Actual Energy Intake Research Articles

Mid-infrared spectrometry of milk as a predictor of energy intake and efficiency in lactating dairy cows

Interest is increasing in the feed intake complex of individual dairy cows, both for management and animal breeding. However, energy intake data on an individual-cow basis are not routinely available. The objective of the present study was to quantify the ability of routinely undertaken mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy analysis of individual cow milk samples to predict individual cow energy intake and efficiency. Feed efficiency in the present study was described by residual feed intake (RFI), which is the difference between actual energy intake and energy used (e.g., milk production, maintenance, and body tissue anabolism) or supplied from body tissue mobilization. A total of 1,535 records for energy intake, RFI, and milk MIR spectral data were available from an Irish research herd across 36 different test days from 535 lactations on 378 cows. Partial least squares regression analyses were used to relate the milk MIR spectral data to either energy intake or efficiency. The coefficient of correlation (REX) of models to predict RFI across lactation ranged from 0.48 to 0.60 in an external validation data set; the predictive ability was, however, strongest (REX=0.65) in early lactation (<60 d in milk). The inclusion of milk yield as a predictor variable improved the accuracy of predicting energy intake across lactation (REX=0.70). The correlation between measured RFI and measured energy balance across lactation was 0.85, whereas the correlation between RFI and energy balance, both predicted from the MIR spectrum, was 0.65. Milk MIR spectral data are routinely generated for individual cows throughout lactation and, therefore, the prediction equations developed in the present study can be immediately (and retrospectively where MIR spectral data have been stored) applied to predict energy intake and efficiency to aid in management and breeding decisions.

Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients Associated With the Use of Complex vs Weight-Only Predictive Energy Equations.

The energy intake goal is important to achieving energy intake in critically ill patients, yet clinical outcomes associated with energy goals have not been reported. This secondary analysis used the Improving Nutrition Practices in the Critically III International Nutrition Surveys database from 2007-2009 to evaluate whether mortality or time to discharge alive is related to use of complex energy prediction equations vs weight only. The sample size was 5672 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) ≥ 4 days and a subset of 3356 in the ICU ≥ 12 days. Mortality and time to discharge alive were compared between groups by regression, controlling for age, sex, admission type, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, ICU geographic region, actual energy intake, and obesity. There was no difference in mortality between the use of complex and weight-only equations (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-1.15), but obesity (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.71-0.96) and higher energy intake (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56-0.76) had lower odds of mortality. Time to discharge alive was shorter in patients fed using weight-only equations (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% CI, 1.01-1.23) in patients staying ≥ 4 days and with greater energy intake (HR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.34) in patients in the ICU ≥ 12 days. These data suggest that higher energy intake is important to survival and time to discharge alive. However, the analysis was limited by actual energy intake <70% of goal. Delivery of full goal intake will be needed to determine the relationship between the method of determining energy goal and clinical outcomes.

ABSTRACT 248

Background and aims: Feeding protocols has been shown to deliver enteral nutrition (EN) in a more timely and consistent manner. Aims: To determine effectiveness of a nurse-led feeding protocol, we evaluated nutrition adequacy of children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) before and after the protocol. Methods: We conducted an observational study across two periods: pre- (October 2012 to January 2013) and post- (April to October 2014) protocol. We excluded patients in whom the protocol was contraindicated: septic shock with > two inotropes, post-cardiac and post-gastrointestinal surgeries. Actual energy and protein intakes were compared with calculated requirements, expressed as percentages. Clinical outcomes measured were 28-day ventilation-free and PICU-free days. We summarized continuous and categorical variables as medians with ranges and proportions respectively. Results: We identified a total of 32 patients – 20 pre- and 12 post-protocol. Median age was 9.4 (0 – 160) months. 16 (50%) were admitted for respiratory indications. There was no difference in proportion of patients having EN initiated within first two days of admission between both periods. There was also no difference in energy (31.5 vs. 27.3%, p = 0.88) and protein intake (25.6 vs. 20.7%, p = 0.78) by day 2 of admission between both periods. There was no change in ventilator-free days (17.5 vs. 23.5, p = 0.42) and PICU-free days (18.5 vs. 20, p = 0.20) across both periods. Conclusions: The feeding protocol did not improve nutrition adequacy and clinical outcomes. Quality improvement initiatives to examine the existing protocol are required to enhance the effectiveness of the protocol.

