Adequate Feeding Research Articles

Study of Complementary Feeding and Children’s Nutritional Status in Jambi City

Providing adequate complementary feeding, quantitatively and qualitatively, supports children’s nutritional status. This study aims to analyze complementary feeding and children’s nutritional status in Jambi City. This type of research is quantitative with a cross-sectional study design conducted in 2023. The population used in this research was children aged 6-24 months in Jambi City with 116 respondents as sample taken using accidental sampling technique. Primary data collection was carried out through validated questionnaires, 1x24 hour food recall forms, and food frequency questionnaires. Data processing was carried out univariately and bivariately to see the correlation between complementary feeding and nutritional status which was tested using spearman correlation test. Nutritional status data shows that 6.9% of children are underweight and 13.8% of children are at risk of being overweight; as many as 24.1% of children were severely stunted and 15.5% were stunted; and as many as 53.4% ​​of children experience problems of under- and over-nutrition. As many as 62% of children at the age of 6 months have the first food/drinks given consisting of: formula milk, rice porridge/tim rice/rice/mashed side dishes, and mashed fruit with mashed texture/thick porridge fed by parent or caregiver. The average nutrition intake obtained by children from complementary feeding is 889 kcal energy (90.2 %) and 34.3 g protein (201.1 %). There is no significant correlation between complementary feeding and nutritional status of children because this study has not followed the continuous complementary feeding. Complementary feeding for children needs controlling of daily nutrition intake by parents.

Retrospective evaluation of enteral nutrition supplementation in 295 hospitalized dogs and cats (2014-2023).

The goal of this study was to describe clinical and hospital-related factors associated with time to feeding tube placement in hospitalized dogs and cats. This was a retrospective study from January 2014 through December 2023. Medical records at an academic veterinary teaching hospital were reviewed for small animal patients in the ICU with nasogastric or esophageal feeding tube placement for enteral nutrition due to inadequate food intake during hospitalization. Patients with feeding tubes placed prophylactically at hospital admission for surgery or physical inability to eat were excluded. Factors associated with placement including species, disease, inappetence, nutritional plans, and medical record recording of caloric intake were reviewed. 295 patients (89 cats and 206 dogs) were included. Median duration of hospitalization prior to feeding tube placement was 2 days (0 to 17 days) and was shorter in cats. Weekend admission and initial placement of an esophageal tube were associated with increased time to placement. Adequate feeding instructions were provided for only 53 of 295 patients (18%) and associated with both higher likelihood of having caloric intake recorded (OR, 10.30) and earlier feeding tube placement. Provision of enteral nutrition occurred later than recommended by nutritional guidelines in many hospitalized patients. Clinician inclusion of specific diet instructions, weekday admission, and initial nasogastric tube placement reduced this duration. Multiple factors may impact timely provision of nutrition in hospitalized dogs and cats. Close attention to energy requirements and exact food intake should be considered to optimize patient nutritional care.

Energy and protein nutrition adequacy in general wards among intensive care unit survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Adequate energy and protein provision is mandatory to optimize survival chances in critical illness, prevent loss of muscle mass, and reduce length of stay. Data are available concerning feeding adequacy in intensive care unit (ICU) participants, but little is known about the adequacy in post-ICU participants. This systematic review aimed to evaluate feeding adequacy in post-ICU participants and addressed causes of feeding interruption leading to suboptimal adequacy. For this systematic review, a bibliographic search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized controlled studies, non-randomized controlled studies, and observational studies conducted between January 1990 and November 2023 fulfilling the inclusion criteria were withheld. Eight studies were included. Outcomes reported were energy and protein adequacy, barriers, and feeding routes. Energy and protein requirements were determined in various ways, including indirect calorimetry and standardized and weight-based formulas. Energy adequacy ranged from 52% to 102% and protein adequacy between 63% and 86%. Participants were mainly fed with enteral nutrition (EN) or a combination of oral nutrition and EN. The main barrier reported for inadequate nutrition intake was feeding tube removal. Next to different ways in calculating targets and reporting results, a wide range in energy and protein adequacy was observed, but with constant protein underfeeding. Participants fed with EN or a combination of EN and oral nutrition had the best adequacy; inappropriate tube removal is a common barrier leading to inadequate therapy. Standardized reporting and larger studies are needed to guide nutrition care for post-ICU participants.

