Higher Crude Protein Content Research Articles

Comparison of Productivity and Quality of Three Perennial Ryegrass Cultivars and Their Mixture in Response to Nitrogen Fertilization and Grass-Legume Mixtures.

We conducted a four-year cutting experiment on herbage yield, with three years focused on testing the effect of perennial ryegrass (PR) cultivars 'Elena DS', 'Raminta', and 'Verseka', along with a cultivar mixture and compositions with white clover (WC) and red clover (RC) diversity, on crude protein (CP), modified acid detergent fibre (MADF), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC), and dry matter digestibility (DMD) content. PR cultivars and cultivar mixtures were sown alone (N150), and the PR 'Elena DS' and PR cultivar mixtures were also sown with each WC, or WC and RC (N0). The average four-year herbage productivity was the lowest in PR 'Elena DS' the and cultivar mixture/WC, followed by all of the pure PR swards, and the highest in PR 'Elena DS' and the cultivar mixture/WC+RC; however, the PR 'Elena DS'/WC+RC mixture had the highest legume proportion and CP content. There was less NDF but also WSC in swards with legumes, but higher CP content than in pure PR swards; however, the highest CP content was in mixtures with RC. Among the grasses, PR 'Verseka' had lower NDF contents and a higher WSC than PR 'Elena DS', 'Raminta', and the cultivar mixture. Overall, this study revealed significant differences in the productivity of PR cultivars with a potential yield difference of up to 1.7 t ha-1.

Comparative Evaluation of the Nutrient Composition and Lipidomic Profile of Different Parts of Muscle in the Chaka Sheep.

Mutton is one of the most popular meats among the public due to its high nutritional value. In this study, we compared and analyzed the nutritional composition and volatile flavor substances in longissimus dorsi (LD), psoas major (PM), and biceps femoris (BF) of the Chaka sheep, and then analyzed the lipid composition using the technique of UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS. Our results indicated that the LD had the highest crude protein content (22.63%), the highest levels of aspartic acid (5.72%) and histidine (2.76%), the BF had the highest contents of glycine (3.40%) and proline (2.88%), the PM had the highest abundance of ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (7.06%), linoleic acid (C18:2n6c; 5.03%), and volatile flavor compounds (alcohols, ketones, and esters). Moreover, our study detected 2,639 lipid molecules classified into 42 classes, among which phospholipids were the major lipids, accounting for nearly half of the total lipids. Among them, phosphatidylethanolamine (PE; 18:2/18:2) and phosphatidylcholine (PC; 25:0/11:3) were the characteristic lipids in LD. Phosphatidylserine (PS; 20:3e/20:4), lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC; 18:3), PE (8:1e/12:3), triacylglycerol (TG; 18:0e/16:0/18:1), TG (18:0/18:0/18:0), TG (18:0e/18:0/18:1), and TG (18:0e/18:1/18:1) were marker lipids in PM. LPC (16:0), LPC (18:1), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (18:1), PC (15:0/22:6), PE (18:1/18:1), Hex1Cer (d24:1/18:1), and PC (10:0e/6:0) were representative lipids in BF. Intermolecular correlations between PC, PE, Hex1Cer, PS, TG, diacylglycerol, and cardiolipid were revealed by correlation analysis. In conclusion, this study provided the interpretation of the specific nutritional indicators and lipid profile in the tripartite muscle of Chaka sheep, which can be used as a guidance for future research on the nutritional qualities and economic benefits of mutton.

Phytochemical Screenings and Proximate Analysis of Different Parts of Senna alata Collected in Besut, Terengganu

