Higher Crude Protein Content Research Articles

Determination of the fractional composition of the green mass of amaranth

Meeting the population's needs with high-quality food products is one of the main objectives of agricultural policy. Due to the high import dependence in feed production, the development of new domestic high-protein feed additives that ensure the production of high-quality, dietary and biosafe products is a current area of research. Recently, much attention has been paid to expanding the range of feed crops and obtaining cheaper, competitive poultry products. The leading place among high-protein fodder grasses used to obtain vitamin-grass meal is occupied by alfalfa and clover. In this regard, the work carried out a comparative analysis of the fractional composition of amaranth phytomass in comparison with alfalfa and clover. It has been established that amaranth is not inferior in the amount of nutrients to traditional types of high-protein fodder grasses used to obtain vitamin-herbal flour. The green mass of amaranth is characterized by a high content of crude protein (14.89%), fat (4.33%), and ash (11.15%). In terms of the amount of essential amino acids, amaranth protein is close to an ideal protein, and in terms of the content of arginine (4.52%) and lysine (0.72%) it exceeds these indicators for alfalfa and clover proteins. Thus, a comparative analysis of the chemical composition of the green mass of amaranth, alfalfa and clover showed that amaranth is not inferior to traditional types of forage high-protein grasses in terms of the amount of nutritional components; the protein has a more balanced amino acid composition, close to ideal protein, which characterizes the green mass of amaranth as a promising raw material for producing a high-protein feed additive for quail.

Feed resources used for small ruminant nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa: a case study of Uganda.

Small ruminants are of great importance to the livelihoods of many people in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) since they act as a source of meat, income, hides and skins and for cultural identity. Despite their great importance, especially to rural smallholder farmers, their production in Africa is hindered by poor nutrition. The first stage of establishing development strategies to increase feed quality and quantity is to conduct a comprehensive inventory of the feed resources that are currently available, especially in SSA. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the availability and nature of the common feed resources that are used in the feeding of small ruminants in Uganda. This study involved a comprehensive review of various scientific, technical and economic literature that has been published up to date. Our results show that the available feed resources in Uganda can be grouped mainly into:- crop wastes and residues, agro-industrial by-products, conserved feeds, natural pastures and browse. The main feed resources for small ruminants in Uganda have been identified as natural pastures, which are generally characterised by a low nutritive value. However, browses are seen to have a high crude protein content and could be used as a supplement to grass forages and crop residues. It has been noted thatfarmers lack knowledge related to feed processing and management, in addition to a lack of policy governing feed quality. Therefore, there is a need to train farmers on how to process and utilise crop residues, in addition to proper feed management practices like pasture cultivation and conservation. It is also necessary to introduce widely new pasture species with better nutritional values that are suitable for the local production systems.

Microbiota and Nutrient Portraits of European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) Rumen Contents in Characteristic Southern German Habitats

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) are found in various habitats, from pure forest cultures to agricultural areas and mountains. In adapting to the geographically and seasonally differentiating food supply, they depend, above all, on an adapted microbiome. However, knowledge about the microbiome of wild ruminants still needs to be improved. There are only a few publications for individual species with a low number of samples. This study aims to identify a core microbiota for Bavarian roe deer and present nutrient and microbiota portraits of the individual habitat types. This study investigated the roe deer’s rumen (reticulorumen) content from seven different characteristic Bavarian habitat types. The focus was on the composition of nutrients, fermentation products, and the rumen bacterial community. A total of 311 roe deer samples were analysed, with the most even possible distribution per habitat, season, age class, and gender. Significant differences in nutrient concentrations and microbial composition were identified for the factors habitat, season, and age class. The highest crude protein content (plant protein and microbial) in the rumen was determined in the purely agricultural habitat (AG), the highest value of non-fibre carbohydrates in the alpine mountain forest, and the highest fibre content (neutral detergent fibre, NDF) in the pine forest habitat. Maximum values for fibre content go up to 70% NDF. The proportion of metabolites (ammonia, lactate, total volatile fatty acids) was highest in the Agriculture-Beech-Forest habitat (ABF). Correlations can be identified between adaptations in the microbiota and specific nutrient concentrations, as well as in strong fluctuations in ingested forage. In addition, a core bacterial community comprising five genera could be identified across all habitats, up to 44% of total relative abundance. As with all wild ruminants, many microbial genera remain largely unclassified at various taxonomic levels. This study provides a more in-depth insight into the diversity and complexity of the roe deer rumen microbiota. It highlights the key microorganisms responsible for converting naturally available nutrients of different botanical origins.

