Leaf Powder Research Articles

Determination of Significant Factors and Optimum Condition for Pineapple Leaf Fiber Extraction as Potential Dielectric Material

The aim in this study was to evaluate the most significant factor affecting the extraction of pineapple leaf fibers and to optimize the extraction conditions. The selected four factors of pineapple leaf powder mass, pineapple leaves to distilled water ratio, pulping time, and heating option were analyzed through two-level factorial analysis via Design-Expert software. The optimum conditions were determined using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM). The extracted fibers were analyzed through the Kurschner-Hanack method for cellulose content and were used to produce dielectric materials. The permittivity value of the developed dielectric material was measured through an Agilent vector network analyzer (VNA). The best condition was obtained with a heated sample at 3 g pineapple leaf powder mass, 1:10 PL: DW, and 49.24 min pulping time, which produced 59.25% cellulose content and 2.89 permittivity value. The optimum condition was achieved at 50 min of pulping time and 1000 mL water with 46.84% cellulose content and 2.97 permittivity value. Therefore, based the obtained permittivity value, pineapple leaves could be further explored as potential dielectric materials.

The impact of cooling and Moringa supplementation on oxidative stress in serum and milk, including milk cytokines, in heat stressed lactating sows and their litters

Abstract Heat stress (HS) poses a significant challenge to the United States swine industry. Sows and their piglets are particularly vulnerable to heat stress, as the peri-parturient phase is characterized by heightened metabolism and increased oxidative stress and inflammation. The study examined the effects of using conductive electronic cooling pads (ECP) and dietary supplementation with 4% Moringa (M) leaf powder on controlling oxidative stress and inflammation caused by heat stress (HS) in sows and their piglets. Forty-eight late gestation sows were assigned to four treatment groups: HS fed corn-soybean meal (HS+CS), ECP fed corn-soybean meal (ECP+CS), HS+M, and ECP+M. Blood was collected from sows on gestation (G) day 112, and lactation (L) day 14 and L20, and from piglets (2 male and 2 female) in each litter on postnatal (PN) day 1 and PN20. Colostrum was collected within 2h of birth of first neonate, and mature milk was collected on L14. Piglet fecal samples were collected on PN14 to measure calprotectin concentration as a marker of intestinal inflammation. Biological antioxidant potential (BAP), derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (dROMs) and oxidative stress index (OSi) were measured in blood and milk samples using Free Radical Elective Evaluator. Milk samples pooled by day of lactation and treatment group, were analyzed using cytokine array. Levels of inflammatory cytokines in colostrum were affected by Moringa supplementation and cooling, but not mature milk. Notably, the anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-1ra were 2.14 and 1.57 Log2 higher in colostrum of HS+M compared to other groups. The oxidative stress index of colostrum was higher (P = 0.0002) than mature milk. Level of BAP in sow serum was greater in ECP+CS and HS+M (P = 0.0291) compared to other groups. Moringa had an overall effect of increasing dROMs (P = 0.0035) and levels of OSi were lowest in ECP+CS (P = 0.0296) sow serum. Treatments did not affect piglet serum oxidative index (P > 0.05) or calprotectin levels (P > 0.05). Findings support further studies to investigate the efficacy of using ECP and Moringa supplementation to mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress imposed by heat stress conditions in lactating sows.

Phyotochemical Analysis of Bridelia scandens Willd a folk lore herbal drug a Review

Analytical study deals with the modern pharmaceutical analysis of the leaves of the drug. Here, organoleptic characters, physico-chemical parameters, UV spectrophotometric study, chromatographic study which were carried out for the standardization of both leaf powder and leaf oil samples are documented. The leaf powder sample of the plant yielded moisture, 10.1`%, ash, 6.65%, water soluble extractive 16.5% and methanol soluble extractive 22.3%. Whereas the leaf oil sample showed specific gravity 0.9650; refractive index 1.473; acid value 1.17; saponification value 241.4; ester value 240.23 and unsaponifiable matter 0.55%. UV spectrophotometric study of the leaf powder sample showed three absorptions peaks: the absorption being maximum at 218 nm followed by 272 nm and 666 nm. The spectra of the unsaponifiable matter of the leaf oil sample also showed three absorption peaks at 209 nm, 235 nm and 287 nm. Comparison of these two spectra reveals that their pattern is different. The chromatogram of both the samples obtained in day light showed 8 spots in the leaf powder sample and no spots in the other sample. On viewing under short wave UV radiation, the leaf powder sample revealed 3 spots and the other sample 2 spots. Among the spots the spot at Rf 0.66 was present in both the samples. After exposing to Iodine vapour almost all the spots viewed in day light were revealed in the first sample and 5 spots were found in the second sample. On spraying with vanillin sulphuric acid 6 spots were revealed in leaf powder sample and 5 spots in second sample. Among these 2 spots at Rf 0.46 and 0.66 were common in both the samples.

