Crude Ash Research Articles

Impact of Harvest Delay and Barley Variety on Grain Nutritional Composition and Mycotoxin Contamination

This study investigated the effects of delayed harvesting, varying meteorological conditions, and barley variety on Fusarium spp. infection rates, nutritional composition, and mycotoxin contamination in barley grains. Field experiments were conducted from 2020 to 2022 and involved two barley varieties: ‘Laureate’ for malting and ‘Luokė’ for feed. The results indicated that the dominant Fusarium species isolated were F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. poae, F. sporotrichioides, F. tricinctum, and F. equiseti. These tended to increase in number with delayed harvest times and were more prevalent during harvest periods of higher precipitation (p < 0.05). Malting barley had higher starch and lower protein content compared to feed barley (p < 0.05). Delayed harvesting generally increased dry matter, crude fat, and crude ash contents while decreasing crude protein, zinc, and iron contents (p < 0.05). Mycotoxin analysis revealed significant differences under specific weather conditions. HT-2 toxin levels were higher under slightly warmer and wetter conditions during flowering, with harvest conditions similar to the long-term average. Zearalenone levels increased with dry, warm growing seasons followed by rainy harvests. Nivalenol and enniatin levels increased with rainy growing seasons and dry, warm harvests. Deoxynivalenol concentrations did not reach the limit of quantification throughout the study. No consistent trend was observed for higher contamination in any specific barley variety (p > 0.05). The strongest correlations between mycotoxins and nutritional value indicators were observed with less-studied mycotoxins, such as nivalenol and enniatins, which exhibited negative correlations with crude protein (p < 0.01), crude fat (p < 0.05), and zinc (p < 0.01), and positive correlations with crude ash (p < 0.05) and phosphorus (p < 0.01).

Qualitative indicators of milk and fermented milk products when activated zeolite and probiotics are included in the diet of cows

Relevance. The quality of milk depends on the season of the year, the breed of animals, the state of metabolism, and the characteristics of feeding and maintenance technology. The quality of milk determines its technological properties and the quality of its processed products.Methods. The content of somatic cells in milk, the acidity of milk, cottage cheese, yogurt, and syneresis of yogurt were determined. In milk processing products, the content of the mass fraction of nitrogen and crude protein, crude ash, calcium, and phosphorus was determined.Results. When feeding cows with the yeast probiotic activated zeolite and the phytoprobiotic “Provitol”, a significant decrease in the content of somatic cells in freshly milked milk of cows was established by 13.02% (p < 0.05). Significantly lower milk acidity values were established (by 6.00% (p < 0.001) and 12.79% (p < 0.001), respectively), significantly higher yogurt acidity values (by 6.00% (p < 0.001) and 12.79% (p < 0.001), respectively, significantly lower yogurt syneresis (by 4.70% (p < 0.001) and 3.10% (p < 0.01), respectively). The use of activated zeolite and yeast probiotic “Kluver Pro” in the diets leads to a significantly higher content (compared with the control) of the mass fraction of fat in cottage cheese and yogurt — by 10.47 abs. % (p < 0.001) and 4.58 abs. % (p < 0.001).

A Comprehensive Assessment of Nutritional Value, Antioxidant Potential, and Genetic Diversity in Metapenaeus ensis from Three Different Populations.

Due to its high tolerance to salinity and temperature, as well as its strong adaptability, Metapenaeus ensis holds an important position in the Chinese aquaculture industry. However, studies on the evaluation of its germplasm resources remain insufficient. This research conducted an in-depth comparative evaluation of M. ensis from three representative farming regions in China: Sanya, Zhuhai, and Raoping. The nutritional analysis of muscle tissue showed no statistically significant differences in crude ash, moisture, and crude protein content among the populations (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in crude fat and total sugar content (p < 0.05). The MeSY and MeRP populations had higher crude fat content than the MeZH population (p < 0.05), while the MeZH population exhibited the highest total sugar content. In terms of amino acid composition, the MeSY population had relatively higher total essential amino acid content and proportion, as well as higher total amino acid content, both of which were statistically significant (p < 0.05). A fatty acid composition analysis further highlighted the advantages of the MeRP population in several key fatty acids (p < 0.05). Physiological and biochemical analyses showed no significant differences among the three populations in total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase activity, or catalase activity (p > 0.05). A genetic diversity analysis indicated that M. ensis has relatively low diversity, with the MeSY population showing higher SNP density and nucleotide diversity. A genetic differentiation analysis revealed significant genetic differentiation between the MeSY and MeZH populations, while differentiation between the MeZH and MeRP populations was relatively smaller. This comprehensive assessment of nutritional components, amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidant capacity, and genetic diversity highlights the advantages of germplasm resources from different regions. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on the genetic characteristics and breeding potential of M. ensis.

