Crude Fat Research Articles

Effects of β-Mannanase Supplementation and Soyhull Inclusion on Production Performance, Economics, Egg Quality, Blood Biochemicals, Nutrient Digestibility, and Intestinal Morphology in Golden Brown Hens (RIR × Fayoumi) during Late Peak Production.

This study investigated the effects of the β-mannanase enzyme and soyhulls on production performance, economics, egg quality, hematology and serum biochemistry, nutrient digestibility, gut morphology, digesta viscosity, and excreta consistency in laying hens during the late peak production phase (37 to 40 weeks of age). Golden brown hens (RIR × Fayoumi; n = 200) were fed a control diet (no soyhulls or enzymes) and diets containing four combinations, i.e., 3% soyhulls with 20 mg/kg β-mannanase (D1), 3% soyhulls with 30 mg/kg β-mannanase (D2), 9% soyhulls with 20 mg/kg β-mannanase (D3), and 9% soyhulls with 30 mg/kg β-mannanase (D4), for four weeks in four replicates of 10 birds each. Overall, a significantly higher (p < 0.05) feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and water intake were calculated in the D2 group as compared to the control and remaining combinations of soyhulls and β-mannanase. No mortality was recorded during the entire experiment. Economically, the D1 and D2 groups showed the best results as compared to the D3 and D4 groups. Egg quality parameters like egg weight, shell weight and shell thickness, yolk weight, albumen weight and height, and the Haugh unit remained unchanged (p > 0.05). Similarly, the D2 group showed significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels and enhanced gut morphology with greater villus width, height, crypt depth, and surface area across intestinal segments. Crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), crude fat, and ash digestibility were higher (p < 0.05) in the D1 and D2 groups compared to the control. Digesta viscosity, excreta consistency, and other egg quality parameters remained unaffected. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of a combination of 3% soyhulls and 30 mg/kg β-mannanase may have potential benefits for laying hens by improving some production performance and egg quality indicators and economics, lowering blood cholesterol, LDL, and VLDL levels, enhancing nutrient digestibility, and improving gut morphology without affecting egg quality.

Biomonitoring of petroleum hydrocarbon residues in commercially important fish and shrimp species from a tropical coastal ecosystem Chilika, India: Associated human health risk assessment

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) residues in commercially important fish and shrimp species from Asia's largest brackish water lagoon, Chilika and their dietary risk factors like Bioaccumulation factor (BAF), Estimated dietary intake (EDI) and Exposure risk index (ERI) were investigated. The PHCs in water samples were found within the range of 2.21 to 9.41 μg/l; while in organisms, PHCs varied from 0.74 to 3.16 μg/g (wet weight). The lowest and highest PHCs concentration was observed in Etroplus suratensis (0.74 ± 0.12; crude fat 0.57 %) and Nematalosa nasus (3.16 ± 0.12; crude fat 6.43 %) respectively. From human health risk view point, the calculated BAF, EDI, ERI were within the prescribed safe limits. Our finding suggests that Nematalosa nasus can be used as biomonitor species for petroleum hydrocarbon contamination status for this ecosystem and also continuous pollution monitoring programs must be conducted by the concerned authorities to safeguard this important aquatic ecosystem.

Dietary biochar effect on growth performance, proximate composition, and physiological response of Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) cultured in inland saline groundwater

Transforming raw materials (biomass feedstock) into biochar finds diverse applications across various industries owing to the distinctive characteristics of biochar. This study used biochar as a feed additive for shrimp feeding. A 90-day feeding trial was conducted to assess the impacts of different biochars on growth parameters, haematological parameters, and digestive enzymes of Penaeus vannamei reared in inland saline groundwater of 10 ppt salinity. The finely ground biochar (0.5 mm) prepared from different sources was mixed with the commercially available shrimp feed (35 % crude protein, 5 % crude fat, and 4 % crude fibre), viz., T1, paddy straw biochar (PSB); T2, sugarcane bagasse biochar (SBB); T3, banana peduncle biochar (BPB); and the control group (C) without any biochar. Twenty shrimp (10.24 ± 0.01 g) were stocked in each triplicate. Banana peduncle biochar incorporated diet (T3) demonstrated superior performance as it significantly (p<0.05) improved the weight gain (24.51±0.12 g), specific growth rate (1.39±0.00 % day−1), protein efficiency ratio (1.73±0.02 %), and reduced feed conversion ratio (1.60±0.01). The total serum protein in the haemolymph of the shrimps for all the dietary biochar treatments differed significantly (p<0.05) from the control. The T1, T2, and T3 groups showed the highest whole-body crude protein content; contrary to this, the lowest amount of whole-body crude protein was observed in the control. In addition, the dietary biochar significantly influenced the digestive enzymatic activity of shrimp. The hepatopancreatic AST and ALT activities of different biochar-fed groups were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the C group. On the other hand, dietary biochar treatments did not significantly (p > 0.05) influence the SOD of the gill, muscle, and catalase activity of the hepatopancreas, gill, and muscle in shrimp. Overall, the three different dietary biochar supplementations in the diet of Penaeus vannamei seem to be an effective way to culture it intensively, in addition to significantly reducing various stress responses.