Measuring the difference between actual and reported food intakes in the context of energy balance under laboratory conditions

To date, no study has directly and simultaneously measured the discrepancy between what people actually eat and what they report eating under observation in the context of energy balance (EB). The present study aimed to objectively measure the 'extent' and 'nature' of misreporting of dietary intakes under conditions in which EB and feeding behaviour were continuously monitored. For this purpose, a total of fifty-nine adults were recruited for 12 d, involving two 3 d overt phases and two 3 d covert phases of food intake measurement in a randomised cross-over design. Subjects had ad libitum access to a variety of familiar foods. Food intake was covertly measured using a feeding behaviour suite to establish actual energy and nutrient intakes. During the overt phases, subjects were instructed to self-report food intake using widely accepted methods. Misreporting comprised two separate and synchronous phenomena. Subjects decreased energy intake (EI) when asked to record their food intake (observation effect). The effect was significant in women ( - 8 %, P< 0·001) but not in men ( - 3 %, P< 0·277). The reported EI was 5 to 21 % lower (reporting effect) than the actual intake, depending on the reporting method used. Semi-quantitative techniques gave larger discrepancies. These discrepancies were identical in men and women and non-macronutrient specific. The 'observation' and 'reporting' effects combined to constitute total misreporting, which ranged from 10 to 25 %, depending on the intake measurement assessed. When studied in a laboratory environment and EB was closely monitored, subjects under-reported their food intake and decreased the actual intake when they were aware that their intake was being monitored.

Indirect Calorimetry Reveals That Better Monitoring of Nutrition Therapy in Pediatric Intensive Care Is Needed

Monitoring nutrition therapy is essential in the care of critically ill children, but the risk of nutrition failure seems to remain. The aims of the present study were to examine the prevalence of underfeeding, adequate feeding, and overfeeding in mechanically ventilated children and to identify barriers to the delivery of nutrition support. Children aged 0-14 years who fulfilled the criteria for indirect calorimetry were enrolled in this prospective, observational study and were studied for up to 5 consecutive days. Actual energy intake was recorded and compared with the required energy intake (measured energy expenditure plus 10%); energy intake was classified as underfeeding (<90% of required energy intake), adequate feeding (90%-110%), or overfeeding (>110%). The reasons for interruptions to enteral and parenteral nutrition were recorded. In total, 104 calorimetric measurements for 140 total days were recorded for 30 mechanically ventilated children. Underfeeding, adequate feeding, and overfeeding occurred on 21.2%, 18.3%, and 60.5% of the 104 measurement days, respectively. There was considerable variability in the measured energy expenditure between children (median, 37.2 kcal/kg/d; range, 16.81-66.38 kcal/kg/d), but the variation within each child was small. Respiratory quotient had low sensitivity of 21% and 27% for detecting underfeeding and overfeeding, respectively. Fasting for procedures was the most frequent barrier that led to interrupted nutrition support. The high percentage of children (~61%) who were overfed emphasizes the need to measure energy needs by using indirect calorimetry.

Whole body and regional body composition changes following 10-day hypoxic confinement and unloading–inactivity

Future planetary habitats will expose inhabitants to both reduced gravity and hypoxia. This study investigated the effects of short-term unloading and normobaric hypoxia on whole body and regional body composition (BC). Eleven healthy, recreationally active, male participants with a mean (SD) age of 24 (2) years and body mass index of 22.4 (3.2) kg·m(-2) completed the following 3 10-day campaigns in a randomised, cross-over designed protocol: (i) hypoxic ambulatory confinement (HAMB; FIO2 = 0.147 (0.008); PIO2 = 93.8 (0.9) mm Hg), (ii) hypoxic bed rest (HBR; FIO2 = 0.147 (0.008); PIO2 = 93.8 (0.9) mm Hg), and (iii) normoxic bed rest (NBR; FIO2 = 0.209; PIO2 = 133.5 (0.7) mm Hg). Nutritional requirements were individually precalculated and the actual intake was monitored throughout the study protocol. Body mass, whole body, and regional BC were assessed before and after the campaigns using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. The calculated daily targeted energy intake values were 2071 (170) kcal for HBR and NBR and 2417 (200) kcal for HAMB. In both HBR and NBR campaigns the actual energy intake was within the targeted level, whereas in the HAMB the intake was lower than targeted (-8%, p < 0.05). Body mass significantly decreased in all 3 campaigns (-2.1%, -2.8%, and -2.0% for HAMB, HBR, and NBR, respectively; p < 0.05), secondary to a significant decrease in lean mass (-3.8%, -3.8%, -4.3% for HAMB, HBR, and NBR, respectively; p < 0.05) along with a slight, albeit not significant, increase in fat mass. The same trend was observed in the regional BC regardless of the region and the campaign. These results demonstrate that, hypoxia per se, does not seem to alter whole body and regional BC during short-term bed rest.

