Дисертації з теми "Feeding trails"

Master of Science
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
James S. Drouillard
Three trials were conducted using dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS) to evaluate effects on feedlot performance, carcass characteristics, ruminal fermentation, and diet digestibility in cattle fed steam-flaked corn-based diets. In trial 1, crossbred yearling heifers were used in a finishing trial to evaluate interactions between corn-DDGS feeding levels and roughage source (alfalfa hay vs corn silage) in terms of impact on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. Experimental diets were based on steam-flaked corn and contained 0% DDGS with 6% alfalfa hay (AH), 0% DDGS with 10% corn silage (CS), 25% DDGS with 6% AH, or 25% DDGS with 10% CS (DM basis). Results indicated no interaction between levels of DDGS and roughage source. Heifers fed DDGS as a partial replacement for steam-flaked corn had similar growth performance and carcass merit compared to heifers fed diets without DDGS. Corn silage and alfalfa hay were comparable roughages when a portion of steam-flaked corn was replaced with DDGS. The second trial was a companion metabolism study in which ruminal fermentation characteristics and diet digestibility were examined in 12 cannulated Holstein steers fed steam-flaked corn finishing diets with or without DDGS, using alfalfa hay or corn silage as roughage sources. Diets were similar to those fed in the performance study and consisted of steam-flaked corn with 0 or 25% DDGS (DM basis) and 6% AH or 10% CS (DM basis). Feeding DDGS decreased ruminal pH and ruminal ammonia concentrations, and digestion of DM and OM were less compared to diets without DDGS. The decrease in digestibility was largely attributable to poorer digestion of CP and, to a lesser extent, a reduction in starch digestion. The third study was designed to investigate effects of pH (5.0, 5.5, and 6.0) on in vitro fermentative activity by ruminal microorganisms from cattle adapted to a finishing diet containing 25% DDGS (DM basis). Higher pH led to greater dry matter disappearance in vitro (P < 0.01). DDGS can be an effective substitute for steam-flaked corn. Efforts to address low ruminal pH and low ruminal ammonia may prove beneficial for improving value of DDGS as cattle feed.

This study determined the effect of maize-, whole wheat-, soya bean-based-diets on the growth performance, egg quality and dressing percentage of chickens, as well as the potential for soy and gluten allergen carryover to eggs and meat from chickens. Twenty 36-week-old Lorham White (LW) hens were divided into two groups and kept in individual cages until they reached 39-weeks of age, with water and feed supplied ad libitum. Ten LW hens were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet (T1) and the other ten birds were fed a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion (T2) for a period of four weeks, with weekly individual hen weights and group feed consumption figures being recorded. After a two-week diet adaptation period, six eggs per treatment group were collected every second day from the LW hens’ to measure egg quality traits. Every third day, over a 29-day period, six eggs per treatment were collected and analysed for the presence of soy, gluten and gluten-derived peptides using allergen specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) kits. For the broiler trial, a total of 160 Ross 308 mixed sex day old chicks were used in a completely randomized design. Two dietary treatments were assigned to eight cages (replicate) per treatment, with ten birds per cage. The Ross 308 broiler feeding programme consisted of three phases, starter (day 1 to day 10), grower (day 11 to day 20) and finisher (day 21 to day 28). At the beginning of the trial all chicks were fed T1 which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet for a period of 10 days and then eight cages with 10 birds per cage were randomly selected and fed the T2 diet, which contained a maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, until they reached 28 days of age. Weekly live weights, feed intake, average daily gain and the average daily feed intake were recorded and calculated. At the end of the grower (day 21) and finisher phase (day 28), one broiler bird was selected per cage to have eight (8) birds per treatment and 16 birds per phase that were slaughtered and breast meat samples were analysed in duplicate for the presence of soy and gluten allergens using ELISA kits. The dressing percentage of hot carcasses was also determined at the end of the finisher phase on eight birds per treatment. For LW hens, live weight (LW) at 39 weeks of age, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and weekly feed intakes (FI) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments with birds on T2 recording higher gains. As birds age in weeks increased, significant differences (P < 0.05) in live weight values were recorded. Egg quality traits measured (shell weight, yolk weight, albumen weight, albumen height and Haugh units) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between treatments, with eggs from hens receiving T1 recording higher mean values. As hens got older, the colour of egg yolk improved, producing eggs with higher b* (yellowness) values and lower L* (lightness) and a* (redness) mean values. The Haugh unit, significantly improved (P < 0.05) as the hens got older, signifying better quality of eggs. For the broiler birds, growth traits measured indicated that there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in live weight (LW), average daily feed intake (ADFI), weekly feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), cumulative feed intake (CFI) and cumulative gain (CG) between treatments. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between dressing percentage of broilers from the two treatments were observed. As birds grew, significant differences (P < 0.05) in LW, FI, AFI, FCR, and CFI, over a four-week period were recorded. Results of the allergen analyses indicated that soy and gluten allergens were not carried over from feed into eggs and meat of chickens fed a maize/soya bean-based diet and a maize/soya bean-based with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion, respectively. In conclusion, a maize/soya bean-based diet and maize/soya bean-based diet with a 15 percent whole wheat inclusion that contained soy and gluten allergens, are feed sources that promote and stimulate 36-week-old LW hen and Ross 308 chicken growth.

