Mixed Diet Research Articles

Assessing the reproductive potential and development of the tropical short-spined white sea urchin, Salmacis sphaeroides (Linnaeus, 1758)

ABSTRACT Previous studies have achieved success in obtaining cultured juveniles of the sea urchin Salmacis sphaeroides, but few have reported their reproduction potential and development rates. This comprehensive study examined the spawning potential of broodstock and described embryonic, larval and juvenile development. The broodstock consisted of wild-caught specimens from Singapore’s coastal waters that were regularly provided a mixed animal-plant diet comprising 3 g prawn and 3 g corn. Gametes were obtained using 0.5 M of potassium chloride (KCl) injection into the coelomic cavity. Fertilization rates of the 32 spawning attempts varied from 42.9% to 100%. Hatched larvae were subsequently reared with a density of 0.5 larvae ml−1 in 50 µm filtered seawater at 28°C and fed 20,000 cells ml−1 of Tisochrysis lutea once every 2 days. Despite the presence of natural biofilms as settlement cues, the settlement rates in culture were very low and variable (2.08–9.78%). The majority of juvenile S. sphaeroides from F1 and F2 generations was sexually mature at ≥35 mm in test diameter, and the sex ratios were female-biased, ranging from 1:1.14 to 1:8. Findings from this study open up new opportunities for developing tropical sea urchin cultures under controlled rearing systems that can guarantee production.

Dietary Ecology of Predatory Insects Examining the Role of Prey and Non Prey Foods of Ladybird Beetle

Ladybird beetles consume a wide variety of non-prey items in their natural habitats, including aphids, fruits, plants, fungi, honeydew, and nectar. These non-prey foods play several critical roles, such as boosting fertility, decreasing mortality during dormancy, supporting migration, and enhancing survival during times when prey is scarce. Larval ladybird beetles have more specialized nutritional needs compared to adults, with simple carbohydrates being crucial nutrients that can improve adult beetle function and reproductive success. Non-prey foods often provide similar or greater nutritional and caloric content compared to prey. Each non-prey item has distinct defense mechanisms and nutritional benefits, influencing its suitability for ladybird beetles. Research comparing diets consisting solely of prey with mixed diets that include non-prey foods revealed that while pollen improved larval and adult performance, a diet high in sugar alone was less effective for reproduction compared to an aphid-based diet. Wheat, which lacks essential nutrients such as proteins, could not adequately support egg production and larval development. Although pollen did enhance overall performance, it could not completely offset the nutritional shortcomings of a diet high in sugar. Adding sugar to a diet did not markedly enhance the performance of ladybird beetles compared to a diet composed entirely of prey. This review underscores the need to understand the varied diet of ladybird beetles within their ecological context, as it has significant implications for the success of conservation-oriented biological control effort.

Radiocarbon dating and isotopic paleoecology of Notiomastodon platensis (Mammalia: Proboscidea) from the late Pleistocene of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Proboscidea is a group of large mammals abundant in the fossil record and in Brazil it is represented by Notiomastodon platensis (Ameghino, 1888). To improve the understanding on its taxonomy, chronology, annual diet, and habitats paleoenvironmental aspects, we conducted a morphological description, absolute dating, and analysis of stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen (δ13C and δ18O) in Notiomastodon' remains from the northern (Norte de Minas) and western (Triângulo Mineiro) mesoregions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The material includes isolated teeth, mandibular portions, and postcranial bones at different levels of fragmentation, associated with at least eight adults and one juvenile. The only individual from Triângulo, found in Campina Verde municipality, was dated at 27,715–27,903 Cal yr BP. It presented a mixed diet based on C4 plants (piC4 = 90 %; δ13C = 0.5 ‰), which implies the occupation of an open environment, mostly pasture. The region was relatively humid (δ18O = 24.7 ‰), which is supported by the existence of humidity corridors in the Amazon region. A similar phytophysiognomy was inferred for the Norte de Minas region between at least 21,966–22,279 Cal yr BP and 18,944–19,157 Cal yr BP. However, one specimen showed a different δ13C value (piC3 = 0.87 %; δ13C = −10.2 ‰). This indicates it lived in a transitional environment between low-density forest and arboreal savannah. This likely occurred during a period that favored the expansion of trees and shrubs. The region underwent climate change, from relatively humid conditions (δ18O = 25.6 ± 0.2 ‰) to expressively dry (δ18O = 34.6 ‰) between the dated periods, a change corroborated by some palynological data. The multiannual paleoecological analysis, based on sequential sampling of three dentin layers of an incisor, indicated the relative stability of vegetation and climate despite fluctuations in hydrology. The perceived disassociation between vegetation dynamics and local hydrology corroborates the idea that factors other than precipitation may play a significant role in the environmental dynamics of the Cerrado biome.

