Ether Extract Levels Research Articles

Effect of Aspergillus niger fermented soybean meal and sunflower oil cake on growth, carcass composition and haemolymph indices in Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931

Commercial solvent extracted soybean meal (SBM) and sunflower oil cake (SFC) were fermented using the fungus, Aspergillus niger. A 45-day indoor feeding trial was carried out to assess the effect of these fermented ingredients on growth, carcass composition and haemolymph indices in Penaeus vannamei. Nine iso‑nitrogenous diets were formulated by replacing fishmeal (w/w) with untreated/fermented SBM (200, 250, 300. 350 and 400g/kg) and SFC (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100g/kg). Each diet was randomly allotted to three tanks holding 20 shrimp per tank under flow-through culture condition (1.5ml/min). Results revealed that there was no significant difference in the growth between animals fed on diets containing fermented SBM up to 350g/kg and fermented SFC up to 50g/kg and those fed on the control diet, whereas, the level of inclusion was 250 and 25g/kg for the respective untreated materials. However, the broken-line analysis indicated that maximum inclusion level of fermented SBM and fermented SFC was 325.1 and 32.6g/kg respectively. Better feed efficiency measures were obtained with diets formulated using the fermented ingredients when compared to those formulated using the respective untreated ingredients. A significant increase was observed in ether extract levels of shrimp fed on the diets containing test ingredients when compared to those fed on control diet. Haemolymph indices showed a significant difference in total protein, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides levels between the dietary treatments. The results of this study indicate that the fungal fermented ingredients could be used as potential protein sources rather than untreated materials in the diet of P. vannamei.

Effect of mixed feeds containing different levels of olive cake on fattening performance, carcass, meat quality and fatty acids of lambs.

In this study, the effects of diet including different levels of olive cake were investigated on the fattening performance, blood parameters, certain slaughtering traits, and carcass quality of lambs. Thirty-six male lambs were used in the experiment. The lambs were randomly assigned to three groups with 12 lambs each. Groups included control, 12.5 and 25% olive cake (OC). The mixed feeds were offered ad libitum. All lambs were also allowed to consume alfalfa hay (83.8gDM/animal/day). The experiment lasted for a period of 56days. The effect of different levels of olive cake was not found different in fattening performance values of lambs in 0-56days (P>0.05). Carcass weight, pH, and yield were not different (P>0.05). While the values of color parameters, cooking loss, tenderness, and ether extract level of longissimus dorsi muscle (MLD) was not found different (P>0.05), it was determined that the levels of olive cake increased the water-holding capacity of meat (P<0.05). Furthermore, although the levels of olive cake were shown to decrease total n-3 and total saturated fatty acids (Σ SFA), they also increased total n-6, n-6/n-3 ratio, total monounsaturated fatty acids (Σ MUFA), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (Σ PUFA) were not different (P>0.05).

Replacement of soybean meal by sunflower cake in heifers finished on pasture: meat quality

Twenty heifers aged 24 months from the Nellore breed were finished on pasture and supplemented during 120 days at 0.8% bodyweight with sunflower cake, which replaced bran soybeans, at proportions of 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%. Concentrated diets for supplementation were isoproteic (28% crude protein), with ether extract levels of 3.68%, 5.65%, 8.82% and 11.00%, respectively. Longissimus muscle, between the 12th and 13th rib, from the left half carcass were removed and used for the analysis of meat quality. The pH, water-holding capacity, cooking loss, shear force, meat colour, chemical composition, sensory characteristics and fatty acids profile were assessed. There were no significant differences in the studied attributes by the replacement of soybean meal by sunflower cake. Only the fatty acid profile presented slight differences between diets (P ≤ 0.05) containing C15:0, C20:0 and C20:3n-6 fatty acids. In conclusion, the replacement of soybean meal by sunflower cake does not alter the qualitative and sensory characteristics of meat from Nellore heifers finished on pasture.

Evaluation of feed value of a by-product of pickled radish for ruminants: analyses of nutrient composition, storage stability, and in vitro ruminal fermentation

BackgroundBy-products of pickled radish (BPR) are considered food waste. Approximately 300 g/kg of the total mass of raw materials becomes BPR. Production of pickled radish has grown continuously and is presently about 40,000 metric tons annually in Korea. The objective of the present study was thus to explore the possibility of using BPR as a ruminant feed ingredient.ResultsBPR contained a large amount of moisture (more than 800 g/kg) and ash, and comprised mostly sodium (103 g/kg DM) and chloride (142 g/kg DM). On a dry matter basis, the crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) levels in BPR were 75 g/kg and 7 g/kg, respectively. The total digestible nutrient (TDN) level was 527 g/kg and the major portion of digestible nutrients was carbohydrate; 88 % organic matter (OM) was carbohydrate and 65 % of total carbohydrate was soluble or degradable fiber. The coefficient of variation (CV) of nutrient contents among production batches ranged from 4.65 to 33.83 %. The smallest CV was observed in OM, and the largest, in EE. The variation in CP content was relatively small (10.11 %). The storage stability test revealed that storage of BPR at 20 °C (room temperature) might not cause spoilage for 4 d, and possibly longer. If BPR is refrigerated, spoilage can be deferred for 21 d and longer. The in vitro ruminal fermentation study showed that substitution of annual ryegrass straw with BPR improved ruminal fermentation, as evidenced by an increase in VFA concentration, DM degradability, and total gas production.ConclusionThe major portion of nutrients in BPR is soluble or degradable fiber that can be easily fermented in the rumen without adverse effects, to provide energy to ruminant animals. Although its high sodium chloride content needs to be considered when formulating a ration, BPR can be successfully used as a feed ingredient in a ruminant diet, particularly if it is one component of a total mixed ration.

Meat quality of lambs fed diets with peanut cake

Replacement of soybean meal by peanut cake was evaluated on the meat quality of 45 Dorper × Santa Inês crossbred lambs. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments and nine repetitions, and fed Tifton-85 hay and a concentrate mixed with 0.0%, 25.0%, 50.0%, 75.0% or 100.0% peanut cake based on the dry mass of the complete diet. The longissimus lumborum muscle was used to determine the proximate composition, physical–chemical characteristics and fatty acid profile. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found for the crude protein and ether extract levels, with average values of 23.38% and 2.15% in the sheep meat, respectively. The physical–chemical characteristics of the loin were not affected (P>0.05) by the diets. The fatty acid profile was affected by peanut cake supplementation for myristic, myristoleic, palmitoleic, linolenic and arachidonic fatty acids. Peanut cake can be added in the diet of lambs no effect on physical–chemical characteristics. However, the total replacement of the soybean meal altered the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of the meat.

Preparation of Extruded Snacks with Flavored Flour Obtained from the Carcasses of Nile Tilapia: Physicochemical, Sensory, and Microbiological Analysis

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to develop extruded snacks including flour obtained from Nile tilápia carcasses, and then evaluate the chemical composition, colorimetry, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and microbiology. There was a significant increase in the levels of crude protein, ether extract, ash, and minerals, as well as a reduction in carbohydrates as more flour was included in the snacks. Increased levels of flavored flour caused reduction in the brightness of snacks. Oxidative rancidity was not detected in snacks. The inclusion of flour improved the nutritional value of extruded snacks without changing sensory characteristics. Microbiologically, the snacks are suitable for human consumption.

Improvement in Nutritional Quality of Shrimp Meal with Autoclave and Chemical Treatments: an in vitro Study.

The present study was conducted to improve the nutritional quality of shrimp meal (SM) comprising of heads with hulls of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) waste by autoclaving and chemical treatments. The sun-dried SM was divided into 5 treatment groups, such as 1) control (untreated), 2) autoclaved (autoclaved at 121°C for 10 min), 3) NaOH (treated with 3% NaOH), 4) HCl (treated with 3% HCl) and 5) formic acid (treated with 3% formic acid) groups. After treatment, they were ground to pass through 1.0 mm mesh screen and then used for analyses of chemical composition and in vitro dry matter (DM) and CP digestibilities. Data were subjected to one-way ANOVA and differences among treatment means (P<0.05) were distinguished with Tukey's test. There were no significant difference in chemical composition and in vitro DM and CP digestibilities between control and autoclaved groups, except ether extract level (P<0.05), suggesting that autoclaving affected the nutritional quality of SM little. NaOH group exhibited significantly decreased CP level and in vitro DM digestibility, increased crude ash (CA) level and unchanged in vitro CP digestibility, comparing with control group. These results suggest that NaOH treatment affected the nutritional quality of SM adversely. HCl and formic acids groups showed significantly increased CP level and in vitro digestibilities of DM and CP, and decreased CA level, showing that acid treatment can improve nutritional quality of SM: formic acid treatment may be more effective because of the greater values in CP level and digestibilities and decreased crude fibre level which was not observed in HCl group (P<0.05). The results obtained here suggest acid, especially formic acid, treatment is promising to improve the nutritional quality of SM but autoclaving and NaOH treatments.

PROPIEDADES ANTIMETANOGÉNICAS IN VITRO DE ALGUNAS PLANTAS ADAPTADAS A LAS CONDICIONES DE SABANA INUNDABLE DEL DEPARTAMENTO DE ARAUCA, COLOMBIA

&lt;p&gt;The methanogenic potential and nutritional quality of nineteen plants adapted to the dry and rainy seasons of the Arauca floodable savannas was evaluated. Each plant was incubated anaerobically with rumen fluid at 39 °C for 24h, after incubation period, gas production, methane, volatile fatty acids and dry matter degradation was determined. Among the plants, crude protein values ranged between 6.87-28.22%; neutral detergent fiber was between 35.2 - 71.26%, while the ether extract, ash and nonstructural carbohydrate levels ranged between 1.35 - 6.65, 2.43 - 5.27 and 11.47 - 35.64%, respectively. Gas production and methane were significant correlated (r = 0.84). The species &lt;em&gt;Galactia jussiaeana, Belencita nemorosa, Ambrosia peruviana&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;Enterolobium schomburgkii&lt;/em&gt; showed high values of dry matter degradation (45.40 - 49.13%), VFA (0.84 - 1.37 mmol) and low methane production (2.18 - 6.90 ml / g DM degraded). These parameters were similar or better to those found in the species &lt;em&gt;Leucaena leucocephala&lt;/em&gt;. The results suggest that these plants present useful compounds to reduce ruminal methanogenesis without affecting the diet digestibility, however further studies are required to assess the persistence of antimethanogenic effect, dosage, consumption and animal performance.&lt;/p&gt;

Níveis de inclusão do bagaço de mandioca na ração de frangos de crescimento lento: características físico-químicas da carne

The purpose of this study the effect of inclusion levels (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of cassava bagasse (BM) to the diet on the physical and chemical parameters of raw and cooked meat thigh , drumstick and breast of chicken was to evaluate cutting hillbilly kind of lineage Label rouge® slaughtered at 84 days of age . Analyzes were performed in the laboratory of Animal Nutrition , Universidade Federal do Tocantins – UFT, Escola de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia , Campus Araguaina . Forty chicken carcasses, which were divided into half-carcases, half-carcases and 10 for analysis of the chemical composition of raw meat and the other 10 half-carcasses for analysis of chemical composition of cooked meat , they are included in these analyzes the crude protein (CP), ether extract ( EE), dry matter (DM) and ash (CZ), with base on the percentage of dry matter, in addition to gross energy (GE) and cooking losses. Analyzes were also conducted of the physical attributes of meat (color, pH and texture) other 20 half-carcasses. The inclusion of BM in the diet of broilers caipira type cut and cooking affected (P <0.05) the chemical characteristics of meat. Observed in thigh meat linear reduction in the deposition of CZ and linear increase in deposition of PB. Drumstick meat in CP content increased up to the level of 17.22% inclusion of BM corresponding to the deposition of 84.21% CP; and lower levels of EE (19.21%) was found in the estimated level of 21.33% inclusion of BM. In breast meat was observed deposition of 29.56% with 2.35% DM inclusion of BM deposition and 88.56% to 13.46% of CP inclusion of BM. However the physical characteristics of meat were not influenced by the levels of inclusion of BM. It is recommended, with base on the chemical composition of the meat, to use up the 20% level of inclusion of BM.

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.

Coprodutos da agroindústria na alimentação de leitões

Foi realizado um experimento para determinar a composição química e digestibilidade dos nutrientes e energia do resíduo de batata palha (RBP), resíduo de pipoca doce (RPD), resíduo de biscoito de trigo doce (RBT), e resíduo de biscoito de trigo salgado (RBS) para leitões. Foram determinados os valores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE), matéria mineral (MM), cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P), sódio (Na) e energia bruta (EB). A digestibilidade dos alimentos foi avaliada utilizando 18 suínos alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo durante dois períodos consecutivos de 12 dias, sendo sete para adaptação e cinco destinados à coleta total de fezes. Os resultados de PB obtidos foram relativamente baixos, sendo 7,2; 6,0; 6,8 e 3,4% para o RBP, RPD, RBT e RBS, respectivamente. Os conteúdos de EE foram de 39,64; 7,12; 12,40; e 22,28% para o RBP, RPD, RBT e RBS, respectivamente. Os valores de Ca e P foram baixos e, em todos os coprodutos, inferiores a 0,18%. Teores elevados de Na foram encontrados no RBP e RBS (0,9 e 1,36%, respectivamente). A EB foi de 6.065; 4.199; 4.494; e 5.032 kcal kg-1 para RBP, RPD, RBT e RBS, respectivamente. Os valores de ED foram de 5.686; 3.995; 3.916 e 4.953 kcal kg-1, para RBP, RPD, RBT, e RBS e mostraram correlação linear e positiva (r2=0,97; P&lt;0,05) com o teor de EE dos coprodutos. Estudos adicionais são necessários para estabelecer os teores ótimos de inclusão dos coprodutos analisados nas dietas de suínos. Contudo, os resultados de composição química e digestibilidade dos nutrientes e energia permitem concluir que os resíduos de batata palha, pipoca doce, biscoito de trigo doce e biscoito de trigo salgado possuem potencial para serem utilizados na alimentação de leitões.

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.

Intake and chemical composition of winter and spring forage plants consumed by semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) in Northern Finland

Reindeer diets are highly influenced by seasonal availability of forage plants and their nutritive value. This study investigated the use and chemical composition of winter and spring forage plants consumed by semi-domesticated reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) grazing on natural pastures in Northern Finland. Reindeer diet composition was determined by microhistological analysis of faeces collected during winter and spring. Terrestrial lichen species (mainly Cladonia sp.) dominated the winter and spring diet of reindeer, as well as various dwarf shrub species. A seasonal shift occurred in the diet, with proportion of lichen which corresponded with an increase in graminoids as spring progressed, reflecting reindeer adaptations to seasonal fluctuations of forage quality and availability. Chemical composition of forage plants showed that terrestrial lichen had high levels of hemicellulose, while arboreal lichen had relatively high nitrogen levels. In contrast, new growth of birch leaf, graminoids and dwarf shrub had high levels of crude protein, ether extract and minerals. The observed diet composition and its chemical content reflect high seasonal variability in the availability and intake of nutrients to which reindeer have adapted.

COMPOSIÇÃO CORPORAL DE LINHAGENS DE TILÁPIA DO NILO (Oreochromis niloticus) EM DIFERENTES CLASSES DE COMPRIMENTO

The objective of this research was to evaluate the body composition of Nile tilapias in different length classes of Thai and Commercial strains, being the latter derived from the GIFT program (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) on the levels of moisture, crude protein, ether extract, ash and energy. The fish were cultivated in cages in a dam in Presidente Prudente, SP – Brazil. With the growth, fish sampled randomly from each strain were weighed and measured in length. The body composition showed differences between the strains in the levels of moisture, carbohydrates, ether extract and energy as the fish grew (P&lt;0.05). The content of protein and ash was similar in the strains, but the percentage of ash increased with the fish growth. A decrease in the percentage of moisture and increased in the percentage of ether extract and in the energetic content were observed in the larger class length. Differences in rates of growth of tilapia strains influence the metabolic rates of mobilization, particularly of water and ether extract, changing the dynamics of deposition of these elements and the energy content.KEYWORDS: chemical composition; GIFT; lipids; protein; Thai.

Perfil de ácidos graxos do leite de cabras leiteiras alimentadas com dieta contendo dois níveis de óleo de arroz

Foram testados os efeitos de dois níveis de extrato etéreo à base de óleo de arroz no concentrado em 30 cabras Saanen durante a fase inicial de lactação. A alimentação baseou-se na relação 60% de volumoso (feno de alfafa) e 40% de concentrado comercial com dois níveis de extrato etéreo (3% e 5%). As variáveis estudadas foram a quantificação e qualificação do perfil de ácidos graxos do leite total e frente ao tempo de lactação. O acréscimo de óleo de arroz na dieta diminuiu (P&lt;0,05) a concentração de ácidos graxos saturados e aumentou (P&lt;0,05) a concentração de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados no leite caprino. O ácido linoleico conjugado (ALC) também é afetado positivamente pelo acréscimo de óleo de arroz na dieta. A inclusão de óleo de arroz nos níveis de 3% e 5% da matéria seca, na dieta de cabras leiteiras da raça Saanen, influencia o perfil de ácidos graxos do leite, com ênfase no ALC, até a 11ª semana de lactação.

Grãos de oleaginosas na alimentação de novilhos zebuínos: consumo, digestibilidade e desempenho

Avaliaram-se o consumo, o desempenho e a digestibilidade de dietas contendo diferentes grãos de oleaginosas em novilhos zebuínos em confinamento. Utilizaram-se 30 novilhos zebuínos com peso vivo inicial de 388,0±37,5 kg, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As dietas foram formuladas com silagem de milho e quatro concentrados: um sem suplementação de lipídeos e três com a inclusão de grão de soja, caroço de algodão ou semente de linhaça. As rações, isonitrogenadas, apresentaram relação concentrado:volumoso 60:40 e foram fornecidas à vontade. Para determinação da digestibilidade aparente total, a produção fecal foi estimada utilizando-se fibra em detergente neutro indigestivel como indicador interno. O menor consumo de matéria seca (7,20 kg/dia) foi observado para a dieta contendo caroço de algodão, mas, entre as outras dietas, não houve diferenças nesta variável. O ganho médio diário foi menor quando se utilizou a dieta contendo caroço de algodão em relação à dieta sem lipídeo (0,93 vs. 1,16 kg/dia, respectivamente). No entanto, não houve diferença no ganho médio diário destas dietas em relação às demais. Houve redução da digestiblidade da fibra em detergente neutro na dieta contendo semente de linhaça. Adicionalmente, houve redução na digestibilidade dos carboidratos não-fibrosos nas dietas contendo caroço de algodão e semente de linhaça em relação à dieta com grão de soja, a qual não diferiu da dieta controle. A inclusão de caroço de algodão moído em dietas para bovinos em confinamento deve ser feita com cautela, pois pode provocar redução no consumo de matéria seca e no ganho médio diário. No entanto, a eficiência alimentar não é afetada pela adição de oleaginosas na dieta de bovinos de corte quando o nível máximo de extrato etéreo na matéria seca total da dieta não excede 6%.

English

This study is a comparative evaluation of the nutrient profile of four selected browse plants often recommended for use as non-conventional feeding materials. Fresh leaves of&nbsp;Myrianthus arboreus, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia catappa&nbsp;andDacroydes edulis&nbsp;were collected from farmlands in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Proximate analysis was carried out on the dried leaves to determine the levels of crude protein, crude fiber, metabolisable energy, total ash and ether extract. The presence of the following mineral elements: calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc was determined. The presence of eight amino acids was also determined. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance procedure. Significantly different means were separated using Duncan&rsquo;s multiple range procedure. Significance was reported at 5% level of probability. Significant differences between the test materials were observed for all the parameters measured. Results obtained were within the ranges of reported values. &nbsp; Key words:&nbsp;Comparative evaluation, browse plants, non-conventional feeding materials.

Statistical evaluation of some environmental factors affecting the gross efficiency of crude protein in high producing dairy

Some environmental factors affecting the gross efficiency of crude protein (GECP) were studied using 2824 records of 501 lactating Holstein cows. The effects of some independent variables on the GECP were tested using a general linear model analysis. The GECP was significantly affected by parity and pregnancy stage and linearly related to dry matter intake, milk yield, milk fat, protein and lactose percentages, protein and lactose yields, dietary levels of net energy for lactation (NEL), crude protein (CP), ruminally undegradable protein (RUP), and ether extract (EE). Quadratic relation to the GECP with dietary levels of NEL, CP, RUP, and EE were also significant. This study showed that high producing animals, especially high protein yielding cows are more efficient users of dietary CP. Dietary requirements of NEL, RUP, and EE to maximize the GECP were estimated as 1.61 Mcal/kg, 7.14%, and 5.42%, respectively. In comparison to NRC estimations, it seems that more NEL, less CP, and more RUP are needed to maximize the protein efficiency of lactating dairy cows.

Nutritional composition of lentil straw, vetch hay, olive leaves, and saltbush leaves and their digestibility as measured in fat-tailed sheep

Several less researched forages from various Mediterranean plants may be superior, or at least equivalent, in forage value to barley (Hordeum vulgare) straw. These include lentil (Lens culinaris) straw, vetch (Vicia sativa) hay, dried olive (Olea europea L.) leaves, and saltbush (Atriplex halimus). Using in vitro, in sacco and in vivo methods, we tested (i) the nutritional composition, (ii) digestibility and metabolizable energy, and (iii) intake and nitrogen balance in fat-tailed Awassi lambs of these feeds or diets prepared with these feeds. In vivo, the forages were fed in proportions of about 3/4 of the total diet to 30 animals allocated to five groups in a randomized complete block design. Diets, balanced for nitrogen, included concentrate (280g/kg) and were offered at 1.1kg dry matter (DM)/day with ad libitum access to water. Test forages had large differences in content (g/kg DM) of organic matter (OM; 690–916, Atriplex leaves vs. barley straw), crude protein (CP; 43–169, barley straw vs. vetch hay) and neutral detergent fiber (258–672, Atriplex leaves vs. barley straw). Olive leaves contained the highest phenol and ether extract levels (63 and 32g/kg DM, respectively). Atriplex leaves were particularly rich in Na (94g/kg) and K (39g/kg). Atriplex leaf OM had the highest digestibility (0.68), but its low level reduced the metabolizable energy (ME; 6–7MJ/kg DM) to that of barley straw. Its limited palatability caused significant refusals as well. Vetch hay, olive leaves, and lentil straw had superior OM digestibility to that of barley straw (the latter not significant). Olive leaf CP had limited ruminal degradability and total tract digestibility. None of the forages significantly affected body N retention, while olive leaves significantly reduced rumen microbial efficiency. The different models used to estimate ME ranked vetch hay first (9MJ/kg DM), followed by olive leaves and lentil straw (6.5–8MJ/kg DM). Overall, vetch hay was the most valuable forage in terms of energy and protein supply. Lentil straw and olive leaves were similar or slightly superior to barley straw, although they presented a different ruminal degradation pattern. Atriplex leaves, if fed restrictedly, could be used to replace barley straw when access to water is ad libitum.

Alterations in the lactate dehydrogenase activity of the desert locust Schistocerca gregaria by the wild plant Fagonia bruguieri (Zygophyllaceae).

The wild plant F. bruguieri extracts caused some alterations in the lactate dehydrogenase activity in haemolymph and fat body of the last instar nymphs and newly emerged adults of the desert locust S. gregaria. Each of two concentration levels of methanolic (7.5 and 3.7%), petroleum ether (30.0 and 15.0%) or n-butanolic extract (30.0 and 15.0%) was applied against the penultimate instar nymphs through the fresh clover leaves, Medicago sativa, as a food. Unexceptionally, all F. bruguieri extracts induced the LDH activity in the haemolymph along the nymphal instar, irrespective of the solvent or concentration level. The strongest inducing effect was exhibited in the mid-aged nymphs (62601.3±467.4 U/L in comparison with 53696.8±467.4 U/L of control congeners) after treatment with the higher concentration level of methanolic extract. On the contrary, the LDH activity was significantly prohibited in the newly emerged adults. The most drastically inhibited enzyme activity was determined (57744.3±467.4 U/L, compared to 62871.2±934.7 U/L of control congeners) after nymphal treatment with higher concentration level of n-butanolic extract. With regard to the fat body, all F. bruguieri extracts prohibited LDH activity along the nymphs instar, irrespective of the concentration level. The most dramatically reduced activity was expressed in (9166.4±119.0 U/L vs. 22839.5±289.1 U/L of control congeners) after treatment with the lower concentration level of n-butanolic extract. In contrast, the plant extracts pronouncedly enhanced the enzyme activity in the fat body of adults, regardless to the extract. The most stimulatory effect was exhibited after treatment of the nymphs with the lower concentration level of n-butanolic extract.