Feeding Method Research Articles

The investigation of serum phenylalanine levels based on infant feeding method: a cross-sectional study of children less than two years old with phenylketonuria (PKU)

BackgroundClinical advice may suggest discontinuing breastfeeding after the diagnosis of phenylketonuria in infants as the only effective way to monitor the newborn's intake and accurate measurement of phenylalanine (Phe). This study aims to investigate the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding, as well as its effect on serum Phe levels in infants with phenylketonuria at Education and Therapy Medical Center, Be'sat Hospital, Iran.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 34 children under two years old diagnosed with phenylketonuria between September 2018 and December 2022. Infants were categorized as breastfed and non-breastfed (bottle-fed) based on their feeding method after diagnosis. Data on age at diagnosis, medical records, demographic information, and anthropometric indices were collected, and infants with incomplete data or mixed feeding (formula + breast milk) were excluded from the study.ResultsOf 94 infants managed in our hospital, 34 had complete medical records. Among the all patients 13 (38%) continued to be breastfed combined with phenylalanine-free amino acid-based protein substitute, while 21 (62%) were did not receive breast milk. The mean duration of breastfeeding was 2.57 ± 0.59 (1–3) months. The mean age at diagnosis was 22.6 ± 18.4 days. Phenylalanine concentrations at diagnosis were mean 10, SD 5.44; range 4–24 mg/dL [0.22–1.33 μmol/L] in the breastfed group and mean 14.3, SD 10.2; range 5–37 mg/dL [0.27–2.05 μmol/L] in the non-breastfed group.Non-breastfed infants had lower serum Phe levels than breastfed infants: mean 3.76, SD 2.10; range 1–7 mg/dL [0.05–0.38 μmol/L] and mean 4.89, SD 3.68; range 2–19 mg/dL [0.11–1.05 μmol/L], respectively, although not statistically significant [(t (34) = 118.0, P = 0.51]. Also we found no significant associations in body measurements for weight, height, and head circumference at birth and final assessment.ConclusionsIn conclusion, during treatment, there were no statistically significant associations between breastfeeding and serum Phe levels with growth in children with phenylketonuria.

Bolus Versus Continuous Enteral Feeding for Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Enteral feeding is a crucial aspect of nutritional support for critically ill patients. However, the optimal feeding approach, whether bolus or continuous, remains a subject of debate. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the outcomes of bolus feeding and continuous enteral feeding in critically ill patients. A systemic search was carried out in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) Ultimate, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies. To ensure that we obtain the latest evidence on the topic, the search was limited to the last five years. Risk of bias assessments and meta-analyses were performed for relevant clinical outcomes. A total of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included, involving a total of 863 patients. All the studies were published between 2020 and 2023. High-risk performance bias was observed in seven studies, with unclear risk in two studies. In terms of clinical outcomes, no statistically significant differences were found between bolus and continuous enteral feeding in terms of diarrhea (odds ratio {OR} 0.60, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.30, p=0.20), constipation (OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.91 to 2.53, p=0.11), vomiting (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.49, p=0.39), distention (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.14 to 3.58, p=0.66), aspiration (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.16 to 2.73, p=0.48), and gastric residual volume (GRV) (OR 0.80, 95% CI 0.30 to 2.15, p=0.66). Furthermore, no significant differences between bolus and continuous feeding were observed in terms of intensive care unit (ICU) mortality (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.04, p=0.07), hospital mortality (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.03, p=0.06), ICU length of stay (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.90, p=0.25), and hospital length of stay (OR -0.86, 95% CI -3.04 to 1.33, p=0.44). This systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that bolus and continuous enteral feeding methods exhibit comparable outcomes in critically ill patients. However, both ICU mortality and hospital mortality outcomes were close to achieving statistical significance, which favored the continuous feeding approach.

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.

