Commercial Straw Research Articles

A comparative study of drinking straws made from natural resources: structural and morphological characterization

This study focuses on identifying a high-value material using low-cost raw resources by comparing wheat straw varieties collected in Greece with other commercial straws made of reed, bamboo, paper, and bioplastic. The structural characteristics, water absorption behavior, and morphological properties of the straws were analyzed using X-ray diffraction, water immersion tests, and scanning electron microscopy. The thermal degradation was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis. The results suggest that the wheat straws exhibit a significant degree of crystallinity, with the Staramaki K1 straw exhibiting the highest crystallinity of all the straws analyzed. The mass of wheat straws increased after immersion in water, coca-cola, and fresh orange juice in contrast to the mass of bioplastic and bamboo straws, which remained constant. The surface examination revealed modifications to the strawsʼ outer and inner surfaces after immersion in the various solutions. To variable degrees, pores, cracks, peeling material, lighter patches, and anomalies were seen. The presence of a highly crystalline structure can increase the strawʼs hardness and reduce its water absorption, making it more resistant to changes brought about by the solutions. So, the Staramaki K1 wheat straw exhibits favorable properties, including high crystallinity, lower water absorption, and thermal stability, making it a promising candidate for replacing conventional plastic drinking straws.

A novel fungal agent for straw returning to enhance straw decomposition and nutrients release

Straw returning is a promising option to alleviate environmental pollution caused by the excess usage of chemical fertilizers. However, the straw decomposition by local microorganisms in the soil is often very slow. Herein, a new straw decomposition agent of fungi was prepared by Trichoderma viride, Penicillium, and Phanerochaete chrysosporium burdsall (PCB) for lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose decomposition. The highest efficiency was achieved by mixing the three fungi at a mass ratio of 1: 1: 1. Results indicated that the straw decomposition rate was preferably 45.2% in a 10-day continuous reaction. It was found that the depth of straw in soil and the application of composite fertilizer played an important role in straw decomposition. More importantly, the nutrient release from straw decomposition was observed. After 90 days of reaction, the maximum N, P, and K release rates reached 48.3%, 60.3%, and 72.1%, respectively. By comparing the novel straw decomposition agent with two different commercial straw decomposition agents, the novel straw decomposition agent showed matched performance in straw decomposition under the same conditions, indicating that it has great potential in practical applications.

Bacterial DNase activity as a putative inductor of sperm DNA fragmentation in infected bull frozen-thawed semen samples

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between DNase activity associated with bacterial contamination of incubated bovine frozen-thawed spermatozoa and elevated sperm DNA fragmentation. Electrophoresis analysis of plasmid PBR322 incubated for 30 min at 37 °C with the supernatant of the diluent of frozen-thawed centrifuged bovine semen straws infected with bacteria showed clear evidence of DNase activity when compared to plasmid incubated in similarly prepared non-infected bovine diluent supernatant (Experiment 1). This DNase activity was subsequently found to be time dependent (0–60 min) and its activity prevented in the presence of EDTA (10 and 20 mM; Experiment 2). Semen straws infected (n = 10) and not infected (n = 10) with bacteria where incubated at 37 °C for up to 48h post-thaw. Semen infected with bacteria showed an exponential increase in bacterial growth and a corresponding increase in sperm DNA fragmentation. Non-infected semen samples showed no change in the incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation over the same period of incubation (Experiment 3). Our experiments reinforce the idea that exogenous DNases present in the semen should be considered as one of the primary contributing causes of sperm DNA fragmentation post ejaculation. In the case of the bull, post-thaw incubation of commercial straws contaminated with bacteria, resulted in increased levels of sperm DNA fragmentation, most likely associated with DNase activity (potentially restriction endonucleases) derived from the bacteria. Such adverse changes in sperm DNA fragmentation, as described here in vitro, may be also operative after insemination in the female reproductive tract (in vivo) and highlight the importance of implementing high levels of hygiene practice during semen processing, especially in light of future trends of bacterial resistance to the common antibiotics used in semen diluents.

Valorization of Green Biomass: Alfalfa Pulp as a Substrate for Oyster Mushroom Cultivation.

In this study, the potential of alfalfa pulp as an alternative substrate to wheat straw for the cultivation of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) was investigated. The major components associated with different mushroom stages were evaluated, as well as changes in lignocellulolytic enzyme activities in substrates composed of alfalfa pulp, wheat straw or a combination of both. Based on the results, alfalfa pulp was demonstrated to be a better substrate than wheat straw for the production of oyster mushrooms, with a high biological efficiency of 166.3 ± 25.4%. Compared to the cultivation period on commercial straw (31 days), a shorter lifecycle for oyster mushroom was found on alfalfa pulp (24 days), which could help to reduce the risk of contamination during industrial production. Study of the spent substrate as well as the harvested mushrooms revealed that the biological efficiency was related to the higher protein content (17.42%) in the alfalfa pulp compared to wheat straw, as well as greater degradation of cellulose (57.58%) and hemicellulose (56.60%). This was, by and large, due to greater extracellular hydrolytic and oxidative enzyme activity from the mushroom growth in the alfalfa pulp. The quality and safety of the fruiting bodies produced on alfalfa pulp was evaluated, which showed that the protein content was 20.4%, of which 46.3% was essential amino acids, and levels of trace elements and heavy metals were below acceptable limits. Hence, oyster mushroom cultivation using alfalfa pulp provides an alternative method to produce a value-added product, while reducing the biomass wastes in the green protein bio-refinery, and may contribute to sustainable growth in the agricultural industry.

Sandwich-Structured, Hydrophobic, Nanocellulose-Reinforced Polyvinyl Alcohol as an Alternative Straw Material.

An environmentally friendly, hydrophobic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film was developed as an alternative to commercial straws for mitigating the issue of plastic waste. Nontoxic and biodegradable cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and nanofibers (CNFs) were used to prepare PVA nanocomposite films by blade coating and solution casting. Double-sided solution casting of polyethylene-glycol–poly(lactic acid) (PEG–PLA) + neat PLA hydrophobic films was performed, which was followed by heat treatment at different temperatures and durations to hydrophobize the PVA composite films. The hydrophobic characteristics of the prepared composite films and a commercial straw were compared. The PVA nanocomposite films exhibited enhanced water vapor barrier and thermal properties owing to the hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces between the substrate and the fillers. In the sandwich-structured PVA-based hydrophobic composite films, the crystallinity of PLA was increased by adjusting the temperature and duration of heat treatment, which significantly improved their contact angle and water vapor barrier. Finally, the initial contact angle and contact duration (at the contact angle of 20°) increased by 35% and 40%, respectively, which was a significant increase in the service life of the biodegradable material-based straw.

Emergy evaluation of straw collection, transportation and storage system for power generation in China

Straw is the main resource of fuel for biomass power generation plants in China's agricultural areas. Field survey and emergy analysis were employed to investigate the operation situation of the straw collection, transportation and storage system based on the case of Laifa Straw Recycling Company. In the condition of collecting 2 × 108 kg of straw production, the emergy input of the artificial model of the company was 173.02 × 1018 sej, which was higher than the emergy input of the mechanical model, 148.11 × 1018 sej. According to the emergy indicator system, the mechanical model had a high development degree of internal resources and environment, high productivity, high sustainable development ability, but a lower proportion of renewable resource emergy input than the artificial model. The emergy value of 1 kg commercial straw calculated from the commercial price was 0.25 × 1012 sej, which was only one third of the average input of the company to produce 1 kg commercial straw (0.74 × 1012–0.87 × 1012 sej). It was difficult for straw recycling company to survive in the market due to the low price of the commercial straw. Therefore, the government was suggested to take effective economic policies to support local straw recycling enterprises.

Bacterial presence in commercial straws of bull sperm diminished sperm DNA longevity

Bacterial presence in commercial straws of bull sperm diminished sperm DNA longevity

Voluntary intake and digestibility by sheep of alfalfa ensiled at different moisture concentrations following fertilization with dairy slurry.

Dairy slurry is used commonly as an animal-sourced fertilizer in agronomic production. However, residual effects of slurry application on intake and digestibility of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) silage from subsequent harvests are not well known. The objective of this study was to determine if moisture concentration of alfalfa silage and timing of dairy slurry application relative to subsequent harvest affected intake and digestibility by sheep. Katahdin crossbred ewes (n = 18; 48 ± 5.3 kg) in mid-gestation were stratified by BW and allocated randomly in each of two periods to one of six treatments arranged in a two × three factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of recommended (RM; 46.8%) or low (LM; 39.7%) moisture at baling after either no slurry application (NS), slurry application to stubble immediately after removal of the previous cutting (S0), or slurry application 14 d after removal of the previous cutting (S14). Silages were chopped through a commercial straw chopper, packed into plastic trash cans, and then offered to ewes within 4 d of chopping. Period 1 of the intake and digestion study consisted of a 14-d adaptation followed by a 7-d fecal collection period. Period 2 followed period 1 after a 4-d rest and consisted of an 11-d adaptation followed by 7 d of fecal collection. Ewes were housed individually in 1.4 × 4.3-m pens equipped with rubber mat flooring. Feces were swept from the floor twice daily, weighed, and dried at 50 °C. Ewes had ad libitum access to water and were offered chopped silage for a minimum of 10% refusal (DM). Blood samples were collected immediately prior to feeding, and 4 and 8 h after feeding on the day prior to the end of each period. Organic matter intake (g/kg BW) and OM digestibility tended (P < 0.10) to be, and digestible OM intake (g/kg BW) was reduced by slurry application. Lymphocytes (% of total white blood cells) were greater (P < 0.05) from LM vs. RM and from NS vs. S0 and S14. Red blood cell concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) from S14 vs. S0 and from S0 and S14 vs. NS. Serum urea N concentrations did not differ (P > 0.17) across treatments. Therefore, moisture concentration of alfalfa silage within the range used in this study may not affect voluntary intake or digestibility, but slurry application may have an effect on digestible OM intake. Also, moisture concentration of alfalfa silage and time of dairy slurry application may affect specific blood hemograms.

Improving agricultural straw preparation logistics stream in bio-methane production: experimental studies and application analysis.

Long-term production in commercial straw biogas plants has been rare in China due to inefficiencies in the logistics stream. Biomass densification could be a potential solution to this issue. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate whether biomass densification is a more efficient and sustainable option. We performed methane production experiments to investigate fermentation characteristics of briquettes (with a new pretreatment, model II) and rubs (with a common pretreatment, model I). A 3000-m3 biogas plant was used to conduct a comparative analysis with solar eMergy joules. Results showed that the methane yield of briquettes of corn stover was 66.74% higher than that of rubs, and the briquettes had better digestion performance in terms of CH4 content, VFA, and alcohol. The two models required almost the same eMergy investment input, while model II obtained a greater quantity of net eMergy (16.5% higher) in comparison with model I. The net eMergy yield ratio (EYR) (biogas only) of model I and model II was 0.99 and 1.67, respectively, showing less market competitiveness for commercial operations with model I. Meanwhile, the logistic costs of model II could be reduced to approximately US $34,514 annually.

Fertilization and pine straw raking in slash pine plantations: P removals and effects on total and mobile soil, foliage and litter P pools

Pine straw raking and fertilization effects on phosphorus (P) removals, total and mobile P in foliage and straw, and soil extractable P pools, were examined in 15 and 17-year-old slash pine (Pinus elliottii Engelm.) stands on soils (an Ultisol and an Entisol) with contrasting nutrient sorption potentials and internal drainage. A factorial study of P fertilization (0, 29, 87kgPha−1 for two years) and commercial straw raking (no raking vs. annual raking) was used to investigate P removals and changes in total and mobile P pools in foliage, pine needle litter and surface mineral soil. After three years of raking at the Ultisol site, litter in the non-raked plots had approximately 15% more Pi (TCA extractable) than did litter in the raked plots. Raking removed mobile P and broke the P cycle in these stands. Also, pine straw raking depleted extractable soil P, as evidenced by the change in soil P in the surface 10cm. After five or four raking events, the difference between non-raked and raked treatments ranged from 4 to 11kgPha−1 at the two sites. An estimate of the number of rakings that would move the sites’ surface soil into P deficiency, was linked to the soil’s ability to sorb P. These results indicate that Best Management Practices for pine straw raking should include specific P fertilization recommendations to replace depleted soil extractable P, based on raking frequency and the soil sorption capacity.

Genome-wide association study for sperm membrane integrity in frozen-thawed semen of Holstein-Friesian bulls

The aim of the study was to screen the entire bull genome to identify SNP markers and propose candidate genes potentially involved in the variation of sperm membrane integrity in Holstein-Friesian bulls. Two hundred eighty eight bulls kept in one AI center were included in the study. Each bull was genotyped for 54.001 Single Nucleotide Polymorpisms (SNP) by the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. Commercial straws of frozen-thawed semen were used for the evaluation of sperm plasma membrane integrity (SYBR-14/PI staining) and sperm mitochondrial function (JC1/PI staining). An additive model for Linear Regression Analysis was applied to estimate the effect of SNP marker for sperm membrane integrity (by the use of GoldenHelix SVS7 software). Five significant markers (encompassing 2,2 MB region located on chromosome 6) for SYBR-14/PI were found. Among them one marker—rs41570391 passed Bonferroni correction test. Within approximately 3 Mb genomic region including significant markers three candidate genes: SGMS2 (Sphingomyelin Synthase 2), TET2 (Methylcytosine dioxygenase 2) and GSTCD genes (Gluthatione S-transferase C terminal domain) were proposed as potentially involved in sperm membrane integrity in frozen-thawed semen of Holstein-Friesian bulls.

Sperm Quality in Holstein Bulls Friesian and Brahmans of Frozen Semen Commercially

The aim of this study was to assess sperm quality (motility, viability and acrosomal integrity) sperm from commercially frozen semen straws two breeds of bulls Bos taurus (holstein Frisian) and Bos indicus (Brahman). 9 commercial straws 0.5 ml of Holstein bull semen and 9 Brahman bull were thawed, they were kept for two hours at room temperature and motility, viability and acrosomal integrity (NAR) was assessed. The results were 30% motility, viability 40% and 30% of NAR in the Holstein breed. Brahma race for motility 40%, 50% and 40% viability was obtained NAR. In conclusion, according to the results of the variables analyzed, the Brahman breed in sperm quality was better than the Holstein breed; however, the results of both races meet minimum standards of quality sperm for use in artificial insemination (AI) field level.

Association between ETFA genotype and activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase in cryopreserved sperm of Holstein-Friesian bulls.

The aim of this study was to determine whether C/T missense mutation within the ETFA gene is associated with sperm antioxidant enzymatic activity. One hundred and twenty Holstein-Friesian bulls were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP technique (MwoI). Commercial straws of frozen-thawed semen were used to evaluate the activity of three antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Among all bulls investigated, genotype CT was the most frequent (44.2%), in comparison with CC (42.5%) and TT (13.3%). Significant differences in glutathione peroxidase activity were observed between homozygous individuals (CC vs TT) with heterozygous CT having intermediate values. Dismutase activity was significantly associated with ETFA genotype, although only bulls with the CT genotype were significantly different from bulls carrying the CC genotype. The activity of catalase showed a similar trend (but was not statistically significant). In conclusion, we found that bulls with the ETFA TT genotype produce sperm with the highest glutathione peroxidase activity and can therefore be more efficiently protected from reactive oxygen. The mechanism of this interaction needs to be elucidated in future research.

Genome-wide association study for semen volume and total number of sperm in Holstein-Friesian bulls

In artificial insemination industry bulls producing high volume of semen with relatively high concentration of sperm are very desirable since they ensure stable production of commercial straws especially in case of top bulls. The aim of the study was to screen the entire bull genome to identify markers and candidate genes underlying semen volume (SV) and total number of sperm (TNS) in ejaculate produced by Holstein-Friesian bulls. Data on semen production were retrieved from records of AI center and included a population of 877 Holstein-Friesian bulls. Each bull was genotyped using the Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip. Genome-wide association analysis was performed with the use of GoldenHelix SVS7 software. An additive model for Linear Regression Analysis was used to estimate the effect of SNP marker for SV and TNS. After Bonferroni correction, 3 markers located on chromosome 22 reached the highest significance (rs41625599, rs41584616, rs42012507) for both traits. In the vicinity of these significant markers 3 genes are located (DCP1A, SFMBT1, TMEM110). Moreover, marker rs110109069 located on chromosome 25 was significantly associated with TNS and marker rs42438348 located on chromosome 10 has been found to be associated with SV. Some additional candidate genes were suggested to be potentially involved in analyzed traits (GALC, PRKCD, PHF7, TLR9, SPATA7). Identifying SNPs associated with the lower total number of sperm may be very useful for early recognition of a young sire as less suitable for effective semen production in artificial insemination centers.

38 APPLICATION OF A FIVE-DAY PROGESTERONE-BASED SYNCHRONIZATION PROTOCOL FOR TIMED AI WITH SEXED SEMEN IN DAIRY HEIFERS

It is expected that pregnancy per AI with sexed semen would be 70 to 75% of that with conventional semen, and the use of sexed semen with timed AI (TAI) protocols is discouraged (DeJarnette et al. 2009 Theriogenology 71, 49-58). It was hypothesized that the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR (controlled internal drug-release) protocol with 1 injection of PGF2α would be an acceptable reproductive management program for TAI of dairy heifers with sexed semen. The objectives were to compare pregnancy per TAI (P/TAI) using conventional or sexed semen for the first TAI (experiment 1), and to evaluate P/TAI of a reproductive management program with sexed semen for the first TAI and sexed or conventional semen for the second TAI (experiment 2). A total of 1,000 Holstein heifers between 13 to 14 months of age were synchronized with the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR protocol, that consisted of an administration of GnRH (100 μg i.m. Cystorelin®, Merial Ltd., Iselin, NJ, USA) and a CIDR insert containing 1.38 g of progesterone inserted at Day 0; on Day 5 the CIDR was removed and one injection of PGF2α (25 mg, i.m. Lutalyse®, Pfizer Animal Health, New York, NY, USA) administered; on Day 8 a second injection of GnRH was administered concurrent with TAI. In experiment 1, 198 heifers were assigned randomly to be TAI with conventional (n = 98) or sexed (n = 100) semen for the first TAI. Commercial straws with sexed or conventional semen were obtained from 2 sires. In experiment 2, a total of 802 heifers received TAI to the first service with sexed semen. For the resynchronized TAI, nonpregnant heifers at 32 days after the first TAI were resynchronized with the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR and were TAI with either sexed semen (n = 114) or with conventional semen (n = 373). Pregnancy per TAI to first and second TAI was analyzed by logistic regression using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (SAS Version 9.1 for Windows, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA) with heifer treated as a random effect. In experiment 1, P/TAI was 51.0% and 42.0% at 45 days for conventional and sexed semen, respectively (P = 0.1). Pregnancy per TAI with sexed semen was 82.3% of conventional semen. In experiment 2, P/TAI at first service with sexed semen was 35.9% at 45 days after TAI. For the second TAI, P/TAI was 40.4% with sexed semen at 45 days and 59.2% with conventional semen at 60 days (P &lt; 0.001). As expected, P/TAI was lower with sexed compared to conventional semen. Nevertheless, the application of the 5-day Co-Synch + CIDR protocol with one injection of PGF2α, as a reproductive management program for TAI of dairy heifers, achieved an acceptable P/TAI with sexed semen. We conclude that sexed semen can be used with TAI to effectively manage reproduction in dairy heifers by removing the challenges of detection of estrus and increase the number of females born.

IN VITRO FERILIZATION OF BOVINE OOCYTES RECOVERED FROM A SLAUGHTERHOUSE

In vitro fertilization (IVF) was performed on 379 bovine ooc ytes harvested by follicles aspiration from 106 ovaries removed from prepuberal heifers in a slaughterhouse. Oocytes maturation wa s done in a CO 2 incubator in three different variants, using eithe r TCM culture media supplemented with 10% FCS, or 10% FCS and vitamin A, or 10% FCS and cystine. Groups of 15 oocytes into 50 �l micro-drops covered with mineral oil were cultured for 24h. Oocyte maturatio n was microscopically evaluated and had a rate of 5 9.5, 69.0, and 74.0% for the three culture media, respectively . For the actual IVF step, the motile sperm from 2 commercial straws of frozen semen was harvested on percoll gra dient centrifugation. Two groups of 15 matured oocytes were placed in Fert-TALP medium supplemented with either 6mg/ml BSA, or 6mg/ml BSA, 0.222 mg/ml Na pyruvate and 30 �g/ml heparin. Within each of the two droplets of fe rtilization medium containing 15 oocytes, 200,000 sperm were added and incubated at 38.5°C, 5% CO 2, for 20h prior examination and selection of cumulus-free and fertilized oocytes. Fertilization rates estimated after 2 - 3 days, were 53.3 and 73. 3% for the two fertilization media, respectively.

Ammonia and greenhouse gas emissions from a straw flow system for fattening pigs: Housing and manure storage

Animal welfare and environmental protection are increasingly important. Housing systems must be found that offer animal welfare while minimizing the overall emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases. The straw flow system is an animal friendly housing system for fattening pigs, which can be operated economically on commercial farms. Emissions from conventional slurry based pig houses have been intensively studied, but more research is needed into straw based systems. In this study, we quantified emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases from a straw flow system with or without daily removal of slurry to an outside store. The effect of applying a solid cover during outside storage was also examined. Emissions of NH 3, N 2O, CH 4, and volatile organic C (VOC) from a commercial straw flow system for fattening pigs in Upper Austria were measured between June 2003 and March 2004. Emissions of CH 4 during housing were 1.24 and 0.54 kg CH 4 per pig place per year without and with daily manure removal, respectively. The corresponding N 2O emissions amounted to 39.9 and 24.5 g N 2O per pig place per year, and NH 3 emissions to 2.10 and 1.90 kg NH 3 per pig place per year without and with daily manure removal. Emissions of CH 4, N 2O and NH 3, and of total greenhouse gases, from the straw flow system were lower than literature reference values for forced ventilated fully slatted floor systems. Daily removal of the manure to an outside store reduced emissions from the pig house. Emissions during storage of pig slurry derived from a straw flow system were quantified between June 2004 and June 2005. Slurry was stored in pilot scale stores with or without a solid cover and emissions quantified by a large open dynamic chamber. The solid cover reduced NH 3 and greenhouse gas emissions by 30 and 50%, respectively. During cold climatic conditions stored pig manure emitted less NH 3 and greenhouse gases than when stored under warm climatic conditions. We recommend the use of separate emission factors for slurry storage in the colder and warmer periods in the national emission inventory, and the use of covers on pig slurry stores. Overall, it is concluded that the straw flow system may combine recommendations of animal welfare and environmental protection.

NH3-, N2O- und CH4-Emissionen aus einem Schrägbodenstall für Mastschweine

The straw flow system is an animal friendly and functioning housing system for fattening pigs. Greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from a commercial straw flow system were continuously measured from June 2003 to April 2004. Emissions were always lower than the default values of forced ventilated fully slatted floor systems. The straw flow system combines animal welfare and environmental protection.

On a test of edged tool for commercial straw cutters

On a test of edged tool for commercial straw cutters