Dry Matter Levels Research Articles

Effects of Physically Effective Neutral Detergent Fiber Content of TMR Feed on the Productivity and Carcass Characteristics in Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Steers

This study was carried out to evaluate accurately physical characteristics of total mixed rations (TMR) by investigating the effects of physically effective neutral detergent fiber content on the growth performance and carcass characteristics in fattening steers. Twelve Hanwoo (Bos Taurus coreanae) steers aged 26 months were used in this trial. Steers were offered one of two total mixed ration (TMR) diets - High or Low physically effective neutral detergent fiber (peNDF) content groups-that were differentiated by mixing time. The carcass traits of the experimental animals were evaluated by Korea Institute for Animal Products Quality Evaluation (KAPE) after slaughter. Body weight gain during the experimental period was significantly higher (P) compared with the Low group (), and daily weight gain was also high in the former. Although there was no significant difference, the carcass weight was higher in the High group () compared with the Low group (). However, the beef quality grade of the Low group () was higher than that of the High group (). Increases in body weight gain, daily gain, and carcass weight for the High group were mainly influenced by a high level of dry matter (DM) intake and digestibility; consequently, back-fat thickness increased and the beef quality grade was lowered. Because growth performance and carcass characteristics were affected by the physical traits of the diet, we suggested that proper peNDF content is also needed for fattening steers.

Volunteer RR® corn management in roundup ready® soybean-corn succession system

The present study evaluated the effects of cover crops (Pennisetum glaucum, Crotalaria spectabilis and Urochloa ruziziensis) associated with the application of herbicides {glyphosate; (glyphosate + haloxyfop-R); (glyphosate + fluazifop-p-butyl); (glyphosate + imazethapyr) and (glyphosate + imazaquin)} in soybean desiccation management for volunteer RR® corn control. The experiment was conducted under field conditions at Sinop-MT, during the 2013/2014 crop season, in a randomized complete blocks design with factorial scheme and four replications. The following parameter were evaluated: dry matter of cover crops and ground coverage rate, control of volunteer RR® corn present at the time of desiccation, dry matter, height and intoxication level on soybean plants caused by herbicides at 7, 14 and 28 days after emergence (DAE), control of volunteer RR® corn derived from emergence fluxes subsequent to desiccation management and soybean yield. The joint application of (glyphosate + haloxyfop-R) provided the best level of volunteer RR® corn control present at the time of desiccation. Satisfactory control (80%) of volunteer corn was obtained with the application of (glyphosate + imazethapyr). This treatment displayed an additional residual effect of imazethapyr, which efficiently controled volunteer RR® corn derived from fluxes subsequent to desiccation management, especially in treatments performed under U. ruziziensis straw. None of the herbicides used in desiccation management caused any significant effect on dry matter, height and phytotoxicity of soybean plants at 7, 14 and 28 DAE nor on grain yield.

Yield and Performance and Soil Properties of Organically Fertilized Fodder Crops

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of experimental amendments on yields of Trifolium subterraneum L., Pisum arvense L., and Lolium multiflorum Lam., and on soil characteristics. A two-year research was carried out comparing anaerobic digestate (AD) and olive-pomace compost (OPC) with mineral fertilizer (Min), commercial organic-mineral fertilizer (Org-min), and unfertilized control (Cont). Anaerobic digestate and OPC were firstly analyzed for their chemical characteristics. The most important parameters were recorded and soil properties were investigated. Anaerobic digestate showed the highest dry weight for ryegrass, the best yield in pea, and good level of dry matter in clover. Good responses were achieved by OPC. Anaerobic digestate increased total soil organic carbon by 14.4, 8.1 and 7.6% than Min, Org-min and Cont, respectively. Olive-pomace compost increased the same parameter by 16.3, 10.0, and 9.5%. The findings indicated the possibility to substitute mineral fertilizers with organic ones without decreasing yields and support soil fertility.

Kinnow madarin (Citrus nobilis lour × Citrus deliciosa tenora) fruit waste silage as potential feed for small ruminants.

