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Simple Summary: Lameness is an important welfare issue in dairy farming that is causing substantial economic losses. This study aims to determine the association of potential risk factors with farm-level lameness in German dairy herds, including cubicle design and cubicle bedding, feeding management, lameness assessment, claw health management, stocking density, and floor design. Risk factors were identified for all cows regardless of the number of calvings (primiparous and multiparous cows) and for first lactation cows separately. Results of the present study showed that larger cubicle width and deep bedded cubicles are associated with a lower risk of being lame. In farms feeding a total mixed ration, the risk of being lame was lower than in farms with other feeding routines (partial mixed ration or single components). For first lactation cows, the way and frequency of lameness assessment were associated with lameness. Many of the factors revealed by this study are related to cow comfort, especially the comfort when lying down. More attention is needed here to reduce lameness in German dairy cows. Six hundred fifty-nine farms in three regions of Germany (North: n = 240, East: n = 247, and South: n = 172) were included in the study, which aims at determining the association of management-related risk factors with farm-level lameness in German dairy herds. For each risk factor, a generalised linear regression model with negative binomial distribution and logit link was built. Results showed that cows housed in deep-bedded cubicles had a lower risk of being lame than cows housed in other cubicle types. A larger cubicle width was associated with a lower risk of being lame. Feeding a total mixed ration was associated with lower lameness prevalence (compared to feeding a partial mixed ration or single components). For first lactation cows, lameness assessment performed daily (compared to less than daily) and during other work tasks (compared to lameness assessment as a separate work task) were associated with lower risk for lameness. Finally, the present study provided evidence for crucial associations of management-related risk factors with lameness in German dairy cows, especially in the fields of cubicle design, feeding management, and lameness assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of offering (OSF) or not (NSF) supplemental feed at milking on temperament (TS), udder hygiene (UHS) and body condition (BCS) scores, and milk yield per milking (MYM), milk quality traits, and profitability of primiparous Anatolian buffalo cows at 90 days of lactation confined in closed-tied (CB) or semi-open free-stall (OB) barns. Methods In Experiment I, 108 cows were selected to encompass four treatments (OB-OSF, OB-NSF, CB-OSF, and CB-NSF) of 27 cows, considering barn type (OB and CB) and supplementary feed (OSF and NSF) at milking. In Experiment II, 60 OB cows were selected to encompass one of five groups of 12 cows each: i) no supplemental feed (CON), ii) commercial concentrate (CC), iii) CC + corn silage (CCS), iv) CCS + alfalfa hay (CSA), or v) CC + ryegrass silage (CRS) at milking. Results The TS and UHS of the OB and OSF cows were lower (better) than those of the CB and NSF cows, respectively. The OSF increased milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat but decreased milk freezing point and electrical conductivity compared with the NSF. The MYM and milk fat of the OB-OSF cows were higher than those of the OB-NSF and CB-NSF cows. The TS and UHS of the cows negatively correlated with MYM and some milk chemicals (fat, protein, and solids-not-fat), but BCS correlated positively. The TS and milk electrical conductivity of the CCS, CSA, and CRS cows were lower than those of the CON and CC cows, but BCS, MYM, and milk fat were higher. Partial budget analysis identified a higher net profit for supplemental feed-offered groups (OB-OSF, CCS, CSA, and CRS). Conclusion Offering roughage with concentrates at milking for indoor primiparous buffalo cows is more conducive to well-being, milk yield, milk quality, and economy.

