Dietary supplementation of benzoic acid and essential oils combination enhances intestinal resilience against LPS stimulation in weaned piglets

Background The benefits of combining benzoic acid and essential oils(BAO)to mitigate intestinal impairment during the weaning process have been well established,while the detailed underlying mechanism has not been fully elucidated.Previous research has primarily focused on the reparative effects of BAO on intestinal injury,while neglecting its potential in enhancing intestinal stress resistance.Methods In this study,we investigated the pre-protective effect of BAO against LPS-induced stress using a modified experimental procedure.Piglets were pre-supplemented with BAO for 14 d,followed by a challenge with LPS or saline to collect blood and intestinal samples.Results Our findings demonstrated that BAO supplementation led to significant improvements in piglets’final weight,average daily gain,and feed intake/body gain ratio.Additionally,BAO supplementation positively influenced the composition of intestinal microbiota,increasing beneficial Actinobacteriota and Alloprevotella while reducing harmful Desulfobacterota,Prevotella and Oscillospira.Furthermore,BAO supplementation effectively mitigated oxidative disturbances and inflammatory responses induced by acute LPS challenge.This was evidenced by elevated levels of T-AOC,SOD,and GSH,as well as decreased levels of MDA,TNF-α,and IL-6 in the plasma.Moreover,piglets subjected to LPS challenge and pre-supplemented with BAO exhibited significant improvements in intestinal morphological structure and enhanced integrity,as indicated by restored expression levels of Occludin and Claudin-1 compared to the non-supplemented counterparts.Further analysis revealed that BAO supplementation enhanced the jejunal antioxidative capacity by increasing GSH-Px levels and decreasing MDA levels under the LPS challenge and stimulated the activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.Additionally,the reduction of TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways activation and proinflammatory factor were also observed in the jejunal of those piglets fed with BAO.Conclusions In summary,our study demonstrates that pre-supplementation of BAO enhances the anti-stress capacity of weaned piglets by improving intestinal microbiota composition,reinforcing the intestinal barrier,and enhancing antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capabilities.These effects are closely associated with the activation of Nrf2 and TLR4/NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.

Low crude protein formulation with supplemental amino acids for its impacts on intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs

Background Low crude protein(CP)formulations with supplemental amino acids(AA)are used to enhance intestinal health,reduce costs,minimize environmental impact,and maintain growth performance of pigs.However,extensive reduction of dietary CP can compromise growth performance due to limited synthesis of non-essential AA and limited availability of bioactive compounds from protein supplements even when AA requirements are met.Moreover,implementing a low CP formulation can increase the net energy(NE)content in feeds causing excessive fat deposition.Additional supplementation of functional AA,coupled with low CP formulation could further enhance intestinal health and glucose metabolism,improving nitrogen utilization,and growth performance.Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of low CP formulations with supplemental AA on the intestinal health and growth performance of growing-finishing pigs.Methods In Exp.1,90 pigs(19.7±1.1 kg,45 barrows and 45 gilts)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(18.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,and Thr),LCP(16.0%CP,supplementing Lys,Met,Thr,Trp,and Val),and LCPT(16.1%CP,LCP+0.05%SID Trp).In Exp.2,72 pigs(34.2±4.2 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments:CON(17.7%CP,meeting the requirements of Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(15.0%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and VLCP(12.8%CP,meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,Phe,His,and Leu).In Exp.3,72 pigs(54.1±5.9 kg BW)were assigned to 3 treatments and fed experimental diets for 3 phases(grower 2,finishing 1,and finishing 2).Treatments were CON(18.0%,13.8%,12.7%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Met,Thr,and Trp);LCP(13.5%,11.4%,10.4%CP for 3 phases;meeting Lys,Thr,Trp,Met,Val,Ile,and Phe);and LCPG(14.1%,12.8%,11.1%CP for 3 phases;LCP+Glu to match SID Glu with CON).All diets had 2.6 Mcal/kg NE.Results In Exp.1,overall,the growth performance did not differ among treatments.The LCPT increased(P<0.05)Claudin-1 expression in the duodenum and jejunum.The LCP and LCPT increased(P<0.05)CAT-1,4F2hc,and B0AT expressions in the jejunum.In Exp.2,overall,the VLCP reduced(P<0.05)G:F and BUN.The LCP and VLCP increased(P<0.05)the backfat thickness(BFT).In Exp.3,overall,growth performance and BFT did not differ among treatments.The LCPG reduced(P<0.05)BUN,whereas increased the insulin in plasma.The LCP and LCPG reduced(P<0.05)the abundance of Streptococcaceae,whereas the LCP reduced(P<0.05)Erysipelotrichaceae,and the alpha diversity.Conclusions When implementing low CP formulation,CP can be reduced by supplementation of Lys,Thr,Met,Trp,Val,and Ile without affecting the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs when NE is adjusted to avoid increased fat deposition.Supplementation of Trp above the requirement or supplementation of Glu in low CP formulation seems to benefit intestinal health as well as improved nitrogen utilization and glucose metabolism.

