In individual, single-phase feeding animals were fed extensively (group E - 7 animals) or intensively (group I - 7 animals) in semi ad libitum system. The mixtures differed in composition as well as energy and nutritional value, with constant ratio of protein to energy of 13.12:1 in intensive feeding and 13.04:1 in extensive feeding. Fibre content per 1 kg mixture was 3.43% in group I and 12.3% in group E. For microbiological studies samples were taken from the duodenum, ileum, jejunum and large intestine and both quantitative and qualitative differences in the microflora of the differently fed groups was found.
To precise the character of myoelectric activity of distal small intestine, in 8 young pigs 1 bipolar electrode was attached at the serosal side of the jejunum and 7 electrodes were sutured at terminal ileum. After the recovery, the animals were fed twice daily during at least 2 weeks and were fasted 24 h before each experiment. Myoelectric activity was recorded with electroencephalograph throughout the experiment lasting 3—5 h. After control recording the standard food was given during the end of ileal phase 1 of migrating myoelectric complex (MMC) and registration of myoelectric activity was continued. Ileal propagated or non-propagated minute rhythm was observed in 64% of the experiments performed, during phase 2b of MMC. In most animals studied, the long isolated spike burst series lasting 1—6 min and short isolated spike burst series lasting 15—25 s were observed. Feeding induced myoelectric activity in the jejunum usually after 1—2 min and, in the ileum, during most episodes, after 2—9 min, for 4—10 min. During and after feeding, the short-lasting “transient fed pattern“ was observed. Mean propagation velocity of phase 3 MMC was 4.4 ± 0.8 and 8.1 ± 0.6 cm/min (mean ± S.E.M., p > 0.05) before and after feeding, respectively. Phase 3 MMC was preceded by 2—3 spike burst series lasting 40—70 s each before feeding and 1—3 min after feeding. Single propagated spike bursts arrived more frequently after feeding. Two types of minute rhythm, propagated and stationary, were observed. Giant spike bursts, propagated contractions and ultrarapid spike rushes were recorded occasionally. In conclusion, the myoelectric activity of terminal ileum in swine is eventful, exhibits wide range of irregularity and its response to feeding is relatively weak and delayed as compared to the upper small intestine.
The aim of this study was to determine the impact of diet on the fatty acids profile in European catfish meat. The study material was comprised of fish reared in earthen ponds and fed with natural food and fish fed intensively with artificial feed in a recirculating system. The quality of the fatty acids profile in the meat of the two groups differed. A total of twenty-eight acids were identified in the catfish reared on natural food. The fish fed artificial feed contained an additional two acids – 22:1n-9 and 16:4, which were also detected in the artificial feed. The combined total share of saturated acids, MUFA, and PUFA was similar. However, the share of most of the fatty acids from these groups, including total PUFA n-6 and n-3 and HUFA n-3 and n-6, differed significantly. The catfish fed on artificial feed contained more n-3 acids and fewer n-6 acids. Above all, this was caused by the greater share of 20:5n-3 (eicosapentaenoic, EPA), 22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic, DHA), and 20:3n-3 and 20:4n-3 acids and the lesser share of 18:3n-3 (a-linolenic, ALA) acid. The meat of the fish from this group also contained fewer 20:4n-6 (arachidonic, AA), 20:3n-6, and 22:5n-6 acids. Additionally, the n-3/n-6 acid ratio was significantly different at 2.31 (pond culture) and 3.93 (intensive culture on artificial feed).
The European pine marten (Martes martes) is commonly classified as an opportunistic predator. If this is the case, the species ought to show seasonal differences in the small mammal composition of its scats – the types of prey taken depending on their abundanc. In addition, it ought to consume the food that requires lower energy cost for their acquisition in each season. The feeding strategy of the European pine marten was studied in northwestern Spain by analyzing 209 scats collected between July 2004 and June 2005, and by seasonally trapping small mammals to obtain information on their abundance. The study area (5,722 ha) was located in a mountainous region (1,707–880 m a.s.l.) and covered with brushwood and deciduous forest (oak, birch, holly and pine). Molecular analysis of scats (PCR-RFLP) was performed to rule out the presence of the stone marten (Martes foina L.). The frequency of occurrence and biomass of the small mammals (the main prey species) preyed upon each season were compared. The pine marten consumed significantly more small mammals in the seasons in which their abundance was the lowest (winter and spring). In the autumn, when the highest number of small mammals was detected, the pine marten did not increase its predation of them. These results indicate that the European pine marten is not an opportunistic predator. Rather, the feeding strategy adopted by the species seems to be intermediate between that of an opportunist and specialist predator.
The use of decapsulated Artemia cysts as food for ide, Leuciscus idus (L.), larviculture was investigated. Three days after hatching, the larvae were fed on different diets: (a) dried decapsulated Artemia cysts, (b) Artemia nauplii, (c) Artemia nauplii for 7 days and then trout starter, (d) diet for marine larvae (manufactured artificial diet), (e) trout starter. After a 21-day rearing period, the highest survival rate was obtained with the larvae receiving decapsulated Artemia cysts. Feeding of the larvae with artificial diets resulted in a significantly lower survival rate compared to the other groups. At the end of the experiment, the larvae fed on Artemia nauplii gained significantly higher length compared to the other groups. Feeding different artificial diets resulted in significantly lower average mean length and weight compared to the other groups.
Ectothermal vertebrates regulate their body temperature within definite limits to maintain physiological processes at their optimal levels. Among others, food processing and absorption are strongly temperature-dependent. Deficiency of adequate temperatures limits ectotherms in growth and maintenance. On the other hand, thermoregulatory behavior is costly and should be constrained by many factors. Using artificial thermal gradients (26–44℃ ), we measured temperature preferences of 10 spiny-tailed agamas (Uromastyx acanthinura) in controlled indoor experiment. Each lizard could choose place in the terrarium before and after feeding. Then, temperature preferences during pre-feeding and post-feeding periods were compared. We found significant increase of preferred temperature after feeding. Detailed view revealed that there is consistent influence of body size: bigger lizards maintained higher temperature during the whole experiment. We hypothesize that bigger potential predation risk on smaller lizards due to their size would force them to choose less optimal conditions.
This study addressed the feeding of sexually mature perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in Lake Kortowskie in the autumn-winter period (October-March). A total of 81 perch specimens were caught, of which 20.2% were males, 69.1% females, and 7 specimens were of unidentified sex. The composition of the perch diet was very diversified. The food contained zooplankton, insect larvae, fish, and other components. Zooplankton was the most significant in late autumn (54.9% frequency of occurrence), whereas fish and insect larvae were found to dominate in winter. Differences in feeding were observed between the sexes (there was a lack of fish in the male diet) and between specimens of different length classes (specimens with lengths over 20 cm were obligatory predators).
Gut contents of Pygospio elegans Claparede (Spionidae) individuals collected in the Polish coastal zone of the Baltic were analysed. Guts of almost all the P. elegans (89-100%) were found to contain sand grains and detritus. Microalgae (Bacillariophyta, Chlorophyta, Flagellata) occurred in the guts of 8-100% P. elegans individuals. Noteworthy was the finding, in the P. elegans gut contents, of oligochaeta remains, indicative of some predatory behaviour of the polychaete. The oligochaete contribution to the P. elegans food increased with polychaete size (from 33 to 100%). Therefore, P. elegans in the Baltic population should be regarded as omnivores rather than suspension feeders- deposit feeders they have been classified with so far.