Objective To explore the application of precise feeding management program based on Volume- Viscosity Swallowing Test (V-VST) in elderly patients with dysphagia due to schizophrenia, so as to improve the safety and effectiveness of patients' diet. Methods From June 2022 to May 2023, 116 elderly schizophrenic patients with dysphagia grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ (all confirmed by Kubota drinking water test) hospitalized in the Department of Psychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University were selected. The patients were divided into control group and observation group by random number table method, with 58 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were given routine nursing and dietary guidance, and the patients in the observation group were combined with V-VST on the basis of Kubota drinking water test to provide a safe and effective accurate feeding plan for patients. After 30 days of intervention, the incidence of aspiration, improvement of swallowing function, nutritional level and quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results After 30 days of intervention, the incidence of aspiration in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, the effective rate of dysphagia improvement, the levels of serum preprotein (PA) and albumin (ALB) and other nutritional indicators were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the quality of life was also significantly higher than that in the control group, the differences were statistically significant (P <0. 05). Conclusion The precise feeding management based on V-VST can reduce the incidence of aspiration in elderly patients with dysphagia and effectively improve their swallowing function and nutritional status, thus improving their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of offering (OSF) or not (NSF) supplemental feed at milking on temperament (TS), udder hygiene (UHS) and body condition (BCS) scores, and milk yield per milking (MYM), milk quality traits, and profitability of primiparous Anatolian buffalo cows at 90 days of lactation confined in closed-tied (CB) or semi-open free-stall (OB) barns. Methods: In Experiment I, 108 cows were selected to encompass four treatments (OBOSF, OB-NSF, CB-OSF, and CB-NSF) of 27 cows, considering barn type (OB and CB) and supplementary feed (OSF and NSF) at milking. In Experiment II, 60 OB cows were selected to encompass one of five groups of 12 cows each: i) no supplemental feed (CON), ii) commercial concentrate (CC), iii) CC + corn silage (CCS), iv) CCS + alfalfa hay (CSA), or v) CC + ryegrass silage (CRS) at milking. Results: The TS and UHS of the OB and OSF cows were lower (better) than those of the CB and NSF cows, respectively. The OSF increased milk protein, lactose, and solids-not-fat but decreased milk freezing point and electrical conductivity compared with the NSF. The MYM and milk fat of the OB-OSF cows were higher than those of the OB-NSF and CBNSF cows. The TS and UHS of the cows negatively correlated with MYM and some milk chemicals (fat, protein, and solids-not-fat), but BCS correlated positively. The TS and milk electrical conductivity of the CCS, CSA, and CRS cows were lower than those of the CON and CC cows, but BCS, MYM, and milk fat were higher. Partial budget analysis identified a higher net profit for supplemental feed-offered groups (OB-OSF, CCS, CSA, and CRS). Conclusion: Offering roughage with concentrates at milking for indoor primiparous buffalo cows is more conducive to well-being, milk yield, milk quality, and economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giraffe is the tallest terrestrial mammal in the world, which has high ornamental value in the zoo. In recent years, the size and number of giraffes have dropped sharply, and they have been rated as vulnerable (VU) species by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Taiyuan Zoo has accumulated some successful experiences in the process of raising giraffes for many years. Based on the long-term observation of giraffe's daily behavior, the key technologies of giraffe's daily feeding and disease prevention were summarized, and how to feed giraffe better was discussed, so as to provide references for giraffe's breeding and disease prevention in zoo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feeding giant anteaters and tamanduas as insectivorous species provides a lot of challenges for zoological institutions. In the last decades an in‐house mixture, called 'Dortmund mixture', was the most common feed used in giant anteaters and tamanduas in many countries within the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria ex‐situ Programme (EEP). Some nutritional problems occurred due to imbalances in the diets. The more recent nutritional recommendations for both species advise an adapted and balanced complete feed formulated for insectivorous species due to different problems arising with an in‐house mixed feed as Dortmund mixture. To objectify the present situation a questionnaire was designed and sent out to 78 institutions of the EEPs for giant anteater(s) and tamandua(s). The questionnaire was divided into different sections and asked for data on husbandry, health status, feeding, especially feed composition, feed supplementation and faecal consistency. It was completed by 45 institutions with data for 130 animals, 89 giant anteaters and 41 tamanduas. The data thus represent 54% and 59% of the EEP populations. For both species, a complete feed is mainly utilised. Especially institutions that have integrated anteaters and tamanduas into their facilities during the last 10 and 20 years, use a complete feed. Regarding the in‐house mixtures, there are distinct differences, both in composition and amount of each ingredient used. The evaluation of the feeds used for enrichment, for example, shows a clear species difference. While in tamanduas mainly insects are used for this purpose, in giant anteaters it is mainly fruits and avocado. In contrast to the past, many anteaters today are fed an adapted complete feed. Surprisingly, concerning feeding supplements the use of fat‐soluble vitamins and combined vitamin–mineral preparations is still common in both species. More effort needs to be put into enforcing current feeding recommendations, especially for the giant anteaters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the possible effect of different feed ration levels on the growth, welfare, and early maturation of juvenile Atlantic salmon, 450 salmon parr with a mean (±standard error) initial weight of 51.6 g (±0.8) were reared in triplicate under three different feed ration levels for five months. The control group (100r) was fed every day, the 50r group was fed every other day, and the 33r group was fed every third day. In every group, 75 fish (half of the group) were individually tagged for monitoring of growth. The number of fin wounds was used as the welfare indicator, and to inspect the development of maturation, all fish were euthanized, and development of the gonads was monitored by visual inspection at the termination of the trial. The control group (100r) showed a significantly higher specific growth rate (0.90% day−1) compared to the lower fed groups (50r, 0.67% day−1 and 33r, 0.49% day−1); however, the growth difference was 21–24% less than expected solely on the difference in the amount of feed given to each group. The 100r group showed the highest welfare rating, and the 33r group the lowest possible, indicating more aggressive behaviour and fin biting due to feed restriction in the 33r group. No difference (p > 0.45) was found in the development of maturation in females, but the combined numbers of males in maturity stages 2–5 showed an overall trend towards slower maturation in the 33r group compared to the 100r group. Although the present findings on the development of sexual maturation were subtle due to the limited time frame of the trial, the findings offer a foundation for future investigation into the relationship between the feed ration level and the development of sexual maturation in the rearing of juvenile Atlantic salmon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We recently reported the ubiquitous occurrence of mycotoxins and their secondary metabolites in dairy rations and a substantial variation in the feeding management among Austrian dairy farms. The present study aimed to characterize to which extent these factors contribute to the fertility, udder health traits, and performance of dairy herds. During 2019 and 2020, we surveyed 100 dairy farms, visiting each farm 2 times and collecting data and feed samples. Data collection involved information on the main feed ingredients, nutrient composition, and the levels of mycotoxin and other metabolites in the diet. The annual fertility and milk data of the herds were obtained from the national reporting agency. Calving interval was the target criterion for fertility performance, whereas the percentage of primiparous and multiparous cows in the herd with somatic cell counts above 200,000 cells/mL was the criterion for impaired udder health. For each criterion, herds were classified into 3 groups: high/long, mid, and low/short, with the cut-off corresponding to the <25th and >75th percentiles and the rest of the data, respectively. Accordingly, for the calving interval, the cut-offs for the long and short groups were ≥400 and ≤380 d, for the udder health in primiparous cows were ≥20% and ≤8% of the herd, and for the udder health in multiparous cows were ≥35% and ≤20% of the herd, respectively. Quantitative approaches were further performed to define potential risk factors in the herds. The high somatic cell count group had higher dietary exposure to enniatins (2.8 vs. 1.62 mg/cow per d), deoxynivalenol (4.91 vs. 2.3 mg/cow per d), culmorin (9.48 vs. 5.72 mg/cow per d), beauvericin (0.32 vs. 0.18 mg/cow per d), and siccanol (13.3 vs. 5.15 mg/cow per d), and total Fusarium metabolites (42.8 vs. 23.2 mg/cow per d) and used more corn silage in the ration (26.9% vs. 17.3% diet DM) compared with the low counterparts. Beauvericin was the most substantial contributing variable among the Fusarium metabolites, as indicated by logistic regression and modeling analyses. Logistic analysis indicated that herds with high proportions of cows with milk fat-to-protein ratio >1.5 had an increased odds for a longer calving interval, which was found to be significant for primiparous cows (odds ratio = 5.5, 95% confidence interval = 1.65–21.7). As well, herds with high proportions of multiparous cows showing levels of milk urea nitrogen >30 mg/dL had an increased odds for longer calving intervals (odds ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval = 1.22–7.87). In conclusion, the present findings suggest that dietary contamination of Fusarium mycotoxins (especially emerging ones), likely due to increased use of corn silage in the diet, seems to be a risk factor for impairing the udder health of primiparous cows. Mismatching dietary energy and protein supply of multiparous cows contributed to reduced herd fertility performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intramuscular fat content in ruminant fat has an important impact on meat quality of animals. The intramuscular fat content can be adjusted through balanced nutrition feeding and management, so as to effectively improve the meat quality of animals. Fatty acids determine the characteristics of fat in animal body,so exploring the formation process of fatty acids is of great significance for the study of fat deposition. Fat deposition is affected by animal breed,sex,age, feeding pattern,environment,nutrition and other factors. By changing the fat deposition in yak muscle,the quality and taste of yak meat can be improved. Yak is a special breed of animal in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and its adjacent areas and is the main source of production and living materials for local herdsmen. In this paper, the influencing factors of yak fat deposition were summarized from various aspects to promote the subsequent research on yak fat deposition and yak beef quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feline obesity continues to be a priority health and welfare issue. Most research surrounding obesity currently focuses on obesity treatment. However, treatment for feline obesity is slow, often unsuccessful and not without consequences. Identifying high-risk populations for obesity onset is crucial for developing and implementing preventive strategies. This review identifies post-gonadectomy kittens aged 5–12 months as the primary target population for obesity prevention in domestic cats and highlights dietary and feeding management strategies to be implemented for obesity prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six hundred fifty-nine farms in three regions of Germany (North: n = 240, East: n = 247, and South: n = 172) were included in the study, which aims at determining the association of management-related risk factors with farm-level lameness in German dairy herds. For each risk factor, a generalised linear regression model with negative binomial distribution and logit link was built. Results showed that cows housed in deep-bedded cubicles had a lower risk of being lame than cows housed in other cubicle types. A larger cubicle width was associated with a lower risk of being lame. Feeding a total mixed ration was associated with lower lameness prevalence (compared to feeding a partial mixed ration or single components). For first lactation cows, lameness assessment performed daily (compared to less than daily) and during other work tasks (compared to lameness assessment as a separate work task) were associated with lower risk for lameness. Finally, the present study provided evidence for crucial associations of management-related risk factors with lameness in German dairy cows, especially in the fields of cubicle design, feeding management, and lameness assessment.

