Maternal food restriction during pregnancy affects offspring development and swimming performance in a placental live-bearing fish

How pregnant mothers allocate limited resources to different biological functions such as maintenance, somatic growth, and reproduction can have profound implications for early life development and survival of offspring. Here we examined the effects of maternal food restriction during pregnancy on offspring in the matrotrophic (i.e. mother-nourishment throughout gestation) live-bearing fish species Phalloptychus januarius (Poeciliidae). We fed pregnant females either with a ‘low-food’ or ‘high-food’ ration for six weeks and quantified the consequences for offspring size and body fat at birth and one week after birth. We further measured fast-start escape performance of offspring at birth, as well as swimming kinematics during prey capture at zero, two, and seven days after birth. We found that the length of maternal food restriction during pregnancy negatively affected offspring dry mass and lean dry mass at birth, as well as body fat gain during the first week after birth. Moreover, it impacted the locomotor performance of offspring during prey capture at, and during the first week after, birth. We did not observe an effect of food restriction on fast-start escape performance of offspring. Our study suggests that matrotrophic poeciliid fish are maladapted to unpredictably fluctuating resource environments, because sudden reductions in maternal food availability during pregnancy result in smaller offspring with slower postnatal body fat gain and an inhibition of postnatal improving swimming skills during feeding, potentially leading to lower competitive abilities after birth.

Production of Gynogenic Plants of Red Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) in Unpollinated Ovule Culture In Vitro

The unique and balanced components of the biochemical composition, together with high antioxidant activity, make the red beet necessary a dietary vegetable crop, much contributing to healthy food ration. The application of the technology for producing gynogenic plants in vitro increases the genetic diversity and significantly reduces the period of time required to obtain the appropriate homozygous lines used to create the F1 hybrids that are demanded in the market. For induction of gynogenesis, we used IMB medium developed by us with the addition of 55 g/L sucrose, 3 g/L phytogel, 200 mg/L ampicillin, and 0.4 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ) and cultured at 28 °C in the dark for 4–6 weeks. Shoot regeneration from embryoids and callus was performed on MS medium with 20 g/L sucrose, 3 g/L phytogel, 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and 0.1 mg/L gibberellic acid (GA3). Immersion of the obtained microshoots with 5–7 well-developed leaves for 10–15 s into concentrated sterile indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) solution (50 mg/L) followed by their cultivation on solid medium ½ IMB with 2% sucrose and 3 g/L phytogel was the most efficient method for root formation. The addition of silver nitrate (22 mg/L) to the nutrient medium provoked an increase in the number of induced ovules up to nine per Petri dish (up to 25% of induced ovules). Gynogenic development was produced in six out of 11 genotypes studied, and the plants that were then acclimatized to ex vitro conditions were obtained in three genotypes (Nezhnost’, Dobrynya, b/a 128). The evaluation of ploidy of gynogenic plants that was carried out by flow cytometry and direct counting of chromosomes stained with propion-lacmoide revealed that all obtained gynogenic plants were haploids (2n = x = 9).

The experience of using Arthrospira platensis as a feed additive in the cultivation of juveniles of the Far Eastern sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus)

The experience of using the culture of Arthrospira (Spirulina) platensis as an additive to feed when growing juveniles of the Far Eastern sea cucumber in aquarium conditions is described. The experimental food ration included live culture of spirulina, macroalgae, protein and stimulant supplements. There were no significant differences in the survival rates of individuals (experiment – 69.5%, control – 65.7%). The greatest increase in the mass of individuals was observed in the experimental container - by an average of 0.047 g. In the control group - an average of 0.009 g.

