Feeding Choice Research Articles

How Does the Choice of Genotype and Feed in the Local Market Affect Broiler Performance and the Farm Economy? A Case Study in Serbia

Key questions for a local broiler farm are: which broiler hybrid to rear and which industrial feed to use? To show how farmers can manage them, a combination of biological tests and feed characterizations of the most commonly used hybrids and broiler feeds in the local (Serbian) market was designed and performed. The hybrids Cobb 500 and Ross 308 were used, as well as feed of the same quality category from three established domestic producers (A, B, and C) available in the market. A factorial trial (2 × 3) was performed on a total of 1800 unsexed day-old chicks divided into six experimental treatments, with six repetitions per treatment and 50 chickens in each repetition. Prior to and after the biological trial, the feed was characterized. The results confirm the equally high production potential of the two tested fast-growing hybrids, the different quality of the three industrial feeds, and that for the expression of genetic potential, each feeding and fattening period was equally valuable. A complete picture of the tested feeds was obtained within a suitable post-test feed characterization with a farm economy included in the analysis, and the results differed in different production and market scenarios, which allows for finding the optimal feed for the local farm.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Infant Feeding Practices and Growth Trajectories Among Low-Income Households

Objectives(1) To examine duration and intensity of breastfeeding, age of introduction to solids/other liquids, and complementary feeding choices among racial/ethnic minority infants living in low-income households. (2) To determine the association between feeding choices and model growth trajectory from early to late infancy in the study population.MethodsMother-infant dyads were recruited from a pediatric clinic mainly serving low-income and/or Medicaid-recipient families. Mothers were interviewed in English or Spanish to collect sociodemographic, food security status, and feeding practices when the infant was 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months of age (n = 249). From 6-months onwards, 24-hour feeding recalls were conducted to estimate daily nutrient intake. Infant height and weight were retrieved from the electronic medical record to estimate growth trajectories from early to late infancy.ResultsBy race/ethnicity, the majority of the participants were African American (46%) or Hispanic (35%). The prevalence of low to very low food insecurity was 10%. Exclusive breastfeeding was not common among dyads at 2 (26%), 4 (17%), and 6 months (4%). Partial breastfeeding was significantly higher among Hispanic mothers (P < .05). For instance, at 4 months 72% of Hispanic mothers partially breastfed compared to 34% African American and 31% of non-Hispanic White mothers (p < .001). Early introduction to solids/other liquids was more common within African American dyads (p < .05). Preliminary growth trajectory modeling indicated some racial/ethnic differences, especially the weight of Hispanic infants was marginally higher compared to non-Hispanic white infants (p = .072) in late infancy.ConclusionsSignificant differences in infant feeding practices, including breastfeeding and introduction to solids/liquids, exist by race/ethnicity. Examination of these differences in feeding practices will be critical to understanding how they affect growth trajectory from early to late infancy.Funding SourcesNational Institute of Health NICHD.

P119. Feed choice behaviour of piglets post weaning exposed to phytogenic feed additives

P119. Feed choice behaviour of piglets post weaning exposed to phytogenic feed additives

A survey among healthcare professionals from seven countries reported diverse nutritional practices of late preterm infants.

To gain insight into nutritional practices and expected growth outcomes of infants born between 34 and 36 gestational weeks defined as late preterm infants (LPT). An anonymous online survey among paediatricians and neonatologists from Bangladesh, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan was conducted from March until October 2020. The questionnaire consisted of 40 questions on the nutritional management and expected growth outcomes of LPT in and after-hospital care. Healthcare professionals from low to high Human Development (HDI) countries (n=322) and very high HDI countries (n=169) participated in the survey. Human milk was the preferred feeding, resulting in an adequate growth of LPT (weight, length and occipitofrontal circumference), according to a majority of respondents (low to high HDI, 179/265, 68% vs. very high HDI, 73/143, 51%; p=0.002). The expected growth outcome was higher after-hospital discharge. Less than half of healthcare professionals started enteral feeding during the 1st hour of life. Lactation difficulties, limited access to human milk fortifiers and donor human milk, especially among low to high HDI countries, were reported as major hurdles. Human milk is the first feeding choice for LPT. The diverse opinions on nutritional practices and expected growth outcomes among healthcare professionals indicate the necessity to develop general nutritional guidelines for LPT.

