Crude Protein Content Research Articles

Harnessing the nutraceutical and antioxidant potential of the sporocarp of medicinal mushrooms, Schizophyllum commune Fr.

The split gill mushroom, Schizophyllum commune Fr., naturally occurs on decaying wood during the rainy season and is consumed as a food source in many parts of North-East India due to its medicinal properties. In the present study, an isolate of S. commune was analysed for its proximate composition and nutraceutical potential to support the development of biofortified products. The proximate composition analysis of dried and fresh mushrooms of S. commune revealed the following results: carbohydrate content (74.00% and 30.51 %, respectively), calorific value (358.00 and 148.84 Kcal/100g, respectively), crude fiber (3.08 % and 1.20% respectively), crude protein content (13.70 % and 6.18%, respectively), and total antioxidant activity (1267.00?g/g and 1090.76?g/g, respectively). Glycemic potential assessments indicated that S. commune exhibited a low glycemic index of 10.33 and total starch digestibility of 7.65%. The nutraceutical analysis of dried S. commune powder in different solvent extracts (methanol, ethanol, and ethyl acetate) demonstrated that methanolic extracts recorded the highest DPPH inhibition percentage (89.60%), reducing power (37.20%), and phenolic content (0.230±0.005 mg/mL). Methanolic extracts also exhibited higher flavonoid content (0.455±0.003mg/mL). Ethanolic extracts were found to have the highest total tannin (0.250±0.001mg/mL) and saponin content (0.303±0.001mg/mL). A herbal infusion formulated with S. commune dried powder, dried basil leaf powder, and dried ginger powder demonstrated high antioxidant and phytochemical properties. Sensory evaluation of two treatments of the herbal infusion indicated good overall acceptability, highlighting its potential as a commercially viable fortified product with significant antioxidant properties.

Milk yield and pasture nutrient availability associated with milking order in commercial dairy herds

Context On pasture-based dairy farms, herd behavioural dynamics result in a milking order that remains consistent over time. Previous research has demonstrated that cows that are consistently early in the milking order routinely access pasture of greater biomass and nutrient density than do later-milked cows, because they access the paddock first. This effect is likely to explain why early cows commonly produce more milk than do later cows. We hypothesised that in commercial dairy herds, milk yield would decline as milking order progressed, and there would be a reduction in pasture mass and nutritive value before the last cows returned to the paddock. Aims This study aimed to validate observations previously demonstrated under controlled experimental conditions, in commercial dairy herds in Gippsland, Victoria. Methods This research was repeated across three commercial farms, with four grazing sessions observed per farm. Cows were milked twice daily, with daily individual milk yields and milking times obtained. Pasture measurements were collected pre-grazing, hourly for the first 3 h of grazing after the morning milking (while cows progressively entered the paddock), and post-grazing after the cows exited the paddock. At each sampling, pasture mass was estimated using a calibrated rising-plate metre, and pasture samples were collected for analyses of nutritive characteristics. Key results Milking order was consistent, and the last cows produced on average 4.7 L/cow.day less milk than did the first cows. As grazing progressed, pasture mass, crude protein concentrations and metabolisable energy declined and fibre concentrations increased. Conclusions This study demonstrated a decrease in pasture mass and nutrient density as grazing progressed. The earliest cows had access to more pasture of higher nutrient density and produced more milk than did later-milked cows. Implications This study validated that the milk yield of cows in commercial herds is influenced by milking order, which is likely to be mediated at least in part by the quantity and nutrient density on offer to earlier versus later-milked cows. Other factors may also influence milking order and milk yield, but these factors were not accounted for in this research. Future research should focus on mitigation strategies to negate this effect by improving nutrient intake of later-milked cows.

Chitin Analysis in Insect-Based Feed Ingredients and Mixed Feed: Development of a Cost-Effective and Practical Method.

