Animal Source Foods Research Articles

Determinants of animal source food consumption among children aged 6–23 months in sub-Saharan Africa: multilevel mixed effect model

A diversified diet in early childhood that comprises plant and animal source foods contributes to better health outcomes throughout the life course. However, inadequate infant and young child-feeding practices are serious public health problems in Africa. Evidence on the magnitude and determinants of inadequate animal source food consumption (ASF) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is not yet well established. Hence, this study aimed to estimate the pooled magnitude and determinants of ASF consumption in SSA. A total weighted sample of 92,309 children aged 6–23 months from the Demographic and Health Survey dataset of 35 SSA countries was used for this study. A multilevel mixed-effect model was fitted. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and likelihood ratio (LR) tests were used to assess the presence of the clustering effect. The model comparison was made using deviance information criteria (DIC). A p-value of p < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance. The pooled magnitude of ASF consumption among children aged 6–23 months in SSA was 23.7% (95% CI: 23.4, 23.9). Across the SSA regions, the Southern Africa region had the highest consumption of ASF (51.35%), and the lowest was from the Eastern Africa region (21.41%). Younger children aged 6–9 months (AOR = 3.39; 95% CI: 3.14, 3.65), mothers who had no formal education (AOR = 1.46; 95% CI: 1.37, 1.56), children from mothers with no media exposure (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.24), children from the poorest households (AOR = 2.59; 95% CI: 2.36, 2.84), rural residence (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.28), living in low-income countries (AOR = 2.43; 95% CI: 2.03, 2.90), and children from the East Africa region (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.14, 1.35) were among the significant predictors for not consuming ASF. In this study, ASF consumption was markedly low. Almost three-fourths of children aged 6–23 months in SSA did not consume ASF in the previous day. Age of the child, ANC visits, maternal educational status, maternal marital status, media exposure, and household wealth index were significant individual-level predictors of ASF consumption, whereas the place of residence, country’s income level, and regions of SSA were found to be significant community-level predictors of ASF consumption. Thus, the study highlighted that policymakers, governments, and their partners should demonstrate rigorous efforts to improve dietary diversification with due consideration to the identified predictors of ASF.

Differences in within-plant oviposition preferences and immature survival between Orius predators and the importance of spatial availability of prey.

Oviposition preferences of plant-feeding predators remain a complex topic, as such omnivores choose oviposition sites by assessing both plant characteristics and the quality and quantity of nearby animal food sources. Orius predators are omnivores that oviposit endophytically, thus plant characteristics play an important role in their oviposition choices. In this study, we assessed the oviposition and foraging preferences of O. laevigatus and O. majusculus on vegetative and flowering chrysanthemum plants, and assessed the survival of their offspring on differently aged tissues. Our results show a preference of O. laevigatus for young and tender chrysanthemum tissues, where the survival of the nymphs was longer on a plant diet. In contrast, O. majusculus selected older plant parts when laying its eggs, and nymphs did not survive long on any of the plant tissues offered. The foraging activity of Orius females for animal prey (Ephestia kuehniella eggs) did not reveal any specific pattern for either of the two predators. Furthermore, we tested the plasticity of the within-plant oviposition preferences of O. laevigatus, by offering sentinel prey (E. kuehniella eggs) on distinct plant parts. We found that more eggs were laid in older plant tissue when animal prey was offered lower on the plant. Overall, our findings show that oviposition choices of Orius predators are based on a dynamic interplay between plant characteristics, presence of animal and/or floral food sources among other factors, and that differences may well occur between closely related species based on the importance of plant resources in their diet.

