Differences In Crude Protein Research Articles

Evaluation of Himalayan nettle (Urtica ardens) extract meal in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) feed: Impact on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and antioxidant capacity

This research aims to evaluate the impact of an extract derived from the leaves of Himalayan nettle (Urtica ardens) leaf extract on common carp, Cyprinus carpio, growth, digestive enzymes, fish body carcass composition, antioxidant system, and water quality parameters. For a duration of 90 days, experimental diets containing nettle extract were given to 150 fish (12.38 ± 0.53 g) in 15 tanks (10 fish per tank). The five groups in triplicate were: control or T0 (untreated), T1 (fed 0.3% extract), T2 (0.6% extract), T3 (0.9% extract), and T4 (1.2% extract). Results revealed that nettle extract in the diet increases common carp growth up to 0.9% concentration of extract. Its feed conversion ratio decreases, while weight gain and specific growth rate rise significantly compared to the control diet. No mortality was observed during the 90-day experiment. Dietary nettle extract did not affect whole-body fibre and crude ash percentages (p > 0.05). Nettle-fed and control groups showed significant differences in crude protein, body fat, and total body moisture (p < 0.05). After a 90-day feeding trial, 0.9% nettle extract-fed fish had higher protease, amylase, lipase, and cellulase levels than the control group (p < 0.05). When nettle content reached 1.2%, enzyme activity decreased. Orthophosphate production peaked at 4 and 8 hours after feeding, while ammonia excretion peaked at 2 and 6 hours. The control group excreted the most ammonia and orthophosphate, while the 0.9% group excreted the least. Liver and kidney SOD levels were higher in common carp fed a 0.6% nettle extract diet. Feeding with a 0.9% nettle extract diet improved hepatic lipid peroxidation, gut and liver glutathione. Gut and kidney SOD, catalase, LPO, and GSH increased dramatically on the 1.2% diet. Statistically, the 0.9% nettle extract (T3) group showed the overall best results compared to the control diet. These findings demonstrate the potential of nettle extract as a dietary supplement in aquaculture.

Comparative evaluation of amino acid profiles, fatty acid compositions, and nutritional value of two varieties of head water Porphyra yezoensis: “Jianghaida No. 1” and “Sutong No.1”

Comparative nutritional analysis of Porphyra yezoensis strains “Jianghai No. 1” and “Sutong No.1” revealed significant differences in crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, crude ash, and total sugar. Both strains contained 16 amino acids, with alanine as the highest and histidine the lowest content. Methionine was determined to be the first limiting amino acid for both strains in both amino acid score and chemical score assessment. They also featured 24 fatty acids, differing notably in four saturated fatty acids and five unsaturated fatty acids. All 12 mineral elements were present, notably differing in sodium, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc. The “Jianghai No. 1” strain stands out with its nutrient-rich profile, featuring high protein content, low fat, and abundant minerals, which could potentially command higher market prices and generate greater economic benefits due to its superior nutritional, and set a strong foundation for its future large-scale promotion and cultivation.

Effect of soybean meal replacement with corn gluten meal on the survival, biochemical and metabolic responses, and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Abstract This study delves into the potential of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with corn gluten meal (CGM) in the diet of Litopaeneaus vannamei. We aimed to investigate the effects of a dietary soybean meal replacement on various aspects of shrimp, including survival, biochemical indices, digestive enzymes, metabolomics, and disease resistance against Vibrio harveyi. To conduct the study, we fed 840 juvenile Pacific shrimp seven different diets, each containing varying levels of CGM. The control group received a diet with 0% CGM; the other diets contained 3%, 5%, 7%, 9%, 12%, and 14% CGM. Each group comprised three replicates, and the shrimp were fed their diets for eight weeks. Our findings revealed that the survival rate of the shrimp ranged from 90.83% to 97.50% and did not differ significantly between the control and those fed diet treatments 2–5. Additionally, there were no significant differences in crude protein, moisture, and lipid content. However, we observed that total antioxidant capacity content increased with the dietary inclusion of CGM. Furthermore, malondialdehyde content decreased with increasing CGM levels, while superoxide dismutase increased, indicating no obvious oxidative damage was observed in CGM treatment groups. Interestingly, shrimp fed diets 2 and 3 had considerably lower alanine aminotransferase activity than shrimp in the control group. The disease resistance in shrimp was improved across all treatment groups, with a notably higher CGM inclusion having the highest level of mortality during the challenge test. Finally, we analyzed the metabolomics data and found PCA score plots clearly separated the control group and shrimp fed CGM diets. Our study revealed that a 3% substitution rate of SBM with CGM can enhance survival and immunity, regulate metabolites and improve disease resistance.

Effects of Dietary Fish Meal Replaced by Cottonseed Protein Concentrate on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Liver and Intestinal Health of Juvenile Hybrid Culter

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of concentrated cottonseed protein (CPC) as a substitute for fishmeal (FM) in juvenile hybrid culter (Erythroculter ilishaeformis ♀ × Ancherythroculter nigrocauda ♂). A total of 360 fish with an initial body weight of 10.0 ± 0.5 g were randomly allocated into 12 indoor culture tanks, with each tank containing 30 fish. Four diets were formulated in which fish meal (FM) was replaced by CPC at different inclusion levels: 0% (T0), 15% (T15), 30% (T30), and 45% (T45). The corresponding amounts of CPC included were 0, 61, 122, and 182 g/kg, respectively. At the end of the 10-week feeding trial, the findings revealed an inverse correlation between the proportion of CPC replacing FM and both final body weight (FBW) and weight growth rate (WG) in hybrid culter. Specifically, the T30 and T45 groups exhibited significantly lower FBW and WG compared to the T0 group (p &lt; 0.05). No significant differences in crude protein and ash contents were observed among all groups (p &gt; 0.05). However, the crude lipid content was highest in hybrid culter fed the T45 diet and lowest in the T0 group (p &lt; 0.05). There were no significant differences in muscle amino acid composition among all treatment groups (p &gt; 0.05). The contents of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB) declined slightly as the proportion of FM substituted by CPC increased, yet this decline did not reach statistical significance (p &gt; 0.05). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity elevated with increasing dietary CPC, and the T45 group exhibited significantly higher ALT activity compared to the T0 group (p &lt; 0.05). The hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were significantly lower in the T45 group than in the T0 and T15 groups (p &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, there was a decrease in intestinal villi length with an increasing replacement ratio of FM by CPC, and the villi length in the T45 group exhibited a significant reduction when compared to that in the T0 group (p &lt; 0.05). It is concluded that replacing 15% FM with CPC does not exert obviously detrimental effects on growth performance, serum biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, muscle amino acid profile, or antioxidant performance of juvenile hybrid culter.

Corn gluten meal diets supplemented with dietary L-carnitine for juvenile hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂E. lanceolatus): Impacts on growth performance, immune response and flesh quality

The focus of this research was to assess if corn gluten meal diet supplemented with L-carinitine (LC) LC0, LC0.2, LC0.4, LC0.6, LC1.2, LC1.4, LC1.6, with LC levels of 0 for the control group, 200, 400, 600, 1200, 1400, and 1600 mg/kg, respectively, may be a viable option for juvenile hybrid grouper (♀Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂E. lanceolatus). It’s impact on juvenile hybrid grouper growth, immunity, gene expression, and disease resistance. Each group in the experiment had three replicates (initial weight = 13.57 ± 0.00 g) and were fed their respective diets for eight weeks. When LC0.2 was compared to LC0, it showed a significant improvement on growth (P < 0.05). The treatment groups had no differences in crude protein, moisture, or ash content. Serum acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, total antioxidant capacity, and glutathione peroxidase all increased. Fish fed LC0.2 had more steatosis in their hepatocytes in the liver than fish fed LC0, however the differences were not significant in LC0 (P ˃ 0.05). In the LC0.6, LC1.2, and LC1.4 groups, FAS mRNA levels were significantly downregulated. The expression of PPARA and PPARR was higher in the LC0.2 and LC0.4 groups, but not significantly different (P ˃ 0.05) from the LC0. In comparison to LC0, the fish fed diets LC0.2 and LC0.6 had the lowest mortality rate (P < 0.05) in a bacterium challenge test. Finally, based on all of the factors, replacing FM with CGM supplemented with LC0.2 (200 mg/kg) might be used to meet the nutritional needs of fish.

Nutrient profiling of Wild Aonla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.) populations in Northeast India: Assessing the potential of this fruit tree for ecological and human health restoration

Assessing the potential of native species like Emblica officinalis (Aonla) is vital for various reasons. It supports biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, ecological equilibrium, human well-being, and climate resilience. This study, conducted across 30 diverse locations in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India, unveiled substantial morphological and nutrient variations among Aonla genotypes. Notable findings include G24's high total soluble solids content, G1's maximum acidity, and G13's elevated total carbohydrate content. G29 stood out with increased pectin, vitamin C, and phosphorus, while G19 exhibited higher total chlorophyll, carotenoids, and potassium. Additionally, genotypes displayed differences in crude protein, total starch, crude fibre, and total phenol content. Four promising genotypes (G29, G19, G24, and G1) hold the potential for genetic crop enhancement, offering benefits in local nutrition, health, soil quality, and water retention, not only in Northeast India but also beyond. This research underscores the significance of understanding and utilizing native resources to foster both ecosystems and human communities.

40 Effect of Soybean Meal Inclusion on Grow-Finish Pig Performance and Nitrogen Balance

Abstract Mixed-sex pigs (n = 240 PIC 337×1050; initial BW = 23 ± 4.7 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of soybean meal (SBM) inclusion on the growth performance and nitrogen balance of grow-finish pigs. Pigs were assigned across 60 split-sex pens, and pens were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments (10 pens∙treatments-1∙sex-1). Diets were formulated with increasing SBM for an approximate 3% incremental difference in crude protein (CP) between treatments. The treatments were: 1) low SBM (L-SBM) corn-soy diet supplemented with synthetic amino acids, 2) medium SBM diet (M-SBM) with SBM formulated to replace all synthetic lysine and equal to L-SBM in SID lysine, and 3) high SBM diet (H-SBM) contained excess levels of all amino acids. Diets were fed in four feeding phases ranging from approximately 25-50, 51-75, 76-105, and 106-135 kg for phases 1-4, respectively. From phases 1 to 4, SBM inclusion ranged from approximately 26-48% (SID Lys 1.06-1.32%), 19-41% (SID Lys 0.89-1.15%), 15-35% (SID Lys 0.76-1.01%), and 13-29% (SID Lys 0.68-0.86%), respectively. Additionally, diets within each phase were isocaloric. Pig BW and feed intake were measured for each phase to calculate ADG, ADFI, and G:F. On day 66, 18 gilts (n =6/treatment) were placed into metabolism stalls for total urine and feces collection over a 72 h period to assess CP digestibility and nitrogen balance. Pigs were marketed at approximately 134 kg BW, and carcass weight, backfat depth, and loin depth were measured at the harvest facility. Data were subject to ANOVA in SAS 9.4. Pen was the experimental unit, and the results were significant at P ≤ 0.05. Overall (d 0-98) pig ADFI, ADG, or G:F did not differ across treatments (P ≥ 0.202). However, there was a significant diet-by-phase interaction for ADG (P = 0.045) and G:F (P = 0.008), where H-SBM fed pigs grew faster in phase two compared with the M-SBM (1.07 vs. 1.02 kg/d; P = 0.026) or L-SBM (1.07 vs. 1.02 kg/d; P = 0.028) fed pigs. Consequently, in phase two, H-SBM pigs had improved G:F compared with M-SBM (0.47 vs. 0.44; P = 0.005) or L-SBM pigs (0.47 vs. 0.44; P = 0.001). However, these effects were not evident in the other phases. Apparent total tract digestibility of CP and nitrogen retention were similar between treatments (P ≥ 0.762). However, as expected, nitrogen retention as a proportion of intake, linearly decreased (P &amp;lt; 0.001) as SBM inclusion increased, which translated to an approximate 130% increase in total nitrogen excretion in pigs fed H-SBM compared with L-SBM (40.8 vs. 17.7 g/d; P &amp;lt; 0.001). In conclusion, low and high SBM formulations did not alter grow-finish pig overall performance. However, linearly increased nitrogen excretion was reported as SBM levels increased.

Level of Microbial Contamination of Freshly Prepared Fufu and Retailed Fufu

Fufu is an acid-fermented products produced through submerged fermentation of cassava root in water for days. The study was set to determine the microbiological quality and the physiochemical composition of freshly prepared fufu (FF) and retailed fufu (RF). A standard microbiological method was used in enumerating and identify bacteria and fungi species isolated. The total heterotrophic bacteria count ranges from Log10 cfu/g 2.14 to 6.18 and 3.56 to 7.06 for retailed fufu and freshly prepared fufu respectively. Predominant bacteria found in the samples studied and their percentage of distribution were Lactobacillus 17(23%), Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus sp. 14(19%), Bacillus sp. 13(18%), Micrococcus sp. 5(7%), Enterobacter and Corynebacterium were 4(5%) and Proteus has the least 3(4%). Among the fungi were Mucor sp. and Candida sp. were 6(26.1%), Aspergillus niger 4(17.4%), Saccharomyces sp. 5(21.7%), and Rhizopus sp.2(8.7). The proximate analysis revealed an insignificant difference in crude protein ranging from 1.36% in FF to 1.24 in RF, carbohydrates content 82.88% to83.12% in RF and FF, ash content is higher in FF ranging 7.33% to 1.53% RF, while the moisture content is higher in RF with 9.47% and 1.78% in FF. Magnesium ranges from 38.4mg/ml in FF to 35.3mg/ml in RF .The results obtained showed that the fufu samples that were retailed were more contaminated than the freshly prepared fufu which might pose risk to health. Therefore, there is a need for proper sanitary conditions and best processing and production especially during packing is recommended.

Designing agricultural grasses to help mitigate proteolysis during ensiling to optimize protein feed provisions for livestock.

The efficient preservation of protein in silage for livestock feed is dependent on the rate and extent of proteolysis. Previous research on fresh forage indicated enhanced protein stability in certain Festulolium (ryegrass × fescue hybrids) cultivars compared to ryegrass. This is the first report of an experiment to test the hypothesis that a Lolium perenne × Festuca arundinacea var glaucescens cultivar had reduced proteolysis compared to perennial ryegrass (L. perenne) during the ensiling process. Forages were harvested in May (Cut 2) and August (Cut 4), wilted for 24 h and ensiled in laboratory-scale silos. Silage was destructively sampled at 0 h, 9 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 14 days and 90 days post-ensiling, and dry matter (DM), pH and chemical composition were determined. At Cut 2, there was no difference in crude protein between treatments but ryegrass had higher soluble nitrogen (SN) (P < 0.001) and grass × time interactions (p = 0.03) indicated higher rates of proteolysis. By Cut 4, Festulolium had (5.5% units) higher CP than ryegrass (p < 0.001) but SN did not differ. Ammonia-N did not differ between silages in either cut. DM differences (11.8% units) between treatments in Cut 4 (v.2.2% in Cut 2) may have masked effects on proteolysis, highlighting the importance of management on silage quality. This was despite higher WSC in ryegrass in both cuts (p < 0.001), with grass × time interactions (Cut 2; p = 0.03) showing slower WSC decline in ryegrass in Cut 4 (p < 0.001). Silage pH values did not differ between grasses in either cut, but grass × time interactions (p < 0.001) showed a slower decline in both ryegrass cuts, resulting in higher (p < 0.05) pH at 24 h and 72 h for Cuts 2 and 4, respectively. Overall, the hypothesis for an enhanced protein stability in Festulolium when ensiled as ruminant feed was evidenced by lower SN but not ammonia-N in an early-cut silage with a comparable DM to ryegrass.

Proximate, Electrolyte and Biochemical Profile of Rabbits Fed with Tridax procumbens Residue Meal in Replacement of Vitamins and Minerals in Lapai Niger state Nigeria

Proximate, electrolyte and biochemical profile of rabbits fed with Tridax residue meal replacing Vitamin and Mineral were evaluated in Lapai, Niger State, Nigeria using standard techniques. The dietary treatments evaluated were 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 0% inclusion level of Tridax. The results obtained did not follow any pattern except Urea, Globulin and Creatinine which had significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in the serum biochemical profile. The highest value for crude fat was seen in feed3 with value of 11.33±0.30 and the lowest was recorded in the control feed with value of 10.38±0.21. There was no significant difference in crude protein between feeds 1 and 2 with values of 58.13±0.15 and 56.13±0. 15 but feeds feeds3, 4 and the control feed showed significant difference at (P&lt;0.05) The result of Chloride shows no significant differences (P&lt;0.05) in feeds1, 2 and 3, with values of 7.26±0.96, 7.25 ±3.74 and 7.55±4.81 also feeds4 and the control feed shows no significant difference with values of 6.55±2.67 and 6.46 ± 0.96 but there is significant difference between feeds1, 2, 3 and feeds4 and control feed. The prepared feed supplemented with 20 and 40% Tridax is promising compared to others, hence could be used as a supplement in the feed of rabbit which can be consumed in place of red meat. Also the low cholesterol level in the feeds makes it idle for people with cardiovascular related problem. Thus, the cost of production of feed can be reduced using Tridax plant as a substitute for Vitamin and mineral premix. It is recommended that further studies on the optimum level of inclusion of Tridax plant to be established.

Silage quality and bacterial diversity of silages inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714

Introduction: King grass (Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone, syn. Pennisetum purpuphoides) and pineapple peel (Ananas comosus) silages are food alternatives for livestock in conditions of feed shortage. Objective: To describe the dynamics of the microbiota present in king grass and pineapple silage during the fermentation process using next generation sequencing (NGS) and to evaluate the protective effect of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei_6714 as a silage inoculum against Listeria monocytogenes. Methods: We used an unrestricted randomized design to characterize the microbiota present in silages made from king grass harvested 70 days after regrowth and pineapple peel. We inoculated mixtures of grass and peel with L. paracasei_6714 or L. monocytogenes, or both, with a non-inoculated treatment as control. The nutritional and fermentative profile was evaluated after 30 days. After 15 and 30 days of fermentation, we used 16S rRNA analysis to determine the dynamics and diversity of the microbiota in the inoculated and control silages. Result: Dry matter content and digestibility did not differ significantly; however, there were differences in crude protein, pH and organic acids. We obtained 4432 amplicon sequence variants of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacterioidetes, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Planctomycetes and Patescibacteria. The relative abundance of each phylum varied depending on the material and fermentation period. Phylum similarity was over 70 % (but not greater than 50 % with Bray-Curtis at the species level). Conclusion: These bacterial communities seem to have an important role during silage fermentation. Proper management of silage processing can reduce or eliminate pathogenic bacteria.

Desativação do desoxinivalenol em grãos de trigo tratados com gás amônia e seu efeito na dieta de Rattus norvegicus

ABSTRACT Fusarium head blight, also known as fusariosis, is caused by a fungus called Fusarium graminearum that produces the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON). This toxin causes problems to human and animal health. Ammonia gas has been shown to be effective in deactivating mycotoxins. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of ammonia gas in the deactivation of DON in wheat grains, the effect of this treatment on its protein composition and the toxicity in rats fed with ammoniated wheat grains. Wheat samples were exposed to ammonia gas at concentrations of 0% (Control), 0.5%, 1% and 1.5%. It was observed that ammonia gas was effective in deactivating DON at concentrations of 1% and 1.5%. There was no difference in crude protein observed in the bromatological analysis of treated wheat grains in relation to the control. Regarding the toxicity of wheat grains treated with ammonia in the feeding of Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus), no histopathological alterations were observed in the liver, kidneys, intestine and in the hematological profile. The results of this study demonstrated that the treatment of wheat with ammonia gas can contribute to the deactivation of DON without compromising its protein composition and animal health.

Recycling of Citric Acid Waste for Potential Use as Animal Feed through Fermentation with Lactic Acid Bacteria and a Mixture of Fibrolytic Enzymes.

Once improperly managed, the citric acid production industry generates waste, which contributes to pollution and other environmental issues. We proposed that, with sufficient quality improvement, citric acid by-product (CAP) might be used for animal feed, thereby reducing the environmental impact. The aim of the present study was to ferment citric acid by-product (CAP) by inoculation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a fibrolytic enzyme mixture for quality improvement and crude fiber reduction in the waste products. LAB inoculants were L. casei TH14, and the additive enzyme used was a fibrolytic enzyme mixture (glucanase, pectinase, and carboxymethylcellulase) of a small-scale fermentation method. The seven treatments employed in this study were as follows: (1) control (untreated), (2) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.01% DM, (3) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.05% DM, (4) CAP-inoculated enzymes at 0.01% DM, (5) CAP-inoculated enzymes at 0.05% DM, (6) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.01% DM with enzymes at 0.01% DM, and (7) CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 at 0.05% DM with enzymes at 0.05% DM. The samples were taken on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 of ensiling, both before and after. Four replications were used. The results of the chemical composition of the CAP before and after ensilage inoculated with L. casei TH14 did not show any differences in crude protein, ether extract, ash, or gross energy, but the enzymes significantly (p &lt; 0.05) decreased crude fiber and increased nitrogen-free extract. The combination was especially effective at improving the characteristics of CAP, with a reduction in crude fiber from 21.98% to 22.69%, of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) from 16.01% to 17.54%, and of acid detergent fiber (ADF) from 13.75% to 16.19%. Furthermore, the combination of L. casei TH14 and the enzyme increased crude protein from 1.75% to 2.24% at 28 days of ensiling. Therefore, CAP-inoculated L. casei TH14 did not change in chemical composition, while crude fiber, NDF, and ADF decreased when CAP was inoculated with enzyme. The combination of L. casei TH14 and the enzyme is more effective at improving chemical composition and reducing crude fiber and enhancing carbohydrate breakdown in the CAP. Finally, by enhancing the CAP's quality, it may be possible to use it in animal feed and minimize its impact on the environment.

Effect of chitosan coatings on proximate parameters and essential minerals composition of smoked catfish

This work had been carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of chitosan-based edible coating on the proximate parameters (moisture; crude protein; fibre; fat; ash and carbohydrate contents) and essential minerals (Na; Fe; Mg; Zn; K; and Ca) of smoked and coated clarians gariepinus. Wholesome catfish was purchased at Yankura fish market in Kano, Nigeria, and transported immediately in water to FCAPT. Kano; Food Science Laboratory for processing and smoking using a newly designed and fabricated improved smoking kiln. Samples of the catfish were then coated with formulated chitosan-based edible polymer using a dip method of application and re-dried with a laboratory oven drier at 35oC for five hrs. Samples were then subjected to proximate parameters and essential elements analysis. The result of proximate parameters showed that there was an increase in moisture, ash, fiber, and carbohydrate contents from 9.73±0.8%, 4.04±0.6%, 3.50±0.5%, and 3.08±0.5 respectively before coating, to 10.27±1.2%, 6.48±1.3%, 4.33±0.6%, and 4.58±0.6% respectively after coating. There was no significant (p&lt;0) difference in crude protein and fat content (67.45±11 and 7.42±0.3 respectively) before coating and (67.05±0.8% and 7.49±0.3% respectively) after coating. The result of the essential minerals component showed that there was no significant difference in the values of zinc, iron, potassium, magnesium, and sodium for both coated and uncoated smoke fish. Only Ca shows a significant increase in the value of coated compared with uncoated smoke catfish. It was concluded that chitosan coating of catfish preserves its nutritional qualities and it can also be a means of fortifying the fish with other minerals to improve its nutritional qualities.

Effect of water quality on the biomass production, nutritional value, and contents of secondary compounds of three genotypes of willow (Salix acmophylla Boiss.) grown for fodder

Shrub willow (Salix spp.) grow naturally in riparian landscapes and combine rapid growth with high rates of evapotranspiration. As willow irrigated with secondary treated wastewater (TWW) can be used as fodder for goats, it could be exploited in otherwise dry areas where such water is available. We examined the effect of irrigating Salix acmophylla Boiss. With secondary treated wastewater (TWW) or municipal freshwater (FW) on growth indices, secondary compounds, and nutritional value of willow fodder over two years grown in 50 L pots in natural soil under ambient conditions. We evaluated ten willow ecotypes belonging to three genotypes (GA, GB, and GC). Biomass production greatly differed among ecotypes. TWW irrigation resulted in a doubling in biomass production, compared with FW. In GA and GC shrubs, the leaf/total weight ratio was higher than in GB. The differences in crude protein (CP) and the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) were 2 % and 3 % (in percentage points, on DM basis) higher respectively in plants irrigated with TWW over FW. Salicin and catechin contents were also greater under irrigation with TWW compared with FW. GC produced less salicinoids, in opposite to chlorogenic acid. Overall, genotype did not affect nutritional value but GC shrubs had more resprouting stems and produced more biomass. Our results suggest that willow genotype is important for biomass and secondary compound production and should be taken into account before large-scale planting. Willow crops irrigated with TWW could produce appreciable biomass and quality fodder for livestock under semi-arid and arid conditions.

Substituting Fish Meal with a Bacteria Protein (Clostridium autoethanogenum Protein) Derived from Industrial-Scale Gas Fermentation: Effects on Growth and Gut Health of Juvenile Large Yellow Croakers (Larimichthys crocea)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Clostridiumautoethanogenum protein (CAP) replacement for fish meal (FM) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, humoral immunity and liver and intestinal health in large yellow croakers (Larimichthys crocea). Four experimental diets were formulated by replacing FM with CAP at different levels—0% (CAP0), 15% (CAP15), 30% (CAP30) and 45% (CAP45). Triplicate groups of juveniles (initial weight = 11.86 ± 0.13 g) were fed the test diets to apparent satiation two times daily for eight weeks. There was no significant difference in final body weight (FBW), weight gain rate (WG) and feed efficiency (FE) between CAP0 and CAP15. However, compared to the CAP0, CAP30 and CAP45 significantly reduced FBW, WG and LDR (p &lt; 0.05), while CAP45 significantly reduced FE and PDR (p &lt; 0.05). The whole-body moisture was significantly increased by CAP replacement of FM while crude lipid content was decreased (p &lt; 0.05). No significant difference in crude protein, ash and liver crude lipid was observed among all groups (p &gt; 0.05). Compared to CAP0, CAP30 and CAP45 significantly reduced serum C4 concentration (p &lt; 0.05), and CAP45 significantly reduced serum AKP activity (p &lt; 0.05) but significantly increased LZM activity (p &lt; 0.05). Serum C3 concentration was significantly increased by CAP15 (p &lt; 0.05). In terms of intestinal histology, CAP addition significantly increased the thickness of intestinal villus (p &lt; 0.05), and CAP15 and CAP45 significantly increased the thickness of intestinal muscular (p &lt; 0.05). The addition of CAP significantly reduced serum DAO and D-lactate concentrations (p &lt; 0.05), indicating the intestinal physical barrier was improved. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that the intestinal microorganisms of large yellow croakers are dominated by organisms from Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The addition of CAP reduced the relative abundance of Ralstonia and Christensenellaceae and increased the relative abundance of Paenibacillus. Overall, the optimum level of CAP replacement FM in large yellow croakers feed is 15%, which helps to improve humoral immunity and intestinal health with no adverse effects on growth. However, the 30% and 45% substitution levels adversely affect the growth and humoral immunity of large yellow croakers.

Improving live weight gain in Ongole crossbred bulls through processing of Gliricidia sepium leaf meal and cassava in a supplement concentrate

Formulating rations using locally produced protein and energy sources is an important strategy to increase beef production in developing countries. Gliricidia sepium leaf meal (GLM), dry cassava powder (DCP), soybean hulls (SBH), peanut husks (PH) and palm kernel cake (PKC) in various combinations, were processed either as a mash or a pellet, to produce a concentrate supplement diet (CSD) for Ongole crossbred bulls in an Indonesian village fattening system. Bulls were given the current feeding system (CFS) ad libitum (T0, control) and CFS ad libitum + 1 % live weight (on approximate DM basis) of five different CSD (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5). Treatments were: T1 (CFS + CSD mash: 25 % GLM + 25 % SBH + 50 % DCP), T2 (CFS + CSD pellet: 25 % GLM + 25 % SBH + 50 % DCP), T3 (CFS + CSD pellet: 50 % GLM + 25 % SBH + 25 % DCP), T4 (CFS + CSD pellet: 50 % GLM + 5 % SBH + 20 % DCP + 10 % PH + 15 % PKC) and T5 (CFS + CSD mash: 50 % GLM + 5 % SBH + 20 % DCP + 10 % PH + 15 % PKC). The experiment was carried out for 12 weeks and arranged in a randomized complete block design with 10 head per treatment. Animals were ranked and blocked based on pre-experiment live weight. The measured experimental variables consisted of growth performance and blood profile. Results showed that CSD supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased dry matter intake and average daily gain of Ongole crossbred bulls without affecting the feed to gain ratio. There were no differences in the average daily gain (ADG) between CSD treatments despite a difference in crude protein (CP) content (9 vs 13 % CP) between high and low DCP inclusion levels (25 % vs 50 %) and inverse GLM inclusion, or mash vs pelleted processing method. This suggested that the response was due primarily to increased metabolisable energy supply rather than CP supply. Daily income over feed cost (IOFC) was highest in T5 treatment (38 % higher than the control) which was formulated to provide the lowest cost of CSD ration. In conclusion, pelleting did not affect the performance of bulls, GLM and DCP could be used effectively at high levels, and a least cost ration approach was most effective in increasing the daily IOFC for smallholder farmers.

Effect of Processing Methods on Nutrient Contents of Sweet Potato (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Ipomoea batatas &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;(L.) Lam.) Varieties Grown in Ethiopia

Sweet potato [<i>Ipomoea batatas</i> (L.) Lam.] is an important crop farmed in most of southern and eastern Africa, including Ethiopia, and is utilized in agriculture, food, and other sectors. The objective of this study was to see how different processing methods (boiling, frying, roasting, and steaming) altered the proximate composition, vitamin C, and mineral content of four popular Ethiopian sweet potato cultivars: Tulla, kulfo, Hawassa 83, and Hawassa 09. UV-Vis and AAS methods were used to determine vitamin C and menial contents, respectively. AOAC methods were used to analyze the proximate composition. The results revealed that there were significant (p<0.05) differences in crude protein and CHO between cultivars. Total carbohydrate between varieties ranged from 45.49 to 89.28%, crude fiber (2.08 to 2.51%), crude protein (1.95 to 8.31%), fat (0.45 to 0.85%), ash (3.88 to 4.23%), and moisture (5.50 to 10.4%). Boiling, roasting, steaming, and frying sweet potato cultivars had no discernible effect on the crude protein and ash content. However, there was a statistically significant (p<0.05) difference in vitamin C levels between roasting and other processing methods. Furthermore, there is a significant variation in calcium and potassium levels (p<0.05) between the kinds. The findings revealed that there is no requirement to select processing methods that result in the least amount of nutritional loss. This means that the nutritional content of sweet potato types is better preserved after processing.

Perennial forages influence mineral and protein concentrations in annual wheat cropping systems

AbstractAgricultural land management may influence crop nutritional quality. However, few studies have explored potential connections between crop quality with different land management strategies. We analyzed mineral and crude protein concentrations in spring wheat grain (Triticum aestivum L.) samples from a study in Mandan, ND conducted from 2006 to 2014. The study introduced a perennial forage phase into an annual spring wheat cropping system, in three to four replicates, and previously found yield benefits and enhanced soil parameters in the perennial forage treatments. We determined whether integrating a perennial forage phase into continuous wheat would also affect crop nutritional quality by measuring wheat grain mineral and protein concentrations. Crude protein concentration was greater (p &lt; .05) when wheat followed alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and increased linearly after 2–5 yr of established alfalfa. We observed comparable wheat grain crude protein and mineral concentrations between continuous annually fertilized wheat and unfertilized wheat following perennial forages. Negative correlations (p &lt; .001) were observed between wheat grain yield and crude protein, potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), nickel (Ni), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn) concentrations. Discriminate multivariate analyses showed, with 96% predictive accuracy, that differences in crude protein and mineral concentration were largely driven by year of wheat harvest. Differences between harvest years were likely due to timely precipitation at critical Growth Stage 3, during spikelet development. Study outcomes highlighted the important role of perennial forages and environmental factors to influence protein and mineral concentration in spring wheat grain.

Comparison of standard and non-standard buckwheat groats for cooking, physicochemical and nutritional properties, and in vitro starch digestibility

In Japan, harvested buckwheat is classified as standard (SBG) and non-standard buckwheat groats (NBG) based on their density, though NBG are used as feed or incinerated. This study aimed to investigate the potential of NBG as a new food by comparing the cooking, physicochemical, and nutritional properties and in vitro starch digestibility of SBG and NBG. The thousand grain weight and whole grain ratio were significantly less for raw NBG (21.72 g and 75.06%) than for raw SBG (27.51 g and 89.39%) (p < 0.05). With the exception of adhesiveness, texture was not significantly different between cooked samples. Although there was no significant difference in crude protein and resistant starch contents between cooked samples, cooked NBG was significantly lower in total starch content and higher in total phenol content than cooked SBG (p < 0.05). The equilibrium concentration of hydrolyzed starch was significantly higher in cooked NBG (102.07%) than in cooked SBG (81.73%) during in vitro digestion (p < 0.05). After in vitro digestion, more voids on the starchy endosperm of cooked NBG were observed than those of cooked SBG. These results indicated that NBG can be a high starch digestibility food that satisfies the texture and nutrition of buckwheat.