Prediction of residual feed intake for first-lactation dairy cows using orthogonal polynomial random regression

Residual Feed Intake (RFI) is a measure of energy efficiency. Developing an appropriate model to predict expected energy intake while accounting for multifunctional energy requirements of metabolic body weight (MBW), empty body weight (EBW), milk production energy requirements (MPER), and their nonlinear lactation profiles, is the key to successful prediction of RFI in dairy cattle. Individual daily actual energy intake and monthly body weight of 281 first-lactation dairy cows from 1 to 305 d in milk were recorded at the Dairy Research and Technology Centre of the University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB, Canada); individual monthly milk yield and compositions were obtained from the Dairy Herd Improvement Program. Combinations of different orders (1–5) of fixed (F) and random (R) factors were fitted using Legendre polynomial regression to model the nonlinear lactation profiles of MBW, EBW, and MPER over 301 d. The F5R3, F5R3, and F5R2 (subscripts indicate the order fitted) models were selected, based on the combination of the log-likelihood ratio test and the Bayesian information criterion, as the best prediction equations for MBW, EBW, and MPER, respectively. The selected models were used to predict daily individual values for these traits. To consider the body reserve changes, the differences of predicted EBW between 2 consecutive days were considered as the EBW change between these days. The smoothed total 301-d actual energy intake was then linearly regressed on the total 301-d predicted traits of MBW, EBW change, and MPER to obtain the first-lactation RFI (coefficient of determination=0.68). The mean of predicted daily average lactation RFI was 0 and ranged from −6.58 to 8.64 Mcal of NEL/d. Fifty-one percent of the animals had an RFI value below the mean (efficient) and 49% of them had an RFI value above the mean (inefficient). These results indicate that the first-lactation RFI can be predicted from its component traits with a reasonable coefficient of determination. The predicted RFI could be used in the dairy breeding program to increase profitability by selecting animals that are genetically superior in energy efficiency based on RFI, or through routinely measured traits, which are genetically correlated with RFI.

Use of residual feed intake in Holsteins during early lactation shows potential to improve feed efficiency through genetic selection1

Improved feed efficiency is a primary goal in dairy production to reduce feed costs and negative impacts of production on the environment. Estimates for efficiency of feed conversion to milk production based on residual feed intake (RFI) in dairy cattle are limited, primarily due to a lack of individual feed intake measurements for lactating cows. Feed intake was measured in Holstein cows during the first 90 d of lactation to estimate the heritability and repeatability of RFI, minimum test duration for evaluating RFI in early lactation, and its association with other production traits. Data were obtained from 453 lactations (214 heifers and 239 multiparous cows) from 292 individual cows from September 2007 to December 2011. Cows were housed in a free-stall barn and monitored for individual daily feed consumption using the GrowSafe 4000 System (GrowSafe Systems, Ltd., Airdrie, AB, Canada). Animals were fed a total mixed ration 3 times daily, milked twice daily, and weighed every 10 to 14 d. Milk yield was measured at each milking. Feed DM percentage was measured daily, and nutrient composition was analyzed from a weekly composite. Milk composition was analyzed weekly, alternating between morning and evening milking periods. Estimates of RFI were determined as the difference between actual energy intake and predicted intake based on a linear model with fixed effects of parity (1, 2, ≥ 3) and regressions on metabolic BW, ADG, and energy-corrected milk yield. Heritability was estimated to be moderate (0.36 ± 0.06), and repeatability was estimated at 0.56 across lactations. A test period through 53 d in milk (DIM) explained 81% of the variation provided by a test through 90 DIM. Multiple regression analysis indicated that high efficiency was associated with less time feeding per day and slower feeding rate, which may contribute to differences in RFI among cows. The heritability and repeatability of RFI suggest an opportunity to improve feed efficiency through genetic selection, which could reduce feed costs, manure output, and greenhouse gas emissions associated with dairy production.

