Mucuna Pruriens Research Articles

Crops with potential for diclosulam remediation and concomitant bioenergy production

The objective of this work was to evaluate crops for their ability to phytoremediate diclosulam residues in the soil and produce lignocellulosic ethanol. Physiological characteristics, biomass production, soil cover rate, fermentable sugar production and lignocellulosic ethanol production potential of the crops were evaluated in soil with diclosulam residues. The experimental design was a randomized block with four replications. The treatments were arranged in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme with the following crops as the first factor: Avena sativa, Canavalia ensiformis, Mucuna aterrima, and Pennisetum glaucum. The second factor was the presence or absence of the herbicide diclosulam in the soil (30 g ha−1). The physiological variables of the plant species were not affected by the presence of diclosulam; the soil cover of P. glaucum was lower in the area with diclosulam, with a value of 26%. The levels of glucose were not affected by the presence of diclosulam in A. sativa, C. ensiformis, and M. aterrima, indicate not change the estimated yield of ethanol for this species. Avena sativa and Pennisetum glaucum have the potential to phytoremediate soils containing diclosulam residues, with concomitant lignocellulosic ethanol production ability.

Effects of Inclusion of Processed Mucuna Utilis [Mucuna pruriens] (l) Seed Meal on Performance Characteristics of Noilers

The experiment was conducted to ascertain the inclusion levels of cooked, decorticated and toasted Mucuna Utilis seed meal on the performance characteristics of Noilers. One hundred and forty four (144) day old Niolers chicks were raised on four experimental diets. Mucuna seed meal were incorporated at the rate of 200g/kg of feed, the diets was formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Each diet was fed to a group of 36 birds for a period of 56days. There were significant (P<0.05) differences among the treatment groups in feed intake, body weight and feed conversion ratio. The group feed decorticated Mucuna seed meal showed significant (P<0.05) depressed feed intake, body weight and poor feed conversion ratio when compared with other treatment groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein either extract, crude fibre and ash differed significantly (P<0.05) among the treatments. It was concluded that cooked Mucuna seed could be included in Noiler diets at 200g/kg while decortication was an ineffective processing method.

Antibacterial activity and spectroscopic characteristics of silver nanoparticles synthesized via plant and in vitro leaf-derived callus extracts of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC.

In this paper, we describe the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts, as well as their structural, optical, and antibacterial activities against Escherichia coli and Bacillus velezensis bacteria. For the study, several sections (root, leaves, and seed) of Mucuna pruriens, an immense medicinal herbal used to treat Parkinson's disease, were evaluated. Also, the seeds were grown in-vitro in the modified Murashige and Skoog's medium and the leaf derived callus supplemented by different phytohormones like picloram (pic), thidiazuron (TDZ), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 2-isopentenyl adenine (2-iP) were selected for this study. This is the first report of distinct callus obtained from M. pruriens and used for green nanoparticle synthesis. The prepared materials were thoroughly evaluated for structural and optical properties using XRD, FTIR, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. During synthesis, the colour changes from colourless to reddish brown, and the existence of an SPR peak in the absorption spectra confirms the formation of AgNPs. The FTIR spectra reveals the presence of phenolic group and alkyl ether groups, which were responsible for the reduction of silver ions during the green synthesis. The aqueous extracts of plant parts and callus obtained from different hormones showed very poor antibacterial activity. However, the green synthesized nanoparticles fabricated by different plant extracts showed good antimicrobial activity towards E. coli and B. velezensis bacteria. amongst the investigated results, highest antimicrobial activity against E. coli (84.8%) and B. velezensis (78.1%) was shown by AgNPs mediated by leaf extracts respectively followed by 0.5 mg/L pic and 2.0 mg/L BAP callus mediated silver nanoparticle solution. According to the findings, green produced AgNPs are promising candidates for antibacterial applications against E. coli and B. velezensis.

