by any of the factors considered (p > 0.05). Correlation coefficients among lactation curve characteristics were ranged from −0.20 to 0.89. Due to a significant negative correlation, selecting for parameter "A" may have an adverse effect on parameter "B", resulting in a shorter time to reach peak production and less persistency, but an increase in peak production among goats. The curves derived from Wood's model suggest that the shape of the curve may serve as a basis for herd management planning and to improve local population potentialities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: High-producing dairy cows face an increased risk of subacute ruminal acidosis, which negatively affects the general health, feed intake, and the quantity and quality of milk produced. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of calcareous marine algae (Lithotamium calcareum)-based rumen content buffer included in total mixed ration, fed to 34 high-producing, peak lactation Holstein dairy cows (group A, n = 17; group B, n = 17). It was hypothesized that through a rumen content buffering effect, buffer would improve feeding behavior, feed intake, rumen function, and performance. Differences between the experimental and control total mixed ration in most parameters under study (feed intake, rumen content acidity, feces composition, milk yield, and milk composition) were statistically insignificant. However, statistically significant differences were noted in the length of eating and chewing epizodes (feeding time; rumination time) between groups. Feed intake was in line with this, although the difference was only numerical and statistically insignificant. This may simply mean that the buffer effects takes some time to show but persists after the buffer withdrawal. One of the reasons for not achieving a significant improvement in other parameters might be that the cows were fed a typical, well-balanced ration that did not induce acidosis. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of calcareous marine algae (Lithotamium calcareum)-based rumen content buffer (CMA) included in concentrated feed within total mixed ration (TMR), fed to 34 peak lactation (87–144 days in milk) Holstein dairy cows, randomized into two groups (group A, n = 17; group B, n = 17), wearing collars with accelerometers, and housed a in barn with automatic feed-weigh troughs. During the first phase P1, group A received TMR with CMA (TMR-E) and group B was fed TMR without the buffer (TMR-C). For P2, the treatments in the groups were exchanged. Feed intake, feeding time (FT), rumination time (RT), milk yield, milk composition, and rumen pH were measured by barn technologies, and rumen fluid and feces composition were analyzed in the laboratory. Differences between the TMR-E and TMR-C in most parameters under study were statistically insignificant, except overall FT and RT, which differed significantly between the groups. Group A, feeding at P1 by TMR-E, exhibited higher FT and RT than Group B (202 min/cow/day vs. 184 min/cow/day, and 486 min/cow/day vs. 428 min/cow/day, respectively). The RT significantly increased after switching from TMR-C to TMR-E. This implies that the buffer effect is delayed and persists after the withdrawal. In the group of cows that received control TMR without buffer in the first phase, RT and milk protein content increased significantly in the first week after the addition of buffer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Wild herbivores require minerals to grow and maintain their skeleton and to catalyze their metabolic reactions. Herbivores acquire minerals from forage plants and, ultimately, the soils and waters that support seasonal plant growth. We know that seasonal changes in the quality and abundance of forage plants drive the movements of wild ungulates. However, the role of minerals in the movement and production of ungulates is poorly understood because the mineral requirements of wild species are poorly described. We describe a framework to estimate the minimum concentration of forage minerals required by female caribou, a wild ungulate with both migratory and sedentary ecotypes. We used measures of body mass and milk yield to determine the demand for minerals as the food intake changed with the season. We found that the minimum dietary concentrations (mg·kg−1) of macro-minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) declined as the food intake increased over the summer. The minimum dietary concentrations of micro-minerals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) were heavily influenced by body mass gain, which increased through late lactation as food intakes rose. Our framework may be applied to other wild ungulates to assess the impacts of changing forage supplies on individuals and populations. Mineral requirements are poorly described for most wildlife. Consequently, the role of forage minerals in movement and productivity are poorly understood for sedentary and migratory ungulates, such as reindeer and caribou (Rangifer tarandus). We applied estimates of maintenance, lactation, body mass change, and antler growth to production curves (body mass, daily intake, and milk yield) for female caribou to calculate their mineral requirements over summer. The total requirements (mg or g·d−1) were divided by the daily intake (kg·d−1) to estimate the minimum concentration of minerals required in the diet (mg or g·kg−1) to balance demand. The daily requirements (mg·d−1) of all minerals increased from parturition to the end of summer. The minimum dietary concentrations (mg·kg−1) of macro-minerals (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K) declined as food intake (kg·d−1) increased over summer. The minimum dietary concentrations (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) were heavily influenced by body mass gain, which increased through late lactation even though food intakes rose. Our modeling framework can be applied to other wild ungulates to assess the impacts of changing forage phenology, plant community compositions, or environmental disturbances on movement and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The current research evaluated the impact of adding dietary fiber to sows during the transitional phase, specifically examining its effects on constipation, the farrowing process, colostrum production, and the mortality of piglets before weaning within a free-farrowing system. Administering 75 g/day of dietary fiber to sows for 7 days before farrowing, especially in those with larger litters, showed a decrease in constipation rates and a reduction in the time taken for farrowing. Additionally, this fiber supplementation resulted in lower mortality rates in piglets prior to weaning. However, this addition of fiber did not improve the production of colostrum and milk, nor did it increase the consumption of colostrum by piglets. These results suggest that in a free-farrowing system, providing sows with dietary fiber during the transitional period can alleviate constipation and shorten the duration of farrowing. Nevertheless, it is advisable to manage the body condition of sows before farrowing to address issues like constipation effectively and to boost colostrum intake. This study investigated how dietary fiber supplementation during the transition period in sows affects constipation, farrowing duration, colostrum production, milk yield, and pre-weaning piglet mortality in the free-farrowing system. A total of 92 Landrace × Yorkshire sows and their 1272 offspring were included in the study. Sows were divided into two groups by parity: control (n = 41) and treatment (n = 51). The control group was fed a standard lactation diet 7 days before farrowing, whereas the treatment group received the same diet with 75 g/day of a dietary fiber supplement. The dietary fiber content analyses were 4.30% and 5.53% in the control and treatment groups, respectively. Sows were fed with 3.89 ± 0.92 kg per day with a diet containing 17.8% crude protein, 3732 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy, and 1.1% lysine. Parameters including farrowing duration, litter characteristics, and the fecal condition of sows were measured. Piglet mortality rates were recorded at 3, 7, and 21 days of lactation. Sows had an average farrowing duration of 216 ± 159 min, with litter sizes of 13.8 ± 4.2 piglets per litter, and a 7.4% stillbirth rate. The treatment group showed a lower constipation rate compared to the control group (17.6% vs. 46.3%, p = 0.003). Farrowing duration did not significantly differ between groups, but the treatment group experienced a 43.6 min shorter duration. In sows with litter sizes of ≥16 piglets per litter, the farrowing duration for sows in the treatment group tended to be shorter than that of the control groups (202.0 ± 37.9 vs. 287.5 ± 41.3 min, p = 0.115). The mean colostrum intake of piglets in the control and treatment groups averaged 424.0 ± 13.7 g and 421.8 ± 12.6 g, respectively (p = 0.908). Likewise, the milk production of sows from Days 3 to 10 and from Days 10 to 17 of lactation in the treatment group (7.34 ± 0.27 and 8.76 ± 0.43 kg/day, respectively) did not differ from that of the control group (7.85 ± 0.30 and 9.55 ± 0.47 kg/day, respectively, p > 0.05). Pre-weaning piglet mortality was slightly lower in the treatment group (13.4% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.085). Across groups, piglet mortality rates within 3, 7, and 21 days were 10.3%, 11.9%, and 15.4%, respectively. Piglets with a ≤200 g colostrum intake had a higher pre-weaning mortality compared to those with a higher intake (p < 0.05), except for the 201–300 g intake (p = 0.472). In conclusion, introducing dietary fiber to sows during the transition period reduced constipation and tended to decrease farrowing duration, especially in sows with large litters. Additionally, it