The hypothesis developed from single-gene mutant obese rodents that brown adipose tissue (BAT), through its thermogenic ability, is an important factor in the development of obesity, was tested in a randombred population of mice in which degree of adiposity is polygenically determined. Additive direct genetic parameters for measures of body size, lean, fatness and BAT at 6 wk of age were estima...

Adult male fatty and lean rats of Zucker strain were given access ad libitum to either a single nutritionally complete diet, or a self-selection regime with separate sources of three macronutrients, protein (casein), fat (hydrogenated coconut oil), and carbohydrate (sucrose). Animals on the single diet were fed on a powdered stock diet, and then switched to the self-selection regime. Energy int...

This study examined whether protein concentrations in the diet of rats fed adequate Zn or deficient Zn affect their preference for disaccharides of sucrose and maltose. Sucrose and maltose were used as a source of carbohydrate and the selection patterns of rats were analyzed for 28 d by a two-choice selection method. Diets provided as a set of two either Zn-adequate or Zn-deficient diets contai...

The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the transition from eating history to food palatability associated with diet selection in adults. Questionnaires were used to identify dominant and favorite recipes, flavorings, and breakfasts for 174 female university students. The participants’ recollections for answering the questionnaire covered a six-stage time period: kindergarten, early e...

Environmental factors play a crucial role in influencing sexual selection in insects and the evolution of their mating systems. Although it has been reported that sexual selection in insects may change in response to varying environments, the reason for these changes remains poorly understood. Here, we focus on the mate selection process of a ladybird, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, when experienci...

Ketogenic diet is a nonpharmacologic treatment for childhood epilepsy not amenable to drugs. At the present time, two works based on national research, one in Germany and one in the United States provide international guidelines to ensure a correct management of the ketogenic diet. Our Italian collaborative study group was set up in order to formulate a consensus statement regarding the clinica...

one of the key factors in managing a rangeland is to determine the relative preference of its major plant species by thegrazing livestock. preference value of each plant species is affected by plant type, companion plants, availability byanimals, phenological stage, climate condition, and the livestock species. we investigated the grazing behaviour of anative goat (garizi) in the steppe rangela...

1. Omnivory, where an animal crosses trophic boundaries, is thought to be common in natural and managed communities. Foraging theory predicts that omnivores will balance their diet as a result of nutritional needs, food quality and availability of alternate foods. We investigated diet selection of the western ̄ower thrips [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)], a herbivore under some circumstan...