Assessment of heavy metal content in herbal raw materials traded in India

Presence of heavy metals in herbal raw materials exceeding the safety limit have potential security risks and has proven adverse effects and its prolonged consumption may causes serious health problems. The present study was carried out to quantify the heavy metals, content in some of the herbal raw materials traded in Indian market. A total 183 samples belongings to 74 different herbal raw materials and 69 species were sampled and analyzed for the presence of Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Lead (Pb). As per the permissible limit of Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India (API), 5.46% samples were failed due to Cd accumulation followed by Hg (3.82%), Pb (1.09%), and As (0.55%). Higher accumulation of Cd was main reason behind higher percent of failed samples as per different safety standards such as 13.11% for World Health Organistion (WHO), 5.46% for United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) and 72.13% for Health Science Authority Singapore (HSA). Hg contributed higher percent of failed sample (18.03%) as per the safety standards of Pharmacopoeia of People's Republic of China (CP). The results showed that due to higher accumulation of Cd, Pb, As, and Hg, 9.58 - 12.33%, 0.00 to 10.96%, 1.37 to 2.74%, and 8.22 to 30.14% samples were failed respectively in safety standards of different pharmacopoeias. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Wettst., Caesalpinia bonduc (L.) Roxb., Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex D. Don) G. Don, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume, Croton tiglium L., Curcuma longa L., Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC., Piper longum L., Pistacia chinensis Bunge, Senna alexandrina Mill., Tamarindus indica L., Teramnus labialis (L.f.) Spreng. and Valeriana wallichi DC. were among the species which failed in minimum of two or more than two pharmacopoeias due to higher concentration of one or more heavy metals. The quality of the herbal raw materials can be enhanced and the wastage of herbal raw material due to accumulation of heavy metals can be reduced by implementing WHO guidelines on Good Agricultural Practices, Good Field Collection Practice and Good Post-Harvest Processing Practices.

Prevalence of subclinical mastitis among dairy cattle and associated risks factors in China during 2012–2021: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Bovine mastitis, especially subclinical mastitis (SCM), is one of the most prevalent and economically costly diseases in the dairy industry worldwide. Understanding the prevalence and spatial distribution of bovine SCM and its associated risk factors will facilitate the prevention and control of the disease.We reviewed published studies pertaining to epidemiological surveys of SCM among dairy cows during the past decade (2012−2021) in China from inception to March 20, 2020, with PubMed, Clinical Trial, VIP, CNKI and databases being used to identify English and Chinese articles.Therefore, we retrieved 41 studies related to epidemiological surveys of SCM among dairy cows, using our eligibility criteria. We demonstrated that the prevalence of SCM in dairy cows was 37.7% during the selected periods, indicating a slight increase in the incidence of SCM in a comparison between 2012 and 2016 and 2017–2021. The estimated prevalence of SCM was 36.4%–50.2% in the seven regions, which was no statistically significant difference. The highest prevalence of SCM was 72% in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and the lowest prevalence was 19% in Hubei Province.The variation in diagnostic methods was not significant in the studies. Dairy cows' parity was a risk factor associated with the prevalence rate of SCM. Cow's age might affect the prevalence of SCM during the selected periods. This study may facilitate the control with specific strategies to reduce costs and antibiotics overuse, enhance food safety and public health.

Molecular epidemiology of lumpy skin disease outbreak in Odisha, India.

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) is the causative agent of lumpy skin disease (LSD) which is a member of Capripoxvirus. It is an economically critical transboundary disease affecting cattle. This study records an LSD outbreak in Ganjam district of Odisha, India during August 2020. The epidemiological data were analysed and LSDV was genetically characterized. Out of the 452 animals clinically examined (59 farms), 63 animals were clinically affected with LSD, with a total morbidity rate of 13.93%. The morbidity rates in the surveyed villages (n = 10) varied from 5.55 to 21.62%. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that grazing of animals (P = 0.013; OR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.16-3.57) and age of cows > 3years old (P = 0.001; OR: 2.90; 95% CI: 1.65- 5.07) were potential risk factors for the presence of LSD. Out of the 53 clinically suspected animals' samples, 18 samples (33.96%) were found positive for both the P32 and F genes of Capripoxvirus by PCR. Phylogenetic analysis of the P32 gene of LSDV (MW147486) showed 100% similarity with other isolates from India, Bangladesh, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis of the F gene of LSDV (MW147485) revealed a similarity of 97.99%, with Odisha India (MT074110) isolate and located in the same cluster with other Indian isolates.