Abstract Increasing evidence suggests that early-life exposures influence the health and wellbeing in later life. Preterm birth (before 37 weeks of gestation) is associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders in later life. This risk may be partly mediated by nutrition along the course of life. As a part of the Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults, the aim of the present work was to investigate the association between energy and macronutrient intake during the first weeks after preterm birth at very low birth weight (VLBW, birthweight < 1500g) and body composition and energy metabolism in adulthood (n=127). A further aim was to examine traits related to eating disorders and food and nutrient intake in young adults born early (<34 weeks of gestational age, n=191) and late (34-<37 weeks of gestational age, n=364) preterm and term-born controls (n=657) from the ESTER study and Arvo Ylppö Longitudinal study. Relatively low neonatal energy and nutrient intakes during the first weeks of life of infants born at VLBW predicted body composition and energy metabolism in adulthood. When adjusted for sex, age, gestational age and birth-weight SD score every 1g/kg/day greater early protein intake was associated with 10.4% (95% CI 2.4, 19.1) higher lean body mass (LBM) and 8.5% (0.2, 17.0) higher resting energy expenditure (REE). The ratio of REE/LBM however was 5.5% (0.8, 10.0) lower. In addition, higher protein and energy intakes predicted lower energy intake per unit of LBM in young adults. These associations were only partly mediated by early growth. Young women born early preterm reported on average healthier body image and fewer traits related to eating disorders when compared with term-born peers. However, their adherence to recommended eating guidelines was on average lower. According to the results of present work, energy balance is partly programmed by relatively small variations in the amount of protein in the diet in infancy. Among young adults born preterm, focusing on primary prevention, such as dietary counseling, is suggested
Tiivistelmä Elämän varhaisvaiheet muokkaavat terveyttä ja hyvinvointia pitkällä aikavälillä. Ennenaikaisesti (ennen 37. raskausviikkoa) syntyneillä aikuisilla on todettu olevan suurempi riski sairastua sydän- ja verisuonitauteihin verrattuna täysiaikaisina syntyneisiin ikätovereihin. Ravitsemuksella, läpi elämänkaaren, on keskeinen rooli tuon riskin muokkaajana. Tämän väitöskirjatutkimuksen tavoitteena oli selvittää osana Pikku-k-tutkimusta (n=127), miten pienipainoisina (syntymäpaino <1500g) syntyneiden keskosten elämän ensimmäisten viikkojen energian ja ravintoaineiden saanti ennustaa kehonkoostumusta ja energiankulutusta sekä energian saantia aikuisiässä. Lisäksi tavoitteena oli tutkia ESTER- tai AYLS-kohorttitutkimuksiin osallistuneiden, hyvin (<34 raskausviikolla syntyneiden, n=191) ja lievästi (34-37, n=364) keskosena syntyneiden ja täysiaikaisena syntyneiden (n=657) nuorten aikuisten syömishäiriöpiirteitä, kehonkuvaa sekä ruoan käyttöä ja ravintoaineiden saantia. Suhteellisen matala elämän ensimmäisten viikkojen aikainen energian ja ravintoaineiden saanti ennusti kehonkoostumusta ja energia-aineenvaihduntaa aikuisiässä. 1g/kg/päivä korkeampi proteiininsaanti oli yhteydessä 10,4 % (95% luottamusväli 2,4; 19,1) suurempaan rasvattomaan painoon sekä 8,5 % (0,2; 17,0) korkeampaan lepoenergiankulutukseen aikuisiässä. Lepoenergiankulutus rasvatonta painoyksikköä kohden oli kuitenkin 5,5 % (0,8; 10,0) matalampi enemmän proteiinia saaneilla keskosilla. Lisäksi korkeampi energian ja proteiininsaanti elämän ensimmäisten viikkojen aikana ennusti matalampaa energiansaantia painoyksikköä kohden aikuisiässä. Varhaisella kasvulla oli vain pieni rooli tämän yhteyden välittäjänä. Nuorilla, hyvin ennenaikaisena (ennen 34. raskausviikkoa) syntyneillä, naisilla oli vähemmän syömishäiriöihin liittyviä piirteitä ja terveellisempi kehonkuva verrattaessa heitä täysiaikaisena syntyneisiin ikätovereihin. Arvioitaessa heidän ruokavaliotaan, todettiin kuitenkin heidän syövän hieman epäterveellisemmin ikätovereihin verrattuna. Tämän väitöskirjatutkimuksen tulosten valossa varhainen puuttuminen keskosena syntyneiden lisääntyneeseen sydän- ja verisuonitautien riskiin on mahdollista kiinnittämällä huomiota varhaiseen ravitsemukseen ja varhaisen aikuisiän elintapaohjaukseen, etenkin ravitsemukseen liittyen

Die Erhöhung der tierischen Leistung von Nutztieren in den Tropen kann am schnellsten durch Kreuzungszucht realisiert werden. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit war es, die Leistung von Kamerun-Schafen (C) und Ihren Kreuzungen (Kamerun x Fleischschaf, F1) und (F2 aus Kamerun x Milchschaf) unter verschiedenen Fütterungs- und Haltungsbedingungen zu vergleichen. Folgende Merkmale wurden analysiert: - Wachstum vor dem Absetzen über 90 Tage; 127 Tiere; C, F1 und F2, - Wachstum nach dem Absetzen unter verschiedenen Fütterungsbedingungen; Wechsel vom 1,5-fachen des Erhaltungsbedarfs zu ad libitum Fütterung und umgekehrt; 6 Wochen Dauer; 30 Tiere; C, F1 und F2, - Haltung der Lämmer unter zeitlich begrenztem Temperaturstress (8 Stunden täglich bei 31°C und 50% rel. Luftfeuchte): Dauer 12 Wochen; 10 Tiere C und F, - Analyse von Schlachtkörpern nach Versuchsende jeden Versuches; 40 Lämmer, C, F1 und F2. Ergebnisse: - Während der ersten Aufzugphase zeigten die Kreuzungstiere mit 213g/Tag (F1) und 236 g/Tag (F2) eine um 50 bzw. 65% erhöhte Lebendmassezunahme gegenüber den Kamerun-Lämmern (143g/Tag). Die Differenz zwischen F1 und F2 resultierte aus der unterschiedlichen Milchleistung der Muttertiere. - Der zeitlich begrenzte Hitzestress führte zu keinen unterschiedlichen physiologischen Reaktionen zwischen den Rassen. - Es gab keine signifikanten Unterschiede hinsichtlich der relativen Körperzusammensetzung zwischen den Rassen. Die Kreuzungstiere hatten eine signifikant erhöhte Masse des Verdauungstraktes. Schlußfolgerungen: Kreuzungszucht zwischen indigenen und exotischen Rassen ist in den Tropen eine geeignete Methode die Fleischerzeugung zu erhöhen, allerdings nur, wenn die Futterversorgung gesichert ist. Hitzestress über eine begrenzte Zeit am Tag ist für die getesteten Rassen ohne Leistungseinbußen verträglich.
Crossbreeding between indigenous and exotic sheep breeds is the fastest method of increasing the performance of sheep in the tropics. The aim of this work was to assess the performance of Cameroon sheep (C) and their crossbreds (Cameroon x Mutton, F1) and (F2 from Cameroon x Milk sheep) under different housing and feeding conditions. The following traits were analysed: - Pre-weaning performance during the first 90 days; 127 animals, C, F1 and F2. - Post-weaning growth performance at different feeding levels; changing from 1.5 x maintenance to ad libitum feed intake and vice versa; duration 6 weeks; 30 animals; C, F1 and F2. - Housing of lambs under temporal heat stress (8 hours daily at 31°C and 50% relative humidity); duration 12 weeks; 10 animals, C and F2 - Carcass traits; 40 lambs, C, F1 and F2. Results: - During the pre-weaning period the crossbred lambs showed a higher live weight gain than the Cameroon lambs, 213g/d (F1); 236g/d (F2) and 143g/d (C) respectively, that is an increase of 50% and 65% resp. The differences between the F1 and F2 resulted from the different milk yields of the ewes. - The heat stress over 8 hours did not lead to different physiological reactions between the breeds. - There were no significant differences in the relative carcass traits between the breeds. The GIT-weight was increased significantly in the crossbreds. Conclusion: Crossbreeding of indigenous and exotic sheep breeds is a suitable method for increasing meat production in the tropics if the feed supply is guaranteed. Heat stress over a limited time is not crucial for the performance of all breeds.

