Crude Fiber Research Articles

Nutrient Content of Corn Straw (Crude Fibre, Crude Fat and TDN) Caused by Different Doses of Urea

Nutrient Content of Corn Straw (Crude Fibre, Crude Fat and TDN) Caused by Different Doses of Urea

Influence of Super-Absorbent Polymer on Growth and Productivity of Green Bean under Drought Conditions

The water-retaining and yield-increasing capacity of super-absorbent polymer (SAP) are essential for soil remediation in arid and semi-arid areas. Water availability is an increasing challenge to plant development and crop yield. During the growing seasons in 2021 and 2022, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the addition of different amounts of SAP on the development and yield of green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv Bronco) under varying water deficit stresses, compared with the control treatment without SAP and water deficit stress. The results demonstrated that a 50% reduction in water requirement (WR) resulted in significant decreases in leaf fresh weight, specific leaf area, leaf total chlorophyll content, pod number, leaf free water content, pod fresh weight per plant, and yield. Decreases were also found in pod total chlorophyll content, carotenoids, dry matter and total protein, leaf proline content, and crude fiber content. Additionally, leaf water saturation deficit was significantly increased under the stress compared with the full irrigation at 100% WR. However, irrigation at 75% WR increased pod contents of ascorbic acid, total sugars, and leaf bound water. The current study also indicated that addition of SAP significantly enhanced the above-mentioned growth characteristics under irrigation at 50% and 75% WR. Treatment with SAP at 3 g/plant was the most effective in mitigating the adverse effects of water deficiency, especially at the irrigation rate of 75% WR. Pearson’s correlation analysis showed significantly positive correlations between the growth parameters, as well as pod yield, under water stress and SAP. This study provides a promising strategy for green bean cultivation by adding SAP to soil to alleviate water shortage stress.

Water productivity, yield response factors, yield and quality of alfalfa cultivars in semi-arid climate conditions

This study was carried out for 2 years (2020 and 2021) to elucidate the effects of water stress on yield and quality of alfalfa cultivars, to determine the water-yield and quality relations and the susceptibility of cultivars to water stress. Three different irrigation treatments (100%, 75% and 50% of full irrigation, I100, I75 and I50) and 12 different alfalfa cultivars (SHN, Osmanağa, Şahin 42, Minerva, Elçi, Riviera Vicentina, Magna 601, Magnum V, Prosementi, Ezzelina, Sunter, Nimet) were used in present experiments conducted in randomized-blocks split-plots design with 3 replications to investigate effects of irrigation levels on water, yield and quality parameters of alfalfa. Present findings revealed that water stress decreased crop water productivity, but increased irrigation water productivity of alfalfa cultivars. Herbage yields of the cultivars varied between 48.20 and 64.98 t/ha, hay yields between 11.42 and 14.67 t/ha and protein yields between 2.22 and 3.07 t/ha. Alfalfa was found to be sensitive to water stress in terms of herbage yield, but more tolerant in terms of hay and protein yields. Morphological characteristics (plant height, number of stems per plant, number of main stem branches and root crown diameter) decreased with increasing water stress levels. In terms of quality traits, while acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude fiber and crude ash ratios increased, crude protein ratios decreased with increasing irrigation water levels. It was concluded based on present findings that water stress resulted in different responses of different alfalfa cultivars and although it increased quality traits in general, it decreased herbage, hay and protein yields. Again, based on present findings, Magna 601 cultivar could be recommended for semi-arid regions.