Recent progress of porcine milk components and mammary gland function

As the only nutritional source for newborn piglets,porcine colostrum and milk contain critical nutritional and immunological components including carbohydrates,lipids,and proteins(immunoglobulins).However,porcine milk composition is more complex than these three components.Recently,scientists identified additional and novel components of sow colostrum and milk,including exosomes,oligosaccharides,and bacteria,which possibly act as biological signals and modulate the intestinal environment and immune status in piglets and later in life.Evaluation of these nutritional and non-nutritional components in porcine milk will help better understand the nutritional and biological function of porcine colostrum and milk.Furthermore,some important functions of the porcine mammary gland have been reported in recent published literature.These preliminary studies hypothesized how glucose,amino acids,and fatty acids are transported from maternal blood to the porcine mammary gland for milk synthesis.Therefore,we summarized recent reports on sow milk composition and porcine mammary gland function in this review,with particular emphasis on macronutrient transfer and synthesis mechanisms,which might offer a possible approach for regulation of milk synthesis in the future.

Novel metabolic and physiological functions of branched chain amino acids: a review

It is widely known that branched chain amino acids（BCAA） are not only elementary components for building muscle tissue but also participate in increasing protein synthesis in animals and humans. BCAA（isoleucine, leucine and valine） regulate many key signaling pathways, the most classic of which is the activation of the m TOR signaling pathway. This signaling pathway connects many diverse physiological and metabolic roles. Recent years have witnessed many striking developments in determining the novel functions of BCAA including：（1） Insufficient or excessive levels of BCAA in the diet enhances lipolysis.（2） BCAA, especially isoleucine, play a major role in enhancing glucose consumption and utilization by up-regulating intestinal and muscular glucose transporters.（3）Supplementation of leucine in the diet enhances meat quality in finishing pigs.（4） BCAA are beneficial for mammary health, milk quality and embryo growth.（5） BCAA enhance intestinal development, intestinal amino acid transportation and mucin production.（6） BCAA participate in up-regulating innate and adaptive immune responses.In addition, abnormally elevated BCAA levels in the blood（decreased BCAA catabolism） are a good biomarker for the early detection of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. This review will provide some insights into these novel metabolic and physiological functions of BCAA.

Impacts of Mild Hypothermia on LPS-Mediated TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Microglia

Background: Existing studies have found that some inflammatory factors cause brain cell damage through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, and that mild hypothermia has a protective effect on nerve cells. It is not clear whether the mild hypothermic brain protection is achieved through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in microglia. Objective: To investigate the impacts of mild hypothermia on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in microglia. Method: The cultured microglia cells in vitro were divided into the NS group and the LPS group at 33?C and 37?C, respectively;quantitative RT-PCR was performed to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB mRNA in the microglia, Western blot was used to detect the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB protein in the microglia, and ELISA was performed to detect the levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the culture medium. Results: Under the LPS stimulation, the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB at different time points had significant changes between the normothermia group and the mild hypothermia group, in which the expressions in the former group were firstly increased and then decreased, while those in the latter showed a continuous increasing trend (P < 0.01);and the expressions of TNF-α in all the groups presented the trend of first-increasing then-decreasing, while IL-10 exhibited one slow linear increasing trend (P Conclusions: Mild hypothermia could inhibit the mRNA and protein expressions of LPS-mediated TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in the microglia, and inhibit the production and release of downstream inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-10).

