Leucaena Leucocephala Research Articles

Contamination Levels of Pb Heavy Metals and Availability of Phytoremediation Plants in the Gampong Jawa Landfill Area, Banda Aceh City

Heavy metal contamination is a major problem that occurs in landfill areas and contamination will continue to increase over time. This condition has a real impact on the increase in the accumulation of various kinds of materials which will have an impact on the occurrence of hazardous material accumulation such as the heavy metal lead (Pb). The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metal contamination of Pb found in the Gampong Jawa landfill area and the availability of phytoremediation plants as a mechanism to contain pollutant levels in the soil. The method of data collection was carried out by measuring the levels of lead accumulation (Pb) in groundwater in the TPA Gampong Jawa Kota Banda Aceh using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) method and for the availability of phytoremediation plants using an observational approach with a descriptive method. under the peacock (0.5648 ppm), under the neem (0.3031 ppm), under the orange garden (0.4438 ppm). The phytoremediation plants found included Samanea saman L, Leucaena leucocephala L, Cymbopogon citratus, Imperata cylindrica L, Desmodium ovalifolium, Azadirachta indica

Exploration of the Wild Edible Plants Used for Basic Health Care by Local People of Bahawalpur and Adjacent Regions, Pakistan.

The current study aimed to explore the traditional knowledge and practices of indigenous communities in Bahawalpur and adjacent regions, Pakistan, to treat a variety of diseases with a particular focus on the usage of ethnomedicinal wild plants. The objective of the study was to collect and evaluate local and indigenous knowledge regarding the quantity, variety, use and management of resources by the people. Data were gathered using Rapid Appraisal Approach (RAA), which involved in-person interviews. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics methods as well as common ethnobotanical analytical techniques viz. use value (UV), relative frequency of citation (RFC), informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative importance (RI), frequency index (FI), family use value (FUV), family importance value (FIV), popular therapeutic use value (POPUT), plant part value (PPV), preference ranking (PR), cultural significance index (CSI), rank order priority (ROP) and Jaccard index (JI). A total of 158 plant species from 49 families were identified. The perennial herbs made up 72% of the documented species of therapeutic plants. There were 21 different species in each of the two major plant families i.e., Fabaceae and Poaceae. The maximum ICF were calculated for gonorrhea and paralysis (1.0) and maximum POPUT was calculated for skin disorders (0.088) and cough (0.077), respectively. The maximum UV was found for Rumex crispus (0.57) and RI for Leucaena leucocephala (4.38). Heliotropium crispum had the highest FL value (83%) and is used to treat kidney diseases. Alhagi maurorum had the greatest RFC (0.009) and FI (0.93). Arecaceae (0.45) and Fabaceae (13.39%) had the greatest FUV while Poaceae and Fabaceae had the highest FIV (13.29 for each). Leaves were the most frequently used plant part (35%). Alhagi maurorum (4.0) and Rumex crispus (32.57) had the highest CSI and ROP, respectively. The maximum JI (28.31) was calculated for Cholistan desert. These results showed the local population's reliance on herbal remedies to treat prevalent illnesses. To demonstrate the viability of species, it's crucial to emphasize both the use and conservation of these species. Adopting innovative applications, enhancing their value, and prioritizing the protection of multipurpose wild plants in inhabited environments is vital.

Fermentation Patterns, Methane Production and Microbial Population under In Vitro Conditions from Two Unconventional Feed Resources Incorporated in Ruminant Diets.

In this study, four experimental treatments were evaluated: (T1) alfalfa hay + concentrate, (50:50%, DM); (T2) alfalfa hay + Leucaena leucocephala + concentrate, (30:20:50%, DM); (T3) alfalfa hay + prickly pear + concentrate, (30:20:50%, DM); and (T4) alfalfa hay + Leucaena leucocephala + prickly pear + concentrate, (30:10:10:50%, DM). NH3-N concentrations in T2 and T4 decreased when replaced with alfalfa hay in 20 and 10%, respectively. Treatments did not affect the concentration of total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) between T3 and T4 (p > 0.05), while the concentrations among T1 and T2 were different (p < 0.05). T2 showed a reduction of 25.5% in the methane production when compared to T1 (p < 0.05). The lowest concentrations of protozoa were observed in T2 and T4, which contained Leucaena leucocephala (T2) and Leucaena leucocephala + prickly pear (T4) (p < 0.05). The highest concentration of total methanogens was recorded in T1 and was different in T2, T3, and T4 (p < 0.05). Leucaena leucocephala, at an inclusion percentage of 20%, decreased the methane when compared to T1, whereas prickly pear increased methane production in relation to T1.

