Feeding Process Research Articles

Technological Processes Applied to Laboratory Animal Feeds and New Feeding Approaches

Laboratory animal nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring the health, welfare, and scientific validity of research studies involving animals. Technological advancements in feed processing have provided researchers with innovative tools and techniques to enhance the nutritional quality and stability of laboratory animal diets. Recent developments in feed processing technology have focused on improving the precision, consistency, and nutrient bioavailability of laboratory animal diets. Techniques such as pelleting, extrusion, and coating have been utilized to create homogeneous feed formulations with controlled nutrient profiles. In addition to advances in feed processing, new feeding approaches have emerged to address the specific nutritional requirements of laboratory animals. Precision feeding technologies, incorporating real-time monitoring systems and data analytics, allow for the customization of feed formulations based on individual animal needs. Overall, the integration of technological processes and new feeding approaches in laboratory animal nutrition represents a promising avenue for advancing animal welfare, research quality, and scientific outcomes in preclinical and biomedical research. By leveraging cutting-edge feed processing techniques and tailored feeding strategies, researchers can ensure the optimal nutrition, health, and well-being of laboratory animals, fostering both ethical research practices and robust scientific results. This review provides an overview of the technological processes applied to laboratory animal feeds and introduces new feeding approaches aimed at optimizing animal health and research outcomes.

Design and analysis of mechanical mechanism of cold-forming equipment for marine profiles

Abstract For the existing cold bending machine with complex structure, low automation, and poor motion accuracy. A cold-forming machine that can be used for cold-forming processing of ship profiles is designed in this paper. Firstly, the general structure of the equipment is described. Secondly, the key mechanical structures, such as the guiding mechanism, the feeding mechanism, and the cold bending mechanism, are explained. Finally, the finite element models of key components were mechanically analyzed. The results show that the mechanical structure design proposed in this paper not only meets the mechanical design requirements needed for the system but also can effectively prevent the profile from slipping during the feeding process and achieve highly accurate automatic cold bending processing of the profile.

Assessment of process chain suitability of the optical 3D measuring system by using influencing factors for measurement uncertainty

Optical 3D measuring systems serve as indispensable tools for the measurement and quality control of complex objects feeding process chains in industrial information integration. However, the accuracy of 3D measurements is influenced by a multitude of parameters, and the associated measurement uncertainties and influential factors remain insufficiently researched. This study investigates the effects of measurement object properties and software on measurement outcomes. Specifically, we examine seven geometries (diameter, distance, roundness, concentricity, flatness, parallelism and verticality) and four influencing factors (surface roughness, coating, polygonization, and interpolation). Our analysis employs variance analysis and compares the results with those obtained through linear regression using machine learning. In conclusion, the analysis of measurement uncertainty for optical 3D measurement systems in the assessment of seven distinct geometric characteristics provides a framework for determination of process chain suitability of the optical 3D measuring system.

Optimizing nutritional value and biological profile of non-conventional forages for animal feeding by utilizing sodium hydroxide

Increasing quality and decreasing quantity represent global trends in the forage processing for animal feed. Consequently, various techniques are applied to achieve these objectives. This study aims to evaluate the internal quality and biological attributes of leaves in animal reproduction by applying sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations (control, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) and utilizing leaves from four non-conventional plants, namely Hedychium gardnerianum (HG), Pittosporum undulatum (PU), Arundo donax (AD), and Acacia melanoxylon (AM), while also examining their interactions simultaneously. NaOH doses did not affect the organic matter digestibility. A 2% NaOH concentration positively affected both acid detergent fibre and neutral detergent fibre. Notably, 6% NaOH significantly impacted dry matter, while ash content and dry matter digestibility peaked under treatment with 8% NaOH. The Arundo donax variety recorded the best values in ash and organic matter digestibility, while the leaves of Acacia melanoxylon significantly (P ≤ 0.05) influenced dry matter, acid detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, and crude protein. The co-application of 2% NaOH with plant varieties demonstrated the most significant effectiveness on the observed characteristics, followed by 4% NaOH showing a subsequent impact. The findings of this study propose that utilizing NaOH concentrations with these plants represents a promising approach for including these forages in animal feeds.

An exploration of the experiences and attitudes of healthcare professionals towards enteral tube feeding for adults living in the community following stroke.

Guidelines recommend enteral feeding via gastrostomy should be considered for adult survivors of stroke with dysphagia who cannot eat or drink sufficiently for >4 weeks. Many people continue long-term tube-feeding via this route in the community where healthcare professionals contribute to their care and nutritional management, although little is known about their experiences of or attitudes towards enteral feeding in this situation. The present study aimed to explore the experiences and attitudes of healthcare professionals working with this patient group. Healthcare professionals were invited to complete a questionnaire devised for the study which comprised closed and open questions about tube-feeding including their patients' participation in feeding processes and mealtimes and how these might be improved. Responses to closed questions were analysed descriptively and free-text responses analysed using thematic analysis. Fifty-seven participants met the inclusion criteria. They identified patients' quality of life (77% of respondents) and nutritional support (75%) as the most important aspects of tube-feeding. Good communication and training with healthcare teams and carers were considered important. Their patients' participation in tube-feed administration and mealtime involvement were described as variable and potentially beneficial, but both were related to patients' choice and health impairment. Blended tube-feeding was considered an option by 89% provided practical and safety conditions were met. Participants' experiences of and attitudes towards tube feeding in adults living with stroke in the community in the sample in the present study are varied and focussed on individual patients' needs, safety and professional standards.

Pelatihan Pengolahan Pakan Ternak Fermentasi (Silase) pada Kelompok Ternak Brahma Jaya di Desa Bukit Jaya, Kecamatan Bulik Timur, Kabupaten Lamandau

The Community Service (PKM) aimed at utilizing forage (elephant grass) and solids through feed processing technology using silage, overcoming the shortage of forage for cattle, especially during the dry season, providing training regarding the use of livestock feed processing technology. In implementation, several PKM stages/methods are carried out, namely the first is a coordination meeting with the local PPL. At the coordination meeting, a discussion was held about potential problems with raising beef cattle in the Brahma Jaya Livestock Group, Bukit Jaya Village. Meanwhile, the second stage is counseling and training on processing fermented feed (silage). The results of the silage made by the farmers showed good results, namely clean, sour taste and smell, no mold, green brown in color, clear texture.

Seasonal variation in D2/3 dopamine receptor availability in the human brain

PurposeBrain functional and physiological plasticity is essential to combat dynamic environmental challenges. The rhythmic dopamine signaling pathway, which regulates emotion, reward and learning, shows seasonal patterns with higher capacity of dopamine synthesis and lower number of dopamine transporters during dark seasons. However, seasonal variation of the dopamine receptor signaling remains to be characterized.MethodsBased on a historical database of healthy human brain [11C]raclopride PET scans (n = 291, 224 males and 67 females), we investigated the seasonal patterns of D2/3 dopamine receptor signaling. Daylength at the time of scanning was used as a predictor for brain regional non-displaceable binding of the radiotracer, while controlling for age and sex.ResultsDaylength was negatively correlated with availability of D2/3 dopamine receptors in the striatum. The largest effect was found in the left caudate, and based on the primary sample, every 4.26 h (i.e., one standard deviation) increase of daylength was associated with a mean 2.8% drop (95% CI -0.042 to -0.014) of the receptor availability.ConclusionsSeasonally varying D2/3 receptor signaling may also underlie the seasonality of mood, feeding, and motivational processes. Our finding suggests that in future studies of brain dopamine signaling, especially in high-latitude regions, the effect of seasonality should be considered.

Encapsulation of Tenebrio molitor Hydrolysate with DPP-IV Inhibitory Activity by Electrospraying and Spray-Drying.

This study investigates the encapsulation of Tenebrio molitor hydrolysate exhibiting DPP-IV inhibitory activity by spray-drying and electrospraying techniques. First, we optimized the feed formulation and processing conditions required to obtain nano-microcapsules by electrospraying when using Arabic gum as an encapsulating agent and pullulan and Tween 20 as additives. The optimum formulation was also dried by spray-drying, where the removal of the additives was also assayed. Morphology analysis reveals that electrosprayed capsules have a smaller size (1.2 ± 0.5 µm vs. 12.4 ± 8.7 µm) and greater uniformity compared to those obtained by spray-drying. Regarding the surface nitrogen content and DPP-IV inhibitory activity, our results show no significant difference between the electrosprayed capsules and spray-dried capsules containing additives (IC50 of ~1.5 mg protein/mL). Therefore, it was concluded that adding additives during spray-drying allows for a similar encapsulation efficiency and reduced degradation during processing, as achieved by electrospraying technique but providing higher productivity. On the other hand, spray-dried capsules without additives displayed a higher surface nitrogen content percentage, which was mainly due to the absence of Tween 20 in the feed formulation. Consequently, these capsules presented a higher IC50 value (IC50 of 1.99 ± 0.03 mg protein/mL) due to the potential degradation of surface-exposed peptides.

