Application of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life to prevent of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants

Objective:To study the effects of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)in very low birth weight(VLBW)preterm infants.Methods:A total of 128 VLBW infants who could not be breastfed were assigned into the experimental group(63 cases)and the control group(65 cases)using a random number table.The experiment group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)on day 1 which was increased to 24 mL/(kg·d)for the first 10 study days.The control group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)for the first 14e48 hours.Then,the feeding volume increased by 24-36 mL/(kg·d)up to 140e160 mL/(kg·d)and maintained until the 10th day after birth.The incidence of feeding intolerance and NEC,duration of hospitalization,time to full enteral feedings,incidence of intrahepatic cholestasis,and the levels of gastrin and motilin in serum were assessed.Results:The incidence of feeding intolerance was significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group(15.87% vs.33.84%).There was a significant reduction in the incidence of NEC between the experimental and control groups(7.9% vs.16% in the control group).Conclusion:A protocol that prolongs small feeding volumes early in life can reduce the incidence and severity of NEC,but still warrants further study.

Early selective enteral feeding in treatment of acute pancreatitis: A case report

BACKGROUND Early initiation of enteral feeding is recognized to play a crucial role in improving the outcomes of treatment of acute pancreatitis.However,the method of adminis-tration of enteral nutrition remains debatable.We present the experience of treating a patient with moderate-severe acute pancreatitis,at high risk of progressing to a severe or fatal condition,using a novel method of selective feeding with duodenal isolation.CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old female patient presented to the emergency unit of the hospital with a typical manifestation of acute pancreatitis.Despite a conventional treatment,the patient’s condition deteriorated by day 2 of hospitalization.Using an endoscopic approach,a novel catheter PandiCathffwas placed to the duodenum of the patient,isolating its segment between the duodenal bulb and the ligament of Treitz.In the isolated area created,a negative pressure was applied,followed by introduction of early selective enteral feeding.The patient’s condition subsequently improved in a rapid manner,and no complications often associated with moderate-to-severe acute pancreatitis developed.CONCLUSION Within 48 h of starting treatment with the novel method,it can prevent the development of multiple organ failure and,when combined with minimally invasive drainage methods,help prevent infection.

Benefits of jejunostomy feeding in patients who underwent gastrectomy for cancer treatment

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is associated with significant undernutrition responsible for an increase in morbidity and mortality after gastrectomy.AIM To evaluate the impact of enteral nutrition by jejunostomy feeding in patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer.METHODS Between 2003 and 2017,all patients undergoing gastrectomy for cancer treatment were included retrospectively.A group with jejunostomy(J+group)and a group without jejunostomy(J-group)were compared.RESULTS Of the 172 patients included,60 received jejunostomy.Preoperatively,the two groups were comparable with respect to the nutritional parameters studied(body mass index,albumin,etc.).In the postoperative period,the J+group lost less weight and albumin:5.74±8.4 vs 9.86±7.5 kg(P=0.07)and 7.2±5.6 vs 14.7±12.7 g/L(P=0.16),respectively.Overall morbidity was 25%in the J+group and 36.6%in the J-group(P=0.12).The J+group had fewer respiratory,infectious,and grade 3 complications:0%vs 5.4%(P=0.09),1.2%vs 9.3%(P=0.03),and 0%vs 4.7%(P=0.05),respectively.The 30-day mortality was 6.7%in the J+group and 6.3%in the J-group(P=0.91).CONCLUSION Jejunostomy feeding after gastrectomy improves nutritional characteristics and decreases postoperative morbidity.A prospective study could confirm our results.

The Effects of Different Feeding Practices on the Nutritional Status of Infants below 12 Months Old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division

Appropriate feeding practices are important during infancy for good health, growth and development of infants and children. WHO revised its earlier recommendation of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) of infants from 4 to 6 months of age to EBF until about 6 months of age, with the addition of complementary foods thereafter. This recommendation confirms that breast milk alone is sufficient to meet infants’ nutritional requirements for the first 6 months of life. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various feeding practices on the Nutritional status of infants 0 - 12-month-old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to August 2020. A total of 341 nursing mothers and their infants 0 - 12 months of age were recruited. Socio-demographic factors and the different feeding habits of the children were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. The overall proportion of infants who exclusively breastfed for 6 months was 69.2% and those who were mix-fed were 30.8% in the study area. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the population was 61.0%. Among the malnourished children, 53.1% were underweight, 19.6% were wasted and 10.0% were stunted. Though not significant, the prevalence of wasting (21.0%) and underweight (58.3%) was higher among Mix-Fed (MF) children when compared to their EBF counterparts. Feeding practices affected the nutritional status of the infants. Underweight and wasting were observed among infants on Complementary Feeding (CF), although some exclusively breast-fed infants were stunted. Hence, nursing mothers should try as much as possible to practice EBF as recommended by WHO and can practice CF when the child is above six months.

