Acacia Pods Research Articles

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF YANKASA RAMS FED COMPLETE DIETS CONTAINING GRADED LEVELS OF FAIDHERBIA ALBIDA PODS MEAL

A feeding trial was conducted for 84 days to evaluate the growth performance and cost of Yankasa rams fed complete diet containing graded levels of apple-ring acacia (Faidherbia albida) pods. Sixteen Yankasa rams of about 5–7 months, weighing averagely 17±1.5kg were randomly allotted to four (4) dietary treatments, four (4) replication in randomized complete block design (RCBD). Animals were fed the complete diets at 3.5% body weight. The results of growth performance revealed no significant (P>0.05) differences in final body (FBC), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). However Live Weight Change, Average Daily Gain, and Total Feed Intake were significantly (P<0.05) affected. The results obtained from the cost of feed per kilogram live weight gains of inclusion levels of Faidherbia albida Pod meal also indicated significant (P<0.05) differences in the cost per kg live weight gains of diets across the treatments. It is therefore, recommended that farmers can feed a complete diet containing graded levels of apple-ring Acacia (Faidherbia albida) pods up to 30% to Yankasa rams with optimum performance.

First Chemical Profile Analysis of Acacia Pods.

This study intended to evaluate the potential industrial applications of various Acacia species (Acacia melanoxylon, Acacia longifolia, Acacia cyclops, Acacia retinodes, Acacia pycnantha, Acacia mearnsii, and Acacia dealbata) by examining their chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, a comprehensive analysis successfully identified targeted compounds, including flavonoids (flavonols/flavones) and phenolic acids, such as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ellagic acid. Additionally, p-coumaric acid was specifically identified and quantified within the hydroxycinnamic aldehydes. This comprehensive characterization provides valuable insights into the chemical profiles of the studied species. Among the studied species, A. pycnantha exhibited a higher concentration of total phenolic compounds, including catechin, myricetin, quercetin, and coniferaldehyde. Furthermore, A. pycnantha displayed notable antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae, E. coli, S. Typhimurium, and B. cereus. The identified compounds in Acacia pods and their shown antibacterial activities exhibit promising potential for future applications. Moreover, vibrational spectroscopy was a reliable method for distinguishing between species. These significant findings enhance our understanding of Acacia species and their potential for various industrial applications.

Citric acid-functionalized Acacia pods as a robust biosorbent for decontamination of wastewater containing crystal violet dye: Experimental study combined with statistical optimization

This study reports the chemical modification of Acacia pods (AP) by citric acid and its application for crystal violet (CV) dye removal from water. The raw and modified AP (AP@CA) were characterized using scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer and N2 adsorption-desorption. The characterization findings confirm that the AP was successfully modified by citric acid with an increase in the surface area from 29.69 to 51.12 m2.g−1. The CV adsorption data reasonably agreed with pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models. The maximum uptake capacity of AP for CV dye increased from 267.67 to 300.92 mg.g−1 after citric acid modification. The CV adsorption mechanism mainly occurred through electrostatic forces, n-π interactions and H-bonds. The response surface methodology was employed to assess the effect of key parameters including pH (4.0–8.0), contact time (10–110 min) and absorbent dose (0.2–1.2 g.L−1) on the CV removal performance. The highest CV removal efficiency of 98.82% was obtained at pH 8, AP@CA dose 1 g.L−1 and contact time 90 min. The CV removal efficiency of AP@CA is still above 89.31% after five regeneration times. Overall, AP@CA material can be utilized as a promising reusable adsorbent for treating dye-containing effluents.

Effects of camel feed supplementation on milk yields and composition during early pregnancy period