Nutrition Support in Critically Ill Children: Underdelivery of Energy and Protein Compared with Current Recommendations

Critically ill children are at high risk for developing nutritional deficiencies, and hospital undernutrition is known to be a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in children. This study's aims were to examine current nutrition practices and the adequacy of nutrition support in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). This retrospective chart review included 240 PICU patients admitted to PICU for longer than 48 hours and documented all intravenous (IV), parenteral, and enteral energy and protein for the first 8 days. Basal metabolic rate and protein requirements were estimated by Schofield equation and the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Clinical Guidelines, respectively. Moderate/severe acute malnutrition was defined as weight for age greater than −2 z scores, and moderate/severe chronic malnutrition (growth stunting) was defined as height for age greater than −2 z scores, using 2000 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts. During the first 8 days of PICU stay, the actual energy intake for all patient-days was an average of 75.7%±56.7% of basal metabolic rate and was significantly lower than basal metabolic rate (P<0.001); the actual protein intake for all patient-days met an average of 40.4%±44.2% of protein requirements and was significantly lower than the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition guidelines (P<0.001). Delivery of energy and protein were inadequate on 60% and 85% of patient-days, respectively. Only 75% of estimated energy and 40% of protein requirements were met in the first 8 days of PICU stay. These data demonstrate a high prevalence of critically ill children who are not meeting their recommended levels of protein and energy. In order to avoid undernutrition of these children, providers must conduct ongoing assessment of protein and energy intake compared with protein and energy requirements.

Energy and Nitrogen Provided by Native Herbage to Sheep Grazing in Alpine Grasslands of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

In Alpine pasturelands animals switch from higher land for summer and autumn grazing to lower land for winter and spring grazing. A grazing experiment using nine Gansu Alpine Merinos was carried out in Alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau. Results for the quality of consumed herbage from the autumn pasture showed that the Digestible Energy (DE), Crude Protein (CP) content and CP:DE ratio were 9.15 MJ kg(-1) 10.8 g/100 g and 11.8 g MJ(-1), respectively and the CP level and the CP:DE ratio were optimal for nitrogen utilization. The dry matter intake changed significantly with seasons (p<0.05). For sheep grazing on winter pasture, the actual metabolizable energy intake was lower than maintenance requirements with a negative nitrogen balance (p<0.05), supplements should include both energy and protein feed. While grazing on spring pasture, sheep should be supplemented with energy feed expected to improve N utilization.

Symptoms in advanced pancreatic cancer are of importance for energy intake

Cancer cachexia and low energy intake (EI) probably contribute to weight loss in advanced pancreatic cancer (PC). However, little is known about the actual EI in this disease. Aims were to assess EI, weight loss and symptoms during the disease course and investigate associations between symptoms and EI. Thirty-nine patients (21 males) with advanced PC were consecutively included and followed every 4 weeks until the end of life. A 24-h dietary recall was used to assess EI. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and the PC-specific health-related quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-PAN26) were used for symptom assessment. Median age was 62 years (48-88), WHO performance status 1 (0-2) and survival 5 months (1-25). Seventeen (44 %) patients had unresectable cancer, 16 (41 %) metastatic and six (15 %) recurrent disease. Upon inclusion, 37 (95 %) reported weight loss (median 4.0 kg per month). During follow-up, median weight loss per month was <1.0 kg. Forty to 65 % had EI <29 kcal/kg/day (cut-off value for weight maintenance) during the observation period but they did not lose more weight than patients with EI ≥ 29 kcal. Strong negative correlations (r range) were found between EI and pain (0.51-0.61), fatigue (0.54-0.67), oral dryness (0.61-0.64) and loss of appetite (0.53-0.71). In this study, several symptoms influenced EI negatively. Low EI did not completely explain weight loss in this patient group, but careful monitoring and early follow-up of symptoms may be important interventions to reduce weight loss in advanced PC.