Monitoring of compliance of quality and safety of sunflower honey with the requirements of the national standard

Honey natural is one of unique booties of beekeeping. It is not only sweet addition to the ration but also valuable product that contains many important substances, in particular vitamins, micro-macronutrients, enzymes, irreplaceable amino acids and other, that must be in the food ration of everybody. For this reason for today honey is one of products, that occupies the not last place among commodity turnover. It touches not only markets but also trade network of shops and supermarkets. In recent year many producers that buy up honey on apiaries appeared in a trade network, buying honey in apiaries, package and will realize. Such honey needs careful veterinary control in relation to quality and unconcern, in fact he is one of food products, that sufficiently often yields to falsification, and to the consumer, it is almost impossible, independently to distinguish a quality product from an imitation. Therefore the aim of our research was to analyse accordance of indexes of quality and unconcern of honey natural of different producers, that will be realized in the trade network of city in relation to accordance to DSTU 4497:2005 “Natural honey. Specification”. The material of our research was samples of sunflower honey from several domestic producers, selected in the trade network. The research was conducted on the basis of Multidisciplinary Laboratory of Veterinary Medicine (Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biotecnologies of Odessa State Agrarian University) and on the basis of the laboratory of Department of Veterinary-Sanitary Inspection (Stepan Gzhytskyi National University of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnologies, Lviv). Sampling, organoleptic and physicochemical analysis of natural honey, as well as determination of radiological parameters were performed in accordance with DSTU 4497:2005. According to the results of the analysis of the labeling, it is established that the packaging of all investigated products contains the basic production and consumer information in accordance with Article 6 of the Law of Ukraine “On information for consumers about food”. However, the labels of all test samples do not contain separate information provided by the requirements of DSTU 4497:2005 on labeling, namely: the labels of samples №№ 1 and 3 do not indicate the grade of honey, vitamin content and storage temperature of honey, and the expiration date from the date of packaging, not the day of manufacture; on the label of the sample № 2 – the date of packing is not indicated. The study of organoleptic, physicochemical and radiological parameters of sunflower honey samples demonstrates their compliance with the requirements of the regulated DSTU 4497:2005 “Natural honey. Specification”.

A Comparison of the Effects of Young-Child Formulas and Cow’s Milk on Nutrient Intakes in Polish Children Aged 13–24 Months

Adequately balanced daily food rations that provide the body with sufficient amounts of energy and nutrients, including minerals, are particularly important in early childhood when rapid physical, intellectual and motor development takes place. Cow’s milk (CM) and young-child formulas (YCFs) are introduced to a child’s diet past the first year of age. The main aim of the present study was to perform a qualitative and a quantitative analysis of daily food rations of young children based on the recommendations of the daily food ration model. An attempt was also made to determine whether the type of consumed milk (YCF or CM) adequately meets young children’s energy demands and contributes to the incorporation of different food groups into a balanced and healthy diet for children aged 13–24 months. A total of 714 parents between October 2019 and March 2020 filled out a food frequency questionnaire. In the second stage of the study, the parents participated in a dietary recall and were asked to keep diaries of all meals and foods consumed by children over a period of three days. The mean daily intake of CM/YCF and fermented milks was determined at 360 mL ± 128 mL, and it accounted for 55.4% of the guideline values. Flavored dairy products were consumed more frequently than fermented milks without added sugar or flavoring (94 ± 17 g vs. 56 ± 26 g, p < 0.05). Diets incorporating CM were significantly more abundant in protein than YCF diets (29.3 g vs. 21.9 g; p < 0.01). Liquid intake was somewhat higher in children fed YCFs (1280.8 mL vs. 1120.1; p < 0.05), mainly due to the higher consumption of fruit juice, nectars and sweetened hot beverages (246 ± 35 mL in the YCF group vs. 201 ± 56 mL in the CM group; p < 0.05). Children fed YCF consumed significantly larger amounts of sweetened beverages such as tea sweetened with sugar or honey, sweetened hot chocolate or instant teas (OR = 2.54; Cl: 1.32–3.26; p < 0.001), than children receiving CM. This group was also characterized by higher consumption of sweetened dairy products, mainly cream cheese desserts, fruit yogurt and yogurt with cereal (OR = 1.87; Cl: 1.36–2.54; p < 0.01), as well as a lower daily intake of plain fermented milks (OR = 0.56; Cl: 0.21–0.79; p < 0.001). The daily food intake and the quality of the diets administered to children aged 13–24 months were evaluated and compared with the model food ration. It was found that milk type influenced children’s eating habits and preference for sweet-tasting foods. The study also demonstrated that Polish parents and caregivers only have limited knowledge of nutritional guidelines for toddlers.

