Dry Matter Research Articles

Effect of Dried and Fermented Food Leftover on Feed Intake, Growth Performances and Digestibility of Sheep

Background: The Leftover food as a source of animal feed offers a sustainable solution to minimize waste, conserve resources and provide nutritious feed for small ruminants. The experiment was conducted at Mekelle University’s Small Ruminant Research Farm to assess the impact of dried and fermented food leftover on the growth performance and digestibility of nutrients in sheep. Methods: Twenty-one intact Highland lambs with an average weight of 15.17±1.79 kg were utilized in a randomized complete block design, with three treatments replicated seven times. The treatments included: Recommended concentrate mixture supplementation (T1), 71% replacement of the concentrate in T1 with dried food leftover (T2) and 71% replacement of the concentrate in T1 with fermented food leftover (T3). Food leftovers were collected and utilized in both dried and fermented forms. Additionally, adlibitum grass hay and water were provided throughout the trial period. Data analysis was conducted using ANOVA with the general linear model (GLM) procedures of SAS statistical software. Result: Results indicated that dried food leftover had a higher dry matter percentage when compared to the fermented counterpart, though they exhibited similar crude protein, energy and fiber contents. Dry matter intake, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly higher (P less than 0.05) for T3 compared to T1 and T2. However, dry matter and nutrient digestibility were not significantly affected by the diets (P greater than 0.05). The findings suggest that utilizing food leftover in fermented form could be more beneficial for feed utilization and animal productivity.

Determination of processing quality of local potato germplasms for industrial use

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) of the family Solanaceae is ranked globally as the fourth most important crop after rice, maize, and wheat. More than 7,500 different varieties of potato are found around the globe. In Pakistan the total area under potatoes cultivation is 134300 ha with production of about 2.5 million tons/annum. The availability of fresh and nutritive potatoes for human utilization is very essential. The present study was conducted to screen thirty-six potato genotypes for processing quality characteristics including specific gravity, dry matter and ash contents to determine their suitability for industrial use in compliance with food safety standards. The purpose of this study was to identify the new and best processing varieties considered suitable for industrial use and to recommend such varieties to the farmers for further growth. Among the thirty-six potato genotypes, 393594-72 (1.080 g/cm3), Kuroda (1.083 g/cm3), Potato-III (1.085 g/cm3) and Romeo (1.095 g/cm3) has the highest specific gravity, whereas Sarpomira (20.13%), 393574-72 (20.21%), Kuroda (21.1%), Potato-III (21.25%), and Romeo (23.38%) was found superior for their dry matter. The maximum ash contents were recorded in Sturna (6.65%) followed by Zia-III (5.55%). Most of the potatoes cultivars at any location produced tubers with a dry matter content greater than 18.0% and a specific gravity of 1.070 g/cm3, which are within the acceptable range for processing. The study was helpful in evaluation of best potato genotypes for industrial purposes and their cultivation by the farmers.

Production Performance and Nutritional Quality of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Nurtured in Different Organic Waste

Nutritionists are beginning to pay attention to black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae (BSFL) as an alternative to expensive soybean and fish meal in animal feed which is abundant in different nutrients. Additionally, organic wastes including leftover food, animal excreta, and agricultural wastes, can be used to efficiently raise and spread BSFL. This study was carried out to evaluate the yield, production performance and proximate composition of BSFL nurtured on different organic waste namely, broiler starter feed (BF); rice bran (RB); market-sourced vegetable wastes (VW); chicken manure (CM) and kitchen waste (KW). The BF fed group had the highest observed larval yields (16.2 kg in total; P<0.05). Raising BSFL on BF, VW and KW resulted in the greatest body weight (0.149, 0.147 and 0.150 g, respectively) and growth rate (0.012 g), whereas the KW fed group had the longest body length (P<0.05). The fed groups that received CM and BF had the highest and lowest mortality rates, respectively (P<0.05). All fed groups except RB had improved feed conversion ratios, while VW and KW fed groups had higher protein conversion ratios (2.626 and 2.852, respectively; P<0.05). All the group had better substrate reduction rate compared to CM fed group (P<0.05). The dry matter and ash contents of BSFL reared on BF, VW and KW were higher than the RB and CM group (P<0.05). The KW supplemented BSFL had the highest ether extract level, whereas the BF fed group had the highest protein content (43.58%, P<0.05). In conclusion, BSFL can be successfully reared on kitchen and vegetable scraps. It is anticipated that the cost of black soldier fly farming and animal production will decrease since these organic waste shown favorable effects on BSFL growth performance and nutritional quality comparable to broiler feed in the current study. J. of Sci. and Tech. Res. 6(1): 139-148, 2024

Chemical Topping and Planting Density Interactively Affect Cotton Growth and Partitioning Index

Due to the labor shortage, replacing manual topping with chemical topping has become an important practice in cotton-producing areas such as Xinjiang, China. Similarly, increasing planting density is a common strategy to enhance cotton yields. This study aimed to quantify the interactive effects of chemical topping and planting density on cotton growth and assimilate partitioning. To achieve this, a two-year (2020–2021) field experiment was conducted in Xinjiang, China. The main plots were assigned low (15 plants m−2) or high plant density (25 plants m−2), and the subplots were chemical topping using heavy amounts of mepiquat chloride (MC) or manual topping. The dynamics of dry matter accumulation and partitioning in cotton were well quantified using a beta-growth function with an overall nRMSE of 11.5%. Results indicated that chemical topping increased aboveground dry matter maximum by 4.88%, fruit dry matter maximum by 17.9% and seed cotton yield by 14.0% compared to manual topping. At low plant density, the partitioning index between vegetative and reproductive organs showed no significant differences. However, at high plant density, the time when 50% of assimilate partitioning to reproductive organs for chemical topping was 2.6 physiological days (under optimal temperature conditions) delayed than that for manual topping, resulting in a 2.7 physiological days delay in the time that fruits reached maximum growth rate. The results of the study suggest that applying chemicals for topping a little earlier in high-density planting could reduce the negative effects of delayed boll growth and promote carbon assimilate partitioning to fruit growth.

Quality Assessment of Different Agricultural Produce under Organic as Well as Inorganic Production System: A Review

The urgent need to grow more food to feed the growing population has led to intensive farming with a lot of negative impacts on soil health as well as the ecosystem. To mitigate the negative impacts of conventional farming, the concept of organic farming has resurfaced. However, separate study of conventional and organic farming does not give a comparative assessment between two production system. The compensation of yield loss under organic farming could only be overlooked through enhancing the quality of produce. Good quality produce is just as important as quantity, yet quantity is typically prioritized. There is a myth that organically grown produce is superior and tastier than conventionally grown produce, yet this isn’t always the case. So, it’s high time to screen out the specific nutrient/ vitamin or any other quality parameter that can be enhanced through organic farming. So that agro-technique for organic fortification can be developed for the future researchers. Almost 71 research experiment were carefully studied and tried to assess the impact on organic farming on quality of produce. In developed and developing countries the area is increasing with an average growth rate of 20-25 %. Organically grown produce enhanced the mineral content especially phosphorous, and iron in rice, increased the protein content of maize by 8 to 19%, lysine content in wheat by 25-30%, ash and crude fat content in millets and oats and many more. Besides, improving physical appearances such as kernel length, elongation ratio of cereals, the cooking time has been greatly reduced in organic than inorganic production system. Even, the crude protein and oil contents greatly increased in the oilseed crops in organic production system over inorganic. However, variable response was reported in case of tuber crops, as quality parameters as well as organoleptic taste between conventional as well as organic farming system remained insignificant. However, few researchers reported significant increase in tuber dry matter content (20.92%) as well as quality traits for processing of tubers under organic farming system. Likewise, the oleoresin (5.26%) and essential oil (3.96%) contents of zinger rhizomes and curcumin (5.3%) and essential oil contents (4.2%) of turmeric greatly increased in organic production system over inorganic.

