Livestock Feed Production Research Articles

Identifying genetic determinants of forage sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (Moench)] adaptation through GWAS

BackgroundForage sorghum is a highly valued crop in livestock feed production due to its versatility, adaptability, high productivity, and resilience under adverse environmental conditions, making it a crucial option for sustainable forage production. This study aimed to investigate ninety-five forage sorghum genotypes and identify the marker – trait associations (MTAs) in adaptive traits, including yield and flowering through genome-wide association studies (GWAS).ResultsUsing 41,854 polymorphic SNPs, a GWAS involving the GLM, MLM, and FarmCPU models was performed to analyse fourteen adaptive traits. The population structure revealed the presence of two subpopulation groups. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) plots showed varying degrees of LD decay across the chromosomes, with an average LD decay of 19.49 kbp. Twelve common significant QTNs, encoding 17 putative candidate genes, were simultaneously co-detected and studied by at least two or more GWAS methods. Three QTNs were associated to days to 50% flowering; two each to leaf-to-stem ratio and number of nodes per plant; and one each to plant height, leaf width, number of leaves per plant, stem girth, and internodal length. Six candidate genes were associated with days to 50% flowering, two each with leaf width, stem girth, leaf-to-stem ratio, and number of nodes per plant, and one each with plant height, number of leaves per plant, and internodal length.ConclusionFarmCPU was identified as the most suitable and effective among all the models for controlling both false positives and false negatives. Further in-depth analysis of the newly discovered QTNs may lead to the identification of new candidate genes for the trait of interest. These studies elucidate gene functions and could transform forage sorghum breeding through marker-assisted selection and transgenic approaches, accelerating the development of superior forage sorghum varieties and enhancing global food security.

The potential use of brewers' spent grain-based substrates as horticultural bio-fertilizers

IntroductionBrewers' spent grain (BSG) is the most important by-product of breweries. Currently, the primary method of recycling BSG is through its use in livestock feed production, due to its high fiber content, non-degradable protein, and water-soluble vitamins. Nonetheless, composting, vermicomposting, and biochar production pathways offer promising alternatives for managing this organic byproduct.MethodsBSG-based substrates were evaluated as bio-fertilizers for use during the transplantation of Lactuca sativa L. and without additional fertilization at the end of the crop cycle. Biochar (B), vermicompost (V), compost (CP), and compost enriched with a microbial consortium (CPE), each mixed at 2 and 4% with peat, were compared with two control treatments: 100% peat (C1) and peat with ternary chemical fertilizer (C2). The experiment was designed with six replicates, half of which were inoculated with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelium during transplantation to assess the contribution of different substrates to pathogen resistance.ResultsOverall, it was found that the control treatment C2 was the most effective, yielding the greatest plant height at the seedbed stage and the best results across all parameters at harvest. The V 4%, CP 4%, and CPE 4% treatments showed similar results without significant differences compared to the control. At the end of the seedbed phase, plants treated with CP 4% and CPE 4% exhibited the most substantial root development, with statistically significant differences from all other treatments. Moreover, the CPE 4% treatment demonstrated superior performance, resulting in statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the chlorophyll content (α and β) and carotenoid parameters when compared to the control treatment C2. The interaction between the treatment and the pathogen was statistically significant only for the carotenoid content in the CPE 4% treatment and for the flavonoid content in most of the treatments.DiscussionThe most promising results were obtained at the nursery phase, highlighting the potential use of processed BSG-based substrates as bio-fertilizers. These products provided plants with both a growth substrate and nutrients, effectively contributing to waste recycling and aligning with the principles of a circular economy. Additional studies are required to investigate the potential use of brewer's spent grain as bio-fertilizers in other vegetable crop species.

