Lower Intake Rate Research Articles

Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) profiles in heat-processed meat and fish: a study on health risk evaluation

The profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in selected heat-processed meat and fish were evaluated to determine the potential health risk associated with consumption. The samples were analysed using a gas Chromatography-Mass spectrometer. Different concentrations of individual PAHs were detected in the samples, with the smoked samples having the highest concentrations. The total PAHs (mg/kg) in smoked samples were 2.763 ± 0.185 (game meat), 1.618 ± 0.102 (mackerel fish), and 1.718 ± 0.129 (catfish), whereas levels (mg/kg) in grilled samples were 0.771 ± 0.049 (chicken) and 0.911 ± 0.053 (fish). The total carcinogenic PAH (PAH7) concentrations (mg/kg) in grilled chicken and fish and smoked (game meat, mackerel fish, and catfish) samples were 0.231, 0.294, 0.440, 0.309, and 0.332, while their total PAH8 concentrations were 0.356, 0.371, 0.537, 0.465, and 0.476 respectively. The non-carcinogenic PAH risk estimations, both individually (hazard quotient) and cumulatively (hazard index), were below 1 in all the samples. The mean concentrations of PAH markers B[a]P and the PAH4 were above the EU limits in both the smoked and the grilled samples tested. This implies that exposure to high levels of these PAHs through regular consumption of these products may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer and other health issues. The smoked fishes has the lowest MOE values for the PAH8 compared to the other samples. The margin of exposures (MOEs), carcinogenic toxic equivalent (TEQ), and excess cancer risk (ECR) also indicated that frequent consumption of smoked fish (mackerel or catfish) by an adult of 70 kg body weight above the reported intake rate of 0.0019 kg/AME/day for a prolonged period may have higher cancer risks than in other samples. Smoked game meat had the highest PAH16 level, but indicated a relatively lower risk level, possibly because of its relatively low intake rate (0.0004 kg/AME/day).

Recommendation and intake of dietary supplements periconceptional and during pregnancy: results of a nationwide survey of gynaecologists

BackgroundMicronutrient supplementation during pregnancy is a controversial issue. For some micronutrients, for example folic acid or iodine, the evidence regarding supplementation is clear, whereas for others, such as zinc or vitamin E, it is not. Studies show that a large number of pregnant women have deficient levels of folic acid and iodine. However, especially with folic acid, starting supplementation during the preconception period is crucial. It is, therefore, important that gynaecologists explain this to their pregnant or preconceptional patients. Our goal was to find out how gynaecologists make their recommendations on this topic, how they assess the compliance of their patients and which micronutrients they consider to be important before/during pregnancy and during breastfeeding.Method and ResultsWe sent about 12,000 questionnaires to all registered resident gynaecologists in Germany, with a response rate of 12.2%. Regarding which micronutrients gynaecologists consider to be particularly important during pregnancy, there was a broad agreement for both folic acid and iodine (> 88% answered yes). According to the questionnaire, doctors rate other micronutrients, such as vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, as less essential. The controversial evidence level for many micronutrients certainly plays a role here. Overall, the intake rate, especially for preconceptional women, is classified as rather low (< 60%). The most widely valued reason is the high price of dietary supplements. It was also noticeable that doctors consider certain micronutrients to be particularly important but then do not include them in the products they recommend.ConclusionOverall, there seems to be uncertainty about micronutrients in pregnancy and their supplementation. The study situation is often ambiguous and there are no official guidelines, leading to ambiguous recommendations from doctors and therefore low intake rates for pregnant or preconceptional women.

