Brix Percentage Research Articles

The Effect of the Season on the Time Dependent Changes in Colostrum Lactoferrin Level in Murciano-Granadina Goats in Intensive System Farming.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of postpartum day and parity season on the lactoferrin (LF), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and chemical composition of Murciano-Granadina goat colostrum during the first 96 h after kidding, and the use of the Brix refractometer to estimate IgG content. A herd of 3500 intensively managed Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (45-50 kg body weight) was used. Colostrum samples were collected from days 1 to 4 postpartum in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The colostrum composition was assessed using an automated infrared method; the LF and IgG concentrations were measured using an ELISA, and for the Brix percentage, we used a digital refractometer. Colostrum taken on the first postpartum day showed the highest concentrations of LF, IgG, proteins and non-fat solids (NFSs). As the postpartum days progressed, a rapid decrease in the LF, IgG, protein, and NFS contents and the Brix value was observed. In contrast, the lactose content increased steadily until the fourth postpartum day (p < 0.001). The season influenced milk yield, LF, IgG, protein, fat, and somatic cell content (p < 0.05). LF contents were significantly higher in the spring season, IgG contents were higher in autumn colostrum, and fat components were higher in the winter season. The colostrum Brix value showed a positive correlation with the ELISA colostrum LF (r = 0.716, p < 0.001) and IgG (r = 0.894, p < 0.001) determination; a 20 mg IgG/mL colostrum concentration corresponded to 18 °Brix. Our results corroborate the importance of feeding colostrum to newborns on the first day after birth, not only because of its high level of IgG but also because of its greater presence of the other bioactive protein compounds such as lactoferrin.

The effect of three different preservatives on the numbers and types of bacteria, Brix percentage, pH and nutritional composition of bovine colostrum sourced from New Zealand dairy farms

ABSTRACT Aims To investigate the effect of preservation by addition of yoghurt starter, potassium sorbate and citric acid on counts of aerobic bacteria, Lactobacillus spp., Streptococcus thermophilus and coliforms, Brix percentage, pH, protein, fat and anhydrous lactose concentrations at 0, 7 and 14 days after collection for colostrum stored at ambient temperature. Method Approximately 2 L of first milking colostrum was collected from 10 farms in the Waikato region. Following mixing, it was split into five 400-mL sub-samples and allocated randomly to a control (two sub-samples), or treatment with yoghurt, potassium sorbate, or citric acid preservative. Throughout the trial samples remained in the laboratory at ambient temperature with the lids slightly ajar, and were stirred daily for 15–30 seconds using a sterile spatula. Sub-samples were tested on Days 0, 7 and 14. On Days 0 and 14 aerobic bacteria (by aerobic plate count (APC)), Lactobacillus spp., coliforms and Streptococcus thermophilus counts, pH, Brix percentage, protein, fat and anhydrous lactose were measured. On Day 7 only bacterial counts were completed. The data were analysed using non-parametric clustered bootstrap sampling to estimate the effect of treatment, time, and their interaction on the outcome variables. Results Compared to control samples, on Day 7 the APC for potassium sorbate (1.0 (90% CI = 0.6–1.6) × 108 cfu/mL) was approximately seven-fold lower than for yoghurt (7.3 (90% CI = 4.1–11) × 108 cfu/mL), and approximately three-fold lower than citric acid (3.2 (90% CI = 0.2–4.3) × 108 cfu/mL) remaining low to Day 14. All preservatives reduced coliform growth compared to control samples at Day 7 but growth was lower for potassium sorbate than the other preservatives. For Lactobacillus spp., at Day 7, samples with yoghurt preservative had greater counts than the other two preservatives. Potassium sorbate reduced growth of S. thermophilus compared to the other treatments, especially at Day 7, with 7–10 times fewer S. thermophilus per mL compared to the other three groups. All groups showed an obvious acidification over time, with very little variation within days and treatment groups. There was no evidence for change in fat or protein percentage over time regardless of treatment. Conclusion and clinical relevance Aerobic and coliform bacteria proliferate extensively in unpreserved colostrum. All preservatives decreased coliform counts compared to un-preserved colostrum, but potassium sorbate was more effective at decreasing both coliforms and aerobic bacteria than either yoghurt or citric acid.

