Feeding Frequency Research Articles

The Effects of Gemar Booklet Media on the Level of Knowledge and Behavior of Mothers in Giving MP-ASI (Complementary food) for 6-12 Months Infants in Arcawinangun

Background: MP-ASI is a transitional food given when babies are six months old to minimize the risk of malnutrition. One of the success factors in giving MP-ASI is the mother's knowledge regarding the accuracy of the baby's age and the composition contained therein. Food composition, food texture, and frequency of feeding are crucial in the practice of complementary feeding, and in this modern era, mothers still underestimate them. Method: This study used a quantitative method, with a quasi-experimental design with one group pre and post-test. The sample of this research was 46 respondents with a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. Results: The level of knowledge of the intervention group before and after the intervention was given had an average of 6.85 (enough) to 11.83 (good). The behaviour level of the intervention group before and after the intervention had an average of 40.59 (incorrect) to 48.91 (accurate). The p-value of the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (0.00) means that booklet media affects the level of knowledge and behaviour. Conclusion: The GEMAR booklet media is influential in efforts to increase the level of knowledge and behaviour of mothers in giving MP-ASI to infants aged 6-12 months.

Association of food consumption patterns and nutritional status of children under 5 years from rural households in Northern regions, Namibia

BackgroundMany developing countries, Namibia included, have a high prevalence of malnutrition among children, especially in rural subsistence farming areas where inadequate food supply is common. Poor diets in children under 5 years may result in negative health impacts. This study determined the association of food consumption patterns and nutritional status of children under 5 years from rural households in Oshana and Oshikoto regions in Namibia.MethodEmploying a cross-sectional descriptive design, 377 children under 5 years participated in this study using purposive sampling. Validated dietary diversity and food frequency questionnaires were used to obtain information on demographic characteristics, commonly consumed food per week, and meal frequencies for the recruited children. Anthropometric measurements were obtained to assess nutritional status of children using Emergency Nutrition Assessment (ENA) software. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using the IBM® SPSS® Statistics (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) version 27.ResultsStaple foods, mostly grains, roots and tubers, along with flesh foods, legumes and nuts were commonly consumed. Vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables were solely consumed in Oshana region (10.7%) and not in Oshikoto. Oshana exhibited a lower dietary diversity score (4±1 SD) compared to Oshikoto (5±1 SD). The prevalence of adequate feeding practices varied, with Oshana having 38.8% meeting minimum milk feeding frequency (MMFF), 55.6% minimum dietary diversity (MDD), 69.8% minimum meal frequency (MMF), and 27% minimum acceptable diet (MAD). In Oshikoto, these figures were lower at 2%, 7%, 32%, and 0.5%, respectively. Stunting, underweight, wasting, and overweight were also documented, with slight differences between the two regions. The study did not find association between nutritional status and MMFF, MDD and MAD. However, significant associations were found between specific food types, amount of food, breastfeeding length, MMF and malnutrition indicators in both regions (p<0.05).ConclusionMost study participants consumed locally available staple foods. Stunting, underweight, and wasting were prevalent among children in the two regions which were significantly associated to the amount of food consumed, MMF and/ some food types. Improving food environments and eliminating access barriers to diversified diets can mitigate high prevalence of malnutrition among rural children.

Asupan Gizi Anak Usia Dini Melalui Program Kerja Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Tamalanrea Makassar

In Indonesia, nutritional problems, especially for early childhood, are a big problem because they are closely related to general health indicators such as morbidity and mortality rates. One effort to improve the level of public health can be done by improving the nutritional status of all family members with the support of various factors in a coordinated manner and is part of development to improve community welfare. The aim of efforts to improve nutritional status is to improve the nutritional condition of all members of society through participation and equal distribution of activities, changes in behavior that support the achievement of improved nutrition. Nutrition, which plays a big role in children's growth and development, must be a supervised and programmed part. Nutritional intake in early childhood cannot be separated and is closely related to children's health and intelligence. Apart from that, the nutritional intake the child receives will be a supporting factor in the child's growth and development. An unbalanced diet and inadequate or excessive nutritional intake can cause stunted growth and development in children. Monitoring of nutritional status is carried out every month in the Tamalanrea Community Health Center Work Area, there are 6 young children who have normal nutritional status and 18 young children still have malnutrition status, one of which is malnourished. Thirteen Early Childhood Children can no longer be monitored because they are not actively attending. The quality and quantity of complementary foods for breast milk really determines the nutritional status of young children. For this reason, mothers need to be given knowledge and skills in processing food by paying attention to the quality and quantity of complementary breast milk foods. Quality is seen from the type and diversity of food, while quantity is seen from the frequency of feeding. In connection with this, community service activities were carried out involving malnourished mothers of young children in making nutritious and varied complementary foods for breast milk.