A study was conducted between January and March 2022 which was the camel mating season at Ngaremara ward of Isiolo County. The objective was to determine the effect of feed supplementation on milk yield and composition in early pregnancy. It is documented that camels in pastoral environment drop milk production immediately after conception. There is limited information in literature on effects of supplementation on milk production at this stage. A complete randomized design was used to select ten camels which were supplemented with a formulated concentrate supplement made of locally available materials and ten un-supplemented which was the control. All camels were dewormed at the beginning of the study. Formulated feeds were gradually introduced to ten camels by adding 1 kg daily and enticing them with green acacia pods for 2 weeks until all supplemented were able to feed 3.5 kgs in the evening after grazing. Mating took place naturally using a bull between 6th January and 15th February 2022 and one supplemented and two un-supplemented camels were not mated. Milking was done in the mornings after allowing the calves to stimulate the teats for the milk letdown reflex. Production of milk in litres was recorded daily and total production per camel tabulated on weekly basis. Milk samples were taken every week and analyzed for protein and fat levels. Statistical data analysis for milk yields was done by comparing weekly means using ANOVA with the help of SPSS. Mean weekly milk yields per camel in litres for the supplemented and un-supplemented was 8.6067 ± 0.23691 and 8.0797±0.26185 respectively. There was a consistent increase in milk production for the supplemented camels with a significant increase of 1.63 litres at week 3 (P<0.05). The un-supplemented camels had a consistent drop of milk production which was more significant (P<0.05) at week 5 and 7. Supplemented camels milk had percentage increase in fat content of 3.470 ±0.0300 compared to 3.157±0.0228 for the un-supplemented. The supplemented camels were mated earlier than the un-supplemented. Six supplemented and five un-supplemented were confirmed pregnant through the indigenous knowledge method of cocking the tail (kutoa mkia) when the male or a person approaches. The study concludes that feed supplementation can positively affect the lactation curve and fertility in camels. It is recommended that camels be supplemented with feed formulations made from locally available materials at around the time of mating to improve production and reproduction. Further studies are recommended to determine the effect of pregnancy on milk yields and composition.

Effects of supplementation with climate-smart feeds on camel weight gain during drought

Camels are very resilient and can survive up to 14 days without water. They can also keep producing milk when other livestock succumb during drought. This makes camel the suitable animal to harness for climate change. Currently, there are no formulated camel feeds for feeding camels during the drought when the shrubs and vegetation dries up. This has led to conflicts between camel herders and crop farmers. In the recent past as recent as this year, 2022, it has resulted to loss of human lives and camels in an alarming rate. It is estimated that during drought there is loss of at least 100 lives pa as a result of this conflict. The loss of camels due to drought is hundreds of thousands. This study aimed at formulating and processing camel feeds with locally available ingredients which can be stored to be used during drought. The study was carried out at Garemara, Isiolo. The feeds were formulated with locally available materials including acacia pods and local grass. The feeds were analysed for the crude protein content and nutrient content. The camels were supplemented at a rate of 1.5 % of the body weight. Ten camels were purchased for the study. Five camels were supplemented while the other five camel were un supplemented. The camels were weighed fortnightly to monitor weight changes. The formulated camel feed has a crude protein of 17%. The camels supplemented with climate-smart feed increased the weight at a rate of 15% while those unsupplemented increased the weight at 10%. Climate smart feeds can be formulated and used to supplement camel feeds during drought and avert loss of camels and human conflicts.

Evaluation of Urea Treated Acacia nilotica Pods as a Feed for Grower Lambs

Background: Acacia pods are non-conventional protein rich feed resources that could be harnessed as a feed ingredient in sheep production. Though many workers have observed the utility of raw Acacia nilotica pods as a noteworthy feed for small ruminants, the information on nutritive value of urea treated pods is lacking. Hence the present study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional potential of urea treated Acacia nilotica pods at different dietary levels for supporting growth and nutrient utilisation in lambs. Methods: Acacia nilotica pods were collected, sun dried and ground in a hammer mill. The ground pods and seeds were treated in bulk with urea. Then the urea treated pods (UTP) was incorporated in three experimental concentrate mixtures @ 0, 15 or 30 per cent (R1, R2, R3) replacing deoiled rice bran. The concentrate mixtures were made isoproteinic and isocaloric. Napier Bajra hybrid grass (CNCO4) was provided as the basal roughage component in the rations. The ingredient and proximate composition of concentrate mixtures. Fifteen ram lambs of native Kilakarsal breed of about six months of age and with an average initial body weight of 9.39 kg were divided on the basis of body weight into three groups with five lambs per dietary group in a completely randomized design. Daily record of feed consumption was maintained. The lambs were weighed at fortnightly intervals. At the end of the feeding experiment, digestion trial was conducted using the same ram lambs. The samples were analysed for proximate composition and the digestibility of nutrients in the three experimental rations were determined. Result: Based on the data analyzed the DMI worked out to be 64.90, 65.84 and 65.43 g/kg W0.75 in lambs fed with rations containing 0, 15 and 30% UTP in the concentrate mixture respectively. The corresponding values for ADG in the present study were 48.14, 47.43 and 48.57 g. The feed efficiency in terms of DMI required to gain one kg body weight were 8.28, 8.58 and 8.35 kg which did not vary between the treatment groups. DCP of experimental rations increased significantly (P≤0.05) as the level of UTP in the concentrate mixture increased which could be attributed to the increased crude protein digestibility. The TDN decreased significantly (P≤0.05) at 15% and level and was unaffected thereafter. Hence, it was concluded that Acacia nilotica pods treated with 5% urea at 40% moisture and stored for 14 days could safely be included up to 30 per cent level in the concentrate mixture of growing lamb ration.