Evaluation of air pollution tolerance index of tree species of Bikaner city (Rajasthan)

The air pollution tolerance index (APTI) is one of the modern tools for assessing the impacts of air pollutants on plant physiology. The value of APTI is different for different plant species. Plants with higher values of APTI are tolerant and act as a sink due to their bioaccumulation ability for air pollutants. Hence, they can be planted to establish green belts in areas with severe air pollution, especially in industrial zones. The present investigation was carried out to assess the APTI values of top twenty urban tree species of the Bikaner city of North-Western Rajasthan. The leaf samples were taken from selected roadside trees distributed in the residential, commercial and industrial zones of the city. On the basis of APTI values, it was observed that Leucaena leucocephala (23.41), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (21.87) and Cassia siamea (21.39) had an APTI value above 20 and they are therefore classified as tolerant species. Similarly, Pongamia pinnata (9.48) showed APTI under 10, therefore it falls into the sensitive category. 80 % of the total species in the studied area are categorized as a moderately sensitive category. There were no plant species in very sensitive (APTI &amp;lt; 1) and very tolerant (APTI &amp;gt; 30) category.

Secondary invasion by an invasive shrub limits native tree seedling growth in a size‐dependent manner following the eradication of a different invasive species in an island ecosystem

Following the control of an invasive tree species, native forest ecosystem restoration can be prevented by a secondary invasion by another invasive species that inhibits the reestablishment of native trees. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala on the initial growth of planted seedlings of four native tree species (Pandanus boninensis, Rhaphiolepis indica, Schima mertensiana, and Terminalia catappa) after eradication of the invasive tree Casuarina equisetifolia in the Ogasawara Islands in the northwestern Pacific Ocean. In a 24‐month field experiment, we compared the sizes of planted seedlings (diameter at ground level, height, and leaf number) among four treatments in a 2 × 2 design of initial seedling size (large vs. small) × L. leucocephala invasion (sowing L. leucocephala seeds vs. control). More than 75% of the seedlings (excluding S. mertensiana) survived regardless of the treatments. For all four species, initially large seedlings tended to become larger plants at the end of the experiment than initially small seedlings. We detected significant effects of L. leucocephala invasion on one or more plant size parameters in all four species. Seedlings grown in L. leucocephala invasion quadrats were smaller than those in control quadrats at the end of the experiment. We detected significant interactions between initial seedling sizes and L. leucocephala invasion for three species. Together, these results indicate that secondary invasion by L. leucocephala after controlling C. equisetifolia inhibits the initial growth of native tree seedlings, depending on their size at the time of invasion.

Mine soil properties as influenced by tree species and topography of the re-vegetated coal mine overburden dump

Re-vegetation or natural succession of plant species is an important factor of soil development in postmining overburden dumps. As the parent material (sedimentary rocks and regolith) is more or less uniform in the dump, the topographic position and vegetation are the major factors that affects the mine soil quality. Accordingly, this study was designed for a relative evaluation of the influence of dump topographical position (crest, backslope, toeslope) and tree species (Azadirachta indica, Cassia siamea, and Leucaena leucocephala) on soil quality. Trees growing on the toeslope of the dump were significantly taller with larger diameter at breast height than those at backslope or crest. Soil moisture, pH, total S, available P, and Fe content were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by topographical position of the dump. All these properties were higher in the toeslope, except S in the crest. Tree species affected all the soil properties, except electrical conductivity and Mn. Organic carbon content was significantly lower for the nitrogen fixer L. leucocephala (2.03 %) than A. indica (3.30 %) or C. siamea (3.39 %). Soil dehydrogenase activity (39.79 mg TPF/24hr/kg) and microbial biomass carbon (286 µg/g) was higher under L. leucocephala, and C. siamea, respectively. Based on redundancy analysis (RDA), 87.5 % of the data variation is explained by the tree species, whereas, only 12.5 % by the topography. Principal component analysis revealed that C. siamea contributes significantly for the variation in soil properties of the dump. Re-vegetated plant species are a dominant factor of soil development in post mining dump than the topographical position. C siamea and the toeslope are closely associated with soil microbial biomass carbon. It is recommended to plant C. siamea with relatively higher planting density in crest and backslope than toeslope of the dump.