Study on the Effect of Different Feeding Structures on the Performance of Graphene Strips Reconfigurable LWA

This paper introduces a comparative study on the effect of using different feeding structures on the radiation characteristics of graphene strips leaky wave antenna (GS-LWA) at 2 THz. The effect of different plane wave launchers on the radiation characteristics of GS-LWA is investigated. A planar substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) horn antenna is investigated. It provides a peak gain of 18.2 dBi with a bandwidth of 21.95% and a SLL of 10.6 dB. End-fire radiation from parabolic reflector is employed to launch plane-wave in the GS-LWA. A matching BW of 0.82 THz is achieved with peak gain of 18 dBi. A coplanar fed Yagi-Uda like structure element is studied using a single element and two elements array. The two elements provided the highest matching of -40 dB over BW of 6% and gain of 16.5 dBi. Finally, tapered microstrip line is investigated, it introduces the lowest SLL − 16.1 dB with a gain of 17.5 dBi and BW of 39.57% (1.5–2.24 THz). The selection of proper feeding structure depends on the matching BW, peak radiated gain, and the lowest SLL. A full analysis of the GS-LWA from different feeding methods is presented.

Personalized approach to the logopedic rehabilitation of neurogenic dysphagia patients

Aim. To determine the role of personalized approaches in the rehabilitation of patients with neurogenic dysphagia after acute disorders of cerebral circulation (ADCC) in the early recovery period.Materials and methods. The study included 97 patients (53 men and 44 women with the mean age of 69.5) in the early recovery period after ADСС. All the patients were at the second stage of medical rehabilitation. The treatment program included the following methods of logopedic rehabilitation: disinhibition of the act of swallowing; stimulation of the sensitivity of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity; recovery of respiratory and speech functions; selection of the consistency of liquid and solid foods to ensure the safety of swallowing during feeding; selection of the feeding method and appropriate portions to facilitate the patient’s eating.Results. When developing a personalized program of logopedic rehabilitation, the following aspects were considered: the severity of swallowing dysfunctions; the primary speech defect; patient compliance; the degree of cognitive dysfunctions; motivation for recovery.Conclusion. The application of logopedic rehabilitation methods in combination with specialized multidisciplinary care based on personalized approaches can significantly improve patients’ quality of life and reduce the risk of undesired complications.

How and why pet cats are fed the way they are: a self-reported owner survey.

This study used an owner-directed online questionnaire to collect data regarding their food and water provision for their pet cats. The survey was conducted in 2019. The anonymous online 30-question survey was available via vetprofessionals.com. A total of 1172 cat owners fully completed the questionnaire. The respondents each owned a median of two cats (range 1-6). They reported being most strongly motivated to feed a particular ration because of palatability, observed and/or expected health benefits, or that the diet was/is perceived as 'natural'. The majority of owners (n = 946, 80.7%) fed their cats exclusively a commercially purchased complete wet food, dry kibble diet or mixture of both. Compared with a previous (unpublished) survey conducted by the same authors in 2013,1 there were substantial increases in the number of owners feeding therapeutic diets (26.6% vs 0.7%) and the inclusion of raw meat in cats' rations (15.6% vs 3.7%). The proportion of respondents providing at least one feeding station per cat was 83.1%, with significant use of enrichment feeding methods (29.1%). Veterinarians need to be aware of changing trends in cat feeding to provide owners with appropriate support. Veterinary advice was frequently sought by owners and can be used as an opportunity to improve cat health and welfare, particularly in multi-cat households, but was not often influential to client decision making.

The effect of alfalfa supplementation during the peripartum period on udder oedema and fertility in dairy sheep

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a trend towards hyperoestrogenic feeding methods in field conditions, particularly in dairy small ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effect of alfalfa supplemented ration in the prepartum period on the occurrence of udder oedema in dairy ewes and its impact on fertility problems (dystocia, vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, retained placenta) and diseases (mastitis, udder dermatitis) occurring in the postpartum period. In addition, it aimed to follow up the data on maternal rejection behaviours and litter viability, which are believed to affect the future productivity and fertility of the herd. The ewes were divided into two groups: the oedema group (n = 20) and the control group (n = 23). For trial purposes in the oedema group, primiparous animals were provided with alfalfa supplementation. The control group consisted of ewes fed the same ration but without alfalfa supplementation. Ingredient analysis of the rations was performed in the groups. In biochemical analyses, the oedema group demonstrated significantly higher levels of serum urea (p &lt; .05), Ca (p &lt; .000) and Ca/P ratio (p &lt; .01) compared to the control group. Clinical mastitis (0–7 days, p = .051) and (8–30 days, p = .149) were reported at a higher rate in the oedema group compared to the control group. Udder dermatitis cases were more common in the oedema group (p = .005). The mother's rejection of the lamb was higher in the oedema group. Dystocia was determined to be 30% in the oedema group (p = .023). In conclusion, applying hyperoestrogenic feeding strategies during the periparturient period firstly exacerbates physiological udder oedema in ewes, thus predisposing them to various herd fertility problems. This feeding strategy, frequently encountered in field conditions, seriously harms the physiological fertility process.