The value of faecal N in monitoring dietary quality in desert ungulates: The Arabian oryx as a model

The Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx, Pallas 1777) once roamed the Middle Eastern deserts, but went extinct in the wild by 1972. More than 30 years after re-introduction programs were implemented the oryx is still classified as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Its poor reproductive performance was determined to be nutrition-related, and the availability of tannin-rich acacia browse has been crucial for the oryx in compensating for unpredictable grass production. Faecal N (FN) is an ubiquitous estimate of nutritional status, but its interpretation depends on dietary tannins that bind with proteins in the gastro-intestinal tract. Using three captive male oryx fed diets varying in the percentage of tannin-rich Acacacia tortilis pods, we demonstrated that dietary polyethylene-glycol-binding tannins (PEG-b-T) were partly recovered in faeces and that faecal PEG-b-T represented qualitative evidence of browsing. Faecal PEG-b-T and FN were positively correlated, but we found no relationship between the dietary percentages of acacia pods, dietary protein, PEG-b-T, in vitro dry matter digestibility, and FN. Beyond the effect of dietary tannins, where the provision of crude protein and energy are sufficient for maintenance, efficient urea recycling might compromise the value of FN as an estimate of dietary status in oryx.

Reviewing the Benefits of Grazing/Browsing Semiarid Rangeland Feed Resources and the Transference of Bioactivity and Pro-Healthy Properties to Goat Milk and Cheese: Obesity, Insulin Resistance, Inflammation and Hepatic Steatosis Prevention.

Simple SummaryThe aim of this study was to review the benefits of producing milk and cheese under grazing/browsing systems on rangelands in terms of bioactivity and the health benefits of their consumption in these animals. Firstly, we looked over at the forages consumed by goats on the rangelands and at the plant’s bioactive compounds. Additionally, goat milk and cheese coming from (1) grazing animals, (2) animals managed indoors, and from (3) animals managed indoors, but supplemented with rich plant bioactive compounds, were examined. In the end, milk was analyzed to modulate the negative effects of high-fat diet in mice. The results revealed that grazing/browsing practices are superior to indoor feeding to promote the transference of bioactive compounds from vegetation to animal tissues, and finally to animal products. Grazing/browsing management represents a better option than indoor feeding to enhance the bioactivity of milk and cheese. Supplementation with rich-bioactive compound forages increased total polyphenol, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoid concentrations in both products. The consumption of goat milk prevents obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and hepatic steatosis in mice.The rangeland is an ecological resource that provides multiple benefits for environment and agriculture. Grazing/browsing on rangelands is a useful and inexpensive means to produce food derived from animal products. The aim of this study was to review the benefits of producing milk and cheese under this system in terms of bioactivity and the health benefits of their consumption in model animals. To conduct this review, we particularly considered the experiments that our research group carried out along the last fifteen years at the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán in Mexico. Firstly, we examined the forages consumed by goats on the rangelands in terms of plant bioactive compound occurrence and their concentration. Further, goat milk and cheese coming from (1) grazing animals, (2) animals managed indoors, and from (3) animals managed indoor supplemented with rich plant bioactive compounds, were analyzed. Milk was discussed to modulate the negative effects of high-fat diets in mice. Forages consumed by goats on the rangelands showed a close correlation between antioxidant activity assessed by the DPPH+ radical with total flavonoid and total polyphenol contents (TPC). Milk concentration of PUFA, MUFA, and n-3 fatty acids from grazing goats (4.7%, 25.2%, and 0.94% of FAME) was higher than milk from goats fed indoor diets (ID). Similar results were shown in cheese. TPC was higher in cheese manufactured with milk from grazing goats (300 mg of GAE/kg of cheese) when compared to cheese from milk goats fed ID (60 mg of GAE/of cheese). Acacia pods are a semiarid rangeland feed resource that transfers pro-healthy activity, inhibited in vitro lipid peroxidation (inhibition of TBARS formation) and diminished the damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Additionally, in vivo assessment revealed that Acacia species increased free radical scavenging (DPPH), oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and anti-inflammatory activity. The results highlight that grazing/browsing practices are superior to indoor feeding in order to promote the transference of bioactive compounds from vegetation to animal tissue, and finally to animal products. Grazing management represents a better option than indoor feeding to enhance bioactivity of milk and cheese. Supplementation with rich-bioactive compound forages increased total polyphenol, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavonoid concentrations in milk and cheese. The consumption of goat milk prevents obesity, insulin resistance, inflammation, and hepatic steatosis while on a high-fat diet induced obesity in mice.