The Effect of Parasitization by Trichodinid Ciliates on the Mortality of Cultured Pacific Fat Sleeper larvae (Dormitator latifrons).

Trichodinidae, a prevalent group of protozoan ectoparasites in aquaculture, cause rapid mortality in fish hatcheries. Despite their significance, knowledge about these parasites in farmed fish in South America, especially in native species that are currently being domesticated for aquaculture, remains limited. This study morphologically characterized the Trichodinid species that are infecting Pacific fat sleeper (Dormitator latifrons) larvae and evaluated their impact on larval rearing. Four pairs of broodstock were induced with GnRHA implants and placed in tanks containing 200 L of freshwater, with a water temperature of 28 ± 1.0 °C and a dissolved oxygen level of 4.00 ± 1.23 mg L-1, with partial water exchanges being performed daily. The larvae hatched 7 to 8 h after fertilization and were transferred to tanks containing water with the same quality parameters. Twelve hours post-hatching, the presence of Trichodina was observed. Every 24 h, 60 larvae per tank (n = 180 per treatment) were sedated, and larval wet mounts were prepared, air-dried at room temperature, and impregnated with silver nitrate. Infection parameters and daily mortality were calculated. Trichodina was observed to parasitize the pelvic fins, caudal fins, and heads of fish larvae, which showed lethargy and erratic swimming movements. The Trichodina species showed a daily increase in the infection parameters, and a 58% rate of larval mortality was observed at the fourth day post-hatching (dph) in the infected tanks. In captivity, D. latifrons larvae typically survive up to 7 days post-hatching (dph) before reaching their point of no return due to the lack of adequate diet and feeding regimes. However, our study indicates that Trichodina infestation accelerates mortality, causing infected larvae to die more quickly than uninfected ones.

Complementary feeding and food handling practices among caregivers in a semi-urban setting in Northern Uganda

Background: Complementary feeding practices influence the nutritional status and health of children, especially in developing countries where sub-optimal infant feeding practices are the major cause of childhood undernutrition, morbidity, and mortality. This study sought to characterize the adequacy of complimentary feeding and food handling practices among caregivers of children aged 6-23 months in a semi-urban setting. Methods: Exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted in Adyel division, Lira district in Northern Uganda among 127 child-caregiver pairs randomly selected from three villages. Caregivers were interviewed about their child-feeding practices, complementary foods used, and common practices in handling and preparation of foods used as complementary feeds. Results: Overall, children’s feeding patterns met the recommended dietary intake when assessed using the child feeding index (CFI) whereby children aged 6-8, 9-11, and 12-23 months scored 8.03, 9.17, and 7.59, respectively. However, most children were complemented with foods from the household meals and dietary diversity was limited by frequent use of food leftover from the previous meals. Conclusions: Inappropriate meal patterns and food handling practices identified are likely to compromise child nutrition and health. Nutrition education is needed to improve the caregivers’ child-feeding and food handling practices within their socio-economic and cultural context. Keywords: Complementary feeding practices; food handling; diet quality; food safety; children; Uganda.

The Role of Complementary Feeding Practices in Addressing the Double Burden of Malnutrition among Children Aged 6-23 Months: Insight from the Vietnamese General Nutrition Survey 2020.

Background/Objectives: Optimal infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices are crucial to addressing the double burden of malnutrition (DBM), encompassing undernutrition (including micronutrient deficiencies) and overnutrition. This study examined the demographic and socioeconomic determinants of IYCF practices, and their impacts on the DBM among 2039 Vietnamese children aged 6-23 months from the General Nutrition Survey 2020. Methods: Thirteen IYCF indicators recommended by the WHO/UNICEF were evaluated. Associations between IYCF indicators and outcome variables were assessed using logistic regressions. Results: The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and overweight subjects was 10.9%, 5.6%, and 3.1%, respectively. Low serum zinc affected 56.7% of children, while 14.3% had low serum retinol, 31.2% had anemia, and 34.6% had iron deficiency (ID). Only 36.7% of children achieved minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and 29.0% achieved the minimum acceptable diet (MAD). Children from the younger age group (6-11 months), ethnic minorities, those living in rural/mountainous regions, and poorer wealth quintiles had reduced odds of meeting IYCF criteria, including MDD and MAD. Infants meeting MDD had reduced odds of stunting [adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals): 0.61 (0.41, 0.92)], and ID [0.69 (0.54, 0.88)]. Children meeting MAD had reduced odds of anemia [0.72 (0.57, 0.91)], ID [0.66 (0.52, 0.84)], and low serum retinol [0.63 (0.41, 0.99)]. Continued breastfeeding (12-23 months) reduced the odds of being underweight [0.50 (0.27, 0.92)] and of having low serum zinc [0.70 (0.52, 0.96)]. Adequate minimum milk feeding frequency had increased odds of being overweight [3.33 (1.01, 11.09)]. Conclusions: Suboptimal IYCF practices were significant predictors of the DBM among Vietnamese children, with evident age-specific, geographical, and socioeconomic disparities.

