Feeding Regime Research Articles

CONCURRENT VALIDITY OF CLINICAL EQUATIONS TO PREDICT RESTING ENERGY EXPENDITURE COMPARED TO INDIRECT CALORIMETRY IN NON-SEVERE BURN PATIENTS

Underfeeding and overfeeding can inhibit recovery and negatively impact quality of life during and after receiving treatment for a burn injury. Clinicians rely on accurate estimation of resting energy expenditure to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding their patients. The criterion standard for measuring resting energy expenditure is indirect calorimetry. Many burn services use predictive equations to prescribe feeding regimes because they are cheaper, time efficient and logistically more expedient than indirect calorimetry and do not require specialised equipment. However, the validity of these clinical equations has not been established in non-severe burns (<15% total burn surface area, TBSA). In this study, resting energy expenditure was predicted for 35 participants with non-severe burn injuries using seven clinical equations and compared with the criterion-standard (indirect calorimetry). We found that all clinical equations may be inaccurate in predicting resting energy expenditure measured using indirect calorimetry, with the Schofield equation agreeing most closely (95% limits of agreement: -836 to 711 kcal.day-1). Agreement between clinical equations and indirect calorimetry remained poor even after correcting for TBSA. Our findings indicate clinical equations may not accurately predict resting energy expenditure of people who have sustained a non-severe burn. As such, we urge caution against relying solely on the existing predictive equations to guide clinical decisions regarding energy intake after non-severe burns.

Investigations on Xenopus laevis body composition and feeding behavior in a laboratory setting

The African clawed frog, Xenopus laevis, has been used as a laboratory animal for decades in many research areas. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the nutritional physiology of this amphibian species and the feeding regimen is not standardized. The aim of the present study was to get more insights into the nutrient metabolism and feeding behavior of the frogs. In Trial 1, adult female X. laevis were fed either a Xenopus diet or a fish feed. After 4 weeks, they were euthanized, weighed, measured for morphometrics and dissected for organ weights and whole-body nutrient analysis. There were no significant differences between the diet groups regarding the allometric data and nutrient contents. The ovary was the major determinant of body weight. Body fat content increased with body weight as indicator of energy reserves. In Trial 2, 40 adult female frogs were monitored with a specifically developed digital tracking system to generate heat-maps of their activity before and up to 25 min after a meal. Three diets (floating, sinking, floating & sinking) were used. The main feed intake activity was fanning the feed into the mouth, peaking until 20 min after the meal. The different swimming characteristics of the diets thereby influenced the activity of the animals. Our dataset helps to adjust the feeding needs to the physical composition and also to meet the natural behavioral patterns of feed intake as a prerequisite of animal wellbeing and animal welfare in a laboratory setting.

Method for obtaining ecological products from rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss farming

In aquaculture, the period of active development of aquatic organisms is considered one of the most important for the formation of potential in the future. The issue of using natural components when growing aquatic organisms and feeding young fish is given special attention. This research investigated Spirulina (25%) + Vermiculture (50%) + Hermetia illucens (25%) as an additional source of functional active substances and protein that affect the body performance of rainbow trout in early ontogenesis. All objects were cultured in a special bioreactor, which was a component of the recirculating aquaculture model system as well as in the laboratory, where an installation was made for cultivating natural food. The results of the scientific and practical part of the work showed that after the end of the experiment, body weight was higher in the experimental fish by 7.2% than in the control group. This article presents the results of feeding rainbow trout as one of the cases of improving the morpho-functional and biochemical composition of the blood of this species: an increase in the total number of red blood cells by 11.0%, hemoglobin content by 9.7%, total protein at 22.7%, albumin by 24.2%, and creatinine by 15.5%, compared with the control group. The presented positive changes in the functional status of the rainbow trout organism were in harmony with the parameters of body weight, as well as histological indicators. Histological indicators of the liver and muscle tissue of the fish supplemented the obtained positive result of the influence of natural and active components of the feed. Feeding fish according to the scheme in the experimental group promotes the formation of layers of special adipose tissue in the endomysium. The total amount of the stromal component in the muscle tissue of rainbow trout was 25% of the mass of the entire tissue. The control group showed that the muscle fibers were polygonal in cross section, separated from each other within the bundle by delicate layers of endomysium. When using a standard feeding regimen (control group), the stromal component is a moderately expanding structure that replaces the space between the fibers. The experimental group had the most significant indicators. The intensification of individual aspects of homeostasis achieved with the help of feed components (experimental group) promotes the growth of muscle fibers in thickness due to the formation of new fibrils, but not an increase in the proportion of sarcoplasm (watery meat). As a result, neurohumoral regulation and substance synthesis processes improved in the fishes’ body, which helps to improve ontogenesis rates. The presented ingredients in the diet of rainbow trout are natural stimulants of metabolic processes and sources of nutrients. The method allows aquaculture to be defined as being as close as possible to “environmentally safe”. The next stage will be a comprehensive analysis of the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of rainbow trout meat under the influence of the feed factor.