Diurnal observations of feeding choices in grazing horses correctly predict their daily diet composition

Although it is time consuming, performing direct observations of the feeding choices of grazing herbivores remains the reference method because it does not require any destructive vegetation sampling and limits bias associated with the use of indirect markers. It is also the only method for characterizing the use of vegetation patches. These observations are usually performed during the diurnal period only; however, equids graze 16 h per day on average, with 20–50% of their grazing occurring during the nocturnal period. The objective of this paper was to test the representativeness of diurnal observations of horses’ feeding choices to characterize their daily diet. We used an experimental dataset of 54 paired observations of the diurnal and daily (24-h period) diet composition in horses grazing a pasture with differing sward characteristics according to the stocking rate and season. Four classes of bites were considered based on the sward height and vegetation stage, which are key factors affecting selection by horses. The H0 indicated that the 24-h observations of horses’ feeding choices among the four bite types could be correctly predicted by diurnal observations. Using a chi-square test of adequacy to a multinomial distribution, we expected the set of variables to follow a chi-square distribution, with k-1 (k = four bite types) degrees of freedom, under H0. We first used a Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, which showed adequate observed values relative to the expected distribution (p = 0.67). Then, a Bayesian approach was used to estimate the chi-square distribution with parameter υ that best fit our data, and we found that the probability that H0 was true, which was defined as p (υ ≤ 3), was equal to p = 0.92. An analysis of the chi-square residuals did not reveal any bias in the prediction of the different bite types. Finally, the Bray-Curtis similarity indexes used to characterize prediction quality were very high (i.e., > 90%) regardless of the stocking rate and season. All these results indicate a high level of confidence in the hypothesis that the effects of sward structure on the daily diet composition of grazing horses can be predicted by diurnal observations. This methodological advance will help increase the number of observation days and animals in future studies and accurately define the number of factors that can be tested simultaneously.

Caregivers Systematically Overestimate Their Child's Height-for-Age Relative to Other Children in Rural Ethiopia

BackgroundStunting affects one-quarter of children <5 y of age, yet little is known about the accuracy of caregivers’ perceptions regarding their child's linear growth. Most existing quantitative research on this topic has been conducted in high-income countries and has examined perceptions of children's weight rather than height. ObjectivesIn rural Ethiopia where linear growth faltering is highly prevalent, this study aimed to better understand how caregivers perceive their child's growth. The objectives of this analysis were to 1) assess caregivers’ perceptions of their child's height; 2) investigate whether there is a discrepancy between a child's actual height and caregivers’ perceptions of their child's height; and 3) examine the factors that influence discrepancies in estimating a child's height (secondary outcomes), including the role of the average height in the community (primary outcome). MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from 808 woman caregivers of children ages 6–35 mo in the Oromia region of Ethiopia. We assessed caregivers’ rankings (from 1 to 10) of their child's height relative to other children their age in their village. We then converted these rankings to z scores based on an age- and region-specific distribution in order to calculate their difference with the child's actual height-for-age z score and to determine the degree of overestimation. Lastly, we used multivariate log Poisson regressions to determine factors associated with overestimating a child's height. ResultsForty-three percent of caregivers scored their child's height as the median; 37% overestimated their child's height relative to other children. Regression results showed caregivers who were poorer, and had children who were female, older, and stunted, were more likely to overestimate. ConclusionsOur findings suggest that caregivers of young children in Oromia systematically overestimated their children's height, which could adversely affect child health if these misperceptions translate to insufficient care-seeking behavior or feeding choices for children.