La biodiversité est un paramètre déterminant du fonctionnement des écosystèmes. Un effet généralement positif de la diversité en plantes a été observé dans plusieurs études pionnières. Cependant il y a un besoin urgent de mieux comprendre le rôle de la biodiversité au sein des écosystèmes notamment en intégrant différentes composantes importantes de la diversité telles que la diversité fonctionnelle entre et au sein de niveaux trophiques contrastés.Nous avons testé l’effet de la diversité spécifique et fonctionnelle de communautés d’herbivores généralistes (criquets, Acrididea) sur le fonctionnement d’un écosystème prairial. Nous avons créé des communautés expérimentales de criquets au sein desquelles les diversités spécifique et fonctionnelle ont été manipulées de manière indépendante.Cette expérimentation a permis d’identifier les traits fonctionnels d’effet déterminant l’intensité des interactions trophiques entre les communautés de plantes et de criquets. Nous montrons également que les mécanismes contrôlant l’impact des communautés de criquets sur la biomasse végétale dépendent de leur identité et de leur diversité fonctionnelles. Ainsi une plus forte diversité des traits mandibulaires au sein d’une communauté augmente la taille des niches alimentaires et l’impact total observé sur l’écosystème. Enfin, la réponse de l’écosystème face aux herbivores dépend directement de l’intensité de la pression d’herbivorie, de la diversité fonctionnelle en plantes et des changements de composition fonctionnelle au sein des communautés végétales.Cette étude contribue au développement des approches basées sur l’utilisation des traits au sein des interactions trophiques afin de relier l’effet de la biodiversité entre et au sein de multiples niveaux trophiques sur le fonctionnement des écosystèmes
Biodiversity is a major determinant of ecosystem functioning. Pioneer biodiversity experiments have shown a general positive relationship between plant diversity and ecosystem functioning. However there is now a growing need to integrate the functional diversity within multi-trophic levels to improve our ability to scale biodiversity changes into future ecosystem functioning.We experimentally tested how the functional identity and diversity of generalist insect herbivore communities impact the functioning of a grassland ecosystem. We experimentally and independently manipulated the functional identity and diversity of grasshopper communities.We identified grasshopper functional effect traits determining the intensity of trophic interactions between plant and grasshopper communities. We demonstrated that the mechanisms driving grasshopper community impact on plant biomass depend on their functional identity and diversity. Thus a higher functional diversity of grasshopper mandibular traits increases the size of the feeding niche within communities and the total impact on ecosystem. Finally, ecosystem response to herbivores depends directly on the intensity of herbivory pressure, plant functional diversity and on the changes of plant functional structure within plant communities.Our study contributes to the development of the trait-based approach in the study of trophic interactions to link biodiversity between and within trophic levels on ecosystem functioning

Diss. med. vet. Bern (kein Austausch).
Am Kopf der Titelseite: Aus dem Institut für Tierzucht der Universität Bern (Direktor: Prof. Dr. C. Gaillard). Arbeit unter der Leitung von Prof. Dr. J.W. Blum. Literaturverz.

La lipolyse est une réaction enzymatique qui influence négativement les qualités organoleptiques et technologiques du lait. La lipolyse spontanée (LS) correspond à la part de la lipolyse qui dépend de l’animal et du système d’élevage. La LS résulte de l’action de la lipoprotéine lipase (LPL) et de ses cofacteurs sur les globules gras (GG). L’objectif de la thèse a été de comprendre les variations de LS à l’échelle zootechnique et à l’échelle du lait. Les vaches (VL) ont pu être classées en 2 groupes selon leur phénotype : « susceptible » et « non susceptible » à la LS, confirmant l’importance de l’effet individu. Chez les VL susceptibles, nous avons confirmé un effet de la race/génétique, de la parité, du stade physiologique, du moment de la traite, de la fréquence de traite et de l’alimentation.La LS était plus élevée dans les laits issus de la traite du soir, chez les VL Holstein, génotypées KK au locus de DGAT-1. Elle l’était également en fin de lactation et en début de lactation uniquement chez les multipares hautes productrices. Un bilan énergétique négatif pourrait expliquer ces variations. L’augmentation de la fréquence de traite, la restriction alimentaire, l’alimentation à base d’ensilage de maïs comparé à l’herbe conservée/fraîche et la supplémentation lipidique ont également augmenté la LS. Le mécanisme d’action implique probablement une inhibition de la LS par la protéose peptone 5. La membrane des GG semblerait avoir un rôle crucial dans le maintien de l’intégrité du GG, l’interaction avec la LPL et l’équilibre des cofacteurs. L’impact des facteurs zootechniq
Lipolysis is an enzymatic reaction which leads to off-flavor in milk and impairs technological properties of milk. Spontaneous lipolysis (SL) is the fraction of lipolysis which depends on cows and breeding systems. SP corresponds to the hydrolysis of milk fat in milk fat globules (MFG) by the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and its cofactors. The aim of the PhD was to understand SL variations at both zootechnical and biochemical levels. Cows were sorted in two groups according their phenotype: “susceptible” and “non-susceptible” to SL, confirming the strong impact of the individual effect. Among cows “susceptible” to SL, we confirmed the effects of breed/genetics, parity, physiological stage, milking moment, milking frequency and feeding systems. SL was higher in evening milks of Holstein cows and of cows having the KK genotype at the DGAT-1 locus. SL was higher in late lactation and, in early lactation only for high merit multiparous cows, probably in relation to negative energy balanceAn increase in milking frequency, feeding restriction, maize silage based diets compared to fresh grass and conserved grass based diets and lipid supplementation enhanced SL. At a biochemical level, LS might be inhibited by proteose peptone 5. The MFG membrane might play an important role on MFG integrity, LPL and MFG interactions, and cofactors balance. The impact of zootechnical and biochemical factors on SL is still difficult to hierarchize