lowered pre-weaning piglet mortality by 3.9% in the free-farrowing system. Nonetheless, providing sows with a 75 g/day dietary fiber supplement for only 7 days before farrowing was not enough to enhance colostrum and milk production, nor did it lead to an increase in piglet colostrum consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a mycotoxin commonly found in feedstuffs, is known for its detrimental effects on the kidneys and liver, posing significant health risks to animals and humans. This study investigated the toxicokinetics, excretion patterns, and milk transmission of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in lactating sows. The sows were administered a single oral dose of 500 μg/kg BW (body weight), followed by the systematic sampling of plasma, feces, urine, and milk. Plasma samples were collected at 0, 5, 15, and 30 min, and 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 48, 72, 88, 96, and 120 h post administration. Feces samples were collected at 6 h intervals for the first 12 h, then at 12 h intervals until 120 h, while urine samples were collected at 6 h intervals up to 120 h. Milk samples were collected at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h. The concentration of OTA and its primary metabolite OTα were quantitatively analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The results revealed that the peak plasma concentrations of OTA (920.25 ± 88.46 μg/L) were observed at 9 h following administration. The terminal elimination half-life was recorded at 78.47 ± 7.68 h, with a volume of distribution of 0.16 ± 0.003 L/kg. Moreover, this study documented the excretion of OTA and OTα across a span of 120 h, revealing that feces and urine accounted for 18.70 ± 0.04% and 8.40 ± 0.002% of the total intake amounts, respectively (calculated based on substance amounts). Furthermore, this experiment detected OTA residues in the milk of lactating sows, with the milk-to-plasma (M/P) ratio initially increasing from 0.06 to 0.46 within the first 24 h following OTA ingestion. These findings offer an exhaustive temporal analysis of OTA's toxicokinetics in lactating sows, emphasizing its pervasive distribution and elimination through various bodily excreta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a limited research focus on evaluating the detrimental effects of prolonged zearalenone (ZEN) intake on dairy cows' health under controlled conditions. This experiment was conducted to evaluate whether the length of exposure to a ZEN-contaminated total mixed ration (TMR) at a level of 9.45 mg per day can negatively influence animal health parameters, such as milk composition, rumen and fecal fermentation, and the chewing activity of lactating dairy cows. For this experiment, we used 18 lactating Simmental cows that were fed a diet of 60% forage and 40% concentrate (on dry matter basis) for 26 consecutive days. The first 4 days were for adaptation prior to the first sampling day (day 0). The sampling events took place on day 0 (baseline) without ZEN, followed by day 1, day 7, day 14, and day 21 (with toxin). Dry matter intake (DMI) and ruminating chews per minute increased on the third week of ZEN inclusion; meanwhile, ruminating, eating, and drinking times were not affected. Most milk composition variables were also unaffected. Rumen fluid osmolality increased on day 21 and total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) of ruminal fluid decreased on day 7. Fecal SCFA increased on day 21 and the acetate-to-propionate ratio increased from day 1 onwards, showing the influence of toxin intake. Animal health parameters, like heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature, were negatively influenced by ZEN intake, all increasing consistently on days 4 and 6, 9 and 12, and 16 and 18, respectively. The liver enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase decreased in response to ZEN intake on day 7. A total daily ZEN intake at the level of 9.45 mg did not show detrimental effects on DMI. Nevertheless, certain health parameters were negatively affected, including body temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate, starting from the 7th day of ZEN intake, with additional signs of possible loss of water balance on the last sampling day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The periparturient period, which spans late pregnancy to early lactation in dairy cows, is a crucial phase characterized by complex metabolic and endocrine adjustments necessary for sustained milk production. This research focused on the relationship between serum vaspin, inflammatory cytokines (IL-1, TNF), and markers of negative energy balance (NEB) in 100 primiparous and multiparous Holstein dairy cows. The results demonstrated that one month post-calving, both groups had a significant decrease in serum vaspin levels but increased NEFA levels, indicating possible consequences for lipid metabolism and energy balance. Multiparous cows showed significant elevations in cholesterol, IL-1, and TNF concentrations after calving, indicating increased inflammatory responses. Primiparous cows, on the other hand, responded differently, indicating the role of parity in metabolic adjustments. The study acknowledges limitations such as sample size and its observational nature. Future research should investigate the long-term effects of these metabolic changes on herd health and lactational performance, using advanced technologies to gain a molecular understanding. Despite limitations, this study provides valuable insights into how adipokines, inflammatory markers, and energy balance interact during the periparturient period, offering the potential for improved dairy cow management and productivity while ensuring animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters of somatic cell score (SCS) and fat plus protein yield (FPY) using repeatability (RM) and random regression (RRM) models in Florida goats. The data consisted of 340,654 test-day controls of the first three lactations, and the pedigree contained 36,144 animals. Covariance components were estimated with a bivariate RM and RRM using the REML approach. Both models included as fixed effects the combination of herd and control date, litter size, kidding number and lactation length, and as random effects, the additive genetic and permanent environmental effects. A variation in the shape of the genetic parameters along the lactation curve was observed for both traits, and h2 oscillated between 0.272 and 0.279 for SCS and 0.099 and 0.138 for FPY. The genetic correlation between SCS and FPY was negative and medium (−0.304 to −0.477), indicating that a low-SCS EBV is associated with a genetic predisposition to high FPY production. Our results showed that given the magnitude of h2 for SCS and its rg with FPY, the SCS could be used as a selection criterion to increase resistance to mastitis, thus obtaining an improved dairy and cheese aptitude in this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Since foods rich in refined sugars promote obesity, the use of non-caloric sweeteners has gained popularity, and their consumption by pregnant women has increased. Stevia (a non-caloric sweetener) consumption was considered safe for humans by the European Food Safety Authority in a dose of up to 4 mg/kg body weight/day. However, the World Health Organization recommended in 2023 the restraint of these sweeteners at any life stage, highlighting the need for research on pregnant women and early stages of development. So, we aimed to study the effects of chronic consumption of the main sweetener compound of stevia (Rebaudioside A) during the reproductive stage. Female rats were treated with Rebaudioside A (4 mg steviol equivalents/kg body weight/day) in the drinking water from 4 weeks before mating until weaning. Food and water consumption, blood glucose and lipids, as well as heart structure, function and mitochondrial function, were assessed. Rebaudioside A decreased heart size, cardiomyocyte area and fibrosis without repercussions on cardiac or mitochondrial function. Both fasting blood glucose and cholesterol decreased. This work suggests that stevia consumption at this dose may be safe for females during the reproductive stage. However, more studies are mandatory to explore the effects of stevia consumption on offspring's health. The consumption of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) has increased during pregnancy. The European Food Safety Agency suggested that steviol glycosides, such as Rebaudioside A (RebA), the major sweetener component of stevia, are safe for humans up to a dose of 4 mg/kg body weight/day. However, the World Health Organization recommended in 2023 the restraint of using NSS, including stevia, at any life stage, highlighting the need to study NSS safety in early periods of development. We aimed to study the mitochondrial and cardiometabolic effects of long-term RebA consumption during the reproductive stage of the life cycle. Female rats were exposed to RebA (4 mg steviol equivalents/kg body weight/day) in the drinking water from 4 weeks before mating until weaning. Morphometry, food and water consumption, glucose and lipid homeostasis, heart structure, function, and mitochondrial function were assessed. RebA showed an atrophic effect in the heart, decreasing cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area and myocardial fibrosis without repercussions on cardiac function. Mitochondrial and myofilamentary functions were not altered. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were not affected, but fasting glycemia and total plasma cholesterol decreased. This work suggests that this RebA dose is safe for female consumption during the reproductive stage, from a cardiometabolic perspective. However, studies on the effects of RebA exposure on the offspring are mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: It is a big challenge to maintain a healthy state in sows during late gestation and lactation, and it directly impacts the performance of both sows and their offspring. Essential oil, consisting of multiple active compounds, is regarded as a promising feed additive. In this study, maternal diets were supplemented with oregano essential oil during late gestation and lactation to investigate its potential effects. We collected and analyzed serum and fecal samples from sows to evaluate performance, serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity and fecal microbiota, aiming to provide valuable insights into the utilization of oregano essential oil in animal production. A total of 20 healthy white × landrace sows were evenly and randomly divided into two groups, and fed basal diets unsupplemented or supplemented with 500 g/t Meriden-Stim® from day 100 of gestation until day 21 of lactation. Serum and fecal samples were collected from the sows on the final day for subsequent analysis. Compared to the control group, there were no significant differences in the sows' performances; however, an increase was observed in the piglets' weight at weaning (p = 0.08). Moreover, oregano essential oil (OEO) significantly reduced the levels of urea (UREA) (p < 0.01), total cholesterol (TC) (p < 0.05), low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (p < 0.05) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05) in serum. In terms of antioxidant indexes in serum, the catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) levels showed significant increases (p < 0.05) while the malondialdehyde (MDA) level exhibited a decrease tendency (p = 0.09). 16S rRNA analysis identified the specific bacteria taxa in feces. OEO significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level (p < 0.05). At the genus level, OEO significantly increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Prevotellaceae UCG 003 and UCG 005, while decreasing that of Escherichia-Shigella (p < 0.05). Taken together, OEO supplementation in maternal diets during late gestation and lactation improved serum metabolites, antioxidant capacity and regulated the intestinal-flora balance of sows, thereby tending to increase the piglets' weight at weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The production of milk by dairy cows far exceeds the nutritional needs of the calf and is vital for the economical use of dairy cattle. High milk yield is a unique production trait that can be effectively enhanced through traditional selection methods. The process of lactation in cows serves as an excellent model for studying the biological aspects of lactation with the aim of exploring the mechanistic base of this complex trait at the cellular level. In this study, we analyzed the milk transcriptome at the single-cell level by conducting scRNA-seq analysis on milk samples from two Holstein Friesian cows at mid-lactation (75 and 93 days) using the 10× Chromium platform. Cells were pelleted and fat was removed from milk by centrifugation. The cell suspension from each cow was loaded on separate channels, resulting in the recovery of 9313 and 14,544 cells. Library samples were loaded onto two lanes of the NovaSeq 6000 (Illumina) instrument. After filtering at the cell and gene levels, a total of 7988 and 13,973 cells remained, respectively. We were able to reconstruct different cell types (milk-producing cells, progenitor cells, macrophages, monocytes, dendritic cells, T cells, B cells, mast cells, and neutrophils) in bovine milk. Our findings provide a valuable resource for identifying regulatory elements associated with various functions of the mammary gland such as lactation, tissue renewal, native immunity, protein and fat synthesis, and hormonal response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactate serves as a crucial biomarker that indicates sepsis assessment in critically ill patients. A rapid, accurate, and portable analytical device for lactate detection is required. This work developed a stepwise polyurethane–polyaniline–m-phenylenediamine via a layer-by-layer based electrochemical biosensor, using a screen-printed gold electrode for lactate determination in blood samples. The developed lactate biosensor was electrochemically fabricated with layers of m-phenylenediamine, polyaniline, a crosslinking of a small amount of lactate oxidase via glutaraldehyde, and polyurethane as an outer membrane. The lactate determination using amperometry revealed the biosensor's performance with a wide linear range of 0.20–5.0 mmol L−1, a sensitivity of 12.17 ± 0.02 µA·mmol−1·L·cm−2, and a detection limit of 7.9 µmol L−1. The developed biosensor exhibited a fast response time of 5 s, high selectivity, excellent long-term storage stability over 10 weeks, and good reproducibility with 3.74% RSD. Additionally, the determination of lactate in human blood plasma using the developed lactate biosensor was examined. The results were in agreement with the enzymatic colorimetric gold standard method (p > 0.05). Our developed biosensor provides efficiency, reliability, and is a great potential tool for advancing lactate point-of-care testing applications in the early diagnosis of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolactin (PRL) is a pleiotropic hormone released from lactotrophic cells of the anterior pituitary gland that also originates from extrapituitary sources and plays an important role in regulating lactation in mammals, as well as other actions. Acting in an endocrine and paracrine/autocrine manner, PRL regulates the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, thus influencing the maturation of ovarian follicles and ovulation. This review provides a detailed discussion of the current knowledge on the role of PRL in the context of ovulation and ovulatory disorders, particularly with regard to hyperprolactinemia, which is one of the most common causes of infertility in women. Much attention has been given to the PRL structure and the PRL receptor (PRLR), as well as the diverse functions of PRLR signaling under normal and pathological conditions. The hormonal regulation of the menstrual cycle in connection with folliculogenesis and ovulation, as well as the current classifications of ovulation disorders, are also described. Finally, the state of knowledge regarding the importance of TIDA (tuberoinfundibular dopamine), KNDγ (kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin), and GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) neurons in PRL- and kisspeptin (KP)-dependent regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis in women is reviewed. Based on this review, a rationale for influencing PRL signaling pathways in therapeutic activities accompanying ovulation disorders is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a single subcutaneous dose of 500 mg rbST on the lipid profile, liver and kidney function, and physical, chemical, and cellular constitution of buffalo milk. Our data indicated that the use of rbST in buffalo from the 100th day of lactation is metabolically safe since the treatment neither caused imbalances in fat metabolism nor overloaded the liver or renal function. The changes in milk composition were transient and limited to a decrease in milk protein. The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) leads to an increase in variable amounts of milk production in buffalo, but there is a lack of information on the influence of rbST on their metabolism. This study looked at the effects of a single 500 mg dose of rbST on the lipid profile, liver and kidney function, and physical, chemical, and cellular constitution of milk in 14 buffalo over 14 days, from the 100th day of lactation, compared with 14 animals in a control group. From the first day after rbST, there was a rise in beta-hydroxybutyrate (β-HBO), possibly due to higher dry matter intake or the biotransformation of NEFA into β-HBO. The treatment did not influence blood glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, AST, GGT, bilirubin, urea, or creatinine levels. In 71.3% of the buffalo, there was a gradual increase in milk production, with the maximal response occurring in the first week followed by a gradual decrease, whilst in 21.4%, the increase in production occurred between 7 and 10 days. Only 7.1% of the animals did not respond. On the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th days after treatment, an increase was found in daily milk production between the two groups equal to 1.04, 1.52, 1.42, and 1.06 L, respectively. In relative terms, this means an increase in milk production, respectively, of 15.1%, 21.0%, 19.8%, and 15.1%. The constitution of the milk showed no difference in the amounts of fat, lactose, total solids, or somatic cell count; however, on the third day after rbST administration, there was a decrease in protein. Notably, from the fifth day, the protein values showed no statistical difference. It can be concluded that the use of rbST in buffalo from the 100th day of lactation is metabolically safe since the treatment neither caused imbalances in fat metabolism nor overloaded the liver or renal function, and the changes in milk composition were transient and limited to a decrease in milk protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNA) in extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) in maternal circulation during pregnancy and in human milk postpartum are hypothesized to facilitate maternal–offspring communication via epigenetic regulation. However, factors influencing maternal EVP miRNA profiles during these two critical developmental windows remain largely unknown. In a pilot study of 54 mother–child dyads in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study, we profiled 798 EVP miRNAs, using the NanoString nCounter