Effect of feeding regimes on growth and carcass characteristics of grower-finisher pigs

Effect of feeding regimes on growth and carcass characteristics of grower-finisher pigs

Microbial signatures and enterotype clusters in fattening pigs: implications for nitrogen utilization efficiency.

As global demand for pork continues to rise, strategies to enhance nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUE) in pig farming have become vital for environmental sustainability. This study explored the relationship between the fecal microbiota, their metabolites, and NUE in crossbreed fattening pigs with a defined family structure. Pigs were kept under standardized conditions and fed in a two-phase feeding regime. In each phase, one fecal sample was collected from each pig. DNA was extracted from a total of 892 fecal samples and subjected to target amplicon sequencing. The results indicated an influence of sire, sampling period (SP), and sex on the fecal microbiota. Streptococcus emerged as a potential biomarker in comparing high and low NUE pigs in SP 1, suggesting a genetic predisposition to NUE regarding the fecal microbiota. All fecal samples were grouped into two enterotype-like clusters named cluster LACTO and cluster CSST. Pigs' affiliation with enterotype-like clusters altered over time and might be sex-dependent. The stable cluster CSST demonstrated the highest NUE despite containing pigs with lower performance characteristics such as average daily gain, dry matter intake, and daily nitrogen retention. This research contributes with valuable insights into the microbiome's role in NUE, paving the way for future strategies to enhance sustainable pig production.

Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis: An Update on Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Prevention.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening disease predominantly affecting premature and very low birth weight infants resulting in inflammation and necrosis of the small bowel and colon and potentially leading to sepsis, peritonitis, perforation, and death. Numerous research efforts have been made to better understand, treat, and prevent NEC. This review explores a variety of factors involved in the pathogenesis of NEC (prematurity, low birth weight, lack of human breast milk exposure, alterations to the microbiota, maternal and environmental factors, and intestinal ischemia) and reports treatment modalities surrounding NEC, including pain medications and common antibiotic combinations, the rationale for these combinations, and recent antibiotic stewardship approaches surrounding NEC treatment. This review also highlights the effect of early antibiotic exposure, infections, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), and H2 receptor antagonists on the microbiota and how these risk factors can increase the chances of NEC. Finally, modern prevention strategies including the use of human breast milk and standardized feeding regimens are discussed, as well as promising new preventative and treatment options for NEC including probiotics and stem cell therapy.

Influence of Aeration Rate on Uncoupled Fed Mixed Microbial Cultures for Polyhydroxybutyrate Production

The use of residual streams as feedstock for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) is growing steadily, as it allows the valorization of waste and nutrients otherwise disposed of and the potential production of a biodegradable bioplastic. To date, the environmental and economic costs associated with this process limit its scale-up, which is why it is important to identify possible solutions and optimize the costliest steps. With this in mind, a laboratory-scale sequenced batch reactor (SBR, 5 L) was constructed to allow the selection of a mixed microbial culture able to convert volatile fatty acids (VFAs) into PHA. The reactor is fed with synthetic water containing VFAs, ammonium, phosphate, and micronutrients, typical compounds of fermented streams of certain wastes, such as cheese whey, food waste, or wastewater sludge. The biomass selected and produced by this first reactor is sent to an accumulation reactor, which is fed with a solution rich in VFAs, allowing the accumulation of PHAs. The role of aeration and its impacts on the main process parameters were analyzed. Three scenarios corresponding to different aeration rates were analyzed: 0.08, 0.16, and 0.32 vvm. The SBR was operated at an organic load rate of 600 mgCOD L−1d−1, under a dynamic feeding regime (feast–famine) and a short hydraulic retention time (HRT; 1 day). The results obtained showed that a value of 0.32 enabled better selection and better settling of the sludge. Furthermore, a potential correlation between aeration rate and VFA and NH4+ consumption rates was identified. The resulting biomass was able to accumulate up to 0.15 ± 0.02 g PHAgVSS−1.