Introduction: Although the utilization of chemical fertilizers could be viewed as the best solution in terms of plant productivity, this approach is often inefficient in the long-term. Therefore, application of organic manures is one of the most important strategies for plant nutrition compared to chemical fertilizers, especially in ecological management of crops. In recent years, the effect of exogenous organic amendments on soil properties has received renewed attention. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effect of organic and chemical fertilizers on growth characteristics and cucumber yield. Materials and Methods: In order to evaluate the effects of different organic and chemical fertilizers on yield and growth characteristics of cucumber (Cucumis sativus cv. Super Dominus), a field experiment was conducted based on randomized complete block design with seven treatment and three replications at the Agricultural Research Station, College of Agriculture, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, during growing seasons 2016-2017. The treatments included chemical fertilizer (200 kg ha-1 NPK, 100, 50 and 50 kg ha-1, respectively), cow manure (40-ton ha-1), vermicompost (10-ton ha-1), vermicompost + NPK (including 5-ton ha-1 vermicompost + 100 kg ha-1 NPK, 50, 25 and 25 kg ha-1, respectively), municipal solid waste compost (10-ton ha-1), plated organic fertilizer (10-ton ha-1) and no fertilizer. The traits such as plant length, number of main and sub branches, average fruit weight, number of fruits and the fruit yield per hectare were evaluated. Analysis of variance was performed by SAS 9.4 software, and means of different treatments were compared by LSD test at the probability level of 5%. Results and Discussion: The effect of application of different fertilizer treatments was significant (p≤0.05) on the number of main and sub branches of cucumber. So, cow manure treatments and combination of vermicompost with NPK fertilizer showed the highest number of main and sub branches. Application of organic materials improves microbial activity and physical properties of the soil by increasing the water holding capacity in the soil and increasing the content of available plant nutrients. Therefore, it seems that the higher number of main and sub branches in cow manure treatment and other organic fertilizers is due to improvement of physical and nutritional conditions of the soil. All fertilizer treatments except municipal solid waste compost treatment compared with control significantly increased the yield of cucumber. So that, vermicompost + NPK, vermicompost, cow manure and NPK fertilizer showed the highest yield of cucumber with 35.41, 34.44, 34.5 and 31.59 ton ha-1, respectively, so increased yield by 47, 42, 33 and 28 percent compared with the control. However, the results of group comparison of treatments indicated that the yield of cucumber was not significantly different from that of organic fertilizers compared to NPK fertilizer and vermicompost + NPK, suggesting that nutrition management by organic fertilizers alone can be a very good alternative instead of applying chemical fertilizer in cucumber production. Also reported that application of organic fertilizers significantly improved the yield of tomato and cucumber. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that cucumber growth and yield were significantly affected by the application of different treatments. So that, the highest and lowest of fruit yield were obtained in vermicompost + NPK and control treatments with corresponding values of 35.41 and 24.65 ton ha-1, respectively. Combined treatment of vermicompost and NPK, cow manure, vermicompost and NPK fertilizer had best results in this study. Since there was no significant difference between yields in these treatments and generally organic fertilizers compared to chemical fertilizer. Hence, given to environmental problems and high cost of chemical fertilizers, the use of vermicompost and cow manure can lead to good results in cucumber production in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adequate feeding protocols are extremely important for the technical and economic feasibility of fish production systems. Two feeding rates, 3% and 4% body weight per day (3%BW and 4%BW), and two feeding frequencies, twice and three times a day, were tested during 84 days at the initial grow-out phase of tambaqui (94.5 ± 6.4 g) in earthen ponds. No mortalities or difference in growth between treatments were observed during the trial. Total feed intake and feed conversion ratio were low in the fish fed at 3%BW. Fat deposition in the fish carcass and concentration of glycogen and lipid vacuoles in the hepatocytes were also low in fish fed at 3%BW. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were higher in the fish fed three times a day at 4%BW. Increased concentration of malonaldehyde was observed in the carcass of fish fed three times a day at 4%BW at the end of the storage period. Fish fed twice a day presented higher total feed intake per meal than fish fed three times a day, demonstrating that tambaqui was able to regulate the feed intake to benefit from a low feeding frequency. No difference was observed in pond phytoplankton and zooplankton concentration or sediment chemistry. Fish fed at 3%BW presented higher stomach content weight, demonstrating the contribution of the natural food as a complementary nutrition to tambaqui. Based on the results, tambaqui of 95–350 g reared in earthen ponds may be fed twice a day at 3%BW.

Dysphagia is a common complication after stroke, and early screening, correct assessment, and timely intervention can improve patient outcomes. This article reviews the research progress affecting the outcomes of patients with stroke dysphagia from the aspects of swallowing function screening and evaluation, and feeding management. (吞咽障碍是脑卒中患者常见并发症, 早期筛查、正确评估、及时干预可改善患者结局。本文从吞咽筛查和评估、进食管理等内容对影响脑卒中吞咽障碍患者结局的研究进展进行综述。)

This study aimed to determine nutrient consumption, body weight gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency of Simmental crossbred bulls through different feeding management specifically for levels of time on feed offered. Nine bulls were allocated on three different level treatments and three replicates. They were T0=feeding whole concentrate first in the morning then offering whole chopped forages after 6 hours later; T1=feeding half of the concentrate first then offering half of the chopped forages after 2 hours later in the morning and afternoon; T2=feeding half of the concentrate and chopped forages simultaneously in the morning and afternoon. Bulls were fed twice daily and had free access to drinking water ad libitum. Parameters observed were nutrient consumption, daily gain, feed conversion and efficiency. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and further analysis by DMRT for the significant parameter. The results showed that the treatment of different feeding management presented significantly different (P0.05) on daily gain, feed conversion, and feed efficiency. Feed-offered time differences affected nutrient consumption but did not alter the concentrate and forage ratio consumed or cattle performances.