Nutritional Composition and Phytochemical Evaluation of Some Selected Wild Edible Plants in Tach Gaint District, Northwestern Ethiopia.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the nutritional, mineral, and phytochemical analyses of some selected wild edible plants from Tach Gaint District, Northwest Ethiopia. Proximate composition parameters (moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude fat, crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy) were evaluated using the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, and elemental analysis was performed using the atomic absorption spectroscopy technique. Results from the nutritional analysis show that Erucastrum abyssinicum leaves had the highest crude protein content (17.47 ± 0.03 g/100 g), followed by Amaranthus graecizans (14.97 ± 0.03 g/100 g). The maximum moisture content (40.8 ± 0.00 g/100 g) and ash content (24.70 ± 0.15 g/100 g) were reported in the leaves of Amaranthus graecizans. The young shoots of Rumex abyssinicus had the highest crude fat content (14.07 ± 0.03 g/100 g) and the highest fibre content (34.70 ± 0.25 g/100 g), while the fruits of Opuntia ficus-indica had the highest amount of utilisable carbohydrate (44.4 ± 0.00 g/100 g) and the estimated energy value (326.4 ± 0.00 Kcal/100 g). Calcium was detected in considerable proportions (754.9 ± 0.23 mg/100 g) followed by iron (31.63 ± 0.03 mg/100 g) in Urtica simensis leaves and zinc content (3.09 ± 0.02 mg/100 g) in young shoots of Rumex abyssinicus. Qualitative phytochemical screening, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, and tannins were found in the methanolic extract of the plants. The results of this study suggest that the consumption of such nutrient-rich wild edible plants could help add a remarkable amount of nutrient and mineral in the human diet.

Toward smallholder bamboo-integrated agro-silvopastoral systems in sub-Saharan Africa: assessing the impact of bamboo leaves on consumption pattern, growth performance and manure characteristics of West African dwarf goats

IntroductionThe selection of appropriate plant species, particularly those tailored to supplement ruminants raised under agrosilvopastoral systems, remains a persistent challenge.ObjectiveIn a 30-day study, the feed intake, growth performance, and manure characteristics of West African dwarf (WAD) goats fed bamboo leaf supplement were evaluated. Materials and methodsA total of 30 animals with an average weight of 9.9 ± 0.21 kg were divided into a control group, and four bamboo-supplemented groups, following a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement within a completely randomized design. Each group had six animal replicates and received the following dietary treatments: T1 (control) – 400g of basal diet composed of 60% Megathyrsus maximus and 40% Bridelia ferruginea leaves per day; T2—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 400 g of Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro leaves per day; T3—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 400 g of Bambusa balcooa (Beema) leaves per day; T4—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 600 g of O. abyssinica (A. Rich.) leaves per day; and T5—basal diet composed of the T1 diet supplemented with 600 g of B. balcooa leaves per day. The data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures in Minitab Statistical Software at a 5% significance level. ResultsThe results showed varied (p < 0.05) dry matter compositions spanning from 894.3 to 910 g/kg with the highest contents of crude protein (194 g/kg), nitrogen (31 g/kg), crude fibre (302 g/kg), ash (156 g/kg), acid detergent fibre (429 g/kg), and acid detergent lignin (3.6 g/kg) recorded for B. ferruginea. The leaves of Bambusa balcooa contained the highest neutral detergent fibre (481 g/kg) while M. maximus had the highest organic matter content (911 g/kg). Significant interaction effect (p < 0.05) was observed between the supplement type and the supplementation level, impacting various parameters including feed intake ranging from 398 g (T1) to 469 g (T3) per day, weight gain from 27 g (T1) to 72 g (T2) per day, feed conversion efficiency from 6% (T1) to 15% (T2), manure output from 241 g (T2) to 260 g (T5) per day, carbon- nitrogen (C: N) ratio from 9 (T2) to 20 (T5), faecal acidity levels from 4 (T1) to 5 (T4). Comparatively, higher daily dry matter intake was recorded for the animal groups fed the B. balcooa supplement than their counterparts fed the O. abyssinica supplement. However, the O. abyssinica supplemented groups were more efficient in converting feed to body weight, with feed conversion efficiency approximately 9% higher than the B. balcooa-supplemented groups. Furthermore, in general, the animal groups that received a daily supplement of 400 g gave higher feed efficiency, with performance approximately 3.2% higher compared to the groups receiving 600 g. Likewise, these groups displayed higher faecal N output while concurrently achieving a reduced C: N ratio, indicative of enhanced nutrient utilization and potential environmental benefits. ConclusionTo conclude, integrating 400 grams of bamboo leaves into animal diet can enhance basal diet consumption, accelerate animal growth, and yield manure akin to chemical fertilizers, making it a valuable strategy for bamboo-integrated agro-silvopastoral systems practitioners.

