Abstract: Methods for identifying animals that are genetically superior, drugs, nutritional strategies, or physiological manipulations that improve feed efficiency or productivity of animals, e.g., selecting animals that are genetically superior for feed efficiency or productivity based on metabolic rates of particular tissues, wherein metabolic rates of certain tissues such as skeletal muscle are inversely proportional to feed efficiency, while metabolic rates of other tissues such as mammary gland are directly proportional to milk production. Thus, animals with low skeletal muscle metabolic rates are generally more feed efficient, e.g., gain more weight per unit of food. The methods herein may be used to improve the genetics, nutrition, and handling or animals more efficiently produced animal products, e.g., meat production, milk, production, egg production, wool production, etc. The methods herein may also be used to determine estimated breeding values of animals for feed efficiency, growth, or production.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating conditions caused by altered hepatic GABA production and release, including hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, type II diabetes, obesity, and obesity-related conditions. The present invention describes hepatic GABA as a hepatokine. The methods herein feature manipulating the expression and/or activity of specific GABA transporters, e.g., increasing expression of SLC6A12 and/or SLC6A13 genes or increasing activity of the proteins for which they encode, BGT1 and/or GAT2; or decreasing expression of SLC6A6 and SLC6A8 genes or increasing the activity of the proteins for which they encode, TauT and/or CRT, which can increase hepatic GABA re-uptake or decrease hepatic GABA release to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent hypertension.

Abstract: Methods and systems, including computer implemented methods and systems, for creating groups of embryonic fish or juvenile aquatic organisms from a pool based on predicted growth potential or feed efficiency wherein whole-body metabolic rate of each individual in the pool is measured and individuals are sorted into one of two or more containers based on relative whole-body metabolic rate. The embryonic fish or juvenile aquatic organisms with the highest whole-body metabolic rate are predicted to grow significantly more than those with the lowest whole-body metabolic rate.

Abstract: Method and systems for measuring growth rate in plant or aquatic animal species such as embryonic or adult fish. The methods and systems utilize the measurement of NADH2 production by detecting a colorimetric and fluorescent shift when a redox indicator such as resazurin is added to a sample. The colorimetric/fluorescent shift is indicative of the reduction of the redox indicator by NADH2. The methods and systems of the present invention may be used to predict growth potential of a plant or animal, and measuring the growth rate of said plant or animal may be helpful for identifying and selecting individuals within a group that have greater growth potential. The methods and systems of the present invention may help eliminate the need for special equipment (e.g., for measuring oxygen consumption), decrease variability of measures, and minimize the effects of external factors (feeding/hormonal status).

Abstract: Methods for identifying animals that are genetically superior, drugs, nutritional strategies, or physiological manipulations that improve feed efficiency or productivity of animals, e.g., selecting animals that are genetically superior for feed efficiency or productivity based on metabolic rates of particular tissues, wherein metabolic rates of certain tissues such as skeletal muscle are inversely proportional to feed efficiency, while metabolic rates of other tissues such as mammary gland are directly proportional to milk production. Thus, animals with low skeletal muscle metabolic rates are generally more feed efficient, e.g., gain more weight per unit of food. The methods herein may be used to improve the genetics, nutrition, and handling or animals more efficiently produced animal products, e.g., meat production, milk, production, egg production, wool production, etc. The methods herein may also be used to determine estimated breeding values of animals for feed efficiency, growth, or production.

Abstract: Methods and compositions (such as compounds, drugs, molecules, etc.) for regulating glucose homeostasis, for example for treating diabetes-related conditions such as hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. The methods and compositions herein may feature limiting hepatic mitochondrial uncoupling, decreasing hepatic GABA release, decreasing hepatic GABA synthesis, and/or maintaining hepatocyte membrane potential. More specifically, the methods and compositions herein may feature inhibitors for GABA synthesis and/or inhibitors for GABA release, e.g., inhibitors for GABA-T, BGT1 (GABA transporter), GAT2 (GABA transporter), M3R, etc. The present invention also features altering food intake by regulating GABA production or GABA release.

Abstract: Method and systems for measuring growth rate in plant or aquatic animal species such as embryonic or adult fish. The methods and systems utilize the measurement of NADH2 production by detecting a colorimetric and fluorescent shift when a redox indicator such as resazurin is added to a sample. The colorimetric/fluorescent shift is indicative of the reduction of the redox indicator by NADH2. The methods and systems of the present invention may be used to predict growth potential of a plant or animal, and measuring the growth rate of said plant or animal may be helpful for identifying and selecting individuals within a group that have greater growth potential. The methods and systems of the present invention may help eliminate the need for special equipment (e.g., for measuring oxygen consumption), decrease variability of measures, and minimize the effects of external factors (feeding/hormonal status).