Greater Concentrations Research Articles

Mehlich 3 as an indicator of grain nutrient concentration for five cereals in sub-Saharan Africa

Context or ProblemSoil testing for available nutrients is an important tool to determine fertilizer rates, however many standard methods test the availability of a single nutrient only. In contrast, Mehlich 3 (M3) is a multi-element test for predicting crop yield responses to the addition of macro and micronutrients. However, the M3 test has rarely been validated against crop nutrient concentrations, which limits its application for dietary improvement studies in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective or Research QuestionThe primary objective was to test how well the M3 nutrient concentrations corresponds to grain nutrient concentrations as an indicator of plant nutrient status and grain quality. A secondary objective was to compare the performance of the M3 test with other extraction tests. MethodsThis study used 1096 paired soil and crop samples of five cereals: maize, rice, sorghum, teff and wheat, covering a broad range of soil types and soil properties in Ethiopia and Malawi (e.g., pH 4.5 - 8.8; Olsen P < 1 - 280 ppm). The samples were selected from a larger collection based on “high” or “low” grain nutrient concentrations in the crop, and the respective soil available nutrients were measured with M3 and other extraction tests: CaCl2 (P, K, Mg, Mn), Ca(NO3)2 (K and Mg), Olsen P, sequential extraction (S), and DTPA (Mn, Fe and Zn). ResultsThe M3 concentrations followed the trend of the “high” and “low” grain concentrations in nearly all nutrients and crops, and this was statistically significant in teff and wheat for all nutrients. The results were best for macronutrients, and slightly less good for micronutrients, probably because the concentration of micronutrients in the selected soil samples was generally quite low. Compared to the other multi-element extractant (CaCl2), the M3 test corresponded better to grain concentrations of K and Mg, and equally well to Olsen P, sequential extraction (S), and DTPA predictions of P, S, Zn and Fe, respectively. M3 extracted much greater concentrations than the other tests, and this was more pronounced in alkaline soils. ConclusionsGiven that the M3 test corresponded well to grain nutrient concentrations across a range of soils and crops in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), we conclude that it can be considered a universal test for plant nutrients. We also proposed thresholds for M3 values, defining below optimum, optimum and above optimum soil fertility status. Implications or SignificanceThese results validate the use of the M3 test to assess soil fertility and develop fertilizer recommendations for improved produce quality to enhance diets in SSA.

Postmanufacturing techniques for mitigation of viral pathogens in porcine-derived feed ingredients: a review.

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly infectious virus known to cause substantial mortality and morbidity in pigs. The transmissibility and severity of disease within pigs, as well as the potentially resultant catastrophic trade ramifications, warrant its status as a foreign animal disease of substantial concern to the United States. The ASFV virus can survive for extended periods of time outside its host, and its greatest concentration is often observed in blood and organs, products that are frequently used as raw materials to manufacture porcine-derived ingredients fed to animals in the United States. Unlike ruminant-based proteins that cannot be fed to ruminant animals, it is permissible to feed porcine-derived ingredients to pigs in the United States. However, the increased threat of ASFV entry into the United States and our evolving understanding of viral transmission by feedstuffs warrant further investigation into this practice. The objectives of this review are to describe the current knowledge of ASFV survival in raw materials used to produce porcine-based ingredients, identify priorities for future research, and summarize potential options for managing risk until additional knowledge can be gained. While limited data is available for ASFV-specific mitigation, the temperatures used in both spray-drying and rendering have proven to effectively reduce viral concentrations of multiple swine viruses below detectable limits. However, some of these procedures may not eliminate the risk of recontamination, which necessitates the need for additional prevention or mitigation measures. Most published research in this area relies on direct inoculation of raw ingredient, not the finished porcine-derived ingredient. Currently, three published studies report ASFV mitigation in either thermally processed conditions (>40 °C) or ingredient quarantine (<40 °C). Virus inactivation, or the reduction of viral concentrations below detectable levels, was observed in the thermally processed study and one of the two ingredient quarantine studies. In conclusion, there is little knowledge to eliminate the risk of recontamination in porcine-derived ingredients; therefore, future research should aim to support and validate the currently available literature for the continued and safe production of porcine-derived ingredients in the event of a foreign animal disease outbreak.