Nutrient Cycling of Cover Crops in an Amazonian Ecosystem

Cover crops act to improve the chemical and physical quality of the soil and provide sustainability in agricultural systems. Studying the decomposition of these cover crops is key to understand the process of nutrient cycling in cultivation. The purpose of the study was to assess the decomposition and release of nutrients from cover crops in an Amazonian ecosystem. The experiment was conducted in a commercial guarana plantation area at farm Agropecuária Jayoro in Presidente Figueiredo-AM in two agricultural years (2018 and 2019), with a randomized block experimental design following a 4 × 4 factorial scheme, with four cover species (Arachis pintoi, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Canavalia ensiformis and Mucuna deeringiana) and four assessment periods (0, 60, 120, 180 days). The cover crops showed a high rate of decomposition of residues in the two years assessed. The legumes presented high initial nutrient contents. The release of N, P, Ca, and Mg was slower. K showed a rapid release from the decomposition of the residues of the assessed cover crops.

Correlation of parity and age to services per conception, conception rate, and gestation length in Holstein Friesian cross cows

Small farmers dominate dairy farming in Indonesia, and the average productivity is low. The contribution of domestic production only reaches about 23% of the total national milk consumption needs as a source of human nutrition. This study was aimed to identify the relationship between cow's parity and age to services per conception (S/C), conception rate (CR), and gestation length (GL) of Holstein Friesian (HF) cross dairy cows. Data of this study consisted of primary data obtained from farmers interview, and secondary data from the Cooperative Unit of Argopuro village, Krucil, Probolinggo. Sample size was 200 cows, which was 10% of the total population. Data were analyzed for correlation and linear regression using the Statistic Package and Service Solution (SPSS) software version 20 (IBM Corp., USA) at a 95% confidence level. The average S/C, CR, and GL were 2.55 ± 1.57, 21%, and 278.19 ± 11.92 days, respectively. There was no significant correlation (p >0.05) between the parity with S/C, CR, and GL and the age with CR and GL. The only significant correlation (p <0.05) was between the age and S/C. Regression of S/C based on age followed the equation S/C = 0.104 + 0.407*age, with a correlation coefficient and determination coefficient of 0.733 and 0.538, respectively. It could be concluded that S/C could be predicted based on the age of the cows.

Neuroprotection by Mucuna pruriens in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

The medicinal plant Mucuna pruriens (Fabaceae) is widely known for its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a well-established drug in Ayurveda and has been widely used for the treatment of neurological disorders and male infertility for ages. The seeds of the plant have potent medicinal value and its extract has been tested in different models of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Parkinson's disease (PD). Apart from PD, Mucuna pruriens is now being studied in models of other nervous systems disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and stroke because of its neuroprotective importance. This review briefly discusses the pathogenesis of PD, AD, ALS and stroke. It aims to summarize the medicinal importance of Mucuna pruriens in treatment of these diseases, and put forward the potential targets where Mucuna pruriens can act for therapeutic interventions. In this review, the effect of Mucuna pruriens on ameliorating the neurodegeneration evident in PD, AD, ALS and stroke is briefly discussed. The potential targets for neuroprotection by the plant are delineated, which can be studied further to validate the hypothesis regarding the use of Mucuna pruriens for the treatment of these diseases.

Beneficial Effects of Ethanolic Extract of the Medicinal Herb Mucuna Pruriens Against Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Might be Limited in Contusive Spinal Cord Injury

Experimental studies found extracts of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC, a plant used in the traditional medical systems to possess strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties among a wide range of other beneficial effects. Hypothesizing the possibility for a multifaceted beneficial effect, the therapeutic potential of the ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens (MP) in treating spinal cord injury (SCI) was tested using the highly standardized Multicenter Animal Spinal Cord Injury Study (MASCIS) animal model of contusive SCI. Male Wister rats with SCI were treated with the ethanolic extract of MP at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day for 10 weeks. The outcome was assessed through molecular, biochemical, histological, and behavioral scoring parameters. Results indicated anti-apoptotic, anti-necrotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of MP. Nevertheless, many of these beneficial effects were not statistically significant and there was no functional improvement due to MP treatment. MP at comparable doses was reported to be significantly effective in mitigating oxidative stress and/or inflammation under various other pathological conditions. Lack of significance in the present study could be due to the presence of blood-spinal cord-barrier; that might have prevented the components of MP from reaching spinal cord tissue in adequate quantities. Additionally, heterogeneity in the function of the cells typical to the CNS environment could be the reason for the failure of recovery. To conclude, the limitations posed by the structural and functional distinctions in the spinal cord environment in comparison to other non-CNS tissue environments deserve attention while adjudicating the efficacies of herbal remedies for SCI.