Unravelling the seasonal dietary dynamics of the endangered garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) in Flanders, Belgium

The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) faces significant population declines across Europe, prompting urgent conservation measures. A critical aspect of these efforts is understanding the species’ dietary composition and preferences within specific areas and how this changes throughout the year. We compared garden dormouse diets between two habitats in West Flanders, Belgium with faecal analysis from May to October, covering almost their entire active phase. Our findings revealed a diverse diet of both plant and animal matter, with notable variations between habitats and seasons. Blackberries and other fruits, leaves, and to a lesser extent flowers, were the predominant plant-based food sources in both study areas, with seasonal fluctuations indicating a dietary shift throughout the dormice’s active period. Spring diets consisted primarily of young leaves and flowers, changing to increased fruit consumption in summer. Beetles emerged as a main animal food source throughout the entire active period. Snails were prominently eaten in the woody area, while millipedes prevailed in the diet in the dune environment, both more in spring than later in the active season. These insights highlight the importance of maintaining diverse fruit sources and preserving beetle, snail, and millipede populations for garden dormouse conservation. This study provides valuable insights into dormouse dietary preferences and thus contributes to targeted conservation strategies being essential for the survival of the dormouse.

Organic matter-induced physiological responses and modulation of the enzymatic system in Sorghum bicolor (L) Moench genotypes cultivated in saline soil

Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a crop with numerous applications that serves as a food source for humans and animals. However, soils with high salt concentrations compromise the initial development of the crop, and the addition of organic matter can mitigate the damage caused by salinity. The present study aimed to verify the effect of organic matter on salinity on the physiology and enzymatic profiles of two sorghum varieties, BRS Ponta Negra and BRS 373. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design (DIC) in a 4 x 4 x 2 arrangement, using different doses of organic matter as recommended (100%, 200%, 300%, and 400%) and the two sorghum varieties, with 4 replications. The variables analysed were: photosynthetic rate (A), transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (Gs), and enzymatic activity of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), polyphenoloxidase (POL), and catalase (CAT). The results showed that the A, E, and Gs responded differently to different doses of organic matter (OM); these responses were influenced by the isolated effects of the varieties or doses of organic matter, and their behaviour differed between the two analysed varieties. The A, E, and Gs showed contrasting response patterns between different doses of OM in variety 1 (BRS Ponta Negra) and variety 2 (BRS 373). These responses were influenced by the isolated effects of the varieties and/or doses of organic matter, showing different behaviours among the tested varieties.

A Qualitative Study of Rural Plant-Based Eaters' Knowledge and Practices for Nutritional Adequacy.

(1) Background: Healthful plant-based diets, especially those rich in minimally processed plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, have been associated with a lower risk of diet-related chronic disease. However, individuals who limit or avoid animal products may be at risk of nutrient deficiencies, especially related to Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iron, iodine, zinc, and protein. Such deficiencies can result in both short- and long-term health challenges. We used qualitative methods to explore plant-based eaters' knowledge and awareness of these eight nutrients of concern in diets that limit or exclude animal-source foods. (2) Methods: We conducted interviews with 28 rural flexitarian, pescatarian, vegan, or vegetarian adults in Vermont, USA. (3) Results: The participants positively viewed the healthfulness of plant-based diets, but many recognized limitations to accessing Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. They shared the strategies used to meet their needs including eating a varied diet, seeking out specific foods, and taking dietary supplements. Analyses identified gaps in the participants' knowledge related to nutrient bioavailability, food sources of specific nutrients, and the importance of zinc and iodine. Vegans-the highest-risk group-generally presented as the most knowledgeable. The participants noted a lack of local plant-based nutrition expertise. (4) Conclusions: Addressing the identified knowledge gaps and challenges to dietary adequacy, especially among those who limit, but do not fully omit, animal-source foods, may support plant-based nutrition.

Ultra-processed vegan foods: Healthy alternatives to animal-source foods or avoidable junk?