Energy expenditure, energy intake and nutritional indices in chinese peritoneal dialysis patients

The estimated energy expenditure is critical for prescribing an appropriate energy intake for dialysis patients. Unfortunately, it is often higher than actual energy intake from a single-point measurement. It is hypothesized that the difference might be reduced with repeated measurements. A total of 206 clinically–stable patients on peritoneal dialysis longer than 3 months were studied. Dietary protein and energy intakes were measured repeatedly and time-averaged values were calculated. Energy expenditures were estimated from Harris-Benedict, Schofield and WHO formulas. Other nutritional indices included anthropometric, biochemistry, lean body mass from DEXA and hand grip strength. The time-averaged normalized protein and energy intake were 0.86±0.14 g/kg/d, 28.24±4.40 kcal/kg/d. The estimated energy expenditures were significantly higher than actual energy intake calculated by above formulas with differences of 369.35, 433.26 and 469.99 kcal/d respectively. When patients were divided into three groups according to the tertile of differences between estimated energy expenditure from Harris–Benedict equation and actual energy intake, we did not observe any differences in serum albumin and prealbumin, lean body mass measured by DEXA, and hand grip strength between groups. Conclusions: The estimated energy expenditure from above formulas still surpassed the actual energy intake even though it was measured repeatedly in well-trained PD patients. The appropriate equations of energy expenditure should be derived from dialysis population specifically

The AAP's 2012 Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Is There Anything New?

Breastfeeding MedicineVol. 7, No. 3 President's CornerThe AAP's 2012 Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Is There Anything New?Arthur I. EidelmanArthur I. EidelmanSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:17 Jul 2012https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2012.9989AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail View article"The AAP's 2012 Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Is There Anything New?." , 7(3), pp. 203–204FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited byAnalysis of gene expression from human breastmilk cells: A comparison between low and high producers, and the influence of anxiety and depression on milk production, gene expression and bacterial productionHeliyon, Vol. 7, No. 11Methylprednisolone Concentrations in Breast Milk and Serum of Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Treated with IV Pulse MethylprednisoloneClinical Neurology and Neurosurgery, Vol. 197Introductory Chapter: A Comprehensive Approach to the Process of Breastfeeding19 December 2018The fortification method relying on assumed human milk composition overestimates the actual energy and macronutrient intakes in very preterm infants17 September 2018 | Maternal Health, Neonatology and Perinatology, Vol. 4, No. 1Safety of IV pulse methylprednisolone therapy during breastfeeding in patients with multiple sclerosis26 June 2017 | Multiple Sclerosis Journal, Vol. 24, No. 9Is the Relationship Between Breastfeeding and Childhood Risk of Asthma and Obesity Mediated by Infant Antibiotic Treatment?23 July 2015 | Breastfeeding Medicine, Vol. 10, No. 6 Volume 7Issue 3Jun 2012 InformationCopyright 2012, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Arthur I. Eidelman.The AAP's 2012 Breastfeeding Policy Statement: Is There Anything New?.Breastfeeding Medicine.Jun 2012.203-204.http://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2012.9989Published in Volume: 7 Issue 3: July 17, 2012Online Ahead of Print:May 11, 2012PDF download

Consuming pork proteins at breakfast reduces the feeling of hunger before lunch

This study investigated the effect of pork proteins consumed at breakfast on the subsequent feeling of hunger until the evening meal. The study involved 136 students at a local boarding school, which meant that the study could be carried out in the test persons’ normal environment. All students consumed the control breakfast on one of the two test days, and then half the students consumed the medium-protein breakfast and the other half the high-protein breakfast on the other test day, thereby acting as his/her own control. It was clearly shown that consuming a medium- or high-protein breakfast decreased the hunger ratings until lunch (4h) compared with a control breakfast. A dose-response relationship related to the amount of proteins consumed at breakfast was observed, the high-protein breakfast leading to feelings of being less hungry compared with consuming a medium-protein breakfast. However, there was no direct link between hunger ratings and actual energy intake at lunch. The self-reported snacking during the whole day showed no clear relationship with the type of breakfast consumed.