Phytochemical screening of extracts cotton plants (Gossypium Barbadense), pumpkin plants (Cucurbita Pepo) and valavet bean (Mucuna Pruriens) in Fufore Local government of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Alkaloids, saponins, anthraquinones, glycosides, phenolics, terpenoids and flavonoids distribution in ten medicinal plants belonging to different families were assessed and compared. The medicinal plants investigated were cotton (Gossypium hursitum), Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) and velvet bean (Mucuna prupriens). The results of the phytochemical analysis showed the presence of major classes of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins, terpenoids and anthraquinones in ethanolic and aqueous extract. The results of cotton (Gossypium hursitum) leaves and roots in ethanolic extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins, and anthraquinones. Terpenoids were absent in the leaves of cotton (Gossypium hursitum), meanwhile Glycosides were absent the roots of cotton (Gossypium hursitum) in ethanolic extracts. The result of aqueous extracts of cotton (Gossypium hursitum) leaves and roots showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins, terpenoids and anthraquinones. While the roots revealed the absence of protein and terpenoids. Similarly, the Phytochemical screening result of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) leaves and roots of ethanolic and aqueous extracts revealed the presence of some bioactive components in the extracts such as alkaloids, tannins, phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins and anthraquinones. Whereas saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids were absent in the ethanolic extracts of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) leaves. And also, saponins, glycosides and terpenoids were absent in the roots of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin). While the aqueous extract of the leaves revealed all the phytochemical being carried out except saponins, flavonoids and Terpenoids are absent. Also, the aqueous extracts of Cucurbita pepo (Pumpkin) roots revealed the presence of some secondary metabolites as shown in table IV such as alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins, terpenoids and anthraquinones. Saponins and glycosides were absent. The results of the velvet bean (Mucuna prupriens) leaves and roots of ethanolic extract showed that alkaloids, saponins, phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins, terpenoids and anthraquinones were present both in leaves and roots with tannins present only in the roots. However, flavonoids, glycosides, were absent in both leaves and roots of velvet bean (Mucuna prupriens). The result of aqueous extract of velvet bean (Mucuna prupriens) leaves and roots revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, phytosterols, carbohydrates, proteins, terpenoids and anthraquinones while tannins, glycosides were found absent. Similarly, the aqueous roots extract revealed all the phytochemical tested except flavonoids, terpenoids were absent in the roots of velvet bean (Mucuna prupriens). Results of this study may provide a foundation for designing new drugs for several diseases.

Phytochemical screening of extracts cotton plants (Gossypium Barbadense), pumpkin plants (Cucurbita Pepo) and valavet bean (Mucuna Pruriens) in Fufore Local government of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Phytochemical screening of extracts cotton plants (Gossypium Barbadense), pumpkin plants (Cucurbita Pepo) and valavet bean (Mucuna Pruriens) in Fufore Local government of Adamawa State, Nigeria

Ovarian and uterine functions in female albino rats fed dietary meal supplemented with Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. seed powder

Background: While the reproduction-enhancing property of Mucuna pruriens (MP) seed has been widely studied in males, little is known about this property in females despite the rate at which the seed is consumed by both sexes worldwide.
 Objective: To determine the effect of MP seed powder in dietary inclusion on ovarian and uterine functions of adult female albino rats.
 Methods: The rats were randomised into four groups. Group 1 (Control) was given standard rat chow (15g of feed/rat/day only) while groups 2, 3 and 4 were fed diets supplemented with MP seed powder at 0.75 g, 1.5g and 2.25g/day, respectively, for 12 weeks. Serum levels of oestradiol, follicle stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, ovarian Δ5, 3β- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Δ5, 3β-HSD) and 17 β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) activities, ovarian and uterine peroxidase and tissue cytoarchitectural structures were used as diagnostic markers of reproductive function.
 Results: Significant increases in the serum level of all hormones including ovarian Δ5, 3β-HSD, 17β-HSD activities, ovarian and uterine peroxidase activities, and improvement of the ovarian and uterine cytoarchitectural integrity of the rats fed MP at 0.75g/day compared to other groups were observed. However, MP at 2.25g/day induced reproductive dysfunction characterised by significant reductions in hormones, uterine and ovarian enzyme activities, severe degenerative cytoarchitectural lesions in tissues.
 Conclusions: MP seed improves uterine and ovarian functions at a dose level of 0.75g/day, but a higher dose value may be toxic.