Animal-source foods (ASFs), namely, meat, milk, eggs, and derived products, are crucial components of a well-balanced diet owing to their contribution with multiple essential nutrients. The benefits of the consumption of ASFs in terms of hedonic responses, emotional well-being, and mood are also widely documented. However, an increasing share of consumers decide to exclude ASFs from their diets. Some of these vegan consumers are inclined to consume so-called "meat" and/or "dairy analogs," which are produced from plant materials (soy, wheat, and oat, among others). In order to simulate appearance, texture, and flavor of ASFs, these industrial vegan foods are designed using an intricate formulation and industrial processing, which justifies their identification as ultraprocessed foods (UPFs). While the introduction of these processed vegan products is becoming popular in developed countries, the consequences of the sustained intake of these products on human health are mostly ignored. Contrarily to common belief, which emphasizes their role as "healthy" alternatives to ASFs, these plant-based UPFs may enclose certain threats, which are reviewed in the present paper. The remarkable differences between vegan UPFs and the genuine ASFs (meat/dairy products) from sensory, nutritional, hedonic, or health perspectives precludes the designation of the former as analogs of the latter. Understanding the basis of these differences would contribute to (i) providing consumers with grounds to make reasoned decisions to consume meat/dairy products and/or the vegan alternatives and (ii) providing food companies with strategies to produce more appealing, nutritive, and healthy industrially processed vegan products.

Characterization of Pasture Production Systems in Makueni County of Kenya

Livestock feed is a key factor influencing animal production and productivity as evidenced by the increased demand for animal source foods (ASFs) to feed a growing human population in Kenya. However, there exists untapped potential of pasture commercialization and hence the need to harness the social, economic and environmental benefits in the ASALs for overall rural development. A study was conducted to characterize the existing pasture production systems in Makueni County. A purposive random sampling of 300 respondents drawn from 3 Sub-counties and 12 wards was conducted in Makueni County in January, 2021. The study aimed to characterize existing pasture production systems using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Multivariate statistical techniques; principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were used to determine whether or not there were significant differences in the pasture production systems in Makueni County. Results of the study showed that majority (97%) of the farmers were small scale farmers (SSFs) who dedicated less than 5 acres of their land to pasture production. The mean age of small- scale farmers was 52 years compared to 55 years for the large-scale farmers (LSFs). Most of the households were male headed (83%). Most of the SSFs household heads had primary level of education level or lower while most of the large-scale household heads had secondary education and above. Majority (35%) of SSFs owned the land under pasture without a title while most of the LSFs had a title. The land under pasture for SSFs was about 2 acres with an average of 102 bales per season while LSFs had about 23 acres under pasture and produced about 1,762 bales per season. Majority (92%) grew local grass varieties and sold their pasture in form of a bale. 58% of SSFs sited NGOs as their main source of grass seeds while LSFs mainly sourced from agrovets Results of PCA revealed that 6 of the 17 components had eigen values greater than 1 and accounted for 58% of the total variance. Based on Euclidian distance, six clusters were determined using the agglomeration schedule. ANOVA analysis of the six profiles were estimated to have p-values of 0.000, suggesting the existence of significance difference between cluster 1 to 6 in relation to the 6 profiles and hence concluding the existence of variations in pasture production systems in Makueni County. Development strategies should focus on knowledge of and improved access to grass seeds to farmers as well as development of standards of the mode of sale of pasture.

Unveiling the Nutritional Quality of Terrestrial Animal Source Foods by Species and Characteristics of Livestock Systems.

Background. It is well-established that a range of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds found in animal-source foods play unique and important roles in human health as part of a healthy diet. Methods. This narrative review focuses on terrestrial animal source foods (TASFs). It particularly analyzes five groups: poultry eggs, milk, unprocessed meat, foods from hunting and wildlife farming, and insects. The objectives were as follows: (1) examine the nutrient composition of TASFs within and across livestock species, drawing on the country and regional food composition databases; (2) analyze the influence of intrinsic animal characteristics and production practices on TASF nutritional quality. Results. TASFs are rich in high-quality proteins and fats, as well as micronutrients such as vitamin B12, iron or zinc. This study found differences in the nutritional quality of TASFs by livestock species and animal products, as well as by characteristics of livestock production systems. Our findings suggest that there may be public health opportunities by diversifying TASF consumption across species and improving certain aspects of the production systems to provide products that are both more sustainable and of higher quality. Conclusions. Future research should adopt a more holistic approach to examining the food matrix and the dietary patterns that influence TASF digestibility. It is necessary to include meat from hunting and wildlife farming and insects in global food composition databases, as limited literature was found. In addition, scarce research focuses on low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the need for further exploration of TASF food composition analysis and how intrinsic animal characteristics and livestock production system characteristics impact their nutritional value.