Suitability of Monospecific and Mixed Microalgal Diets for Spat of the Silver‐Lip Pearl Oyster Pinctada maxima

ABSTRACTExpansion of pearl production using the silver‐lip pearl oyster, Pinctada maxima, depends on increasing the availability of high‐quality spat from hatcheries and optimization of existing hatchery protocols. Research to develop feeding regimes yielding higher quality spat is seen as a priority. This study evaluated the suitability of three microalgae (Rebecca salina, Chaetoceros simplex and Tisochrysis lutea), fed singly and in combination, for spat of P. maxima and assessed whether mixed diets yielded spat of higher quality. A model‐fitting approach examined the response of spat fed microalgal diets for 35 days. Organic content of spat, as an indicator of quality, as well as metrics relating to spat size and weight were considered. On the basis of organic content, all microalgal diets tested were found suitable and there was no evidence that the mixed diets yielded higher quality spat compared to monospecific diets. Further, any gains in spat size attributed to the mixed microalgal diets were comparatively modest. Contrary to long‐held assumptions, our results indicate that monospecific microalgal diets are not necessarily inferior to mixed microalgal diets for on‐growing spat of P. maxima. They indicate potential to develop simpler and cheaper protocols for culture of P. maxima spat in land‐based systems.

The effect of obligatory versus voluntary school food standard implementation on the fulfillment of the school food standard requirements in Germany

BackgroundIn high income countries there is increased focus on health- and sustainability aspects concerning school feeding. To ensure this in Germany, a school food standard (SFS) was established. Implementation of the SFS is mandatory only in some federal states and has remained voluntary in others. The aim of this first exploratory study is to analyze school lunch menus regarding their fulfillment of the SFS requirements and detect differences between obligatory and voluntary implementation of the SFS. MethodsAfter drawing a random sample of schools and reaching out for voluntary participation in this study, school menus of federal states with obligatory (OSFS) and voluntary (VSFS) SFS implementation were collected and analyzed. The SFS criteria are based on the conditions observed in the menu for a four-week mixed diet menu, an ovo-lacto-vegetarian dish, additional criteria for menu planning and menu criteria. In addition, we estimated binominal logistic regression models and two-step multiple regression models to control for the effects of geographical factors and socioeconomic status to the fulfillment of the SFS criteria. ResultsWe assessed 48 menus from OSFS federal states and 102 menus from VSFS federal states. OFSF menus met the requirements to a higher extent and exhibited a better dietary pattern. School food-standardized meals included significantly less breaded and deep-fried components (96 % vs. 79 %, p = 0.009), contained more whole grain products (83 % vs. 30 %, p < 0.001) and fewer meat products (60 % vs. 25 %, p < 0.001), more fruits (81 % vs. 63 %, p = 0.023) and more vegetables, legumes and salad (85 % vs. 61 %, p = 0.002). Menus with SFS obligation emphasized nutrient optimized menus significantly more frequently (42 % vs. 28 %, p < 0.001) and used unambiguous designations of meals more often (96 % vs. 82 %, p = 0.023). They contain more regional products (33 % vs. 13 %, p = 0.003), more organic products (71 % vs. 41 %, p < 0.001) and meat from animal friendly husbandry (21 % vs. 7 %, p = 0.012). The effects of the covariates were rarely significant. ConclusionSchool menus with obligatory use of the SFS met the requirements to a greater extent and contain healthier and sustainable food components more frequently. Nevertheless, results show that even in federal states with obligational use, the standard implementation is not fulfilled completely. Further research is needed to detect barriers in the daily implementation of the SFS.