Influence of temperature variability on the feeding behavior and blood consumption of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

The transmission and incidence of vector-borne diseases rely on vector distribution and life history traits such as survival, fecundity, and feeding. Since arthropod disease vectors are ectotherms, these vital rates are strongly influenced by temperature. Chagas disease is a neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite is transmitted when the feces of the infected triatomine enter the bloodstream of the host. One of the most important vector-species of this disease in the Southern Cone region of South America is Triatoma infestans. In this study, we evaluated the role of constant and variable environmental temperature on the feeding behavior of T. infestans. Fifth-instar nymphs were acclimatized to 4 thermal treatments comprising 2 temperatures (27 °C and 18 °C) with and without diurnal thermal variability (27 ± 5 °C and 18 ± 5 °C). Individuals were fed weekly for 7 wk to quantify their feeding. Our results showed lower feeding frequency in nymphs acclimatized to cold temperature compared to those from warmer temperature treatments. However, treatments with thermal variability presented a nonlinear effect on feeding, with an increased feeding rate in the cold, variable treatment and a decreased feeding rate in the warm, variable treatment. Individuals maintained under cold treatments, the variable temperature exhibited a higher feeding rate and the lowest amount of ingested blood among all treatments. Thus, natural diurnal temperature variation cannot be ignored if we are to make more accurate T. cruzi transmission risk predictions now and in the future.

The effects of feeding frequency on jaw loading in two lemur species.

Studies on oral processing are often snapshots of behaviors that examine feeding through individual bouts. In this study, we expand on our previous work comparing bite/chew variables per feeding bout to summed daily biting, chewing, and food intake to interpret loading that could have potential morphological effects. We observed sympatric Lemur catta and Propithecus verreauxi over two field seasons in the dry forest of Bezà Mahafaly Special Reserve in southwestern Madagascar. Bite and chew rates determined from videos filmed during observations were multiplied with time spent feeding on specific foods during focal follows to calculate daily values for each feeding bout. Food mechanical properties (FMPs) were tested on dietary items with a portable tester. We contrasted daily bite/chew numbers and intake with FMPs, species, season, and food shape. Daily bite and chew numbers increased with maximum, but not average, food toughness. Daily intake decreased with average and maximum toughness. Season had a strong effect on daily bites and chews, but not on intake. Food shape influenced intake and total bite and chew numbers. The lemur species did not differ in our models. Maximum food toughness impacted feeding behaviors and intake, which is consistent with higher loads having a greater effect on morphology. In contrast to feeding per bout, cumulative biting and chewing did not differ between species; taking feeding frequency into consideration affects interpretation of jaw loading. Finally, biting, as much as chewing, may generate strains that impact morphology.

Breast size in lactating women and the content of macronutrients in human milk.

Although the primary function of a woman's breast is milk synthesis, only a few studies have evaluated the relationship between breast size and human milk composition, showing equivocal results. This study aims to test if breast size during fully established lactation is related to energy density and content of macronutrients in human milk. Mothers of healthy, born-on-term infants at stage III of lactogenesis (N = 137) provided breast milk samples. Milk composition was analyzed using midinfrared transmission spectroscopy. The breast size index was calculated by dividing the breast by the circumference below the breast. Stepwise forward linear regression showed a negative association between breast size index and lactose concentration in breast milk (β = -.242, p = .003). The final model, which includes breast size index, feeding frequency, and maternal energy intake together explained around 13% of the variance in breast milk lactose content (R2 adj = .126, p < .001). No statistically significant relationship was found between breast size index and milk's energy density, protein, and fat content. This is the first study that shows a negative relationship between breast size during fully established lactation and lactose concentration in milk in a large sample size. No relationship between other macronutrients and breast size indicates that large breast size is not necessary for adequate milk production; however, it may contribute to an altered lactose concentration.