Dietary partitioning in sympatric Paradoxurinae civets in Borneo suggested by compound-specific nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids

We applied stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses to understand the faunivory of the four sympatric wild Paradoxurinae civet species in Borneo, which share similar ecological characteristics. We also employed compound-specific nitrogen isotope analysis of amino acids to estimate these species’ trophic positions (TPs). The bulk stable isotope analysis revealed distinctly lower nitrogen isotope ratios in binturongs than in the other three species. This suggests that binturongs exhibit the lowest degree of faunivory among the four species. Binturongs had the lowest TP estimated from the nitrogen isotope ratios of amino acids (2.0–2.1), followed by small-toothed palm civets (2.4–2.5), masked palm civets (2.7), and common palm civets (2.9). These results suggest that there is little faunivory in binturong and variations in faunivory in the other species. Although the number of samples measured for the nitrogen isotope ratios of amino acids is small (n = 2 for each species), our results suggest that the varying degree of consumption of animal food sources, such as insects, is the key mechanism of niche partitioning in these four Paradoxurinae civet species in Borneo. Such subtle but essential differences in closely related sympatric species would maintain high biodiversity in tropical regions.

Comparing the nutritional value and prices of meat and milk substitutes with their animal-based benchmarks across six European countries

Since overconsumption of animal-sourced foods is directly linked to multiple environmental and health issues, a dietary shift is imperative. One approach to facilitate this change is the production of substitutes for animal-sourced foods based on plant-based or novel ingredients. However, to be a valid alternative, substitute products must match animal-sourced foods regarding their nutritional value while being price competitive. To understand where substitutes currently stand in that regard, this study presents a novel dataset containing the prices, main ingredients, and nutritional composition of almost 2600 substitute products as well as prices of approximately 7500 conventional products sold in major supermarket chains in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom.Although comparative analyses (non-parametric two-sided Wilcoxon rank-sum tests at a 5 % significance level) of the results indicate that the meat substitutes generally contain a higher level of dietary fiber with lower saturated fats, these meat substitutes often also have lower protein quality and higher salt and sugar levels than the conventional products. On average, meat substitutes were found to be 24 to 115 % more expensive compared to conventional meat, except for the German samples where price parity has been reached. Among milk substitutes, only soy-based products have favorable macronutrient profiles. The average price premium charged for milk substitutes compared to cows’ milk is 35 to 58 %. In general, fortification rates of substitutes should be increased to ensure sufficient supplies of micronutrients, particularly among meat substitutes where fortification rates are below 20% except for the Netherlands. Following these results, certain individual products already provide high nutritional value at low costs. However, further improvements are required for substitutes to become a compelling alternative at each scale.

Moving milk and shifting risk: A mixed methods assessment of food safety risks along informal dairy value chains in Kisumu, Kenya

Animal sourced foods (ASF) are important for global food security and in mitigating the impact of undernutrition. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, demand and urbanization continue to increase, creating a greater divide between farm-level production and consumption. Food safety residues including antibiotics and aflatoxin residues often originate at the production site, and risk can shift as milk is transported. In 2022, milk samples (n = 190) were collected from eight milk vendors in Kisumu, Kenya and tested for betalactams and aflatoxins with cut off values of 300 parts per billion (ppb) and 200 parts per trillion (ppt), respectively. Data was collected on the origin and containers of each sample, and the eight vendors responded to an open-ended questionnaire regarding the structure and challenges in their milk business.Aflatoxin residues were detected in 7 % (13/190) of samples with no samples (0/190) testing positive for antibiotic residues. Overall, 80 % samples were collected from metal transportation containers, and no milk containers >20 l tested positive for aflatoxins. The origin location(s) of milk was not significantly associated with residues (p = 0.44). Vendor questionnaire data were summarized into three themes: 1) Physical properties of milk are understood to influence quality, 2) Fluctuating availability of milk impacts profits and is the main influence on choice of supplier, and 3) Trust and rapport among value chain actors are key to mitigating business challenges.Our results indicate that farm-level practices around antibiotic use is not posing a major milk safety risk to urban consumers. Use of large 50-l containers for transporting milk may be protective as risk of aflatoxin residues is diluted below key thresholds. We recommend supporting existing relationships and identifying drivers that build trust among informal value chain actors which could strengthen collaboration and allow actors to move towards a shared goal of reliable and safe milk available for urban consumers.