Evaluating the Response of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) to Different Macronutrients and Harvesting Time

The growth and production of carrot influenced by macronutrients and harvesting time, thus a field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, between December 2020 and March 2021 during the Rabi season to evaluate the response of carrot to different macro nutrients and harvesting time. The experiment consisted of two factors i.e., macro nutrients and harvesting time, and laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A: Different levels of macronutrients (4) i.e., F0= Control, F1= N160P50K120S30 kg ha-1, F2 = N185P70K140S40 kg ha-1, F3 = N210P90K160S50 kg ha-1 and Factor B: A Harvesting time (3) i.e., H1 = 90 days after sowing, H2 = 100 days after sowing and H3 = 110 days after sowing. Experimental results revealed that different levels of macronutrients and harvesting time significantly influenced the growth and yield of carrot. In case of combination treatment (macro nutrients and harvesting time) the highest brix percentage of carrot root (8.20 %), marketable root yield per plot of carrot (6.40 kg) and marketable root yield of carrots per hectare (26.67 t) were observed in the F2H2 treatment combination comparable to others treatment combinations. Therefore, it was suggested that cultivation of carrot through application of fertilizer @ N185P70K140S40 kg ha-1 (F2) and harvesting at 100 days after sowing (H2), appeared to be best for achieving higher growth, yield and quality root of carrot.

ASSESSMENT OF YIELD LOSSES CAUSED BY BORER PESTS OF SUGARCANE UNDER CHANGING CLIMATE SCENARIO

The field experiment was conducted during 2021-22 at Central Sugarcane Research Station, Padegaon Maharashtra to assess actual yield loss due to different species of borer pests of sugarcane in changing climatic scenario. There were two treatments, each 0.1 ha size plot for treated and untreated separated by keeping 100 meter distance. Treated plot applied with recommended effective chemical insecticide by soil application of Chlorantroniliprol 0.4 GR @ 18.75 kg/ha and foliar application of Chlorantroniliprol 18.5 % SC @ 375 g/ha following pair plot technique design. Percent infestation of early shoot borer was noticed at 30 DAP, 60 DAP, 90 DAP and 120 DAP in treated plot with recommended effective chemical insecticide were 2.59, 4.22, 6.93 and 0.83, respectively, while in untreated plot were 5.63, 8.06, 10.08 and 2.78, respectively. The cumulative percentage incidence of early shoot borer was found in 3.637 % in treated plot and 6.817 % in untreated plot. Total number of bored plants / ha was 3637 in treated plot and 6817 in the untreated plot. Whereas, per cent incidence of Internode borer in treated plot with recommended effective chemical insecticide and untreated plot showed a 1.50% and 4.40% in untreated plot, respectively. Top borer was not observed throughout the crop period in both plots. Among different treatments, plot treated with recommended effective chemical insecticide recorded highest germination percent (60.40 %), No. of milliable cane (87.50 thousands ha-1), Average cane weight (1.265 kg) and Yield (101.25 t/ha) in treated plot as against untreated plot. The brix percentage, purity percentage, sucrose content and CCS% in treated with recommended effective chemical insecticide were recorded as 23.37, 92.28, 20.96 and 14.22, respectively, while in untreated plot were recorded as 22.68, 89.68, 20.93 and 14.12, respectively

Evaluation of sugarcane promising clones based on the morphophysiological traits developed from fuzz.

Sugarcane is one of the critical commercial crops and principal sources of ethanol and sugar worldwide. Unfavorable conditions and poor seed setting rates hinder variety development in sugarcane. Countries like Pakistan directly import fuzz (true seed) and other propagation material from the USA, China, Brazil, etc. In this study, we imported fuzz from China, developed 29 genotypes germinating in the glasshouse, and evaluated at field conditions along with two local checks (CPF-251 and HSF-240). Morphophysiological data were recorded, including plant height (PH), cane length (CL), internodal length (IL), tiller number (TN), brix percentage (B), cane diameter (CD), chlorophyll a (Chl. a), chlorophyll b (Chl. b), and total chlorophyll (T. Chl). Results showed highly significant (p < 0.001) differences among the sugarcane accessions for all the studied traits. High broad-sense heritability (81.89% to 99.91%) was recorded for all the studied parameters. Genetic Advance (GA) ranges from 4.6% to 65.32%. The highest GA was observed for PH (65.32%), followed by CL (63.28%). Chlorophyll leaching assay was also performed at different time points (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 min). All the genotypes showed the same leaching trend at all times, and better performing genotypes showed less leaching compared to poor performing, indicating the high amount of cutin and wax on the leaf surface. Correlation analysis showed that PH, CL, IL, and TN had significant associations. Principal components analysis (PCA) further confirms these results. Based on PCA and correlation results, PH, CL, IL, and TN can be utilized as a selection criterion for sugarcane improvement. Genotypes such as NS-4a, NS-5, NS-6, NS-8, NS-9, and NS-15 are recommended for future breeding programs related to sugarcane variety development.