Nutrition status and incidence of malnutrition in home enteral nutrition patients: A cross sectional study

Home enteral nutrition (HEN) is a long-term, life-sustaining nutrition therapy for patients unable to consume sufficient food orally. Patients rely on a prescribed, manufactured product to provide their full nutrient requirements, although some patients may have supplementary oral intake. Prescribed enteral nutrition is used as a treatment for malnutrition, but may, in the long-term, cause poor nutrition status. This study aimed to investigate the nutrition status (energy, protein, vitamin D, and selenium) and malnutrition incidence in long-term HEN patients in the Counties Manukau region. In this cross-sectional study, 42 adults on HEN for 4+ weeks under the care of Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand were analysed. Participants’ enteral and oral feeding regimes were tracked using patient records and five non-consecutive 24-hour recalls. Biochemical markers, body mass index (BMI), body composition (BIA), and nutrition focussed physical findings were evaluated using reference standards and the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) malnutrition criteria(1). Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney tests compared participants based on their enteral and supplementary oral intakes and adherence to their enteral prescription. Dependent t-tests and Wilcoxon tests evaluated nutrients contributions from various feeding methods and sources. Over half (54.7%, n = 23) relied exclusively on enteral nutrition, but 60% did not achieve their full energy prescription. Compared to requirements based on the Oxford equation and 1g/kg of body weight, energy and protein intake was low in 20% of all participants, mean intake of these participants was 1,242 ± 183 kcal and 57.5 ± 13.5 g respectively. Participants with full enteral intake had a significantly higher vitamin D intake (14.9 µg, P<0.05) than those with supplementary oral intake (11.2 µg, P<0.05). However, those with oral intake had significantly higher intake of selenium, energy, and all the macronutrients than those with sole enteral intake. Vitamin D and selenium intakes were significantly greater in participants obtaining their full prescription than those that did not. No participants had low vitamin D or selenium blood concentrations, however 40% and 38.1% respectively were high. There was a significant relationship between meeting their energy prescription and high plasma selenium. Low BMI, mid arm muscle circumference, and fat free mass index were observed in 47.5%, 40.5%, and 44.8% of participants respectively. This was not statistically significant between groups. Fat mass and waist circumference were significantly higher in participants on full enteral nutrition. According to the GLIM malnutrition criteria, 62.5% (n = 25) of all participants were malnourished. In conclusion, while HEN patients maintain good vitamin D and selenium status, energy and protein malnutrition are evident. The types of food consumed by those with oral intake may be responsible for the differences in nutritional status. Further attention to prescription adherence and nutritional balance from HEN and oral intake is necessary for this vulnerable group.

Performances of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi chicken genotype in different feeding systems under smallholder farm management

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi genotype (IDC♂ × Fay♀) with three different feeding regimes from onset of lay to 72 weeks of age. A total of 90 IDC♂ × Fay♀ birds of third generation (F3) at 16 weeks of age were distributed to 15 selected farmers nearby three villages of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The villages were Kewatkhali, Boyra and Sutiakhali that selected for intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging feeding systems, respectively. Each farmer was also given 5 pullets and 1 cockerel. The birds of full feeding and semi-scavenging system were given 76 g and 38 g mash feed per day, respectively. Pullets of semi-scavenging condition were allowed to scavenge in the farmer homesteads. The birds under scavenging condition reared without supplementation and were allowed to scavenge all day long. Result showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among the feeding systems (intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging) in production and reproduction traits, where intensive full feeding system exerted better performances. However, performance efficiency index (52.24), egg-feed price ratio (2.81) and return over feed cost (4.48) were found to be significantly higher (p<0.001) in semi-scavenging feeding system. The egg weight (p<0.01), breaking strength (p<0.01) and dry yolk weights (p<0.05) were significantly lower in the birds reared under scavenging feeding system, however, these traits were found statistically similar in the birds of intensive and semi-scavenging feeding system. Feeding systems had no impact on survivability of the experimental birds. Taking altogether, it could be concluded that IDC♂ × Fay♀ upgraded chicken under semi-scavenging system performed better than intensive and scavenging system under smallholder farm management. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (1): 13-22, 2024

