Crude Protein Content Research Articles

Investigatory study on the qualities of locally grown Rice brands sold in main markets of Abeokuta, South-Western Nigeria

Qualities of some selected rice varieties sold in the main markets of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State where rice is mostly grown and consumed in the south-western part of Nigeria was investigated. Rice (Aroso, Mokwa, Royal niger, Orlam and Ofada rice) were evaluated for their physical, chemical properties and sensory qualities using established laboratory procedures. The average width of the rice ranged from “0.261 to 0.268 mm”, “0.260 to 0.265 mm, “0.260 to 0.262 mm”, “0.269 to 0.270 mm”, and 0.271 to 0.275 mm” respectively. The rice average lengths ranged between “0.346 to 0.350 mm”, “0.365 to 0.368 mm”, “0.356 to 0.359 mm”, “0.357 to 0.357 mm” and “0.365 to 0.379 mm” respectively. The physical appearance of the rice investigated ranged from good to very good except for mokwa and orlam rice which shows fair colours. Chemical properties of the rice samples ranged from 10.21 to 11.97%, 0.83 to 2.62, 1.89 to 2.16%, 0.24 to 0.37%, 5.50 to 7.56%, 77.89 to 79.60%, 59.90 to 65.17%, 12.15 to 14.61% and 85.39 to 87.85% for moisture, total ash, fat, crude fibre, crude protein, carbohydrate, starch, amylose and amylopectin contents respectively. The cooking properties ranged from 2 to 7.5, 230 to 250% and 5.49 to 5.64 in length and 0.689 to 1.337mm for volume expansion ratio, water uptake and elongation ratio respectively. This study revealed that Aroso and Orlam rice were of excellent in physical, chemical, sensory qualities and are both recommended for consumption. This research finding serves as a basis of choice for consumers and it also reveals the areas for improvement in terms of qualities of the local rice investigated.

Improvements in fermentation and nutritive quality of elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] silages: a review.

Elephant grass [Pennisetum purpureum Schumach. syn. Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone], also known as Napier grass and King grass, includes varieties Taiwán, Gigante, Merkerón, Maralfalfa, and others. The grass achieves high biomass production in tropical-subtropical, temperate, and arid areas. The high-water concentration of elephant grass suggests that ensiling could offer an alternative way to preserve the nutritional quality of the grass during storage, however, some considerations should be addressed because of the particularities of the grass. Ensiling elephant grass may produce adequate fermentation but could suffer effluent losses and subsequent losses of nutrients due to leaching. To improve fermentation and nutrient characteristics of elephant grass silages, several studies were conducted with the inclusion of additives. Lactic acid bacteria inocula have reduced pH and increased crude protein content of elephant grass silage, but aerobic stability of silages could be affected by the bacterial inoculation. There is limited information, however, on the potential of different silage inoculants to reduce growth of spoilage microorganisms during the aerobic phase of silage prepared with elephant grass. Exogenous fibrolytic enzymes also may improve elephant grass silage quality by enhancing microbial fiber-degradation with subsequent increase in lactic acid and its associated pH reduction. Another study approach to improve fermentation and nutritional quality of elephant grass silages involved the addition of different feeds at ensiling, including conventional feeds such corn, wheat, rice bran, and molasses or alternative feeds such as different dehydrated by-products obtained from the food industries of juice and jelly. In the manuscript, the presented scientific information shows the great potential of the different manipulations to improve the quality of elephant grass silages and with possible enhance of the economic profit and sustainability of livestock farming in the tropical areas.

Effect of a Simultaneous Increase in Crude Protein and Total Digestible Nutrients Contents on Late Fattening Hanwoo Steers

Background: Shortening the fattening period can reduce production costs and inedible fat, but may simultaneously negatively affect productivity and profitability. We hypothesized that increasing the crude protein and total digestible nutrients (TDN) in the formula feed could address the issues associated with shortened fattening periods without adversely affecting rumen fermentation. This study investigated the effect of a simultaneous increase of crude protein and TDN contents compared to conventional formula feed on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics and meat composition of late fattening Hanwoo steers. Methods: Thirty Hanwoo steers were randomly assigned to one of two dietary groups: control group (16.4% crude protein and 83.6% TDN based on dry matter) and treatment group (17.4% crude protein and 84.6% TDN based on dry matter). Result: The rumen parameters were similar between the control and treatment groups. Likewise, the effect of additional crude protein and TDN contents in the formula feed showed no significant impact on the growth performance or blood metabolites. The carcass weight and yield index were slightly higher in the treatment group compared to the control, yet these differences were not statistically significant. Furthermore, the dietary treatment did not affect marbling score, meat color, fat color, texture, maturity, pH, surface colors, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics, or fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle.