THE STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTIC OF MACROZOOBENTHOS OF LAKE ZAKITNE

For the first time, systematic studies of the structural and functional properties of macrozoobenthos of Lake Zakіtne were conducted. A taxonomic list of macroinvertebrates with their zoogeographical characteristics is given. According to the results of research, 3 types of benthic invertebrate groups were identified and described, of which Oligochaeta-Chironomidae type were the most widespread. Only two species were common to all found groups: Einfeldia longipes and Glyptotendipes glaucus of Chiromonidae family. The calculated biotic indices indicate a fairly high degree of use of existing biotopes by macroinvertebrates, as well as the predominance of species characteristic of the α-β-mesosaprobic zone.The variety of ways and mechanisms of feeding of benthic invertebrates is shown. Collectors, scraper collectors, sedimentators, filter feeders, shredders, predators, as well as macroinvertebrates with an indeterminate feeding type were identified in the trophic structure by the predominant type of feeding. The number of species, as well as their representation in trophic groups, varied in different years, yet 54-73% of them were nonpredatory forms.According to the obtained data, the components of the energy balance for macroinvertebrates were calculated. The active participation in the production of organic matter of Chironomidae larvae (from 29 to 62% of the total production of nonpredatory and predatory forms) is indicated. In some years, Ephemeroptera and Mollusca were actively involved in production. The largest flow of energy passed through insects (Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera) and leeches. Attention is drawn to the role of predators, which can significantly reduce the production of groups. High production and food ration of predators do not allow to ignore them when calculating the production of the entire zoocenosis.In average, during the vegetation season, the total production of nonpredatory and predatory benthic invertebrates was 77,89 kJ/m2, and the predator's food ration was 61,80 kJ/m2.Key words:macroinvertebrates, taxonomic structure, trophic structure, community, production, food ration, energy balance. Вперше проведено систематичні дослідження структурно-функціональних властивостей макрозообентосу озера Закітне. Наведено таксономічний список макробезхребетних з їх зоогеографічною характеристикою. За результатами досліджень виявлено та описано 3 типи угруповань донних безхребетних, з яких найбільшепоширення отримали олігохетно-хірономідні комплекси. Лише двавиди виявилися спільними для всіх знайдених угруповань: Einfeldia longipes і Glyptotendipes glaucus (родина Chironomidae).Розраховані біотичні індекси свідчать про достатньо високий ступень використання існуючих біотопів макробезхребетними, а також про переважання видів, що характерні для α-β-мезосапробної зони.Показанарізноманітність способів і механізмів живлення донних безхребетних. У трофічній структурі угруповань за переважаючим способомживлення було виділено збирачів, збирачів-шкребачів, седиментаторів, фільтраторів, подрібнювачів, хижаків, а також макробезхребетних із невизначеним типом живлення. Кількість видів, а також їх представленість утрофічних групах в різні роки була неоднакова, але на 54–73% це були мирні форми.За отриманими даними було розраховано складові енергетичного балансу за макробезхребетними. Вказано на активну участь упродукуванні органічної речовини личинок родини Chironomidae, яким належить від 29 до 62% від сумарної продукції мирних і хижих форм. В окремі роки в продукування активно включалися одноденки та молюски. Найбільший потік енергії проходив через комах (Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera) і п’явок. Звернуто увагу на роль хижаків, які можуть суттєво знижувати продукцію угруповань. Високапродукція і раціон хижаків не дозволяють нехтувати ними при розрахунку продукції всього ценозу.Підраховано, що в середньому за вегетаційний період сумарна продукція мирних і хижих донних безхребетних дорівнювала 77,89 кДж/м2, а раціон хижаків складав 61,80 кДж/м2.Ключові слова: макробезхребетні, таксономічна структура, трофічна структура, угруповання, продукція, раціон, енергетичний баланс.