From Plates to Baits: Using a Remote Video Foraging System to Study the Impact of Foraging on Fouling Non-Indigenous Species

Marinas are a gateway for the introduction and establishment of non-indigenous species (NIS). In these habitats, competition and predation are crucial determinants for NIS establishment and invasiveness. However, fish trophic preferences and biotic effects inside marinas are poorly known. This study proposes a novel method that combines the deployment of settlement plates to recruit different assemblages, followed by their use as bait in remote underwater video systems. This combined approach, addressed as a remote video foraging system (RVFS), can record fish foraging behaviour, including feeding choices and their impacts on fouling assemblage composition. An experimental RVFS trial carried out in a marina of Madeira Island, Portugal (NE Atlantic), identified the Mediterranean parrotfish, Sparisoma cretense, as the most important fouling grazer in the area. S. cretense behaved as a generalist and increased the heterogeneity of fouling assemblages, which can hamper NIS dominance of the fouling and reduce the pressure of propagules from the marina to the natural environment. The RVFS tool was useful to understand the trophic links between foragers and fouling and has the potential to provide relevant information for the management of NIS introductions, establishment and spread.

Comparing the effects of horse grazing alone or with cattle on horse parasitism and vegetation use in a mesophile pasture

AbstractMixing different herbivore species is assumed to increase vegetation use because of the complementarity of their feeding choices and to reduce animal parasite burden through the dilution effect. Here, we compare the effects of mixed horse‐cattle grazing and monospecific horse grazing (1.4 LU/ha) on animal foraging behaviour, sward characteristics and horse parasitism in a mesophile grassland of central France. In both treatments, animals were stocked alternately on two subplots with rotation lengths between 15 and 21 days according to season. The horses quickly acclimated to the cattle, and very few agonistic interactions were observed between them. All the horses selected short (≤4 cm) and intermediate (5–8 cm) high‐quality regrowths and avoided reproductive and dead herbage areas contaminated by their faeces as a consequence of their latrine behaviour. Cattle, which are more constrained by plant height, selected intermediate and tall vegetative swards. However, the alternate stocking of animals also provided them with high‐quality regrowth on the shortest patches. Consequently, the cattle used these short patches proportionally to their availability while avoiding reproductive and dead herbage areas. We assume this limited their consumption of infective cyathostome larvae, which are concentrated close to horse dung. Moreover, co‐grazing horses and cattle did not reduce sward structural heterogeneity and thus did not enhance overall herbage quality. We conclude that rather than considering mixed grazing as a turn‐key solution, its management needs to be adapted to support the complementarity of horse and cattle dietary choices and thus provide the expected benefits of multi‐species grazing.

Partial Hydrolyzed Protein as a Protein Source for Infant Feeding: Do or Don’t?

Exclusive breastfeeding until the age of six months is the recommended feeding method for all infants. However, this is not possible for every infant. Therefore, a second choice of feeding, as close as possible to the gold standard, is needed. For historical reasons, this has been cow’s-milk-based feeding. This paper discusses if this second-choice feeding method should contain intact protein or partially hydrolyzed proteins. The limited data available indicates that mother’s milk is relatively rich in bioactive peptides. Whether partially hydrolyzed protein might be a protein source closer to human milk protein content than intact cow’s milk needs further research. However, more research on protein and bioactive peptides in mother’s milk should be a priority for future scientific development in this field. Results of such research will also provide an answer to the question of which option would be the best second choice for infant feeding if sufficient breast milk is not available.

Challenges in implementation of mother milk banks in Rajasthan: A situational analysis.

BackgroundBreastmilk is the baby’s “first vaccine”. Donated human milk (DHM) is the next best alternative when a mother’s milk is not available, as recommended by WHO- UNICEF. DHM as a nutritional source provides similar immune protection and may prove revolutionary in reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to explore the challenges in the implementation of selected Mother Milk Banks (MMBs) of Rajasthan.Material and methodsA qualitative in-depth interview of key stakeholders was conducted to know the various facets of the challenges in milk banking practices using the Root Cause Analysis framework.ResultsThe system challenges identified in the functioning of AMMBs were lack of recurring funds, dedicated lactational counselors, and trained technicians. Databases for demand-supply estimates were also lacking. The community challenges were low acceptance of DHM due to safety concerns, risk of disease transmission, and quality of donated milk. Moreover, the religious stigma and cultural beliefs regarding the transfer of heredity traits and decrease in mother-child affection act as barriers in donating milk.ConclusionFor acceptance and availability of DHM, Social Behavior Communication Change (SBCC) interventions must be incorporated early during the antenatal check-up period. Our study highlighted the role of education; motivation by healthcare providers has a major influence on infant feeding choices. In a developing country such as India, where the frameworks concerning the development of mother milk banks are still maturing, our study findings provide baseline information to address the barriers in the implementation of mother milk banks in India.