Assessment of Performance in Cereal Fodder Crops with Relation to Seeding Rates and Cutting Stages

Cereal fodder crops serve as indispensable sources of nutrition for livestock, contributing significantly to the efficiency and sustainability of animal production systems worldwide. Maximizing the productivity and quality of these crops requires careful management, with seed rates and cutting stages playing pivotal roles in determining crop performance. Seeding rates play a critical role in crop establishment and growth, with both low and high rates affecting plant competition and ultimately yield. Cutting stages, on the other hand, are pivotal in determining the quality and nutrient composition of the forage. Optimal cutting stages vary depending on the intended use, such as hay, silage, or grazing and can significantly influence digestibility and overall nutritional value. The assessment of cereal fodder crops is therefore pivotal for optimizing agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable livestock feed production. Understanding the intricate relationship between seeding rates, cutting stages and crop performance is essential for sustainable agriculture and livestock production systems, contributing to improved resource efficiency and economic viability.

Citrus limon Wastes from Part of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa: Medicinal, Sustainable Agricultural, and Bio-Resource Potential.

The fruits of Citrus limon are often purchased for their vitamin C-rich juice, while the fruit peel and the tree leaves are discarded as wastes. This study obtained the chemical profiles of the essential oils (EOs) of C. limon wastes (the peel and leaves), evaluated their medicinal value as antioxidants, their potential for sustainable use in agriculture as an insecticide for post-harvest preservation of grains, and their potential as a bioresource in livestock feed formulations. The EOs were isolated from C. limon leaves and peel using a hydro-distillation method on a Clevenger apparatus. The oil constituents were identified using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) hyphenated technique. The oils were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power methods. An insecticidal study was conducted using contact toxicity, fumigation, and repellence bioassay methods against Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevils). Finally, the predicted income from using lemon peel as an alternative or substitute ingredient for maize in livestock feed formulations was obtained through a conventional simulation method. Chemically, limonene was found to be present in all the EOs analyzed (12-52%), while α-pinene was only found in the fresh leaf and peel oils (13.3% and 10.6%). Caryophyllene oxide was identified as the major component of the dried leaf oil (17.7%). At 20 µg m, the dry peel oil exhibited the highest inhibitory activity (52.41 ± 0.26%) against the DPPH radical, which was comparable to L-ascorbic acid (a standard antioxidant) at 54.25 ± 3.55%. The insecticidal study revealed that the dry peel oil is a better insect repellent (73.33 ± 6.95% at 10 µL) and fumigant (LC50 = 0.17 µL g-1 after 48 h) natural agent compared to the peel oil. Conversely, the dry peel oil showed a better contact activity (LC50 = 1.69 µL g-1) against the maize weevils compared to the dry leaf oil. The simulation study showed the cost of using dry lemon peel as an alternative to maize in livestock feed formulation to be ZAR 2.8 billion, compared against the higher cost of feed formulation with maize, which currently stands at ZAR 24.9 billion. This study has shown that C. limon wastes (the peel and leaves) contain EOs with unique chemical profiles, valuable medicinal properties as free radical scavengers, and considerable insecticidal properties for agricultural use in post-harvest grain preservation, presenting a cost-effective and promising bioresource for livestock feed production.

Operating conditions of extruder screws in livestock feed production

Operating conditions of extruder screws in livestock feed production

PSIV-11 Effects of Sprouted Barley on Weights, Ribeye Area, Backfat in Growing Steers

Abstract As the climate of our world continues to change, alterations to traditional farming methods are necessary to adapt to the environment and available resources. Changes in weather and costs of feed, coupled with decreased availability of feed and labor necessitate alternative methods for livestock feed production. One alternative to traditional farming is the production of sprouted grains in controlled environment, vertical farming units. However, little research has been completed on how including these feeds in the ration of beef cattle impacts production. This research examined the effects of including sprouted barley in growing rations of steers relative to body weight gain, ribeye area (REA) and ribeye fat thickness (REFT). A group of 60 commercial Angus steer calves (328.24 ± 6.48 kg) were initially stratified by body weight into one of four different treatment groups (n = 15/group). The control group were fed a typical ration for the region and the three treatment groups were fed a ration that included barley sprouts at 5%, 10%, or 20% (DM). Steers were fed their treatment diets for 60 days and body weight and ultrasound images for REA and REFT were collected on days 0, 30, and 60. All data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure of SAS with day as a repeated measure to determine the main effect of treatment. Over time, REA, REFT, and body weight each increased (P < 0.05) in each treatment group. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in body weight or REFT due to treatment. REA tended (P = 0.09) to increase in steers receiving 20% sprouted barley compared with controlled steers, but no other differences (P > 0.10) were found in REA in other treatment groups. These data demonstrate that including sprouted barley in the ration at the levels analyzed has no negative effect on animal growth performance. Additional research needs to be conducted to determine whether there is an impact on other production parameters, such as economic viability.