platform, in paired maternal second-trimester plasma and mature (6-week) milk samples. In adjusted models, total EVP miRNA counts were lower for plasma samples collected in the afternoon compared with the morning (p = 0.024). Infant age at sample collection was inversely associated with total miRNA counts in human milk EVPs (p = 0.040). Milk EVP miRNA counts were also lower among participants who were multiparous after delivery (p = 0.047), had a pre-pregnancy BMI > 25 kg/m2 (p = 0.037), or delivered their baby via cesarean section (p = 0.021). In post hoc analyses, we also identified 22 specific EVP miRNA that were lower among participants who delivered their baby via cesarean section (Q < 0.05). Target genes of delivery mode-associated miRNAs were over-represented in pathways related to satiety signaling in infants (e.g., CCKR signaling) and mammary gland development and lactation (e.g., FGF signaling, EGF receptor signaling). In conclusion, we identified several key factors that may influence maternal EVP miRNA composition during two critical developmental windows, which should be considered in future studies investigating EVP miRNA roles in maternal and child health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolactin is a hormone secreted from lactotroph cells in the anterior pituitary gland to induce lactation after birth. Hyperprolactinemia unrelated to lactation is a common cause of amenorrhea in women of a childbearing age, and a consequent decrease in the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by a high prolactin level can result in decreased bone mineral density. Osteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder characterized by decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and quality, which results in decreased bone strength. In patients with hyperprolactinemia, changes in BMD can be induced indirectly by the inhibition of the GnRH–gonadal axis due to increased prolactin levels or by the direct action of prolactin on osteoblasts and, possibly, osteoclast cells. This review highlights the recent work on bone remodeling and discusses our knowledge of how prolactin modulates these interactions, with a brief literature review on the relationship between prolactin and bone metabolism and suggestions for new possibilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The division of glycolysis into two separate pathways, aerobic and anaerobic, depending on the presence or absence of oxygen, respectively, was formulated over eight decades ago. The former ends with pyruvate, while the latter ends with lactate. Today, this division is confusing and misleading as research over the past 35 years clearly has demonstrated that glycolysis ends with lactate not only in cancerous cells but also in healthy tissues and cells. The present essay offers a review of the history of said division and the more recent knowledge that has been gained about glycolysis and its end-product, lactate. Then, it presents arguments in an attempt to explain why separating glycolysis into aerobic and anaerobic pathways persists among scientists, clinicians and teachers alike, despite convincing evidence that such division is not only wrong scientifically but also hinders progress in the field of energy metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Vitamin D3 regulates many biological functions in mammals. One of its classical roles is to maintain calcium homeostasis and improve bone metabolism. The dietary requirement of this vitamin in sows often exceed that required for finishing pigs due to their role in mitigating osteomalacia, also known as soft bone. Commercial variants of this vitamin also exist as 25 hydroxyvitamin D3; however, their function in the reproductive performance of sows is not clearly understood. In this study, two commercial products were compared with regular Vitamin D3 in feeds administered to sows from gestation to lactation. Post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration were compared. Feed intake, pre-weaning mortality, and the number of weaned piglets differed during lactation. Alkaline phosphatase activity and 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 concentration increased during lactation. This could be caused by an increase in metabolic demand for phosphorus and calcium during lactation. The current finding shows that the use of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 in sow diets may improve other functions such as bone strength, calcium, and phosphorus homeostasis without necessarily affecting sow reproductive performance. Dietary 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) promotes serum 25(OH)D3 concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP); however, post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows fed with 14-epimer of 25(OH)D3 is uncertain. This study investigated post-farrowing reproductive performance, serum ALP activity, and serum 25(OH)D3 concentration in sows fed VD3, 25(OH)D3, or 14-epi 25(OH)D3. Weaned sows (n = 203) in parities 2 and 3 were blocked weekly and treated with 2000 IU/kg VD3 (T1), 25 μg/kg 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3 (T2), or 50 μg/kg 25(OH)D3 (T3) diets, all equilibrated to 2000 IU/kg as fed. Sow performance, treatment, and sampling period effects were analyzed. Environmental conditions were analyzed as covariates. The number of piglets weaned (p = 0.029), pre-weaning mortality (p = 0.029), sampling period (p < 0.001), and treatment and period interaction (p = 0.028) differed significantly. There was an increase in 25(OH)D3 during lactation due to physiological demands for milk calcium and milk production. Supplementing twice the concentration of 25(OH)D3 compared to its epimer, 25(OH)D3:14-epi 25(OH)D3, had no significant effect on the post-farrowing reproductive performance of lactating sows. The effect of 25(OH)D3 on post-farrowing reproductive performance and ALP activity in sows was influenced by metabolic demand for calcium due to physiological changes during lactation as well as epimer conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The body metabolic status of dairy cows is closely related to lactation performance. Their production performance will change with their years of service, and the milk quality also varies among different parities. However, there is still lack of research on the relationship between the metabolic state of Holstein cows and the performance of lactation across multiple parities. This study's findings uncover the connection between the serum metabolome of Holstein cows and milk production. The results indicate variations in the lactation energy among the Holstein cows at different parities. Blood metabolites emerge as pivotal regulators of the milk yield and quality in the Holstein cows, underscoring the significance of addressing nutritional needs during these stages to enhance lactation performance. It is essential to understand the metabolic changes in Holstein cows at different parities to develop more refined feeding strategies, improve management methods, and strengthen the health of the cows. The performance of dairy cows is closely tied to the metabolic state, and this performance varies depending on the number of times the cows have given birth. However, there is still a lack of research on the relationship between the metabolic state of Holstein cows and the performance of lactation across multiple parities. In this study, biochemical analyses and metabolomics studies were performed on the serum and milk from Holstein cows of parities 1–4 (H1, N = 10; H2, N = 7; H3, N = 9; H4, N = 9) in mid-lactation (DIM of 141 ± 4 days) to investigate the link between performance and metabolic changes. The results of the milk quality analysis showed that the lactose levels were highest in H1 (p = 0.036). The total protein content in the serum increased with increasing parity (p = 0.013). Additionally, the lipase activity was found to be lowest in H1 (p = 0.022). There was no difference in the composition of the hydrolyzed amino acids in the milk among H1 to H4. However, the free amino acids histidine and glutamate in the serum were lowest in H1 and highest in H3 (p < 0.001), while glycine was higher in H4 (p = 0.031). The metabolomics analysis revealed that 53 and 118 differential metabolites were identified in the milk and serum, respectively. The differential metabolites in the cows' milk were classified into seven categories based on KEGG. Most of the differential metabolites in the cows' milk were found to be more abundant in H1, and these metabolites were enriched in two impact pathways. The differential metabolites in the serum could be classified into nine categories and enriched in six metabolic pathways. A total of six shared metabolites were identified in the serum and milk, among which cholesterol and citric acid were closely related to amino acid metabolism in the serum. These findings indicate a significant influence of blood metabolites on the energy and amino acid metabolism during the milk production process in the Holstein cows across 1–4 lactations, and that an in-depth understanding of the metabolic changes that occur in Holstein cows during different lactations is essential for precision farming, and that it is worthwhile to further investigate these key metabolites that have an impact through controlled experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the effects of rumen-protected L-tryptophan supplementation on the productivity and physiological metabolic indicators in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress conditions. The study involved eight early lactating Holstein cows (days in milk = 40 ± 9 days; milk yield 30 ± 1.5 kg/day; parity 1.09 ± 0.05, p < 0.05), four cows per experiment, with environmentally controlled chambers. In each experiment, two distinct heat stress conditions