Optimization Feeding Rate Towards Saline Tilapia Production in Stagnant Waters, Pekalongan City

The flood disaster in the coastal area of Pekalongan City resulted in stagnant water, thus impacting the livelihoods of the community previously. The adaptation that has been made to deal with these conditions is by cultivating saline tilapia. Feed is the most important factor in supporting the growth of saline tilapia production. However, research on feed quality and frequency that has been carried out for tilapia production has not been optimal in obtaining the results obtained. This study aims to determine the effect of different feeding rates on growth performance, feed utilization and survival rate of tilapia reared in stagnant brackish water. The study consisted of feeding rates of 3%, 5%, 7% and 9% with three replications, and parameters were observed every seven days. Based on the research results it is known that the optimal feeding rate in saline tilapia culture ranges from 6.67% - 7% based on growth parameters. Although the other parameters do not show the same feeding rate as the growth parameter, these parameters are still in a good range for saline tilapia culture.

Understanding the feeding strategies of growing-finishing pigs: Exploring links with pig characteristics and behaviour

A large variation in feeding patterns between pigs and over time hampers the use of data from electronic feeding stations in the continuous monitoring of growing-finishing pig welfare. Individual feeding strategies (i.e. differences between pigs that are consistent within a pig across time) likely explain part of this variation, both at the daily level - based on feeding components intake, frequency and rate – and at the diurnal level - based on feeding components circadian rhythms and night feeding. It is, however, not known exactly which feeding strategies pigs display, nor which types of pigs display which strategies. This study aimed 1) to test which (combinations of) feeding components contribute to independent feeding strategies; and 2) to see whether pigs with different feeding strategies also differ in other physical and behavioural characteristics. To identify feeding strategies, we calculated the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) for each day-level feeding component, which reflects the proportion of variation explained by an individual pig effect (n=98 pigs). Subsequently, high ICC day-level components were correlated to diurnal-level components known to contain feeding strategies, to assess possible overlap. Pigs with different strategies were then characterised based on physical (n=52) and behavioural (home pen and play tests, n=22–27) variables at different ages, using (generalised) linear mixed models. Four dimensions of individual feeding strategies emerged: nibbling/meal eating, fast/slow eating, day/day-night eating and consistent/inconsistent eating from day to day, sustaining after correction for pig sex or body weight. All dimensions except day/day-night eating partially overlapped at the beginning of the growing-finishing phase, but became more distinct over time. Pigs with different feeding strategies also differed in their general activity, diurnal activity and possibly dominance rank. Feeding strategies did not relate to behaviours possibly indicative of more positive or negative emotional states of pigs. Our results demonstrate that pigs showed individual differences in their feeding behaviour that are consistent across time, along continua in four distinct dimensions. These differences went beyond differences in body weight and sex, and were related to other behavioural characteristics of pigs. The presence of feeding strategies suggests that the use of pig feeding behaviour data should be corrected for individual differences between pigs.

Intestinal microbiota composition of children with glycogen storage Type I patients