Influence of green manure (Leucaena leucocephala) dosages on eggplant (Solanum melongena) growth and yield across diverse soil types

Eggplant cultivation displays versatility across various soil types. However, nutrient depletion, a result of excessive chemical fertilizer utilization, presents a growing concern. The integration of green manure into agricultural practices, catering to diverse soil types, can remediate this nutrient loss. The purpose of this study was to investigate eggplant growth and yield responses to differing green manure quantities across varying soil types. Employing a factorial experimental method, this research was structured in a completely randomized design (CRD). Two independent variables were evaluated: green manure dosage, with three levels (30 g/plant (D1), 60 g/plant (D2), 90 g/plant (D3)), and soil type, also classified into three categories: Latosol (T1), Grumusol (T2), and Regosol (T3). Data interpretation was conducted using analysis of variance, followed by the Tukey test, each executed at α = 5% significance level. Outcomes indicated a notable interaction between green manure dosage and soil type concerning the leaf area and root fresh weight parameters. The optimal combination emerged as a 30 g/plant green manure dosage applied to Regosol soil type. Notably, individual treatments exerted divergent effects on eggplant growth parameters, though no significant impact on eggplant yield parameters was observed. This research underscores the interplay between green manure usage and soil type in cultivating eggplants, adding value to sustainable agricultural practices.&#x0D;

Nutritional and toxicological aspects of selected wild edible plants and significance for this society

Consumption of wild edible plants has played a significant role in supplying food and nutritional requirements and increasing the health status of underprivileged communities in many rural parts of the world. The present investigation was to evaluate the nutritive value, mineral content, vitamin content, and toxicological status of ten wild edible plants viz. Phlogocanthus thrysiflorus, Lasia spinosa, Eriosema chinense, Polygonum microcephalum, Nasturtium indicum, Spinacia oleracea, Malva parviflora, Leucaena leucocephala, Elsholtzia blanda, and Sonchus oleraceus, consumed by the tribal people of Meghalaya State in India, as their nourishment. All investigated plants were collected from different areas of Meghalaya state, and their nutraceutical potential was evaluated following the standard food analysis methods described in the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Protein contents were very high in several species, especially in N. indicum (24.75%). Carbohydrate content ranged from 5.86% (S. oleracea) to 21.28% (E. chinense). All plants contained significant amounts of minerals (Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mg), and water soluble vitamins such as vitamin C (0.24–5.79 mg/100 g of dry plant material), B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B9. Antinutrients such as oxalate, phytate, saponin and heavy metal (Pb, Cr, Cd, Hg) levels in all plants were estimated below fatal levels. The consequences of haemolytic toxicity, cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of water extracts of wild edible plants ensure safety for human consumption. Therefore, this study focuses on the utilization of wild edible plants as a source of dietary supplements, which may result in the commercialization of the produce; hence, it assesses consumer perceptions towards wild edible plants in India.