421 Inherent Livestock Feed Production: Abundance of Non-Edible Biomass in the Agricultural and Processing Sector in Germany

Abstract Livestock have a central role in food production as extractors and concentrators of nutrients from non-edible biomass [neB] producing high value foodstuff for human nutrition [1]. Agricultural production aims for maximizing edible biomass [eB] production whereby, neB production is inevitably coupled to it. The goal of this study was to determine how much neB and eB is produced annually in agricultural and processing sector in Germany. Literature research has been conducted (26 peer-reviewed publications, 15 books, 26 reports, 15 other grey literature) to identify the amount of eB and neB along the agricultural production chain in Germany. Therefore, conversion efficiencies of biomass from field to fork have been calculated on a dry matter basis by considering main- to by-product ratios on the field as well as processing efficiencies for food and renewable energy industry branches (e.g., milling, ethanol production, brewing, oil extraction, starch extraction, sugar extraction). Based upon these calculations, the human edible fraction (HeF) [2] was used together with mean agricultural production data (2012-17) in Germany to determine the abundance of eB and neB for two scenarios: low vs. high edibility of biomass. Since HeF factors denote theoretical margins of edibility of biomass, additional scenarios were calculated assuming current processing efficiencies as well as silage maize being completely inedible. Furthermore, changes in biomass production in scenarios of complete substitution of land used for silage maize production and cultivation of human edible foods have been analysed.115 to 134 million tons of neB and 38 to 57 million tons of eB were produced annually during the observation period. This equals 2-3.5 kg of neB per kg of eB. When silage maize was considered as neB, numbers increased to 2.5 to -4.8 kg of neB per kg of eB. When current processing efficiencies in Germany and grain usage were used for calculations instead of the two HeF scenarios, and silage maize was considered not edible, then 1kg of eB produced 4kg of neB. When the used area for silage maize cultivation would in future be substituted for food crop cultivation then 1kg of eB yielded 2.8kg of neB. The scenarios suggest that the amount of eB per acre of agricultural land changes dramatically once the whole agricultural system including grassland, green plants for feed production, straw, and by-products is adapted to future scenarios. The future challenge will be to improve current processing efficiencies of the food and renewable energy industry to approach the upper limits of edibility given by the HeF fractions. In any case, feed production is inherent.[1] Bradford et al. (1999) Ames, IA (Task force report / Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, 135) ISBN 1-887383-17-4[2] Ertl et al. (2015) In: Agricultural Systems 137, S. 119–125. DOI: 10.1016/j.agsy.2015.04.004.

Food waste supply and behaviour towards its alternative uses in Kampala city, Uganda

Solid waste management is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa in general and its food waste component is high and increasing with the rapidly increasing population. Survey data (class p1) collected from households, hotels, restaurants, schools and produce markets were analysed using descriptive and logistic regression analyses for insights into the types and amounts of food waste, and respondents’ attitudes and practices towards its collection, disposal and alternative uses. Households produce the highest amounts of food waste compared to institutions (hotels, schools and restaurants) and produce markets. In a week, about 96, 72, and 93% of all the respondents in households, institutions and produce markets respectively experienced food waste at least one to three times. On average, with a solid waste collection coverage of 45%, households, institutions and markets in Kampala can respectively supply 680, 80, and 8 t of food waste daily. Moulding, poor food storage, food leftovers, food expiry and excess food produce were the major reasons for condemning food to waste. Over 90% of the respondents recognized food waste as a problem, and as a resource especially for use in livestock feed production, and were willing to consume house crickets raised on feed from food waste. Lower levels of education (none, primary and secondary levels), unemployment, and being divorced at household level were positively associated with recognizing food waste as a resource [X2 (21, N = 209) = 137.77, p = < 0.0001] and re-use for alternative purposes [X2 (21, N = 209) = 47.44, p = 0.001] by households and institutions [X2 (14, N = 92) = 30.97, p = < 0.019]. Majority of the respondents were willing to donate food waste, especially married people and institutions that have been in existence for a period of 5–10 years.

