Feeding Index Research Articles

Fermentation of Carrot Juice Waste (Daucus carota L) with Probiotics and Utilization in Races of Chicken Layers on Egg Production and Quality

The aim of this study was to test the use of carrot juice fermentation with probiotics in rations with different levels on the production performance and quality of egg-laying hens. The material used was Lohman Brown strain of laying hens, 27 weeks old with an average initial body weight of 1.69 kg, as many as 45 birds. The research was conducted with experimental methods and used a Complete Design Acal (CRD). The treatment tested was the use of Carrot Extract Fermentation (FLSW) with probiotic SOC in the feed consisting of T1 = 100% basal ration, T2 = basal ration (97.5%) + FLSW (2.5%): T3 = basal ration ( 95%) + FLSW (5%); T4 = basal ration (92.5%) + FLSW (7.5%); T5 = basal ration (90%) + FLSW (10%). The variables observed were production performance (consumption, egg production (HDA / Hen Day Average), egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion and income over feed cost) and egg quality variables (albumin index, yolk index, Haugh Unit (HU), yolk color, albumin pH, yolk pH). The results of the analysis of variance showed that the use of carrot extract fermentation (FLSW) with different levels had a significant effect on feed consumption (Sig.115) and HDA (Sig.063), yolk index value (Sig.087) and yolk color (Sig. 000). , and not significantly different on feed conversion (Sig. 403), albumin index value (Sig. 522), and Haugh Unit (Sig. 259). The conclusion of the research showed that the use of fermented carrot juice waste (FLSW) in the feed of laying hens had an effect on feed consumption, egg production (Hen Day Averag / HDA), yolk index and yolk brightness (yolk color), but had no effect on conversion. feed, Haugh unit and albumin index value. Key words : probiotics, fermentation, carrot juice waste, production performance, egg quality

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION OF FATTENING AND MEAT QUALITIES OF YOUNG PIGS OF THE UNIVERSAL DIRECTION OF PRODUCTIVITY AND SOME OF THEIR INTERBIRELS FEATURES

The results of studies of the fattening and meat qualities of young pigs of large white breed of foreign origin, some biochemical parameters of blood serum and the results of calculating their correlation relationships are presented, and the economic efficiency of the research results is calculated.
 It was found that the biochemical parameters of blood serum in animals of the experimental group correspond to the physiological norm of clinically healthy animals, and their coefficient of variation ranges from 7.71 to 33.67 %. According to the main indicators of fattening and meat qualities (the age of reaching live weight of 100 kg, days, the thickness of the fat at the level of 6– 7 thoracic vertebrae, mm, the length of the chilled carcass, cm) corresponds to the “elite” class, and an effective assessment method sows and boars-producers by genotype is the use of a comprehensive index of feeding and meat qualities (B. Tyler index). The maximum indicators “average daily gain in live weight for the period of control fattening, kg”, “the length of the chilled carcass, cm”, “the length of the bacon half of the chilled carcass, cm” and the minimum values “age to reach live weight of 100 kg, days” and “bacon thickness the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae, mm ”is characterized by animals in which the comprehensive index of feeding and meat qualities (B. Tyler index) ranges from 160.14 to 174.04 points. Reliable correlation was established between the following pairs of signs: fat thickness at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae, mm × total protein content, g / l (r=+ 0.375, tr=2.14), length of chilled carcass, cm × concentration of total lipoproteins , mg% (r=–0.622, tr=4.20), length of chilled carcass, cm × urea content, mmol/l (r=–0.445, tr=4.20), length of bacon half of chilled carcass, cm × content total protein, g / l (r=–0.533, tr=3.33), fat thickness at the level of 6–7 thoracic vertebrae, mm × concentration of total lipoproteins, mg% (r=–0.652, tr=4.55) the average daily gain in live weight for the period of control feeding, kg × concentration of total lipoproteins, mg% (r=+0.492, tr=2.99).
 The above indicates the prospect of using some biochemical indicators of blood serum for early prediction of fattening and meat qualities. It was established that the maximum increase in production in terms of "average daily gain in live weight during the period of control fattening, g" (4.87 %) was obtained from animals in which the B. Tyler index ranged from 160.14 to 174.04 points.