Corticotropin-releasing hormone and vasopressin challenge affects metabolic, hematologic, and rumen fermentation parameters of growing beef steers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impacts of stress challenge duration on metabolic, hematologic, and rumen fermentation parameters of beef steers. Thirty steers (416 ± 19kg) were used in a randomized complete block design with 2 blocks and 3 treatments. Treatments were intravenous injection of (1) saline at 0, 24, 48, and 72h (n = 10; control); (2) corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and vasopressin (VP) at 0h and saline at 24, 48, and 72h (n = 10; acute); or (3) CRH and VP at 0, 24, 48, and 72h (n = 10; chronic). Serum samples were collected at various time points for analysis of serum chemistry and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). Whole blood was collected for analysis of complete blood count, and ruminal fluid was collected via oral lavage to evaluate volatile fatty acid (VFA) composition. Serum cortisol was greater (treatment × hour; P ≤ 0.01) for cattle receiving acute and chronic than control at 1h (P < 0.01) and greater for chronic than acute and control at 25, 26, 49, 50, 73, and 74h (P < 0.01). Similarly, there was a treatment × hour interaction (P < 0.01) for serum glucose concentrations such that cattle receiving acute and chronic had greater glucose at 1h than control (P < 0.01), and cattle receiving chronic had greater glucose at 25, 49, 73, and 74h than acute and control (P ≤ 0.04). Serum insulin concentrations were greater (treatment × hour P < 0.01) in chronic and acute than control at 1h (P < 0.01) and greater for chronic compared to acute and control at 25, 49, and 73h (P ≤ 0.01). Serum NEFA tended (P = 0.09) to be greater in stressed cattle compared to control. There was a treatment × hour interaction (P = 0.003) for total white blood cell count such that chronic had greater concentration than control at 72h (P < 0.01). Conversely, monocyte concentration was less (treatment × hour interaction P < 0.01) for chronic than acute and control at 144h (P < 0.01) and eosinophil concentration was greater (treatment × hour interaction P = 0.02) for chronic than control steers at 48h (P = 0.02) and greater for chronic than acute at 72 and 144h (P ≤ 0.03). Minimal differences were observed in VFA concentrations with the exception of acetate (treatment × hour interaction P = 0.05). These results demonstrate that administration of CRH and VP affects complete blood count and serum chemistry, and longer duration of treatment exposure prolongs the physiological responses to a stress challenge.

Evaluation of some immunological markers in co-infection of COVID-19 with thrush candidiasis.

COVID-19 infection poses significant risks, including life-threatening consequences and fungus synchronization, making it a significant concern. This study seeks to assess the effect of concurrent infection of COVID-19 with Thrush Candida albicans on the patient's health state by measuring the proportion of immune cells and certain interleukins such as IL-8, -10, -17, and -33. The study involved 70 patients (30 patients with COVID-19, 17 patients with thrush candidiasis, and 23 patients with Thrush Candida albicans) and 50 healthy individuals as a control group. COVID-19 was identified using RT-PCR, while C. albicans were identified through culture media, biochemical testing, and oral swabs. Ruby equipment and ELISA kits were used for blood counts and interleukin detection. COVID-19, thrush candidiasis, and Thrush Candida albicans infections occur in a wide range of age groups (4-80 years), with no significant differences between sexes (p>0.05). Immunologically, our study found that Thrush Candida albicans patients had the highest rate of neutrophils (89.6%) and basophils (2.01%), while corona patients had the highest percentage of lymphocytes (70.12%) and eosinophils (7.11%), and patients with thrush candidiasis had the highest percentage of monocytes. Thrush Candida albicans patients showed increased IL-8 (56.7 pg/mL) and IL-17 (101.1 pg/mL) concentrations, with the greatest concentration of IL-33 (200.5 pg/mL) in COVID-19, and a decrease in the level of IL-10 in patient groups compared with controls. Patient groups showed increased neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and IL-8 levels, with a significant linear association between proinflammatory interleukins and these cells.