This study is conducted to determine the presence of bioactive compounds in leaves, stems and flowers of Senna alata, to characterize the bioactive compound identified from its different parts and to investigate the proximate composition of different parts of Senna alata collected in Besut, Terengganu. Samples of Senna alata leaves, stems, and flowers were collected in Kampung Paya Rawa, Besut, Terengganu. Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis were used to determine the chemical composition of different parts of Senna alata. The samples were also subjected to proximate analysis to determine their moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate contents. Standard methods were used: moisture content by oven drying, ash content by muffle furnace incineration, crude fibre by acid and alkali digestion, crude protein by the Kjeldahl method, crude fat by Soxhlet extraction, and carbohydrate content calculated by difference. Data obtained from proximate analysis were analysed with one-way ANOVA. The findings show the presence of bioactive compounds in leaves, stems, and flowers of Senna alata such as alkaloid, phenol, tannin, saponin, quinone, and terpenoid which shows biological and pharmacological activities that proved the medicinal properties in Senna alata. GC-MS analysis reveals the detection of derivatives compound of azetidine, thiophene, thiazole, and triazole that supports the ethnomedicinal claims of Senna alata to treat various diseases. The results also reveal significant variations in the proximate composition among the different plant parts. The flower part exhibited the highest levels of moisture (30.88±0.44%), ash (7.49±0.28%), crude fat (6.98±0.03%), and carbohydrates (39.65±0.76%), while the stem contained the highest crude fibre (38.68±0.22%) and the leaves had the highest crude protein content (15.52±0.17%). In summary, the study proves that Senna alata contains bioactive compounds which exhibit biological and pharmacological properties. These findings suggest that different parts of Senna alata possess varying nutritional values and potential therapeutic benefits, particularly the leaves, which are rich in protein, and the flowers, which are high in energy sources. The results emphasise the possibility of using Senna alata as a biopesticide to treat ectoparasites infestation in animals, due to the presence of acaricidal chemicals in the plant.

Tiempos de cosecha sobre el valor nutritivo del forraje verde hidropónico de cebada

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of harvest days (16, 18, 20 and 22 after germination) on the nutritional value of hydroponic green forage (HGF) of barley in terms of chemical composition: dry matter (DM ), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and the determination of the kinetic parameters of the in situ degradation of DM and CP, using three cattle with fistula rumen. The incubation times were: 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours. The DM and MM were similar (p>0.05) in the cultures, while the highest CP concentration was observed on day 16 and 18 (15.07 and 14.66%, respectively). NDF decreased linearly due to the effect of harvest days. The day factor quadratically influenced the degradation of the soluble fraction (SF) of the DM and PC, estimating 60 and 62.53% as maximum degradation of SF at 17 and 15 days of harvest, respectively. On the contrary, the potentially degradable fraction (PFD) of DM and CP decreased by 15.91 and 12.88% at 19 and 13 days of germination, respectively. The potential degradability of the DM was high and different on days 16 and 18, and with higher and similar values ​​in the effective degradability for the passage rates of 2, 5 and 8%/hour in relation to the other days. The same behaviour was recorded in the CP passage rates. The FVH of barley at 16 and 18 days after germination has a higher CP content, lower indigestible fractions of DM and CP and high effective degradability, which allows these crops to be classified as feeds of high nutritional quality that favour their use as a supplement for ruminants.

Study on the Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, and Nutritional Attributes of Six Kinds of Jiangxi Local Breeds Cattle.

The purpose of this study is to explore the carcass traits, meat quality, and nutritional attributes of local yellow cattle (Guangfeng, Ji'an, and Jinjiang) and buffalo (Poyanghu, Xiajiang, and Xinfeng mountain) in Jiangxi Province, and compare the differences among different breeds. The results showed that the dressing percentage, net meat percentage, and meat-bone ratio of Jinjiang cattle were highest, and that Jinjiang cattle had the best meat production performance. Regarding meat quality, the pH24h value of all breeds was at normal level, and no dark-cutting beef was produced. Poyanghu buffalo and Xinfeng mountain buffalo had higher redness (a*) values, and Guangfeng cattle had the best water retention and tenderness. The intermuscular fat of yellow cattle breeds was higher than that of buffalo breeds; Poyanghu buffalo had the highest crude protein content. The composition of amino acids and fatty acids was different among breeds, and the composition of Jiangxi breeds was healthy. The muscle fibers of buffalo breeds are generally smaller and denser than those of yellow cattle breeds. The MyHC-Ⅰ, MyHC-Ⅱa, and MyHC-Ⅱx were the main types of muscle fibers of Jiangxi local breeds, and the proportion varied with different breeds. This work elucidated the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and nutritional attributes of Jiangxi breed cattle to provide a theoretical basis for optimizing the development of beef cattle industry.