Longitudinal Diet Quality Trajectories Suggest Targets for Diet Improvement in Early Childhood

BackgroundThere is little information about how diet quality evolves in early childhood, whether children exhibit varying diet quality trajectories, or which components of diet quality should be targeted for intervention. ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to identify and evaluate trajectories of dietary quality in young children. DesignThis was a secondary analysis of an observational, longitudinal cohort study of non-Hispanic African American or White children and their parents from racially concordant households with 4 years of follow-up (up to 13 study visits). Data on mother, infant feeding, and body mass index were assessed at baseline. Diet was evaluated using 3-day diaries at each visit. Participants/settingOf 372 children enrolled, 349 children had at least 3 study visits with dietary data for this analysis. Participants were enrolled at age 3 years between March 2001 and August 2002 in Cincinnati, OH. Final study visits were conducted between February 2005 and June 2006. Main outcome measureThe main outcome measure was the total Healthy Eating Index 2005 (HEI-2005) score and HEI-2005 component scores. Statistical analysesDiet quality trajectories were modeled using group-based modeling techniques. ResultsThe total HEI-2005 score was low at age 3 years (mean ± standard error = 55.1 ± 0.4 of maximum 100 points) and remained stable to age 7 years (mean ± standard error = 54.0 ± 0.6; P = 0.08 for trend). Five HEI-2005 trajectory groups were identified, of which 1 declined and 1 improved over time. HEI-2005 component scores, except milk intake and meat/beans scores, differed significantly (all, P ≤ 0.02) among trajectory groups at age 3 years, and most differences were maintained at age 7 years. Total vegetables, dark green and orange vegetables and legumes, and whole grains component scores were low for all trajectory groups. Whole fruit; total fruit; saturated fat; and calories from solid fats, alcoholic beverages, and added sugars (SoFAAS) were highly variable among trajectory groups. Children in the lowest diet quality trajectory group were less likely to be breastfed and more likely to have been regular consumers of soft drinks (e.g., powdered drink mixes, sport drinks, or soda pop) before age 3 years. ConclusionsYoung childhood diet quality was low at age 3 years and remained stable to age 7 years. Improving intake of vegetables and whole grains is needed for all children. Focused attention regarding increasing fruit intake and reducing SoFAAS may be needed for families at increased risk for low overall diet quality.

Assessment of harvest index and nutrient-conservation in potato via foliar nutrition

The major nutrients viz., N, P and K are supplied to the crop through soil application which decreases the nutrient uptake efficacy due to various losses and fixation in soil. Hence, a study was carried out in order to explore the response of foliar nutrients on harvest index and conserved nutrients of potato (cv. Kufri Surya) at Vegetable Research Centre of GBPUA&T, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand during rabi season of 2017-18. The experiment having eleven treatments with replicated four times. The results indicated that there was an increase in harvest index with the foliar feeding and maximum harvest index (83.82 %) was observed in treatment T8, which is 5.9% more harvest index than T1 (100% Recommended Dose of Fertilizer). The maximum value of nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) content and uptake by haulms, tubers and plants was obtained from different foliar treatments, whereas, treatment T11 (75% N of RDF as basal + 2% foliar spray of 20:20:20 water soluble fertilizer at 30 & 45 DAP) was recorded 24.91%, 37.93% and 33.46% more nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium uptake in tubers over than recommended practices, respectively. The conclusion comes out from this experiment that, application technique of foliar nutrients significantly affected the harvest index and nutrient uptake by haulms, tubers and plants of potato.

Investigating the effect of unachieved minimum acceptable diet and low infant and child feeding index as risk factors of stunting in children aged 6-23 months

Background The complementary feeding period of 6-24 months of age is one of the most crucial moments in child growth, in which most of the decline in length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) occurs. The Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD) and Infant and Child Feeding Index (ICFI) are indicators to assess complementary feeding practices in the children with potential for stunting.
 Objective To assess and compare the usefulness of MAD and ICFI scores as indicators of inadequate feeding practice on stunting in children aged 6-23 months.
 Methods This case-control study was conducted in South and West Wewewa subdisctricts of Southwest Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, from February to August 2019. Participants were children aged 6-23 months who had received complementary feeding for a minimum duration of one month. Children with LAZ <-2 were allocated into the case group (stunted) and those with LAZ>-2 into the control group. Both MAD and ICFI scores were assessed in both groups. ICFI was categorized as low, average, and high. The association between complementary feeding practice which depicted by the MAD and ICFI scores and stunting was measured using logistic regression.
 Results Of 322 participants, 161 children were allocated into each group. Multivariate analysis revealed that those in low and average ICFI tertile had higher odds of stunting [(OR 2.85; 95%CI 1.35 to 6.00; P<0.01) and (OR 1.95; 95%CI 1.09 to 3.46; P<0.05), respectively]. No association was found between MAD and stunting.
 Conclusion Inadequate complementary feeding practice is found to increase the risk of stunting among children aged 6-23 months. Compared to MAD, ICFI is a better indicator in demonstrating an association between complementary feeding practice and stunting.