Selenium Biofortification of Allium Species

Allium species have great potential in the production of functional food via selenium biofortification. This review is devoted to the specificity of Allium plant biofortification with Se, including the genetic peculiarities, effect of the chemical form of the microelement, methods of supply, sulfur and AMF effects, and hormonal regulation. The biosynthesis of methylated Se amino acids and the beneficial effect of Se treatment on secondary metabolite accumulation and plant yield are discussed. Special attention is paid to the production of functional foods based on Allium plants enriched in different ways: bread with leek leaf powder, Allium microgreens and seedlings, and ‘Black garlic’ biofortified with Se. Further focus is provided to the high variability of Allium crop yield and quality under Se supply governed by genetic factors and environmental stresses, and to the need for plant growth technology optimization to obtain the predicted nutritional characteristics of the derived functional product with high anti-carcinogenic activity.

Dietary Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaf powder improves growth performance and antioxidant capacity via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in broilers.

This study focused on the effects of dietary Zanthoxylum bungeanum leaves (ZBL) powder on the growth performance and antioxidant capacity via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in broilers. The experiment adopted a single-factor completely random design, and 440 healthy one-day-old AA broiler chicks were randomly divided into four groups: the control group (CON) was fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet, the CZ1 group was fed a basic diet with 1% ZBL powder, the CZ2 group fed a basic diet with 2% ZBL powder, and the CZ3 group fed a basic diet with 3% ZBL powder. The experiment was divided into the starter period (1-21 d) and the grower period (22-42 d). There were five replicates per group in the starter period, with 22 chickens per replicate. The same grouping as in the starter period was used in the grower period, with 20 chickens per replicate. The results showed that the addition of ZBL powder to the diet had no adverse effects on the growth performance and morphological structure of the intestine of broiler chickens in the CZ1 and CZ2 groups (P > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the diet with 1% and 2% ZBL powder significantly increased the antioxidant indicators such as CAT, T-AOC, and T-SOD in the serum and liver tissue of broiler chickens, it upregulated the related genes expression of nuclear factor erythroid derived-2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway such as Nrf2, NQO1, HO-1, SOD1, and CAT in the jejunal mucosa and enhanced the expression of ZO-1 and OCLN genes in the jejunal mucosa (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 1% and 2% of ZBL powder into the daily diet can enhance the body's antioxidant capacity by elevating antioxidant levels in both serum and liver, upregulates the expression of genes associated with the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in the jejunal mucosa, and helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier. The optimal addition level of ZBL powder in the diet was determined by quadratic regression analysis to be 1.36%-1.60% during days 1-21 and 1.14%-1.50% during days 22-42.

Defluoridation of Groundwater Using Low-cost Adsorbents

Excessive fluoride in groundwater poses significant health risks to millions of people worldwide, necessitating effective and accessible defluoridation methods. This study investigates the use of column filtration for removing fluoride from groundwater. The study employs a systematic approach to evaluate the performance of different adsorbent materials in a fixed-bed column setup. Various materials were tested as adsorbents in column, including Brick powder, Neem leaf powder, Lime, Sawdust, and Vetiver. The research examines the effects of key operational parameters such as bed depth, flow rate, and initial fluoride concentration on the overall removal efficiency. Experiments were conducted using groundwater to assess the method's effectiveness. Results indicated that column filtration can effectively reduce fluoride concentrations to below the World Health Organization's recommended limit of 1.5 mg/L. This report contributes to the development of efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable solutions for groundwater defluoridation. All adsorbents used were inexpensive materials, available easily in nature and locally at village or rural level. Some of the adsorbents were very effective in removal of fluoride ion and can be used as defluoridating agents but they impart color and turbidity to the groundwater. Among all the adsorbents used, Vetiver demonstrated higher removal efficiency of 78% followed up by limestone 77% removal but hindered by its precipitation. Sawdust and brick powder were also efficient up to a certain extent of 72% and 69% respectively in adsorbing fluoride ions. Neem leaves powder was found to be least effective in adsorbing showing about 50% removal efficiency.

