Higher Levels Of Crude Protein Research Articles

Genetic analysis of protein efficiency and its association with performance and meat quality traits under a protein-restricted diet

BackgroundAn essential component in the development of sustainable pig production is the reduction of nitrogen excretion in fattening pigs. Pig feeds typically contain high levels of dietary crude protein, and due to incomplete conversion to muscle tissue, excess nitrogen is excreted, resulting in environmental problems such as nitrate pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, improving protein efficiency (PE), i.e., the proportion of dietary protein that remains in the carcass, is desirable. The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability (h2) of PE and its genetic correlations with phosphorus efficiency, three performance, seven meat quality and two carcass quality traits when pigs were fed a 20% protein-restricted diet, using 1071 Swiss Large White pigs. To determine PE, the intake of feed with known nutrient content was accurately recorded for each pig and the nitrogen and phosphorus content of the carcass was determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.ResultsWe found an average PE of 0.39 ± 0.04 and a heritability of 0.54 ± 0.10. PE showed a high genetic correlation with phosphorus efficiency (0.61 ± 0.16), moderate genetic correlations with feed conversion ratio (− 0.55 ± 0.14) and average daily feed intake (− 0.53 ± 0.14), and a low genetic correlation with average daily gain (− 0.19 ± 0.19). While PE has favourable genetic correlations with the performance traits and some meat quality traits, there is a potentially unfavourable correlation of PE with meat colour (redness [rg = − 0.27 ± 0.17]; yellowness [rg = − 0.31 ± 0.18]) and intra-muscular fat (IMF; rg = − 0.39 ± 0.15). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) also showed unfavourable genetic correlations with meat lightness, redness yellowness, IMF and cooking loss.ConclusionsPE is a heritable trait that can be considered in breeding programs to reduce the environmental impact of pig production. We found no strong negative correlation of PE with meat quality traits, and that there is potential to indirectly select for improved phosphorus efficiency. Selecting nutrient efficiencies might be a more suitable strategy to reduce nitrogen pollution from manure than focusing on FCR because the latter also shows genetic antagonism with some meat quality traits in our population.

Chicken adaptive response to nutrient density: immune function change revealed by transcriptomic analysis of spleen.

Feed accounts for the largest portion (65-70%) of poultry production costs. The feed formulation is generally improved to efficiently meet the nutritional needs of chickens by reducing the proportion of crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels in the diet. Although many studies have investigated the production performance during dietary restriction, there is a lack of research on the mechanisms by which immune cell function is altered. This study examined the effects of ME and CP restriction in the chicken diet on serum immunoglobulins and expression of immune function genes in spleen. Changes in serum immunoglobulins and immune-related gene expression were analyzed in 216 YS-909 broilers fed with 9 different dietary treatments, including experimental treatment diets containing low, standard, and high levels of ME or CP in the diet. At 42 days of age, serum immunoglobulins and expression of spleen immune genes in 6 female chickens selected randomly from each dietary treatment (3×3 factorial arrangement) group were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and transcriptomic analysis using RNA sequencing, respectively. The results showed that the IgM level in the low ME group chickens was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than that in other groups. In addition, immune-related genes, such as MX1, USP18, TLR4, IFNG and IL18 were significantly upregulated when the dietary nutrient density was reduced, which may put the body in an inflammatory state. This study provided general information on the molecular mechanism of the spleen immune response to variable nutrient density.

Effects and Cost-Benefit of Low and High Protein Levels in Snail Diets with Constant Levels of Energy and Calcium

Snails are invertebrates with soft segmented shells. Snail farming is still at the infant stage compared to other farming enterprises because of limited information on the nutrient requirement of the animal. Therefore, a 12-week study was conducted to determine the effect of snails’ diets containing low and high Crude protein (CP) levels with constant level of energy and calcium on the growth performance of African giant land snail Archachatina marginata. In a completely randomized design, a total of 120 snails of the same weight and breed were randomly allotted to five (5) different dietary treatments: PR1 (20% CP), PR2 (22% CP), PR3 (24% CP), PR4 (26% CP) and PR5 (28% CP) with constant energy (2.6 Mcal/kg Metabolizable Energy) and calcium level. The snails were placed in 12 experimental compartments each measuring 0.5x 0.5m2. Results revealed that the body weight gain, feed intake, cost of feed per kg weight gain and dressing percentage yield was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) higher at the 28% CP. Furthermore, results showed significant (P&lt; 0.05) interactions between protein across the treatments performance indices, shell length, shell width, feed cost per kg weight gain and dressing percentage yield. Feed intake decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) at 20% CP level while the FCR values decreased (p &lt; 0.05) at 28% CP level. Shell length, width and thickness was enhanced (p &lt; 0.05) at 20% CP level. Also, the Feed cost per kg weight gain was observed to be significantly (p &lt; 0.05) reduced at the 24% CP. The results obtained in the present study showed that the dietary protein of 24% CP, with constant energy of 2.6Mcal/kg ME is optimally suitable for the growth of African giant land snails Archachatina marginata at reduced cost.