Effects of L-lysine·H2SO4 product on the intestinal morphology and liver pathology using broiler model

Background: Lysine is used widely in livestock production due to the shortage of feed protein resources.Llysine·H2SO4 contains L-lysine sulphate as well as fermentation co-products which contain other amino acids and phosphorus.However,there are few articles about L-lysine·H2SO4 product regarding intestinal morphology and liver pathology of broiler chickens.In this article,we focus on the absorption and metabolism of L-lysine·H2SO4 revealed in the variation of intestinal morphology and liver pathology to determine the tolerance of chicks for L-lysine·H2SO4.Methods: To evaluate the tolerance of broilers for L-lysine·H2SO4,240 one day old broilers were allocated randomly to one of five dietary treatments which included corn-soybean diets containing 0,1%,4%,7% or 10% L-lysine·H2SO4(L-lysine content = 55%).Results: Supplementation of 1% L-lysine·H2SO4 in the diet had no negative effects.However,4%,7% or 10% Llysine·H2SO4 supplementation produced negative responses on broiler performance,carcass characteristics,blood biochemistry,and particularly on intestinal morphology and liver pathology compared with broilers fed the control diet.Conclusion: Our results show that supplementation with 1% L-lysine·H2SO4 had no negative effects on performance,carcass characteristics,blood biochemistry,intestinal morphology and liver pathology in broilers,but supplementation with 4%,7% or 10% L-lysine·H2SO4 produced a negative response,particularly with respect to intestinal morphology and liver pathology.

Role of functional fatty acids in modulation of reproductive potential in livestock

Fatty acids are not only widely known as energy sources,but also play important roles in many metabolic pathways.The significance of fatty acids in modulating the reproductive potential of livestock has received greater recognition in recent years.Functional fatty acids and their metabolites improve follicular development,oocyte maturation and embryo development,as well as endometrial receptivity and placental vascular development,through enhancing energy supply and precursors for the synthesis of their productive hormones,such as steroid hormones and prosta-glandins.However,many studies are focused on the impacts of individual functional fatty acids in the reproductive cycle,lacking studies involved in deeper mechanisms and optimal fatty acid requirements for specific physiological stages.Therefore,an overall consideration of the combination and synergy of functional fatty acids and the establish-ment of optimal fatty acid requirement for specific stages is needed to improve reproductive potential in livestock.

Regulation of amino acid transporters in the mammary gland from late pregnancy to peak lactation in the sow

Background: Milk protein is crucial for milk quality in sows and health of newborn piglets. Plasma amino acids(AA)in sows are important precursors for milk protein synthesis in the mammary gland. In order to study the regulation of AA transported in sow mammary glands and possible underlying mechanisms, we measured the expression of genes coding for milk proteins, AA transporter expressions, and plasma AA concentrations in sows at three different physiological stages(D-17, D1 and D17 of lactation), and then further investigated the regulation of AA transport across the cell membrane by adaptive mechanisms using pig mammary epithelial cells(PMEC) as an in vitro model.PMEC were cultured in DMEM:F12 with 4 amino acid concentrations(0 × AA complex, 1 × AA complex, 5 × AA complex,and 25 × AA complex). Classes of AA complexes evaluated in this study included neutral AAs(L-Ala + L-Ser + L-Cys), acidic AAs(L-Asp, L-Glu) and neutral + basic AAs(L-Ala + L-Ser + L-Cys + L-Lys).Results: Our results indicated that m RNA expression of genes coding for milk protein(αs1-casein, αs2-casein,β-casein and κ-casein) increased significantly with the advance of physiological stage(P < 0.05), and plasma concentrations of most AAs including threonine, serine, glutamate, alanine, valine, cysteine, methionine, isoleucine and tyrosine were greater at D1 of lactation compared with D-17 and D17 of lactation(P < 0.05). Additionally, protein and gene expressions of AA transporters including excitatory AA transporter 3(EAAT3), alanine/serine/cysteine/threonine transporter(ASCT1) and sodium-coupled neutral AA transporter 1(SNAT2) were greater in lactating sow mammary glands compared with sow mammary glands in late pregnancy(P < 0.05). The m RNA expressions of SLC38 A2, SLC1 A1,SLC6 A14 increased significantly in the cell mediums supplemented with 5 × and 25 × of AA complexes compared with those cells cultured in DMEM/F12 cell medium(P < 0.05). The m RNA expressions of SLC38 A, SLC1 A4, and SLC6 A14 also increased in EBSS cell medium compared to DMEM/F12. However, only m RNA expression of SLC38 A decreased when AA complex was added into EBSS(P < 0.05).Conclusion: AA transportation was positively regulated in sow mammary glands with the advance of physiological stage from late pregnancy to peak of lactation and AA transporters in PMECs were adaptively regulated by changed AA concentrations.