Economic-environmental assessment of silvo-pastoral systems in Colombia: An ecosystem service perspective

Cattle production in Colombia has an important social and economic role but causes considerable environmental impacts, such as deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions by ruminants, particularly methane. Thus, technological innovations aimed at reducing these impacts must focus on both economic and environmental sustainability. Silvo-pastoral systems (SPS) offer productivity increases while generating environmental benefits and ecosystem services and are therefore at the center of debate around sustainable production alternatives. The objective of this article is to evaluate the economic-environmental performance of two proposed SPS for a cattle fattening system for the Colombian context: (i) Urochloa brizantha cv. Toledo and (ii) Urochloa hybrid cv. Cayman, both in association with Leucaena leucocephala trees for browsing and shade provision. They are compared with the respective base scenarios of only using the grasses in monocultures. The study consists of a financial analysis, which estimates potential profitability increases in beef production in the SPS, and an environmental evaluation, which estimates the monetary values of microclimatic regulation and reduction of methane emissions. The value of methane emission reductions is then integrated into a combined economic-environmental evaluation. Results show that both SPS improve the profitability indicators of the production system and reduce the probability of economic loss. Likewise, the reduction of methane emissions in the SPS is estimated at US$6.12 per cattle, and the economic value of microclimatic regulation at US$2,026 per hectare.

Using Different-Level of Leucaena leucocephala Leaves in Concentrated Feeds to Increase Goat Farming Production

The potential of Leucaena leucocephala leaves as a protein supplement needs to be optimized. This research aims to evaluate the use of 10 to 40% Leucaena leucocephala leaves with 15% of crude protein to increase the production of goat farming. A total of 16 male Etawa (Jamnapari) goats with an average weight of 28.20±3.79 kg. The researchers analyzed the data using the Randomized Group Design with four treatments and four groups based on the subject's body weight. Each goat obtained basal feeds ad libitum and the concentrated feeds with 15% crude protein corresponding to each treatment Leucaena leucocephala-based concentrate (named KL, consisting of KL10%, KL20%, KL30%, and KL40%), reaching 1% of Body Weight. The supplementation of Leucaena leucocephala leaves showed an insignificant response (P&gt;0.05) over feed consumption, digestibility, and digested feed consumption yet significantly (P&lt;0.05) affecting the increase of body weight and feed conversion. The ADG (Average Daily Gain) of all treatments are KL10% = 84.00±27.95 g/head/day; KL20% = 99.29±40.02 g/head/day; KL30% = 67.00±45.51 g/head/day; KL40% = 88.50±23.62 g/head/day. In conclusion, the supplementation of 20% Leucaena leucocephala leaves in the concentrate of 15% crude protein results in an ADG increase reaching 99.29±40.02 g/head/day.

Antioxidant Activity of Ethanol Extract of Chinese Petai Peel (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) Using DPPH (1,1-diphenil-2-picrylhydrazyl) Method

The Chinese petai plant (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) has been used in various systems of traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases in humans. The Chinese petai plant (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) contains antioxidant secondary metabolites that can inhibit oxidation reactions by binding to free radicals and highly reactive molecules. The purpose of this study was to determine the class of chemical compounds contained in the ethanol extract of Chinese petai peel and the antioxidant activity of the ethanol extract of Chinese petai peel (EEKPC). The stages of this research included: collection and processing of simplicia; preparation of the extract by maceration with 70% ethanol; characterization test of simplicia powder; phytochemical screening of ethanol extract of petai cina; antioxidant activity test of EEKPC using the DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-pikrilhidrazyl) free radical scavenging method using UV-Vis spectrophotometry at a wavelength of 516 nm. The results of the phytochemical screening examination of Chinese Petai Peel Ethanol Extract (EEKPC) contained alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids. The results of measuring the antioxidant activity of EEKPC showed strength in the "strong" category with an IC50 value of 91.0189 μg/ml.

