Background/Objectives: In food-producing animal (FPA) environments, healthy animals can act as reservoirs of potentially pathogenic Escherichia coli, which can be transmitted through the food chain to humans. This study aimed to evaluate cloacal E. coli in healthy Sicilian lambs subjected to an experimental feeding regimen by assessing bacterial levels, antimicrobial resistance, virulence traits, and the clonal relationships, as well as the impact of a pistachio skin as an agro-industrial by-product supplement during a 58-day feeding trial. Methods: A total of 295 E. coli isolates from the control (CTRL) and treatment (Treated) groups at initial time (T0) and final time (T1) were phenotypically and genotypically characterized using Kirby–Bauer antimicrobial testing, multiplex PCR for virulence genes, and PFGE for clonal analysis. Results: The feeding regimen did not significantly influence the prevalence, abundance, or virulence of the E. coli isolates. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) were the most common pathotype, mainly carrying the stx1 gene, while the Enteroinvasive (EIEC) type was detected only sporadically. Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC) predominated at T0, while enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) at T1, and enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), initially prevalent in Treated samples, disappeared by T1. Antimicrobial resistance profiles varied among isolates, with the highest resistance observed in the CTRL group. However, both groups exhibited high resistance to streptomycin, and 9% of CTRL isolates were multidrug resistant. A notable reduction in overall resistance rates, especially in the Treated group, was observed, indicating a dietary effect on the E. coli resistome. PFGE genotyping showed high genetic diversity, with resistance traits more frequently detected than virulence factors. Conclusions: This study highlights that healthy lambs serve as reservoirs for potentially human-pathogenic E. coli and suggests that dietary regimes could effectively reduce antibiotic resistance.

The feeding rhythm is a major temporal regulator of metabolic physiology, yet its impact on microbiome-derived functional traits relevant to cardiometabolic disease remains insufficiently understood. Our previous work demonstrated that ad libitum, daytime-restricted, and nighttime-restricted feeding produce markedly different atherosclerotic outcomes in Apoe-/- mice, indicating that the feeding rhythm acts as a modifiable determinant of atherogenic susceptibility. Here, we used shotgun metagenomics to profile risk-associated microbial functional modules-including Type III and Type VI secretion systems (T3SS/T6SS), siderophore-based iron acquisition pathways, quorum-sensing (QS) regulators, and antimicrobial resistance determinants-across feeding regimens. The feeding rhythm induced pronounced functional segregation independent of α-diversity, which was consistent with selective functional reprogramming rather than taxonomic restructuring. Daytime feeding, which is misaligned with the murine active phase, is associated with coordinated enrichment of the T3SS/T6SS, iron uptake, and QS pathways, forming a tightly interconnected "virulence-iron-QS-ARG" functional consortium. In contrast, circadian-aligned nighttime feeding resulted in attenuated virulence orientation and enhanced metabolic-cooperative signatures. Network inference further revealed strong coactivation of virulence secretion, iron mobilization, and QS modules under circadian misalignment. These findings show that the feeding rhythm modulates atherogenic susceptibility not only through host metabolism but also by remodeling gut microbial functional capacities, highlighting microbial functional ecology as an integral component of diet-host interactions.