Aim:Study was conducted to ascertain the quality of Kinnow mandarin waste (KMW) silage and its utilization by adult male goats.Materials and Methods:KMW was collected, dried to 30% dry matter level and ensiled in silo pit after addition of disodium hydrogen orthophosphate as source of phosphorus as KMW is deficient in phosphorus. Oat was collected at milking stage, chopped finely and ensiled in a silo pit for 2 months. Twelve nondescript local adult male goats of about 8-10 months age and mean body weight of 23.00±0.90 kg were selected. The goats were randomly allotted on body weight as per randomized block design into two equal groups, six animals in each group (n=6) namely “oat silage (OS)” and “Kinnow silage.” Goats were offered weighed quantities of respective silage on ad libitum basis. The silages were evaluated for proximate principles and silage quality attributes.Results:Differences were found between chemical composition of both silages with higher organic matter, ether extracts, nitrogen free extract (p<0.05) and lower (p<0.01) crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fibre concentration in KMW silage as compared to OS. However, silages were isonitrogenous (8.20 vs. 8.17; p>0.05 for CP) and possess comparable (2.23 vs. 2.06; p>0.05) calcium content. The pH, ammonia nitrogen (percent of total nitrogen) and soluble carbohydrate content were lower (4.20 vs. 3.30; 4.14 vs. 3.80; 2.73 vs. 1.86; p<0.05) in KMW silage, whereas, lactic acid concentration was higher (6.23 vs. 8.14; p<0.05) in KMW silage indicating its superior quality as compared to OS. Body weight (kg) of goats and silage intake (g/day), were comparable (p>0.05) among the two dietary groups.Conclusion:It can be concluded that KMW can be used to prepare good quality silage for feeding of goats.

English

The leucaena is a leguminous that has high protein content and digestibility, can be supplied fresh or made into hay. The objective was to verify the influence of dehydration time of leaves and fine stems of leucaena and storage time on their chemical-bromatological characteristics. Cutting the fractions to be haymaking (leaves and stems smaller than one centimeter) was deposited on a plastic canvas for dehydration, being collected samples of the material at 0, 4 th , 8 th , 24 th and 48 th hours of dehydration to determine the levels of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), total carbohydrates (TC), not fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), ether extract (EE) and mineral matter (MM). The bales of hay were made using a manual baler and were kept stored in environment shaded, ventilated and protected of rain for 90 days. In that bales also were collected samples monthly to determine if occurred losses in nutritional quality. The dehydration time for 24 hours and storage for 30 days in water and allowed to dry to obtain the best chemical-bromatological composition of leucaena hay. The levels of CP, NDF, EE and MM decrease as function of drying time and storage both during the rainy as in the dry season, while the DM, TC and NFC increased due to these variables for both periods.

Vliv pastvy ovcí na obsah energie a organických živin ve stepních porostech Národní přírodní rezervace Mohelenská hadcová step

The aim of this research was to assess the implications of sheep grazing for the nutritional value of the vegetation in the Mohelno Serpentine Steppe National Nature Reserve (NNR). A free pasture controlled by an electric fence was practised from 1997 to 1998. The German Merino sheep were grazing on an area of 4.25 and 6 ha with a pasture load of 6.8–9.4 sheep per 1 ha in 1997 and 6.7–8.7 sheep per 1 ha in 1998. The steppe vegetation samples were collected from five different sites reflecting the phytocenological composition typical of the individual steppe areas. The vegetation samples were collected on an area of 3×1 m2 during the growing season at two-week intervals. The collected samples were tested for the amount of dry matter, fibre, nitrogenous substances, fat, ash, nitrogen-free extractive substances (NFES), gross energy (GE), metabolic energy (ME), lactation net energy (LNE), fattening net energy (FNE), PDIN and PDIE (PDI – referring to the factually digestible nitrogenous substances in the small intestine of the ruminants). During pasture there was a decrease in the dry matter levels but its average levels remained high (35.45–46.78%). The effect on the nitrogenous levels became apparent (P &lt; 0.05) mainly in the second year of grazing (10.00–10.94% compared to 11.64–19.35% in the vegetation dry matter). However, in comparison with the pasture vegetation the effect remained less significant. A similar situation was observed in relation to the fluctuation of PDIN and PDIE (64.60–70.71 compared to 75.18–124.98 g/kg of the dry matter and 79.03–82.71 compared to 89.41–29.27 g/kg of the dry matter respectively). The fat levels (3.80–4.02%) were not affected by the site (P &lt; 0.05) but the specific utilization. The grazing brought about a marked increase in the fat levels (P &lt; 0.001). The amount of the fibre during the first year was affected only in terms of its decreased site variability (29.60–31.31%). The conclusive evidence (P &lt; 0.05) of the decrease did not appear until the second year of grazing (21.76–27.88%). In the course of the pasture the ash levels identified in the dry matter were fluctuating between 8.74–10.19% depending on the site conditions and the form of utilization. Conside­rably high levels (P &lt; 0.05) were recorded on more intensely grazed areas. NFES levels in the step areas (45.16–47.26%) were steady both in terms of the site conditions and the form of utilization. The energy levels did not reflect the site variability. The ME, LNE and FNE levels (9.39–9.79; 5.52–5.80 and 5.34–5.69 MJ per kg of the dry matter respectively) were affected by the form of utilization. During the pasture the site variability of the energy levels decreased. There was also a substantial increase in the amount of energy established in the dry matter, which rose to the levels usual for pasture vegetation.