The Culture of Complementary Feeding Practice Among Stunting in Toddlers Aged Under 24 Months

The Culture of Complementary Feeding Practice Among Stunting in Toddlers Aged Under 24 Months

Automatic loading method for robot guided by 3D vision for scattered and stacked shoe soles

This paper primarily introduces a method for the automated feeding of scattered stacked shoe soles using a 3D visual-guided robot. Initially, addressing issues like slow speed in pose estimation and poor robustness during the robot sorting and feeding process, we introduce an enhanced pose estimation algorithm. This algorithm combines the improved Super 4-Point Congruent Sets (Super 4PCS) with the Truncated Least Squares Semidefinite Relaxation (TEASER) algorithm, significantly boosting the speed and robustness of pose estimation during sole sorting, and achieving precise target pose estimation. Building upon this foundation, we present a sorting strategy for disordered stacked shoe soles. This strategy integrates spatial positional information of each sole, employing multi-objective decision-making and recognition algorithms to determine optimal grasping targets. Finally, an experimental platform for automated sole feeding is designed to validate the proposed method. The experimental results indicate that the pose estimation method proposed in this paper achieves an average distance error of 2.04 mm and an average angular error of 2.72°, with the robot’s average success rate in grasping reaching 97.08%. Moreover, the average processing time of the vision algorithm is only 1.34 s, demonstrating good efficiency, precision, and robustness. This method effectively meets the automated feeding needs of scattered and stacked shoe soles in the actual production processes of shoemaking enterprises.

Oral secretions: A key molecular interface of plant-insect herbivore interactions

The oral secretions of insect herbivores are complex mixtures of organic and inorganic solutes and enzymes that are deposited onto plant tissues during the feeding process. Some specific components of insect oral secretions have been shown to confer important functions in mediating plant-insect interactions at the molecular level. In this review, we examined the biochemical studies of insect oral secretions to summarize the current knowledge of their compositions. We then moved beyond the functional studies of components of oral secretions, and focused on the literature that pinpointed specific molecular targets of these compounds. Finally, we highlighted the investigations of oral secretion components in the context of insect physiology, which shed light on the potential evolutionary trajectory of these multi-functional molecules.

Motor function is not impaired in all components of the oral phase of feeding in a rat rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease results in pathological swallowing, or dysphagia, in up to 90% of cases. Severity and extent of functional impairment of feeding is highly variable in this disease. Feeding is a multi step neuromuscular process of tightly coordinated orofacial behaviors -transport, food reduction, pharyngeal swallowing- involving multiple musculoskeletal systems — tongue, jaw muscles, hyolaryngeal muscles — innervated by multiple cranial and cervical spinal nerves. The type of food being ingested further affects this sequence. The pesticide rotenone, a type II mitochondrial inhibitor, has been epidemiologically linked to Parkinson’s disease. The goal of this project is to identify how parkinsonian neurodegeneration affects this sequence in an animal model. We hypothesize that not all elements of the sequence will be equally affected. Twelve young adult male Lewis rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of either 2.75 mg/kg of rotenone or vehicle control for 8 days. The rats were trained to eat breakfast cereal and drink water mixed with barium in front of a high speed (200 fps) videofluoroscope. From the high speed video recording duration of intraoral transport and chewing of solid food as well as lick duration for liquid drinking were measured for multiple swallows per individual on day 0 (before injection), day 1, day 4, and day 7. On day 8 animals were perfused and brains harvested, sliced, stained with immunofluorescent markers for striatal tyrosine hydroxylase to confirm effectiveness of the model. Mixed model ANOVA was used to test the hypothesis that duration of the phases varied over the course of treatment. Duration of intra oral transport changed in neither control nor rotenone treated animals (p=0.1136), but duration of chewing increased in rotenone treated rats only by day 4 (p<0.001). Duration of licks increased in liquid drinking rats from day 0. Different components of the oral feeding process vary in degree and timing of impairment in the rat rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease, with coordinated rhythmic tongue and jaw movements (licking and chewing) being most sensitive. The neurological basis for this differential sensitivity remains unclear. Internal Rowan funds to Dr. Gould supported this work. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Comparative Profitability of Napier Fodder with Competitive Cash Crops in Selected Areas of Bangladesh

The research was carried out to investigate the scenario of the fodder-cultivated farmer along with the profitability of Napier fodder cultivation in comparison to main cash crops like rice, jute and onions and the challenges in fodder cultivation. This study was done by collecting primary data through a baseline survey from 60 livestock cum fodder cultivating farmers by random sampling techniques. This study was mainly done in Shahjadpur, Sirajganj and Santhia, Pabna from June 2022- July 2022. Data were entered, sorted, compiled, and analyzed by using a Microsoft Excel worksheet. Descriptive statistics were performed to test the differences among the variables of fodder, rice, jute, and onion production by using SPSS Software, IBM-25 Corporation. The results of this study shows that the average age range of farmers was 41.68% between the ages of 41 and 60, whereas 38.33% of farmers were between 20 and 40 years ages. In the study areas, 75.00% of farmers had minimum primary to graduation or above educational level. Overall 56.67% of farmer’s main occupation was agriculture in the selected areas. Only 25.00% of farmers knew feed processing. The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) in rice and onion were 1.81 and 1.66 in Shahjadpur and 1.78 and 1.52 in Santhia. In jute and fodder, BCR was 1.34 and 2.11 in Santhia whereas 1.28 and 2.00 in Shahjadpur, respectively. The profitability of fodder was higher than other selected cash crops. The maximum 80.00% of farmers had a lack of training on scientific ways of fodder production. This study concluded that fodder cultivation can play a significant role in more income generation in the studied milk pocket areas in comparison to rice, jute, and onion cultivation because they had a scarcity of fodder and high demand for it.

Investigation of harvesting energy vibrations due to the feed process on milling machines

Milling machines are machines used in the production process. The time required during the machining process must be more efficient in order to obtain the desired production capacity. The aim of this paper is to utilize vibrations originating from milling machines in industry as a source of Harvesting Energy Vibration. The research was carried out by varying the feeding depth of the milling machine so that it could be seen how much stress was produced. The Lushan Model ZX32 milling machine was used in this research, where vibrations from the vibration source were measured using an FFT Analyzer connected to an Accelerometer Sensor and Harvesting energy vibration connected to an Oscilloscope. Meanwhile, the workpieces used in this research were Aluminum 5052 and PVC. The results of the research were that on PVC material with an ingestion depth of 1 mm, the vibration frequency at 210 rpm was 71 Hz, the amplitude was 1.38 mm/s2, resulting in a harvesting energy of 6.449 mV. And the results of research using aluminum at 210 rpm rotation with a feeding depth of 3 mm obtained a vibration frequency of 90 Hz with an amplitude of 1.508 mm/s2 producing a harvesting energy of 5.856 mV. The research results show that the PVC material produces higher harvesting energy vibration at a depth of 1 mm, and the aluminum material produces higher harvesting energy vibration at a depth of 3 mm

Feeding ecology analysis of sand lobsters (Panulirus homarus)

This research is scheduled to take place from May to August 2022 at the Marine and Brackish Water Aquaculture Fisheries Center in West Sumatra. The method employed will be observation, which entails monitoring the eating behavior of lobsters and their feeding schedule every time food is provided within a 24-hour timeframe. Data pertaining to lobster eating behavior will be analyzed descriptively based on these observations. Throughout the research, various feeding activities of sand lobsters were documented. The observational results indicated that the lobster feeding process remained consistent. The lobster typically initiates the process by gripping the food with its claws and feet, subsequently breaking it into smaller pieces with its claws, and then placing these fragments into its mouth. As the lobster tears apart the food, the next step involves transferring it to the mouth using the nearest upper and lower jaws. In light of this research, it can be inferred that lobster feeding behavior encompasses the following steps: firstly, the lobster approaches the food after spotting it; secondly, lobsters employ their claws to grasp the food; and finally, lobsters tear and ingest the food. Lobster feeding activities are most commonly observed between 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM and 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM.Keywords: eating behavior; lobster; Lobster feeding schedule.

Rancang Bangun Mesin Pengaduk Pakan Ternak Bebek Melalui Pendekatan Antropometri Guna Mengurangi Waktu Proses Pengadukan di UD. Hadhita Jaya Makmur

UD. Hadhita Jaya Makmur was established in 1993 and located on Jalan S. Parman, Modopuro Village Rt.03, Rw.07, Mojosari District, Mojokerto Regency. The founder of this company is Mr. Drs.Munasrib, who is known in poultry farming activists, especially ducks. UD. Hadhita Jaya Makmur has ducks with a population of 3000 laying ducks, ducks at UD Hadhita Jaya Makmur produce about 2100 eggs every 2 days in December. UD. Hadhita Jaya Makmur strives to improve the quality of duck eggs by setting a target of feeding ducks as much as 500 kg every day for a population of 3000 ducks that are ready to lay eggs. Nevertheless, the use of manual methods in mixing duck animal feed ingredients has some negative impacts. The process of stirring duck animal feed takes quite a long time, which can reach 40 minute so that workers at UD. Hadhita Jaya Makmur experienced fatigue. One idea to be able to solve the problem is to design an animal feed mixer machine to provide significant results, providing results in accelerating the time of the 500kg per day animal feed stirring process which was originally at UD. Hadhita Jaya Makmur stirred animal feed ingredients in the process still using manual methods with a processing time duration of 43 minutes. After the design of the animal feed mixer machine, the process time of stirring animal feed ingredients to 15 minutes, the magnitude of the reduction in process time also affected the worker productivity index which was originally 19,3% to 55.5%.

Vision-Based Reinforcement Learning Approach to Optimize Bucket Elevator Process for Solid Waste Utilization

An energy-intensive industry such as cement manufacturing requires a constant supply of high amounts of traditional fossil fuels, such as coal or gas, for the calcination process. A way to overcome this fuel need is the usage of solid waste or Alternative Fuel Resources (AFRs), such as wood or paper. An advantage of using such waste is that their combustion byproduct, “ash”, can be used as a raw material alternative in the cement manufacturing process. However, for structural reasons, only bucket elevator technology is feasible to convey the fuel vertically for feeding the calciner in most cement plants. During the fuel feeding process, the inhomogeneous characteristics of AFRs lead to discharge parabolas of these materials varying over the infeed sample. Hence, a need arises to observe these trajectories and estimate a method for their optimal discharge. Thus, the purpose of this study is to develop an intelligent high-performance bucket elevator system. As such, a vision-based reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed in this study to monitor and control the speed of the elevator depending on the material properties observed at the inlet. These inlet materials properties include the type of material used in the simulation, and the particle size distribution within the infeed sample. A relationship is established between the inlet material properties and the speed of the bucket elevator. The best possible scenario is then deduced using a reward function. Here, the reward function is formulated via the deep learning image segmentation algorithm, a novel approach. After observing the test simulation conducted with a random-parameters setup, it was noted that the optimum speed for a given infeed sample was predicted correctly. As such, it can be concluded that the goal of developing an intelligent bucket elevator system was achieved.

Effects of human milk odor stimulation on feeding in premature infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Previous studies suggested odor stimulation may influence feeding of premature neonates. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted to assess the effect of human milk odor stimulation on feeding of premature infants. All randomized controlled trials related to human milk odor stimulation on feeding in premature infants published in PubMed, Cochrane, Library, Medline, Embase, Web of science databases and Chinese biomedical literature databases, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP) and Wanfang Chinese databases were searched, and The Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 was used to evaluate the quality and authenticity of the literature. Relevant information of the included studies was extracted and summarized, and the evaluation indexes were analyzed using ReviewManager5.3. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to July 28, 2022.12 articles were assessed for eligibility, and six randomized controlled studies were eventually included in the meta-analysis (PRISMA). A total of 6 randomized controlled studies with 763 patients were finally included in the study, and the quality evaluation of literatures were all grade B. Human milk odor stimulation reduced the transition time to oral feeding in premature infants [SMD = − 0.48, 95% CI (− 0.69, − 0.27), Z = 4.54, P < 0.00001] and shortened the duration of parenteral nutrition [MD = − 1.01, 95% CI (− 1.70, − 0.32), Z = 2.88, P = 0.004]. However, it did not change the length of hospitalization for premature infants [MD = − 0.03, 95% CI (− 0.41, 0.35), Z = 0.17, P = 0.86]. The implementation of human milk odor stimulation can reduce the transition time to oral feeding and the duration of parenteral nutrition in premature infants, but further studies are needed to determine whether it can reduce the length of hospital stay in premature infants. More high-quality, large-sample studies are needed to investigate the effect of human milk odor stimulation on the feeding process and other outcomes in premature infants.

Research on Detection System of Intelligent Computer Optimization Algorithm for Concrete Mix Ratio Based on Big Data

PLC is used to complete the control function of the concrete proportioning system. The MCGS (Configuration Software Monitor and Control System) is used to realize the real-time monitoring, data management and fault warning of the whole monitoring system. The material feed and PLC control process in the feed system are emphatically introduced. A concrete proportioning design method based on multiple parameters is proposed. The nonlinear multi-objective optimization model of concrete mix ratio was established by stepwise regression analysis and complex optimization method. The problems of narrow range of variables and single form of objective and constraint in traditional linear optimization methods are solved, which makes the selection of optimal index simpler and more flexible. Through the calculation of examples, it is clear that this method can obtain the mixture that meets the use conditions, and can greatly save the experimental work and construction cost.

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.