Incidence of lead ingestion in managed goose populations and the efficacy of imposed restrictions on the use of lead shot

Lead is a toxic heavy metal that when ingested can cause death or sub‐lethal fitness effects. Despite its toxicity, it is still widely used in recreational and management shooting globally. To reduce the impacts of lead on wildfowl, recent European Union legislation has banned the use of lead shot in and around wetlands from 2023. Understanding the effectiveness of such mitigation is vital to inform future policy. On Islay, Scotland, the licensed shooting of Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis to reduce agricultural damage has adhered to the ban on use of lead shot over Ramsar‐designated wetlands legislated in Scotland in 2004. On average 2380 lead cartridges were fired annually between 2005 and 2020 outside designated wetlands, where Barnacle Geese and other wildfowl forage. From faecal samples, it is possible to infer whether birds have ingested lead and are therefore potentially suffering from lead poisoning. After sampling faeces from Barnacle Geese (n = 193) and Greenland White‐fronted Geese Anser albifrons flavirostris (n = 150) we found only four (1.2%) faecal samples with elevated lead levels that may be indicative of lead shot ingestion. Further post‐mortem examinations (n = 102 Barnacle Geese only) and X‐ray of live birds (n = 293) revealed similarly low levels of shot ingestion in both species (post‐mortem &lt; 4%, and X‐ray &lt; 2%), corroborating findings from faecal sample analysis. When subsequently accounting for limited shot retention time within individuals, the proportion of each population ingesting a single lead shot over a winter was estimated at a maximum of 9.4% (Barnacle Geese) and 16.8% (White‐fronted Geese). We propose that high compliance with the ban on using lead shot over wetlands because of carefully controlled shooting management on Islay has led to relatively low instantaneous ingestion rates, probably resulting in minimal lead poisoning mortality. However, ingestion was not eliminated and the potential fitness effect of chronic lead poisoning in both goose populations therefore persists, although use of lead shot in organized shooting has subsequently been discontinued. Recent European Union bans on lead shot use over wetlands may reduce lead ingestion in waterfowl if compliance rates are high, but as foraging often occurs outside wetlands (as in this study), further restrictions including use on other key foraging sites may help to further mitigate the risk of lead poisoning in waterfowl.

Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Iodine Exposure in Bangladesh.

In this study, the concentrations of iodine in household salt samples (n = 690) were determined by following the iodometric titration method, and the health risks of Bangladeshi people were assessed based on the semi-probabilistic approach and the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) deterministic model. After adjusting 20% of cooking losses, the iodine concentration (mean, range) in salt samples of Phultala, Dighalia, Terokhada, Rupsha, Batiaghata, Dumuria, Paikgacha, Koyra, Dacope, and KCC was (29.68 ± 8.67, 14.39-48.26), (31.05 ± 6.68, 15.24-43.18), (26.94 ± 5.57, 16.09-45.72), (24.33 ± 5.61, 12.70-37.26), (26.69 ± 6.73, 10.16-44.87), (27.20 ± 8.44, 9.31-53.34), (27.71 ± 8.09, 8.46-47.42), (28.39 ± 7.80, 11.01-46.57), (28.20 ± 7.97, 3.38-49.10), and (29.21 ± 6.62, 18.62-40.64) mg/kg, respectively. The iodine contents in 97.25% of samples were within the standard fortification level of Bangladesh (15-50mg/kg), while 2.61% of samples were below this limit. The semi-probabilistic risk assessment studies showed that 80.14% of samples at a low ingestion rate could provide optimal nutrition (150-299μg/day) to the whole population. Contrarily, at medium, moderate-high, and high consumption rates 34.93%, 65.22%, and 85.94% of samples, respectively, belonged to above the requirements to excessive exposure categories (300-1100μg/day), which might cause iodine-induced diseases. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values for the adults in most of the samples were within the threshold risk limit (THQ < 1.0), whereas THQ values in 6.82% to 85.97% of samples for the children at low to high ingestion rates, respectively exceeded this limit, which revealed that the adults were almost safe, but the children might face non-carcinogenic health effects. Therefore, regular monitoring of iodine concentration in iodized salts should be done to prevent iodine deficiency or iodine-induced disorders.