Bioprospeksi Bunga Lolipop (Pachystachys lutea Nees) sebagai Sumber Alternatif untuk Produksi Gula

The lollipop plant (Pachystachys lutea Nees) has been known as an ornamental plant species that originated from the South America region. In Indonesia, some local children claim that the nectar of this flower has a very sweet flavor. This fact has inspired this short bioprospecting study of the lollipop plant with aim to discover its nectar as a potential alternative sugar source. The study was conducted in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Four lollipop plants from three different shading level (one plant in full shade andpartial shade, and two plant in full sun exposure) were sampled as many as five flowers from each plant and their nectar droplets, measured using brix refractometer, and also compared with sweet corn seeds (Zea mays L.) and sugarcane stems (Saccharum officinarum L.). The data was then validated for its significance using t-Tests. The result shows that the lollipop plant grown in partial shade has the highest brix percentage (27.00±1.02%) compared to the rest and is significantly different statistically. The brix percentage of all samples combined for this lollipop plant (25.56±0.42%) also surpassed the sugarcane (15.33±0.36%) and sweet corn (12.67±0.47%) and was significantly different statistically.

In vitro and in vivo screening for the identification of salt-tolerant sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) clones: molecular, biochemical, and physiological responses to salt stress

Sugarcane is a glycophyte whose growth and yield can be negatively affected by salt stress. As the arable lands with potential saline soils expand annually, the increase of salt-tolerance in sugarcane cultivars is highly desired. We, herein, employed in vitro and in vivo conditions in order to screen sugarcane plants for salt tolerance at the cellular and at the whole plant levels. Calli of sugarcane cv. Khon Kaen 3 (KK3) were selected after culturing in selective media containing various NaCl concentrations, and regenerated plants were then reselected after culturing in selective media containing higher NaCl concentrations. The surviving plants were finally selected after an exposure to 254 mM NaCl under greenhouse conditions. A total of 11 sugarcane plants survived the selection process. Four plants that exhibited tolerance to the four different salt concentrations applied during the aforementioned screening process were then selected for the undertaking of further molecular, biochemical, and physiological studies. The construction of a dendrogram has revealed that the most salt-tolerant plant was characterized by the lowest genetic similarity to the original cultivar. The relative expression levels of six genes (i.e., SoDREB, SoNHX1, SoSOS1, SoHKT, SoBADH, and SoMIPS) were found to be significantly higher in the salt-tolerance clones than those measured in the original plant. The measured proline levels, the glycine betaine content, the relative water content, the SPAD unit, the contents of chlorophyll a and b, as well as the K+/Na+ ratios of the salt-tolerant clones were also found to be significantly higher than those of the original plant.When the salt-tolerant clones were grown in a low saline soil, they exhibited a higher Brix percentage than that of the original cultivar.

Metabolic profile of transition period in ewes and its influence on passive immunity transference in lambs.