Effects of the dopamine depleting agent tetrabenazine on detailed temporal parameters of effort-related choice responding.

The dopamine-depleting agent tetrabenazine alters effort-based choice, suppressing food-reinforced behaviors with high response requirements, while increasing selection of low-cost options. In the present experiments, rats were tested on a concurrent fixed ratio 5/chow feeding choice task, in which high-carbohydrate Bio-serv pellets reinforced lever pressing and lab chow was concurrently available. Detailed timing of lever pressing was monitored with an event recording system, and the temporal characteristics of operant behavior seen after 1.0 mg/kg tetrabenazine or vehicle injections were analyzed. Tetrabenazine shifted choice, decreasing lever pressing but increasing chow intake. There was a small effect on the interresponse-time distribution within ratios, but marked increases in the total duration of pauses in responding. The postreinforcement-pause (PRP) distribution was bimodal, but tetrabenazine did not increase the duration of PRPs. Tetrabenazine increased time feeding and duration and number of feeding bouts, but did not affect feeding rate or total time spent lever pressing for pellets and consuming chow. Thus, TBZ appears to predominantly affect the relative allocation of lever pressing versus chow, with little alteration in consummatory motor acts involved in chow intake. Tetrabenazine is used to model motivational symptoms in psychopathology, and these effects in rats could have implications for psychiatric research.

Commercial vs Homemade Cat Diets: What you need to know.

A feeding plan recommendation for cats, both healthy and with disease, should include diet choice, amounts to feed and the feeding method. Diet choice can be complex owing to the abundance of products, sometimes with conflicting marketing messages, and the prevalence of information with no scientific basis. It is important to be aware of the specific challenges of both commercial and homemade diets. Moreover, a nutritional assessment is a prerequisite when recommending a diet to ensure that it is safe, appropriate for the cat's life stage and nutritious for long-term feeding. There are a variety of commercial diets available, allowing considerable customisation. These products are regulated and can be tested to determine nutritional adequacy and safety, although as the industry is partly self-regulated, choice of manufacturer is important. Properly formulated homemade diets can be customised to the patient and are a good option when no commercial product that meets the patient's needs exists. Homemade diets can be an owner preference. A serious limitation is the lack of testing, potentially affecting safety and also resulting in a reliance on database information to determine nutritional adequacy. Generic homemade diet recipes (eg, sourced from the internet) have additional risks of deficiencies and imbalances, and are not recommended. Homemade diets should be devised by a veterinary nutrition specialist with consideration of both patient and owner factors. Dietary misinformation, which is all too readily available on the internet, may result in owners making questionable feeding choices for their pets. A homemade diet may be requested by owners based on the perception that there are poor ingredients in commercial foods. The veterinary healthcare team needs to have good evidence-based information to present to owners about diet choice. Several decades of research on feline nutrition forms the basis for nutritional requirements and dietary recommendations. There are varying degrees of evidence regarding requirements for each nutrient, and a lack of data on the effects of different types of processing on nutrient needs.

Follow-up and growing-up formula promotion among Mexican pregnant women and mothers of children under 18 months old.