L’océan Austral est soumis à la redistribution globale des contaminants par les voies atmosphérique et océanique. Cependant, la contamination des écosystèmes austraux est très peu connue, en particulier dans le secteur Indien. De par leur toxicité, leur mobilité et leur capacité à se bioaccumuler dans les tissus des organismes et à se bioamplifier dans les réseaux trophiques, le mercure (Hg) et les polluants organiques persistants (POPs) comptent parmi les contaminants les plus préoccupants. Du fait de leur position élevée dans les réseaux trophiques, les oiseaux marins sont exposés à de grande quantités de contaminants par la voie alimentaire. En conséquence, ils sont souvent utilisés comme bioindicateurs de l’état de contamination des écosystèmes, par le biais des plumes et du sang, qui peuvent être échantillonnés de façon non destructive. Ma thèse s’est intéressée aux nombreuses espèces d’oiseaux marins (plus de 40) qui nichent au sein des Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises, au sud de l’Océan Indien, afin de décrire et expliquer les niveaux de contaminants le long d’un large gradient latitudinal, de l’Antarctique à la Zone Subtropicale, et d’identifier les meilleures espèces bioindicatrices pour un suivi à long terme de la contamination de ces écosystèmes. Au cours d’une première étape méthodologique, les manchots et les poussins de toutes les espèces ont été identifiés comme de bons bioindicateurs de contamination puisque, à la différence de la plupart des oiseaux adultes, ils présentent une faible variabilité des niveaux de contaminants dans les plumes. Au cours d’une seconde étape explicative, l’effet de facteurs intrinsèques (traits individuels) et extrinsèques (écologie alimentaire déduite grâce à la méthode des isotopes stables) sur les niveaux de contaminants a été évalué dans les plumes des oiseaux de la communauté de Kerguelen (27 espèces) et dans le sang du grand albatros de Crozet (180 individus dont les traits de vie sont connus). L’écologie alimentaire s’est avérée être le principal facteur explicatif des niveaux de contaminants, tandis que l’âge, le sexe, la phylogénie et le statut reproducteur jouent un rôle mineur. La classe d’âge est néanmoins un facteur à prendre en compte, puisque les poussins montrent souvent des concentrations inférieures aux adultes. Au cours d’une troisième étape, les variations spatio-temporelles de la contamination ont été étudiées en utilisant une sélection d’espèces bioindicatrices et en tenant compte de leur écologie alimentaire. Plusieurs résultats portant sur différentes espèces (oiseaux océaniques) et populations (poussins de skua) ont montré que, contrairement aux prédictions, l’exposition des oiseaux au Hg augmente graduellement des eaux antarctiques aux eaux subantarctiques puis aux subtropicales, alors que l’exposition aux POPs, en accord avec la théorie de la distillation globale, montre la tendance inverse. D’autre part, la comparaison des concentrations en Hg dans les plumes de manchot, effectuée entre des spécimens de musée et des échantillons actuels, indique que leur exposition au Hg n’a pas changée depuis les années 1950-1970. Toutefois, des espèces subantarctiques montrent une tendance à la hausse. De futures études devraient viser à l’utilisation des plumes comme tissu de référence pour l’évaluation et le suivi de la contamination des écosystèmes, en particulier en ce qui concerne les POPs. Parmi les nombreuses espèces étudiées au cours de ces travaux de thèse, les bioindicateurs les plus pertinents se révèlent être le manchot empereur et le pétrel des neiges (Antarctique), le manchot royal, le pétrel bleu et l’albatros à sourcil noirs (subantarctique), le gorfou sauteur subtropical et l’albatros à bec jaune (subtropical). Le suivi à long terme de ces espèces permettra d’évaluer l’évolution temporelle de l’état de contamination de l’océan Austral
Antarctic and subantarctic marine environments are reached by inorganic and organic contaminants through ocean circulation and atmospheric transport. Yet, environmental contamination is poorly known in the Southern Ocean, in particular in the Indian sector. Among environmental contaminants, mercury (Hg) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are primarily of concern, because they are toxic, highly mobile, and they bioaccumulate in the tissues of living organisms and biomagnify up the food web. Seabirds, as upper predators, are exposed to large quantities of contaminants via food intake and have widely served as biomonitors of marine contamination, notably through the non-destructive sampling of their feathers and blood. My doctoral work has focussed on the abundant and diverse seabird species (more than 40) breeding in the French Southern and Antarctic Lands, southern Indian Ocean, in order to describe and explain contaminant concentrations over a large latitudinal gradient, from Antarctica to the subtropics, and to identify the best bioindicator species for contaminant biomonitoring. In a first methodological step, seabirds with synchronous moult of body feathers (adult penguins and chicks of all species) were recognised as good candidates as bioindicators, because, unlike most adult birds, they present low within-individual variation in feather contaminant concentrations. In a second explanatory step, the influence of intrinsic (individual traits) and extrinsic factors (feeding ecology inferred from the stable isotope method) driving variation in contaminant concentrations was evaluated in feathers of the large avian community of the Kerguelen Islands (27 species) and in blood of wandering albatrosses from the Crozet Islands (180 birds of known individual traits). Feeding ecology was the main factor driving variation in contaminant concentrations of blood and feathers, both at the community, population and individual levels, whereas age, sex, phylogeny and breeding status played a minor role. Age-class was however an important intrinsic factor to consider, with chicks usually having lower concentrations than adults. In a third step, spatio-temporal patterns of contamination were studied through selected bioindicator species and by taking into account their feeding habits. Results from different species (oceanic seabirds) and populations (skua chicks) showed that, contrary to predictions, Hg exposure gradually increases from Antarctic to subantarctic and subtropical waters, whereas, in accordance with the global distillation theory, POPs exposure has the opposite pattern. Comparisons between penguin feathers from museum collections and contemporary samples showed that bird exposure to Hg is overall not different today when compared to 50-70 years ago, but subantarctic species are possibly experiencing an increasing trend. Future research efforts should be focussed on the use of feathers as biomonitoring tools, in particular for POPs determination. The best recommended bioindicator species include the emperor penguin and snow petrel (Antarctic), king penguin, blue petrel and black-browed albatross (subantarctic), and northern rockhopper penguin and Indian yellow-nosed albatross (subtropical). Future biomonitoring studies on these species will give invaluable insights into the poorly-known temporal trends of environmental contamination in the Southern Ocean

Over recent decades, research has demonstrated a direct correlation between phytosterol consumption and the lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The fortification of phytosterols in processed food products has therefore become increasingly popular and as a result, there is a subsequent need for new and improved techniques for quantification of phytosterols in these products. Natural phytosterol fortification of milk by controlled feeding is also becoming a common farming practice although the efficacy of this approach is relatively unknown. Moreover, there are no known reports regarding the resulting phytosterol content in milk under different animal feeding regimes. This study therefore investigated whether different cattle feeds can influence the profile of phytosterols and cholesterol in the milk produced as an alternative to direct fortification. A series of five feeding experiments were performed using common feeds used by Australian dairy farmers and selected formulated rumen protected feeds. In order to achieve this main objective, a new reliable and rapid analytical technique was required which could accurately measure total phytosterols (including the conjugates) at naturally occurring levels in cattle feed and the resulting bovine milk. The analytical method development investigated three hydrolysis techniques to liberate the sterols for extraction. This included acid hydrolysis and enzymatic treatments (for glycosidic bonds) and saponification (for fatty acid ester bonds). The method development also included optimisation of a sample clean-up and instrumentation. The final method parameters were selected based on accuracy, time efficiency, labour intensity and the availability of resources. The optimised analytical method used acid hydrolysis and saponification protocols with simultaneous sterol solvent extraction during the hydrolysis step to avoid the less efficient manual liquid extraction step usually performed at this stage. This was then followed by sample clean-up using an amino propyl phase solid phase extraction for cattle feed samples. All extracts were concentrated to a known volume and derivatised using a silylating reagent to make them thermally stable for analysis. Quantification of sterols was performed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and flame ionisation detectors which, allowed for direct quantification and identification of the samples. The total phytosterol determination was based on the sum of the identified plant sterols including brassicasterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, campestanol, β-sitosterol and stigmastanol. A total of twelve different cattle feed types (excluding the rumen protected feed) commonly used in the dairy industry were analysed including lucerne, pasture (rye grass), maize silage, pasture silage, grape marc (dried and wet), wheat, canola, tannin, barley grain, mineral mix, cotton oil and molasses. These feeds were used in various combinations for the controlled feeding trials with the developed analytical method determining that the highest and lowest average phytosterol contents were found in cotton seed oil (256 mg/100 g) and tannin (<35 mg/100 g) respectively. Based on the analytical method developed, the limit of reporting was 35 mg/100 g and 5 mg/100 g for total phytosterols and individual sterols respectively. In addition to these common cattle feeds, a final feeding trial was also conducted with a rumen protected feed with a known high phytosterol content. The results of the feeding trials showed that statistical significances (p < 0.05) were observed for some individual phytosterols and cholesterol in milk under these differing feeding regimes compared to the respective controls. The limit of reporting for the milk was 0.12 mg/100 mL and 0.02 mg/100 mL for total phytosterols and individual sterols respectively. In the case of the phytosterols, where the daily recommended consumption to optimise the health benefits is typically 2 g per day, the levels found in milk were <0.12 mg/100 mL of total phytosterols which is comparatively insignificant. The main phytosterols found in milk included lathosterol, β-sitosterol and campesterol, with the average cholesterol content ranging from 12-16.5 mg/100 mL. The cholesterol contents found in the milk samples were within expected values compared to nutritional panels and previous studies. The limited experiment using the rumen protected feed with high phytosterol levels suggested a decreased transfer of cholesterol to the milk by as much as 20% although further work is required to confirm these preliminary results. Overall, the research suggests that different feeding practices have minimal impact on the quality of milk with regard to the resulting sterol profile. This research has important implications for the dairy industry with the development of reliable, robust and streamlines methods for measuring sterol contents in milk. In addition, it demonstrates that the use of expensive cattle feeds to naturally fortify milk with phytosterols is unfounded and that common, inexpensive feeds result in similar quality milk. Given that cattle feed is the foremost expense for dairy farmers, these findings support the continued use of these more affordable cattle feeds.