纳米光催化环境改良剂降低猪舍氨气浓度的研究

试验针对夏季北方地区正常生产的哺乳母猪舍、保育猪舍、育肥猪舍的氨气浓度,检验纳米光催化环境改良剂干粉的处理效果。结果表明,处理20 min后猪舍平均氨气浓度快速降至1.11 mg/L^1.61 mg/L之间。哺乳母猪舍处理后72 h内保持较好的使用效果,96 h恢复至处理前氨气的浓度水平。保育猪舍与育肥猪舍再处理后96 h仍然保持较好的处理效果。

母猪倒骑式按摩输精法的应用效果研究

研究的目的是验证猪常规人工授精中倒骑式按摩法输精方法的效果,分析配种后受胎率与产仔数。在断奶发情的实验母猪发情鉴定表现定立表现时,采用倒骑式按摩法输精技术,实施子宫颈人工授精。按摩母猪乳房时间为30~60 s。输精完成后继续倒骑60 s。试验组与对照组相比,母猪发情表现主要集中在72 h到96 h之间,母猪断奶处理120 h内发情的母猪情况水平一致;试验组受胎率提高8.56个百分点,与对照组差异显著(P<0.05);两组的窝产仔数、初生重差异不显著(P>0.05);实验组的窝平均活仔数提高1.2头,断奶重提高3.55%,与对照组差异极显著(P<0.01)。试验表明,倒骑式按摩法人工输精技术能够获得较高的受胎率与活仔数,仔猪增重较好。

Plant essential oils combined with organic acids restored lipopolysaccharide-induced leaky intestine via gut microbial modulation in weaned piglets

Intestine derived lipopolysaccharide(LPS)is closely related to systemic inflammation and disorders,yet little is known about its roles in the weanling stress of piglets and its potential as a nutritional intervention target.This study aimed to investigate the potential of essential oils(EO)and organic acids(OA)in mitigating weaning stress in piglets by modulating the circulation of intestine derived LPS.Seventy-two weaned piglets at 21 d old with body weight of 8.12±0.168 kg were randomly divided into a control group(CON)and an experimental group,each consisting of six pens with six piglets per pen,and were fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 3 kg/t OA+500 g/t EO(EO+OA).On the 14th day of the feeding trial,12 weaned piglets were randomly selected from the CON group,and 6 piglets were selected from the experimental group.Based on diet composition and stress treatment,these 18 piglets were divided into the following three groups:1)CON group.Piglets were fed a basal diet and received an intraperitoneal injection of saline as a control.2)LPS group.Piglets were fed a basal diet and received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS(100μg/kg body weight)to induce stress.3)EO+OA+LPS group.Piglets were fed a basal diet supplemented with EO and OA and received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS(100μg/kg body weight)to induce stress.The results showed that EO+OA significantly ameliorated the oxidative imbalance and inflammation disorder induced by LPS in piglets'serum and intestine by inhibiting the activation of the Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)/mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway.Furthermore,compared to the LPS group,supplementation with EO+OA restored LPS-induced reductions in Bcl-2 protein expression in the piglets'intestines(P<0.05)and mitigated morphological damage;it also enhanced both the protein expression and relative gene expression of the tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-1(P<0.05),and reduced the plasma diamine oxidase activity(DAO)and LPS content(P<0.05).Compared to the CON group,supplementation with EO+OA altered the composition of the intestinal microbiota,increasing beneficial bacteria relative abundance(Faecalibacterium)(P<0.05)and decreasing harmful bacteria relative abundance[Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group(P<0.01),Negativibacillus(P<0.05)].Further analysis revealed that plasma LPS content in piglets was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium(r=−0.662,P=0.021),Akkermansia(r=−0.492,P=0.031),and average daily gain(ADG)(r=−0.912,P=0.041).Plasma LPS content was also positively correlated with the plasma inflammatory factors interleukin(IL)-1β(r=0.591,P=0.021),IL-6(r=0.623,P=0.021),IL-12(r=561,P=0.031)contents,and the relative abundance of Negativibacillus(r=0.712,P=0.041).In summary,the addition of EO+OA prevents the leakage of intestine derived LPS into the circulation by improving intestinal integrity and microbiota composition,thereby enhancing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities and growth performance of weaned piglets.