Heart Failure-Like Reaction Is Likely Involved in the Feeding Behaviour of Blood-Sucking Leeches

Medicinal leeches have been utilized in therapy for thousands of years. However, the adaptation physiology between leeches and hosts is not fully understand. To disclose the molecular mechanisms of adaptation between leech and host, the body transcriptomes of hunger and fed blood-sucking Poecilobdella javanica, Haemadipsa cavatuses, and Hirudo nipponia leeches were obtained by RNA sequencing, after comparison, a stratified unigenes group was obtained, which closely correlated to body distension. In the group, Rfamide receptor decreased significantly (P < 0.05) while serotonin receptor increased significantly (P < 0.05). Moreover, four KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways, including cardiac muscle contraction, complement and coagulation cascades, renin-angiotensin system, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were significantly enriched. The unigenes annotation, neuroregulators correlation analysis and induced function of the KEGG pathways, were consistently supported the same result as: vasoconstriction and systole reaction enhance in hunger leeches and vice versa vasodilation and diastole increase in fed leeches, meanwhile, Interspecific comparison and correlative analyses of physiological function showed that the strongest reaction of induced heart failure from four KEGG occur in strongest reaction of systole in hungry P. javanica and in strongest reaction of diastole in fed H. nipponia. Overall, heart failure is likely a physiological function involved in feeding behaviour.

Feeding Practices and Use of Lysine and Methionine in Pigrationing on Intensified Pig Breeding in the West Center and Hauts Bassins Regions of Burkina Faso

The aim of the study was to assess feeding practices and the use of lysine and methionine in pig rationing on intensified and semi-intensive pig breeding in the Koudougou and Bobo-Dioulasso areas. To this end, a cross-sectional survey was carried out on 87 breeding in these towns. A Discriminant Factorial Analysis (DFA) confirming a k-means classification of the data collected was used to retain 71 breeding divided into three breeding classes: Class A (32.4% of breeding), Class B (14.08%) and Class C (53.52%). The results show that the majority of pig breeders were men between the ages of 36 and 59. Average herd sizes were 35 ± 28;79 ± 42 and 89 ± 21 pigs for Classes A, B and C respectively. The main breeds of pig found on the breeding were crossbred, Large white, local, Landrace and Duroc. Class A (26.1%), B (30%) and C (15.8%) breeders were familiar with both lysine and methionine. Class A breeders distributed feed staggered (65.2%) and in rations (34.8%). Lysine (13%) and methionine (8.7%) were purchased at 5250 FCFA/kg. Those in class B distributed feed staggered (50%) and in the form of rations (50%), in which they incorporated lysine (30%) and methionine (30%) purchased at a cost of 2500 FCFA/kg and 3000 FCFA/kg respectively. Rationing and staggered feeding were practiced by 23.7% and 76.3% of Class C breeders respectively. Only lysine purchased at 3400 FCFA/kg was incorporated into rations by 10.5% of breeders. The high cost of lysine and methionine was incriminated by Class A (100%), B (33.3%) and C (50%) breeders. In conclusion, intensive pig breeding, the practice of rationing and the incorporation of the amino acids lysine and methionine are of ascending importance from classes C, A to B. The high cost of feedstuffs, particularly lysine and methionine, compromises their use in rations, which could have a negative impact on expected breeding performance. The screening and use of feeds rich in and/or enriched with these amino acids, through the development or adaptation of technologies, could improve the efficiency of rations and the productivity of intensive pig breeding in Burkina Faso.