Nutritional Prehabilitation in the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient

Nutrition is a modifiable factor which should be optimized in the surgical patient. Peri-operative programs, such as “Strong for Surgery”, identify patients with protein malnutrition and provide resources for adequate feeding in the peri-operative period. The Orthopedic Trauma patient benefits from this approach to encourage surgical wound healing, avoidance of septic complication, uneventful bone union, and successful rehabilitation. Acute orthopedic injuries requiring prompt intervention should be assessed for protein malnutrition and receive supplementation when necessary post-operatively. Patients with peri-articular fracture managed staged or for post-traumatic cases, nutrition should be assessed pre-operatively and addressed prior to definitive surgical reconstruction.

A Novel Machine-Learning Algorithm to Predict the Early Termination of Nutrition Support Team Follow-Up in Hospitalized Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

For hospitalized adults, it is important to initiate the early reintroduction of oral food in accordance with nutrition support team guidelines. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a machine learning-based algorithm that predicts the early termination of medical nutritional therapy (the transition to oral feeding). This retrospective cohort study included consecutive adult patients admitted to the Hacettepe hospital (from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022). The outcome of the study was the prediction of an early transition to adequate oral feeding before discharge. The dataset was randomly (70/30) divided into training and test datasets. We used six ML algorithms with multiple features to construct prediction models. ML model performance was measured according to the accuracy, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and F1 score. We used the Boruta Method to determine the important features and interpret the selected features. A total of 2298 adult inpatients who were followed by a nutrition support team for medical nutritional therapy were included. Patients received parenteral nutrition (1471/2298, 64.01%), enteral nutrition (717/2298, 31.2%), or supplemental parenteral nutrition (110/2298, 4.79%). The median (interquartile range) Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS-2002) score was 5 (1). Six prediction algorithms were used, and the artificial neural network and elastic net models achieved the greatest area under the ROC in all outcomes (AUC = 0.770). Ranked by z-value, the 10 most important features in predicting an early transition to oral feeding in the artificial neural network and elastic net algorithms were parenteral nutrition, surgical wards, surgical outcomes, enteral nutrition, age, supplemental parenteral nutrition, digestive system diseases, gastrointestinal complications, NRS-2002, and impaired consciousness. We developed machine learning models for the prediction of an early transition to oral feeding before discharge. Overall, there was no discernible superiority among the models. Nevertheless, the artificial neural network and elastic net methods provided the highest AUC values. Since the machine learning model is interpretable, it can enable clinicians to better comprehend the features underlying the outcomes. Our study could support personalized treatment and nutritional follow-up strategies in clinical decision making for the prediction of an early transition to oral feeding in hospitalized adult patients.

Weight and linear growth of steers of Aubrac breed when using the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle

One of the main factors, which influence on the intensity of growth and fattening of steers are adequate feeding. In this regard, the study of the effect of the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle on the steers of Aubrac breed has scientific and practical interest. In order to carry out a scientific and economic experiment on steers of Aubrac breed aged from 7 to 18 months, two groups were formed. The control group received a commercial feeding ration, the experimental group received the ration with a reduced content of digestible protein due to a decrease in the rapeseed presscake in the ration. The steers received the missing amount of digestible protein due to the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle. This made it possible to obtain steers with a higher live weight for rearing and fattening. Thus, the significunt difference in live weight by the end of the experiment between the experimental and control groups was 51.5 kg or 9.6 % (P > 0.999). The average daily live weight gain for the age period from 9 to 18 months in the experimental group of steers was 1033 g, which exceeded the same indicator for the control group steers by 150 g or 17.0 % (P > 0.999). In terms of height measurements, the experimental group of steers showed an advantage in all age periods. It should be noted that the steers that received the feed additive were characterized by better development of the rear part of the body, which was shown by the hip width and half-girth measurements. Thus, the feed additive Hendrix C for cattle can be recommended for fattening of steers of Aubrac breed.