Investigations on growth performance of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes,1844) under forage crops and aquatic macrophyte feeding regimes

The objective of the study was to assess the growth, survival, and production performanceof grass carp Ctenopharyngodon Idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1844) under differentfeeding regimes of forage crops and aquatic macrophytes. In the present experiment, 650fingerlings (average length, 11.13±0.29 cm and average weight, 13.89±0.81 g) of grass carpwere stocked separately in two earthen ponds (40 x 25 x 2.0 m). Fishes in pond one (T1)were fed with forage crops, chopped Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) from June toNovember 2017 and chopped Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) from January to May 2018.Similarly, fishes in pond 2 (T2) were fed with Azolla (Azolla pinnata) and Lemna (Lemna minor)during the period June to November 2017 and January to May 2018, respectively. Lineartrend analysis for the length of grass carp showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in size inboth treatments (T1 and T2) and r2 was found to be 0.94 and 0.95, while increasing trend ofweight of grass carp showed significantly (p<0.05) high r2 for T1 (0.88) and T2 (0.84). It isobserved that the application of forage (T1) and aquatic macrophytes (T2) had no significant(p>0.05) effect on the water quality parameters of each pond. The overall specific growthrate, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of grass carp were significantly(p<0.05) higher in T1 compared to T2, while the survival rate was significantly (p<0.05) high in T2. Keywords:Earthen pond, Feed conversion ratio, Macrophytes,Specific growth rate, Survival

Follicular metabolic alterations are associated with obesity in mares and can be mitigated by dietary supplementation

Obesity is a growing concern in human and equine populations, predisposing to metabolic pathologies and reproductive disturbances. Cellular lipid accumulation and mitochondrial dysfunction play an important role in the pathologic consequences of obesity, which may be mitigated by dietary interventions targeting these processes. We hypothesized that obesity in the mare promotes follicular lipid accumulation and altered mitochondrial function of oocytes and granulosa cells, potentially contributing to impaired fertility in this population. We also predicted that these effects could be mitigated by dietary supplementation with a combination of targeted nutrients to improve follicular cell metabolism. Twenty mares were grouped as: Normal Weight [NW, n = 6, body condition score (BCS) 5.7 ± 0.3], Obese (OB, n = 7, BCS 7.7 ± 0.2), and Obese Diet Supplemented (OBD, n = 7, BCS 7.7 ± 0.2), and fed specific feed regimens for ≥ 6 weeks before sampling. Granulosa cells, follicular fluid, and cumulus-oocyte complexes were collected from follicles ≥ 35 mm during estrus and after induction of maturation. Obesity promoted several mitochondrial metabolic disturbances in granulosa cells, reduced L-carnitine availability in the follicle, promoted lipid accumulation in cumulus cells and oocytes, and increased basal oocyte metabolism. Diet supplementation of a complex nutrient mixture mitigated most of the metabolic changes in the follicles of obese mares, resulting in parameters similar to NW mares. In conclusion, obesity disturbs the equine ovarian follicle by promoting lipid accumulation and altering mitochondrial function. These effects may be partially mitigated with targeted nutritional intervention, thereby potentially improving fertility outcomes in the obese female.

Temperature, mosquito feeding status and mosquito density influence the measured bio-efficacy of insecticide-treated nets in cone assays