Effects of fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation on rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

This research communication reports the effects of a compound enzyme preparation consisting of fibrolytic (cellulase 3500 CU/g, xylanase 2000 XU/g, β-glucanase 17 500 GU/g) and amylolytic (amylase 37 000 AU/g) enzymes on nutrient intake, rumen fermentation, serum parameters and production performance in primiparous early-lactation (47 ± 2 d) dairy cows. Twenty Holstein-Friesian cows in similar body condition scores were randomly divided into control (CON, n = 10) and experimental (EXP, n = 10) groups in a completely randomized single-factor design. CON was fed a basal total mixed ration diet and EXP was dietary supplemented with compound enzyme preparation at 70 g/cow/d. The experiment lasted 4 weeks, with 3 weeks for adaptation and then 1 week for measurement. Enzyme supplementation significantly increased diet non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) content as well as dry matter intake (DMI) and NFC intake (P < 0.05). EXP had increased ruminal butyrate and isobutyrate percentages (P < 0.01) but decreased propionate and valerate percentages (P < 0.05), as well as increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity and albumin concentration (P ≤ 0.01). Additionally, EXP had increased milk yield (0.97 kg/d), 4% fat corrected milk yield and energy corrected milk yield, as well as milk fat and protein yield (P < 0.01). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with a fibrolytic and amylolytic compound enzyme preparation increased diet NFC content, DMI and NFC intake, affected rumen fermentation by increasing butyrate proportion at the expense of propionate, and enhanced milk performance in primiparous early-lactation dairy cows.

Intra-tooth isotopic analysis shows seasonal variability in the high-elevation context of Melka Kunture (Upper Awash Valley, Ethiopia) during the Early Pleistocene

In order to investigate seasonal changes in diet, environment and climate, we analyzed the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of intra-tooth sequential profiles (14 teeth, 282 enamel samples) of Hippopotamidae, Equidae, Bovidae and Suidae from Melka Kunture, Upper Awash Valley, central Ethiopian Highlands (2000–2200 m a.s.l.).We found that during the Early Pleistocene, between 1.95 and 1 Ma, most of the analyzed hippos display a seasonally stable C4 diet, even if the δ13C values within hippos show a degree of variability that we interpret as the outcome of feeding on plants that use different C4 photosynthetic pathways. Several hippo specimens display a seasonal shift from C4 to mixed C3-C4 diets. The sampled equid, bovid and suid specimens recorded both stable C4 diets and mixed C3-C4 feeding with a seasonal progressive increase of δ13C values. When affected by seasonal changes, the serially analyzed taxa show different niche partitioning: hippos increase the consumption of C3 vegetation, whereas equids and suids include more C4 vegetation in their diets. The intra-individual δ18O variability in the analyzed taxa is interpreted as the outcome of different water sources, depending on animal habitat, behavior and mobility patterns.Our data are placed in controlled stratigraphic and chronological sequences and combined with the outcome of other proxies, allowing us to evaluate the site paleoecology comprehensively. We suggest that the central Ethiopian Highlands, where MK is located, possibly acted as a refugium-like area during the Early and Middle Pleistocene, characterized by a specific type of montane vegetation (DAF) and diverse faunal and hominin species that demonstrated their resilience and adaptability to changing environments and climates.

Tobacco consumption influencing the prevalence of hypertension among Indian women aged above 15 years: An in-depth analysis using National Family Health Survey (NFHS - 5), 2019–2021

Objectives: Globally, hypertension associated with tobacco consumption is one of the leading causes of death. The aim of this study is to explore the possible association between tobacco consumption and hypertension among women aged 15 years and above in India. Methods: Data available from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 5) survey was used for the study. The study examined the relationship between tobacco consumption and hypertension by analysing blood pressure indices among women aged above 15 years in India. The weighted proportion was computed with 95% CI for the cross-tabulations. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the risk factors for hypertension, high mean arterial pressure, and wide pulse pressure. Results: Among 625116 women aged 15 years and above, 41181 (6.6%) of them were tobacco consumers; among them, 3.4% had wide pulse pressure, 6% had hypertension, and 20.2% had high mean arterial pressure. Tobacco consumers were 1.11 times (1.03-1.20) and 1.09 (1.05-1.14) times more likely to have hypertension and high mean arterial pressure respectively, compared to those who didn't consume tobacco. Smokeless tobacco consumers were 1.12 (1.04-1.21) times more likely to develop hypertension. Conclusion: From this study, we found that factors like older age, mixed diet, alcohol use, and obesity have contributed to the risk of hypertension. Smokeless tobacco users were at risk of developing hypertension compared to users of other forms of tobacco.