The Development of a Feeding Coparenting Scale for Japanese Parents of Fifth- and Sixth-Grade Elementary School Children

Aim: Recently, the role of feeding coparenting has gained attention in the child eating research field. The Feeding Coparenting Scale (FCS), a measure of how caregivers interact with their partners when feeding their children was developed in the United States in 2019. However, there is no valid and reliable measure to assess feeding coparenting among caregivers of school-aged children in Japan. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a Japanese version of the FCS (FCS-J) questionnaire for caregivers with school-aged children. Methods: This was a web-based cross-sectional survey completed by caregivers of children aged 10-12 years. A preliminary survey using interviews and a web-based survey was conducted and found that the translated items of the FCS into Japanese were understandable to Japanese people. The developed survey was administered to parents of children at an elementary school. The reliability of the survey was assessed using both test-retest reliability and internal consistency analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was used to test construct validity, and known population validity was examined in relation to attributes, marital satisfaction, and feeding tasks. Results: Findings with 135 parents of school-aged children showed good internal reliability and validity of the FCS-J. The mean score for the overall FCS-J score was 46.2 (SD = 6.2), with Cronbach’s α of 0.72. For the subscales, Cronbach’s α ranged from 0.75 to 0.79. In sum, the present study’s results support the three-factor structure of the FCS in Japanese caregivers in Japan. Conclusions: The developed FCS-J was found to have a certain degree of reliability and validity. In this study, a Japanese version of the FCS-J was developed. .

Summary of the Best Evidence for Tube Feeding Intolerance in Critically Ill Children

Objective:To summarize the evidence of tube feeding intolerance in critically ill children,aiming to provide evidence-based information for clinical nursing staff.Methods:Evidence search was done in Chinese and English databases to guide network and professional associations at home and abroad.The search time limit was from January 2014 to January 2024,nearly 10 years of relevant literature,mainly including guidelines,consensus,expert advice,best practice,evidence summary,system evaluation,and meta-analysis.Literature quality evaluation and evidence extraction were independently performed by two researchers.Results:This paper included 13 articles,including three guidelines,three systematic evaluations,three expert opinions,and four expert consensus.Twenty-six pieces of evidence were summarized from 10 aspects of feeding intolerance definition,team building,nutritional assessment,nutritional preparation,feeding protocol,feeding route,feeding management,pipeline management,gastric residual volume,and drug application.Conclusion:This paper summarized the evidence of tube feeding intolerance in critically ill children,which can provide evidence-based information for clinical practice.The abdominal signs should be closely observed when evaluating feeding intolerance,focusing on the prevention and reduction of feeding interruption.

Advances in research on responsive feeding and children's eating behaviors

Background:Given that the formation of eating behaviors in childhood is largely dependent on parental feeding,it is necessary to consider eating behaviors along with feeding behaviors when exploring child nutrition.Responsive feeding can not only promote the development of self-regulation ability,prevent overweight and obesity,and develop healthy dietary behaviors but also enhance the psychosocial ability,cognitive ability,and language ability of infants.it is of great significance for the growth and development of infants to identify whether the feeding behavior of caregivers is responsive feeding as early as possible.Methods:The progress of the literature summarizes the relevant concepts,evaluation tools,and the relationship between responsive feeding and dietary behavior.Results:This is a fact that China lacks the unified response feeding definition and responsive feeding evaluation tools suitable for homes in China.The relationship between responsive feeding and dietary behavior is in the stage of infancy,and systematic response feeding and dietary behavior have not been formed.Conclusion:It is time to pay attention to the dietary behavior of Chinese children.Intervening measures such as promoting the application of responsive feeding should be actively carry out,accordingly,childhood obesity can be prevented.

Adjusting phosphate feeding regimen according to daily rhythm increases eggshell quality via enhancing medullary bone remodeling in laying hens

