Cheap Source Of Protein Research Articles

Spawning of Decapterus macrosoma (Bleeker, 1851) “Galunggong” in Tablas Island, Romblon, Philippines: with Inferences on its Reproductive Ecology and Management

Despite its significant contribution as a cheap source of protein and support to a large fishery industry, the biology and ecology of D. macrosoma (Galunggong) remain poorly understood. This study investigates the spawning characteristics vis a vis fisheries management of D. macrosoma in the waters of Romblon Province. The spawning peak in Romblon Pass is during the Hot (May) and Cold (December-January) Seasons, while during Rainy (October) and Hot (May) Seasons in Tablas Strait. The timing of peak spawning of D. macrosoma around Tablas Island varies with that of the South Sibuyan Sea, but generally similar to the breeding traits in Palawan Waters, Manila Bay, and other shortfin scads’ populations in Asian Waters. Initial findings argue that the variations in spawning characteristics of populations in this study are influenced by the rate of exploitation. Areas in Romblon Pass, Southwest Philippine Sea, and North Sulu Sea – show no sign of heavy exploitation. The common peak spawning months in MIMAROPA Waters are May and December, while May, October, and December in Romblon Waters. This can be used as the basis for management decisions to regulate the fishing efforts of D. macrosoma in the Fisheries Management Area no. 5. Keywords : Spatial distribution, reproductive strategies, fisheries management areas

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Aquaphotomics for Monitoring Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Sprout Growth and Validation of Ascorbic Acid Content.

Mung bean is a leguminous crop with specific trait in its diet, namely in the form of anti-nutrient components. The sprouting process is commonly done for better nutritional acceptance of mung bean as it presents better nutritional benefits. Sprouted mung bean serves as a cheap source of protein and ascorbic acid, which are dependent on the sprouting process, hence the importance of following the biological process. In larger production scale, there has not been a definite standard for mung bean sprouting, raising the need for quick and effective mung bean sprout quality checks. In this regard, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been recognized as a highly sensitive technique for quality control that seems suitable for this study. The aim of this paper was to describe quality parameters (water content, pH, conductivity, and ascorbic acid by titration) during sprouting using conventional analytical methods and advanced NIRS techniques as correlative methods for modelling sprouted mung beans’ quality and ascorbic acid content. Mung beans were sprouted in 6 h intervals up to 120 h and analyzed using conventional methods and a NIR instrument. The results of the standard analytical methods were analyzed with univariate statistics (analysis of variance (ANOVA)), and the NIRS spectral data was assessed with the chemometrics approach (principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR)). Water content showed a monotonous increase during the 120 h of sprouting. The change in pH and conductivity did not describe a clear pattern during the sprouting, confirming the complexity of the biological process. Spectral data-based discriminant analysis was able to distinctly classify the bean sprouts with 100% prediction accuracy. A NIRS-based model for ascorbic acid determination was made using standard ascorbic acid to quantify the components in the bean extract. A rapid detection technique within sub-percent level was developed for mung bean ascorbic acid content with R2 above 0.90. The NIR-based prediction offers reliable estimation of mung bean sprout quality

Genetic diversity in spring faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes as revealed by high-throughput KASP SNP markers

Faba bean is one of the oldest legume crop grown around the world for its cheap source of protein and for being used in crop rotation with cereals to improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. This study was designed to determine the extent and pattern of genetic diversity and relationships among 48 Ethiopian faba bean genotypes using 37 SNPs loci based on Kompetitive allele specific PCR SNP markers. Thirty-six SNPs were found polymorphic and revealed an average of 95.6% polymorphisms. The gene diversity ranged from 0.16 to 0.50 with a mean of 0.42 and the PIC value ranged from 0.14 to 0.38 with a mean of 0.33. The Bayesian clustering model grouped the genotypes into two genetically distinct clusters with certain degree of admixture, indicating the introduction of chromosomes of different ancestry and allele frequency. The result clearly showed the presence of relatively high genetic diversity among faba bean genotypes grown in Ethiopia. Thus, these genotypes can be used in faba bean breeding programs to develop farmer preferred cultivars with desirable traits.

Bacteriological Assessment and Antibiotic Susceptibility Profile of Bacteria Recovered from <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Selected from Various Fish Farms in Anambra North Senatorial Zones in Anambra State, Nigeria

Fishes are cheap sources of protein and are commonly reared in artificial pond in Nigeria. Bacterial infested fishes have been a serious public health concern. This study was aimed at isolating and identifying bacteria associated with the internal organs (gills, liver, guts) of Clarias gariepinus (African Catfish) in fish ponds in Anambra North Senatorial zones in Anambra State, Nigeria, and to determine the seasonal bacterial load of the organs and antibiotic susceptibility profile of the isolates to conventional antibiotics. A total of 720 African catfish were sampled from randomly selected fish farms during rainy and dry seasons. Bacteria isolates inoculated on Blood and Nutrient agar plates were identified based on morphological and biochemical characteristics. Susceptibility of the isolates to antibiotics was carried out using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Isolates from the fish organs include species of Vibrio, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Lactobacillus, Staphylococcus, Microbacterium, Serratia, Proteus, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Citrobacter and Micrococcus. Results also revealed that there was significant difference (p value Bacillus sp. was the most abundant gram positive bacterium in the organs of the fish samples during the rainy and dry season, while Citrobacter sp., a gram negative organism, was relatively abundant in the liver and gut. Percentage susceptibility of the bacteria to antibiotics was highest with vancomycin (100%) and least with erythromycin (75.0%). The most susceptible isolates were species of Staphylococcus, Microccoccus and Microbacterium while Bacillus sp. was the most resistant bacterium. This study has shown that high bacteria load are found in the internal organs of the fish and a good number of the bacteria are resistant to some of the antibiotics tested. There is, therefore, need for adherence to proper sanitary measures to avoid bacterial contamination of fish.

ОЦЕНКА СОРТОВ КЛЕВЕРА ПО АГРОБИОЛОГИЧЕСКИМ И ХОЗЯЙСТВЕННО-ЦЕННЫМ ПРИЗНАКАМ

In intensifying fodder production, highly productive, high-protein and environmentally stable varieties of fodder crops are of fundamental importance. In this task, the main role is given to perennial legumes, among which clover occupies a priority. Clover is one of the leading fodder crops in many regions of Russia. In particular, in the North Caucasus, clover is of great importance in field and meadow fodder production. On hayfields and pastures of mountain slopes, this culture is used as a high-protein component in agro- and phytocenosis. The role of clover as a cheap source of protein for animals and an excellent precursor in the crop rotation link is well known. Its agrotechnical significance is also great: thanks to the nibble bacteria settling on the roots of clover, it is able to absorb atmospheric nitrogen. Clover roots penetrate deep into the ground, loosen soil layers, extracting nutrients difficult to access to other plants, enrich the soil with an organic substance, improve its structure, physical qualities, fix the arable layer and protect it from water and wind erosion. Due to the widespread use of this crop, there are increasingly high requirements for varieties cultivated in agrocenoses: increasing agrobiological and chemical-technological properties, improving soil fertility. To create highly effective pastures and hayfields, long-term and productive varieties of clover with high nutritional properties, salinity, resistance to diseases, trampling and mowing are required. The expansion of meadow clover crops is a priority area for the development of adaptive fodder production in North Ossetia, and especially in modern conditions, it is important to breed and evaluate its varieties. Meadow clover varieties are relatively resistant to adverse conditions and have high seed productivity. It is these requirements that meet the clover varieties "Dargavs," "Nart," "Mountain Saniba" and "Daryal." In order to identify clover varieties that are promising in the conditions of North Ossetia, on the basis of the North Caucasus Institute of Mining and Foothill Agriculture in the village. Mikhailovsky conducted research on their assessment of agrobiological and economic-valuable features. It was established that the variety "Mountain Saniba" stood out for the content of raw protein in dry matter, affinity, collection of dry matter per hectare. All studied varieties are adapted to the conditions of the foothill zone of North Ossetia, since they are winter straps. The growing season of the studied varieties varied on average 52-44 days by year, which is optimal for fodder harvesting in our region.

Influence of foreign direct investment and exchange rate on fisheries in Nigeria

Many studies have explored the impact of macroeconomic factors on the growth and output of the agricultural sector in Nigeria with focus on the aggregate output. Some studies narrowed down focus on the crop subsector while neglecting the fisheries subsector which is an important source of cheap protein for our increasing population, a source of employment for the unemployed and also key to achieving the first three sustainable development goals 2030. In this study, we investigated the influence of FDI on agriculture and exchange rates on the output of the fisheries subsector using time series data that spans from 1980-2018. A Vector Autoregressive Model was also used alongside a growth model. The findings indicate positive growth in the fisheries subsector. FDI to agriculture and exchange rate movements were both found to affect the fisheries subsector positively in the long run, whereas only FDI to agriculture was found to exert a positive influence in the short run. Policies to attract FDI to the sector are thus advocated for, while macroeconomic policies to stabilise the Nigerian currency (naira) against the US dollar are also advised.

Fish consumption study at a household level in Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Fishes are generally considered as cheap sources of protein and good quality nutrition for human consumption. A survey was conducted in District Dir Lower in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. The survey was conducted through a properly structured questionnaire from March 13th to June 2nd, 2019 to determine the consumption of fish (i.e. Mahasheer, trout, catfish, Common Carp, Rohu, etc.) according to in educational levels, gender, per capita, based on species liking, size, time duration, the order of preference given by the people. The current survey results showed that fish consumption had no relation to the educational level because illiterate and educational males consumed 75.51 and 58.53% fish respectively. Similarly, the percentage for illiterate female was 66.67% and educational female was 55.17%. The per head consumption for lower class was 0.49 kg per year, followed by middle class 0.46 kg then upper class 0.37 kg per year. The percentage of persons consumed fish per month was 46.25% while it was only 8% a year. The people who avoided fish for its spines and the high cost were 50.75 and 31.25% respectively. It was observed that people know that fish eating can increase the eyesight, helps in high blood pressure and reduces the cardiac disease were 46.75, 13.25 and 25% respectively. It has been concluded that per head consumption was greater for the lower class followed by the middle and upper class. Most people of the district Lower Dir consume fish once a month while few people consume fish occasionally. The fish consumption has no relation with educational level because illiterate people consume more fish than educated people.

ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТЬ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ МИКРОУДОБРЕНИЯ И БИОПРЕПАРАТА НОВОГО ПОКОЛЕНИЯ НА ПОСЕВАХ КЛЕВЕРА ЛУГОВОГО

Feed production has been and remains one of the most important and complex problems in agriculture. The production of forage far exceeds the gross production of all other crop products. At the same time, being the most important branch of agriculture, they do not meet the needs of animal husbandry. The development of animal husbandry has recently been characterized by major organizational and technical changes. The process of specialization and concentration of its individual industries is under way at an accelerated pace. A network of large complexes for the production of livestock products on an industrial basis is being created, and farms are being comprehensively mechanized. All this led to an increase in the production of all livestock products. The successful development of animal husbandry depends, first of all, on the state of the fodder base. In recent years, fodder production has developed into one of the most important branches of agriculture. Analysis of the current state of feed production in North Ossetia shows that the supply of livestock with feed is 1.5 times lower than in some regions of the Russian Federation and has a tendency to further decline. This is due to the fact that feed production is aimed at volumetric rather than quality indicators. Therefore, all vegetable feeds of our own production are characterized by a low concentration of protein in dry matter (8.3-9.2%) and metabolizable energy (8.2-8.5 MJ). Clover is one of the leading forage crops. Its role as a cheap source of protein for animals and as an excellent precursor in crop rotation is well known. Agrotechnical significance is also great: thanks to the nodule bacteria settling on the roots of clover, it is able to assimilate atmospheric nitrogen. Clover roots penetrate deep into the ground, loosen the soil layer, extracting nutrients that are difficult for other plants to reach, enrich the soil with organic matter, improve its structure, physical properties, fix the arable layer and protect it from water and wind erosion. Get ting high and stable yields is possible with uninterrupted, harmonious, balanced supply of plants with basic nutrients in accordance with their needs throughout the growing season. The size of the yield is the most important indicator of the effectiveness of the culture under study, cultivation conditions, agricultural techniques and their combinations. It is advisable to focus on modern biological products and complex bioorganic fertilizers, because their composition is as close to optimal values as possible.

Assessment of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) Mutant Lines for Drought Tolerance

Cowpea provides the cheapest source of protein with an average range of protein content of 23–30%. However, cowpea growth, development, and yield are greatly affected by drought during flowering and pod filling in the sub-Sahelian areas. The best way to cope with this situation is to develop drought-tolerant cowpea varieties. The objective of this study was therefore to evaluate cowpea lines developed through mutagenesis using gamma radiation to assess their reaction under optimal and water-stressed conditions. The response of ten mutants-irradiated Moussa local was then evaluated in pots arranged in a split plot design in a screen house. Two conditions were applied with optimum and water-stressed conditions. The stress was applied for two weeks at flowering. Two cowpea varieties Gorom local (drought-tolerant) and Moussa local (susceptible) nonirradiated were used as checks. Thereafter, field trials under two different sowing dates were conducted to identify the best tolerant mutant line(s) using agromorphological and tolerance indicators. The results indicated that mutant lines (MoussaM51-4P10 and MoussaM43-20P14) exhibited better stress tolerance and produced higher yield under water stress conditions. Stress Tolerance Index (STI) was better to select cowpea mutant tolerant with higher yielding under moderate stress (SI = 35%). The study confirmed that water stress has a negative effect on cowpea seeds production and on leaf chlorophyll content. The high temperature during experiment increased water stress effect mainly on non-irradiated checks (Gorom local and Moussa local).

Edukasi Budidaya Black Soldier Fly (BSF) dalam Rangka Menciptakan Lapangan Kerja Baru dan Solusi Permasalahan Sampah di Area Pasar Manis Ciamis

Waste becomes a problems if not managed properly, moreover comes from market activities whose are always there every day. Youth of Al Hilal live near "Pasar Manis" in Ciamis District, West Java, which some of the members do not have jobs. One of the activities in an effort to bring income is to cultivate the BSF (Black Soldier Fly), as a new breakthrough in providing cheap protein sources for animal feed and fish. This community service activity aims to provide education and management services for BSF cultivation in order to be able to utilize the economic potential of organic waste management and cultivation results. The method of activity is in the form of community education and BSF cultivation iptek with 34 participants. Generally, the results provide a new alternative to get income and improve skills in BSF cultivation so that is better in its management. Then an increase in understanding of the prospects, economic, social and environmental benefits so that it becomes an alternative solution in obtaining income and reducing the problem of organic waste in the surrounding area. The response of activities obtained by 88.2% greatly increases knowledge; 8.8% enough to add knowledge; and 2.9% are mediocre.

Effects of Fish By-product Meal Inclusion in Broiler Feeds on Growth Performance

Background: The presence of inadequate and inconsistent feeds to the chicken resulted in lower performance of chick production in Ethiopia. Broilers are meat type chickens with fast income generation and depend on high quality feed. Feed costs alone currently account for over 65-70% of poultry production in third world countries, there has been recent interest in determining the feeding value of different locally available alternative feeding resources. As fish is generally appreciated as one of the healthiest and cheapest source of protein and it is available in Gambella water bodies, this research is intended to investigate the effects of fish by-product inclusion in broiler feeds on growth performance. Two hundred and forty (240) day old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were reared and assigned to four treatments for 42 days. Treatment one was the control without fish by-product meal, treatment 2 contained 2% fish by-product meal, treatment 3 contained 3% fish by-product meal and treatment 4 contained 5% fish by-product meal. Each treatment was replicated 3 times with 20 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. Parameters measured for the experiment were the initial body weight, final weight, daily feed intake while weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. Data were analyzed using General linear model procedure of statistical analysis software (SAS) version 9.2.
 Results: This study indicated that the average daily feed intake of broiler significantly increased (P<0.05) in 3 and 5% fish by-product meal level to the diets during 11-20 days of age. At the age of 32 – 42 days the average body weight and daily feed intake at the age of 21-32 days were significantly (P<0.05) increased in 3 and 5% fish by-product meal level compared to control and 2% fishmeal diet.
 Conclusion: This study revealed that inclusion of fish by-product meal in the diet improved the performance of broiler. To utilize and exploit the potential of fish by-product meal as broiler feed in Gambella region, farmers should get training on preparation and utilization of fish by product.

Baseline status and effect of genotype, environment and genotype × environment interactions on iron and zinc content in Indian chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.)

Genetic biofortification is a cost-effective strategy to address iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) deficiencies prevalent worldwide. Being a rich and cheap protein source, chickpea, a food legume grown and consumed across the globe, is a good target for biofortification. Nineteen popular commercial cultivars of India were analysed for Fe and Zn content at four locations representing different agro-climatic zones to study the genotypic and genotype × environment interactions on Fe and Zn. Distribution of phytic acid (PA), an important anti-nutrient that chelates and reduces the mineral bioavailability, was also analysed. Influence of other agronomic traits like days to flowering, plant height and 100 seed weight on Fe and Zn content was also studied. All the traits showed significant G and G × E interactions; however, the magnitude of variance of GXE was lesser than that of G alone. Genotype + genotype-by-environment and genotype-by-trait biplots were used to assess the relations between different environments, genotypes and traits. Iron and zinc content showed positive correlation between them indicating a possibility of their co-selection in breeding. A negative correlation between Zn and PA was observed. However, there was very low variability for PA content in the cultivars under study, indicating that moderate PA is naturally selected in these cultivars during breeding. Despite significant GXE interactions, cultivars with high Fe (> 70 µg/g) and Zn content (> 40 µg/g) at three out of four test locations were identified. Such genotypes will be useful in breeding programs for enhancing mineral micronutrient content and understanding the molecular mechanisms governing their differential uptake.

Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility of Azolla pinnata Feeding in Sahiwal Calves (Bos indicus) by Replacing Protein Content of Concentrate with Azolla pinnata during Winter Season

Background: Globally, human population in increasing at a very fast rate which is decreasing the land coverage with time. It was found that only 4% of the area is left for cultivating fodder. As a consequence, livestock is dependent on crop residues that are poor in dietary quality, crude protein with high fibre. Also the concentrate, most vital element in animal diet is very expensive and responsible for reducing the income. It is the need of the hour to develop cheap protein sources to promote adequate growth along with raising income. Under this context, Azolla pinnata can act as the best source for protein substitution. The present investigation was carried out to study the effect of protein replacement through Azolla pinnata on performance of Sahiwal female calves. Method: The experiment were conducted in 18 growing Sahiwal female calves distributed into three groups (T0, T1and T2) for 90 days. The animals in (T0) group were fed as per ICAR 2013 feeding standards, while (T1) and T2 group was fed by replacing 15%, 30% protein content of concentrate with Azolla pinnata on DM basis respectively. Results: Proximate analysis of Azolla pinnata revealed that it has higher CP value (26.50% on DM basis) and there was no significant difference in total dry matter intake, CP intake and TDN intake in all the treatment groups. The average daily live-weight gain (ADG) was higher in T2 followed by T1 group. Thus, it can be concluded that Azolla pinnata can be used as a novel initiative for protein replacement in Sahiwal female calves.

Assessing yield stability in African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) performance using year effect

Abstract Maintaining yield stability in the African yam bean (AYB) (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) under year-to-year variability is crucial to its sustained productivity. Exploring yield stability in crops is vital in identifying how stable and consistent the yield of such crops is. Cultivation of AYB, an underutilized traditional legume in a specific environment, will further popularize the crop and enhance the acceptance as a cheap protein source thereby reducing hunger and malnutrition especially in regions where climate change has negatively affected legume crop production. Field trials were carried out to study the performance of 23 AYB genotypes in four-year environments. Two seeds of each genotype were sown in a single 5 m row plot spaced at 1 m between and within rows; the trial was conducted during the cropping season of 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 and was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. At harvesting, five plants from each row were separately harvested; seeds of all the sampled plants in each plot were bulked and weighed, and the seed yield per plant was then determined. A combined analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to test for the significance of genotypes, year, and genotype by year interaction. Before combined ANOVA, a test for homogeneity of residual variances was performed using Bartlet’s test; stability of the genotypes over the years was ascertained numerically and graphically using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction and Genotype X Genotype X Environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. Rainfall distribution between 680 and 1,700 mm with an average temperature of 28.50°C under sandy-clay soil type supported high and stable seed yield production in AYB. This environment was found adequate during the 2014 (E1) growing season. Genotypes TSs118, TSs12, TSs109, TSs148, TSs5, TSs61, and TSs69 produced an above-average mean yield across the years and were found to be productive and stable in all the year environments. TSs82 and TSs6 with above-average mean seed and tuber yield can be considered for cultivation where seed and tuber dual-purpose production is to be maximized, while TSs111, TSs49, and TSs96 with high tuber yield ranking above average total tuber yield can be further enhanced for tuber production.

Proximate and Mineral Composition of Traditional, Composite Foods Consumed in Rural Areas of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract Objectives High levels of stunting (49.1%), underweight (29.9%) and anemia (70.4%) are common in children <5 years of age in northeastern Nigeria. The nutritional composition of diets fed in the home is of prime importance for the anthropometric and micronutrient status of children. Yet there is paucity of data on the nutrient profile of numerous foods that are part of traditional diets in northeastern Nigeria. This study evaluated the proximate and mineral content of 31 traditional, composite foods consumed in Bauchi state, Nigeria. Methods Proximate analysis was conducted via a modified version of the AOAC International (2006) method. Iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and calcium (Ca) concentrations were determined from samples by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results Of three types of danwake (cooked cereal dough balls/dumplings), danwake wake da dawa (beans with sorghum) had the highest protein (4.78%). Danwake gujia da masara (Bambara nuts with maize) had the greatest Fe (3.97 mg), with Zn (1.20 mg) and Cu (0.28 mg)/100 g). Dambun tsakin masara (maize grits, peanut cake and spinach) had the highest protein (9.12%) of five types of dambu (granulated cereal dumplings). Per 100 g of dambu, Fe (6.01 mg), Zn (1.57 mg), Cu (0.31 mg) and Ca (89.64 mg) of dambun gero da zogale (millet, moringa and peanut cake) was the highest. Of nine soups, miyan kubewa (okra) was lowest in protein (1.90%), while miyan karago (peanut cake) was highest in protein (11.40%), with Fe, Zn and Cu (5.49, 1.30 and 0.33 mg, respectively). Shredded, fried, mutton (dambun naman rago) and soy curds (awara) were excellent sources of protein (49.31% and 16.86%), Fe (9.20 and 8.32 mg), Zn (7.54 and 1.72 mg), and Ca (138.76 and 52.40 mg)/100 g). Of ten cereal puddings, paps and porridges, chanchangan dawa (sorghum, beans and peanut) and danmalele [maize and palm oil pap (used as a weaning food], had the highest (6.43%) and lowest (1.22%) protein, respectively. Porridge made from leftover pudding crust (gwaten kanzo) was high in Fe (3.12 mg/100 g). Conclusions Foods prepared with two different legumes in addition to cereals, were the richest sources of protein and micronutrients compared to other mixtures. Peanut cake and soy curds are cheap sources of protein and minerals, which can improve diets in northern Nigeria, when combined with starchy staples. Funding Sources This study was funded by Oxfam LINE Project, Bauchi.

Characterizing Lentil Germplasm for Zinc Biofortification and High Grain Output

Micronutrient malnutrition particularly of zinc (Zn) attributes a worse situation mainly in South Asia in addition to the food security. Pulses contribute significantly towards providing calories to the masses in developing countries being the cheap source of protein. Zinc biofortification of pulses mainly of lentil can be a good strategy aimed at both increased profit as well as can combat Zn deficiency in humans. A field experiment was conducted to classify the lentil genotypes based on their higher grain output and grain Zn concentration. The 16 lentil genotypes were cultivated with the following Zn levels: 0, 6 and 9 mg kg−1 and recommended dose of primary nutrients (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K)) were applied with three replicates until maturity. Results revealed that application of Zn increased the plant growth, grain production and grain Zn concentration significantly. Zinc application at higher rates i.e. 9 mg kg−1 resulted in higher grain output and concentration of Zn in grain than lower application rate and control. The genotype Mansehra-89 was excellent in terms of high grain output and high Zn contents in their grains. The lentil genotypes, Mansehra-89, Punjab Masoor-2009, Masoor-2002 and Masoor-2006, were classified as high grain yield cultivars, and Line-10502, Mansehra-89, Line-11504 and Markaz-09 were categorized as Zn efficient/responsive genotypes. From the results, it was concluded that the lentil genotypes respond differently upon Zn fertilization and thus improved the crop yield and Zn enrichment of lentil grains. However, keeping in view the desired level of bioavailable Zn, further experimentation is required for general recommendations for right source and application methods. Moreover, these categorizations are helpful in future breeding ventures and to recommend the efficient cultivars aiming at increased Zn contents in grains.

Sesame Meal and Moringa oleifera Leaves Ready to Cook Curry Mix: An Ethnic Food of Godavari Districts in Andhra Pradesh, India

Sesame meal was widely consumed in Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh, India which was not known to most of the people and under-utilized. Moringa leaves were another nutritious food that is also under-utilized and not available in urban areas. The aim of this work was to develop the sesame meal and dried Moringa leaves as a ready to cook curry mix by assessing the ratio of sesame meal and dried Moringa leaves as to determine the best closer fresh leaves and sesame meal blend. The Moringa leaves were treated with citric acid, and potassium meta bisulphite to retain the colour and dried by different techniques such as shade drying, solar drying and drying in Ezidri food dehydrator at 60, 50, 35ºC. The leaves dried in Ezidri food dehydrator retained more colour and nutrients. The dried leaves were used to prepare curry with sesame meal taking fresh leaves as a control in the ratio 1:2. The dried leaves and sesame meal were taken in the ratio 0.1:1, 0.12:1 and 0.14:1, prepared samples were evaluated for sensory characteristics and compared with the control sample. The curry prepared in the ratio 0.12:1 is best accepted and close to the control sample. The nutritive value shows Sesame meal and Moringa leaves were the best cheapest sources of protein, calcium, iron, potassium and vitamin A.

Cost-benefit ratio of the nutrients of the food consumed in Brazil

Nutrient deficiency is one of the major problems of the human population today. Studies indicate that consumers consider that the price of food is more relevant than its nutritional value. Therefore, this work sought to compare the costs of nutrients provided by typical foods found in the Brazilian diet. Food prices available in virtual markets were collected, and the costs to meet 30% of the daily recommendations for a healthy adult were calculated for eight nutrients. Poultry was found to be the cheapest source of protein. Cereal fiber had the lowest cost for both fiber and iron. The cheapest sources of calcium were Ovaltine and dairy products, whereas cow`s liver was the best ranked food for vitamin A. Vitamin C was found to be the cheapest nutrient in the Brazilian diet, with acerola juice being the cheapest source of this nutrient. Dairy products occupied the first six positions in the ranking of vitamin D, while nuts and seeds were the cheapest sources of vitamin E. The results showed that Brazilian consumers can meet the recommended intake of critical nutrients at a low cost through the purchase of the best ranked foods. However, this ranking should be weighted according to the food quality, as recommended in the New Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population.

Economic impact of the liver condemnation of cattle infected with Fasciola hepatica in the Peruvian Andes.

Fasciolosis is a zoonotic food- and waterborne infection related to great economic losses on ruminant production. In order to determine the prevalence of bovine liver condemnations due to fasciolosis in an abattoir at the Central Andes of Peru, we evaluated the records of an authorized slaughterhouse in Huancayo, at 3300m above sea level, over 16months. Subsequently, the average weights of condemned viscera and carcasses were also estimated to determine the direct and indirect economic losses. Fasciolosis was the main cause of liver condemnation, with a prevalence of 55.72% (3926/7046; CI 95%: 56.88-54.56%). The livers infected were more than double the amount of livers supplied to markets in this period. Although the average price of liver in the Peruvian Andes is very cheap, approximately 16.45tons of livers were destroyed, estimating a direct economic loss of US$35,080 (CI 95%: US$29,178-40,938). The indirect loss due to decreased body weight gain (calculated using 10% of the average weight of a healthy animal carcass) was estimated at US$354,570 (CI 95%: US$387,908-US$321,227). Fasciolosis is an important zoonotic disease that threatens food security in the Andean region, with major repercussions on the income of the livestock industry and the availability of cheap protein sources.

Native Chickens beyond Meat and Eggs

The farmers in the rural areas of Bhutan have been rearing native chicken for centuries and the intervention by government to upgrade native chickens and boost their production seems to have remained unfinished goals of many five year plans. Some of the pertinent issues related to native chickens that provide insight into preference for native chicken by the rural communities obtained through informal discussion with elderly people are highlighted herein. The rural communities prefer native chicken to exotic chicken for a number of reasons. For instance, native chickens are robust and cheap source of protein that help women recoup their lost energy during pregnancy and delivery. The native chickens are very agile therefore can escape predators such as eagle and are comparatively resistant to some endemic diseases compared to exotic chickens. Native chicken serves as an object of gift, where grandparents give pullet to their grandchildren with the unspoken message of ‘rear this pullet, when it lays eggs, eat the eggs and grow healthy.’ Some ethnic groups require specific strains of native chicken to be reared as a symbol of reverence to household deity, while for some communities native chickens serve the purpose of harbouring invisible granny associated with the households. Rural communities also attach medicinal value to meat of certain strains of native chicken. The native chickens are important source of organic manure for vegetable growing. Even the feathers of native chickens are used for various purposes in the households.