Abundance, diet and food availability of Citreoline Trogon (Trogon citreolus) in a regenerating tropical dry forest in the Central Pacific, Mexico

Trogonidae make up a family of birds with a mixed diet composed of fruit and animal matter. However, there is little research examining the foraging ecology of Trogon citreolus in regenerating tropical forest. We studied T. citreolus abundance and diet from November 2020 to April 2022 in a regenerating dry tropical forest of Central Pacific Mexico. Also, we investigate the relationship between food availability and trogon abundance. The relative trogon abundance was 2.6 ± 2.3 individuals per point count, which varied temporally. The species consumed the fruits of 14 plant species from 10 families. The three most consumed species were Ficus cotinifolia, Comocladia engleriana, and Randia gentlei. Trogon citreolus displayed a moderate niche breadth (Best = 0. 420) whit low food diet diversity (H’ = 0.94), and the dominance of a particular type of food (λ = 0.85). Our results demonstrated a positive correlation between trogon abundance and food resource availability. The dietary breadth of T. citreolus enable the species to adapt to fluctuations in fruit availability in regenerating forests. These findings highlight the ecological importance of forest regeneration in providing food resources for T. citreolus and other frugivorous birds.

Is an Exclusive Human Milk Diet at the Time of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge Adequate to Maintain Growth and Neurodevelopment among Very Preterm Infants?

Background: An exclusive human milk (EHM) diet has numerous benefits. Formula supplementation may be recommended for former preterm infants at the time of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge to meet perceived metabolic demands and caloric goals. Recommendations addressing postdischarge nutrition for very preterm infants (VPTIs) are controversial, as the benefits of human milk supplementation regarding long-term growth, neurodevelopment, and chronic conditions are mixed. Objective: To compare growth and neurodevelopment of former VPTI fed an EHM diet to a supplemented/formula diet at NICU discharge. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of VPTI was followed at the Regional Neonatal Follow-up Program. Patients were categorized by diet at NICU discharge: EHM diet; mixed diet (EHM and formula); and exclusive formula diet. Growth percentile ranks at the first neonatal follow-up visit and 3 years of age were compared by diet type at NICU discharge. Neurodevelopmental outcomes as measured by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development 3rd Edition at 3 years of age were also compared. Results: Among 835 VPTIs, weight percentiles at the first neonatal follow-up visit were similar between the three NICU discharge diet types. One hundred fifty-eight subjects received neurodevelopmental evaluations at 3 years of age; anthropometrics and neurodevelopment were similar irrespective of diet at NICU discharge. Conclusion: An EHM diet at NICU discharge is appropriate to support growth in infancy as well as growth and neurodevelopment through 3 years of age. Thus, this raises the question of whether routine nutritional supplementation is necessary for VPTIs at NICU discharge.

Stable isotope analysis of Late Pleistocene mammalian teeth from western, central, and north-central India and the associated Palaeolithic archaeology of the Indian Subcontinent

The oxygen (δ18O) and carbon (δ13C) ratios in bioapatite from dental tissues of fossil mammals are well-established proxies for climatic conditions and dietary patterns. In the present study, a total of 24 Late Pleistocene mammalian teeth belonging to Cervid, Bovid, Suid, Hippopotamid, Canid, Equid from Gopnath in Gujarat, ten separate localities from the Narmada Basin, and one in Son River Basin, India were analysed for δ13C and δ18O values to understand palaeoclimatic conditions and associated dietary habits between marine isotope stages (MIS) 5 and 3 as estimated from stratigraphic and archaeological record. The δ13C values in the samples of Gopnath, Narsinghpur and Doma range from −3.1 to 2.3 ‰, −3.2 to 1.3 ‰, and −2.0 ‰, respectively. The higher δ13C values in these specimens suggest a diet based predominantly on C4 plants. On the other hand, a relatively lower and large range of δ13C values from Nehlai (−11.1 to −3.5 ‰) suggests a predominately C3 to mixed C3-C4 diet. The δ18O values in Gopnath, Nehlai, Narsinghpur and Doma are −4.1 to −3.1 ‰, −4.7 to −2.1 ‰, −4.0 to −1.9 ‰ and −5.8 ‰, respectively. The relatively lower δ18O value points towards humid climatic conditions and the relatively higher δ18O values suggest relatively arid climatic conditions. The regional contexts are dominated by Late Pleistocene geological records predominantly associated with Middle Palaeolithic evidence, and the preliminary isotope results indicate that contemporary hominin groups occupied warm and semi-humid environments. This study attempts to examine the Late Pleistocene environments and hominin adaptations across western, central, and north-central India on a comprehensive scale.