Nutrition composition of commercial full-fat and defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) as a potential protein resource for aquafeeds

Abstract. Saputra I, Lee YN. 2023. Nutrition composition of commercial full-fat and defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (Hermetia illucens) as a potential protein resource for aquafeeds. Biodiversitas 24: 4877-4884. Black Soldier Fly or BSF (Hermetia illucens) is one of the most researched insect species for its potential as a protein source in aquafeeds. In the present study, two commercially available full-fat and defatted BSF larvae were analyzed in terms of nutrition profiles including proximate composition, amino acids, fatty acids, and mineral contents. The defatted BSF was in the form of a meal and the full-fat BSF was in the form of overdried. The full-fat BSF larvae were ground using a food-grade milling machine and strained to obtain small particles. BSFL meals were then sent for laboratory analysis. Results indicated that the defatted BSFL have higher crude protein content than full-fat BSF, with crude protein value of 47.70% and 30.72%, respectively. In contrast, the crude lipid in the full-fat BSFL was 36.20%, higher than in defatted BSFL, with only 8.11% lipid content. The amino acids analysis indicated that only histidine was the amino acid that was higher in defatted BSF than in full-fat BSF. The availability of fatty acids in defatted BSFL was lower than in full-fat BSF. On the contrary, the Ca, Na, mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Cu in defatted BSF were higher than in the full-fat BSFL. In conclusion, full-fat and defatted BSF have comparable nutrition value to fishmeal sourced from bycatch fishes and the defatting process of BSFL improves the nutritional composition of BSFL including protein and amino acids. Therefore, it can be used as information for the correct choice of BSFL used in aquafeeds.

Preservative Effect of Vernonia amygdalina Extract on Microbial Activity, Proximate Composition and Sensory Evaluation of Smoked-dried African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The effect of Vernonia amygdalina extract on microbial activity, proximate composition and sensory evaluation of smoked-dried Clarias gariepinus stored at 32.0±2°C was determined over the period of 21 days. The experimental treatments were the control, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% (w/v) Vernonia amygdalina extract solutions. 52 fish of average mean weight of 30.98±1.32g were degutted, washed and randomly assigned to the treatments and soaked in the extract solutions for 30 minutes and later smoked-dried for 12 hours. Six bacterial species namely, Bacillus subtilis, Corynebacteria sp, Proteus mirabilis, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus albus and Staphylococcus aureus were observed in the study. There was no increase in the microbial loads in all the treatments except in the control which increased from 27×103 to 40×103 cfu. Highest crude protein content (48.08±0.82%) was recorded in the control while the least value (39.67±0.04%) was obtained in the fish treated with 0.5% concentration of the extract. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the sensory evaluation among all the treatments and the control. This study reveals that V. amygdalina extract can be used as preservative in protecting smoked-dried C. gariepinus from bacterial spoilage, thus limiting economic loss and possible health risk to consumers.

The potential role of Indigofera zollingeriana as a high-quality forage for cattle in Indonesia

Ownership of cattle in Indonesia is dominated by smallholder farmers, who rely heavily on low-quality mature grasses and crop residues as animal feed. Forage tree legumes (FTLs) provide a practical and profitable option for supplying nutrients limiting cattle growth and reproduction, especially during the dry months. Indigofera zollingeriana is a tall, high-yielding plant under investigation as feed, which can produce edible plant material exceeding 4 t dry matter (DM)/ha/harvest, when cut every 68 days. I. zollingeriana is adapted to a relatively wide range of climatic conditions and soil-types, with notable high tolerance of acidic soils. Forage quality is high, with high crude protein (265 g/kg DM average) and low fiber (367 g neutral detergent fiber/kg DM) concentrations and high in vitro DM digestibility (72.6%). It contains no identified anti-nutritional compounds but concentration of indospicine, a recognized toxic contaminant in some species of Indigofera, is currently unknown. Information on animal responses to feeding I. zollingeriana is limited, especially for cattle, but research suggests growth responses in goats are comparable with those for other available FTLs. Research to date suggests I. zollingeriana could be a valuable addition to FTLs currently available in Indonesia, especially for acidic soils, but further information is required on performance on saline soils, persistence under regular harvesting, indospicine status, acceptance by cattle and effects on their productivity.