Characteristics of Fruit Leather with Proportion of Carica Puree (Carica pubescens) : Lime Juice (Citrus aurantifolia) and Carrageenan and Their Shelf Life Estimation

Fruit leather is a delectable treat crafted from pureed and dehydrated fruit. Carica fruit (Carica pubescens) contains fiber and pectin, which are requirements for making fruit leather. Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) was added as an acid in the gel formation. The addition of carrageenan is expected to improve the plasticity of fruit leather. One of the qualities of fruit leather is determined by its shelf life. This study seeks to assess the physicochemical and organoleptic attributes of carica and lime fruit leather, as well as to analyze the estimation of shelf life resulting from the optimal treatment. Factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors was utilized in the study. Factor I involved the ratio of carica puree to lime juice (95:5, 90:10, 85:15), while factor II consisted of different carrageenan concentrations (0,3%, 0,6%, 0,9%) with two replications. The results were documented in English. The data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) at a significance level of 5%. The most effective treatment was found to be a blend of 95% carica puree to 5% lime juice, combined with 0.9% carrageenan. The test results revealed a moisture content of 15,33%, crude fiber content of 2,55%, pH level of 4.65, tensile strength of 4,45 N, vitamin C concentration of 12,20 mg/100g, antioxidant activity of 25,23%, color intensity of 3,24 (neutral), aroma profile of 3,04 (neutral), taste rating of 4,00 (like), texture score of 3,12 (neutral), total dietary fiber content of 4,45%, and an estimated shelf life of 70 days at 10⁰C (under refrigeration), 10 days at 30⁰C (at room temperature), and 3 days at 50⁰C.

Incorporation of yeast treated Dialium bark meal on growth performance, blood indices and intestinal physiology of broilers

Incorporation of beneficial microbes to enhance the nutritive value of non-traditional feed additives is presently being promoted as a cost-effective way of increasing animal performance. Therefore, this trial investigated the impact of the incorporation of Dialium bark meal treated with yeast (TS) into broiler diets on intestinal histology, growth, and blood characteristics. One hundred and eighty days old Ross 308 broiler chickens were assigned to three treatments with five replications of 12 birds in a complete randomized design. The treatments were designed as (TS0: control) which is the (starter and finisher) diets without TS additive; whereas the TS0.5 and TS1.0 diets have TS additive at 0.5 and 1.5 g kg−1, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for 56 days comprising (28 days each for starter and finisher phases). Feed intake, body weight gains (BWG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined at the end of the starter and finisher phases. Blood and intestinal histomorphological indices were determined at the end of the finisher phase. Results indicate that TS contains 8.15 % crude protein, 29.84 % crude fibre, and 11.61 % ash. In addition, starter broilers in the TS0.5 and TS1.0 groups gained less weight and had a higher feed intake than those in the TS0 group. Broilers (29–56 d) in the TS0.5 and TS1.0 groups recorded better (p < 0.05) final live weight (FLW), BWG, and FCR than those in the TS0 group. Feed intake responded linearly to increasing TS levels in the diet during the finisher production phase. Broilers in group TS1.0 tended (p < 0.05) to have higher haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, red blood cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration compared to those in group TS0. Conversely, there were no treatment effects (p > 0.05) on mean cell volume, white blood cells, lymphocytes, heterophils, and serum biochemical variables. Broilers on TS diets had significantly improved histoarchitecture of the jejunum in broilers. In conclusion, results suggest that Dialium bark meal treated (TS) with dried active yeast is high in fibre and ash, and its addition at 0.5 and 1.0 g kg−1 feed improved body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, aspects of the blood characteristics and intestinal histomorphology of the jejunum of broilers at the finisher production phase. It is recommended that TS can be added to broiler finisher diet up to 1.0 g kg−1 feed for best growth performance, intestinal histomorphological, and blood characteristics.