Feeding practices in 6\u201324-month-old children with chronic cholestatic liver diseases: a mixed-method study

BackgroundChildren with chronic cholestatic liver diseases have a high risk of malnutrition. However, nutritional management in China has received little attention, and there has been limited evidence regarding improving these practices. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding status of chronic cholestatic children aged 6–24 months and to explore their parents’ experiences with feeding practices.MethodsA mixed-method study was conducted among parents of 74 children with chronic cholestatic liver diseases. The Infant and Young Child Feeding Index (ICFI) was used to collect quantitative data of feeding practices. In-depth interviews with parents were performed to generate qualitative data. Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify predictors of inappropriate feeding practices. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsOnly 16.2% of the children had appropriate feeding practices. In terms of dairy products, the rate of breastfeeding, medium-chain triglyceride formula feeding, and regular formula feeding were 25.7, 39.2 and 44.6% respectively. The complementary feeding rate was 68.8%, and the age of adding complementary foods was 6.9 ± 1.7 months. Consumption of foods from animal sources was suboptimal, 66.7% of the children aged 6–8 months and 45.5% of the children aged 9–11 months had carbohydrates as a single source of complementary foods and had no intake of meat, eggs or bean products, while in the age group 12–24 months, 52.0% of the children had eggs less than 2 days/week, 60.0% had meat less than 2 days/week, and 60.0% had no intake of bean products. Low literacy of the primary care provider was significantly related to inappropriate feeding practices (adjusted OR 5.52; 95% CI 1.29, 23.66). The result of the interviews indicated that parents generally lacked the scientific knowledge of feeding and thought that the intake of animal source foods and oils would be a burden to the liver and cause damage to the liver functions.ConclusionParents generally lacked science-based feeding knowledge and the feeding practices in 6–24-month-old children diagnosed with chronic cholestatic liver diseases fell short of the recommendations in current nutritional guidelines. Appropriate interventions targeting social and cultural family circumstances should therefore be included in supporting parents in feeding practices to improve children’s clinical outcomes.

Growth, biochemical, antioxidants, metabolic enzymes and hemocytes population of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei exposed to acidified seawater

Acidification in the marine environment has become a global issue that creates serious threats to marine organisms. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of CO2 driven acidification on the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei post-larvae (PL). L. vannamei PL were exposed to six different CO2 driven acidified seawater, such as 8.2 (control), pH 7.8 (IPCC-predicted ocean pH by 2100), 7.6, 7.4, 7.2 and 7.0 with corresponding pCO2 level of 380.66, 557.53, 878.55, 1355.48, 2129.46, and 3312.12 μatm for seven weeks. At the end of the acidification experiment, results revealed that the survival, growth, feed index, biochemical constituents, chitin, minerals (Na, K, and Ca), and hemocyte populations of shrimps were found to be significantly decreased in CO2 driven acidified seawater which indicates the negative impacts of acidified seawater on these parameters in L. vannamei. Further, the level of antioxidants, lipid peroxidation, and metabolic enzymes were significantly higher in the muscle of shrimps exposed to acidified seawater suggests that the L. vannamei under oxidative stress and metabolic stress. Among the various acidified seawater tested, pH 7.6 to 7.0 produced a significantly adverse effect on shrimps. Hence, the present study concluded that the elevated level of seawater acidification can produce harmful effects on the biology and physiology of the commercially important shrimp L. vannamei PL.

Methanolic Extract of Winter Cherry Causes Morpho-Histological and Immunological Ailments in Mulberry Pyralid Glyphodes pyloalis.