Sunflower germplasms’ response to different water and salinity stress levels in greenhouse and field conditions under subsurface drip irrigation

AbstractSunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is moderately tolerant to salt and water stress, but its production can still be significantly and adversely affected by increases in these stressors as a result of the negative impacts of climate change on agricultural soil and crop productivity. The morphological and productivity (dry head weight, dry root weight, dry shoot weight, head diameter, whole seed weight, crude protein content, crude oil content, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, eicosanoic acid, 11‐eicosenoic acid, homo‐gamma‐linolenic w6 acid, lignoceric acid and plant height) responses of modern sunflower germplasms to different levels of salt and drought stress under greenhouse and field conditions were investigated and analysed. Six germplasms were evaluated under three salt concentrations (0, 150 and 250 mM), and two germplasms were evaluated for drought response under three irrigation levels. Significant differences in the response of sunflower germplasms to water and salinity were detected. The same germplasms exhibited significant differences in response to water and salinity between the treatments, which also varied significantly between the germplasms for the same treatment. The irrigation level significantly influenced the amount of oil but not the crude protein or fatty acid composition. The results and information of this research can aid in selecting and improving sunflower productivity under adverse (i.e. saline and drought) conditions.

Collaborative Impact of Inorganic and Organic Fertilizers Coupled with Kappaphycus alvarezii Bio-stimulant on the Quality Characteristics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The study investigates the influence of different factors on the nutritional content of wheat grains, focusing on crude protein, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium contents in grain. Results indicate that varying combinations of factors such as NPK fertilization, farmyard manure (FYM) application, and bio-stimulant usage significantly affect nutrient concentrations in grain. Crude protein content, a vital indicator of grain quality, showed variability across the different treatments, with the highest levels observed in plots receiving RDF @100% + FYM@16.5 t ha-1 + SWBS@1250 ml ha-1. The crude protein content primarily relies on the nitrogen levels. In the research, the findings indicated that the nitrogen content was significant, which, in turn, led to a significant crude protein content. The levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium content also exhibited fluctuations, with significant interactions observed among various factors. These fluctuations are attributed to differences in nutrient uptake and utilization during the different growth stages of the wheat plant. All three factors can enhance the nutrient uptake facilities through soil as well as plant body, therefore, notably, interactions between NPK, FYM, and bio-stimulants exhibited significant effects on nutrient content, particularly at the 0.05 significance level. The findings underscore the importance of holistic agricultural management in enhancing the nutritional value of wheat grains, with implications for food security and agricultural sustainability.

Effect of organic acids on fermentation quality and microbiota of horseshoe residue and corn protein powder

This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of malic acid (MA) and citric acid (CA) on the nutritional composition, fermentation quality, rumen degradation rate, and microbial diversity of a mixture of apple pomace and corn protein powder during ensiling. The experiment used apple pomace and corn protein powder as raw materials, with four groups: control group (CON), malic acid treatment group (MA, 10 g/kg), citric acid treatment group (CA, 10 g/kg), and citric acid + malic acid treatment group (MA, 10 g/kg + CA, 10 g/kg). Each group has 3 replicates, with 2 repetitions in parallel, subjected to mixed ensiling for 60 days. The results indicated: (1) Compared to the CON group, the crude protein content significantly increased in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups (p < 0.05), with the highest content observed in the MA + CA group. The addition of MA and CA effectively reduced the water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the CA group showed a decreasing trend in NDFom and hemicellulose content (p = 0.08; p = 0.09). (2) Compared to the CON group, the pH significantly decreased in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups (p < 0.01), and the three treatment groups exhibited a significant increase in lactic acid and acetic acid content (p < 0.01). The quantity of lactic acid bacteria increased significantly (p < 0.01), with the MA + CA group showing a more significant increase than the MA and CA groups (p < 0.05). (3) Compared to the CON group, the in situ dry matter disappearance (ISDMD) significantly increased in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups (p < 0.05). All three treatment groups showed highly significant differences in in situ crude protein disappearance (ISCPD) compared to the CON group (p < 0.01). (4) Good’s Coverage for all experimental groups was greater than 0.99, meeting the conditions for subsequent sequencing. Compared to the CON group, the Shannon index significantly increased in the CA group (p < 0.01), and the Simpson index increased significantly in the MA group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the Chao index among the three treatment groups and the CON group (p > 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Lentilactobacillus in the MA, CA, and MA + CA groups was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). PICRUSt prediction results indicated that the metabolic functional microbial groups in the CA and MA treatment groups were significantly higher than in the CON group (p < 0.05), suggesting that the addition of MA or CA could reduce the loss of nutritional components such as protein and carbohydrates in mixed ensilage. In conclusion, the addition of malic acid and citric acid to a mixture of apple pomace and corn protein powder during ensiling reduces nutritional losses, improves fermentation quality and rumen degradation rate, enhances the diversity of the microbial community in ensiled feed, and improves microbial structure. The combined addition of malic acid and citric acid demonstrates a superior effect.