SVT 55: A High Yielding Rabi Sorghum Variety with Multiple Pest Tolerance

SVT 55 is a high yielding Rabi sorghum culture identified at Agricultural Research Station, Tandur, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Telangana and released by State Varietal Release Committee during 2023 in the name of Tandur Jonna 55 for the state of Telangana. It matures in 115-120 days and is adapted specifically to Rabi season. The culture recorded an average seed yield of 3245 kg/ha, with a mean grain yield advantage of 26 % over the popular check M 35-1and 12.3 % over the local check SVT 68 in the trials conducted during 2016-2022. The culture is moderately resistant to charcoal rot, recorded on par pest reaction score with respect to resistant checks for the insect pests of shoot fly, stem borer, aphids and fall army worm. It has high crude protein content (10.96 %) and good roti quality.

Pilot-scale protein extraction of green seaweed (Ulva spp.) whole biomass and pulp – Investigating biochemical composition and protein digestibility in a rat trial

Ulva, a green seaweed, is gaining interest for food applications due to its high content of protein and well-balanced amino acid composition. However, protein extraction is necessary to reduce the ash content and increase the protein digestibility. In this study, pilot scale protein extraction from Ulva was obtained by a mechanical fractionation, creating a pulp and a juice. A second extraction of protein from the pulp was obtain after a pH shift to 8.5 and the proteins from the two juices were acid precipitated with and without a clearing step (decanting of the resulting juice). Extraction of protein from the whole biomass resulted in a higher content of crude protein (CP) (31.8–37.6 %), essential amino acids (EAA) (42.4 %), and nitrogen digestibility (59.5–63.3 %) than from the pulp (26.1–29.5 % CP of DM, 40.1–40.3 % EAA, 47.4±3.6 % nitrogen digestibility). Including the clearing step increased the protein content but not the nitrogen digestibility (59.5±4.8 % with clearing vs 63.3±3.4 % without). None of the extractions induced cross-linked AA of concern. However, elements were concentrated, where concentrations of arsenic might limit the utilization in food. These results indicate that upscaling of the protein extraction from Ulva is promising, but further improvement regarding toxic elements and protein digestibility is necessary.

Growth, biochemical indexes, and intestinal microbiota response of red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) under different densities and feeding frequencies in the land-based aquaculture tank

Red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) has been favored by farmers in recent years because of its superior growth performance and competitive market price, but there is a lack of experimental data related to growth and health of red tilapia in land-based aquaculture tanks. In this study, red tilapia (initial weight 27.62 ± 2.43 g) was cultured with three stocking densities (30, 40, or 50 fish/m3, named 30F,40F and 50F) in the culture mode for 60 days, including two feeding frequencies (2 or 3 times/day, named 2 T and 3 T), and various growth and metabolic parameters were assessed along with the intestinal microbiome analysis. The 30 fish/m3 groups achieved the better weigh gain rate and specific growth rate (p < 0.05). The growth rate and condition factor of 40F groups were close to those of 30F groups, the yield of 40F groups were not significantly different from that of 50F groups (p > 0.05), and it had the highest survival rate (p < 0.05). The 3 T groups has a higher growth rate and yield but also has a higher rate of feed conversion (p < 0.05). The 30F groups had higher lipase levels, but a higher fat content in this group, more lipids were observed in the liver, and resulted in higher blood glucose levels (p < 0.05). The 40F groups showed healthier physiological and biochemical indicators, as its total cholesterol, lysozyme and antioxidant enzymes levels were similar to those of the 30F groups (p > 0.05), alkaline phosphatase, amylase and trypsin levels were higher than those of the other groups, and aspartate transaminase levels were the lowest (p < 0.05). The 50F groups had higher cortisol, alanine transaminase and malondialdehyde levels, lower lysozyme and digestive enzyme activities, and blood cell infiltration in the liver (p < 0.05). In terms of different feeding frequencies, the 3 T groups had higher crude protein content, catalase and total superoxide dismutase levels, wider villus width and lower blood glucose level, while the 2 T groups had higher triglyceride, total cholesterol, lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and some digestive enzymes activities (p < 0.05). From the perspective of intestinal microbiota. The 40F groups had a better intestinal flora, and 40F-3T groups observed a better balance of flora, while 40F-2T groups had more digestion-related flora. Considering the growth rate, health status, and yield, the optimum culture condition was determined to be stocking density of 40 fish/m3, and feedings 3 times/day were recommended. The experiment provided theoretical basis and experimental data for red tilapia culture in land-based aquaculture tank mode.