Effects of calving year, season, and age on some lactation traits of Anatolian buffaloes reared at farmer conditions in Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of some environmental factors like calving year, season, buffalo cow age and village on some milk yield traits of Anatolian buffaloes, such as daily milk yield for lactation length (MYLL), total lactation milk yield (TLMY), lactation length (LL), and daily milk yield for calving interval (MYCI). 1838 milk yield records obtained from 851 Anatolian buffaloes reared under different environmental conditions from 2015 through 2019 within the scope of the Bartın Anatolian Buffalo Breeding Project were assessed. The least square means and standard errors for MYLL, TLMY, LL, and MYCI were 4.07  0.02 kg, 1078.6  7.54 kg, 263.83  1.16 days, and 2.75  0.03 kg, respectively. As a result of the study, the effects of village, calving year and age (P<0.001) and calving season (P<0.05) on MYLL; village, calving year and age (P<0.001) on TLMY; village, calving year and age (P<0.001) and calving season (P<0.05) on MYCI; calving age, village (P<0.001) and calving year (P<0.05) on LL were found statistically significant. Moreover, high positive phenotypic correlations between TLMY and MYLL (r = 0.78, P<0.001) and LL and TLMY (r = 0.67, P<0.001) were estimated. The results revealed that milk production traits might be improved by considering calving season and age in breeding studies and stud-selection programs in Anatolian buffaloes. Besides, it will remarkably contribute to the number of limited studies that have focused on this breed.

Seed extract of Thai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens enhances sexual performance and improves male reproductive damages in ethanol-induced rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThai Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. pruriens (T-MP) has been traditionally used in treating depressive disorders, dysuria and enhancing male sexual desire. Although T-MP seed is demonstrated to have antioxidant capacity, its aphrodisiac and protective tissue damage properties have never been documented. Recently, ethanol (Eth) is known to cause sexual behavior dysfunction and damage reproductive system. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of T-MP seed extract on sexual behavior dysfunction and reproductive damages in male rats admisted with Eth. Materials and methodsT-MP possessing antioxidant activity was determined for L-DOPA content using NMR analysis. Thirty-six male rats were divided into four groups (9 animals/group). Control rats received DW and the ethanol (Eth) group was given with Eth (3 g/kgBW; 40%v/v). In preventive groups (T-MP150 + Eth and MP300 + Eth groups), animals were treated with T-MP extract at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kgBW before Eth administration for consecutive 56 days. Sexual behaviors including mounting frequency (MF), intromission frequency (IF), mounting latency (ML), intromission latency (IL), ejaculation latency (EL), post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), and ejaculation frequency (EF) were evaluated. Epididymal sperm quality and daily sperm production (DSP) were examined. Testicular histology was observed using Masson's trichrome staining. The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and expressions of androgen receptor (AR), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), and tyrosine-phosphorylated (TyrPho) proteins in testis were also determined. ResultsT-MP extract contained L-DOPA and improved sexual behaviors including increased MF and IF and decreased ML and IL in Eth treated rats. Significantly, sperm quality, DSP, and testicular histopathology observed in Eth group were improved after T-MP treatment. T-MP also decreased the testicular MDA levels. Additionally, T-MP could correct testicular functional proteins of AR and StAR except HSP70 expression in Eth group. Expressions of TyrPho proteins in testicular and sperm lysates were improved in co-administered groups. ConclusionsT-MP seed extract possessing L-DOPA could enhance the sexual behaviors and protect reproductive damages via improvement of testicular functional proteins.

Fertility comparison of frozen bull semen stored in cryogenic deep freezer (−152 °C) and LN2 container