Herbage intake by grazers and browsers is of fundamental importance to agricultural ecosystems worldwide but is also notoriously difficult to quantify. The intake process is mediated by herbage comminution in the mouth. The attendant chew actions generate sound bursts that can be detected acoustically and analyzed to help elucidate the entire process. Goats consuming a single plant species were acoustically monitored in order to (i) determine the sensitivity of the chewing effort to the large variation in bite mass and satiety level and (ii) estimate how well the amount of herbage consumed can be predicted by counting chews. Experiments used hand-constructed patches containing bite-sized carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) leaflets of a pre-determined mass that were presented to six goats, individually, with acoustic sensors attached to their horns. Experiment 1 determined the chewing effort and the sequence of bites and chews for three bite masses across five levels of total intake. Experiment 2 determined the chewing effort and the chew sequence at three levels of satiety, achieved by control of the feeding regime, using a single bite mass across three levels of total intake. In Experiment 1, the global chewing coefficient was ≈4 chews g−1 fresh mass ingested (≈10 chews g−1 dry matter). For an individual animal, the chewing coefficient was fairly stable, being influenced mildly by bite mass, but the variation between animals was large. In Experiment 2, the chewing coefficient was again fairly stable in an individual animal, although the chewing effort was slightly elevated at low satiety. At the population level, and for the most relevant range of intake levels, inverse regression of the pooled data from both experiments estimated the two-sided 95% confidence interval of the predicted intake of carob leaves to be <10% of the predicted value. If chewing coefficients can be estimated locally, usefully precise intake predictions should be attainable for the tested vegetation. These results are promising for the future potential of acoustic monitoring, although significant challenges remain.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to metabolic syndrome and circadian rhythm disruption, yet the mechanisms by which lifestyle interventions restore circadian organization remain incompletely understood. In this study, we employed a stringent 3 h time-restricted feeding (TRF) regimen in a mouse model of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic dysfunction. TRF markedly improved metabolic outcomes, including lipid accumulation, glucose tolerance, and behavioral and physiological rhythms. Importantly, through transcriptomic profiling using RNA sequencing, we found that TRF induced circadian rhythmicity in previously arrhythmic hepatic genes. This approach revealed that TRF promotes transcriptional synchronization within key metabolic pathways. Genes involved in autophagy, fatty acid metabolism, and protein catabolism exhibited coherent peak expression at defined time windows, suggesting that TRF temporally restructures gene networks to enhance metabolic efficiency. This intra-pathway synchronization likely minimizes energy waste and enables cells to execute specialized functions in a temporally optimized manner. Together, our findings identify temporal reorganization of metabolic pathways as a mechanistic basis for the benefits of TRF, providing new insight into circadian-based strategies for managing metabolic disease.

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe nutrient requirements of laying hens are not static but dynamic, changing throughout the day in response to the cyclic nature of egg formation.ObjectivesThe current study aimed to evaluate the impact of the AM/PM feeding regimen (AM/PM‐FR), which involved higher levels of protein, amino acids and available phosphorus, and lower levels of Ca in the morning diet, with the converse in the afternoon diet, on aged laying hens.MethodsA total of 300, 74‐week‐old Hy‐Line W36 laying hens were randomly assigned to a completely randomized design with 5 treatments, 6 replicates, and 10 hens per replicate. Experimental treatments included offering AM/PM‐FR at 0% (control), 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% changing nutrient levels (CNL) between the morning (5:00 AM–2:00 PM) and evening (2:00 PM–5:00 AM) diets. The exposure program consisted of continuous lighting from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM and darkness from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM.ResultsThe feed conversion ratio (FCR) and economic profit, income minus feed cost (IMFC), improved with a quadratic trend in response to increased CNL of AM/PM‐FR. Throughout the entire experimental period, birds fed AM/PM‐FR at 30% CNL showed improvements of 4.57% in FCR and 17.55% in IMFC compared to the control group. A lower incidence of egg fractures and a higher yolk crude protein concentration were observed with a linear trend in response to increased CNL of AM/PM‐FR. By increasing CNL of AM/PM‐FR, the total tract apparent mineral (Ca and phosphorus) and ether extract retention improved with quadratic and linear trends, respectively. Non‐significant effects of the treatments were noted on egg quality, blood metabolites, bone mechanical properties and mineral contents.ConclusionsIt was concluded that the use of AM/PM‐FR at 30% CNL in aged laying hens may facilitate the precision nutrition and thus improve production and economic performance.

Yaks are the primary ruminant on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, playing a central role in the livelihoods of local farmers and herders. They serve as a vital source of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation in the region. Over the course of long-term natural selection, yaks have evolved distinct regulatory mechanisms related to their physiology, nutritional metabolism and feeding behaviors. Despite these adaptive traits, traditional yak breeding faces challenges such as slow growth, delayed gastrointestinal maturation, and low weaning weights, which lead to reduced breeding efficiency. This study investigated the effects of early supplementary feeding of starter feed on the intestinal health of calves, focusing on the benefits of timely and appropriate supplementation during the early stages of development. Utilizing ITS sequencing and LC-MS non-targeted metabolomics, this study investigated the mechanism by which supplementary feeding of starter feed affects the intestinal health of calves, focusing on changes in the composition of the intestinal microbiota and metabolites present in the calves. The study found that supplementary feeding enhanced the abundance of beneficial fungi, including Plectosphaerella, Mortierella, and Aspergillus, while simultaneously reducing the prevalence of harmful fungi such as Comoclathris, Arthrographis, and Cryptococcus neoformans. Further research utilizing non-targeted metabolomics has revealed that supplementary feeding of starter food influences several metabolic pathways, including fat digestion and absorption, glycerophospholipid metabolism, vitamin digestion and absorption, autophagy (both yeast and animal), and the VEGF signaling pathway. Metabolites such as dexamethasone and benzamidine are commonly associated with inflammatory and protease-inhibition pathways, which can influence gastrointestinal integrity and stress responses in ruminants. This feeding regimen was found to increase the concentrations of metabolites such as dexamethasone, benzamidine, norethindrone acetate, and tamoxifen, while simultaneously reducing the levels of metabolites like dinoterb and monoisobutyl phthalate. In conclusion, early supplementary feeding of starter feed is conducive to the colonization of beneficial fungi in the intestinal tract of calves, reduces the colonization of harmful bacteria, and increases the concentration of metabolites related to anti-inflammation, anti-tumor activity, and signal transduction in the blood of calves. Moreover, a feed formula consisting of 1.4 kg of alfalfa and 1.4 kg of starter feed proves advantageous for maintaining intestinal homeostasis and optimizing blood metabolism in calves, which could improve the overall productivity and health of yak calves.starter feedstarter feed.

