Crude Protein Values Research Articles

Assessment of two diet types in reduced-crude protein diets with or without phytase supplementation – implications on key phenotypic responses in 21-day-old broiler chickens

ABSTRACT 1. Two concurrent experiments were conducted to investigate the effect of using the crude protein (CP) value of supplemental amino acids (AA) in formulating reduced-crude protein (RCP) diets. The RCP diets formulated without accounting for CP values of supplemental AA (RCPN) or otherwise (RCPY) or a positive control (PC) diet were fed without (Experiment 1) or with (Experiment 2) phytase. 2. Each experiment utilised 105 male broiler chicks. Birds were provided a common starter diet from d 0–7. On d 21, ileal digesta were collected from the distal half of the ileum. For mRNA expression analysis, tissues were collected from the mid-jejunum and the liver. Excreta grab samples were collected for analysis for N content. 3. In Experiment 1, there was a stepwise decrease (p < 0.01) in weight gain and excreta N for birds receiving PC, RCPN and RCPY diets. The coefficients of ileal digestibility of His, Leu, Phe and Trp were greater (p < 0.05) in birds that received RCPY rather than the PC diets. The relative mRNA expression of CAT1 was greater (p < 0.05) for birds that received the PC diet. 4. In Experiment 2, growth performance and excreta N were not different between the PC and RCPN diets, but weight gain, feed intake and excreta N were greater (p < 0.01) in birds receiving PC or RCPN diets. The coefficients of digestibility were greater (p < 0.01) in RCP than PC diets for Lys, Thr, Cys, Gly and Ser. The mRNA expression for S6kinase and PRKAβ2 was greater (p < 0.05) for birds fed RCPN compared to PC. 5. In conclusion, accounting for the N content of supplemental AA during feed formulation for RCP diets will influence the effect of CP reduction on growth performance and ileal amino acid digestibility.

Comparison of fattening performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and leg bone traits among three goose genotypes reared under intensive conditions.

This study aimed to evaluate fattening performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and leg bone traits in geese reared under an intensive production system, depending on genotypes. In the study, a total of 210 goslings (70 goslings for each genotype such as Linda, Toulouse, and Mast) were obtained from 168-week-old breeders. The geese were fed ad libitum with the same feeds during 12 weeks. Then, 5 males and 5 females from each goose genotype (30 birds in total) were slaughtered to determine the carcass, meat, and bone properties. The fattening performance, carcass properties, relative organ weights, and proximate analyses of breast and thigh meats did not differ among the genotype groups. The relative abdominal fat percentage weight was the highest in the Mast geese among the examined genotypes. Dry matter and crude protein values in meat were affected by genotype. The liver compositions, such as dry matter, crude fat, and crude protein, was significantly different from breast and thigh meat. It was found that the meat of Toulouse and Linda genotypes had lower SFA, n6/n3, and TI values, but higher MUFA, UFA, and crude protein values, making them superior to the meat of the Mast genotype. In the thigh meat, it was determined that lower SFA, AI, and TI values, and higher MUFA and UFA values, made it superior to the breast meat. In goose liver, DFA, NF and TI values were higher than the other tissues. Interactions were observed in the chemical composition and some fatty acids (P < 0.05). The femur and metatarsus bones of the Linda genotype were more durable than those of the Mast genotype due to their lower Robusticity indexes of femur and metatarsus bones. These results show that Linda and Toulouse geese are superior to the Mast genotype in terms of valuable fatty acids under intensive fattening. Additionally, the superior bone strength of Linda geese indicates that bone-related problems will be less common when this genotype is raised under intensive conditions.

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.

Chemical characteristics of grass silage with the use of acidifier after opening the bag

The objective of this work was to evaluate the chemical characteristics of Miyagi grass silage (Megathyrsus maximus cv. Miyagi), with the addition of moisture sequestrants (ground corn grain - GCG, and dried distillers grain with solubles and high fiber, DDGS), and addition of inoculant (SiloSolveMC) and/or acid (Mold-Nil Liquid). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3x3 factorial arrangement, with five replications: factor 01, the use of moisture scavengers (without additive, with the addition of GCG and/or DDGS), and factor 2, the use of bacterial inoculant (SiloSolveMC) and/or acid (Mold-Nil Liquid). For the chemical evaluation of the silage, the percentage of dry matter (DM), the insoluble fiber in neutral detergent (NDF), mineral matter contents (MM), and crude protein (CP). There were no interactions between moisture scavengers, bacterial inoculants, and/or acids. The use of moisture scavengers interfered with DM (P&lt;0.05), observing a value with GCG and DDGS use of 36.18% and 35.46%, respectively, higher than MGS (27,68%). For NDF values using GCG and DDGS, values of 51.39% and 65.47%, respectively, lower (P&lt;0.05) than MGS (70.72%) were observed. The use of microbial inoculant and acid did not alter (P&gt;0.05) the OM values, with an average value of 92%. As for CP, there was no interaction (P&gt;0.05) of moisture scavengers, microbial inoculant, and/or acid. It is recommended to include moisture-sequestering foods associated with MGS to obtain better DM, NDF, and CP values after opening the bag and the use of microbial inoculants and/or acids in the MGS did not influence these characteristics.

