Inclusion Of Different Levels Research Articles

Can inclusion of different levels of participation effort improve volunteer diversity and retainment in a citizen science project?

ABSTRACT Citizen science is becoming increasingly popular and important due to the benefits it provides scientists, society, and the environment. However, challenges still exist with the recruitment and retention of demographically diverse volunteers for the success and growth of environment-based citizen science programmes. This study used an avian monitoring citizen science project to investigate (1) the effectiveness of different recruitment methods in obtaining different demographics (gender, age, education), (2) how demographics affect the amount of “participation effort” volunteers were willing to contribute, and (3) whether the amount of “participation effort” influences the intent to undertake future volunteer work. Volunteer demographics did not vary amongst different recruitment methods (aim 1), nor did the level of participation effort influence the intent to volunteer in the future (aim 3). However, older volunteers and those having only completed secondary education were more likely to contribute higher levels of effort, in time spent and additional travel (aim 2). Findings suggest that providing multiple roles that differ in level of effort may be beneficial for future citizen science projects by facilitating the needs and restrictions of different demographics.

The role of context in the word family debate

There has been debate regarding how to define the lexical unit for the receptive skills, with different levels of inclusiveness being possible depending on learner proficiency and pedagogical or research purpose. The most frequently-used definitions for L2 reading are the lemma, flemma, and Bauer and Nation's (1993) level-6 word family (WF6). When WF6 is used, it is assumed that if one family member is known, unfamiliar members can be understood when encountered in meaningful contexts. Past investigations of this assumption have been criticized for assessing knowledge of morphologically-related words only in isolation or in sentence-length contexts. The present study addressed this concern by examining Japanese university students' ability to understand related words in isolation, in limited-context sentences, and in page-length passages. The relationship between baseword and derivational form knowledge was weak, and the level of contextualization had little effect on this relationship. These findings corroborate past findings and support the use of limited-context assessment in research on the word family and the relationship between vocabulary and reading.

The Ensiling melon biomass with different levels of inclusion of ground corn

The aim of this study was to evaluate silages produced with different mixtures of melon biomass and different levels of ground corn. The experiment was conducted under a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (3 × 4), with four replications. The first factor consieted of three mixtures of plant (branch and leaf) and fruit (melon; scraps) on natural matter (NM) as follows: 0, 100 and 1000 g kg-1 fruit. The second factor consisted of the use of different amounts of ground corn (0, 50, 100 and 200 g kg-1). Experimental silos with capacity for 5 kg and density of 500 kg m-3 were used. After 90 days, the silos were opened and the evaluations were carried out. The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were analyzed through the Tukey’s test (fermentative losses, chemical composition, aerobic stability), Scott-Knott test (microbiology and organic acids) and regression, and were compared with a significance level of p<0.05. The best dry matter results were obtained in silages with 0, 100 and 1000 g kg-1 fruit combined with 200 g kg-1 ground corn, which averaged 289.4, 290.4 and 264.1 g kg-1, respectively. Quadratic behavior was observed for effluent losses in silages with 100 g kg-1 fruit presenting a minimum value of 46.8 e and a maximum 56.2 kg t-1 NM. Regarding the mold population count, the highest values were obtained in silages with 100 g kg-1 fruit and 50 g kg-1 ground corn. Silages with 100 and 1000 g kg-1 fruit in melon biomass and 200 g kg-1 ground corn presented superior quality indicators, characterizing these biomass mixtures as the most suitable for silage making.

Can condensed tannins improve fermentation patterns and the nutritive value of sorghum silage?