PSXIII-25 Exploring crude glycerin as an alternative to corn in high-concentrate diets: Effects on performance and ruminal health in feedlot lambs

Abstract The search for increasingly efficient ruminant production systems has led to the utilization of high-concentration diets, with corn frequently serving as the primary ingredient. However, excessive and inappropriate use of corn can predispose animals to rumen acidosis, resulting in nutritional and metabolic disorders. Given this scenario finding safe and effective alternatives to replace corn has become imperative. Glycerin emerges as a promising substitute. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of glycerin as a total replacement for corn in high-concentrate diets (80%) for feedlot lambs. Lambs (n = 40) were randomly assigned in a randomized complete block design into two treatments, with one group receiving 30% DM crude glycerin in the total mixed diet and the other serving as the control group. The animals remained confined until they reached 35 kg of body weight (BW), at which point they were slaughtered. Performance and papillae data were collected and analyzed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted to assess the relationship between days in the feedlot, average daily gain (ADG), rumenitis score, liver abscess incidence, number of papillae, papillae area (cm2), absorptive surface area (cm2), and papillae area (%). The PCA was performed using R Statistical Software (FactoMiner and Factoextra package). The two principal components (Dim1 and Dim2) accounted for 49% of the data variability. The first component (Dim1 = 30.1%) was positively correlated with treatment, days in the feedlot, number of papillae, papillae area, absorptive surface area, and papillae area. However, it was inversely correlated with ADG, rumenitis score, and liver abscess incidence. Animals that did not receive glycerin had greater ADG during the period (0.316 vs 0.272 kg; P = 0.075), spending less time in the feedlot (56 vs 62 d; P = 0.067), but they exhibited greater ruminitis score and liver abscess incidence values (P &amp;lt; 0.05). On the other hand, animals that received glycerin, despite spending more time confined, showed better values (P &amp;lt; 0.05) for number of papillae (62 vs 59 n/cm2), papillae area (0.07 vs 0.06 cm2), absorptive surface area (4.4 vs 3.91 cm2), and papillae area (90.41 vs 88.60%). In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the potential of glycerin as a viable alternative to corn in high-concentrate diets for feedlot lambs. While animals receiving glycerin spent more time in feedlot, they exhibited improved ruminal health parameters, such as increased papillae development and surface area, suggesting enhanced nutrient absorption. These results underscore the importance of exploring alternative feed ingredients to mitigate the risk of ruminal acidosis and its associated economic and health implications in ruminant production systems. The inclusion of 30% DM crude glycerin in the total mixed diet is recommended for feedlot lambs, however, further studies must be conducted to confirm its effectiveness and safety of use.

379 Application of an energy and nutrient matrix to a diet supplemented with a novel phytase achieved a production and sustainability benefit in pigs

