Crude Fibre Values Research Articles

Characterization of the chemical composition, amino acid, and fatty acid profiles of underutilized poultry feathers

Poultry is one of the leading subsectors of animal husbandry. However, despite its socioeconomic importance, it is considered a significant contributor to environmental problems through its waste production, including feathers. Feathers are protective layers that make up the typical outer wrapping. It can be found on feathery and in some non-feathery winged creatures. In this context, this research was conducted to determine the proximate, mineral, fatty acid, and amino acid profile in poultry feathers. The proximate analysis revealed the values of ash (1.40%), moisture (6.30%), crude fiber (9.20%), protein (67.50%), crude fat (2.90%), and carbohydrate (12.70%). The mineral elements (ppm) indicated sodium (0.04), magnesium (0.03), potassium (0.04), calcium (0.06), phosphorus (0.05), manganese (0.01), iron (0.01), and zinc (0.01). The amino acid profile showed that it contained sixteen amino acids which includes important amino acids most especially all the essential amino acids except lysine. In contrast, the fatty acid profile revealed that it contained twelve fatty acids. Among these, it includes basic saturated fatty acids such as glycine and rich in unsaturated fatty acid contents. The finding indicates that poultry feathers can contribute useful nutrients, mineral elements, fatty acids, and amino acids to livestock feed for maximum utilization and rapid development, making it a good potential and sustainable material from waste to wealth.

Comparative analysis, nutritional properties, and in- vitro gastrointestinal digestion of the antioxidant potential of roselle leaves using drying techniques

This study aimed to provide new insight into the influence of nutritional properties and in- vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant activities of roselle leaves (RL) by applying drying techniques, specifically freeze-drying, oven-drying, sun-drying, and hot air-drying. The results observed that freeze-dried RL had higher nutritional and physical properties compared to other drying techniques. It had the maximum values of protein (6.61 g/100 g), fat (7.74 g/100 g), ash (18.53 g/100 g), crude fiber (9.46 g/100 g), water activity (0.32), pH (2.54), and titratable acidity (0.027%). In addition, all treatments on RL samples were evaluated for their functional characteristics. Furthermore, after in-vitro digestion, the antioxidant potential of total phenolic contents and flavonoid levels exhibited a percentage rise of 2.1% and 12.03% across all treated samples (54.98 ± 0.02 to 57.08 ± 0.05 mg/g and 28.66 ± 0.02 to 40.69 ± 0.03 mg/g), respectively. Interestingly, the total anthocyanin, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric-reducing antioxidant power, and vitamin C in all dried samples levels decreased and ranged from 49.17 ± 02 to 4.91 ± 0.42 mg/g, 84.92 ± 0.21 to 80.81 ± 0.21%, 14.65 ± 0.48 to 1.12 ± 0.21 mg/g, and 8.8 ± 0.06 to 2.24 ± 0.04 mg/L, respectively, after digestion. Consequently, freeze-drying techniques demonstrate advantageous effects on RL antioxidant potential. RL may serve as a valuable component for incorporating into other products to enhance innovative and functional food products.

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.