Background Body phosphorus metabolism exhibits a circadian rhythm over the 24-h daily cycle.The egg laying behavior makes laying hens a very special model for investigating phosphorus circadian rhythms.There is lack of information about the impact of adjusting phosphate feeding regimen according to daily rhythm on the phosphorus homeostasis and bone remodeling of laying hens.Methods and results Two experiments were conducted.In Exp.1,Hy-Line Brown laying hens(n=45)were sampled according the oviposition cycle(at 0,6,12,and 18 h post-oviposition,and at the next oviposition,respectively;n=9 at each time point).Diurnal rhythms of body calcium/phosphorus ingestions and excretions,serum calcium/phosphorus levels,oviduct uterus calcium transporter expressions,and medullary bone(MB)remodeling were illustrated.In Exp.2,two diets with different phosphorus levels(0.32%and 0.14%non-phytate phosphorus(NPP),respectively)were alternately presented to the laying hens.Briefly,four phosphorus feeding regimens in total(each included 6 replicates of 5 hens):(1)fed 0.32%NPP at both 09:00 and 17:00;(2)fed 0.32%NPP at 09:00 and 0.14%NPP at 17:00;(3)fed 0.14%NPP at 09:00 and 0.32%NPP at 17:00;(4)fed 0.14%NPP at both 09:00 and 17:00.As a result,the regimen fed 0.14%NPP at 09:00 and 0.32%NPP at 17:00,which was designed to strengthen intrinsic phosphate circadian rhythms according to the findings in Exp.1,enhanced(P<0.05)MB remodeling(indicated by histological images,serum markers and bone mineralization gene expressions),elevated(P<0.05)oviduct uterus calcium transportation(indicated by transient receptor potential vanilloid 6 protein expression),and subsequently increased(P<0.05)eggshell thickness,eggshell strength,egg specific gravity and eggshell index in laying hens.Conclusions These results underscore the importance of manipulating the sequence of daily phosphorus ingestion,instead of simply controlling dietary phosphate concentrations,in modifying the bone remodeling process.Body phosphorus rhythms will need to be maintained during the daily eggshell calcification cycle.

Grazing rate and feeding selectivity of small and large bodied cladocerans in waters from lakes with different salinity and phytoplankton structure

Cladocera are filter feeders abundant in freshwaters,which consume phytoplankton particles in wide size and taxonomic ranges.The ability of cladocerans to control phytoplankton abundance by grazing is determined by various factors including the characteristics of phytoplankton.Freshwater salinization may reduce the strength of top-down grazing control of phytoplankton because of the detrimental effects of salinity on the grazing intensity of zooplankters.We performed grazing experiments with two species of Cladocera of different body lengths to test their ability to graze on phytoplankton in natural waters differing in salinity and size and taxonomic composition of food particles.Grazing experiments demonstrated that the grazing rate was mostly controlled by the abundance of phytoplankton in the medium.The grazing rate was reduced at salinity ca.above 3 g/L of NaCl in the medium.The lower grazing rate was observed in the medium with larger phytoplankton particles.Both species predominantly consumed phytoplankton particles with a diameter of 6-12μm,which may shift the size distribution of phytoplankton towards a larger average diameter of particles.The taxon-specific feeding was also observed,as both species predominantly consumed diatom algae.Thus,we found that because of grazing,the size and taxonomic characteristics of phytoplankton are shifted towards a less edible community.The detrimental effect of elevated salinity on grazing rate supports growing concern about freshwater salinization negatively affecting water quality,particularly reducing top-down grazing control of phytoplankton.

Effects of substrate on burrowing behavior,feeding physiology,and energy budget of undulated surf clam Paphia undulata

Substrate is an important abiotic factor for burrowing shellfish,as it not only provides them with shelter,but also impose significant effect on their physiological metabolism.However,the physiological responses of burrowing clams within various substrates get less attention due to difficulty in carrying out physiological tests in buried conditions.Consequently,this study investigated the burrowing behavior,feeding physiology and energy budget of Paphia undulata,which is an important aquaculture bivalve species in south China.The clams were exposed to mud and sand substrates with variable physical properties in the laboratory,to determine the suitable substrate conditions for this species.The results showed that the percentage of burrowing clams,digging index,burrowing time,burrowing depth and scope for growth(SFG)were higher in mud substrates with≥40%water content.Likewise,burrowing percentage,digging index,and burrowing depths were higher in substrates with≤40%sand content.Moreover,the burrowing depth had significant effect on the feeding physiology and SFG of P.undulata as clams burrowed at 6.3±1.8 cm had higher clearance rates and SFG as compared to other buried depths.This study further revealed that low water content in the sediment inhibited physiological performances of P.undulata by impairing feeding or absorption,hence reducing the SFG.In conclusion,mud substrate with≥40%water content or with≤40%sand content is suitable for proper burrowing and growth of P.undulata.Our findings therefore provide fundamental knowledge that will be applicable in the improvement of bottom aquaculture and conservation of P.undulata.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals New Insights into the Respiration Metabolism Mechanism of Different Feeding Rations of Sea Cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus)