Effect of pre-farrowing hygiene routine (sub-standard vs. optimal) and creep feeding regime (dry pelleted starter diet vs. liquid mixture of milk replacer and starter diet) on post-weaning intestinal parameters and growth to slaughter in pigs.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of providing dry pelleted starter diet (DPS) or a liquid mixture of milk replacer and starter diet (LMR+S) to suckling pigs housed in farrowing pens of sub-standard or optimal hygiene conditions on pig growth to slaughter, and post-weaning (PW) intestinal parameters. On day (d) 107 of gestation, 87 sows were randomly allocated to one of four treatments in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. The factors were creep feeding (DPS or LMR+S) and pre-farrowing hygiene routine (SUB-STANDARD or OPTIMAL). Pigs were provided with DPS (manually) from d11 to weaning (at d28±1.2 of age) or LMR+S using an automatic liquid feeding system from d4 to weaning. The SUB-STANDARD hygiene routine (pens washed and dried for ~18h, sows not washed or disinfected) and the OPTIMAL hygiene routine (pens pre-soaked, detergent applied, washed, dried for 3 days, chlorocresol-based disinfectant applied, dried for 3 more days and sows washed and disinfected with Virkon) were used to obtain SUB-STANDARD or OPTIMAL hygiene conditions, respectively in farrowing rooms prior to entry of sows. Microbiome analysis was performed on fecal samples from 8 focal pigs/treatment, before weaning and at d21 and d114 PW. On d4 PW, 10 pigs/treatment were euthanized to collect intestinal tissue and digesta samples for histological, enzyme activity and microbiome analysis. Feeding LMR+S to pigs born into the OPTIMAL hygiene increased total dry matter intake compared to all of the other groups (P ≤ 0.05) and increased weaning weight compared to DPS feeding under both OPTIMAL and SUB-STANDARD hygiene conditions (P ≤ 0.05). Pigs from OPTIMAL farrowing pens had lower clinical cases of disease, diarrhoea prevalence and were slaughtered 3.8 days earlier than those from SUB-STANDARD farrowing pens (P ≤ 0.05). Suckling piglet mortality was reduced with LMR+S (P ≤ 0.05). On d4 PW, jejunal and ileal villus height were increased by OPTIMAL hygiene and ileal sucrase activity was increased by LMR+S (P ≤ 0.05). On d4 PW, LMR+S-fed pigs from OPTIMAL farrowing pens had lower relative abundance of Clostridium_P in the jejunum. In conclusion, the OPTIMAL hygiene routine increased pre-weaning LMR+S feed intake, reduced clinical cases of disease, improved intestinal structure and reduced the weaning to slaughter duration, while LMR+S feeding increased weaning weight, intestinal maturity and reduced pre-weaning mortality.

Influence of Microbial Transglutaminase on the Formation of Physico-Chemical Properties of Meat Analogs

With growing environmental and health concerns surrounding meat consumption, meat analogs have emerged as sustainable and health-conscious alternatives. A major challenge in developing these products is replicating the fibrous, elastic texture of meat, where microbial transglutaminase (MTG) has shown significant potential. MTG catalyzes protein cross-linking, enhancing the structural integrity of meat analogs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MTG concentrations (0%, 0.5%, and 1%) and incubation times (0, 1.5, and 3 h) on the quality and rheological properties of meat analogs. Analogs were tested for pH, protein content, dry matter, fat retention, and thermal loss. Textural properties, including hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess, springiness, and chewiness, were determined using texture profile analysis, while leakage parameters were evaluated through water and fat content tests. Results revealed that higher MTG concentrations and longer incubation times improved protein content (14.34% to 15.55%), dry matter (29.61% to 32.53%), and reduced total leakage (1.262% to 0.634%). Textural properties, including hardness (57.08 N to 83.14 N), gumminess (19.40 N to 30.00 N), and chewiness (17.60 N × mm to 29.58 N × mm), also significantly improved with increasing MTG levels. Thermal loss ranged from 98.37% to 100.9%, showing enhanced retention at higher MTG concentrations. These results support the role of MTG in creating meat analogs with improved meat-like textures, achieved through enhanced protein cross-linking and moisture retention.