Comparative histological and ultrastructural features of the tongue of the mallard domestic duck, Anas platyrhynchos f. domestica, Anatidae (Linnaeus, 1758) in different two age stages (post-hatching [P2] and adult female) captured from Egypt.

The domestic duck is classified as a specialist filter-feeder bird living in the water. These birds also use grazing and pecking as terrestrial feeding methods. The tongues of domestic ducks, similar to those of other Anseriformes, exhibit numerous types and shapes of mechanical papillae that serve a number of purposes when collecting food. The current study attempts to describe the morphological characteristics of the tongue as well as the mechanical papillae's development. In addition, the study aims to determine whether the papillae observed post-hatching (P2) exhibit similar morphology to those found in adult female avian species, as well as to investigate the readiness of the tongue to fulfill its feeding function following hatching. The comprehensive examination of lingual mucosa is examined about the structural modifications necessary for this variety of feeding activities. In this study, the tongues of nine young (P2) and adult female were used. The tongue had three distinct parts: the apex, which had a lingual nail on its ventral surface; the body, which exhibits numerous small and large conical papillae on its lateral sides and a lingual prominence in the caudal region; and the root, which is covered with numerous conical papillae of varying sizes. Conical, filiform, and hair-like mechanical papillae, the three types of food filtration apparatus, are present in both stages. The intraoral transfer involves several structures, including the median groove, lingual combs, and the rostral border of the lingual prominence. The rostral border of the lingual prominence is characterized by distinct rows of conical papillae. The histological analysis demonstrated the presence of both keratinized and nonkeratinized epithelium on different tongue regions. The lingual salivary glands in the rostral and caudal lingual salivary glands exhibit a pronounced periodic acid-Schiff-positive reaction. Additionally, the yellow adipose tissue and sensory receptors, namely the Grandry and Herbst corpuscles, which collectively form the bill-tongue organ that monitors the movement of food. These results conclude the presence of microstructural species-specific alterations in specific tongue areas of domestic ducks' lingual mucosa. These modifications are formed by the filtering mechanism and terrestrial feeding mechanisms, such as grazing or pecking. Following hatching, the tongue of the domestic duck undergoes significant development, primarily in preparation for grazing activities. The anatomical and histological structure of the young (P2) tongue exhibited similarities to that of the adult female domestic duck while also displaying certain variations that could potentially be attributed to the bird's habitat and mode of feeding. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The results of this study concluded that the domestic duck exhibit a complex tongue structure characterized by the arrangement and morphology of its mechanical papillae, the presence of the lingual prominence with distinctive shape and the lingual comb. These features are believed to be adaptations that enable the duck to actively and efficiently filter food particles from water, serving as its primary feeding mechanism. Additionally, the tongue of domestic ducks is specifically adapted to facilitate various terrestrial activities, such as grazing and pecking. This adaptation is achieved through the presence of conical papillae and a lingual nail. These investigations facilitate our comprehension of both the anatomical and histological characteristics of the domestic duck tongue, as well as enhance our understanding of bird adaptations to various feeding mechanisms.