Comparative Studies of Growth Performance of Rabbits (Ornyctolagus cunniculus) Fed on Rabbit Feeds and Diverse Foodstuff in Captivity

The study was carried out to ascertain ways to increase protein for the teeming population of Nigerians. The specific objectives were to determine the growth performance of rabbits fed on rabbit feed and combination of agricultural by-product with forages and compare their feed utilization. It investigated the growth performances of rabbits; (Orynctolagus cuniculus) fed diverse ration (types A and B) in captivity for 12 weeks. A total of eighteen (18) weaner rabbits with an average initial weight of 350g – 370g and between 5 and 6 weeks old, were allotted into two treatments. Each treatment had three rabbits and three replicate in a completely randomized design. Rabbits in treatment one (A) were fed rabbit feed while the treatment two (B) were fed forage and diverse foodstuffs. Proximate analysis of these food ration types A and B showed that the ration type B was high in crude protein (23.88%), carbohydrate (53.29%) and fat (8.60%) and ration type A had the lowest crude protein (20.76%), carbohydrate, (52.49%) and fat (3.15%). Studies on the indices of ration utilization and growth performances showed that feed intake was highest in rabbit fed ration type A (94.28g) and lowest in ration B (90.98g). The diverse ration types although portrayed good weight gain, the highest was in rabbit fed ration type B (760.00g) and lowest in ration A (681.00g) and ration type B was significantly (p<0.05) different from ration A. The percentage weight gain and specific growth rate were highest in ration type B (210.50%), (4.097) and lowest in ration A (189.10%), (3.841). The best food conversion ratio was recorded for the rabbit fed ration type B (10.07g) and least in ration A (11.64g) and ration type A was significantly (p<0.05) different from ration B. Digestibility was highest in rabbit fed Ration A (93.33g) and lowest in ration B (92.67g) and were significantly different (p<0.05) from each other. The protein intake of ration B (21.73) was higher than those of ration A (19.57). The result also showed that the protein efficiency ratio of ration type A and B was not significantly different (p>0.05) from each other. Looking at the proximate composition of the diverse rations and indices of ration utilization, ration type B portrayed optimal nutrient content for rabbit growth.

HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF MEDICAL NUTRITION ORGANIZATIONS IN TUBERCULOSIS INSTITUTIONS

Научно обоснованная структура здорового питания, ориентированная на регуляцию метаболических процесов и улучшение иммунной устойчивости организма, позитивно повлияет на результативность специализированной медпомощи, улучшит механизмы регенерации и ускорит воссоздание разрушенных структур и функций организма. Схема действия диеты для больных туберкулезом была внедрена в 1940-х годах и не была изменена последними исследовательскими и техническими достижениями в сфере питания и гастроэнтерологии. Таким образом, нет никаких сомнений в том, что улучшение пищевых привычек для улучшения здоровья этой группы пациентов рассматривается как многообещающий способ улучшения эффективности лечения ТБ, что делает вышеуказанное исследование важным. В документе будет проанализирована текущая гигиеническая эффективность здорового питания в противотуберкулезных учреждениях и даны рекомендации по повышению стандартов гигиены пищевых продуктов. Это также определяет важность правильного питания при лечении туберкулеза. A scientifically-based system of therapeutic nutrition aimed at normalizing metabolic processes and increasing the body's immunoresistance will positively affect the effectiveness of specialized medical care, enhance reparative processes and accelerate the recovery of damaged structures and functions of the body. The current standard of food ration for tuberculosis patients was developed in the 40s of the last century and was not adjusted in accordance with the latest scientific achievements of dietetics and gastroenterology. Therefore, there is no doubt that improving the system of medical nutrition for this category of patients is a promising direction for improving the effectiveness of treatment of tuberculosis, which determines the relevance of this study. This paper will consider the current hygienic indicators of the organization of medical nutrition in TB institutions and recommendations for improving the hygienic standards of nutrition. In addition, the importance of proper nutrition in treatment against tuberculosis will be revealed.