Combined yeast culture and organic selenium supplementation during late gestation and lactation improve preweaning piglet performance by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and milk content in nutrient-restricted sows

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast culture(YC)and organic selenium(Se)during late gestation and lactation on reproductive performance,milk quality,piglet preweaning performance,antioxidant capacity,and secretion of immunoglobulin in multiparous sows.A total of 160 healthy cross-bred sows(Landrace×Yorkshire,mean parity 4.1±0.3)were randomly assigned to 4 groups as follows:1)high nutrient(HN),3,420 kcal/kg digestible energy(DE)and 18.0%crude protein(CP);2)low nutrient(LN),3,240 kcal/kg DE and 16.0%CP;3)LN+YC,LN diet+10 g/kg YC;4)LN+YC+Se,LN diet+10 g/kg YC+organic Se(1 mg/kg Se).Feeding trials of sows started from d 85 of pregnancy to d 35 of lactation.Compared with sows in the LN group,sows fed the LN+YC+Se diet had greater litter weaning weight,average litter gain,and milk fat content(14-d and25-d milk)(P<0.05).The content of malonaldehyde(MDA)(colostrum and 14-d milk)was lesser,and the activity of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px)(colostrum and 25-d milk)was greater when sows were fed the LN+YC+Se diet,compared with sows fed the LN diet(P<0.05).Supplementation of YC and organic Se in the nutrient-restricted diet improved sows’reproductive performance and pig weaning body weight by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and fat content in milk.

Nutritional strategies to alleviate oxidative stress in sows

The performance of high-yielding sows is directly related to the productivity of pig farming. Fetaldevelopment mainly occurs during the last month of pregnancy, and the aggressive metabolic burden ofsows during this stage eventually leads to systemic oxidative stress. When affected by oxidative stress,sows exhibit adverse symptoms such as reduced feed intake, hindered fetal development, and evenabortion. In addition, milk synthesis during the lactation period causes a severe metabolic burden. Thebiological response to oxidative stress during this period is associated with a decrease in milk production,which further affects the growth of piglets. Understanding the nutritional strategies to alleviateoxidative stress in sows is crucial to maintain their reproduction and lactation performance. Recently,advances have been made in the field of nutrition to relieve oxidative stress in sows during late pregnancyand lactation. This review highlights the nutritional strategies to relieve oxidative stress in sowsreported within the last 20 years.

Dietary fiber and microbiota interaction regulates sow metabolism and reproductive performance

Dietary fiber is a critical nutrient in sow diet and has attracted interest of animal nutritionists for many years.In addition to increase sows’satiety,dietary fiber has been found to involve in the regulation of multiple biological functions in the sow production.The interaction of dietary fiber and gut microbes can produce bioactive metabolites,which are of great significance to sows’metabolism and reproductive performance.This article reviewed the interaction between dietary fiber and gut microbes in regulating sows’gut microbial diversity,intestinal immune system,lactation,and production performance,with the aim to provide a new strategy for the use of dietary fiber in sow diets.

Impacts of energy feeds and supplemental protease on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut health of pigs from 18 to 45 kg body weight

A total of 144 pigs with 18.4 ± 2.3 kg initial body weight(BW) at 6 wk of age were used in a 40-d trial to evaluate effects of protease(300,000 U/kg feed, BioResource International Inc., Durham, NC, USA) on growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility(AID) of nutrients, and gut health of pigs fed diets with sorghum. Pigs were randomly allotted to 4 treatments(12 pens per treatment, 3 pigs per pen) in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement(corn or sorghum basal diets, and 0 or 0.05% protease as 2 factors) with sex and initial BW as blocks. Experimental period had phase 1(d 1 to 21) and phase 2(d 22 to 40). About 65%(phase 1) and 72%(phase 2) of cereal grains were used in corn or sorghum based diets. Both grains were ground to 400 μm. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly. On d 35, serum was collected to quantify tumor necrosis factor-a(TNF-a) and malondialdehyde(MDA). Titanium dioxide(0.3%) was added as an indigestible marker for an additional 4 d feeding. On d 40, 32 pigs(8 pigs per treatment)were euthanized to collect digesta from jejunum and ileum(for viscosity and AID), tissues(for morphology) and mucosa samples(for TNF-α and MDA) from duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Replacing corn with sorghum in the diet increased(P < 0.05) overall average daily gain(from 756 to 787 g/day) and average daily feed intake(from 1,374 to 1,473 g/day), reduced(P < 0.05) overall gain:feed ratio(from0.553 to 0.537), and did not affect AID. Pigs fed diets with sorghum had lower(P < 0.05) MDA content in serum(from 14.61 to 6.48 μmol/L) and jejunum(from 1.42 to 0.91 μmol/g protein), and reduced(P < 0.05) villus height(from 492 to 396 μm) and crypt depth(from 310 to 257 μm) in jejunum. Dietary protease improved(P < 0.05) AID of crude protein(from 81.8% to 86.0%), decreased MDA level(from 1.20 to 0.98 μmol/g protein) in duodenum, and increased(P < 0.05) the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(from 1.08 to 1.21) in duodenum. Overall, use of sorghum fully replacing corn in diets could benefit pigs with enhanced growth and feed intake potentially by reducing oxidative stress, whereas feed efficiency was compromised. Supplementation of protease improved protein digestion and maintained gut health,irrespective of sorghum or corn based diets.