BnaUBP15s positively regulates seed size and seed weight in Brassica napus

Brassica napus (B. napus) is a globally significant oilseed crop, making a substantial contribution to both human oil and livestock feed production. Enhancing seed weight is crucial for improving rapeseed yield; however, only a limited number of seed weight-related genes have been functionally validated in B. napus thus far. UBIQUITIN-SPECIFIC PROTEASE 15 (UBP15) belongs to the ubiquitin protease pathway and plays a maternal role in prolonging seed development in Arabidopsis. The potential utilization of UBP15 for enhancing seed yield in B. napus has remained unexplored until now. In this study, we identified the orthologs of UBP15 in B. napus and investigated its functionality using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. We generated mutant plants with multiple editing types targeting Bnaubp15s and successfully isolated T-DNA-free homozygous mutant lines that exhibited edits across four homologs of BnaUBP15 in T2 generation plants. Our preliminary data demonstrated that mutation of BnaUBP15s significantly reduced seed size, seed weight, and plant height while noticeably increasing the number of primary branches. These findings not only provide crucial evidence for further elucidating the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of seed weight and size by BnaUBP15s but also offer promising novel germplasm for enhancing plant architecture.

Proximate analysis of selected agricultural waste for their nutritional potential

Background: Global food insecurity is worsening as a result of the speedily expanding human population and this is taking a huge toll on the availability of feed for livestock. Alternative food sources are urgently required as livestock feeds to reduce the stern food competition between man and livestock. Agricultural waste may be able to provide cost-effective sources of nutrients. Aim: The study determines the proximate properties of agricultural waste for their possible use as raw material for animal feed. Material and methods: Consequently, 10 samples of agricultural waste were collected from locations in Edo state where the plants are cultivated in commercial quantities. Proximate analysis was performed on the samples using standard protocols to evaluate their nutritive potentials for utilization as feedstuffs for livestock feeds. The proximate properties of the agricultural waste were compared with plantain flesh (PF Auchi and PF Benin). Results: Significant variations exist among the samples (p &lt; 0.05) with respect to their fat, protein, nitrogen free extract (NFE) and dietary fiber content. The following samples had highest proximate values; corn cob (moisture content at 17.38%), PP Usen (ash content at 7.58%), PP Benin (fat content at 7.20%), CHI Usen (fiber content at 12.70%), PP Auchi (protein content at 19.83%) and PF Benin (Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) at 73.43%). Plantain peels had the closest proximate properties to plantain flesh. Conclusion: The results from the analysis show that the proximate properties of the wastes compare favorably with plantain flesh and will be suitable for livestock feeds production. The production of livestock feed from agricultural waste would also serve as an effective and attractive method to manage the waste. Keywords: livestock, agricultural waste, nutrient, feeds.

Introduction to Chopper Machines as a Supporter of Increasing Production and Quality of Livestock Feed in Jember Jelbuk Village

Silage is animal feed fermented to add nutrition and increase feed availability, especially during the dry season. The feed fermentation process is faster if the feed has been chopped before. This service aims to introduce choppers to Jelbuk Village, Jember Regency farmers. The service begins by discussing the problems faced by farmers/breeders, chaired by Mr. Mahfudz. They wanted a portable mini chopper to move and operate this machine at each member's residence. The chopper is modified from the previous multi-function chopper machine, which can chop leaves and twigs and crush animal manure for compost raw materials. Socialization of this machine is carried out simultaneously with training in making silage. After demonstrating the machine's operation and maintenance, the service partners were enthusiastic and rushed to try this new counter at their homes. They hope coaching activities can be continued later with the technologies they need.