ВЛИЯНИЕ ФУЛЬВОКИСЛОТЫ НА УСВОЕНИЕ ПИТАТЕЛЬНЫХ ВЕЩЕСТВ РАЦИОНА И ПРОДУКТИВНОСТЬ МОЛОДНЯКА КРС

The aim of research is to study the effect of fulvic acid on the absorption of nutrients in the diet and the productivity of young cattle. Feed additives based on humic substances (humic and fulvic acids) with high biological activity may be promising. The studies were conducted on the farm of the agricultural cooperative Imeni Ilyicha in the Novgorod Region on young Holstein cattle aged 6–7 months. Three groups of animals were formed (n = 10): a control group consuming the basic diet (BD), the first experimental group – BD + 5 ml of fulvic acid, the second experimental group – BD + 10 ml of fulvic acid. It was found that the introduction of 5 ml of fulvic acid into the diet of young cattle had a positive effect on the digestibility of all the nutrients studied. Thus, the dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber values in the first experimental group exceeded the similar values in the control group by 1.9 %, 5.4 and 5.8 %, respectively. The digestibility coefficients of crude fat, NFE and organic matter in the animals of the first experimental group also exceeded the control values by 3.9 %, 2.4 and 3.6 %. The increase in the mass fraction of fulvic acid did not lead to a further increase in the digestibility coefficient values, on the contrary, in relation to the first experimental group, they decreased in all indicators. The average daily gain in the control group was 570 g, in the first experimental group – 887, in the second experimental group – 854 g, this also showed that an increase in the dosage of the feed additive is inappropriate and leads to a decrease in the payment for the feed in weight gain.

Comparative Analysis of the Nutrient and Anti-Nutrient Compositions of Five Different African Eggplants.

Five distinct African eggplants were used in the study to determine their nutritional and anti-nutrient contents which include: Solanum aethiopica, Solanum gilo, Solanum inacnum, Solanum macrocarpon and Solanum melomgena. These analyses were carried using standard methods. The result indicated that S. inacnum has the highest proximate composition with calorific value of 306.45 kcal, S. gilo recorded the lowest carbohydrate value (9.28%). S. aethiopica, had the lowest proximate values but recorded the most value of crude fibre (22.00 ± 0.02%). S. macrocarpon has a low crude protein of 10.47% and a higher carbohydrate of 40.74 while S. melomgena has the highest carbohydrate and moisture of 42.98 and 84.58% respectively. There is no significant difference (p≤0.5) between the values obtained for all the minerals, in all the eggplants. The anti-nutrient analysis showed that S. gilo has the highest oxalate (6.01 ± 0.02mg/g). S. macrocarpon has a lower saponin (14.05 ± 0.02), hydrocyanic acid (4.34 ± 0.02) and phenol (1.45 ± 0.0l). S. melongena has the lowest tannin of 1.01 ± 0.01 but has the highest nitrate of 1.03 ± 0.01 µg/g. This shows that the eggplant, S. incanum, has the highest nutrient composition and can be eaten regularly for health benefits.

Effects of foaming agent types and ratio with red flesh pitaya puree on physicochemical properties of foam-mat dried powder

Red flesh pitaya (Hylocereus sp.) is a highly perishable fruit with a high content of bioactive compound. It has short shelf life due to high moisture content and water activity. In this study, red flesh pitaya (RFP) powder was produced via foam mat drying method (FMD) with egg albumen (EA) and whey protein isolate (WPI) as the foaming agents. This study aimed to investigate the effect of foaming agent types and its ratio with RFP puree on physicochemical properties of foam-mat dried RFP powder. RFP fruit was incorporated and foamed with EA and WPI at 0 %, 5 %, 15 % and 30 % w/w concentrations. The foam was dried at 65 ?C for 5 hours. The powders were analysed for its moisture content, water activity, solubility, density, colour, fiber and total soluble solid (TSS). Decreasing the puree concentration from 85% to 55% while increasing the concentration of foaming agents (0% to 30%) has decreased the value of moisture content, water activity, crude fiber and colour properties. Meanwhile, the solubility, density and TSS of the foam-mat dried RFP powder was increased with increasing the concentration of both foaming agents (decreasing the ratio of RFP puree) used. The quality of powder foamed with WPI has produced the lowest in moisture content (2.86 %) and water activity (0.18), high in solubility (71.03 %), densities (0.56 g/cm3 and 0.84 g/cm3) and high in TSS (9.61). Meanwhile, the quality of samples foamed with 5% EA and 80% of RDF puree observed high in fiber content (3.38 %) and mostly retains the colour properties. FMD technique may be applied as the preservation technique of fruit powder as it has produced the powder with low moisture content and good colour properties within a short time and is more economical.