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

Sago palm weevil larvae: larval ontogeny and nutritional value assessed from enzymatic activity and in vitro digestibility

Abstract Sago palm weevil larvae (SPWL, Rhynchophorus vulneratus) have potential for use as food and feed. This study aimed to investigate their development, digestive enzyme activity, nutrient values, and digestible protein using an in vitro digestibility technique. Bioassays for SPWL at 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, and 56 days after hatching (DAH) were conducted in a completely randomized design (CRD). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed, and means were compared at using Bonferroni (Dunn) t-tests and orthogonal polynomial contrasts. Trypsin activity significantly increased at 35 DAH (, quadratic effect ), with peak chymotrypsin activity at 28 DAH (). Lipase activity showed both linear and quadratic increases (), and cellulase activity also increased significantly (, linear and quadratic terms ). Meanwhile, the A:T ratio increased significantly (, quadratic effect ) with age-related rises in these digestive enzyme activities. The highest crude protein content in SPWL was observed at 42 DAH (), with peak carbohydrate at 28 DAH (). Phenylalanine and histidine levels increased linearly (), while lysine and total essential amino acids peaked at 42 DAH (, linear and quadratic terms ). Levels of linoleic acid, total polyunsaturated fatty acids, and the n-6:n-3 ratio peaked at 49 DAH (). In vitro protein digestibility assays were performed using enzymes extracted from quails, broilers, Thai native chickens, and ducks. Significant increases in digestibility were attributed to SPWL protein content and age, particularly beyond 42 DAH (, linear and quadratic terms ), except with duck enzymes. In conclusion, these findings suggest that SPWL cultivation, particularly between 42 and 56 DAH, provides a potential alternative protein source with substantial nutritional benefits for poultry feed. The promise of SPWL to contribute to more sustainable and efficient poultry feeding practices is evident, and further in vivo studies are warranted to validate these results.

Assessment of the impact of locally fabricated oven and sun drying method on the proximate, mineral and microbiological composition of Clarias gariepinus (catfish)

Drying is an age long practice which prevent fish from deterioration and spoilage, however, traditional drying is usually practiced in rural settings with poor hygienic conditions, thus, the nutritional and microbial quality of such products is uncertain. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating the impact of a locally fabricated oven and sun drying method on the proximate, mineral and microbial composition of Clarias gariepinus (Catfish) using standard laboratory procedures. The results of the proximate analysis showed that the oven dried fish had the highest crude protein content (66.43 ± 3.37 %), crude lipid content (8.27 ± 0.28 %) and carbohydrate content (4.50 ± 0.22 %) which were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the sun dried fish, while the sun dried fish had the highest ash content (16.30 ± 2.48 %) and moisture content (14.30 ± 0.82 %) which were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the oven dried fish. Also, the mineral analysis showed that the oven dried fish had the highest calcium (821.49 ± 1.10 mg/kg), phosphorus (86.04 ± 0.83 mg/kg), potassium (254.72 ± 0.40 mg/kg), iron (40.73 ± 0.23 mg/kg), manganese (0.95 ± 0.01 mg/kg) and selenium (14.15 ± 0.39 mg/kg) content which were statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the sun dried fish, while the sun dried fish had the highest sodium (173.52 ± 0.12 mg/kg), cupper (0.87 ± 0.12 mg/kg), magnesium (39.01 ± 0.43 mg/kg) and zinc (2.83 ± 0.23 mg/kg) content which were also statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the oven dried fish. The study also showed that the total viable bacterial count was higher in the sun dried fish (6.23 x 105 cfu/g) which was not statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the oven dried fish (5.65 x 105cfu/g), while the fungal count was higher in the oven dried fish (6.55 x 105 cfu/g) which was also not statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) when compared to the sun dried fish (5.01 x 105 cfu/g). The findings in this study showed that the locally fabricated oven was remarkably effective, yielding fish with significantly enhanced nutritional profiles and minimal microbial contamination. This approach offers a superior method for fish preservation, providing a promising alternative for improving food safety and nutritional quality.