Abstract The capacity of a novel consensus bacterial 6-phytase variant (PhyG) to maintain growth performance and production benefits of pigs when added to an energy and nutrient-reduced mixed cereal diet was assessed. Two experiments were conducted. In Exp. 1 (wean to finish), weaned pigs [n = 192; initial body weight (BW) 7.18 ± 0.38 kg] were randomized to 4 treatments from weaning until market weight. Diets were provided in 5 phases. Treatments included: 1) a nutritionally sufficient positive control (PC); 2) a negative control (NC1) without added inorganic phosphate, reduced (based on specific PhyG dose) in net energy (NE), calcium (Ca), digestible amino acids (AA) and sodium (Na) vs. PC, supplemented with PhyG at 1,000, 1,000, 750, 500 and 500 FTU/kg in each phase, respectively (NC1+low PhyG); 3) a negative control (NC2) as NC1 supplemented with PhyG at 2,000, 2,000, 1,000, 750 and 750 FTU/kg in each phase and further reduced in energy and nutrient based on specific PhyG dose (NC2+high PhyG), and; 4) a negative control (NC3) as 2) and supplemented with xylanase–β-glucanase (XB) to provide 2,400 U/kg xylanase and 304 U/kg β-glucanase, with additional reduction in NE and digestible AA based on the contribution of XB (NC3+low PhyG + XB). In Exp. 2 (nursery), weaned pigs (n = 360; initial BW 8.40 ± 0.78 kg) were assigned to 3 dietary treatments from weaning up to 35 d. Diets were offered in 2 phases. Treatments included a nutritionally adequate positive control (PC) and 2 PhyG-supplemented diets, reduced in digestible phosphorus, Ca, Na, NE and digestible AA vs. PC, according to the expected contribution of PhyG added at 1,000 FTU/kg (NC1) or 2,000 FTU/kg (NC2), respectively. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Means separation was by Tukey’s HSD test. In Exp. 1, overall growth performance (114 d) in all enzyme-supplemented diets was maintained or improved compared with PC. Compared with PC, feed cost per kg BW gain was significantly reduced by 7.3% and total carbon footprint (CFP; CO2 eq. g/kg BW gain) was reduced by 6.8% with PhyG + XB combination. In Exp.2, overall growth performance (35 d), in all PhyG-supplemented, nutrient-reduced, treatments, were either not different from, or were improved, vs. PC. Total feed costs and estimated CFP per kg BW gain were reduced in all PhyG-supplemented, nutrient- and NE-reduced treatments vs. PC. In conclusion, the application of a full energy and nutrient matrix maintained the overall growth of pigs in both 114- and 35-d studies with the novel phytase. The addition of XB further improved the overall growth of market pigs. Moreover, full matrix application with PhyG achieved reductions in total feed cost and carbon footprint in both studies.

206 Effects of breed type and days on trial on feeding behavior in growing goats fed a total mixed diets using GrowSafe feeding technology

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of breed and days on trial (DOT) on feeding behavior traits in two breeds of growing goats. Nineteen female goats [n = 10 Alpine; n = 9 Spanish, with average initial ages of 360 d and 352 d, and body weight (BW) of 38.8 ± 2.8 kg and 35.5 ± 3.1 kg, respectively], were randomly assigned within the breed to one of two non-adjacent pens (5 goats/pen), each equipped with GrowSafe feed bunks. A pelletized total mixed ration (TMR) was fed twice per day and goats had ad libitum access to feed, water, and mineral block throughout the 84-d trial. Feeding behavior traits, including feed intake, bunk visit frequency (BVF), head-down duration (HDD), and dry matter intake (DMI) were collected daily using the GrowSafe feeding system. A 14-d interval was used to derive feed behavior traits of individual goats at 42, 56, 70, and 84 DOT. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures model with a fixed effect of breed, DOT as a repeated measure, and breed x DOT interaction with pen as a random effect. Alpine goats had greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) initial and final BW (37.6 kg and 51.7 kg, respectively) than Spanish goats (34.7 kg and 46.5 kg, respectively) although DMI (P = 0.10; 1.73 ± 0.31 and 1.39 ± 0.18 kg/d) did not differ. There was not a significant difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between breeds for frequency of bunk visits (21.1 vs. 18.6) and bunk duration (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Similarly, the effect of breed on DMI (27.1g/min vs. 22.8 g/min) was non-significant (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Furthermore, breed did not significantly (P &amp;gt; 0.05) affect HDD (31.3 min/d vs 31.9 min/d). However, there was a significant interaction (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between breed and DOT for HDD. In addition, significant differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) were observed due to the length of DOT for BVD, bunk visit duration, HDD, and eating rate (g/min). Our results suggest that Spanish goats tended to visit feed bunks more frequently per day and tended to consume less feed per visit than their counterpart Alpine goats, and the feeding behaviors of goats change with age. However, further research is warranted to determine changes in the feeding behavior of goats in different production cycles.

Influence of Diet on Bowel Function and Abdominal Symptoms in Children and Adolescents with Hirschsprung Disease-A Multinational Patient-Reported Outcome Survey.