Nutritional composition and anti-nutritional properties of wild edible fruits of northeast India

Forageable fruits are an untapped wealth of nutrients and minerals, and huge numbers are found in the vast wilderness of northeast India, including the hilly state of Mizoram. However, their nutritional properties still need to be explored. Hence, the present study was carried to assess the nutritional and anti-nutritional aspects along with the mineral contents of seven selected wild edible fruits, viz. jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), rough lemon (Citrus jambhiri), false mangosteen (Garcinia xanthocymus), mulberry (Morus nigra), thereju (Prunus jenkinsiii), wild raspberry (Rubus treutleri) and wild ber (Zizyphus mauritiana) to uncover their immense nutritional values, which could solidify their promising potential for an alternate source of nutrition and increase their economic importance. The research demonstrates that Garcinia xanthocymus contains significant amount of total sugars, reducing sugars, and vitamin E. Artocarpus heterophyllus exhibited higher levels of non-reducing sugar, total soluble solids, chlorophyll, carbohydrate and starch. Citrus jambhiri is rich in moisture, vitamin C, acidity, N, and P. Prunus jenkinsii has high anthocyanin, total carotenoid, K and Mn. Rubus treutleri is a rich source of crude fibre, Mg, Na, Co, Cu, and Fe. Ziziphus mauritiana has higher protein. The Morus nigra has higher fat, energy, Ca, and Zn. These findings suggest that all examined wild edible fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which makes them vital in combating malnutrition and highlights their potential for use in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors in futuristic research works. The outcomes of this present study will provide a database about the nutritional composition, potential health benefits, and economic values of these fruits and raise public consciousness about the conservation and enrichment of biodiversity.

Physicochemical, functional, and antinutritional properties of fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours at different times

This study investigated the effect of fermentation at different times (24 and 48 h) on the proximate composition, physicochemical, antinutritional, and functional properties of fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours. The results showed that fermentation improved the crude protein and crude fibre of the flours, with a decrease in crude fat and ash content. An increase in the mineral contents (potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron), water absorption capacity, and foam stability were also observed. The oil absorption capacity of the fermented flour samples decreased after 24 h of fermentation, with an increase thereafter. A decrease in foam, emulsification capacity, and antinutritional factors were observed. The redness and yellowness values increased with an increase in fermentation time, while the lightness and total change in colour decreased. In conclusion, this study shows that fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours could be useful ingredients or serve as an alternative for commercial and industrial purposes. Subsequent use of fermented Bambara groundnut and sorghum flours may also help mitigate nutritional issues, particularly in developing nations.

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.

Effect of Pergularia daemia (Forssk) and Momordica charantia L. (bitter gourd) leaf extracts on some enteric bacterial species

Medicinal plants are potential sources of new antimicrobial molecules. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of Pergularia daemia (Forssk) and Momordica charantia (bitter gourd) leaf extracts on some enteric bacterial species. Plant leaves were collected from Kerker village of Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State. Plants were identified, the leaves were shade-dried, pulverized into fine powder. Proximate analysis was carried out using AOAC methods. Extracts were obtained through cold maceration techniques. The extracts were used for phytochemical screening; antibacterial activity was carried out using well diffusion methods. Minimum inhibitory concentration and maximum bactericidal concentration was determined using broth dilution method. The results of proximate analysis showed that the plants powder were rich in carbohydrates, M. charantia 55.59± 0.02 and P. daemia 31.38 ± 0.03, followed by crude fiber and crude fat 19. 62± 0.04 and 16.69± 0.22 in P. daemia compared to 10.66 ± 0.03 and 10.78± 0.03 in M. charantia while ash content and moisture were moderate with 12.86±0.12 in M. charantia and 7.53 ± 0.02 in P. daemia. The phytochemicals showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids in all plant extracts. The antibacterial activity showed that the extracts have a broad spectrum of activity on the test organisms as compared to the standard drug gentamicin. There was a significant difference at p&lt;0.05. Shigella flexneri was the most susceptible to methanolic and aqueous extracts with 22.53± 0.10 at 500 mg/ml as compared to standard drug gentamicin 32.33± 0.18, followed by E. coli with 21.13± 0.13 at 500 mg/ml as compared to the control 29.60±0.15 and Salmonella typhi with 20.47±0.14 at the concentration of 500 mg/ml as compared to standard drug with 38.50±0.36. The results of minimum inhibitory concentration showed that Shigella flexneri was the most susceptible with the MIC of 31.25 mg/ml and 62.5 mg/ml for both methanolic and aqueous extracts of P. daemia while salmonella typhi was the most susceptible with the MIC of 62.5 mg/ml and 125 mg/ml for M. charantia respectively. The presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and terpenoids showed that the plants leaves have antibacterial activity. The results of this study support the use of these plants as therapeutic agents for diarrhoea caused by S. flexneri and E. coli.