The effect of replacing wheat flour with sesame and flax flour on the chemical composition, fatty acids, and antioxidant properties of biscuits

The purpose of this investigation was to learn more about the chemical make-up of various grains and to analyze the chemical compositions, fatty acids, and antioxidant content of biscuits made with varying amounts of sesame and flax flour (0, 10, 20, and 25% replacement ratios). The chemical composition of the biscuits created by substituting sesame flour and flax indicated that the moisture content in all samples was between 5.90 and 6.33%, although the findings showed a disparity in the percentage of moisture for the various biscuit kinds. The proportion of ash increased dramatically with the replacement rates, from 1.33 to 1.70%. The BS25% treatment had the greatest protein concentration, at 14.43%. As the rate of replacement increased, a corresponding rise in protein content was seen. There was also a correlation between the replacement rates for the treatments investigated and the proportion of fats, with the highest percentage of fats being 10.33%. The BS20% treatment had the greatest fiber percentage (12.20%). The highest carbohydrate percentages (55.10-68.33%) suggested a decreasing carbohydrate ratio when replacement rates were increased. The outcomes also demonstrated that both essential and non-essential fatty acids were present in all types of grains studied. Finally, the highest proportion of antioxidants, which reached 58%, was recorded with the biscuits without any substitutes.

Characteristics of the Ecological Space of Russia: Regional Differences

Introduction. The implementation of the principles of sustainable development necessitates the achievement of the best characteristics of the ecological space of the regions, reducing the degree of their differentiation in order to improve the well-being and quality of life of citizens throughout the country. However, at present this is difficult, in particular, due to the lack of a unified methodological approach that would make it possible to obtain an assessment and form a holistic view of the spatial ecological development. The purpose of the article is to assess the characteristics of the ecological space of Russian regions on the basis of the proposed methodological approach and to formulate recommendations for their improvement. Materials and Methods. The information base for the study was the official data of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, the portal “National projects of Russiaˮ, the portal “Gosraskhodyˮ, statistical data of the Federal State Statistics Service. To assess the characteristics of the ecological space (irregularity and homogeneity), the authors’ methodological approach is proposed. To implement the approach, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of 1402 contracts concluded in 2020–2022 was carried out in the Russian regions as part of the national project “Ecology” implementation. Results. A significant differentiation of regional parameters characterizing the unevenness and homogeneity of the ecological space has been revealed. Conclusions are drawn about the existence of two directions for the implementation of contracts in the field of environmental development: general, implemented in each region of Russia, specific, implemented in no more than two regions. Proposals are formulated to improve the homogeneity and reduce the unevenness of the ecological space of the Russian Federation. Discussion and Conclusion. The objective presence of supra-spatial factors affecting the ecological space necessitates the activation of joint actions of the regions to improve the corresponding spatial characteristics. The projects implemented by the regions within the framework of the national project “Ecology” should be improved in terms of their greater concentration in areas of ecological development that are problematic for the territories. It is necessary to intensify the development and implementation of interregional projects on similar problems in the field of environmental development. The results of the study will be useful to the executive authorities of the regions of Russia in the development of environmental regional policy, as well as to specialists involved in improving the efficiency of spatial development of territories.

Effect of Micronutrient Composition of Fish Feed to the Growth and Nutrient Content of Fishes: Cost-Efficient Production of Nutritious Fishes

Fish is the rich source of good quality protein. Per capita annual fish intake of Bangladesh is 21.90 kg and annual total need of fish is 42.38 lac mt. The current study's objective was to ascertain the nutritional value of various fish farmed in Bangladesh's Biofloc farm and regularly consumed by Bangladeshis by using nutrient rich formulated fish feed. The fish used in the study were tilapia fish (Oreochromis mossambicus) and shorputi fish (Systomus sarana). These fish species were cultured in a Biofloc setting. The edible portion of the samples had its composition closely investigated. The moisture, ash, and protein contents were determined using the AOAC-approved drying, Muffle-furnace, and Macro-Kjeldahl procedures, respectively. The edible proportion of fish in the current study ranged from 46.45 to 58.33%. The value for tilapia was the greatest (58.33%) while the value for shorputi was the lowest (46.45%). For some of the fish samples used in the investigation, the moisture content was found to be between 74.04 and 77.53%. Shorputi's lowest value was discovered to be 74.45%. For several fish samples, the ash concentration was determined to be between 1.04 and 1.31%. Shorputi had the greatest ash concentration (1.31%), while tilapia had the lowest (0.95%). Tilapia had a high protein content (23.77%). The study's most recent findings demonstrate that the farm formulated feed had a beneficial effect on the development and nutritional status of fish raised in biofloc systems. Bioresearch Commu. 10(1): 1453-1461, 2024 (January)

Assessment and Comparison of Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities between Full Flowering and Late Flowering of Hypericum perforatum L.