ABSTRACT: Hormone-free (HF) reproduction in dairy sheep is a way to meet current societal demands, but it requires being prepared for collateral impacts on related system components. The efficiency of HF practices (e.g., using the male effect for estrus induction and synchronization) is uncertain compared with hormonal treatment (HT). For example, these practices can lead to higher variability in the flock physiological stage patterns throughout the year, which has direct consequences for feeding regimens. The objective of this work was to simulate the impacts of HF reproduction management, including artificial insemination (AI), on the temporal distribution of productive performance and nutritional requirements of a conventional dairy sheep flock. Using the REPROsheep2.0 model, 6 scenarios were compared over one typical production season for the same flock (n = 597 Lacaune ewes) intensively reared in the Roquefort region of France. These scenarios depicted reproduction with HT and AI in mid-May (Early); HT and AI in July (Summer Late); HT and AI in November (Autumn Late); and their HF versions (HF-Early; HF-Summer Late, and HF-Autumn Late, respectively). In all HF scenarios, a reduction in the number of ewes lambing and consequently in the annual milk production of the farm was observed (−1 to −7%). This affected annual performance with a subsequent decrease of total annual nutritional requirements (−2 to −6%). The HF scenarios resulted in a staggering of lambing events with a 7- to 14-d shift in the appearance of milk production peaks and related nutritional requirements compared with the HT scenarios. Transitioning from conventional to HF reproduction management, while preserving AI, would increase farm workload, lengthen milking period operations, and necessitate a readjustment of feeding management strategies with regard to available feed resources. Depending on the production season, the observed delay in the distribution of nutritional requirements could be either an attractive or an unfavorable outcome for farmers. The delay may be concordant, for example, with the recently observed impacts of climate change on seasonal forage availability in Mediterranean regions (less spring herbage production and warmer temperatures) that are affecting farmers' decision-making about the most efficient use of forage and feed resources.

Simple Summary: Calves, and particularly heifers, play a crucial role in the future of any herd, making them an essential component of dairy farms. Rearing calves, especially those intended for replacement, involves a significant investment of resources and time to achieve profitability. Therefore, ensuring the optimal health and performance of calves is of the utmost importance on dairy farms. One effective approach is to provide calves with a hay-based ration, which promotes better intakes, reduces the sorting of forage and concentrates, and ultimately enhances their overall health and welfare. This study evaluates the growth parameters of calves fed on a hay-based ration, and it also proposes a preliminary prediction model that could help farmers to make informed management decisions and select the best animals for the replacement of culled cows, thereby improving the overall productivity and efficiency of the herd. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complete hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) for calves, focusing on their feed intake, animal growth performance, and fecal output, and to develop a preliminary estimation equation for solid feed intake and body weight in Holstein heifer calves. Twenty female Italian Holstein calves (37.14 ± 2.72 kg) born between February and July were studied from the day of birth until 77 days of age. From the fourth day of life, they were fed 3 L/day of pasteurized milk twice daily and supplemented with the same hay-based TMR. The data on feed intake, fecal characteristics, and growth performances were collected and showed that these calves had adequate parameters. Moreover, the data collected was used to create equations to predict body weight and solid feed intake using a mixed model. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by coefficients of determinations (R2). The equation obtained shows high R2 (0.98 for solid feed intake and 0.99 for calf weight), indicating the satisfactory precision and accuracy needed to predict female calves' body weight and solid feed intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the possible effect of different feed ration levels on the growth, welfare, and early maturation of juvenile Atlantic salmon, 450 salmon parr with a mean (±standard error) initial weight of 51.6 g (±0.8) were reared in triplicate under three different feed ration levels for five months. The control group (100r) was fed every day, the 50r group was fed every other day, and the 33r group was fed every third day. In every group, 75 fish (half of the group) were individually tagged for monitoring of growth. The number of fin wounds was used as the welfare indicator, and to inspect the development of maturation, all fish were euthanized, and development of the gonads was monitored by visual inspection at the termination of the trial. The control group (100r) showed a significantly higher specific growth rate (0.90% day−1) compared to the lower fed groups (50r, 0.67% day−1 and 33r, 0.49% day−1); however, the growth difference was 21–24% less than expected solely on the difference in the amount of feed given to each group. The 100r group showed the highest welfare rating, and the 33r group the lowest possible, indicating more aggressive behaviour and fin biting due to feed restriction in the 33r group. No difference (p > 0.45) was found in the development of maturation in females, but the combined numbers of males in maturity stages 2–5 showed an overall trend towards slower maturation in the 33r group compared to the 100r group. Although the present findings on the development of sexual maturation were subtle due to the limited time frame of the trial, the findings offer a foundation for future investigation into the relationship between the feed ration level and the development of sexual maturation in the rearing of juvenile Atlantic salmon.