Feasibility Study on Wastewater Treatment and Production of Livestock Feed by Azolla Pinnata

of water is a major threat we face today. Increased population and industrialization are the common factors that fasten the water pollution rate. Here pollution due to Canteen waste water is taken into account and a solution to it by a modern cheapest method known as phytoremediation is studied here. It is the use of plants to remove pollutants from waste water. This treatment method is ecologically sound, economically viable, and has a low capital cost Here Azolla pinnata plant is used to find the feasibility of phytoremediation over canteen waste water. Parameters like pH, Turbidity, COD, DO and BOD was analyzed before and after treatment. Here experiments are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the phytoremediation technique using Azolla pinnata plant over Canteen waste water. The optimum conditions for better performance of Azolla pinnata in treating waste water is identified.ie, Optimum contact time, and Optimum dilution. The phytoremediation system is also compared with a blank of Canteen waste water. Here blank is set up to study the effect of time on the degradation of contaminants. The amount of production of Azolla pinnata at the end of treatment is taken into account and can be utilized for livestock feed.

Determination of Spatially-Distributed Hydrological Ecosystem Services (HESS) in the Red River Delta Using a Calibrated SWAT Model

The principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), conservation of natural capital, and water accounting requires Hydrological Eco-System Services (HESS) to be determined. This paper presents a modeling approach for quantifying the HESS framework using the Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). SWAT was used–after calibration against remote sensing data–to quantify and spatially identify total runoff, natural livestock feed production, fuelwood from natural forests, dry season flow, groundwater recharge, root zone storage for carrying over water from wet to dry season, sustaining rainfall, peak flow attenuation, carbon sequestration, microclimate cooling, and meeting environmental flow requirements. The environmental value of the current land use and vegetation was made explicit by carrying out parallel simulations for bare soil and vegetation conditions and reporting the incremental ecosystem services. Geographical areas with more and fewer HESS are identified. The spatial and temporal variability of annual HESS services is demonstrated for the Day Basin—which is part of the Red River delta (Vietnam)—for the period 2003 to 2013. The result shows that even though the basin is abundant with HESS, e.g., 7482 m3/ha of runoff, 3820 m3/ha of groundwater recharge, the trend for many HESS values, e.g., micro-climate cooling, meeting environmental flow requirements, and rootzone storage, are declining. It is found and proven that quantified HESS indicators highlighted the provisioning and regulating characters of ecosystem services, as well as geographical hotspots across the basin. The SWAT model shows the capability of simulating terrestrial eco-hydrological processes such as climate, soil, and current land use. The methodology illustrates how eco-hydrologists can benchmark ecosystem values and include HESS in exploring river basin management scenarios, climate change studies, and land use planning.

PEMBERDAYAAN KELOMPOK TANI TERNAK DALAM PENERAPAN TEKNOLOGI MESIN PENCACAH RUMPUT ALTERNATIF UNTUK PAKAN TERNAK KAMBING DI DESA KOLAM KEC. PERCUT SEI TUAN

One of the potential livestock commodities to be developed is goats. A number of problems faced by goat breeders include seed quality, feed supply, disease prevention, market expansion to increase production. However, the main problem of discussion is the availability of animal feed. Currently goat breeders are still experiencing a problem in the supply of animal feed as a source of protein. Breeders must provide grass in sufficient quantities to be chopped as livestock feed. Most breeders still use the conventional grass chopping process. Farmers in the Pond Village area still use sickles to get grass which has to provide large amounts of grass as the number of goats also increases, therefore it takes more time and effort. The solution to solving the problems faced is to approach partners so that alternative grass chopping technology can be accepted and implemented. With the application of alternative grass chopping machines, smaller pieces of grass are obtained to be given as animal feed so that it is easier for livestock to digest the food. As the prime mover of this grass chopper is an electric motor and a gasoline engine. If the location is available a source of electric current can use an electric motor dynamo. If the conditions where the livestock is far from the reach of electricity can use a gasoline engine. Alternative grass chopper with consequences can increase livestock feed production capacity. Transferring the function of using a scythe as a grass chopping tool to chopping grass using a machine will ensure a quick time and an increase in production capacity which has been proven to work in the Kesuma cattle farming group. The grass chopper application is well supported/welcomed by the farmer group members, it is hoped that the farmer group residents will continue to use this chopper application.