Neonicotinoids, Agriculture And Food Security Of Brazilian Honey: A Review

Pesticides used in agriculture have the function of controlling pests, diseases and preventing the development and growth of weeds, increasing the quality and productivity of crops. However, when they reach unwanted targets, such as bees, humans and other living beings, they cause harmful damage to ecosystems. Neonicotinoids, insecticides widely used in monocultures, such as soybeans and corn in Brazil, are especially harmful to bees, whether native or exotic, interfering with the foraging and pollination performance of plants. The global decline in the bee population is related to the use of insecticides, a fact that directly threatens the production of various foods. Honey, the main beekeeping product , is not only a source of food for bees, humans and other animals, but also an indicator of environmental quality, as its composition reflects the conditions of the environment in which it was produced, and determinations made therein can reveal the presence of contaminants such as pesticides and toxic metals providing information about ecosystem health and the presence of environmental contaminants. Furthermore, consuming pesticide-free foods is crucial for human health and environmental sustainability, as the intake of neonicotinoids is associated with several health problems such as hormonal disorders and nervous system diseases and is especially dangerous for children. This article reviews the neonicotinoid insecticides imidacloprid and thiamethoxam and the contamination they cause in the honey of bees Apis mellifera Linnaeus (1758) and Tetragonisca angustula Latreille (1811) in Brazil, evaluating the impacts of these insecticides on bees, the implications for ecosystems and safety to feed

Extreme Temperatures Reduce Copepod Performance and Change the Relative Abundance of Internal Microbiota

ABSTRACTCopepods are one of the most abundant invertebrate groups in the seas and oceans and are a significant food source for marine animals. Copepods are also particularly sensitive to elevated temperatures. However, it is relatively unknown how the internal microbiome influences copepod susceptibility to warming. We addressed this fundamental knowledge gap by assessing key life history traits (survival, development, and reproduction) and changes in the internal microbiome in the tropical calanoid copepod Acartia sp. in response to warming (26°C, 30°C, and 34°C). Copepod microbiomes were analyzed using high throughput DNA sequencing of V1–V9 of 16S rRNA hypervariable regions. Copepod performance was better at 30°C than at 26°C, as indicated by faster development, a higher growth rate, and fecundity. However, these parameters strongly decreased at 34°C. We recorded 1,262,987 amplicon sequence reads, corresponding to 392 total operational taxonomic units (OTUs) at 97% similarity. Warming did not affect OTU numbers and the biodiversity indices, but it substantially changed the relative abundance of three major phyla: Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidota. The thermophilic and opportunistic Proteobacteria and Bacteroidota increased under extreme temperatures (34°C) while Actinobacteria abundance was strongly reduced. Changes in the relative abundance of these bacteria might be related to reduced copepod growth, survival, and reproduction under extreme temperatures. Profiling the functional role of all internal bacterial groups in response to the temperature change will fundamentally advance our mechanistic understanding of the performance of tropical copepods and, more generally, marine invertebrates to a warming climate.

Maternal employment in high-value agriculture and child nutrition: Evidence from the Ethiopian cut-flower industry

In many low- and middle-income countries, agri-food supply chains are transforming rapidly. One important feature of this transformation is growth in certain high-value agricultural subsectors, such as horticulture and cut-flowers for export. Growth in high-value agriculture often creates new employment opportunities, especially for women. More employment can lead to higher rural incomes, but the broader implications for social welfare are not yet sufficiently understood. Here, we use survey data from Ethiopia to investigate the effects of women’s employment in floriculture on child nutrition, focusing on children aged 0–5 years. We develop and estimate endogenous switching regressions to account for possible endogeneity. Our results suggest that maternal employment in floriculture negatively affects child height-for-age and weight-for-age z-scores (HAZ and WAZ). Exploration of the underlying mechanisms reveals that floriculture employment may influence time allocation, dietary quality, income, and female financial autonomy. Maternal employment is negatively associated with time spent on childcare and consumption of animal-sourced foods.