Influence of weather conditions on the duration of the growing season and economically valuable traits and properties of soybean varieties of domestic and foreign selection

The influence of meteorological conditions of the region on the duration of the vegetation period and production process of domestic and foreign soybean breeding was determined. The research was conducted in the period 2021–2023 in the Bryansk region. 18 soybean varieties included in the Register of breeding achievements admitted to use were taken as an object of research. According to the duration of the vegetation period varieties are divided into three groups of ripeness: fast-ripening – Vita, Lira, Leader 10, Amadea, Lisbon, Vera, early-maturing – Protina, Volma, Kora, Zusha, Mezenka, Osmon, Sultana, medium-maturing – Sculptor, Pripyat, Puma, Sirelia, Ros. It was revealed that, on average, plant height increased with the increasing vegetation period: fast-ripening – 75.8 cm, early-maturing – 77.3, medium-maturing – 83.0 cm. It was revealed that, on average, with an increase in the growing season, the height of plants increased: precocious – 75.8 cm, early-maturing – 77.3 cm, middle-maturing – 83.0 cm. 4 genotypes (22 %) with low attachment of the lower beans were identified: Vera, Kora, Pripyat, Sirelia, 11 varieties (61 %) with medium attachment of the lower beans: Vita, Lira, Leader 10, Amadea, Lisbon, Volma, Zusha, Osmon, Sultana, Sculptor, Puma, 3 varieties (17 %) with a high attachment: Protina, Mezenka, Ros. The weight of 1000 seeds was calculated – varieties with larger filled seeds: Sultana (176), Ros (177), Lisbon (162), Vita (158), Vera (158), Sirelia (158). Varieties with the highest seed yield were identified: Ros (25.3 c/ha), Zusha (22.8), Sculptor (22.2), Pripyat (22.2), Lisbon (22.1 c/ha). Crude protein was determined by the Kjeldahl method, crude fat by the Soxhlet. The high content of crude protein was formed by the varieties of domestic breeding: Puma (36.66%), Mezenka (35.95%), Osmon (35.75%), Vera (35.34%); foreign varieties: Sirelia (39.05%), Sultana (38.27%), Pripyat (36.17%). The crude fat content in the seeds varied both by year and by variety. The maximum fat value was noted in the genotypes: Ros (23.78%), Mezenka (23.72%), Sculptor (23.18%), Zusha (22.45 %), Sultana (22.36%).

Exploring agricultural waste substrate for enhancement of &lt;i&gt;Pleurotus ostreatus&lt;/i&gt; cultivation