were created: a low-temperature and low-humidity (LTLH) condition at 25 °C with 35–50% humidity and a high-temperature and high-humidity (HTHH) condition at 31 °C with 80–95% humidity. During the adaptation phase, the cows were subjected to LTLH and HTHH conditions for 3 days. This was followed by a 4-day heat stress phase and then by a 7-day phase of heat stress, which were complemented by supplementation with rumen-protected L-tryptophan (ACT). The findings revealed that supplementation with ACT increased dry matter intake as well as milk yield and protein and decreased water intake, heart rate, and rectal temperature in the HTHH group (p < 0.05). For plateletcrit (PCT, p = 0.0600), the eosinophil percentage (EOS, p = 0.0880) showed a tendency to be lower, while the monocyte (MONO) and large unstained cells (LUC) amounts were increased in both groups (p < 0.05). Albumin and glucose levels were lower in the HTHH group (p < 0.05). The gene expressions of heat shock proteins 70 and 90 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were higher in the ACT group (HTHH, p < 0.05). These results suggest that ACT supplementation improved productivity, physiological indicators, blood characteristics, and gene expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of early lactating Holstein cows under heat-stress conditions. In particular, ACT supplementation objectively relieved stress in these animals, suggesting that L-tryptophan has potential as a viable solution for combating heat-stress-induced effects on the cattle in dairy farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Bile acids (BAs) improve antioxidant properties and lipid metabolism, but their effects on dairy cattle remain to be elucidated. The study results revealed that total antioxidant capacity and levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher in dairy cows supplemented with 18 g of BAs than in control cows. In conclusion, BAs can improve the antioxidant performance of dairy cows. This experiment investigated the effects of different levels of bile acid (BA) additives in diets on the lactation performance, serum antioxidant metabolites, and serum biochemical indices of 60 multiparous mid-lactation dairy cows. The cows were randomized to receive one of the four homogeneous treatments, with the BA preparation supplemented at 0, 6, 12, and 18 g/head/d. The experiment lasted for 14 weeks. The first 2 weeks were the pre-feeding period. The milk yield and composition data were recorded weekly, and the dry matter intake and antioxidative blood index were analyzed on the 6th, 10th, and 14th weeks of the study. On the 84th day of the experiment, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher levels of total protein and albumin, by 57.5% and 55.6%, respectively, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). On both the 28th and 84th days of the trial, the experimental group showed a markedly higher lipase content compared to the control group, by 26.5% and 25.2%, respectively (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the experimental group displayed notably elevated levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity, surpassing the control group by 17.4%, 21.6%, and 8.7%, respectively. In conclusion, BA additives improve the serum antioxidant indices of dairy cows, thereby enhancing the performance of these cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive lung disease characterized by excessive deposition of fibrotic connective tissue in the lungs. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic alterations, particularly glycolysis reprogramming, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IPF. Lactate, once considered a metabolic waste product, is now recognized as a signaling molecule involved in various cellular processes. In the context of IPF, lactate has been shown to promote fibroblast activation, myofibroblast differentiation, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Furthermore, lactate can modulate immune responses and contribute to the pro-inflammatory microenvironment observed in IPF. In addition, lactate has been implicated in the crosstalk between different cell types involved in IPF; it can influence cell–cell communication, cytokine production, and the activation of profibrotic signaling pathways. This review aims to summarize the current research progress on the role of glycolytic reprogramming and lactate in IPF and its potential implications to clarify the role of lactate in IPF and to provide a reference and direction for future research. In conclusion, elucidating the intricate interplay between lactate metabolism and fibrotic processes may lead to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies for IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons have cell bodies located in the arcuate nucleus of the mediobasal hypothalamus. They project to the external zone of the median eminence, and the dopamine (DA) released there is carried by the hypophysial portal vasculature to the anterior pituitary. The DA then activates D2 receptors to inhibit prolactin (PRL) secretion from lactotrophs. The TIDA neuronal population is the principal regulatory factor controlling PRL secretion. The neuroendocrine role subserved by TIDA neurons sets them apart from other dopaminergic populations like the nigrostriatal and mesolimbic DA neurons. TIDA neurons exhibit intrinsic oscillatory fluctuations in their membrane potential that give rise to phasic firing and bursting activity. TIDA neuronal activity is sexually differentiated and modulated by gonadal hormones and PRL, as well as an array of small molecule and peptide neurotransmitters. This review covers these characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Yeast−derived postbiotic (Y−dP) is a microbial product formed by sufficient anaerobic fermentation of yeast on a specific medium under specific process conditions. (Y−dP) plays an important role in improving feed utilization, preventing diseases, and enhancing body immunity. Our results showed that adding Y−dP to the diet of sows from late pregnancy to lactation can regulate the gut microbiota of sows during pregnancy, lactation, and piglets, improve the intestinal health of offspring piglets, and have a positive impact on improving sow reproductive performance. These findings provide theoretical reference for the application of (Y−dP) in sow production and are beneficial for reducing the use of antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of supplementing Yeast−derived postbiotics (Y−dP) to the diet of sows during late pregnancy and lactation on fecal microbiota and short−chain fatty acids (SCFA) in sows and their offspring weaned piglets, as well as the relationship between gut microbiota and SCFA, serum cytokines, and sow reproductive performance. A total of 150 sows were divided into three groups: control diet (CON), CON + Y−dP 1.25 g/kg, and CON + Y−dP 2 g/kg. The results showed that supplementing 0.125% Y−dP to the diet of sows can increase the content of isobutyric acid (IBA) in the feces of pregnant sows and reduce the content of butyric acid (BA) in the feces of weaned piglets (p < 0.05). The fecal microbiota of pregnant sows β diversity reduced and piglet fecal microbiota β diversity increased (p < 0.05). Y−dP significantly increased the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of pregnant sows (p < 0.05), as well as the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota, Bacteroidota, and Fusobacteriota in the feces of piglets (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bacteroidota in the feces of pregnant sows is positively correlated with propionic acid (PA) (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group was positively correlated with Acetic acid (AA), PA, Valerate acid (VA), and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) in the feces of pregnant sows (r > 0.5, p < 0.05), and Bacteroidota and Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group were negatively correlated with the number of stillbirths (r < −0.5, p < 0.05). The abundance of Lactobacillus and Holdemanella in piglet feces was positively correlated with TVFA in feces and negatively correlated with IgA in serum (r > 0.5, p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementing Y−dP to the diet of sows from late gestation to lactation can increase the chao1 index and α diversity of fecal microorganisms in sows during lactation, increase the abundance of Actinobacteria and Limosilactobacilli in the feces of sows during pregnancy, and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Bacteroidetes in piglet feces, thereby improving intestinal health. These findings provide a reference for the application of Y−dP in sow production and a theoretical basis for Y−dP to improve sow production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Swedish dairy cows have an average life expectancy of 5 years, i.e., approximately 2.5 lactations during their lifespan. Increasing cow longevity is associated with better animal welfare and lower greenhouse gases per unit milk and cow. However, it is important that there are no negative effects on milk quality if cows are retained in production for longer periods. This study investigated the composition and technological properties of milk from older (≥3 lactations) and young (1–2 lactations) cows. Apart from higher plasmin and lower plasminogen-derived activity in older cows, the results indicated no major differences in milk quality between the parity groups. This study investigated differences in the raw milk composition and technological properties between cows with different numbers of lactations. In total, 12 commercial herds were visited within a period of 12 weeks. On each farm, milk samples from five young cows (lactations 1–2) and five older cows (lactation ≥ 3) were