AimDietary therapy of glycogen storage disease I (GSD I) is based on frequent feeding, with a high intake of complex carbohydrates (supplied by uncooked cornstarch), restriction of sugars, and a lower amount of lipids. There is limited information about the dietary regimen in patients with GSD, which might affect the intestinal luminal pH and microbiota composition. The aim of this study to investigate the intestinal microbiota composition in patients with GSD receiving diet treatment.MethodTwelve patients who were followed up with GSD I after the diagnosis receiving diet therapy and 11 healthy children have been enrolled. Intestinal microbiota composition was evaluated by 16 s rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsA significant difference was found for beta-diversity between the GSD group and controls. A significantly lower abundance of Firmicutes and higher abundance of Actinobacteria was found in GSD group compared to the controls. Akkermansia, Pseudoalteromonas, Uruburella, and Castellaniella were dominant in the GSD patients at the genus level, while Faecalibacterium, Bacterioides, Gemmiger, Parabacteroides in the control group. At species level, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii decreased, and Akkermansia muciniphila were dominant in children with GSD.DiscussionThere is a substantial change in the composition of the gut microbiota, reduction of F. prausnitzii and an increase of A. muciniphila in children with GSD receiving consumption of uncooked cornstarch. Alterations of the intestinal microbiota might be related with the disease itself or dietary restrictions in patients with GSD, however, in certain condition, dysbiosis can negatively affect the course and make it difficult to control the disease.

Estimates of N accumulated below-ground by grain legumes derived using leaf or stem 15N-feeding: in search of a practical method for potential use at remote field locations

Background and aimsBelow-ground (BG) N of N2 fixing grain legumes is an important N input to farming systems, likely underestimated as N solely in coarse roots. 15N methodology can improve measures of BG N accumulation. Our objective was to identify a 15N method for potential use at remote field sites. We hypothesised that method and frequency of 15N feeding may result in different estimates of BG N.MethodsGlasshouse-grown grain legumes, leaf or stem fed 15N once or twice, were sampled three weeks after feed and at physiological maturity. Three BG fractions were isolated using 2 mm sieving; recovered cleaned roots>2 mm, unrecovered roots >2 mm remaining on sieve with adhering soil, and bulk soil that passed through sieve along with fine roots <2 mm. Fractions were measured for N/15N to estimate BGN. Inorganic, total soluble organic and microbial N/15N were also assessed for bulk soil.ResultsEstimates of BG N were not influenced by method or frequency of 15N feeding. Recovered root N was 33–55% of estimated plant BG N at physiological maturity. Low amounts of fed 15N detected as inorganic or soluble organic N (0.1–0.7%) and microbial biomass N (0.2–2.5%) were attributed to rhizodeposition. A large proportion of fed 15N in bulk soil (51–67%) was present as ‘insoluble’ N attributed to fine roots.ConclusionsA single 15N stem-feeding at remote field sites should suffice to provide a measure of BG N larger than that N measured in recovered roots on a 2 mm sieve. Little evidence for direct leakage into soil labile N pools of highly labelled 15N post-feed.

Feeding Postures and Substrate Use of François' Langurs (Trachypithecus francoisi) in the Limestone Forest of Southwest China.

The feeding posture of a group of François' langurs in Fusui County, Guangxi, was studied using instantaneous scan sampling from January to December 2016 to explore how the species adapts to karst limestone forests by collecting data on feeding posture, forest strata height, and substrate use. The results showed that leaves were the main food type of the François' langurs, with young leaves accounting for 64.97% ± 19.08% of the food composition, mature leaves accounting for 11.88% ± 12.09%, fruits accounting for 12.96% ± 12.89%, flowers accounting for 4.16% ± 4.06%, and other food types, including stems, petioles, and other unknown parts of the tree, accounting for a total of 6.03% ± 9.09%. The François' langurs had four main postures during feeding, of which sitting and bipedal standing feeding accounted for the largest proportions, at 85.99% ± 5.97% and 12.33% ± 6.08% of the total records, respectively. Quadrupedal standing and suspending were rarely observed and only appeared occasionally during feeding activities at the peak resting period, the two postures together accounting for 1.39% ± 1.59% of the total records. The feeding postures of the langurs had marked seasonal variation, as evidenced by the fact that seated feeding accounted for a significantly higher proportion of the total behavioral records in the rainy season than in the dry season, whereas feeding while standing bipedally was significantly more frequent during the dry season. Correlation analyses showed that feeding posture was correlated with food composition, showing a positive correlation between the proportion of bipedal standing feeding and mature leaf consumption. François' langurs preferred to forage in the lower and middle forest layers, with the lower forest layer accounting for 55.93% ± 16.50% of the total number of recordings and the middle forest layer accounting for 33.63% ± 18.33%. Langurs were less likely to forage on the ground (rocks), accounting for only 6.79% ± 4.78% of the records. The frequency of langurs feeding in the upper part of the forest layer was the lowest at 3.65% ± 2.73%. Additionally, in the dry season, langurs utilized the lower forest layer more but used the middle forest layer less than in the rainy season. This study demonstrates that the spatial distribution of foods in the limestone forest has an important effect on the feeding posture of François' langurs and their forest layer utilization.