The relationship between host plant traits and biodiversity across three sympatric seed‐feeding tri‐trophic systems in a tropical region of Brazil

Abstract We describe the diverse community of insect herbivores and parasitoids associated with the seeds and fruits of three sympatric Fabaceae species in Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil: Inga vera, Senna multijuga and Leucaena leucocephala. A total of 5353 individual insects, representing 77 different species, were identified via morphology and DNA barcoding. The non‐native L. leucocephala had the least diverse natural enemy community (N = 17 species), while two native species, I. vera and S. multijuga, were more diverse (N = 40 and N = 24 species, respectively). Individuals from the insect order Hymenoptera, a group dominated by parasitoid wasps, were the most diverse recovered from our samples in all hosts. Additionally, individual herbivore and parasitoid species were more likely to be found on a single host, with only four out of the 77 species found in more than one plant species. This includes the generalist agricultural pest herbivore, Lasioderma serricorne, found in two species, and three parasitoids connecting native S. multijuga and non‐native L. leucocephala communities, hinting at recent host shifts. Furthermore, different host plant traits had complex effects on the herbivore and parasitoid communities, where seed number per fruit promoted a propagating effect on the abundance and richness at both higher trophic levels, whereas seed and fruit weight did not. We highlight the importance of including parasitoids in insect community studies because they are highly diverse and provide important ecosystem services. Additional study of the biology, behaviour and distributions of parasitoids would be advantageous to inform conservation and biological control.

Effects of fodder tree leave supplementation for basal rice straw diet on rumen ammonia, pH, and degradation characteristics in sheep

Fodder tree leaves (FTLs) contain high levels of protein, vitamins, and minerals that play a major role in enhancing roughage intake by ruminants, thus improving low-quality roughage utilization. The study sought to measure the rumen degradation characteristics, pH, and ammonia N concentration of sheep fed rice straw (RS) and supplemented with FTLs. Four forest-type rumen-fistulated rams of an average weight of 19.0±1.2 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a 4 × 4 Latin Square design. Treatment diets consisted of urea-ammoniated straw (UAS; control), RS+100% Leucaena leucocephala (L), RS+100% Samanea saman (S), and RS+50% L+50% S (LS). Data obtained were subjected to the Glimmix procedure of SAS (2016) and significant means were separated using Tukey’s test at (P&lt;0.05). Treatments differed significantly (P&lt;0.001) in the quantity of readily soluble materials (a), rate of degradation (c), and a potentially degradable fraction (P) with LS recording the highest a, c, and P among the treatments. Ruminal pH and ammonia concentrations differed significantly (P&lt;0.0001) among the treatments. Overall mean rumen pH values obtained ranged from 6.44 in UAS to 6.72 in the S-supplemented diet whereas mean rumen ammonia values ranged from 4.59 mg/100 ml in sheep fed UAS diet to 9.15 mg/L in sheep fed L diet. The pH values obtained imply that the experimental diets could improve rumen fermentation and, hence, serve as good sources of feed for ruminants. The rumen DM degradation values indicated that sufficient amounts of DM would be degraded over a period of time, thus releasing substantial quantities into the small intestines for digestion to provide essential nutrients needed for better animal performance. The rumen ammonia values obtained were higher than the minimum values recommended for optimal microbial activity for animals fed lignocellulosic materials. This indicated that such FTLs could be utilized for moderate animal performance, especially during the dry seasons when natural pastures are qualitatively and quantitatively poor.

Thinning enhances success of enrichment planting with selected tree species under a pure stand of Leucaena leucocephala

Increasing the biodiversity of Leucaena leucocephala (hereafter leucaena) stands without losing the benefits provided by the forest structure is a challenge for adaptive management. Here, we report the survival and growth (height, stem, and canopy diameter) of five Atlantic Forest tree species planted underneath a pure stand of the exotic leucaena, which was broadcast sown 35 years before in a 0.6 ha area. Two treatments were compared: thinning (cutting all leucaena trees in 4‐m wide rows, where seedlings were planted) and control (seedlings planted under leucaena canopy), with four replicates each (20 seedlings per plot, four per species, 2‐m spaced). The five species selected were long‐lived emergent trees from seasonal forests, with broad canopy, evergreen, and shade‐tolerant. These traits were expected to allow their survival and growth, and, later on, to shade out the leucaena trees. Seven years after planting, survival was high for all species (around 80%), not differing between treatments or species. On average, stem diameter, height, and crown diameter were, respectively, 69, 44, and 36% higher in thinned than in control plots. Response to thinning differed between species in growth, with Gallesia integrifolia and Luehea divaricata standing out. Our results demonstrate that the species used for enrichment planting, selected by their suitable functional traits, can successfully survive under leucaena stands. Reducing competition by thinning, however, is crucial to enhance their growth. Despite the benefits from thinning, enrichment success strongly depends, therefore, on the abilities of the species selected to face the ecological filters acting on the target ecosystem.