Context For an ensiling to succeed, the knowledge about the factors that might influence the fermentation dynamics and nutrient loss is mandatory. One of the strategies is the use of additives such as tannins, as they can decrease proteolysis and increase the total organic acids. Aims The aim was to investigate the effects of tannins on fermentation patterns and nutritional value of sorghum silage. Methods Silages containing 0.0, 7.5, 15.0, 22.5, and 30.0 g/kg of tannin on fresh matter were studied. To produce the silage, the tannin was added to the forage and manually homogenised before ensiling. The study was conducted in three experiments. In the first experiment, five replications of each level of inclusion were produced and assigned in a completely randomised design. The chemical composition and fermentation patterns of all experimental units were evaluated. The second experiment consisted of analysing the aerobic deterioration by using a PET bottles system. This experiment was conducted in a completely randomised split plot, with five replications and five treatments with the inclusion of different levels of tannin (main plots) and the hours of exposure of silage to air (subplot). In the third experiment, five levels of tannin (main plots) and incubation times (subplots) were evaluated as for in situ digestibility (ruminal degradability) in a randomised blocks design with three replications (animals). Key results The inclusion of tannins in sorghum silage caused quadratic effects on pH, acetic acid, lactic acid, total organic acids, ammonia nitrogen, dry matter content, crude protein content and in situ digestibility, when the level varied from 10.5 to 22.7 g tannin/kg fresh matter. There was a decreasing linear effect for aerobic deterioration as increasing levels of tannin in sorghum silage. Conclusions The inclusion of tannin as an additive in sorghum silage is recommended for the production of good quality silage. The use of condensed tannins optimise fermentation patterns (especially increasing lactic acid and decreasing ammoniacal nitrogen), chemical composition, providing less aerobic deterioration and improve digestibility. Implications This study revealed that condensed tannins can improve fermentation patterns and the nutritive value of sorghum silage.

88 Ruminal degradation profiles of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein of finishing diets with different levels of inclusion of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles and soybean meal

Abstract The objective of this study was to estimate the ruminal degradation profile of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and crude protein (CP) in concentrate-based diets with different levels of inclusion of dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal (SBM). Red Angus steers [n = 4; body weight (BW) = 360 ± 9 kg] with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas, were used in a 4 × 4 latin square. Diets (TMR) consisted of dry-rolled corn (70%), hay (10%), liquid supplement (5%), and test ingredients (15%). Treatments were (DM basis): 1) 15.0% DDGS (CON); SBM in replacement of 50% of DDGS (SBM50); SBM in replacement of 75% of DDGS (SBM75), and SBM in replacement of 100% of DDGS (SBM100). Each period lasted 18-d, consisting of a 7-d diet adaptation followed by an 11-d collection period. An in situ ruminal incubation of each TMR was performed from d 8 to 11 of each period. Ingredients were weighed separately, maintaining their proportion in the TMR. Air-dried TMR sample (6 g, 2 mm grind) was ruminally incubated in a nylon bag (Ankom, 10 × 20 cm) using the same steer from the in vivo study. Samples were incubated for 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 48, and 72 h. The number of bags varied as a function of the incubation time to guarantee enough residual samples after incubation, where more bags per sample were incubated for the longer incubation times relative to the shorter incubation times (72 and 48 h, n = 5; 24 h, n = 4; 16 h, n = 3; 8 h and 4 h, n = 2; 2 h and 0 h, n = 1). DM, OM, and CP degradation were estimated by using the following model: Yt = a + b × (1 − e(−kd × t)), The NLIN procedure of SAS 9.4 was used and restricted and full models were compared by a likelihood ratio test. Rumen degradable protein (RDP) of each TMR was calculated as follows: RDP = a + b + [kd/(kd + kp)], where kp was 0.05 h−1). There were no differences (P ≥ 0.47) on the fractions a, b, and kd, or RDP (55%) between treatments for DM, OM, and CP. According to our analysis, approximately 13 h of incubation is necessary to accurately estimate the RDP content of the TMR. The NASEM (2016) adopts 35 and 75% of RDP for DDGS and SBM, respectively, based on fixed incubation time of 16 h. Most studies have evaluated degradation profiles of individual feed and not TMR; however, animals are fed complete diets, made up by feedstuff that vary in physical characteristics, nutrient composition, and consequently RDP. In this study, the similar degradation profiles between diets suggest that RDP of complete diets differs from that of individually assayed ingredients.

Growth performance and intestinal histology of juvenile pirarucu fed with increasing levels of soybean meal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of soybean meal in pirarucu’s diet. 200 pirarucu juveniles (152.15 ± 0.8 g) were distributed in 20 polyethylene tanks with a continuous water flow system. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with five treatments (n = 4) containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of soybean meal inclusion levels. Growth performance was measured as specific growth rate, feed conversion, weight gain and survival. Body composition, protein retention rate and histopathological changes in the intestine were analyzed. The different treatments did not affect weight gain, specific growth rate and survival. The body composition of the fish was affected by treatments for ash and ether extract and the IHS was also affected. The diet with 40% soybean meal compromised feed conversion rate. Additionally, the distal intestine of fish fed with the same diet showed a reduction in the height of mucosal folds and a loss of supranuclear vacuolation in enterocytes. Based on these results, the inclusion of up to 30% of soybean meal in the diet of juvenile pirarucu is possible without negative effects on performance and enteric morphology.