The present study aimed to use cryogenic deep freezers that could be a feasible alternative for cryopreserved semen storage. A total of 284 straws from three Simmental bulls and 272 Simmental cows were used. The experimental group consisted of 151 semen straws that were stored at −152 °C for a week. Moreover, the control group consisted of 133 semen straws that were stored at −196 °C. Firstly, two samples per bull (n = 6) were examined in terms of sperm kinetic parameters by CASA. Furthermore, plasma membrane, acrosome integrity (PMAI) and high mitochondrial membrane potential (HMMP) were analyzed by flow cytometry. Then, artificial inseminations were performed on Simmental cows with 272 straws belonging to two groups. Then, 56th-day Non-return Rate (NRR56) was determined. All spermatological data were subjected to a linear mixed model. Chi-Square test was performed to NRR56 between storage temperature groups. Also, logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effect of bull, storage temperature and age of cows on pregnancy status. While age of cows was included in the final logistic regression model, effect of bull x storage temperature was not included because it was found as non-significant. The post-thaw PMOT and STR of cryopreserved bull semen, which was stored at −152 °C, had lower and statistically significant values (p < 0.05). However, frozen bull semen, which were stored at −152 °C, kept its fertility ability as which stored at −196 °C. Besides, NRR56 of semen stored at −152 °C and −196 °C were detected as 57.24% (83/145) and 55.91% (71/127), respectively (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, these results should be supplemented with more pre-freezing and post-thaw sperm quality analyses and more fertility data for increasing the accuracy of the method.

Mucuna pruriens, Crotalaria juncea, and chickpea (Cicer arietinum) have the potential for improving productivity of banana‐based systems in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

AbstractIntercropping banana and shorter annual crops in small holder systems is inevitable despite shade being a limitation. Current production is also limited to the wet seasons. Strategies to exploit the spaces under banana shade and drier seasons are crucial for optimal production of these systems. We determined the performance of two legume cover crops, Mucuna pruriens and Crotalaria juncea, and chickpea (Cicer arietinum), a grain legume, under different banana shade levels and over the wet and dry seasons in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Banana and legume monocrops served as controls. Shade reduced weed biomass and legume root nodulation, biomass, and grain yields. Chickpea root nodulation had a lower sensitivity to shade (3–9% reduction) compared with mucuna (30–60%) and crotalaria (31–71%). Legume biomass yield declines varied from 37–83%, 56–93%, and 80–98% for mucuna, crotalaria, and chickpea, respectively. Higher nodulation occurred in the rainy compared with the dry season. Biomass yield declines, albeit low occurred in the dry season for mucuna (15%) and crotalaria (30%). In contrast, chickpea biomass and grain yields increased by 394% and 4487%, respectively, in the dry season. A higher banana vegetative growth occurred in the intercropped plots. Land equivalent ratios of 1.15–1.34 under dense shading for mucuna and crotalaria and 1.10–1.62 for chickpea occurred irrespective of the seasons. These findings suggest that these cover crops and chickpea could be exploited to enhance biomass (for fodder, mulch, or manure) and grain yields under banana shade and over the drier seasons.

Evaluating the role of dietary plant extracts to allow adaptation to thermal stress in a cold stream ornamental fish, Botia rostrata (Günther, 1868)

Increases in ambient temperature affect the biochemical status of fish, and dietary supplementation with bioactive phytoconstituents may promote resilience against environmental stress. This study evaluated the impact of three plant extracts on the biochemical status of a cold stream fish Botia rostrata (Günther, 1868) under high temperatures. After 1 month dietary supplementation separately with Mucuna pruriens methanol extract (0.25 g/kg feed), Tribulus terrestris ethanol extract (0.5 g/kg feed) and Basella alba ethanol extract (1.0 g/kg feed), juvenile fish (Wt. 4.3 ± 0.5g) were exposed to different sublethal heat stress [28 ± 0.5 °C (T1), 32 ± 0.5 °C (T2), 36 ± 0.5 °C (T3)]. Control fish were fed a diet without any plant extract and maintained at 24 ± 0.5 °C. Serum and muscle tissues were collected to measure different biochemical parameters, muscle metabolic enzymes and molecular chaperons before and after heat stress. Before stress, the group fed the Mucuna diet showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in serum glucose [+10.92%], protein [+18.93%], muscle heat shock protein (HSP) 90 [+8.6%] compared to the control group. No significant change (P > 0.05) of stress parameters was observed between control, Tribulus and Basella fed fish. The control group exposed to T3 showed significant differences (P < 0.05) in protein [-26.19%], lactate dehydrogenase [+93.69%], fructose 1,6 bisphosphate [-35.19%], phosphorylase ‘a’ [+35.72%], HSP60 [+69.54%], HSP70 [+84.85%], HSP90 [+92.07%], heat shock factor (HSF) 1 [+88.48%] suggesting susceptibility of Botia to this temperature. Among the three plant extracts, Mucuna methanol extract was effective to enhance resistance against temperature-induced biochemical alterations. After exposure to T3, only the fish fed Mucuna diet showed no mortality. Fish fed Mucuna diet exposed to 36 ± 0.5 °C showed significantly higher (P < 0.05) glucose [+42.82%], protein [+11.98%], citrate synthase [+59.81%], phosphorylase ‘a’ [+14.96%], Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase [+60.87%], HSP60 [+34.13%], HSP70 [+41.42%], HSP90 [+65.91%], HSF1 [+61.32%] compared to those in Mucuna fed fish maintained at 24 ± 0.5 °C. These results highlight temperature-induced biochemical alterations in Botia and point towards the potential use of Mucuna in overcoming such adverse high thermal stress.