Composite Flour of Babool (<i>Acacia Nilotica</i>) and Banana (<i>Musa Sp.</i>): Nutritional and Antioxidant Potential

Acacia nilotica is a potential source of protein, fibre and natural antioxidants. Also, the protein fractions from acacia seeds possess high functional properties that could be advantageous in food formulation. However, acacia pods possess a bitterness that hinders its utilization for value addition. We have developed composite flours in combination with raw banana flour. Two types of composite flours were developed substituting 30 and 50 per cent of banana flour with acacia flour. Acacia flour exhibited significantly higher (p≤0.05) water and oil absorption capacity, swelling power as well as sedimentation value compared to banana flour. Also, it was a significantly richer (p≤0.05) source of protein (12.95%), crude fibre (12.66 %) as well as DPPH activity (59.60 %). The two composite flours, respectively exhibited 0.86 and 1.35 g/g water absorption capacity; 0.44 and 0.76 g/g oil absorption capacity; 4.14 and 4.06 g/g swelling power; 14.22 and 15.36 ml/g sedimentation value. The crude protein content in respective composite flours was 9.36 and 11.86 % with 4.96 and 5.50 % crude fibre, 40.60 and 40.69 % dietary fibre, 27.05 and 34.06 % DPPH activity. Both composite flours were good source of available micro-minerals also.

Assessment of antioxidant traits and protective action of Egyptian acacia pods extracts against paracetamol-induced liver toxicity in rats.

This study investigates the protective effect of Egyptian acacia pod extracts against overdose of paracetamol-induced liver damage. Egyptian acacia green and brown pods were extracted by mixture of ethanol 80%: HCl (6M) (99:1 v/v). In extracts of green and brown pods, total phenolic content in hydrolyzed ethyl acetate fraction (HEF) at pH 4, was 649.89 and 712.14mg GAE/g while antioxidant activity was 95.55% and 97.35%, both being the highest than any fraction. HEF (pH 4) in brown pods was analyzed by HPLC, there were 22 phenolic compounds rich in ethyl vanillin about 227mg/g and 11 flavonoids rich in catechin 48.70mg/g. A biological experiment was conducted using HEF (pH4) in brown pods against overdose of paracetamol in albino rats induced to hepatotoxicity. Thirty rats were divided into five groups; a control group, a paracetamol group, and the other three received paracetamol plus silymarin or two doses of HEF. Animals were received paracetamol and treated with either silymarin or HEF showed reduced levels of liver (ALT, AST, and ALP) and kidney (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) markers compared with the control group as well as reduction of oxidative stress and increment antioxidant enzyme activity in liver tissue when compared with the paracetamol group. It could be concluded that both HEF and silymarin are considerably high hepatoprotector against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats due to their strong antioxidant activity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Both HEF and silymarin improved liver functions and exerted strong antioxidant activities. This antioxidant activity would have a positive effect against oxidative liver damage caused by parcetamol. Thus, it may be concluded that the liver plasma membranes were protected and the regenerative and reparative capacity of liver by phenolic compound in HEF treatment. The study demonstrated the HEF hepatoprotective activity and recommends using Egyptian acacia pods for treatment of liver disorders.

Growth Performance and Ruminal Metabolic Variables of Goats Fed Rain Tree (Samanea saman) Pods.