碩士
東海大學
畜產與生物科技學系
100
Three trials were conducted to investigate the effects of photoperiod on the feed intake, growth, metabolism and plasma levels of metabolites in geese. In trial I, 16 9-wk White Roman goslings were subjected to the regimen of either day reversing (group R; lighting from 18:00 to 08:00) or normal day (group C; lighting from 06:00 to 20:00). Four geese in each group were fed individually for intensive feed intake recording. At the end of 2-wk of experimental period, geese which were fed individually were fasted for 12 hr fallowed by blood sampling at intervals of 4 hr for 24 hr. In each group, four geese fed in group were collected blood also, but allowed to access feed freely. Results showed that the hourly feed intake (HFI) during lighting phase was significantly higher than during dark phase in both groups (P < 0.05). Daily gain (DG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed efficiency (FE) and the levels of plasma glucose (Glu), triglycerides (TG) and uric acid (UA) at each time point were not different between groups (P > 0.05). Glu, TG and UA in fasting geese were significantly lower than in non-fasting geese (P < 0.05). In trial II, 16 11-wk goslings were randomly subjected to either 8L/16D (group SD) or 8L/7D/1L/8D skeleton long days (group SL). Feed intake was recorded intensively. At 15 wk of age, geese were sacrificed for the analysis of carcass traits and proximate composition of breast meat. Results showed that DG, DFI, FE, and UA in group SL were significantly lower than in group SD (P < 0.05). TG and Glu were not different between groups. The visceral fat in group SL was significantly lighter than in group SD (P < 0.05). HFI was not different between lighting phase and dark phase in SD group; however, HFI during lighting phase was significantly higher than during dark phase in group SL (P < 0.05). HFI during dark phase in group SL was significantly lower than in group SD (P < 0.05); however, HFI during lighting phase was not different between groups. In trial III, 6 somatic mature geese were sequentially exposed to normal long days (14L/10D, treatment C) and reversing long days (10D/14L, treatment R) for the determination of carbon dioxide production rate. Results showed that the carbon dioxide production rates both during whole day and during lighting phase in treatment C were significantly higher than in treatment R (P < 0.05), but those during dark phase was not different between treatments. In spite of treatments, both mean and minimal carbon dioxide production rates were not different between day and night; however, in spite of day and night, the minimal carbon dioxide production rate in treatment C was significantly higher than in treatment R (P < 0.05). In conclusion, day reversing lowers the rates of fasting heat production during whole day and day time, but does not affect daily gain, daily feed intake and feed efficiency; the minimal heat production rate is not different between day and night; short day increases daily gain, daily feed intake and feed efficiency; photoperiod affects the feeding behavior.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Down syndrome (DS) is the most common aneuploidy to affect humans and occurs in approximately 1 of 750 live births. Individuals with DS present with a wide range of clinical phenotypes. Common craniofacial phenotypic expressions include a small mandible, protruding tongue, and a flattened nasal bridge. These traits may affect the feeding, breathing, and swallowing of individuals with DS. Because some complications may go unnoticed for longer periods of time, we hypothesize that significant cardiac and GI defects may be indicative of feeding and airway difficulties. In order to better understand the secondary phenotypes resulting from DS, we have implemented a retrospective chart review of 137 infants between zero and six months of age who were evaluated through the Down Syndrome Program at Riley Hospital for Children from August 2005 to August 2008. Data regarding cardiac, gastrointestinal, endocrine, airway, auditory, and feeding abnormalities have been collected and incedences and comorbidites of these traits has been examined. Comprehensive results indicate cardiac abnormalities occur in 80% of infants, 60% experience gastrointestinal complications, feeding difficulties occur in 46%, and airway complications occur in 38% of infants. Infants with DS were found to be breastfed less over time, with an increase in tube feeds. Notably, we have found all infants with videofluoroscopic evaluations had some type of dysphagia. The presence of gastrointestinal abnormalities closely correlate with the need for tube feeds, and the comorbidity between GI anomalies and muscle tone appear to indicate the likelihood of feeding difficulties and need for altered feeding strategies. Comorbidities between feeding difficulties were nearly significant with cardiac defects and significant with GI abnormalities. Identification of such associations will help healthcare providers determine the best course of treatment and recommended feeding methodology for infants with DS. In order to utilize an in vitro model to study the craniofacial dysmorphologies seen in individuals with DS, cranial neural crest cells (NC) have been cultured. With these, we have begun to investigate the mechanisms behind a smaller trisomic mandibular precursor as compared to the euploid. With this in vitro model, we will be able to test proliferation, migration, and senescence of NC in a culture system.