137 Application of Performance Metrics to Evaluate Cow Performance: A Collaboration of the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System

Abstract Beef cattle producers engaged in the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association (BCIA) Commercial Record Keeping Program are encouraged to expand records for evaluation of whole herd performance. Collection of cow weight at calf weaning can be used as a metric to estimate cow performance for overall productivity. From 2019 to 2021, five beef cattle operations annually collected individual cow weight at calf weaning (n = 284 observations). Cow age was classified as 2 to 4 years old, 5 to 8 years old and 9 years and older. Cow weight was classified into three categories as small (1199 lb or less), moderate (1200 to 1499 lb) or large (1500 lb or greater). Average cow weight per category was small 1108 lb (n = 37), moderate 1353 lb (n = 180) and large 1605 lb (n = 67). Within each age range and size category, cow performance was measured by average calving interval, average calf adjusted weaning weight and percentage cow body weight weaned. For 2 to 4 years old, average calving interval was 18 days longer between small to moderate categories and 96 days longer between moderate to large categories. For 5 years of age and older, modest impact on average calving interval due to an increase in body weight was observed (3 to 7 days small to moderate; 19 to 8 days moderate to large). Across all ages, moderate impact on average calf adjusted weaning weight due to cow weight was reflected (19, 38, 43 lb. small to moderate; 37, 27, 37 lb. moderate to large). As cow age and weight increases, percentage of cow body weight weaned decreases (2 to 4 years 57%, 48%, 42%; 5 to 8 years 50%, 45% 40%; 9 years 47%, 44% 39%). In summary, measuring cow weight at calf weaning enhances genetic and management practices to illustrate and improve cow herd productivity.

LC-MS, GC-MS and Hematological Profile of Mucuna pruriens Extracts in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Albino Rat

Mucuna pruriens also known as velvet beans is an annual climbing shrub that has been claimed traditionally to possess anti anemic potentials. The present study evaluated bioactive constituents and hematological profile of Mucuna pruriens seed and leaf extracts on alloxan induced diabetic male albino rat using standard analytical method. Result of LC-MS investigation on the seed shows the presence of Hydroxystreptozolin ( Oxazolidene) and Dihydrocapsaicin (Meltoxyphe.nol) while the leaf reveals the presence of four(4) bioactive compound: Furocoumurine acid, Epioxylubianin, Acetyllaustoinid and Quassin. The GC-MS studies on Mucuna pruriens seed indicates the presence of twelve bioactive compound. 2-methyl-z,z-3,13-octadecadienol cis-13-octadecadienoic acid, methylester hexadecanoic acid, methylester pentadecanoic acid, 9,12,octadecadienoic acid (z, z)-methylester, 11-octadenoic acid, methylester q-octadecenoic acid, Octadecanamide- N-(2-hydroxyethyl) dodecanamide,N-(2-hydroxyethyl), urea,triethyl-Ethanamine, N, N-dimethyl (phenylmethoxy), 13-Hexyloxacyclotridec carbonitrile,3,5bis[C2dimethylamino]ethylthio, 12-octadecadienoic acid(z, z)-cis-13-octadecenoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoicacid(z,z)-2-hydroxy-1(Hydroxymethyl) ethylester, cyclopentadecanane,2-hydroxy-9,12-octadeadienol,LE, etc while GC-MS analysis of the leaf reveals the presence of twenty bioactive compounds such as Nonyl alcohol, 3-Undecene, 1-Dodecene etc. Findings from this study indicates significant improvement on the hematological indices in treated groups relative to untreated. The restorative hematological efficacy of Mucuna pruriens extract is indicative of its traditional relevance in medicinal and therapeutic applications and hence may justify its local claims as having anti-anemic functionality.