collected. For each farm, milk samples from the young cows and the older cows, respectively, were pooled. The pooled milk samples were analyzed for gross composition and technological properties. Using principal component analysis (PCA) to assess the overall variation in milk quality attributes and the potential clustering of milk from young cows and older cows, respectively, an effect of breed, but no clear effect of lactation number, was observed. In contrast, one-way ANOVA showed higher plasmin activity (p = 0.002) in pooled milk from the older cows, whereas plasminogen-derived activity (p = 0.001) and total proteolysis (p = 0.029) were higher in milk from the young cows. Likewise, orthogonal projections to latent structure discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) showed higher plasmin activity in milk from older cows, whereas younger cows had higher plasminogen-related activity and higher total proteolysis. To conclude, except for plasmin and plasminogen-related activities, there were no major differences in the composition and technological properties between milk from older cows and young cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Researchers and breeders are consistently exploring better strategies to improve milk, meat, and wool production in different sheep breeds. Conventionally, sheep are grazed on unbalanced pastures that vary in their composition, which results in lower growth performance and heavy parasitic infections. The ongoing climatic changes also have a drastic impact on grazing areas, leading to severe pasture scarcity across the world. Typically, barn-fed sheep rely on hay with a small amount of grain feeding. Right now, sheep production is pacing toward indoor rearing, which demands a highly precise feeding regimen. Therefore, determining the precise protein levels in the nutrition of indoor sheep production is more critical. The current experiment was planned to evaluate the changes in the rumen metabolite profile of lactating ewes fed different dietary protein levels. Feeding sheep at higher protein levels significantly altered the metabolite profile. These metabolic findings provide insights into potentiated biomarker changes in the metabolism influenced by dietary protein levels. Diet-associated characteristics such as dietary protein levels can modulate the gut's primary or secondary metabolites, leading to effects on the productive performance and overall health of animals. Whereas fecal metabolite changes are closely associated with gut metabolome, this study aimed to see changes in the rumen metabolite profile of lactating ewes fed different dietary protein levels. For this, eighteen lactating ewes (approximately 2 years old, averaging 38.52 ± 1.57 kg in their initial body weight) were divided into three groups (n = 6 ewes/group) by following the complete randomized design, and each group was assigned to one of three low-protein (D_I), medium-protein (D_m), and high-protein (D_h) diets containing 8.58%, 10.34%, and 13.93% crude protein contents on a dry basis, respectively. The fecal samples were subjected to untargeted metabolomics using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). The metabolomes of the sheep fed to the high-protein-diet group were distinguished as per principal-component analysis from the medium- and low-protein diets. Fecal metabolite concentrations as well as their patterns were changed by feeding different dietary protein levels. The discriminating metabolites between groups of nursing sheep fed different protein levels were identified using partial least-squares discriminant analysis. The pathway enrichment revealed that dietary protein levels mainly influenced the metabolism-associated pathways (n = 63 and 39 in positive as well as negative ionic modes, respectively) followed by protein (n = 15 and 8 in positive as well as negative ionic modes, respectively) and amino-acid (n = 14 and 7 in positive as well as negative ionic modes, respectively) synthesis. Multivariate and univariate analyses showed comparative changes in the fecal concentrations of metabolites in both positive and negative ionic modes. Major changes were observed in protein metabolism, organic-acid biosynthesis, and fatty-acid oxidation. Pairwise analysis and PCA reveal a higher degree of aggregation within the D-h group than all other pairs. In both the PCA and PLS-DA plots, the comparative separation among the D_h/D_m, D_h/D_I, and D_m/D_I groups was superior in positive as well as negative ionic modes, which indicated that sheep fed higher protein levels had alterations in the levels of the metabolites. These metabolic findings provide insights into potentiated biomarker changes in the metabolism influenced by dietary protein levels. The target identification may further increase our knowledge of sheep gut metabolome, particularly regarding how dietary protein levels influence the molecular mechanisms of nutritional metabolism, growth performance, and milk synthesis of sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Lactation is an intriguing reproductive behavior in pigeons, both male and female pigeons participate in crop milk secretion and contribute to the care of their offspring through the division of labor. The question of whether the metabolism and formation of pigeon milk in both males and females follow the same mechanism is an interesting scientific question. We integrated lactation-associated metabolomic and transcriptomic data from the crop tissues of male and female pigeons during the reproductive cycles. We identified a total of 1413 metabolites across 18 crop tissues. During the reproductive cycles, the concentrations of estrone, L-ergothioneine, and L-histidine exhibited the most dynamic changes in females, while estrone, L-anserine, 1-methylhistidine, homovanillate, oxidized glutathione, and reducing glutathione showed the most dynamic changes in males. Through screening DAMs and DEGs, our findings revealed gender-specific differences in the metabolome and gene expressions, with several metabolites and pathways showing significant variations between males and females. Our findings shed light on the distinct modulation of pigeon crop milk metabolism between males and females and provide insights into the potential functions of male and female pigeon milk in the growth, development, and immunity of young pigeons. Lactation is a unique reproductive behavior in pigeons, with the crop serving as the organ responsible for secreting pigeon milk. Both male and female pigeons can produce crop milk and rear their offspring through a division of labor. Since the time of the secretion of pigeon crop milk is different in the process of feeding the young, whether the metabolism and formation of pigeon milk use the same mechanism is a very interesting scientific question. However, the metabolic dynamics and underlying genetic mechanisms involved in the formation of pigeon crop milk remain unclear, particularly during the incubation–feeding reproductive cycle. In this study, we integrated lactation-associated metabolism and transcriptome data from the crop tissues of both male and female pigeons during the brooding and feeding stages. We mapped the changes in metabolites related to milk formation in the crop tissues during these stages. Through metabolome profiling, we identified 1413 metabolites among 18 crop tissues. During the breeding cycles, the concentrations of estrone, L-ergothioneine, and L-histidine exhibited the most dynamic changes in females. In contrast, estrone, L-anserine, 1-methylhistidine, homovanillate, oxidized glutathione, and reducing glutathione showed the most dynamic changes in males. Gender-specific differences were observed in the metabolome, with several metabolites significantly differing between males and females, many of which were correlated with cytokine binding, immunity, and cytochrome P450 activity. Using this dataset, we constructed complex regulatory networks, enabling us to identify important metabolites and key genes involved in regulating the formation of pigeon milk in male and female pigeons, respectively. Additionally, we investigated gender-associated differences in the crop metabolites of pigeons. Our study revealed differences in the modulation of pigeon crop milk metabolism between males and females and shed light on the potential functions of male and female pigeon milk in the growth, development, and immunity of young pigeons, an area that has not been previously explored. In conclusion, our results provide new insights into the metabolic regulation of pigeon crop milk formation during the brooding and breeding stages. Furthermore, our findings lay the foundation for the accurate development of artificial pigeon milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to describe the basic status of milk production traits of Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu, and locate the QTLs and functional genes that affect the five milk production traits (milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat yield, milk protein percentage, and milk protein yield) of first-born cows. The five milk production traits showed significant phenotypic positive correlation and high genetic positive correlation among the three parities, and we identified 1731 CNVs and 236 CNVRs in the 29 autosomes of 4173 Holstein dairy cows, and 19 CNVRS were significantly associated with milk production traits. The study introduced the basic status of the milk production traits of Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu province, and 19 CNVRs were identified to be significantly related to milk production traits of Chinese Holstein cows in the first fetus. This study will provide a theoretical basis for molecular marker-assisted selection of dairy cows, help to analyze the genetic structure of milk production traits of dairy cows, and