Deformation Measurement of Glass Structure Using FBG Sensor

Glass has been widely used as an important component in structures such as reflection glass curtainwalls,high speed trains,and landscape glass bridges with advantages of transparent and easy to clean,which are exposed to extreme weather conditions and external loads.Over time,these factors can lead to a damage of glass.So the health status of glass structure is critical,which should be routinely monitored to improve safety and provide reliable maintenance strategy.In this paper,fiber Bragg grating(FBG)sensors are used to monitor glass damage based on the fact that the main components of both the optical fiber and the glass are silica,which hints that both optical fiber and glass have the similar mechanical properties.Furthermore,the diameter of FBG installed on the glass structure is small,which has little effect on the beauty of glass.In order to validate the feasibility of the damage monitoring method,one common glass panel model with two-side fixations is loaded impact and static loads respectively,on the upper and lower surfaces of which four FBG sensors and two resistance strain gages are installed.A comparison study among the measured strains from the FBG sensors,those from the resistance strain gages,and those calculated from finite element model(FEM)analysis is conducted and the result obtained with experiments agrees with the element result.Test results show that the FBG sensors can effectively measure the glass deformation or damage under the impact and static load.

Maternal sodium acetate supplementation promotes lactation performance of sows and their offspring growth performance

Milk yield and composition are critical determining factors for the early growth and development of neonates.The objective of this experiment was to comprehensively evaluate the effects of dietary sodium acetate(SA)supplementation on the milk yield and composition of sows and the growth performance of their offspring.A total of 80 sows(Landrace×Yorkshire,3 to 6 parity)were randomly assigned to 2groups(with or without 0.1%SA)from d 85 of gestation to d 21 of lactation.The result shows that maternal 0.1%SA supplementation significantly increased sows milk yield,milk fat,immunoglobulin A(IgA)and IgG content in milk(P<0.05),with the up-regulation of short-chain fatty acids receptors(GPR41 and GPR43)expression and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex C1(mTORC1)signaling pathway.Consistently,in our in vitro experiment,SA also activated m TORC1signaling in porcine mammary epithelial cells(P<0.05).Furthermore,the improvement of milk quality and quantity caused by maternal SA supplementation led to the increase in body weight(BW)and average daily weight gain(ADG)of weaning piglets,with the improvement of gut health and colonization of the beneficial bacteria(P<0.05).In conclusion,maternal supplementation of 0.1%SA improved the lactation performance(milk yield and milk fat)of sows,possibly with the activation of GPR41/GPR43-mTORC1 signaling.Furthermore,enhanced milk quality improved growth performance,gut health and the colonization of beneficial microbial flora of their piglets.

Relaxor-like dielectric behavior and its effect on energy storage performance in P(TFE-HFP-VDF) terpolymers

Capacitors are critical components in many advanced electronic and electrical systems,such as pulse power systems,due to their fast charging-discharging speed and high power density[1-4].The ever-increasing demand for compact energy storage devices requires the dielectrics,which are the energy storage materials in capacitors,to have a higher energy density and low dielectric loss[2,3].Furthermore,a stable high-temperature performance is another important parameter to be considered for some applications in which high-temperature conditions are present,such as hybrid vehicles[4-7].