BackgroundThe WHO cone bioassay is routinely used to evaluate the bioefficacy of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) for product pre-qualification and confirmation of continued ITN performance during operational monitoring. Despite its standardized nature, variability is often observed between tests. We investigated the influence of temperature in the testing environment, mosquito feeding status and mosquito density on cone bioassay results.MethodsCone bioassays were conducted on MAGNet (alphacypermethrin) and Veeralin (alphacypermethrin and piperonyl butoxide (PBO)) ITNs, using laboratory-reared pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles funestus sensu stricto (FUMOZ strain) mosquitoes. Three experiments were conducted using standard cone bioassays following WHO-recommended test parameters, with one variable changed in each bioassay: (i) environmental temperature during exposure: 22–23 °C, 26–27 °C, 29–30 °C and 32–33 °C; (ii) feeding regimen before exposure: sugar starved for 6 h, blood-fed or sugar-fed; and (iii) mosquito density per cone: 5, 10, 15 and 20 mosquitoes. For each test, 15 net samples per treatment arm were tested with four cones per sample (N = 60). Mortality after 24, 48 and 72 h post-exposure to ITNs was recorded.ResultsThere was a notable influence of temperature, feeding status and mosquito density on An. funestus mortality for both types of ITNs. Mortality at 24 h post-exposure was significantly higher at 32–33 °C than at 26–27 °C for both the MAGNet [19.33% vs 7%; odds ratio (OR): 3.96, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.99–7.87, P < 0.001] and Veeralin (91% vs 47.33%; OR: 22.20, 95% CI: 11.45–43.05, P < 0.001) ITNs. Mosquito feeding status influenced the observed mortality. Relative to sugar-fed mosquitoes, The MAGNet ITNs induced higher mortality among blood-fed mosquitoes (7% vs 3%; OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 0.94–5.27, P = 0.068) and significantly higher mortality among starved mosquitoes (8% vs 3%, OR: 2.88, 95% CI: 1.25–6.63, P = 0.013); in comparison, the Veeralin ITNs showed significantly lower mortality among blood-fed mosquitoes (43% vs 57%; OR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.38–0.81, P = 0.002) and no difference for starved mosquitoes (58% vs 57%; OR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.72–1.51, P = 0.816). Mortality significantly increased with increasing mosquito density for both the MAGNet (e.g. 5 vs 10 mosquitoes: 7% vs 12%; OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.03–3.20, P = 0.040) and Veeralin (e.g. 5 vs 10 mosquitoes: 58% vs 71%; OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.24–3.42, P = 0.005) ITNs.ConclusionsThe results of this study highlight that the testing parameters temperature, feeding status and mosquito density significantly influence the mortality measured in cone bioassays. Careful adherence to testing parameters outlined in WHO ITN testing guidelines will likely improve the repeatability of studies within and between product testing facilities.Graphical

The impact of low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula on gastrointestinal symptoms and weight in children with neurological impairment: a multicentre retrospective study.

Neurological impairment (NI) relates to disorders of the central nervous system. The specific aetiology of NI varies but includes genetic, congenital abnormalities or brain injury. In children with severe NI, feeding impairments can lead to undernutrition, and some children require a feeding tube. Although tube feeding improves overall nutritional status, it has also been associated with excess body fat. Commercially available enteral formulas that are low in energy, hydrolysed and nutritionally adequate for protein and micronutrients are available to mitigate gastrointestinal symptoms and obesity. This is a retrospective multicentre study of children who attended NI clinics between January 2022 and July 2023. Data were collected before and 1 month after receiving a low-energy, partially hydrolysed enteral formula (0.6 kcal/mL) on demographic data (age, sex, ethnicity and NI diagnosis), anthropometric measurements (weight, height, weight-for-age Z-score, height-for-age Z-score, body mass index [BMI] Z-score) and feed regimen (feed volume, total fluids and type of formula/supplements). Dietitians collected data on 28 children, the median age was 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 3, 8). The most frequently recorded NI was cerebral palsy, in 13 of 28 children (48%). Before the formula switch, the most frequently reported gastrointestinal symptom was constipation, in 13 of 28 children. Within 1 month of switching to a low-energy, hydrolysed formula, 10 of the 13 (77%) children reported an improvement in constipation. Before the formula switch, all 28 children were experiencing excessive weight gain. After the formula was switched to low-energy, hydrolysed formula, dietitians reported that 20 of the 28 (76%) children's weight either stabilised or reduced after 1 month. There was no statistically significant difference in weight-for-age Z-score or BMI Z-scores postswitch of formula (p-value 0.1 and 0.09, respectively). Fibre intake increased significantly from 3.3 to 8.1 g/day (p-value < 0.01) after formula switch. The number of children whose feed regimens were simplified after switching to a low-energy, partially hydrolysed formula was 24 of 28 (91%). Children with an NI who have gastrointestinal symptoms may benefit from a low-energy, hydrolysed enteral formula to maximise feed tolerance and promote healthy weight gain. In addition, changing to a low-energy, hydrolysed formula may simplify feed regimens by eliminating the need for additional electrolytes, multivitamins and fluid boluses. Healthcare professionals should be knowledgeable about the effectiveness and availability of a low-energy, hydrolysed formula.

