Local Swamp Research Articles

Pendampingan Budidaya Sayuran Lokal Khas Rawa di Pekarangan dalam Upaya Peningkatan Keberagaman Konsumsi Pangan Masyarakat di Polder Alabio

The supply of nutritious food through a variety of food consumption is very important in reducing stunting prevalence. Some areas of Hulu Sungai Utara (HSU) Regency are the alabio polder area with high cases of stunting children and unproductive swamp land conditions when flooded with rainwater. This service activity provides a solution in utilizing home yards as a place to cultivate local swamp vegetables that have high nutrition, namely water spinach and water mimosa. The activities carried out include planning, which is done by direct observation and coordination with related stakeholders, then educating about the importance of consuming nutritious vegetables. Training and mentoring were given to 25 residents, the majority of whom were farming mothers. Evaluation was carried out by giving a questionnaire to participants regarding the sustainability of the activity. This activity was able to increase the knowledge and skills of the community in cultivating plants in the yard. The application of semi-hydroponic cultivation techniques of typical swamp vegetables has helped the community in providing vegetables when swamp rice fields are flooded in the rainy season and cannot be planted. Evaluation results showed that 88% of participants were enthusiastic about implementing the training in their daily lives because it suited their needs.

Physical and Chemical Variables of Freshwater Swamp Ponds of Engenni, Ahoada-West, Niger Delta, Nigeria

The Physical and chemical quality of natural water is essential for the life of aquatic organisms. This study was aimed at investigating the physical and chemical parameters of eight (8) local swamp ponds in the freshwater swamp of Engenni. Physical and chemical parameters of the freshwater swamp ponds were monitored over a period of three months (February-April 2019), During this period, Temperature (℃), Dissolved Oxygen (DO, mg/l), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC:µs/cm), Total dissolved solids (TDS, mg/l), Salinity (‰), Turbidity (NTU) and Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) were measured in situ. Temperature values did not vary significantly across stations. DO values ranged between 0.55 ± 0.01mg/l and 0.95 ± 0.02mg/l, which was consistently lower than the 5mg/l prescribed to sustain fish health. pH values ranged from 6.17 ± 0.01 to 6.56 ± 0.01, indicating that the ponds were marginally acidic. Range values for EC (46.60 ± 0.10µs/cm to 156.57 ± 0.06µs/cm) and TDS (30.13 ± 0.12mg/l to 104.07mg/l ± 0.12mg/l) followed the same pattern as they were both highest and lowest in stations V and VII respectively. Salinity values of 0.02 ± 0.01‰ to 0.06 ± 0.0‰ across all stations was indicative of a typical freshwater environment. Turbidity was highest at station VIII. The result obtained from this research suggests that these swamp ponds are capable of sustaining life in the aquatic ecosystem, but only fish species that are low oxygen tolerant may survive in them.

Enzymatic antioxidant activity and physiological responses of local swamp rice cultivars from Kalimantan-Indonesia under iron toxicity during vegetative stage

Enzymatic antioxidant activity and physiological responses of local swamp rice cultivars from Kalimantan-Indonesia under iron toxicity during vegetative stage

EVALUATION OF LOCALLY RICE SEEDS HEALTH

Seed health is one of the important factors in maintaining seed quality. This factor is very influential both during seed storage, plant growth in the field, and production to be produced. Seed can be one of the effective media in the spread of plant diseases. With the consideration that pathogenic seed transmission plays an important role in the spread and development of epidemic diseases in some commodities, then gradually seed health tests need to be incorporated into the seed certification process. Seed health testing is required to detect the presence of pathogens or seed health status. To support the program of activities of the Ministry of Agriculture in the development of local rice, it is necessary to start by evaluating the health of seeds in the local paddy varieties. The purpose of the research includes detecting the type of pathogens carried by local varieties in several provinces and inventories of pathogen data carried by local varieties of rice seeds circulating in several provinces. The research method was conducted by taking samples directly from the field and conducting DNA isolation by PCR test to detect bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae (Xoo) and Burkholderia glumae (BG) as well as the growth of pathogen samples in the laboratory. The results of identification are known some seeds detected bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Burkholderia glumae (BG)) which is characterized by the emergence of DNA bands PCR amplification results in positive control according to DNA Ladder. The results of the identification of pathogenic fungi, known the presence of fungi causing blast disease (Pyricularia oryzae) in the overall example of rice seeds tested (47 examples of local rice seeds upland and local swamp) and there are 15 examples or 32% infected with a percentage of infections 0.25 - 14.75%. While result identification of nematodes, known the presence of parasitic nematode Aphelenchoides besseyi on the overall sample of local rice seeds tested (42 examples of local rice seeds upland and local swamp), with 25 examples or 59.5% infected with an infection range of 1-44 specimens.