Možnost použití sušených organických a organominerálních hnojiv jako náhrady za chlévský hnůj u raného květáku

Experiments were conducted in field plots to evaluate the effects of three alternative dried organic, or organomineral, fertilizers on yield and quality of the early maturing cauliflower variety, ‘Gameta’. Plots were established in Žabčice (South Moravia, Czech Republic) in 2005–2007. We used the following fertilization treatments: Agormin T, Agro, Dvorecký agroferm, cattle farmyard manure and solo mineral fertilizers, compared to an unfertilized control. All plots, except the control, were fertilized to achieve the same level of nutrients, as determined by the soil analyses and the chosen target yield. We assessed the following traits at harvest: weight of above-ground mass, marketable yield, head weight and head diameter. Levels of ascorbic acid, nitrates, dry matter and mineral ions (potassium, sodium, calcium and magnesium) were measured in the heads. Agormin T significantly increased the weight of above-ground mass and total marketable yield. All organic fertilizers significantly increased head weight and head diameter in comparison to both the unfertilized control and mineral fertilizers. Ascorbic acid levels were not significantly affected by the fertilizers. The highest value of ascorbic acid was observed for farmyard manure, the lowest for Dvorecký agroferm. Dried fertilizers had no positive effect on ascorbic acid levels and total solids, as compared to farmyard manure. In contrast, Agormin T resulted in significantly lower levels of dry matter. Solo mineral fertilization resulted in the highest levels of nitrates in cauliflower heads. Fertilization with Agro and farmyard manure significantly increased the levels of nitrates in heads, as compared to the control, but all values were under the hygienic limit. The different fertilizer treatments did not have any significant effects on the levels of mineral cations. The dried granulated fertilizers Agormin T, Agro and Dvorecký agroferm were shown to be good alternatives to bulky farmyard manure for early ripening cauliflower. Only Agormin T decreased the dry matter content in heads.

Effect of invasive slug populations (Arion vulgaris) on grass silage. II: Microbiological quality and feed safety

This study aimed to explore how invasive slug populations of Arion vulgaris influenced the microbiological quality and animal feed safety of grass silage, and the efficiency of silage additives and wilting to control the microbiology of slug contaminated crops. The effect of four slug contamination levels, including control, of a grass crop harvested for silage production, was evaluated in laboratory scale. The crop was wilted to two dry matter (DM) levels: low (253g DM/kg) and high (372g DM/kg). Adult slugs were applied to the low DM crop corresponding to 5 (low level), 10 (medium) and 20 (high level) seven-gram sized Arion vulgaris per m2 in an assumed harvested regrowth yield of 2.5ton DM/ha. For the high DM crop, slug weights corresponding to 6 (low level), 12 (medium) and 24 (high level) slugs per m2 were applied. At low DM level, the effect of four additive treatments; control (C), inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), a formic, propionic and benzoic acid mixture (ACID) and a chemical additive containing benzoic acid, NaNO2, hexamethylenetetramine and propionic acid (CHEM) were tested. Slugs, slug feces, grass, soil and silages were analyzed for lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium tyrobutyricum, molds and yeasts by cultivation methods and Clostridium botulinum type C by real-time PCR analysis.Increasing slug contamination reduced the microbial quality of silages by increasing C. tyrobutyricum levels at both silage DM levels. Only silages without slugs and silages treated with the nitrite containing additive CHEM had non-detectable mean levels of C. tyrobutyricum. Increasing slug contamination increased LAB enumerations in silages. No microbes of risk to human or animal health were detected in anaerobic silages even at the highest slug contamination.