224 Yield and nutritive values of a polycrop and annual cereal monoculture used in winter swath grazing

Abstract This 3-yr study evaluated a comparative biomass yield and nutritive values of 2 forage systems: 1) a cereal monoculture (CDC-SO1 oats) and 2) a polycrops (PC) consisting of oat, brassicas (turnip and rape) and forage pea (4010) harvested at the hard dough (HD) stage for winter swath grazing purpose. A 12-ha field was divided into six, 2-ha paddocks, where each paddock was randomly assigned to 1 of 2 replicated (n = 3) forage systems. Forages were seeded in June and sampled for biomass yield and nutritive value at the soft dough (SD) and HD stages of oats. The seeding rate of oat monoculture (OM) was 157 kg/ha, while the PC was 45 kg/ha (oat), 11 kg/ha (forage pea) and 6 kg/ha (brassica). Forage samples were collected from a 0.6 m2 area at 24 pre-selected GPS points (4 per paddock), weighed and then oven-dried to a constant weight to determine DM yield. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS and included treatment effects and treatments × stage interactions. Year was treated as a random effect due to climatic variations across years. For OM, there was a significant difference (P = 0.03) in biomass yield between SD (7,762.7 ± 1,217.9 kg/ha) and HD (8,902.8 ± 1,217.9 kg/ha) stages, while PC biomass yield did not differ (P = 0.94) between SD (5,922.4 ± 1,217.9 kg/ha) and HD (6,163.1±1,217.9 kg/ha) stages. The biomass yields between the two forage systems were different (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at the SD and HD stages. Crude protein (CP) concentration did not differ (P &amp;gt; 0.05) between the OM and PC at SD (10.4 vs 10.3%) and HD (8.9 vs 9.6%) stages. At the SD stage, significant differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) between OM and the PC were observed for neutral detergent fiber (NDF, 50.9 vs 44.1%), calcium (0.2 vs 0.5%), phosphorus (0.2 vs 0.3%), and RFV-relative feed value (120.3 vs 142.2). Similarly, the starch (20.9 vs 16.5%), calcium (0.2 vs 0.5%), and phosphorus (0.2 vs 0.3%) values for OM and PC, respectively, also differed (P &amp;lt; 0.05) at the HD stage. Differences (P &amp;lt; 0.05) were observed between the SD and HD stages of OM for acid detergent fiber (ADF, 30.1 vs 27.0%), total digestible nutrient (TDN, 65.4 vs 67.9%), and starch (14.9 vs 20.9%) content, respectively. Study results suggest that swathing OM at the HD stage would be beneficial in terms of greater biomass yield without compromising quality, while PC can be harvested at either SD or HD stages based on the annual cereal component. Also, the lack of significant difference in the RFV, CP and TDN values between the PC and OM at the HD stage suggests that PC could be a viable alternative forage system for winter swath grazing.

Development of Fruit Based Flavored White Cheese

Cheese is important food constituents among the processing dairy product. Nowadays flavored white cheese is alternatively provided as food product in order to increase consumer acceptance throughout the world. However, flavored cheeses not familiar to consume in Ethiopia. Hence the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the nutritional and sensory appeal of fruit flavored white cheese. A total of 20 liters of fresh milk were brought from Holeta dairy research livestock farm so as to process the cheese. The fruits (Lemon &amp; Orange) were purchased from Holeta fruit juice shops. The experiment was conducted in five treatments such as 3% fruit flavored cheese, 6% fruit flavored cheese, 9% fruit flavored cheese, 12% fruit flavored cheese and the control (cheese without fruit flavored) using mixture expert design software. Physicochemical of pH, titratable acidity, moisture content, ash content, crude protein, crude fat, mineral and sensory evaluation were done following standard procedures. All the samples were analyzed in duplicate. The sensory attributes were done using five hedonic scale by 15 semi-trained panelists. In this study the result showed that the highest mean score of pH value (6.04) for 12% fruit flavored cheese, Moisture content (3.76%) for 6% flavored cheese and Crude Fat (17.85%) for 3% flavored cheese respectively. Although the highest mean value of Ash (11.55%) and Crude Protein (53.72%) shown in the control. A significant difference (P&amp;lt;0.05) was shown by only Mg among Ca, Fe, Zn and K. Moreover, Color, flavor, odor, texture and overall acceptance shown no significant difference (P&amp;gt;0.05) from Sensory attributes. In conclusion, using fruit flavored cheese may enhance the nutritional quality and sensory acceptance of the cheese. This research study will provide good information for those working on fruit juice shops as well as juice industries to use as alternative product.

Does adding legumes to tall fescue pastures before stockpiling improve productivity and animal performance?

AbstractThe rising prices of N fertilizer led to exploring cost‐saving efforts, such as intercropping cool‐ or warm‐season legumes serving as alternative sources of N for managing fall‐stockpiled tall fescue [Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort.; TF]. We aimed to evaluate red clover (Trifolium pratense L.; RC) and sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.; SH) mixed with TF as alternative sources of N for stockpiling TF to increase productivity and animal performance. The experiment was conducted in Crossville, TN, in 2020 and 2021 and consisted of TF pastures mixed with RC (TRC) or SH (TSH), and TF fertilized with urea (TU). The experiment was divided into two periods: the pre‐grazing period (stockpiling) (April–October) and the grazing period (October–December). After the stockpiling period, Black Angus beef (Bos taurus) steers were used for the grazing period. The study evaluated the botanical composition, herbage mass (HM), nutritive value, steer average daily gain (ADG), and net returns (NR). The TRC pastures had a greater proportion of legumes compared to TSH plots in May, October, November, and December of both years. There were no differences among treatments for the total HM and nutritive value in 2020; however, in 2021, TU had greater HM at the beginning of the grazing period and greater average crude protein values compared to the other treatments. In both years, there were no differences among treatments for ADG or NR. Therefore, producers can make the same profit considering the beef steer price and the cost of conventional and alternative N sources.

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.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Physico-Chemical and Sensory Properties of Yam-Based Cookies Produced from Flours of Five Yam Varieties

The aspiration to reduce post-harvest losses of yams via the promotion of utilisation of the abundant readily available raw materials for industrial purposes and production of health-enhancing foods prompted this research. This work focused on evaluating the phytochemical, antioxidant, physicochemical and sensory properties of yam-based cookies produced from the flours of five yam varieties. Established standard procedures were used in all analyses. Results showed; Phytochemical compounds such as phenols, flavanoids, alkaloids and tannins were found present in the yam-based cookies in the range of 0.24- 0.37mg/100g, 0.26- 0.40 mg/100g, 0.6- 2.13mg/100g and 0.01- 0.17mg/100g. Saponin was not detected in all the yam flour cookies. Only a trace of 0.05 mg/100g was observed in wheat flour cookies (the control), Antioxidant activities of the yam-based cookies revealed that DPPH, FRAP, MCA, HRSA and SRSA ranged from 41.19-84.32, 0.29-0.95, 34.15-78.51, 29.64-69.54 and 24.13- 81.52 accordingly. Gluthanion was used as standard. The general trend observed was that, in all cases; sample HKC had the least antioxidant activities, OGC and ARC had higher antioxidant activities among the yam-based cookies, while GSH (the control) had the highest. The proximate values for Moisture, ash, crude fiber, crude protein, fat, carbohydrate and energy of yam-based cookies ranged from 7.31- 8.80%, 1.10 - 2.30%, 0.13 – 4.27%, 8.53-10.48%, 2.24 – 3.84%, 73.70-78.38% and 334.06-359.28 Kcal/100g. Physical properties of the Yam-based cookies such as diameter, width, thickness, weight, Spread ratio, spread factor and fragility ranged from 3.70-4.67 cm, 23.93-28.00 cm, 2.63-4.33cm, 5.16-9.67g, 0.83-1.64, 54.63-106.84 and 430.00-790.00g respectively. Cookies from all samples showed good physical quality features for the production cookies and biscuits. Sensory properties such as appearance, texture, crispiness aroma, taste and general acceptability of yam-based cookies ranged from 5.32-8.30, 6.48-8.44, 7.50-8.44, 6.36-7.68, 7.48-8.50, and 6.30-7.84 on a 9-point hedonic scale. Data from this study proved that it was feasible to produce acceptable cookies from the flours of the five yam varieties selected. Overall, samples GBC and ARC cookies competed favorably with the control-wheat cookies and are recommended for mass production. In Particular, sample ARC also combined good nutritional, phytochemical quality and strong antioxidant activities that could be of health benefits to consumers.

Herbage accumulation and nutritive value of new bermudagrass accessions and cultivars

AbstractBermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] is an important forage source for ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions of the world; nevertheless, little is known about the productive and nutritional characteristics of new accessions and cultivars originating from breeding programs. Five bermudagrass cultivars (Tifton 85, Jiggs, Florida 44, Callie, and Newell) and five accessions (276, 282, 323, 286, and Missouri) were tested during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Genotype × harvest interactions were detected for herbage accumulation (HA), crude protein (CP), and nitrogen yield (p &lt; 0.05). In June, all bermudagrass genotypes showed significant variation in HA, with accession 286 being more productive than Jiggs (4.42 vs. 3.24 Mg DM ha−1 harvest−1, respectively, where DM is dry matter). In October, however, accession 323 had greater CP than Callie, accession 286, Newell, and Tifton 85, with average CP values of 155, 128, 136, and 137 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Average in vitro digestible organic matter for accession 323 (450 g kg−1 DM) was similar to that of Tifton 85 and Newell but greater than that of Missouri (393 g kg−1 DM). Genotypes displayed unique responses to all traits across harvest dates. According to the principal component analysis, the accession Missouri exhibited low productive and nutritive value properties. The accession 286 showed greater CP concentration while still productive; thus, this accession will be further examined for future release to livestock or hay producers in subtropical regions worldwide.

Nutritional composition, fatty acids, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Nigella sativa seed grown in Bangladesh

Black cumin seeds are extensively utilized for foods, cosmetics, and medicinal purposes. The current investigation was undertaken to analyzse the nutritional values, fatty acid compositions, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant roles of different black cumin genotypes available in Bangladesh. The genotype BSK-2074 had a higher content of proximate composition of crude oil (35.17%), crude protein (23.51%), total carbohydrate (35.23%), moisture (6.54%), ash (3.74%), crude fiber (8.12%), and gross energy value (644.88 kcal/100 g) than the released varieties and cultivars of black cumin available in Bangladesh. The major fatty acid profile of the seed-oil of the BSK-2074 genotype revealed that the oil contained a high amount of linoleic (59.39%), oleic (25.72%), palmitic (13.11%), and stearic (2.25%) acids, as well as a low amount of arachidic, linolenic, myristic, behenic, palmitoleic, lignoceric, and eicosadienoic acids. Moreover, the genotype BSK-2074 contained a high amount of unsaturated (UFAs, 85%), and low content of saturated (SFAs, 18%) fatty acids, and the ratio of UFAs to SFAs was higher (4.39–5.37). Again, the seeds of the genotype BSK-2074 were also enriched in different minerals, viz., calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc. Moreover, total phenolic contents (TPC) and flavonoid contents (TFC) were found significantly higher in the genotype BSK-2074 (478.47 ± 7.33 mg GAE/100 g and 284.07 ± 2.08 mg QE/100 g, respectively) than the local Kalozira variety (316.48 ± 2.33 mg GAE/100 g and 120.53 ± 3.57 mg QE/100 g) found in Bangladesh. The activities of antioxidants 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were found significantly higher in BSK-2074 (37.93% and 129.65 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g), than the local Kalozira variety (98.09% and 193.75 ± 0.19 mg GAE/100 g). Thus, the new genotype, BSK-2074, was identified and suggested as the most promising and nutritionally enriched genotype of black cumin.

Nutritional status and growth performance of Fijian non-descript local chickens and their crosses with broilers under different production systems

The study compared nutrient intake and growth performance of local chickens to that of local x broiler crossbreds under scavenging and indoor conventional systems. A total of 48 male and 48 female chickens for each of the two chicken types were allocated to four outdoor free-range pens. The chickens were allowed to scavenge whilst being supplemented with sorghum plus kitchen waste and broiler growers from week 5 to week 13 of age. The same design was repeated using the indoor conventional system. Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had higher growth rates under the scavenging system than the indoor production system (P < 0.05). Local chickens and their crosses with broilers had the same growth rates when fed the same diet (P > 0.05). Crop and gizzard contents from local chickens had the same crude protein as their crosses with broilers under both systems (P > 0.05). The crude protein values of crop and gizzard contents ranged from 25.4 to 30.4%. Crop and gizzard contents from scavenging chickens had energy content ranging from 16.2 to 17.1 MJ/Kg which was lower (P < 0.05) than that from chickens under the indoor conventional system (20.3 to 25.8 kJ/Kg). Iron content ranged from 655.7 to 1619.4 mg/Kg in scavenging chickens and 156.1 to 621.4 mg/Kg in enclosed chickens. Chickens of the same type had higher iron content in their crop and gizzard contents under the scavenging system than the conventional system (P < 0.05). Crossbreds between local chickens and broilers matches the scavenging abilities of the local chickens but have lower growth rates under the scavenging system.

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

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

Climate-smart hydroponic chamber for efficient green fodder production under resource deficit conditions of semi-arid region

The green fodder deficit is the biggest bottleneck for livestock productivity in semi-arid regions, especially for resource-poor farmers. Low-cost climate-smart hydroponic chamber (CSHC) based hydroponic fodder production provides a viable solution under such an environment. A CSHC equipped with a fan pad-based evaporative cooling system, controlled drip watering system and smart air exhaust system was designed and developed at ICAR-IGFRI, Jhansi, India with the aim of modifying the inside growth environment of the chamber for improved production of quality fodder. The developed CSHC was capable of maintaining daily average temperature and relative humidity in the range of 23-280C and 87-90%, respectively, with an average cooling efficiency of 78.3%. This efficient cooling was an outcome of specialized CSHC designed with an effective covering material (UV stabilized 200 µm LDPE), shade net with 70% shading efficiency, fan pad-based evaporative cooling system, controlled drip watering system, and smart air exhaust system; which enabled ambient environment conducive for optimum plant growth. Among the different treatment combinations of seed loading rates and soaking hours, the highest maize biomass yield of 2.58 kg/ft2 was achieved after seven days with a seed loading rate of 300 g/ft2 when the seed was soaked for 12 h. At the highest productivity of biomass, the values of dry matter, crude protein, and crude fiber contents were found as 13.51%, 13.71%, and 15.12% respectively. The benefit-cost ratio of the developed CSHC was 1.32 with a payback period of 3.12 years. The developed CSHC was found productive and profitable; hence, it can create a great impact in achieving feed security under resource deficit conditions of climate-change-affected semi-arid regions across the globe.

Utjecaj komercijalnih inokulanata na kemijski sastav i fermentaciju silaže od lucerne

Krmne mahunarke teško se siliraju, pa je potrebno primijeniti starter-kulturu od odabranih sojeva bakterija mliječne kiseline koji podupiru proces siliranja i sprječavaju nepoželjne bakterijske maslačne fermentacije te time doprinose očuvanju i poboljšanju kvalitete silaže. Cilj istraživanja bio je procijeniti učinke komercijalnih inokulanata na kemijski sastav i fermentaciju silaže lucerne kultivara OS99. Masa lucerne podijeljena je u šest jednakih dijelova (kontrola – silaža bez inokulanta) i silaža tretirana komercijalnim inokulantima (PIO1 – Pioneer 11H50, PIO2 – Pioneer 11AFT, SIL – Silko, BON – Bonsilage alfa i SAL – Sil–All4 × 4), sve silirano u mikrosilosima. Nakon 90 dana od siliranja, silaže su analizirane s obzirom na kemijski sastav te fermentacijske parametre. Udio suhe tvari i sirovih proteina bio je veći, a udio mliječne i octene kiseline bio je značajno (p&amp;lt;0,05) veći u silaži tretiranoj inokulantima PIO1, PIO2, SIL, BON i SAL u odnosu na kontrolu. Silaža lucerne tretirana inokulantima PIO1, PIO2, SIL, BON i SAL imala je niži udio kiselih i neutralnih deterdžentskih vlakana, niži pH te značajno (p &amp;lt;0,05) niži udio maslačne kiseline, alkohola i NH3–N u usporedbi s kontrolom. Rezultati istraživanja pokazali su da komercijalni inokulanti PIO1, PIO2, SIL, BON i SAL povećavaju kvalitetu silaže lucerne kultivara OS99 u odnosu na kontrolu.

The carcass characteristics and quality of meat from lambs grazing perennial wheat with different companion legumes (clover, serradella, lucerne) or a mineral supplement

This study compared carcasses as well as the quality and mineral concentration of meat from lambs extensively grazing perennial wheat with clover (PW + C), serradella (PW + S), lucerne (PW + L), or a mineral salt supplement (PW + Min). A split-plot design was used, wherein 3 crossbred ewe lambs (n = 72 in total) (sub-plots) grazed each of 4 forage types (plots), that were replicated across 6 locations (blocks). The feeding study concluded after 96 d, when all the lambs were slaughtered. The left longissimus lumborum muscles (LL) were collected and wet aged for either 5 or 56 d post-mortem. Lambs grazing PW + Min were found to produce carcasses with lower dressing percentage values to those grazing the other forage types (P = 0.037). The LL of lambs grazing PW + L had the lowest crude protein values (P = 0.015). Forage type by ageing period interactions did not affect meat quality. The 56 d ageing period resulted in higher purge loss (P < 0.001) and TVB-N values (P < 0.001) and a decline in shear force (P < 0.001) compared to the 5 d ageing period. The other carcass and meat quality parameters were not affected by forage type; including hot carcass weight, pH decline parameters, eye muscle area, cooking loss, intramuscular fat, sarcomere length, colour stability, and concentrations of calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, and zinc in the LL. These findings confirm that perennial cereal production systems, that include legume forages with contrasting protein, energy, and micronutrient profiles, can deliver comparable lamb carcasses and meat quality.

Temporal variation in nutritive value of forage in kermes oak shrublands

This study was carried out to determine the seasonal floristic composition of grasses, forbs, and shrubs in a kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) shrubland in Chalkidiki, Greece, to estimate their nutritive value and to relate it to the nutritional requirements of small ruminants. All the herbaceous and woody species that were present in the study area were identified and collected at the beginning of each season. The samples were categorized into grasses, forbs, and shrubs. Dry matter (DM), ash, ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber assayed with heat stable amylase (aNDF), crude protein (CP), in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) contents were determined. Forty-three plant taxa were identified (30 forbs, 7 grasses, and 6 shrubs). Forbs had higher mean values of ash (94.7 g/kg DM), CP (120.9 g/kg DM), Ca (16.9 g/kg DM), P (1.2 g/kg DM), and IVDMD (590.5 g/kg DM) compared to grasses (72.5 g/kg DM, 86.5 g/kg DM, 3.9 g/kg DM, 0.9 kg-1 DM, and 517.8 g/kg DM), and shrubs (44.5 g/kg DM, 79.9 g/kg DM, 11.0 g/kg DM, 0.7 g/kg DM, and 494.7 g/kg DM), respectively. Cool-season grasses can offer sufficient nutrients to grazing animals during autumn and winter, while shrubs support them during spring and winter.

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.

Changes in Feed Quality in Rangeland Sites Grazing by Different Livestock Species

In this study conducted in the Umudum neighborhood of Erzurum province in 2023, three different rangeland sites (cattle, cattle + sheep, and sheep) were examined. The study investigated the existing feed quantity, crude protein, NDF, ADF ratios, and NYD values. It was observed that the rangeland site with sheep grazing had lower feed quantity, crude protein ratio, and NYD value compared to the sites with cattle and cattle + sheep grazing, while it had higher NDF and ADF ratios.

Salvaging Cashew Apples Through Processing into Simulated Cashew Meat

Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a cash crop mainly grown for its nuts. The dried apple is a good source of protein and non-digestible fibre that is essential to prevent many diseases as it helps in bowel movements to remove waste and non-digestible food materials from human system. The dried apple was obtained from extracting juice from the whole apple before drying. The use of apple which is a by-product can be an opportunity for diversifying activities on the farm. The farmers' revenue can increase through various opportunities which, exist for using cashew apples. However, these opportunities are presently not utilised adequately since most farmers are of the peasant status and has no knowledge on how to process the apple. Due to its high rate of perishability, cashew apples will not require to be transported over long distances and need to be processed, if possible, at the farm settlements. Simulated cashew meat was processed by subjecting cashew apple to juice pressing, blanching, salting and different methods of drying. The products obtained were subjected to physiochemical analysis, sensory evaluation and shelf-life studies. The percentage values for pH, moisture, crude protein and crude fiber contents were 4.71, 9.33, 18.31 and 14.32 respectively. The meat-like substance developed from cashew apple was very similar to dry meat. The sensory analysis revealed that there were no significant differences between processed cashew meat when compared with dry meat. The products were stable at room temperature for three months, studies on going to extend the shelf life further. Production of simulated cashew meat as a substitute for both meat consumers and vegetarians had come as a way of adding value to cashew apples that waste away in our cashew farms during peak seasons.