Effects of Fructus Aurantii Extract on Growth Performance, Nutrient Apparent Digestibility, Serum Parameters, and Fecal Microbiota in Finishing Pigs

This study investigated the effects of Fructus Aurantii extract (FAE) on growth performance, nutrient apparent digestibility, serum parameters, fecal microbial composition, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in finishing pigs. In total, 75 Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire pigs (equally divided by sex), with an initial body weight of 79.49 ± 4.27 kg, were randomly assigned to three treatment groups. The pigs were fed either a basic diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 500 mg/kg of FAE (FAE500) and 1000 mg/kg of FAE (FAE1000). The FAE1000 group exhibited a significantly higher final body weight (FBW) (p < 0.05), and the average daily feed intake (ADFI) showed an increasing tendency in the FAE500 and FAE1000 groups (p = 0.056) compared to the CON group. Additionally, the inclusion of FAE resulted in the significantly higher apparent digestibility of crude ash (Ash), gross energy (GE), and crude protein (CP) (p < 0.05), with a tendency to the increased digestibility of dry matter (DM) (p = 0.053). Dietary FAE supplementation led to elevated serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and decreased levels of serum L-lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), along with a tendency to increase serum glucose (GLU) levels (p = 0.084). The FAE500 group demonstrated higher serum concentrations of motilin (MTL) and gastrin (GAS) (p < 0.05), and a tendency for reduced serum glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) level (p = 0.055) compared to the CON group. Furthermore, alpha diversity analysis revealed that the FAE500 group significantly increased the Chao 1 and Observed_species indexes (p < 0.05). Similarly, beta diversity analysis indicated that FAE feeding altered the fecal microbial structure (p = 0.083). Notably, compared with the control group, CF231, Pediococcus, and Mogibacterium displayed higher relative abundance in the feces of the FAE500 group, whereas Tenericutes showed a reduction in relative abundance (p < 0.05). Additionally, the relative abundance of Tenericute was negatively correlated with the digestibility of DM, GE, Ash, and CP (p < 0.05). Serum MTL and GAS levels correlated positively with the Coprococcus, Dorea, Pediococcus, and Mogibacterium relative abundances (p < 0.05). Collectively, dietary FAE supplementation could enhance growth performance by boosting beneficial bacteria in feces, stimulating gastrointestinal hormone secretion, and improving nutrient digestibility.

Comparative analysis of geochemical peculiarities of pleistocene sediments from Indian and Atlantic oceans

We have compared the arithmetic average chemical composition of main types of Pleistocene sediments in the Indian and Atlantic oceans, and average chemical composition of the Pleistocene in both oceans as well. As the base for comparison we have used data from International project of deep-sea drilling reports (phases DSDP, ODP, IODP) and other references. It was revealed that results of comparative analyses of meanweighted chemical composition have been determined by masses of dry sediment matter. Domination of Atlantic mass accumulation rates over the Indian Ocean ones was due to larger ratio of watershed areas to areas of basin accumulation, more significant role of humid climate and enhanced primary production.

Solid-state fermentation of corn wet distiller grains and wheat bran with Trichoderma reesei and Candida utilis for improving feed value.