Boosted growth rate using discrete reactant feeding method and novel precursor of indium oxide by atomic layer deposition

This paper proposes the introduction of a novel Pentylcyclopentadienyl indium(I) precursor, named PeCpIn, which remains in a liquid state at room temperature. Alongside introducing the new precursor, we propose a different deposition method called the 'Discrete Reactant Feeding (DRF)' method, distinct from the conventional single reactant feeding (SRF) method. Through the new DRF method, In2O3 films exhibited an exceptionally high growth rate exceeding 2.2 Angstroms/cycle over a broad temperature range of 200–400 ℃, in contrast to the 1.3 Angstroms/cycle of the traditional SRF method. The In2O3 films produced by the DRF method showed negligible low carbon impurities detected by XPS below the detection limit at all temperatures, achieving high-quality In2O3 films with an O/In ratio close to ideal In2O3. Due to the unique mechanism of DRF, consistent crystallinity, low oxygen defects, and few hydrogen impurities below 1% were observed at all temperatures. Additionally, the high step coverage of over 95%, demonstrated in trench structures with a high aspect ratio of 40:1, underscores the suitability of In2O3 films produced using the DRF method for application in the semiconductor industry.

Weight regain, but not weight loss exacerbates hepatic fibrosis during multiple weight cycling events in male mice.

Weight cycling is a phenomenon characterized by fluctuating body weight that is commonly observed in individuals employing intentional weight loss methods. Despite its prevalence, the impact of weight cycling on health remains equivocal. The current investigation aimed to examine the effects of weight cycling on liver health. The weight cycling model was established by switching the feeding method of mice between ad libitum (AL) and restricted intake (DR or 60% of AL) of the breeding diet to cause weight gain and weight loss, respectively. The weight cycling model comprised two and a half cycles, with one group terminating the experience during the weight-gain period (S-AL) and the other during the weight-loss period (S-DR). Liver tissue was collected to investigate morphology alterations, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial homeostasis. The results demonstrated that the termination point of weight cycling affected body weight and hepatic steatosis. All parameters examined in the S-DR mice exhibited a comparable trend to those observed in the DR mice. Notably, S-AL mice showed a significant increase in lipid metabolism-related proteins in the liver compared to AL-fed mice, along with reduced lipid droplets. Moreover, hepatic apoptosis and fibrosis were exacerbated in the S-AL mice compared to AL mice, whereas mitochondrial fusion, biogenesis, and mitophagy were decreased in the S-AL mice. Weight cycling ending in weight gain exacerbated hepatic fibrosis, potentially by inducing apoptosis or disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis. Conversely, weight cycling ending in weight loss demonstrated beneficial effects on hepatic health.

Comparison of anxiety and depression levels in caregivers of patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for home enteral tube feeding against other enteral nutrition methods

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to demonstrate whether the care burden of caregivers of bedridden patients, who experience feeding difficulties, decreases according to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) (1) after the patient has undergone PEG (Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy). The hypothesis of the study was that the levels of anxiety and depression of caregivers for patients fed via PEG decrease more than those for caregivers of patients fed through other enteral methods. Based on this, the goal is to recommend to palliative care and home care professionals the type of feeding method for bedridden patients that will create less burden on their relatives.MethodsA comparison was made of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores among caregivers of patients receiving PEG and other enteral nutrition, focusing on changes between hospital admission and discharge. These changes were analyzed based on the caregiver’s age, gender, and the duration of the patient’s hospital stay.MethodsThis study conducted a comparative analysis of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores among caregivers of patients receiving Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) versus other forms of enteral nutrition. The focus was on the variation in these scores from the time of the patients’ hospital admission to their discharge. This analysis incorporated an examination of how these changes correlated with the caregiver’s age and gender, as well as the duration of the patient’s hospitalization.ResultsDespite longer hospital stays, a decrease in anxiety and depression was observed in caregivers of patients receiving PEG compared to the other group (p = 0.078). It was found that the decrease in anxiety and depression levels was less pronounced with increasing age of the caregiver (r=-0.202, p = 0.038). Hospital stay duration for patients receiving PEG was significantly longer than for those receiving other enteral nutrition methods (p = 0.017).ConclusionsWe believe that Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) should be the preferred method for long-term enteral nutrition due to its facilitation of effective and comfortable feeding and medication administration by caregivers. In palliative care services, for patients requiring long-term nutrition, PEG should be considered more prominently than other enteral feeding methods to reduce the anxiety of caregivers.