Jenis Tumbuhan Obat Yang Dikonsumsi Monyet Ekor Panjang (Macaca fascicularis) Di Goa Kreo

Kreo Cave is one of Macaca fascicularis habitats in Central Java Province. Kreo Cave has been used as a natural tourist spot in the city of Semarang since 2014. One of the attractions for visitors is the presence of monkeys in the area, especially around the cave. Macaca fascicularis is a type of non-human primate whose distribution is very wide. Macaca fascicularis have an important role for an area, one of which is as a eater of fruits and seeds found in the area, thus helping in the distribution of seeds in order to maintain the balance of nature. The purpose of this research is to describe the types of food eaten and can be used as medicine for Macaca fascicularis. The results showed that Macaca fascicularis in the Kreo Cave Tourism Area ate several plants in the area such as Tamarindus indica, Musa paradisiaca, Psidium guajava, Mangifera indica, Nephelium lappaceum, Leucaena leucocephala, and Morinda citrifolia. When visitors brought bananas, several monkeys came closer and then the visitors threw them at the monkeys. The faster monkey will get the bananas. After the banana is in his hand, Macaca fascicularis takes him to a quiet place or away from their friends.

Synthesis of a Chemically Modified Biosorbent Based on the Invasive Plant Leucaena leucocephala and Its Application in Metformin Removal

The present study investigated the use of a biosorbent produced from Leucaena leucocephala pods for the removal of metformin from aqueous solutions. The pods were subjected to chemical and thermal treatments and were referred to as L. leucocephala modified, which was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The parameters investigated in the sorption process were temperature, contact time, adsorbent dosage, pH, and initial metformin concentration. The experimental data were in accordance with the Langmuir isothermal model. The maximum adsorption capacity reached was 56.18 mg g−1 at 313 K. In the kinetic study, stability was achieved in 300 min, with 53.24% removal, and the pseudo-first-order model agreed well with the experimental data. The thermodynamic parameters indicated a spontaneous, favorable, and exothermic reaction. The presence of NaCl, CaCl2, and MgCl2 negatively affected metformin adsorption. Thus, the importance of the study was that a developed material showed promising results in the removal of metformin, particularly because it is an innovative material, and there are no studies in the literature on drug removal using L. leucocephala.

Potential of decomposing leaf litter of Leucaena leucocephala in influencing mycoflora of the soil and its role in increasing soil fertility

Potential of decomposing leaf litter of Leucaena leucocephala in influencing mycoflora of the soil and its role in increasing soil fertility

Leucaena leucocephala oil-based poly malate-amide nanocomposite coating material for anticorrosive applications

Abstract This article describes the synthesis of polyesteramide (PEA) resin from Leucaena leucocephala oil (LLO) obtained from seeds of L. leucocephala tree, locally grown in King Saud University Campus. LLO was transformed into amide diol by based catalyzed amidation reaction, followed by esterification reaction with malic acid (MA), that resulted in LLO-based PEA (LPEA). The synthesis was performed without using any solvent or catalyst. Fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance confirmed the formation of LPEA by the introduction of amide and ester moieties. LPEA was further reinforced with nano graphene oxide (GO) and fabricated into nanocomposite corrosion protective coatings (LPEA/GO). LPEA/GO coatings obtained were tough, flexibility retentive and showed good corrosion resistance performance toward 3.5 w/w% NaCl medium. Thermogravimetric analysis confirmed good thermal stability of coatings with safe usage up to 200°C.