Effect of Subsoiling on the Nutritional Quality of Grains of Maize Hybrids of Different Eras.

To achieve high maize (Zea mays L.) yields and quality grain, it is necessary to develop stress-resistant cultivars and related cultivation practices, aiming to maximize efficiency. Thus, our objectives were (i) to investigate the impact of tillage practices and maize hybrids (which have improved over time) on yield and its components, and (ii) to characterize the response pattern of maize hybrid grain nutrient quality components to subsoiling. To achieve this, we conducted field trials with five maize hybrids from different eras under two tillage practices: rotary tillage and subsoiling. We compared grain yield, nutritional quality, and other indicators across different tillage conditions from the 1970s to the 2010s. The main results of this study are as follows: under rotary tillage conditions, the 2010s hybrid (DH618) significantly increased yields (9.37-55.89%) compared to hybrids from the 1970s-2000s. After subsoiling, the physiologically mature grains of all hybrids exhibited minimal changes in crude protein and fat content, while there was a significant reduction in the total soluble sugar content of the grains. After subsoiling, there was a substantial 8.14 to 12.79 percent increase in total starch accumulation in the grain for all hybrids during the period of 47-75 days post-anthesis. Furthermore, during the period of 47-75 days after anthesis, the consumption of grain crude protein significantly contributed to the accumulation of total starch in the grains. Ultimately, subsoiling significantly increased the yield of each hybrid and enhanced the total grain starch content at physiological maturity of all hybrids, with the 2010s hybrid (DH618) performing exceptionally well.

Animal and Farm Factors Affecting the Fatty Acid Profile and Amyloid A Concentration of Milk on Quebec Dairy Farms

Relationships between farm and animal factors and the fatty acid (FA) profile and milk amyloid A (MAA) content of milk were determined in 336 Holstein dairy cows on 24 Quebec farms using multiple regression. Cows with a somatic cell count (SCC) above 200,000, and farms feeding palm oil were excluded. Independent factors of the regression models included days in milk (DIM), parity, yield, fat and protein contents of milk, SCC, and the dietary contents of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and crude fat (CFAT). Non- significant variables with P-values &gt;0.25 were stepwise removed. Models with high fits were those of total short chain FA, medium chain FA, odd- and branched-chain FA (OBCFA), and saturated long chain FA with R2 of 0.33, 0.36, 0.34, and 0.41, respectively. The fat and protein contents and yield of milk did not affect the milk FA profile. Higher NDF increased the milk fat proportions of short chain FA and OBCFA and decreased those of monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA). Higher CFAT reduced this proportion of short chain FA but increased those of MUFA and PUFA. Increasing DIM reduced this proportion of short chain FA and increased that of medium chain FA. Higher SCC increased MAA.

Effect of Pre-Treatments on Quality Parameters of Nelumbo nucifera Root Powder

Nelumbo nucifera roots, commonly known as lotus roots root have an abundance of potential for utilization in many food applications because they have so many medicinal, physiological and health advantages. This research was conducted to study the effect of different pretreatments namely on quality parameters of lotus root powder. All treatments were blanched for 3 minutes and dried at 55°C except control. The physical characteristics such as yield, moisture, bulk density and water holding capacity for lotus root powder were found to be 16.500% to 26.515%, 7.780% to 9.470%, 0.571 (ml/g) to 0.775 (ml/g) and 22.762 (%) to 28.995 (%) however the chemical characteristics of lotus root power such as pH (6.623 to 7.472), crude protein (8.718% to 12.000%), crude fat (3.288% to 4.315%) and crude fiber (16.790% to 21.110%) respectably was recorded. Lotus root powder has high bulk density resulting in easy to dispensability. Similarly due to the presence of a good amount of crude fibre and water-holding capacity lotus root powder possesses great potential for processing industries and can be added, substituted, or replaced in different varieties of foods.