Feeding Behaviour of a Pyrethroid-Resistant Strain of the German Cockroach Blattella germanica (Linnaeus, 1767)

Many authors report biological differences among insecticide-resistant pest species, mainly associated with parameters of life history, but only a few studies approach differences at the behavioural level. Feeding behaviour in Blattella germanica (L.)is modulated by the detection of chemical volatiles emitted from food sources in order to be located a long-median distance, and also by the physicochemical properties of food. This work aimed to study the differences in the feeding behaviour of a susceptible and a pyrethroid-resistant strain of B. germanica, in the location and exploitation of a food source. Resistant males showed a lower performance in the feeding behaviour compared to susceptible males. Particularly, the time taken to locate the source was significantly higher in the resistant individuals, suggesting a lower capacity in the detection of food odours. In addition, although the Intake rate was negatively related to the stiffness of food for both strains, resistant individuals showed a lower intake rate compared to susceptible ones, when exploiting a food source of the same stiffness. In a control context, the phenotypic characteristics associated to feeding of pyrethroid-resistant individuals could induce a behavioural resistance mechanism caused by a reduction in the amount of toxic gel bait ingested. If that is the case, resistance of this strain would not be associated to physiological changes affecting the toxicity of the active principle of gel baits, but to a lower efficacy of these products against resistant individuals due to less amount of gel consumed, generating control problems of this pest.

Habitat availability determines food chain length and interaction strength in food webs of a large lowland river

AbstractMany large rivers used for navigation have lost their hydromorphological heterogeneity, which has led to the widespread loss of native biodiversity and the concurrent establishment of non‐native communities. While the effects on biodiversity are well‐described, we know little about how the loss of natural habitats and the restructuring of communities cumulate into effects on riverine food webs. We constructed binary and ingestion webs for benthic macroinvertebrates and their resources in the Elbe River (Germany) and compared if food chain length, food web complexity, robustness, ingestion rates, and consumer‐resource interaction strength differ among three shoreline engineering practices. Food webs at profoundly altered shorelines were significantly less complex and had significantly shorter food chains than the food web at the semi‐natural shoreline. However, food web robustness to a simulated loss of species was comparable at all shorelines. Total ingestion rates were up to eight times lower at highly altered shorelines due to significantly lower ingestion rates by native species. Predator–prey interaction strength was comparable among shorelines due to higher shares of non‐native predators, indicating that non‐native predators can be functionally equivalent to native predators. We attributed the observed food web differences to the absence of complex habitats at profoundly altered shorelines and the accompanied absence of specialized consumers. Our study provides empirical evidence that hydromorphological modifications reduce the efficiency of food webs to control organic matter dynamics and may ultimately affect the provisioning of riverine ecosystem services.

The first observation of osmotically neutral sodium accumulation in the myocardial interstitium

The aim of this study was the detection and quantification of the Na+ depositions in the extracellular matrix of myocardial tissue, which are suggested to be bound by negatively charged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) structures. The presented experimental results are based on high resolution X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectromicroscopy technique used to perform a comparative analysis of sodium containment in intracellular and interstitial spaces of cardiac tissues taken from animals selected by low and high sodium intake rates. The experimental results obtained show that high sodium daily intake can result in a remarkable increase of sodium content in the myocardial interstitium.

Seasonal variation of Hedruris dratini (Nematoda) parasitizing Hydromedusa tectifera (Chelidae), with focus on host\u2019s torpor state

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal distribution of the nematode Hedruris dratini parasitizing the South American Snake-necked turtle Hydromedusa tectifera and the amphipod Hyalella spp. in an urban stream. We focused on understand which strategies parasite population displays to get through the host’s hibernation period.ResultsThe highest prevalence and abundance of H. dratini were found in summer. The parasitic load was lower in winter, however there were no significant differences when it was compared with autumn and spring. Generalized linear model identified the temperature as a determining factor for the presence of parasites in turtles.ConclusionsOur results indicate that, beside turtles enter in a diapause state, the life cycle of H. dratini never stop throughout the year, being a continuous transmission between both the intermediate and final host throughout the year. Turtles feed and become infected with parasite larvae even in winter although with a lower ingestion rate.