Study of prevalence of minimum acceptable diet and associated factors among children aged 6-24 months in rural Gurugram, Haryana, India

Background: Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) is the key area to improve survival of child and promotion of growth and development of the child. For assessing the IYCF for children aged 6-24 months, minimum acceptable diet (MAD) is one of the core indicators. A community based cross sectional study was done to assess the MAD and its associated factors among children aged 6-24 months in rural Gurugram, Haryana. Methods: A sample of 200 mother-child dyads were interviewed. Majority of children (90.1%) did not receive MAD. Results: The proportion of children who has received minimum diet diversity (MDD) and minimum meal frequency (MMF) were 14% and 61% respectively. More than three fourth (77.5%) of children consumed junk food in last 24 hours dietary recall. Conclusions: Counselling of mothers, encouraging involvement of fathers and extended family members in adequate feeding practices was done.

In vitro evaluation of ruminal digestibility and fermentation characteristics of local feedstuff-based beef cattle ration

Background: Optimum productivity of beef cattle is achieved with adequate feed supply, both in quality and quantity. Consumption of local feedstuff Neptunia plena L. Benth and Leersia hexandra Swartz as a ration by the animal subject is expected to promote cost efficiency and production, as well as provide essential nutrition needs. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), N-NH3 production, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) in beef cattle. Methods: Feed and rumen inoculum samples were prepared and analyzed for their proximate contents. There were five treatment groups based on the diet received by beef cattle. In vitro approaches were used to determine the DMD, OMD, N-NH3 production, and VFA in beef cattle. The research was conducted in the Laboratory of Feed Nutrient Science, Faculty of Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, Diponegoro University, Semarang. The data were analyzed using ANOVA at a significance level of 95%, and a Duncan Multiple Range Test. Results: The results showed that the highest DMD (P<0.05) was derived from T5 (56.47%), followed by T4 (56.45%) and T3 (55.90%). T5=62.40% significantly (P<0.05) generated the highest OMD followed by T4=61.95% and T3=60.82%. This treatment had the highest N-NH3 value, namely 5.02 mM, compared with T3=4.55 mM, T4=4.50 mM, T2=4.22 mM, and T1=3.99 mM. Furthermore, T5 had the highest VFA (P<0.05) compared with T4, T3, T2, and T1 with the value of 150.5, 133.0, 130.5, 130.0, and 123.5 mM, respectively. Conclusions: The local feedstuff-based ration contributed to beef cattle production.

Assessing the Level of Knowledge of Ukrainian Consumers Regarding Cows’ Welfare on Dairy Farms

In modern society, consumers are very often the driving force of change. Therefore, it is important to understand and satisfy their needs. The purpose of the study was to identify modern Ukrainian consumers’ level of knowledge, interest and understanding of the importance of cows’ welfare on dairy farms, and to determine the willingness to pay a higher price for products from cows with a high level of welfare. The research was carried out through an online survey of representatives of Ukrainian consumers (n=2,345) between March and April 2023. Ukrainian consumers did not feel sufficiently informed on cows’ welfare, and most consumers had not come across welfare labelling and wanted to receive more information. Most Ukrainian consumers were ready to pay more (from 5 to 20%) for products from cows with a high level of welfare. Ukrainian consumers believed that the farmer has the greatest influence on welfare, and the consumers themselves have the least influence. Only 5% of consumers believe that government and legislation have a major impact on cows’ welfare. The respondents highly rated such parameters of welfare as sufficient space, adequate and high-quality feed, access to pastures, good relations with farm workers and expression of natural behaviour. We consider it important to increase the level of awareness of consumers in the field of animal welfare, to further develop a product certification scheme, and in the future to conduct a survey on awareness in the field of dairy herd welfare among Ukrainian farmers.