The effect of Withania somnifera a medicinal plant seed extract was tested against lesser mulberry pyralid, a potential pest of mulberry. The mulberry leaves were used for silk production in rural areas of northern Iran. The extract was administered orally by leaf dipping method in two lower (5%W/V) and higher (15%W/V) dosages to third instar larvae (<24 h) for biological assays and to fifth instar larvae (<24 h) for Physiological studies. The results showed formation of larvoids (Ls), larval-pupal intermediates (LPIs), pupoids (Ps) and pupal-adult intermediates (PAIs). The results showed increased larval duration by 1.7 and 2 folds in 5 and 15% treatment, respectively. Fecundity of resultant adults was decreased by 1.2 and 1.3 in 5 and 15% treatment, respectively. Except approximate digestibility (AD) and consumption index (CI) all other feeding indices showed reduction. The feeding deterrence was prominent at 15% (87%) and 5% showing 48% deterrence. Our enzymatic and non-enzymatic assessments upon treatment showed reduction in key components, except detoxifying enzymes. However, the activity of an important enzyme involved in cuticle hardening and immunity called phenoloxidase was reduced. We also investigated the histology of midgut for further analysis and found drastic changes in main cellular elements. Immunological changes following treatment was noticeable in reduced Total Hemocyte Count but surprisingly increased Differential Hemocyte Count. However, the hemocytes structure was extremely damaged. The reduced number of eggs in treated but survived adults indicated reduced ovaries, with vacuolization both in trophocytes and oocytes. The key chemical compounds showed reductions particularly at 15%. The present results are concomitant with few earlier studies on this medicinal plant and deserve further studies particularly in deriving key chemicals that alter metamorphosis similar to insect growth regulators.

The Nutritional Status of Pediatric Patients with Single Ventricle Undergoing a Bidirectional Glenn Procedure.

Single ventricle (SV) physiology is associated with growth retardation in children. The nutritional status of pediatric patients with SV undergoing a bidirectional Glenn (BDG) procedure vitally affects the feasibility of the next operation stages. To explore the nutritional status and to identify specific anthropometric parameters relevant to short-term surgical outcomes in children with SV after the BDG procedure, this study included 151 patients who underwent the BDG procedure. Anthropometric assessments and Infant and Child Feeding Index (ICFI) scores were used to evaluate nutritional status. There was a significant statistical correlation between ICFI and malnutrition in both the height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) and weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ) groups (P < 0.05). The clinical data, including ventilation time, nosocomial infection presence, pressure injury presence, peritoneal dialysis status, and total intensive care unit days, after BDG surgery were significantly different among the HAZ groups (P < 0.05), while nosocomial infection was different among the WAZ groups (P < 0.05). Children after BDG procedure had a high incidence of malnutrition, in addition to disease factors, the type and frequency of dietary intake were also important factors leading to worse clinical outcomes during hospitalization. Therefore, it is vital to maintain an optimal nutritional status in infants with SV who are undergoing a series of surgical procedures.

Design, development and testing of a paddy hill seeder

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is important leading food crop and it is widely cultivated in India. The farmers are facing problems due to lack of labour, time, inputs cost and also due to drudgery in work. Nevertheless, mechanization in paddy cultivation can boost higher productivity and considerably reduce the cost of production. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to design and develop a power operated paddy hill seeder in paddy cultivation. The power operated paddy hill seeder was developed and tested based on the, engineering and physical properties paddy seeds. The tests were conducted at Kelappaji College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Tavanoor, Kerala to evaluate the seed metering mechanism performance with different study parameters. The missing index and multiple indexes were less for the different combinations of study parameters (speed 1.5 kmph, cell size 9 mm, Transmission ratio 1:1.7), (Speed 1.8 kmph, Cell size 9 mm, Transmission ratio 1:1.7) and (Speed 1.8 kmph, Cell size 12 mm, Transmission ratio 1:1.7). The quality feed index was 86.1, 88.6 and 91.1 respectively for above sequence of combinations of study parameters. The average field capacity of the paddy hill seeder was 0.22 ha h-1 and 0.26 ha h-1 with efficiency of 80.00% and 76.00 % for forward speeds of 1.5 and 1.8 kmph respectively.