Milk formula sales have grown globally, particularly through follow‐up formulas (FUF) and growing‐up milks (GUM). Marketing strategies and weak regulatory and institutional arrangements are important contributors to caregivers' decisions about child feeding choices. This study describes maternal awareness, beliefs, and normative referents of FUFs and GUMs among Mexican pregnant women and mothers of children 0–18 months (n = 1044) through the lens of the theory of reasoned action (TRA). A cross‐sectional survey was undertaken in two large metropolitan areas of Mexico. Descriptive analyses were conducted following the constructs of the TRA. One‐third of the participants had heard about FUFs, mainly through health professionals (51.1%) and family (22.2%). Once they had heard about FUFs, the majority (80%) believed older infants needed this product due to its benefits (hunger satisfaction, brain development, and allergy management). One quarter of the participants were already using or intended to use FUFs; the majority had received this recommendation from doctors (74.6%) and mothers/mothers‐in‐law (25%). Similarly, 19% of the women had heard about GUMs. The pattern for the rest of TRA constructs for GUMs was similar to FUFs. Mexican women are exposed to FUFs and GUMs, once women know about them, the majority believe older infant and young children need these products, stating perceived benefits that match the poorly substantiated marketing claims of breast‐milk substitutes. Health professionals, particularly doctors, act as marketing channels for FUFs and GUMs. Marketing of FUFs and GUMs represents a threat to breastfeeding in Mexico and a more protective regulatory and institutional environment is needed.

Qualitative evidence syntheses of attitudes and preferences to inform guidelines on infant feeding in the context of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission risk.

BackgroundBreast-feeding holds considerable potential to reduce infant mortality. Feeding choices, already complex, take on additional complexity against a backdrop of the risk of transmissible Ebola Virus. This review describes the factors that influence infant feeding and attitudes of pregnant women, mothers, family members and health practitioners, policy makers and providers (midwives) concerning infant feeding when there is a risk of Mother-to-Child (MTC) transmission of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).MethodologyA systematic review of qualitative studies identified through rigorous searches of thirteen online databases and additional citation searches of included studies was undertaken. Search terms included breast-feeding, breast-feeding, infant feeding; Ebola; and qualitative, interview(s) and findings. Independent extraction of data by two reviewers using predefined extraction forms. Studies were assessed using the CASP Qualitative checklist.Principal findings5219 references were screened. 38 references related specifically to Ebola, and five papers met the inclusion criteria with data gathered from two settings: Guinea and Sierra Leone. The EVD outbreak had a significant impact on beliefs, attitudes, and resources to support infant feeding practices negatively affecting the nutritional status of children. The evidence from these studies highlight the need for guidance and appropriate psychosocial support need to be available to mothers who display symptoms and become infected and to front-line staff who are giving advice. Communities need to be engaged because stigma and fear may hinder uptake of appropriate interventions. The EVD outbreak caused multi-level system disruption akin to that seen following a natural disaster, meaning that logistics and coordination are critical and need adequate resourcing. Food production and distribution, and malnutrition screening are also disrupted and thereby compounding compromised nutritional status. The limited number of relevant studies highlights the need for further primary research, particularly in translation of messages to local settings.ConclusionsAn EVD outbreak causes multi-level disruption that negatively impacts infant feeding and child care practices. Negative impacts have multiple causes and successful planning for Ebola outbreaks requires that nutrition of infants and young children is a priority. Lessons from the Ebola pandemic have wider applicability to other pandemic contexts including Covid-19.

100 Inflammatory Profiles of High-Risk Cattle Exposed to Common Management Practices

Abstract Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in beef cattle. Common management practices in addition to BRD have been shown previously to cause inflammation. The objectives of this study were: (1) characterize the inflammatory profiles as indicated by haptoglobin concentrations, over a receiving period in high-risk cattle; (2) evaluate the impact of on-arrival metaphylactic antimicrobial therapy on inflammatory profiles in high risk cattle; and (3) examine the relationship between inflammatory profile and BRD morbidity and mortality in high risk cattle. This 70 d trial was repeated over two years. A total of 160 black/black white face crossbred heifers were acquired from local auction markets and randomly assigned at arrival to treatment groups. Heifers were purchased by an order buyer from auction barns. At arrival, heifers were randomly assigned to either receive tulathromycin (Draxxin, META, n = 40) or not (NO META, n = 40) upon arrival. Each group was housed on a 10-acre pasture planted in annual ryegrass where they were offered complete commercial supplemental feed (14% CP) and free choice (both Purina Animal Nutrition, Nashville, TN) mineral and were observed daily for clinical signs of BRD. Cattle were weighed and blood was collected every seven days from d0 to d20, and again on d70. Haptoglobin concentrations were determined using ELISA. Effects of treatment and morbidity on haptoglobin concentration were tested using the MIXED procedure of SAS. Overall morbidity was 28.5%. Initial body weight (227 kg META, 229 kg NO META, P &amp;gt; 0.10) did not differ between the two treatment groups. However, final body weight differed between treatment groups (294 kg META, 289kg NO META). Haptoglobin concentrations remained elevated over time for all groups (P = 0.03). Metaphylaxis did not affect haptoglobin concentration (P &amp;gt; 0.10). There was a significant increase in BRD cases from day 0 to 20 (P = 0.00). Morbidity (BRD vs no BRD) did not impact haptoglobin concentrations. Overall, metaphylaxis did not affect haptoglobin levels or BRD incidence.