The Relationship Between Work Motivation and Employee Performance in employees of companies from Jakarta that are mainly engaged in companies in the Field of Livestock Breeding, Feed Production, and Processing of Livestock Products

The purpose of this research is to work motivation and employee performance at PT. Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk. Surabaya This research is aquantitative research with a correlational approach. The population in this study were all employees of PT. Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk. Unit Surabaya, which has 247 employees. The sample of this study consisted of 153 employees using simple random sampling technique (ɑ=0.922) The data analysis method used was Pearson's Product Moment correlation using SPSS 22.0 The results of data analysis in this study showed a correlation coefficient (rxy) of 0.559, indicating a significance of 0.000&lt; 0. This is PT. Japfa Comfeed Indonesia Tbk. Unit Surabaya. The effect of work motivation on employee performance is 31.2% in this study

Anaerobic Storage Characteristics of Whole-Ear Corn and Stover

Whole-plant corn has been previously investigated as a biomass feedstock. Current approaches are analogous to harvesting whole-plant corn for livestock feed or biogas production. They include utilizing a self-propelled forage harvester to harvest the plant as a bulk material and storing it anaerobically. This process leads to grain damage, reducing the marketability of the grain after fractionation. This work investigated a process that included harvesting and anaerobically storing whole-ear corn with corn stover as an alternative. Over two harvest seasons, dry matter losses, moisture content changes, and grain damage were assessed after anaerobic storage. Less than 3% grain damage was observed across all treatments. Stover moisture decreased by 3% to 7% wet basis. Depending on the harvest year (p &lt; 0.001), grain moisture content increased by 7 to 10 percentage points wet basis (p = 0.012). Cob moisture increased by about four percentage points wet basis regardless of harvest year (p = 0.49). Dry matter losses for the overall treatment were less than 3% across both harvest seasons, but high variability was observed when reviewing the losses in the ear and stover fractions. Based on this work, whole ear storage should be considered where subsequent grain fractionation and the marketability of the grain fraction are a concern.

Comparative Morphological Description of Mealybug Species in Cassava

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important tuber crop grown for food, feed and beverages. Because of its ability to grow on soil of low organic content and produce high yield, it is considered a food security crop in African countries. Now it became the industrial crop since it is raw material for the production of starch, energy and live stock feed. In Tamil Nadu, it is grown in Salem, Namakkal, Erode, Cuddalore, Dharmapuri and Kanyakumari districts, both in irrigated and rainfed condition. Recently , the major constraint in cassava production are mealybug damage. The invasive mealybug species, Phenococcus manihoti Matile-Ferrero (Pseudococcidae) was first reported from Salem district and its occurrence was found associated with other species of mealybug. The nymphs and adult of mealybugs were collected from farmer”s field in Namakkal, Salem and Tiruppur district and morphological characters were observed to identify the key characters of mealybug species. Among the specimens collected, the species identified with colour, wax coating and body filaments were Ferrisia virgata, Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi and P. manihoti. P. manihotidifferentiated from the other species with its distinct symptom of distortion of leaves at tip (Bunchy top) and extensive honey dew secretion.