Mitigation of Oxidized Oil Effects on Production Performances and Meat Quality of Broilers by Dietary Supplementation of Allicin

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary oxidized oil and allicin (two different dietary sources) as natural antioxidants on the growth performance and meat quality of broilers. A total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four dietary groups (50 birds/group). The experimental groups (OO—oxidized oil; OOA—oxidized oil and allicin; OOG—oxidized oil and garlic leaves) differed from the control one by the presence of oxidized oil in their dietary structure (peroxide value 9.07 (OO, OOA and OOG groups) vs. 1.70 (C group) meq active oxygen/kg). The diets given to the experimental groups differed from each other by the presence of allicin (100 mg/kg inclusion rate as extract (OOA) and 0.5% as garlic leaf powder (OOG)). At the end of the experiment, six animals/group were slaughtered, meat samples (breast and thigh) were collected, and nutritional value was established. The results showed that the allicin included in the experimental diet did not influence the proximate composition of breast meat (crude protein, fat, ash, and dry matter). The fatty acid profile was determined for each group of samples; a significant decrease in omega 3 FAs was noticed between the C group and the E groups (3.27% vs. 1.46%, 1.60%, and 1.56%) in breast meat samples, and a corresponding increase was noticed in saturated fatty acid (SFA) concentrations. Health indices with implications for atheroma and thrombus formation and cholesterol level were negatively affected by the presence of oxidized oil in the experimental diets, but the allicin extract supplement appeared to mitigate its influence. A positive influence of the dietary supplement was noticed on antioxidant capacity and polyphenol concentrations determined in breast and thigh samples under allicin supplement influence. The results of the current study revealed that the use of low oxidized oil in broilers diets did not affect productive performance. The nutritional quality of meat (breast and thigh) was negatively influenced by the presence of oxidized oil, but allicin supplements (extract or garlic leaves) improved lipid quality indices and antioxidant potential.

Evaluation of stevia leaf (&lt;em&gt;Stevia rebaudiana&lt;/em&gt; Bertoni) powder as sugar-substitute in cashew nut fortified cookies

Stevia rebaudiana is an herbal supplement used as a substitute for sugar in food processing. Considering the potentials of stevia as a zero-calorie-natural sweetener, this study aimed to assess the antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic properties of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) leaf powder (SLP) to find its suitability to formulate low-calorie foods. Extracts of SLP obtained with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol were evaluated for DPPH, ABTS+, FRAP and enzyme inhibitory assays. Adopting a standard recipe, five different cookie types were prepared by incorporating varying proportions of SLP and evaluated by a 30 semi-trained panel. The nutritional composition and shelf-life stability were also evaluated. SLP had moisture (8.0 %), ash (13.5 %), crude protein (12.4 %), crude fat (6.9 %), crude fiber (18.3 %), and carbohydrate (40.9 %). Sensory results showed that the cookie formulated with the lowest amount of SLP (T1= 2.0g) had the highest overall acceptability with the highest preference for appearance and smell. The cookie type formulated with the highest amount of SLP (T4= 8.0g) had the highest crude protein (13.50%), crude fiber (21.76%), and lowest carbohydrate contents (40.88%). The keeping quality of the cookies remained acceptable within the storage period. These results suggest that acceptable quality cashew nut fortified cookies could be prepared by replacing sucrose with stevia leaf powder

Antioxidant Properties, Texture and Sensory Quality of Sliced Bread Enriched with Leaf Powder from Mango (&lt;i&gt;Mangifera indica&lt;/i&gt;)

Antioxidant Properties, Texture and Sensory Quality of Sliced Bread Enriched with Leaf Powder from Mango (&lt;i&gt;Mangifera indica&lt;/i&gt;)

Sustainable cost-effective chemically modified banana leaf powder for methyl blue dye removal: kinetics, isotherm, thermodynamics and artificial intelligence-based analysis

This study investigates cellulose-based adsorbents that are naturally occurring and have a unique, abundant supply for adsorbing organic dye. The effectiveness of chemically modified banana leaf powder (CMBLP) as a biodegradable and environmentally friendly adsorbent for extracting methyl blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions was studied. Point-zero charge (pHpzc) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersion (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the CMBLP. At pH 6.0, 100 mg/L of dye, 50 min of contact time, and 300 K temperature, the maximum removal values were obtained. Under ideal circumstances, CMBLP displays 77.13215% removal rate. Langmuir and Freundlich models, along with pseudo-first- and pseudo-second-order kinetics equations, were used to investigate the equilibrium isotherm and kinetics of CMBLP. The acquired experimental data fit pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 = 0.9986 and 0.9984) and the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.9996) better. Utilizing the Langmuir isotherm model, the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of CMBLP has been identified to be 118.24 mg/g. At a temperature of 300 K, the adsorbent was also able to adsorb the maximum amount of methyl blue (MB). The thermal properties of methyl blue (MB) dye adsorption validate the spontaneous and exothermic nature of the adsorption process. The majority of statistical and artificial intelligence-based model (like KNN, SVM, ANN and LSTM) validate the superiority of MB removal onto CMBLP and support our experimental findings.Graphical

Evaluation of Morphological, Physical and Functional Attributes of Agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) Leaves and Flowers

The study aimed to characterize the morphological, physical, and functional properties of agathi (Sesbania grandiflora) leaf and flower powders, highlighting their potential for food applications. Morphological assessments revealed that agathi leaves have an edible index of 76.20 ± 0.42 % and a waste index of 23.75 ± 0.65 %, while flowers showed an edible index of 63.79 ± 0.46% and a waste index of 36.21 ± 0.54 %. Physical properties showed that leaf powder had a higher bulk density (0.36 ± 0.02 g/cm³) and tapped density (0.59 ± 0.02 g/cm³) compared to flower powder (0.29 ± 0.03 g/cm³ and 0.48 ± 0.01 g/cm³, respectively). The flowability (Carr index) was slightly better for flower powder (40.24 ± 0.01 %) than for leaf powder (39.2 ± 0.01 %). Functional properties indicated that flower powder had significantly higher water absorption capacity (597.28 ± 1.22 %) and oil absorption capacity (224.21 ± 1.56%) compared to leaf powder (315.30 ± 1.28 % and 183.16 ± 1.34 %, respectively). Flower powder also exhibited greater solubility (28.77 ± 2.66 %) versus leaf powder (12.92 ± 1.59 %). These results suggest that both agathi powders are valuable ingredients for food formulations, providing functional and nutritional benefits, and are suitable for use in developing, handling, and packaging functional food products.

Microscopic, Micromeritic and Phytochemical Analysis of the Leaves of Pseuderanthemum maculatum (G. Lodd.) I. M. Turner, A Plant with Potential Pharmacognistic Uses

Background: Pseuderanthemum maculatum, Pseuderanthemum maculatum (G.Lodd.) I.M.Turner [previously Pseuderanthemum carruthersii (Seem.) Guillaumin var. carruthersii] is an ornamental plant with potential pharmacognostic uses in the management of hypertension and cancers. There hadn’t been much work done on this plant previously hence making the current research work very much significant. Methods: The leaves were collected, identified, air dried, pulverized, weighed and subjected to evaluation parameters using standard procedures. GC-MS analysis was also carried out on the dichloromethane extract of the leaf. Results: The results showed that the stomatal distribution was hypostomatic with diacytic stomatal type. Stomatal index was 23.12% and the stomatal number was 60 (69.9 ± 2.65)86. Flow rate of the leaf was poor with the bulk volume of 32.30 ± 1.04, tapped volume of 21.8 ± 0.76, bulk density of 0.32 ± 0.02, tapped density of 0.46 ± 0.02, angle of repose 42.65°, Carr's index of 31.06% and Hausner's ratio of 1.45 ± 0.03. The chemomicroscopy and fluorescence analyses revealed characteristic features for the drug. The water-soluble, methanol-soluble, ethanol-soluble extractive values were 20.67 %w/w, 11.67 %w/w and 11.33 %w/w respectively. The moisture content of the leaf powder was 9.84%w/w. The total ash, acid-insoluble and water-soluble ash values were 6.72%w/w, 1.34%w/w and 16.17%w/w respectively. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 11 chemical constituents with phytochemicals such as hexanoic acid, benzoic acid, undecenoic acid, heptanoic acid and Eicosane which are of useful pharmaceutical importance. Conclusion: These data obtained from the pharmacognostic studies provides information about the identity, purity and quality of Pseuderanthemum maculatum.

Multi-functional polysaccharides composite film containing cashew and jik leaf carbon dots: Properties and bioactivities

Carbon dots (CDs) from the leaf powders of cashew (C-CDs), jik (J-CDs) and the mixed cashew/jik (1:1) (CJ-CDs) using hydrothermal method were synthesized and characterized. All three CDs were incorporated into chitosan/starch composite (CS) film at the level of 3 % (w/w). Microstructure images revealed that all films had slight differences in surface and internal structure. Thickness of the CS film increased with the inclusion of fillers (CDs). Inclusion of CDs slightly reduced the tensile and water vapor barrier properties of the CS film. CS film containing C-CDs exhibited the improved elasticity, UV barrier and antioxidant activity among all the films tested. Color and opaqueness of the resulting films were governed by the yellowish CDs. Distinctive peaks of resulting CS film were detected in FTIR spectra, while all CDs had no marked effect on the spectra. The release of CDs from films was more pronounced in water than in alcoholic solutions (10–95 % ethanol). Strongest antibacterial activities against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were recorded for CDs added film, in which the highest activities were found for CS/CJ-CDs film. Thermal stability was also enhanced in CS/CJ-CDs film. Thus, the CS film loaded with CDs, especially from the mixture of cashew and jik leaf powders could serve as a promising active packaging for inactivation of some pathogens in food products.

Enhancing Broiler Growth and Carcass Quality: Impact of Diets Enriched with Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder Conjugated with Zinc Nanoparticles

This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder extract stabilized with zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs-MLPE) as a natural growth promoter in broiler diets. Randomly assigned 264 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks to four different feeding treatments, with each group being subdivided into six replicates, each comprising 11 unsexed chicks. The control group was fed a basic diet without additives, while the experimental groups were supplemented with 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0 cm³ of ZnNPs-MLPE/L of diet. The findings demonstrated that 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L ZnNPs-MLPE supplementation significantly enhanced live body weight (LBW) and weight gain (BWG). Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not show significant differences between the treated groups and the control, indicating that the additive did not negatively affect feed efficiency. However, an increase in abdominal fat was noted in the ZnNPs-MLPE treatments relative to the control. Blood analysis revealed that the ZnNPs-MLPE groups had significantly lower levels of "total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and alanine transaminase (ALT) compared to the control group. In contrast, total protein (TP), albumin, and the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio" were higher in the ZnNPs-MLPE groups. Immunoglobulins IgY and IgM, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, were elevated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced, indicating improved antioxidant capacity and immune function in the ZnNPs-MLPE-treated groups. In conclusion, supplementation with ZnNPs-MLPE at 2.0 and 3.0 cm³/L positively impacted broiler growth efficiency, antioxidant capacity, and immunological functionality. These findings support the potential of ZnNPs-MLPE as an effective natural growth enhancer for producing healthier poultry products.

Effects of mulberry leaf powder water extract supplementation on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant, meat quality and intestinal microbiota of yellow feather broilers.

A 50-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of mulberry leaf powder water extract (MLE) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant, meat quality and intestinal microbiota of yellow feather broilers. A total of 720 birds (initial body weight 40.07 ± 0.05 g) were randomly distributed into four groups with six replicates per group and 30 birds per replicate. Four diets were formulated with 0% (CON), 200 mg/kg MLE (MLE200), 400 mg/kg MLE (MLE400) and 600 mg/kg MLE (MLE600) supplementation. Results showed that the addition of 200-600 mg/kg MLE to the diet significantly increased the body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG), but feed to gain ratio (F/G) were linearly decreased (p = 0.045) as dietary MLE increased. Birds fed MLE400 had higher (p < 0.05) total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), interleukin-10 (Il-10), secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and complement 3 (C3) contents than those fed CON, whereas MLE400 had lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content than CON (p < 0.05). Analysis of 16 S rDNA indicated that supplementation with 200 mg/kg MLE increased the Shannon indices in the caecum (p < 0.05). Supplementation with MLE decreased the abundance of the phylum Proteobacteria and genus Helicobacter, and increased the abundance of the phylum Bacteroidetes in the caecum in broiler chickens (p < 0.05). The drip loss rate in the MLE600 was significantly diminished (p < 0.05), whereas the shear force was significantly elevated (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation with MLE can effectively improve growth performance, intestinal immunity, serum antioxidant capacity, meat quality and intestinal microbiota of yellow feather broilers. The most appropriate MLE supplementation level was 400 mg/kg. This study provides a practical strategy for the dietary application of MLE in yellow feather broilers.

The Experience Using of Freeze-Dried Mulberry Leafs’ as Composition of Artificial Diet for Feeding Silkworm Caterpillars

Aims: Due to changes in the global climate and the recent increase in spring frosts, which lead to the death of silkworm caterpillars of the first ages due to lack of food, there is an urgent need to find effective and cheap means to replace natural food - mulberry leaf. One of the promising methods is the preservation of mulberry leaf. One of the new and progressive methods of preservation is the method of freeze-dried of mulberry leaf, for the basis of artificial diet. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted in the laboratory of the Scientific Research Institute of Sericulture in 2024y. Methodology: After hatching, the caterpillars were fed artificial food based on freeze-dried mulberry leaf, the food was given once a day, the room temperature was 25-26 ° C, humidity 65-70%. When the caterpillars reached the third age, some of the caterpillars of each breed and hybrid were selected and continued to be fed with artificial diet. The remaining caterpillars were transferred to natural leaf feeding according to a generally accepted method. Results: The drying time of the mulberry leaf in the freeze-dried mode was 14-18 hours, depending on the uniformity of the leaf layer in the chamber. A recipe for artificial diet was created, in which the content of mulberry leaf powder was 72%. All breeds and hybrids equally well received the developed artificial diet. In breeds and hybrids, the viability of caterpillars was 82-100%. And when switching from artificial diet to a natural leaf, the viability of caterpillars was 63-93%. Conclusion: All breeds and hybrids equally well accepted the developed artificial food based on freeze-dried mulberry leaf. According to the totality of the results shown, the studied breeds and hybrids are promising for feeding them on artificial feed and breeding appropriate lines and breeds from them.

Effect of phytogenic Moringa oleifera leaf powder on performance, carcass characteristics, immune indicators, gut microbial population and economic viability of broiler chickens

The growing pressure and irreversible process of reducing and eliminating the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) has stirred research towards development of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) as future alternatives for profitability and sustainability of poultry enterprises. The experiment aimed to compare the effects phytogenic Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MO) vs antibiotic growth promoter on growth performance, carcass characteristics, lymphoid organ indices, intestinal lesions, bloody excreta, microbial population, mortality, and economic viability of broiler chicken. Day-old Cobb-500 (n = 1600) unsexed chicks were allotted 16 pens and randomly assigned to a control standard basal diet group containing antibiotic growth promoters zinc bacitracin (486 mg) and salinomycin (650 mg per kg of feed) (CON) or a basal diet + 1% MO (MO1) or a basal + 3.0% MO (MO3), or basal diet + 5% MO (MO5) in a completely randomised design. The experiment lasted for 35 days. Supplementation with MO in diets significantly decreased ADFI, ADG, and FCR (P < 0.05) during the starter, grower, and finisher phases. The highest ADFI and ADG (P < 0.05) for the whole phase (d 1–35) was recorded in the control group, whilst the lowest was observed for in MO5. Feed conversion rate was highest (P < 0.05) in birds on MO1 diets during starter, grower, as well as the overall period whilst the lowest was noted for MO5 group. There was no significant effect of MO on breast, thigh and heart proportions (P < 0.05). The mean proportions of drumstick, wing, feet, neck, small intestine, liver, and gizzard (P < 0.05) improved with MO supplementation. The highest (P < 0.05) abdominal fat was observed in the control group. The spleen, Bursa of Fabricius, liver and intestine indices were highest in birds on MO5 group and comparable among other groups. Results show a reduction in necrotic scores with an increase in dietary MO levels. The control group and birds receiving 5% MO in diets recorded the least bloody excreta scores among all treatment groups (P < 0.05). Incremental levels of MO led to reduced total aerobic bacteria, E. coli, C. perfringens and increase lactobacillus spp. counts in all intestinal segments. Overall total cost of feed per bird was highest in birds in 5% MO (39.97) followed by 3% MO (30.58) and 1% MO (20.90) and lowest in CON (20.42). The CON group obtained the highest gross and net revenue per bird, whereas birds fed 5% MO recorded losses per bird. The highest economic efficiency (1,14) was achieved in birds on CON diets, and lowest in MO5 group (− 0.11) birds. Moringa oleifera leaf meal can be offered at 1–3% as an alternative to antibiotics for better feed conversion ratios, reduced abdominal fat, improved immune indicators, gut microbiota populations and low mortality. The high cost of MO reduces the economic efficiency and thus cheaper sources are necessary for sustainable small-scale communal and commercial enterprises.

Evaluate the role of Moringa oleifera in improving the performance and productivity of broiler chickens

Moringa oleifera, popularly known as the "tree of life" or "miracle tree," is considered an essential herbal plant due to its numerous medical and non-medicinal properties. So, the current study aimed to evaluate the role of M. oleifera in improving the performance and productivity of broiler chickens. 120 broiler chicks of the Lohman breed were raised in the poultry field belonging to the College of Agriculture/University of Tikrit for the period from February to April 2024. The herd was divided into three groups: the first group was the control treatment, and the second group was given 10% M. oleifera leaf powder to the diet. As for the third group, 10% M. oleifera seed oil was used with the feed, this study was designed to calculate the following criteria: live body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and mortality rate. The results showed that the live body weight was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (2095.16±25.42) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (1983.14±29.26) still, when compared to the control group (1842.65±13.57), the two groups had a significant difference (P≤0.05). The average weight gain was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (1968.83±12.62) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (1935.37±8.02), but the two groups showed a significant difference (P≤0.05) compared with the control group (1820.61± 11.35). The average of feed intake was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (3391.41±9.57) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (3315.27±11.82) still, when compared to the control group (3137.18±14.21), the two groups had a significant difference (P≤0.05). the mortality rate was better in treatment with M. oleifera seed oil (2.5%) compared to treatment with M. oleifera leaves (5.0%), but the two groups were better than the control group (7.5%). it is concluded that the leaves and seed oil of M. oleifera are a good enhancer in improving the performance and productivity of broiler chickens.

Agave leaf powder enhances phosphate desorption and increases induced respiration in soils dosed with glyphosate

Agave leaf powder enhances phosphate desorption and increases induced respiration in soils dosed with glyphosate

Effects of Edible Grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Microbial Community Levels in Broilers

The hybrid plant edible grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS), a member of the Rumex genus, presents a novel food source with a protein content of approximately 30–40%. By incorporating non-traditional feed sources, such as edible grass leaf powder (EGLP), into broiler production, costs could be reduced. The experimental subjects of this study were Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. A total of 300 newly hatched broilers were randomly divided into to five groups, with each group consisting of six cages, housing 10 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of maize and soybean meal. In the experimental groups, varying percentages (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) of EGLP were substituted for the corn–soybean meal in the basal diet. In the diet, for days 1–21, the corn content was reduced from 1.90% to 8.20%, and the soybean meal content was lowered from 1.50% to 6.00%. Similarly, in the diet, for days 22–42, the corn content was decreased from 1.17% to 7.00%, while the soybean meal content was reduced by 1.50% to 6.00%. The experiment lasted 42 days and was divided into two phases: the brooding phase (days 1 to 21) and the finishing phase (days 22 to 42). The results show that substituting 3% and 6% EGLP for corn and soybean meal significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the brooding period compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, the group with a 3% substitution rate exhibited a significant increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the brooding phase (p &lt; 0.01). Throughout the 42-day experiment, substituting 3% and 6% of EGLP for maize and soybean meal did not significantly affect the overall growth performance of broilers (p &gt; 0.05). However, a 6% supplementation notably reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p &lt; 0.01). Both the 3% (EG3) EGLP and 6% (EG6) EGLP replacement meals significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, as indicated by the increased levels of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p &lt; 0.01). Additionally, broilers supplemented with 3–12% showed a marked increase in cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group (p &lt; 0.01). The 3% EGLP replacement diet also significantly boosted the prevalence of Lactobacillus in the cecum (p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, after EGLP supplementation, there was a higher abundance of SCFA-metabolizing bacteria, particularly Alistipes and Christensenellaceae_R-7, compared to pre-treatment (p &lt; 0.05). The prevalence of Clostridium was significantly greater in the groups receiving 9% and 12% EGLP (p &lt; 0.05), while Butyrivibrio levels were notably higher after supplementation with 12% EGLP (p &lt; 0.05).