The proximate composition of the organic waste substrates used in cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus was analyzed, and the results revealed significant variations in various nutritional components among the substrates. Palm Chaff had the highest ash content (7.14%), followed by Oil Palm Empty Bunch (5.08%), Yam Peel (4.29%), and Saw Dust (1.36%). This indicated that Palm Chaff was the richest in minerals, while sawdust had the lowest mineral content. In addition, Yam Peel had the highest moisture content (8.46%), followed by Palm Chaff (5.87%), Oil Palm Empty Bunch (4.62%), and Saw Dust (2.83%). This suggested that Saw Dust was the driest substrate. Furthermore, Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the highest crude lipid content (1.94%), followed by Palm Chaff (1.38%), Yam Peel (1.13%), and Saw Dust (0.04%). Moreover, Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the highest crude protein content (2.56%), followed by Yam Peel (2.1%) and Palm Chaff (2.02%). Saw Dust had the lowest crude protein content (1.74%). Besides, Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the highest crude fiber content (48.27%), followed by Palm Chaff (36.94%), Saw Dust (26.17%), and Yam Peel (14.36%). In addition, Saw Dust had the highest carbohydrate content (67.86%), followed by Yam Peel (69.64%) and Palm Chaff (46.65%). Oil Palm Empty Bunch had the lowest carbohydrate content (37.58%). These findings offered valuable insights into the suitability of each substrate for cultivating Pleurotus ostreatus Additionally, it enabled growers to make informed decisions about substrate selection based on the specific nutritional needs and growth requirements of the mushrooms. The impact of various organic waste substrates on the growth dynamics of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom), revealed significant variations in several key parameters. In primordial Formation, the number of early-stage fruiting bodies formed varied between 12 and 36 across different substrate formulations. The highest primordial formation was observed in treatment A + B + C + D (36), while treatments involving individual substrates or their combinations had the lowest primordial formation (12). Furthermore, in Fruiting Body Production, the number of mature mushrooms produced varied across treatments. Treatment A + C resulted in the highest number of fruiting bodies (26), while treatments involving combinations of substrates (B + C + D, A + B + C, A + B + C + D, C + D) had the lowest number of fruiting bodies (3). Overall, the findings highlight the influence of specific substrate combinations on various aspects of mushroom growth dynamics. However, the choice of growth substrates did not significantly impact the overall weight and biological efficiency of Pleurotus ostreatus in this study. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing mushroom cultivation practices.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF GONGRONEMA LATIFOLIUM LEAF MEAL AS A POTENTIAL FEED RESOURCE

An analysis was carried out to investigate the proximate and phytochemical composition of Gongronema latifolium leaf meal using the AOAC methods of analysis. The fresh leaves were air-dried, milled and analysed in triplicates. The results showed that air-dried Gongronema latifolium leaf meal contains 17.16% crude protein, 5.14% ether extract or fat, 9.86% crude fibre and 10.97% ash while the phytochemicals present include: phytic acid, 0.25%; total oxalates, 5.26%; saponins, 0.57%; tannins, 3.85%; glycosides, 4.62%; alkaloids. 6.01%; mimosine. 0.18%; L-Dopa, 0.06%; haemaglutinins, 0.62% and trypsin inhibitor, 0.03%. High crude protein content and the presence of these phytochemicals have shown that this plant has nutritive benefits and potential as a feed resource.

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT SLIME CLEANING MATERIALS ON THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF CATFISH

Using the best method for de-sliming fish makes it more nutritious, appealing, and tasty. A total of 60 mature Clarias gariepinus with an average weight of 298.0 ±0.01g were divided into four treatments de-slimed each for five minutes using cold water, warm water, alum and salt. The treated samples were further processed by smoking and the smoked samples were analyzed for their proximate composition. Sensory analysis was undertaken by twenty trained panelists to score the smoked products on a 10-point hedonic scale. The result of the proximate composition for the four treatments significantly differs (p&lt;0.05) from each other for each nutrient analyzed. The alum treated group has the highest crude protein content (29.20±5.11%), followed by the warm water group (23.20±8.10%), while the lowest recorded in percentage protein is the cold-water group (control) with a value of 18.13±3.17%. Parameters tested for sensory evaluation are not significantly different (p&lt;0.05). The results of this study suggest that de-sliming materials do not have any deleterious effect on the nutrients of fish in contrary to some erroneous belief that alum usage may disrupt the nutritional profile of fish and may be damaging to health.

FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF INTERCROPPED ANNUAL RYEGRASS WITH BERSEEM CLOVER SOWN AT DIFFERENT SEED MIXTURE RATIOS UNDER RAINFALL CONDITIONS OF MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE

This research was carried out under rainfall conditions of Mediterranean climate with the aim to study the effects of different seed mixture ratios on forage yield and quality characteristics of mixture. Annual ryegrass sown as pure produced higher green forage yield than berseem clover sown as pure and the mixtures. In the mixture of berseem clover at 20% seed rate and pure annual ryegrass, higher hay yields were determined compared to the other mixtures. As the seed rate of berseem clover decreased, the proportion of berseem clover in the mixture yield and the crude protein ratio of the herbage decreased linearly. In terms of total LER, BC80-AR20 and BC20-AR80 mixtures were the two most advantageous mixtures, while the aggressivity value of annual ryegrass showed a positive value and became the dominant species. Pure sown berseem clover had lower ADF, NDF and higher crude protein content than pure sown annual ryegrass and other mixtures tested. According to these results, it can be said that berseem clover can be included in the mixture at low seed rates for high forage yield under rainfall conditions, while berseem clover can be grown as pure for high forage quality.