Comparative study of the combustion, pyrolysis and gasification processes of Leucaena leucocephala: Kinetics and gases obtained

Leucaena leucocephala is a fast-growing leguminous biomass with great energetical and value-added chemical compounds potential (saccharides, biogas, bio-oil, etc.). Using the thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric curves, the different trends followed by L. leucocephala during pyrolysis, 0.25 equivalence ratio (ER) of gasification, 0.50 equivalence ratio of gasification and combustion were analyzed, and the activation energies were obtained by Distributed Activation Energy Model (DAEM) method. Gas samples were collected through adsorption tubes during the gasification at 0.25 ER and 0.50 ER to observe the distribution of the main chemical products in this process by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and were compared with pyrolysis products. It was found that small amounts of oxygen have changes in the kinetics of the process, leading to significant decreases in the activation energy at the beginning of the degradation of components such as cellulose (from 170 to 135 kJ mol−1 at 0.25 conversion at 0.50 ER gasification). The activation energy of lignin disintegration was also reduced (342 kJ mol−1), assimilating the beginnings of gasification processes such as the Boudouard reaction. 0.50 ER gasification is potentially an interesting process to obtain quality bio-oil, since a large amount of hexane is detected (44.96%), and value-added oxygenated intermediates such as alcohols and glycols. Gasification at 0.25 ER, on the other hand, is much more similar to pyrolysis, obtaining a wide variety of short-chain compounds resulting from the disintegration of the main lignocellulosic components, especially ketones such as 1-hydroxypropan-2-one (19.48%), and notable amount of furans and anhydrosugars like d-allose (5.50%).

The diversity and quality of forages and their potency as herbal anthelmintic for swamp buffalo in Brebes District, Central Java.

Swamp buffaloes play an important role in the rural economy of Indonesia. They consume various forages during their grazing time, including those with anti-parasitic potential. However, the information about the type and quality of forages and their potential as a natural anthelmintic for swamp buffalo is very limited. This study aimed to identify the diversity, quality, and anthelmintic potency of forages consumed by swamp buffaloes reared in Bantarkawung Subdistrict, Brebes District, Central Java Province, Indonesia. Samples of forages were obtained during three observation periods of the study, with a 12-week interval between each period. Forage diversity was evaluated by identifying its consumption by swamp buffaloes during their grazing activity in the field and feeding time in their shed. The quality of forages was analyzed using proximate analysis to measure their dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CFat), and ash contents. This is followed by the calculation of their total digestible nutrient based on the proximate analysis results. Botanical composition analysis was then conducted to measure the predominance of forages consumed by the livestock during their grazing activity. Literature reviews were carried out to explore forage's anthelmintic activity. The results showed that swamp buffaloes consume nine species of forage in the shed and 47 in the grazing area, including nine legumes, 18 grass, and 20 others. Swamp buffaloes consumed forages of lower quality, which contained high CF contents and varying levels of other nutrients below their daily nutritional needs. The grazing activity allowed swamp buffaloes to consume a higher variety of forages with better nutritional quality, thereby enabling them to meet their nutritional needs. Legumes and other forages served as the major protein sources, providing CP of 20.03% DM and 11.53% DM, and CF levels of 17.01% DM and 20.35% DM, respectively. The results also showed that the consumption of these forages increased during the rainy season. The predominant species of legumes consumed were Leucaena leucocephala and Acacia spp., while Alternanthera sessilis and Merremia umbellata were the predominant species of other forages. A total of 13 of the 47 species could potentially be used as natural anthelmintic due to their secondary metabolites, namely, tannin, flavonoid, saponin, terpenoid, diterpenoid, and mimosine. These compounds exert anthelmintic effects by inhibiting egg-hatching and larval development, as well as damaging the surface structure of both larvae and adult worms, ultimately leading to the death of the parasites. Overall, swamp buffaloes consumed more variety of forages during grazing compared to when they were kept in sheds. While the low-variety and low-quality forages provisioned for swamp buffaloes in their shed resulted in a low nutrient intake below their daily requirement. Furthermore, daily grazing activities allowed swamp buffaloes to fulfill and supplement their need by consuming a variety of grasses, legumes, and other forages in their respective grazing areas. Some of these forages also have the potential to become natural anthelmintic because they contain secondary metabolites, such as tannins, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, diterpenoids, and mimosine.