Assessment of eight rice cultivars flour for feeding resistance to Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) is an important pest of processed stored grains worldwide. Study of life history, feeding efficiency and digestive function of an insect on different host cultivars can indicate their resistance for the insect's population increase. Due to the economic importance of T. castaneum on stored rice flour, this research was aimed to investigate the life history, feeding indices and digestive enzymatic activity of T. castaneum on flour of eight rice cultivars (Ali-Kazemi, Dom-Siah, Fajr, Gilaneh, Gohar, Hashemi, Khazar, and Neda). A delay in the developmental time of T. castaneum was detected on cultivar Gohar. The lowest fecundity and egg fertility were observed on cultivar Gohar. Feeding indices of fourth instar larvae were the lowest on cultivars Gohar and Neda. The amylolytic activity of fourth instar larvae was the highest on cultivars Hashemi, Dom-Siah, Ali-Kazemi and Gilaneh, and the lowest on cultivar Gohar. Also, the highest and lowest proteolytic activities of fourth instar larvae were on cultivars Khazar and Hashemi, respectively. Significant correlations were detected between tested parameters of T. castaneum with starch and protein value of examined cultivars flour. The results of cluster analysis indicate that Dom-Siah, Hashemi and Ali-Kazemi are relatively susceptible cultivars, and other tested cultivars, especially Gohar, are relatively resistant cultivars for feeding of T. castaneum. The resistant rice cultivars could be further evaluated to identify secondary biochemicals that contribute to T. castaneum resistance.

Association of Infant and Child Feeding Index with Undernutrition in Children Aged 6-59 Months: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Maldives.

Adequate dietary intake is critically important for child growth and development. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of undernutrition and its association with infant and child feeding index (ICFI). This cross-sectional study was conducted among children (younger than5 years) and their mothers from Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives. The data were obtained by interviewing the children's mothers via pretested questionnaires. Infant and child feeding index scores were calculated from the dietary information. Weight-for-age z-scores (WAZ), length/height-for-age z-scores (LAZ/HAZ), and weight-for-length/height z-scores were calculated from anthropometric data taken according to the WHO criterion. Linear regression tests were used to find the association of nutritional status with ICFI scores. A total of 800 children and their mothers participated in this study. The prevalence of underweight, stunting, and wasting was 24.6%, 32.4%, and 16.3%, respectively. The mean ICFI scores (13.0) of children aged 6-8 months were better than those of children in other age-groups. In food groups, the intake of fish was higher among the respondents, whereas the consumption of vegetables and fruits was lower. Infant and child feeding index scores were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with WAZ and LAZ/HAZ after adjustment for confounders. Overall, the findings showed that Maldivian children consumed the limited number of food items that resulted in an inadequate intake of nutrients which further resulted in the high prevalence of malnutrition.

Preliminary assessment of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal in the diet of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Impact on growth, body index, and hematological parameters

AbstractA study was conducted to evaluate the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal (BSF) in practical diets of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Four diets were formulated to contain levels of fishmeal replacement at 0, 25, 50, and 100% with BSF. A total of 360 fingerlings (2.67 ± 0.0 g/fish) were randomly distributed into 12 tanks (30‐L capacity) containing 30 fish each and fed with the respective diet to apparent satiation. After 6 weeks of feeding, growth performance and nutrient utilization indices of the groups fed 25 and 50% BSF diets were not significantly different (p &gt; .05) from the group fed the fishmeal‐based control diet. However, further increase in the replacement of fishmeal with BSF (100%) led to a significant (p &lt; .05) reduction in the growth, feed intake, and protein efficiency ratio of the catfish, whereas body index and survival were not affected. The hematological parameters among the BSF fed groups showed no significant variation (p &gt; .05) compared with the control group. From the current study, it was clear that fishmeal could be replaced with BSF up to 50% without affecting the growth performance, nutrient utilization, survival, and welfare of C. gariepinus fingerlings.

Diet Survey and Trophic Position of Macrobrachium nipponense in the Food Web of Anzali Wetland

The oriental river shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponense), an exotic species, has been well adapted and dispersed in Iranian freshwater ecosystems. The feeding ecology and trophic level of this species in the Anzali Wetland, southwestern Caspian Sea, was investigated by both a traditional method and the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope technique. The highest feeding index (FI) was seen in mollusca at 35.9%, followed by detritus at 31.3%. While no significant differences were observed in the preference of food items among different seasons. A Bayesian mixing model was used to estimate the contributions of the stomach contents to the isotopic signature of M. nipponense. According to mixing model results, M. nipponense obtain food from gastropod, fish, shrimp (as cannibalism), insecta, other crustacea, aquatic plants, worms, zooplankton, and unrecognizable content (as detritus) with 30.6%, 16.8%, 12.7%, 5.2%, 4.3%, 3.5%, 0.6%, 0.3%, and 25.9%, respectively. M. nipponense showed a high δ15N and its trophic level (TL = 3.38) was at the top of the Anzali Wetland food web, close to commercially important fish species such as pike, Esox Lucius. Being at this trophic level, this shrimp is expected to possess high nutritional quality for human consumption.