Genotypic Analysis of Two Local Swamp Rice Based on Microsatellite Markers

<p>Argo is a local swamp rice from Kalimantan which is widely cultivated by local farmers. Exploration activities in Kalimantan found two types of local rice named Argo but demonstrated different phenotypes. Therefore, genotypic verification is needed to determine the differences between the two Argo rice genotypes. DNA fingerprint could help genotype verification rapidly and the result is not influenced by environmental factors. The aims of this study were to determine the level of similarity of Argo-1 and Argo-2 with swamp rice and other irrigated rice genotypes using microsatellite markers. A total of eight improved and local varieties were used as genetic material with the two local rice Argo (Argo-1 and Argo-2). The rice genotypes were analyzed by using eight microsatellite markers. The results of the molecular analysis showed that the two types of Argo showed different DNA bands based on the RM228 marker but genetically they were closely related. The genetic distance between the two Argo cultivars is 0.143. Argo-1 and Argo-2 were located in the same cluster as Inpara 4 and Siam KDK, but they were in the different groups from those of irrigated rice varieties such as Mekongga and Inpari 9. Based on this research, Argo-1 and Argo-2 are not recommended to be crossed with Inpara 4 and Siam KDK because the genetic diversity formed will be narrow.</p>

Signatures of selection reveal candidate genes involved in production traits in Chinese crossbred buffaloes

Identification of selection signature is important for a better understanding of genetic mechanisms that affect phenotypic differentiation in livestock. However, the genome-wide selection responses have not been investigated for the production traits of Chinese crossbred buffaloes. In this study, an SNP data set of 133 buffaloes (Chinese crossbred buffalo, n = 45; Chinese local swamp buffalo, n = 88) was collected from the Dryad Digital Repository database (https://datadryad.org/stash/). Population genetics analysis showed that these buffaloes were divided into the following 2 groups: crossbred buffalo and swamp buffalo. The crossbred group had higher genetic diversity than the swamp group. Using 3 complementary statistical methods (integrated haplotype score, cross population extended haplotype homozygosity, and composite likelihood ratio), a total of 31 candidate selection regions were identified in the Chinese crossbred population. Here, within these candidate regions, 25 genes were under the putative selection. Among them, several candidate genes were reported to be associated with production traits. In addition, we identified 13 selection regions that overlapped with bovine QTLs that were mainly involved in milk production and composition traits. These results can provide useful insights regarding the selection response for production traits of Chinese crossbred buffalo, as identified candidate genes influence production performance.

Transcriptional profiling of buffalo mammary gland with different milk fat contents.

Milk fat is the most important energy substance in milk and contributes to its quality and health benefits. Water buffalo milk is well known for its high milk quality with higher fat contents compared with cattle milk. Dehong buffalo is a unique local swamp breed in Yunnan Province with higher milk fat and excellent milk quality which provides a good model for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of milk fat deposition. In this study, we used RNA-seq to obtain mammary tissue transcriptomics of buffalo with different milk fat phenotypes including high(H), medium (M)and low (L) fat content groups. Comparative analyses of buffalo among three groups yielded differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Analyzing the number of different genes among H_VS_L, H_VS_M, and M_VS_L showed the same expression pattern between H_VS_M. The increasing expression levels of genes including CSN1S1, BTN1A1, LALBA, ALDH1L2, SCD and MUC15, and down-regulated expression levels of genes containing CCL2, CRABP2, ADTRP, CLU and C4A in H_VS_L and M_VS_L were found. GO and KEGG enriched pathways revealed these DEGs involved in milk protein and fat as well as immune response. The findings would enhance the understanding of the interplay between the milk composition and immune response, which suggests that the immune capacity should be considered when we tried to improve the milk quality.