Given the highly stochastic nature of larval supply, coral reef fishes often settle in sub-optimal habitats with limited access to prey or other resources. Variation in the availability and quality of resources among different reef habitats is likely to have significant effects on the physiological condition and subsequent fitness of resident fishes, if not their absolute abundance. The first component of this study compared the abundance, feeding, and condition of two species of coral-feeding butterflyfishes (Chaetodon baronessa and C. lunulatus) across contrasting habitats with markedly different prey availability. Despite differences in prey availability, densities of C. baronessa and C. lunulatus were very similar between locations. However, there was significant spatial variation in their feeding and physiological condition. In front-reef locations, where coral prey was highly abundant, C. baronessa fed preferentially and almost exclusively on the coral Acropora hyacinthus. In contrast, in back-reef locations where coral prey was scarce and A. hyacinthus lacking, C. baronessa was much less selective and consumed a wider range of different coral prey. C. lunulatus was less selective than C. baronessa, but the diet of C. lunulatus also differed significantly between habitats. C. lunulatus consumed mostly A. hyacinthus in front-reef locations, but not in greater proportions than it was available. In back-reef locations, C. lunulatus preferentially consumed A. intermedia and Porites spp.. The physiological condition of both C. baronessa and C. lunulatus was much lower in back-reef locations compared to front-reef locations, which may reflect differences in the quantity and/or quality of prey available in different habitats. This work suggests that small scale (within-reef) differences in prey availability can have significant effects on the physiological condition and subsequent fitness of coral reef fishes. Having established that resource availability may have a significant influence on physiological condition of fishes, I wanted to explore variation in growth and longevity of butterflyfishes associated with variation in resource availability. However, little basic life-history information on chaetodontids exists, so it was first necessary to establish the best model to describe the growth of these fish. von Bertalanffy growth functions were fitted to size-at-age data for four species of chaetodontids from Lizard Island. Special emphasis on juveniles provided detailed information of the early growth period. All four species demonstrated rapid initial growth achieving an average of 92% of maximum theoretical size in the first 2 years of their life. Within the von Bertalanffy growth function, I used various constraints of the theoretical age at length zero (t0) in an analysis of both complete data sets and data sets using only adult fish. An unconstrained value of t0 resulted in the best-fit (maximum r2) curve when juveniles were included. When excluding juveniles, it was necessary to constrain t0 to an approximate settlement size to most closely represent the growth of the species. Several species of corallivorous butterflyfishes are known to have specific feeding preferences. Foraging theory predicts that organisms should specialise on a given resource only if there are tangible fitness benefits, such as increased growth. To assess the influence of different prey types on juvenile growth for two species of highly selective coral-feeding butterflyfish, C. plebeius and C. trifascialis, individuals were held in tanks for one month on an exclusive diet of only one coral species. The feeding habits of both these species have been well documented in the field, and this study utilised existing data to quantify specific feeding preferences. Selection functions revealed that C. plebeius selectively consumes both Pocillopora damicornis and A. hyacinthus, while C. trifascialis selectively consumes A. hyacinthus. To test the fitness consequences of prey preferences, controlled feeding experiments were conducted in which individual butterflyfish were fed exclusively one of three different branching corals (A. hyacinthus, P. damicornis and Porites cylindrica) to compare growth on highly preferred coral species (e.g., A. hyacinthus and P. damicornis), versus coral prey that was never eaten in the field (P. cylindrica). Chaetodon trifascialis grew .053mm per day when feeding on A. hyacinthus, but actually decreased in total length when feeding on both P. damicornis and P. cylindrica. Chaetodon plebeius, meanwhile, grew at .051mm per day on P. damicornis, versus .038mm per day on A. hyacinthus and decreased in total length on P. cylindrica. This study shows that both C. trifascialis and C. plebeius selectively consume the coral prey that maximises juvenile growth and probably increases overall fitness. Variation in the early growth of these fish due to resource availability may explain patterns or anomalies in their large-scale population demographics. Finally, to directly assess the influence of resource availability on life history traits, I quantified large-scale variation in some life history traits of chaetodontids across reefs with marked differences in the abundance of certain coral species. Samples of four species of chaetodontids (C. citrinellus, C. lunulatus, C. melannotus, and C. trifascialis) were collected at a northern Great Barrier Reef location (Lizard Island) and at a southern Great Barrier Reef location (One Tree Island). Population characteristics were assessed using a re-parameterised von Bertanlanffy growth function, allowing for better comparisons between populations. Although chaetodontids often had measurable variation between populations in growth rates, longevities, and mean maximum sizes, the variations were not consistent among species. These variations could not be consistently explained by preferred resource availability, temperature/latitude, or conspecific abundance. For, it was expected that growth rates would be higher where preferred resources are more abundant, but this was not found. It is likely that a combination of resources, latitude (seasonal temperature variation), and conspecific abundance (including behavioural interactions) ultimately determine the large-scale differences in the demographics of butterflyfish populations. Overall, this study shows that resources play an important role in determining life history characteristics of butterflyfishes. In particular, access to specific resources during the juvenile stage may have significant implications for life-long fitness and will likely effect survivorship and reproductive output. Ultimately, variation in the availability of resources is also likely to directly impact local abundance of butterflyfishes, especially for highly specialised species. While this was not apparent in this study, it is likely that several confounding factors such as competition, predation, and local environmental conditions may obscure the importance of resources in determining population demographics in complex environments, such as coral reefs. Future studies must therefore attempt to isolate the effects of different factors using further experimentation and well-designed sampling programs.

碩士
國立中興大學
動物科學系所
106
A genome-wide association study (GWAS) used a high density genotyping platform represents a method for identifying genetic variations influencing various traits, and the GWAS is the newest tool being proposed to the poultry breeding industry for improvement of animal agricultural species. The object of this study was found the significant and suggestive single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) which should influence the traits of the egg production, egg quality and the relevant of the feeding traits in our native chicken population. We used the F2 population of 743 individuals produced by crossing the Taiwan country chicken L2 line with and experimental line of Rhode Island Red layer R- provided by INRA in 2003.Total of 22 traits were analyzed which including egg number (EN), age at the first egg (AFE), laying rate (LR), egg weight (EW), egg color (EC), egg length (egg_L), egg width (egg_W), egg index (egg_I), eggshell strength (ES), yolk weight (YW), albumin height (AH), eggshell within membrane (EWM), eggshell without membrane (EOM), eggshell membrane thickness (EMT), eggshell weight (ESW), Average feed intake (AFI), Average daily gain (ADG), eggmass, feed efficiency (FE), Residual feed intake (RFI). There are three ways of the statistical analysis were used, including generally linear model (GLM) in software of plink, linear mixed model (LMM) and Bayesian sparse linear mixed model (BSLMM) in software of GEMMA. The results showed that the rs15037617 associated with AFE and GGaluGA165228 associated with EN and LR. There are 14 SNPs were found in LMM associated with 7 traits in egg quality. The traits of egg colour a* have three SNPs associated with rs15409520, rs13593225, rs14637358; egg index associated with rs15190652; ES associated with two SNPs including GGaluGA320913 and GGaluGA007314; there are two SNPs were found, s14075934、GaluGA235913, associated with yolk weight; the SNPs GaluGA134929 and GaluGA006669 were found associated with the traits EWM and EMT, respectively; there are four SNPs were found associated with ESW, including s10721950, GGaluGA082982, rs13764758, GGaluGA264151. There are five SNPs we found that associated with three feeding traits, including AFI, eggmasss and RFI. In the traits of AFI, we found two SNPs including GGaluGA114124 and rs13841376; there are also two SNPs associated with eggmass which named rs15008789 and GGaluGA107494; there are one SNP, GGaluGA020046, we found that associated with RFI. In the analysis of the BSLMM, we found the associated SNPs in egg quality traits only. The trait of egg colour L* associated with GGaluGA000698 and rs14099457; the egg colour a* was associated with rs13746326, rs15409520 and GGaluGA000698; the ESW was associated with rs14480552, rs13764758 and GGaluGA082982. In conclusion of this study, the SNPs may be improved the poultry breeding program rapidly.