Sea cucumber(Apostichopus japonicus)is an excellent model for investigating effects of bottom-dwellers on carbon mig-ration and transformation.However,the molecular mechanism of respiratory metabolism process variation caused by feeding rations is poorly understood.In this study,treatment groups set as 1%(about 0.63g),3%,and 7%of total body weight(named F1,F3 and F7 groups respectively).The potential molecular mechanisms behind the functions of respiratory tree and body wall were investigated by RNA-Seq.A total of 52411 expressed genes were identified from 89342 expressed transcripts.The results showed 759,254 and 334 genes were up-regulated,and 334,445 and 992 genes were down-regulated in respiratory tree of F1 vs.F3,F1 vs.F7 and F3 vs.F7,respectively.Meanwhile,2070,1601 and 896 genes were up-regulated,and 1303,1337 and 1144 genes were down-regulated in body wall between F1 vs.F3,F1 vs.F7 and F3 vs.F7,respectively.Differentially expressed genes were enriched in salivary secretion and ECM-receptor interaction pathways in respiratory tree,and in various types of N-glycan biosynthesis,ribosome and sphingolipid metabolism pathways in body wall.These results suggested respiratory tree and body wall were involved in activation of respiratory metabolisms in response to different feeding rations.Our research provided valuable knowledge for physiological differences in res-piratory metabolism.

Nutrition Guidelines of Complementary Feeding for Infants and Toddlers(WS/T 678—2020)

1 Scope This standard specifies the basic principles and age-specific guidance for complementary feeding, and requirements of complementary feeding preparation for the healthy full-term infants and toddlers from 6 to 24 months.This standard is applicable to nutritional guidance for complementary foods supplements for the infants and toddlers from 6 to 24 months.

Supplemental feeding on rangelands:new dynamics of the livestock in the El Ouara rangelands in southern Tunisia

Fodder production in arid rangelands has been traditionally considered as the main source of nutrition for livestock.However,the production of these fodder may be influenced by some socio-economic and climatic factors.This study aims to identify the various rangeland use forms and determine the types of livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands of Ben guarden District in southern Tunisia by analysing the importance of supplemental feeding and main determinants of this practice.Data were collected by a survey that targeted a sample of 50 breeders in the El Ouara rangelands.Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data.The results showed that there are two types of association practiced by breeders:“Cherka”association practiced by 10.00% of breeders and cash payment association practiced by 53.00% of breeders.Then,transhumance,sedentary,and semi-urban forms are the main ways in which breeders use the rangelands.There are four livestock feeding systems in the El Ouara rangelands being used to feed livestock:natural rangeland,rangeland-based,mixed,and concentrate-based feeding systems.Supplemental feeding has become fundamental for the livestock feeding system in the El Ouara rangelands.The breeders with the largest camel size still use the natural rangeland feeding system,while the breeders who have the largest herd size practice the mixed feeding system.The logistic regression results reveal that breeder age,cereal area,herd size,migrant remittance,second activity,and agricultural development group membership can significantly impact the supplemental feeding.In summary,this study can help policy-makers plan innovative practices based on climatic change,ensure the sustainability of livestock feeding system,and make effective decisions for local development.

Effects of Different Feeding Patterns on the Growth of Micropterus salmoides

Three experimental groups with different feeding frequencies,different feeding rates and compensatory feeding were set up to study their effects on the growth of Micropterus salmoides.The results showed that different feeding rates of 2%,3%and 4%had no significant effects on the growth of M.salmoides.Therefore,before the individual weight of 50 g,the fish could be fed with a feeding rate of 4%,which could be gradually decreased to 2%in the later period.Under the condition of relatively fixed feeding rate,different feeding frequencies had an impact on the growth of M.salmoides.Under the conditions of suitable water temperature,it is reasonable to feed twice daily.The experimental fish fed for 5 d and then deprived of feed for 1 d showed fully compensatory growth,and there were no significant differences in weight gain rate,daily weight gain and specific growth rate compared with the continuous feeding group(P>0.05).Therefore,according to the feeding conditions of fish in the breeding process,stopping feeding for 1 d every 5 d could save feed and labor and improve breeding efficiency.

