Mathematical modelling in animal nutrition: a centenary review

A centenary review presents an opportunity to ponder over the processes of concept development and give thought to future directions. The current review aims to ascertain the ontogeny of current concepts, underline the connection between ideas and people and pay tribute to those pioneers who have contributed significantly to modelling in animal nutrition. Firstly, the paper draws a brief portrait of the use of mathematics in agriculture and animal nutrition prior to 1925. Thereafter, attention turns towards the historical development of growth modelling, feed evaluation systems and animal response models. Introduction of the factorial and compartmental approaches into animal nutrition is noted along with the particular branches of mathematics encountered in various models. Furthermore, certain concepts, especially bioenergetics or the heat doctrine, are challenged and alternatives are reviewed. The current state of knowledge of animal nutrition modelling results mostly from the discernment and unceasing efforts of our predecessors rather than serendipitous discoveries. The current review may stimulate those who wish for greater understanding and appreciation

Zebrafish as animal model for aquaculture nutrition research.

The aquaculture industry continues to promote the diversification of ingredients used in aquafeed in order to achieve a more sustainable aquaculture production system. The evaluation of large numbers of diets in aquaculture species is costly and requires time-consuming trials in some species. In contrast, zebrafish (Danio rerio) can solve these drawbacks as an experimental model, and represents an ideal organism to carry out preliminary evaluation of diets. In addition, zebrafish has a sequenced genome allowing the efficient utilization of new technologies, such as RNA-sequencing and genotyping platforms to study the molecular mechanisms that underlie the organism's response to nutrients. Also, biotechnological tools like transgenic lines with fluorescently labeled neutrophils that allow the evaluation of the immune response in vivo, are readily available in this species. Thus, zebrafish provides an attractive platform for testing many ingredients to select those with the highest potential of success in aquaculture. In this perspective article aspects related to diet evaluation in which zebrafish can make important contributions to nutritional genomics and nutritional immunity are discussed

Dose-dependent effects of a soluble dietary fibre (pectin) on food intake, adiposity, gut hypertrophy and gut satiety hormone secretion in rats

Acknowledgments We thank Donna Wallace and Animal House staff at the Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health for the daily care of experimental rats and for the body weight, food intake and MRI measurements.Peer reviewedPublisher PD

PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF FOOD SAFETY

The results of a 1986 nationwide survey concerning public perceptions of agriculture are presented. Specifically, the paper reports on those questions having to do with food safety, nutrition, taste, and freshness, as well as the use of antibiotics in animal feed. An ordered probit model is used to analyze the socioeconomic factors that influenced the perceptions of respondents from the Southern region. While most respondents found food to be safer, more nutritious, and fresher than in previous times, most did not think food was better tasting. A majority were concerned about the health effects of antibiotics in animal feed.Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety,

Feeding

Animal nutrition and feed science are the main scientific promote for today’s modern breeding and feed industries. Animal nutrition is the most important factor affecting performance, reproduction and products quality. Improving productivity through better nutrition is determined by some interrelated considerations such as the availability of nutrients, type of feeding system and the level of feeding management. Poor nutrition affects growth, reproduction and immune system. Besides, feed has financially the largest share in animal production, irrespective of species and production system. Feed accounts for 65–75% of total cost of livestock production. This chapter provides the fundamental concepts of animal nutrition a general awareness on nutrition and feeding of livestock (swine, poultry, beef and dairy cattle, sheep and goat). Besides, feed is financially the single most important element of animal production in most production system

Small Animal Nutrition

In general, the body needs daily intakes of a proper proportion of carbohydrate and fat for energy, amino acids for the synthesis of tissue proteins, and vitamins for special structures. In addition, it requires inorganic ions and water for the ionic environment, and inorganic ,elements such as iron, cobalt, manganese and copper, for organic combination. Thus, if dietary therapy emphasizes only one or two, or anything less than the whole group of ingredients needed daily, then the clinician is depending upon the body reserves to correct the deficiency. Similarly, a study of any particular ingredient such as the protein component must be done with a diet which supplies, to the best of our knowledge, all other essential ingredients

Pet Diet Changes While Taking an Animal Nutrition Course

This study investigates the impact of an animal nutrition course on pet owners during the Fall of 2023. The primary objective is to determine how a pet owner\u27s perception of their pet\u27s diet changes and to identify any corresponding alterations made to the pet\u27s diet before and while taking an animal nutrition course. Two surveys were conducted to collect responses: the pre-survey received 18 responses from animal nutrition students regarding their pets\u27 diets before taking the course, and the post-survey received 18 responses from animal nutrition students regarding any changes in their pets\u27 diets while taking the course

Role of Nutrition in Alcoholic Liver Disease: Summary of the Symposium at the ESBRA 2017 Congress.

The symposium, "Role of Nutrition in Alcoholic Liver Disease", was held at the European Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism Congress on 9 October 2017 in Crete, Greece. The goal of the symposium was to highlight recent advances and developments in the field of alcohol and nutrition. The symposium was focused on experimental and clinical aspects in relation to the role of different types of dietary nutrients and malnutrition in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). The following is a summary of key research presented at this session. The speakers discussed the role of dietary fats and carbohydrates in the development and progression of alcohol-induced multi-organ pathology in animal models of ALD, analyzed novel nutrition-related therapeutics (specifically, betaine and zinc) in the treatment of ALD, and addressed clinical relevance of malnutrition and nutrition support in ALD. This summary of the symposium will benefit junior and senior faculty currently investigating alcohol-induced organ pathology as well as undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students and fellows

Globalization, Food Safety and Agricultural Health Standards: Implications for Trade and Public Health

Paper presented at the 6th Annual Scientific Conference of the Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Hotel Agrabad, Chittagong, 4-6 March 2008.Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Health Economics and Policy, International Relations/Trade,

Risks associated with endotoxins in feed additives produced by fermentation

Acknowledgements We thank Jordi Tarrés Call, who recorded the discussions and offered advice about procedures, and Nicole Reisinger and Gerd Schatzmayr, who provided valuable information about endotoxins in animal feeds. The Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health is funded by the Rural and Environment Science and Analytical Services Division (RESAS) of the Scottish Government.Peer reviewedPublisher PD