Abiotic stress responses in crop plants: A multi-scale approach

Population stress has compelled the whole world to think about increasing, protecting, and finding ways to develop the best plant species for assured productivity in spite of all environmental odds. In addition to climate change, fluctuations in nature and human activities pose serious environmental degradation, threatening global food security through physical stress in the environment. Significant environmental constraints on agricultural yield worldwide include salt stress, water deficiency stress, nutritional imbalances (including mineral toxicity and deficiencies), and temperature extremes. Abiotic factors, such as agronomic factors, climatic factors, and nutrient availability in the soil, influence crop yield. Plants initiate and develop various possible stress mechanisms for their survival, which can be molecular, cellular and physiological. Abiotic stress has a high impact on crop growth and productivity, either in single forms or in combined forms. For example, drought stress causes a decrease in leaf area, plant height, and crop development. Cold stress reduces plant development and crop efficiency, resulting in productivity loss. Salinity stress not only contributes to water stress in plants, but it can also adversely influence cytosolic metabolism, cell development, membrane function, and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Higher concentrations of CO2 could potentially improve global precipitation, resulting in increased rainfall, which can adversely affect crop development. Crops under excessive water stress have a lower percentage of amylose but a higher crude protein content. This in turn, affects the quality and quantity of crop production by hindering seed germination and causing growth damage due to the combined effects of higher osmotic potential and ion toxicity. In response to abiotic stress, plants evolve a variety of escape-avoidance and tolerance mechanisms, which include physiological adaptation and integrated cellular or molecular responses. Therefore, the main purpose of the current review paper is to investigate the effect of abiotic stress on morpho-physiological, biochemical and molecular activities in various crops. Moreover, we concentrate on crop inter-relativity with abiotic stress to react to and adapt to for survival, which can be a basic roadmap for the selection of species or the development of new tolerant species in the future.

Fodder trees: Identification, leaf biomass yield, nutritional quality and socioeconomic importance in Essera district, Dawuro zone, southwest Ethiopia

The scarcity of feed in terms of quantity and quality tremendously impacts livestock productivity in Ethiopia. Using fodder trees (FTs) as livestock feed could partially overcome this gap. Thus, the present study aimed to identify species, estimate leaf biomass yield (LBY), evaluate nutritional quality and assess the socioeconomic importance of FTs in the Essera district. The study sites and households (HHs) were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Data on the socioeconomic importance of FTs were collected from 134 randomly selected HHs. Ten FT species were evaluated for LBY determination, and 15 FTs (including nine FT species) were evaluated for nutritional quality across three agroecologies (AEs). In total, 34 FTs were identified at the species level. The overall mean of LBY of the FTs ranged from 14.32 to 370.94 kg/tree, with the lowest and highest values of 10.85 and 430.27 kg/tree at mid- and low-altitudes, respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) in the chemical composition of the selected FTs was observed between AEs. The overall mean of dry matter (DM), ash, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) contents of the FTs ranged from 90.03 to 93.55 %, 6.26–16.52 %, 13.05–25.50 %, 33.06–50.42 %, 25.58–34.52 %, and 4.19–8.38 %, respectively. Moreover, the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the FTs ranged from 37.80 to 67.89 %. The results indicated that the overall mean tannin, phytate, and oxalate contents were 2.84 ± 0.12 %, 0.60 ± 0.05 %, and 1.66 ± 0.21 %, respectively. Antinutritional factors (ANFs) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by FT species. In addition to feed sources, FTs were used for air pollution reduction (52.2 %), income generation (44.0 %), and soil erosion prevention (34.3 %) in the studied areas. In conclusion, due to the high CP content, high digestibility potential, low to moderate fibre and lignin contents, and tolerable levels of ANFs in FTs, the use of FTs as supplementary feed to livestock in the study area is recommended. Further experimental studies should be conducted on the impact of FTs on livestock performance.

Sustainability of Lolium multiflorum L. ‘Cajamarquino Ecotype’, Associated with Trifolium repens L., at Three Cutting Frequencies in the Northern Highlands of Peru

Livestock farming feed in the northern highlands of Peru is based on the association of ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum L.) ecotype cajamarquino–white clover (Trifolium repens L.) Ladino variety, which constantly varies in its agronomic characteristics and nutritional value due to management considerations and its association with the soil and the animal. The objective of this study was to evaluate yield, plant height, growth rate, tillering, tiller number, spikelets, basal diameter in ryegrass, elongation rate, internode length and decline points in clover over one year. Nutritive value was represented by crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDDM) and metabolisable energy (ME) at three cutting frequencies (30, 45 and 60 days). Better yield (5588 kg DM ha) and plant height (47.1 cm) were shown by the 60-day cutting frequency; however, there was no difference (p &gt; 0.05) between the three cutting frequencies in annual yield. There were no differences between the number of tillers and basal diameter. Clover height, elongation rate and internode length were higher at 60 days. The highest CP concentration and the lowest NDF value (p &lt; 0.05) were achieved by clover at 30 and 45 days. Producers should consider the results when deciding when to use this association in dairy cattle feeding.

Influence of Different Feed Particle Sizes on the Growth Performance and Nutrition Composition in Crayfish, Procambarus clarkii Larvae.

A suitable feed size has a positive effect on animal feeding. For aquatic larvae, the correct feed size is very important for their growth. This experiment analyzed and compared the effect of different particle sizes of feed for larval stages on the growth performance, whole body composition, and muscle amino acid and fatty acid composition of crayfish. Five larval crayfish diets of different particle sizes, namely < 0.40 mm (Group A, control group), 0.40-0.50 mm (Group B), 0.71-0.85 mm (Group C), 0.90-1.00 mm (Group D) and 1.5 mm (Group E), were fed to 2000 crayfish (initial weight 0.0786 ± 0.0031 g) for 100 d. The results showed that as the particle size increased, final weight, weight gain (WG, p = 0.001) and specific growth rate (SGR, p = 0.000) of the crayfish tended to increase and then leveled off, with the control group being the lowest. The feed conversion ratio (FCR, p = 0.000) showed a decreasing and then equalizing trend with increasing particle size, but there was no significant difference between the groups except the control group. Broken-line regression analysis showed that the critical values for the appropriate particle feed size for crayfish larvae were 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm using SGR and FCR as indicators. Groups B, C and D had the highest crude protein content and were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001). Group E had the highest umami amino acid (UAA) and was significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.026). The content of isoleucine (Ile, p = 0.038) and phenylalanine (Phe, p = 0.038) was highest in group C and significantly higher than in the control group. Through principal component analysis, groups C and D were shown to contain leucine (Leu), glutamic (Glu), methionine (Met), valine (Val), histidine (His), Phe, and Ile levels significantly induced. The content of linoleic acid (C18:2n6, p = 0.000), linolenic acid (C18:3n3, p = 0.000), saturated fatty acid (SFA, p = 0.000), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA, p = 0.001), polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA, p = 0.000) and n-6 PUFA (p = 0.000) in group C was the highest and significantly higher than the control group. Principal component analysis showed that group C significantly induced the levels of C18:2n6, C18:3n3, DHA, EPA, n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA in muscle. Therefore, our results suggest that appropriate feed particle size can improve the growth performance and nutrient composition of crayfish. Based on the broken-line regression analysis of SGR and FCR, the critical values of optimal particle size for crayfish are 0.55 mm and 0.537 mm, and when the particle size exceeds these critical values (not more than 1.5 mm commercial feed), growth performance and FCR of the crayfish are no longer changed. Nevertheless, group C has high protein and low lipid content, as well as better nutrition with amino acids and fatty acids. Overall, combined with growth performance and nutrient composition, it is recommended that the particle size of the diet at the larval stage for crayfish is between 0.71 and 0.85 mm.