Effect of Longterm Fertilization and Manuring on Nutritional Quality of Maize Grain

A study on Effect of long term fertilization and manuring on soil quality and nutritional quality of maize (Zea mays L.) under finger millet-maize cropping system was carried out in LTFE plots which has been in progress since 1986 at UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru. Eleven treatments were laid in randomized block design with three replications. The hybrid maize was grown in LTFE plots during Rabi 2021-2022 (35th crop cycle) and qualities of grain were assessed. Application of 100 per cent NPK+ FYM+ lime recorded significantly higher grain quality viz., geometric mean diameter (7.63 mm), bulk density (791 kg m-3), 1000 grain mass (444.10 g), colour (L*72.91, a*4.68, b*27.48), crude protein (10.35%), ash (1.73%), moisture (8.19%) and crude fibre (1.85%). Inorganic fertilization alone, 100% N, 100% NP and control treatments recorded poor quality grain of maize. The conjoint use of organic manures along with chemical fertilizers in balanced form is essential to maintain good soil quality and for quality maize production.

Characterization of Polyphenol Composition and Starch and Protein Structure in Brown Rice Flour, Black Rice Flour and Their Mixtures.

The study investigates the structural and chemical properties of brown rice flour (WRF), black rice flour (BRF) and their mixtures in ratios of 25%, 50% and 75% to provide reference information for the gluten-free bakery industry. BRF contains higher concentrations of proteins, lipids, total minerals, crude fiber, total polyphenols, proanthocyanidins and flavonoids than WRF. A higher amylose content in BRF than in WRF resulted in flour mixtures with slower starch digestion and a lower glycemic response depending on the BRF ratio added. Differences in the chemical composition of WRF and BRF led to improved composition of the flour mixtures depending on the BRF ratio. The presence of anthocyanidins and phenolic acids in higher concentrations in the BRF resulted in a red-blue color shift within the flour mixtures. The deconvoluted FTIR spectra showed a higher proportion of α-helixes in the amide I band of BRF proteins, indicating their tighter folding. An analysis of the FTIR spectra revealed a more compact starch structure in BRF than in WRF. By processing reflection spectra, nine optically active compound groups were distinguished in rice flour, the proportion in BRF being 83.02% higher than in WRF. Due to co-pigmentation, the bathochromic shift to higher wavelengths was expressed by the proanthocyanins and phenolic acids associated with the wavelengths 380 nm to 590 nm and at 695 nm. Anthocyanins, protein-tannin complexes, methylated anthocyanins and acylated anthocyanins, associated with wavelengths 619, 644 and 668 nm, exhibited a hypsochromic effect by shifting the wavelengths to lower values. This research represents a first step in the development of rice-based products with increased nutritional value and a lower glycemic index.

Chemical Quality of Silage Mixture of Sorghum Bicolor (Andropogon Bicolor L. Roxb) and Gamal (Gliricidia Sepium) Leaves with Different Ratios

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical quality of silage mixture of sorghum bicolor (Andropogon bicolor L. roxb) and gamal leaves with different ratios. A completely randomised design (4×4) was applied with four different ratios tried, namely, P0: sorghum bicolor silage without gamal leaves; P1: mixed silage 80% sorghum bicolor + 20% gamal leaves, P2: mixed silage 70% sorghum bicolor + 30% gamal leaves and P3: mixed silage 60% sorghum bicolor + 40% gamal leaves. The variables studied included crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and gross energy (GE) content. The study showed the silage characteristics of P0, P1, P2 and P3 for CP (%) 11.38; 13.71; 14.83 and 15.10; CF (%) 22.53; 21.47; 20.54 and 20.43; NFE (%) 43.56; 42.37; 42.26 and 42.22; GE (kcal/kg DM) 3491.18; 3540.60; 3580.37 and 3588.86, respectively. The results of variance analysis showed that the treatment had a very significant effect (P&lt;0.01) on CP and CF content but not significant (P&gt;0.05) on NFE and GE. It was concluded that silage mixture of sorghum bicolor and gamal leaves up to 60:40 increased CP content and decreased CF and gave the same NFE and GE content compared to sorghum bicolor silage without gamal leaves.