The effect of rain tree pods (RTP) or acacia pods on the growth performance, rumen metabolites, and digestibility of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in goats was evaluated through feeding trial and in situ methods. Eighteen 7 month-old Philippine native goats with body weight range of 7.86±1.28 kg were divided into three groups consisting of six replicates and randomly assigned to one of treatment diets containing 0%, 50%, and 100% RTP in the concentrate portion of a ration containing 65% roughage and 35% concentrate. Three rumen-cannulated mature goats were used in the in situ studies to determine the dietary effects on rumen fluid pH, total volatile fatty acids (VFA), ammonia, and rumen DM and CP digestibilities. Differences (P values 50% RTP generally resulted in lower above-stated performance parameters. Rumen fluid pH of goats decreased after feeding and was lowest in goats fed with 50% RTP. Concentrations of VFA and ammonia were not significantly different. Slowly degradable DM of the test diets were higher in concentrate mixture without RTP. Degradable fractions of CP had highest value on concentrate mixture without RTP while lowest on 100% RTP. However, no differences were observed on potentially digestible fractions and degradability constants of DM and CP. It could be concluded that RTPs can be an alternative ingredient in concentrate mixtures given up to 50% in the mixture as part of a daily ration for goats.

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE OF ATMOSPHERIC AIR OF COMMERCIAL HOLDINGS BY BIOINDICATING METHODS

Recently, among the wide arsenal of analytical, chemical, microbiological methods the problem of biological indication, that is, the assessment of the state of the environment by the reaction of living organisms has become urgent. The decrease in the morphometric indexes of acacia fruit may be due to a decrease in the number of seeds in the beans. The analysis of the number of seeds in the fruit showed a significant decrease in the investigated index in the territory of sanitary protection zone of the poultry farm in comparison with the control area. In acacia pods, which were selected on the experimental site of the pig farms, poultry farms and in the control area, the percentage of mature seeds is 27,8 %, 47,6 % and 74,5 %, respectively. Averaged data for 2015‑2016 years showed that in acacia pods, which were selected on the poultry farms, the percentage of mature seeds makes up 37,7 %, while in the pig breeding sector, 26,1 % at the same time in the control area it is 74,7 %, which indicates significant pollution of the air in the territory of SPZ. Consequently, it should be noted that the air from the emissions of livestock facilities is not sufficiently cleaned and adversely affects the reproductive system of plants. Bioindication of the atmospheric air using рine Pinus sylvestris L. The visual analysis of pine plants of the usual Pinus sylvestris L. showed that damage to the light green spots, necrotic points and drying occurs near the source of contamination with the needles. According to researches, a decrease in the absolute values of the length of the needles of Pinus sylvestris in the plantations with an approach to the livestock economy and with an increase in the level of environmental pollution is traced. There is also an increase in the number of needles in the shoots, which also indicates air pollution around the poultry farm. According to the research data, it was found out that in more polluted areas the bundles of needles are more closely aligned, and their number is 10 centimeters higher than in the clean zone. The minimum damage to the needle was found in the trees of the control site, and in other areas under investigation the damage to the needle was noted. With the distance from livestock farms, the number of needles on the shoots and the level of necrotic damage decreases, but the length, the width of needles, the weight of 1000 pcs of needles increase. In general, the morphometric indices of the needles of Pinus sylvestris usually vary in a wide range of numerical values, while the necrotic damage of the needle is the most informative bioindicative feature.

Phytochemical composition and allelopathic potential of three Tunisian Acacia species

This study was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical content and allelopathic potential of various organic extracts from seeds and pods of three Tunisian species of Acacia (Acacia cyclops, Acacia mollissima and Acacia cyanophylla) which was evaluated on lettuce germination and seedling growth. The total flavonoid contents in the organic extracts were closely ranged (3.1–24mg RE/100g DW), n-butanol extracts of Acacia pods were the richest ones in phenol and condensed tannin contents. For allelopathic activity, the EtOAc extract of seeds from A. cyanophylla inhibited the germination of the target seeds. The seedling growth was inhibited by all organic extracts with disproportion. The chromatographic separation methods led to isolation of a triterpenoid saponin named mollisside B from A. cyclops pods n-butanol extract. The allelopathic effect of this compound was evaluated on Lactuca sativa L. At a concentration of 200μg/mL, the isolate has influenced on seedling growth with percentages of inhibition of 63.68% and 88.21% for shoot and root length, respectively.