Effect of invasive slug populations (Arion vulgaris) on grass silage: I. Fermentation quality, in-silo losses and aerobic stability

This study aimed to explore how invasive slug populations of Arion vulgaris influence fermentation quality, in-silo losses and aerobic stability of grass silage, and the efficiency of silage additives and wilting to improve the quality of silages from slug contaminated crops. The effect of four levels, including control, of a slug contaminated grass crop, was evaluated in laboratory scale. The crop used was wilted to two dry matter (DM) levels: low (253g DM/kg) and high (372g DM/kg). Adult slugs were applied to the low DM crop corresponding to 5 (low level), 10 (medium) and 20 (high level) 7-g sized A. vulgaris per m2 in an assumed harvested regrowth yield of 2.5ton DM per ha. For the high DM crop, the applied slug levels corresponded to 6 (low level), 12 (medium) and 24 (high level) slugs per m2.At low DM level, the effect of four additive treatments, control (C), inoculation with Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), a formic, propionic and benzoic acid mixture (ACID) and a chemical additive containing benzoic acid, NaNO2, hexamethylenetetramine and propionic acid (CHEM) were tested. Increasing slug contamination gave increasing quality reductions both in silages containing 253 and 372g DM/kg. Compared with untreated silage, LP-treatment did not improve silage fermentation quality of contaminated crops. Treatment with ACID and CHEM, however, considerably improved the quality of heavily contaminated silages. The much higher crude protein concentration in slugs compared to grass crop made slugs a more “difficult-to-ensile” material. Wilting of the harvested crop to 372g DM/kg was not sufficient to control silage fermentation of slug contaminated crop. With contamination levels from 138 to 553g fresh slug weight/kg crop DM, efficient silage additives were able to ensure acceptable fermentation quality of grass silages.

Light Intensity Influences Photosynthesis and Crop Characteristics of Jeffersonia dubia

Jeffersonia dubia is a spring-flowering perennial found in rich forests in Korea and Northern China and has potential as an ornamental or medicinal plant. However, illegal picking and land use change have decreased the number of populations and overall population size of this plant in its natural habitat. Although J. dubia has been reported to be a shade-preferring plant, no study has determined the optimum light intensity for its growth. The objectives of this work were to observe the effects of various shading levels on the physiological responses of J. dubia and to determine the proper shading level for cultivation. Treatments consisted of four shading levels (0%, 50%, 75%, and 95% shade) imposed using black mesh cloth. The number of leaves and dry weight increased with decreased shading. The shoot-to-root ratio increased with increased shading, mainly due to decreased root dry weight under shading. Plants showed low net CO 2 assimilation rates and F v/Fm values combined with low dry matter levels when grown under 0% shade (full sunlight). These results indicate that J. dubia plants experience excessive irradiance without shading, resulting in damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. By contrast, the net photosynthesis rate increased as the shading level increased. Fv/Fm, the potential efficiency of PSII, was 0.8 under 95% shade, indicating that J. dubia is well-adapted under heavy shading. However, the low dry matter of plants in the 95% shade treatment indicated that the low light intensity under 95% shade led to a decline in plant growth. Thus, moderate light (50% shading) is recommended for cultivating J. dubia without physiological defects.

Effects of Bacterial Inoculants and Cutting Height on Fermentation Quality of Barley Silage

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of bacterial inoculation (Lactobacillus plantarum) and cutting height on the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in whole crop barley silage. Barley forage (Youngyang hybrid) was harvested at about 27% of dry matter (DM) level at two different cutting height (5 vs. 15 cm). And it was chopped to 5 cm length and treated with or without L. plantarum. Four replicates of each treatment were ensiled into 10 L mini silo (3 kg) for 100 days. After 100 days, bacterial inoculation decreased (p=0.001) DM content, while increased cutting height increased (p=0.002) DM in uninoculated silage. Crude protein (CP) concentration was decreased by increasing height in uninoculated silage (8.84 vs. 8.16) but increased in inoculated silage (8.19 vs. 8.99). Both neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (p<0.011) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (p<0.004) were decreased by increasing cutting height of forage at harvest. The IVDMD and ammonia-N was increased (p=0.001) by increasing cutting height and inoculation, respectively. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was increased (p=0.002) in inoculated silage, but yeast count was decreased (p=0.026) in uninoculated silages. It is concluded that increased cutting height of forage at harvest could be useful to make a fibrous portion with increase of dry matter digestibility of silages.