Freeze-dried pulp and peel from pitahaya (Selenicereus undatus): physicochemical properties and potential source of fructooligosaccharides

The pitahaya Selenicereus undatus is a fruit widely consumed in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, and its cultivation is promising due to its adaptability to adverse climatic conditions, its nutritional quality, and its bioactive compounds. The objective of this work was to determine the physical parameters of the fresh fruit (weights and diameters) and chemical parameters of the pulp (stored at -18 ºC) of pitahaya grown in two locations in the state of Yucatán, as well as to estimate the yield of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) present in freeze-dried pulp and peel flour, using the solid/liquid extraction method. Six physicochemical and six proximal descriptors (in freeze-dried pulp and peel), which were statistically compared using the t-student test, were quantified. The fruits had an average weight of 534.81 and 520.36 g for the pitahaya grown in Kinchil and Yobain, respectively. The peel weight of the fruit from Kinchil was significantly (p < 0.05) higher. The pulp represented between 67 – 72 % of the weight of the fruits. The physicochemical analysis of the fruit pulp indicated that the average total soluble solids/titratable acidity (TSS/TA) ratio was 20.5, and the pH was 3.29. The proximal analysis expressed on a dry basis (% d.b.) showed average values for the pulp of 4.80 % ash, 0.47 % crude fat, 10.42 % crude fiber, and 6.92 % protein; while for the peel 14.20 % ash, 1.39 % crude fat, 22.22 % crude fiber, and 5.31 % protein. The values of crude fiber and total carbohydrates in the peel, as well as the crude fat content in the pulp, were different (p < 0.05) between the locations. The estimated extraction yield of FOS with water was 86.49 g/kg for the freeze-dried pulp and 17.64 g/kg for the freeze-dried peel flour. This fruit exhibited good nutritional properties, and the freeze-dried flour from its peel could be used as supplement rich in dietary fiber and, together with the freeze-dried pulp, could be added to products such as juices, yogurt, and jams, among others, with a potential prebiotic effect due to its fructooligosaccharides content.

Proximate Composition and Phytochemical Analysis of Malaysian Liberica sp. Coffee Bean and Its Pulp

Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica are the three main coffee species cultivated globally. Liberica coffee is a minor species, accounting for less than 1% of global cultivation. Due to favorable climatic conditions in Malaysia, Liberica coffee dominates coffee production, accounting for 73%, while Robusta makes up the remaining 27%. Nevertheless, the substantial coffee production resulted in approximately 15 million tons of discarded skin and pulp, contributing to environmental pollution. This study was conducted due to insufficient information and research on the proximate composition and phytochemical compounds of the coffee bean and pulp from Liberica sp. This study aims to determine the proximate composition of coffee beans and pulp extracts from Liberica sp. and to identify the phytochemical composition using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The nutritional values of carbohydrates, protein, crude fiber, crude fat, and ash were obtained using proximate analysis. Coffee beans exhibited the highest value for crude protein (11.96%) and crude fiber (11.83%), whereas coffee pulp has the highest significant value for moisture content (68.81%) and ash (7.31%). LC-MS analysis shows emmotin A and deoxymiroestrol were the major phytochemical compounds. These findings contribute to understanding the nutritional value and phytochemical compounds of coffee beans and pulp from Liberica sp. that may contribute to sustainable waste management and other applications in the food and beverage industry.