Effect of a Nutrition Education Intervention on Mothers’ Infant and Young Child Feeding Knowledge and Practices in the Peri-Urban Areas of Bobo-Dioulasso: Before and after Study

Background: This study assessed the effect of a nutrition education intervention aiming to improve the knowledge and practices of under 5 years children’s mothers on infant and young child feeding in peri urban areas of Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso. Methods: A total of 243 mothers of children under 5 years in the peri-urban of Bobo-Dioulasso were surveyed before and after the intervention using the FAO questionnaire for infant and young child feeding (IYCF) knowledge and practices assessment in January and October 2017. The intervention included two components consisting of a theoretical phase (counselling and discussion) and cooking demonstrations implemented for ten months. To account for the before-and-after design of the study, the McNemar’s test was used to assess the effect of the intervention on mothers’ infant and young child feeding knowledge and practices. Results: The mean age of mothers was 29 ± 6.2 years and 50.6% of the mothers were between 20 and 29 years old. All indicators used to assess the mothers’ knowledge of breastfeeding and complementary feeding significantly improved after the intervention (all p-values < 0.05). In terms of child feeding practices, half of the indicators (early breastfeeding initiation, age of complementary feeding initiation, and minimum meal frequency) significantly increased (all p = 0.001) while two indicators (minimum dietary diversity, and minimum acceptable diet) did not change (p = 0.06 and 0.67) after the intervention. Finally, continued breastfeeding, significantly declined after the intervention (73.3% vs 86.0% p = 0.001). Conclusion: The intervention improved the mothers’ knowledge on breastfeeding and complementary feeding and some child feeding practices. This study provided some evidence of an effective nutrition education intervention to increase maternal knowledge and practices.

Early warning systems for enteral feeding intolerance in patients with stroke

Objective:The objective of this study was to construct an early warning system(EWS)to facilitate risk assessment,early identification,and appropriate treatment of enteral nutrition feeding intolerance(FI)in patients with stroke,so as to provide a reference for risk classification standards and interventions toward a complete EWSs for nursing care of stroke.Materials and Methods:Based on evidence and clinical nursing practice,a structured expert consultation method was adopted on nine experts over two rounds of consultation.Statistical analysis was used to determine the early warning index for FI in patients with stroke.Results:The expert authority coefficient was 0.89;the coefficients of variation for the two rounds of consultation were 0.088-0.312 and 0.096-0.214,respectively.There were significant differences in the Kendall’s concordance coefficient(P<0.05).Finally,22 items in five dimensions of patient age,disease,treatment,biochemical,and enteral nutrition-related factors were identified.Conclusion:The early warning index for FI in patients with a history of stroke is valid and practical.It provides a reference for the early clinical identification of FI risk.

Rabbit Intensification Systems in Rwanda: Feeding Influence and Growth

A study was conducted in Northern Province of Rwanda, from the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Busogo Campus located in Musanze district to evaluate the effect of feed type on rabbit growth in rabbit intensification systems in Rwanda. The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was used and data were collected on rabbit growth weekly for a period of 12 weeks. The experiment was composed of three treatments replicated ten times. The treatments included three types of feeds namely;cabbage combined with Mucuna pruriens added to local forage (I), cabbages combined with Leucaena leucocephala added to local forage (II) and a control composed of other varieties of locally available forage, such as Bidens pilosa, Crassocephalum vitellium and Galinsoga parviflora (III) which was considered as the control (Farmers practice). The feeds were given to ten rabbits separated in individual cages, and each rabbit was considered a replicate. Water was given ad libitum. One month old rabbits (weaners) were used and data were collected after one week of adaptation for 12 weeks. The results showed that the mean of weight gain after 12 weeks was 783.3 g, 760.7 g and 705.7 g for feed type I, II and III respectively. The difference between means of feed types after 12 weeks was not significant (p > 0.5), which implied that rabbit growth did not depend on the feed type. The mean weight gain after 8 weeks was 707.5 g, 661.4 g and 577.1 g for feed type I, II and III respectively. At 8 weeks, the difference between means of feed types was significant (p Mucuna pruriens combined with cabbage and local forage were growing faster than rabbits from other treatments at 8 weeks. The researchers recommended that farmers should be facilitated with feeding materials by the concerned institutions. Training of rabbit farmers and further researches on locally available feeding materials were also given as recommendations at the end of this study.

Feeding Management and Disease Prevention and Control of Pet Guinea Pigs

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