Оценка исходного материала чумизы при использовании на кормовые цели

This article presents the results of breeding work on the creation of the source material of chumiz to increase the productivity and quality of aboveground bio-mass. In the arid conditions of the Lower Volga region, chumiz is a promising forage crop. This choice is also determined by its relative drought resistance and the ability to withstand extreme positive temperatures in the arid climatic conditions of Russia without loss of yield and grain quality, which allows it to be grown in many regions of the Russian Federation. The article presents the results of the yield and nutritional value of aboveground biomass in the phase of milk ripeness. The selected cultivars can be used in further breeding work: for high yields of green mass - k–1242, k-1429, k-1560; for high content of crude protein in dry biomass - k-283, k-982, k-1102, k-1534, k-2598. Keywords: PAYZA, SELECTION, VARIETY PATTERN, YIELD, ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS

Antinutrient removal in yellow lentils by malting.

To improve the current low per capita consumption of lentils, the present study first aimed to minimize the anti-nutrient content of two yellow Moroccan and Italian lentil seeds by resorting to the malting process and then testing the resulting decorticated flours as ingredients in the formulation of gluten-free fresh egg pastas. The most proper operating conditions for the three malting process steps were identified in a bench-top plant. The first (water steeping) and second (germination) steps were studied at 18, 25 or 32 °C. After 2 or 3 h of steeping at 25 °C and almost 24 h of germination, 95-98.8% of the lentil seeds sprouted. By prolonging the germination process to 72 h, the raffinose or phytic acid content was reduced by about 80% or 95% or 27% or 37%, respectively. The third step (kilning) was carried out under fluent dry air at 50 °C for 24 h and at 75 °C for 3 h. The cotyledons of the resulting yellow lentil malts were cyclonically recovered, milled and chemico-physically characterized. Both flours were used to prepare fresh egg-pastas essentially devoid of oligosaccharides, and low in phytate (4.6-6.0 mg g-1 ) and in vitro glycemic index (38-41%). However, the cooking quality of the fresh egg pasta made of malted Moroccan lentil flour was higher with respect to its crude protein content and lower with respect to its water solubility index. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Proximate composition and mineral profile of elephants forages in the Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the proximate and mineral composition of various parts of Balanites aegyptiaca, Mitragyna inermis, Cassia sieberiena, Kigelia africana, Detarium microcarpum, Terminalia laxiflora, Ficus platyphylla and Climber plant (Liana) as feeds of elephants in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana. The proximate composition was carried out using the methods of the Association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) and the mineral profiles were determined by atomic absorption and flame photometric methods. The highest content of Crude Protein, Crude Fibre, Ash, Moisture and Nitrogen free extract were 12.0% ± 0.01, 15.3% ± 0.01, 14.6% ± 0.0, 7.5% ± 0.01, 76.6% ± 0.01 for Ficus platyphylla, Tamarindus indica, Balanites aegyptiaca and Detarium microcarpum, respectively. The mineral profiling also found appreciable levels of Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se and Mn at concentrations (mg/kg) of 4.6 ± 0.00, 0.4 ± 0.01, 0.4 ± 0.01, 5.1 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.01, 1.07 ± 0.008, 0.25 ± 0.005, 0.063 ± 0.0005, 37.48 ± 0.001 for Ficus platyphylla bark, Liana, Terminalia laxiflora bark and leaves, Mitragyna inermis bark, Terminalia laxiflora leaves and Mitragyna inermis leaves, respectively. Presentation of the presence of these important nutrients would be a guide to zoo managers and wildlife practitioners on the best quality of feeds to select for wild elephants.

Productive and nutritional potential of Sudan grass

Sudan grass is characterized by drought and heat resistance and is the best among annual and perennial bluegrass feed crops by the content of the main nutrient element - protein. The aim of the research is to evaluate 200 accessions and varieties of Sudan grass according to productivity and quality of green mass, to identify the sources of valuable traits and their correlation. The study was carried out in the Rostov region on ordinary carbonate black earth (chernozem). The collection of Sudan grass was evaluated in 2016-2019, of which contrasting weather conditions were characterized by 2017 (HTC = 0.85) and 2018 (HTC = 0.34). There were identified varieties and accessions that exceeded the standard variety Alexandrina according to green mass yield by 17.0-56.3 % (K-311, V-51/2, Chernoplenchataya 10, Alisa, K-187, Gratsiya, etc.); in terms of dry matter content – above the standard by 4.0-8.3 % (K-141/1, K-348/2, Svetloplenchataya 1, ‘Chernosemyannaya 191) and dry matter yield – by 26.4-60.5 % (Chernoplenchataya 10, Alisa, K-187, etc.). The sources of high content of crude protein include samples of the collection K-237, K-349/1, Topolek, K-311, K-161ch, Sudanka 24, Rossiyanka (14.82-16.13%); fiber - K-176/2, Ozornitsa, K-265/2, K-10257, etc. (38.8-40.4 %). The identified samples have been recommended for use in hybridization to develop new highly productive varieties and hybrids with high quality green mass. As a result of correlation-regression analysis, a weak negative relationship was established between the yield of green mass of Sudan grass and the content of crude protein in it, with an increase in protein content by 1 %, the yield decreases by 93.8 g/m2.

Proximate Content of Nostoc commune in Gilianyar Rice Field Habitat, Bangkalan Regency, East Java

Nostoc commune become one of the microalgae that can be found in Indonesia. Nostoc commune is an edible blue-green microalgae that has been used as a delicacy or herbal medicine in various countries. Nostoc commune contains high concentrations of carbohydrates, crude protein, and micronutrients. The purpose of this research is to know the proximate content of Nostoc commune in the rice field habitat of Gilianyar, Bangkalan Regency, East Java. The method used in this study includes 2 steps, namely direct observation (on site) and observations in the laboratory. Direct observation was carried out by taking samples of Nostoc commune regularly purposive sampling and water samples and water quality measurements on site which includes pH, DO (Dissolved Oxygen), temperature, salinity and light intensity were carried out with 3 location points and 2 repetitions. Observations in the laboratory include proximate analysis, nitrate and phosphate according to standard procedures. The average yield of nutrient concentrations Nostoc commune among others, moisture content 24.78%, ash content 0.6055%, fat content 0.92%, protein content 0.47%, crude fiber content 1.190% and carbohydrate content 72.0378% .

Protein hydrolysis of Camelina sativa meals: A study of molecular weight distribution and emulsifying properties

Camelina is an ancient oilseed known for its healthy oil composition and high crude protein content. Efforts have recently been made to reintroduced camelina in Europe and North America. This study aimed to propose an innovative strategy for valorising the camelina meal, a by-product obtained after oil extraction. Specifically, the investigation focused on the hydrolysis of protein directly applied to camelina meal studying two enzymes (Alcalase® and Protamex®) across three Camelina varieties (Calena, Vera and Sonny). Protein hydrolysates were successfully produced, with a maximum weight yield of 47%, and achieved values above 49 g/100 g in crude protein content and 58% in protein yield. The study revealed that Alcalase® and Protamex® produced similar protein molecular weight distribution but exhibited distinct technological properties. The emulsifying capacities of the protein hydrolysates were enhanced by Alcalase®, with the maximum emulsifying activity index reaching 36 m2/s. Conversely, Protamex® decreased the emulsifying capabilities of protein hydrolysates. To evaluate the applicability of the protein hydrolysates obtained, an oil-in-water emulsion was selected as a food application. The results suggested that camelina protein hydrolysates have the potential to serve as a new emulsifier ingredient. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed among the three camelina varieties in terms of protein yields or technological properties.

Evaluation of nutritional and physicochemical characteristics of soy yogurt by Lactobacillus plantarum KU985432 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCMI-745

Nutritional yeast-produced soy yogurt has grown in demand, because of its unique nutritional and health benefits. It has low cholesterol, no lactose, and high levels of protein, probiotic yeast, vitamins, and minerals. In this work, Soymilk (12.5%) was prepared and fermented to produce soy yogurt. Growth curves, probiotic characteristics of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCMI-745 and Lactobacillus plantarum KU985432 were determined. The nutritional value of both yogurts was evaluated, including viable cell count, protein, vitamin B-complex, sugars, phenolic acids, and fatty acids, mineral content, stability, and storage. Analysis of the physicochemical composition of the yogurts included assessment of titratable acidity, antioxidant potential, viscosity, and moisture content. The probiotic viable count of the produced yogurts met the standards for commercial yogurts. S. boulardii CNCMI-745 displayed safety characteristics and high tolerance to heat, acid, and alkaline stress. The produced B vitamins increased in both yogurts. The total saturated fatty acids in Saccharomyces-yogurt decreased, while the unsaturated fatty acids increased. Saccharomyces-yogurt showed high antioxidant activity, phenolic acids, and crude protein content. Both yogurts demonstrated the same tendency for stability during 16 day-storage. In conclusion, using nutritional yeast in the production of soy yogurt increased its nutritional content more than probiotic lactic acid bacteria.

Effects of Mineral Composition of Different Wood Wastes in Ibadan on Proximate Composition of Lentinus Squarrosulus (Mont.)

Lentinus squarrosulu (Mont.) is one of the cultivated indigenous edible mushrooms that are available in Nigeria. Recently, there has been growing crave to crop wild edible mushroom species that have potential economic values. Mushrooms can be an alternative source of protein especially for commoners in the society. Hence, the objective of this paper is to evaluate the effect of mineral composition of five wood wastes- Triplochiton scleroxylon, Cordia milleni, Vitellaria paradoxa, Pouteria altissima and Anogeissus leiocarpa different wood wastes on L. squarrosulus (Edible Mushroom) cultivation for their consequences on the growth, yield and proximate analysis. Data obtained reveal Carbon/Nitrogen ratio of 11.59, composition of Magnesium (0.035 mg), Potassium (0.053 mEq/l), Manganese (0.0013 mg), Copper (0.00050 g/m3), Iron (0.00275 mol/L), Phosphorus (0.027 mmol/L), Organic carbon (32.10 mg/L C), Organic matter (55.3 t/ha) and total nitrogen (2.77 mg/L) contributed greatly to the high crude protein, fats and ash contents of mushroom cultivated on T. Scleroxylon. However, insignificant contents of sodium (0.2 mg), Calcium (0.2 mmol/L) and Magnesium (0.013 mg) in Pouteria altissima led to the general inadequate performance of L. squarrosulus in yields. The percentage fresh mean weight of L. squarrosulus ranged from 9.13 g – 19.00 g. The highest value was produced by T. scleroxylon followed by P. altissima, V. paradoxa, C. milleni while A. leiocarpa gave the least.

Lipid profile and metabolic parameters of tilapia in the finishing phase in earth ponds or using biofloc technology

Tilapia is a species with great growth potential. Its production comes from a semi-intensive system, such as earthen ponds (EP). Recently, biofloc technology (BFT) appears as an option to intensify fish production. The objective of this work was to compare the organosomatic indices, biochemical parameters, and chemical composition of tilapia reared in EP and BFT. Fish were grown for 150 days, with an initial weight of ≅ 2 g and a final weight of ≅ 780 g. Thereafter, tissues and organs were collected to determine organosomatic indices and analyze biochemical parameters, fatty acid, and proximate composition. The carcass yield was higher for tilapia reared in EP than BFT. The production system did not affect the fish fillet yield. The other organosomatic parameters were higher for tilapia reared in BFT. Tilapia reared in EP showed higher content of crude protein and lipids in the fillet. In both production systems, there was no difference in the body lipid profile. Fish in BFT showed a higher concentration of glucose and ammonia in the muscle and amino acids in the liver. Fish reared in EP showed a higher concentration of lactate in the liver compared to those in BFT. In conclusion, the production system alters the metabolism of fish. The biofloc has a considerable amount of fatty acids, which can be considered in the formulation of diets for tilapia in this system.

Effect of Potato Vine and Leaf Mixed Silage Compared to Whole Corn Crops on Growth Performance, Apparent Digestibility, and Serum Biochemical Characteristics of Fattening Angus Bull.

This study aims to explore the different growth performances of the Angus bull on potato vine and leaf mixed silage in the early fattening period and to provide a reference animal production trial. Thirty-six 13-month-old Angus bulls were divided into three groups with 403.22 ± 38.97 kg initial body weight and fed with three different silage diets: (1) control: whole-plant corn silage as control (CS); (2) treatment 1: 50% whole-plant corn +50% potato vine and leaf silage (PVS1); and (3) treatment 2: 75% potato vine and leaf +15% rice straw +10% cornmeal silage (PVS2). After the 14 days pre-feeding, the formal experiment was carried out for 89 days. The result showed that the ash content of the potato vine and leaf mixed silage (PVS) in the treatment groups was higher than that in control group, and the ash content of PVS1 and PVS2 even reached 10.42% and 18.48% (DM%), respectively, which was much higher than that of the CS group at 4.94%. The crude protein content in silage also increased with the additional amount of potato vine and leaf. The apparent crude protein digestibility of the PVS groups was also significantly higher than that of the CS group (p < 0.05). In terms of serum biochemical indexes, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in the experimental groups was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). Compared with PVS2, cholesterol (CHO) was significantly lower in the CS and PVS1 groups (p < 0.05). Moreover, the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of PVS2 were significantly higher than those of the CS and PVS1 group (p < 0.05), and daily gain (ADG) as a key production index had a significantly negative correlation with the CHO (r = -0.38, p < 0.05) and HDL-C (r = -0.40, p < 0.05) of cattle. In conclusion, PVS had higher crude protein content and ash but less starch than whole-corn silage. The PVS could replace whole-plant corn silage at the same dry matter status and did not affect the weight gain in this trial.

Food on a plate: Wild geese maintain higher food intake rates on uniform winter cereals fields versus diverse grasslands

Spring staging Greater White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons have increasingly shifted from traditional diverse grassland fields to monocultures of winter cereals, causing conflict with farmers. To account for this transition, we tested two key predictions, controlling for goose age effects and sward height. Firstly, that cereal is better quality than grass (based on crude protein content). Secondly, that geese show higher peck rate and step rate on grassland than cereal, enabling them to compensate for lower, less selective intake rates there compared to the uniform, dense, high quality arable sward where all blades are equally of high profitability. Laboratory analyses showed that winter cereal had 27 % higher crude protein content than grass. Based on data extracted from video sequences of spring foraging geese in NE Poland, first-year birds (“immatures”) showed significantly higher peck rates and step rates than adults in all situations, likely reflecting their less efficient foraging abilities. Both age classes showed significantly higher peck rates on grass than winter cereal as predicted. Combining differential protein content and lamina length/dry weight relationships of grass versus cereal showed that geese obtained 17–33 % more protein from cereal lamina of the same length. At observed peck rates, this equated to a 6 % greater hourly crude protein intake rate on cereals compared to grass at lamina length 2.5 cm, increasing to 29 % difference at 12.5 cm. Hence, at longer swards, cereals become increasingly profitable for foraging geese over grass swards, despite the higher peck rates observed on grass which failed to compensate for lower lamina quality. We contend that these interactions explain the simultaneous attraction of cereal over grass swards in this study area and likely elsewhere and we discuss the management implications of these findings.

İskenderun Körfezi'ndeki (Kuzeydoğu Akdeniz) Kahverengi ve Kırmızı Makroalglerin Temel Besin Maddesi ve Biyoaktif Bileşiklerindeki Mevsimsel Değişimler

Proximate and bioactive compounds (total phenolic, flavonoid, chlorophyll-a and total carotenoid contents) of three brown seaweeds (Dictyota dichotoma, Padina pavonica, Stypopodium schimperi) and a red seaweed (Jania rubens) from the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea (İskenderun Bay) were investigated seasonally at three sampling sites. Seasonal variations were found for all of the parameters studied. The highest ash content was in J. rubens (77.7%) in the spring. The results showed that J. rubens is a rich source with respect to mineral content. D. dichotoma had the highest crude protein content, whereas S. schimperi contained the most lipids. Phenolics ranged between 34.6 - 107.0 mg GAE/g dw. The highest total phenolics were found in S. schimperi in the summer, and the lowest in P. pavonica in the spring. The flavonoid contents (9.05-10.6 mg QE/g dw) were higher in brown seaweeds than that in the red seaweed. Moreover, chlorophyll-a and carotenoids levels were highest in D. dichotoma (4.53 and 2.83 mg/g, respectively) during the autumn. The results revealed that the biochemical composition of the examined seaweeds showed significant changes depending on the species, location and seasons.