The first objective of this study was to validate the feeding behavior measurements from a radio frequency electronic system (GrowSafe (TM) System Ltd., Airdrie, AB, Canada) and examine the software sensitivity to different parameter settings (MPS) to quantify feeding behavior traits. Data was continuously recorded 24 h per day using the GrowSafe™ system for 32 heifers over 81-d. Ten animals were randomly selected and evaluated over 6-d using time-lapse video recordings. Different parameter settings (MPS) from the electronic system (GrowSafe (TM)) used to record feeding behavior data, bunk visits (BV) frequency and BV duration, were compared with the observed (video) values. The second objective of this study was to quantify meal criterion; examine the associations between feeding behavior traits, performance, and feed efficiency; and the effects of breed type on feed efficiency (residual feed intake - RFI) and feeding behavior traits in heifers fed high-grain diets. Results from study one demonstrated that the GrowSafe (TM) system 4000E could accurately predict BV and meal data compared to observed data. The 100 s, used for the maximum duration between consecutive EID recordings to end an uninterrupted BV, was the appropriate MPS to predict BV frequency and duration, and meal frequency and duration compared to observed data using the GrowSafe (TM) 4000E system. The system’s ability to detect the animal’s presence or absence at the feed bunk was 86.4 and 99.6 percent, respectively. Results from the second study demonstrated that the meal criterion for heifers fed high-grain diets was 13.8 min. The 4 methods to calculate meal criterion demonstrated no differences in results of frequencies and durations of meal and the number of bunk visits per meal. Similar phenotypic correlations were found between the feeding behavior traits with RFI derived from the base model or with adjustments for final back fat. The adjustment of RFI to final back fat changed the RFI rank between breeds. The addition of feeding behavior traits to the RFI base model could accounted up to 40.4 percent of the variation in DMI not explained by ADG or MBW.

碩士
大葉大學
管理學院碩士在職專班
101
This research aimed at exploring the effect of petdog owners’ feeding behavior, personality traits, and attachment relationship on subjective well-being.We perform an investigation around the Taoyuan County by sampling of purposive sampling, convenience sampling and snowball sampling. The research object are petdog owners’.Of the 400 questionnairs distributed, 314 we completed returned.The inquiry effective rate is 88.2%. The data analysis methods include descriptive statistics, reliability test, one-way ANOVA, t-test, Pearson correlation, Stepwise Regression. The majority samples in this research was females, holding business jobs , university or technology in education, the peoples who has married and have child, living in the apartment or large building and 3 to 4 persons live together as well as the persons who has monthly salary around 20thousands to 40thousands. The petcare behavior are feeding one male doggy at a time, median size, first time breeding, breeding time longer than 2 years, the major motive is joyful, getting by purchasing, daily interaction was 1 hours and getting along 8 hours per day approximately. The result of this research discover as follows: 1.There is a significant difference between petdog owners’ that have different background, attachment relationship, and subjective well-being. 2.There is a significant difference between petdog owners’ that have different feeding behavior on attachment relationship,but no significant difference on subjective well-being. 3.There is a significant positive correlation between agreeableness and well-being,conscientiousness and well-being ,extraversion and well-being,openness to experience and subjective well-being. 4.There is a negative linear relationship between neuroticism and well-being. 5.Personality traits and attachment relationship predict subjective well-being. 6In terms of child,the best predictor of the petdog owner’ well-being is the openness. 7In terms of no child,the best predictor of the petdog owner’ well-being is the agreeableness. Finally, according to the result of this research which can provide a suggestion to pet feeders, follower to consult.

碩士
國立中山大學
生物科學系研究所
99
The animal phylogeny and feeding habits would affect the composition of gastrointestinal tract（GI tract）microbiota. GI tract microbiota plays an important role in host health and nutrient provision. In this study, we used PCR-DGGE and bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing to analyze the GI tract bacterial diversity of four animals with different feeding habits in Shou-Shan zoo, including one carnivore, one omnivore and two herbivores, in which one ruminant and one non-ruminant. The results show a great difference between GI tract bacterial diversity of the four animals. The abundance of GI tract bacterial diversity increased from carnivore, omnivore to herbivore. Comparing the similarity of the GI tract bacterial community structures of these four animals, the carnivore possessed the most different composition, to other animals, the next was the omnivore, while the two herbivores show the highest similarity to each other. Our results also indicated that the GI tract microbiota of these four different animals were very stable during the investigating period. We also found that two individuals of the same species had a very similar bacterial compositions in their GI tracts at different time point. This finding indicated that the bacterial compositions of GI tract in the four animals were affected mostly by the host phylogeny and their feeding habits. Moreover, according to bacterial 16S rDNA sequencing and idencification, results show that the Firmicutes were the dominant bacterial phyum in all four animals GI tracts, the amount of Bacteroides was much less than Firmicutes. This result might caused by the highly starch content in their feed. Large amount of carbohydrate-degrading, protein-degrading, lipid-degrading bacteria were found in all of these different animals. Fiber-degrading bacteria Fibrobacteres were identified in the GI tracts of the herbivores and omnivore, but not the carnivore, showing that GI tract microbiota plays an important role to provide nutrient and assist energy to the host.

碩士
大葉大學
休閒事業管理學系碩士班
99
The purpose of this research is to realize the feeding behavior of pet owners. The subjects of this study are about the the effects of personality traits, Benefits of leisure, loneliness,leisure constraints. The total of 852 useful questionnaires are randomly sampling collected at pet shop in taichung city. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, reliability test, factor analysis, one-way anova, t-test, and pearson correlation A majority of the samples were male, 21-30 years old, university educated, holding business jobs, unmarried and didn’t have mates, with a monthly discretionary income of under $20,001-$40,000. most subjects of feeding behavior of pet owners. The most number of pets is one, pet type is dog, feeding pet oneself. Time for get alone with pet is more than 2 hours lees than 4 hours. Interaction time with pet is more than half hour and less than 1 hour. The pet mean to pet owner is just a pet. The results of this study were as follows：feeding behavior of pet owners was significantly, positively related to the effects of personality traits, Benefits of leisure, loneliness, leisure constraints. Key Words : feeding behavior, personality traits, benefits of leisure, loneliness, leisure constraint

碩士
國立屏東科技大學
動物科學與畜產系所
101
The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of feeding two sources of domestic forage, including napiergrass and corn silage,on growth performances, blood traits and wastewater treatment of finishing pigs. Forty LYD finishing pigs (half barrows and half gilts) at averaging 80 kg BW were randomly assigned to individual pens. The pigs were randomly allotted into five treatments with 8 replications. The 5 treatmental groups were as follow : BD (basal diet ad libitum) (control group), 2.5 kg BD with napiergrass ad libitum (2.5BDN), 3 kg BD with napiergrass ad libitum (3.0BDN), 2.5 kg BD with corn silage ad libitum (2.5BDC), and 3 kg BD with corn silage ad libitum (3.0BDC). All the forages and water were allowed to access ad libitum. Pigs were weighed individually and feed consumption was recorded once every two weeks. The blood samples were collected and analyzed for blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations at the beginning and the end of the experiment. The slurry samples of each treatment were collected and conducted to the simulating wastewater treatment facilities. The pH value, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and suspended solid (SS) of the influent and effluent and biogas production were measured weekly. The results showed that feed conversion ratio (F/G) of treatments 2.5BDN and 3.0BDN were significantly improved compared to treatment 3.0BDC, 2.5BDC and control (3.06 and 3.34 vs. 3.69、3.75、3.76) (P < 0.05). At the end of experiment, the BUN of pigs in the control group were significantly higher than in treatments of 3.0BDC, 2.5BDN, 2.5BDC, and 3.0BDN (8.87 vs. 7.51、6.70、6.42、6.12 mg/dL) (P < 0.05). The blood cholesterol content of pigs in the napiergrass ad libitum groups were significantly lower than those in the control and corn silage ad libitum groups (86.61 vs. 96.36、96.10 mg/dL) (P < 0.05). The COD and BOD of influent were not significantly different among five groups, however, the COD and BOD of effluent of the treatment 3.0BDC were significantly higher than those of the control group (COD 636 vs. 520 mg/L; BOD 178 vs. 129 mg/L) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, feeding napiergrass could decrease the blood cholesterol content and triglyceride in pigs, but the feces and urine of pigs conducted to the simulating wastewater treatment facilities caused the pH of the activated sludge tank lower, the SS higher. It is need to find the solvable method.