This study assessed the impact of full and late flowering stages on the polyphenols and enzyme inhibitory properties of Hypericum perforatum from Poland. Recognizing the significance of phenolic compounds in disease prevention and melatonin’s emerging protective role, we employed an UHPLC-MS/MS system to quantify 38 phenolic compounds, not typical of St. John’s wort, and to develop a new method for melatonin quantification. Afterward, the extracts were tested for their antioxidant capabilities (using phosphomolybdenum, DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and ferrous chelating assays). Moreover, we investigated enzymes (acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase and tyrosinase) involved in neurodegenerative disorders and (α-amylase and α-glucosidase) in diabetes. This study recognized the importance of phenolic compounds in disease prevention and explored the emerging protective role of melatonin, taking into account the floral ontogeny of the plant. Indeed, the full-flowering plant contained the greatest concentration of phenolic compounds (a total of 65,276.5 µg/g): hyperoside (18,726.59 µg/g), isoquercitrin (11,895.02 µg/g) and delphindin-3.5-diglucoside (10,619.51 µg/g), and showed the highest inhibitory enzyme activity. Moreover, only full-flowering St. John’s wort contained melatonin (40 ng/g). Our results offer additional perspectives on the chemical-biological characteristics of H. perforatum and scientific knowledge that testifies to the importance of considering plant growth conditions for the development of nutraceuticals.

Tissue-specific accumulation, depuration and histopathological effects of 3,6-dichlorocarbazole and 2,7-dibromocarbazole in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Although polyhalogenated carbazoles have been detected with increasing frequency in aquatic ecosystems, their bioaccumulation in fish and corresponding pathological effects related to bioaccumulation are still unclear. Here, we investigated the tissue-specific accumulation, depuration, and histopathological effects of two typical PHCZs, 3,6-dichlorocarbazole (36-CCZ) and 2,7-dibromocarbazole (27-BCZ), in adult zebrafish at three levels (0, 0.15 μg/L (5 × environmentally relevant level), and 50 μg/L (1/10 LC50). The lowest concentrations of 36-CCZ (1.2 μg/g ww) and 27-BCZ (1.4 μg/g ww) were observed in muscle, and the greatest concentrations of 36-CCZ (3.6 μg/g ww) and 27-BCZ (4 μg/g ww) were detected in intestine among the tested tissues. BCFww of 36-CCZ and 27-BCZ in zebrafish ranged from 172.9 (muscle) to 606.6 (intestine) and 285.2 (muscle) to 987.5 (intestine), respectively, indicating that both 36-CCZ and 27-BCZ have high potential of bioaccumulation in aquatic system. The 0.15 μg/L level of 36-CCZ or 27-BCZ caused lipid accumulation in liver, while 50 μg/L of 36-CCZ or 27-BCZ induced liver lesions such as fibrous septa, cytolysis, and nuclear dissolution. Brain damage such as multinucleated cells and nuclear solidification were only observed at 50 μg/L of 27-BCZ. This study provided valuable information in assessing the health and ecological risks of 36-CCZ and 27-BCZ.

Effect of Spraying with Humic Acid and Active Yeast Suspension on the Growth Indicators and Active Substances of Calendula officinalis L.