MASLOZERO LAKE ECOSYSTEM AND THE RESULTS OF THE RELEASE OF THE SMELT OSMERUS EPERLANUS INTO THE LAKE

The results of the study of the Maslozero Lake ecosystem (the White Sea basin) are reported. The lake is small, deep and poorly lotic. Its hydrochemical and hydrobiological indices were studied. The quantitative and structural indices of the state of the lake’s zooplankton and macrozoobenthos are presented for the first time. The lake is an oligo-mesotrophic water body type, as indicated by the nutrient content scale. The lake is inhabited by 14 fish species of 11 families. The perch Perca fluviatilis , the whitefish Coregonus lavaretus, the pike Esox lucius, the roach Rutilus rutilus and the introduced smelt Osmerus eperlanus are most abundant. The introduction of the smelt into Maslozero Lake is appraised. The smelt in the lake has naturalized, is successfully reproducing and has become abundant. Its growth rate is identical to that of the smelt from its parental water body - Ladoga Lake. The food ration of predatory fish (pike, burbot, perch and char) is dominated by smelt as the most abundant and accessible food item available all year round. The lake is used by the local population for economic purposes, recreation, amateur fishing and fish culture.

Potential forage plants for snow sheep (Ovis nivicola Eschscholtz) in the Polar Urals within the Yamal‑Nenets Autonomous District (Russia)

An examination of potential forage resources for snow sheep, or Siberian bighorn sheep (Ovis nivicola Eschscholtz, 1829) in the Polar Urals, where the introduction of these animals from their natural habitats in Northeastern Yakutia is planned, was carried out at the initiative of the Governor of the Yamalo‑Nenets Autonomous District (Russian Federation). The mountain ranges of the Polar Urals have a high degree of similarity with the natural conditions prevailing within the area of the snow sheep, but in the historical past these ungulates were not recorded in the Polar Urals. Therefore, this experiment aimed at expanding the distribution area of snow sheep will involve some risks. In addition to other aspects of introduction, one of the most important is the sufficiency and compliance of the forage base in the new natural area to the snow sheep requirements. This issue is discussed in this publication. According to our observations and literature data, the diet of snow sheep in natural habitats includes 290 species of vascular plants, 21 species of mosses, 20 species of lichens, representatives of 6 genera of cap mushrooms. However, vascular plants, bushy lichens, and seasonal fungi, play the main role in the diet of snow sheep. Forage species of vascular plants belong to almost all of the Boreal region’s families that dominate in terms of diversity, i.e., Poaceae, Cyperaceae, Salicaceae, Betulaceae, Polygonaceae, Caryophyllaceae, Ranunculaceae, Brassicaceae, Rosaceae, Fabaceae, Ericaceae, and Asteraceae. In fact, the snow sheep consume almost the entire range of plants growing within its habitat to one degree or another. This makes it possible to assume that in the Polar Urals, snow sheep will widely use the substituting species which are closely related to the known forage plants. The known food ration of snow sheep in the Polar Urals includes 157 species of vascular plants, 13 species and representatives of 5 genera of leaf‑stem mosses, more than 20 species of ground lichens, representatives of 3 genera (11 species in total) of epiphytic lichens and 6 genera of fungi. In addition, it is predicted that among the replacement plant species distributed in the Polar Urals, the potential forage resources for these animals will include 166 species of vascular plants, a significant part (up to 99 species) of the 358 known species leaf‑stem mosses, and more than 40 species of lichens. The frequency of occurrence and diversity of cap mushrooms in the Polar Urals is high, and can have a positive effect on the feeding of animals in summer and autumn.