Biochemical and nutritional analysis of seaweed (Iyengaria stellata) and its therapeutic significance, using antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic activities

Seaweeds have gained significant attention for their bioactive compounds and extensive use in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Therefore, comprehensive analysis was conducted to investigate the nutritional composition, identify and quantify the Phyco-chemicals and to evaluate the pharmacological potential using hypoglycemic, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Iyengaria stellata extract. The results of nutritional analysis revealed 39.72±2.60 % total ash, 14.54±0.44 % crude fat, 9.61±0.60 % proteins, 5.29±0.52 % crude fibers, 10.49±1.00 % moisture content, and total energy was 108.26±2.01 Kcal 100 g−1 of dry powder. Approximately, 15 compounds were tentatively detected in ethyl acetate extract with major compounds being Pentadecanoic acid, 14-methyl-, easter (31.62 %), (Z) -9- stearic acid, methyl easter (13.36 %), Elaidic acid, methyl easter (11.46 %), Phytol (6.31 %), n-Hexadecanoic acid (7.47 %), Linolelaidic acid, methyl ester (5.64 %) and 1-octadecyne (5.34 %). Similarly, n-butanol extract contained 16 compounds with primary compounds being Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (25.96 %), Elaidic acid methyl ester (21.39 %), Linolelaidic acid methyl ester (11.53 %), Octadecanoic acid, methyl ester (5.89 %), and Hexanedioic acid, dioctyl ester (5.26 %). FT-IR analysis revealed the presence of similar groups of compounds i.e. alcohols, phenols, lipids, carboxylic acids, amines, aromatics, ketones and halogens. Total phenolic contents (TPC) in ethyl acetate and n-butanol extract were measured as 2.982±0.876 mg GAEg−1 and 1.538±0.711 mg GAE g−1, whereas Total Flavonoids contents (TFC) were 2.058 ± 0.121 mg QE g−1 and 1.614 ± 0.643 mg QE g−1, respectively. Ethyl acetate extract exhibited more antioxidant potential with an IC50 (2.59±1.34) compared to n-butanol extract (2.75±1.60). Moreover, n-butanol extract exhibited strong antimicrobial activity. The most susceptible strains were E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In terms of in-vivo hypoglycemic activity, the n-butanol extract proved to be more effective which significantly reduced the blood glucose level up to 226.17±3.43, 201.33±4.63 and 265.17±3.92 at 300, 200 and 100 mg kg−1 doses respectively after 24 h. In conclusion, the seaweed I. stellata exhibited significant potential in terms of its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypoglycemic properties.

Determination of Proximate Composition and Antioxidant Properties of Selected Underutilized Fruits (Namnam, Lovi, Roseapple, Pumello, And Sapota) Grown in Sri Lanka

The present experiment was conducted at the Fruit Research and Development Institute Horana, Sri Lanka, from 2020 to 2021 to evaluate the proximate composition, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid and total phenolic content of five underutilized fruits, namely Namnam, Lovi, Roseapple, Pumello and Sapota using Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) methods. The parameters determined were moisture, crude fiber, crude fat, sugar, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, titratable acidity, pH, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid. Rose apple and Namnam fruits recorded the highest (91.47%) and the lowest (68.87%) moisture content, respectively. The Pumello fruit exhibited the lowest fat, crude fiber, total sugar, non–reducing sugar and reducing sugar contents with the values of 0.01%, 1.33%, 005%, 0.03%, and 0.02%, respectively. Sapota reported the highest fat, total soluble solids and pH values of 1.33%, 16%, and 4.74%, respectively. Roseapple recorded the highest crude fiber (5.59%) and the total sugar content (0.81%), while Lovi showed the lowest pH (2.29) and highest titratable acid content (2.01%) Pumello had the highest ascorbic acid concentration, whereas Lovi had the lowest value. Pumello and Namnam demonstrated the lowest IC50 value (0.03). Sapota and Roseapple had the highest (20.49) and lowest (2.16) total phenolic content. The study emphasizes the diverse nutritional elements in these underutilized fruits, highlighting their potential as valuable sources of supplementary nutrients.

“Panampaniyaaram”: A Traditional Food Product Made with SmallMillet for Revitalization towards Sustainable Nutrition

performed by panelists using a 9-point hedonic scale were used to assess nineteen treatments on different mixtures by altering the flour types and their percentages in four levels, with palmyrah pulp and small-millet flours, including finger millet, little millet, and Foxtail millet. The sample prepared from 100% finger millet flour was chosen as the most preferred sample, based on the results obtained from the sensory evaluations. Physicochemical analysis of the selected treatment revealed that pH was 5.86±0.01 and the total ash content 1.38±0.18 g/100 g was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher, and crude fat content 9.04±0.02 g/100 g, total salt content 0.201±0.026 g/100 g, and total sugar content 16.38 g/100g, was significantly (p&lt;0.05) less than that of the control sample which contained wheat flour. The selected treatment of the mineral content was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than that of the control treatment and contained Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium, and Potassium were 150, 60, 32.7 and 76.8 mg/100 g, respectively. In summary, palmyrah fruit pulp and finger millet can be used to create healthy, nutritional and affordable natural snacks “panampaniyaaram”, which will satisfy consumer preferences. Further studies are required to understand the developed product's organoleptic properties, antioxidant, vitamins, and anti-microbial activities as well as ways to extend its shelf-life. Keywords: Panampaniyaaram, palmyrah pulp, small-millets, finger millet, value-addition

Effects of different culture methods on growth, meat yield, and nutritional composition of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), south side of Marmara Sea, Türkiye

This study, conducted between February 2016 and October 2017 on the coast of Erdek in the Marmara Sea, established two longline systems (buoy and pipe). Monthly growth rates of juvenile mussels placed in polyethylene and polyamide nets within these systems were monitored. The monthly chemical composition and meat yield of mussels that reached harvest size were analyzed in both systems. Environmental parameters were measured monthly to assess environmental conditions. The highest meat yield of harvested mussels was recorded in January, with values of 36.99 ± 0.72% for mussels cultured in the pipe system and 31.43 ± 1.82% for those cultured in the buoy system. The highest growth in mussels was achieved in the group cultured in the pipe system within polyamide nets. The December sample showed the highest moisture content of 83.98% and the highest ash content of 2.34%. The highest crude fat content was found in the September sample. The June sample had the highest protein content. The Black Sea, Sea of Marmara, and Aegean Sea offer suitable areas for mussel cultivation. Currently, mussel farming is conducted in these areas, producing tens of thousands of tons annually. This publication contributes to the expansion of the production process.

Determination of nutritional value and methane production potential of styrax tree (Styrax officinalis L.) leaves

This study aimed to determine the effect of nutritional values of the “styrax tree” (Styrax officinalis L.) on in vitro gas production, organic matter digestibility (OMD), and metabolic energy (ME) content. In this study, styrax leaf samples were collected for analysis in three different periods: May, July and September. According to the analysis results, crude ash (CA), dry matter (DM), crude fat (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) values, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) increased in September compared to May and July. In September, compared to May, CA has increased by 23 %, DM by 64 %, CM by 30.5 %, ADF by 9.8 %, and NDF by 9.8 %. During the vegetation period, there was an increase in dry matter content in parallel with maturation. The dry matter content of Styrax tree leaves (STL) increased in May (30 %), July (40 %) and September (50 %). Crude protein amounts were found 19 % in May, 17 % in July, and 15 % in September. As the STL grows, decreases in CP, which plays a role in plant growth, and increases in the cell membrane were observed. The CF content in STL changed to 3.2 %, 4.4 %, and 4.3 % in May, July, and September, respectively, with the highest value determined in July and very close to the September value. CA content in styrax tree plants varied by 8.58 % in May, in July by 9.86 %, and in September by 10.56 %. As the amount of dry matter increased according to the periods, the amount of CA also increased. NDF and ADF levels increased in parallel with the vegetation period's development in STL. NDF was found to be 37.5 %, 39.0 %, and 41.5 % according to the periods. ADF amount was found 27 % in May, 28.5 % in July, and 30 % in September. Metabolic energy varied between 8.86 and 10.06 (MJ/kg KM) depending on the periods. When organic matter digestion levels were examined, it was seen that the highest OMD was in July with 58.71 %. Gas production was determined by incubations of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 96 h, and the maximum gas measurement value was in September, July, and May, respectively. As a result of the study, STL can be a good alternative feed source for ruminants when adequate amounts of high-quality feed materials cannot be provided.

The Effect of Binders on the Quality of Fermented Poultry Manure Pellets as Unconventional Feed

Poultry manure has the potential to be used as a feed ingredient because it has a high enough protein and amino acid with less growth of patoghenic microorganism. The improvement of poultry manure as pellet can help to increase the palatability and feed storaging. This study aimed to determine the influence of different binders on the chemical and physical attributes of pellets derived from fermented poultry manure. Three binders, namely tapioca flour (T1), wheat flour (T2), and cassava flour (T3), were utilized in the fermentation process, with the fermented poultry manure. A 10% binder was added into the mixture, which was subsequently processed using a pelletizer. Each treatment was replicated three times, with each replication requiring 1500 g of the pellet mixture. Laboratory analyses were conducted to evaluate chemical quality through proximate analysis and gross energy assessment, while physical quality analyses included physical characteristics, measurements of diameter, length, and density, stacking density, stack compaction density, pellet durability index (PDI), modulus of uniformity, modulus of fineness, buoyancy, and water resistance. The results indicated that variations in binders did not yield numerically differences in dry matter content, organic matter, crude fat, crude fiber, and gross energy. Notably, pellets containing a wheat flour binder exhibited the highest crude protein content numerically. Furthermore, influenced the buoyancy test, with wheat flour binder showing the best buoyancy. This study recommends the adoption of wheat flour as a binder in the production of pellets based on fermented poultry manure.

Organoleptic Analysis Test and Proximate of Seruni Plants (Wedelia Biflora) as Animal Feed

This research was conducted in Ruteng City in February-April 2023 with the aim of determining the nutritional content of seruni leaves (wedelia biflora). This study uses a direct experimental method. The first stage is an organoleptic test and continued with a proximate analysis. The treatment to be tested is P0: Seroni leaf flour taken in Ruteng City; P1: Seroni leaf flour taken around Ruteng City. This study used the t-test to evaluate significant differences in the nutritional content of Seruni leaf flour in the area around Ruteng. The results of the proximate analysis of Wedelia biflora leaves showed that this leaf had a balanced nutritional composition, with a high content of dry matter (90%), crude protein (±16%), crude fat (±10%), crude fiber (±10%), carbohydrates (±57%), and BETN (±47%). This composition indicates that Wedelia biflora is a good source of nutrients, containing adequate protein, high enough fat, as well as dominant carbohydrates and BETN, making it an efficient source of energy. moderate content of crude fiber also contributes to digestive health. With a balanced nutritional composition and the benefits provided, Wedelia biflora has great potential as a feed additive for various types of livestock to support the growth, health, and productivity of livestock.

AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION AND NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF DRIED JUVENILE FISH (Clarias gariepinus) SOLD IN IBADAN METROPOLITAN MARKETS

The contamination of food due to the occurrence of mycotoxigenic fungi is a public health concern. Therefore, fungi and aflatoxin contamination of smoked-dried juvenile fish (SDJF) (Clarias gariepinus) were investigated. The samples were purchased from three major markets in Ibadan. The total fungal count ranged from 1.0 x 103 to 12.0 x 103 CFU/g. Thirty-two fungi were isolated, including Penicillium sp., Rhizopus sp., Alternaria sp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus ochraceus. A. niger had the highest frequency of occurrence (38%), while A. ochraceus (3%) had the lowest. All the samples were contaminated with aflatoxin. The total aflatoxin content ranged from 0.237 to 1.995 ppb. Of the 11 Aspergillus strains obtained from the samples, 5 were aflatoxigenic, while 6 were not. 85 and 94% of the mycobiota were xerophilic and halophilic. The percentage moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, and ash content in the samples ranged from 12.99–17.82%, 68.72–77.62%, 0.49–6.00%, and 6.97–12.24%. Phosphorus and potassium concentrations of the SDJF samples ranged from 388.2–509.6 mg/100g and 1113.8–1517.0 mg/100g, while lead and cadmium were not detected in the samples. Though the level of aflatoxin contamination in this study was within the maximum limit permitted (20 ppb), proper attention is needed for adequate preservation before sales and consumption.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Potential Key Genes in Nutritional Deposition in the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most important aquaculture species in China, known for its remarkable adaptability and nutritional profile. However, the specific molecular response mechanisms regulating the nutritional deposition of carp remain inadequately elucidated. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of muscle nutritional content and transcriptome data from liver and muscle tissues of three distinct carp varieties. The aim was to elucidate the key genes and signaling pathways that regulate muscle nutritional composition in carp. The findings revealed that FFRC carp (FFRC) exhibited significantly higher levels of crude fat, total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in muscle tissue compared to Ying carp (YC) and Huanghe carp (HC) (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analyses correlated these elevated levels with a marked upregulation of genes involved in the activation and transportation of fatty acid (fabp7, acsl5, acsbg2) as well as biosynthesis and elongation of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (elovl2, fads2) within the liver. Furthermore, the flavor amino acid, essential amino acids, and crude protein content in the muscle of HC were significantly higher than in FFRC and YC (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analyses indicated that this was associated with significant changes in the expression of genes related to amino acid metabolism (asns, alt, ldha, glul, setd, prodh, l3hypdh, hoga1) within their muscle tissue. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the precise modulation of the muscle nutritional composition in carp.

The study of the chemical properties of gray tereskenes ceratoides latens

Today, perennial plants of the natural flora are a raw material resource for the production of drought-resistant and heat-resistant feeds, among which Eurotia Ceratoides occupies a special place. In this work, the chemical properties of Eurotia Ceratoides latens (J.F. Gmel) were studied, the humus content in the soil was determined, and the chemical and physico-chemical properties of light gray soil (humus, water, carbonate ions, nitrogen) were revealed. The humus content was determined based on the oxidation of organic carbon with chromic acid to carbon dioxide. The chemical composition of Eurotia Ceratoides Latens was analyzed for the content of nutrients in the plant (protein, fiber, fat, nitrogen-free extractables, ash) and water-soluble substances (C, CO2, Ca, Mg). It was found that the ash content in plants almost does not change in the phases of vegetation with the age of plants and ranges from 9,11-10,05%, respectively, and the calcium content was at the level of 3,67- 4,90. The content of «crude» fiber was determined using the Soxlet apparatus, the content of calcium cations in the soil was evaluated by the complexometric method, and the Kjeldahl method was used to determine crude protein, crude fat by ether extraction, nitrogen-free extractives in ash by precipitation with a saturated solution of ammonium oxalate, and phosphorus by the colorimetric method. The nutritional value of Eurotia Ceratoides latens has been revealed.

Effects of the medicinal plant, Tamarindus indica, as a potential supplement, on growth, nutrient digestibility, body composition and hematological indices of Cyprinus carpio fingerlings

Tamarindus indica, a beneficial herb, has many health benefits but there is limited research on its use in fish nutrition industry. The current study investigated the effects of incorporating extracts of T. indica into the canola meal-based diets of Cyprinus carpio (common carp); following which, the growth, digestibility, carcass and hematological markers were assessed. A total of six diets were formulated with varying concentrations of T. indica extracts (TIE) viz, 0 %, 0.5 %, 1 %, 1.5 %, 2 % and 2.5 %. The fish (N = 270, 15 fish/tank with triplicates) in each tank were fed experimental diets for 70 days. The study demonstrated that TIE supplementation significantly improved the growth of common carp when compared to 0 % TIE level (control). The best results were observed at 1 % TIE level for the specific growth rate (1.68 ± 0.03 %), weight gain (15.00 ± 0.57 g), and feed conversion ratio (1.36 ± 0.05). Conversely, the 2.5 % TIE level gave the least improvement in terms of growth performance. Specifically for nutrient digestibility, the maximum values of crude protein (CP, 67.60 ± 0.83 %), crude fat (CF, 67.49 ± 0.45 %) and gross energy (GE, 70.90 ± 0.56 %) were recorded at 1 % TIE level. In addition, the best results of body composition (protein: 63.92 ± 0.06 %, ash: 18.60 ± 0.03 %, fat: 7.12 ± 0.02 % and moisture: 10.36 ± 0.04 %) and hematological indices, were measured in carps fed with 1 % supplementation level. In conclusion, the overall health of C. carpio fingerlings was improved with TIE supplementation in the diet containing 1 % TIE.

The biochemical composition of wild berries and fruits growing in the Southwestern Taimyr

This article presents research findings on the chemical composition of fruits and berries found in the Southwestern Taimyr region, including bilberry (Vaccinium myrtíllus), northern redcurrant (Ribes triste), blueberry (Vaccinium uliginosum), prickly wild rose (Rosa acicularis), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), almost-holarctic crowberry (Empetrum subholarcticum), Siberian rowan (Sorbus sibirica), and cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus). We revealed that rowan, blueberries, and prickly wild rose are particularly rich in crude fat. Additionally, prickly wild rose, and red currants were found to be high in crude fiber content, while bilberries, red currants, and cloudberries were dominant in crude protein. Potassium and calcium content were highest in prickly wild rose and rowan, while bilberries, red currants, and prickly wild rose had high sodium content. Moreover, crowberries and rowan berries were rich in phosphorus, and lingonberries, rowan berries, bilberries, and cloudberries were abundant in magnesium. Red currants, bilberries, and cloudberries had the highest total amino acid content, with essential amino acids being more prevalent than non-essential ones in redcurrant, bilberry, crowberry, and cloudberry samples. The content included high levels of leucine, isoleucine, valine, and threonine. Overall, the fruits and berries in the Southwestern Taimyr region have significant biological value and could be effectively used in creating functional biologically active substances.

Productivity and quality of different rabi fodder crops under kinnow mandarin based hortipasture system

A study was conducted for the assessment of productivity and nutritive quality of different rabi fodder crops under kinnow mandarin-based horti-pasture system. Among different rabi fodder crops, higher green fodder yield was produced by berseem followed by ryegrass and lucerne under partial shade of kinnow mandarin orchard. Green fodder yield of berseem was 12.83, 14.50, 37.23 and 79.17% higher as compared to ryegrass, lucerne, oat and mustard, respectively. Due to diversity in genetic makeup, parameters of analysis vary significantly in different rabi fodder crops. Ash content (14.03%), acid insoluble ash content (3.90%), crude fiber content (48.03%) and crude fat content (3.18%) was found highest under berseem, oat, mustard and ryegrass, respectively. Fat content in ryegrass was 2.47, 4.48, 17.67 and 13.25 times higher as compared to mustard, berseem, lucerne and oat, respectively. Crude protein content was highest in lucerne (32.73%) followed by berseem (25.11%). Similarly lucerne was superior fodder crop with respect to N, Zn and Cu concentrations. Though, P, K and Fe concentration in ryegrass fodder was found higher as compared to other fodder crops.

Research on Enhancing the Yield and Quality of Oat Forage: Optimization of Nitrogen and Organic Fertilizer Management Strategies

In the context of the increasingly serious issues of resource waste, soil degradation, and environmental pollution caused by excessive nitrogen fertilizer application worldwide, this study conducted a two-year field experiment in Qinghai Province to explore suitable nitrogen fertilizer management strategies for the region. Ten fertilization levels were set, incorporating varying ratios of conventional nitrogen fertilizer and organic fertilizer, as well as the proportion of base fertilizer and topdressing. The focus was on monitoring the forage yield, quality, and related physiological indicators of oats during the flowering and milk stages. The use of correlation analysis and the multi-criteria decision-making model TOPSIS was applied for comprehensive data evaluation to determine the optimal fertilization strategy. After systematic data collection and analysis, the results showed that when 75% conventional nitrogen fertilizer was combined with 4500 kg·hm−2 of organic fertilizer (F4), the oat yield during the milking stage reached its peak at 14,722.48 kg·hm−2. Additionally, the yield effect was optimal (13,677.34 kg·hm−2) when using 30% base fertilizer and 70% jointing fertilizer (D2). Regarding nutritional quality, the fertilization strategy combining 75% conventional nitrogen fertilizer with 4500 kg·hm−2 of organic fertilizer, along with 30% base fertilizer and 70% jointing fertilizer (F4D2), significantly reduced the content of acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and coarse fiber (CF) in oats, while increasing the content of EE (crude fat) and CP (crude protein). This significantly improved the nutritional value of oats. Correlation analysis further revealed the positive effect of fertilization amount and fertilization period on oat yield, as well as a negative correlation with fiber content. Finally, through comprehensive evaluation using the multi-criteria decision-making model TOPSIS, we verified the superiority of the fertilization strategy.