Food insecurity in children with heart disease.

This review discusses the epidemiology of food insecurity (FI) and its consequences in children with congenital heart disease. We aimed to highlight current interventions to screen and address food insecurity in the context of pediatric cardiology and to offer strategies for providers to engage in this meaningful work. Food insecurity is consistently associated with poor health outcomes in children. In the United States, 17.3% of households with children experience FI. Nonwhite and single-parent families are disproportionately affected. Interestingly, because of a low-quality diet, FI is associated with childhood obesity, putting affected children at increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality over time. Children with congenital heart disease are susceptible to poor outcomes due to unique altered metabolic demands, increased risk for growth impairment, frequent need for specialized feeding regimens, and additional morbidity associated with heart surgery in underweight children. Today, the burden of screening for FI is most commonly placed on general pediatricians. Considering the importance of nutrition to cardiovascular health and general wellbeing, and the ease with which screening can be performed, pediatric cardiologists and other subspecialists should take a more active role in FI screening.

Intermittent fasting shifts the diurnal transcriptome atlas of transcription factors.

Intermittent fasting remains a safe and effective strategy to ameliorate various age-related diseases, but its specific mechanisms are not fully understood. Considering that transcription factors (TFs) determine the response to environmental signals, here, we profiled the diurnal expression of 600 samples across four metabolic tissues sampled every 4 over 24h from mice placed on five different feeding regimens to provide an atlas of TFs in biological space, time, and feeding regimen. Results showed that 1218 TFs exhibited tissue-specific and temporal expression profiles in ad libitum mice, of which 974 displayed significant oscillations at least in one tissue. Intermittent fasting triggered more than 90% (1161 in 1234) of TFs to oscillate somewhere in the body and repartitioned their tissue-specific expression. A single round of fasting generally promoted TF expression, especially in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues, while intermittent fasting mainly suppressed TF expression. Intermittent fasting down-regulated aging pathway and upregulated the pathway responsible for the inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Intermittent fasting shifts the diurnal transcriptome atlas of TFs, and mTOR inhibition may orchestrate intermittent fasting-induced health improvements. This atlas offers a reference and resource to understand how TFs and intermittent fasting may contribute to diurnal rhythm oscillation and bring about specific health benefits.

Zebrafish Feed Intake: A Systematic Review for Standardizing Feeding Management in Laboratory Conditions.

Zebrafish are one of the most used animal models in biological research and a cost-effective alternative to rodents. Despite this, nutritional requirements and standardized feeding protocols have not yet been established for this species. This is important to avoid nutritional effects on experimental outcomes, and especially when zebrafish models are used in preclinical studies, as many diseases have nutritional confounding factors. A key aspect of zebrafish nutrition is related to feed intake, the amount of feed ingested by each fish daily. With the goal of standardizing feeding protocols among the zebrafish community, this paper systematically reviews the available data from 73 studies on zebrafish feed intake, feeding regimes (levels), and diet composition. Great variability was observed regarding diet composition, especially regarding crude protein (mean 44.98 ± 9.87%) and lipid content (9.91 ± 5.40%). Interestingly, the gross energy levels of the zebrafish diets were similar across the reviewed studies (20.39 ± 2.10 kilojoules/g of feed). In most of the reviewed papers, fish received a predetermined quantity of feed (feed supplied). The authors fed the fish according to the voluntary intake and then calculated feed intake (FI) in only 17 papers. From a quantitative point of view, FI was higher than when a fixed quantity (pre-defined) of feed was supplied. Also, the literature showed that many biotic and abiotic factors may affect zebrafish FI. Finally, based on the FI data gathered from the literature, a new feeding protocol is proposed. In summary, a daily feeding rate of 9-10% of body weight is proposed for larvae, whereas these values are equal to 6-8% for juveniles and 5% for adults when a dry feed with a proper protein and energy content is used.