Influence of a Mixture of Protein Hydrolysate from Black Soldier Fly Larvae and Schizochytrium on Palatability, Plasma Biochemistry, and Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Capacity in Cat Diets.

The objective of this research was to evaluate palatability, plasma biochemistry, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory capacity, and immune levels in cats by feeding supplementing inclusion of different levels of a mixture of protein hydrolysate from black soldier fly larvae and schizochytrium (BSFPs) in diets. In the feed experiment, a total of 24 adult cats (12 females and 12 males; BW: 3.02 ± 0.06 kg) were randomly divided into four groups: (1) diet with chicken and fish meal as primary protein resource (CON); (2) diet with 5% BSFPs replacing chicken meal, fish meal, chicken oil, and fish oil (5% BSFPs); (3) 10% BSFPs; and (4) 15% BSFPs. The body weight and feed intake were recorded, and a blood sample was collected for analysis. In the palatability experiment, three diets containing 5%, 10%, and 15% BSFPs were evaluated by comparing with CON. These results suggested that different levels of BSFPs could improve palatability in cat diets by enhancing the first sniff, the first bite, and feed intake (p < 0.05). However, no significant influence existed in body weight and average daily feed intake (p > 0.05). In comparison to the CON group, 5% and 15% BSFPs significantly increased the total protein content, and all treatment groups decreased the triglyceride content and enhanced the calcium concentration in plasma; in addition, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and the content of creatinine and urea nitrogen were significantly reduced by the supplementation inclusion of BSFPs in the diets (p < 0.05). The enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase was dramatically enhanced by the supplementation of 10% and 15% BSFPs in diets compared with the CON diet, and the activity of superoxide dismutase was increased and the malondialdehyde concentration was remarkably reduced in all three treatments (p < 0.05). Compared with the CON group, different levels of BSFPs in the diets significantly increased the immunoglobulin A content in plasma; similarly, the immunoglobulin G concentration was significantly enhanced by the supplementation of 10% and 15% BSFPs in the diets (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the interleukin-1β content was significantly reduced in the inclusion of 10% and 15% BSFPs in the diets, and 15% BSFPs remarkably decreased the content of interleukin-8 in plasma compared with the CON diet (p < 0.05). To sum up, the supplementation of different levels of BSFPs exhibited a positive effect on palatability and enhanced the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune capacity. Particularly, the addition levels of 10% and 15% BSFPs were more effective in antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and immunity.

Use of sugarcane crop residue silage with different levels of inclusion in dual-purpose cow diets

In the sugar cane production chain, different byproducts are generated that can be used in animal feed. Their conservation in the form of silage is an important contribution towards improving animal production in tropical regions. The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of different levels of silage from sugarcane crop residues in the diet of dairy cows in a family farming system. Nine lactating cows were used in a 3x3 Latin square design in triplicate and means were compared using the Tukey test. The treatment sequences were randomly assigned with periods of 14 days. Three treatments were formulated that included feed of mixed native grasses, supplemented with sugarcane top silage with different inclusion levels (2 kg/DM for T1, 4 kg/DM for T2 and 6 kg/DM for T3), along with commercial concentrate and corn silage. Milk production, its chemical composition, and the efficiency of feed utilization were evaluated. The average milk production, fat content and crude protein were, respectively, 9.38kg/cow/day, 32.6 and 340.0 g/cow/day. No differences were detected (P&gt;0.05) for any of the variables evaluated, but the inclusion of 6 kg of sugarcane residues silage improved the animals' feed efficiency. Therefore, sugarcane top silage is a viable alternative for feeding ruminants.

Fermentation Profile, Aerobic Stability, and Chemical and Mineral Composition of Cactus Pear Silages with Different Inclusion Levels of Gliricidia Hay.