Reducing Procedural Pain and Avoiding Peripheral Intravenous Catheters by Implementing a Feeding Protocol for Late Preterm Infants: A Quality Improvement Project.

Late preterm births account for a large portion of preterm births, yet the optimal method of nutrition and enteral feeding in this population remains unclear and often involves intravenous (IV) fluids. To develop and implement a late preterm feeding protocol in order to decrease the necessity of IV access, decrease the use of starter parenteral nutrition (PN), and reduce the pain endured by an infant in the neonatal intensive care unit. The Plan-Do-Study-Act quality improvement model was utilized as a framework for the implementation of this quality improvement project. A literature review was conducted and subsequently, a feeding protocol was developed and included the more judicious use of starter PN. This protocol was implemented, evaluated, and adopted. A second Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle was completed with the addition of an auto-text reminder incorporated into admission notes in the electronic medical record. The implementation of the protocol significantly reduced placement of IV access and the use of starter (PN) in late preterm infants without considerable differences in balancing measures. The percentage of infants who received peripheral IV access declined considerably from 70% to 42% ( P = .0017) subsequently, less pain endured by the infants. There was a decrease in the initiation of starter PN from 55% to 7% ( P < .00001). Administering enteral feedings on admission to stable, late preterm infants reduced the need for peripheral IV access and thus decreased pain from this procedure.

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.

Should Pre-Weaning Calf Diets Include Forage?

The present review article aimed to update and address the biological consequences of forage supply to pre-weaned dairy calves. Early growth and development of a calf play a great role in lifelong performance of the animal. Comprehension of these stages is an important progress achieved in calf nutrition today. Health, milk-solid feed intake and rumen development are the most important factors related to calf growth in pre- and post-weaning periods. It is well understood that fermentation by-products of grain-based starter feeds are essential for increased growth and absorptive capacity of the rumen papillae. In pre-weaned calves, two major hypotheses exist regarding forage feeding. The first hypothesis describes that the rumen was not completely developed in pre-weaned calves and forage supply during this period might increase gut fill and hence, decrease starter intake. It is believed that depressed starter intake may limit energy intake and finally suppress calf growth rate. The second hypothesis indicates that rumen pH may decline as calf age and starter intake increases. Accordingly, forage supplementation into calf starter diets could prevent further rumen pH decline and subsequent negative consequences while improving starter intake and calf growth. Because research data regarding these hypotheses are controversial, there is no universally accepted standard for feeding calves with forage as a part of starter diets. Many factors, such as milk feeding method, grain, forage type and experimental conditions, could affect calf response to dietary forage. However, there is an evidence that limited consumption of forage may be beneficial on rumen health and behavior of calves consuming highly processed (pelleted or finely ground) starter feed in pre-weaning period.&#x0D; Keywords: Forage; Growth performance; Pre-weaned calf; Rumen development

Awareness of Safe Feeding Practices among Expecting and New Indian Mothers: A Survey

The government of India has been conducting focused programs for ensuring child and maternal nutrition, health, and well-being. A major mission in this regard is creating public awareness of importance of adequate nutrition from early on. Medical professionals have also compiled scientific recommendations that guide parents toward the timelines and type of foods to be fed in the first 24 months. However, from various research publications, child mortality rate secondary to pneumonia and obesity continues to be a major concern in India. One possible reason could be the actual household feeding practices. This study aimed to verify the understanding of pediatric feeding guidelines among expectant and new Indian mothers. Two close-ended multiple-choice questionnaires were developed and validated for expecting and new mothers. Responses were obtained from 100 participants through social media platforms using snowball paradigm. Response analysis revealed that understanding of breastfeeding guidelines was better compared to complementary feeding. While timeline-related questions received more accurate responses, most participants responded inaccurately towards safety and strategy-related information. Perceptions on feeding methods were different across the two participant groups. Developmentally normal behaviors such as gagging were considered as problem behavior by both groups. Interestingly, safety concerns were better identified by expecting mothers than new mothers. The results implied that public awareness programs need to broaden the focus from breastfeeding to include methods, strategies, and safety of complementary feeding for adequate nutrition and health. The guidelines developed in this regard need to be effectively communicated to the public for better impact on social health.

Feeding and trophic interactions of plankton Crustaceans in the pelagic zone of the Azabachye Lake

Characteristics of feeding mechanisms, forage composition and methods of analysis of the diet of plankton crustacean are demonstrated based on reviewed and author’s data. Preferable forage species for the mass plankton crustaceans Cyclops scutifer and Daphnia galeata in the lake Azabachye were figured out using methods of population ecology. It is revealed, that reproduction of the cyclops and daphnia populations prospers due to Aulacoseira subarctica. In the periods of poor vegetation of the diatom the cyclops have been feeding on shell-less rotifers, and in particular years – on the diatoms of the genera Stephanodiscus. In the years of vigorous bloom of Bacillariophyta the daphnias filter small cells of diatom (S. minutulus) or blue-green (Gloeocapsa sp.) algae. In case of suggested similarity in the forage organisms between small numbered Eurytemora kurenkovi and abundant C. scutifer, there was no competition observed between the copepods. The main forage component for predator Leptodora kindti was juvenile D. galeata. It is concluded based on the analysis, that intense competition between plankton crustaceans does not raise in the Azabachye Lake.

Effect of beet pulp silage and various feeding methods on the performance and meat quality of broiler ducks

The study aimed to assess the growth performance and meat quality of ducks when fed diets either with or without beet pulp silage (BPS). A total of 180 Cherry Valley male ducks were reared for 49 days across two feeding periods (days 1–28 and 29–49) and were divided into three groups, each having six replicates. Group 100CD received a commercial diet (CD) ad libitum. Group 70CD:30BPS was given a mixture of CD and BPS in a 70:30 ratio, also ad libitum. Group rCD:alBPS followed a free-choice feeding approach, with a restricted CD (30% lower than the standard dose) and ad libitum access to BPS (double feeders). Slaughter yield and meat quality (pH, color, drip loss, water-holding capacity, texture, and chemical composition were analyzed (12 birds per group). Group 100CD exhibited the highest body weight up to day 28, while rCD:alBPS had the lowest. During the first 28 days, rCD:alBPS showed a lower growth rate and weight gain, but from day 29 onwards, their growth rate surpassed that of the other two groups. Group 70CD:30BPS had the highest starter feed intake, while both 100CD and 70CD:30BPS showed the highest grower feed intake. Interestingly, rCD:alBPS demonstrated the lowest feed conversion rate since day 29 and throughout the entire rearing period, indicating efficient feed utilization. Additionally, the European Broiler Index was higher in the rCD:alBPS group, further supporting the benefits of this particular feeding regimen. As for carcass characteristics, rCD:alBPS showed higher relative weight of skin with subcutaneous and abdominal fat. Conversely, these ducks had lower weights for both gizzard and wings. The pectoral muscles from 100CD had higher protein, salt, and fat content but lower water content compared to the other groups. The water-holding capacity in leg muscles was lower in 100CD than in 70CD:30BPS and rCD:alBPS. Protein content in 100CD and rCD:alBPS was higher than in 70CD:30BPS. Collagen content was highest in 100CD, salt in 70CD:30BPS, fat in both 100CD and 70CD:30BPS, and water in rCD:alBPS. Overall, a free-choice feeding approach with a restricted diet and ad libitum access to BPS positively impacted feed conversion. The use of a limited diet led to better feed utilization. Moreover, the lack of negative effects on body weight gain and carcass characteristics suggests that ducks efficiently utilize nutrients from both feed and silage. This feeding method, which incorporates roughage, can be recommended for rearing ducks.

A comprehensive study on the longissius dorsi muscle of Ashdan yaks under different feeding regimes based on transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses

Yak is an important dominant livestock species at high altitude, and the growth performance of yak has obvious differences under different feeding methods. This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different feeding practices on growth performance and meat quality of yaks through combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. In terms of yak growth performance, compared with traditional grazing, in-house feeding can significantly improve the average daily weight gain, carcass weight and net meat weight of yaks; in terms of yak meat quality, in-house feeding can effectively improve the quality of yak meat. A combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed 31 co-enriched pathways, among which arginine metabolism, proline metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism may be involved in the development of the longissimus dorsi muscle of yak and the regulation of meat quality-related traits. The experimental results increased our understanding of yak meat quality and provided data materials for subsequent deep excavation of the mechanism of yak meat quality.

Composition of Microbiota in Transient and Mature Human Milk: Significant Changes in Large for Gestational Age Group.

The composition of the human milk (HM) microbiota and, consequently, the microorganisms that are passed on to the infant through breastfeeding, can be influenced by various factors such as the mother's health and diet, gestational age, delivery mode, lactation stage, method of infant feeding, and geographical location. The aim of the Human Milk-Gest Study was to compare the microbiota of transient (postpartum 7-15 days) and mature HM (postpartum 45-90 days) of 44 mothers, and to investigate any potential changes associated with preterm birth, mode of delivery, and birth weight in relation to gestational age. The data were classified into five study groups: normal spontaneous delivery-term (NS-T) newborns, cesarean delivery-term (CS-T) newborns, preterm (PT) newborns (with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks), small for gestational age (SGA) newborns, and large for gestational age (LGA) newborns. An analysis of differential abundance was conducted using ANCOM-BC to compare the microbial genera between transient and mature HM samples as well as between other study groups. A significant difference was detected between HM samples at different sampling times and between the study groups (p < 0.01). In transient HM samples, Ralstonia, Burkholderiaceae_uc, and Pelomonas were significantly dominant in the LGA group compared to the NS-T, CS-T, PT, and SGA groups. In mature HM samples, Burkholderiaceae_uc, Ralstonia, Pelomonas, and Klebsiella were significantly dominant in the LGA group compared to the NS-T, CS-T, and PT groups, while Ralstonia, Burkholderiaceae_uc, and Pelomonas were significantly dominant in the LGA group compared to the SGA group. Differences were also detected between the transient and mature HM samples in the CS-T, PT, SGA, and LGA groups, but no differences occurred in the NS-T groups. In conclusion, we showed that Ralstonia, Burkholderiaceae_uc, and Pelomonas were significantly dominant in the LGA group in transient HM and continued in mature HM. The body mass index (BMI) of the mothers in the LGA group was not >30 at conception, however, the maternal BMI at birth and maternal weight gain during pregnancy were higher than in the other groups. The nutritional composition of HM is specifically designed to meet infant nutritional requirements during early life. Evaluating the effects of HM microbiota on infant microbiota composition and short- and long-term health effects in larger studies would be useful.

Development, Psychometric Testing, and Reference Values of the Infant Eating Assessment Tool (InfantEAT).

Problematic feeding is common in infancy, particularly in infants with a history of premature birth or medical complexity. A concise, valid, and reliable measure of feeding that can be used across feeding methods is needed for clinical practice and research. The purpose of this study was to create an assessment tool to evaluate symptoms of problematic feeding in infants that can be used across all feeding methods (breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and mixed feeding), then test its psychometric properties and establish reference values. Item response theory (IRT) was used to identify the most important items on the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool (NeoEAT) related to symptoms of problematic feeding in infants (N = 1054) to create the Infant Eating Assessment Tool (InfantEAT). Reliability of the InfantEAT was tested using Cronbach's α and interitem correlations. Reference values of the InfantEAT were determined from a sample of healthy, full-term infants (n = 561). Percent agreement in identifying problematic feeding between the NeoEAT and the InfantEAT was calculated. The InfantEAT is comprised of 31 items in 9 subscales. The InfantEAT has evidence of acceptable reliability (α = 0.88). There was 74% agreement between the NeoEAT and the InfantEAT, with the InfantEAT being more sensitive to identifying problematic feeding. References values are presented for infants 0 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 6, and 6 to 7 months. The InfantEAT is a reliable and sensitive tool to evaluate symptoms of problematic feeding across feeding methods for infants younger than 7 months in both practice and research.