Clinical Outcomes of Slow versus Rapid Enteral Feeding Advancement in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates at a Tertiary Care Center

In India, every year around 3.5 million babies are born premature, accounting for almost 13% of total livebirths in the country as compared to 5% to 7% incidence in the West. Preterm is defined as babies born before 37 weeks ofpregnancy. The rapidity of feed volume increments involves controversies like faster weight gain, shorter hospital stays, therisk of necrotizing enterocolitis and vice versa. Methods: The present study was a randomized controlled trial conducted fromJune 1, 2018 to October 31, 2019. All infants in the study were randomized to slow and rapid feeding protocols by a stratifiedblock randomization sequence of 2, 4, 6 blocks. Group 1 or the slow advancement group included 64 newborns babies andGroup 2 or the rapid advancement group included 69 newborns babies. Results: The average weight gain in Group 1 was4.41 ± 0.9 g and in Group 2 it was 6.33 ± 1.3 g, the difference was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.02). Sixty out of 64 newbornsregained birth weight within 16.87 ± 0.9 days in Group 1, while 64 out of 69 newborns regained birth weight within 13.63 ±0.9 days in Group 2. The difference was statistically significant. Increment in the mean occipitofrontal circumference perweek was 0.29 ± 0.27 cm Group 1, while in Group 2 it was 0.42 ± 0.05 cm; the difference was statistically significant. Meanaverage length increment per week was found to be 0.55 ± 0.04 cm and 0.69 ± 0.05 cm in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively,the difference was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.005). The mean duration of hospital stay was 27.47 ± 3.33 days in Group 1while in Group 2, the duration of stay was 23.15 ± 2.22 days, the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Ourstudy supports enteral nutrition by rapid enteral feeding regimen in stable preterm neonates with very low birth weight

Immunosuppression, growth retardation, and transcriptomic profile alterations induced by chronic copper toxicity in Clarias gariepinus: The ameliorative effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles

This study was designated to look into the toxicological effects of long-term exposure of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) to a heavy metal (copper) on the growth, hematology, immune-antioxidant functions and their regulating genes, and resistance to Aeromonas sobria. Furthermore, the efficiency of dietary zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZNPs) to ameliorate copper toxicity was assessed. Fish (n=300: average body weight: 90.56±0.20 g) were equally allocated into six groups in five replicates (10 fish/replicate; 50 fish/ group) for 60 days at a water temperature of 25 ± 1.2 ◦C. Three diets were formulated with varying ZNPs levels: control (0 mg kg−1), ZNPs20 (20 mg kg−1), and ZNPs30 (30 mg kg−1), with actual zinc concentrations of 45, 65, and 75 mg kg−1, respectively. The experimental groups were named, control, ZNPs20, and ZNPs30 groups which were fed on the control, ZNPs20, and ZNPs30 diets, respectively without copper exposure. Additionally, the CuCL2, CuCL2+ZNPs20, and CuCL2+ZNPs30 groups were received the same feeding regime as the control, ZNPs20, and ZNPs30 groups, respectively and exposed to copper chloride, CuCL2 (10 mg L−1). At the end of the exposure trial (60 days), all experimental groups were challenged with 0.2 mL of A. sobria (1×108 CFU mL−1) and the mortalities were recorded daily for additional 7 days. The results displayed that copper exposure resulted in lower growth metrics and survivability. The final body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and survivability were reduced in the CuCL2 group by 39.29%, 23.79%, 63.37%, and 20%, respectively with increasing the feed conversion ratio by 52.13% compared to the control group. In addition, reduced hematological (red blood cells (58.40%), hemoglobin (48.11%), packed cell volume (40.59%), white blood cells (46.85%), total proteins (43.12%), albumin (41.98%), and globulin (44.23%)), immune (lysozymes (59.74%), complement 3 (41.89%), nitric oxide (57.14%), and phagocytic activity (38.75%)), and antioxidant parameters (glutathione peroxidase (82.95%), catalase (74.08%), and superoxide dismutase (48.59%)), as well as higher oxidative (malondialdehyde) (200.30%) indicator were observed in the CuCL2 group compared to the control group. A down-regulation of the antioxidant (glutathione peroxidase-1) and immune (lysozyme-G, lysozyme-C, transforming growth factor-beta, and myeloperoxidase) genes with up-regulation of the inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1ß, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa β, and Toll-like receptor 5) was noticed in the CuCL2 group. In addition, the survivability of the CuCL2 group during A. sobria challenge was reduced (25%) compared to the control group. Noticeably, ZNPs diets modulated the growth, survival, and antioxidant/immune functions and their associated genes of the copper-exposed fish. In addition, ZNPs increased the resistance of the copper-exposed fish to A. sobria challenge. ZNPs diets especially at 30 mg kg−1 level proposed a promising feed additive for mitigating the stress consequences of copper exposure in African catfish.