Comparison of Reproductive Strategies between Two Sympatric Copsychus Passerines.

Reproduction plays a crucial role in determining the development, fate, and dynamics of bird populations. However, reproductive strategies vary among species and populations. In this study, we investigated the reproductive strategies of the Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) and White-rumped Shama (C. malabarica), which are closely related passerines that reproduce in sympatric areas. We found that although these two species were both cavity nesting, their nest-site selection differed; the Shama preferred nesting close to trees and forests, whereas the Magpie Robin nested close to human residential areas. Furthermore, their egg incubation patterns differed; the Shama increased daily incubation frequency with incubation time, but the Magpie Robin maintained its daily incubation time regardless of changes in incubation frequency. However, the nestling heating patterns of these two species were similar, indicating a critical demand for regulating hatchling body temperature during this crucial stage. The feeding frequencies of male parents were strongly correlated with those of females in both species, suggesting equal contribution and good synchronization between the sexes. Nestling feeding frequency was also correlated with nest cleaning frequency, implying coordination between feeding and defecation by parents and offspring, respectively. This research explored the divergence and convergence of reproductive strategies between these two sympatric species, providing valuable insights into the niche differentiation theory.

Latinx Grandparents' Child Feeding Practices and Interaction with Parents.

Despite Latinx grandparents' substantial involvement in child rearing, there is limited understanding of their child feeding practices. A survey examined 80 Latinx mothers' perception of Latinx grandparents' feeding practices and interaction with parents. Results showed grandparents engaged in positive feeding somewhat frequently and negative feeding somewhat infrequently. Mother-grandparent disagreement and grandparent-parent(s) communication on child feeding occurred at a moderate level of frequency. Mother-grandparent disagreement was associated with higher frequency of grandparents' negative feeding, while grandparent-parent(s) communication was associated with higher frequency of positive feeding by grandparents. Finally, grandparents' behaviors and practices varied depending on characteristics of grandparents, mothers, and children.

The burden of treatment of propranolol for infantile hemangiomas: A mixed methods study.

The burden of treatment (BOT) related to propranolol treatment for infantile hemangiomas (IH) has never previously been explored. A modified validated questionnaire, the Treatment Burden Questionnaire, and one-on-one semi-structured interviews were used to assess the BOT for propranolol for IH. Out of 80 caregivers, the overall burden score was very low at 1.2 out of 10; thematic analysis of interviews grouped themes into administration, monitoring, financial, and associated anomalies. The BOT of propranolol for IH is very low but could be reduced further by offering age-based risk stratification related to feeding frequency and risk of hypoglycemia, pragmatic advice around timing of doses before sleep, and reducing frequency of vital sign monitoring.

Short-term starvation at different feeding regimes on appetite responses, feeding utilization and physiological indices, of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus × Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings reared in brackish water

A 42 day factorial trial (3x2) was designed to evaluate the effect of short-term starvation with different feeding frequencies on performance, feed utilization, physiological status and appetite responses of red hybrid tilapia fingerlings. Eighteen plastic tanks with a capacity of (55 L) were used to accomplish this work. Fingerlings with an average initial weight of 23 g ± 0.2 (SE) were randomly stocked at a rate of 8 fingerlings/aquarium. Six groups were designated as the following: II/ED: fish was fed twice every day; IV/ED: fish fed four times every day; II/EOD: fish fed twice every other day (alternate-day feeding or one day of feeding followed by another of fasting); IV/EOD: was fed four times every other day; II/EO3D: fish fed twice every other three days (three day of feeding followed by another of fasting) and IV/EO3D: fish fed four times every other three days. Fish were fed on commercial diets 30 % protein (4 % of biomass). Results showed insignificant differences between fish fed every other day and those fed every day in some growth indicators. In the same trend, the interaction between feed deprivation and feeding frequency cleared that fingerlings of IV/EOD did not significantly differ with those fed every day in growth indices. Moreover this treatment was the best in feed conversion efficiency and several physiological indicators.