Nanotechnology in Agriculture: Manganese Ferrite Nanoparticles as a Micronutrient Fertilizer for Wheat

Limited research has focused on nanoparticle (NP) applications’ impact on edible wheat parts in a field environment. Here, we studied the nutritional quality of edible parts of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with a field experiment by spraying MnFe2O4 nanoparticles. Wheat was foliar sprayed with 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/L composite manganese ferrite (MnFe2O4) NPs during 220 d of a growth period. Ionic controls were prepared using the conventional counterparts (MnSO4·H2O and FeSO4·7H2O) to compare with the 100 mg/L MnFe2O4 NPs. After three consecutive foliar applications, nanoparticles demonstrated a substantial elevation in grain yield and harvest index, exhibiting a noteworthy increase to 5.0 ± 0.12 t/ha and 0.46 ± 0.001 in the 100 mg/L NP dose, respectively, concomitant with a 14% enhancement in the grain number per spike. Fe, Mn, and Ca content in grain increased to 77 ± 2.7 mg/kg, 119 ± 2.8 mg/kg, and 0.32 ± 7.9 g/kg in the 100 mg/L NPs, respectively. Compared to the ion treatment, the 100 mg/L NP treatments notably boosts wheat grain crude protein content (from 13 ± 0.79% to 15 ± 0.58%) and effectively lowers PA/Fe levels (from 11 ± 0.7 to 9.3 ± 0.5), thereby improving Fe bioavailability. The VSM results exhibited a slight superparamagnetic behavior, whereas the grains and stems exhibited diamagnetic behavior. The results indicate that the nanomaterial did not accumulate in the grains, suggesting its suitability as an Fe and Mn-rich fertilizer in agriculture. Above all, the foliar application of nanocomposites increased the concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Ca in wheat grains, accompanied by a significant enhancement in grain yield. Therefore, the research results indicate that the foliar application of MnFe2O4 NPs can positively regulate wheat grains’ nutritional quality and yield.

A Comparative Study of Composition and Soluble Polysaccharide Content between Brewer’s Spent Yeast and Cultured Yeast Cells

Yeast, crucial in beer production, holds great potential owing to its ability to transform into a valuable by-product resource, known as brewer’s spent yeast (BSY), with potentially beneficial physiological effects. This study aimed to compare the composition and soluble polysaccharide content of Brewer’s spent yeast with those of cultured yeast strains, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) and S. boulardii (SB), to facilitate the utilization of BSY as an alternative source of functional polysaccharides. BSY exhibited significantly higher carbohydrate content and lower crude protein content than SC and SB cells. The residues recovered through autolysis were 53.11%, 43.83%, and 44.99% for BSY, SC, and SB, respectively. Notably, the polysaccharide content of the BSY residue (641.90 μg/mg) was higher than that of SC (553.52 μg/mg) and SB (591.56 μg/mg). The yields of alkali-extracted water-soluble polysaccharides were 33.62%, 40.76%, and 42.97% for BSY, SC, and SB, respectively, with BSY comprising a comparable proportion of water-soluble saccharides made with SC and SB, including 49.31% mannan and 20.18% β-glucan. Furthermore, BSY demonstrated antioxidant activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), ABTS, and DPPH scavenging potential, suggesting its ability to mitigate oxidative stress. BSY also exhibited a significantly higher total phenolic compound content, indicating its potential to act as an effective functional food material.