Mutton has high nutritional value, and the meat is tender and easy to absorb. Compared with pork, mutton is high in protein and low in fat, while compared with beef, mutton is richer in minerals. In this paper, genetic factors, including breed, age, sex, genotype, and nutritional factors, including feed ratio, protein level, feed energy level, feed additives, and feeding management were elaborated to provide a scientific theoretical basis for fundamentally improving the quality of mutton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hormone-free (HF) reproduction in dairy sheep is a way to meet current societal demands, but it requires being prepared for collateral impacts on related system components. The efficiency of HF practices (e.g., using the male effect for estrus induction and synchronization) is uncertain compared with hormonal treatment (HT). For example, these practices can lead to higher variability in the flock physiological stage patterns throughout the year, which has direct consequences for feeding regimens. The objective of this work was to simulate the impacts of HF reproduction management, including artificial insemination (AI), on the temporal distribution of productive performance and nutritional requirements of a conventional dairy sheep flock. Using the REPROsheep2.0 model, 6 scenarios were compared over one typical production season for the same flock (n = 597 Lacaune ewes) intensively reared in the Roquefort region of France. These scenarios depicted reproduction with HT and AI in mid-May (Early); HT and AI in July (Summer Late); HT and AI in November (Autumn Late); and their HF versions (HF-Early; HF-Summer Late, and HF-Autumn Late, respectively). In all HF scenarios, a reduction in the number of ewes lambing and consequently in the annual milk production of the farm was observed (−1 to −7%). This affected annual performance with a subsequent decrease of total annual nutritional requirements (−2 to −6%). The HF scenarios resulted in a staggering of lambing events with a 7- to 14-d shift in the appearance of milk production peaks and related nutritional requirements compared with the HT scenarios. Transitioning from conventional to HF reproduction management, while preserving AI, would increase farm workload, lengthen milking period operations, and necessitate a readjustment of feeding management strategies with regard to available feed resources. Depending on the production season, the observed delay in the distribution of nutritional requirements could be either an attractive or an unfavorable outcome for farmers. The delay may be concordant, for example, with the recently observed impacts of climate change on seasonal forage availability in Mediterranean regions (less spring herbage production and warmer temperatures) that are affecting farmers' decision-making about the most efficient use of forage and feed resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skye Nandi Adams Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South AfricaCorrespondence: Skye Nandi Adams, Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology, School of Human and Community Development, University of Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa, Email skye.adams@wits.ac.zaAbstract: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties related to communication and behaviour. However, their feeding issues are most distressing to their families and healthcare professionals as they impact on the children’s adaptive function and health. In comparison to typically developing children, those with ASD experience significantly more feeding difficulties. Children with ASD may display distinctive feeding difficulties and atypical feeding behaviours that include picky eating, limited independent feeding, need for increased feeding times, and a highly restrictive food repertoire. Many of these feeding difficulties continue into childhood, persist in adolescence, and even spill over into adulthood. This proves to be a formidable challenge, as feeding is an essential component for healthy nutrition, growth, and development. This article will highlight how particular food items that are eaten and preferred by affected children may be contributing to their exhibited feeding difficulties. Next, it will be shown how the children’s restrictive diets supplant more healthy food options. When this is combined with the children’s noted reduced physical activity, the consequences are especially serious, as they include not only malnutrition but also give rise to childhood obesity. In sum, it will be demonstrated that feeding difficulties in young children with ASD are not well understood nor managed. The dearth of knowledge about feeding issues in this population affects both assessment choices and, specifically, management practices – aspects that will be elaborated on in this article. Conclusions will include suggested future directions for enhancing and complementing knowledge of these issues for stakeholders.Keywords: autism, Covid-19, feeding management, fussy eating

Goat kid rearing is a key profit driver and the cornerstone of future herd productivity in dairy systems. As goat kids get older, and progress from liquid (i.e., colostrum, milk) to solid feed (i.e., concentrate, hay, pasture), there is a reduction not only in feed cost but also in labour cost, disease susceptibility and mortality rates. Hence, research on rearing dairy goats has traditionally focused on improving early neonatal performance. However, recent research reveals that early-life nutrition may have long-term effects, and consequently, impact the lifetime productive performance and health of dairy goats. Therefore, this literature review has collected research on the various aspects of rearing replacement dairy goat kids in different production systems. It summarises research on areas such as colostrum management (i.e., colostrum quality, time, volume and frequency of colostrum feeding), liquid feeding in preweaned kids (i.e., maternal suckling vs artificial, restricted vs unrestricted), weaning strategies (i.e., abrupt vs step-down), and postweaning to postpubertal nutrition in replacement dairy goats, whilst highlighting gaps in the existing literature, and areas where it would be beneficial to refine and validate current recommendations. Such information can be used in the development of management plans to maximise the benefits of early-life nutrition on the long-term productivity of dairy goats.

IntroductionCalves are very susceptible to stress in the early stages of life, and it is necessary to ensure maximum welfare. Feeding management has been identified as a major risk factor for calf health and welfare at this stage. However, the management protocol for calf rearing and its impact on animal welfare is unclear. A systematic review of different management strategies for rearing dairy calves according to the three spheres of animal welfare was conducted using an electronic search strategy. In this review, management strategies were studied to identify scientific gaps, to know the welfare problems of these animals in order to prioritize actions and future research and to study the interpretive approach of this management from the three welfare spheres.MethodsA protocol was used to analyze and extract information from the studies. Of the 1,783 publications screened, only 351 met the inclusion criteria for the management or welfare of calves' items.ResultsThe publications identified in the search can be divided into two main groups feeding and socialization, based on the main topic of the publication. The main topics that emerged from the search in the feeding management group were milk replacer, colostrum, and weaning, divided into the three main areas of biological functioning and health, natural life and affective states or cognitive judgement.DiscussionThe main issues to be addressed were the different types of feed consumed by animals from birth to weaning and the weaning management. It has been found that the most researched issues are colostrum and solid starter feed management. Unresolved issues were highlighted, such as the lack of a clear protocol for the administration of milk replacers to reduce hunger and the best management of weaning to reduce stress.

A study was conducted in selected areas of Dahod and Kheda districts of Middle Gujarat to ascertain the housing and feeding management practices followed by goat keepers. The data was collected from randomly selected 240 goat keepers (120 each from Dahod and Kheda district) through personal interview with the help of pre-tested structured schedule. The present study revealed that majority of the goat keepers (65.83%) had an enclosed shed for housing their goats followed by open shelter during day or night time by using a deshi clay tiles (61.25%) and thatched type roofed materials (26.67%) and 97.50 % of the goat keepers housed their goats on kutcha floor attached to human dwelling (56.67%) and near to human dwelling (42.50%). Majority of goat keepers (88.75%) used wooden pole in goat shelter and 93.33 % of the goat keepers regularly cleaned goat shelter. Only two fifth of the respondents (40.0%) used feeding trough in goat shelter. Majority of the goat keepers (74.17%) maintained the goats under extensive system followed by semi-stall-feeding system (25.83%) by allowing 4-6 hours of browsing time per day (70.0%) on fallow land or/and forest pasture area by covering about 3-4 km distances daily by flock. About 46.67% goat keepers provided green fodder regularly, while 54.17% respondents fed locally available tree leaves and loppings to the goats regularly and 75.42 % offered dry forages occasionally to goats as per availability of browse, while more than half (57.92 %) of the goat keepers fed home-made concentrates/grains mixture to lactating goats and 64.17 % of the goat keepers provided tube well water for drinking to goats. The district-wise differences were more in providing roofing materials, feeding trough and source of drinking water, and the grazing land was more of plain type in Kheda district. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a complete hay-based total mixed ration (TMR) for calves, focusing on their feed intake, animal growth performance, and fecal output, and to develop a preliminary estimation equation for solid feed intake and body weight in Holstein heifer calves. Twenty female Italian Holstein calves (37.14 ± 2.72 kg) born between February and July were studied from the day of birth until 77 days of age. From the fourth day of life, they were fed 3 L/day of pasteurized milk twice daily and supplemented with the same hay-based TMR. The data on feed intake, fecal characteristics, and growth performances were collected and showed that these calves had adequate parameters. Moreover, the data collected was used to create equations to predict body weight and solid feed intake using a mixed model. The goodness of fit of the developed equations was evaluated by coefficients of determinations (R2). The equation obtained shows high R2 (0.98 for solid feed intake and 0.99 for calf weight), indicating the satisfactory precision and accuracy needed to predict female calves’ body weight and solid feed intake.

