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Background Genome-scale metabolic network models (GEMs) provide an efficient platform for the comprehensive analysis the physical and biochemical functions of organisms due to their systematic perspective on the study of metabolic processes. Eriocheir sinensis is an important economic species cultivated on a large scale because it is delicious and nutritious and has a high economic value. Feed improvement is one of the important methods to improve the yield of E. sinensis and control water pollution caused by the inadequate absorption of feed. Results In this study, a GEM of E. sinensis , i crab4665, was reconstructed based on the transcriptome sequencing, combined with KEGG database, literature and experimental data. The i crab4665 comprised 4665 unigenes, 2060 reactions and 1891 metabolites, which were distributed in 12 metabolic subsystems and 113 metabolic pathways. The model was used to predict the optimal nutrient requirements of E. sinensis in feed, and suggestions for feed improvement were put forward based on the simulation results. The simulation results showed that arginine, methionine, isoleucine and phenylalanine had more active metabolism in E. sinensis . It was suggested that the amount of these essential amino acids should be proportionally higher than that of other amino acids in the feed to ensure the amino acid metabolism of E. sinensis . On the basis of the simulation results, we further suggested increasing the amount of linoleic acid, EPA and DHA in the feed to ensure the intake of essential fatty acids for the growth of E. sinensis and promote the accumulation of cell substances. In addition, the amounts of zinc and selenium in the feed were also suggested to be properly increased to ensure the basic metabolism and growth demand of E. sinensis . Conclusion The largest GEM of E. sinensis was reconstructed and suggestions were provide for the improvement of feed contents based on the model simulation. This study promoted the exploration of feed optimization for aquatic crustaceans from in vivo and in silico. The results provided guidance for improving the feed proportion for E. sinensis , which is of great significance to improve its yield and economic value.

The dairy farmers in the tropical region have limitations regarding “feedstuffs” available. A software program is required to meet the nutrient requirement with the available feeds at the cheapest cost. There are many techniques/software that are implemented to meet dairy animal nutrient requirements. However, there are no specific techniques that are appropriate for formulating rations for dairy cattle in the least cost manner. An android application Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Feed Calculator (DCN & FC) is developed with an aim of least-cost feed balancing system which will help a farmer to choose feeds to meet the nutrient requirement set for ration. The quantity of feed, fed to the cattle to meet the required needs, is determined by nutrient content, dry matter intake (DMI), crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) of the feed. This program works in three phases. The first phase consists of creating equations for the estimation of DMI, TDN and CP based on the nutrient tables provided by ICAR (2013) for different categories of cattle such as Milch cattle, dry cattle, male calves, female calves and pre-ruminant animals for different physiological stages such as body weight, average daily gain, fat and milk, using regression analysis. The second phase is the development of a linear programming (LP) model to solve different cases of nutrient requirements for least cost. The final phase is the use of the android framework that uses linear programming to suggest sufficient feed that meets the nutrient requirements. The developed application is user friendly and available in different languages. With the combination of linear programming and regression analysis, the ration can be effectively formed using available feeds, and control the cost of the feeds.

Every cell must satisfy basic requirements for nutrient sensing, utilization and recycling through macromolecular breakdown to coordinate programmes for growth, repair and stress adaptation. The lysosome orchestrates these key functions through the synchronised interplay between hydrolytic enzymes, nutrient transporters and signalling factors, which together enable metabolic coordination with other organelles and regulation of specific gene expression programmes. In this Review, we discuss recent findings on lysosome-dependent signalling pathways, focusing on how the lysosome senses nutrient availability through its physical and functional association with mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and how, in response, the microphthalmia/transcription factor E (MiT/TFE) transcription factors exert feedback regulation on lysosome biogenesis. We also highlight the emerging interactions of lysosomes with other organelles, which contribute to cellular homeostasis. Lastly, we discuss how lysosome dysfunction contributes to diverse disease pathologies and how inherited mutations that compromise lysosomal hydrolysis, transport or signalling components lead to multi-organ disorders with severe metabolic and neurological impact. A deeper comprehension of lysosomal composition and function, at both the cellular and organismal level, may uncover fundamental insights into human physiology and disease.Lysosomes orchestrate key cellular functions such as nutrient sensing, degradation of macromolecules and stress adaptation. This Review discusses the integration of signalling pathways at the lysosome and highlights the interaction of lysosomes with other organelles and mechanisms that ensure lysosome homeostasis.