The intensification of ewe production, focusing on increasing prolificity, results in a higher incidence of metabolic disorders, especially in the transition period, which can lead to production losses with consequences for the health of the animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic profile in transition period Lacaune ewes according to the parity and litter size born and its influence on the transference of passive immunity. Nineteen Lacaune ewes, with initial mean body weight of 76.36 ± 10.37kg (SD), kept in a semi-extensive system and receiving the same diet, were used. Ewes were classified according to parity (primiparous and multiparous) and the litter size born at parturition (1, 2, and 3). On days - 14, - 7, and - 4 of the expected date of parturition and on days 1, 4, 7, and 14days postpartum, blood sampling, the evaluation of the body condition score (BCS), and the weighing of animals were performed. Blood samples were taken from the lambs 48h after birth. Colostrum was collected up to 6h postpartum to determine the brix percentage. Serum concentrations of total plasma proteins (TPP), albumin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), paraoxonase (PON1), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) were evaluated. In lambs, the blood parameters evaluated were TPP, albumin, GGT, and PON1. Lamb plasma was used to estimate colostrum efficiency, brix percentage immunity, and total plasma protein (PPT). Productive data, pre- and postpartum metabolic variables for ewes, lambs, and those related to colostrum brix were analyzed. The BCS had a reduction (p < 0.0001) in the postpartum period, which is evidenced on days 7 and 14 (2.88 and 2.73, respectively). Serum concentration of BHB presented the highest concentrations in the prepartum period for ewes that gave birth to triplets, from day - 14, and for ewes that gave birth to twins on day - 4 (p = 0.0245). Serum concentration of NEFA demonstrated the highest value on day 14 in primiparous (1.07; p = 0.0402). Calcium had the lowest concentrations on day 1 (8.85mg/dl, p < 0.0001) and magnesium on day 3 (1.79mg/dl, p < 0.0001) postpartum. The multiparous with two lambs had higher brix percentages (30.5%), and the lowest value was observed in primiparous ewes that gave birth to a single lamb (27.06%; p = 0.0395). Triplet lambs had the lowest weight (3.73kg, p = 0.0007), and the best brix percentage in plasma was observed in twins (10.29%, p = 0.0174). Regardless of the parity, the ewes that presented the greatest metabolic challenge were those that gave birth to triplets, and these lambs presented the worst immunity and the lowest live weight. The quality of colostrum was influenced by the parity, and multiparous ewes that gave birth to triplets had the lowest brix percentage in the colostrum.

EFFECTS OF NITROGEN GAS AND CLYBIO APPLICATION ON SHELF-LIFE EXTENSION AND SKIN COLOR RETENTION OF RIPE LITCHI

The experiment was conducted at Horticulture Innovation Lab.BD., Department of Horticulture, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka. The experiment consisted of ten treatments where litchi fruits were kept in storage, namely Control (no treatments), Clybio spray, Plastic box, Ziploc pack, Plastic box with Clybio spray, Ziploc pack with Clybio spray, Plastic box with N2 gas, Ziploc pack with N2 gas, Plastic box + Clybio+ N2 gas and Ziploc pack + Clybio+ N2 gas. The study evaluated the effect of these treatments at post-harvest on the percentage of weight loss, Total Soluble Solid (Brix percentage), skin color (L*, a*, b*, C* and h values) and percentage of weight loss and brix (%). It was observed that the lowest percentage of weight loss (20.7%) occurred in the litchis treated with Clybio and stored inside a Ziploc bag at 7 days in storage. The lowest brix percentage was measured (16.5%) when treated with clybio spray and stored in a plastic box. After 7 days in storage, the percentage of weight loss increased along with the increase in brix (%) indicating a significant relationship. The color of the fruit also changed significantly in storage from initial day until the 7th day. After 7 days in storage, the plastic box + Clybio + N2 gas treatment produced the best color retention results, with the L* value of 39.8, a* value of 27.1, b* value of 21.6, C* value of 34.7, and h value of 38.6, indicating that the litchi stored under this treatment retained a redder and brighter color. The goal of the study was to extend the shelf-life of litchi while preserving its natural red color during post-harvest storage to command a higher market price and increase profitability.

CLASSIFYING GENOTYPIC, PHENOTYPIC VARIABILITY, BROAD SENSE HERITABILITY AND PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS OF SUGARCANE (𝘚𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘮 𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘶𝘮 L.) GENOTYPES FOR BETTER YIELD, QUALITY AND RESISTANCE AGAINST RED ROT