Crop Residue Management Options, Environmental implications, Limitations and Policy Interventions: A brief review

India ranks as second largest country for agro-based economy having about 1.79 MKM2 agricultural land that generates approximately 686 Million Tonnes (MT) of gross crop residues including approximately 234 MT surplus residues annually. In 686 MT crop residue, contribution of crop types as well as states is variable. In the present study, the role of crop residue as an important natural and renewable resource along with their on and off farm management options having their own benefits, drawbacks and limitations were discussed. Various terminologies used for crops’ residue and methodoloies used to estimate their generation potential were analysed. Different factors regulating the crop residue usage for diverse purposes which affects their end use were identified and listed. As, raw and condensed form of crop residues have different physico-chemical properties and resource value. Various on and off farm crop residue management options including crop residue burning, residue removal, residue retention, residue incorporation, composting, biochar production, livestock feed, mushroom cultivation, biofuel biogas and bioenergy production from different crop residues were compared. Various Government initiatives to minimise and support the unsustainable and sustainable crop residue management options, respectively were reviewed

Re-thinking water use in pig diets while accounting for food-feed competition

Livestock feed production is one of the primary users of freshwater and arable land, and it is also in competition with human food production. Therefore, we require reconsideration of the way we use freshwater in livestock feed production. The objective of this study is to assess the impact on freshwater use of pork production by using alternative pig diets based on local feed ingredients, or by-products. We used a lifecycle approach to analyse the freshwater use associated with feed production to produce one kg of pork. We explored three feeding scenarios (STANDARD: diets commercially used in Ireland; LOCAL: diets based on ingredients grown in Ireland; and BY-PRODUCT: diets based on by-products only). We calculated the freshwater use, using the water footprint (WFP) method, and the competition for water use between food and feed production using the water use ratio (WUR) for each scenario. The WUR quantifies the maximum amount of human digestible protein (HDP) derived from food crops that could be produced on the same land, and using the same water resources, that were used to grow the feed ingredients needed to produce 1 kg of pork.The WFP of the scenarios was 2,470 L/kg pork for STANDARD, 2,492 L/kg pork for LOCAL, and 2,205 L/kg pork for BY-PRODUCT. When we considered the WUR, none of the scenarios had a value < 1 (i.e. in all scenarios, more HDP can be produced from direct cultivation of food crops rather than pork). However, the BY-PRODUCT scenario (1.4) performed better than STANDARD (1.9) and LOCAL (2.9). Beet pulp and bakery by-products had zero WFP and no edibility and were thus considered promising ingredients. Moreover, rapeseed meal had a low WFP and rapeseed meal and sunflower seed meal are not considered human edible and were considered fit for future inclusion in diets. We also concluded that both the WFP and WUR methods have separate strengths and limitations, and should thus be used in conjunction; the ideal diet is one with the minimum WFP and WUR. Consideration of human edibility of feed ingredients is an important approach which should be included in future studies. Moreover, the entire food system including dairy, beef, poultry and other competitive uses should be taken into account when considering which feed ingredients to use in pig diets.

DNA barcoding and biomass accumulation rates of native Iranian duckweed species for biotechnological applications.

The Lemnaceae family (duckweed) consists of at least three recognized genera with six reported species in Iran that are distributed in wetlands. Duckweeds are the simplest and smallest flowering aquatic monocots with free-floating fronds that can reproduce asexually every 2-3 days. Duckweed could be a major source of balanced amino acids and high protein content, which is increasingly promising for biotechnological applications. For molecular classification and species identification of the collected samples, DNA barcoding was performed using two standard chloroplast markers, the spacer region between the ATP synthase subunits F and H (atpF-atpH) and the intron region of the ribosomal protein S16 (rps16). The results confirm the presence of four species belonging to the two genera Lemna and Spirodela. In addition, L. turionifera was detected for the first time in Iran. Due to the high growth rates of duckweed, measurement of biomass accumulation and doubling time are important factors in determining growth potential, especially for native species. The relative growth rates (RGR), doubling times (DT), biomass accumulation, and relative weekly yields (RY) of 40 distinct duckweed clones were determined under standard cultivation conditions. The dry weight-based RGR ranged from 0.149 to more than 0.600 per day, DT from 1.12 to 9 days, and RY from 7 to 108.9 per week. All values are comparable with previous studies. RGR and RY of selected clones are higher than the growth potential for a wide range of wild plants and common crops. These data support that native duckweed has high productivity value and should be further investigated as a potentially rich protein source for alternative human food, livestock feed, and recombinant protein production.