Effect of prey selectivity and trophic cascades induced by mesozooplankton on the dynamics of phytoplankton

Mesozooplankton are key components in the marine environment, linking the microbial food web and the classic food chain. Yet uncertainties remain on how mesozooplankton mediate the dynamics of prey communities through their complex feeding patterns. To examine mesozooplankton-mediated trophic interactions, we performed shipboard incubations using food removal and dilution methods during 4 cruises in the Pearl River estuary (PRE), Southern China. Our results revealed that mesozooplankton had diverse effects on different size fractions and taxonomic groups of phytoplankton via a combination of strong feeding selectivity and trophic cascades. High ingestion rates by mesozooplankton suppressed the accumulation of microphytoplankton (&gt;20 µm), whereas low ingestion rates by mesozooplankton and resultant trophic cascades promoted the biomass of nano-sized (2-20 µm) and pico-sized (0.7-2 µm) phytoplankton. Among phytoplankton groups, diatoms were passively selected by mesozooplankton despite their high concentrations in natural seawater, whereas dinoflagellates and cryptophytes were actively preferred by mesozooplankton in spring and autumn. Similarly, ciliates were also preferred by mesozooplankton despite their lower biomass compared to phytoplankton, which induced a trophic cascade that indirectly increased the biomass of smaller phytoplankton. The overall feeding effect of mesozooplankton on phytoplankton was determined by the balance between direct grazing rates and indirect compensation with trophic cascades. The degrees of carnivory of the mesozooplankton, which determined the strength of trophic cascades, varied among seasons, resulting in weak control of algal blooms by mesozooplankton. Our findings provide insights into the complex trophic interactions between mesozooplankton and other plankton groups in dynamic natural ecosystems.

Factors Associated with Hypovitaminosis D in People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Followed up in Porto-Novo in 2019

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is very common among PLWHA compared to the general population and is promoted by several factors. Aim: To identify the factors associated with hypovitaminosis D in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) followed up in Porto-Novo in 2019. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study. PLWHA who were monitored on an outpatient basis and who gave their consent were included in this work. Subjects unable to answer questions or under ongoing vitamin D supplementation or suffering from chronic liver diseases were not included. Hypovitaminosis D was defined by a blood level of 25 hydroxy-vitamin D less than 30 ng/mL. Results: A total of 270 PLWHA were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 39.51 ± 6.85 years with a female predominance (73.3%). The frequency of hypovitaminosis D was 56%. Hypertension, low protein intake, anemia and low glomerular filtration rate were associated with vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency is common among PLWHA, which justifies routine screening, especially among those at risk.

Animal-borne video reveals atypical behaviour in provisioned green turtles: A global perspective of a widespread tourist activity

Feeding wildlife as a tourist activity is a growing industry around the world. However, providing alternative food sources can affect wildlife ecology and behaviour. In this study, we combined animal-borne cameras on five sub-adult green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from the Bahamas with a global review to directly assess impacts of provisioning on the behaviour of an endangered marine species for the first time. Descriptive evidence from video footage, with videos included in the manuscript, showed that the tagged turtles spent 86% of their time in shallow water (<1.5 m) at a provisioning site. All individuals observed, both tagged and untagged, actively approached people and boats, with up to 10 turtles recorded feeding on squid offered by tourists at one time. During these feeding events, multiple accounts of atypical aggressive behaviour such as biting and ramming conspecifics were recorded. Furthermore, a review of online sources revealed the widespread significance of turtle feeding as a tourist activity in at least 20 locations within the global range of green sea turtles, as well as five locations with regular provisioning of either loggerhead (Caretta Caretta) or hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbracata) turtles. At the majority of the locations, turtles were fed animal matter such as fish scraps and squid. Although sample size limited quantitative analyses, we found indications of relatively high growth rates of two tagged turtles and low seagrass intake rates of all five tagged turtles. Therefore, our results emphasize the need to further investigate the impacts of turtle provisioning on natural foraging behaviour, ecosystem functioning as well as turtle growth rates and health implications. Supplemental feeding may increase habituation and dependency of turtles on humans with risks for turtle conservation. The innovative use of animal-borne camera technology may provide novel insights to behavioural consequences of human-wildlife interactions that can aid in the management and conservation of rare or endangered species.

