Dry Fiber Research Articles

Features of electrolyte coagulation of modified polyamide resin and its effect on the properties of paper and cardboard

The article is devoted to the study of the features of coagulation of a modified polyamide resin for paper and cardboard in the presence of aluminum polyoxychloride. It has been established that the resin under study, the component composition of which is represented by modified polyaminoamides, free resin acid, sodium resinates and maleopimarate, is resistant to water hardness salts, however, the sodium resinates present in its composition are subject to hydrolysis. The process of coagulation of the modified polyamide resin under the influence of aluminum polyoxychloride is multi-stage and ends with the complete deposition of adhesive particles at a system pH of 7.05, which corresponds to an electrolyte consumption of 0.051 g Al2O3/g of resin. The composition of the adhesive deposit formed under such conditions is as follows: aluminum-resin complexes (aluminum resinates and products of the interaction of aluminum ions with modified polyamino- amides) – 88.50 % wt.; free resin acids – 11.47 % wt. Further introduction of the electrolyte into the dispersed system leads to the protonation of the amino groups of modified polyaminoamides and aluminum-resin complexes, which provides with a positive charge. Due to its composition and the ongoing coagulation processes, the modified polyamide resin has a waterrepellent and strengthening effect on paper pulps in a wide pH range (5.8–7.5). Sequential introduction of resin into waste paper suspensions in an amount of 0.25 % of absolutely dry fiber and aluminum polyoxychloride until the paper pulps are achieved makes it possible to improve the hydrophobic and physical-mechanical properties of paper by 70.2–87.2 and 19.5–23.2 %, respectively.

Optimization of solid-state fermented corn distillers dried grains with solubles: effects on growth performance and tissue morphology in broiler chickens

In recent years, the use of corn DDGS has alleviated the problem of protein feed shortages to a certain extent; however, its high mycotoxin content seriously restricts its application in feedstuffs. In this study, the conditions of solid-state fermented corn DDGS were optimized to investigate changes in the nutrient composition of solid-state fermented corn DDGS and their effects on the growth performance and histological section of yellow-feathered broilers. The optimal strain ratio for solid-state fermentation was determined by orthogonal testing as 1:1:2 for B. desmois JA3:B. subtilis ANSB01G: and B. subtilis ANSB060, and the response value was the score of the degradation rate of Deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) weighted by 4:4:2. Optimal conditions for the solid-state fermentation of maize DDGS were determined by B-Behnken response surface design: the inoculum amount was 1%, the feed to liquid ratio was 1:1.25, the fermentation temperature was 37°C, and the fermentation time was 29.5 h. The optimal conditions for solid-state fermentation of maize DDGS were as follows: the inoculum amount was 1%, the material-liquid ratio was 1:1.25, the fermentation temperature was 37°C, the fermentation time was 29.5h, and the degradation rates of DON, ZEN, and AFB1 in the fermented maize DDGS were 81.6%, 55.18%, and 41.14%, respectively. Moreover, solid-state fermentation significantly improved the nutrient content, in which the amounts of amino acids, crude ash, and crude fat were significantly increased (P < 0.05) and the content of crude fiber was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The in vitro digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and crude fiber increased significantly (P < 0.05); in addition, compared with the control group, the addition of fermented maize DDGS significantly increased the daily calorific intake of broiler chickens, the daily weight gain (P < 0.05); heart, liver and intestinal tissues underwent no obvious pathological changes.

ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR SWEET POTATO ATTRIBUTES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study was undertaken to examine the consumer preference for sweet potato attributes in Kano State. Descriptive statistics and Garret’s ranking were used to analyze the data collected from 251 sweet potato consumers who were systematically selected using structured questionnaire. The results showed that sweet potato consumers had a mean age, household size and monthly income of 34 years, 4 persons and N49, 724 respectively. Majority (93% and 77.29%) of the consumers were male and married respectively. The results further indicated variety (mean score = 77.5, ranked 1st), colour (mean score = 72.6, ranked 2nd), dry matter content (mean score = 62.0, ranked 3rd), fibre content (mean score = 53.1, ranked 4th) and sweetness (mean score = 46.0, ranked 5th) were the most attributes considered by the consumers while purchasing sweet potato. It is concluded that majority of the sweet potato consumers were more sensitive to variety, colour and dry matter content in their decision to purchase sweet potato and therefore, recommended that the breeders should take into cognizance these attributes while developing new sweet potato variety to make it more acceptable and marketable commodity to consumers.

