Crude Fat Content Research Articles

Comparative Evaluation of the Proximate Composition and Amino Acid Profile in Fresh and Traditionally Sun-dried Fish Species, Puntius sophore (Hamilton, 1822) and Amblypharyngodon mola (Hamilton, 1822)

Fish is one of the most widely consumed sources of animal protein in the world. However, they are subjected to countless post-harvest changes, so technologies such as sun-drying are employed to preserve fish for a longer time. Currently, sun-dried fish also have a major place in terms of nutrients alongside fresh fish. The present study has been conducted to determine the proximate composition and amino acid content of fish species namely, Puntius sophore (Puthi), and Amblypharyngodon mola (Moa) in fresh and sun-dried conditions to enunciate the nutritional benefits of consuming sun-dried fishes together with fresh fishes. During the study period, fresh fish samples collected were divided into two batches. In one batch all the analyses were carried out under fresh conditions. In the corresponding batch, all the tests were carried out in sun-dried conditions. Proximate composition and amino acid analysis were carried out as per the guidelines of AOAC (2015). The moisture, crude protein, crude fat, ash, and carbohydrate content of the fresh and sun-dried P. sophore and A. mola revealed significantly higher moisture content in the fresh fish samples than in the sun-dried samples. Significantly higher crude protein, crude fat, ash, and carbohydrate contents were obtained in the sun-dried samples compared to the samples in fresh condition. The Essential Amino Acid (EAA) predominant in fresh and sun-dried samples of both the species were found to be Lysine and Histidine respectively. The predominant Non-essential Amino Acid (NEAA) in fresh and sun-dried samples of both species was Glutamic acid. The analysis of nutritional parameters reveals that sun-dried fish can provide comparable nutrition to fresh fish. This study is therefore designed to promote the consumption of sun-dried fish among a broader segment of society, highlighting its dietary significance.

Nutritional Evaluation of Eri Silkworm Pupa Strains: Addressing Entomophobia and Promoting Entomophagy

Samia ricini widely known as Eri silkworm is a commonly reared lepidopteran throughout the year. Six different strains of Eri silkworm are present, named according to their body pattern and color - greenish blue zebra (GBZ), greenish blue spotted (GBS), greenish blue plain (GBP), yellow zebra (YZ), yellow spotted (YS) and yellow plain (YP). Apart from being reared mostly for Eri silk, this lepidopteran insect is also considered as a popular delicacy among the tribes of Northeast India, along with it being moderately famous among the locals too. The proximate analysis of the lyophilized samples was carried out as per AOAC (2015) guidelines and mineral analysis was carried out in atomic absorption spectroscopy. Among the six different strains, YS contained highest moisture (7.82 gm) and crude fiber content (18.8 gm), whereas, YZ showed highest amount of total ash (4.32 gm) and crude fat content (22 gm). Furthermore, carbohydrate content was seen to be highest in GBS (14.41 gm). Hence, this study is aimed to unveil the nutritional worth of the six distinct pupa strains of Eri silkworm in an effort to dispel entomophobia, and promote entomophagy owing to the nutritional benefit it offers.

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%.

Investigation of Proximate Composition and Bioactive Components in Banana (Musa acuminata) Peels Using Advanced Analytical Techniques

Background: Banana peels, often considered waste, contain valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study investigates the proximate composition and bioactive components of banana (Musa acuminata) peels using advanced analytical techniques. Materials and Methods: Banana peels were collected from household wastes and processing facilities, washed, dried, and ground into fine powder. Proximate analysis was performed to determine moisture, carbohydrate, ash, crude fiber, protein, and crude fat content using standard methods. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) were employed to identify and characterize bioactive components and functional groups. Results: The proximate composition revealed moisture (7.36 ± 0.37%), carbohydrate (23.15 ± 0.05%), ash (12.11 ± 0.09%), crude fibre (30.53 ± 0.77%), protein (16.42 ± 0.45%), and crude fat (10.43 ± 0.67%). GC-MS analysis identified various bioactive compounds, including 13-Docosenoic acid methyl ester (12.67%), 1-Docosene (12.63%), and Octadecanal (9.45%). FT-IR analysis indicated the presence of functional groups such as alkane (2746.688 cm^-1), ester (1888.360 cm^-1), and primary amine (3514.793 cm^-1). Conclusion: Banana peels possess significant nutritional and bioactive components, making them a potential resource for various industrial applications. The study highlights the importance of valorizing banana peels for nutritional and therapeutic uses.

The Growth Performance and Nutrient Composition of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Fed Slaughtered Bovine Blood.

The disposal of slaughterhouse blood poses significant environmental challenges due to its biological instability and high nutrient content. We used a gradient of 10% blood increments (0-100%) to feed BSFL, and the correlation between the proportion of bovine blood and the BSFL weight gain, mortality rate, fatty acid content, and amino acid content was researched. Results indicate a positive correlation between the bovine blood content and BSFL mortality, with survival rates above 95% for blood proportions below 60%. Larval weight exhibited a negative correlation as the bovine blood content increased. Nutritional analysis revealed that the crude protein content in BSFL increased proportionally with bovine blood (14.75-25.45 g/100 g), while the crude fat content decreased correspondingly (10.70-4.66 g/100 g). The sugar content remained relatively constant across groups. Fatty acid analysis showed increased levels of C16:0, C14:0, and C16:1 and decreased levels of C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3 with higher bovine blood contents. The amino acid content generally increased with higher blood proportions. This study highlights the bioconversion potential of BSFL for bovine blood and underscores the impact of protein, lipid, and sugar concentrations in feed on BSFL growth. These findings provide valuable insights for utilizing slaughterhouse waste in BSFL rearing, contributing to the development of more sustainable waste management and animal feed production methods.

Vitamin D3 alleviates the damage caused by high-fat and maintains lipid metabolism homeostasis in hepatopancreas by promoting fatty acid β-oxidation of Portunus trituberculatus

The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation in high-fat diet on growth performance, calcium and phosphorus in tissue, immunity and lipid metabolism, and to explore whether adding vitamin D3 to high-fat diet can alleviate the adverse effects of high-fat diet on swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). The three experimental diets were normal fat diet (NFD, 9.35 % fat, 45.53 % protein), high fat diet (HFD, 14.69 % fat, 44.93 % protein) and high fat diet supplemented with 0.47 mg/kg VD3 (HFD+VD), respectively. A total of 108 healthy swimming crabs with an initial body weight of 9.42±0.13 g were selected for an 8-week feeding trial. The results showed that crabs fed with HFD+VD diet exhibited significantly higher percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and molting rate (MR) compared to those fed with HFD diet (P < 0.05). It was observed from hepatopancreas crude lipid content, TG content and hepatopancreas sections that HFD caused hepatopancreatic cell damage and abnormal lipid accumulation (P < 0.05), however, there were no significant differences in hepatopancreas crude fat content, TG content and hepatopancreas section observation between HFD+VD group and NFD group (P > 0.05). Crabs fed HFD diets with or without VD3 significantly down-regulated the expression of genes related to fatty acid transport, such as fabp9 and lpr1 in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05), moreover, the expression of genes related to fatty acid β-oxidation (cpt2 and acox1) were significantly up-regulated and genes related to lipid synthesis (fas and 6pgd) were significantly down-regulated in the hepatopancreas of the crabs fed with HFD+VD diet compared to those fed with HFD diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of present study indicated that a high-fat diet can cause deformation and rupture of hepatopancreas cells through abnormal lipid accumulation, thereby causing associated inflammation, leading to large calcium and phosphorus deposits in hemolymph and muscle, however, high fat diet supplemented with vitamin VD3 mainly enhanced the β-oxidation of fatty acids, inhibited lipid synthesis, alleviated abnormal lipid accumulation, and thus maintained the balance of lipid metabolism in hepatopancreas cells and promoted growth performance and feed utilization for swimming crab.

A preliminary study on the effects of substituting fishmeal with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larval meal on Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) juveniles: Growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient composition, disease resistance, and economic returns.

This study aims to develop an alternative aquafeed derived from insect meal for Lates calcarifer juveniles, with the objectives of exploring the physiological performance, biological parameters, and economic analysis of substituting fishmeal (FM) with defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) as part of the diet of L. calcarifer juveniles. Five practical diets were formulated to include 0% (BSFL0, serves as control group), 5% (BSFL5), 10% (BSFL10), 15% (BSFL15), and 20% (BSFL20) of BSFL meal, partially or fully replacing FM, respectively. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 fish (10.70 ± 0.07 g) per tank (300 L). The fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation. A 56-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the impacts of defatted BSFL meal replacing FM on the growth performance, feed efficiency, composition analysis of fish muscle, cumulative mortality rate challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. These results show that differences in weight gain and specific growth rate among the different treatments were statistically significant (p < 0.05), except for the absence of significant variation (p < 0.05) between BSFL0 and BSFL5, and followed by BSFL10 > BSFL0 > BSFL5 > BSFL15 > BSFL20. However, the feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio showed the opposite trend as above. Although the diets experienced a decline in crude protein content and an increase in crude fat content with the increasing proportion of BSFL substituting FM, the crude protein and fat content of fish muscle were only slightly influenced. It is worth mentioning that levels of nonessential amino acids, delicious amino acids, saturated fatty acids, omega-6, omega-9 in BSFL10 group all showed an increase compared with the control group. After a 7-day challenge test with V. parahaemolyticus, the cumulative mortality rates of the BSFL5 and BSFL10 groups, respectively, dropped to 5.20%, 5.28% compared to the control group's 16.88%; however, the mortality rates of BSFL15 (34.67%) and BSFL20 (41.77%) groups were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) increased. From an economic perspective, the incidence cost for each experimental group showed a trend as BSFL10 < BSFL0 < BSFL5 < BSFL15 < BSFL20, whereas the profit index in each treatment exhibited the opposite trend as above. It was concluded that low (5%) or moderate (10%) levels of BSFL substituting FM in aquaculture feed could improve the physiological performances, disease resistance, and economic returns of L. calcarifer. However, excessive substitution (>15%) leads to a negative effect. From an economic point of view, 10% inclusion of BSFL in practical diets is recommended for L. calcarifer juveniles.

Effect of Microwave Treatment on Nutritional Factors of Soybeans

Microwave treatment by the developed experimental equipment split and puffed up soybeans, increasing the volume of seeds by 22%. Micronization increased the volume of beans by 18%, autoclaving retained the original volume of seeds. No significant differences in the content of crude protein, fat, ash and fiber in soybeans were observed for all types of treatment.

A comprehensive study on nutritional quality, physiological enzyme activity and genetic diversity in six populations of Penaeus monodon

Penaeus monodon is a crucial economic crustacean globally and a focal point of aquatic research. Germplasm resources provide a diverse food source for humans, meeting various nutritional needs; they also maintain plant and animal gene banks, enhancing resilience, adaptability, and promoting ecological balance in terms of genetic diversity. To accurately assess the germplasm resources of P. monodon, we conducted a comprehensive investigation. We analyzed muscle characteristics, nutrient content, amino acids, fatty acids, and genetic diversity using whole-genome sequencing in six P. monodon groups. The results showed that the crude protein content of the six groups of P. monodon was 21.17–24.60 g/100 g, crude fat content was 0.60–0.80 g/100 g, essential amino acid content was 5.44–6.41 g/100 g, total amino acid content was 15.68–18.63 g/100 g, and total fatty acid content was 354.78–587.43 mg/100 g. Genetic differentiation index (Fst) values ranged from 0.029 to 0.604 for six groups. PmSZ has a good genetic condition. There was no significant difference in crude fat in conventional nutrients, and the difference in biochemical indexes T-AOC, CAT, and SOD was not significant (P > 0.05). The noteworthy point is that the analysis of genetic diversity reveals a moderate level of genetic diversity. PmDF and PmZH exhibit the highest degree of differentiation, while PmRP and PmZH show the lowest degree of differentiation. Our survey results establish a critical foundation for comprehending and harnessing the germplasm resources essential for selectively breeding robust P. monodon populations.

Exploring the effects of spontaneous and solid-state fermentation on the physicochemical, functional and structural properties of whole wheat flour (Triticum aestivum L.)

The effects of fermentation on various physicochemical and functional properties of whole wheat flour (Triticum aestivum L.) were investigated in this study. Firstly, changes in pH and total titratable acidity (TTA) were observed during spontaneous and solid-state fermentation. Spontaneous and solid-state fermentation led to a decrease in pH and a rapid increase in TTA, indicating effective acidification due to organic acid production. Both fermentation approaches significantly influenced the total starch and amylose content of wheat. The total starch content was decreased accompanied by a significant increase in apparent amylose content. This phenomenon was attributed to starch hydrolysis facilitated by microbial enzymes and organic acids, resulting in a higher amylose/amylopectin ratio. Chemical composition and mineral content of whole wheat flour were also affected. Fermentation led to reductions in moisture, crude fat, and crude protein content, while ash content increased. Furthermore, fermentation significantly impacted the soluble and total dietary fiber content of whole wheat flour, with an increase in soluble dietary fiber and a decrease in total dietary fiber. These changes were attributed to increased synthesis of non-cellulosic polysaccharides and β-glucans during fermentation. Moreover, fermentation resulted in reductions in gluten content, alterations in functional properties such as water and oil absorption capacity, changes in protein solubility, and modifications in gel texture properties. Finally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed minimal changes in the crystalline structure and morphology of starch granules during fermentation, with some signs of surface erosion and degradation, particularly in solid-state fermented samples. The results highlight the potential benefits of fermentation for improving the properties of whole wheat flour. This study contributes to a better understanding of the effects of fermentation on whole wheat flour, offering insights for the development of novel and improved whole wheat flour-based food products.

Assessment of the hormesis effect and toxic damage of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the hormesis and toxicity of short-term low-dose aflatoxin B1 in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Triplicate isonitrogenous and isocaloric aflatoxin B1 diets—CD (control, 0 ug/kg), D1 (20 ug/kg), and D2 (500 ug/kg)—were prepared and fed to grass carp with an initial mean body weight of (15.2 ± 0.1) g for 56 days. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of grass carp fed diet D2 were significantly higher, and the feed coefficient and crude fat content of the whole body were significantly lower (P &amp;lt; 0.05) compared with those fed diet CD. Serum superoxide dismutase content of grass carp fed D1 diet increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with an increasing dose of aflatoxin B1, but when the dose reached 500 ug/kg (D2), serum superoxide dismutase, complement C3, and immunoglobulin M of grass carp decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), while malondialdehyde increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05). After short-term feeding of aflatoxin B1-containing diets (D1 and D2), liver body index, visceral body index, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and urea nitrogen content of grass carp increased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), total bile acid secretion decreased significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05), and structural damages such as increase in vacuoles, organizational structure loosening, and nucleus translocation were observed in the liver. Meanwhile, liver function indexes such as serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly with the increase of aflatoxin B1 dose (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In addition, the height of intestinal villi, crypt depth, villus–crypt ratio, and tubular cell number, as well as the content of trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine of grass carp in the D2 group, were significantly higher than those in the CD group (P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, after a short-term intake of low doses of aflatoxin B1 (≤500 ug/kg), the toxicological damage of aflatoxin B1 was pronounced, although it produced a certain degree of hormesis on the growth performance and intestinal structure and function of grass carp. At a dose of 20 ug/kg, the non-specific immune system and liver structure and function of grass carp showed obvious toxic damage.

Prediction of fat content in edible insect powders using handheld FT-IR spectroscopic devices

The present study describes a new approach to predict the level of crude fat present in commercial edible Tenebrio molitor and Alphitobius diaperinus powders partially defatted using mid and near infrared spectral data combined with multivariate analysis. Insect powders were partially defatted by using three organic solvents and CO2 in supercritical conditions obtaining samples with fat content ranging from 0 to 28.7% (n = 46). Lipid content and fatty acid profile were determined by using Soxhlet and fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) methods, respectively. Spectral data was acquired using a two handheld FT-NIR devices (1350–2550 nm) and two portable FT-MIR equipment (4000-630 cm−1) equipped with ATR crystals. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was used to easily predict insect fat content. Ethanol had lipid extraction yields significantly lower, specially for T. molitor. FA composition was affected by the solvent used. PLSR results exhibited good linearity, predicting crude fat content with strong correlation (Rcv≥0.9) and low standard error of cross-validation (SECV = 1.06–3.22%). Nonetheless, the FT-NIR devices tested, showed higher performance for fat content prediction in insect powders, reaching values of 0.99 in coefficient of correlation (RP) and 1.05% in standard error in prediction (SEP).

Enhancing the Nutritional Quality of Defatted Cottonseed Meal by Solid-State Fermentation with Probiotic Microbes

Defatted cottonseed meal (DCSM), a byproduct of the cotton industry, is highly regarded for its high protein content, making it a source of nutrients in animal feed. Traditional physical and chemical treatments of DCSM can lead to a reduction in nutrient content and the presence of residual organic solvents. Probiotic fermentation of DCSM offers several advantages, including degradation of anti-nutritional factors, an increase in nutrient content, and production of beneficial metabolites. This study employed probiotic fermentation of DCSM using a probiotic microbe collection composed of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Enterococcus faecium, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. This fermentation process significantly enhanced the nutritional quality of DCSM. Specifically, the contents of crude protein, free amino acid, total phosphorus, and moisture increased by 1.14-fold, 1.14-fold, 1.24-fold, and 3-fold, respectively. In the meanwhile, there was a substantial reduction in the content of dry matter, crude ash, and crude fat, with decreases of 27.83%, 25.74%, and 88.23%, respectively. Probiotic fermentation of DCSM resulted in an overall enhancement of the palatability of DCSM. This study provides valuable insights into the potential of mixed probiotic fermentation as a promising approach for improving the nutritional quality of DCSM.

Changes in Quality of Carya illinoinensis at Different Harvest Periods.

In order to determine the appropriate harvesting period of Carya illinoinensis planted in Nanjing city of China, this study analyzed the phenotypic characteristics and inclusions, including single fruit quality, fruit transverse and vertical diameter, kernel rate, water content, color, respiratory strength, crude fat, soluble sugar, soluble protein, and total phenols, of two cultivars 'Pawnee' and 'Wichita' during September and October, respectively. Results showed that the respiration intensity and IAD values of pecan fruits decreased as the harvest date was delayed. 'Pawnee' fruits exhibited the highest seed kernel fullness, ∆E value, fruit transverse diameter, shape index, kernel yield, crude fat, and total phenolic content in late September and early October, while the quality of 'Wichita' fruits reached its peak in late October. The appropriate harvest period is conducive to the material accumulation of Carya illinoinensis, which is of great practical significance for improving the commodity value of pecans. The optimal harvesting period for 'Pawnee' in Nanjing is from the end of September to the beginning of October, and the optimal harvesting period for 'Wichita' is from mid- to late-October to the end of October.

Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant, Nutritional, Phytochemical and Enzyme Inhibition Properties of Justicia carnea and Alchornea cordifolia Leaf Meals

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in plant-derived compounds for their potential health benefits and therapeutic applications. In this study, two botanical species, Alchornea cordifolia and Justicia carnea leaf meals were examined for their antioxidant characteristics, phytochemical and proximate composition, anti-proteinase properties and lipase, albumin, alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory properties. A. cordifolia exhibited significantly higher levels of vitamin C, ferric ion-reducing antioxidant power, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate scavenging activity and flavonoid content compared to J. carnea, indicating superior antioxidant potential. Conversely, J. carnea showed higher saponin and cardiac glycoside content. Notably, A. cordifolia demonstrated stronger inhibition of lipase albumin and anti-proteinase activities, as well as higher inhibition of alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase enzymes compared to J. carnea. Proximate composition analysis revealed differences in moisture, nitrogen-free extract, crude fat, crude fiber and crude protein contents between the two leaf meals. In conclusion, A. cordifolia emerges as a promising source of antioxidants and enzyme inhibitors, highlighting its potential as a valuable nutraceutical resource. Its superior properties to J. carnea suggest its potential application as a functional food ingredient for promoting health and preventing metabolic disorders. This study provides valuable insights into the biochemical and nutritional composition of these leaf meals, contributing to the understanding of their potential health benefits.

A Comparative Study on the Muscle and Gut Microbiota of Opsariichthys bidens from Rice Field and Pond Culture Breeding Modes.

To investigate difference in the quality of the different parts (back, tail muscles, and fish skin) of Opsariichthys bidens from pond and rice field cultures, a comparative study was conducted in terms of nutritional composition, volatile flavor profiles and gut microbiota. In detail, the texture, free amino acids, fatty acids were further assessed. The results suggested that the moisture content, crude protein and crude fat content in the skin of O. bidens are higher than those in the back and tail muscles, regardless of breeding modes. The fish cultured in the rice field had a higher protein content than those from the pond culture, while the fat content of the rice field-cultured fish was significantly low compared to the fish from the pond culture, especially in the back and tail parts. A total of 43 volatile components were detected by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), with a maximum of 18 types of aldehydes and the highest concentration being nonanal. Compared to pond cultures, the fish from the rice field cultures showed more abundant flavor composition and odor-active compounds. The total content of DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) in the rice field-cultured fish was higher than that of the pond group, while no significant disparity in amino acid composition was observed (p > 0.05). Comparative and clustering analyses of gut microbiota revealed notable discrepancies in the gut microbiota of O. bidens from two aquaculture systems. However, an inherent correlation between the gut microbiome and meat quality would be further emphasized in further studies. This study can offer a theoretical reference for the development of high-quality aquatic products by selecting the appropriate aquaculture models.

Comparison of Muscle Fiber and Meat Quality Characteristics of Beef Strip Loin, Tenderloin, and Round Cuts among Jeju Black Cattle, Hanwoo, and Their Crossbreeds.

This study assessed and compared meat quality and fiber characteristics of longissimus lumborum (LL), psoas major (PM), and semimembranosus muscles among Hanwoo (HW), Jeju black (BL), and their crossbred (BH) cattle. Twelve carcasses from each breed (36 in total) were used in this study. BL and BH had higher moisture and crude ash contents and lower crude fat and protein contents than HW, regardless of the muscle type. BL had higher CIE a*, cooking loss, and shear force values than did the other breeds for all muscle types. The muscle fiber size (cross-sectional area) of BL and BH was larger than that of HW for all muscle types. Type IIX was the dominant muscle fiber type in both BL and BH, regardless of muscle type; however, HW had the highest composition of type I compared to the other types (IIA, IIAX, and IIX) in PM. Higher total fiber density was observed in the LL and PM muscles of HW than in those of BL and BH. Meat quality and muscle fiber characteristics of BL and BH were distinct from those of HW.

Development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids in the south of Ukraine

The development and implementation of energy-saving technologies for growing sunflower hybrids is a relevant area of research to ensure sustainable development of the agricultural sector and environmental protection. The study aimed to analyse the impact of different tillage methods on sunflower yields in southern Ukraine. To achieve this goal, a field study was conducted in the fields of the Educational and Research Centre of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University in 2021-2023. The study determined that the method of soil cultivation has a significant impact on its density, moisture reserves and structural stability. Reducing the intensity of cultivation, especially when using no-till, preserves moisture in the soil more effectively, but increases its density. With no-till, before sowing sunflower, it was 1.11 g/cm³ at a depth of 0-10 cm and 1.21 g/cm³ before harvesting, while with conventional tillage, the soil density was 1.02 g/cm³ and 1.1 g/cm³, respectively. In addition, no-till tillage provided the best sunflower productivity indicators, including 1000-seed weight (47.3 g), basket diameter (20.2 cm) and yield (2.6 t/ha). No-till cultivation also improves the quality of the sunflower crop, increasing the content of oleic acid (86.5%) and crude fat in the seeds (48.3%). The obtained results contribute to the development of integrated approaches to the introduction of energy-saving technologies in the cultivation of sunflower hybrids in southern Ukraine, which will increase production efficiency and reduce production costs

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.

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.