Sugarcane is one of the important cash crops for Pakistan and it has been the primary source of sugar production. Sugarcane is used in our sugar mills and it’s by products are used in making cattle feed, soil manure etc. Present research experiment was conducted to assess the 32 genotypes of sugarcane collected from different farms for cane yield through yield contributing traits in natural field conditions. Traits like Cane height, cane girth, area of leaf, no. of internodes, internode length, no. of tillers, weight of cane, brix percentage and red rot disease incidence and severity were considered for evaluation of sugarcane germplasm. Result showed that most of the traits showed significance amount of variability between the genotypes with respect to the considered plant parameters. XT910 genotype showed the highest cane height while SPF-237 showed highest cane diameter. MSH-2415 showed the largest area of leaf as compare to other genotypes. XT236 showed the highest number of tillers per stool. Highest sucrose value is ultimate goal of breeders and US 133 showed highest sucrose value with brix percentage mean of 22. This variety performed very well overall. Sugarcane genotypes US-133,US-633,US-127,CPF-247,MSH-2415 were found excellent for sugar recovery while SPF-213 and SPF-237 were observed as resistance/tolerant against Red Rot. Furthermore, SPF-213, US-133, US-633 and US-127were found genetically diverse genotypes for different calculated traits and would be useful in sugarcane breeding program to enhance sugar recovery and Red rot resistance/tolerance in advanced sugarcane genotypes. With the help of this experiment study, we have isolated the SPF-213 variety of sugarcane which showed minimum incidence of Red rot disease. This variety has potential to perform well under Red rot susceptible environment.

Changes in serum total protein and immunoglobulin G concentrations and Brix percentages in neonatal Arabian foals from birth up to 21 days of age

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum total protein (STP) concentrations and serum Brix percentages of neonatal Arabian foals during first 3 weeks of life. Blood samples were collected from 12 apparently healthy foals by jugular venipuncture at birth and at 12-hours, 24-hours, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15 and 21 days of age. Serum IgG and STP concentrations and Brix percentages were measured by the radial immunodiffusion assay, and digital STP and Brix refractometers, respectively. Based on the serum IgG concentrations measured at 24 h, two foals were diagnosed with failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI). While IgG concentrations were determined using the data of foals with adequate transfer of passive immunity, other calculations were made using the data of all foals. The mean IgG concentration of the foals increased from birth (<200 mg/dl) to 12 (2068.5 mg/dl) and 24 h (2184.7 mg/dl), and progressively decreased up to 21 days of age (1318.5 mg/dl). The serum IgG concentrations at 12 h were highly correlated with each of the IgG concentrations measured over the 21-day period. The serum IgG and STP concentrations and Brix percentages of the foals diagnosed with FTPI at 12 h did not reach the adequate strata over time. These results suggest that foals can be reliably tested for passive immunity status at 12 h after birth.

Quality Ealuation of National Cereals Research Institute Brown Sugar

A brown sugar process technology [BST] was developed using a simple batch system and a local clarifier at the National Cereals Research Institute [NCRI], Badeggi. The quality characteristics of the brown sugar produced from the technology were studied. Where necessary and feasible the brown sugar quality was compared to industrial brown sugars. The bulk density, solubility, particle size, brix percentage, pH, Pol%, soluble and insoluble fractions, water sorption properties, proximate composition, microbial load and organoleptic properties of the sugar were evaluated. The results showed that the brown sugar had 82.87% solubility as compared to 85.80 and 72.73% of industrial samples. The bulk density was 0.88g/cm3 as compared to 0.82 and 0.95g/cm3. The particle size ranged from 600µm-10mm with 53% passing through 600µm-1.18mm. The moisture sorption studies showed that the brown sugar exhibited a sigmoid shaped structure with monolayer moisture content of 0.63gH20 while the surface area was 0.0036x10M2 /g solid. There was no apparent presence of fibre but ash content was high [10.00%] while protein as expected was very low [0.26%]. The microbial load was low 20x103 cfu/g while feacal pollution was not observed. The NCRI brown sugar was preferred to the industrial samples and had an acceptability score of 4 in a 5-point-hedonic scale.