PSIII-3 Association of heat shock factor protein 1 and prolactin receptor variants with molecular breeding values in Senepol cattle

Abstract Thermal stress has been associated with lower food intake and growth rate in beef cattle. The purpose of this study was to assess the segregation of the p.Leu462* nonsense mutation in the prolactin receptor gene (PRLR) responsible for slick hair (SH) phenotype in Senepol and a T &amp;gt;C missense variant (V344A) located in the heat shock transcription factor protein 1 gene (HSF1). We compared the potential association of these polymorphisms with molecular breeding values (MBV) that were estimated using a panel of commercial genetic markers (Igenity, Neogen Corp). For this, 29 females and 21 males were genotyped by PCR and sequencing. Three genotypes were observed for the p.Leu462* with frequencies of 0.02 C/C, 0.16 C/- and 0.82 -/-. For V344A only two genotypes were observed with frequencies of 0.86/TT and 0.14/TC. This polymorphism was in linkage disequilibrium with a C &amp;gt;T synonymous variant; therefore, for the statistical analyses, the HSF1 genotypes were combined as TT/CC and TC/CT. The GLIMMIX procedure and Tukey test of SAS were used (effect of sex, HSF1 and SH genotype and interactions). MBV for production traits such as average daily gain, tenderness, yearling weight (YW), marbling, fat thickness (FT), percent choice (PC), ribeye area (RA) and carcass weight. Effect of sex (P &amp;lt; .05) were found for YW (males: 6.93lbs ± 0.53, female: 5.74lbs ± 0.57) and for PC (female: 16.17±0.75, male: 15.02±0.55). Differences between HSF1 genotype combinations were significant for the MBV of RA (TC/CT: 0.96in2±0.10; TT/CC: 0.781in2±0.07 and for FT (TC/CT: 0.16in±0.02; TTCC: 0.12in±0.01). The similarity in segregation of SH responsible genotypes (C/- and -/-) and HSF1 (TC/CT and TT/CC) in Senepol could indicate a potential role of HSF1 in adaptation to heat stress in cattle with an additional effect in muscling and fat deposition.

285 Supplement intake variation, weight, and body condition change in yearling heifers grazing late-summer dryland pastures with Rumax BoviBox versus Rumax BoviBox HM protein supplements

Abstract The objectives of this study were to evaluate Rumax BoviBox versus Rumax BoviBox HM protein supplements on supplement intake behavior, body weight (BW), and body condition score (BCS) change of yearling heifers grazing dryland pastures during late summer. Fifty-nine yearling commercial Angus heifers (428 kg) were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to one of two supplementation treatments: 1) free-choice access to Rumax BoviBox protein block supplement (30% CP, 23% salt; n = 29); and 2) free-choice access to Rumax BoviBox HM high magnesium protein block supplement (28.7% CP, 23% salt; n = 30). Individual supplement intake, time spent at the feeder, and intake variation were measured throughout the study. On d 0, 42, and 84 heifers were weighed and assigned a BCS following a 16-h shrink. Additionally, forage was sampled every 14 d throughout the study. Supplement intake (kg ∙ d-1) displayed a treatment × period interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.01). However, within period, treatment differences were not observed with intakes averaging 0.15 and 0.34 kg ∙ day-1 for d 0 – 42 and 42 - 84, respectively. Heifers spent more time at the feeder in period 2 than in period 1 (P &amp;lt; 0.01), averaging 7.67 vs 4.00 min per day, respectively. Supplement intake rate (g ∙ min-1) also displayed a treatment effect (P &amp;lt; 0.01) indicating that heifers in the Rumax BoviBox treatment had lower intake rate compared to Rumax BoviBox HM supplemented heifers. In conclusion, there were only minor differences in intake behavior and animal performance with the Rumax BoviBox and Rumax BoviBox HM supplement treatments. However, supplement intake increased and variation in intake decreased with declining forage quality and quantity.