Antioxidant activity and protection against oxidative-induced damage of Acacia shaffneri and Acacia farnesiana pods extracts: in vitro and in vivo assays.

BackgroundObesity is a worldwide public health issue, reaching epidemic condition in developing countries associated to chronic diseases. Oxidative damage is another side effect of obesity. Antioxidant activity from plant components regulates at some extent this imbalance. Main goal of the present study was to determine the antioxidant activity and protection against oxidative-induced damage of Acacia shaffneri (AS) and Acacia farnesiana (AF) pods extracts.MethodsTo evaluated antioxidant activity and radical scavenging capacity of AS and AF extracts, two experiments were performed: 1) pods extracts were challenged against H2O2 using kidney cells in an in vitro assay; and 2) (Meriones unguiculatus) was employed in an in vivo assay to observe the effect of pods extracts on scavenging properties in plasma.ResultsBoth pods extracts presented an important protective effect on radical scavenging capacity against ABTS• + and DPPH+, and also in TBARS formation in vitro. Vegetal pods extracts did not induce any pro-oxidative effect when added to kidney cells in DMEM. Cells damage in DMEM with addition of H2O2 was significantly higher than those when vegetal pods extracts were added at 50 (P < 0.05) or 200 ppm (P < 0.001). Plasma scavenging properties presented an important dose-dependent positive effect in those groups where pods extracts were administered.ConclusionsThe antioxidant protection of the acacia pods extracts reported in this study suggests the possible transference of antioxidant components and protective effects to animal products (milk, meat, and by-products) from Acacia pods when this vegetation is included in the diet. In order to evaluate, the possible transference of theirs antioxidant components to animal products, the incorporation of these non-conventional resources to ruminant feeding is a good opportunity of study. Profiling of Acacia farnesiana pods extract is necessary to identify the responsible bioactive compounds of protective properties.

Nutritional Potential of Acacia (Acacia Nilotica (L.) Del.) Pods for Growing Red Sokoto Goats

An experiment to evaluate the potentials of Acacia nilotica pods as replacement for cotton seed cake (CSC) on nutrients digestibility, haematological parameters and growth performance of Red Sokoto goats was conducted. The aim was to explore the possibility of reducing the high cost of feeding goats by using alternative source of protein instead of the highly demanded and costly conventional sources of protein like CSC. Twenty five Red Sokoto goats (bucks) having average age of 10 months, and average weight of 10.3 ± 0.1kg were blocked to balance for weight in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) experiment, and assigned to 5 treatments having 5 animals per treatment. They were fed graded levels of sun-dried Acacia pods as replacement for CSC, and dried sweet potato forage as basal diet. The proximate analysis of the diets compounded with graded levels of sun-dried Acacia pods with other feed ingredients showed that zero inclusion of Acacia pods (control), had the highest percentage of crude protein (CP) 17.56%. The percentages of CP decreased in the diets as the level of Acacia pods inclusion increased. The control diet also had the highest percentage of dry matter (DM) 94.41%, while the least value of DM was recorded in 100% Acacia pods level (93.21%). The levels of metabolizable energy (ME) in the diets ranged from 2322 to 2549 ME (Kcal/kg). While the crude fibre (CF) in the diets ranged from 10.72 to 14.26%. There were no significant (P>0.05) differences in daily feed intake (DFI) and final body weight (FBW) in Red Sokoto goats fed graded levels of sun-dried Acacia pods. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in weight gain (WG), daily weight gain (DWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and cost per weight gain (CPWG) across the treatments. Goats fed 25% level of sun- dried Acacia pods performed better than the other animals in the other treatments in terms of WG, DWG, FBW and had the cheapest cost per weight gain in Naira (N/kg). There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the digestibility of most of the feed nutrients and in water intake (WI) in the treatments. Also there were significant (P<0.05) differences in all the blood parameters (Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Haemaglobin (Hb), Total Plasma Protein (TPP), Plasma Urea Nitrogen (PUN), and Creatinine (Cr)) measured in this experiment. It was therefore, concluded that 25% of sun-dried Acacia pods can be used to replace CSC in the diets of Red Sokoto goats without having any adverse effect on nutrients digestibility, blood parameters and their performance. Acacia pods can also be used to significantly reduce the high cost expended in feeding goats with conventional sources of protein and to increase availability of animal protein, as well as increase the profit margin of goat farmers.

