Crude Protein Content Research Articles

Protein-sparing effects of lipids in the diet of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus): evaluation of growth, feed utilization, and lipid metabolism.

To investigate the influences of dietary protein and lipid levels on the growth, feed utilization, morphometric parameters, body composition, serum biochemical parameters, and lipid metabolism of golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus), nine test diets containing three protein levels (35%, 40%, and 45%) and three lipid levels (8%, 13%, and 18%) were designed in the present study. Each diet (named D1-D9) was randomly assigned to feed triplicate groups of golden pompano juvenile (initial weight ~ 70 g) for 50 days. The results showed that the dietary lipid levels positively correlated with weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio (PER), suggesting that the high lipid diets (18%) can be efficiently utilized in this fish species. The dietary protein levels have no significant influences on the growth and feed utilization except for the PER. Increasing dietary protein levels resulted in a decrease in hepatosomatic index (HSI), viscerosomatic index (VSI), and intestinal somatic index (ISI), while the dietary lipid level did not have a significant impact on morphological indices except for ISI. The dietary protein and lipid levels had no significant influences on the contents of crude lipid, crude ash, and moisture of whole body, while the crude protein contents was significantly affected by the dietary protein levels. Serum biochemical indexes, including cholesterol (CHO), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), as well as HDL/LDL ratio were significantly affected by the dietary lipid levels, but not by the dietary protein levels. The expression levels of genes and their associated proteins involved in hepatic lipogenesis (Srebp-1c and Fas) and fatty acids β-oxidation (Pparα and Cpt-1) were up-regulated with increasing dietary lipid levels, while the former was up-regulated, and the latter was down-regulated with increasing dietary protein levels. Considering the present results in terms of growth performance, feed utilization, morphometric parameters, and lipid metabolism, the recommended dietary protein and lipid levels for golden pompano are 40% and 18%, respectively. The findings suggested that this species exhibits a significant protein-sparing effect on lipid utilization.

Replacing soybean meal with fermented rapeseed meal in diets: potential effects on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and liver and intestinal health of juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).

This study aims to evaluate the effects of substituting soybean meal with fermented rapeseed meal (FRM) on growth, antioxidant capacity, and liver and intestinal health of the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus). A total of 450 tilapia (7.22 ± 0.15g) were fed with five experimental diets, including a basal diet containing 40% soybean meal (CP0), which was subsequently replaced by 25% (CP25), 50% (CP50), 75% (CP75), and 100% (CP100) FRM in a recirculated aquiculture system for 9weeks (30 fish per tank in triplicates). The results showed that the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed efficiency, hepatosomatic index, and viscerosomatic index of fish in both CP75 and CP100 groups were significantly lower than those in CP0 group (P < 0.05). The fish in CP100 group had the lower content of muscle crude protein while the higher level of muscle crude lipid (P < 0.05). Activities of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase along with total triglyceride in CP100 group were significantly higher than those in CP0 group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the contents of liver protease, amylase, and lipase among five groups (P > 0.05). The activities of liver total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase exhibited the increased tendency with the increase of FRM replacement levels from 25 to 50% (P < 0.05), while then significantly decreased from 75 to 100% (P < 0.05). Histological morphology indicated that the fish in between CP75 and CP100 groups had poor liver and intestine health. Intestinal microbial diversity analysis showed that the relative abundance of Cetobacterium and Alcaligenaceae in both CP75 and CP100 groups were lower than that in other three groups. In conclusion, the maximum replacement level of soybean meal with FRM in the diet was determined to be 50% without compromising the growth performance, antioxidant status, and liver and intestinal health of tilapia under the current experimental conditions. The observed decrease in food intake and subsequent retarded growth performance in the CP75 and CP100 groups can be attributed directly to a reduction in feed palatability caused by FRM.

Dairy cow performance and nutrient utilisation when offered high or low digestibility grass silages at two levels of total diet crude protein

The hypothesis of this study was that grass silage digestibility would influence the response of dairy cows offered diets differing in crude protein (CP) content. Thirty-two mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were used in a 2 period (21-d adaption phase, 7-d measurement phase), partially balanced change-over experiment. Four treatments were organized in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 grass silages differing in digestible organic matter in the dry matter (D-value; 748 and 668 g/kg DM, High-D and Low-D, respectively) and 2 total diet CP levels (target 145 g/kg DM and 175 g/kg DM, High CP and Low CP, respectively). The latter were achieved using 2 iso-energetic concentrates which differed in CP level (173 and 228 g/kg DM). Silages and concentrates were mixed and offered as a total mixed ration in a 50:50 DM ratio. At the end of the feeding study, nutrient utilization was measured using 4 cows per treatment. Except for milk urea nitrogen there were no interactions between silage digestibility and total diet CP for cow performance and nutrient utilization. The High-D silage improved cow performance and increased nitrogen-use-efficiency (NUE). Reducing total diet CP also increased NUE, but there were negative impacts on cow performance. While there were benefits of offering grass silage with a high digestibility, responses to total diet CP were similar at both levels of silage digestibility.

Comparison of the chemical composition of major feed resources between the midland and lowland agro-ecological zones in the Majang zone of southwest Ethiopia

Evaluation of feed chemical composition is essential for predicting nutrient deficiencies and improving feed for optimal livestock productivity. However, variation in agro-ecological zones (AEZs) might affect the chemical composition of feeds. The main objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the chemical composition of major feed resources in the midland and lowland AEZs of the Majang zone in southwest Ethiopia. A total of eight representative samples of feed resources were collected from lowland (Godere district) AEZ (500–1500 m above sea level) and midland (Mangashi district) AEZ (1501–2300 m above sea level). The samples were analysed for dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF) and acid detergent lignin (ADL). The result revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition traits between the two AEZs in the study area. For example, the DM, ash and NDF contents of C. dactylon were higher (P < 0.05) in the lowland AEZ, while the ADF and ADL contents were higher in the midland; D. abyssinica had higher (P < 0.05) ADF content in the lowland, while Z. mays stover had higher (P < 0.05) DM, ash and ADF contents in the lowland. S. bicolor stover showed higher (P < 0.05) DM, ash, ADF and ADL contents in the lowland, while C. gayana had higher (P < 0.05) ash and CP contents in the lowland and higher (P < 0.05) ADF and ADL contents in the midland AEZ; Atella (a traditional alcohol byproduct) had greater (P < 0.05) ash and ADF contents in the lowland. Regardless of the AEZs, the DM, ash, NDF, ADF, EE, CP and ADL contents of the feed samples varied from 89.97 ± 0.33 % in P. purpureum to 92.50 ± 0.01 in Sorghum bicolor stover, 4.27 ± 0.19 in Atella to 12.37 ± 0.42 in elephant grass, 51.66 ± 0.38 in Atella to 66.10 ± 0.25 in D. abyssinica, 32.21 ± 0.29 in D. abyssinica to 42.58 ± 0.44 in D. abyssinica, 0.63 ± 0.15 in Atella to 2.55 ± 0.03 in C. dactylon, 4.77 ± 0.01 in Zea mays stover to 11.83 ± 0.02 in V. unguiculata and 10.31 ± 0.07 in Z. mays stover to 19.41 ± 0.07 % DM in C. dactylon, respectively. From this study it was concluded that variation in AEZ has a significant effect on chemical composition traits of the feeds in the study area. The results of the study revealed that V. unguiculata stands out as a valuable protein source, while crop residues may require additional protein supplementation to meet livestock requirements in the study area.

Effects of cadmium on the growth, muscle composition, digestion, gene expression of antioxidant and lipid metabolism in juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Cadmium could induce various degrees of harm to aquatic organisms. A 30-day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of cadmium on growth, muscle composition, digestive enzyme activity, gene expression of antioxidants and lipid metabolism in juvenile genetic improvement of farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus, Initial weight: 21.36 ± 0.24 g). Four cadmium concentrations of aquaculture water were designed: 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 mg/L Cd2+. The main results are as follows: Compared with the control group (0 mg/L Cd2+), the weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), daily growth index (DGI), and spleen index (SI) of juvenile GIFT under cadmium stress were significantly decreased (p&amp;lt; 0.05). The contents of crude protein and crude lipid in muscle were significantly decreased (p&amp;lt; 0.05), and the ash was significantly increased (p&amp;lt; 0.05). The activities of trypsin, lipase, and α-amylase in the intestinal were significantly decreased (p&amp;lt; 0.05). The relative expression levels of carnitine palmityl transferase 1 (cpt-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (pparα), pparγ, hormone-sensitive lipase (hsl), lipoprotein lipase (lpl), malate dehydrogenase (mdh), leptin (lep), fatty acid synthetase (fas), cholesterol response element binding protein 1 (srebp1), squalene cyclooxygenase (sqle), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (scd) genes in liver were significantly decreased (p&amp;lt; 0.05). The relative expression levels of catalase (cat), superoxide dismutase (sod), glutathione S-transferase (gst), and glutathione peroxidase (gsh-px) genes in the liver were significantly decreased (p&amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, exposure to cadmium stress could impact growth, muscle composition, digestive enzyme activity, gene expression of antioxidant and lipid metabolism in juvenile GIFT.

Nutritional and biofunctional characterizations of four novel edible aquatic plants of Bangladesh

Aquatic plants are a cheap and renewable biomass rich in bioactive and biofunctional compounds, holding valorization prospects for use in food and pharmaceuticals. Four commonly found edible aquatic plants in Bangladesh, namely red water lily (Nymphaea nouchali), white water lily (Nympheae alba), malancha (Alternanthera philoxeroides), and red seaweed (Gracilaria tenuistipitata), were compared in terms of proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, mineral and heavy metal contents, and amino acid composition. The crude protein content was the highest in A. philoxeroids (26.96 %), followed by G. tenuistipitata (25.21 %), N. nouchali (25.14 %), and N. alba (23.54 %). The sequence of crude lipid content of four aquatic plants was A. philoxeroids (4.8 %) > N. nouchali (4.0 %) > G. tenuistipitata (3.4 %) > N. alba (2.4 %). The aquatic plants were rich in carbohydrates, with G. tenuistipitata having 37.02 %, significantly (P < 0.05) lower than N. alba (46.12 %), N. nouchali (45.73 %), and A. philoxeroids (42.88 %). The ash content in the studied plants varied between 14.63 % and 24.97 %. Substantial numbers of bioactive compounds were identified in these plants: 42 in N. alba, 41 in N. nouchali, 40 in A. philoxeroides, and 36 in G. tenuistipitata, as determined by GC-MS analysis. G. tenuistipitata showed the highest amount of total phenolic (121.05 ± 2.43 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) and flavonoid (128.03 ± 0.79 mg quercetin equivalent/g) content. The DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and ferric reducing power assays showed the free radical scavenging ability increased in a dose dependent manner. These aquatic plants contained substantial amounts of minerals, namely Ca ranging from 42.05 ± 2.34 to 441.65 ± 4.67 mg/kg, K ranging from 80.15 ± 1.82 to 97.81 ± 1.74 mg/kg, and Na ranging from 41.16 ± 1.32 to 53.37 ± 1.64 mg/kg. The heavy metal contents of Cu, Ni, and Pb were 0.93 ± 0.06 to 1.25 ± 0.09 mg/kg, 0.44 ± 0.02 to 3.86 ± 0.56 mg/kg, and 0.22 ± 0.02 to 0.67 ± 0.05 mg/kg, respectively. Thirteen different amino acids were identified, with leucine, glycine, alanine, lysine, and phenylalanine dominating, and their contents varying by species. Therefore, regular consumption of these aquatic plants might be a healthy approach to addressing malnutrition and enhancing biofunctional activities.

Development of Dusun Traditional Fermented Fish (Bosou Ikan) Using Different Concentrations of Tuhau (Etlingera coccinea)

This study aimed to determine the best formulation of Dusun traditional fermented fish (Bosou ikan) through sensory evaluation employing a 9-point hedonic test. Various concentrations of Etlingera coccinea, ranging from 0% to 8% w/w, were incorporated into fermented fish samples. Results revealed that the formulation containing 2% E. coccinea (F1) consistently exhibited superior sensory attributes, maintaining the traditional appearance while enhancing aroma, taste, and overall acceptability. Statistical analysis using the Friedman test confirmed F1's superiority, showing the lowest mean rank among alternatives (p&lt;0.05). Proximate analysis of F1 demonstrated notable increases in ash, crude fat, crude fiber, and crude protein content compared to Control Bosou ikan formulations, indicating enhanced nutritional profiles. Shelf-life analysis demonstrated a more controlled trend in reducing total viable count and total yeast and mold counts for the F1 formulation compared to the control, suggesting a potential influence of E. coccinea in inhibiting excessive microbial proliferation. Comparison of microbial loads between raw and cooked samples revealed that cooking effectively eliminated microbial counts, reaching safety consumption levels of 4 log10 CFU/g (total yeast and mold) and 6 log10 CFU/g (total viable count). The decrease in pH of raw and cooked samples over one month was attributed to increased acidity resulting from the activities of Lactobacillus sp., which utilizes carbohydrates in the medium to produce lactic acid. The study highlights that the F1 formulation with 2% Etlingera coccinea offers the most favourable sensory characteristics, proximate analysis, and microbial quality, providing valuable insights for product development in Bosou ikan production.

Influence of Different Feed Particle Sizes on the Growth Performance and Nutrition Composition in Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii Larvae.

A suitable feed size has a positive effect on animal feeding. For aquatic larvae, the correct feed size is very important for their growth. This experiment analyzed and compared the effect of different particle sizes of feed for larval stages on the growth performance, whole body composition, and muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition of crayfish. Five larval crayfish diets of different particle sizes, namely < 0.40 mm (Group A, control group), 0.40-0.50 mm (Group B), 0.71-0.85 mm (Group C), 0.90-1.00 mm (Group D) and 1.5 mm (Group E), were fed to 2000 crayfish (initial weight 0.0786 ± 0.0031 g) for 100 d. The results showed that as the particle size increased, final weight, weight gain (WG, p = 0.001) and specific growth rate (SGR, p = 0.000) of the crayfish tended to increase and then leveled off, with the control group being the lowest. The feed conversion ratio (FCR, p = 0.000) showed a decreasing and then equalizing trend with increasing particle size, but there was no significant difference between the groups except the control group. Broken-line regression analysis showed that the critical values for the appropriate particle feed size for crayfish larvae were 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm using SGR and FCR as indicators. Groups B, C and D had the highest crude protein content and were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Group E had the highest umami amino acid (UAA) and was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.026). The content of isoleucine (Ile, p = 0.038) and phenylalanine (Phe, p = 0.038) was highest in group C and significantly higher than in the control group. Through principal component analysis, groups C and D were shown to contain leucine (Leu), glutamic (Glu), methionine (Met), valine (Val), histidine (His), Phe, and Ile levels significantly induced. The content of linoleic acid (C18:2n6, p = 0.000), linolenic acid (C18:3n3, p = 0.000), saturated fatty acid (SFA, p = 0.000), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, p = 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, p = 0.000) and n-6 PUFA (p = 0.000) in group C was the highest and significantly higher than the control group. Principal component analysis showed that group C significantly induced the levels of C18:2n6, C18:3n3, DHA, EPA, n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA in muscle. Therefore, our results suggest that appropriate feed particle size can improve the growth performance and nutrient composition of crayfish. Based on the broken-line regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the critical values of optimal particle size for crayfish are 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm, and when the particle size exceeds these critical values (not more than 1.5 mm commercial feed), growth performance and FCR of the crayfish are no longer changed. Nevertheless, group C has high protein and low lipid content, as well as better nutrition with amino acids and fatty acids. Overall, combined with growth performance and nutrient composition, it is recommended that the particle size of the diet at the larval stage for crayfish is between 0.71 and 0.85 mm.

The Utilisation of Box-Behnken Design as Innovative Approach for Production of Kenaf Seed MH8234 Milk with Maximum Crude Protein Content

The Utilisation of Box-Behnken Design as Innovative Approach for Production of Kenaf Seed MH8234 Milk with Maximum Crude Protein Content

The regulatory effects of arginine on ovary development in the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of arginine (Arg) on the vitellogenesis and ovarian maturation of Chinese mitten crab. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (1.83, 2.52, 3.26, 3.96, 4.81 and 5.52 % Arg) were fed to adult female Chinese mitten crab (60.05 ± 4.33 g). The feeding period lasted for eleven weeks. The results showed that gonadosomatic index of crabs increased with increasing dietary Arg concentrations from 1.83 % to 2.52 % and significantly decreased from 2.52 % to 5.52 %. The quadratic regression analysis based on gonadosomatic index estimated that the optimal Arg requirement for adult female crabs was 2.60 %. Dietary supplementation with 2.52 % Arg significantly increased the crude protein concentration in the ovary. A dose of 2.52 % Arg significantly decreased the vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) content in the hemolymph. Arg (2.52 %) significantly upregulated the Vg and protein kinase A (PKA) gene expressions and increased the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) concentration in the hepatopancreas. Moreover, dietary supplementation with 2.52 % Arg significantly decreased the cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentration and downregulated protein kinase G (PKG) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) gene expression. Arg at 2.52 % significantly increased hemolymph Vg content and the gene expression of the vitellogenin receptor (VgR). In conclusion, Arg at 2.52 % improved vitellogenesis and ovarian maturation by reducing the VIH content and regulating Vg expression via the cGMP/cAMP pathway.

Application of Highly Digestible Fermented Corn Protein Powder in Fecal Low-Odor Adult Dog Feed

This study aimed to develop fecal low-odor adult dog feed using processed corn protein powder as the primary raw material and evaluate its effectiveness through feeding experiments. The objectives included analyzing the fundamental nutritional indicators, comparing the quality of fecal low-odor adult dog feed with commercially available dog feed, and assessing the changes in the eating behavior, physical condition, and physiological and biochemical indicators before and after feeding on the fecal low-odor adult dog feed. This study involved formulating dog feed using processed fermented corn protein powder and conducting nutritional analyses to compare moisture, crude protein, ash, crude fat, and starch contents. Physical properties such as hardness and cohesion were also evaluated. Feeding experiments were conducted with adult dogs to monitor the changes in the eating behavior and physical condition. Physiological and biochemical indicators, including ammoniacal nitrogen and putrefactive odor in feces, were measured both before and after feeding to assess the impact of the fecal low-odor adult dog feed. The analysis showed no significant difference in moisture (p &gt; 0.05), crude protein (p &gt; 0.05), ash (p &gt; 0.05), crude fat (p &gt; 0.05), and starch (p &gt; 0.05) contents between the fecal low-odor adult dog feed and commercially available dog feed. Similarly, no significant difference was noted in the hardness (p &gt; 0.05) and cohesion (p &gt; 0.05) between the two types of dog feed. Both types of dog feed contained rich volatile compounds with varying compositions. The commercially available dog feed had a sour odor, whereas the fecal low-odor adult dog feed had a barbecue and resin-like smell. After feeding with the fecal low-odor adult dog feed, the liquid nitrogen content significantly decreased (p &lt; 0.01). Also, the indole content, a major contributor to fecal odor, based on the data, decreased after feeding.

Optimization of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization for enhanced forage production and quality of Festuca Krylovianacv. Huanhu artificial grassland in alpine regions

Artificial grasslands of F. kryloviana in the region surrounding Qinghai Lake have been observed to a decline in productivity following three years of establishment. Traditional fertilization practices, aimed at maintaining ecological balance, have predominantly focused on the application of phosphorus. However, it remains unclear whether phosphorus fertilizers offer a superior advantage over nitrogen fertilizers in sustaining productivity. Consequently, from 2017 to 2019, we conducted an experimental to assess the impact of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on forage yield and quality. We designed with four levels of phosphorus and two levels of nitrogen, resulting in eight distinct fertilizer combinations. Our experimental findings indicate that the degradation of artificial grasslands leads to a shift in the allocation pattern of aboveground biomass. There was a respective decrease of 68.2 % and 62.5 % in the biomass proportions of stems and ears, contrasted by a greater than 200 % increase in the biomass proportion of leaves. The application of nitrogen not only elevated the total aboveground biomass but also promoted a preferential allocation of biomass to stems and leaves, consequently enhancing the forage's crude protein content. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased aboveground biomass, and crude protein content by 63.21 %, and 6 %, respectively. Phosphorus fertilization's impact varied annually but favored the distribution of biomass to stems and ears. The net photosynthetic rate improved by over 53.12 % with fertilizer application, although the differences among treatments were not statistically significant. The balanced application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers significantly bolstered the aboveground biomass, ear biomass, stem biomass, leaf biomass, and crude protein content in varying years by 17.25 %–209.83 %, 34.7 %–438.9 %, 25.5 %–250.2 %, 18.4 %–133.3 %, and 10.21 %–25.62 %, respectively. Our analysis revealed that nitrogen-only fertilization exhibited the most optimal fertilizer use efficiency and economic returns. In conclusion, nitrogen fertilization is crucial for sustaining the productivity and quality of F. kryloviana artificial grasslands. The local practice of 75 kg ha−1 phosphorus fertilizer is detrimental to the maintenance of productivity in F. kryloviana artificial grasslands. This study offers valuable insights into the optimization of fertilization strategies for sustainable forage production within alpine regions.

Formation of biochemical parameters of oat grain depending on the genotype and weather conditions

The studies were conducted to assess the dependence of the biochemical parameters of oat grains (crude protein, starch, oil and β-glucans) on the genotype and weather conditions to determine the prospects for their use in the breeding process. In the forest-steppe of the Trans-Urals in 2021–2023, 21 samples of naked and 64 samples of covered oats were studied, which are most actively used in breeding in Western Siberia. Tyumen nudibranch was taken as the standard for naked cultivars, and for covered cultivars it was Otrada. It was found that the genotype played a significant role in the content of crude protein and β-glucans in oat grain (78…80 %); weather conditions – 12…15 %, with minimal interaction of these factors – 4 and 7 % (Ffact . Ftheor.) respectively. Retention of oil and seaweed at 85…86 % exceeds the permissible values, and now to a minimum extent – 3 and 6 %, respectively (Ffact. Ftheor.). The effect of the genotype and the subsequent level on the oil content is 11 %. A close relationship between content and consumption has been established. Protein and oil in naked oats (r=0.96; p=5 %), in frequent cases it was the average (r=0.25; p=5 %). The content of β-glucans had an inverse average correlation with protein in the grain of filmy genotypes (P= –0.38), it was absent in nudibranchs. A negative correlation was established between the content of β-glucans and oil (g= –0.32; p=5 %) in covered samples. The analysis of variance and correlation showed the possibility of targeted selection in terms of protein and oil content. It is recommended to introduce the following genotypes into the breeding process to increase the content: starch (60.1…62.3 %) – Vyatsky (14960), MF 9521–281 (15096), MF9714–32 (15227), Progress (15339), Korolek (15461); β-glucans (6.1…6.3 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Argamak (14648), Neklan (14936), Konkur (15068); Ozone (15473); protein (16.1…17.5 %) – Rovesnik (14365), Percheron (15275), Pomor (15117), Taidon (15183); oils (6.1…7.4 %) – Sapsan (15444), Pegas (15114), Petrovich (15691).

Optimization of Awaze paste formulations: The effects of using spices through a mixture design approach

Previous studies have revealed the microbial quality of Awaze paste. However, limited reports describe the effect of individual spices on Awaze paste quality. A mixture design approach was used to determine the appropriate proportions, with 15 experimental points for independent variables including RP (60–90 %), GA (10–30 %), RO (5–20 %), and GI (5–10 %). The techno-functional properties, particle size, antioxidant activity (DDPH radical assay), proximate composition, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) content, viscosity, hardness, and microbiological quality of Awaze paste were assessed. The prepared Awaze paste showed a range of characteristics, with antioxidant activity (DDPH radical assay) ranging from 11.86 % to 62.5 %, crude protein content from 6.18 % to 16.22 %, crude fat from 5.7 % to 12.6 %, crude fiber from 16.86 % to 29.06 %, total ash content from 6.32 % to 9.94 %, total carbohydrate from 41.79 % to 60.61 %, energy from 264.3 to 329.2 k cal. , iron (Fe) content from 35.59 to 108.82 mg/100g, zinc (Zn) content from 1.72 to 26.93 mg/100g, viscosity from 65.5 to 125.5 cps, hardness from 8.48 to 55.09 g, yeast and mold count from 0.83 to 2.04 log cfu/g, and total bacterial count from 1.53 to 2.61 log cfu/g. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in proximate composition, techno-functional properties, particle size, antioxidant activity, physicochemical properties, and microbiological characteristics among the formulations of Awaze paste. The selected formula showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to the control sample. The formulation containing 74.79 % RP, 10 % GA, 10.2 % RO, and 5.0 % GI was determined to be the optimal formula with a desirability of 0.73, based on the evaluated parameters. This preferred Awaze paste had a porosity of 28.12 %, particle size of 16.49 μm, antioxidant activity of 63.63 %, crude protein content of 17.28 %, iron (Fe) content of 98.06 mg/100g, and zinc (Zn) content of 15.04 mg/100g. Therefore, this optimal blend of ingredients could be used to produce a consumer accepted Awaze paste.

Enhancing shrimp growth and immunity with green algal Caulerpa lentillifera polysaccharides through gut microbiota regulation

The polysaccharides from green algal Caulerpa lentillifera (CLP) have shown strong positive effects on terrestrial animal immunity. However, little is known about their function in aquatic animals. Here, we fed shrimp with diets containing different CLP contents (0, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, and 0.4 %). Our results indicated that the increase of 0.1 % CLP could significantly enhance shrimp growth rate, weight gain, and hepatopancreas index, and all doses of CLP could greatly increase the shrimp crude protein content compared to the control. In addition, 0.1 % CLP significantly enhanced the shrimp phagocytic activity, hepatopancreatic acid phosphatase (ACP) activity, hepatopancreatic alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, and plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, while reducing plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) activity compared to the controlled diet. The 16S rDNA sequence of shrimp intestine microbiota indicated that the intestinal microbiota diversity in shrimp fed with 0.2 % CLP diets was higher than that in the control, including an increase in beneficial microbial groups (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and TM7) and a decrease in harmful ones (Shewanella and Vibrio). Feeding with CLP could enrich carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. Correlation analysis indicated that peroxidase (POD) had the widest correlation with communities, being inversely correlated with seven distinct microbial taxa. Moreover, four distinct microbial taxa were significantly associated with weight. These data indicate that CLP is a potential shrimp forage supplement and recommend the optimum dose of CLP inclusion to be 0.1 %–0.2 % in shrimp diets.

Exploring the nutritional profiles and dietary value of indigenous fish species from the Mathabanga River in Bangladesh

The study aimed to address the pervasive issue of inadequate nutrition in Bangladesh by analyzing eight distinct fish species, a pivotal step toward developing fish powder as a promising dietary supplement for nutritional enhancement. Samples from the Mathabhanga River in Chuadanga were rigorously processed and oven-dried to assess their nutritional properties, focusing on proximate composition, mineral content, and amino acid profile. Among the studied fish species, C. reba demonstrated the highest energy content (198.56 Kcal/100 g, p < 0.001), with notably elevated crude protein content (16.99 g/100 g, p < 0.001) compared to all except N. notopterus. The mineral composition order in fish powders was Ca > P > Fe > Na > Mg. Leucine emerged as the predominant essential amino acid (EAA) (6.84 to 32.15 mg/g, p < 0.001) among the species. O. pabo exhibited notably higher total EAA (∑EAA) levels (124.30 mg/g, p < 0.05) compared to other species. P. ticto showed a significantly higher ratio of total essential and non-essential amino acid content (∑EAA/∑NEAA) (0.41, p < 0.05) compared to other species. These findings underscored the nutritional value of the studied fish species, advocating their utilization as a dietary supplement to address malnutrition in Bangladesh.

Integrated management strategies increased silage maize yield and quality with lower nitrogen losses in cold regions.

High-yield and high-quality production of silage maize in cold regions is crucial for ensuring the sustainable development of livestock industry. This study first conducted an experiment to select the optimized silage maize varieties and densities using a split-plot design. The tested maize varieties were Xuntian 3171, Xuntian 16, Xunqing 858, and Fengtian 12, with each variety planted at densities of 67,500, 79,500, and 90,000 plants ha-1. Following the variety and density selection, another experiment on optimizing nitrogen management for silage maize was carried out using a completely randomized design: no nitrogen fertilizer (T1), applying urea-N 320 kg ha-1 (T2), applying urea-N 240 kg ha-1 (T3), applying polymer-coated urea-N 240 kg N ha-1 (T4), and ratios of polymer-coated urea-N to urea-N at 9:1 (T5), 8:2 (T6), 7:3 (T7), and 6:4 (T8). T5-T8 all applied 240 kg N ha-1. The yield and quality of silage maize, nitrogen use efficiency and balance, and economic benefits were evaluated. Results showed that Xunqing 858 had significantly higher plant height (8.7%-22.6% taller than the other three varieties) and leaf area (30.9% larger than Xuntian 3171), resulting in yield 11.5%-51.6% higher than the other three varieties. All varieties achieved maximum yields at a planting density of 79,500 plants ha-1. Integrated management strategy 7 (T7: Xunqing 858, 79,500 plants ha-1, polymer-coated urea-N to urea-N ratio of 7:3) achieved the highest yield of 73.1 t ha-1, a 6.1%-58.1% increase over other treatments. This strategy also produced the highest crude protein (11.1%) and starch (19.1%) contents, and the lowest neutral detergent fiber content (50.6%), with economic benefits improved by 10.3%-97.8% compared to other strategies. Additionally, T7 improved nitrogen use efficiency by 15.4%-94.5%, reduced soil nitrate leaching by 4.4%-36.5%, and decreased nitrogen surplus by 7.0%-46.6%. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the integrated management strategy 7 significantly improved silage maize yield and quality in cold regions while enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing the risk of nitrate leaching, aligning with green agriculture development requirements. These findings will provide vital theoretical insights and practical guidance for high-yield and high-quality silage maize production in cold regions worldwide.

PRODUCTION AND SOME QUALITY INDICES VARIATION IN CORN - CASE STUDY IN FARM CONDITIONS

The study comparatively analyzed the production results and the values ​​of some quality indices for two corn hybrids, in the specific crop conditions of the Western Plain of Romania. Corn crops was carried out in the area of ​​Grabaț locality, Timis County, Romania. Corn hybrids P9889 and DKC5092 were cultivated, in a non-irrigated system, between 2021 and 2023. Adequate plant growth conditions were ensured through crop technology. In the case of the P9889 hybrid, the productions were 8500 kg/ha (2021), 5350 kg/ha (2022), and 11000 kg/ha (2023). In the case of the DKC5092 hybrid, the productions were 7900 kg/ha (2021), 5800 kg/ha (2022) and 10800 kg/ha (2023). Based on mean grains samples, the crude protein content (CP) showed values ​​between 8.5% (year 2021) and 10.05% (year 2023); the starch content (ST) presented values ​​between 54.09% (year 2021) and 59.04% (year 2023); the crude cellulose content (crude fibers, CF) presented values ​​between 1.99% (year 2021) and 2.25% (year 2023); the proportion of broken grains (BG) showed values ​​between 0.98 (year 2023) and 1.3% (year 2022), with an mean value BG = 1.10%. A very strong positive correlation was recorded between CP and M (r = 0.955), between ST and M (r = 0.900), and between ST and CP (r = 0.989). Very strong negative correlation was recorded between Y and BG (r = - 0.926). A strong, positive correlation was recorded between CF and Y (r = 0.834), and between CF and M (r = 0.865). According to PCA, PC1 explained 60.307% of variance, and PC2 explained 39.693% of variance. The decrease in production in 2022 (extremely dry year), compared to the mean value, was DY = -2933.33 kg/ha for the P9889 hybrid, respectively DY = -2366.67 kg/ha for the DKC5092 hybrid. From the analysis of the obtained values, the hybrid P9889 recorded a greater decrease in production (difference of 566.66 kg/ha) compared to the hybrid DKC5092, under the conditions of 2022, specific to the study conditions.

Assessment of Qualitative and Quantitative Damage by Coffee Bean Weevil (Araecerus fasciculatus) on Selected Dried Chips

Insect pests are important biotic organisms that cause significant damage to food crops. In a bid to prevent deterioration, farmers processed them into dried chips and thereafter consumed or stored. Coffee bean weevil, Araecerus fasciculatus is a major insect pest causing severe economic losses during storage in Nigeria. The study investigated the qualitative and quantitative damage of selected dried chips due to attack of A. fasciculatus. Quantitative weight loss of cassava, potato, water yam, white yam and plantain was assessed by placing two sets of 200g sample of each dried chips materials in 2 litres capacity Kilner jars, covered with muslin cloth for aeration and to stop other pests from infesting them. In the first set, twenty-day old adult A. fasciculatus were introduced into the Kilner jars and the sets up arranged in the laboratory using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), at temperature of 27±3oC, 65±5% relative humidity and 12 hours photophase. The second sets up were left uninfested to serve as control. The experiment was replicated four times. The set up were reweighed at 30, 60 and 90 days after infestation to determine the weight loss in percentage. Qualitative loss was evaluated through proximate and mineral analyses. The frass amount generated by the A. fasciculatus was measured after 90 days of infestation. Plantain and cassava experienced highest percentage damage as well as highest amount of frass production due to preference, texture and their composition. Proximate and mineral analyses of the dried chips after 90 days of infestation showed significant reduction in the content of ash, crude fibre, dry matter, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus and increase in fat, crude protein and moisture content compared to initial contents. Araecerus fasciculatus caused significant damage to dried chips due to continuous feeding on them and also showed highest preference for plantain and cassava while the least preference was on sweet potato.

Herbage accumulation and nutritive value of new bermudagrass accessions and cultivars

AbstractBermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is an important forage source for ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions of the world; nevertheless, little is known about the productive and nutritional characteristics of new accessions and cultivars originating from breeding programs. Five bermudagrass cultivars (Tifton 85, Jiggs, Florida 44, Callie, and Newell) and five accessions (276, 282, 323, 286, and Missouri) were tested during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Genotype × harvest interactions were detected for herbage accumulation (HA), crude protein (CP), and nitrogen yield (p &lt; 0.05). In June, all bermudagrass genotypes showed significant variation in HA, with accession 286 being more productive than Jiggs (4.42 vs. 3.24 Mg DM ha−1 harvest−1, respectively, where DM is dry matter). In October, however, accession 323 had greater CP than Callie, accession 286, Newell, and Tifton 85, with average CP values of 155, 128, 136, and 137 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Average in vitro digestible organic matter for accession 323 (450 g kg−1 DM) was similar to that of Tifton 85 and Newell but greater than that of Missouri (393 g kg−1 DM). Genotypes displayed unique responses to all traits across harvest dates. According to the principal component analysis, the accession Missouri exhibited low productive and nutritive value properties. The accession 286 showed greater CP concentration while still productive; thus, this accession will be further examined for future release to livestock or hay producers in subtropical regions worldwide.