Feeding frequency affects liver health in largemouth bronze gudgeon Coreius guichenoti: Implications for lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammation response

In artificial breeding, feeding frequency is crucial for maintaining the liver health status in largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti). Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism governing this relationship remains unclear. The present study aimed to elucidate the effects of feeding frequencies (2 T/D, 2 times day-1; 3 T/D, 3 times day-1) on the liver health of Coreius guichenoti. Groups of juveniles (60 fish group-1) with an initial body weight of 4.91 ± 0.11 g were randomly assigned to 6 tanks. Fish were fed with 2 T/D and 3 T/D for 8 weeks at a feeding rate of 3%. The results showed that the SGR and FER of the 3 T/D were higher than those of the 2 T/D (P < 0.05). Compared with the 2 T/D, the hepatic TG and glucose concentrations in the 3 T/D were decreased, but the hepatic TC, TBA, and lipase activity were increased (P < 0.05). Moreover, the relative areas of hepatic vacuoles and lipid droplets in the 3 T/D were decreased (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the hepatic activities of FAS and ACC1, and the mRNA levels of srebp1 in the 3 T/D were down-regulated (P < 0.05), while the mRNA levels of apoa1 and apoe2 were up-regulated. For liver antioxidant status, the hepatic GSH, SOD, and CAT levels in the 3 T/D were higher than those in the 2 T/D, while the hepatic MDA and ROS levels were lower (P < 0.05). For hepatic inflammation and apoptosis, the hepatic mRNA level of tgfβ1 was up-regulated in the 3 T/D, while the hepatic mRNA levels of tnfα, il1β, and caspase8 were down-regulated (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the 3 T/D improves the liver health of Coreius guichenoti by reducing hepatic lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response. This improvement enhances feed utilization efficiency, resulting in better growth performance.

The Relationship Between Breastfeeding Frequency and Neonatal Dehydration Hypernatremia

Objective:Inadequate breastfeeding is the most important cause of neonatal dehydration hypernatremia (NDH). This study aimed to define the relationship between breastfeeding frequency and NDH.Methods:A total of 934 infants (574 isonatremic and 360 with NDH) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study at Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, in 2014–2022, assigned into low feeding frequency (&lt;8 times/day) and proper feeding frequency (≥8 times/day) groups, and compared for NDH intensity according to a researcher-made questionnaire.Results:The admission age (p= .001) and weight (t(931) = 1.864, p = .063), urination frequency (t(931) = −8.742, p = .001), defecation frequency (t(931) = −5.372, p = .001), serum sodium (t(931) = 13.541, p = .001), urea (t(931) = 9.721, p = .001), and creatinine levels (t(931) = 7.613, p = .001) showed significant differences between the two groups. Interestingly, 56.27% of infants with NDH and only 10.28% of isonatremic infants had low feeding frequencies.Conclusions:Low feeding frequency and duration were associated with weight loss and increased serum sodium levels. A group of infants who had a feeding frequency of less than eight times a day, a history of cesarean delivery, breast problems, and a lack of let-down reflex was associated with an increased incidence of low weight; higher levels of serum sodium, urea, and creatinine; and reduced frequency of urination and stool passage.