Effect of Partial or Complete Replacement of Dietary Inorganic Trace Minerals Supplement with an Advanced Chelated Source on Nutrient Digestibility in Sheep.

The delicate balance of trace mineral supplementation is critical for optimizing rumen function and overall ruminant health. This study evaluated the solubility of an advanced chelate technology-based supplement and assessed its impact on rumen degradability and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) when replacing inorganic sources. The solubility of the advanced trace minerals supplement (ACTM) was assessed at pH 5 and pH 2. In situ ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and fiber fractions was evaluated using two fistulated rams fed diets supplemented with either ACTM or inorganic trace minerals. ATTD was determined in 6 lambs fed diets supplemented with 100% ACTM, 50% ACTM, and 50% inorganic (50% ACTM), or 100% inorganic sources in a Latin square design. Results showed solubilities ranging from 6.75% to 11.81% at pH 5, increasing to 69.24% to 80.47% at pH 2. ACTM supplementation significantly enhanced the rumen degradability of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) at 6 h of incubation (p ≤ 0.05). The 100% ACTM treatment significantly decreased rumen pH (p = 0.051) and improved DM, OM, NDF, and ADF digestibility, as well as trace mineral absorbability compared to 100% inorganic (p ≤ 0.05). These findings highlight the potential of ACTM supplementation to enhance ruminal degradability, promote better trace mineral absorption, and improve the ATTD of nutrients compared to inorganic sources.

Research on the Preparation of Dry Mixed Mortar Using Waste Incineration Fly Ash

This study investigated the effect of water-washed municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA) as an admixture on the performance of dry mixed mortar and used X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) detection methods to conduct microscopic analysis. The experiment investigated the effects of the amount and water content of washed municipal solid waste incineration fly ash, cement, additives, sand and gravel, and curing time on the compressive flexural strength of dry mixed mortar at 28 days. The results show that when the content of water-washed MSWI FA is 9.80%, the content of sand and gravel is 73.50%, the content of ordinary Portland cement (PO42.5) is 16.66%, the content of water-reducing agent is 1.47‰, the content of cellulose is 0.03‰, the content of the expansion agent is 0.49‰, the addition of water is 130–160 mL/kg, the consistency of the sample can reach 91.8 mm, and the water retention rate can reach 93.6%. The flexural strength of the sample at 28 days can reach 7.5 MPa, and the compressive strength at 28 days can reach 28.30 MPa. Metal ions, such as Pb2+ and Gd2+ in MSWI FA, under the combined action of silicate cement in dry mixed mortar and fibers in cellulose, crisscross and form a solidified material, which will not be leached out. This quality meets the requirements of dry mixed mortar for ordinary plastering and masonry mortar (GB-T 25181-2019), and the leaching toxicity of the sample meets the “Identification Standard for Hazardous Waste” (GB5085.3-2007). This work provides a meaningful exploration of the resource utilization of water-washed MSWI FA.

Impact of varying levels of soy hulls and β-mannanase enzyme supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient utilization and blood biochemical profile in broiler chickens

Two hundred and forty day-old broilers were randomly assigned to six experimental groups in a 2 x 3 factorial design. The birds were fed diets containing soybean hulls (SH) at the levels of 4% and 6% and β-Mannanase (BM) at the concentration of 0%, 0.05% and 0.1%. Results indicated significant effects of SH and BM supplementation on body weight (BW) and weight gain (WG), with birds fed 4% SH and 0.1% BM exhibiting higher (p < 0.05) body weight and weight gain compared to other groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved (p < 0.05) in birds receiving 4% SH with 0.1% BM supplementation. However, no significant effects were observed on carcase traits across treatment groups. Regarding nutrient digestibility, birds supplemented with 0.1% BM showed improved (p < 0.05) crude protein (CP) digestibility compared to those without BM supplementation. No significant variations were observed in dry matter, crude fibre and ether extract utilisation among treatment groups. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were not influenced by SH and BM supplementation, indicating no adverse effects on blood parameters. In conclusion, these findings underscore the potential advantages of incorporating 4% SH and 0.1% BM in broiler diets for enhanced growth performance and nutrient utilisation.