Effect of Stocking Density, Multispecies Probiotics, and Biofloc on Metabolic and Physiological Responses of Puntius sophore in Laboratory Conditions

A 60-day experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of different stocking densities, probiotic supplementation, and a biofloc system on the growth and physiological responses of Puntius sophore in laboratory conditions. P. sophore (8.64 ± 1.24 g) was obtained from the Brahmaputra River, Mymensingh, and immediately transferred to a flow-through water system. In experiment 1, fish were subjected to three treatments (20 fish per 400 L as LD, 25 fish per 400 L as MD, and 30 fish per 400 L as HD), and similarly, in experiment 2, three different types of diets were provided (control diet (D1), biofloc (D2), and a probiotic-containing diet (D3)). Three replications were used in the completely randomized experimental design. Growth parameters, viz. TLG, BWG, FCR, FCE, SGR, RGR, and DGR, were significantly influenced by stocking density and probiotics (p &lt; 0.05). The highest growth rate was observed in LD and in D3. The lowest FCR was also observed in LD and in D3, while highest was in HD (30 fish per 400 L) and in D2. Though stocking density does not impact the blood profile, with the exception of WBC, in the case of feeding regime, WBC, RBC, MCV, MCH, and PLT levels differed significantly (p &lt; 0.05); however, all haematological measures were within the normal range in both experiments, and the fish’s physiological conditions were better in LD and feeding with probiotic supplementation (D3). The results obtained from this study suggested that the welfare of P. sophore is adversely affected by high stocking density and increased growth and physiological conditions when cultured with LD and supplemented with probiotics.

Dietary Galla chinensis on white shrimp Penaeus vannamei: Promotes growth, nonspecific immunity, and disease resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

This study investigated the impact of Galla chinensis (GC) powder as a dietary supplement on the immunity, growth, and pathogen resistance of white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. An in vitro analysis demonstrated that GC inhibited Vibrio with no discernible impact on Lactobacillus. Following this, GC was tested for toxicity on white shrimp hemocytes. GC showed harmlessness to white shrimp hemocytes since cell viability was over 80% at all dosages. The immune response of hemocytes in white shrimp to diets containing varying concentrations of GC was evaluated in an in vivo experiment. Five feeding regimens were trialed for 28 days, which were designated as GC0.5, GC1, GC2.5, and GC5 (0, 0.5, 1, 2.5, and 5 g/kg, respectively). The enhanced total hemocytes, phenoloxidase, phagocytic activity, and production of superoxide anion in white shrimp on day 7 of the feeding trial by administering a supplementary GC diet significantly stimulated the nonspecific immunity of white shrimp. Additionally, dietary GC substantially increased the expression of related genes in white shrimp hemocytes in vivo, including Toll, Imd, antimicrobial peptides, antioxidant defenses, clotting protein, and heat shock protein. The challenge experiment was conducted to assess the disease resistance of white shrimp fed with GC. The shrimps were fed dietary GC for 7 days while being challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The shrimp exhibited a substantial variation in survival rate during the bacteria challenge experiment due to the activation of related genes and the enhancement of non-specific immunity. The mortality of white shrimp was substantially reduced by the supplementary GC at a concentration of 1 g/kg during the bacteria challenge. A final feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of dietary GC on the growth performance of white shrimp. The continuous administration of dietary GC at a dose of 1 g/kg to shrimp for 56 days resulted in the highest enhancement in shrimp growth among all treatments. This was evidenced by significantly increased final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and decreased feed conversion ratios. Dietary GC at a dosage of 1 g/kg has been suggested for use to enhance the growth performance of white shrimp and improve immunological responses, particularly nonspecific immunity and related gene expression, as well as resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus.