Data compilation of respiration, feeding, and growth rates of marine pelagic organisms

The metabolic rate of organisms may either be viewed as a basic property from which other vital rates and many ecological patterns emerge and that follows a universal allometric mass scaling law; or it may be considered a property of the organism that emerges as a result of the organism's adaptation to the environment, with consequently less universal mass scaling properties. Data on body mass, maximum ingestion and clearance rates, respiration rates and maximum growth rates of animals living in the ocean epipelagic were compiled from the literature, mainly from original papers but also from previous compilations by other authors. Data were read from tables or digitized from graphs. Only measurements made on individuals of know size, or groups of individuals of similar and known size were included. We show that clearance and respiration rates have life-form-dependent allometries that have similar scaling but different elevations, such that the mass-specific rates converge on a rather narrow size-independent range. In contrast, ingestion and growth rates follow a near-universal taxa-independent ~3/4 mass scaling power law. We argue that the declining mass-specific clearance rates with size within taxa is related to the inherent decrease in feeding efficiency of any particular feeding mode. The transitions between feeding mode and simultaneous transitions in clearance and respiration rates may then represent adaptations to the food environment and be the result of the optimization of tradeoffs that allow sufficient feeding and growth rates to balance mortality

Compensatory Feeding and Growth Responses of \u3ci\u3ePapilio Glaucus\u3c/i\u3e (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) Larvae Reared in Darkness.

The goal was to determine the potential impact of photoperiod on feeding behavior and larval growth rates. Larvae from six different families of the eastern swallowtail butterfly, Papilio glaucus L. (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) were placed into 3 different photoperiod regimes (long days at 18:6 h, short days at 12:12 h, and total darkness at 0:24 h, all at 27°C) as neonate first instars and reared to pupation. The initial 11 days reflected very slow growth of the larvae in darkness (only half the weight of the long day larvae). No differences in survival at 4 days or 11 days or until pupation were evident between any treatments. Average time to pupation ( = total larval duration) was statistically identical between the treatments. However, despite their slow start during the first two instars, the larvae in complete darkness were able to increase their growth rates in the final 3 instars to such magnitude that they grew to the same final pupal size as those in the long day (and bigger than those in the short day) treatments. Such compensatory feeding and growth as a result of photoperiod has not previously been reported. Potential additional causes for such behavioral/physiological compensatory growth rates in caterpillars of other species are discussed

Lipidomic analyses, breast- and formula-feeding, and growth in infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate lipidomic differences between breast- and formula-fed infants. STUDY DESIGN: We utilized high-resolution mass-spectrometry methods to analyze 3.2 mm dried blood spot samples collected at ages 3 months (n = 241) and 12 months (n = 144) from a representative birth cohort study. Lipidomic profiles were compared between infants exclusively breast-fed, formula-fed, or mixed-fed, and related to 12-month infancy weight. Data analysis included supervised multivariate statistics (partial least squares discriminant analysis), and univariate analysis with correction for multiple testing. RESULTS: Distinct differences in 3-month lipidomic profiles were observed between exclusively breast-fed and formula-fed infants; mixed-fed infants showed intermediate profiles. Principle lipidomic characteristics of breast-fed infants were lower total phosphatidylcholines (PCs), with specifically lower short chain unsaturated PC but higher long chain polyunsaturated PC; higher cholesterol esters; and variable differences in sphingomyelins. At 12 months, lipidomic profiles were markedly different to those at 3 months, and differences between the earlier breast/formula/mixed-feeding groups were no longer evident. However, several specific lipid species, associated with breast-feeding at 3 months, also correlated with differences in 3- to 12-month weight. CONCLUSIONS: State-of-the-art dried blood spot sample lipidomic profiling demonstrated striking differences between breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Although these changes diminished with age, breast-fed lipidomic profiles at 3 months were associated with infancy weight and could potentially represent biomarkers of infant nutrition.PP was supported by a UK MRC Clinical Training Fellowship (G1001995). The Cambridge Baby Growth Study has been supported by the European Union, the World Cancer Research Foundation International, the Medical Research Council (including a centenary award), and the NIHR Cambridge Comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre. The lipidomics assays were supported by the Medical Research Council (UD99999906 and Cambridge Lipidomics Biomarker Research Initiative G0800783).This is the final version of the article. It first appeared from Elsevier via http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpeds.2014.10.02

Feeding and growth in a captive-born bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus

The feeding and growth of a captive-born bottlenose dolphin Tursiops trunatus calf were studied for 30 months post partum. Changes in the behaviours associated with suckling were monitored and suggested that the mammary glands need tactile stimulation before the calf can feed. The calf exhibited no teat preference and mean duration of each suckling bout (4 s) remained constant throughout the suckling period. Suckling frequency declined rapidly during the first two months and continued decreasing steadily for the remainder of the study. A reduced growth rate from seven months suggests that nutrition obtained only from milk is insufficient; however, growth rate increased from 11 months, after the calf started feeding on fish. Solid food intake increased rapidly until completion of the study, by which time the calf was eating 16 kg of fish daily. Short-term reductions in food intake after weaning resulted in corresponding reductions in weight, but appeared to have no effect on linear growth

Distribution, feeding condition, and growth of Japanese Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) larvae in the Seto Inland Sea

Distribution of eggs and larvae and feeding and growth of larvae of Japanese Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus niphonius) were investigated in relation to their prey in the Sea of Hiuchi, the Seto Inland Sea, Japan, in 1995 and 1996. The abundance of S. niphonius eggs and larvae peaked in late May, corresponding with that of clupeid larvae, the major prey organisms of S. niphonius larvae. The eggs were abundant in the northwestern waters and the larvae were abundant in the southern waters in late May in both years, indicating a southward drift during egg and yolksac stages by residual f low in the central part of the Sea of Hiuchi. Abundance of clupeid larvae in southern waters, where S. niphonius larvae were abundant, may indicate a spawning strategy on the part of first-feeding S. niphonius larvae to encounter the spatial and temporal peak in ichthyoplankton prey abundance in the Seto Inland Sea. Abundance of the clupeid larvae was higher in 1995 than in 1996. Feeding incidence (percentage of stomachs with food; 85.3% in 1995 and 67.7% in 1996) and mean growth rate estimated from otolith daily increments (1.05 mm/d in 1995 and 0.85 mm/d in 1996) of S. niphonius larvae in late May were significantly higher in 1995. Young-of-the-year S. niphonius abundance and catch per unit of fishing effort of 1-year-old S. niphonius in the Sea of Hiuchi was higher in 1995, indicating a more successful recruitment in this year. Spatial and temporal correspondence with high ichthyoplankton prey concentration was considered one of the important determinants for the feeding success, growth, and survival of S. niphonius larvae

Analysis of OFF research topics in CORE Organic participating countries

This analysis of OFF research in the participating countries of CORE Organic is based on titles of projects running during the time period 2000-2007, with some variation from country to country. Lists of project titles were taken from country reports

Demand feeding and growth in Salmonids

Summary: Rainbow trout of 35g or more and 1 year old salmon smolts were acclimated to seawater in recirculating systems, or more successfully in floating cages in Dunstaffnage Bay at salinities of 25% to 30%. Rainbow trout learnt within 24 h to press a lever to operate an automatic feeder dispensing dry food pellets. They could be trained by an experimenter firing the feeder to cause food deliveries immediately adjacent to the trigger, but would also learn to use the trigger without any training , particularly when in groups rather that as individuals. Feeds were highly aggregated, bouts of rapid feeding being followed by some hours with very little feeding activity. Feeds within bouts were spaced at a mean of 4 to 8 mins. There was a marked peak of feeding activity at dusk and up to 40% of a days feeds could occur overnight. Individual rainbow trout may waste up to 50% of the food that they delivered but wastage was less marked in groups. In groups of up to 20 trout a single individual was responsible for all of the trigger pressing, though all of the fish present took the food and this reduced the amount wasted. The dominant individual with regard to trigger pressing was also dominant as regards territory. The total daily intake of food was dependent on the reward per trigger press, and a delivery of 0.1 to 0.15% of the aggregate weight of fish present gave the maximum intake with the minimum wastage. This level of intake was greater than that recommended by the food manufacturers for maximum conversion efficiency, but it could be reduced by reducing the reward levels. It is suggested that this could provide a suitable scheme for the operation of demand feeders in fish farming. No improvement in growth rates and conversion efficiency was demonstrated by demand feeding compared to twice daily hand feeding to individual rainbow trout, though there was an improvement in conversion efficiency over once daily hand feeding to groups of trout

A Study on the Feeding and Growth Patterns of the Variegated Grasshopper Zonocerus Variegatus (L) in the Laboratory

The feeding and growth patterns of the variegated grasshopper, Zonocerusvariegatus (L) were studied in the laboratory to ascertain the amount of food intake, food assimilated and faeces excreted by its nymph and adult stages on a mixed diet of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) leaves. Also, the length and weight of the nymph and adult insects were determined separately while the behavioural patterns of food selection were observed. Although temperature and relative humidity affected the activities of the insects, and were not regulated in the experimental room, these did not affect their feeding pattern and as such, could not be the main factors’ affecting the insect’s feeding and growth patterns. Results obtained from the analysis of data obtained showed that the nymphal stages of the grasshoppers consumed and utilized more feed for growth and development than their adult stages. Consequently, it could be inferred that the nymphal stages would constitute more serious pest problems on the vegetation they attack than the adults. Therefore, significant management of this pest can be achieved when control measures are aimed more at the nymphal stages than the adults

Optimization of feeding and growth performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) fingerlings.

The present studies were undertaken because feeding remains the single most important determinant of the economic viability of fish culture The research identified the factors pertinent to feeding strategies and growth performance of African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings. Existing literature relating to the feeding and growth of African catfish is reviewed and the key factors highlighted. A preliminary experiment investigated the effect of the three most important factors - density, light and shelter - on the growth and survival of C. gariepinus. Low density, low light intensity and shelter enhanced growth rates, although not the rates of survival of C. gariepinus fingerlings. The second preliminary experiment was conducted in order to establish an appropriate methodology for measuring feed intake and gastric evacuation. The X-ray method using radio opaque Ballotinis proved successful for accurate estimation of feed intake and gastric evacuation of C. gariepinus. These two studies provided information on environmental parameters in catfish rearing and the appropriate techniques for monitoring feed consumption and evacuation rate. Using feed marker and X-ray technology, based on gastric evacuation and return of appetite, maximum daily feed intake was estimated and a feeding schedule for fingerlings of this species proposed. The effects of particle size and energy level of food on gastric evacuation are evaluated and optimum feed particle sizes and energy levels were determined. Fingerling C. gariepinus grow best on diets of intermediate pellet size (1.5 and 2 mm) and intermediate dietary energy level (22.84 kJ g'1), resulting in high feed intake and feed utilization and low food conversion. Although this species is believed to have a nocturnal feeding habit, to date no research has established a diel rhythm. Using infrared video technology and continuous recording of feeding activities a precise diel rhythm was identified. Predominantly a nocturnal feeder, C. gariepinus shows two distinct feeding peaks given access to feed for 24 h - one immediately after the onset of dark phase and the second just prior to the onset of the light phase. In order to maximize growth performance and feed intake, fish were fed with diets of intermediate pellet size and energy level in three different modes - following their feeding rhythm, only in light phase and in light and dark phase continuously. Fish fed in response to their rhythmic feeding peak had highest weight gain, feed intake and feed utilization and lowest feed conversion. On this basis, a comprehensive feeding guide for fmgerling C. gariepinus was established