Article
Microbiology
Christa N. Cheatham, Kevin L. Gustafson, Zachary L. McAdams, Giedre M. Turner, Rebecca A. Dorfmeyer, Aaron C. Ericsson
Summary: Obesity is a major health issue and burden on the healthcare system. The gut microbiome plays a role in body weight regulation and feeding behavior. This research aimed to investigate whether differences in the gut microbiome were associated with differences in intake, fecal energy loss, and fetal growth.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Jamil E. G. Faccin, Mike D. Tokach, Robert D. Goodband, Joel M. DeRouchey, Jason C. Woodworth, Jordan T. Gebhardt
Summary: Proper gilt development is essential for improving offspring performance and survivability through increasing gilt longevity and colostrum/milk production. It involves selecting gilts with a birth weight above 1 kg, prioritizing colostrum/milk intake, and weaning at the appropriate age. Attention should be given to nutrition, feeding management, and proper body condition during the grower phase and gestation. Correct boar exposure, reaching the target weight at breeding, and maintaining body reserves without over-conditioning at farrowing are also important. The proper development of gilts directly impacts the livability of their offspring by increasing colostrum/milk production, while the increased longevity indirectly improves livability by enhancing the growth and survival rate of offspring from older sows.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Veronika Guenther, Ibrahim Alkatout, Christoph Vollmer, Nicolai Maass, Alexander Strauss, Manfred Voigt
Summary: The study analyzed 110,047 singleton pregnancies to investigate the interaction of maternal BMI and smoking on perinatal outcomes and birth weight. Smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with low birth weight, highlighting the importance of advising pregnant women to quit smoking to improve newborn birth weight and reduce morbidity.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Thorhildur Juliusdottir, Valgerdur Steinthorsdottir, Lilja Stefansdottir, Gardar Sveinbjornsson, Erna Ivarsdottir, Rosa B. Thorolfsdottir, Jon K. Sigurdsson, Vinicius Tragante, Kristjan E. Hjorleifsson, Anna Helgadottir, Michael L. Frigge, Gudmundur Thorgeirsson, Rafn Benediktsson, Emil L. Sigurdsson, David O. Arnar, Thora Steingrimsdottir, Ingileif Jonsdottir, Hilma Holm, Daniel F. Gudbjartsson, Gudmar Thorleifsson, Unnur Thorsteinsdottir, Kari Stefansson
Summary: The study revealed that maternal and fetal genomes influence fetal birth weight through different mechanisms. Birth weight, as a common measure of fetal growth, is affected by both fetal and maternal genomes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marko Ugrica, Nicole Gehring, Pieter Giesbertz, Eva-Maria Pastor-Arroyo, Hannelore Daniel, Carsten A. Wagner, Isabel Rubio-Aliaga
Summary: This study investigates the effects of high phosphate diet on body composition and energy metabolism parameters. The results show that mice fed a high phosphate diet have slower weight gain, increased lean-to-fat mass ratio, and fasting hypoglycemia. This research provides important insights into the impact of high phosphate intake on the body.
MOLECULAR NUTRITION & FOOD RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Malgorzata Lewandowska
Summary: The study found that maternal pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of low birth weight, fetal growth restriction, and macrosomia in newborns. Additionally, the risk of macrosomia was three times higher for obese mothers, while the risk of low birth weight was 17 times higher, particularly in the subgroup of normal gestational weight gain. The risk profile showed that higher BMI values were associated with a higher risk of these outcomes, with specific threshold BMI values identified.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giorgia Sebastiani, Elisabet Navarro-Tapia, Laura Almeida-Toledano, Mariona Serra-Delgado, Anna Lucia Paltrinieri, Oscar Garcia-Algar, Vicente Andreu-Fernandez
Summary: Hypoxia and oxidative stress are crucial for fetal development during pregnancy, but an imbalance in oxidative molecules can lead to complications. Antioxidants may be a promising tool for treating these complications.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Geerke M. Eggenhuizen, Attie Go, Maria P. H. Koster, Esther B. Baart, Robert Jan Galjaard
Summary: The review evaluated the association between confined placental mosaicism (CPM) and prenatal growth and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Evidence showed that CPM was significantly associated with low birth weight, fetal growth restriction (FGR), and a high rate of preterm birth and structural fetal anomalies. Higher levels of mosaicism in chorionic villus sampling and the presence of uniparental disomy were also linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Monitoring fetal growth, examining for anomalies, and raising awareness of potential premature birth are advised for clinicians when CPM is detected.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION UPDATE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jennifer Ish, David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras, Elaine Symanski, Ferran Ballester, Maribel Casas, George L. Delclos, Monica Guxens, Jesus Ibarluzea, Carmen Iniguez, Loreto Santa-Marina, Michael D. Swartz, Kristina W. Whitworth
Summary: This study examines the associations between maternal occupational exposures and ultrasound-measured fetal growth. The results suggest limited evidence that occupational exposures may impact fetal growth, especially those related to endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dan Chen, Ying-ying Wang, Sheng-peng Li, Hui-min Zhao, Feng-juan Jiang, Ya-xian Wu, Ying Tong, Qing-feng Pang
Summary: Maternal propionate supplementation can prevent glucose and lipid metabolic disturbance in IUGR, increase birth weight, improve liver function and energy expenditure.
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
David M. Evans, Rachel M. Freathy
Summary: This study utilized extensive pedigree data from the Icelandic population to identify genetic effects on birth weight that differ according to parental origin, and to distinguish the contributions from the maternal intrauterine environment and offspring genetics on fetal growth.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Rafaela Cristina Vieira e Souza, Cristianny Miranda, Luana Caroline dos Santos
Summary: This study found that maternal intake of vitamins B-3 and C influenced increased birth weight, while pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain, parity, and male babies also contributed to the same outcome.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jiaomei Yang, Qianqian Chang, Xueye Tian, Binyan Zhang, Lingxia Zeng, Hong Yan, Shaonong Dang, Yue-Hua Li
Summary: Among Chinese pregnant women with low protein intake, higher dietary protein intake, especially from animal protein and dairy protein, is associated with higher birth weight and lower risks of low birth weight, small for gestational age, and intrauterine growth retardation.
NUTRITION & METABOLISM
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Carrie A. Sibbald, Jennifer L. Nicholas, Melissa Chapnick, Naima Ross, Patricia L. Gandor, William F. Waters, Ivan Palacios, Lora L. Iannotti
Summary: This pilot study in resource-limited clinics in Ecuador used portable ultrasound to investigate the association between fetal anthropometry, fetal brain development, and maternal diet among pregnant women. The findings revealed associations between nutrition-related fetal anthropometry and brain structures, demonstrating the potential for prenatal nutrition research using ultrasound in the field.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
Lorna G. Moore
Summary: Studies have shown that populations living at high altitudes, such as Ladakhis, Tibetans, and Andeans, have lower-than-expected rates of small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants. Uterine artery diameters at mid pregnancy were found to be larger in women giving birth to appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) compared to SGA infants at high altitudes. There is still much to be learned about the physiological pathways through which hypoxia impairs fetal growth.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
W. Liermann, C. T. Schaeff, J. Gruse, M. Derno, J. M. Weitzel, E. Kanitz, W. Otten, A. Hoeflich, T. Stefaniak, H. Sauerwein, R. M. Bruckmaier, J. J. Gross, H. M. Hammon
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Katrin Komolka, Ralf Bochert, George P. Franz, Yagmur Kaya, Ralf Pfuhl, Bianka Grunow
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Susen Heimbuerge, Ellen Kanitz, Armin Tuchscherer, Winfried Otten
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Winfried Otten, Susen Heimbuerge, Ellen Kanitz, Armin Tuchscherer
GENERAL AND COMPARATIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Neurosciences
Joan Martorell-Ribera, Marzia Tindara Venuto, Winfried Otten, Ronald M. Brunner, Tom Goldammer, Alexander Rebl, Ulrike Gimsa
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
W. Otten, T. Bartels, S. Heimbuerge, A. Tuchscherer, E. Kanitz
Summary: The study found that exposure to artificial light reduces hair cortisol concentrations in pigs and cattle, with black hair showing higher cortisol levels. Furthermore, the influence of light exposure was greater on white hair, while melanin pigments in black hair absorbed radiation, reducing the effects of photodegradation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
T. Bartels, J. Berk, K. Cramer, E. Kanitz, W. Otten
Summary: The study analyzed the effects of corticosterone supplementation on feather corticosterone concentrations (fCORT) in layer pullets, finding that increased corticosterone levels led to decreased body weight, shorter and lighter feathers, and a delayed molt. The results suggest that fCORT measurement can be a useful tool for evaluating long-term stress in chickens and may have implications for animal welfare research.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
T. Bartels, J. Berk, K. Cramer, E. Kanitz, W. Otten
Summary: The study found that prior contamination of feathers with excreta can significantly increase corticosterone concentration in laying hens, which remains detectable even after washing.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Quentin L. Sciascia, Cornelia Prehn, Jerzy Adamski, Gurbuz Das, Iris S. Lang, Winfried Otten, Solvig Goers, Cornelia C. Metges
Summary: Protein imbalance during pregnancy can affect offspring growth and increase the risk of metabolic diseases, but studies in a porcine model showed that this impact may not significantly affect offspring metabolism compared to a balanced diet, suggesting that the placenta and developing offspring have considerable plasticity.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Katrin Toenissen, Ralf Pfuhl, George P. Franz, Dirk Dannenberger, Ralf Bochert, Bianka Grunow
Summary: This study investigated the influence of the spawning process on the meat quality of pikeperch. The results show that spawning significantly affected some physical meat quality parameters, which could have an impact on the shelf life and storage of pikeperch fillet.
EUROPEAN FOOD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
W. Otten, S. Heimbuerge, A. Tuchscherer, E. Kanitz
Summary: Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is used as an indicator of long-term stress or pathologies. However, contamination can lead to the incorporation of external cortisol, affecting the HCC results. This study investigated the effects of urine contamination on HCC in different hair segments of pigs and cattle, and found that contamination generally increased HCCs, with a greater impact on distal hair segments. Therefore, it is important to avoid contamination when collecting hair samples for HCC analysis, and preferably use proximal hair segments.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Liza R. Moscovice, Ulrike Gimsa, Winfried Otten, Anja Eggert
Summary: Animals respond to rewarding or punishing stimuli with changes in core affective states, and this study investigates these changes in young pigs through the evaluation of salivary cortisol and oxytocin concentrations in different social contexts. The results suggest that pigs show differences in cortisol and oxytocin responses based on the nature of the social challenge.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Franziska Koch, Winfried Otten, Helga Sauerwein, Henry Reyer, Bjoern Kuhla
Summary: Chronic heat stress negatively affects the bovine immune and inflammatory responses, but does not seem to involve the immune cells and chemokines related to gut immune and inflammatory processes. These findings have significant implications for human and animal health.
JOURNAL OF DAIRY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
I. Czycholl, K. Buettner, D. Becker, C. Schwennen, W. Baumgaertner, W. Otten, M. Wendt, C. Puff, J. Krieter
Summary: This study focuses on the health of tail biting animals and compares them to control animals. The results show that biters have noticeable differences in behavior, body weight, hair condition, and stomach pathology. They also have lower protein and albumin levels in the blood samples, as well as deficiencies in several minerals. Therefore, the study suggests that behavioral tests and appropriate nutrient supply are important for preventing tail biting.
PORCINE HEALTH MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Winfried Otten, Susen Heimbuerge, Armin Tuchscherer, Ellen Kanitz
Summary: Hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was investigated in 41 multiparous Holstein Friesian cows at different stages of lactation. The study found that cortisol concentration in natural hair was highest 200 days postpartum and showed moderate positive correlation with cumulative milk yield at 300 days postpartum. There was also a positive correlation between urea concentration in milk and cortisol levels in regrown hair at 200 days, and between somatic cell count in milk and HCC in natural and regrown hairs 200 days postpartum. These findings suggest that physiological loads during lactation may be associated with increased HCC levels.
DOMESTIC ANIMAL ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)