Objectives of this study were to characterize feed efficiency traits and examine phenotypic relationships with feeding behavior traits in bulls. Performance, feed intake and feeding behavior traits were measured in bulls (n = 5,165) representing 2 breeds (4100 Angus and 952 Red Angus). Intake and feeding behavior traits were measured for 70-d using a GrowSafe system while fed a corn silage based diet (ME = 2.50 Mcal/kg DM). BW was measured at 14-d intervals. Residual feed intake (RFI) was calculated as the difference between actual DMI and that expected from regression of DMI on mid-test BW0.75 (MBW) and ADG, and residual gain (RG) as the difference between actual ADG and that expected from regression of ADG on MBW and DMI. Residual gain and intake (RIG) was computed as the sum of -1 x RFI and RG, both standardized to a variance of 1. Results from the study indicate that RFI was correlated with DMI (r = 0.71, P < 0.0001) but not MBW or ADG, whereas, RG was correlated with ADG (r = 0.87, P < 0.0001) but not MBW or DMI. RFI was negatively correlated with G:F (r = -0.53, P < 0.0001) and RG (r = -0.40, P < 0.0001). Feeding bout (FB) frequency and duration were correlated with RFI (r = 0.30, 0.36; P < 0.001), but were not significant or weakly correlated (r < 0.10) with RG and G:F. Meal criterion and duration were both correlated (r = -0.13, 0.22; P < 0.0001) with RFI, but not with RG or G:F. Bulls with low RFI spent less time at the feed bunk (129 vs 151 ± 31.2 min/d) and had fewer FB events (79 vs 91 ± 23.4 events/d) than high-RFI bulls. Low-RFI bulls had longer (P < 0.001) meal criterion (9.9 vs 8.5 ± 6.6 min) indicating they took longer to initiate new meals, and had longer meal durations (223 vs 244 ± 43.5 min/d) than high-RFI bulls. Bulls have distinctive feeding behavior patterns that contribute to between-animal variation in RFI, but not associated with RG or G:F.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of residual feed intake (RFI) classification on performance, feed efficiency, feeding behavior and carcass traits, and to determine the relative importance of individual performance and carcass measurements on between-animal variation in net revenue of feedlot steers. Performance, feed intake and feeding behavior traits were measured in 508 Angus-based composite steers, using the GrowSafe feed-intake measurement system, while fed a high-grain diet for 70 days. Residual feed intake (RFI) was computed as actual minus expected dry matter intake (DMI) derived from regression of DMI on average daily gain (ADG) and mid-test BW0.75, and steers classified into low (n = 150), medium (n = 200) and high (n = 158) RFI groups. Following the feed-intake measurement periods, steers were fed the same diet in group pens and harvested at an average backfat thickness of 1.14 cm. Net revenue (NR) was calculated as carcass value minus feeder calf, yardage, and feed costs using 3-year average prices. Feed cost was based on actual feed consumed during the feed-intake measurement periods, and model-predicted intake adjusted for RFI during the group-feeding periods. Steers with low RFI had $48/hd lower (P < 0.0001) feed cost, $16/hd numerically higher (P = 0.29) carcass value, and $62/hd more favorable (P < 0.0001) net revenue compared to their high-RFI counterparts. Net revenue was correlated with carcass weight, marbling score, yield grade, DMI, ADG, RFI and G:F ratio where animals that consumed more feed, had higher rates of gain and were more efficient had more favorable net returns. Models predicting net revenue from performance, carcass quality, and feed efficiency traits accounted for 77% of the between-animal variation in NR. In the base model, that included all traits performance, carcass quality and feed efficiency traits explained 28, 14 and 35%, respectively, of the variation in NR. Results from this study indicate that between-animal variation in net revenue was impacted to a great extent by performance and feed efficiency, rather than carcass quality traits, in Angus-based composite steers based on average 3-year pricing scenarios.

I examined the influence of cyclic feeding regime on fillet yield and quality and their genetic architecture in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Two lots of half-sib families produced in September and December were exposed to periods of reduced ration followed by increased ration. Fish fed cyclically reduced rations weighed less and had smaller fillets and body proportions relative to controls. They also had less estimated muscle and visceral lipid but also more proportional visceral mass. Lots and families within lots differed significantly for the majority of traits. Genotypic analysis with 23 microsatellite markers spanning 19 linkage groups detected QTL for all traits over multiple linkage groups that were not necessarily consistent between feeding regime and parental lot. Linkage groups RT-9 and 29 had the largest QTL effects for fillet composition traits and overall body size across the greatest number of parents sampled.

Forest tent caterpillars are an outbreaking forest pest native to North America, whose population cycles have been linked to variations in larval survivorship, adult fecundity and nutrition. These insects only feed as larvae, therefore the acquisition of appropriate nutrients during the larval stage for survival and reproduction of adults is essential. The present work focuses on the nutritional performance and behaviour of this caterpillar based on diets of varying nutritional quality: their preferred tree host (aspen), or artificial food. Caterpillars performed best on their preferred food source. Protein deficiency did have negative fitness consequences, both in larval survivorship, and quality of offspring. Adult body composition was regulated despite variation in food nutrient ratios. Feeding patterns demonstrated that on diets high in protein content, feeding bouts and pauses between feedings were longer than on low protein diets, on which the caterpillars were more active. This difference might be related to post-ingestive effects via haemolymph trehalose levels. There was no difference in the total time spent feeding or in exploratory behaviour between the artificial diets. When faced with aspen, the caterpillars were also active, had short feeding durations and interfeed pauses. Caterpillars on aspen were more likely to leave the trail and discover a new food source, and they preferred balanced artificial diet to aspen foliage. It is suggested that forest tent caterpillars are inefficient at making initial choices, but in the long run they are capable of post-ingestively regulating their body content.

Experiments were conducted to assess effects of nursery feeding programs (using complex or simple diets, including or excluding antibiotics) on growth performance of barrows and gilts up to market weight (approximately 115 kg body weight), plasma levels of growth-related hormones, chemical body composition and carcass traits at market weight. Reducing nursery diet complexity decreased (P < 0.05) growth performance and plasma levels of triiodothyronine during the nursery period, but had no negative carry-over effects on growth performance or hormone plasma levels thereafter. Excluding antibiotics from nursery diets reduced nursery growth performance and plasma levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 and triiodothyronine but appeared to induce subsequent compensatory growth. In general, nursery feeding programs had no effect on body composition and carcass traits at market weight and no effect on wean-to-finish growth performance or carcass value at market weight. This represents an opportunity to improve profitability in commercial pork production.
Ontario Pork; The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs; Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Swine Research Cluster