Complementary feeding practices and nutrient intakes of children aged 6\u201324\u2009months from Bangladeshi background living in Tower Hamlets, East London: a feasibility study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess dietary intakes and complementary feeding practices of children aged 6–24 months who are from Bangladeshi ancestry and living in Tower Hamlets, London, and determine the feasibility of a larger, population-representative study.MethodsQuestionnaires for demographic variables and feeding practices, and 24-h dietary recalls were administered to 25 mothers to determine whether it would be feasible to conduct a similar study on a representative sample size of the same population. Data from both tools were used to determine adequacy of complementary feeding practices through the WHO indicators and an infant and child feeding index score as well as overall macronutrient and micronutrient intake.ResultsFour children had varying suboptimal complementary feeding practices: two children failed to achieve the minimum dietary diversity, one child was being fed cow’s milk before the age of 1 year, and one scored ‘poor’ on the infant and child feeding index. Most notably, the mean protein intake (39.7 g/day, SD 18.2) was higher than RNIs for all age groups (P = 0.001). Vitamin D intake was below recommendations (P = 0.006) for the 12–24-month age group. For the 10–12-month age group, zinc intake fell below recommendations (P = 0.028). For the 6–9-month combined age group, iron and zinc intakes were below recommendations (P = 0.021 and P = 0.002, respectively).ConclusionsGiven the feasibility of this study, the results obtained require a large-scale study to be conducted to confirm findings. Our initial results indicated that children from Bangladeshi heritage may not be meeting nutritional requirements; thus, a future intervention tailored to the needs of the Bangladeshi population may be required to improve aspects of complementary feeding practices and nutrient intakes of those children.

Diet of an endangered Neotropical catfish (Kalyptodoras bahiensis) from the Paraguaçu River, Bahia, Brazil

ABSTRACT The present study investigates the diet composition and the feeding strategy of Kalyptodoras bahiensis by verifying variations during the hydrological cycle and between males and females. Samples were collected during the periods of rain and drought using various fishing gears adapted to each microhabitat. In laboratory, the fishes were weighed and measured. An abdominal incision was made to observe the gonads for sex determination and the stomach was removed for identification and quantification of food items. The importance of each item in the diet was calculated using the Feeding Index. Amundsen graphic analysis was used to define the feeding strategy. Kalyptodoras bahiensis was classified as an omnivorous species with an invertivorous tendency. The species presented a generalist feeding strategy and many individuals fed on Melanoides tuberculatus, an exotic mollusk that has spread to Brazilian rivers, causing damages to the native community. The high amount and frequency of M. tuberculatus in the diet of K. bahiensis suggest that the species may have a predatory impact on the local population of this mollusk. However, further studies are needed to better understand the interaction between K. bahiensis and M. tuberculatus.

INVENTARISASI JENIS PAKAN LUTUNG JAWA (Trachypithecus auratus) PADA BLOK CILAME DAN BLOK CIMEUDEUM TAMAN WISATA ALAM GUNUNG TAMPOMAS KABUPATEN SUMEDANG

Javan Langur (Trachypithecus auratus) is one of folivora species by 50 % leaves, 32% fruits, 13% flowers and 7% insects. The most exist of J. langur in Mt. Tampomas Natural Tourism Park in Block of Cilame and Cimeundeum. Mt. Tampomas Natural Tourism Park is one of hiking trails that cause annoyed vegetation as J. Langur’s feed. The objects of studies are to identify of Javan langur’s feed and Importance Value Index of J. Langur’s feed. The method is purposive sampling to know vegetation of feed. The result of species number were 62 species, include 18 species is a J. Langur’s feed. The J. Langur’s feed are kondang (Ficus variegata), nangsi (Villebrunea rubessen), kadoya (Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum), kiara (Fics altisima), kitambaga (Eugenia cuprea), gadog (Bischofia javanica), hamirung (Vernonia arborea), kibanen (Cryteronia paniculata), huru (Machilus rimota), afrika (Maesopsis eminii), putat (Bringtonia acutangular), sampang (Evodia latifolia), pisitan monyet (Glianthus populacus), kilalayu (Lepisanthes tetraphylla), kihuni (Antidesma bunius), hantap (Sterculia coccinea) dan saninten (Castanopsis argentea). Dominance of Javan Langur feed is kadoya (Dysoxylum gaudichaudianum), kitambaga (Eugenia cuprea), dan huru (Machilus rimota). This mean of habitat condition is available feed to J. langur existing.