Cactus pear is used in large proportions in diets for small ruminants in semiarid regions. However, its exclusive use is not recommended due to the low fiber and crude protein content and the high water and mineral content, leading to metabolic disorders, low dry matter intake, and weight loss. The use of mixed cactus silage associated with protein and fibrous sources seeks to overcome the deficits in dry matter, fiber and crude protein, aiming to improve the nutritional quality of the diets that will be offered to ruminants. Thus, the use of gliricidia hay in cactus pear silages could represent an important alternative to improve the nutritional and fermentative characteristics of the ensiled material. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the fermentation dynamics, nutritional characteristics, and aerobic stability of mixed silages of cactus pear combined with different levels of gliricidia hay. This was a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and five repetitions. The treatments consisted of different levels of inclusion of gliricidia hay (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% on a dry matter basis) in the composition of mixed cactus pear silages. The inclusion of gliricidia hay in the composition of mixed silages of cactus pear resulted in a quadratic effect for dry matter recovery, pH, NH3-N, buffering capacity, aerobic stability, ether extract, P, K, Na, and Zn (p < 0.05). There was a reduction in density, effluent losses, maximum pH, mineral matter, non-fiber carbohydrates, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn (p < 0.05), and an increase in the time to reach maximum pH as well as an upward trend in pH, dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and B (p < 0.05). Under experimental conditions, the inclusion of gliricidia hay between 20 and 30% in cactus pear-based silage provided an improvement to the chemical composition and fermentation parameters of the silages.

Valor nutritivo e características fermentativas da silagem de milheto com diferentes níveis de casca de café

ABSTRACT: The research was conducted to test the hypothesis that the inclusion of coffee husk (Coffea sp.) would improve the fermentative characteristics and quality of pearl millet silage (Pennisetumglaucum). Thus, the objective was to assess the effect of the inclusion of different levels of coffee husk in pearl millet silage on the chemical composition, fermentative characteristics and degradability in situ of silage. The experimental design used was completely randomized and the treatments consisted of the silage of the whole pearl millet plant with the inclusion of increasing levels of coffee husk: 0%, 7%, 14% and 21%, based on natural matter. After 60 days of fermentation, the silages were evaluated for chemical characteristics, fermentative, degradability in situ dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The inclusion of coffee husk did not alter (P &gt; 0.05) the contents of crude protein (11.94%), NDF (44.89%) and total digestible nutrients (65.09%). There were increases in the concentrations of DM and fiber in acid detergent, accompanied by a reduction in the concentrations of mineral matter and ether extract, as the proportion of coffee husks in silages increased. There was an increase in the lignin content up to the level of 7.59% inclusion of the coffee husk. There was no effect of the inclusion of the coffee husk on the pH of the silage (3.60). However, the inclusion of coffee husk resulted in a reduction in temperature, gas losses, and degradability in situ of silage DM and NDF. It is recommended to include coffee husk up to the level of 14.0% of the natural matter to improve the fermentation pattern and the quality of the pearl millet silage.

Эффективность использования разного уровня ферментированного рапсового шрота в рационах лактирующих коров в период раздоя

Purpose. Evaluation of the effectiveness of using different levels of fermented rapeseed meal in the diets of lactating cows during the milking period. Materials and Мethods. Scientific, economic and physiological experiments were carried out in the conditions of the farm of Delta-F LLC in the Sergiev Posad district of the Moscow region on three groups of Holstein cows: control, experimental 1 and 2. Cows from the control group were fed the main diet with the addition of 2.5 kg of traditional rapeseed meal, animals from experimental 1 additionally received 1.25 kg of natural rapeseed meal and 1.25 kg of fermented rapeseed meal, from experimental 2 – 2.5 kg of fermented rapeseed meal. The physiological experiment was carried out at the end of milking period, for which 3 heads were selected from each group. The amount of feed given and consumed was weighed daily. Sampling of feed, milk, preservation of feces and urine was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Data processing was carried out using specialized computer software using methods of dispersion and correlation analysis. Results. During the 92-day experiment, it was found that the animals of the experimental groups (1 and 2) were characterized by high parameters of gross and daily milk yield. The gross milk yield of natural and 4% fat milk was higher in cows of the 1st experimental group compared to the control group by 3.3 and 4.4% (P≤0.05), and the protein yield was by 5.1 kg (P≤0.05). The inclusion of different levels of fermented rapeseed meal in the diet had a positive effect on protein digestibility in animals of the experimental groups. The highest amount of digestible nitrogen, as well as nitrogen excreted in milk, was observed in cows of the 1st and 2nd experimental groups. Conclusion. The addition of fermented rapeseed meal (1.25 kg) into the diet of cows during the milking period and the content of non-cleavable protein at a level of at least 39.3% has a positive effect on animal productivity and milk quality.