An observational study to verify the influence of different nutritional corn silage-based strategies on efficient use of dietary nutrients, faecal fermentation profile, and profitability in a cohort of intensive dairy farms

Sixty-six dairy farms (as average, 167.0 ± 106.5 milking cows and milk yield of 31.4 ± 5.1) were visited to identify different nutritional approaches adopted in dairy cows diet formulation. Forage, TMR, faecal, and milk samples from lactating herds were collected and diet composition, in vitro methane production, in vivo nutrient digestibility, faecal fermentation profile and milk yield and milk quality were characterised. A hierarchical cluster analysis was applied and six nutritional approaches in diet formulation corresponding with six different clusters (CL) were identified. The CL discriminated the farm feeding choices in the following nutritional strategies, based on high use of: (i) high moisture corn (HMC) and legume silage, (ii) compound feed, (iii) corn and soy meals, (iv) HMC and soy meal, (v) corn meal and protein compound feeds, or (vi) HMC and protein compound feed strategies, respectively for CL1 to CL6. The milk yield tended (p = .061) to differ among CL. The greatest (>1.60) feed efficiency was calculated for CL1 and 5, whereas the lowest (<1.45) for CL 2. The CL2 and 5 had the highest feed costs (i.e. 0.24 or 0.22 €/kg of milk, respectively). Interestingly, the high use of HMC or steam flaked corn resulted associated to higher farm performances. Particularly, HMC and legume silage (CL1), HCM and soy meal (CL4) and HCM and protein compound feed (CL6) nutritional strategies resulted more efficient and profitable, having the greatest feed efficiency, protein and starch degradability as well as income over feed costs. Differentiate carbohydrates in dairy cow diets seems highly convenient. HIGHLIGHTS Six different nutritional strategies were identified based on use of single ingredients and a great variability in both economic and feed efficiency was observed for dairy farms clustering into different groups The use of high moisture ear corn in substitution of corn meal increased dry matter intake, feed efficiency, milk yield and lactose content of milk, whereas the use of steam flaked corn reduced the faecal fermentations The in vitro methane emission potential of diets did not differ among clustered nutritional strategies

