Dry Matter Levels Research Articles

English

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) stem pulp is widely consumed in Nigeria as a snack mainly for sugar content and is believed to possess some remedy against infectious diseases. This study therefore quantitatively evaluated the nutritional and chemical composition of the sugarcane stem pulp with a view to validating this claim. The results of proximate composition indicate relatively high amount of moisture (71.91 ± 0.05%) and a low level of dry matter (28.09%) consisting of carbohydrate (58.55 ± 0.04 g/100 g), fibre (29.88 g/100 g), ash (6.69 g/100 g) and some mineral elements, implying an active role in nutrient supplementation. Generous amounts of phytochemical compounds such as alkaloids (8.07 ± 0.04  µg/100 g), saponins (5.57 ± 0.01 µg/100 g) and flavonoids (1.52 ± 0.02 µg/100 g); and mineral elements including magnesium (1.596 mg/100 g), potassium (0.639 mg/100 g), calcium (0.318 mg/100 g) and others in trace amounts were also  obtained. .Antimicrobial results revealed that the sugarcane extract showed the highest growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (8.67 - 24.00 mm) among the bacterial isolates and C. albicans (6.00 – 14.00 mm) for the fungal isolates studied. Data from the study suggest that sugarcane stem pulp could be suitable for use in rehydration and as a functional food plant. Also, the plant possesses some antimicrobial qualities which could be beneficial to both pharmaceutical and food industries. Key words: Saccharum officinarum, sugarcane, proximate analysis, mineral, phytochemical, antimicrobial.

Topical Application of Aloe vera Accelerated Wound Healing, Modeling, and Remodeling: An Experimental Study.

Treatment of large wounds is technically demanding and several attempts have been taken to improve wound healing. Aloe vera has been shown to have some beneficial roles on wound healing but its mechanism on various stages of the healing process is not clear. This study was designed to investigate the effect of topical application of A. vera on cutaneous wound healing in rats. A rectangular 2 × 2-cm cutaneous wound was created in the dorsum back of rats. The animals were randomly divided into 3 groups of control (n = 20), low-dose (n = 20), and high-dose (n = 20) A. vera. The control and treated animals were treated daily with topical application of saline, low-dose (25 mg/mL), and high-dose (50 mg/mL) A. vera gel, up to 10 days, respectively. The wound surface, wound contraction, and epithelialization were monitored. In each group, the animals were euthanized at 10 (n = 5), 20 (n = 5), and 30 (n = 10) days post injury (DPI). At 10, 20, and 30 DPI, the skin samples were used for histopathological and biochemical investigations; and at 30 DPI, the skin samples were also subjected for biomechanical studies. Aloe vera modulated the inflammation, increased wound contraction and epithelialization, decreased scar tissue size, and increased alignment and organization of the regenerated scar tissue. A dose-dependent increase in the tissue level of dry matter, collagen, and glycosaminoglycans' content was seen in the treated lesions, compared to the controls. The treated lesions also demonstrated greater maximum load, ultimate strength, and modulus of elasticity compared to the control ones (P < 0.05). Topical application of A. vera improved the biochemical, morphological, and biomechanical characteristics of the healing cutaneous wounds in rats. This treatment option may be valuable in clinical practice.

Tuber Quality Characteristics of Ecuadorian Potato Landraces and Farmer Preferences

Antioxidants, such as polyphenols and carotenoids, are present in potato and reported to have positive effects on human health. For Ecuadorian landraces there is a lack of data on these compounds. The present study aims 1) to characterize potato landraces from three areas in Ecuador for dry matter, total polyphenol and total carotenoid contents and 2) to determine if farmer preferences for certain landraces are based on characteristics related to nutritional value. We evaluated 23 potato landraces collected from farmer’s fields and organized workshops in the areas to collect information on the preferences of local farmers. We found varying levels of dry matter, total polyphenol and total carotenoid contents among Ecuadorian potato landraces, some even comparable to improved varieties. The extent of the use of these potato landraces by farmers and breeders is discussed.Accepted for publication: June 30, 2012.