Cattle Artificial Insemination Service in Developing Countries: Efficiency, Major Challenges and Economic Loss: A Review

This review paper summarizes information on the efficiency, major challenges and economic loss of cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) service in developing countries. Efficiency of AI service can be measured by number of services per conception (NSC), conception rate at first insemination, and calving rate (CR). The optimum recommended NSC for profitable dairy cow ranges from 1.0-2.0. The averages of NSC of the conventional AI (1.73) and fixed time AI (1.78) in the reviewed publications were in the ranges of the recommendations of NSC. The NSC varies with animal breeds, animal factor (body condition score, age and parity), semen factor (handling procedure and quality), inseminator factor (knowledge, skill and experience), production systems, management level provided and AI breeding methods. The NSC and calving rate vary with conventional AI and fixed time AI breeding methods. Likewise, calving rate (CR) is influenced by poor semen quality, poor semen handling procedure, inadequate insemination skill, poor oestrus detection and wrong time of insemination. The average success rate (CR) of conventional AI (35.15%) in the reviewed publications is far below the success rates reported in some developing countries. Nevertheless, widespread use and longtime use of AI service on selected genotype(s) can cause cattle biodiversity loss. Dairy producers incur additional costs when cows fail to conceive at their first AI services. Moreover, challenges of AI service comprised of feed scarcity, animal diseases, climate change, poor AI infrastructure, poor livestock husbandry practices, weak livestock extension systems and incapability of Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs). This calls designing suitable interventions to improve the efficiency of AI services. Adequate feed and high level of management should be provided to the breedable cows and heifers. AI service centers should be established as per the recommended number of breedable cows and heifers. AI inputs including AITs should be always available at each AI service center, and proper AI service recording should be practiced. Sexed semen should be used to enhance the number of replacement heifers, and capacity building should be provided to AITs and community cattle breeders. Radio, television and printed medias should be used to enhance the awareness of the community cattle breeders. Frequent extension support is essential for the success rate of the AI service.

Dietary inclusion of insect oil: Impact on growth, nutrient utilisation, lipid metabolism, antioxidant and immune-related responses in European catfish (Silurus glanis L)

In this study, we investigated the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae oil (IO) as replacement of fish oil and vegetable oil in the diets of European catfish. The formulated diets included a control diet (CTR) containing fish oil (FO) and rapeseed oil (RO), and two experimental diets replacing FO and RO, with 50% and 100% IO, respectively. The nutritional trial comprising 630 European catfish juveniles (average initial body weight: 28.1 ± 0.17 g) randomly distributed into triplicated dietary groups (CTR, IO50, and IO100) was conducted for 8 weeks in a recirculation aquaculture system. The study was focused to evaluate the impact of IO on fish growth and nutrient utilisation, lipid metabolism, antioxidant, and immune-related responses in juvenile fish. Results obtained indicated that all the diets promoted adequate fish growth and feed utilisation, with no significant differences in these parameters between the dietary fish groups. It appears that the diets did not impact the activity of digestive enzymes, but a decrease in the apparent digestibility coefficients was observed. Significant differences were observed in tissue fatty acid (FA) composition. The significantly higher levels of whole-body total saturated fatty acids and arachidonic acid in fish fed IO-based diets relative to those fed CTR diet were accompanied by significantly lower levels of whole-body monounsaturated fatty acids and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA). However, some deviations in this trend were observed in the liver highlighting the sparing effect for long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs). Gene expression analysis showed a significant upregulation of genes encoding lipoprotein lipase (lpl), carnitine palmitoyl transferase (cpt1a), and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (hnf4α) in the livers of fish fed the IO100 diet. Among the five immune-related genes examined in the spleen, only interferon regulatory factor 1 was significantly upregulated in fish fed IO50 relative to the CTR. These results indicated upregulated metabolic activities in fish fed the IO100 diet probably due to a higher level of dietary medium chain saturated fatty acids (MCSFA) and a lower level of LC-PUFA, creating the need for fish to oxidise more MCSFA and to deposit more LC-PUFA in the tissues in order to maintain fatty acid balance.