Free choice of food for welfare of a limited population of two year old carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The article provides data on the use of auto-feeders for the free choice of compound feed of different composition by two-year-old carp. Self-feeding is one of the ways that make it possible for fish to receive the necessary nutrition, depending on their biological rhythms, regardless of the desire of a person. This method takes into account the concept of “appetite”, which has a significant impact on the rate of feed intake, thus providing the basis for the wellbeing of aquatic organisms. At the same time, the behavior of fish changes, which makes it possible to use food resources more advantageously for gaining body weight, which has been repeatedly shown. The production quality of fish depends not only on the method of feeding, but also on the composition of the feed, which meets the needs for nutrients and promotes their intensive growth. Low-calorie food K-111 does not allow two-year-old carp to show their potential, as evidenced by a smaller mass of fish than when using high-calorie Carp 38/12. Two-year-old carp fed a feed complex with different energy content do not grow the same way. From 18.06 to 11.10, the mass of the studied fish increased in variants I, II and III by 4.6; 7.9 and 9.8 times, and the length - by 66.1; 75.5 and 96.8%, respectively. The number of white muscles for 5 months of carp growing when using K-111 compound feeds increases by 11.3%; Carp 38/12 - does not change and K-111 together with 38/12 - by 17.6% (P<0.05). By loading auto feeders with only one type of feed, a person deprives the fish of the right to choose, and it must only eat it "without appetite." This, accordingly, affects metabolic processes, and, ultimately, growth in general. This is evidenced by our experimental results. When caught, the average weight of carp with combined feeding was 1220 g, which is 2.1 and 1.2 times higher than in fish from options I and II, respectively. Free choice of food allows you to grow fish with a high yield of muscle mass, due to a higher growth rate. When giving a choice, carp prefers high-calorie food (approximately ¾ of the diet), but at the same time does not neglect low-calorie food in a certain proportion (1/4 of the diet). The use of different quality feeds in one pond allows, in our opinion, to comply to a large extent with the Welfare conditions when raising fish. Thus, the use of automatic feeders with different rations in one pond enables the fish to fulfill their needs for a particular food. Such studies make it possible to identify favorable feeding conditions for the cultivation of various types of fish.

Understanding Breastfeeding Barriers at an Urban Pediatric Practice.

Breastfeeding is the optimal nutrition for infants given the numerous health benefits that areconferred on mothers, infants, and society in a dose-dependent manner. However, low breastfeeding rates and racial breastfeeding inequities persist for the African American (AA)community due to historic structural racism. The issue is especially salient at the Rainbow Center for Women and Children, an urban health center in Cleveland, Ohio where approximately 90% of their mothers are AA, WIC-eligible, and publicly insured. Our study aims to elucidate factors contributing to breastfeeding practices and identify supports that could be added for women served at RCWC. The study was conducted within 2 cohorts both of exclusively AA women. Wave 1 of the study included AA mothers who exclusively breastfed, did mixed feeding, or exclusively formula fed. Wave 2 included expectant women at least considering breastfeeding. Breastfeeding attitudes of those who had exclusively breastfed or practiced mixed feeding were not significantly different than those of expectant participants planning to breastfeed; mean attitude scores, however, were in the "neutral" range. Participants endorsed many sources of support for their feeding choices, including the infant's father, their own parents, and family. However, the data show that even when women feel personally supported in their feeding choices by their partner and family, if additional breastfeeding help is needed, they will benefit from help accessing available resources. Thus, lactation support that helps women achieve their own breastfeeding goals is optimal; customized care ultimately can move the needle on racial inequities in breastfeeding for our society.

Preparation of Human Milk Fat Substitutes: A Review.

Human milk is generally regarded as the best choice for infant feeding. Human milk fat (HMF) is one of the most complex natural lipids, with a unique fatty acid composition and distribution and complex lipid composition. Lipid intake in infants not only affects their energy intake but also affects their metabolic mode and overall development. Infant formula is the best substitute for human milk when breastfeeding is not possible. As the main energy source in infant formula, human milk fat substitutes (HMFSs) should have a composition similar to that of HMF in order to meet the nutritional needs of infant growth and development. At present, HMFS preparation mainly focuses on the simulation of fatty acid composition, the application of structured lipids and the addition of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) supplements. This paper first reviews the composition and structure of HMF, and then the preparation development of structured lipids and MFGM supplements are summarized. Additionally, the evaluation and regulation of HMFSs in infant formula are also presented.

Breast Milk and Breastfeeding: Benefits, Barriers, Maternal Predictors, and Opportunities for Innovation

One of the defining characteristics of female mammals that is integral to the survival of the species is the ability to nurture their young with their milk. However, alternate human milk feeding, provided by a wet nurse in early reports, has been described as early as 1800 bc. In the early 20th century, cow's milk–based formulas were developed and, due to industry influence and convenience, were adopted as the normative feeding choice for infants in the mid-20th century.1 Since then, the pendulum has swung, and mother's own milk feeding is endorsed universally as the optimal feeding choice given the durable health benefits for the dyad.