Estimation of minimum tolerated milk temperature for feeding dairy calves with small- and large-aperture teat bottles: A complementary dose-response study

At birth, calves are functionally monogastric and remain so for the first weeks of life. Milk in the rumen may cause indigestion, diarrhea, and reduced growth. Calves are often fed cold milk from a large-aperture teat, but warm milk and sucking behavior are believed to trigger the esophageal reflex. The aim of this study was to use radiography to estimate the lowest milk temperature that can be given to dairy calves at high and low intake rates without causing milk in the rumen. Our hypothesis was that cold milk drunk at high speed would cause insufficient closure of the esophageal groove and hence milk in the rumen. Fifteen Norwegian Red calves, 9 to 27 d of age, weighing between 45.5 and 71.0 kg, were tested according to the response surface pathway design. Each calf was offered 4 L of milk from both a small- (2 mm) and a large-aperture (19 mm) teat. The milk contained barium sulfate, and radiography was applied before, during, and after the milk meal. Following radiography, the calves were returned to a group pen and observed for 2 h using continuous live behavioral observation to detect signs of abdominal pain or discomfort. Starting with a low number of subjects and increasing this number with increasing design levels reduces the sample size without reducing the statistical power. The minimum milk temperature was estimated to be 8°C. No behavioral signs of pain or discomfort were observed, but shivering was noted in several calves drinking 8°C milk. These results strengthen the argument that calves can be fed large milk meals without risk of causing milk in the rumen, even cold milk drunk at high speed.

Contrasting stoichiometric dynamics in terrestrial and aquatic grazer–producer systems

The turnover rate of producer biomass in aquatic ecosystems is generally faster than in terrestrial. That is, aquatic producer biomass grows, is consumed, and is replaced considerably faster than terrestrial. The WKL model describes the flow of phosphorus and carbon through a grazer–producer system, hence varying the model parameters allows for analysis of different ecosystems of this type. Here we explore the impacts of the intrinsic growth rate of the producer and the maximal ingestion rate of the grazer on these dynamics because these parameters determine turnover rate. Simulations show that for low intrinsic growth rate and maximal ingestion rate, the grazer goes extinct; for higher values of these parameters, coexistence occurs in oscillations. Sensitivity analysis reveals the relative importance of all parameters on asymptotic dynamics. Lastly, the impacts of changing these two parameters in the LKE model appears to be quantitatively similar to the impacts in the WKL model.

The AVI-PDX: An innovative in vivo platform of miniaturized patient-derived xenografts for preclinical developments and personalized medicine.

e15607 Background: The conception of preclinical paradigms to predict the patient response is a major goal for the development of novel therapies and the design of personalized treatments in oncology. Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) mouse models require tumoral material in significant amount, not always compatible with practiced biopsies, are limited by a very low tumor intake rate, and a long delay to obtain exploitable tumors. Moreover, xenografts in mice are usually performed subcutaneously, thus in a tissue irrelevant regarding microenvironmental specificities. Finally, these models are not scaled for global molecular analysis to uncover biomarkers of patient heterogeneity and response to treatments. Apart from shortening tumor formation, alternatives of grafting tumoral cells on the chicken chorio-allantoid membrane (CAM model) bare all inconvenient of mice models Methods: We have developed an innovative in vivo technological platform, consisting in (i) grafting tiny human tumoral samples within tissues of chicken embryos, selected for their homology to primary or metastatic sites, (ii) administrating therapeutic treatments, (iii) analyzing tumor responses using 3D imaging and identifying treatment-specific molecular signatures. Results: Originally conceived for a pediatric cancer (Delloye-Bourgeois et al, 2017), the platform was next adapted to a range of adult cancers. Grafted cells from patient samples exhibited exceptionally fast and efficient rate of tumor ingrowth, and replicas retained molecular features of the initial sample. The platform is already exploited for the identification of novel therapeutic targets, the evaluation of candidate therapies efficacy, the design of combination of therapies and the characterization of molecular signatures in several cancer indications, including germ line tumors, neuroblastoma, pancreatic cancers, triple negative breast cancer and melanoma. Conclusions: Overall, this breakthrough technology should considerably improve and shorten the process of molecule discovery and accelerate access of novel therapies to patients.