Automatic Cattle Feeder

The cattle need to be fed. It is a simple statement, but one that resonates with every cattle producer. To make this necessary task easier for farmers, the concept of automatic cattle feeding system came into existence. Automatic Cattle Feeding System is a robotic feeding system which consists of battery operated robotic system that is capable of feeding an equal amount of feed. The feed is manually loaded in the feeder After the feed is mixed in the mixer, it falls onto the conveyer belt and follows a predetermined path until it reaches the last cattle in the fence. To ensure the precise, timely and adequate feeding of each cattle, this project is applicable in an agricultural country where the lack of manpower is there in cattle farming. Due to less man power there is an adverse effect on dairy production. The main objective is to design an automatic cattle feeding system that it moves around the fence to distribute the feed uniformly. With the application of following robotic system , remarkable changes can be brought to this field. . The use of PIC microcontroller helped to control and switch off the whole system whenever there is any issue in the hardware. With the application of Automatic Cattle Feeding system uniformity and hygiene in feed distribution can be maintained

Metasmart in the rations of young sheep of Kuibyshev breed

Realization of the productivity potential of sheep is possible only under the condition of balanced feeding based on the characteristics of their nutrition and metabolism. Maximum gains in live weight and high-quality wool can only be obtained as a result of adequate feeding, balanced with all currently known nutrients including amino acids. The use of synthetic amino acids in particular methionine when feeding ruminants is diffi cult, because with a lack of energy and nitrogen in the feed, protein and amino acids are partially degraded in the forestomach. Therefore, the use of synthetic amino acids as part of the ration of ruminant animals becomes less eff ective and is unjustifi ed from an economic point of view. The purpose of the research was to study Metasmart (protected methionine) in the rations of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. The experiment was carried out on three groups of young animals (control and two experimental) from 3 to 9 months of age per 12 heads animals in each group. Scientifi c and economic experiment was divided into two periods, the fi rst period from 3 to 7, the second period from 7 to 9 months of age. For animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups in the fi rst period (from 3 to 7 months of age), Metasmart was included in the feed at the rate of 1,5 and 2,0 g/head/day. In the second period (from 7 to 9 months of age) Metasmart was included in the compound feed at the rate of 2,0 and 3,0 g/head/day in the experimental groups. It was established that feeding protected methionine (Metasmart) to meat-wool young sheep helped reduce feed intake for a gain of 1 kg of live weight, which had a positive eff ect on the prime-cost of growth and meat productivity of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. Analysis of parameters of wool productivity of haggerels showed that the inclusion of Metasmart in the compound feed in an amount of 2,0 g/head/day in the fi rst period and 3,0 g/head/day in the second period had a positive effect on the wool productivity of animals and the quality of wool.

PSI-3 Effect of feed and water consumption patterns during the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows

Abstract There is sufficient evidence that adequate feed and water consumption during the lactation period positively influences sow body condition at weaning. Optimum body condition score after the lactation period decreases sow wean-to-estrus interval and non-productive sow days and promotes sow reproductive performance in the following reproductive cycle, in general. However, feed and water intake patterns have not been extensively studied in commercial sow research; thus, the objective of this study was to determine the effect of feed and water consumption patterns in the lactation period on wean-to-estrus interval in weaned sows. This trial was conducted in a commercial sow farm located in southwestern Minnesota in March 2023. Each lactation feeder was outfitted with a MealMeter 2.0 device (PigEasy, LLC, Templeton, IA), which uses a rotating feed dispenser to release feed ad libitum at the request of each sow. In addition, the MealMeter 2.0 device utilizes sensors to track the number of times feed and water were accessed at 15-min time intervals across the entire lactation period. Average daily feed (ADF) and water accessions (ADW) were summarized for each sow during the lactation period (n = 84 sows). Root mean squared error (RMSEF and RMSEW for feed and water accessions, respectively) was calculated from the residuals of the regression between days post-farrowing and ADF and ADW for each sow and was considered a measure of variation in feed and water accessions during the lactation period. Moreover, the number of days from weaning to the first estrus was recorded and defined as the wean-to-estrus interval (WTE). Due to the distribution of WTE, sows with a WTE ≤ 5 d and WTE > 5 d were separated into a binary classifier (0 = WTE ≤ 5 d and 1 = WTE > 5 d). The relationship between each feed and water measurement and WTE class was estimated using a logistic regression model fit with R Statistical Software. Average daily feed and water accessions were negatively associated with WTE class (P- = 0.07 and 0.04, respectively; Table 1), indicating that as feed and water accessions increase, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d decreases. In addition, RMSEF and RMSEW were also negatively associated with WTE class, which suggests that as the variation in each measure across the lactation period increases, the probability of observing a WTE greater than 5 d is reduced. This result was not expected and, thus, requires further investigation. Nonetheless, results from this study suggest that the mean and variation of daily feed and water accessions are associated with WTE and sufficient consumption of nutrients during the lactation period is critical to reducing the number of days to first estrus in weaned sows.