Effect of co-inoculation of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri on aerobic stability and microbial community composition of perennial sorghum silage

In the present study, the aerobic stability of perennial sorghum (Sorghum bicolor × Sorghum propinquum) silage following exposure to air was evaluated, which was pretreated with either Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (L group) or Lactiplantibacillus plantarum + Lentilactobacillus buchneri (M group). Samples from the M group had lower dry matter loss rates and higher acetic acid content after exposure to air. Furthermore, samples from the M group showed high levels of water-soluble carbohydrates (2.79–6.55% in dry matter) and crude protein (3.82–9.02% in dry matter) after exposure to air. Moreover, M pretreatment led to the inhibition of the growth of Debaryomyces hansenii whereas it promoted the growth of Levilactobacillus and Clavispora sp. Overall, M pretreatment of perennial sorghum during storage hindered aerobic deterioration and promoted the formation of total fermentation products that act as precursors for biogas production.

Transcriptome analysis and identification of genes associated with leaf crude protein content in foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauv.

Introduction: Spruce spider mite is a primary insect pest of Chinese chestnut in China and seriously influences its yield and quality. However, the current management against this mite is costly and poorly effective. In previous research, we bred several foxtail millet materials for interplanting with chestnut tree, and found that they had high levels of crude protein (CP) in leaves and attracted spruce spider mite to feed on the leaves, thereby reducing chestnut damage. Methods: In this study, four foxtail millet varieties with significant differences in leaf crude protein content were used for high-throughput sequencing and identification of genes associated with leaf crude protein content. Gene enrichment analyses were carried out to comprehend the functions of these genes and the biological processes in which they are involved. In addition, transcription factors (TFs) were evaluated. Results: 435 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, suggesting their potential role in crude protein accumulation. Some differentially expressed genes were found to be associated with nitrogen metabolism and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis pathways. Moreover, we identified 40 TF genes categorized into 11 transcription factor families. Discussion: Our findings represent an important resource that clarifies the mechanisms of accumulation and control of leaf crude protein in foxtail millet, and provide an opportunity for suppression of spruce spider mite attack on Chinese chestnut by interplanting with foxtail millet varieties with high concentrations of leaf crude protein.

Effects of different processing techniques of broken rice on processing quality of pellet feed, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets.

The present study was conducted to assess the effect of different processing techniques of broken rice on processing quality of pellet feed, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, and fecal microbiota of weaned piglets. A total of 400 crossbred piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with a mean initial body weight (BW) of 7.24 ± 0.52 kg were used in a 28-d experiment. Piglets were randomly distributed to one of 4 treatment and 10 replicate pens per treatment, with 10 piglets per pen. The dietary treatments were as follows: CON, corn as the main cereal type in the dietary; BR, 70% of the corn replaced by broken rice; ETBR, 70% of the corn replaced by extruded broken rice; EPBR, 70% of the corn replaced by expanded broken rice. Extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) increased hardness, pellet durability index, crispness, and starch gelatinization degree. Extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice generated a higher (P < 0.05) average daily feed intake, increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain, decreased (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio, and lowered (P < 0.05) the diarrhea rate. Piglets fed extruded broken rice displayed high apparent total tract digestibility levels of dry matter (P < 0.05), gross energy (P < 0.05), crude protein (P < 0.05), and organic matter (P < 0.05). In addition, extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice supplementation had increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels in gut, whereas a lower abundance of the potential pathogens Clostridium_sensu_strictio_1 and Streptococcus was observed. Dietary supplementation of extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice failed to show significant effects on blood biochemical parameters. Combined, 70% corn substituted with broken rice failed to show significant effects. Collectively, extruded broken rice and expanded broken rice supplementation had positively enhanced the pellet quality, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and gut microbiota of weaned piglets.

Chinese oats in temperate Bhutan: Results of field experiments

Abstract Seven varieties of forage oats from China were evaluated in the temperate environment of Bhutan for morphological traits, dry matter production, and forage quality. The oat variety Qingyin No. 1 provided a greater plant height (61 cm) and the largest number of tillers per plant (five tillers per plant). The leaf-stem ratio (LSR) was highest for Longyan No. 2 (LSR 0.73). During harvest in late winter, Longyan No. 2 had a greater plant height (64 cm) and the highest number of tillers per plant (seven tillers per plant), followed by Qingyin No. 1. The top three varieties with high LSRs of 1.49, 1.31, and 1.35 were Longyan No. 1, 2, and 3, respectively. In both summer and winter, Longyan No. 2 had the highest forage yields of around 5.00 and 4.00 DM t/ha, respectively. Qingyin No. 1 was the second largest forage producer, with under 5.00 DM t/ha in summer and under 3.00 DM t/ha in winter. For forage quality, Longyan No. 2 and Longyan No. 3 had the highest levels of crude protein (15%) in summer. However, during late winter, the Linna variety had the highest crude protein content (13%). The overall results of the field experiments suggest that Longyan No. 2 and Qingyin No. 1 are promising new oat varieties for winter fodder production in the temperate environments of Bhutan.

Microbial and Protease Fermentation of Mao-Tai Lees Alters Nutritional Composition and Promotes In Vitro Intestinal Proteolysis

Mao-tai lees (ML) is a by-product produced in the process of Mao-tai liquor production and contains high levels of crude protein, starch and fiber, and large yield. Thus, the ML has the potential to become feedstuffs alternatives in livestock production. The present study evaluated the nutritional values of ML and fermented ML (FML), including the first stage (FML I; microbial fermentation), the second stage (FMTL II; microbial fermentation), and the final stage (FFML; microbial fermentation with proteases), and explored their effects on in vitro intestinal fermentation. The results showed that the FFML had higher contents of acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, crude fiber, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, starch, Vitamin B2, B6, and B12, whereas the FML II presented higher contents of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, and Vitamin B1 compared with the other groups. Compared with the ML, the total free amino acids (FAAs) and total bioamine contents were higher in the FML II and FFML and had lower total hydrolyzed amino acids and total other free organic acids contents, among which the FFML had higher total FAAs and total bioamine contents. The FMLs had lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio compared with the ML; however, the FFML had lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio than the other groups. Furthermore, the FFML had higher concentrations of 1,7-diaminoheptane, isobutyrate, isovalerate, putrescine, and spermidine in vitro fermentation, suggesting that the FFML had greater proteolysis than the other groups. Collectively, these findings suggest that microbial fermentation with proteases could alter the nutritional composition and promote in vitro intestinal proteolysis of ML, which may be an effective way for promoting the protein utilization of ML. The study provides an effective potential strategy to develop novel feedstuff alternatives.

Interactive effects of high temperature and crude protein levels on growth performance, nitrogen excretion, and fecal characteristics of broilers.

In the present study, we aimed to explore the interactive effects of high temperature (HT) and dietary crude protein (CP) levels on nitrogen (N) excretion, fecal characteristics, and growth performance of broilers. A total of 288 broilers (Arbor Acres) were divided into six groups with eight replicates (six broilers per replicate). Two temperatures (ambient temperature: AT, 23°C; HT: 28 ~ 32 ~ 28°C) and three diets (CP: 14.90%, 18.18%, or 21.19%, with equal amounts of essential amino acids) were examined in a 2 × 3 factorial design. The experiment arrangement was from 4 to 6weeks of age. The results showed that HT led to a significant decrease in the N excretion (P < 0.0001), average daily feed intake (P < 0.0001), and weight gain of broilers (P < 0.0001), while it markedly increased the fecal pH (P = 0.015), fecal moisture (P = 0.0014), uric acid (UA) contents (P = 0.0018), and feed/gain ratio (P < 0.0001). A low CP diet significantly decreased the N excretion (P < 0.001), fecal pH (P = 0.016), fecal moisture (P < 0.0001), and UA contents (P < 0.0001), while it markedly increased the feed/gain ratio (P < 0.001). In conclusion, HT had a negative impact on the fecal characteristics and growth performance of broilers but showed positive effects on N excretion. Moreover, decreased CP levels had a positive effect on the N excretion and fecal characteristics in broilers.

Dietary Cinnamaldehyde Enhances Growth Performance, Digestion, Immunity, and Lipid Metabolism in Juvenile Fat Greenling (Hexagrammos otakii).

Fat greenling (Hexagrammos otakii) is a kind of economic fish that is widely consumed by human, and its intensive farming technology is making important progress. However, high-density farming may cause the occurrence of diseases in H. otakii. Cinnamaldehyde (CNE) is a new feed additive for aquatic animals and has a positive effect on disease resistance. In the study, dietary CNE was evaluated on the growth performance, digestion, immune response, and lipid metabolism of juvenile H. otakii (6.21 ± 0.19 g). Six experimental diets were formulated containing CNE at levels of 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg for 8 weeks. The percent weight gain (PWG), specific growth rate (SGR), survival (SR), and feeding rate (FR) were significantly increased by including CNE in fish diets regardless of the inclusion level (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly decreased among the groups fed CNE supplemented diets (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in hepatosomatic index (HSI) was observed in fish fed 400 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg CNE compared to the control diet (P < 0.05). Fish-fed diets containing 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg CNE had a higher level of crude protein in muscles than the control diet (P < 0.05). Moreover, the activities of lipase (LPS) and pepsin (PEP) in the intestinal were markedly increased in juvenile H. otakii-fed dietary CNE (P < 0.05). Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter, protein, and lipid was significantly increased with CNE supplement (P < 0.05). The activities of catalase (CAT) and acid phosphatase (ACP) in the liver were markedly enhanced by including CNE in juvenile H. otakii diets compared with the control (P < 0.05). The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in the liver were markedly enhanced in juvenile H. otakii treated with CNE supplements 400 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Additionally, the levels of total protein (TP) in the serum were markedly increased by including CNE in juvenile H. otakii diets compared with the control (P < 0.05). In the CNE200, CNE400, and CNE600 groups, albumin (ALB) levels in the serum were markedly higher compared with that in the control (P < 0.05). In the CNE200 and CNE400 groups, the levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) in the serum were significantly increased compared with that the control group (P < 0.05). The juvenile H. otakii-fed dietary CNE had lower triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TCHO) levels in the serum than fish-fed CNE-free diets (P < 0.05). The gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α), hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), and carnitine O-palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) in the liver was significantly increased by including CNE in fish diets regardless of the inclusion level (P < 0.05). However, fatty acid synthase (FAS), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and acetyl-CoA carboxylase alpha (ACCα) in the liver were markedly decreased with CNE supplements 400 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The glucose-6-phosphate1-dehydrogenase (G6PD) gene expression levels in the liver were markedly decreased compared with the control (P < 0.05). The optimal supplementation level of CNE was shown by curve equation analysis to be 590.90 mg/kg.

The effect of feeding black soldier fly larvae on growth performance, protein, and fat content of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.).

In the aquaculture industry, the crucial goal is to minimize production costs, especially feeding costs, without significant side effects. Black soldier fly larva (BSFL) is a locally available, eco-friendly, and sustainable source that is high in crude protein (42% dry matter [DM]) and fat (35% DM). This study aimed to determine the growth performance along with the composition of crude fat and protein in red hybrid fingerlings after the addition of BSFL into the diet. A total of 120 fingerlings of uniform size (mean initial weight of 1.46 ± 0.06 g) were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 10) (A, B, C, and D) per tank (1 m × 2 m × 1 m). For 21 days, Group A (control group) was fed with 100% commercial diet; Group B was fed with 90% commercial fish diet + 10% BSFL; Group C was fed with 80% commercial fish diet + 20% BSFL; and Group D was fed with 70% commercial fish diet + 30% BSFL. Feed efficiency, growth performance, and proximate composition analysis were performed on the fish. The results displayed that the group with the highest BSFL percentage had a greater effect on protein and fat composition than the control group. The proximate composition analysis of fish-fed diet revealed that an increase in the level of BSFL inclusion increases the protein content in the fish. In comparison to the other groups, the experimental diet with 30% BSFL inclusion has the highest levels of crude protein (80.30% DM) and fat (2.90% DM). It is concluded that incorporating BSFL into a commercial diet for red hybrid tilapia fingerlings increased crude protein and fat composition, providing an alternative protein and fat source in fish diets.

Hematological and biochemical indices, growth performance, and puberty of goats fed with Mombasa and blue panic as salt-tolerant alternatives to alfalfa under arid conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of Mombasa or blue panic as a salt-tolerant alternative to alfalfa on growth performance, puberty, blood hematology, serum metabolites, and serum mineral profile in growing goats. Twenty-four growing goats of 4 months old age with 14.45 ± 0.6 kg average body weight were assigned to three treatment diets with 8 animals per treatment. Weights of each animal were measured at the onset of the trial and subsequently on a weekly basis until the end of the trial duration. A pair of blood samples were collected from each goat via a jugular vein puncture and were subjected to either hematological or biochemical analysis. The results showed that treatment diets had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on the final body weight and total body weight gain. However, blue panic had significantly increased (P < 0.05) neutral detergent fiber and crude protein digestibility. The diet-influenced MCV was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the Alfalfa group. The serum concentration of glucose was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the blue panic-fed group, while the urea was increased in the Mombasa-fed group. Additionally, the serum concentrations of P, Na, and Cl were significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the blue panic-fed group, but Mombasa significantly increased (P < 0.05) the K concentration. In conclusion, the study indicated that blue panic ranked the best among salt-tolerant alternatives to replace alfalfa, resulting in better feed utilization, serum metabolites, and serum minerals with no adverse effects on growth performance and puberty. This study provides new insight into the shift to the cultivation of salt-tolerant plants with a high level of crude protein in arid areas as a potential approach for the sustainability of the livestock industry.

Actualidades en el uso de aminoácidos en la industria lechera

The constant demand for high quality dairy products has driven significant changes in the productive capacity of dairy cows in the last 50 years. To maintain high volumes of milk production and quality in terms of the level of protein, fat, and other milk components, it is common to use high levels of crude protein in the diet. However, this practice generates N residues in feces and urine that cause environmental pollution and high costs. Balancing diets to cover metabolizable protein and limiting amino acid requirements allows feeding low-protein diets resulting in higher N utilization efficiency, lower environmental impact, and higher profitability. Lysine, methionine, and histidine are the most limiting amino acids in diets for dairy cows based on corn silage and alfalfa hay. The use of rumen-protected lysine and methionine in transition cow diets positively affects dry matter intake, milk production and milk quality. Whereas supplementation with rumen-protected methionine to cows prior to calving improves metabolic immune status and genetic expression of offspring, which show better productive performance after birth.

Growth, survival, nutritional value and phytochemical, and antioxidant state of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp fed with premix extract of brown Sargassum ilicifolium, Nizimuddinia zanardini, Cystoseira indica, and Padina australis macroalgae

The effect of including the premix extract of the brown Sargassum ilicifolium, Nizimuddinia zanardini, Cystoseira indica, and Padina australis (MPE) macroalgae in the diet on the growth performance, survival, nutritional values, phytochemical, and antioxidant state of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was investigated in this study, where in 1200 post larvae with an average weight of 57.53 \(\pm\) 0.47 mg were distributed randomly by categorizing 100 pieces into 4 groups (three tank iterations per group). The control group was only fed with the concentrated feed (MPE0), while the other groups were fed with a basic diet that consisted of MPE5 (MPE5), 10 (MPE10), and 15 (MPE15) g kg−1 of feed for 8 weeks. According to the results, the highest final weight, specific growth ratio, weight gain, and protein efficiency ratio were recorded for the MPE15 group. The lowest feed conversion ratio was observed in the group fed with MPE15 (P < 0.05). The highest level of crude protein was recorded for the groups fed with MPE10 and MPE15 (P < 0.05). The highest amount of PUFA, total sterols, phenol, flavonoid, catalase (CAT), and glutathione was observed in shrimps fed with MPE15. The results are generally indicative of the positive effect of the premix aqueous extract of the brown S. ilicifolium, N. zanardini, C. indica, and P.australis macroalgae at the 15 g kg−1 of MPE feed level on the growth, nutritional value and phytochemical, and antioxidant status of L. vannamei.

Nutritional compositions in young leaves and stem from quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) grown in Korea

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) leaves and stem grown in Korea were analyzed to determine their nutritional compositions. Quinoa leaves exhibited significantly higher levels of crude protein, crude lipid, crude ash, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber than those of the quinoa stem. Fructose and glucose were only detected in stem, and they contents were 44.25 mg% and 107.62 mg%, respectively. Acetic acid was the most plentiful organic acid in leaves and stem of quinoa, with their higher levels determined in leaves (428.40 mg%). The major minerals of quinoa were potassium and calcium, especially potassium was verified as having the highest level in leaves (750.65 mg%) and stem (869.15 mg%) of quinoa. In addition, linolenic acid (C18:3, n-3) contained as highest level was detected only in leaves (176.09 mg%) but no identified in stem. It was found that quinoa leaves contained many kinds of vitamin such as vitamin B1 (293.35 μg/100 g), B2 (256.54 μg/100 g), C (2.02 mg/100 g), and E (2.25 mg/100 g). These findings suggest that quinoa leaves and stem are an excellent source for developing of salads and various processed products, further this study presents the application prospect of quinoa to various food industry fields.

가열시간에 따른 돼지감자차의 품질 특성 및 항산화 활성

This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, bioactive compound component content, and antioxidant activity of Jerusalem artichoke tea. The Jerusalem artichoke was dried at 70°C for 5 h, then roasted in the oven for 2, 4, and 6 min, respectively. The control group had a moisture content of 11.92%, whereas the sample heated in the oven for 2-6 min had a rapidly declining moisture content. Oven-heated samples had higher levels of crude protein and fat than the control samples. Longer heating periods reduced the pH of the Jerusalem artichoke while increasing the sugar content and turbidity of the tea. The brightness of the tea decreased as the heating time increased, while the redness, yellowness, and browning index increased. Compared to the control group, the total polyphenols and flavonoids eluted in tea increased 1.04 to 4.34 times and 1.09 to 2.70 times, respectively, with the heating time of the Jerusalem artichoke. The elution of antioxidant substances and the antioxidant activity of the tea also was also increased with the heating duration. Therefore, the results revealed that the antioxidant content and activity of Jerusalem artichoke tea are highest when heated for approximately 6 min after removing any excess moisture.

Chemical Quality Analysis of Meal Quail Meat with Rations Containing Fermented Bean Sprouts Waste Flour

Quail is one of the poultry that has the potential to be developed as a source of diversification for meat and egg products. Bean sprouts have high levels of crude protein and crude fiber, so fermentation is necessary. The amount of ration costs range from 60-80% of all production costs. This study aims to determine the chemical quality of male quail meat given rations containing fermented bean sprout waste and to compare the various levels of bean sprout flour in the ration to the chemical quality of male quail meat. This research was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments and 4 replications for each treatment. The treatments consisted of rations without the addition of fermented bean sprouts waste flour (TLTF) (P0), rations with 5% TLTF (P1), rations with 10% TLTF (P2), and rations with 15% TLTF (P3). The variables analyzed were water content, ash content, crude fat, and pH. The results of this study indicate that the provision of rations containing fermented bean sprout waste does not affect the quality of male quail meat.

Quality attributes of chicken nuggets extended with different legume flours

Chicken nugget is a comminuted meat product commonly prepared from spiced chicken meat and other ingredients. The tenderness of chicken meat lowers its firmness and mouth feel which may reduce acceptability of chicken nugget made from it. Thus, acceptability of chicken nugget could be harnessed when legume flour extenders are used along. Therefore, acceptability as well as quality of chicken nugget from different legume flours were evaluated. Soyabean, groundnut and cowpea flours were used as meat extenders for development of raw chicken nuggets and thereafter cooked for consumption. The quality of both raw and cooked legume flour extended chicken nuggets were assessed based on functional properties, sensory properties, proximate composition, amino acid content and shelf stability in terms of lipid peroxidation and microbial load. In their raw state, the legume flour extenders competed favourably with each other. Among all, soyabean flour extender maintained remarkable functional properties that transcend into significant (P < 0.05) yield of 86.93% of chicken nugget in comparison to the control (86.37%), groundnut (84.95%) and cowpea (84.50%). Upon cooking, all the legume flour extended chicken nuggets varied in their quality attributes. Apart from the high level of flavour and low microbial load, cowpea extended chicken nugget was of low quality based on the parameters evaluated in comparison with other legume flour extended chicken nuggets. Of interest, soyabean extended chicken nugget followed by groundnut extended chicken nugget were of good quality based on sensory properties, high crude protein and amino acid levels, low cholesterol content and lipid peroxidation value as well as low microbial load.Graphical abstract

Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Mill. Johnston) pellet supplementation improved rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk composition of lactating dairy cows

• Chaya ( Cnidoscolus aconitifolius ) leaf pellet (CHYP) contains high level of crude protein and minerals. • CHYP supplementation enhanced nutrient digestibility, propionic acid (C 3 ) and balanced rumen pH and reduced calculated methane emission. • CHYP can improve milk yield and milk composition. Chaya ( Cnidoscolus aconitifolius , Mill. Johnston) is a fodder shrub that contains flavonoid compounds and uses as feeds, medicine and food, respectively. This study examined the effects of Chaya leaf pellet (CHYP) supplementation on nutrient digestibilities, feed intake, rumen fermentation, milk yield and milk compositions. Four lactating crossbred (75% Holstein-Friesian × 25% Thai native cows) dairy cows with average body weight (440 ± 10), milk production (12 ± 2 kg/h/d) and days- in- milk (126 ± 20) were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. Two ratio of concentrate to milk yield, (1:1; CM1 and 1:2; CM2) and two CHYP levels at 0 and 6% of total dry matter intake (TDMI) were imposed. The results revealed that concentrate to milk yield ratio and CHYP supplementation had interactive effect ( P < 0.05) on nutrient intake except ADF, fat -corrected milk and total solids. Rumen pH was decreased ( P < 0.05) in cows receiving high concentrate, while the pH was in normal range for animals fed with CHYP. Ruminal NH 3 -N concentration was increased ( P < 0.05) by the 6% CHYP supplementation. The level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) ( P < 0.05) was increased with the increase of ruminal NH 3 -N ( P < 0.01), and bacterial population, while the, protozoal counts were slightly reduced by the supplementation of CHYP. The CHYP supplementation significantly increased total VFA and propionate concentration, while decreased acetate to propionate ratio and estimated methane emission. In conclusion, concentrate to milk yield at 1:1 ratio and CHYP supplementation at 6% significantly modulated rumen fermentation end-products and milk composition in lactating dairy cows.

Fire and forage quality: Postfire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal.

Fire is rampant throughout subtropical South and Southeast Asian grasslands. However, very little is known about the role of fire and pyric herbivory on the functioning of highly productive subtropical monsoon grasslands lying within the Cwa climatic region. We assessed the temporal effect of fire on postfire regrowth quality and associated pyric‐herbivory in the subtropical monsoon grasslands of Bardia National Park, Nepal. Every year, grasslands are burned as a management intervention in the park, especially between March and May. Within a week after fire, at the end of March 2020, we established 60 m × 60 m plots within patches of burned grassland in the core area of the Park. We collected grass samples from the plots and determined physical and chemical properties of the vegetation at regular 30‐day intervals from April to July 2020, starting from 30 days after fire to assess postfire regrowth forage quality. We counted pellet groups of cervids that are abundant in the area for the same four months from 2 m × 2 m quadrats that were permanently marked with pegs along the diagonal of each 60 m × 60 m plot to estimate intensity of use by deer to the progression of postfire regrowth. We observed strong and significant reductions in crude protein (mean value 9.1 to 4.1 [55% decrease]) and phosphorus (mean value 0.2 to 0.11 [45% decrease]) in forage collected during different time intervals, that is, from 30 days to 120 days after fire. Deer utilized the burned areas extensively for a short period, that is, up to two months after fire when the burned areas contained short grasses with a higher level of crude protein and phosphorus. The level of use of postfire regrowth by chital (Axis axis) differed significantly over time since fire, with higher intensity of use at 30 days after fire. The level of use of postfire regrowth by swamp deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) did not differ significantly until 90 days after fire, however, decreased significantly after 90 days since fire. Large‐scale single event fires, thus, may not fulfil nutritional requirements of all species in the deer assemblage in these subtropical monsoon grasslands. This is likely because the nutritional requirements of herbivores differ due to differences in body size and physiological needs—maintenance, reproduction, and lactation. We recommend a spatiotemporal manipulation of fire to reinforce grazing feedback and to yield forage of high quality for the longest possible period for a sustainable high number of deer to maintain a viable tiger population within the park.