Introduction: This study aimed to understand the influence of diet and nutrition items on gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with Hirschsprung Disease (HD). Method: An online questionnaire was created to obtain patient-reported outcomes using the multinational Holistic Care in Hirschsprung Disease Network. This was distributed in Dutch, English, German, Italian, Polish, and Swedish via patient associations. Information on demographics, the extension of disease, current diet, and the influence of food ingredients on bowel function were obtained. Results: In total, 563 questionnaires were answered by parents or patients themselves. The length of the aganglionic segment was short in 33%, long in 45%, total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) in 11%, and involved the small intestine in 10%. Overall, 90% reported following a mixed diet, and 31% reported taking probiotics, with twice as many patients taking probiotics in the TCA group compared to standard HD. Mealtimes and behaviours around eating were affected by 61%, while 77% had established food items that worsened symptoms, and of these, 80% stated that they had worked these items out themselves. A high-fibre diet was followed by 24% and 18% a low-fibre diet. Symptoms were reported, particularly from dairy in 30%, fruits in 39%, pulses in 54%, and sugar in 48%. Conclusions: This first multinational survey on diet and bowel function in HD reports an association between certain dietary items with gastrointestinal symptoms. This study can support an improved understanding of the interaction between food items and bowel function in children with HD. We suggest a multidisciplinary approach to balance dietary exclusions and support adequate growth, preventing nutrition deficiencies and enhancing quality of life.

Combinatory Effects of Acrylamide and Deoxynivalenol on In Vitro Cell Viability and Cytochrome P450 Enzymes of Human HepaRG Cells.

Acrylamide (AA) can be formed during the thermal processing of carbohydrate-rich foods. Deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium spp., contaminates many cereal-based products. In addition to potential co-exposure through a mixed diet, co-occurrence of AA and DON in thermally processed cereal-based products is also likely, posing the question of combinatory toxicological effects. In the present study, the effects of AA (0.001-3 mM) and DON (0.1-30 µM) on the cytotoxicity, gene transcription, and expression of major cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes were investigated in differentiated human hepatic HepaRG cells. In the chosen ratios of AA-DON (10:1; 100:1), cytotoxicity was clearly driven by DON and no overadditive effects were observed. Using quantitative real-time PCR, about twofold enhanced transcript levels of CYP1A1 were observed at low DON concentrations (0.3 and 1 µM), reflected by an increase in CYP1A activity in the EROD assay. In contrast, CYP2E1 and CYP3A4 gene transcription decreased in a concentration-dependent manner after incubation with DON (0.01-0.3 µM). Nevertheless, confocal microscopy showed comparably constant protein levels. The present study provided no indication of an induction of CYP2E1 as a critical step in AA bioactivation by co-occurrence with DON. Taken together, the combination of AA and DON showed no clear physiologically relevant interaction in HepaRG cells.

Effect of pollen consumption on development and intraguild predation of two predatory Coccinellidae

Many omnivorous predaceous coccinellids consume both pests like aphids and a range of plant-derived foods including pollen. It is critical to understand how plant-derived food like pollen could affect the fitness and interspecific interactions of predaceous coccinellids. This study investigated the effect of pollen consumption on the development, reproduction and intraguild predation (IGP) of two naturally co-existing aphidophagous ladybirds, Harmonia axyridis and Propylea japonica. Both species were provided with three diets including a moist canola pollen, the aphid Myzus persicae, or moist canola pollen together with aphids. The 1st instar larval of both H. axyridis and P. japonica could not survive and develop to the next larval stage when supplied with water alone. When fed on pollen only, 53 % of the H. axyridis larvae and 25 % of the P. japonica larvae successfully developed to adult. Both species exhibited an elongated development time, shorter larval body length and lower adult body weight than when offered with aphids and the mixed diet. In addition, P. japonica could not reproduce when fed on pollen alone. Interestingly, when pollen was provided as additional food, the overall IGP between larvae of H. axyridis and P. japonica was significantly reduced compared with water control or aphid as food alone. The results of this study indicated that pollen not only supports the survival of H. axyridis and P. japonica when prey is scarce, but also could benefit the co-existence of these species. For future study, it is necessary to investigate how pollinivory could benefit the fitness and biological control potential of H. axyridis and P. japonica under field conditions.