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of spraying C. officinalis L. with Humic acid and active yeast suspension on growth indicators for both the vegetative and floral stages of development. Humic acid was sprayed on the plants in varying quantities (0, 2, or 4 g) in a factorial experiment with 9 treatments (two factors overlapped). and a suspension of live yeast at 3, 6, or 0 mg/L-1, and the treatment consisted of three sprays, with a 15-day gap between each application. Using a Factorial Experiment with three replicates and three plants per experimental unit, I compared means at the 5% probability level using the Revised Least Significant Differences (R.L.S.D.) test. The most significant findings, in her opinion, are as follows: Humic acid spraying at a dosage of 4 mg/L-1. While this concentration greatly slowed flowering, L-1 significantly increased plant height, number of lateral branches, percentage of dry matter of shoot, number of flowers, number of petals, flower diameter, flower stand length, and percentage of dry matter in flowers. The greatest concentration, 6 mg.L-1, was achieved through spraying with an active yeast suspension. Although this concentration greatly slowed flowering enhanced plant height, lateral branching, leaf count, flower count, petal count, flower diameter, and floral dry matter percentage. There was a statistically significant impact on all attributes measured by the binary interactions.

Върховете от копия от II–I в. пр.Хр. и погребалните обреди в Северозападна България

The subject of the research are spear points which form part of the armament and accoutrement sets placed in graves. They usually consist of a sword, knife, an applique (shield boss) from a shield of iron, and clay vessels. They were used by the local Thracian population, which inhabited the territory of present-day Northwestern Bulgaria during the 2nd–1st C. BC. The sets are dated on the basis of the shape of the swords, which is characteristic for La Tene armament during LT C2: 200/180–150/120 BC and during LT D: 150/120 BC–16 AD – the creation of the Roman province Moesia. The sets are inventory from graves which show the greatest concentration of their type between the rivers Ogosta and Iskar. In the present publication the burial structures from which they originate are examined, and the burial rite which was used in their deposition. In it the information is analysed from the conducted archaeological research and the extant evidence regarding finds which have been discovered in various circumstances such as building activity, agricultural work and treasure hunter’s activities. The research model used allows the formulation of an important conclusion – two models for interment are presented: 1) cremation on a pyre and the subsequent construction of a mound above it; 2) cremation at an undisclosed location and deposition of the burned remains and armament in a pit, above which no earthen structure or mound was piled up.

Warming up through buildings and roads: what we know and should know about the urban heat island effect on bees

Urbanization leads to cities having higher temperatures than surrounding non-urban areas [this is known as the urban heat island (UHI) effect]. Very little is known about the impacts of the UHI effect on bees, despite the importance of temperature on many aspects of bees’ life suggesting that these may be not negligible. In this study, we aimed to highlight how the UHI effect could impact relevant functional traits of bees in cities, proposing several ad hoc hypotheses for traits that have thus far been investigated only in few studies or not at all, based on what we know from non-urban studies. The UHI effect was shown to influence bee body size, and generally tended to reduce the body size of bees in cities. Urban temperature may also affect bees’ wing morphology, and thus their overall flight morphology parameters. Individuals may be more brightly colored in cities. Bee ommatidial size and the number of antennal thermoreceptors they have may be smaller and fewer, respectively, in cities than in non-urban areas. As expected, because urban bees face a higher risk of desiccation, higher proportions of alkanes and longer main-carbon chain lengths are expected in their cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) profiles. Stress biomarkers can also occur at greater concentrations in bees in cities and specific bacteria in the bee gut may occur at lower abundances. Warm urban temperatures may impact the life cycle of pathogens by reducing their proliferation. Aggression levels may be increased, and eusocial species may present more worker phases per year due to the UHI effect. All of these proposed impacts could be likely more visible in solitary and primitively eusocial bee species, which are those suspected to have a more limited dispersal ability. Comparative studies would help in the proper testing of these hypotheses.

Impact and recovery of water quality in a river with salmon aquaculture

AbstractFreshwater aquaculture can have negative impacts on chemical, physical and biological water quality. To contextualise the impact that these activities may have, a case study site in Ireland was monitored for 1 year. The study aims were to investigate the impact of freshwater aquaculture on water quality (biological, physical, and chemical) and the degree of the impact and recovery in water quality, within 1000 m downstream of a salmon smolt hatchery. The hatchery was monitored, at four locations (upstream, 10, 100, and 1,000 m downstream of the discharge point). Data on macroinvertebrate, macrophyte, hydromorphology and chemical characteristics were collected. Results for the physical monitoring indicated no significant changes in hydromorphology between up and downstream sites. Chemical water quality did decrease downstream in terms of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The greatest concentrations in N and P were found at 1000 m though it is likely additional contributions from agriculture impacted this site. Dissolved oxygen was steady throughout the monitoring campaign with a 13% variance between upstream and downstream locations. Changes in biological indices were statistically significant for taxa at all downstream sites. There were positive trends which indicated a degree of recovery in biotic indices.