Foraging Behavior of Goats Browsing in Southern Mediterranean Forest Rangeland.

Simple SummaryGrazing goats in forests is an ancestral practice in the Mediterranean region. This study aims to assess the seasonal variations in the feeding behavior of goats browsing in the Mediterranean forest rangeland of Northern Morocco for two years. The goats’ diet was largely composed of woody species. Overall, the smaller the bite mass, the higher the biting rate, leading to an increased instantaneous intake rate. During the dry season, goats tend to compensate for the low intake rate by extending daily grazing time, thus reducing the sensitivity of intake rates to forage availability. A particular high selection of cork oak was observed over seasons. The higher diet diversity was recorded during summer and fall compared to the spring. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the diet selection of goats is ultimately influenced by the herder’s decisions. Results confirm the high adaptability of goats to the seasonality of complex Moroccan forest rangelands.Mediterranean forest rangelands offer an important feed source for goats. Concerns about grazing strategies and management schemes in order to ensure the rangeland sustainability of Southern Mediterranean forest have revived interest in the foraging behavior of goats. This study was conducted to investigate the seasonal changes of feeding behavior of grazing goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland of Northern Morocco during two consecutive years beginning in 2016. The direct observation method was used to compare diet composition, intake rate, and diet selectivity of goats during three seasons (spring, summer, and fall). Bite mass of each plant species selected by goats was estimated using hand-plucked simulation. The optimal foraging theory was used as a tool to explain the goats foraging decisions. Bite mass range was extremely wide and varied seasonally. The goats’ diet was largely composed of Cistus spp., Lavandula stoechas, Quercus spp., and Myrtus communis. The result shows that the smaller the bite mass, the higher the biting rate, leading to increased short term intake rates. The selection of various plant species during fall and summer enlarged the diet diversity of goats. As expected, goats preferred trees and some shrubs despite their low availability. Consequently, the most available species is not necessarily the most positively selected. Particular high and positive selection of Quercus suber was observed over seasons. The outcomes confirm the high adaptability and ability of goats to select a woody species across seasons. Knowledge about forage availability and the feeding behavior of goats could be used as the first guide for rangeland managers to ensure herd and forest sustainability.

Adverse birth outcomes in Suriname related to maternal iron intake through consumption of leafy vegetables

TPS 742: Adverse birth outcomes 1, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background: One in five pregnancies ends in at least one adverse birth outcome in Suriname. Low maternal iron (Fe) intake is associated with adverse birth outcomes, especially low birth weight (LBW). This research represents the first environmental epidemiological investigation in Suriname designed to assess the relationship between maternal intake of Fe, based on the three most frequently consumed leafy vegetables, and birth outcomes. This study is embedded in the Caribbean Consortium for Research in Environmental and Occupational Health, a cohort study that examines associations between environmental exposures and birth outcomes in Surinamese mother-child dyads (n=1150). Methods: Intake rates of the three most consumed vegetables were identified through a dietary survey of 1038 participants. Fe intake rates were calculated by using intake rates and Fe contents of these three vegetables. Low Fe intake rate (<25th percentile), was the main determinant. Associations with LBW, preterm birth (PTB), and 5 minutes Apgar score <7 were examined using the Chi-square test (birth outcomes’ N=491). Results: The top three most consumed were Xanthosoma brasiliense (tannia), Cestrum latifolium (bitter greens) and Amaranthus dubius (spleen amaranth) for which low Fe intake rates defined as <0.17 mg/day, <0.45 mg/day and <0.33 mg/day, respectively. Women with low Fe intake rates related to tannia consumption had higher proportions of adverse birth outcomes (28.0 vs. 22.3%; p=0.298), more PTB (20.8 vs. 17.6%; p=0.514), more low Apgar score babies (6.8 vs. 4.3%; p=0.351) and significantly more LBWs (20.8 vs 11.8%; p=0.039). No significant associations were found between low Fe intake rates through consumption of bitter greens and spleen amaranth and adverse birth outcomes. Conclusions: The findings related to tannia consumption, linking a low Fe intake with especially LBW, are conform previous studies. Analyses examining the association of other nutrients and chemicals in Surinamese vegetables and birth outcomes are ongoing.