Impact of dietary supplementation of Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract on the growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal microbial count of “japanese quails”

This research was carried out to investigate the impact of dietary supplementation of Rhamnus prinoides leaf extract (RPL) on the growth performance, nutrient retention and intestinal microbial count of “japanese quails”. 300-2 weeks old “japanese quails” were allocated sixty birds per group and group treatment had four replicates (15 quails per replicate). Corn-soya meal (basal diet) was formulated according to the nutritional needs of birds (NRC, 1994). Quails in group 1(G1) was fed basal diet with no R. prinoides leaf extract, G2, G3, G4 and G5 were fed basal diet with 0.2 mL, 0.4 mL, 0.6 mL and 0.8 mL respectively. Result on the bioactive components in RPL revealed the presence of 15 bioactive compounds with pharmacological properties. Outcome on average daily weight gain showed that G3 (3.20 g), G4 (3.23 g) and G5 (3.24 g) were higher (P < 0.05) relative to G2 (3.06 g) and G1 (2.21 g). These groups also had a better feed conversion ratio (G3, G4 and G5). Average daily feed intake which varied from 703.81-708.33 g were not significantly (P > 0.05) different among the group. Mortality was recorded only among quails in group 1 (2.0%) (P < 0.05). Dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and nitrogen free extracts which varied from 70.12-86.57%, 58.70-68.91% and 50.62-66.05% were higher (P < 0.05) in G3, G4 and G5, intermediate in G2 and lowest in G1. Conversely, crude fibre values were higher in G1 relative to the other groups. Population of Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Staphylococcus sp. count in the gut were lower in G2, G3, G4 and G5 relative to G1 while Lactobacillus sp. count were lowest in G1 (P < 0.05). It was concluded that RPL can be feed to quails up to 0.8 mL/L without causing any negative effect on the growth performance and health status of birds.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NATA FROM CARICA (Carica Pubescens) EXTRACT WITH DIFFERENT CONCENTRATION OF ACETOBACTER XYLINUM AND FERMENTATION TIME

Nata de carica is a product of the innovation of fermentation of carica fruit (Carica pubescens) with the use of Acetobacter xylinum as a culture. The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of Acetobacter xylinum starter concentrations and fermentation time on the physical characteristics (chewiness, color, thickness, yield), chemical (crude fiber content, water content) and organoleptic (descriptive test) of nata de carica. The experimental design was used factorial design with two factors, Acetobacter xylinum starter concentration (10%, 15% and 20%) and fermentation time (7 days and 14 days). The results showed that there was a relationship between thickness, yield, chewiness and crude fiber, the thicker the nata, the greater the yield, chewiness and crude fiber. The best results of nata de carica treatment was treatment with 20% Acetobacter xylinum concentration and 14 days of fermentation time with a thickness value of 6.29 mm, a yield value of 41.04%, a texture value (efficiency) of 521.27 g/mm, crude fiber value of 1.05%, a color value of L* 50.36, a value of a*-1.87, a b* -3.93 and water content of 98.86%. The results of the research can be concluded that the starter concentration and the fermentation time influence the physical and chemical properties of the nata de carica produced.

PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTIBILITY RESPONSE BY RABBITS FED DIETS CONTAINING COWPEA HAULMS (Vigna unguiculata) REPLACING RICE OFFAL AT GRADED LEVELS

An 84-day feeding trial was conducted with weaner rabbits to investigate the feeding value of cowpea haulms (Vigna unguiculata) on growth performance and nutrients digestibility. Thirtysix (36) weaner rabbits with initial live weight range of 427.33 – 474.50g were randomly allocated to six (6) dietary treatments and each treatments replicated six (6) times in a complete randomized design. Each treatment was made up of three (3) males and three (3) females with each as a replicate. The rabbits were fed diets with cowpea haulms replacing rice offal at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% levels according to treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 respectively and T1 with 0% cowpea haulms as the control diet. The result of proximate composition and energy values of experimental diets revealed a crude protein value of 16.62% for T2 less than a similar value of 17.50% for T3, T4, T6 and T1 and T5 with a value of 18.38%. Crude fibre values ranged 12.43 to 21.00% increased across T1 –T6 as cowpea haulms (CH) level increased in the diet. Ether extract however decreased from T1 –T6 with increase in the level of CH with moisture following no particular trend. Ash was seen to decrease with increase in the diet CH, dry matter values 89.91% (T1) to 91.77% (T5) and NFE values 56.28 (T1) to 62.82 (T4) were in no particular trend. Also, ME values 3139.59 (T4) to 2731.32% (T1) did not follow a definite trend among the experimental treatments. The final weight (FW) was shown to decrease across the treatments with T1 having the highest final weight. T4 and T6 had the similar final weights. The nutrient digestibility across the six treatments revealed significant (P0.05) different. With these results from this study, it was concluded that, the bulky wastage of cowpea haulms after the seed harvest could be reduced by replacing rice offal with cowpea haulms in rabbit diets as a major crude fibre source. Cowpea haulms had no negative effects on the general growth performance of rabbits. Therefore, it is safe for farmers and feed manufacturers to include cowpea haulms to replace 100% of rice offal as a major source of crude fibre in rabbit diets.

Proximate and Mineral Composition of Noodles Incorporated with Moringa and Sardine Powders

This study aims to investigate the effect of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf powder and sardine powder into wheat-based noodle formulations on their nutritional composition. Different formulations were prepared with varying ratios, expressed in percentage (%): WM1 (99.6 wheat: 0.4 moringa ), WM2 (99.2 wheat: 0.8 moringa) andWM3 (99 wheat :1 moringa ); WS1 (95 wheat: 5 sardine ), WS2 (90 wheat: 10 sardine ), WS3 (85 wheat: 15 sardine) and the control sample (WC) containing 100% wheat was also included for comparison. The nutritional parameters assessed included crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, ash, carbohydrate and energy content. Mineral compositions were also determined, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). The results demonstrated significant variations in the nutritional composition of the different formulations compared to the control sample. Results of proximate composition based on dry matter showed that the crude protein values ranged from 11.76-21.40g/100g, crude fibre values ranged from 0.00-0.02g/100g, crude fat values ranged from 1.89-2.94g/100g, ash content values ranged from 1.38-2.26g/100g, carbohydrate content values ranged from 62.31-74.29g/100g and energy values ranged from 358.50-364.53 kcal/100g. Furthermore, the minerals results showed iron values ranged from 32.55-65.50mg/100g, calcium values ranged from 7.39-66.61g/100g, magnesium values ranged from 28.86-87.35mg/100g and zinc values ranged from 2.21-39.25mg/100g. These results indicate that the fortification of noodles with moringa and sardine powders can be a viable approach for enhancing the nutritional value of the final product. Keywords: Proximate composition, Micronutrients, Moringa leaf, Sardine, Recommended Dietary Intake.

Growth Test of Marine Microalgae Porphyridium cruentum in Different Salinity on Small Scale Culture

This study aimed to know the growth response and proximate value of Porphyridium cruentum cultured in different salinities of 30 ppt, 15 ppt and 0 ppt. Culture media of 30 ppt and 15 ppt salinity were prepared with sterile seawater, while 0 ppt was from sterile aquades. Fertilizer used was KW21 (Daiichi Seimo Co., Ltd., Kumamoto, Japan) with a dose of 1 ml.l-1. All treatments were cultured for 11 days or until the cell reached exponential-stationer phase, then being growth observed and proximate analyzed. The result showed that all treatments gave the same growth pattern. Control 30 ppt had the highest cell density compare to treatments 0 ppt and 15 ppt, while 0 ppt had higher cell density to 15 ppt. The result of ANOVA (95% of significancy) showed that there was no significant different of cell density with value of 0.232. Proximate analysis showed that all treatments had high water content above 95%. The highest value of energy, carbohydrates and crude fiber were found in 0 ppt treatment, while the highest value of protein and ash were found in 30 ppt. The result from ANOVA showed that there was significant difference in proximate value with significancy less than 0.05

Proximate composition and sensory acceptability of cowpea-based pudding produced from cowpea cultivated using different weed control methods

Abstract This study evaluates the effect of different weed control methods on the proximate composition and sensory properties of cowpea-based pudding produced from cowpea flour. Cowpea seeds of Ife Brown variety with three different treatments [(supplementary hoe weeding at 6 weeks after sowing, two hoe weeding at 3 and 6 weeks after sowing, and three hoe weeding at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after sowing (WAS)] were processed into flour samples and analysed for physicochemical properties using standard methods. The puddings were prepared from cowpea flour and were subjected to proximate composition, colour properties as well as sensory qualities using standard methods. The pH, total titratable acidity, water absorption capacity and amylose of cowpea flour were 4.85–5.10, 0.02%–0.05%, 276.00%–287.09%, and 22.04%–24.60% respectively. The ranges of values for moisture content, crude fat, total ash, crude fibre, crude protein, and total carbohydrate of cowpea based pudding were 74.26%–76.15%, 0.63%–0.71%, 0.75%–0.94%, 0.66%–0.75%, 16.70%–17.83%, and 5.11%–5.55% respectively. The colour properties of cowpea-based pudding were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by each treatment. However, cowpea-based pudding prepared from treatment of supplementary hoe weeding at 6 weeks after sowing and three hoe weeding at 3, 6, and 9 weeks after were preferred most by the panelist.

Hematological Response Studies of Climbing Perch (Anabas testudineus) Fed with Fermented Feed on the Fermentation of Kelakai Leaves (Stenochlaena palustris)

The purpose of this study was to analyze the nutritional value of fermented feed on kelakai leaves that are feasible as climbing perch feed and the hematological response of climbing perch raised by fermentation-based feeding of kelakai leaves. The study was carried out using an experimental method on the maintenance of climbing perch which was fed based on fermented leaves with 5 treatments and 3 tests. The parameters observed are the nutritional content of feed based on fermented leaves and hematological responses which include erythrocyte, leukocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit values. The results of the research on the nutritional content of feed showed that fermented feed on kelakai leaves has a protein content of 27%-31%, crude fiber content of 4%-7%, water content of 12%-14%, ash content of 11%-13%, fat content of 4%-6%. It was concluded that there was a decrease in fiber content and fat content and an increase in protein content, water content, and ash content. It happens gradually in line with the increase in probiotic dose. The results of the study on the hematological response of climbing perch are erythrocytes range from 1.65-3.91, leukocytes range from 223.23-287.43, hematocrit ranges from 15.30-35.07 and hemoglobin ranges from 5.37-10.33. The results of the proximate analysis of feed based on the fermentation of kelakai leaves showed that the values of water content, ash content, crude fiber, protein, and fat were in the recommended range. The hematological response of climbing perch shows good results and is in the normal range.

Effects of Seed of Different Mango Cultivars in Triton X-100 Induced Hyperlipdemic Rats

Hyperlipidemia is the most prevalent indicator for susceptibility to atherosclerotic heart diseases. The present study investigated the hypolipidemic potential of Mangifera haden, Mangifera pirie and combined extracts of Mangifera haden and Mangifera pirie seeds in Triton X-100 induced hyperlipidemic rats. Before the starting of the experiment, the animals were acclimatized to the laboratory conditions for a period of seven days. At the end of the acclimatization period, each rat was weighed and randomly divided into twelve groups of five animals each, comprising of test animals and control groups. Proximate analysis, toxicity studies, lipid profile parameters were determined in the study. The research study took place in the animal house of Biochemistry Department, University of Nigeria, Nsukka from July 2020 to August 2022. Proximate composition of Mangifera haden and Mangifera pirie seed extracts revealed that the (%) values of protein, lipid, crude fibre, ash, moisture, and carbohydrate are (4.82, 17.18, 4.29, 2.77, 8.39, 62.55) and (3.81, 20.20, 3.0, 1.0, 34.0, 37.99) respectively. Mangifera haden and Mangifera pirie were administered at different doses (200 mg, 300 mg, 500 mg) of the extracts per kilogram body weight of the animals while combined extract of Mangifera haden and Mangifera pirie were administered at 300 mg and 500 mg of the extract per kilogram body weight of the animals in Triton –Induced hyperlipidemic rats. Simvastatin and Atorvastatin were used as reference standards. Simvastatin was found to be an effective drug to Atorvastatin in lowering lipid profiles. The statistical analyses were carried out using one way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s Post Hoc Multiple Comparisons test. Mangifera haden, Mangifera pirie and combined extracts of both species show significant decrease (P = 0.05) in the levels of serum Total Cholesterol, triacylglycerols, VLDL-C, LDL-C, Atherogenic index (A.I) and significant increase (P = 0.05) of serum HDL-C against Triton-Induced hyperlipidemic rats. The result also suggest that at 200 mg/kg Mangifera pirie and 300 mg/kg Mangifera haden body weight concentrations are an excellent lipid lowering agent. Single administration of either Mangifera haden or Mangifera pirie effectively suppressed the Triton-Induced hyperlipidemia in rats than the combined extracts. The organic extracts (Mangifera haden or Mangifera pirie) exhibited quite hypolipidemic potential when compared with one of the reference drugs, Atorvastatin which indicates that the organic extracts could be explored as an alternative therapeutic agent in the treatment of hyperlipidemia.

Phytochemical and Nutritional Profile, Mineral Ratio and Mineral Safety Index of Young and Matured Corn Silk Collected from Ekiti State, Nigeria

Corn silk is an agricultural waste material from corn cultivation. The need for a supplement feed material that would be readily available, affordable and has nutritional qualities prompted this study. Fresh and dry corn silk were collected from a farm land in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria and evaluated for phytochemical and nutritional composition using standard techniques. The phytochemical analysis revealed that both the young and matured corn silk contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids and reducing sugar. The qualitative phytochemical estimates showed high concentration of flavonoids and total phenols while tannins were found in moderate quantities. The proximate estimation (%) revealed high values of carbohydrate and crude fiber, moderate crude protein and ash, low crude fat, low moisture as well as high energy content in young and matured corn silk respectively. Both samples contained high K, P, Ca, Mg, moderate Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu while Pb and Ni, toxic metals, were absent. The results showed low mineral CV% which ranged from 1.32-38.92. The results of the mineral safety index were lower than the standard, an indication that there would be no mineral overload. The two corn silk samples were rich in active secondary metabolites which could offer protective health benefits, also safe and contained nutritional qualities that could make them suitable to be incorporated into man’s diet and domestic feed.

Physico-Chemical Characteristics and Acceptability of Graded Levels of Ensiled Cabbage Waste and Wheat Offals as Ruminants’ Supplemental Diet

Animal nutritionists are now searching for new non-traditional feed sources to enhance ruminants’ diets due to price increases and the unavailability of some unconventional feed ingredients. In a Completely Randomized Design, wheat offal was substituted with cabbage waste silage in diets 1 to 5 at 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40%, respectively for 30 days to assess the physicochemical characteristics and acceptability of the new diets by Yankasa rams. Temperatures of 29.00 ± 0.14 and 28.05 ± 0.78 °C, respectively, were noticeably lower in diets 4 and 5. Diets 4 (4.26) and 5 (4.38) considerably lowered (P > 0.05) the pH. All of the diets had good silages based on color, smell, and texture, with diet 5 having a firm and wet texture. Diets 4 and 5 had sweet aromatic odour. With increasing the amount of cabbage waste in the silage, the dry matter dropped, going from 80.11 to 46.88% in diets 1 and 5, respectively. Diet 4’s lowest CP of 12.68%, is sufficient for ruminant feeding. In diet 4, the values of crude fiber and ether extract significantly (P < 0.05) increased. Although there were substantial differences (P < 0.05) in each diet’s fiber content, the NDF, ADF, and ADL all fell within the acceptable range for excellent silage. All the silages made in diets 1 to 5 were acceptable by Yankasa rams, but diet 5 ranked highest in terms of coefficient of preference (CoP). According to all findings, cabbage waste could be a valuable silage additive in ruminants’ diets. Wheat offal can be replaced by cabbage waste up to 30% and 40% in the diet of ruminants with good silage formation and better CoP.

Assessment of the Potentials of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) as Raw Material for Biofertilizer

This research investigated the potentials of water hyacinth as raw material for biofertilizers. Water hyacinth was collected from Alape River in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State and processed for microbiological, proximate and physicochemical analyses by standard methods. Results revealed that the total heterotrophic bacterial and fungal populations were 5.0 x 107 (CFU/g) and 3.5 x 105 (CFU/g) and 3.6 x 102 SFU/g and 3.0 x 102 (SFU/g) for root and leaf parts respectively. The population of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, Azospirillum spp., Azotobacter spp. and Rhizobium spp. were 3.5 x 104 - 1.3 x 106 CFU/g, 1.4 x 103- 2.6 x 104 (CFU/g), 3.4 x 103 – 1.7 x 104 (CFU/g) and 1.2 x 103 – 1.1 x 104 (CFU/g) respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the presence of Enterobacter cloacae (LT 221670.1 -53%) and Bacillus safensis (AB711138.1 -99%), Pseudomonas mendocina (LN 881702.1 – 99%) and Aeromonas veroni (LC 487867.1 – 97%) from the root and leaf respectively. Aspergillus spp., Fusarium sp., Rhizopus sp., Trichoderma sp. Cladosporium sp. were among the fungi from the water weed parts. The proximate, nutrient and heavy metal constituents of water hyacinth vary among the leaf, stem and root. The proximate values for moisture (65.45%), protein (12.18%) and carbohydrate (5.30%) were highest in the leaf part compared to the stem and roots. Also, the highest values of ash (18.48%), fat (3.84%) and crude fibre (12.50%) were obtained in the plant root relative to leaf and stem. Apart from magnesium and phosphorous, mineral elements such as sodium, calcium and potassium were more abundant in the leaf. Among the heavy metal, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Arsenic and Cobalt had undetectable values for all parts. This study concludes that the presence of microbial biofertilizer and micro and macro nutrients on water hyacinth suggests its potential as raw material for biofertilizer and can be used to promote plant growth without negative consequences.

Development and Quality Evaluation of Non-Dairy Yogurts

Development of fermented vegetarian milk based food will be important to fulfill nutritional value of both elderly and individuals that require more energy intake. Objective: To develop non-dairy vegan yogurts from soy milk, oat milk and coconut milk in conjunction with lactic acid fermentation. Methods: Soy yogurt, oat yogurt and coconut yogurt was analyzed for crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrates, ash contents, moisture contents, titratable acidity, total soluble solids and pH analysis and to check its quality and acceptability by sensory evaluation for color, aroma, taste, consistency and acidity. Results: The mean values of crude protein of yogurts showed that soy yogurt contain more protein contents than other yogurts that was 6.0±0.1. The mean values for crude fat contents showed that maximum value 8.5±0.65 was noticed in the coconut yogurt and lowest value 3.1±0.1 was observed in soy yogurt. Mean values of crude fiber showed that fiber contents are present in more amount in soy yogurt (1.93±0.152). The mean maximum value for moisture contents was 84.43±4.007 that was noticed in soy yogurt and lowest value 66.69±0.164 was observed in oat yogurt. Mean values for carbohydrate in soy, oat and coconut yogurt was 9.28±0.01, 20.76±0.659 and 16.16±1.258. Mean results of overall acceptability of soy yogurt, oat yogurt and coconut yogurt was 7±0.35, 7.25±0.36 and 8±0.4 respectively. Conclusions: The study's findings demonstrated that it is possible to make plant-based yoghurt to meet the organoleptic needs of consumers, particularly those who are lactose intolerant or follow a vegan diet.