Comparison of the carbohydrate content in apples and carrots grown in organic and integrated farming systems

The aim of this study was to compare some quality parameters of apples and carrots from organic and integrated farming systems. In addition, the cultivars of carrots were grown in two plant densities (600 or 900 thousand plants per hectare). The fructose, glucose, saccharose and dry matter content of seven apple cultivars (Florina, Zvonkové, Topaz, Šampion, Ontario, Melrose and Idared) and two carrot cultivars (Afalon F1 and Cortina F1) were analysed by HPLC and gravimetric methods, respectively. Significant differences were found between organic and integrated apple samples. The interactions between cultivars and farming methods were also significant (p &lt;0.0001). The dry matter and sugar level tendencies were not the same for all apple cultivars. Conversely, more consistent data were obtained for the two carrot cultivars. The bio carrots of both cultivars showed significantly lower dry matter content (p = 0.0004) and higher carbohydrate content (pfructose = 0.0303, pglucose = 0.0003, psucrose = 0.0083) than the samples from integrated production. Other factors like cultivar and plant density also played an important role in sugar content in carrots. Different densities of plants significantly affected the glucose content (p = 0.0373). Cultivar Aftalon F1 showed higher concentration of monosaccharides compared to Cortina F1 (pfructose = 0.0001 and pglucose &lt;0.0001).

Chemical composition of colostrum from Azawak cow in Niger compared with meta-analytical data

This study aimed at comparing data obtained from Azawak zebu colostrum with literature data. The comparison was performed by a meta-analytical approach. Colostrum samples were hand-collected after 5 h from seven Azawak cows at calving between August 27 and September 10, 2009 in the Sahel. For data from literature, 21 references were identified in the following analytical databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Google scholar, Collection from University of Liege. The references were selected according to the following two criteria: (i) only studies reported on bovine colostrum were used irrespective of breeds, and (ii) among the selected studies, those not providing complete information to allow meta-analytical calculation were excluded. Samples were analysed for immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM and IgA), lactoferrin and chemical composition (dry mater, protein, fat, lactose, ash, Ca, P, NA, K and Mg). The mean levels of IgG, IgM, dry matter, protein and fat for Azawak cows were lower (P &lt; 0.001) than those obtained in other breeds; however, colostrum from the Azawak was higher in IgA but the difference was not significant. For lactose and ash, mean values for Azawak cows were higher (P &lt; 0.001) than those from the literature. Contents of Ca, P, Na and Mg in Azawak bovine colostrum were significantly higher (P &lt; 0.001) than the mean levels in form the literature data. In conclusion, the colostrum from Azawak cows appears to be lower in most immunoglobulins, in fat and in protein than the values reported in the literature, but higher in lactose and minerals. This could be an adaptation to Sahelian constraints.

The effect of biodegradable direct covers on the root development, yield and quality of cucumber

ABSTRACT The results of three years (2009-2011) of field studies using two types of biodegradable nonwoven covers (aromatic polyester IBWCH 75 g m-2 and polylactic acid PLA 54 g m-2) on the yield, quality and root development of cucumber are presented. Seeds of parthenocarpic cucumber (‘Mirabelle’ F1) were sown directly into the field at the beginning of May/June and covered with nonwoven field covers. A plot that remained uncovered served as the control. The covers were kept in place until the first flowers appeared. Cucumbers were harvested every three days for 5-6 weeks. Fruits were evaluated for dry matter, soluble sugars and nitrate content. After the last harvest, whole plants were harvested and evaluated for weight, surface area, total length and average diameter of the roots. The experiment showed that the covers increased the marketable yield of cucumber in 2009 and 2010 (regardless of the type of polymer), but did not influence the yield in 2011. In 2011 the fruits from the covered plots had higher levels of soluble sugars and dry matter in comparison to the control. The covers did not influence root development.