Insects are used as an alternative sustainable, protein-rich ingredient in fish, pet, pig and poultry diets. The significant difference between insect meals and common protein sources is the content of chitin. The nitrogen contained in chitin, which makes up 6.89% of the chitin mass, is detected as crude protein in the analysis and, therefore, deludes the crude protein content in a higher range. In this work, we developed a chitin analysis method that does not require expensive and specialized equipment within insect production and processing industries. The method is based on classical chemical methods such as crude fibre and nitrogen content, making it easily implementable within existing feed analysis. In the process of method validation, a recovery rate of over 95% for chitin in the presence of protein and a standard deviation of < 5% at concentrations as low as 2% was determined. Furthermore, determining chitin at a higher standard deviation of > 10% at concentrations as low as 2% is possible. The method was used to determine the chitin content in various products derived from insect breeding and processing. The chitin content was determined in four insect species (Hermetia Illucens; Tenebrio molitor; Acheta domesticus; Bombyx mori) and different developmental stages of the yellow mealworm (T. molitor), including larvae, pupae and beetles, as well as in commercial pet food. These results also allow for an estimation of the insect protein content, provided that the raw material is known.

Effects of Different Molasses Levels and Slow-Release Urea Combinations on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, Rumen Fermentation, and Microflora of Holstein Fattening Bulls

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different combinations of molasses levels and slow-release urea on Holstein fattening bulls. Sixty Holstein fattening bulls of a similar age, weight, and health status were randomly divided into four groups of fifteen Holstein fattening bulls each. All of the treatments were as follows: (1) basic diet group (CON); (2) 2% molasses slow-release urea group (LMU); (3) 4% molasses slow-release urea group (MMU); and (4) 6% molasses slow-release urea group (HMU). The results of the study showed that the MMU had an outstanding performance, with a 13.3% increase in average daily weight gain compared with the control group, a significant decrease in feed conversion ratio (p &lt; 0.05), and a significant increase in apparent digestibility of crude protein (p &lt; 0.05). In terms of serum biochemical indices, blood ammonia and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations were significantly higher in the MMU than in the CON (p &lt; 0.05). The rumen pH of all treatment groups was lower than that of the CON (p &lt; 0.05), whereas the concentrations of microbial crude protein (MCP), as well as acetic acid, propionic acid, and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) were significantly higher in both the MMU and HMU (p &lt; 0.05). The dominant phyla in each group were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Patescibacteria, and the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the MMU increased by 5.47% compared with that in the CON. In the MMU, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Ruminococcaceae increased by 9.03%, 0.67%, and 3.43%, respectively, compared with the CON. The economic benefit analysis showed that the daily feeding cost of fattened cattle in the MMU was reduced by RMB 1.62 yuan, and the daily farming benefit of each cow was increased by RMB 7.19 yuan. In conclusion, the MMU was effective in improving the growth performance of fattening cows, optimizing rumen fermentation, reducing cost, and increasing profit, which is a nutritional strategy with great application value.

Utilization of Encapsulated Seabuckthorn and Spirulina for the Development of Functional Bread

Bread is one of the staple foods and largely consumed throughout the globe. Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds possess numerous health benefits. Spirulina also known as ‘Food of the future’ is source of good quality protein, fiber and other nutrients. The aim of the study was to develop bread from encapsulated seabuckthorn and spirulina powder and to evaluate the proximate composition of bread. The result showed that the colour L*, a* and b* value of bread increases with increases encapsulated seabuckthorn at 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15%. The loaf weight and volume also increase while the specific volume and crust to crumb ratio decreases with addition of encapsulated seabuckthorn (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15%) and spirulina powder (3%) in the bread. The addition of encapsulated seabuckthorn (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15%) and spirulina powder (3%) in the bread increased the crude protein content, ash, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate whereas the moisture, water activity and energy decreased. The study has shown that the functional bread can be developed from encapsulated seabuckthorn and spirulina powder which would enhance the nutrition and prevent malnutrition.

Effects of Dietary Tea Polyphenols on the Growth, Antioxidant Status, Immune Function, and Intestinal Microbiota of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

This research aimed to explore the impact of tea polyphenol (TP) supplementation on the development, antioxidant properties, immune responses, and gut wellness in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, LMB). Four diets with varying levels of TPs (0.00%, 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.08%) were devised to feed LMB with an initial weight of 4.3 ± 0.02 g for 56 days, among which the intermittent feeding (IF) group was fed a diet supplemented with TP8 for 7 days, followed by a basal diet for another 7 days, and this was repeated until the end (56th day). The results demonstrated that supplementation with 0.04% or 0.08% TPs in the diet could reduce the crude lipid content and increase the crude protein content of LMB (p &lt; 0.05). The levels of total cholesterol (CHO) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the serum significantly decreased with the addition of 0.08% dietary TPs to the diet (p &lt; 0.05). Dietary TPs can stimulate the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) and enhance the antioxidant capacity of LMB (p &lt; 0.05). The activities of immune enzymes such as acid phosphatase (ACP) were increased to improve the immune response via the addition of TPs (p &lt; 0.05). Supplementation with 0.02% and 0.04% TPs reduced liver fatty infiltration and alleviated hepatocyte damage. Compared with the control diet, dietary TPs significantly increased villus height (VH), villus width (VW), and lipase (LPS) activity in the intestine (p &lt; 0.05), and supplementation with 0.04% TPs significantly increased muscular layer thickness (MT) (p &lt; 0.05). With the increase in dietary TPs, distinct differences were observed in the intestinal microbial composition and the relative abundance of potential pathogens, especially Clostridiaceae, which decreased, along with the enrichment of pathways related to metabolism, including amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Additionally, intermittent feeding could alleviate the adverse effects caused by a high dosage. In conclusion, dietary TPs of LMB could enhance antioxidant capacity and immunity and improve intestinal health, and intermittent feeding could mitigate the adverse effects caused by a high dosage.

Effect of Experimental Warming on Forage Nutritive Value and Storage in Alpine Meadows at Three Different Altitudes of Nianqing Tanggula Mountain, Northern Tibet: A Long-Term Experience

Effects of climate warming on nutrition quality and storage of alpine grasslands are still controversial, which is not conducive to the management and utilization of alpine grasslands. A long-term warming experiment (with open-top chambers used to elevate temperature) was conducted at three elevations (relatively low, mid-, and high elevations with 4313, 4513, and 4693 m) of Northern Tibet in 2010 to compare the differences in forage nutritional quality and storage response to warming among three elevations and to explore the relationships between forage nutritional quality and production. In 2019, community surveys, observations of forage biomass and nutrition quality, and soil physicochemical properties were carried out. Forage nutrition quality included crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), ether extract (EE), crude ash (Ash), and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content. Warming did not affect community aboveground biomass (AGB) at the three elevations. Warming improved community nutrition quality by increasing community CP content by 25.80% and decreasing community NDF content by 15.51% at the low elevation. In contrast, warming reduced community nutrition quality by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF contents by 13.45%, 23.68%, and 17.43%, respectively, and decreasing Ash content by 39.50% at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, or WSC contents at the mid-elevation. Warming increased community nutrition storage by increasing community CP, ADF, and NDF storges by 74.69%, 88.18%, and 79.71%, respectively, at the high elevation. Warming did not affect community nutrition storages at the low or mid-elevations. Overall, forbs had higher CP, EE, Ash, and WSC contents and lower ADF and NDF contents compared with graminoids. Community EE content increased with community AGB, but community CP, ADF, NDF, EE, Ash, and WSC contents were not related to community AGB. Therefore, from the low to high elevation, the effects of warming on forage nutrition quality gradually changed from improving to inhibiting. Warming altered rangeland quality by affecting forage nutrition quality rather than forage production. There were no trade-offs between forage nutrition quality and forage production.

In Vitro Evaluation of Ruminal Digestibility, Fermentation Characteristics, and Bacterial Diversity of Kenaf Crop at Various Cutting Heights

The current study investigated the in vitro degradability, in vitro gas production, methane (CH4) production, and ruminal bacterial community of kenaf plants cut at different heights (130, 160, 190, 220, and 250 cm). These samples were subjected to an in vitro batch culture system using buffalo rumen fluid to measure gas and CH4 production at 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h of incubation. Results reveal that crude protein (CP) concentration was the highest at the 220 cm height compared with the other heights. With the increase in height, gas and CH4 production decreased. However, the CH4 production at 190 cm was higher compared with the other plant heights. Dry matter degradation was higher at 190 cm and 220 cm, while ammonia-N and microbial CP were higher at the 220 cm height compared with the other heights. However, neutral detergent fiber degradation was the highest at the 130 cm height. Total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, acetic acid/propane ratio, and pH value did not differ among the treatments, except for propionic acid, which was higher at the 130 cm and 160 cm heights. Overall, harvesting kenaf at plant heights of up to 220 cm was better in terms of its promising nutritional quality, improved dry matter degradation, and microbial CP contents.

Exploring Silkworm Litter as a Liquid Manure: A Key to Boost Mulberry Growth and Productivity

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is the primary food source for silkworm, Bombyx mori L. Mulberry growth and nutritional quality are critical for successful sericulture. With the increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices particularly in rearing silkworms with chemical free mulberry leaves, the use of organic inputs has gained attention as an alternative to synthetic fertilizers. Silkworm litter, a by-product of silkworm rearing is rich in organic matter and essential nutrients, making it a potential resource for recycling into organic manure. This study explores the effectiveness of silkworm litter based liquid organic manure (SLLM) at different doses along with Recommended Dose of Fertilizers (RDF) in improving the growth, yield and nutritional quality of mulberry. The treatment RDF + Soil drenching of 250 l acre-1 of 20% SLLM at 10 Days after pruning (DAP) + Foliar spray of 150 l acre-1 of 10 % SLLM at 25 DAP (T9) recorded longest shoot length (89.36 cm and 133.28 cm), maximum shoots per plant (16.53 and 23.80), leaves per shoot (22.17 and 32.02), maximum leaf area (153.44 cm2 and 226.56 cm2) at 45 and 60 DAP, respectively and leaf yield (67.31 Tonnes ha-1 year-1). Leaf quality parameters such as total chlorophyll (2.37 mg g-1), crude protein (21.56 %) and carbohydrate content (20.26%) were also found superior in T9. This shows that SLLM being liquid manure contained nutrients in readily available form which has supplied the nutrients that are required for mulberry growth and development. Indicating enhanced mulberry growth, yield along with improved quality parameters.

Protein hydrolysates derived from superworm (Zophobas morio): Composition, bioactivity, and techno-functional properties.

This study aimed to produce protein hydrolysates from superworm (Zophobas morio) flour using the enzymes alcalase (HA), protamex (HP), or flavourzyme (HF), and to characterize their nutritional composition, techno-functional properties, bioactive capacity, and bioaccessibility index. The enzymatic process increased the total amino acid and crude protein contents of the hydrolysates by approximately 36% and 46%, respectively, generating better foaming capacity, oil retention, and emulsification capacity, when compared to raw flour. Although 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical capture was similar between the hydrolysates, HA (1479,66μM FeSO4/g) and HP (1514,66μM FeSO4/g) showed greater antimicrobial and iron reducing power (FRAP) activity, while HF has a higher scavenging efficiency for the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical (27.53%). The best antimicrobial activity was observed for HA against Vibrio corallilyticus (400mg/mL), and HP showed a better antioxidant response scavenging for DPPH radical. The antioxidant capacity against ABTS radical after in vitro simulation of gastrointestinal digestion (GID) was as follows: HA (79.07±1.53%), HP (74.65±5.85%), and HF (57.95±8.31%). Therefore, insect flour is a promising ingredient for the production of protein hydrolysates and their application in animal and human feeds.

Nutritional, pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of sorghum–okara composite flours and porridges

Abstract This study examined the impact of okara addition on the nutritional, pasting, rheological, and thermal properties of sorghum flour and porridge. Porridges (fermented and unfermented) were made with 100% sorghum flour and sorghum–okara blends at 70:30 and 50:50 ratios. The inclusion of okara significantly enhanced the porridge's crude protein, fat, fibre, and ash content. It also increased essential amino acids, particularly lysine, and improved in vitro protein digestibility and available lysine by 23%–73% and 50%–104%, respectively, compared to 100% sorghum porridge. Okara addition and fermentation altered pasting properties, reducing peak viscosity (PV), holding strength, breakdown viscosity, and final viscosity while also decreasing the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″). Differential scanning calorimetry showed that sorghum flour had higher thermal stability than okara, but this stability decreased with the addition of okara. In terms of colour, the blending of sorghum and okara, along with fermentation, led to noticeable shifts in colour, making the porridges brighter and more colourful. Overall, okara was found to improve the nutritional quality and colour attributes of sorghum-based porridge while also affecting the pasting and thermal properties by reducing its PV and gelatinization temperature.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis addition to milk replacer on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbiota, and short-chain fatty acid concentration of Hu lambs

We aimed to investigate the effects of adding Bacillus subtilis to milk replacers on the incidence of diarrhea, growth performance, intestinal microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production in newborn Hu lambs. Thirty newborn lambs with similar genetic backgrounds and initial body weights were selected and nursed by their dams for 4 days before transitioning to a milk replacer. At age 7 days, the lambs were randomly assigned to two experimental groups of 15 lambs each: CON (basic milk replacer feeding) and BS (basic milk replacer feeding supplemented with 0.2% B. subtilis). At age 28 days, eight lambs in each group were randomly euthanized, and their colonic and cecal contents were collected for microbiological and SCFA analyses. The lambs were monitored daily to determine the incidence of diarrhea. The BS group showed significantly increased average daily feed intake and gain and significantly reduced incidence of diarrhea. Furthermore, dry matter digestibility and crude protein and ether extract content increased in the BS group compared with those in the CON group. Increased acetate and total SCFA concentrations were noted in the colon and cecum, with elevated propionate levels specifically in the cecum. Microbiota analysis revealed that B. subtilis supplementation enhanced microbial diversity and beneficially modulated bacterial communities. Potentially harmful bacteria showed significantly decreased abundance in the colon (Campylobacterota by 11.09% and Fusobacteriota by 2.98%), whereas beneficial bacteria exhibited increased abundance (Firmicutes by 8.9%, Actinobacteriota by 3.59%, Lactobacillus by 5.92%, and Bifidobacterium by 3.18%). Similar trends were observed in the cecum, with decreases in Campylobacterota (4.82%) and Fusobacteriota (3.12%) and increases in Bacteroidota (4.11%), Lactobacillus (3.75%), and Prevotella (3.59%). These findings indicate that adding 0.2% B. subtilis to the milk replacer is an effective approach for enhancing lamb growth performance, maintaining intestinal health, and improving the intestinal microbiota.

Influence of biochar derived from Cd polluted silkworm excrement on the phytoavailability of Cd in a paddy soil and its accumulation in mulberry

Developing sericulture industry is a promising model for the utilization of soils heavily contaminated with cadmium (Cd), but the management of polluted silkworm excrement (SE) becomes challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the SE biochar (SB) with Cd (SB-Cd) and without Cd (SB-Cd free) on the chemical properties of paddy soil, the mulberry leaf quality and the accumulation of Cd in mulberry. The soil incubation experiments showed that the two SBs all raised the acidic soil pH (20.24 %∼49.97 %) significantly (P < 0.05) with the increasing SB addition rates. The two SBs increased the soil cation exchange capacity (CEC) and played an essential role in reducing the phytoavailability of Cd. The pot experiment elucidated the two SBs all promoted the growth of mulberry, increased the crude protein content and the chlorophyll content, reduced the total sugar content in leaves. The Cd concentrations in root, stem, leaf were decreased with the increase of SB respectively, but no significant differences were found between the same additions of SB-Cd free and SB-Cd. The use of SB-Cd for remediation of the Cd polluted soils could be a reasonable method to address the Cd polluted SE.

L-Carnitine Improves Muscle Nutrient Metabolism and Intestinal Health in High-Fat-Fed Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

L-Carnitine is widely recognized for its involvement in lipid metabolism, but its effects on muscle quality and gut health in carp have not been well studied. The research aimed to investigate how L-carnitine influences muscle quality and intestinal health in high-fat-fed carp. The study was separated into four groups that received either the standard diet, a high-fat diet (HFD), or a HFD supplemented with 500 mg/kg L-carnitine (LLC), or a HFD supplemented with 1000 mg/kg L-carnitine (HLC) for 56 days. L-Carnitine was found to significantly reduce blood lipid levels. In addition, L-carnitine increased the crude protein content and decreased the crude fat content of high-fat-fed carp muscle while improving muscle fiber morphology and muscle quality. L-Carnitine increased the expression of genes related to intestinal tight junction proteins (claudin-2, occludin, and zo-1), improved the expression of genes related to intestinal inflammation, and enhanced the physical barrier function and organization of the intestine. Analysis of intestinal flora and intestinal metabolites showed that L-carnitine increased the diversity of the intestinal flora, increased the abundance of Cetobacterium, and influenced intestinal levels of bile acids, arachidonic acid, and tryptophan-related metabolites. In conclusion, supplementation with 1000 mg/kg L-carnitine improved muscle quality and intestinal health significantly in high-fat-fed carp by regulating muscle nutrient metabolism and intestinal flora.

The Effectiveness of Two Hydroponically Fodder Production of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) as Compared to Open Field System in Mount Lebanon

This work aims to study the effect on the productivity and quality variation of alfalfa using the two different fertilization recipes: F1 and F2 along with two different cultivation method in soilless: coconut fiber bag CF, Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and in soil So. Number of leaves, stem length, number of flowers, crude protein, fiber and ash content of alfalfa plants were measured during the three cuttings time of the production cycle. In the productivity phase, results showed that during the three cuttings repetition, the number of leaves, stem length and number of flowers of alfalfa were in favor of the treatment of coconut fiber bags and the F1 fertilization recipe (CF1) followed by NFT with a good interaction noticeable at this combination level (CF1) with the cutting 1. As for the quality variation phase, the results showed that the crude protein and ash content are in favor of alfalfa grown in soilless CF2; CF1; NFTF1 and NFTF2. As for fiber content, F1 was the most favorable and NFTF1 reported higher fiber content than coconut fiber bags. Concerning the cutting system, cut 1 had a large impact on chemical composition. In summary, alfalfa grown in soilless is more productive and succeeded in the production cycle and the quality variation of alfalfa.

Determining the effects of some plant leaves and harvest residues on feed value and methane production in ruminant

This study investigated the potential use of hazelnut, black cherry, fig tree leaves, tomato, pepper, and eggplant harvest residues as feed resources or feed additives. Molasses and ecomass were added to vegetable harvest residues. The nutrient composition, in vitro gas production, and methane production of the feeds were determined. The in vitro gas production technique (Hohenheim gas test) was used to determine the gas production of the feeds. The experiment was conducted according to a completely randomized design. Among vegetable residues, eggplant had the highest crude protein (CP) content, while additives increased CP and reduced condensed tannin levels in all residues (P&lt;0.05). Regarding neutral detergent fiber (NDF), additives decreased values in eggplant and pepper residues, potentially enhancing the feed intake of the animals. Fig leaves demonstrated the highest CP and lowest lignin contents among tree leaves, with superior in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and energy values. Hazelnut and black cherry leaves exhibited high tannin levels, limiting their suitability as roughage, but their potential to reduce methane production was noted. Methane production was lowest in tomato residues, while fig leaves demonstrated the highest energy and IVTD values (P&lt;0.05). As a result, hazelnut leaves and tomato residues have a significant effect on reducing methane production. The findings suggest that vegetable residues, particularly eggplant and pepper and tree leaves like fig, can serve as secondary roughage sources in ruminant diets, offering sustainable alternatives for reducing methane emissions. Future studies should explore different additives and their effects on nutritional and environmental parameters.

We are what we eat: Implications of host plant suitability on sustainable production of silkworm pupae as novel ingredient with dietary and health benefits.

Although, the impact of mulberry leaves on mortality of Bombyx mori [silkworm] and cocooning rates has been investigated, limited research has exploited the influence on the quality of B. mori pupae. This study evaluated the effects of four mulberry cultivars (Ichinose, Noi-EX-Thailand, Ex-Thika and Victory1) on the nutritional quality of B. mori pupae. The proximate composition, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals of different mulberry cultivars and silkworm pupae were analyzed using standard methods. Silkworms fed on Noi-EX-Thailand and Ex-Thika cultivars exhibited the highest crude protein (57.9%) and fat content (44.3%), respectively. Eight essential amino acids were identified in silkworm pupae, with histidine (6.02-7.12 μg/100mg) being the most abundant, followed by significant amounts of lysine (1.40-5.03 μg/100 mg), leucine (1.96-2.47μg/100 mg), and valine (0.89-2.03 μg/100 mg). Pupae raised on Noi-Ex-Thailand leaves had the highest total amino acid content (23.01 μg/100 mg). Potassium was the major mineral in pupae (505.62-665.30 mg/100 mg), with the highest levels observed in those fed on Noi-EX-Thailand. Vitamin C levels ranged from 28.84 to 61.88 mg/100 g, with pupae fed on Victory1 showing the highest concentration. There was a strong positive correlation between magnesium, crude protein and nitrogen-free extracts of mulberry leaves that mirrored the corresponding levels in silkworm pupae. These results underscore the importance of mulberry leaf composition in determining silkworm pupae quality, especially when considering their use as sustainable ingredient for the food, feed and pharmaceutical industry.

The Effect of Meat and Bone Meal on Yield and Herbage Quality in Silage Maize

The purpose of this field study was to assess the impact of meat and bone meal (MBM) on maize. The experimental procedures were as follows: (1) without fertilization; (2) inorganic nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus; (3) 1.0 Mg·ha−1 MBM; (4) 1.5 Mg·ha−1 MBM; and (5) 2.0 Mg·ha−1 MBM. Each year, MBM was applied before sowing. Nitrogen and potassium were applied at constant rates, and phosphorus was applied at increasing rates of 0.0, 45, 68, and 90 kg·ha−1. The herbage yields were significantly higher in fertilized treatments. Fertilization contributed to a significant increase in the crude protein content of maize herbage. The yield and other herbage parameters were affected by weather conditions and the amount of time that passed since the MBM application. The study demonstrated that the lowest dose of MBM (1.0 Mg·ha−1), which supplied 45 kg phosphorus·ha−1, fully met the phosphorus requirements of maize.

Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Fermentation Time on the Quality, Bacterial Community, and Functional Prediction of Silage from Lotus corniculatus L. in Karst Regions

Abstract: To improve the silage quality of Lotus corniculatus L. and expedite the promotion of cultivated varieties, this study investigates the impact of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on the fermentation characteristics, bacterial community, and functional aspects of silage. The experiment included a control (CK) and a Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) treatment, with sampling conducted at 3, 7, 15, and 45 days of fermentation to monitor nutritional value and fermentation quality, as well as changes in the bacterial community at 3 and 45 days. The results indicated that compared to the CK, the addition of LP significantly increased the lactic acid, dry matter, and crude protein content (p &lt; 0.05) while substantially decreasing the water-soluble carbohydrates, pH, NH3-N, and acetic acid levels (p &lt; 0.05). And the effect of adding LP was the most significant after 45 days of fermentation. LP promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibited harmful bacteria, with LP becoming the predominant genus and species after 45 days of fermentation. The metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the addition of LP enhanced carbohydrate metabolism and improved the replication and repair, translation, transcription, and membrane transport functions of the bacterial community. In summary, the addition of LP significantly enhances the silage quality of L. corniculatus and may serve as an effective method for promoting the application of L. corniculatus in karst regions.

Breeding Evaluation of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Polycross Progenies by Multivariate Analysis Based on Agro-morphological Traits

The alfalfa varieties are mostly synthetic populations of wide genetic base and a number of breeding schemes have been proposed for their creation. The progeny testing plays an important role in new alfalfa variety development because it gives information about the genetic value of the parental components based on the values established in their progeny.From 2018 to 2021 nine polycross progenies (23-M, S11-17, S11-34, S12-1/8, 9K11, 8K7, AI17, 9P17 and 3P17) originated in a polycross nursery were tested at the experimental field of the Institute of Agriculture and Seed Science “Obraztsov chiflik” – Rousse. The field experiment was performed in a randomized block design in four replicates and harvesting plot size of 10 m2. The objective of the study was to evaluate the alfalfa polycross progenies based on main agro-morphological traits performance and to predict their genetic potential as a source of parental material for new alfalfa variety breeding. 9K11 and 8K7 progenies showed superior scores regarding green mass and dry matter yield, plant height, stem producing ability and regrowth rate, while S11-34 and 3P17 progenies distinguished with high phenotypic expression of crude protein content and leaf/stem ratio. These progenies are valuable germplasm source to be used in a further breeding programme for new alfalfa variety development.