Empirical and factorial methods are currently used to estimate nutrient requirements for domestic animals. The purpose of this study was to estimate the nutrient requirements of a given pig population using the empirical and factorial methods; to establish the relationship between the requirements estimated with these two methods; and to study the limitations of the methods when used to determine the level of a nutrient needed to optimize individual and population responses of growing pigs. A systematic analysis was carried out on optimal lysine-to-net-energy (Lys : NE) ratios estimated by the empirical and factorial methods using a modified InraPorc® growth model. Sixty-eight pigs were individually simulated based on detailed experimental data. In the empirical method, population responses were estimated by feeding pigs with 11 diets of different Lys : NE ratios. Average daily gain and feed conversion ratio were the chosen performance criteria. These variables were combined with economic information to estimate the economic responses. In the factorial method, the Lys : NE ratio for each animal was estimated by model inversion. Optimal Lys : NE ratios estimated for growing pigs (25 to 105 kg) differed between the empirical and the factorial method. When the average pig is taken to represent a population, the factorial method does not permit estimation of the Lys : NE ratio that maximizes the response of heterogeneous populations in a given time or weight interval. Although optimal population responses are obtained by the empirical method, the estimated requirements are fixed and cannot be used for other growth periods or populations. This study demonstrates that the two methods commonly used to estimate nutrient requirements provide different nutrient recommendations and have important limitations that should be considered when the goal is to optimize the response of individuals or pig populations.

The objective of this study was to determine energy and protein requirements, for both maintenance and gain, of sheep in Indonesia by using a meta-analysis method. A database was developed from various in vivo experiments involving sheep as the experimental animals in which energy intake, protein intake and average daily weight gain (ADG) were reported. A total of 38 articles consisting of 137 data points were integrated into the database. Different breeds (Priangan, fat-tailed and local) and sexes (male and female) were specified in the database. Maintenance and gain requirements of dry matter, energy and protein were determined by regressing ADG with dry matter intake (DMI), total digestible nutrient intake (TDNI) and crude protein intake (CPI), respectively. An intercept (where ADG= 0 g/kg MBW/d) and a slope (required nutrient intake per unit ADG) were taken as maintenance and gain requirements, respectively. Results revealed that all sheep breeds had similar energy requirement for maintenance (TDNm). Energy requirement for gain (TDNg) of Priangan breed was lower than other breeds; the breed required 0.860 g TDN for 1 g ADG. Fat-tailed and local breeds required 1.22 and 2.75 g TDN for 1 g ADG, respectively. All breeds also revealed relatively similar protein requirement for maintenance (CPm), i.e. 6.27-6.47 g/kg MBW/d. Priangan breed required less CP for 1 g ADG (CPg), i.e. 0.295 g. Requirements of CPg for fat-tailed and local breeds were 0.336 and 0.497 g/g ADG, respectively. It was concluded that each sheep breed in Indonesia had specific TDN and CP requirements for gain, but similar requirements for maintenance.

Vitamin D testing and the use of vitamin D supplements have increased substantially in recent years. Currently, the role of vitamin D supplementation, and the optimal vitamin D dose and status, is a subject of debate, because large interventional studies have been unable to show a clear benefit (in mostly vitamin D replete populations). This may be attributed to limitations in trial design, as most studies did not meet the basic requirements of a nutrient intervention study, including vitamin D-replete populations, too small sample sizes, and inconsistent intervention methods regarding dose and metabolites. Vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] < 50 nmol/L or 20 ng/ml) is associated with unfavorable skeletal outcomes, including fractures and bone loss. A 25(OH)D level of >50 nmol/L or 20 ng/ml is, therefore, the primary treatment goal, although some data suggest a benefit for a higher threshold. Severe vitamin D deficiency with a 25(OH)D concentration below <30 nmol/L (or 12 ng/ml) dramatically increases the risk of excess mortality, infections, and many other diseases, and should be avoided whenever possible. The data on a benefit for mortality and prevention of infections, at least in severely deficient individuals, appear convincing. Vitamin D is clearly not a panacea, and is most likely efficient only in deficiency. Given its rare side effects and its relatively wide safety margin, it may be an important, inexpensive, and safe adjuvant therapy for many diseases, but future large and well-designed studies should evaluate this further. A worldwide public health intervention that includes vitamin D supplementation in certain risk groups, and systematic vitamin D food fortification to avoid severe vitamin D deficiency, would appear to be important. In this narrative review, the current international literature on vitamin D deficiency, its relevance, and therapeutic options is discussed.

To evaluate different levels of energy and protein for optimum growth of Murrah male buffalo calves, a growth trial (150 days) was conducted on 30 calves (body weight 202.5 ± 6.8 kg). Six diets were formulated to provide 90, 100 and 110 % protein level and 90 and 110 % energy level requirements for buffalo calves, derived from ICAR 2013 recommendations for buffaloes. The crude protein (CP) intake was increased with higher dietary CP, whereas no effect of energy levels or interaction between protein and energy was observed on CP intake. There were significant effects ( P  < 0.01) of the interaction between protein and energy ( P  < 0.05) on metabolizable energy (ME) intake. The digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) was higher ( P  < 0.0001) in high-energy groups compared to low-energy groups. The CP digestibility increased with the increased CP and ME of the rations. The absorbed N was improved linearly with an increased level of dietary CP, whereas the N retention was similar among all the groups distributed as per different energy or protein levels. The nutrient intake (protein or energy) per kg body weight (BW) 0.75 at various fortnight intervals was regressed linearly from the average daily gain (ADG) per kg BW 0.75 . By setting the average daily gain at zero in the developed regression equation, a maintenance requirement was obtained, i.e. 133.1 kcal ME, 6.45 g CP and 3.95 g metabolizable protein (MP) per kg BW 0.75 . Requirement for growth was 6.12 kcal ME, 0.46 g CP and 0.32 g MP per kg BW 0.75 per day. Metabolizable amino acid requirement was estimated from partitioning of MP intake and ADG. The ME requirements were lower, whereas the MP requirement of Murrah buffaloes was higher than ICAR (2013) recommendations.

The absence of recent data regarding the nutritional needs of modern soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production systems necessitates a greater comprehensive understanding of nutrient uptake, partitioning, and remobilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate macro‐ and micronutrient accumulation and partitioning in current soybean cultivars. Across 3 site‐years, plants were sampled at seven growth stages and divided into four plant tissue fractions for quantification of nutrient uptake. Accumulation (per ha) of 275 kg N, 21 kg P (48 kg P2O5), 172 kg K (207 kg K2O), 113 kg Ca, 50 kg Mg, 19 kg S, 335 g Zn, 371 g Mn, 325 g B, 849 g Fe, and 63 g Cu were required to produce approximately 3500 and 9500 kg ha−1 of grain and total biomass, respectively. Supplemental fertility modestly increased biomass and yield (2%), but did not alter nutrient partitioning or harvest index. Nutrients with high harvest index (i.e., percentage of total nutrient accumulation partitioned to grain) values included P (81%), N (73%), Cu (62%), and S (61%), which may serve as a limitation to high yield. Seasonal patterns of nutrient accumulation suggested that K and Fe were acquired primarily during late vegetative growth while the uptake of N, P, Ca, Mg, S, Zn, Mn, B, and Cu were more equally distributed between vegetative and seed‐filling growth phases. These results document the rate and duration of macro‐ and micronutrient accumulation in soybean, and highlight the importance of adequate nutrient availability during key crop growth periods.

One of the main factors of the increased eutrophication level of surface waters is the high anthropogenic loads of biogenic substances discharged into water bodies. Municipal wastewaters, containing large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus play one of the key roles in the acceleration of eutrophication intensity. The main direction in the prevention of eutrophication caused by wastewater discharge has become the reduction of nutrient loads introduced to wastewater receivers in accordance with strict legal requirements achievable only in advanced technologies. The treated wastewater quality standards are actually developed for total nitrogen and total phosphorus content, disregarding the fact that eutrophication potential of treated wastewater is determined by the content of non-organic nutrient forms directly bioavailable for water vegetation. That is why the currently used energy-consuming and expensive technologies do not always guarantee effective protection against eutrophication and its consequences. The goal of the study was to analyze the most widely used wastewater treatment technologies for enhanced biological nutrients removal in treated wastewater eutrophication potential. For this purpose, an analysis of the operation of 18 wastewater treatment plants based on different technologies in Finland, Canada, Poland, Russia and the United States was realized. The analysis concluded that the eutrophication potential of treated wastewater to a large extent is conditioned by the applied technology. The results of the research concluded that the eutrophication potential can serve an important criterion for decision-making regarding the proper selection of wastewater treatment technologies aimed at eutrophication mitigation.