Genetic parameters of colostrum and calf serum antibodies in Swedish dairy cattle

BackgroundA sufficient IgG content in the colostrum is essential for the newborn calf, as it provides passive immunity which substantially affects the probability of survival during rearing. Failure of passive transfer (FPT) occurs when a calf does not absorb enough antibodies from the colostrum and is defined by an IgG concentration in calf serum lower than 10 g/L. Apart from delayed access to colostrum, FPT can be due to a low production of IgG in the mother or poor IgG absorption by the calf. The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic background of antibody levels and indicator traits for antibodies in the colostrum and calf serum, and their correlation with milk production.ResultsColostrum data were available for 1340 dairy cows with at least one calving and calf serum data were available for 886 calves from these cows. Indicator traits for antibody concentrations were estimated using refractometry (a digital Brix refractometer for colostrum and an optical refractometer for serum), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine the levels of total IgG and natural antibodies (NAb) of various antibody isotypes in the colostrum and calf serum. Colostrum traits had heritabilities ranging from 0.16 to 0.31 with repeatabilities ranging from 0.21 to 0.55. Brix percentages had positive genetic correlations with all colostrum antibody traits including total IgG (0.68). Calf serum antibody concentrations had heritabilities ranging from 0.25 to 0.59, with a significant maternal effect accounting for 17 to 27% of the variance. When later in life calves produced their first lactation, the lactation average somatic cell score was found to be negatively correlated with NAb levels in calf serum.ConclusionsOur results suggest that antibody levels in the colostrum and calf serum can be increased by means of selection.

Correlation and Path Analysis in Early Maturing Sugarcane: Climate Change and Environmental Impact

An investigation was undertaken to identify early maturing sugarcane genotypes for higher sugar yield at the Research Farm of DRPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar during the spring season of 2018, the experiment was carried out in Randomized Block Climate change is expected to have important consequences for sugarcane production in the world, especially in the developing countries because of relatively low adaptive capacity, high vulnerability to natural hazards, and poor forecasting systems and mitigating strategies. Sugarcane production may have been negatively affected and will continue to be considerably affected by increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme environmental conditions due to climate change. Design with three replications. Correlation and path analysis in twelve genotypes of sugarcane for twenty one different morphological and juice quality characters were studied in relation to the checks viz. CoLk94184 and CoSe95422. Analysis of correlation revealed that the character sugar yield had highly positive genotypic correlation with traits number of millable canes at harvest (0.977), followed by cane yield at harvest (0.963). However, it was negatively correlated with purity percentage at the 8th month stage (-0.491), cane diameter at harvest (-0.363), number of internodes at harvest (-0.263), length of internodes at harvest (-0.081) and fibre percentage at harvest (-0.039). The trait cane yield at harvest (0.955**) was found to have a highly significant and positive phenotypic association, followed by single cane weight at harvest (0.820**) and germination percentage at 45 DAP (0.510**).On the other hand, it was found that the traits cane diameter at harvest (-0.236), number of internodes at harvest (-0.151) and length of internodes at harvest (-0.099) had non-significant negative phenotypic associations with sugar yield. Positive direct effect on sugar yield at phenotypic level was exerted maximally by cane yield at harvest (t/ha) (1.51) followed by CCS percentage at 10th month stage (0.29) and pol in juice at 10th month stage (0.21), germination Percentage at 45 DAP (%), cane diameter (cm) and length of internode (cm), whereas at genotypic level maximum positive direct effect was observed in the case of pol percentage in cane at harvest followed by single cane weight (kg) and brix percentage at 10th month.

Combined Application of Organic and Inorganic Amendments Improved the Yield and Nutritional Quality of Forage Sorghum

The use of organic amendments is seen to be a promising method for enhancing crop productivity and soil health. Therefore, this study was performed for two consecutive years (2019 and 2020) to determine the effects of organic biochar (BC), sugar industry press mud (MUD), and poultry manure (PM) combined with inorganic amendments on the yield and nutritional quality of forage sorghum at the College of Agriculture, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Bahadur sub-campus, Layyah, Pakistan. The treatments were comprised of the following: control (no inorganic or organic amendments added); recommended dose of NPK (59:72:30 kg ha−1); half dose of NPK (29.5:36:15 kg ha−1); recommended dose of poultry manure (PM) at 5 t ha−1; recommended dose of press mud (MUD) at 40 t ha−1; recommended dose of biochar (BC) at 11 t ha−1; BC + half NPK; MUD + half NPK; PM + half NPK; PM + BC + half NPK; PM + MUD + half NPK; BC + MUD + half NPK; PM + BC + MUD + half NPK. The treatments were carried out in a triplicate randomized complete block design. Results revealed that combined application of PM + BC + MUD + 1/2 NPK significantly enhanced the plant height (201 cm), number of leaves (17), stem diameter (18 mm), stem dry weight (201.7 g), leaf dry weight (30.4 g), leaf area (184.3 cm2), green forage yield (31.8 Mg ha−1), and dry biomass yield (12.7 Mg ha−1) compared with the control treatment. Forage quality traits, including crude protein (CP), brix percentage, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), showed maximum value with the combined application of PM + BC + MUD + 1/2 NPK. ADF and ADL are linked with lower digestibility; therefore, it was concluded that the combined application of PM + BC + MUD + 1/2 NPK can improve the productivity, dry biomass yield, and CP of sorghum, but reduces the digestibility under semi-arid conditions, such as those in Central Pakistan.

Validation of Brix refractometer to estimate immunoglobulin G concentration in goat colostrum.

Background and Aim:Immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration is high in goat colostrum, particularly in the first few hours after parturition, and this is important for the kid’s immunity and growth. IgG levels vary depending on several factors, including breed, disease status, colostrum management, handling, and collection time postpartum. A handheld optical refractometer, an affordable instrument that is simple to use in the field, is used widely in dairy farms to measure total solids. However, it can also be applied to estimate colostrum IgG content on the basis of comparison with standard measurement methods, usually radial immunodiffusion. Studies comparing %Brix values in relation to IgG concentration measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in goats are limited. The present study aimed to evaluate the use of a handheld optical Brix refractometer for the measurement of IgG concentration in goat colostrum, compare results with those using ELISA, and estimate the %Brix cutoff value equating to low-quality colostrum.Materials and Methods:Colostrum samples were collected on day 0 from 21 goats (nine Black Bengal, six Saanen, and six of their crossbred offspring) and were frozen. Subsequently, they were analyzed for IgG concentration using a goat-specific ELISA test and Brix percentage using a handheld refractometer. The optimum %Brix cutoff value for the evaluation of colostrum quality was evaluated.Results:The mean IgG concentration and %Brix in colostrum were 10.60±0.64 mg/mL and 25.0±0.9, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.01) correlation between %Brix and IgG concentration. For an IgG concentration of 6.9 mg/dL, the cutoff value for %Brix was 18.5, equating to high specificity (100%) but low sensitivity (50%). A higher %Brix cutoff value of 21.5 showed high specificity (95%) and high sensitivity (100%).Conclusion:A Brix refractometer can be used to estimate goat colostrum quality with a proposed %Brix cutoff value of <18.5%-21.5% for poor-quality colostrum.

Stress relaxation properties of bananas during drying.

Bananas' mechanical properties are affected by the ripening and the drying processes since they induce profound microstructural changes. In this study, first, the interacting effect of the ripening and the drying processes on the mode of viscoelastic behavior of bananas was investigated. Second, the stress relaxation properties of fully ripe bananas were measured as a function of the hot air drying conditions. Finally, the two-element generalized Maxwell model was fitted to the experimental data. Thus, this study clarified the dependence of the mode of rheological behavior on both the ripening stage and the moisture content. It showed that bananas start softening at the onset of the drying when the fruit moisture content is high. The softening is reversed at a critical value, at which the bananas start regaining stiffness with further moisture reduction. The critical moisture content value decreases with ripening from 1.4g/g solids for green bananas (5-11% Brix percentage) to 1.23 g/g solids for half-ripe bananas (15-20% Brix percentage) and eventually vanishes when the bananas are fully ripe (25-31% Brix percentage). The stress relaxation properties measured with fully ripe bananas substantiated the initial findings on the influence of the ripening stage on the mode of rheological behavior. The relaxation moduli displayed a decreasing trend with decrease in the moisture content for 40, 60, and 80°C drying temperatures and decayed with time as expected for viscoelastic bodies. Lastly, the two-element generalized Maxwell model fitted well to the experimental data with the root mean square error varying between 0.06 × 10-5 and 90.6 × 10-5 MPa.

A comparative evaluation of methods for estimating the colostrum quality in sows

ABSTRACT Colostrum is the main source of immunoglobulins (Ig) for neonate piglets and plays a crucial role within the health and growth of the piglet. Currently in pig farming, there are still no widespread practical methods for measuring the Ig concentration in colostrum at herd level. We evaluated sows’ colostrum IgG concentration using an optical and a digital Brix refractometer and their performance was correlated to an IgG ELISA test, and flow cytometry. Colostrum concentrations of IgG and IgA averaged 74.05 ± 21.37mg/mL and 20.2 ± 5.32mg/mL respectively. The mean value of the Brix percentages for optical refractometer was 26.32%, and for digital was 28.32%. The Brix refractometer measurements of colostrum samples presented high correlation for IgG content analyzed by ELISA (Optical = 0.74, Digital = 0.87; P &lt;0.001). Considering the immunophenotyping, the values for IgG and IgA lymphoblasts indicated a highly significant relationship to ELISA (IgG=0.77, IgA=0.84; P&lt;0.001). The Brix refractometer can be considered a useful tool to be included in a colostrum monitoring program to improve potentially neonatal health. In addition, we demonstrated that flow cytometry can be an important tool to analyze and characterize the immunological potential of sow colostrum.

Feeding milk supplemented with Ulva sp., Ascophyllum nodosum, or Saccharina latissima to preweaning dairy calves: Effects on growth, gut microbiota, gut histomorphology, and short-chain fatty acids in digesta

Emerging knowledge shows the importance of preweaning nutrition on programming the gastrointestinal microbiome and development of the gut barrier function. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of supplementing cow milk with either intact dried Ulva sp., Ascophyllum nodosum, or Saccharina latissima on growth performance and several gut health parameters of preweaning dairy calves. Forty male Holstein calves were selected based on birth weight (41 ± 4 kg) and plasma Brix percentage (≥8.7%) at d 2 of life. From d 2 to d 42 of life, the control calves (n = 10) were fed with cow milk (8 L/d) without seaweed supplementation, and the experimental calves were fed with cow milk (8 L/d) supplemented with either Ulva sp. (n = 10), A. nodosum (n = 10), or S. latissima (n = 10) at a concentration of 50 g/8 L of cow milk per day (i.e., 5% on a dry matter basis). Calves were weighed every week, and body weight gain and calf starter intake were monitored weekly. At d 42 ± 3 of life, calves were slaughtered. The organ weights and digesta pH from the reticulorumen, mid- and end small intestine, and mid-colon were recorded. A tissue sample (5 cm) collected from the mid-small intestine was analyzed for histomorphology. Digesta from the mid-small intestine and mid-colon were analyzed for lactobacilli, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteriaceae, and short-chain fatty acid profile. Weight gain of the calves was not affected by seaweed supplementation. Proportional organ weights were not affected by seaweed supplementation except for reticulorumen weight, which was higher in calves fed Ulva sp. Both the mid-small intestinal and mid-colonic digesta populations of lactobacilli, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli, as well as the mid-small intestinal histomorphology in seaweed-supplemented calves were not different from control calves. However, acetic acid proportion in mid-colonic digesta was increased in calves fed Ulva sp. and A. nodosum, whereas butyric acid proportion was decreased compared with the control calves. Digesta pH in mid- and end small intestine and mid-colon were not affected, whereas ruminal pH was increased in calves fed Ulva sp. compared with the control calves. In conclusion, intact dried seaweed supplementation did not improve the growth or selected gut health parameters (i.e., histomorphology, digesta pH, bacteria, and short-chain fatty acids) in preweaning Holstein calves.

English

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional composition (fat, total protein, casein, defatted dry extract, total solids and vitamin A), refractometry and pH of Jersey cow colostrum and correlations between Brix degree and colostrum constituents. Colostrum samples were collected from Jersey cow in the fifth milking after calving. Samples were identified and refrigerated until analysis. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and a descriptive analysis, while differences between milk were compared by the Duncan’s test (P &lt; 0.05) using the SAS version 9.0 software program. Pearson correlations were then performed between Brix grade and bovine colostrum constituents. The fat, total protein, casein, total solid and Brix percentage of the colostrum gradually decreased from the first to the fifth milking, while the lactose content increased. Positive correlations were observed between Brix values and protein, casein, total solids and defatted dry extract contents, while lactose was negatively correlated. The rapid reduction in Brix means and protein concentrations after delivery demonstrates the importance of administer colostrum in the shortest period after birth. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers