Crude Fat Levels Research Articles

Cutting-edge exploration of insect utilization in ruminant nutrition-feature and future: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

There has been a growing interest in using insects as sustainable protein sources for ruminant feed, such as the adults of the two-spotted cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus), larvae of the mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens), and pupae of the silkworm (Bombyx mori). The advantages of these insects over other plant materials lie in their elevated levels of crude protein and fat. However, this interest lacks a comprehensive understanding of the impact of insects on the ruminal fermentation processes, including digestibility and gas production, as well as the impact on animal performance and related health aspects. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of ruminal fermentation indices across diverse insect species. Employing descriptive and meta-analysis methodologies, we examined the impact of incorporating insect-derived meals in ruminants' diets. Moreover, we evaluated the growth performance and biochemical parameters of blood in ruminants when species such as Tenebrio molitor, Hermetia illucens, Oriental Hornet (Vespa Orientalis), and Bombyx mori were incorporated into ruminants' diets. The meta-analysis was performed on a limited dataset of 14 in vitro and eight in vivo trials, investigating insect meal as a potential feed source. A comparison is drawn between these insect-based feeds and conventional dietary sources such as soybean meal, alfalfa hay, and commercial concentrate diets. Our meta-analysis revealed that incorporating Gryllus bimaculatus and Hermetia illucens to partially replace protein sources in ruminants' diet did not adversely affect digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and ruminant production, supporting the feasibility as a feed ingredient for ruminant animals. In addition, the oriental hornet showed an overall higher outcome on the final BW, ADG, digestibility, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production, suggesting the promising effect of this insect for future use in ruminants. The data also indicates that dietary insect inclusion levels should not exceed 30% (DM basis) to achieve an optimal ruminal fermentation profile. Furthermore, it offers comparative insights into the nutritional value of these insects, which warrant further investigation at the in vivo level. Ultimately, the existing understanding of the nutritional utilization potential of these insects by ruminants, particularly concerning macro- and micronutrients, is evaluated and revealed to be significantly constrained.

Phytochemical Screenings and Proximate Analysis of Different Parts of Senna alata Collected in Besut, Terengganu

This study is conducted to determine the presence of bioactive compounds in leaves, stems and flowers of Senna alata, to characterize the bioactive compound identified from its different parts and to investigate the proximate composition of different parts of Senna alata collected in Besut, Terengganu. Samples of Senna alata leaves, stems, and flowers were collected in Kampung Paya Rawa, Besut, Terengganu. Phytochemical screening and GC-MS analysis were used to determine the chemical composition of different parts of Senna alata. The samples were also subjected to proximate analysis to determine their moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate contents. Standard methods were used: moisture content by oven drying, ash content by muffle furnace incineration, crude fibre by acid and alkali digestion, crude protein by the Kjeldahl method, crude fat by Soxhlet extraction, and carbohydrate content calculated by difference. Data obtained from proximate analysis were analysed with one-way ANOVA. The findings show the presence of bioactive compounds in leaves, stems, and flowers of Senna alata such as alkaloid, phenol, tannin, saponin, quinone, and terpenoid which shows biological and pharmacological activities that proved the medicinal properties in Senna alata. GC-MS analysis reveals the detection of derivatives compound of azetidine, thiophene, thiazole, and triazole that supports the ethnomedicinal claims of Senna alata to treat various diseases. The results also reveal significant variations in the proximate composition among the different plant parts. The flower part exhibited the highest levels of moisture (30.88±0.44%), ash (7.49±0.28%), crude fat (6.98±0.03%), and carbohydrates (39.65±0.76%), while the stem contained the highest crude fibre (38.68±0.22%) and the leaves had the highest crude protein content (15.52±0.17%). In summary, the study proves that Senna alata contains bioactive compounds which exhibit biological and pharmacological properties. These findings suggest that different parts of Senna alata possess varying nutritional values and potential therapeutic benefits, particularly the leaves, which are rich in protein, and the flowers, which are high in energy sources. The results emphasise the possibility of using Senna alata as a biopesticide to treat ectoparasites infestation in animals, due to the presence of acaricidal chemicals in the plant.

Differences in Growth Performance and Meat Quality between Male and Female Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during Separate Rearing.

This study compared the growth and flesh quality of juvenile male and female Nile tilapia grown in separate RAS tanks. The Genetic Sex Determination method yielded 40 males and 40 females. Males grew longer and heavier than females, and the results showed significant variation between the sexes in terms of weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and final body length and weight. In terms of the feed conversion ratio (FCR), Gonad Somatic Index (GSI), and Viscera Somatic Index (VSI), females presented better results than males. Male and female Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) values did not differ significantly-no difference in blood serum values. The meat's moisture and crude protein composition did not alter significantly from male to female; however, the crude fat and ash levels did differ significantly. Male and female animals were given the same seventeen distinct types of amino acids, and there was no distinct variation in the profiles of total amino acids (TAAs) and essential amino acids (EAAs) between the sexes. However, in the non-essential amino acid (NEAA) category, there were marginally significant differences, wherein females performed better than males. Males and females differed considerably in crude fat and ash levels but not in the moisture content or crude protein composition of the meat. Regarding fatty acids, males outperformed females in terms of total fatty acids (TFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). However, no significant difference in the amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in muscle was found between males and females.

Chlorella and vegetable oil inclusion in diets for growing rabbits: effects on growth, digestibility, plasma metabolites, and caecal fermentations and microbiota

The inclusion of microalgae in livestock diets has been shown to enhance animal productivity, immune response, and meat quality. However, the role of chlorella (Chlorella vulgaris) in growing rabbit nutrition has been scarcely explored, with available studies focusing on low inclusion levels (<1%) and their effects on rabbit growth and immune response. This study evaluated the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma metabolites, caecal fermentative activity, and caecal microbiota composition of growing rabbits fed diets with different inclusion levels of chlorella and crude fat. A total of 648 mixed-sex Grimaud crossbred rabbits (33 d of age; 841 ± 140 g live weight) were fed 6 experimental diets (96 rabbits per diet for the growth trial) based on a bifactorial design with three dietary inclusion levels of chlorella (0%, 1%, and 2%) and two levels of crude fat (3% and 5%) obtained by the inclusion of soybean oil (1% and 3%, respectively). The trial lasted 38 days until slaughter. From 47 to 51 days of age, 72 rabbits (12 per diet) were submitted to a digestibility trial. At 51 days of age, samples of plasma and caecal content were collected from 36 rabbits (6 rabbit per diet) to analyse plasma metabolites, caecal fermentations, and caecal microbiota. Rabbit live weight at 71 days of age (2 700 g, on average), weight gain (48.8 g/d) and feed conversion ratio (3.27) were unaffected by chlorella inclusion, while feed conversion ratio improved (−5%; P < 0.001) with an increase of crude fat from 3% to 5%. The digestibility of ADF (23.2% vs. 20.9%; P < 0.05) and crude fat (83.8% vs. 85.6%; P < 0.01) improved with the inclusion of chlorella at 2%, as well as the digestibility of crude fat (82.4% vs. 86.9%; P < 0.001) and gross energy (57.3% vs. 58.7%; P < 0.001) with crude fat inclusion at 5%. Plasma non-esterified fatty acids decreased (−19%; P < 0.05) in diets with 5% crude fat. Neither chlorella nor crude fat inclusion levels affected other plasma metabolites, caecal fermentations, or caecal microbiota. Overall, the inclusion of chlorella up to 2% in diets for growing rabbits did not significantly affect diet nutritional value, animal performance, or caecal activity. On the other hand, increasing crude fat to 5% improved the overall feed efficiency.

The proximate composition of vegetables enriched by incorporation of municipal solid waste into fertilizers and its impacts on environment and human health

The recent over production of municipal solid waste (MSW) poses a significant threat to both the ecosystem and human health. Utilizing MSW for agricultural purposes has emerged as a promising strategy to reduce solid waste disposal while simultaneously increasing soil fertility. To explore this potential solution further, an experiment was designed to assess the impact of varying concentrations of MSW (25%, 50%, and 75%) on the proximate composition of 15 different vegetable species. The experiment, conducted between 2018 and 2019, involved treating soil with different levels of solid waste and analyzing the proximate components, such as crude protein, dry matter, crude fiber, crude fat, and moisture content, in the 15 selected crops. The results indicate that the application of 25% MSW significantly increased the levels of crude protein, crude fiber, dry matter, and fat in Spinacia oleracea, Solanum tuberosum, Solanum melongena, and Abelmoschus esculentus. Conversely, the addition of 75% MSW notably elevated the moisture and ash content in Cucumis sativus. Correlation and scatter matrix analyses were conducted to elucidate the relationships between the protein, fiber, dry matter, ash, and fat contents. Principal component analysis and clustering confirmed the substantial impact of Treatment_1 (25% MSW) and Treatment_3 (75% MSW) on the proximate composition of the aforementioned vegetables, leading to their categorization into distinct groups. Our study highlights the efficacy of using 25% MSW to enhance the proximate composition and nutritional value of vegetables. Nonetheless, further research is warranted to investigate the mineral, antioxidant, vitamin, and heavy metal contents in the soil over an extended period of MSW application.

Comprehensive assessment of three crayfish culture modes: From production performance to environmental sustainability

Integrated agriculture-aquaculture has emerged as a promising ecological development model. Crayfish, a popular aquaculture species, are traditionally reared either in monoculture ponds (mono-C) or in rice-crayfish polyculture system (poly-RC). In this study, we introduced a novel polyculture system by combining fruit tree with crayfish (poly-FC), aiming to compare these three crayfish culture modes in terms of production performance and ecological sustainability. The results indicated that crayfish reared in the two polyculture modes exhibited significantly higher specific growth rate and condition factor compared to those in mono-C. Crayfish cultured in poly-FC also showed better muscle quality and higher levels of crude fat and flavor or essential amino acids. Isotope mixing model showed that feed and benthic animals were the primary food sources of crayfish in mono-C, whereas aquatic plants, fruit litter or rice contributed more to those in polyculture modes. For greenhouse gas emissions, poly-FC mode emitted almost no CO2 and N2O even favored negative CH4 emission, while poly-RC and mono-C modes showed positive emissions of CH4 and CO2, respectively. Supported by metagenomics, the sink of CH4 in poly-FC was probably due to the lower mcr abundance but the higher pmo abundance in water. The low production and emission of N2O in poly-FC might result from the low-abundant Nitrospirae_bacterium and its coding gene norC in sediment, consistent with the lower denitrification rate but the higher NO3− concentration than mono-C. Overall, our findings reveal the superiority of polyculture of fruit tree with crayfish in terms of production performance and greenhouse gas emissions in the system.

Comparative Study of Nutritional Composition, Physiological Indicators, and Genetic Diversity in Litopenaeus vannamei from Different Aquaculture Populations.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality and genetic diversity of farmed Litopenaeus vannamei across three distinct populations from Maoming City (MM), Zhanjiang City (ZJ), and Yangjiang City (YJ) in Guangdong Province. Muscle tissues from L. vannamei were analyzed for phenotypic traits, conventional nutrients, amino acids, and fatty acids, while genetic diversity was assessed using whole genome sequencing techniques. The analysis revealed that the crude protein content in shrimp across the three populations ranged from 20.87 to 21.95 g/100 g, crude fat content ranged from 0.90 to 1.50 g/100 g, essential amino acid content ranged from 5.55 to 5.86 g/100 g, total amino acid content ranged from 14.73 to 15.27 g/100 g, total fatty acid content ranged from 682.73 to 793.97 mg/100 g, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) ranged from 2.68 to 2.72 μmol/g, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity ranged from 1021.97 to 1057.21 U/g, and catalase (CAT) activity ranged from 78.65 to 81.33 μmoL/min. No significant differences were observed in ash and crude fat levels among conventional nutrients, nor in the biochemical indexes T-AOC, CAT, and SOD. Genetic analysis showed that the single nucleotide polymorphism density (SNP/Kb) ranged from 15.323 to 17.461, nucleotide diversity (π) ranged from 2.98 × 10-5 to 15.84 × 10-5, polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.300 to 0.317, heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.033 to 0.048, and inbreeding coefficients (FIS) ranged from 0.834 to 0.887. The genetic differentiation index (FST) values among the three populations ranged from 0.056 to 0.106. This study provides an evaluation of the germplasm resources and genetic diversity of farmed L. vannamei, offering insights for the efficient management and sustainable utilization of this species' germplasm resources.

Effects of Phosphorus Application Levels on Its Uptake and Utilization in Foxtail Millet

Foxtail millet is a traditional minor crop in China, known for its strong resistance to stress, tolerance to barren lands, and wide adaptation. Phosphorus is an essential element for crop growth and development, and the appropriate application of phosphorus can enhance crop yield and quality. However, the optimal phosphorus fertilization levels for the growth of foxtail millet have yet to be determined. This study aims to explore the effects of different phosphorus application levels (T1, T2, T3, and T4), on phosphorus accumulation and use efficiency and crop yield and quality in the foxtail millet cultivars ‘B376’ and ‘B27’, which have different phosphorus efficiencies. Additionally, we investigated the effects of phosphorus accumulation and use efficiency on the heading and filling stages of these cultivars. The results show that the total phosphorus content and accumulation levels in the ‘B376’ and ‘B27’ cultivars vary at different developmental stages and in different plant parts. Furthermore, crop yield and quality in both cultivars vary in response to the different phosphorus application levels. In terms of yield, the phosphorus-tolerant variety ‘B376’ reaches its highest at T2, while the phosphorus-sensitive variety ‘B27’ achieves its maximum yield at T3. For quality, ‘B376’ exhibits the highest moisture and crude fat content under T4, and the highest protein and the lowest amylose content under T3. On the other hand, ‘B27’ achieves its highest moisture content under T4, its highest crude fat and protein levels under T3, and its lowest amylose content under T2. Therefore, the response to different phosphorus application levels differs between the two cultivars with different phosphorus use efficiencies. Moreover, under different phosphorus fertilization levels, the average crop yield, moisture, fat, and amylose content averages of the phosphorus-tolerant ‘B376’ cultivar are 16.1%, 1.2%, 7.0%, and 4.1% higher than those of the phosphorus-sensitive ‘B27’ cultivar. Additionally, phosphorus use efficiency is positively correlated with the moisture and crude fat contents of foxtail millet. In conclusion, the phosphorus-tolerant cultivar demonstrates superior phosphorus accumulation, absorption, and utilization capacities compared to the phosphorus-sensitive cultivar. These results suggest that in the phosphorus-tolerant ‘B376’, optimal phosphorus fertilization levels enhance the development of roots, stems, and leaves at the T2 (P45) level, and promote the accumulation of moisture and crude fat in foxtail millet grains, thereby improving their taste and quality. Our findings provide a theoretical basis for phosphorus fertilizer utilization in foxtail millet cultivation and will help determine the optimal fertilization levels for foxtail millet growth.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of soluble dietary fiber (β-glucan) from different barley varieties and study of its characterization and functional attributes.

Green technology, encompassing sustainable practices in food production, extends to dietary fiber extraction. This study aimed to enhance dietary fiber extraction from the selected barley varieties (Jou-17, Sultan-17, and Pearl-21) using the ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) technique. This process involved washing, drying, de-fatting (using ethanol as green solvent), and protein removal steps. The response surface methodology (RSM) technique was used to optimize the yield of soluble dietary fiber (SDF; β-glucan) with time, temperature, and power. Optimal conditions yielded the highest SDF (5.21%) in all selected varieties after 17.5 min at 41.70°C with 130.5 W. FTIR pattern confirmed the functional group in the tested sample. TGA and DSC spectra determined the thermal of SDF (β-glucan). Monosaccharide composition confirmed that SDF (β-glucan) is glucose in nature. Proximate analysis indicated that Jou-17 had the highest moisture (13.4%) and crude fiber (10.10%) content. Sultan-17, on the other hand, had the maximum levels of ash (2.75%), crude fat (1.22%), and protein (8.84%). The NFE, water-holding capacity, oil-holding capacity, and foaming capacity of extracted SDF (β-glucan) in the "Pearl-21" barley variety were determined to be 78.37%, 14.07 g/g, 6.99 g/g, and 126.17%, whereas highest foaming-stability (96.26%) was observed in Jou-17 variety. PCA also confirmed the association in studied variables. In a nutshell, optimizing the extraction of SDF (β-glucan) from the selected barley varieties using green technology and its favorable properties opens up promising paths for future endeavors and contributes to the advancement of sustainable and health-conscious practices in the food industry.

Nutritional, safety, and starch properties of flour from selected sweet cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties grown in Nakuru County Kenya

Cassava plays a critical role in food security, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa due to its drought-resistant nature, high-yielding potential, and multipurpose application. This study analyzed ten cassava varieties recently introduced in Nakuru County, Kenya for their proximate composition, mineral content, anti-nutritional factors, and starch digestibility. The results showed significant variations in these factors among the varieties. The main component of cassava flour was total digestible starch, accounting for approximately 84.86 %, with low levels of crude fat and protein. Cassava flour showed low calcium, iron, and zinc levels, and a wide variation in phytates, potentially reducing their bioavailability. All the flour from the ten cassava varieties met safety limits for cyanide levels <10 mg/kg, with the Selele variety having the lowest cyanide. The starch analysis showed higher levels of Slowly Digestible Starch (41.1–53.0 %) and lower levels of Rapidly Digestible Starch (29.5–36.0 %). Cassava flour also showed significant levels of resistant starch ranging between 4.56 % and 7.23 %, supporting its beneficial impact on human health. The study provides valuable insights for cassava breeders to develop targeted nutritional qualities and empowers consumers to make informed choices.

Proximate composition, some phytochemical constituents, potential uses, and safety of neem leaf flour: A review.

Globally, there is a growing concern about avoiding using artificial compounds in food ingredients, food preservation, and packaging. Among the parts of the neem tree, leaf flour is one of the most commonly used parts in some countries for food and medicinal purposes and is known for containing several nutrients and phytochemicals. In this review, the proximate composition, phytochemical constituents, potential uses, and safety issues of neem leaf flour are discussed. Neem leaf flour contains high levels of crude protein, total carbohydrate, crude fat, and fiber and moderate amounts of crude fat and ash. In addition, it contains numerous health-promoting phytochemical constituents. Some phytochemicals, such as ascorbic acid, saponin, total alkaloids, carotenoids, total phenols, total flavonoids, and the total antioxidant capacity of neem leaf flour, have been critically discussed. Neem leaf flour has various potential applications in food science, such as preserving foods and preparing food packaging materials. However, researchers' perspectives on its safety are not yet in agreement. In general, the proximate compositions, phytochemical constituents, potential uses, and safety issues of neem leaf flour were compiled and critically reviewed. In addition, research is needed to identify all the toxic substances found in neem leaves and develop methods to eliminate them that hinder their use for various purposes in food. Further research is needed to develop food products from neem leaf flour and evaluate its nutritional value and phytochemical constituents.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals the Potential Key Genes in Nutritional Deposition in the Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio).

The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is one of the most important aquaculture species in China, known for its remarkable adaptability and nutritional profile. However, the specific molecular response mechanisms regulating the nutritional deposition of carp remain inadequately elucidated. This study conducted a comprehensive analysis of muscle nutritional content and transcriptome data from liver and muscle tissues of three distinct carp varieties. The aim was to elucidate the key genes and signaling pathways that regulate muscle nutritional composition in carp. The findings revealed that FFRC carp (FFRC) exhibited significantly higher levels of crude fat, total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and total n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in muscle tissue compared to Ying carp (YC) and Huanghe carp (HC) (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analyses correlated these elevated levels with a marked upregulation of genes involved in the activation and transportation of fatty acid (fabp7, acsl5, acsbg2) as well as biosynthesis and elongation of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids (elovl2, fads2) within the liver. Furthermore, the flavor amino acid, essential amino acids, and crude protein content in the muscle of HC were significantly higher than in FFRC and YC (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analyses indicated that this was associated with significant changes in the expression of genes related to amino acid metabolism (asns, alt, ldha, glul, setd, prodh, l3hypdh, hoga1) within their muscle tissue. This research provides a theoretical foundation for the precise modulation of the muscle nutritional composition in carp.

Development of novel lactose‐free Tigernut milk pudding with no added sugar and determination of physicochemical and organoleptic attributes

SummaryDeveloping health‐oriented novel products (e.g. no sugar added for diabetes and lactose‐free for lactose intolerance) supports diverse consumer needs, promotes healthier eating habits and fosters inclusivity in the food sector. This study aimed to develop a Tigernut milk pudding (TNP), an alternative to dairy‐based pudding and assess its physicochemical and sensory attributes. TNP was formulated by incorporating hydrocolloids κ‐carrageenan (KC), konjac powder (KP) and corn starch (CS), then compared with a commercial milk pudding (CMP) and traditionally prepared raw cow milk pudding (RMP). The crude protein, fat, ash and moisture levels ranged from 5.62% to 8.04%, 5.25% to 7.03%, 2.81% to 3.98% and 68.71% to 74.76% respectively. Lightness (L*) ranged from 69.87 to 77.89, while a* ranged from 0.36 to 0.86 and b* ranged from 8.13 to 9.97. Syneresis ranged from 4.98% to 8.00%, slightly higher than RMP (4.98%) and CMP (4.87%), while pH levels ranged from 6.31 to 6.89, nearly acidic to neutral pH range. Total soluble solids ranged from 2.90 °Brix to 3.67 °Brix. The bacterial count was in the marginal range below 105 CFU g−1, with no presence of Salmonella spp. or E. coli. Total antioxidant properties showed total flavonoid and phenolics, ranging from 306.24 mg QE/100 g to 358.58 mg QE/100 g and 39.06 mg GAE/100 g to 54.81 mg GAE/100 g respectively. An overall organoleptic rate of 3.50 was attained with 0.25% KC, 0.50% KP and 2.50% CS, achieving a desired texture comparable to CMP. The novel study on using Tigernut milk in pudding explores its plant‐based, vegan‐friendly, lactose‐free attributes as a healthy dairy milk alternative. With desirable physicochemical properties, promising improved nutrition, potential health benefits and possible contribution to food security and enhanced resource efficiency, TNP could be considered for commercialisation.

The Impact of Varying Stages of Maturity on the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) Leafy Vegetable

Yacon tubers are of global interest due to their prebiotic potential while yacon leaves contain phenolic compounds with potential health benefits. In Kenya, yacon is a newly introduced root crop that is of interest to consumers; however, their main challenge to consumption is determining the appropriate time to harvest the leaves. The chemical makeup of yacon leaves varies depending on the planting site, growing season, harvest time, and growth stages. The current research determined the impact of varying stages of maturity on the chemical composition and antioxidant potential of yacon leaves grown in a farm at Naromoru, Kenya. The leaves were harvested at 2, 3, 4, and 5 months of growth, then subjected to oven drying and stored at 4 °C awaiting analysis. The DPPH assay was used to measure radical scavenging activity, and the Folin–Ciocalteu method was followed in the determination of total phenolic content. Chemical composition was done by Kjedahl method (Crude protein), Soxhlet method (crude fat), and oven drying (moisture content). From the results, the level of maturity significantly (p &lt; 0.05) influenced the levels of crude protein, fat and carbohydrates, TPC, and antioxidant activity in the harvested yacon leaves. The crude protein level was highest (28.45%) for the 2nd month of harvest and was lowest in the 5th month (16.75%), while crude fat increased from 3.51% in the 2nd month to 4.20% in the 5th month. Carbohydrates increased from 46.01% to 56.65% in 2nd month to the 5th month, respectively. Both the TPC and antioxidant activity decreased significantly (p &lt; 0.05) as the leaves matured. TPC was highest in the 2nd month of harvest and lowest in the 5th month of harvest, 439.33 and 81.00 mgGAE/100 g, respectively. Thus, harvesting yacon leaves at the early stages of growth is crucial to fully benefit from the phytochemical and nutritional composition of the leaves.

Effect of exogenous oestrogen treatment frequency on induction of artificial lactation in pseudopregnant sows.

In this study, we examined whether the frequency of exogenous oestrogen treatment affects the induction of artificial lactation and milk production. Furthermore, we analysed changes in milk components obtained from artificially lactating sows. Pseudopregnant induced by treatment with 30 mg of estradiol dipropionate (EDP) on Day 10 (Day 0 = the last day of estrus) were divided into three groups: those administered 5 mg of EDP once on Day 39 (n = 5), twice on Days 32 and 39 (n = 5) and three times on Days 25, 32 and 39 (n = 6). All animals were treated with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on Day 46 for induced lactation. Artificial lactation was induced in 66.7%-80.0% of sows, and the EDP treatment frequency before PGF2α administration had no significant effect on either the induction rate of artificial lactation or the milk yield during the experimental period. The milk composition (levels of crude protein, crude fat, crude ash, lactose and immunoglobulin) did not differ among the groups. In conclusion, the number of EDP treatments prior to PGF2α administration had no effect on either the efficiency of artificial lactation induction or milk production.

Bioactive metabolites, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities of fermented local rice (Pare ambo) by Pleurotus spp.: In-vitro and in-silico approach

Pare ambo, a local black rice variety popular in Tana Toraja (South Sulawesi), is recognized for its health benefits, especially for those managing diabetes or aiming to prevent obesity due to its antioxidant-rich composition. This study explored the impact of Pleurotus spp. Fermentation on pare ambo, examining its nutritional transformation. Proximate analysis indicated higher levels of crude protein (9.67 ± 0.73%), crude fat (3.36 ± 0.84%), and fiber (1.67 ± 0.33%) in P. cystidiosus fermentation compared to P. ostreatus and P. djamor. Antioxidant and antidiabetic activities significantly improved in all fermentations at 500 ppm concentration. Pare ambo fermented by all three Pleurotus species contained citric acid and trimethyl ester compounds, displaying superior antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, interacting with antioxidant receptor 5O0x (−7.2 kcal/mol) and antidiabetic receptor 3w37 (−8.2 kcal/mol) compared to the unfermented sample. Fatty acid profiling identified 32 compounds, predominantly FAMEs with ester groups. Pleurotus cystidiosus and P. djamor fermentations contributed 20 compounds, while P. ostreatus contributed 18 compounds. Prominent interactions were visualized between naphthalene, and decahydro-2,6-dimethyl, with 5O0x and 3w37. Anthocyanins were detected through HPLC separation in P. cystidiosus and P. ostreatus fermentation outputs. This study shows pare ambo as a promising functional food, abundant in natural antioxidants and antidiabetic compounds, highlighting the potential of Pleurotus spp. Fermentation to enhance the nutritional profile and bioactivity of indigenous rice varieties.

Solid-State Fermentation Using Bacillus licheniformis-Driven Changes in Composition, Viability and In Vitro Protein Digestibility of Oilseed Cakes

The solid-state fermentation (SSF) efficiency of Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 21424 (BL) on various agro-industrial by-products such as oilseed cakes [hemp (HSC), pumpkin (PSC), and flaxseed (FSC)] was evaluated by examining the nutritional composition, reducing sugars, and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) for use in animal nutrition. SSF significantly decreased crude protein, along with changes in the total carbohydrates (p &lt; 0.05) for all substrates fermented. An increase in crude fat for HSC (1.04%) and FSC (1.73%) was noted, vs. PSC, where the crude fat level was reduced (−3.53%). Crude fiber does not differ significantly between fermented and nonfermented oilseed cakes (p &gt; 0.05). After fermentation, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) significantly increased for HSC and FSC (p &lt; 0.05), as well as for PSC despite the small increase in ADF (4.46%), with a notable decrease in NDF (−10.25%). During fermentation, pH shifted toward alkalinity, and after drying, returned to its initial levels for all oilseed cakes with the exception of PSC, which maintained a slight elevation. Further, SSF with BL under optimized conditions (72 h) increases the reducing sugar content for FSC (to 1.46%) and PSC (to 0.89%), compared with HSC, where a reduction in sugar consumption was noted (from 1.09% to 0.55%). The viable cell number reached maximum in the first 24 h, followed by a slowly declining phase until the end of fermentation (72 h), accompanied by an increase in sporulation and spore production. After 72 h, a significant improvement in water protein solubility for HSC and FSC was observed (p &lt; 0.05). The peptide content (mg/g) for oilseed cakes fermented was improved (p &lt; 0.05). Through gastro-intestinal simulation, the bacterial survivability rate accounted for 90.2%, 101.5%, and 85.72% for HSC, PSC, and FSC. Additionally, IVPD showed significant improvements compared to untreated samples, reaching levels of up to 65.67%, 58.94%, and 80.16% for HSC, PSC, and FSC, respectively. This research demonstrates the advantages of oilseed cake bioprocessing by SSF as an effective approach in yielding valuable products with probiotic and nutritional properties suitable for incorporation into animal feed.

Effect of pre-drying treatments on the quality of solar-dehydrated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) fruits

Preserving surplus highly perishable products, such as tomatoes, through processing is an effective method, especially during periods of excess supply. Pre-treatment is commonly employed before the drying of agricultural goods to deactivate enzymes, expedite the drying process, and enhance the quality of the resulting dried products. An experiment was done to assess the impact of applying Sodium Metabisulphate, Sodium Chloride, and lemon juice as treatments on the quality of solar-dehydrated tomato (SDT) fruits. The trial consisted of four treatments, organized in a completely randomized design with three replications. The findings demonstrated a substantial increase in protein, crude fat, and total soluble solids levels in the treated samples compared to the control. Moisture content reduced from 96.70 %(wb) to 3.4 % for (db) for the sample pretreated with 5 % lemon juice which was higher than NaCl, SMBS, and Control samples with 3.1 %, 3.2 %, and 3.3 % (db) The experiment has shown that pre-drying treatment of tomato fruits with SMBS, and Lemon juice leads to increased levels of protein with 0.79 g in the treated sample, crude fat recorded at 3.2 % in the lemon juice sample, 10.72% of ash content in lemon juice, and 6.0% of total soluble sugars in lemon juice. Nevertheless, the Lemon juice, NaCl, and control samples exhibited comparable characteristics in terms of color, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability In contrast, the SMBS treatment resulted in superior color with 7.1 %, taste 7.2 %, and 8.3 % for general acceptance as indicated by a significant difference (p = 0.05). Hence, employing solar dehydration as a method to preserve the quality and extend the storage life of treated tomato fruits can serve as a viable technological alternative. Producers, processors, and traders of tomato fruits in Ghana can benefit from using Sodium Metabisulphate, Sodium Chloride, and lemon juice treatments.

Physical and Chemical Quality of Rice Bran with the use of Noni (Morinda citrifolia) Leaf Extract as a Vegetable Preservative Ingredient

The results showed that the interaction between the level of use of noni leaf extract and the treatment time was not significant (p&gt;0.05) on the specific gravity and water content variables, but had a very large influence. significant effect (p&lt;0.01) on the variables fat content, amount of feroxide and antioxidants). The specific gravity of the use of BHT preservative gives a value that is no different from the use of noni leaf extract vegetable preservative, the same thing also happens with the long storage treatment. The higher use of noni leaf extract in rice bran can significantly reduce the water content, crude fat and ferroxide levels, but can increase the antioxidant content. The conclusion from the results of this research is that the physical and chemical quality of rice bran can be maintained by using 0.03% noni leaf extract with a storage time of up to 42 days.

Fat supplement for dairy cows during early lactation – potentials, challenges, and risks – a meta-analysis

ABSTRACT The most critical challenge in early lactation is to meet the increasing energy demand for milk production, which results in a negative energy balance (EB). The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and plasma metabolite responses of early lactating dairy cows fed diets supplemented with increasing levels of different fat sources. Diets were categorized as diets supplemented with saturated fatty acid rich fat sources (SFAR), with Ca-soaps of fatty acids (CaFA), and with polyunsaturated fatty acid rich fat sources (PUFAR). There was an interaction between crude fat level and source for dry matter intake (DMI); each percentage-unit increase reduced DMI by 0.38 and 0.77 kg/d in CaFA and PUFAR, respectively, and increased DMI by 0.55 kg/d in SFAR. Corrected milk yield increased by 0.44 kg/d for each percentage-unit increase in crude fat level. Plasma non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentration increased with 0.04 mmol/L per percentage-unit increase. In conclusion, the increased crude fat level increased corrected milk yield. Fat supplementation in early lactation does not seem to cause negative effects on productive performance or metabolism, and despite a small increase, both plasma NEFA and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations stayed below the threshold for incidence of subclinical ketosis.