Controlling Aedes aegypti populations through traditional methods is increasingly difficult due to the development of insecticide resistance and their use of cryptic breeding habitats. The sterile insect technique has emerged as an effective tool for integrated vector management. Still, its success depends on the ability to mass-rear large numbers of high-quality mosquitoes. Choosing an appropriate larval diet is crucial for scalable mass-rearing, as it directly influences mosquito development, survival, and overall production efficiency. This study compared the effects of 3 larval diets: 1) TetraMin® Tropical Flakes, 2) Ziegler® Tropical Pro-Start45 Meal, and 3) bovine liver powder delivered in cellulose capsules, on the growth and performance of male Ae. aegypti under simulated mass-rearing conditions. Ziegler-reared mosquitoes had significantly larger pupal and adult sizes than those reared on Tetramin or liver powder. The Tetramin diet produced smaller adults, but with longevity comparable to that of the Ziegler diet, whereas the liver powder diet resulted in mosquitoes of similar size to those of the Tetramin diet, but with reduced longevity. While all 3 diets demonstrated viability for mass-rearing, their suitability depends on program-specific goals and constraints. The liver powder diet offered a good balance of biological performance and operational efficiency, but at a substantially higher economic cost. With further optimization of feeding regimens, the Ziegler diet shows the most significant potential to deliver high biological quality at the lowest price, making it a strong candidate for scalable mass-rearing programs.

This study investigated the impact of various curcumin feeding regimens on growth, innate immunity, and disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila in juvenile common carp ( Cyprinus carpio ) (initial weight: 6.35 ± 0.022 g). Fish were reared in a recirculating system for 8 weeks and divided into five groups: one control group (Regimen 1, R1) receiving the basal diet, the three intermittent feeding groups were fed a trial diet of 60 mg curcumin kg-1 for one week (Regimen 2, R2), two weeks (Regimen 3, R3), and four weeks (Regimen 4, R4), respectively, followed by feeding with the basal diet for equivalent durations, repeating this cycle for the 8-week experimental duration, and one continuous feeding group (Regimen 5, R5) receiving the trial diet. The four-week pulsed regimen (R4) significantly improved weight gain rate compared to other groups (P &lt; 0.05), though survival and feed conversion ratio remained unchanged. Immune and antioxidant parameters, including white blood cell count (WBC), respiratory burst, superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) activity, which peaked under R4 before declining in R5. Transaminase levels (AST and ALT) were elevated in R2 and R4 but did not differ among treatment groups. In challenge tests with A. hydrophila , the R4 and R5 groups showed significantly reduced cumulative mortality compared to controls. These results indicate that a four-week intermittent curcumin regimen optimally enhances growth and immunity while supporting practical and economic aquaculture applications for C. carpio .