Guinea pig is widely used in clinical drug experiments as a laboratory animal. Because of its small and lovely size, guinea pig is often kept as a pet by many families. However, there are few reports on the feeding management and disease prevention and control of pet guinea pigs. This article introduced the experience and technology of feeding management and disease prevention of pet guinea pigs, in order to provide a reference for the feeding management and disease prevention of pet guinea pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the effect of different periods of fasting and re-feeding on compensatory responses in Nile tilapia fingerlings and the frequency of muscle fiber distribution. A total of 108 Nile tilapia fingerlings with initial weight of 1.64 ± 0.41 g and mean initial length of 3.60 ± 0.39 cm were used for 55 days. The fish were distributed in a water recirculation system in a completely randomized design with three treatments and four replications: Control - CO - (fish fed until apparent satiation throughout the experimental period); fasting 10 - J10 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 10 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 30 days); and fasting 15 - J15 - (fish fed to apparent satiation for 15 days, followed by 15 days of fasting and re-feeding to satiation for 25 days). Fish from the J15 treatment showed unsatisfactory results in terms of productive performance (p<0.05), such as lower final weight, apparent feed conversion, protein efficiency ratio, and survival, while fish from the J10 treatment achieved the same results as those animals kept in the CO treatment with the exception of the variables of relative weight gain and feed intake. Furthermore, food restriction directly influenced the growth of muscle fibers with a diameter smaller than 20 µm (p<0.05), and fish from the J15 treatment had the lowest frequency of fibers in this diameter class. Therefore, this study concludes that food restriction in short periods (10 days) and at low temperatures can present a compensatory growth, as they alter the process of hyperplasia and hypertrophy of muscle fibers without affecting the morphology of the fibers; however, 15 days of fasting under low temperatures do not compensate for growth and delays the hypertrophic growth of muscle fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farming of the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931) is among the largest aquaculture industries worldwide. Pond culture is an efficient and frequently used method in shrimp cultivation. Shrimp body length is a key indicator for feeding management. Conventionally, the shrimp body length is determined by observing the shrimp on feeding trays; however, this conventional approach is a time-consuming and labour-intensive process, and relies on the experience of shrimp farmers. This study proposes an automated approach for detecting shrimps and measuring their body lengths at the bottom of aquaculture ponds using the images captured from an underwater video system. The system included a camera equipped with an infrared LED illuminator. The shrimp in the images were classified into two categories, measurable and visible. A convolutional neural network model, YOLOv4-tiny, was trained to detect shrimps in the images. Subsequently, image processing algorithms were applied to segment the detected shrimps from their background and to estimate the shrimp body lengths. The trained YOLOv4-tiny model achieved an average precision of 93.24% in detecting the measurable shrimps. The proposed body length estimation approach achieved a mean absolute error and a mean absolute relative error of 3.5 mm and 5.09%, respectively. The proposed approach overcomes the challenge of directly measuring shrimp body length at the bottom of aquaculture ponds without disrupting their feeding process. The proposed approach can thus benefit aquaculture operations by providing information about the underwater behaviours of shrimps. • Shrimp body length is important for feeding management in shrimp cultivation. • An underwater video system was used for acquiring shrimp images. • The video system acquired images without disrupting shrimp feeding process. • YOLOv4-tiny was trained to detect and to locate shrimp in the image. • Image-processing was used to automatically measure the shrimp body lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to study the impact of environmental factors on adult weight and assess the impact of their use from a genetic point of view to set up the basis for the future improvement of this important component of efficient production. A total of 3000 records of 104 goats were collected over a period of 3 years in the caprine herd of the Arid Areas Institute of Médenine (South East of Tunisia). Significance of environmental effects was tested with ANOVA procedure. The adult weight mean estimated in this study was 24.69kg with a coefficient of variation of 24.34%. Local breed was characterized by a low weight. Such a low weight corresponds to low energetic needs, which could be considered as an epigenetic strategy of adaptation to the difficult environmental conditions. Effects reflecting environmental and management conditions along time were highly significant in studied trait. This effect is especially due to the variations of climate, food nutritional quality and herd management along time which change greatly in extensive conditions. Difficult years do not allow the distinction of the best goats, and this is important for breeders who aim to improve the performance of their herds. In order to optimize the productive potential of the local goat population, it is essential to adopt an appropriate feeding management program addressing the most important individual trait which was directly involved in increasing lifetime productivity. The variability detected in local goat population allows to hold expectations for the implementation of selection programmes for productive traits in arid regions.

The fur condition of pigs is usually regarded as an important index to judge the growth condition of pigs in pig production. Ruddy skin and shiny hair represent the health and good growth of pigs. The 'red skin and bright hair' of pigs has an important relationship with feed nutrition. The feeding management level in the breeding process is also an important factor affecting the performance of fur condition. The paper reviews the effect of feed nutrition level and feeding management on pig fur condition, to provide reference for improving pig fur condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of management issues can be used as drivers for change in order to improve animal welfare and nursing capacity of the hyperprolific sow. Group housing of sows during gestation is a recommended practice from the perspective of animal welfare. Related health issues include reproductive health and the locomotor system. It appears that management of pregnant sows in groups is challenging for a producer and considerable skill is required. We explored the benefits and challenges of group housing, including feeding issues. Increasing litter size requires additional attention to the mammary gland and its ability to provide sufficient nursing for the growing litter. We discuss the fundamentals of mammary development and the specific challenges related to the hyperprolific sow. We also address challenges with the farrowing environment. It appears that the old-fashioned farrowing crate is not only outdated in terms of welfare from the public’s perspective, but also fails to provide the environment that the sow needs to support her physiology of farrowing, nursing, and maternal behaviour. Studies from our group and others indicate that providing the sow with a loose housing system adequate in space and nesting material, along with reasonable chance for isolation, can be considered as fundamental for successful farrowing of the hyperprolific sow. It has also been shown that management strategies, such as split suckling and cross fostering, are necessary to ensure proper colostrum intake for all piglets born alive in a large litter. We thus conclude that welfare and nursing capacity of the sow can be improved by management. However, current megatrends such as the climate change may change sow management and force the industry to rethink goals of breeding and, for instance, breeding for better resilience may need to be included as goals for the future.