Vegetation and plant food reconstruction of lowermost Bed II, Olduvai Gorge, using modern analogs

Vegetation and plant foods for hominins of lowermost Bed II, Olduvai Gorge were modeled by examining vegetation in modern habitats in northern Tanzania (Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) that are analogous to the paleolandscape in terms of climate, land forms, and soil types, as indicated by previous paleoenvironmental studies of Olduvai. Plant species in the modern habitats were identified in a series of sample plots, and those known to be eaten by modern humans, chimpanzees, or baboons were considered potentially edible for early hominins. Within the 50–80 kyr deposition of lowermost Bed II, periods of drier climate were characterized by low lake stands and a broad eastern lacustrine plain containing a mosaic of springs, marsh, woodland, and edaphic grassland. Based on results of this study, plant food diversity in each of those habitats was relatively low, but the mosaic nature of the area meant that hominins could reach several different habitat types within short distances, with access to potential plant foods including marsh plants, grass grains, roots, shrub fruits, edible parts from palms, leafy herbaceous plants, and Acacia pods, flowers, and gum. Based on Manyara analogs, a greater variety of plant foods, such as tree fruits (e.g., Ficus, Trichilia) and the roots and fruits of shrubs (e.g., Cordia, Salvadora) would be expected further east along the rivers in the lacustrine terrace and alluvial fans. Interfluves of the alluvial fans were probably less wooded and offered relatively fewer varieties of plant foods, but there is sparse paleoenvironmental evidence for the character of Olduvai's alluvial fans, making the choice of appropriate modern analogs difficult. In the western side of the basin, based on modern analogs in the Serengeti, riverine habitats provided the greatest variety of edible plant food species (e.g., Acacia, Grewia, Justicia). If the interfluves were grassland, then a large variety of potentially edible grasses and forbs were present seasonally. Periods of wetter climate resulted in a much expanded paleolake and a shrinking of the eastern lacustrine plain mosaic into a narrow zone. The dominant landscape features were then forest-lined rivers in the eastern alluvial fans, and rivers in the western side of the paleo-Olduvai basin were also better watered at these times, supporting denser woody vegetation with large varieties of edible fruits, leaves, and underground parts.

Effect of Acacia tortilis pods on intake, digestibility and nutritive quality of goat diets in southwestern Eritrea

Fresh Acacia tortilis pods were mixed with low quality native grass hay to form the following five rations: 100% hay (T1), 25% pods and 75% hay (T2), 50% pods and 50% hay (T3), 75% pods and 25% hay (T4) and 100% pods (T5) on 'as fed' weight basis. Fifteen male Barka goats, approximately one year old and 10-15kg body weight, were randomly assigned to the five rations and fed in individual pens. Chemical composition, dry matter intake (DMI), in vitro dry and organic matter digestibility and body weight changes of the animals were evaluated. The average crude protein content of the pods was about 47% higher than the 7% minimum required for normal rumen function, while that of the hay was about 13% below. Percent ash, neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), hemi-cellulose (HC), cellulose (CL) and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents were higher in the hay than in the pods. The pods were, however, generally higher in Ca, P, Mg and Na than the hay. Average DMI (g d-1 and g kg-1 LBW), percent in vitro dry and organic matter digestibility and body weight gains (total kg and gd-1) increased with an increase in A. tortilis pods, up to 75% level and then begun to decline. However, despite the decrease, T5 still had significantly (P < 0.05) higher feed digestibility and body weight gains than T2 and T3. Thus, supplementing low quality range herbage with Acacia pods can considerably improve the nutritive value of range livestock diets, particularly during the dry season when other types of fodder are of extremely low quality.