Fermentation quality and nutritional value of marandu grass silage with dehydrated banana peel

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentation profile and nutritional value of Marandu grass silage (Urochloa brizantha (Hoschst.Ex. A. Rich) R. D. Webster cv. Marandu Syn. Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. Ex A. Rich) Stapf cv. Marandu} with different levels of inclusion of dehydrated banana peel. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with marandu grass with five levels of dehydrated banana peel (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of natural matter) with eight replicates. The data collected were submitted to analysis of variance and, when the "F" test was significant, the inclusion levels of the pre-dried banana peel were analyzed utilizing orthogonal polynomials and linear and quadratic regression models. The mean values of N-NH3 were adjusted to the linear regression model (p &lt; 0.01), while the pH values had the lowest value of 4.3 with the inclusion of 15% of banana peel. The mean values of the gas loss (PG, P = 0.01) and the dry matter recovery (RMS; P = 0.01) were adjusted to the quadratic regression model, with a minimum point of 16.15% for losses and 21% as the maximum point for dry matter recovery. The rate of degradation potential degradability of the dry matter (SD; P = 0.74) did not vary with the inclusion of the banana peel. The potential degradability standardized at 2, 5 and 8% was adjusted to the regressive linear regression model (p &lt; 0.01), and for each percentage point of inclusion of the banana peel, there was a reduction of 0.23, 0.14 and 0.10%, respectively. The inclusion of 10 to 20% dehydrated banana peel in the marandu grass silage improves the fermentation profile and the nutritional value of the silage

Non-carcass components of confined lambs in feedlot using red propolis extract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the non-carcass components of crossbred Santa Inês lambs finished in feedlot with the inclusion of different levels of red propolis extract (RPE). Thirty-five crossbred lambs were used with an average weight of 17.08 ± 2.36 kg and mean age of five months, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and seven replications. The treatments evaluated were: 0; 7; 14 and 21 mL of extract/animal/day Before slaughter, each animal was individually weighed to obtain the body weight at slaughter (BWS). The weights and yields of non-carcass components were evaluated, weights and yields of regional dishes (Buchada and Panelada). The addition of different levels of red propolis extract (RPE) did not influence (p &gt; 0.05) the weights and yields of non-carcass components, by-products and adipose deposits, to the weight and yield of regional dishes. The use of red propolis extract in diets up to the level studied (28 mL day-1) did not change the characteristics evaluated.

Black cumin meal (Nigella sativa) as an alternative feed resource during the suckling period of Awassi ewes: Assessments of performance and health

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of different Black cumin meal (BCM) dietary treatments during the suckling period on lactating performance and health of multiparous Awassi ewes. We randomly allocated 27 nursing Awassi ewes (4–5 years age; 50.2 ± 1.42 kg body weight) to one of three equally dietary treatments: 1) control diet, no feed BCM (CON), 2) BCM50 diet (50 g/kg of dietary dry matter (DM) and; 3) BCM100 diet (100 g/kg BCM of dietary DM). The results showed that there are no significant differences at P ≥ 0.67 among the three treatment groups in measured parameters like intakes of DM and crude protein (CP). However, the BCM100 group showed greater (P < 0.0001) ether extract (EE) intake compared to both the BCM50 and CON groups and ewes exhibited greater (P < 0.02) metabolizable energy intake in BCM100 and BCM50 groups than the CON group. The digestibility of CP and neutral detergent fiber improved (P < 0.05) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. The acid detergent fiber digestibility tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. However, the digestibility of DM and EE did not show significant differences (P ≥ 0.17) among the three treatment groups. Nitrogen retained as (g/d) and retention as a percentage (g/100 g) were greater (P < 0.01) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. The final body weight and average daily gain of the lambs in the BCM50 and BCM100 groups increased compared with the CON group (P< 0.02). The BCM100-treated group had greater milk yield per day (P< 0.05) compared to the CON group. The content of fat, protein, lactose, solid-not-fat (SNF), and total solids (TS) % did not differ among the three groups. The BCM100-treated group had higher (P< 0.03) fat and TS milk yields (g/d) compared to the BCM50-treated group and CON group. However, fat and TS milk yields were similar between the BCM50 treatment group and the CON group. The BCM100-treated group had a greater SNF yield per day (P< 0.05) compared to the CON group. However, SNF yields in BCM treatment groups and between BCM50 group and CON group were similar. Moreover, the average protein and lactose yield of milk were significantly higher in the BCM100 diet than CON diet. Feed efficiency tended to be greater in BCM-treated ewes than the CON ewes. Moreover, the cost/kg of milk produced was lower (P < 0.01) in the BCM diets than in the CON diet. Ewes fed a BCM100 had higher energy-corrected milk than other groups. The analysis did not detect differences in the blood serum metabolites in all treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary inclusion of different levels of BCM showed a positive influence on most lactating characteristics and economic performance for the lambs and lactating Awassi ewes, and could be used as a good alternative feed source in ruminant feeds.

Alterações hematológicas em cães alimentados com farinha de larva de Tenebrio molitor

The aim of this study was to evaluate the haematological and biochemical parameters of dogs submitted to different levels of inclusion of mealworm meal (0, 2.5, 5 and 7.5%) in their diet. Four adult females aged 5 years, castrated, with an average weight of 15.8 kg were used. A Latin square design was used, with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The base diets were calculated based on the NRC and provided in the proportion of 80% dry food and 20% wet food. The animals were dewormed, clinically evaluated and adapted to the base diet for 10 days prior to the insertion of me. After fitting, blood was collected for evaluation of haematological and biochemical parameters. The experimental period of each treatment was 14 days, with a new blood collection on the 15th day, with the animals in the fasted state. The blood parameters evaluated were blood count and biochemical tests, composed of urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, total proteins and their fractions, glucose, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and immunoglobulin E. The data obtained were subjected to multiple analysis of variance at the 5% significance level. The results showed that none of the mealworm protein inclusion levels showed blood alterations. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of mealworm meal did not harm the health of the animals tested in experiment, showing that it can be an alternative protein source and can be safely included up to a level of 7.5% in dog foods.

Dietary Inclusion of Halobacterium salinarum Modulates Growth Performances and Immune Responses in Farmed Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.).

The use of natural immunostimulants is considered the most promising alternative to promote fish health, productive performance and quality, increasing the aquaculture profitability, sustainability and social acceptance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the integration of a potential probiotic strain, Halobacterium salinarum, belonging to the Archaea domain, in the formulated diets of farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) in terms of growth performances and immunity responses. The experiment was set up to test two different levels of inclusion of the bacteria in the diet: 0.05% (D1) and 0.1% (D2). The effects on fish growth performances; humoral (peroxidase, protease, antiprotease and IgM levels) and cellular immunity parameters (phagocytosis, respiratory burst and myeloperoxidase), along with bactericidal activity, were evaluated after 15 and 30 days of experimental feeding. The obtained results showed that the inclusion of H. salinarum at the highest concentration (D2 0.1%) improved growth performances, bactericidal activity against Vibrio anguillarum and some parameters related both to the humoral and cellular immune response, suggesting exploring other aspects of welfare in view of future supplementations of this probiotic strain in the diet of S. aurata.

Açai seed as a fiber source in high-concentrate beef cattle diets and its nutritional effects

This study evaluated the effects of different levels of inclusion of coarsely broken açai seed (CBAS) in the diet of feedlot beef cattle on the intake, digestibility, ruminal degradation, passage kinetics, and nitrogen utilization efficiency. Five ruminally fistulated crossbred bulls (387±27kg body weight) were used in a 5×5 Latin square design. A total mixed ration with 750g/kg concentrate and 250g/kg roughage, based on the total dry matter (DM), was used. The treatments consisted of the inclusion of CBAS at 0, 50, 100, 150, and 200g/kg DM as a fiber source in the diet. The roughage used was Mombasa grass silage, which was partially replaced by CBAS. A linear increase in organic matter (OM; P=0.042), crude protein (CP; P=0.023), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; P=0.022) intake was observed with the inclusion of CBAS in the diet, while a linearly increasing trend was observed for DM (P=0.077) and metabolizable energy (ME; P=0.051) intake. The total, ruminal, and intestinal digestibility of DM and nutrients were not affected by the inclusion of CBAS (P > 0.10). Ruminal ammonia nitrogen decreased linearly (P=0.045), while acetate concentration showed a linear increase (P=0.038), propionate was not affected (P=0.762), and butyrate showed a linear tendency to increase (P=0.086) with the inclusion of CBAS. Passage rate and DM degradation, as well as N utilization were not affected by the inclusion of CBAS (P > 0.10), except for N fecal excretion that showed a linear tendency to increase (P=0.092). Thus, we conclude that CBAS increases organic matter, crude protein, metabolizable energy, and neutral detergent fiber intake in high-concentrate diets without compromising rumen kinetics and nitrogen utilization in beef cattle. Therefore, the CBAS can be considered as an alternative roughage source in scenarios where forage silage of low quality is the fiber source.

Evaluation of baking qualities, functional and physicochemical properties of wheat supplemented with cassava and mung bean flour blends for bread making

AbstractThe present study evaluated the baking qualities and physicochemical properties of bread produced from wheat flour supplemented with cassava and mung bean flour blends at different levels of inclusion to assess its suitability to be used in bread production. Standard methods were used to carry out the baking qualities and physicochemical properties of the flour blends while 20 semitrained panelists were recruited for the sensory evaluation. The result showed that the gluten content of the flour blends ranged from 3.61% to 24.19%. Sample A (90% wheat:5% cassava:5% mung bean) flour blend had the highest gluten content while sample D (60% wheat:20% cassava:20% mung bean) flour blend recorded the lowest value of gluten content. The viscosity of the flour blends was found to decrease significantly (p ≥ 0.05) with an increase in temperature while the functional properties of the flour blends and physical properties of the bread varied among samples. Sample B (80% wheat:5% cassava:5% mung bean) was found to be highest in bulk density, loaf volume, and specific volume with values 0.73 g/mL, 7.86 cm3, and 0.05 cm3/g, respectively, with enhanced baking quality. Results of the chemical composition showed that fiber and protein content increased with an increase in substitution levels. Sample D had the highest value 0.43% and 27.65% while sample E (100% wheat) had the lowest value 0.38% and 12.60% for fiber and protein content respectively. Carbohydrate content decreased with an increase in substitution levels. Sample E had the highest value 48.88% while sample D had the lowest value 25.32%. Values for moisture, ash, fat, crude fiber, and energy content varied among samples and substitution levels. Sensory evaluation of the various attributes rated on 9 points hedonic scale showed a decrease in the mean score as the level of substitution increased. Sample E was rated high in all sensory attributes and was also found to be significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) among samples although in general acceptability sample E was found to be the same as sample A. The result showed that bread made from 90% wheat:5% cassava:5% mung bean flour blend (sample A) compare favorably with bread made from 100% wheat flour (control) but in baking quality sample B was found to be the best.

Productive Performance, Physiological Variables, and Carcass Quality of Finishing Pigs Supplemented with Ferulic Acid and Grape Pomace under Heat Stress Conditions.

The effect of individual and combined supplementation of FA and GPM on physiological variables, productive performance, and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs under heat stress conditions were investigated. Forty Yorkshire × Duroc pigs (80.23 kg) were individually housed and randomly distributed into 4 groups under a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (n = 10): Control (basal diet, BD); FA, BD + 25 mg FA; GPM, BD with 2.5% GPM; and MIX, BD with 25 mg FA and 2.5% GPM. Additives were supplemented for 31 days. The inclusion of FA or GPM did not modify rectal temperature and respiratory rate. There was an effect of the interaction on FI, which increased when only GPM was supplemented, with respect to Control and MIX (p < 0.05). Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion (FC) were not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). The inclusion of FA improved hot and cold carcass weight, while the addition of GPM decreased the marbling (p < 0.05) and tended to increase loin area (p < 0.10). GPM increased liver weight (p < 0.05). The addition of GPM and FA can improve some carcass characteristics under heat stress conditions. It is necessary to continue investigating different levels of inclusion of GPM and FA in finishing pigs' diets.

How Direct Citizen Participation Affects the Local Government Financial Condition: A Case of Participatory Budgeting in South Korea

In theory, direct citizen engagement in budgeting helps local governments reflect the citizens’ budget preferences more precisely, thereby enhancing citizen-government communication. However, the efficacies of budget participation remain ambiguous considering both its democratic values and the cost of deliberation. In this study, we test how direct citizen participation by means of participatory budgeting (PB) affects the financial condition of local governments. We use a sophisticated concept of financial condition that encompasses various abilities of local government. We measure the degree of citizen participation as the availability of institutional mechanisms associated with different levels of inclusiveness and authorities determined by South Korean local government ordinances of formal budget participation. Our empirical analysis based on South Korean local governments’ data between 2012 and 2019 reveals that a PB institution with higher participation level further worsens the local financial condition. The adverse effects are mostly identified in the mid-term and long-term financial conditions, whereas the short-term financial condition remains unaffected. The findings imply that direct participation in theory corrects mismatches between bureaucratic and citizen priorities, but, in practice, the citizens may inappropriately direct mid- and long-term oriented public investment and debt management.