Assessment of toxicidal and repellency activity of extracts from aerial parts of Prunus laurocerasus for controlling broad mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus

ABSTRACTDifferent plant part extracts of cherry laurel [Prunus laurocerasus (Rosaceae)] were investigated for the acaricidal and repellent activity against Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Prostigmata: Tarsonemidae). The leaf, flower, and seed aqueous extracts of cherry laurel were prepared for efficacy bioassays. The tested concentrations of each extract were 1% (volume/volume, v/v), 5% (v/v), 10% (v/v), 20% (v/v) and 30% (weight/volume, w/v). Distilled water and a mixed formulation of 228.6 g/L spiromesifen + 11.4 g/L abamectin were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. It can be concluded that the flower and leaf extract of P. laurocerasus at 30% concentration and the seed extract at 10% or greater concentrations have the potential to control P. latus in the egg stage. Although spiromesifen+abamectin caused extremely low egg mortality (9.5%), all larvae died shortly after hatching (indirect ovicidal effect). In contrast, all adult mites died within 20 hours after spraying. Moreover, the adult mortalities (92%-98%) associated with seed extract at 30% during the experimental period, and the leaf (93.78%) and flower (91.11%) extract at 30% 72-h after exposure were statistically similar to that of spiromesifen+abamectin (100%) application. All extracts at 20% and seed extract at 10% or greater concentrations may also have a great potential for repelling P. latus.

A MANUTENÇÃO DO WELFARE STATE COMO MECANISMO DE COMBATE À CRIMINALIDADE ECONÔMICA

The core of this work is to address the origins of the Welfare State, albeit succinctly, its crisis and whether there is any connection between the crisis and the increase in economic crime in the countries. We observe the structuring of the Welfare State at the beginning of the 20th century and took place in the leading countries of European capitalism as a result of the growing working mass. As it could not be otherwise, the social framework of the social policies developed at that time were predominantly of a social security nature and those resulting from accidents at work, taking advantage, above all, of the increase in trade union organizations in their greatest concentration in countries such as England, France and Germany. Currently in the context of globalization, the welfare state encounters a series of difficulties and the need to recalibrate itself. What we try to demonstrate is that there is a relationship between countries that have not abandoned the roots of their “social heart” and countries that today appear to have the lowest rates of economic crime, according to studies by international organizations. In other words, there is a relationship between the maintenance – recalibrated – of public policies with a lower incidence of financial crimes, the reasons range from reducing levels of social inequality, improving purchasing power, but mainly promoting the notion of social integration, as demonstrated using applied management in Scandinavia as the study premise.

Study of Narcotic substances present in different Biological samples

Marijuana is the popular name of the plant Cannabis sativa, a weed that will grow wild in most climates. The Cannabis plant contains a chemical known as tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which produces the psychoactive effects experienced by users. The THC content of Cannabis varies in different parts of the plant. The greatest concentration is usually found in a sticky resin produced by the plant, known as hashish. Declining concentrations are typically found in the flowers and leaves, respectively. Little THC is found in the stem, roots, or seeds of the plant. The potency and resulting effect of the drug fluctuate, depending on the relative proportion of these plant parts in the marijuana mixture consumed by the user.1 The most common method of administration is by smoking either the dried flowers and leaves or various preparations of hashish. Marijuana is also occasionally taken orally, typically baked in sweets such as brownies or cookies.2

Environmental carrying capacity and ecological risk assessment of pesticides under different soil use types in the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA), China