Chemical composition and dry matter digestibility of sugar cane oxide treated with calcium

The aim of this study was to identify the most adequate level of calcium oxide (CaO) in the treatment of sugar cane by evaluating the chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of dry matter. The sugar cane was homogenized with CaO levels 0, 0.75, 1.5, 2.25, 3.0, 3.75 and 4.5%, in natura matter, for 24 hours. The dry matter and mineral matter increased, while the organic matter of the sugar cane decreased (P &lt;0.05) linearly as a result of the CaO levels. The CaO had no effect on the levels of crude protein and ether extract. The phosphorus concentration remained unchanged, but there was a significant increase (P&lt;0.05) in the calcium content. The contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and cellulose decreased linearly with the levels of CaO. The average levels of indigestible dry matter and indigestible neutral detergent fiber significantly decreased with increasing levels of CaO. The results showed that the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) was different between fresh sugar cane and sugar cane with added levels of CaO from 1.5%. The IVDMD and nutritional value of the sugar cane was improved by adding 1.5% CaO based on fresh content.

Chronic exposure of Rutilus rutilus caspicus fingerlings to ambient copper

An 8-week trial was conducted to investigate the effect of ambient copper (Cu) on growth performance, physiological characteristics and stress resistance of Caspian roach, Rutilus rutilus caspicus. Fish were exposed to 0 (control), 0.02, 0.04 and 0.06 ppm Cu, and their food intake and growth performance were fortnightly recorded. Also, serum cortisol, glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and sodium (Na) levels were determined after 2 and 8 weeks exposure to ambient Cu. At the end of trial, serum total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-globulin ratio (A:G) levels, whole body proximate composition and stress tolerance of the fish were measured. Results showed that Cu exposure resulted in a significant suppression in food intake after 2 weeks, which was eliminated after 4 weeks in 0.02 ppm groups and after 6 weeks in 0.04 and 0.06 ppm groups. Cu exposure brought about an inferior growth that recovered in line with the experiment progression, following a dose-dependent manner. Cu-exposed fish showed a dose-dependent increase in serum cortisol, glucose and ALT as well as decrease in serum Na, after 2 weeks. These parameters showed a full recovery in 0.02 ppm group and a partial recovery in 0.04 and 0.06 ppm groups, at the 8th week. Significant suppression in serum total protein, albumin, globulin and A:G levels and whole body dry matter, lipid and protein levels as well as stress resistance was observed in 0.04 and 0.06 ppm groups. It is concluded that Cu exposure could adversely affect growth performance, physiological characteristics and stress resistance of Caspian roach, which might affect its ecological features.

High dietary lipids elevate carbon loss without sparing protein in adequate protein-fed juvenile turbot (Psetta maxima)

This study was undertaken to determine the effects of dietary lipid levels on growth and nutrient utilization, and carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) balances in juvenile turbot (Psetta maxima) in brackish water. Four isonitrogenous diets (50 % protein) differing in dietary lipid levels from 10 to 19 by 3 % increments (named 10L, 13L, 16L and 19L, respectively) were fed to four replicate groups of fish with an initial weight of 54.4 ± 0.2 g for 9 weeks. Significantly better growth and feed conversion ratio were observed in fish fed 13L than those fed 16L and 19L. The whole body, fillet, viscera and liver dry matter and lipid levels were increased as dietary lipid was increased. Liver protein levels were lower in 16L and 19L than 10L. There was an ascending pattern in the whole-body C levels and C/N ratios with the increase in dietary lipids. No significant effect of dietary lipids on either protein efficiency ratio or N and P retentions was detected. Dietary lipids led to an increase in C losses to the environment. Overall, high dietary lipids when introduced at an adequate protein level did reduce growth and feed utilization without a protein-sparing effect and resulted in higher C losses in juvenile turbot reared, and a dietary lipid level of about 13 % seemed to be optimum.

QUALITY TRAITS OF SOME CAULIFLOWER CULTIVARS GROWN IN THE "VALLE DELL' OFANTO" AREA (ITALY) AS AFFECTED BY POSTHARVEST STORAGE

Some quality characteristics of the Valle dellOfanto cauliflower, that has been recently appointed the certification of collective brand, were investigated at Gaudiano (41°03’N; 15°42'E, Southern Italy, Basilicata Region). Six white head cauli-flower cultivars, characterized by a different length of the crop cycle (2 early, 2 medium and 2 late), were studied. The above cultivars were transplanted in open field at the middle of August 2004 and harvested from the middle of October 2004 to the end of March 2005. At harvest time, yield traits and head sizes of cauliflowers were measured. Among the qualitative traits, color, weight loss, total soluble solids, nitrate and vitamin C content were assessed on the fresh florets and after a storage period lasting 15 days at 0°C and 95% R.H. The Valle dell'Ofanto cauliflower was characterized by a high content in sugars and vitamin C, even if significant differences in some qualitative parameters (e.g., vitamin C and nitrate content) were affected by cultivars and crop cycle length. On the other hand, the storage at controlled temperature and R.H. did not substantially change the qualitative characteristics of the heads, but caused only a slight increase of dry matter and soluble solids levels, especially in those cultivars more susceptible to weight loss.

Exogenous hydrogen peroxide increases dry matter production, mineral content and level of osmotic solutes in young maize leaves and alleviates deleterious effects of copper stress.

BackgroundThe effects of exogenously applied H2O2 on growth, water status, the mineral ion content (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and Cu2+), proline, total sugars and soluble proteins were assessed in leaves of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars, Akpinar and Pegaso exposed to excess copper (0.5 mM). Seedlings were grown in equal-sizes plastic pots and irrigated with Hoagland nutrient solution containing H2O2 or/and copper. Different treatments taken for pot experiments were named as the control (C), H2O2 treatment only (H2O2), excess Cu (Cu) and, Cu stress combined with H2O2 pretreatment (Cu + H2O2).ResultsTreatment of H2O2 caused the increases in growth, water content, mineral concentration, proline, total sugar and soluble protein contents compared to the control groups in the leaves of both cultivars. Yet excess copper caused reductions in the growth, leaf water potential, Na+, K+, Ca+, Mg2+ concentrations and soluble protein levels but increases in proline, total soluble sugars and Cu2+ contents compared to the control group. Dry matter, leaf water potential and mineral content of Cu + H2O2 group revealed a lower decrease than Cu group ones. A higher increase was also observed in proline and total sugar contents of Cu + H2O2 group than Cu group ones in both cultivars.ConclusionsThese data revealed that exogenous H2O2 might increase the dry matter production and the mineral ion distribution in maize seedlings. Moreover, osmotic regulation might be involved in alleviation of copper toxicity of maize leaves by pretreatment of H2O2.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1999-3110-54-26) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Biomass and nutrient accumulation pattern of leguminous tree seedlings grown on mine tailings amended with organic waste

Iron mining is an important activity for the world's economy; however, it raises environmental concerns associated with difficulties in revegetating mine tailings. The addition of amendments and the right choice of plant species have been assumed to be important steps in promoting plant growth in degraded lands. This study was carried out to evaluate the potential of organic waste from shrimp farms to amend mine tailings and thereby improve both plant growth and nutrient accumulation. An experiment was set up in randomised blocks with a 5×3 factorial scheme and four replicates. The treatments featured five different quantities of organic waste (0, 2, 4, 8 and 12Mgha−1) and three plant species (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia Benth, Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit and Mimosa hostilis Benth). Seedlings were grown for 90 days in pots filled with mine tailings mixed with organic waste. Above- and belowground dry matter and macro- and micronutrient accumulation were evaluated. Low levels of aboveground dry matter and higher root/shoot ratios were observed in L. leucocephala, which also presented low aboveground Na accumulation. An increase in plant dry matter was observed with the addition of 12Mgha−1 of organic waste, whereas an increase in N accumulation was observed with the addition of 8Mgha−1 of organic waste. The relative magnitudes of aboveground macro- and micronutrient accumulations were N>Ca>K>Mg>P and Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu, respectively. The relative magnitudes of belowground macro- and micronutrient accumulations were N>K>Ca>Mg>P and Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu, respectively. The species with the best potential to stimulate nutrient cycling and salt extraction were M. caesalpiniaefolia and M. hostilis, whereas L. leucocephala presented the best adaptation to drought conditions.