Energy intake and appetite-related hormones following acute aerobic and resistance exercise

Previous research has shown that resistance and aerobic exercise have differing effects on perceived hunger and circulating levels of appetite-related hormones. However, the effect of resistance and aerobic exercise on actual energy intake has never been compared. This study investigated the effect of an acute bout of resistance exercise, compared with aerobic exercise, on subsequent energy intake and appetite-regulating hormones. Ten active men completed 3 trials in a counterbalanced design: 45 min of resistance exercise (RES; free and machine weights), aerobic exercise (AER; running), or a resting control trial (CON). Following exercise or CON, participants had access to a buffet-style array of breakfast foods and drinks to consume ad libitum. Plasma concentrations of a range of appetite-regulating hormones were measured throughout each trial. Despite significantly higher energy expenditure with AER compared with RES (p < 0.05), there was no difference in total energy intake from the postexercise meal between trials (p = 0.779). Pancreatic polypeptide was significantly higher prior to the meal after both RES and AER compared with CON. In contrast, active ghrelin was lower following RES compared with both CON and AER (p ≤ 0.05), while insulin was higher following RES compared with CON (p = 0.013). In summary, the differential response of appetite-regulating hormones to AER and RES does not appear to influence energy intake in the postexercise meal. However, given the greater energy expenditure associated with AER compared with RES, AER modes of exercise may be preferable for achieving short-term negative energy balance.

Perceptions of portion size and energy content: implications for strategies to affect behaviour change

To assess Australian consumers' perception of portion size of fast-food items and their ability to estimate energy content. Cross-sectional computer-based survey. Australia. Fast-food consumers (168 male, 324 female) were asked to recall the items eaten at the most recent visit to a fast-food restaurant, rate the prospective satiety and estimate the energy content of seven fast-food or 'standard' meals relative to a 9000 kJ Guideline Daily Amount. Nine dietitians also completed the energy estimation task. Ratings of prospective satiety generally aligned with the actual size of the meals and indicated that consumers perceived all meals to provide an adequate amount of food, although this differed by gender. The magnitude of the error in energy estimation by consumers was three to ten times that of the dietitians. In both males and females, the average error in energy estimation for the fast-food meals (females: mean 3911 (sd 1998) kJ; males: mean 3382 (sd 1957) kJ) was significantly (P < 0·001) larger than for the standard meals (females: mean 2607 (sd 1623) kJ; males: mean 2754 (sd 1652) kJ). In women, error in energy estimation for fast-food items predicted actual energy intake from fast-food items (β = 0·16, P < 0·01). Knowledge of the energy content of standard and fast-food meals in fast-food consumers in Australia is poor. Awareness of dietary energy should be a focus of health promotion if nutrition information, in its current format, is going to alter behaviour.

Self-reported energy intake by FFQ compared with actual energy intake to maintain body weight in 516 adults

It is generally assumed that a FFQ is not suitable to estimate the absolute levels of individual energy intake. However, in epidemiological studies, reported nutrients by FFQ are often corrected for this intake. The objective of the present study was to assess how accurately participants report their energy intakes by FFQ. We compared reported energy intake with actual energy intake needed to maintain stable body weights during eleven controlled dietary trials. FFQ were developed to capture at least 90 % of energy intake. Participants, 342 women and 174 men, with a mean BMI of 22.8 (SD 3.1) kg/m2 filled out the FFQ just before the trials. Energy intakes during the trials were calculated from provided foods and reported free-food items, representing 90 and 10 % of energy intake, respectively. Mean reported energy intake was 97.5 (SD 12.7) % of actual energy intake during the trials; it was 98.9 (SD 15.2) % for women and 94.7 (SD 16.3) % for men (P = 0.004 for difference between sexes). Correlation coefficients between reported and actual energy intakes were 0.82 for all participants, 0.74 for women and 0.80 for men. Individual reported energy intake as a percentage of actual intake ranged from 56.3 to 159.6 % in women and from 43.8 to 151.0 % in men. In conclusion, the FFQ appeared to be accurate for estimating the mean level of energy intakes of these participants and for ranking them according to their intake. However, the large differences found on the individual level may affect the results of epidemiological studies in an unknown direction if nutrients are corrected for energy intakes reported by FFQ.