The use of improved premix recipes in rations of cattle

Complete balanced feeding of farm animals cannot be organized without the use of various balancing additives, in particular premixes. It is important to note that the greatest eff ect from the use of premixes is observed when their recipes are developed taking into account specifi c feeding and housing conditions. The purpose of this work was to study the eff ectiveness of using improved premix recipes based on an analysis of the actual nutritional value of feed in the rations of lactating cows and calves. During the research, two experiments were carried out. The experiments were carried out at the Staraya Chigla livestock complex in the Anninsky district of the Voronezh region. In the experiment on cows, 20 animals were selected, which were divided into two groups (control and experimental) of 10 heads in each using the method of analogue pairs. In an experiment to study the eff ectiveness of the premix in feeding of young animals, two groups of calves of 12 heads in each were similarly formed. Animals of the control groups received farm rations with the premix developed without taking into account the analysis of the nutritional value of the rations. In the experimental groups, cows and calves received new and improved premixes developed based on these specific feeding conditions. The use of the premix with an improved recipe in the rations of cows made it possible to increase the average daily milk yield by 5,61 %, the fat content by 0,05 abs.% and the protein content in milk by 0,15 abs.%. At the same time, there was an increase in the level of digestibility of dry matter by 1,25 abs.%, organic matter by 1,07 abs.%, crude protein by 1,56 abs.%, crude fat by 1,63 abs.%, crude fi ber by 1,08 abs.%, nitrogen-free extractive substances by 1,87 abs.%. Calculation of feed intake for the synthesis of 1 kg of milk showed that they were lower in the experimental group by 0,31 MJ of net lactation energy and 2,97 g of digestible protein. Positive results were also obtained in experiments on calves. The use of the premix developed on the basis of the actual nutritional value of feed and rations, made it possible to increase the live weight of heifers at 12 months of age by 5,04 %, the average daily gain in live weight during the experimental period by 5,74 %, the relative gain by 1,91 abs.%.

Effect of harvest timing and plant parts on the nutritional and chemical profile of five potential fodder plants found in eastern coast of United Arab Emirates.

Selecting highly nutritive fodder plants in arid regions can be a key to improving the livestock productivity. This work explores the variation in nutritive value of the leaves, stem, and shoots of five potential fodder plants of the Emirates of Fujairah, Erucaria hispanica, Haplophyllum tuberculatum, Convolvulus virgatus, Teucrium stocksianum, and Cleome Ibrachycarpa. influenced by two weather conditions, winter and spring. The plant samples underwent mineral composition, proximate, phytochemical, and heavy metals and two-way ANOVA. Weather data were accessed from National Center of Meteorology (NCM). Our findings reveal significant influences of collection time and species on nutritive content. Shoots collected in March exhibited higher ash (6.167%), crude protein (11.9%), crude fiber (14.89%), dry matter (45.86%), and total digestive nutrients (TDS) (48.35%), with lower tannin (5.11%) compared to January. Conversely, January-collected shoots had greater total sugar content (1.28g/100g). Plant organs played a crucial role, with leaves surpassing stems in Mg, P, Ca, K, Na, Mn, Zn, and Ni. Leaves also showed higher crude protein (23.33%), dry matter (92.26%), total ash (4.8%), and TDS (87.58%) compared to stems, while stems exhibited elevated crude fiber (17.45%) and tannin (4.53%). There is a need to assess the bioactive compounds found in these fodder species for the enhancement its effective use and maximize browsing of these species.

Valorization of Ginkgo biloba Leaf Powder as a Substrate in King Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii) Cultivation.

Ginkgo biloba is widely planted as a colorful foliage tree, and its leaf can be used as a biomass energy source, but it has been underutilized for a long time. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential of garden waste as a substrate component in the cultivation process of the king oyster mushroom (Pleurotus eryngii), with the goal of enhancing both the yield of P. eryngii and the efficiency of energy use. The percentages of G. biloba leaf powder in the substrate were 10.5% and 21% to replace sawdust or sugarcane bagasse in a typical substrate. A substrate formulation that could completely replace sawdust and sugarcane bagasse was selected by analyzing mycelial growth rate, days of production, fruiting body length, biological efficiency, yield, stipe thickness, pileus diameter and laccase activity. The results showed that Y1 (treatment with 21% G. biloba leaf powder and sugarcane bagasse) had the highest yield (303.1 ± 31.9 g), which was higher than that of CK (control) (259.3 ± 37.4 g). The crude fiber content of the samples grown on substrate Y1 (as 7.43%) was higher than CK (7.37%). In addition, P. eryngii grown on substrate Y1 had the highest laccase activity for the complete colonization of the mycelium. Thus, these findings suggest that G. biloba leaf powder represents a viable and economical supplement for enhancing both the yield and quality of P. eryngii.

Effect of seasonal shift on the proximate nutritional composition of some plant materials from the aquaponics farming

This study intends to evaluate the variations of the proximate nutritional makers of some vegetable plants [red chili (RCH), red tomato (RTO), green spinach (GSP), and green lettuce (GLE)] from aquaponics farming in relation to seasons. The resesarch was carried out for the duration of four (4) periods (winter, spring, summer, and autumn). The proximate nutritional parameters determined were total moisture (TMO), crude ash (CAS), crude fibre (CFI), total carbohydrate (TCA), and soluble protein (SPR). The study results showed a significant (P

A sustainable solution: Conversion of distillers' grains waste into high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials for energy storage applications

The development of cost-effective biomass-derived carbon with good electrochemical properties is crucial for advancing energy storage devices sustainably. One feasible approach to producing supercapacitor electrode materials is the conversion of heteroatom-rich biomass waste into heteroatom self-doped hierarchical porous carbons with favorable electrochemical properties. In this study, distillers' grains with abundant crude fiber and protein were utilized as precursors to prepare N, S self-doped hierarchical porous carbon, which presents a high specific surface area of 3642.87 m2 g−1. The N, S doping could improve the interfacial wettability of electrode materials and enhance the pseudocapacitive effect of the materials. In three-electrode system, the carbon delivered a high capacitance of 347 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. Symmetrical capacitors assembled with PVA/KOH gel electrolytes delivered an ultrahigh energy density of 11.29 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 250 W kg−1. This strategy provides a practical, low-cost, and renewable design approach of carbon electrode for high-performance supercapacitors.

Nutritional and organoleptic quality of brown rice based nutri-bar during ambient storage

The present investigation was carried out with the objective to assess the nutritional and organoleptic quality of brown rice based nutri-bar during storage period of 90 days. Varied percentages of brown rice, oats and flaxseeds were mixed together to form seven different treatment combinations. For the development of nutri-bar brown rice, oats and flaxseeds were blended in the ratios of 100:00:00, 85:5:10, 80:10:10, 75:15:10, 70:20:10, 65:25:10 and 60:30:10 per cent, respectively. Prepared treatments of nutri-bar were packed in aluminium laminates and stored under ambient storage conditions. The quality of nutri-bar was assessed for its nutritional and organoleptic parameters at 30 days interval until 90 days. The highest mean crude protein (12.11 %), crude fat (8.59 %), crude fibre (6.42 %), ash (2.49 %), iron (6.44 mg/100g), calcium (82.21 mg/100g) and potassium (447.34 mg/100g) were recorded in treatment T7 (60:30:10:: Brown rice: Oats: Flaxseeds), whereas treatment T1 (100:00:00:: Brown rice: Oats: Flaxseeds) recorded highest carbohydrates of 75.69 per cent. On the basis of organoleptic evaluation, the highest mean overall acceptability score of 7.82 was recorded in T5 (70:20:10:: Brown rice: Oats: Flaxseeds) and was adjudged as superior among all the treatments of nutri-bar. Thus, nutritious bar can be developed by incorporating 20% oats and 10% flaxseed with 70 % brown rice.

Probing the physicochemical impact of musk melon seed oil on mayonnaise

Owing to high consumption and industrial preparation of musk melon products, most of its byproducts are wasted without effective utilization. Musk melon agro-based waste material (seeds and peels) is an excellent source of antioxidants and phytochemicals. The purpose of this study was to improve the oxidative stability of mayonnaise by addition of musk melon seed oil. The study was conducted to check the physicochemical effect of musk melon seed oil in mayonnaise. Proximate analysis of seeds (i.e. moisture, crude fat, crude fiber, crude protein, ash, and carbohydrate content) was performed. Oil was extracted by using the cold press extraction method, and this oil was tested for different physicochemical analyses (i.e., saponification value, iodine number, specific gravity, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] value, viscosity, free fatty acid, and color). Physicochemical analysis was done during the storage period of 0, 20, 40, and 60 days, prior to performing sensory evaluation of mayonnaise. Data obtained from this analysis were further analyzed using statistical tools. A decreasing trend was observed for DPPH and peroxide values of mayonnaise with progression of days, thus showing that addition of musk melon seed oil decreased the production of free radicals. Hence, adding 40% musk melon seed oil showed the best result for overcoming the oxidation of mayonnaise and minimizing the production of free radicals. The data obtained from the statistical analysis indicated that the aroma and texture values of treatment T5 were maximum, and the color and flavor of treatments T4 and T5 were high. The overall acceptability of treatment T5 was high in which 40% of musk melon seed oil was used to combat the production of free radicals. In brief, waste material could be used for producing different types of products in the industry, rather than discarding the same, as it lessened the cost and provide a good quantity of nutrients.

Proximate and microbial quality of processed grubs of African palm weevil (&lt;i&gt;Rhynchophorus phoenicis&lt;/i&gt; F., Coleoptera: Curculionidae) sold at Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State, Southern Nigeria

The African palm weevil, Rhynchophorus phoenicis F. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) constitutes a significant component in diets of the Niger Delta of Nigeria. This study aimed to determine the proximate composition and microbiological quality of processed grubs (steamed, dried, fried and fresh which served as control) purchased from food vendors in Toru-Orua community. Proximate composition determinations followed official methods recommended by the Association of Official and Analytical Chemicals (AOAC), while microbial load was determined by total plate count. Steamed grubs had the highest moisture content of 15% while fresh had the least moisture content of 9.3%. Steamed grubs had the highest ash content of 11.47% while fresh had the least ash content of 4.73%. Fresh grubs had the highest crude protein of 41.75% while fresh had the least crude protein of 30.13%. Steamed grubs had the highest crude fibre content of 18.07% while fresh had the least crude fibre of 13.7%. Steamed and fried grubs had the highest crude fat content of 10.93% while fresh had the least crude fat content of 2.8%. Steamed grubs had the highest moisture content of 28.35% while dried grubs had the least moisture content of 20.66%. The total heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 8.5 x 102 CFU/g – 3.7 x 106 CFU/g. Fungal count ranged from 2.2 x 102 - 3.4 x 103 CFU/g. The microbial investigations showed Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were the common microorganisms on the grubs. Frequent microbiological quality checks on such ready-to-eat foods, along with public enlightenment campaigns for food vendors is recommended, to guarantee food safety for consumers during processing/handling, storage and consumption.