Nutritional quality and diversity in Ghana’s school feeding programme: a mixed-methods exploration through caterer interviews in the Greater Accra Region

BackgroundThe Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) provides public primary school pupils with a free daily meal. Each meal is expected to follow set menus, providing 30% of children’s’ (6-12 years) energy requirements. This study assessed the nutritional quality and diversity of planned and provided GSFP meals, engaging school caterers to identify how meal quality in the Greater Accra Region could be enhanced.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed methods study design was used. Multistage sampling was used to select 129 schools implementing the GSFP in six districts of the Greater Accra Region. GSFP district menus were collected as well as a one-week school caterer recall of provided school meals. The meal served on the day of data collection was recorded and photographed. Nutritional quality was evaluated based on nutrient profiling methods: energy density (low<125kcal/100g; medium 125-225kcal/100g; high>225kcal/100g) and nutrient density (low<5%; medium 5-10%; high>10%). Meal diversity was assessed by a simple count composed of 5 food groups: cereals, pulses/nuts/seeds, animal-source, vegetables and fruits. Caterers’ views on programme facilitators and barriers were also explored.ResultsPlanned menus included 14-20 weekly options, composed of eight minimally processed traditional dishes. All meals, except white rice, had a high nutrient density/100g. Energy density was varied (low, n=2; medium, n=2; high, n=4). Meals included only 2/5 or 3/5 food groups, mainly starchy staples, pulses/nuts/seeds, and sometimes vegetables. Fruit was never reported. About half of caterers (51.1%) reported deviating from the planned menus: 11.7% served alternative meals, with some including animal-sourced food (17.0%), and 39.4% repeated meals provided during the week, often based on starchy staples, influencing overall nutritional quality. Most caterers reported food item cost and lack of food purchase guidelines as barriers to providing school meals, while food safety training and guidelines for food preparation were facilitators.ConclusionsWhile school meals are composed of minimally processed, nutrient dense, local foods, there are notable gaps in meal diversity and compliance, as reflected in provided meals. Caterer compliance to planned menus varied greatly, reflecting recent food price inflation. Upwardly adjusting the current meal allocation of 1.2 cedis (0.22USD) per child per day could enhance access to more affordable, nutritious and diverse foods in school meals.

Improving Nutrition Security in Low- and Middle-Income Countries and the Role of Animal-Source Foods.

Nutrition security is challenging in regions where resources are limited and food production is naturally constrained. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), undernutrition is high for many reasons, including lack of nutritional diversity and low high-quality protein content. Interest in the role of animal-source food (ASF) in reducing nutrition insecurity is increasing, as evidence from LMICs suggests that consumption of ASF is strongly associated with reduction in stunting, improved diet quality, and overall nutrition, particularly in early stages of life. We review the strengths and limitations of ASF consumption in terms of accessibility, safety, and nutritional benefits compared to non-ASF sources. We present a critical discussion on existing barriers to ASF consumption and its future directions in LMICs. Understanding the role of ASF in improving nutrition security in LMICs is crucial to optimizing public health, designing appropriate interventions, and implementing effective policy in resource-poor settings.

Terrestrial Animal Source Foods and Health Outcomes for Those with Special Nutrient Needs in the Life Course.

Background. Animal source foods are under scrutiny for their role in human health, yet some nutritionally vulnerable populations are largely absent from consideration. Methods. Applying a Population Intervention/Exposure Comparator Outcome (PICO/PECO) framework and prioritizing systematic review and meta-analyses, we reviewed the literature on terrestrial animal source foods (TASFs) and human health, by life course phase. Results. There were consistent findings for milk and dairy products on positive health outcomes during pregnancy and lactation, childhood, and among older adults. Eggs were found to promote early childhood growth, depending on context. Unprocessed meat consumption was associated with a reduced risk for anemia during pregnancy, improved cognition among school-age children, and muscle health in older adults. Milk and eggs represent a risk for food sensitivities/allergies, though prevalence is low, and individuals tend to outgrow the allergies. TASFs affect the human microbiome and associated metabolites with both positive and negative health repercussions, varying by type and quantity. Conclusions. There were substantial gaps in the evidence base for studies limiting our review, specifically for studies in populations outside high-income countries and for several TASF types (pig, poultry, less common livestock species, wild animals, and insects). Nonetheless, sufficient evidence supports an important role for TASFs in health during certain periods of the life course.

The Ignored Impact of the Livestock Sector on Climate Change: An Analysis from the Perspective of International Law

Abstract Climate change stands as the paramount challenge confronting humanity in the contemporary era. Attempting to address the problem, the main sectors responsible for it have been subject to domestic or international policies and laws aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, except one: livestock. Given that animal-sourced food production contributes a large portion of GHG emissions, this Article aims to analyze the impacts that the exclusion of the livestock sector, in efforts to tackle climate change, would have on compliance with international treaties on the subject, especially the Paris Agreement. One conclusion reveals that state parties, by ignoring the sector, will violate several articles of the Agreement, which will likely lead to the failure of its main purpose of holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C.

Plant-based diets-impacts of consumption of little or no animal-source foods on human health.

The world, in 2024, faces both climate and biodiversity crises, and the food system does contribute significantly to these crises. For some, the solution is simple - intakes of animal source foods (ASFs) should be considerably reduced, and consumption of plant-source foods (PSFs) should be greatly increased. Advocates for such a dietary transformation express confidence that plant-based diets will not only benefit planetary health, but will provide nutrient adequacy for all, and will also result in considerable protection from chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). However, as described in this perspective, the dramatic reductions in ASFs, entailed by many plant-based diets, will worsen already prevalent micronutrient and protein deficiencies. The protections provided by plant-based diets against NCDs appear to be more strongly associated with reduced intakes of calories and salt, and increased intakes of fruit, vegetables, nuts and whole grains, rather than with reduced intakes of ASFs. Any possible absolute adverse effects of red and processed meat consumption on NCDs are very small and uncertain. Other ASFs either appear to have no impact on NCDs (poultry meat and eggs), or are associated with protections against obesity, cardiovascular events, brain disorders and some cancers (seafood and dairy). Rigorous randomized controlled trials of all newly proposed environmentally-protective plant-based diets are required, so as to provide clear-cut evidence of micronutrient and protein adequacy, with or without, supplementation, fortification and/or biofortification. In the meantime, dietary guidelines should advise moderating excessive consumption, rather than substantially limiting or excluding ASFs from the human diet.

LOCAL ECOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE ON LAND SNAIL DIVERSITY IN MOUNT BANAHAW, PHILIPPINES

Local ecological knowledge (LEK) is a community-based conservation effort that promotes sustainable management of natural resources. However, studies on LEK are very limited in the Philippines. To address this information gap, LEK on land snails in Mount Banahaw, Luzon Island, Philippines was investigated. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in the four communities (Dolores, Lucban, Tayabas and Majayjay) along the slope of the mountain. A snail calendar was used as a tool for identifying the hunting season and practices of these communities on land snails. The results showed that the communities were knowledgeable on macro land snails (&gt;5 mm shell size) such as the introduced species, Lissachatina fulica and the endemic and edible, Ryssota otaheitana, but were unaware of micro land snails ( 5 mm shell size). Locals also demonstrated an awareness of the snails’ ecosystem functions as a food source for other animals and agents of nutrient cycling. Additionally, sustainable hunting of R. otaheitana in communities was observed. Only adult R. otaheitana were harvested, leaving the juveniles to grow and reproduce. In Lucban, the people hunted while they were waiting for the harvest season of their crops. In Tayabas, the community observed that the snail was abundant during wet and moist soil conditions when leaf litter, its primary food, decomposed easily. In Majayjay, hunting was associated with the blooming of the flowering plant, Erythrina variegata. In Dolores, hunting was practiced after clearing farmland. This research underscores the importance of determining LEK in developing policies and regulations on sustainable utilization and conservation of land snails in a tropical forest setting.