contribute to the genetic improvement of Chinese Holstein cattle in Jiangsu. Milk production traits are the most important quantitative economic traits in dairy cow production; improving the yield and quality of milk is an important way to ensure the production efficiency of the dairy industry. This study carried out a series of in-depth statistical genetics studies and molecular analyses on the Chinese Holstein cows in the Jiangsu Province, such as descriptive statistics and copy number variation analysis. A genetic correlation, phenotypic correlation, and descriptive statistical analysis of five milk production traits (milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat yield, milk protein percentage, and milk protein yield) of the dairy cows were analyzed using the SPSS and DMU software. Through quality control, 4173 cows and their genomes were used for genomic study. Then, SNPs were detected using DNA chips, and a copy number variation (CNV) analysis was carried out to locate the quantitative trait loci (QTL) of the milk production traits by Perl program software Penn CNV and hidden Markov model (HMM). The phenotypic means of the milk yield, milk fat percentage, milk fat mass, milk protein percentage, and milk protein mass at the first trimester were lower than those at the other trimesters by 8.821%, 1.031%, 0.930%, 0.003%, and 0.826%, respectively. The five milk production traits showed a significant phenotypic positive correlation (p < 0.01) and a high genetic positive correlation among the three parities. Based on the GGPBovine 100 K SNP data, QTL-detecting research on the fist-parity milk performance of dairy cows was carried out via the CNV. We identified 1731 CNVs and 236 CNVRs in the 29 autosomes of 984 Holstein dairy cows, and 19 CNVRs were significantly associated with the milk production traits (p < 0.05). These CNVRs were analyzed via a bioinformatics analysis; a total of 13 gene ontology (GO) terms and 20 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were significantly enriched (p < 0.05), and these terms and pathways are mainly related to lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and cellular catabolic processes. This study provided a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows by developing descriptive statistics on the milk production traits of dairy cows and by locating the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of first-born dairy cows. The results describe the basic status of the milk production traits of the Chinese Holstein cows in Jiangsu and locate the QTL and functional genes that affect the milk production traits of the first-born cows, providing a theoretical basis for the molecular-marker-assisted selection of dairy cows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic selection has achieved little progress in reducing mastitis incidence. Mastitis traits are problematic due to the lack of sensitivity of the data and reliance on clinical diagnosis, often missing subclinical cases, and/or on monthly somatic cell count (SCC) measurements. The current measure for mastitis is the lactation average of the somatic cells score (LSCS). We studied two datasets: (1) 148 heifers divided into non-intramammary infected, sub-clinically infected and clinical mastitis groups; (2) data from 89,601 heifers from Israeli Holsteins through the same period divided into "udder healthy" (UH) and "non-healthy" (UNH) by a threshold of SCC 120,000 cells/mL in all nine monthly milk recordings. In study 1, non-infected heifers had significantly (p < 0.05) more partum, production days and overall lifetime milk production compared to clinical and sub-clinically infected. In study 2, UH heifers (20.3%) had significantly higher (p < 0.01) lifetime milk, production days, and lactations. Subdividing datasets by sires, the same analyses detected differences in percentages of UH daughters between the sire groups. Lifetime milk production correlated (r = +0.83, p < 0.001) with udder health status. SCC threshold of less than 120,000 cells/mL during all first lactation measurements indicated healthy udder, providing a valuable insight that this dichotomous trait is advantageous for calculating lifetime net-merit index (NM$) over LSCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Heat stress in dairy cattle is well-studied under warm climates but less is known in a temperate climate such as in Sweden. This study explores the impact of heat stress on high-yielding dairy cows during the summer, with a particular focus on the climate in Scandinavia. When cows are in a state of negative energy balance during early lactation, they become more susceptible to the adverse effects of heat stress, and this can affect their milk production. The temperature humidity index (THI) is used to assess the degree of heat stress, with a THI of 72 considered the minimum borderline for when heat stress becomes a problem. As THI increases, daily milk yield decreases, showing a clear link between heat stress and reduced milk production, and providing shade proved in this study to be effective in countering the adverse effects of heat stress, especially for cows in early lactation. Those with shade access experienced smaller declines in milk production compared to those without it. In summary, this research underscored the importance of shade provision especially for early-lactation dairy cows during the summer to maintain high milk production and mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress. Heat stress in dairy cows can cause an increase in body temperature and respiration rate, and a decreased feed intake leading to reduced production. Dairy cows are better at handling heat when they have access to shade. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of providing shade to high-yielding dairy cattle during the summer in the Swedish climate. Twenty high-yielding Swedish Red dairy cows, held on pasture, were divided into two groups, one with access to shade (S) and one without (NS). Milk production was recorded daily and shade temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 10 min intervals at pasture. A major effect of heat stress was found in cows in early lactation in the NS group. In this group, a high mean temperature two days before and a high THI two days before affected the milk production negatively (p < 0.001), which was the same for the maximum temperature and maximum THI measured on the same day (p < 0.001). Increases in the mean temperature and THI two days before also affected milk production negatively (p < 0.05) for cows in early lactation in the S group, though to a lesser extent. This study suggests that dairy cows in early lactation benefit from access to shade during summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Grossly bloody colostrum is defined as the presence of brownish or bloody-colored colostrum. The frequency is determined to be 0.1% of all births, and no predisposing factor for its occurrence was determined. The purpose of this study was to find factors that increase the probability of the syndrome and the possible influence of the presence of erythrocytes (red blood cells—RBCs) in breast milk on the symptoms of maternal milk intolerance in newborns. Methods: Here, 2 mL of colostrum was collected from 137 participants on postpartum days 1–3, separately from each breast, and transferred to the laboratory. For microscopic analysis, 0.5 mL of colostrum was centrifuged and then stained using the May–Grünwald–Giemsa method. Using an Olympus BX 43 light microscope at 400× total magnification, samples were visually assessed for the presence of RBCs. Additionally, the participants completed a questionnaire regarding their health status, observation of feeding tolerance of the newborn, observed milk color and other factors. Results: The number of RBCs in the yellow or white colostrum samples ranged from 8 to 1000 RBCs/mL and was found in 24.8% of cases. Regardless of the number of RBCs, the color of the milk was white (28.5%) or yellow (66.4%). Only one participant (0.7%) presented classical bloody-stained colostrum with visible bloody-milk colorization. We did not observe the influence of any analyzed factor as the reason for the increased number of RBCs in the colostrum. Conclusions: The presence of RBCs in breast milk did not cause milk intolerance among newborns and was independent of the analyzed factors. Mothers should be supported, and in view of the overall composition of breast milk, especially the content of immune cells in colostrum, even a temporary interruption in breast milk feeding in the case of grossly bloody colostrum is not recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal diet during lactation, pregnancy or even before can influence the health of the baby. The Mediterranean diet is the one with the highest level of evidence due to its richness in fiber and polyphenols, among other bioactive components. This study investigated the impact of a diet rich in fiber and polyphenols (HFP diet) supplemented during pregestation, gestation, and lactation at the intestinal level in both dams and their offspring. This diet had an intestinal impact in both pregnant rats and their offspring in terms of intestinal growth. Further research is required to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Dairy products derived from mountain-origin milk are recognized for their superior composition, which can positively impact sensory and nutritional attributes. This study delves into the alterations in milk composition, nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties within the context of semi-intensive goat farming in mountainous regions, specifically during the post-weaning to end-of-lactation phase. The research was conducted in Greece, a region known for its prevalent mountain livestock farming systems. The study unearthed noteworthy