Soil environmental safety has received much attention during the past few decades due to its significance in agricultural production and human health. Special attention is required for soil pesticide residues and ecological risks. This study examined 197 soil samples from industrial, residential and agricultural areas for the presence of 12 organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) and 8 synthetic pyrethroids (SYPs) in the 16 cities in Henan Province, and the center of CPUA, based on the Central Plains Urban Agglomeration (CPUA) concept proposed by China. The total average concentrations of ∑12OPPs in industrial, residential and agricultural soils were 194, 217, 267 ng/g dry weight, and those of ∑8SYPs were 26.8, 35.7, 25.5 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The two pollutants with the greatest concentrations in the soils were malathion and fenpropathrin, respectively, the dominant components of OPPs and SYPs. The soil environmental carrying capacity (SECC) analysis, representing the maximum residual load that can be supported, shows that acephate and cyhalothrin were overloaded, with a predicted period of over 500 years. Among the 16 cities of CPUA, a higher frequency of high ecological risk could be observed only in Shangqiu. The OPPs in children had total non-carcinogenic risk values of more than 1.0. Similarly, the non-carcinogenic risks of SYPs in adults and children in the residential areas were more than 1.0. The study provides knowledge on how to effectively manage soil safety in Henan Province, which is the center of the CPUA, with a large population and grain province to protect ecosystems and reduce the risks of soil pesticide residues in humans.

PSIV-5 High Desert Hemp Varieties Under Varied Nitrogen Fermentation Techniques Effects on Its Utilization as Livestock Feed Through in Vitro Fermentation

Abstract Nitrogen fertilizing of hemp varietals in high the high desert may assist in ensuring that production levels match the demand for growing hemp varietals. However, altering fertilizer levels may differently affect plant biomass and cannabinoid concentrations of plant tissues which changes the potential by-product utilizable for livestock feed. This study aimed to determine the influence of hemp fractions [flower (FL) vs stem and leaves (SL)] under three nitrogen fertilization regimens (0, 100, and 200 kg· ha-1) on in vitro rumen fermentation. Incubations runs consisted of triplicates of 500-mL bottles containing approximately 0.5 g of either ground SL or FL of hemp at the three nitrogen fertilization regimens. Rumen fluid was collected from two ruminally cannulated Angus steers, filtered through four layers of cheesecloth, and diluted to 4:1 with a standard buffer solution. A total incubation volume of 75 mL of the buffer: rumen fluid mix was added to each flask. Flasks were then placed in a rotating incubator (55 rpm) at 39°C, connected to an Ankom RF gas production system (Ankom Technology, Macedon, NY), and removed after 24, 48, and 96h. Total gas production (TGP), metabolizable energy (ME), ammonia nitrogen concentration (N-NH3), and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were determined. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized design using lmer function in lme4 package in R with treatment and time as a fixed effect and replicates as a random effect. Statistical significance was established at P &amp;lt; 0.05 (Table 1). No differences were observed for N-NH3 (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Overall, SL samples had greater total VFA than FL, with T0SL having the greatest concentration among all treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.01). In congruence, acetate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and the ratio between acetate and propionate concentrations were also greater for T0SL (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Concentrations of butyrate were greater for T200SL (P &amp;lt; 0.01), while T100SL had the greatest concentration of butyrate among all the treatments (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Overall, SL fractions of hemp seem to be more suitable as a ruminant feed source. The greater fat content of the FL compared with SL may detrimentally affect microbial populations and should further be explored. From our results, N supplementation significantly alters fermentation patterns during in vitro, which further warrants the evaluation of these feeds on in vivo experiments.

PSIV-25 Investigating the Use of Cover Crop Inclusion and Preservation in Silages with Addition of Molasses, Homofermentative and Heterofermentative Bacterial Mixes