This study investigated how partially replacing fishmeal (FM) with silkworm pupae (SWPs) (Bombyx mori) and yellow mealworm (MW) larvae (Tenebrio molitor) affects the growth, health, and metabolism of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baeri). Four experimental diets were tested: a control with 60% FM and no insect meal, 45% FM with 15% MW, 45% FM with 15% SWPs, and a combined diet containing 45% FM plus both insect proteins: 7.5% MW, as well as 7.5% SWPs (SMW). Fish were reared under controlled conditions, including water temperature 18 ± 1°C, dissolved oxygen 8.5–9.3 mg L−1, pH 7.6, and a fixed feeding regime. Sturgeon fed MW and SMW diets showed significantly improved growth, higher final weight, better specific growth rate (SGR), and more efficient protein utilization, along with a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control. Sturgeon fed MW and SMW diets showed significantly improved growth, higher final weight, better SGR, and more efficient protein utilization, along with a lower FCR compared to the control. Digestive enzyme activities (amylase [AMS], protease, lipase [LP]) and key serum metabolites—including protein, albumin, cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose—were elevated in insect‐fed groups. Immune and antioxidant defenses, such as lysozyme, immunoglobulin M (IgM), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were enhanced, particularly in the SMW and MW treatments, while oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA]) were favorably modulated. Gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of growth‐related (growth hormone [GH], IGF1), protein metabolism (target of rapamycin [TOR]), lipid metabolism (Apolipoprotein [ApoE]), and immune genes (interleukin‐1 [IL‐1]), with the strongest response in the combined SMW diet. Overall, partially replacing FM with insect meals, especially the MW and SWP combination, effectively supports growth, metabolism, immune function, and antioxidant capacity in Siberian sturgeon. These findings highlight the promise of insect‐based proteins as a sustainable and effective alternative in Siberian sturgeon aquaculture.

Long-term oral administration of inactivated Vibrio harveyi vaccine triggers immunosuppression in Penaeus vannamei.

Boar fecal and seminal microbiomes in relation to semen quality and probiotic supplementation in an antibiotic-free feeding program.

Intermittent glycerol feeding shapes a glycogen-storing phenotype for enhanced nitrite accumulation via sequential denitrification.

Life after precocious male maturation in a semelparous salmonid: A physiological perspective in Chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha.

Metabolic and oxidative mechanisms underlying flavor differences in yak meat across seasonal grazing–housing regimes: Evidence from integrated foodomics

Integrating laboratory and field data to evaluate the effects of experimental microplastic exposure on Acanthogobius flavimaus.

We first began working on the propagation and rearing of the crucian carp ( Carassius carassius ) in 2002, when our initial stockings also took place. More intensive research started in 2007, focusing on issues related to the reproduction and rearing of the species under laboratory, semi-intensive, and pond farming conditions. Within induced spawning cycles, we examined the effects of egg treatment (Woynarovich solution combined with tannin treatment) and different incubation temperatures on reproductive parameters, as well as on embryo and larval development. In a series of larval rearing experiments, we compared various feeding strategies, including the use of commercially available feeds, live feed, and different combinations of both. We also determined the optimal weaning strategy to achieve optimal survival and growth for an economically feasible production. During intensive juvenile rearing (up to the one-summer-old stage), we carried out experiments to evaluate different feeding regimes, to determine optimal feed rations, and to assess the role of live feed supplementation in survival and growth, with special attention to the occurrence of deformities. In pond-based trials, we investigated the possibilities of monoculture rearing of crucian carp and co-rearing with tench ( Tinca tinca ) in nursery ponds and pond-cage systems. We also studied the development of restocked populations at the “ Umbra krameri ” species protection area. In a separate series of experiments, we monitored the migration patterns of tagged crucian carp in Lake Balaton. Additionally, we conducted morphometric comparisons of crucian carp, Prussian carp ( Carassius auratus gibelio ), and their hybrids, as well as population studies in habitats where all three genotypes occur. In the course of our work, we have so far restocked 150,000 individuals (larvae, juveniles, and sexually mature individuals. Our research is ongoing, with a special focus on developing rearing protocols and feeding strategies tailored to the species’ needs to support effective conservation and restocking programs.

The weatherfish ( Misgurnus fossilis ) was first successfully bred by our research group in 2010. Since then, an induced spawning protocol combined with in vitro fertilization techniques has been applied, and experiments on sperm cryopreservation have also been conducted in this species. The stages and specific characteristics of embryogenesis and early larval development have been monitored and recorded. Larval growth and survival have been examined under various feeding regimes. It has been revealed that M. fossilis is capable of reproducing through parthenogenesis. Through further propagation of parthenogenetic offspring, F2 individuals exhibiting a unique hexaploid chromosomal structure—unobserved in natural populations—have been produced. In Hungary, approximately 2,000 individuals (both juveniles and sexually mature fish) were released into natural habitats during several stocking cycles between 2009 and 2016. Additionally, more than 16,000 individuals (larvae and juveniles) were reintroduced into the marshlands of the Olt River region in Transylvania (Romania) within the framework of a two-year conservation program. In 2024, we resumed our work related to the propagation of the weatherfish. These results contribute to the development of effective propagation, conservation, and reintroduction protocols for this protected and ecologically significant species.

Lion-head goose is a large-sized breed native to Guangdong Province, China, exhibits remarkable capacity for fatty liver production under overfeeding conditions and is highly valued by local farmers and consumers. However, the molecular mechanisms driving fatty liver development in this breed are still unknown. In this study, we evaluated liver weight differences between normally fed and overfed Lion-head geese and further examined sex-specific differences following overfeeding. Overfeeding significantly increased liver weight more than 340%, and males possess a stronger capacity for lipid deposition under the same feeding regimen compared with females. RNA-Seq analysis identified 1476 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) shared by both sexes, which were mainly enriched in lipid and energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial pathways. In addition, 627 male-specific and 420 female-specific DEGs revealed sex-dependent differences, with males showing stronger transcriptional regulation and females exhibiting enhanced antioxidant and detoxification responses. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed 320 co-hub genes enriched in lipid and energy metabolism in overfeeding-induced fatty liver, along with 9 co-hub genes related to sex differences. Alternative splicing (AS) analysis detected 131 differentially spliced genes (DSGs). Integration of both approaches identified 7 overlapping genes, HYCC2 (Hyccin PI4KA lipid kinase complex subunit 2), AGL (Amylo-Alpha-1,6-Glucosidase and 4-Alpha-Glucanotransferase), CCDC62 (Coiled-coil domain containing 62), IGSF5 (Immunoglobulin superfamily member 5), MGARP (Mitochondria-localized glutamic acid-rich protein), CD80 (Cluster of Differentiation 80), and FPGS (Folylpolyglutamate synthase), as potential key regulators. These findings provide new insights into transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of overfeeding-induced fatty liver in geese.

Women from diverse socioeconomic status (SES) face a higher risk of preterm birth, increasing their infants' vulnerability to neurodevelopmental and other health disorders; however, the predictive role of maternal ZIP code level SES in these outcomes remains underexplored. To investigate the associations between maternal racial disparity, ZIP code-level SES, and infant breastfeeding, growth, and neurodevelopmental trajectories. In this cohort study, preterm infants were recruited from two Connecticut neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Infant demographic data, feeding regimens, and growth during the NICU stay were documented. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed using the NICU Neonatal Neurobehavioral Scale, the Bayley scale of infant and toddler development (3rd ed.), and the Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment. To compare SES differences between infants born to Black and White mothers, both t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were conducted. We used XGBoost to analyze infant health outcomes and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values to identify SES-related risk factors associated with feeding, growth during NICU stay, and neurodevelopmental outcomes up to 2 years of age. In total, 181 preterm infants from eight ZIP code areas were included in the study. The majority of infants were born to mothers who were White and non-Hispanic. Compared with infants born to White mothers, those born to Black mothers had younger birth gestational age (GA), lower birth weights, shorter birth lengths, smaller head circumferences, and higher Score of Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal Extension-II (SNAPPE-II), with all differences being statistically significant. Compared to White mothers, Black mothers were younger, single, and less educated. Black mothers also had lower median household incomes, larger average family sizes, and higher levels of poverty compared to White mothers. Based on SHAP values, the risk factors predicting infants' feeding, growth, and neurodevelopment are ranked as follows: birth weight, birth GA, SNAPPE-II score, average family size, maternal age, median household income, poverty level, and school enrollment. Maternal racial disparity and SES serve as predictors of feeding, growth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Understanding these associations can inform health care strategies for vulnerable preterm populations to improve long-term health outcomes.

Domesticated cats have evolved from the obligate carnivore Felis silvestris. The instinct to eat small frequent meals and a crepuscular feeding rhythm was conserved during domestication. Declining senses, cognitive impairment, and poor oral health decrease food intake in aging cats. Combined with metabolic and physiological changes, they are at risk of sarcopenia and general body condition impairment. Aging cats may, therefore, benefit from modified nutritional strategies to achieve their metabolic energy requirements; however, little is known about feeding patterns in aging cats and influence of food format. This in-home study of 134 aging cats (≥7 years) assessed ad libitum dry, wet, and wet/dry ('mixed') feeding regimens to compare 24 h feeding frequency and caloric intakes. Feeding frequency was significantly different between wet and dry (p = 0.02) and mixed and dry diets (p < 0.001), with cats consuming 6.0 (dry), 6.9 (wet), or 7.2 meals (mixed) per day. Mean caloric intakes were significantly higher for dry (262.6 kcal/d) and mixed (222.6 kcal/d) regimens (both p < 0.001) versus wet (138.1 kcal/d). In conclusion, healthy aging cats eat small frequent meals, with feeding frequency and caloric intake influenced by dietary format. These findings support development of evidence-based feeding guidelines for aging cats.