The Impact of Mode of Delivery and Postpartum Conditions on Breastfeeding: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Breast milk is the optimal and essential source of nutrients for babies. Many women, however, do not breastfeed or stop early after giving birth, often due to lack of support. For newborns delivered by caesarean section, there is often a delay, or no skin-to-skin contact after birth; thus, early breastfeeding is not achieved. Separation, complementary feeding or pacifier use also limits the mother's ability to breastfeed. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted. Sociodemographic data, the mode of delivery and postpartum circumstances, information on breastfeeding, and the method and duration of feeding were collected (n = 2008). Two-thirds of children born by caesarean section did not have skin-to-skin contact after birth (p < 0.001). Lack of rooming-in placement increased the incidence of more frequent complementary feeding (p < 0.001) and shortened the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (p < 0.001). The duration of breastfeeding may also be negatively affected by scheduled feeding (p = 0.007) and pacifier utilization (p < 0.001). The mode of delivery and postpartum circumstances directly affecting the mother and the newborn can affect the feasibility of breastfeeding and the duration of exclusive and partial breastfeeding. For positive breastfeeding outcomes, skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth, rooming-in and unrestricted, demand breastfeeding, as well as the avoidance of the use of pacifiers, are recommended.

Pre-Partum Feeding and Elimination Behaviour of Kankrej Cows at an Organized Farm

Present study was carried out to assess the effect of parturition on feeding behaviour on before calving. 21 Kankrej cows were equally grouped into 3 treatments, first parity (T1), second parity (T2) and 3 or more parity (T3) cows. The behaviour of cows was recorded with two CCTV cameras and 24 hours’ observations were made from recorded video for four days −1, −2, −3 and −7 prior to the calving. The feeding behaviour was assessed in terms of feeding frequency, feeding duration and watering frequency. The mean feeding frequency was the highest on the day of calving (30.33±2.07) followed by day-3 (26.62±1.43), day-2 (25.33±1.46) and Day-7 (24.43±1.40) in a day and the difference found was significant (P&lt;0.05). The mean feeding duration (min) was the minimum on the day of calving (273.19±14.45) followed by day-7 (315.00±11.17), day-2 (315.57±9.84) and day-3 (318.10.95±1.40) in a day and the difference found was significant (P&lt;0.05). Mean water drinking frequencies was maximum on the day of calving 4.14±0.55 compared to 3.95±0.51, 3.67±0.40 and 3.81±0.48 on −2, −3 and −7 prior to the calving, respectively, but the difference found was not significant. Hence, it may be concluded from the study that cows have higher feeding frequency, less feeding duration and higher watering frequency on the day of calving than 2-7 days before the calving. The decrease in feeding duration on the day of calving is directly related to lesser feed intake and reason might be due to increase restlessness and discomfort associated with the parturition process.

Report of an Iranian child with chronic abdominal pain and constipation diagnosed as glycogen storage disease type IX: a case report

BackgroundGlycogen storage disease type IX is a rare disorder that can cause a wide variety of symptoms depending on the specific deficiency of the phosphorylase kinase enzyme and the organs it affects.Case presentationA 4-and-a-half-year-old Caucasian girl was referred to our clinic with a liver biopsy report indicating a diagnosis of glycogen storage disease. Prior to being referred to our clinic, the patient had been under the care of pediatric gastroenterologists. The patient’s initial symptoms included chronic abdominal pain, constipation, and elevated liver transaminase. With the help of the pediatric gastroenterologists, cholestasis, Wilson disease, and autoimmune hepatitis were ruled out. Given that glycogen storage diseases type I and type III are the most common, we initially managed the patient with frequent feedings and a diet that included complex carbohydrates such as a corn starch supplement and a lactose restriction. Following an unfavorable growth velocity and hepatomegaly during the follow-up period, genetic analysis was conducted, which revealed a novel mutation of the phosphorylase kinase regulatory subunit beta gene— a c.C412T (P.Q138x) mutation. As the diagnosis of glycogen storage disease type IX was confirmed, the treatment regimen was altered to a high protein diet (more than 2 g/kg/day) and a low fat diet.ConclusionGiven the mild and varied clinical manifestations of glycogen storage disease type IX, it is possible for the diagnosis to be overlooked. It is important to consider glycogen storage disease type IX in children who present with unexplained hepatomegaly and elevated transaminase levels. Furthermore, due to the distinct management of glycogen storage disease type IX compared with glycogen storage disease type I and glycogen storage disease type III, genetic analysis is essential for an accurate diagnosis.