Abstract The use of cover crops in agriculture has had positive effects on soil health and sustainability. In the western US, utilizing cover crops for silage production provides many of the same soil health benefits while providing forage for ruminants, serving multiple sectors with the same water costs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of mixed grass and legume silage combined with different inoculants on silage quality and in vitro rumen fermentation. Four silage mixes (100% sorghum [0SB], 67% sorghum + 33% soybean [33SB], 33% sorghum + 67% soybean [67SB], and 100% soybean [100SB]) were prepared and 6 treatments were applied to each mix 1) homofermentative lactic acid producing bacteria (LB), 2) heterofermentative lactic and acetic acid producing bacteria (LB+), 3) molasses, 4) molasses and LB (MLB), 5) molasses and LB+ (MLB+), and 6) no inoculant (control). Silage mixes plus inoculants were made in triplicate, vacuum sealed in plastic bags, and ensiled for 60 days at 25°C. Once bags were opened, 200 mg air-dried of each silage treatment were incubated in 14 mL of buffering media and 4 mL of rumen inoculum. Each incubation spanned for 48 h with gas production measured at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 18, 24, 36, and 48-h post-incubation. Total gas production (TGP), pH, ammonia and total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were determined. Ammonia concentrations were greater when samples were inoculated with LB, and the least for MLB+ (P &amp;lt; 0.05); however, no differences were observed between silage mixes (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Total VFA concentrations were similar across treatments (P &amp;gt; 0.05). However, butyrate was greater for 33SB silages mixes inoculated with MLB (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Valerate concentration was greater for all treatments inoculated with molasses (P &amp;lt; 0.001). Isobutyrate and Isovalerate concentrations were only different when comparing between silage concentrations, where 0SB silages had the greatest concentration (P &amp;lt; 0.05). Although no differences were observed on TGP (P &amp;gt; 0.05), pH of samples incubated with no inoculant, LB, and LB+ were higher than all samples inoculated with molasses (P &amp;lt; 0.001). In conclusion, the use of mixed grass and legume silages with up to 33% soybean inclusion appears to be beneficial to ruminal fermentation. However, variable results might be produced depending on the inoculant used. The incorporation of these cover crop varietals and their subsequent inclusion in silos for livestock feed represents a viable and effective application for producers currently utilizing cover crops in their operations.

314 Dehydrated Garlic Powder Did Not Influence Enteric Gas Fluxes in Feedlot Steers

Abstract This 2-yr study was conducted to evaluate the biochemical profiles of commercial dehydrated garlic powder (DGP) and its associated influence on enteric gas fluxes, mineral intake, and body performance at a 5% inclusion level. The DGP was assessed for the stability of the bioactive compounds, especially those responsible for garlic flavor. Each year, resealed (NE) and exposed-to-air (E) DGPs were sampled serially in storage at months 0, 1, 2, and 3. Crossbred steers (n = 40 in year 1; n = 80 in year 2) were assigned to either 5%DGP or 0%DGP treatment group in a randomized complete block design, balancing for initial body weight and breed composition. Feed and supplement intakes for individual animals were monitored using an automatic feeding system. Each year, steers were fed high-grain rations in feed bunks separate from mineral supplement bunks on a free-choice basis over 72 and 82 days, respectively. Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen (H2) fluxes were also measured using an automatic head-chamber emission monitoring system. Data were analyzed using a linear model in R software with year and treatment as fixed effects. Organosulfur compounds were quantified using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Gas Chromatography. No differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) were observed for allicin, allyl methyl sulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, allyl propyl disulfide, diallyl disulfide, and diallyl trisulfide concentrations in NE-DGP. In E-DGP, the greatest (P &amp;lt; 0.05) concentrations of allicin, diallyl sulfide, and 2-vinyl-4H-1,3-dithiin were recorded at month 1, while other compounds remained stable (P &amp;gt; 0.05) throughout storage months. There were no differences (P &amp;gt; 0.05) in dry matter intake, average daily gain, and the gain-to-feed ratio between 5%DGP and 0%DGP groups. Garlic supplementation did not also influence (P &amp;gt; 0.05) body composition (ribeye area, intramuscular fat, rump fat thickness, and rib fat thickness) of steers, but supplement intake was higher (P &amp;lt; 0.0001) in 5%DGP (204.31 gd-1) compared with 0%DGP (148.04 gd-1) group. There were no differences in the enteric fluxes from 0%DGP and 5%DGP groups for CO2 (8854.04 g·d-1, 9322.69 g·d-1; P = 0.12), CH4 (139.75 g·d-1, 154.12 g·d-1; P = 0.29), O2 (6327.84 g·d-1, 9107.30 g·d-1; P = 0.27) and H2 (0.87 g·d-1, 0. g·d-1; P = 0.17). Results suggest that organosulfur compounds in dehydrated garlic powder can be stable and contributed to enhanced mineral supplement intake of feedlot cattle but did not affect enteric gas fluxes and body performance.