Wintering Geese Trade-Off Energetic Gains and Costs When Switching from Agricultural to Natural Habitats

Migratory birds need considerable energy reserves to fuel long-distance flights to their breeding grounds in spring. To attain sufficient energy deposits before departure, birds require high daily intake rates, which can be reached by utilizing high-quality food. During such periods of high energy demand, animals often track changes in the nutritious value of their food, for example by switching to a more profitable habitat or diet. Pre-migratory Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis staging along the Wadden Sea coast are known to switch from pastures to salt marshes during spring. Previous studies have suggested that Barnacle Geese switch habitat to track changes in protein levels, which drop in pastures as spring progresses, and to avoid high levels of disturbance. Here we made use of detailed information on pre-migratory habitat use of individual Barnacle Geese tracked by GPS/accelerometer tags to assess which factors may drive a habitat switch. We analysed habitat use and time budgets of individual birds and combined this with data on food quality in two habitats to analyse differences in food intake. We found large individual variation in pre-migratory habitat use, both in the extent of salt marsh use, as well as in the timing of a switch from pastures to salt marshes. In salt marshes, geese spent more time grazing and made fewer flight movements, potentially as they experienced lower levels of disturbance compared to geese in pastures. By increasing grazing time and reducing flight movements, geese in salt marshes may compensate for reduced food quality. Our results show that Barnacle Geese trade-off high intake rates and high costs in pastures with low intake rates and low costs in salt marshes.

Soil intake in ruminants grazing on heavy-metal contaminated shooting ranges

Shooting ranges contain copper and lead from spent ammunition, this contamination can represent a risk for ruminants grazing there. The present study investigated the intake of copper and lead by sheep and cattle grazing on shooting ranges. Three factors are important for the ingested dose of metals: soil ingestion rate, accumulation of the metals in plants and grazing behavior. Up to 3700 mg Pb/kg dry weight (dw) and 1654 mg Cu/kg (dw) was found in soil and up to 52 mg Pb/kg (dw) and 35 mg Cu/kg (dw) was found in grass. The limit for sensitive land use set by the Norwegian Environment Agency is 60 mg Pb/kg and 100 mg Cu/kg, and the EU limit in fodder is 33.6 mg Pb/kg (dw). Soil ingestion was found by using titanium as a tracer, as titanium is abundant in soil, but not taken up in plants or animals. Low soil ingestion rates (<2%) were found in all investigated areas, including three shooting ranges and one cultivated pasture. There was no correlation between the copper concentration in soil and grass, such a correlation was found for lead. The risk of copper and lead poisoning by ruminants on shooting ranges was assessed based on the copper and lead concentration in the soil and grass, the soil ingestion rate and the grazing behavior. The risk assessment concluded that the calculated dose of copper (chronic sheep: 0.07, cattle: 0.08, acute sheep: 0.7, cattle: 0.8, mg/kg, body weight (bw), day) and lead (chronic sheep: 0.12, cattle: 0.12, acute sheep: 1.2, cattle: 1.2, mg/kg, bw, day) ingested by ruminants was much lower than both the assumed chronic (Cu sheep: 0.26–0.35 cattle: 8, Pb sheep and cattle:6, mg/kg, bw, day) and acute toxic doses (Cu sheep: 20–100, Pb sheep and cattle: 600–800, mg/kg bw) for sheep and cattle.