Artificial breeding of siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus) has been rarely reported. Nanjing Hongshan Forest Zoo first introduced siamangs in 2019. In December 2020, one siamang was experiencing dystocia syndrome while giving birth. In order to ensure the safety of maternal siamang and its offspring, caesarean section surgery was performed. Because the maternal siamang needed special treatment and care after caesarean section, and its milk was insufficient, the new born siamang was artificially breed and survive eventually. This paper summarized the breeding environmental conditions including temperature and humidity, as well as the feeding scheme and daily management of the artificial breed. In addition to that, key factors for a success artificial rearing were proposed to provide reference for artificial rearing of primates including siamang. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas plants have the great advantage that they produce electricity according to demand and can thus compensate for fluctuating production from weather-dependent sources such as wind power and photovoltaics. A prerequisite for flexible biogas plant operation is a suitable feeding strategy for an adjusted conversion of biomass into biogas. This research work is the first to demonstrate a practical, integrated model predictive control (MPC) for load-flexible, demand-orientated biogas production and the results show promising options for practical application on almost all full-scale biogas plants with no or only minor adjustments to the standardly existing measurement technology. Over an experimental period of 36 days, the biogas production of a full-scale plant was adjusted to the predicted electricity demand of a "real-world laboratory". Results with a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of less than 20% when comparing biogas demand and production were consistently obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the possible interaction between feeding frequency (FF) and feeding rate (FR) on growth, nutrient utilization, body composition, and plasma metabolites of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (6.57 g). We tested three FFs: two, four, and six times a day, and two FRs: apparent satiation (AS) or restricted regime (RR), following a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement, in quadruplicate. The daily weight gain and specific growth rate were 56 and 19% higher in fish fed to AS than in fish fed under the RR, respectively. However, feed efficiency was 14% higher in fish fed in the RR. Fish fed to AS presented the highest body lipid (8.92%), whereas the fish fed in the RR showed the lowest (6.64%). Glucose and triglycerides were also higher in fish fed to AS. The protein retention ratio was highest in the RR (49.17% vs. 42.51%, respectively). Fish fed to AS showed 34% more body protein but 62% more body fat than the fish fed in the RR. There was no difference in feed efficiency or weight gain regarding FF, regardless of the FR. Therefore, feeding Nile tilapia juveniles twice a day is enough to achieve optimum growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Can Roqueta has provided a large number of equid and dog assemblages from the Late Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age. An analysis of the stable isotopes δ13C and δ15N in 42 bone samples has made it possible to reconstruct the diet of domestic equids. The results and carpological remains show that the territory was managed for agricultural and pasture use. They indicate the cultivation of two types of highly nutritious and digestible millet, used in combination with other cereals to prepare fodder, as well as the use of natural pastures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of antibiotic growth promoters greatly improves the performance of poultry, and further promotes the development of poultry production chain. Meanwhile, many countries are urgent to introduce overall antibiotic-free feeding program under the situation of rising antibiotic residue and drug resistance. The review summarizes the feeding management of poultry based on non-antibiotic feed in the post-antibiotic era. It elucidates the regulating ways in nutrient digestion and metabolism, intestinal health and disease prevention of poultry from the aspects of the precise nutritional regulation, feed processing technology, antibiotic substitutes, feed quality control and farm management measures, in order to provide comprehensive antibiotics-free feed-based solutions for a high-efficient poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analysed potential associations between the prevalence of rumen, abomasum, liver, and claw disorders detected in 26 batches of Holstein veal calves through a post-mortem inspection at the slaughterhouse, and on-farm mortality and feeding management data. Organs of 15–16 calves per batch (16.5 rumens, 15.9 abomasa, 15.1 livers, and 31.1 claws) were inspected by 3 veterinarians in the slaughter-line. ‘Batch’ refers to group of calves belonging to the same farm and slaughter group. Hyperkeratosis and plaques were detected in over 60% of rumens per batch, and some cases, in all rumens. More than 85% of abomasa showed ulcerations. Sole haemorrhages were detected in 64 to 97% of claws. During fattening, calves received on average 312 kg of milk-replacer (MR) and 162 kg of solid feed (SF), composed mainly of corn grain (85–93% as-fed basis). Rumens with hyperkeratosis were positively correlated to the percentage of corn grain. Abomasa with large-sized-lesions in the pyloric area were positively correlated to the SF amount. Ulcerated abomasa were positively correlated to calves’ mortality reported by farmers. Cluster analysis identified 3 feeding plans. The first, based on MR administration and moderate SF amount, produced lighter carcasses and low-developed rumens, but reduced the prevalence of rumen hyperkeratosis and sole haemorrhages; the other two, more ‘aggressive’ by increasing the amount of SF or both SF and MR, produced heavier carcasses but worsened rumen and claw conditions. This study suggests the existence of different feeding practices used by veal producers that should be reviewed to improve calves’ welfare.Highlights Feeding plans based on moderate amount of solid feed together with the liquid diet reduce the prevalence of rumen alterations and sole haemorrhages The provision of greater amount of high-grain solid feed throughout the fattening rises the prevalence of rumen hyperkeratosis and sole haemorrhages None of the feeding plans were capable of decreasing the occurrence of abomasal ulcerations, which were positively associated with on-farm mortality

Summary: Knowledge of the ideal feeding rate and feeding frequency for native species is important to improve the feed efficiency and reduce production costs. Thus, the present study evaluated feeding rate and feeding frequency effect for growth performance and health of Heros severus fingerlings. An experiment was carried out in completely randomized design with two feeding frequencies (2 and 4 times a day), three feeding rates (3%, 6% and 9% of body weight.day−1) and three replicates for 90 days. No differences were observed (p > 0.05) in the growth performance for fingerlings between two and four feeding frequencies, but lower feeding frequency (two times a day) caused lower uniformity for weight at the end of 90 days. Furthermore, the increase in the feeding rate from 3% to 6% or 9% (biomass.day−1) promoted higher weight and length gain, specific growth and length ratio (SGRL, SGRw) and biomass gain (p < 0.05). Lower feeding rate also caused blood change such as reduced values for glucose, triglyceride, erythrocyte, thrombocytes and leukocytes. Thus, H. severus fingerlings can be reared using feeding rate 6% (Biomass.day−1) with two meals a day for better utilization of the feed without affecting its hematological parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background In the past years, it became apparent that health status and performance differ considerably within dairy farms in Northern Germany. In order to obtain clues with respect to possible causes of these differences, a case-control study was performed. Case farms, which showed signs of health and performance problems, and control farms, which had none of these signs, were compared. Risk factors from different areas such as health management, housing, hygiene and nutrition were investigated as these are known to be highly influential. The aim of this study was to identify major factors within these areas that have the strongest association with health and performance problems of dairy herds in Northern Germany. Results In the final model, a lower energy density in the roughage fraction of the diet, more pens with dirty lying areas and a low ratio of cows per watering spaces were associated with a higher risk for herd health problems. Moreover, case farms were affected by infections with intestinal parasites, lungworms, liver flukes and Johne’s Disease numerically more often than control farms. Case farms more often had pens with raised cubicles compared to the deep bedded stalls or straw yards found in control farms. In general, the hygiene of the floors and beddings was worse in case farms. Concerning nutrition, the microbiological and sensory quality of the provided silages was often insufficient, even in control farms. Less roughage was provided to early lactating cows and the feed was pushed to the feeding fence less frequently in case farms than in control farms. Conclusions The results show that milk yield and health status were associated with various factors from different areas stressing the importance of all aspects of management for good animal health and performance. Moreover, this study confirmed well-known risk factors for health problems and performance losses. These should better be taken heed of in herd health management.