Effect of glycine supplementation in low protein diets with amino acids from soy protein isolate or free amino acids on broiler growth and nitrogen utilisation

Here, it was investigated whether substitution of amino acids (AA) from soy protein isolate with free AA in low crude protein diets influences the growth performance and N utilisation in broilers, and whether interactions with dietary glycine equivalent (Glyequi) concentration exist.Birds were distributed in two 2 × 2 factorial arrangements of 48 floor pens containing 10 birds each, plus 48 metabolism cages containing two birds each. Experimental feed was provided for ad libitum consumption from d 7 to 22. Diets contained either a soy protein isolate at 79 g/kg or a mix of free AA, which supplied the same amount of 18 proteinogenic AA. A mix of free glycine and l-serine was used to obtain low and high (12.0 and 20.5 g/kg dry matter) levels of dietary Glyequi.Substitution of soy protein isolate with free AA reduced the average daily gain and feed efficiency, mainly due to reduced feed intake. Efficiency of N accretion was not influenced by the AA source or Glyequi concentration on d 21, possibly due to the lower AA digestibility of soy protein isolate and higher urinary excretion of nitrogenous substances in the treatments with the AA mix.The average daily weight gain of the treatments with high Glyequi concentration was higher for both AA sources. This increase was due to higher average daily feed intake by broilers in the treatments with soy protein isolate and due to the increased feed efficiency in the treatments with the AA mix. Broilers exhibited different growth responses to dietary Glyequi between the AA sources; however, these responses could not be attributed to the different utilisation of Glyequi for uric acid synthesis.

Impact on soil physical properties of using large-grain legumes for catch crop cultivation under different tillage conditions

Abstract In Central Europe, various plant species including large-grain legumes and their mixtures are grown as catch crops, particularly between grains harvested early and subsequent summer crops. This article investigates the question of how soil structure in the topsoil is influenced when catch cropping with large-grain legumes (experimental factor A: without catch crop, with catch crop) under different ploughless tillage conditions during catch crop seeding (experimental factor B: deep tillage/25–30 cm, shallow tillage/8–10 cm). Five one-year trials were performed using standard machinery at various sites in Germany. Soil core samples extracted from the topsoil in the spring after catch crop cultivation served to identify air capacity, saturated hydraulic conductivity and precompression stress. The above-ground and below-ground biomass yields of the catch crops were also determined at most of the sites. In addition, the soil compaction risk for the working steps in the experiments was calculated using the REPRO model. The dry matter yield of the catch crops varied considerably between the individual trial sites and years. In particular, high levels of dry matter were able to form in the case of early seeding and a sufficient supply of precipitation. The soil structure was only rarely affected positively by catch crop cultivation, and catch crops did not contribute in the short term to loosening already compacted topsoils. In contrast, mechanical soil stresses caused by driving over the ground and additional working steps used in cultivating catch crops often led to lower air capacity in these treatments. This is consistent with the soil compaction risks calculated using the REPRO model, which were higher in the treatments with catch cropping. Catch crop cultivation also only resulted in improved mechanical stability at one location. The positive effect of deep ploughless tillage on air capacity and saturated hydraulic conductivity, however, became more clearly evident regardless of catch crop cultivation. In order for catch crop cultivation with large-grain legumes to be able to have a favourable impact on soil structure, it is therefore important that cultivating them does not result in any new soil compaction. In the conditions evaluated, deep tillage was more effective at loosening compacted topsoil than growing catch crops.

Perdas, perfil fermentativo e composição química das silagens de capim Brachiaria decumbens com inclusão de farelo de arroz

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do farelo de arroz sobre as perdas por gases e efluente, o perfil fermentativo e a composição química das silagens de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk ensilado em silos de laboratório. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos: 0; 10; 20, 30 e 40g/kg de farelo de arroz, com base na matéria natural da gramínea. Os valores das perdas por gases e efluentes foram reduzidos linearmente em 0,11 e 0,39g/kg MS, enquanto a recuperação da matéria seca aumentou linearmente em 0,32g/kg MS. Houve comportamento quadrático nos valores de pH e, redução linear para os valores de N-amoniacal e poder tampão, estimados em 1,1 e 0,5g/kg MS. As concentrações de ácido acético, butírico e propiônico foram reduzidas linearmente em 0,1; 0,008 e 0,006g/kg MS, enquanto a de ácido láctico aumentou linearmente em 0,5g/kg MS. Cada unidade porcentual de farelo de arroz promoveu aumento linear de 4,3; 1,8; 7,1 e 7,0g/kg nos teores de matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo e nutrientes digestíveis totais, e redução linear de 6,9; 4,3 e 2,6g/kg MS nos teores de fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e hemicelulose. A inclusão de 10g/kg de farelo de arroz já assegura diminuição das perdas por gases e efluentes, aumento na recuperação de matéria seca, proporcionando melhorias no perfil fermentativo e na composição química das silagens.

English

Culcasia scandens P. Beauv is a tall climbering plant which grows abundantly in the southern part of Nigeria. It is acclaimed by traditional users to be a potent anti-inflammatory herb. Current study was designed to investigate the nutritional values of Culcasia scandens to rule out the possible therapeutic effects of the herb. The study was carried out by employing spectrophotometric methods for determining the overall nutritional content of the herb. The result of proximate analysis showed that the Culcasia scaudens had high levels of dry matter (91.17±0.01), carbohydrate (45.89±0.02), crude protein (21.71±0.01) and crude fibre 10.97±0.01 with relative low percentage of lipid (2.74±0.00), moisture (8.83±0.01). The result also recorded high levels of retinol (184.00±0.00), niacin (54.00) and folic acid (28.40±0.00) with low levels of ascorbic acid (0.08±0.01), thiamin (0.24±0.00), riboflavin (0.66±0.00) and tocopherol (1.03±0.00). The higher amounts of the proximate contents and vitamins indicated that besides the leaves are being used as traditional medicinal, this herb can serve as good source of nutrients to human as well.

Double use of highly concentrated sweet whey to improve the biomass production and viability of spray-dried probiotic bacteria

Preservation of probiotics represents a challenge as the probiotic market increases. A simplified process from growth to drying of probiotics was investigated by utilizing sweet whey as a double-used medium. Its total solid content (TS) was increased in order to achieve one-step drying of bacterial cultures with higher levels of dry matter. Two probiotic strains, Lactobacilllus casei BL23 and Propionibacterium freudenreichii ITG P20, were used in this study. Interestingly, after increasing the TS of sweet whey from 5 to 20 or 30%, final population of both probiotic strains was higher, instead of being inhibited by the high osmolality. The final L. casei population was less dependent on casein peptone supplementation. The probiotic survival after spray drying was also improved when grown in culture media with 20 and 30% TS. Moreover, the probiotics in the powders from these higher TS culture media maintained considerably more stable viability over 4 month's storage at 4 °C.

Economic and environmental effects of providing increased amounts of solid feed to veal calves

Traditionally, veal calves receive most of their nutrients from milk replacer (MR). Nowadays, however, solid feed (SF; i.e., concentrates and roughages) increasingly substitutes for MR. Studies have shown that providing SF reduces different types of nonnutritive oral behaviors. The objective of this study was to assess the economic and environmental effects of substituting SF for MR in veal calf diets. With respect to environmental effects, we considered the emission of greenhouse gases and land occupation. Substitution rates were based on an experiment in which 160 calves were provided 2 mixtures of SF at 4 levels of dry matter (DM) intake. Mixtures of SF contained either 80% concentrates, 10% corn silage, and 10% straw on DM basis (C80) or 50% concentrates, 25% corn silage, and 25% straw (C50). The 4 levels of SF during the last 17 wk of the fattening period were 20, 100, 180, and 260kg of DM SF. Additionally, provision of MR was adjusted to achieve equal rates of carcass gain. Substitution rates, representing the SF equivalent needed to substitute for 1kg of DM MR, were 1.43kg of DM for C80 and 1.61kg of DM for C50. Economic effects were assessed based on prices and substitution rates of SF for MR and the possible penalty for carcass color. Environmental effects were assessed based on effects related to the production of feed ingredients, substitution rates, and changes in enteric methane emission and energy use for feed preparation. Costs of feeding SF needed to substitute for 1kg of DM MR were €0.68 lower for C80 and €0.71 lower for C50, compared with the costs of feeding 1kg of DM MR. When carcass color scores became too high, however, lower feeding costs were offset by lower revenues from meat. Emissions of greenhouse gases were hardly affected when SF intake was increased. In general, increased enteric methane emission were offset by lower emissions from feed production and energy use. Land occupation increased when intake of SF was increased, mostly because of the high land occupation associated with some concentrate ingredients. In conclusion, this study only showed a negative effect on land occupation when substituting SF for part of the MR in diets of veal calves. Effects on costs and greenhouse gas emissions were neutral or positive.

Iron Availability in Tropical Soils and Iron Uptake by Plants

Given the increase in crop yields and the expansion of agriculture in low fertility soils, deficiency of micronutrients, such as iron, in plants grown in tropical soils has been observed. The aim of this study was to evaluate Fe availability and Fe uptake by corn (Zea mays L.) plants in 13 different soils, at two depths. Iron was extracted by Mehlich-1, Mehlich-3, and CaCl2 (Fe-CC) and was fractionated in forms related to low (Feo) and high (Fed) crystallinity pedogenic oxyhydroxides, and organic matter (Fep) using ammonium oxalate, dithionite-citrate, and sodium pyrophosphate, respectively. In order to relate Fe availability to soil properties and plant growth, an experiment was carried out in a semi-hydroponic system in which part of the roots developed in a nutrient solution (without Fe) and part in the soil (the only source of Fe). Forty-five days after seeding, we quantified shoot dry matter and leaf Fe concentration and content. Fed levels were high, from 5 to 132 g kg-1, and Feo and Fe-CC levels were low, indicating the predominance of Fe as crystalline oxyhydroxides and a low content of Fe readily available to plants. The extraction solutions showed significant correlations with various soil properties, many common to both, indicating that they act similarly. The correlation between the Mehlich-1 and Mehlich-3 extraction solutions was highly significant. However, these two extraction methods were inefficient in predicting Fe availability to plants. There was a positive correlation between dry matter and Fe levels in plant shoots, even within the ranges considered adequate in the soil and in the plant. Dry matter production and leaf Fe concentration and content were positively correlated with Fep concentration, indicating that the Fe fraction related to soil organic matter most contributes to Fe availability to plants.

Prediction and evaluation of enteric methane emissions from lactating dairy cows using different levels of covariate information

The dairy sector contributes to global warming through enteric methane (CH4) emissions. Methane is also a loss of energy to the ruminant. Several studies have developed CH4 prediction models to assess mitigation strategies to reduce emissions. However, the majority of these models have low predictive ability or require numerous inputs that are often not readily available in commercial dairy operations. In this context, the objective of the present paper was to develop CH4 prediction models by using varying levels of information available at the farm level. The seven complexity levels used the following information: (1) dietary nutrient composition, (2) milk yield and composition, (3) Levels 1 and 2, (4) Level 3 plus dry matter intake (DMI), (5) Level 4 plus bodyweight, (6) Level 2 plus DMI, and (7) DMI only. Models were fitted to 489 individual enteric-CH4 measurements from 30 indirect calorimetry studies and evaluated with an independent database comprising 215 treatment means from 62 studies collected from the literature. Within each complexity level, all possible mixed-effect models were fitted and those with the lowest values of Akaike or Bayesian information criteria were selected using lme4 package in R. Models were evaluated using mean square prediction error (MSPE) based statistic, root MSPE (RMSPE) to observation standard deviation ratio, concordance correlation coefficient and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency methods. All fitted models performed well with an acceptable error estimates (RMSPE as a percentage of observed mean (RMSPE%) = 16–24%), with more than two-thirds of total error originating from random bias. Overall, models with DMI were more accurate (RMSPE% = 16–20%) than those without (RMSPE% = 20–24%). Although the best prediction model (RMSPE% = 16%) was developed using Level 5 information, a model using Level 2 information is recommended for on-farm methane estimates if DMI is not measured. The proposed models offer easy and practical tools to dairy producers for predicting CH4 emissions and evaluating CH4 mitigation strategies.

Licuri oil supplements for lactating cows on pasture

Lima, L. S., Oliveira, R. L., Garcez Neto, A. F., Bagaldo, A. R., Abreu, C. L., Silva, T. M., Carvalho, S. T. and Bezerra, L. R. 2015. Licuri oil supplements for lactating cows on pasture. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 617–624. As licuri [Syagrus coronata (Martius) Beccari] oil can be a beneficial energy source in the diet of lactating cows managed on pasture, this study aimed to determine the most effective level of licuri oil in feed supplements. Sixteen Holstein×Zebu crossbreed lactating cows grazing on Tanzania (Panicum maximum) pasture grass were grouped into two 4×4 simultaneous Latin squares; there were four experimental periods of 21 d each, with 17 adaptation days and 4 d of data collection. The treatments were diets containing 0.0, 15.0, 30.0 or 45.0 g kg−1of licuri oil in concentrated dry matter. The intakes of dry matter, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrate levels were not affected by the addition of licuri oil; however, the intake of neutral detergent fiber and total digestible nutrients decreased linearly. Neutral detergent fiber digestibility was reduced linearly with increasing levels of licuri oil in the concentrate. There were no changes in blood glucose levels, but blood urea nitrogen levels varied according to the time of the day when the blood was collected. Inclusion of licuri oil at 45.0 g kg−1in feed concentrates results in improved dry matter and ether extract digestibility.

Influence of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance and the incidence of cannibalism inPseudoplatystoma punctifer (Castelnau, 1855) larvae and early juveniles

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different dietary protein and lipid levels and their ratios on larval growth, survival and the incidence of cannibalism in Pseudoplatystoma punctifer. Larvae were raised in a recirculation system from 3 to 26 days post-fertilization (dpf) (2–25 days post hatching, dph) at an initial density of 40 larvae L−1, 27.8 ± 0.65°C and 0L : 24D photoperiod. Larvae were fed from 4 to 12 dpf with Artemia nauplii and weaned onto four different compound diets from 13 dpf within 3 days, then fed exclusively with these diets until 26 dpf. These diets contained 30 : 15, 30 : 10, 45 : 15 or 45 : 10 protein : lipid (P : L) (in % of dry matter) levels. A control group was fed Artemia nauplii until 17 dpf and weaned thereafter with the 45P : 10L compound diet. The experiment was carried out in triplicate. Results showed higher growth and survival rates and lower incidence of cannibalism in the group fed the 45P : 15L diet than in the other treatments. Differences in larval survival and growth performance were associated with the higher protein and lipid content rather than the protein : lipid ratio of this diet. When comparing diets with the same protein level, the increase in dietary lipid led to an improvement in growth, suggesting that energy from lipids spares protein for growth in P. punctifer fingerlings. An Artemia feeding period longer than 12 dpf did not improve larval growth or survival. (Resume d'auteur)

Evaluation of Five Potato Varieties for Producing French Fries

The present study was conducted on five potato varieties named Diamont, Metro, Dido, Cara and Messi used for French fries production. The results showed a significant effect of variety on gross chemical composition, dry matter, specific gravity, colour, polyphenols and ascorbic acid contents. All studied potato varieties contained considerable amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fiber and could be considered good source of Mg, Na and K. Messi variety had the highest content of dry matter being 25.27% and specific gravity of 1.083 g/cm3, on contrary to Dido variety which had the lowest dry mater and specific gravity being 16.49% and 1.061 g/cm3, respectively. Noticeable amounts of polyphenolsranged between 66.24–102.61 mg /100 g and ascorbic acid (13.9–30.83 mg/100g fresh weight) could be figured out. Colour parameters revealed that, Cara had the highest lightness. Meanwhile, the highest redness was found in Dido and Messi varieties. French fries prepared from all studied varieties were accepted by panelists for all organolepticproperties especially fries prepared from Messi and Dido varieties which possess the highest and lowest levels of dry matter. Therefore, these two varieties were selected to investigate the effect of some suggested approaches that decline oil uptake during French fries processing. The results indicated that drying under vacuum at 60°C for 0.5 and 1 hr, blanching at 95°C for 4min, after soaking in NaCl 3% for 50min, and increasing the thickness of potato sticks could significantly decrease oil uptake of potato sticks during Frech fries processing.

Tritium levels in milk in the vicinity of chronic tritium releases

Tritium is the radioactive isotope of hydrogen. It can be integrated into most biological molecules. Even though its radiotoxicity is weak, the effects of tritium can be increased following concentration in critical compartments of living organisms. For a better understanding of tritium circulation in the environment and to highlight transfer constants between compartments, we studied the tritiation of different agricultural matrices chronically exposed to tritium.Milk is one of the most frequently monitored foodstuffs in the vicinity of points known for chronic release of radionuclides firstly because dairy products find their way into most homes but also because it integrates deposition over large areas at a local scale. It is a food which contains all the main nutrients, especially proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. We thus studied the tritium levels of milk in chronic exposure conditions by comparing the tritiation of the main hydrogenated components of milk, first, component by component, then, sample by sample. Significant correlations were found between the specific activities of drinking water and free water of milk as well as between the tritium levels of cattle feed dry matter and of the main organic components of milk. Our findings stress the importance of the metabolism on the distribution of tritium in the different compartments.Overall, dilution of hydrogen in the environmental compartments was found to play an important role dimming possible isotopic effects even in a food chain chronically exposed to tritium.

Toward better understanding of postharvest deterioration: biochemical changes in stored cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots.

Food losses can occur during production, postharvest, and processing stages in the supply chain. With the onset of worldwide food shortages, interest in reducing postharvest losses in cassava has been increasing. In this research, the main goal was to evaluate biochemical changes and identify the metabolites involved in the deterioration of cassava roots. We found that high levels of ascorbic acid (AsA), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), dry matter, and proteins are correlated with overall lower rates of deterioration. On the other hand, soluble sugars such as glucose and fructose, as well as organic acids, mainly, succinic acid, seem to be upregulated during storage and may play a role in the deterioration of cassava roots. Cultivar Branco (BRA) was most resilient to postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD), while Oriental (ORI) was the most susceptible. Our findings suggest that PPO, AsA, and proteins may play a distinct role in PPD delay.

Growth promoting effects of a multi-strain probiotic on common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerlings

Probiotics have shown beneficial effects on growth parameters of various food animals. In this research, the growth promoting effects of a multi-strain probiotic was investigated on common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Accordingly, 200 fish (6-7g) were randomly allocated to 4 experimental groups. The first group received placebo and was served as the negative control. The second group received the prebiotic Fermacto at 3g/kg diet and was considered as the positive control. The remaining 2 groups received a multi-strain probiotic (PTX) at 75 and 150mg/kg feed, respectively. The body weights and lengths of all fish were measured at the end of the experiment (day 45). The amounts of protein, fat, ash and dry matter of fish meat were analyzed in all experimental groups (n= 6 each). The probiotic, at 75mg/kg feed, significantly increased the body weights and lengths, as well as the condition factor. Consistently, the feed conversion rate was lower in PTX treated groups. The percentage of meat fat was significantly lower in groups receiving either the probiotic at 150mg/kg feed, or Fermacto, compared to the control. The fish receiving PTX at 150mg/kg feed showed significantly higher amounts of meat protein. The levels of meat ash and meat dry matter were not statistically different compared to the control group. The present study suggests that PTX, at 75mg/kg feed, is effective in improving the growth and feed conversion rates of common carps

The Effect of Sex on the Dressing Percentage, Carcass, and Organ Quality in the Fallow Deer (Dama Dama)

Abstract Basic carcass characteristics, the quality traits of meat and internal organs from 10 fallow deer bucks and 10 does aged from 31 to 32 months were investigated. No sex effects on the bled body weight, meat yield and carcass composition were found. A significantly higher weight of mesenteric and omental fat (by 0.44 kg) was found for does. The combined share of muscle and fat in the carcass parts ranged from 77.9 to 78.5%, and the share of bones from 21.5 to 22.1%. No sex effects were found for the pH and water holding capacity measurements. Venison from males was characterized by a significantly higher thermal drip value (P=0.043) and higher L* (P=0.026), a* (P=0.010) and b* (P=0.036) values compared to does. The extracted fat content was significantly higher for females compared to males (P=0.009). The chemical analysis of deer edible by-products indicated the highest level of protein for the liver (17%), and the highest level of dry matter and fat for the tongue (33-34% and 15-18%, respectively).

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant Activities and Chemical Composition of Lactarius deliciosus (L.) Collected from Kastamonu Province of Turkey

SUMMARY Lactarius deliciosus (L.) is a well known mushroom which is widely used as a food in Kastamonu province of Turkey. In this sudy, the antimicrobial properties of acetone, ethanol, DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) and water extracts from L. deliciosus (L.) were evaluated the effect against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungi. The highest inhibitory activity was determined against P. aeruginosa (30±0.0 mm, zone diameter) with acetone and ethanol extracts. On the other hand, the weakest inhibitory activity was determined against S. aureus and C . albicans (9±0.0 mm, zone diameter) with DMSO and distilled water extract of mushroom. Also, in this study, L. deliciosus (L.) was analyzed for proximate chemical constituents (moisture, fat, protein, ash and dry matter). Moisture, fat, protein, ash and dry matter levels of the mushroom were found as 8.75±0.72, 2.64±0.16, 75.25±0.15, 4.61±0.03, 89.96±0.24% mg/100g respectively. The quantitative estimation of the total phenolic contents and flavonoid quantification of L. deliciosus were determined by a colorimetric method. The total phenolic content and total flavonoid were found as 4,84±0,32 mg GAE /g extract and 2,76±0,03 mg/g. The antioxidative activity of the mushroom was elucidated by DPPH free radical scavenging capacity. As a result; DPPH scavenging activity of methanolic mushroom extract was found to be IC 50: ›17. In this study showed that the L. deliciosus not only in terms of nutritional value is also noteworthy that the therapeutically. Keywords: L. deliciosus (L.), antimicrobial, antioxidant, chemical composition

Biological responses in mullet Mugil liza juveniles fed with guar gum supplemented diets

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of adding guar gum, a non-starch polysaccharide, to the diet of Mugil liza juveniles. The juveniles (mean weight=0.38±0.01g) were fed one of three diets with increasing supplement levels (4%, 8%, and 12%) and a control diet without additional gum for 60 days, in order to evaluate the effects on zootechnical performance, proximate composition, liver parameters, morphological alterations to the intestinal tract, and modulation of gastrointestinal microbiota. The animals fed 8% and 12% gum presented a significantly lower mean final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, food intake rate, and protein intake rate than the control. Adding gum to the diets also reduced the dry matter, crude protein, and carcass fat levels. All treatments with added gum resulted in increased liver glycogen, and the cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in fish fed 4% and 8% supplement levels. No intestinal morphological alterations were observed in the animals. However, a modulating effect was noted on the microbial community, altering the bacterial quantity and composition throughout the tract segments. The use of guar gum is not recommended in Mugil liza diets, at least above 4%.