Field infestation of Faidherbia (Acacia) albida (Del.) A. Chew. pods by stored product Coleoptera in the Nigerian savanna and effect of infestation on nutrient quality

A 6-month survey of the insect pest complex infesting the pods of the leguminous tree,Faidherbia (Acacia) albida, as well as their natural enemies, was conducted in Maiduguri located in the Sudan savanna and in Magumeri located in the Sahel savanna areas of north-eastern Nigeria, from January to June, 1999. The effect of infestation on the nutrient quality of the pods which are used as animal feed by livestock farmers was also evaluated. A total of 791 adult pest beetles, all belonging to the families Bruchidae and Tenebrionidae, were collected during the study. Of these,Bruchidius atrolineatus (55·1%), Acanthoscelides obtectus (29·2%) and Caryedon serratus (7·8%) belonging to the family Bruchidae, together, were the more dominant species. Tribolium castaneum (7·8%) was the only representative of the family Tenebrionidae. The proportion of the pods collected from the Sudan savanna (Maiduguri) that were infested with beetles (91·6%) was significantly higher than that collected from the Sahel savanna (Magumeri)(85·9%). Of the 87 adult parasitic wasps collected during the study,Hyposoter sp. belonging to the family Ichneumonidae was the most dominant (67·8%), and the family Braconidae comprising Bracon hebetor (17·24%) and Iphiaulax sp. (14·94%) constituted 32·2% of the total number of parasitic wasps. The parasitoids were unable to keep the populations of the pest beetles in check. Results of the proximate analysis showed that the crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre decreased significantly (p<0·05) with increasing severity of infestation while the nitrogen-free extract increased with increasing severity of infestation. The ash content was significantly higher in the heavily infested pods than in the moderately/mildly infested pods or in the uninfested pods. To enhance the utilization of acacia pods for livestock feeding during the dry season, it is concluded that more studies are needed to develop effective ways of protecting pods in the field and preserving them in storage against infestation by pest beetles.

The evaluation of Acacia and other tree pods for goats: influence of rumen fluid source and polyethylene glycol addition on in vitro gas production

After prolonged exposure to tanniniferous diets, it has been reported that some rumen microorganisms acquire defensive mechanisms against tannins (Brooker et al., 2000) or produce tannin-degrading enzymes. Such rumen microorganisms are said to be “tannin resistant” as their fermentation activity is less inhibited by the presence of tannins in the host’s diet. As acacia pods contain tannins their use as protein supplements for goats in the dry season may require that they be first detannified e.g. by using polyethylene glycol (PEG). However, goats with prior exposure to tanniniferous diets may have developed adaptive mechanisms to deal with tannins. This study, therefore, investigated the need for tannin inactivation in feeds given to ‘adapted’ animals by comparing the effect on the in vitro fermentation of tree pods incubated with and without PEG using rumen fluid from adapted and unadapted goats.

The rumen digestion of dry matter, nitrogen and cell wall constituents of the pods of Leucaena leucocephala and some Acacia species

AbstractThe disappearance of dry matter (DM), nitrogen and cell wall constituents of the pods of Leucaena leucocephaia and some Acacia species incubated in the rumen of Jersey cattle was studied. The chemical compositions of the pods (seeds + husks), seeds and husks were examined separately. Amino acid and lipid analyses were limited to the pods and seeds, while mineral and tannin analyses were done on the pods alone. The seeds had higher crude protein (CP) contents than the pods, with values ranging from 200 to 300 g CP kg−1 DM. The Leucaena pods and seeds had higher (p &gt; 0.001) CP contents than the Acacia pods and seeds. The neutral detergent fibre concentrations in the husks were higher than in the pods and seeds with the pods of A erioloba having the highest and those of A nilotica the lowest values. These values were highly influenced by the seed/husk ratio. A sieberiana and Leucaena had the highest and lowest concentrations of condensed tannins respectively. The pods of A tortilis and A karoo were particularly rich in macro‐ and micro‐minerals, while the others contained sufficient quantities that could contribute substantially to the dietary requirements of small ruminants. The amino acid concentrations differed significantly (p &lt; 0.001) among the pods, with the Leucaena pods having the highest concentrations. The Leucaena pods and seeds also had higher (p &lt; 0.001) lipid contents than the Acacia pods and seeds. Dry matter and nitrogen degradabilities were higher (p &lt; 0.001) for the pods of A nilotica and A sieberiana, while A karoo had the lowest values. The cell wall constituents of the pods of A tortilis and A erioloba were the most and the least susceptible to microbial degradation respectively. The rates of degradation of the fibre fractions as well as the lag times were similar (p &gt; 0.05) among the pods. The results show that these pods can serve as a valuable source of nitrogen and minerals for ruminants fed roughage‐based diets.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry