Increase In Crude Protein Content Research Articles

Quality improvement of soybean meal by simultaneous microbial fermentation and enzymolysis and untargeted metabolomic analysis of its metabolites

Twelve lactobacillus strains, four yeast strains, and eight proteases were screened, and their effects on oligosaccharide degradation, lactic acid production, and proteolytic capacity were investigated in soybean meal. The simultaneous microbial fermentation and enzymolysis (SMFE) conditions were optimized as feed/water ratio of 1:0.8 (w/v), yeast inoculum of 2.1×105 CFU/g, lactobacillus inoculum of 2.1×107 CFU/g, protease addition of 200 U/g, and fermentation at 37 °C for 48 h. The results showed that SMFE soybean meal exhibited superior performance over unprocessed soybean meal, showing increases in crude protein content from 49.8% to 56.3%, acid-soluble protein content from 3.7% to 10.4%, lactic acid production from 0 to 71.5 g/kg, and a decrease in oligosaccharide content from 6.4% to 0%. The comprehensive performance of SMFE soybean meal is higher than that from enzymolysis or fermentation alone Non-targeted metabolomic analysis revealed a diversity of metabolites in fermented soybean meal produced by different processes, and 8366 detected metabolites were mainly amino acids and their metabolites. Furthermore, among the six experimental groups, the metabolites of the SMFE group, and the yeast and lactic acid bacteria fermentation groups were the most similar. This study facilitates the assessment of overall quality of soybean meal and reveals the superiority of SMFE over traditional methods in enhancing nutritional profile of soybean meal.

Perspective herbicides for post-sowing use in narrow-leafed lupin crops

Technical and economic efficiency of Pilot herbicide when applied on green leaf in narrow-leafed lupine crops was studied. The research was conducted in field and plot experiments according to the generally accepted methods in the southwestern part of the Non-Chernozem zone of Russia. The soil of the experimental field was gray forest light loamy in mechanical composition. The following application rates of the preparation were used: 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 l/ha in the phase of appearance of two true leaves in lupine. The following plants showed high sensitivity even at the minimum application rate: cleavers (Galium aparine L.), wild buckwheat (Fallopia convolvulus L.), lamb's-quarters (Chenopodium album L.), one of the types of hemp nettle (Galeopsis sp. L.), shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa pastoris L. Medik), field violet (Viola arvensis Murr.), chickweed (Stellaria media L.). Application of GalactAlt graminicide (application rate 1.0 l/ha) after treatment of narrow-leafed lupine crops with Pilot herbicide promoted almost complete destruction of annual grass weeds. Application of Pilot herbicide had a favorable effect on nitrogen content in both dry aboveground mass and root mass of lupine. Reduction of weediness of crops when using Pilot contributed to the increase in lupine yield. In the variant with the application of 1.5 l/ha of the herbicide, the average yield of narrow-leafed lupine seeds exceeded the control by 0.53 t/ha in three years of the trials. The highest increase in seed yield of narrow-leafed lupine (0.96 t/ha) was observed in the variant that involved the application of herbicide Pilot at a concentration of 1.5 l/ha in the phase of one or two true leaves in lupine and herbicide GalactAlt at a concentration of 1.0 l/ha in the phase of lupine budding. Chemical analyses showed an increase in crude protein content in narrow-leafed lupine seeds by 2.3–4.2% when the crops were treated with Pilot herbicide compared to the control variant, where the treatment was not carried out.

A novel thermophilic strain of Bacillus subtilis with antimicrobial activity and its potential application in solid-state fermentation of soybean meal.

Soybean meal (SBM) is the most important source of plant protein in animal feeds, containing around 41%-48% crude protein. Nevertheless, 70%-80% of these proteins is allergenic antigens that can have adverse implications for the gastrointestinal well-being of animals, especially to young animals. Microbial fermentation is one of the most cost-effective strategies used to reduce allergenic antigens from plant sources. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel probiotic Bacillus subtilis "L5" strain from lake mud. L5 demonstrated remarkable temperature tolerance across a broad temperature spectrum, thriving at 25°C, 37°C, and 50°C. In addition, antimicrobial assay revealed that L5 exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, effectively reducing or eliminating the growth of Gram-negative bacteria in SBM when fermented with L5. When applied to SBM fermentation, L5 efficiently reduced SBM antinutritional factors such as glycinin, β-conglycinin, trypsin inhibitor, phytic acid, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, which in turn results in an increase in crude protein content and the free amino acid concentration. Our findings on the probiotic and fermentation capabilities of L5 suggest that this novel bacterium has dual functions that make it a strong candidate for improving the nutrient values of feed via its role in fermentation.IMPORTANCESoybean meal (SBM), containing 41%-48% crude protein, is the most important source of plant protein in animal feeds. Unfortunately, 70%-80% of the proteins in SBM is allergenic antigens including trypsin inhibition, β-conglycinin, and conglycinin, which negatively affect intestine health and function. Microbial solid-state fermentation methods have been applied to animal feeds for decades, to eliminate antinutritional factors. Here, a novel potential probiotic Bacillus subtilis "L5" strain with high enzymatic activity and antimicrobial activity will be a great help to improve the quality and reproducibility of SBM fermentation.

The role of an Ascophyllum nodosum extract in lowering the environmental impact and improving nitrogen use efficiency in pasture systems under a reduced nitrogen regime

AbstractNitrogen is a macronutrient that is applied in substantial amounts as a chemical fertiliser to conventional agricultural systems. However, loss of nitrogen from agricultural systems to the environment, in the form of gases (N2O) and leachate (NO3), is detrimental to the environment. As such, improving the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of crops is an essential component of sustainable agriculture. Biostimulants are a category of products that improve NUE when applied to crops and/or soil. Here, we examined the effects of PSI-362, an Ascophyllum nodosum biostimulant mixed with and applied on calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) granules, on grass yield, quality traits, and environmental impacts in lysimeter trials under natural weather conditions. By using PSI-362, it was possible to reduce nitrogen application by 25% without a significant loss in yield compared to a conventional 100% N system. We also observed an increase in NUE under a 75% N with PSI-362 co-application fertilisation regime, and a significant increase in crude protein content compared to the 100% N fertilisation controls. Furthermore, this reduced nitrogen application also resulted in reduced nitrogen loss through leachate (NO3) and N2O to the atmosphere. The total NUE for PSI-362 + fertiliser granules ranged from 58.7% to 78.6% depending on the biostimulant dose, which was significantly better than the fertiliser alone. Our results showed that this biostimulant, which can easily be incorporated into conventional agronomic practices, allows for a more sustainable approach to pasture-based systems.

Fermentation of rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal using mixed microbes to improve its nutritional quality

Abstract. Anwar A, Zainuddin, Djawad MI, Aslamyah S. 2023. Fermentation of rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal using mixed microbes to improve its nutritional quality. Biodiversitas 24: 5863-5872. Rain tree (Samanea saman) seed meal is a source of protein; however, its utilization remains limited due to the presence of anti-nutrients, such as tannins acting as protein inhibitors, high crude fiber content, dissolved protein, and low digestibility of dry and organic matter. Fermentation using mixed microbes potentially enhances the nutritional value of rain tree seed meal. This study aims to improve the nutritional quality and reduce anti-nutritional factors in rain tree seed flour using mixed microbes at various doses and incubation times in vitro. Microbes utilized in this study include Bacillus sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Rhizopus sp. The study was designed using a Factorial Completely Randomized Design, using two factors, i.e., 3 doses of mixed microbes (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mL/100 g rain tree seed meal) and 3 different incubation times (42, 72 and 96 hours). There were significant interactions between the microbe doses and incubation times. The treatment of 4.5 mL of mixed microbes/100 g rain tree seed meal and a 72 hours incubation time reduced substantially crude fiber content (59.60%) and crude fat (73.20%), coupled with an increase in crude protein content (11.62%), NFE (6.52%), dry matter digestibility (DMD) (36.78%), organic matter digestibility (OMD) (50.42%), and dissolved protein content (20.27%). Tannin content reduced significantly (37.72%) at the treatment of 4.5 mL of mixed microbes/100g rain tree seed meal with an incubation time of 96 hours. These findings suggest that rain tree seed meal, subjected to fermentation for 72 hours or more, improves nutritional quality, DMD, and OMD.

Managing Weed-Crop Interactions Enhances Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) Chemical Components.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a major pulse crop worldwide, renowned for its nutritional richness and adaptability. Weeds are the main biotic factor deteriorating chickpea yield and nutritional quality, especially Asphodelus tenuifolius Cav. The present study concerns a two-year (2018-19 and 2019-20) field trial aiming at evaluating the effect of weed management on chickpea grain quality. Several weed management practices have been here implemented under a factorial randomized complete block design, including the application of four herbicides [bromoxynil (C7H3Br2NO) + MCPA (Methyl-chlorophenoxyacetic acid) (C9H9ClO3), fluroxypyr + MCPA, fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (C18H16ClNO5), pendimethalin (C13H19N3O4)], the extracts from two allelopathic weeds (Sorghum halepense and Cyperus rotundus), two mulches (wheat straw and eucalyptus leaves), a combination of A. tenuifolius extract and pendimethalin, and an untreated check (control). Chickpea grain quality was measured in terms of nitrogen, crude protein, crude fat, ash, and oil content. The herbicides pendimethalin (Stomp 330 EC (emulsifiable concentrate) in pre-emergence at a rate of 2.5 L ha-1) and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl (Puma Super 7.5 EW (emulsion in water) in post-emergence at a rate of 1.0 L ha-1), thanks to A. tenuifolius control, showed outstanding performance, providing the highest dietary quality of chickpea grain. The herbicides Stomp 330 EC, Buctril Super 40 EC, Starane-M 50 EC, and Puma Super 7.5 EW provided the highest levels of nitrogen. Outstanding increases in crude protein content were observed with all management strategies, particularly with Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW (+18% on average). Ash content was highly elevated by Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW, along with wheat straw mulching, reaching levels of 2.96% and 2.94%. Crude fat content experienced consistent elevations across all treatments, with the highest improvements achieved by Stomp 330 EC, Puma Super 7.5 EW, and wheat straw mulching applications. While 2018-19 displayed no significant oil content variations, 2019-20 revealed the highest oil content (5.97% and 5.96%) with herbicides Stomp 330 EC and Puma Super 7.5 EW, respectively, followed by eucalyptus leaves mulching (5.82%). The results here obtained are of key importance in the agricultural and food sector for the sustainable enhancement of chickpea grain's nutritional quality without impacting the environment.

Amino Acid Composition and Biological Value of Irrigated Potato Tubers on Chestnut Soil at Increasing Doses of Sulfur Fertilizers (with NPK)

Application of sulfur fertilizers at the doses of 15 and 30 kg/ha (with NPK) for irrigated potatoes on chestnut soils of Western Transbaikalia is the most effective for production of marketable tubers with the maximum value of bioenergy coefficient. With increasing the doses of sulfur, in spite of the insignificant increase of crude protein content, the amount of amino acids and the index of essential acids significantly increased in comparison with the control and the background. Replacement of limiting sulfur-containing amino acids (methionine + cystine) with leucine was noted. The highest biological value of potato protein at the level of 72–74% was found at the doses of 15 and 30 S kg/ha (with NPK).

Screening the Carbon Source Type in Solid-State Fermentation with Phanerochaete chrysosporium to Improve the Forage Value of Corn Straw and Rice Straw.

Poor quality straw can be made more digestible and palatable through delignification using white rot fungi as a biological treatment in SSF. The decomposition of organic matter by white rot fungi is improved when a carbon source is added. Reducing the fermentation cycle can also help retain more nutrients in straw feed. To increase rumen digestibility and nutrient utilization, corn straw and rice straw were subjected to SSF with white rot fungi (Phanerochaete chrysosporium) for 21 days. The type of carbon source (glucose, sucrose, molasses, or soluble starch) was optimized, and the nutrient composition and in vitro fermentation parameters of the fermented straw were assessed. In the fermented corn straw and rice straw supplemented with different carbon sources, the results showed a decrease in lignin content, dry matter, cellulose, and hemicellulose loss, and an increase in crude protein content after 21 days. Total volatile fatty acid and ammonium nitrogen concentrations increased significantly (p < 0.01) during in vitro fermentation. Overall, the most enhanced nutritional values for corn straw and rice straw were observed after 14 days of SSF in the groups using molasses or glucose as a carbon source.

Roles of tree and shrub legume leaves as protein sources for cattle raised by small farmers in Bangkalan Regency

Inclusion of tree or shrub legume leaves in the ration of beef cattle improved quality and the main indicators are the increase in crude protein content and digestibility. The present study was done from March to September 2023 involving 30 farmers in Bangkalan regency who raised madura cattle and the information gathered were type and number of feeds offered daily. Tree and shrub legume leaves such as Gliricidia, Moringa, Indigofera, and jackfruit are the most common protein sources used to supplement field grass or straws. Samples of forage were taken and the following rations were formulated to simulate cattle feed: A (grass only); B (60% grass + 40% gliricidia); C (60% grass + 40% moringa); D (60% grass + 40% Indigofera); E (60% grass + 40% jackfruit) leaves. Parameters measured using an in vitro gas production technique showed that supplementation with tree and shrub legume leaves on field grass basal diet improved dry matter digestibility (DMD) and organic matter (OMD) values and this was closely related to improvements of rumen NH3 concentration which also contributed to efficiency of microbial protein synthesis (ESPM) value improvement. It can be concluded that tree and shrub legume leaves have shown important roles in improving the quality of field grass based diet for Madura cattle.

Nutritional value of commercial broiler feed supplemented with olive mill waste fermented with probiotic Rhizopus oryzae strains.

The changes in chemical composition and metabolizable energy (ME) of both olive mill waste (OMW) upon fermentation by three potential probiotic Rhizopus oryzae strains and commercial feed (CF) upon its supplementation by fermented olive mill waste (FOMW) were investigated. The objective was to test whether there will be an enhancement in the nutritional value of OMW after fermentation and/or commercial broiler feed upon supplementation by potentially probiotic filamentous fungi. A three Rhizopus oryzae strains (92/1, 236/2 and 284) isolated from agricultural soil that were proven to have good probiotic properties (non-toxic, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant capacity and gastrointestinal tolerance) were used to ferment OMW, then the chemical composition was analysed after 7 and 14 days of fermentation. The FOMW with the R. oryzae 284 strain, which gave the best results, was added to a commercial broiler feed at 20%, 30% and 40% supplementation ratios. Then proximal analyses were done to compare non-supplemented with supplemented CF. Chemical analyses included dry weight, crude protein, crude fats, crude fibres, crude ash, sugars and starch, and then ME was calculated from the given values. Compared to non-fermented OMW, the best results were obtained by the R. oryzae 284 strain allowing an increase in crude protein content by 23.4% after 7 days of fermentation, a decrease in crude fibre content by 9.8% after 14 days of fermentation and an increase in ME by 3.6% after 7 days of fermentation. Compared to non-supplemented CF, the ME changes of 20%, 30% and 40% supplementation increased by 8.38%, 2.83% and decreased by 4.27%, respectively. FOMW can be incorporated into broiler feed rations until 30% without causing any decrease in metabolizable energy. It can be a cheaper alternative with promising productivity and chicken health improvements.

Improving the nutritional value and bioactivity of soybean meal in solid-state fermentation using Bacillus strains newly isolated from the gut of the termite Termes propinquus.

The present study aimed to isolate and characterize proteolytic Bacillus spp. from termite guts to test the possibility of application for improving the nutritional value and bioactivity of fermented soybean meal (FSBM). Aerobic endospore-forming bacteria were isolated from the gut of the termite Termes propinquus. Ten isolates with high levels of soy milk degradation were selected and tested for extracellular enzyme production. Among them, two isolates, Tp-5 and Tp-7, exhibited all tested hydrolytic enzyme activities (cellulase, xylanase, pectinase, amylase, protease, lipase and phytase), weak alpha hemolytic and also antagonistic activities against fish pathogenic species of Aeromonas and Streptococcus. Both phylogenetic and biochemical analyses indicated that they were closely related to Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. During solid-state fermentation of SBM, Tp-5 and Tp-7 exhibited the highest protease activity (1127.2 and 1552.4U g-1, respectively) at 36h, and the resulting FSBMs showed a significant increase in crude protein content and free radical-scavenging ability (P <0.05), as well as an improvement in the composition of amino acids, metabolites and other nutrients, while indigestible materials such as fiber, lignin and hemicellulose were decreased. The potential strains, especially Tp-7, improved the nutritional value of FSBM by their strong hydrolytic and antioxidant activities, together with reducing antinutritional components.

Functional properties of Rhizopus oryzae strains isolated from agricultural soils as a potential probiotic for broiler feed fermentation.

The most crucial and expensive fragment in the broiler chicken production industry is the feed. Because of the rising demand, finding a cheap and effective feed is an urgent necessity. Fermentation of broiler feed by probiotic fungal starters can enhance the nutrient's availability and digestibility while preventing pathogenic growth. In this study different Rhizopus spp. have been isolated from agricultural soils around Izmir, Turkey, and tested for their probiotic potential and fermentative capacity. The isolated Rhizopus strains first underwent microscopical fluorescent investigation to exclude endofungal bacterial presence, then, those without endofungal bacteria (totally 82) were tested for antimicrobial activity counter bacterial and fungal pathogens. The ones with wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity (totally 10) were tested for gastrointestinal tolerance and antioxidant ability. Upon phenotypic and genotypic identification, the 10 isolates were found to belong to Rhizopus oryzae species. While all 10 strains showed variable gastrointestinal tolerance and antioxidant activities, three of them (92/1, 236/2, and 284) had relatively high antioxidant activity. Upon fermentative capacity assay, compared to unfermented commercial feed, there was a general decrease in crude fiber content by 56% after fermentation by 92/1 isolate for 4days and 236/2 isolate for 2days. The highest increase in crude protein content (by 14.5%) occurred after a 4-day fermentation period by 236/2 isolate. The highest increase in metabolizable energy was 8.64%, by the 284 isolate after 2days of fermentation. In conclusion, the three strains showed good probiotic properties and fermentative capacities hence can be beneficial for the poultry industry.

Technoeconomic evaluation of protein‐rich animal feed and ethanol production from palm kernel cake

AbstractIndonesia and Malaysia are net importers of animal feed products to meet the demand of their domestic livestock industries. These countries are also the largest producers and exporters of palm kernel cake (PKC), an animal feed waste by‐product from the palm industry that is used primarily as a ruminant feed. Prior work demonstrated that the bioethanol process can convert the gluco‐mannan fiber in PKC into ethanol and a high‐protein animal feed. We used Microsoft Excel to develop a bioethanol process model for PKC by adapting the well developed corn ethanol process used in the USA. The PKC biorefinery model, using PKC's composition and specialized enzymes to produce fermentable glucose and mannose, projects that 1 kg of PKC can produce 0.58 kg of high‐protein animal feed and 0.20 kg of ethanol, with some residual palm kernel oil. The model estimated an increase in crude protein content from 17% in the PKC to 27% in the high‐protein animal feed. A comprehensive technoeconomic assessment using the results of the process model indicates that a PKC bioethanol factory converting 100 000 Mg year–1 of PKC would cost USD 55 million and generate a 23% project internal rate of return (IRR). © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd

Heterogeneous expression of Osa-MIR156bc increases abiotic stress resistance and forage quality of alfalfa

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most widely cultivated perennial leguminous forage crop woldwide. MicroRNA156 (miR156) precursor genes from dicotyledonous species are reportedly useful for improving alfalfa plant architecture and abiotic stress resistance. However, there has been no report on whether a miR156 precursor gene from a monocotyledonous species functions in alfalfa. We introduced two tandem precursor genes of miR156, rice Osa-MIR156b and Osa-MIR156c (Osa-MIR156bc), into alfalfa. The expression of miR156 in the transgenic (TG) alfalfa was significantly elevated. Compared to wild-type plants, the TG plants overexpressing miR156 had more branches and leaves and showed improved salt and drought tolerance. Overexpression of miR156 slightly reduced plant height, but the biomass yield of TG plants grown in flowerpots was still increased. Forage quality of TG plants was markedly improved by reduction of acid detergent lignin (ADL) content and increase in crude protein content. The expression of the putative miR156 target genes MsSPL6, MsSPL12, and MsSPL13 in TG plants was repressed by miR156 overexpression, and that of all tested MsSPLs would be sharply increased under drought or salt stress. RNA sequencing revealed that overexpression of miR156 affected the expression of genes associated with abiotic stress resistance and plant development in multiple pathways. This first report of overexpression of monocot miR156 precursors in alfalfa sheds light on the function of miRNA156 precursors from the monocot species rice that could be used for genetic improvement of the dicot forage crop alfalfa.

Levels and degradability of crude protein in digestive metabolism and performance of dairy cows

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of the level and degradability of crude protein (CP) on the digestive metabolism and productive performance of dairy cows. In both experiments, 15 Holstein cows with 585 ± 40 kg of body weight were distributed in a Latin square design with five contemporary squares, three periods of 21 days and three treatments. In experiment 1, treatments consisted of three CP levels (130, 160 or 180 g CP/kg DM), while in experiment 2, the treatments consisted of three levels of rumen degradable protein (RDP; 80, 100 or 120 g RDP/kg DM) in diets with average of 163 g CP/kg DM. Variables evaluated in both experiments were dry matter intake (DMI), total apparent digestibility, milk yield (MY) and composition, ruminal fermentation and N balance. In experiment 1, the increase of CP from 130 to 180 linearly increased the organic matter, CP, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake (kg) and the apparent total digestibility coefficient of DM and CP. In addition, a linear increase of MY, fat corrected milk (FCM) and daily production of fat, protein, lactose, casein and total solids was observed. A linear increase in ruminal ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N) concentration and nitrogen excretion in milk, feces and urine was also observed. However, there was no observed effect on SCFA concentration. In experiment 2, the increase of the RDP from 80 to 120 increased the DMI, MY, FCM, milk protein content and digestibility coefficient of the NDF, ADF and ethereal extract. Additionally, there was an increase in NH3-N concentration and milk nitrogen excretion. The studies indicated that the increase of CP content up to 100 g RDP/kg DM increased the DMI and the productive performance of the cows, but also increased urine N. Thus, it is desirable that the increase of the CP through the increase of the RDP is carried out up to 100 g of RDP/kg DM, since there is elimination of nitrogen, decrease of milk yield and decrease of propionic acid in values above that level.

Crude protein requirements in feeding for hybrid jundiara (Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum x Leiarius marmoratus)

The objective of this study was to determine the crude protein requirements for juvenile jundiara fish, a hybrid of Pseudoplatystoma fasciatum X Leiarius marmoratus. A total of 240 juveniles of the hybrid, with an initial mean weight of 8.4 ± 1.41 g, were distributed in 15 fiberglass tanks (170 L) in a closed water recirculation and constant aeration system, with a density of 16 fish/tank. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of diets with 32, 34, 36, 38 and 40% crude protein. Seventy days into the experiment the final fish weight and feed intake were measured. Two specimens from each experimental unit were collected for evaluation of carcass chemical composition, nutritional efficiency and blood parameters. The increase in crude protein content promoted the significant, increasing linear effect for mean weight gain, mean feed intake and specific growth rate, and decreasing effect for feed conversion. Significant differences were also observed in carcass chemical composition, nutritional efficiency, total plasma protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and lipase enzymatic activity. Thus, the increase in crude protein levels of up to 40% in jundiara diets promotes improvement in the productive performance of juvenile jundiara.

Assessment of Nutritional and Microbiological Properties of Biscuit Supplemented With Moringa Oleifera Seed Protein Concentrate

The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of Moringa oleifera seed protein concentrate supplementation on the nutritional composition of biscuit. Biscuit was supplemented with M. oleifera seed protein concentrate at 2, 4 and 6% and evaluated for the proximate composition, amino acid profile, mineral element composition, microbiological properties and sensory qualities. The proximate composition result showed that the biscuits contained: 8%, 58.92%, 6.45%, 0.32%, 0.97% and 26.32% moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash and carbohydrate, respectively. The essential amino acids were lysine (6.57%), leucine (6.02%), tryptophan (5.23%), valine (5.20%), phenylalanine (4.25%), threonine (4.10%), histidine (4.03%), isoleucine (3.34%) and methionine (2.94%). The proximate composition results showed a slight but progressive increase in crude protein content due to the supplementation while the overall quality acceptability did not show any statistically significant difference among the biscuit samples. The microbiological result also revealed that the biscuits were safe and the level of detection were within the safe range for baked products. It was concluded that supplementation of biscuit with M. oleifera seed protein concentrate is safe and the consumption of the biscuits may support growth and development of children who are the major consumers.

Phosphorus sources residual effects on Tifton 85 production and nutritive value cultivated in a tropical weathered soil1

Acid reactions and low available phosphorus in tropical soils limit forage yield. The aim was to evaluate soil chemical characteristics pH, P and Mg, forage nutritive values, critical soil and plant P levels and the residual effect of each source. The experiment was in a greenhouse with a Rhodic Haplustox, loam texture. Experimental design was a 5 x 4 factorial with five replicates which phosphate fertilizers were triple superphosphate, reactive rock phosphates Gafsa and Arad, and fused magnesium phosphate powder and coarse, applied at rates of 30, 60, 90 and 120 mg kg-1 P and a control treatment without P. The effectiveness of rock phosphates increased due to their residual effect. The coarse fused magnesium phosphate resulted in the lowest efficiency. The P critical level in soil and plant were 18 mg kg-1 and 2.4 g kg-1, respectively. The increase of phosphorus rates provided an increase in crude protein content.

Crude protein content in Urochloa cultivars (Syn. Brachiaria) in exclusive pasture system or consorciated with Macrotyloma axillare cv. Guatá

The objective of this study was to evaluate the crude protein content of Urochloa spp.cultivars (U. brizantha cv Marandu and U. decunbens cv. Basilisk), within a consortium systemwith Macrotyloma axillare cv Guatá. The experimental design was a completely randomized design,with four replications, in a factorial scheme (2 x 2), at which two types of grass (U. decumbensand U. brizantha) and two pasture types were studied (intercropped or exclusively fertilized with 60kg of nitrogen/ha) with repeated measures in time (samplings at two seasons of the year: February(summer) and August (winter)). Subsequently, samples were collected from a 2 m long PVC bar atfour points in each picket, and the forage cut close to the ground, with costal mowing coupled with0.5 m length hedge trimmer, each sample of 0.5 x 2.0 m, totalizing 1m2. The sampled material wasidentified, weighed and sent for analysis of crude protein to assess the contribution of leguminousin grass protein content. No significant differences were found when the type of grass versus type ofpasture interaction for the crude protein variable was met; however, significant differences were foundwhen evaluating the type of grass versus season interaction, at which the highest levels were foundwithin the month of February (summer), the same occurring for the interaction type of pasture versusseason of the year. It was concluded there were increases in crude protein content for U. decumbenscv. Basilisk and U. brizantha cv. Marandu when in consortium with M. axillare cv. Guatá in thesummer season.Keywords: Biological nitrogen. Forage. Forage quality. Leguminous.

Valorization of Olive By-Products as Substrates for the Cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus Mushrooms with Enhanced Functional and Prebiotic Properties

The successful management of olive by-products constitutes a major challenge due to their huge volume, high organic content, and toxicity. Olive-mill wastes (TPOMW) and olive pruning residues (OLPR) were evaluated as substrates for the cultivation of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus. Chemical composition, glucans, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were measured in mushrooms, and their prebiotic potential was assessed by examining their effect on the growth of four intestinal bacteria. Several substrates based on olive by-products had a positive impact on P. ostreatus mushroom production, whereas only one performed adequately for G. lucidum. Increased ratios of OLPR to wheat-straw resulted in an increase of crude protein content in P. ostreatus fruit-bodies by up to 42%, while G. lucidum mushrooms from OLPR-based substrates exhibited an up to three-fold increase in α-glucan, or a significant enhancement of β-glucan content, when compared to beech sawdust (control). The mushrooms’ FTIR spectra confirmed the qualitative/quantitative differentiation detected by standard assays. In regard to prebiotic properties, mushrooms powder supported or even enhanced growth of both Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. gasseri after 24/48 h of incubation. In contrast, a strain-specific pattern was observed in bifidobacteria; mushrooms hindered Bifidobacterium bifidum growth, whereas they supported a similar-to-glucose growth for B. longum.