fluctuations in milk yield and gross composition over the data collection period. The composition of milk fatty acids, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, exhibited a discernible correlation with forage intake, leading to enhanced nutritional lipid quality indices with prolonged grazing duration. Additionally, the study identified an upswing in total phenolic content towards the study's conclusion, suggesting potential health benefits. Importantly, milk physicochemical properties remained relatively stable throughout the study, with no significant changes observed. In summary, this research offers valuable insights into the dynamics of milk composition and quality within semi-intensive goat farming systems situated in mountainous regions. These findings can prove invaluable to cheese manufacturers and farmers striving to elevate the quality of milk produced in mountainous regions under semi-intensive management systems. Dairy products from mountain-origin milk are known for their superior composition and quality. This study aimed to examine changes in composition, nutritional quality, and antioxidant properties of milk from semi-intensively managed goats in mountainous regions during the post-weaning to end-of-lactation period. Bulk tank milk samples from 10 farms were collected bi-weekly in the period from March to September. The farms were situated in regions with an average altitude of 772.20 m above sea level. The results revealed significant variations in milk composition, with fluctuations in fat, protein, lactose, and total solids. Milk yield per doe showed seasonal differences, with the highest yield in April and the lowest in September. Fatty acid composition exhibited changes throughout the sampling period, with variations in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Nutritional indices, such as the atherogenicity index and thrombogenicity index, remained within the recommended values. Antioxidant properties, including total phenolic content, DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS, showed significant differences, with higher values toward the end of the study. Milk pH, electrical conductivity, brix value, and refractive index also exhibited variations, while density and freezing point remained relatively stable. The study provided valuable information that can be used to develop breeding and feeding plans to achieve uniform milk quality in mountainous regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling is a bottom-up approach to predict pharmacokinetics in specific populations based on population-specific and medicine-specific data. Using an illustrative approach, this review aims to highlight the challenges of incorporating physiological data to develop postpartum, lactating women and breastfed infant PBPK models. For instance, most women retain pregnancy weight during the postpartum period, especially after excessive gestational weight gain, while breastfeeding might be associated with lower postpartum weight retention and long-term weight control. Based on a structured search, an equation for human milk intake reported the maximum intake of 153 mL/kg/day in exclusively breastfed infants at 20 days, which correlates with a high risk for medicine reactions at 2–4 weeks in breastfed infants. Furthermore, the changing composition of human milk and its enzymatic activities could affect pharmacokinetics in breastfed infants. Growth in breastfed infants is slower and gastric emptying faster than in formula-fed infants, while a slower maturation of specific metabolizing enzymes in breastfed infants has been described. The currently available PBPK models for these populations lack structured systematic acquisition of population-specific data. Future directions include systematic searches to fully identify physiological data. Following data integration as mathematical equations, this holds the promise to improve postpartum, lactation and infant PBPK models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We sought to determine the utility of Stryd, a commercially available inertial measurement unit, to quantify running intensity and aerobic fitness. Fifteen (eight male, seven female) runners (age = 30.2 [4.3] years; V · O2max = 54.5 [6.5] ml·kg−1·min−1) performed moderate- and heavy-intensity step transitions, an incremental exercise test, and constant-speed running trials to establish the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS). Stryd running power stability, sensitivity, and reliability were evaluated near the MLSS. Stryd running power was also compared to running speed, V · O2, and metabolic power measures to estimate running mechanical efficiency (EFF) and to determine the efficacy of using Stryd to delineate exercise intensities, quantify aerobic fitness, and estimate running economy (RE). Stryd running power was strongly associated with V · O2 (R2 = 0.84; p < 0.001) and running speed at the MLSS (R2 = 0.91; p < 0.001). Stryd running power measures were strongly correlated with RE at the MLSS when combined with metabolic data (R2 = 0.79; p < 0.001) but not in isolation from the metabolic data (R2 = 0.08; p = 0.313). Measures of running EFF near the MLSS were not different across intensities (~21%; p > 0.05). In conclusion, although Stryd could not quantify RE in isolation, it provided a stable, sensitive, and reliable metric that can estimate aerobic fitness, delineate exercise intensities, and approximate the metabolic requirements of running near the MLSS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the critical velocity (CV) protocol has been used to determine the aerobic capacity in rodents, there is a lack of studies that compare CV with maximal lactate steady state intensity (iMLSS) in mice. As a consequence, their physiological and molecular responses after exercise until exhaustion at CV intensity remain unclear. Thus, we aimed to compare and correlate CV with iMLSS in running mice, following different mathematical models for CV estimation. We also evaluated their physiological responses and muscle MCT1 and MCT4 after running until exhaustion at CV. Thirty C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups (exercised-E and control-C). Group E was submitted to a CV protocol (4 days), using linear (lin1 and lin2) and hyperbolic (hyp) mathematical models to determine the distance, velocity, and time to exhaustion (tlim) of each predictive CV trial, followed by an MLSS protocol. After a running effort until exhaustion at CV intensity, the mice were immediately euthanized, while group C was euthanized at rest. No differences were observed between iMLSS (21.1 ± 1.1 m.min−1) and CV estimated by lin1 (21.0 ± 0.9 m.min−1, p = 0.415), lin2 (21.3 ± 0.9 m.min−1, p = 0.209), and hyp (20.6 ± 0.9 m.min−1, p = 0.914). According to the results, CV was significantly correlated with iMLSS. After running until exhaustion at CV (tlim = 28.4 ± 8,29 min), group E showed lower concentrations of hepatic and gluteal glycogen than group C, but no difference in the content of MCT1 (p = 0.933) and MCT4 (p = 0.123) in soleus muscle. Significant correlations were not found between MCT1 and MCT4 and tlim at CV intensity. Our results reinforce that CV is a valid and non-invasive protocol to estimate the maximal aerobic capacity in mice and that the content of MCT1 and MCT4 was not decisive in determining the tlim at CV, at least when measured immediately after the running effort. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lactate-based polyester poly[lactate (LA)-co-3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB)], termed LAHB, is a highly transparent and flexible bio-based polymeric material. There are many unknowns regarding its degradation process in riverine environments, especially the changes in bacterial flora that might result from its degradation and the identities of any LAHB-degrading bacteria. LAHB were immersed in the river water samples (A and B), and LAHB degradation was observed in terms of the weight change of the polymer and the microscopic changes on the polymer surfaces. A metagenomic analysis of microorganisms was conducted to determine the effect of LAHB degradation on the aquatic environment. The bacterial flora obtained from beta diversity analysis differed between the two river samples. The river A water sample showed the simultaneous degradation of LA and 3HB even though the copolymer was LA-enriched, suggesting preferable hydrolysis of the LA-enriched segments. In contrast, only 3HB degraded for the LAHB in the river B water sample. The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed 14 bacteria that were significantly increased in the river A water sample during LAHB degradation, suggesting that these bacteria preferentially degraded and assimilated LA-clustering polymers. Our metagenomic analysis provides useful insights into the dynamic changes in microbial communities and LA-clustering polymer-degrading bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactate represents the main product of pyruvate reduction catalyzed by the lactic dehydrogenase family of enzymes. Cancer cells utilize great quantities of glucose, shifting toward a glycolytic metabolism. With the contribution of tumor stromal cells and under hypoxic conditions, this leads toward the acidification of the extracellular matrix. The ability to shift between different metabolic pathways is a characteristic of breast cancer cells and is associated with an aggressive phenotype. Furthermore, the preliminary scientific evidence concerning the levels of circulating lactate in breast cancer points toward a correlation between hyperlactacidemia and poor prognosis, even though no clear linkage has been demonstrated. Overall, lactate may represent a promising metabolic target that needs to be investigated in breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]