Genetic variability, character association and path analyses effects on fiber yield and yield attributing morpho-agronomic traits of tossa jute (Corchorus olitorius L.)

Jute (Corchorus spp.) is a natural fiber crop having a lower extent of genetic variability due to its self-pollinating nature. The success of any breeding program for variety development primarily depends on the presence of genetic variation in the parental genotypes. A field experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design at ManikganjStation of Bangladesh Jute Research Institute (BJRI) during 2019-2020. The genetic divergence of 58 tossa jute (C. olitorius) genotypes including two pre-released standard varieties (O-9897, BJRI Tossa pat 4) and 56 accessions were studied to select genotypes having the most divergence in natural rainy condition. The jute genotypes were categorized into five clusters based on Mahalanobis D2 analysis. Cluster I and IV showed maximum inter-cluster distance (181.44) while the maximum intra-cluster distance (16.15) was recorded in cluster I. Cluster V revealed the highest values for number of nodes, stem mid-diameter, core diameter, green weight with leaves, dry stick weight and dry fiber weight per plant while cluster IV showed higher means for plant height, green bark thickness and leaf area. The highest contribution (47.14%) was wielded by plant height of total deviations. The results recommended that hybridization between genotypes of cluster V, IV and III could provide a wide range of discrepancies in the segregating generation which could offer chance for isolation of good genotypes with high fibre yielding lines.

Effect of Using Prickly Pear Seed Cake (Opuntia ficus indica L.) on Growth Performance, Digestibility, Physiological and Histometric Parameters in Rabbits

Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus indica L.) could be used in rabbit nutrition in compliance with circular economy principles, global warming issues, and reduction of production costs. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dietary incorporation of prickly pear seed cake (PPSC) on growth, physiological, and histometric parameters in rabbits. A total of 105 rabbits were divided into three experimental groups (n = 35) and fed different diets: a commercial feed (C group), the same feed with alfalfa replaced by PPSC at 10% (10PP group), and at 20% (20PP group). They were group-housed in cages with 5 animals per cage from weaning until slaughtering. While body weights and weight gains were similar in all groups, the coefficients of nutrient digestibility of dry matter, fibers, and ashes, as well as the characteristics of intestinal villi, were improved in the 10PP group compared to the others (p &lt; 0.05). The 20PP group showed a reduction in perirenal and interscapular fat (p &lt; 0.05), as well as lower plasma concentrations of triglycerides and cholesterol compared to the C group (p &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, PPSC can be incorporated into the diets of growing rabbits up to 20% as a partial substitute for alfalfa without the impairment of growth performance. Additionally, the inclusion of PPSC enhanced nutrient digestibility and increased the intestinal absorption surface area.

Effects of Alanyl-Glutamine Dipeptide Supplementation on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Digestive Enzyme Activity, Immunity, and Antioxidant Status in Growing Laying Hens.