Habitat use, trophic, and occurrence patterns of Inpaichthys kerri and Hyphessobrycon vilmae (Pisces: Characidae) in Amazonian streams

Abstract Fish ecomorphology and diet can help us to understand species response to impacts and coexistence patterns. Thus, we developed a comparative analysis of ecomorphology and diet of Inpaichthys kerri and Hyphessobrycon vilmae and tested for environmental variables that explain their abundance in headwater streams. We sampled streams from the Aripuanã River basin, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. We sampled environmental variables following a standardized protocol and used 30 and 80 individuals from each species to obtain ecomorphological attributes and feeding index, respectively. To identify environmental variables that influence species abundance, we developed generalized additive mixed models. Inpaichthys kerri presented broader and deeper caudal peduncles, more dorsal eyes, and larger fins, besides the lower consumption of aquatic insects, algae, and detritus when compared to H. vilmae. Inpaichthys kerri was more abundant in fast waters with little amounts of marginal grasses, conditions associated with more forested streams, while H. vilmae was more in streams with more abundant marginal grasses from pasture. Deforestation in the Aripuanã basin threatens the persistence of I. kerri, since its optimal environmental conditions tend to be replaced by H. vilmae optimal conditions. Natural history helps us to understand species occurrence and represents a substantial contribution for more effective conservation measures.

Complementary Feeding Practices and Associated Factors Among Nursing Mothers in Southwestern Nigeria.

Background and Objectives:The period of transition from breastfeeding to other foods and liquids, is a very vulnerable period when malnutrition is likely to start in many infants and young children, if appropriate feeding practices are not employed. This study assessed using composite indices, the appropriateness of complementary feeding practices and associated factors among nursing mothers in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.Methods:This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in selected primary health facilities in Ijebu-Ode. Multi stage sampling technique was employed to select 283 mother-child pairs. Data was collected using a pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire which included the World Health Organization Infant and Young Child Feeding Indicators (WHO IYCF) and the Infant and Child Feeding Index (ICFI).Results:Of the total 283 mother-child pairs studied, 33.6% met minimum meal frequency, 14.5% received minimum dietary diversity (≥4 food groups) and 9.2% received minimum acceptable diet when assessed using the WHO IYCF indicators. Overall, appropriate complementary feeding was low (4.2%) and associated (p<0.05) with factors such as antenatal care visits, child welfare clinic attendance and mother’s workplace. On the other hand, the ICFI categorized respondents into low (11.7%), medium (24.7%) and high (63.6%) ICFI scores and were associated (p<0.05) with mother’s education and household size.Conclusion and Global Health Implications:This study revealed a high prevalence of inappropriate complementary feeding practices. The use of composite indices reflected these practices and their associated factors holistically as they revealed different dimensions of complementary feeding. This may be useful for monitoring, evaluation, research and the required advocacy for complementary feeding.

Design and Development of Precision Planter for Paddy Direct Seeding

A study was undertaken to design and develop a precision planter for direct seeding of paddy to overcome the problems faced in direct seeding with respect to seed rate and spacing. Physical and engineering properties of paddy seeds of three varieties (PUSA1121, PUSA-44 and BPT-5204) representing long, medium, and small-sized paddy seed were used for selection of design values of planter components. Based upon laboratory performance, an optimum size metering plate, forward speed of operation, and angle of inclination were selected; and a prototype of a tractor-drawn 9-row precision paddy planter with electronic metering was developed. Performance results indicated a mean seed spacing of 150.1 mm (closer to recommended 150 mm), 90.5 % highest quality feed index, 5.7 % lowest miss index and 6.2 % multiple index, minimum seed damage of 0.38 % and optimum seed rate of 20.15 kg.ha-1 (closer to recommended 20 kg.ha-1) at a forward speed of 2.0 km.h-1 and 350 angle of inclination of slanting-type cells. The breakeven point and payback period of the prototype precision planter were 95 h.year-1 and 2.5 years, respectively, and were close to that of mechanical planter (88 h.year-1 and 2.3 years, respectively).