42 Group sow housing considerations for improved survival and productivity

Abstract Group sow housing considerations for improved survival and productivity. The Australian pork industry decided in 2010 to voluntarily phase out stall housing for pregnant sows by 2017. The change was supported by extensive R&D by the Pork CRC for High Integrity Australian Pork and the time line was brought forward by two major retailers in Australia. For 85 to 90% of producers the transition was complete by 2019-2020 and sows were grouped at weaning or straight after mating. I reviewed the pertinent literature, interviewed many producers on what is required to make group housing successful for the sow and the producer and looked at trend from an Australian bench making project in some aspects of reproduction and sow mortality from 2006 to 2020. The research showed sows adapt to grouping and exhibit reduced aggressive behaviors, injuries and plasma indicators of stress within 4 to 5 d after mixing. During this period, it was all about space at mixing, grouping sows based on size/parity, ensuring they all receive adequate feed and familiarization with group housing by the sow and staff. Producers said it is all about ensuring sows are grouped on size/parity, feeding with many using ad libitum feeding for the week after mixing, space with a preference between 1.8 and 2.2 m2, flooring (slats preferred) and minimizing mixing events. Producers were split on the use of drop feeding and electronic sow feeders with opinions very divided. For drop feeding the preferred housing system comprised full length feeding stalls without a back gate. All producers said they would not go back to stalls. Most producers experienced a decline in farrowing rate and increased lameness during the transition. However, reproduction improved over time and sow mortality decreased. If the top 4 to 5 factors affecting aggressiveness and overall welfare are followed, group housing sows improves their welfare and does not reduce their reproductive performance or longevity. Detection of estrus can be more difficult in groups and a number of Australian producers have implemented the use of satiety blocks during the first 2 and last 2 wk of gestation to further improve welfare and meet retailer requirements. Mating in groups (not stalls) has also been reported to improve reproduction.

Study of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics of tilapia fish bones by age

Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), consisting of bioceramics such as HAp + β-TCP and Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 + Ca3(PO4)2, is a popular choice for optimizing performance due to its superior biological reabsorption and osseointegration. In this study, BCP was produced by calcining the bones of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in net cages and slaughtered at an age ranging from 15 to 420 days. The bones were cleaned and dried, calcined at 900 °C for 8 h, and then subjected to high-energy grinding for 3 h to produce BCP powders. After the calcination process, the crystalline phase’s hydroxyapatite (HAp) and/or beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) were present in the composition of the bioceramic. The age-dependent variation in phase composition was confirmed by complementary vibrational spectroscopy techniques, revealing characteristic peaks and bands of the bioceramic. This variation was marked by an increase in HAp phase and a decrease in β-TCP phase. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA) from 25 to 1400 °C showed the characteristic mass losses of the material, with a greater loss observed for younger fish, indicating the complete removal of organic components at temperatures above 600 °C. Comparison of the results obtained by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement with Raman spectroscopy showed excellent agreement. These results showed that with temperature and environment control and adequate fish feeding, it is possible to achieve the desired amounts of each phase by choosing the ideal age of the fish. This bioceramic enables precise measurement of HAp and β-TCP concentrations and Ca/P molar ratio, suitable for medical orthopedics and dentistry.

Glass formulation and lab-scale testing of glasses designed for in-can Melter and in-container Vitrification of high-assay low-enriched uranium aqueous polishing Raffinate waste

Glasses were designed for processing a nuclear waste from aqueous polishing of high-assay low-enriched uranium using either In-Can Melter or GeoMelt® In-Container Vitrification™ (ICV) technologies, which operate at temperatures of Tp ≤ 1100 °C and Tp ≤ 1450 °C, respectively. Due to the different operating conditions, the melt and glass properties were optimized differently for each technology. Each glass was designed to optimize for maximum waste loading while simultaneously satisfying processing (e.g., crystallization, viscosity, conductivity) and product quality (e.g., durability, hazard characteristic, crystal content) constraints. The raffinate waste contains high nitric acid (4 M) and low total solids (9 g∙L−1) concentrations. Feed preparation processes were tested to facilitate concentration and nitrate destruction/removal while controlling redox of the melter feed. A successful lab-scale feed process including sugar addition and spray-drying was performed to generate an adequate melter feed for ICV processing.