Solid-state fermentation is one of the most effective methods for the high-value utilization of agro-industrial by-products. Co-fermentation of wet distiller grains and agricultural waste is an effective way to mitigate the feed shortage caused by corn consumption for bioethanol. It is still challenging to convert wet distiller grains and wheat bran to easily accessible carbon sources and adjust the balanced proportion of amino acids together by fermentation. Fermentation time, strain ratio, and the addition of ammonium sulfate have been verified to be the important factors influencing the symbiosis of Trichoderma reesei (T. reesei) and Candida utilis (C. utilis) in a mixed system of wet distiller grains and wheat bran. The optimum conditions were fermentation for 8 days, 2:1 (T. reesei: C. utilis) strain ratio, and addition of 4% ammonium sulfate. After fermentation, the cellulose degradation proportion reached 39.1%, and the hemicellulose degradation proportion was 13.1%. The protein content improved by 29.6%. The lysine content increased by 126%, reaching 11.3 g·kg-1. The threonine content increased from 6.10 to 10.3 g·kg-1. The phytate content was decreased to 3.97 g·kg-1. The in vitro digestibility of dry matter and protein increased to 62.8% and 76.1%, respectively. These results indicated the feasibility of improving the feeding value of wet distiller grains and wheat bran by the symbiosis of T. reesei and C. utilis. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and microbial nitrogen synthesis of swamp buffaloes fed urea-lime treated rice straw

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of urea-lime treatment on rice straw regarding its influence on nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation efficiency in swamp buffaloes. Eight rumen-fistulated swamp buffaloes (353 ± 11 kg) were used in a completely randomised design experiment. They received one of the two diets (untreated rice straw (RS) and 2% urea + 2% lime treated rice straw (ULTRS)) during the feeding trial. Offered and residual feed were weight and collected during the 21–day experimental period while faeces and urine were sampled on the final 7 days when the animals were housed in metabolism crates. Rumen fluid and blood samples were collected on the last day for chemical analyses. The results showed a significant improvement in dry matter intake and digestibility with the use of ULTRS. Feeding ULTRS improved rumen NH3-N concentration, whereas blood and urine nitrogen contents were similar. The acetic acid concentration and methane production decreased while propionic acid content increased. Consequently, the ratio of acetic acid to propionic acid was significantly reduced in buffaloes that were fed ULTRS. Total viable bacteria, amylolytic, and cellulolytic bacteria enhanced in the ULTRS treatment. The efficiency microbial nitrogen synthesis and the microbial protein synthesis were both elevated in the ULTRS group. The findings suggest that ULTRS can be used as a source of roughage to enhance nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation efficiency, microbial nitrogen and protein synthesis efficiency and methane reduction in swamp buffaloes.

Silage Quality, Aerobic Stability, Gas Production and in vitro Digestibility of Pumpkin Waste Silages

This experiment was carried out to determine the silage quality of pumpkin waste with wheat straw (S) and alfalfa hay (A). The treatment groups as follows: 1) 100% pumpkin waste (PR), 2) 80%PR and 20% A (PW80+A20), 3) 80%PW and 20%S (PW80+S20), 4) 60%PW and 40%A (PW60+A40), 5) 60%PW and 40%S (PW60+S40), 6) 80%PW+10%A+10%S (PW80+A10+S10) and 7) 60%PW + 20%A + 20%S (PW40+A20+S20). The lowest dry matter content was observed in PW group (39.0 g/kg). The crude protein ratio in the alfalfa groups were higher than those of S and PW groups. The crude cellulose was lower and NDF higher in the PW group than those of other groups and ADF was highest in the 40%S group. Water soluble carbohydrate ratio in PW and PW60+A20+S20 groups were higher than those of other groups. In the PW group, the lactic acid ratio was higher than PW80+S10+A10 group. In the PW80+S20 group the highest gas production was observed at 48th, 72nd and 96th hours. The energy values of PW group were higher than those of other groups. The aerobic stability of pumpkin silage was improved with hay addition especially alfalfa addition in 400 g/kg concentration.

Effects of Tithonia diversifolia Extract as a Feed Additive on Digestibility and Performance of Hair Lambs

Animal production requires efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability. Bioactive compounds from tropical plants could modulate ruminal fermentation, providing an alternative method to antibiotic treatment and addressing concerns about antibiotic resistance. In this study, the aim was to determine the effects of Tithonia diversifolia extract (TDE) on performance, intake, digestibility and blood parameters [i.e., glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT)] in crossbreed sheep. The main biocompounds of the TDE include caffeic acid (CA), quercetin (QCT), luteolin (LT) and apigenin (AP). Experiment 1: An in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) study was conducted to determine the optimal inclusion levels. The IVDM values were 73.09a, 82.03b, 81.01b, 73.20a and 74.51a for the control, 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg for the DM treatments, respectively (R-Sq adj = 0.857). The levels of 5 and 10 g were selected for the in vivo experiment. Experiment 2: Twenty-eight male crossbred hair lambs were assigned to four treatments (n = 7): control, 20 mg monensin/day, 5 g TDE/day and 10 g TDE/day groups. No differences in animal performance were observed, including body weight and feed conversion (p > 0.05). The TDE at 10 g/day improved NDF digestibility) (61.32%) and reduced the ruminal acetate to propionate ratio. The total digestible nutrients (TDN) were higher in 10 g TDE treatment with 66.41% and the lowest acetate production (67.82%) (p = 0.042), and propionate production (21.07%) were observed. The TDE were safe at 5 g and 10 g/day for liver function and exhibited lower BUN levels suggesting an improvement in protein metabolism. TDE extract at 10 g/day (TDE10), showed improvements in total tract digestibility of NDF and reduced the ruminal acetate to propionate ratio. However, due to TDE10 reducing the DM intake, the improvements in digestibility and ruminal fermentation were not reflected in growth performance improvements.

Leaf functional traits highlight phenotypic variation of two tree species in the urban environment

Urbanization is transforming landscapes globally, altering environmental conditions that affect ecosystem functioning, particularly in urban areas where trees are crucial for regulating microclimates, improving air quality, and sustaining biodiversity. This study investigates the environmental differences and tree leaf structure and morphology in urban and suburban sites in the Chicago Metropolitan Region. The leaf functional traits of Norway Maple and Little − leaved Linden were studied in three locations in the summer of 2023: an urban park (University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL), a suburban park (Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL), and a suburban residential site (Lombard, IL). The urban site had higher daytime and nighttime air, and land surface temperatures compared to the suburban sites with significant fluctuations observed across the sites. Cumulative growing degree days, a measure of potential photosynthetically active days, were also higher in the urban park than in the suburban sites between March and August. Norway Maple trees growing in the urban site displayed higher specific leaf area (SLA) and lower leaf dry matter content (LDMC) than in the suburban sites, resulting in thinner leaves. Similarly, Little−leaved Linden trees in the suburban residential site displayed higher SLA and lower LDMC than those in the suburban park. The values of gas exchange traits − namely photosynthetic assimilation, transpiration rates, and stomatal conductance − of Norway Maple were higher at the urban site compared to suburban sites as temperatures increased during the summer. Norway Maple gas exchange values decreased as the growing season progressed, as expected by ontogeny. In contrast, Little−leaved Linden maintained similar leaf gas exchange values throughout the growing season. Both species in the urban site exhibited lower instantaneous water use efficiency and reduced LDMC, suggesting greater water loss in response to elevated temperatures compared to suburban park and residential sites. Comparisons with existing global trait databases emphasize the need for localized data to accurately capture site−specific responses. Although some traits aligned with database values, others deviated significantly, underscoring the importance of comprehensive, site−specific datasets for robust ecosystem modeling and management strategies.

Сезонни промени на хранителната стойност на пасищният ресурс за едри преживни животни

The nutritional value of pastures can vary depending on the type of available vegetation, its quality and environmental conditions. The analysis of the samples was carried out in the laboratory of the Agricultural Institute - Stara Zagora, using Infrared technology for analysis of feed and components - NIRS DS 2500 - monochromator, with a scanning range of 850 - 2500 nanometers. The following quality indicators were determined: Dry matter, %, Protein, %, Starch, %, Ash, %, ADF, % and NDF, % to available moisture. In the spring season, the dry matter is 23.76%, in the summer it is 29.89% and in the winter it is 68.04%. The protein varies from 6.75% in spring to 3.64% in autumn. In the summer we find 4.77%. The content of acid detergent fiber varies from 8.25 to 35.03%, with the highest value recorded in autumn - 35.03%. The results obtained in our study for neutral detergent fiber vary from 14.2% to 43.3% depending on the seasons. In summary, pastures offer a rich source of nutrients for ruminants, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber. Proper pasture management, such as appropriate planning, crop rotation and fertilization, can help optimize the nutritional composition of pastures and provide optimal rations for large ruminants. The results obtained were processed variationally - statistically using the software product SYSTAT 12 © Copyright 2007, SYSTAT Software, Inc. All Rights Reserved and STATSOFT Statistics for Windows 10. The aim of this study is to establish seasonal changes in the nutritional value of pasture resources for large ruminants. Meadow and pasture production, which is used for direct consumption by animals or for obtaining hay for manure feeding, is indirectly related to this problem.

Parkia platycephala replacing ground corn in the diet of confined lambs: intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, rumen fermentation and carcass yield

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, productive performance, rumen fermentation and carcass yield of lambs fed diets with Parkia platycephala pods (PP) replacing ground corn. For this, twenty-eight castrated male lambs (18.34 ± 4.81 kg, 120 days of age), were distributed in randomised blocks with 4 treatments and 7 replicates. Four diets were formulated replacing ground corn with PP (0, 33, 66, and 100%) on a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70 on a dry matter basis. The feedlot period lasted for 60 days, and the animals were slaughtered consecutively. The replacing of ground corn with PP reduced the intakes of ether extract and metabolisable energy, digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre, total digestible nutrients, isovalerate, and omental + mesenteric fat, while it increased the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates, carcass finishing, and the yields of rumen, reticulum, and omasum (p < 0.05). A quadratic effect was observed for the time of chews per rumen bolus, number of rumination chews per day, number of rumination chews per bolus, and number of rumination chews per minute, propionate (p = 0.002), butyrate (p < 0.01) and total short chain fatty acids (SCFA) (p < 0.05) according to the increase in PP levels replacing ground corn in diets offered to lambs. The rumen pH was reduced and the NH3-N increased according to the evaluation period (p < 0.05). The highest concentration of total SCFA was observed in the collection carried out at 09 h (p < 0.05). The use of up to 100% PP in diets offered to lambs is recommended as it provides nutrient intake, weight gain, and carcass yield similar to ground corn.

The Impact of Partially Replacing Dietary Maize with Graded Levels of Banana Peels on Nutrient Digestibility, Physiology, and Meat Quality Traits in Jumbo Quail

We evaluated the effect of replacing maize with graded levels of banana (Musa acuminata) peels (BPs) on feed utilisation, physiological performance, and meat quality traits in Jumbo quail. In a completely randomised design, 341 one-week-old, unsexed quail chicks were randomly allocated to 30 cages and reared on five experimental diets containing 0 (BP0), 25 (BP25), 50 (BP50), 75 (BP75), and 100 g/kg BP (BP100) in a conventional grower diet. Dry matter, organic matter, and gross energy digestibility values linearly declined (p &lt; 0.05) with BP levels. Feed intake in the 5th week linearly declined (p &lt; 0.05) as BP levels increased. The BP0 diet promoted greater overall body weight gain than BP100. Similarly, birds on BP0 had a higher (p &lt; 0.05) overall gain-to-feed ratio than birds on BP75 and BP100. Significant linear increases were observed for relative gizzard, and small and large intestine weights. There were negative quadratic effects (p &lt; 0.05) for relative proventriculus weight, breast lightness, and thigh chroma as BP levels increased. Furthermore, thigh yellowness linearly decreased, while hue angle linearly increased with BP levels. The partial substitution of maize with BP in Jumbo quail diet compromised feed digestibility and performance parameters, stimulated visceral organ development, and altered some meat colour attributes.

Slow-release boron fertilizer improves yield and nutritional profile of Beta vulgaris L. grown in Northeast China by increasing boron supply capacity

The northeastern part of China is a traditional sugar beet cultivation area where the soils are classified generally as the black and albic soil types with low boron (B) availability. Boron fertilizer can increase soil B content and significantly improve crop yield and quality. At present, the effects of slow-release B fertilizer on beet root yield and quality remain unclear. Two sugar beet varieties KWS1197 and KWS0143 were selected as the research materials; and biologically evaluated with three dosage rates of 0, 15, and 30 kg ha-1 in two soil types. Results showed that slow-release B fertilizer (30 kg ha-1) improved sugar beet net photosynthetic rate (13.6%) and transpiration rate (9.8%), as well as enhanced dry matter accumulation and the transfer to underground parts (23.1%) for higher root yield (1.4 to 9.7% in black soil and 3.5-14.2% in albic soil). Specifically, boron fertilizer greatly increased root B accumulation, as evidenced by decreasing amino N and Na contents alongside increasing surose (Pol) content. Slow-release B fertilizer increased white sugar yield by 3.5 to 35.7% in black soil and 5.8 to 20.8% in albic soil. In conclusion, applying slow-release B fertilizer is an effective strategy to increase sugar beet yield and quality in northeast China, with a recommended application rate of 30 kg ha-1. These findings established a baseline for formulating effective and futristic fertilizer for sugar beet.

Evaluation of additive effecton anaerobic sewage sludge digestion

An additive based on iron oxides was applied to reduce the amount of produced sludge and to increase the production and quality of biogas. The C/N ratio was 11.0–11.3 and the pH of the sludge mixture was 7.3 before the anaerobic digestion. The determined optimal dose of the additive was 0.35 g/g of sludge dry matter over 20 days. This allowed a reduction in the sludge retention time up to 6–11 days. Consequently, maximum biogas production was reached on average 1.6 times faster, volatile solids degradation increased by 56.7%, biogas production increased by 75%, specific biogas production increased by 11.5%, and methane concentration in the biogas increased by 8.4%–18.2%. When the additive was applied, the quantity of phosphate phosphorus in the supernatant was reduced by up to 19%, and hydrogen sulfide reduction efficiency in the biogas ranged between 55% and 62%. In sludge treatment facilities, using an iron oxide-based additive could reduce the dewatering and drying costs for digested sludge by up to 35% .

Prediction of NPK doses based on targeted fruit sugar content in Cucumis melo L. ‘Cantaloupe’ using a simple regression method

The fruit sweetness is the main target in melon plant production. The highest criterion of sweetness is excellent, with 16% of total sugar content. Modification of essential plant nutrients is the alternative to reach that category. So, this study aims to obtain optimum NPK doses using a simple regression method. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with a soilless culture hydroponic system from August until November 2023 using a completely randomized design (CRD) with five treatments and four replications. The parameters included leaf area, plant dry matter, leaf nutrient uptake, fruit weight, and fruit sugar content. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the total sugar content in fruit has a significantly positive correlation with potassium in NPK fertilizer treatments such as K2O dose and K2O uptake at 7 WAP, i.e., 0.932 and 0.973, respectively. According to the regression model y = -50.7 + 1.079 N + 0.251 P2O5 + 0.528 K2O, the NPK formula fertilizer containing 31.56 g N, 23.99 g P2O5, and 50.42 g K2O can be used by grower to produce excellent fruit sugar content.