Energy and protein allowances and requirements in stallions during the breeding season, comparing different nutritional systems1

This study was conducted to estimate the nutritional value of diets given to stallions of different breeds during the reproductive season, and comparing allowances with requirements. The systems compared were the French INRA, the 1989 NRC, and the 2007 NRC. Data on reproductive activity, daily exercise, BW, BCS, feed intake, and feed composition during 4 mo (from March to June) were recorded on 12 stallions used for commercial AI programs. Stallions belonged to 3 different breeds: Italian Haflinger (IH, n=4), Holstein (HOL, n=4), and Italian Heavy Draft horse (IHDH, n=4). Data recorded were used to estimate the actual energy and protein intakes and theoretical requirements of the stallions using the aforementioned systems. A deviation index [DI = (intake - requirement)/intake × -1] was calculated to allow a comparison among methods as a proportion of under- or overestimates of theoretical requirements. All data were statistically analyzed with a mixed model for repeated measurements. The reproductive activity of the stallions was affected by month (less in March and greater in subsequent months; P<0.05). Daily exercise was generally low during the middle breeding season, and the intensity and kinds of exercise differed according to the breeds. Changes of BW and BCS of the stallions were not statistically significant (P=0.69 and P=0.17, respectively) during the experimental period, and therefore diets could be considered balanced to support all animal needs. However, the energy and protein allowances were not always consistent with the theoretical requirements considering all 3 nutritional systems. Energy and protein INRA recommendations showed, on average, +0.90 and +0.27 greater DI than actual intakes, respectively, for IH and HOL stallions, whereas the theoretical requirements were much closer to allowances for the IHDH stallions (DI close to 0). The 1989 NRC energy and protein recommendations, respectively, were +0.67 and +0.87 greater than intake for IH, +0.28 and +0.43 greater for HOL, and only +0.06 and +0.17 greater for IHDH stallions. The 2007 NRC energy and protein recommendations, respectively, were +0.70 and +0.52 greater for IH, +0.33 and +0.17 greater for HOL, and +0.52 and +0.49 greater for IHDH than actual intakes. Therefore, all systems overestimated the requirements of the stallion, particularly in lighter breeds. Further studies to validate requirements for breeding stallions of different sizes are recommended.

GrazeIn: a model of herbage intake and milk production for grazing dairy cows. 1. Prediction of intake capacity, voluntary intake and milk production during lactation

AbstractThe prediction of both food intake and milk production constitutes a major issue in ruminants. This article presents a model predicting voluntary dry matter intake and milk production by lactating cows fed indoors. This model, with an extension to predict herbage intake at grazing presented in a second article, is used in the Grazemore decision support system. The model is largely based on the INRA fill unit system, consisting of predicting separately the intake capacity of the cows and the fill value (ingestibility) of each feed. The intake capacity model considers potential milk production as a key component of voluntary feed intake. This potential milk production represents the energy requirement of the mammary gland, adjusted by protein supply when the protein availability is limiting. Actual milk production is predicted from the potential milk production and from the nutritional status of the cow. The law of response of milk production is a function of the difference between energy demand and actual energy intake, modulated by protein intake level. The simulation of experimental data from different feeding trials illustrates the performance of the model. This new model enables dynamic simulations of intake and milk production sensitive to feeding management during the whole lactation period.

Self-reported vs. actual energy intake in youth with and without loss of control eating

Episodes of loss of control over eating (LOC) in children and adolescents – often characterized by the consumption of highly palatable dessert and snack-type foods – have been associated with a lack of awareness while eating that could lead to under- or over-estimation of how much food is consumed. However, little is known about the reporting accuracy of food intake in youth with and without LOC eating. One hundred fifty-six girls and boys were administered the Eating Disorder Examination to assess for the presence of LOC eating. Youth were queried regarding the amounts of foods consumed directly following a multi-item, laboratory buffet test meal. Children with LOC (n = 42) did not differ significantly from youth without LOC (n = 114) in reporting accuracy of total food intake (reported minus actual energy intake: 153.0 ± 59.6 vs. 96.9 ± 36.0 kcal; p = 0.42). However, compared to those without LOC, children with LOC were less accurate at reporting percentage of energy intake from carbohydrate ( p = 0.01). Youth with LOC were also less accurate at reporting their intake of desserts ( p = 0.04). Findings point to the possibility that youth with LOC may have poorer recall of sweet food consumption. Future research is required to examine whether poorer recall reflects a lack of awareness while eating palatable, sweet foods.