Alanyl-glutamine (Aln-Gln), a highly soluble and stable Glutamine-dipeptide, is known to improve the performance of poultry birds. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Aln-Gln during the rearing period on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, immunity, antioxidant status and relative gene expression of Hy-Line brown hens. A total of 480 healthy day-old Hy-line brown chicks with similar body weights were randomly divided into four dietary groups (8 replicates/group and 15 birds/replicate). Groups A, B, C and D were fed diets containing 0%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3% Aln-Gln, respectively, for 6 weeks. The body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were higher in hens fed test diets compared with the control (p < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better in test groups as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The ADFI showed no significant difference between the groups. Dietary treatments had no effect on dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude fiber (CF) digestibility. The Aln-Gln also improved gross energy (GE) and crude protein (CP) digestibility (p < 0.05). It has also increased IgG levels in groups C and D. IgM levels were similar to the control in B, C and D. The Aln-Gln increased IL-1 in B and C, IL-2 in C and D, and IL-6 in all test groups (p < 0.05). The supplementation of Aln-Gln had no effect on serum antioxidant indices like CAT, MDA, GSH-PX, GSH, and SOD in 42-day-old growing hens. Aln-Gln supplementation had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the activity of amylase and lipase, however, a significant improvement (p < 0.05) in the activities of trypsin and chymotrypsin was observed in the test groups. Supplemented Aln-Gln levels in the birds' diets led to an increase in the expression of genes related to growth factors (IGF-1, IGFBP-5), immune markers (IL-1, IL-2, IL-6) and antioxidant status (GSH-Px1), as compared to control group. Aln-Gln supplementation in Hy-Line brown hens during their growing period improved growth, nutrient digestibility, immunity and digestive enzymes activity. These findings suggest that Aln-Gln is a promising dietary additive for enhancing poultry performance.

Milk Production, Milk Composition, Milk Fatty Acid Profile and Nutrient Digestibility of Mehsana Goats Fed Sunflower (Helianthus annus) Oil

A study was conducted during the month of December, 2020 to January, 2021 at Livestock Research Station, Kamdhenu University, Sardarkrushinagar, Gujarat (385506), India to evaluate the effect of dietary sunflower oil supplementation on milk yield, milk fatty acid profile and nutrient digestibility of Mehsana goats. Eighteen lactating Mehsana goats were randomly divided into three treatment groups, viz. Basal diet (control), Basal diet+25 g animal-1 day-1 of sunflower oil and Basal diet+50 g animal-1 day-1 of sunflower oil for a period of 60 days. No significant differences (p&gt;0.05) were found in milk yield in terms of kg d-1, 4% fat corrected milk and energy corrected milk among the treatment groups. The milk constituents and their yields were not affected due to dietary inclusion of sunflower oil. Sunflower oil feeding at the dose of 50 g d-1 increased (p&lt;0.05) concentration of milk short chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk of goats. The intake and digestibility of nitrogen free extract was increased in sunflower oil supplemented groups. The intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre were similar (p&gt;0.05) among the treatment groups. it may be concluded that supplementation of sunflower oil at the dose rate of 25 and 50 g d-1 did not affect feed intake, milk yield, milk constituents and nutrient digestibility in lactating Mehsana goats. However, dietary 50 g d-1 of sunflower oil significantly increased concentration of milk short chain fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in goats.

Chemical Composition and In Vitro Protein Digestibility of Duckweed and Feed Ingredients

Duckweed is an aquatic floating plant with the potential to be used as animal feed due to its richness in protein, amino acids, starch, vitamin and minerals. Furthermore, duckweed has a high growth rate and reproducibility. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the chemical composition and in vitro protein digestibility of duckweed (Lemna, Wolffia and Spirodela) in comparison to other feed ingredients. The chemical composition was determined through proximate analysis including dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), ash and nitrogen free extract. The in vitro protein digestibility procedure simulates conditions similar to those in the swine digestive tract using synthetic enzymes to control pH, temperature and digestion time. In the results of chemical composition, Lemna and Wolffia were classified as protein sources, with high CP content (221.87 and 442.65 g/kg DM, respectively) and low CF content (63.30 and 109.11 g/kg DM), whereas Spirodela had low CP content (179.64 g/kg DM) and CF content (170.57 g/kg DM). The EE content in duckweed amounted to 16.74, 46.23 and 52.47 g/kg DM for Wolffia, Spirodela and Lemna, respectively. Additionally, high ash content was observed in Spirodela (212.40 g/kg DM), Wolffia (149.34 g/kg DM) and Lemna (142.06). For standardized ileal digestibility (SIDCP), the SIDCP of all feed ingredients were within the range of 32 to 96 %. With regard to duckweed, Lemna (72 %) showed significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) SIDCP compared to Wolffia (69 %) and Spirodela (39 %) due to the low contents of CF and ash. Based on nutritional values, Lemna and Wolffia were grouped with corn DDGS and brewer’s grain, indicating their potential as animal feed for sustainable livestock production. HIGHLIGHTS Duckweed exhibited high protein content, ranging from 179.64 to 65 g/kg dry matter. For in vitro protein digestibility, Lemna and Wolffia had high true digestibility, amounting to 79 and 75 %, respectively. Based on nutritional values, Lemna and Wolffia were grouped with corn DDGS and brewer’s grain, indicating their potential as animal feed for sustainable livestock production. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Vacuum Chamber Infusion for Fiber-Reinforced Composites

A new approach to an automatable fiber impregnation and consolidation process for the manufacturing of fiber-reinforced composite parts is presented in this article. Therefore, a vacuum chamber sealing machine classically used in food packaging is modified for this approach—Vacuum Chamber Infusion (VCI). Dry fiber placement (DFP) preforms, made from 30 k carbon fiber tape, with different layer amounts and fiber orientations, are infused with the VCI and with the state-of-the-art process—Vacuum Assisted Process (VAP)—as the reference. VCI uses a closed system that is evacuated once, while VAP uses a permanently evacuated open system. Since process management greatly influences material properties, the mechanical properties, void content, and fiber volume fraction (FVF) are analyzed. In addition, the study aims to identify how the complexity of a resin infusion process can be reduced, the automation potential can be increased, and the number of consumables can be reduced. Comparable material characteristics and a reduction in consumables, setup complexity, and manufacturing time by a factor of four could be approved for VCI. A void content of less than 2% is measured for both processes and an FVF of 39% for VCI and 45% for VAP is achieved.

Joule heating of carbon fibre tapes – A low-cost approach for automated dry fibre deposition

Joule heating is potentially a low-cost option for activating the binder on the surface of carbon fibre tapes during automated dry fibre placement (ADFP). In this paper, the electrical contact resistance between a carbon fibre tape and cylindrical electrodes is characterised experimentally using a tabletop rig to replicate the process conditions encountered during ADFP. This rig is used to study a range of wrap angles, fibre tensions and temperatures to inform the design of a Joule heating setup for a lab-scale ADFP fibre deposition rig. A validated model has been developed to predict the tape temperature at the nip point for different current inputs and deposition velocities. Increasing both fibre tension and wrap angle are found to reduce contact resistance and increase heating efficiency. A nip point temperature of 200 °C can be achieved by Joule heating for a single carbon fibre tape at a deposition velocity of 100 mm/s, using a power of 110 W. This equates to a 17 % reduction in energy compared to laser heating.

DEVELOPMENT OF A METHOD FOR OBTAINING A DRY FOOD FIBER CONCENTRATE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF CURD PRODUCTS

The article presents the results of a study aimed at developing and optimizing a process for obtaining dry dietary fiber concentrate from wheat bran for use in the production of curd products. The main objective of the study was to create a method for obtaining dietary fiber that can improve the functional and quality characteristics of curd products, improving their texture, stability and nutritional value. The study covered a theoretical comparison of various methods for isolating dietary fiber, including acid and enzymatic approaches. It was found that the enzymatic method has a number of advantages, such as preserving the functional properties of fibers, environmental friendliness and higher efficiency. Optimization of the drying process showed that a temperature of 55-60 °C and a duration of no more than 10 hours are the most suitable for obtaining a dietary fiber concentrate with high water-holding capacity.The inclusion of 7% dry dietary fiber concentrate in curd products provides an optimal improvement in texture and organoleptic characteristics without deteriorating their taste. The study confirms the potential of using the obtained dry concentrate of dietary fiber to improve the functional and quality characteristics of curd products, which opens up new opportunities for their use in the food industry and increasing the nutritional value of dairy products.

A short review on recent advances in automated fiber placement and filament winding technologies

Recent advances in Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and Filament Winding (FM) are driving steady improvements in technological understanding, enabling the production of more precise, cost- and material-efficient layups that pave the way for new applications. Evolving from automated Tape Laying Technology (ATL), AFP is a technology that not only mimics the manual laying process but also allows tailored fiber and tow alignment to deliver load-optimized patterns, stacking sequences and part structures leading to improved mechanical performance and significant waste reduction. The filament winding evolution towards automated Robotic Filament Winding put the technology in a position to manufacture highly complex lightweight structures in architecture. In this short review, recent developments in both automated fiber alignment technologies are presented and discussed, including the main advantages and materials used. Regarding the ATL and AFP process, developments in non-aerospace applications are considered. Besides a short overview of new placement technologies, advances in Tailored Fiber Placement (TFP) in the field of dry fiber placement are reported. Finally, new robotic filament winding applications in free-form and Coreless Filament Winding (CFW) in architecture are presented.

Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization of Balami and Yankasa Rams Fed Leucaena leucocephala and Dried Poultry Manure Based Concentrates Diets

In this work, two feed concentrates—dried poultry manure concentrate (DPMC) and Leucaena leucocephala-based concentrate (LLBC)—fed to rams of two breeds (Yankasa and Balami) were assessed for their proximate composition, digestibility, and nitrogen utilization. In comparison to LLBC, which has more crude protein (15.26%), lower fiber (12.33%), and somewhat higher ether extract (3.21%), DPMC has higher dry matter (90.54%) and fiber (20.55%) but lower crude protein (13.58%) and ether extract (3.84%). Additionally, LLBC exhibits a greater nitrogen-free extract (46.23%) and ash content (8.45%) in comparison to DPMC, which results in a slightly higher total energy content (18.96 MJ/kg against 17.76 MJ/kg). Breed, feed, or breed × feed interaction impacts on performance indicators are not significant (P&gt;0.05). Breed effects (P&lt;0.05) were noted on digestibility, with Balami rams outperforming Yankasa rams in the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and nitrogen-free extract. LLBC increased(P&lt;0.05) the digestibility of nitrogen-free extract and dry matter compared to DPMC. The findings indicate that as compared to Yankasa rams fed LLBC, Balami rams fed DPMC showed greater (P&lt;0.05) digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and nitrogen-free extract. The effects of breed, feed, and breed × feed interaction on nitrogen utilization were significant (P&lt;0.05). Breed has a significant (p&lt;0.05) impact on nitrogen intake, digestion, and retention; Yankasa has greater values than Balami. In comparison to DPMC, LLBC resulted in increased nitrogen intake and retention. Interestingly, the interaction effect reveals that whilst Balami rams retained more nitrogen with DPMC, Yankasa rams retained more nitrogen with LLBC. With implications for optimizing feed strategies based on breed-specific requirements, this study highlights the impact of both feed type and breed on nutritional efficiency.

NUTRIENT INTAKE OF RED SOKOTO BUCKS FED DIETS CONTAINING VARYING LEVELS OF PILIOSTIGMA THONNINGII (KARGO) PODS IN SEMI – ARID REGION OF NIGERIA

Animal productivity could be enhanced by providing forages that are good and qualitative. Browse plants are feed resources that are relevant and valuable to livestock. Browse plants are defined as the palatable portions of a woody forage plants such as leaves, tender twigs, shoots, flowers, fruits and pods. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding different inclusion levels of Piliostigma thonningii pods on nutrient intake and digestibility of male Maradi bucks. Sixteen growing Red Sokoto bucks weighing averagely 10-12±2.0kg were randomally allotted to four treatments in a Completely Randomized Design with four replications per treatment. Four diets containing P. thonningii pods at 0, 5, 10 and 15% were fed at 3.5 body weight/day for a period of 84 days. The parameters measured include; dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, ash, ether extract and nitrogen free extract digestibility. The results of nutrient intake showed significant (P&lt;0.05) differences in all parameters except for dry matter and crude fiber. It was concluded that 15% inclusion level of P. thonningii pods enhanced nutrient intake by Kano Brown bucks. It was therefore, recommended that, P. thonningii pods could be included up to 15% level in the diet of Kano Brown bucks to enhance nutrient intake.

EFFECT OF YEAST (SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE) SUPPLEMENTATION ON NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF YANKASA RAM FED MAIZE SILAGE AND CONCENTRATE

A study was conducted at the Small Ruminant Unit of the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, to determine the effect of yeast supplementation on nutrient digestibility of Yankasa ram fed maize silage and concentrate in ratio 60:40. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) in 3 replicates. The treatments consist of four (4) levels of supplementation of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 g/day. the study lasted for 21 days. Data was analyzed using general linear model of SAS and significant means were compared using Duncan Multiple range test (DMRT). The result of the apparent nutrient digestibility trial showed significant (p&lt;0.05) difference on dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fibre (CF) and nitrogen free extract. The highest DM digestibility (p&lt;0.05) was observed in rams fed 7.5 g/day YIL (55.02 %), followed by groups fed 0, 2.5 and 5.0 g/day YIL (53.69, 53.47 and 52.45 %, respectively) which were similar (p&gt;0.05). Crude protein digestibility increased by 4.17 % in rams 7.5 g/day YIL (66.74 %) compared to rams on 5.0 g/day YIL (63.99 %), but statistically at par with rams on 0 and 2.5 g/day YIL (68.17 and 66.577 %, respectively). The digestibility of EE, CF and NFE were within 40.30-56.57 %, 80.93-81.97 % and 34.11-37.53 %, respectively. It was concluded that supplementation of yeast at 7.5 g/head/day improved the digestibility of crude protein by 4.17 %. Therefore, it should be supplemented to yankasaram for better digestion of nutrient and fee utilization.

Effects of Partial Replacement of Corn Grains With Mango Seed Kernel on Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites and Rumen Parameters of Growing Calves.

Fruit by-products are a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional grain feed for livestock. One of the most important by-products is mango seed kernel (MSK), which can be used as a valuable energy source for feeding growing calves in the tropical and subtropical productive regions of the world. This study investigated the effect of replacing corn grains (CGs) with MSK on intake, nutrient digestibility, blood metabolites and rumen parameters. Eighteen growing male Friesian calves (200 ± 6.55 kg of body weight and 9-11 months old) were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. Three concentrate feed mixtures were formulated such that MSK replaced CG at 0%, 25% and 50%. Dry matter intake was unaffected, whereas dry matter, organic matter and fibre digestibility increased linearly (p < 0.05) with increased inclusion of MSK. Ruminal pH (p = 0.053) and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration (p = 0.041) increased linearly. There was a linear decrease in cholesterol (p = 0.029) and AST (p = 0.028) levels in the blood of calves. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the positive effect of replacing 50% of CG with MSK on rumen parameters, including a higher ruminal pH and total VFA concentration, alongside higher nutrient digestibility. The dietary inclusion of mango seed can serve as a valuable and sustainable dietary component for growing calves.

Capillary-driven migration of droplets on conical fibers

A droplet placed on a hydrophilic conical fiber tends to move toward the end of larger radii due to capillary action. Experimental investigations are performed to explore the dynamics of droplets with varying viscosities and volumes on different fibers at the microscale. Droplets are found to accelerate initially and subsequently decelerate during migration. A dynamic model is developed to capture the dynamics of droplet migration, addressing the limitations of previous equilibrium-based scaling laws. Both experimental results and theoretical predictions indicate that droplets on more divergent fibers experience a longer acceleration phase. Additionally, gravitational effects are pronounced on fibers with small cone angles, exerting a substantial influence on droplet migration even below the capillary scale. Moreover, droplets move more slowly on dry fibers compared to those prewetted with the same liquid, primarily attributed to increased friction. The experiments reveal the formation of a residual liquid film after droplet migration on dry fibers, leading to considerable volume loss in the droplets. To encompass the intricacies of migration on dry fibers, the model is refined to incorporate a higher friction coefficient and variable droplet volumes, providing a more comprehensive depiction of the underlying physics.