The purpose of this service activity was the implementation of socialization and training on environmental modification and feed management to overcome heat stress in goat cattle at the dairy goat farm of the Lamlumpu Village Community, Peukan Bada Sub-District, Aceh Besar District. The method of implementing this activity are in the form of socialization, counseling, and training on a scheduled basis with material on dairy goat farming patterns in the tropics, modifying the environment to create a microclimate condition that is in accordance with the comfort zone for dairy cattle, and introduction of feed ingredients that have the potential to overcome heat stress. in the livestock. The results of this community service activity indicate that the implementation of environmental and feed modifications to overcome heat stress in goat cattle shows an increase in livestock production in the form of increased milk production, more comfortable environmental conditions, and a decrease in heat stress threshold in the livestock. In conclusion, environmental and feed modifications for dairy goats in Lamplumpu Village can improve microclimate conditions so that they are more comfortable and can cope with heat stress.

Yak is a special breed of animal formed under the special climatic environment of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and feeding mode is mostly grazing feeding. However, yak breeding is affected by various factors such as geography and climate. The structure of the herd and forage resources of yaks are seriously affected, and the reproductive performance and production performance of yaks are reduced. In winter and spring, the lack of forage resources leads to growth retardation, morbidity and mortality of calves and yaks. The paper reviews the fattening management of yak calves at different growth stages, which can provide reference for efficient fattening of yak calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alpha-thalassemia X-linked intellectual disability (ATR-X) syndrome affects males and is associated with profound developmental delay, facial dysmorphism, genital abnor- malities, and alpha thalassemia. Appropriate oral health management for affected patients is important. The purposes of this report are to describe a case involving six years of oral health management, including training in eating, drinking and swal- lowing, for a patient with ATR-X syndrome, and to discuss the morphological and functional oral characteristics of this disorder. The patient's oral dysfunctions were in- competent lip-closing, inappropriate tongue protrusion, deviation of chewing acqui- sition, and incompetent oral and pharyngeal bolus propulsion. Other problems included inappropriate ingestion posture, low interest in meals, and poor oral hygiene. A stable oral intake and an improved eating posture were achieved through an inter- vention; however, the patient's inappropriate tongue protrusion, deviation of chewing acquisition, and incompetent bolus propulsion remained unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urea addition into feed to some extent has been shown to increase crude protein content and improve feed efficiency. However, its addition in Total Mix Ration (TMR) and also TMR silage on calves' growth performance is yet to be elaborated. Therefore, the effect urea addition on TMR and its silage on performance of Friesian Holstein (FH) male calves were evaluated. The calves (n = 27; 5 mo to 7 mo, mo = month old) were divided into three groups, each group consisted of nine calves, based on age: 5 mo (100 kg to 105 kg), 6 mo (111 kg to 116 kg), and 7 mo (123 kg to 133 kg). All groups were divided into three types of feed, namely: conventional feed containing concentrate and forage without urea (CON), TMR, and TMR silage containing 1.5 % urea. The variables have been observed were feed intake and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) and average daily gain (ADG). The data were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and followed by Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. The average DM intake (kg head-1 day-1) for CON, TMR, and TMR silages were 5.15; 6.79; and 4.14 meanwhile OM intakes were 4.68; 6.04; and 3.94 respectively, TMR significantly higher than others (P < 0.05). Digestibility of DM and OM (%) showed the same pattern, TMR followed by CON then TMR silage (64.09; 62.98; 54.21 for DMD) and 73.92; 75.99; 63.78 for OMD. The age has non-significant effect into digestibility. Highest ADG (kg head-1 day-1) were was obtained from TMR feed (0.70), followed by CON (0.65) and TMR silages (0.45). The older calves the higher ADG reached (0.65; 0.60 and 0.55). It could be concluded that addition urea 1.5 % in TMR could increase calves' performances, but on the contrary when it added to TMR silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two Hanwoo steers were emergency-slaughtered due to symptoms of urethral obstruction. The steers were of the same age and were raised using the same feed management. The remaining 22 cattle in the finishing period showed no symptoms of urinary calculi until 30 months of age and were examined for the presence of bladder calculi when slaughtered. Bladder calculi were observed in 11 of 22 steers at slaughter (50%) and cystitis occurred in 13 of 22 steers (59.1%). There was a significant relationship between the presence of bladder calculi and the incidence of cystitis (P < 0.05).

This study aimed to compare the growth performance, food consumption, and acoustic feeding behavior of two size classes of Litopenaeus vannamei fed on extruded and pelleted diets. Two similar diets (35% crude protein) prepared by extrusion or pelletizing methods were offered to two shrimp size classes: small (3.83 ± 0.16 g) and large (10.28 ± 0.37 g). Shrimp were reared in 100-L aquaria (salinity 6 ppt, temperature 28 °C); growth performance and survival were analyzed at the end of 4 and 8 weeks for small and large size classes, respectively. Hydrophones recorded the sounds of shrimp feeding activity for 30-min intervals, after food remains were collected to evaluate consumption. Physical (pellet durability index, hardness, water absorption, density, sinking velocity, dry matter retention) and chemical (aromatic amino acids (AAA) leaching) characteristics of the diets were evaluated before and after soaking. Extruded diet presented higher durability and hardness before soaking, but its higher water absorption resulted in markedly texture softened and higher AAA leaching. Both shrimp size classes presented no significant differences in final mean weight, biomass, weight gain, survival, food conversion, and food consumption between pelleted or extruded diets. The mean acoustic energy did not differ between diets, but larger shrimp produced higher energy during feeding activity. The energy showed a significant progressive decrease along time intervals (10, 20, and 30 min) for both size classes and diets. Despite the different characteristics between pelleted and extruded diets, both resulted in similar shrimp performance and acoustic feeding profile activity under laboratory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]