The effects of polystyrene microplastics on feeding, growth, and trophic upgrading of protozoan grazers

Microplastics have become ubiquitous in the global marine environment, posing substantial influences on marine organism health, food web function and marine ecosystem structure. Protozoan grazers are known for their ability to improve the biochemical constituents of poor-quality algae for subsequent use by higher trophic levels. However, the effects of microplastics on the trophic upgrading of protozoan grazers remain unknown. To address this knowledge gap, the ciliate Euplotes vannus and the heterotrophic dinoflagellate Oxyrrhis marina were exposed to microplastic particles (5 μm) for four days with various concentrations (1–20 mg/L). Both O. marina and E. vannus ingested microplastics. At the exposure level of 20 mg/L, the ingestion rate, growth rate, biovolume, and carbon biomass of E. vannus were significantly decreased by 28.18 %, 32.01 %, 30.46 %, and 82.27 %, respectively, while such effects were not observed for O. marina. The contents of highly unsaturated fatty acids in O. marina and E. vannus on a mixed diet of microplastic particles and green algae significantly reduced by 8.66 % and 41.49 % relative to feeding only on green algae, respectively. Besides, we also observed an increase in the composition of C18:3 (ω-3) and C20:3 (ω-3) concurrence with a significant decrease in C16:0 and C18:0 in E. vannus after 96 h exposure at 20 mg/L. These results indicate that microplastics can weaken trophic upgrading of the nutritional quality by protozoan grazers, which may consequently alter the function of food webs.

Pig True Ileal Digestible Amino Acid Contents of Individual Ingredients are Additive in Mixed Meals and Allow Accurate Predictions of Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score Values

BackgroundAlthough not every food protein contributes sufficient quantities of all of the indispensable amino acids (AAs) required for human health, the human diet is a mixture of foods. It is therefore important to evaluate protein quality in mixed meals. ObjectivesThe hypothesis was that the true ileal digestible AA content of mixed meals can be predicted from the amounts of digestible AA determined for individual food ingredients, allowing further prediction of the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) for meals. MethodsFour diets contained either pea protein isolate (PPI), whey protein concentrate (WPC), or mixtures of PPI:WPC at a ratio of 25:75 (PP25) or 75:25 (PP75). Six ileal cannulated pigs were allocated to a 4 × 6 Latin Square design. Experimental diets at 10% protein and a protein-free diet were fed for 7 d with ileal digesta collection on days 6 and 7. True ileal digestibility (TID) of AA, amount of digestible AA, and DIAAS were calculated for each diet and predicted for the 2 mixed meals. ResultsPredicted and determined digestible AA contents of the mixed diets were not different. The predicted values fell within the confidence interval (95%) of the determined values. DIAAS for PPI was 61% and for WPC it was 96%. DIAAS calculated based on the predicted amounts of digestible AA for PP25 was 104% and for PP75 83%. These values were nearly identical to the determined values of 104% and 84% for PP25 and PP75, respectively. ConclusionsThe amount of digestible AA and DIAAS can be accurately predicted in mixtures of PP and WPC from the AA digestibility values for the individual ingredients.

A mixed animal and plant protein source replacing fishmeal affects bile acid metabolism and apoptosis in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides).

Chicken meal, shrimp meal, blood meal, and soybean protein concentrate (SPC) are common alternatives to fishmeal. This study used them to prepare three diets with different levels of fishmeal (FM48, FM40, FM32) for largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). The results found no significant difference in the growth performance of largemouth bass fed different diets. Mixed protein increased the total cholesterol (T-CHO) content in plasma, and reduced the total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity in plasma and liver. Targeted metabolomics analysis found that the low fishmeal diets affected the cholesterol and bile acid metabolism of largemouth bass. Mixed protein inhibited cyp7a1 and enhanced hmgcr and pparγ mRNA levels, as well as enhanced the expression levels of FXR in the liver. The fish fed FM32 diet showed inhibited fxr, rxrα and cyp7a1 mRNA levels in the intestine. The results of TUNEL fluorescence staining showed that mixed protein induced apoptosis in largemouth bass. The caspase 3 and caspase 9 mRNA levels in the fish fed FM40 and FM32 diet significantly increased, as well as the expression levels of CASPASE 3. The experiment also found that it could induce oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. In conclusion, replacement of fishmeal with mixed animal and plant protein diets did not affect the growth performance, but the health and bile acid metabolism of largemouth bass was affected when the fishmeal level was reduced to 32 %.