Exploring rearing factors to predict potential sensory quality of heifer meat throughout the farm-to-fork continuum

Sensory beef qualities could be impacted throughout the farm-to-fork continuum. The aim of this work was to predict the sensory quality classes of Longissimus muscle established from three sensory descriptors: tenderness, juiciness and flavour intensity. The extreme classes of meat quality were: Q + class including the highest scores for tenderness and juiciness, and an intermediate score for flavour intensity and Q − class including low scores for tenderness, juiciness and flavour intensity. To predict the extreme quality classes, seven decision trees were performed using the individual data related to rearing factors (p = 50), carcase traits (p = 13) and/or aged meat traits (p = 9) of 100 Charolais heifers. The decision trees established from rearing factors and carcass trait data (RF-CARCA-Tree) allowed the highest accuracy of prediction (79.7%) with 90.7% and 66.7% of correctly classified individuals, respectively. Our results showed that different combinations of factors could produce Q + class. Three rearing factors (i.e. the calculated average of concentrates’ net energy content in the diet during the pasture period of pre-weaning period (PWP); the number of days concentrates were offered in calf diet during PWP; and the calculated average of concentrates’ crude protein content in the fattening diet) and the conformation score could be considered as action levers to improve meat quality. These three rearing factors were related to the pre-weaning and fattening periods of the heifer, slowing a possible management of the potential beef quality from rearing factors throughout the life of the heifer. Highlights Beef quality can be improved throughout the heifer’s life by rearing factors related to concentrate in the diet. Sensory beef quality classes could be managed from rearing factors and carcass traits. Raw aged meat data did not allow to improve the prediction of sensory beef quality classes.

ALTERNATIVE NON-TRADITIONAL SOURCES OF FEED PROTEIN AND AMINO ACIDS

The article presents a literature review on the risks of the global problem of fodder protein and protein amino acids in the feeding of agricultural animals and poultry. Alternative ways of solving it are due to the production and use of non-traditional feed raw materials in feed diets. A number of scientists consider atypical agricultural biotechnological products obtained from insects to be one of the alternative sources of fodder protein and amino acids and see prospects in the development of their production. The most common subjects for study in this regard are crickets, locusts, silkworm larvae, flies, worms, etc. Their protein value, amino acid, fatty acid and mineral composition, the content of vitamins, and other biologically active substances are studied. The development of this direction is considered one of the ways to solve a number of urgent environmental and fodder problems on a biological basis. Рurpose of the research was to study the protein value and complete amino acid composition of flour from insects, namely flour from the larvae of the BSF fly, crickets and snails, and the methods of its determining: crude protein by the Kjeldahl method, digestible protein with the help of 0,2% pepsin, and the digestibility coefficient, and the principles of conducting researches, as well as the characteristics of methods for determining the content of replaceable and essential amino acids, including sulfur-containing, using the Kapel-105M capillary electrophoresis system. As a result of the research, it was found that cricket flour is the least valuable in terms of protein value (digestible protein and digestibility coefficient), and it is also poor in the content of nonessential and essential amino acids, compared to other studied types of insect flour. The best indicators of protein value were noted in the flour from BSF fly larvae in terms of the content of crude and digestible proteins, as well as the digestibility coefficient, which is 75.6%, which indicates its good digestibility by the bodies of animals and birds. The highest content of amino acids is contained in the flour from BSF fly larvae. Taking into account the above results of crude protein content, digestibility, and digestibility in this sample, amino acid digestibility will also be higher compared to other flour samples. In addition, flour from BSF fly larvae is rich in sulfur-containing amino acids. The content of tryptophan and histidine, compared to other types of raw materials, is the highest. The studied samples of insect flour contain a complete set of essential and nonessential amino acids, but BSF fly larvae flour and snail flour are more valuable for essential amino acids.

Clearfield upland rice intercropped with Urochloa ruziziensis for grain, increased revenue and environmental preservation

AbstractIntercropping perennial forage grasses into cereal crops is an alternative to recover degraded pastures. However, the intercrop of forage grasses, such as Urochloa ruziziensis (R. Germ. and C. M. Evard) Crins (Congo grass), can lead to losses in cereal yield. Therefore, it is necessary to develop management strategies that allow forage grass establishment without major losses in cereal yield in intercropping. The objective was to study the agronomic and economic impacts of intercropping U. ruziziensis into a Clearfield upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar in the state of Goiás, Brazil, in two growing seasons. Treatments included forage grass seeds sowing method (broadcast or incorporation to the soil) and sowing times (at rice sowing, 20 days after emergence [DAE], and 45 DAE of rice). Also, imazapyr + imazapic herbicide was applied to restrict the competitive effect on rice yield. Monocropping control plots were also evaluated. Grain yield was measured on rice. Forage grass dry matter yield was measured at 30, 60, and 90 days after harvesting (DAH) of rice. Crude protein content was analyzed at 90 DAH. Profitability was calculated for each cropping system relative to rice monocropping. Intercropping of rice and U. ruziziensis sowed at 45 DAE provided the highest grain yield relative to other assessed intercropping treatments as well as rice monocropping. Concurrent sowing of rice and incorporated U. ruziziensis seeding provided the greatest economic return. This reformed cropping system improved land and pasture output, which can reduce the pressure to convert more land to agricultural use.

Forage accumulation and nutritive value in extensive, intensive, and integrated pasture-based beef cattle production systems

Context A challenge for the livestock sector is to improve the production and nutritive value of forage grasses through sustainable management strategies. Aims This study evaluated the impact of management on the productive and nutritive value of five pasture-based production systems: irrigated pasture with 600 kg nitrogen (N) ha−1 (IP600); rainfed pasture with 400 kg N ha−1 (RP400); rainfed pasture with 200 kg N ha−1 (RP200); silvopastoral with 200 kg N ha−1 (SP200); and degraded pasture without N fertilisation (DP0). Methods During two experimental years, samples were collected pre- and post-grazing to determine forage and nutritional parameters. Land-saving effects and efficiencies of N fertilisation and water use were calculated. Key results For C4 grasses, forage mass accumulation was greater for IP600 and RP400. IP600 also presented the greatest leaf area index and crude protein concentration, whereas DP0 presented the lowest values of both. For C3 grasses in the IP600 treatment, greater forage mass accumulation and leaf area index were found in winter than in autumn; all nutritional characteristics were not affected by season of the year. For land-saving effect, and N- and water-use efficiencies, IP600, RP400 and RP200 presented higher values than DP0 and SP200. Conclusions More intensified systems with proper management allowed better productive and nutritional characteristics than degraded pasture or silvopasture, especially during seasons with greater precipitation or when irrigated. Implications Intensification practices make better use of natural resources (water and land) and agricultural inputs (N fertiliser) to ameliorate the effects of seasonality and improve quality and productivity of tropical grasses in pasture-based livestock production systems.

Agronomic and economic productivity of summer annual forage systems under different poultry litter application methods

AbstractPoultry litter (litter) is a nutrient dense fertilizer that increases nutritive value and yield in pastures in the mid‐southern US. Nutrient losses due to runoff and nitrogen volatilization are common when broadcasting litter. As such, incorporating litter below the soil surface (subsurface) was evaluated in comparison to broadcasting in 2021 and 2022 by quantifying yield and nutritive value of annual forages. The study was a randomized complete block design with three forage treatments—sorghum‐sudangrass only (Sorghum bicolor L.), cowpea only (Vigna unguiculata L.), and their mixture, and three litter application methods (broadcast, subsurface, and a no litter control). Litter was applied in 2021 only as biennial application is common to save on application cost. Nutritive analyses included neutral detergent fiber and crude protein (CP). Partial budgeting led to relative profitability estimates by accounting for yield and cost differences across treatments. In comparison to the second‐highest yielding forage mixture, sorghum‐sudangrass yielded 4.5%–18.4% more regardless of litter application method. The forage mixture did not improve forage nutritive value, as cowpea were vastly outcompeted and did not average more than 5% of the total forage harvested in mixtures. Cowpea yields did not benefit from litter application. Subsurface application resulted in 8%–10% greater CP content compared to no litter and broadcast litter, respectively, across all forage species. Sorghum‐sudangrass with subsurface applied litter earned nearly $70/acre more than sorghum‐sudangrass with broadcast litter, the next highest treatment combination, and, with lesser nutrient loss.

Effect of Different Nutrient Combinations on Quality of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. Var. Saccharata.)

A field experiment was conducted at Post Graduate Instructional Farm, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, India, during Rabi season 2020. The trial was laid out in Randomised Block Design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The soil of the experimental plot was clay loamy, medium in available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus, and high in available potassium. The sowing was done on 24 November 2020. The general recommended dose of fertiliser applied was 120:60:40 N: P2O5: K2O kg ha-1+ 10 t FYM ha-1. Application of 125% general recommended dose of fertiliser along with a foliar spray of 2% 19:19:19 NPK at 30 and 45 DAS recorded significantly higher crude protein content in cob and stover (11.12%, 5.18%), Protein Yield (1878 kg ha-1).

Establishing a Hyperspectral Model for the Chlorophyll and Crude Protein Content in Alpine Meadows Using a Backward Feature Elimination Method

Establishing a Hyperspectral Model for the Chlorophyll and Crude Protein Content in Alpine Meadows Using a Backward Feature Elimination Method

Dietary Replacement of Soybean Meal with Zanthoxylum bungeanum Seed Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, and Nutrient Utilization in Broiler Chickens

Zanthoxylum bungeanum seed meal (ZBM), a novel plant protein raw material, has shown promising potential in enhancing the growth of broiler chickens as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in feed. In the artificial digestive experiment of vitro experiments, the digestibility of ZBM and SBM were assessed using the SDS-III Single Stomach Animal Biometric Digestion System. Subsequently, 180 1-day old AA chicks were divided into three groups for in vivo experiments: corn–soybean-meal-based diet (CON group); ZBM replacing 5% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-1 group); ZBM replacing 10% soybean meal in the basal diet (ZBM-2 group). The experiment period lasted for 42 days. Compared to SBM, ZBM demonstrated higher crude protein content, dry matter digestibility, and extracorporeal digestible protein. Compared with the CON group, the broilers in the ZBM-2 group showed improved ADG and ADFI during the 1–21 d, 22–42 d, and 1–42 d periods (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the ZBM groups exhibited significant increases in slaughter performance compared with the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). The substitution of ZBM for SBM also leads to a significant reduction in serum enzyme indicators (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, the lipoprotein and total cholesterol of the ZBM groups were significantly lower than those of the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). Substituting SBM with ZBM significantly enhances the activity of superoxide dismutase and the content of immunoglobulin G in broiler serum, while reducing the content of malondildehyde (p &lt; 0.05). The ZBM groups showed significantly higher utilization of dry matter, crude protein, and energy compared with the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, the study confirmed that the substitution of SBM with 5–10% ZBM in broiler diets has a significant positive effect on growth, development, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and nutrient utilization. This study not only provides a theoretical foundation for the utilization of ZBM in broiler diets but also offers an effective approach for reducing reliance on soybean meal.

Forage yield, seed, and forage qualitative traits evaluation by determining the optimal forage harvesting stage in dual-purpose cultivation in safflower varieties (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Abstract Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.), adapted to arid and semiarid regions, is grown for seed and petal production, but the present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of simultaneous forage and seed production in the autumn and middle types of safflower varieties in dual-purpose cultivation in semiarid areas in the shortfall forage period. An experiment was done based on a randomized complete block design with nine treatments and three replications at the Seed and Plant Improvement Institute, Agriculture Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj, Iran. The treatments included the cultivation of Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr varieties with the purpose of seed harvesting as control treatments; the same varieties (Parnian, Goldasht, and Golmehr), once with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% stem elongation stage and seed harvesting; and again with the aim of forage harvesting at 50% branching stage and seed harvesting. The results showed that forage harvesting at the 50% branching stage significantly increased the dry and fresh forage yield compared to the 50% stem elongation stage. The highest fresh and dry forage yields (DFY) (42,229 and 11,266 kg/ha) were related to the Golmehr variety at the 50% branching stage. Forage harvesting at the stem elongation stage decreased the crude protein, protein content, and digestibility compared to the branching stage in three safflower varieties. Parnian variety had the maximum seed yield (2,226 kg/ha) without forage harvesting. The highest seed yield in the second year (2018–2019) of the experiment belonged to the Golmehr variety (1,310 kg/ha) to harvest forage at 50% stem elongation (rapid stem growth) and seed harvest treatment, which compared to the first year (2017–2018), showed an increase of 25%. Finally, the forage harvested amount of all three varieties studied was higher in the branching stage than in the stem elongation stage. These results implied that the Golmehr variety (11,266 kg/ha DFY and 520 kg/ha seed yield) is for dual-purpose cultivation, and the Parnian variety (2,226 kg/ha seed yield) is suitable for only seed production for the semiarid region of Karaj in Iran and similar areas in terms of climate.

Reusing livestock farming wastewater for Tifton 85 irrigation: productivity, morphological, and bromatological indicators

The utilization of wastewater from livestock farming (WLF) represents a common agricultural practice, but the absence of research on its agronomic impacts hinders its sustainable implementation. This study assesses the reutilization of WLF combined with nitrogen fertilization on the morphological, bromatological, and productivity attributes of a Tifton 85 pasture during the winter season. The study involved the application of different types of water via sprinkler: (I) stream water; (II) mixture of WLF and stream water at a 1:1 ratio; and (III) undiluted WLF combined with mineral nitrogen fertilization (0 and 45 kg N ha-1) administered at the commencement of the regrowth period. Irrigation was applied on a weekly basis, totaling 2,440 m3 ha-1. At 106 days post-regrowth, parameters including forage productivity, height, leaf-stem ratio, leaf area index, nitrogen nutrition index, crude protein content, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and mineral matter content were determined. Mineral fertilization at the prescribed dosage (45 kg N ha-1) did not have any discernible impact on the parameters under investigation. On average, the reuse of WLF raised the productivity from 2.50 to 5.12 t ha-1 and the Crude Protein from 12.35% to 14.58% compared to stream water. The reuse of WLF demonstrated superior outcomes (p &lt; 0.01) in terms of pasture productivity, nutritional quality, and nitrogen accumulation compared to irrigation solely with stream water. The reuse of diluted WLF (1:1) without fertilization proved adequate to sustain Tifton 85 pastures during the winter season in the Brazilian Cerrado region. Keywords: Cynodon dactylon, forage, irrigated pasture.

Metabolomic and morphologic surveillance reveals the impact of lactic acid-treated barley on in vitro ruminal fermentation.

Lactic acid (LA) treatment of cereals is known to improve ruminant performance. However, changes in cereal nutrient levels and variations in rumen fermentation remain unclear. This study was designed to compare the effects of 5% LA treatment on the trophic and morphological characteristics of barley and to discover the differences in rumen fermentation characteristics and metabolomes between LA-treated and untreated barley. Compared with those of untreated barley (BA), the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash and water-soluble carbohydrate contents of barley plants treated with 5% LA for 48 h (BALA) decreased, but the resistant starch (RS) and non-fiber carbohydrate contents increased. Moreover, the amount of proteinaceous matrix in BA decreased in response to LA treatment. During in vitro fermentation, BALA had a greater pH but lower dry matter disappearance and ammonia, methane, and short-chain fatty acid levels than BA. The differential metabolites between BA and BALA were clustered into metabolic pathways such as purine metabolism, lysine degradation, and linoleic acid metabolism. Observable differences in ultrastructure between BALA and BA were noted during fermentation. Lactic treatment altered barley nutrient content, including DM, CP, RS, ash, water-soluble carbohydrates and non-fiber carbohydrates, and affected barley ultrastructure. These variations led to significant and incubation time-dependent changes in the in vitro fermentation characteristics and metabolome.

Effects of harvest height and time on hay yield and quality of some sweet sorghum and sorghum Sudangrass hybrid varieties.

This experiment was conducted in the Research and Application Field of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, during the 2020 and 2021 summer period. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of different harvesting heights on forage yields and crude ash, fat, protein, and carbon and nitrogen content of leaves and stalks of sweet sorghum (SS) and sorghum sudangrass hybrid (SSH) cultivars. Nutri Honey and Nutrima varieties of SSH and the M81-E and Topper-76 varieties of SS were used in this study. The experiment was conducted using the randomized complete block design with four replications. The main plots each included two early and late varieties of SS and SSH cultivars, while the subplots were used to test different harvesting heights (30, 60, 90, 120, 150 cm) and physiological parameters of each crop. The results of this study showed that dry forage yields increased with plant growth, with the amount of forage produced at the end of the growth cycle increasing 172.2% compared to the early growth stages. Carbon (C) content of leaves decreased by 6.5%, nitrogen (N) by 46%, crude protein (CP) by 54%, crude fat (CF) by 34%, while crude ash (CA) content increased by 6% due to the increase in plant height harvest. At the same time, in parallel with the increase in plant height at harvest, the nitrogen content of the stems of the plants decreased by 87%, crude protein by 65%, crude ash by 33% and crude fat by 41%, while the carbon content increased by 4%. As plant height at harvest increased, hay yield increased but nutrient contents of the hay decreased. However, the Nutrima, Nutri Honey and M81-E sorghum cultivars, harvested three times at heights of 90 to 120 cm, are recommended for the highest yield.