Multi-objective development of novel egg free cakes using quinoa protein and its quality attributes

This study explores the potential of utilizing quinoa protein as an egg substitute in bakery products for customers with health, culture/religion, or dietary restrictions. Quinoa protein was prepared from quinoa seed by alkaline solubilization followed by isoelectric precipitation and drying. Four different formulations of egg-free cakes were prepared by incorporating quinoa protein in egg equivalents of 50 g (Formulation 1), 75 g (Formulation 2), 100 g (Formulation 3), and 150 g (Formulation 4). The research involved Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and revealed such functional properties as proximate composition, physical properties, color, texture, microstructure, and sensory characteristics for the batters and the cakes. The incorporation of different quinoa protein concentrations significantly (p &lt; 0.05) affected all the functional properties of the batters and the cakes. Such variables as crude protein and ash increased while moisture and fat contents decreased. The baking loss went down as the share of quinoa protein went up. The structural analysis showed an increase in gumminess and chewiness accompanied by a decrease in cohesiveness and elasticity. The analysis also revealed hardness and non-uniform changes. The lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of the cake surface and crumb decreased while the redness (a*) increased. The cakes prepared according to Formulation 4 with the greatest share of quinoa protein had a high nutritional value with reasonable concentrations of essential amino acids in general and a high level of lysine in particular. The same sample also received the highest score for overall sensory properties. The sensory assessment proved that quinoa protein could meet consumer expectations of egg-free cakes.

Differences in Growth Performance and Meat Quality between Male and Female Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during Separate Rearing.

This study compared the growth and flesh quality of juvenile male and female Nile tilapia grown in separate RAS tanks. The Genetic Sex Determination method yielded 40 males and 40 females. Males grew longer and heavier than females, and the results showed significant variation between the sexes in terms of weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and final body length and weight. In terms of the feed conversion ratio (FCR), Gonad Somatic Index (GSI), and Viscera Somatic Index (VSI), females presented better results than males. Male and female Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) values did not differ significantly-no difference in blood serum values. The meat's moisture and crude protein composition did not alter significantly from male to female; however, the crude fat and ash levels did differ significantly. Male and female animals were given the same seventeen distinct types of amino acids, and there was no distinct variation in the profiles of total amino acids (TAAs) and essential amino acids (EAAs) between the sexes. However, in the non-essential amino acid (NEAA) category, there were marginally significant differences, wherein females performed better than males. Males and females differed considerably in crude fat and ash levels but not in the moisture content or crude protein composition of the meat. Regarding fatty acids, males outperformed females in terms of total fatty acids (TFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). However, no significant difference in the amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in muscle was found between males and females.

Enhancing biscuits with muskmelon seed flour: a study of physicochemical, textural, and nutritional characteristics

The baking industry is continuously innovating to develop new product formulations that appeal to consumers through both taste and enhanced nutritional value. Biscuits, one of the most popular bakery products globally, serve as an ideal medium for the fortification of essential nutrients. Muskmelon seeds, rich in protein, oil, vitamins, min-erals, and amino acids, offer a natural source for the fortification of various food products. This research focuses on incorporating muskmelon seed flour into biscuit formulations to enhance protein, dietary fiber, mineral, and phytochemical content while preserving textural quality. Five formulations were tested, with T0 (control) containing 100% wheat flour, T1 containing 95% wheat flour and 5% muskmelon seed flour, T2 containing 90% wheat flour and 10% muskmelon seed flour, T3 containing 85% wheat flour and 15% muskmelon seed flour, and T4 containing 80% wheat flour and 20% muskmelon seed flour. The effect of substituting wheat flour with muskmelon seed flour on bis-cuit development was assessed by examining physical, proximate, textural, nutritional, and sensory characteristics. The inclusion of muskmelon seed flour significantly increased biscuit thickness (from 53.66 ± 0.68 mm to 73.00 ± 0.36 mm) and hardness (from 18.57 ± 0.03% to 47.61 ± 0.02%) to maintain its proper shape and texture while also enhancing crude protein (from 5.69 ± 0.07% to 16.41 ± 0.08%), ash (1.13 ± 0.01% to 1.70 ± 0.05%), and dietary fiber content (from 1.58 ± 0.03% to 1.88 ± 0.04%). Additionally, the substitution improved total phenolic content (TPC, from 85.52 ± 0.05 to 210.54 ± 0.04 mg GAE/mL), total flavonoid content (TFC, from 54.84 ± 0.09 to 142.28 ± 0.03 mg CE/g), and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (from 48.63 ± 0.04% to 65.54 ± 0.05%). Among various treatments, T2, which incorporated 10% muskmelon seed flour, was the most acceptable treatment. Further research is recommended to assess sensory characteristics more precisely using trained panelists.

Improving the green mass quality with the help of heterosis breeding

The most reliable and effective way to improve both productivity and quality of green mass is the use of heterosis breeding. The purpose of the current work was to study the heterosis effect of green mass quality indicators in sorghum-Sudan hybrids developed based on cytoplasmic male sterility. The object of the study was the sorghum-Sudan hybrids developed by the Agricultural Research Center “Donskoy”. Dry matter productivity varied among the hybrids within 746-1202 g/m2 . The highest values have been observed in the combinations with the CMS-line ‘APV-1115’ (1045 g/m2 ). The heterosis effect on the dry matter productivity was found in all hybrids. Four hybrids ‘APV-1115 x Kudesnitsa’, ‘APV-1115 x ChT-22’, ‘Dzhetta x ChT-2’, ‘APV-1115 x Svetloplenchataya 4’ have significantly exceeded the standard in terms of dry matter productivity by 184-270 g/m2 with high rates of hypothetical (38.1-64.1%), true (93.2-142.0%) and competitive (19.8-28.9%) heterosis. Digestible protein yield has ranged from 49 to 84 g/m2 . Among the hybrids, the greatest heterosis effect was identified in the hybrids ‘Demetra x Svetloplenchataya 4’ (Hhyp.=43.4%, Htrue.=125.4%), ‘Dzhetta x Yaktik’ (Hhyp.=70.5%, Htrue.=142.3%), ‘APV-1115 x Kudestitsa’ (Hhyp.=72.8%, Htrue.=108.9%), ‘APV-1115 x Svetloplenchataya 2’ (Hhyp.=81.0%, Htrue.=118.4%), ‘APV1115 x ChT-22’ (Hhyp.=103.3%, Htrue.=118.4%). In the course of the study, there has been found that according to the content of crude protein, ash, oil, fiber and nitrogen-free extractive substances (NES), the most hybrids possessed partial or incomplete dominance of large values. However, to obtain even a slight heterosis according to the content of protein, fiber, and NES content, at least one parent had to have high trait values. Based on the complex of the heterotic effect according to the green mass quality indicators, there have been identified such hybrids as ‘Dzhetta x Yaktik’, which exceeded the large parental form in terms of dry matter (Htrue.=10.5%) and oil (Htrue.=14.4%); ‘Dzhetta x ChSS’ which exceeded the large parental form in terms of dry matter and crude protein (Htrue.=14.3 and 1.3%); ‘Demetra x Svetloplenchataya 4’ which exceeded the large parental form in terms of crude protein, dry matter, and ash (Htrue.=3.8; 5.9 and 6.4%, respectively). In general, the data obtained have indicated the prospects of using cytoplasmic male sterility in breeding not only for productivity, but also for quality.

Extraction and Nutritional Value of Soybean Meal Protein Isolate

The increasing protein demand driven by global population growth necessitates the search for an alternative protein source. Soybean meal (SM), with approximately 47–49% proteins, is a viable option. Soymeal protein isolate (SMPI) is a cost-efficient protein source with a well-balanced amino acid profile, making it suitable for addressing this demand. This study attempts to address the lack of information regarding the extractability and nutritional potential of SMPI obtained utilizing a weak base and recoverable solvent. In this work, the structural and compositional studies of SMPI, as well as the aqueous extractability of ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH), are investigated. Furthermore, we examined the effects of heat treatment during oil extraction, where a comparison between protein isolates from soymeal and whole soybeans was carried out. The maximum extraction yield of 24.1% was achieved by increasing the concentration of NH4OH from 0.25–1%. In comparison to the soy protein isolate from whole soybeans (SPI), the compositional analysis report revealed that SMPI had higher levels of crude protein, moisture, and ash content, but lower levels of fat and carbohydrates. Furthermore, the examination of the amino acid composition confirms the existence of vital amino acids in SMPI. The amino acid score indicates that methionine, lysine, and threonine are the limiting amino acids. SMPI and SPI share structural and functional group similarities, as demonstrated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Gel electrophoresis using sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide shows that the protein molecular weight distributions of SPI and SMPI are similar. This in-depth evaluation emphasizes the advantages of SM by advocating its application in other sectors beyond conventional animal feed, such as nutritional supplements and bio-based products, and by improving the environmental sustainability and global food chains.

Assessment of nutritionality and normative indicators of granulated vitamin-herbal four for agricultural animals, prepared in the conditions of the Vologda region

Feed analysis was carried out in a chemical laboratory using the equipment of the Center for Agricultural Research and Biotechnology at the Voluntary Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The testing procedure for most agricultural feeds is established by GOST 50817-95. To determine the crude protein content using the Kjeldahl method using a semi-automatic analyzer UDK 159 (VELP, Italy), GOST 13496.4-2019 was used, GOST 31675-2012 was used to determine the crude fiber content using an automatic analyzer FIBE-6, GOST 13496.15-2016 was used to determine crude fat content using the Soxhlet apparatus., GOST 32933-2014 is used to determine the crude ash content. An evaluation test of herbaceous unnaturally dried feed according to the quality class was carried out in the following sequence: when more characteristics were agreed upon for any one class, vitamin-grass meal (VHM) was assessed according to this class. When studying the energy nutritional value, the amount of dry matter in granulated vitamin-herbal flour was established within the range of 867.00–917.69 g, metabolic energy – 9.25–10.57 MJ/kg, digestible protein – 69.9–119.6 g/kg and feed units – 0.71–0.85 kg. Thus, checking the usefulness of the samples that were selected and sent to us showed that feed from alfalfa and clover helps to obtain high-quality nutritious feed that is easily absorbed by the body and corresponds to class II–III indicators. The quality of prepared flour from vetch-oat grass and a mixture of herbs leaves much to be desired. As a result of studying the quality of these artificially dried grass feeds, we can conclude that their nutritional value is not high enough, as a result of the low content of the main characteristics: such as metabolic energy (9.25–9.39 MJ/kg) and protein (11.69–12.83 %), which is necessary take into account when organizing proper feeding of cattle. The quality of feed is a fundamental condition on which productivity depends.

Feeding and Growth Response of Fall Armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) towards Different Host Plants.

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, is a major migratory polyphagous insect pest of various crops. The essential nutrient and mineral profile of the host plants determines the feeding fitness of herbivorous insects. As a result, the growth and development of insects is affected. To determine the effect of the nutrient and mineral profile of different host plants (maize, castor bean, cotton, cabbage, okra, and sugarcane) on the growth and development of S. frugiperda, biological parameters like larval weight, pupal weight (male/female), and feeding and growth indices were calculated. The proximate compositions such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, and ash and mineral contents of the tested host plants showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The feeding indices on these host plants also differed significantly (p < 0.05). The maximum relative growth rate (RGR), relative consumption rate (RCR), and consumption index (CI) were recorded in S. frugiperda larvae that fed on maize and castor bean leaves. The crude protein, dry matter, and ash contents in maize and castor bean were significantly higher and positively correlated with the RGR and RCR of S. frugiperda larvae. The larval, male and female pupal weights were the maximum in the larvae feeding on the castor bean host plant. These findings provide novel information based on nutritional ecology to develop sustainable integrated pest management strategies using selective crop rotation.

Impact of dietary lysine on growth, nutrient utilization, and intestinal health in triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed low fish meal diets

Lysine is one of the essential amino acids for fish growth and development. This study investigated the effect of dietary lysine on growth performance, digestion, and intestinal health of triploid rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (initial body weight: 9.00 ± 0.33 g) fed a low fish meal diet (15 %). Five dietary lysine levels (3.66 %, 3.84 %, 4.19 %, 4.32 %, and 4.55 %) were evaluated for 56 days, with three replicates of 30 fish per level. The results showed that the weight gain rate (198.55 %), specific growth rate (1.95), and VSI were maximized when the dietary lysine level was 4.19 %. The 4.19 % lysine group exhibited minimum moisture (66.66 %) and maximum crude protein (15.47 %), with no significant differences in crude lipid and ash contents. Growth factors mTOR and 4EBP-1, on the other hand, had the highest expression in the 4.19 % group, while IGF-1 and S6K1 peaked in the 4.32 % group. The anti-inflammatory factors TGF-β, NF-κB, IL-4, and IL-10 peaked at different levels and then decreased with increasing lysine levels. The pro-inflammatory factor IL-1β, on the other hand, had the lowest expression at the 4.19 % level. Based on quadratic regression analysis of specific growth rate, the lysine requirement of triploid O. mykiss in low fish meal diets was 4.24 %.

Effect of Fermented Mulberry Leaves on Gut Health of Finishing Pigs

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of supplementing fermented mulberry leaves (FML) on intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity, and immune function in the gut of finishing pigs. Eighteen 132-day-old healthy crossbred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) male castrated pigs were randomly divided into two treatment groups with nine replicates per group. The control (CON) group was fed the basal diet, and the FML group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 10% FML. The experiment lasted 69 days. The results showed that 10% FML improved gut health. The apparent total tract digestibility in dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acidic detergent fiber, ether extract, and crude ash increased in the 10% FML group of finishing pigs compared to the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). Duodenal, jejunal, and ileal intestinal morphology, such as villus height and villus-height-to-crypt-depth ratio, increased in the 10% FML group compared to the CON group, whereas crypt depth decreased in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum (p &lt; 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity increased in the ileum of the 10% FML group compared with the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). The FML supplementation improved the contents of duodenal immunoglobulin A, jejunal interleukin-1β, interleukin-8, ileal interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, interferon-γ, and immunoglobulins A and M compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.05). Moreover, FML downregulated the mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α in the duodenum, Toll-like receptor 4, nuclear factor-κ B-P65, and myeloid differentiation factor 88 in the jejunum, and Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor-κ B-P65 in the ileum (p &lt; 0.05). The FML also upregulated Montrose uniting church 1 in the duodenum and claudin 2 in the ileum (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 10% FML improved the gut health of finishing pigs and FML is a potential feed ingredient for pig breeding.

EVALUATING GROWTH AND NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF AFRICAN CATFISH UNDER DIFFERENT SALINITIES

An investigation was carried out to explore the effect of salinity on the growth and flesh quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a significant species in global aquaculture. Fifty juvenile catfish of weight 24.25±0.4g were collected from the Chenab River in Pakistan and acclimatized in controlled aquaculture conditions at different salinity levels NaCl (T1; 0, T2; 2, T3; 4; T4; 6, and T5; 8 ppt) over 60 days. Growth performance indicators, including final weights, weight gain, growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR), were measured. The statistical result indicated that the fish in lower salinity environments (0-2 ppt) exhibited significant (p &lt; 0.05) final weights, weight gain, and growth rates, with performance declining significantly as salinity increased. The best FCR 1.2±0.01 was indicated at 0 ppt, while the highest salinity (8 ppt) was revealed in the FCR 1.7±0.04. Proximate composition analysis indicated that crude protein and moisture content elevated with salinity while crude fat and ash content decreased. These results suggest that C. gariepinus thrives in slightly brackish conditions, with optimal growth at low salinity levels. However, higher salinities adversely impact physiological health and growth performance.

Effects Of Drying Temperatures On Drying Rates And Proximate Composition Of Caulerpa Racemosa Dried Using The Tray Dryer

This study examined the effects of different drying temperatures (50°C, 55°C, and 60°C) on the nutritional attributes of Caulerpa racemosa seaweed to improve preservation techniques. The seaweed's potential as a nutrient source and the challenge of preserving it were explored by drying samples at varying temperatures to assess the impact on quality. Proximate analysis of dried samples was performed to evaluate drying effects, measuring moisture, crude ash, fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrates using the AOAC methods. This study aimed to find the most viable drying temperature that preserves seaweed quality through a comparative analysis between the three temperatures used in the drying process. The proximate analysis results were averaged and analyzed through statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's HSD Test) to determine significant differences in the data. Samples dried at 55°C for 240 minutes had the lowest ash content (60.94%) and highest fat (1.64%), protein (10.22%), and carbohydrate (19.33%) levels, with a moisture content of 14.94%. The lowest moisture was in samples dried at 60°C, and the highest fiber at 50°C. Ash and protein contents differed significantly, while carbohydrates, fiber, and fat did not. The drying kinetics of the experiment also showed no significant differences when comparing the average moisture content and drying rate at different temperatures. Therefore, it is recommended to dry seaweed at 55°C as it preserves the seaweed's attributes the most. Drying at 50°C took 30 minutes longer and impacted the sample's composition. Further research is needed to identify the best drying parameters and conditions for C. racemosa.

Determining the Ideal Temperature and Fermentation Duration to Enhance Crude Protein Content and Reduce Crude Fiber in Rice Bran Using Solid-State Fermentation with Aspergillus niger (USM F4)

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) offers a sustainable method for enhancing the nutritional quality of agricultural residues such as red rice bran. This study aimed to determine the optimal temperature and duration for SSF of red rice bran, focusing specifically on increasing the crude protein (CP) content and reducing the crude fiber (CF) content. SFF of rice bran with Aspergillus niger (A. niger) USM F4 was conducted over 14 consecutive days at three different temperatures (25°C, 35°C, and 45°C). A total of 63 samples of rice bran were divided into three temperature groups, each containing 21 samples. Three samples per group were collected at 48-hour intervals over the 14-day fermentation period. The fermentation process for the collected samples at 48-hour intervals was halted by oven drying at 60°C for 24 hours. The fermented products were subjected to proximate analysis for crude protein (CP), ash, ether extract (EE), and crude fiber (CF) contents using the methods outlined by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The results revealed a significant effect of temperature and fermentation duration on CP, ash, EE, and CF content when compared to the unfermented rice bran kept at room temperature (25oC). The peak values of CP and the highest degradation of CF across all temperature levels were observed on day 10 while the maximum increase in ash and EE content occurred on day 8. Among the temperature conditions, the highest CP values and the lowest CF values were recorded at 35°C. Conversely, the lowest improvements in CP and CF degradation were observed at 25°C on day 10. In conclusion, the optimal conditions for SSF of rice bran with A. niger to enhance CP content and degrade CF are a temperature of 35°C and a fermentation duration of 10 days.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT DENSITY ON THE FORAGE YIELD AND SOME FORAGE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF MORINGA (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

In sustainable animal husbandry, the use of highly adaptable shrub and tree species as alternative forage crops has gained importance in recent years. One of these plants is moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), which is considered one of the promising feed sources due to its high nutritional value. This research was carried out to determine the potential of Moringa as a forage crop for the Mediterranean climate during 2020 and 2021 growing season in the experimental areas of the Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ege, Türkiye. The effects of four different plant densities (60x20 cm, 60x30 cm, 60x40 cm, 60x60 cm) on the some forage quality and digestibility traits were investigated. The Moringa cultivar "PKM-1" was used as plant material and plant height, stem diameter, dry matter, herbage yield, crude protein, crude ash, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were examined during two consecutive vegetation periods. In the study conducted in Mediterranean ecological conditions, the average values of the moringa plant for two years were obtained as Plant height 159.2-170.3 cm, total herbage yield 3.310-6.970 kg/da, crude protein ratio 17.12-18.15%, ADF ratio 35.31-37.85% and NDF ratio 45.66-49.71%. Increasing the planting density increased the herbage yield and the highest value was obtained from 60x20 cm planting density. In addition, 60x20 cm planting density is also suggested in terms of protein , ADF and NDF traits.

Nutritional prospects and heavy metal risks in fattened versus wild mud crabs of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta: Implications for sustainable management

Scylla olivacea, or the mud crab, is a crucial economic contributor in Southeast Asia, notably in the coastal region of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta. This study compared the nutritional and heavy metals of fattened and wild-captured mud crabs from the southwest coastal areas of the Ganges-Brahmaputra delta, focusing on proximate composition, fatty acids, amino acids, and heavy metals. Fattened mud crabs showed higher crude protein levels (13.2%–14.4%), particularly in males, and higher crude fat and ash contents than their wild counterparts. Among fatty acids, fattened crabs had the highest palmitic acid levels (34.0%–41.2%), whereas wild crabs were rich in linoleic and linolenic acids. Amino acid analysis revealed that histidine and arginine were the most prevalent essential amino acids in fattened and wild crabs, respectively. Elemental analysis indicated that calcium levels were high in both groups. However, zinc, copper, iron, and manganese concentrations exceeded recommended dietary allowances. Furthermore, the wild mud crabs contained heavy metals lower than that of the fattened mud crabs. Notably, nickel, lead, and cadmium levels surpassed maximum permissible limits, suggesting potential health risks in fattened and wild mud crabs. The concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids was higher in wild crabs than in cultured ones. These findings emphasize the need for cautious consumption and strict monitoring in mud crab aquaculture to ensure food safety and sustainability.

Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Karakteristik Kimia Stik Pegagan

Gotu kola leaves contain active compounds which are beneficial for the human body. Gotu kola leaves can be added to processed foods, including sticks. This research added sticks with a concentration of 10%, 15%, and 20% of gotu kola leaves paste. Then, antioxidants activity, crude fiber content, water content, ash content, protein content, fat content, and carbohydrate content were analyzed. After that, gotu kola sticks were selected. Based on research results, the greater the addition of gotu kola leaves, the greater the antioxidant activity, water content, ash content, protein content, and crude fiber content. Gotu kola sticks were selected with the addition of 15% gotu kola leaves. The results of gotu kola chosen sticks had an antioxidant content of 53671.90 ppm, water content 1.32%, ash content 0.99%, protein content 7.75%, fat content 39.04%, carbohydrate content 50.91% and crude fiber 32.20%.

EFFECTS OF PROCESSING ON THE PROXIMATE AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF CULTURED AND CAPTURED CLARIAS GARIEPPINUS

Fish and fish products serve as vital protein sources in Africa and the world in general. Since fish is typically processed before consumption, this study investigated how different processing methods affect the proximate and mineral composition of both cultured and captured Clarias gariepinus. The processing techniques employed in this research included smoking, boiling, and oven drying. Cultured catfish were sourced from Oris Farm in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, while captured catfish were obtained from Asejire Dam in Oyo State. The proximate and mineral compositions of fresh, boiled, smoked, and oven-dried samples of both cultured and captured Clarias gariepinus were analyzed in triplicate. The results indicated significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in crude protein, dry matter, moisture, ash, fiber, potassium, and phosphorus content among the different processing methods for both cultured and captured catfish samples. Potassium and phosphorus levels also varied significantly (P&lt;0.05) across the processing methods. Boiled and oven-dried samples of both cultured and captured catfish exhibited higher crude protein and lipid content, suggesting that these processing methods provide consumers with a rich source of protein and essential nutrients. The study concludes that boiling and oven drying with samples possessing highest percentages of protein are the most effective processing methods for preparing Clarias gariepinus, ensuring optimal nutrient retention for consumers.

Wild Pepper (Piper laetispicum) Fruit Quality Traits at Different Developmental Stages.

High-quality Piper laetispicum (Piper laetispicum C. DC) is the key to the development of foods, natural medicines, and cosmetics. Its crude fat, ash, piperine, protein, and aroma compounds were determined in this experiment. Principal component (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analyses (HCA) were used to evaluate the aroma compounds at different developmental stages. The main aroma compounds identified using steam distillation combined with GC-MS were sabinene (34.83-76.14%), α-copaene (5.11-19.51%), linalool (2.42-15.70%), trans-caryophyllene (2.37-6.57%), α-pinene (1.51-4.31%), and germacrene D (1.30-4.10%). The aroma metabolites at different developmental stages were analysed using non-targeted metabolomes, and linalool was found to be the most abundant. Based on the experimental results, there were more nutrient compounds in young Piper laetispicum than in the last three developmental stages. The aromatic metabolites contributed the most to PC1. There were also more different metabolites of aroma between the young and expanding stages. Therefore, regarding quality, young fruits have great potential.