Aquaponic Biofloc Technology by Swamp Bacteria Probiotic for Clarias Catfish Rearing

Conventional catfish culture in Ogan Ilir (OI) have not optimal production, it can be increased by biofloc and aquaponics with local swamp bacteria as a starter. The purpose of this study was to apply biofloc technology and a combination of aquaponic-biofloc to increase the productivity of catfish (Clarias sp.) rearing. The study used two ponds, a biofloc circular pond and a combined biofloc and aquaponic (biofloqua) for two months. The results of the specific growth rate of fish in the aquaponic biofloc system were higher than that of the biofloc system alone. The survival of the fish during two rearing months of the Biofloqua system was 100% while the Biofloc system was 92-96%. The water quality data that measured were temperature, 30.3–31.9oC, Dissolved oxygen 4.5–7.2 mg.l-1, pH 6-7, and ammonia concentration 0.27-0.71 mg.l-1 in the biofloc system and 29.5-31.3oC, 4.7-7.4 mg.l-1, pH 6-7, 0.20-0.53 mg.l-1 in biofloqua system, respectively. The floc volume formation rate in the biofloc system alone reached 1.1 ml.l-1 per day, which was above the floc formation rate for the biofloqua system 0.42 ml.l-1 per day, due to the use of nutrients for plant growth. The combination of biofloc and aquaponics showed more optimal growth performance and both were efficient in feed (Food Conversion Ratio / FCR <1.00). Although the results of the 5% level t test showed no difference in the performance of the aquaculture biota between the two systems, Biofloqua can be an alternative to increase fish farmer income by harvesting vegetables and fish together.

LC-MS/MS Based Metabolomics Reveal Candidate Biomarkers and Metabolic Changes in Different Buffalo Species.

Simple SummaryMilk and dairy products have become the most common and an essential nutrition in human life, while dairy products with high nutritional value are attracting more and more attention. Buffalo milk contains higher protein, fat, lactose, and total solid contents and has been considered as the source of superior dairy products, such as mozzarella cheese, butter, ice cream, and yoghurt. Moreover, buffalo milk contains more unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) which are important for human health owing to their desirable physiological effects. However, the composition of milk seems to vary among different buffalo species and inadequate information is available about the underlying mechanism. Therefore, exploring the biomarkers of superior buffalo milk is crucial for the process of dairy products and buffalo breeding. In the present study, diverse significantly different metabolites were identified among the Mediterranean, Murrah, and crossbred buffalo, and the different metabolites were mainly enriched in fat synthesis related pathways which affected the end fat content in the milk. Moreover, these specific metabolites can be used as candidate biomarkers in the identification of milk quality and molecular breeding of high milk fat buffalo.Consumers have shown more and more interest in high-quality and healthy dairy products and buffalo milk is commercially more viable than other milks in producing superior dairy products due to its higher contents of fat, crude protein, and total solids. Metabolomics is one of the most powerful strategies in molecular mechanism research however, little study has been focused on the milk metabolites in different buffalo species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the underlying molecular mechanism of the fatty synthesis and candidate biomarkers by analyzing the metabolomic profiles. Milk of three groups of buffaloes, including 10 Mediterranean, 12 Murrah, and 10 crossbred buffaloes (Murrah × local swamp buffalo), were collected and UPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS was used to obtain the metabolomic profiles. Results showed that milk fatty acid in Mediterranean buffalo was significantly higher than Murrah buffalo and crossbred buffalo. A total of 1837/726 metabolites was identified in both positive and negative electrospray ionization (ESI±) mode, including 19 significantly different metabolites between Mediterranean and Murrah buffalo, and 18 different metabolites between Mediterranean and crossbred buffalo. We found 11 of the different metabolites were both significantly different between Mediterranean vs. Murrah group and Mediterranean vs crossbred group, indicating that they can be used as candidate biomarkers of Mediterranean buffalo milk. Further analysis found that the different metabolites were mainly enriched in fat synthesis related pathways such as fatty acid biosynthesis, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, and linoleic acid metabolism, indicating that the priority of different pathways affected the milk fat content in different buffalo species. These specific metabolites may be used as biomarkers in the identification of milk quality and molecular breeding of high milk fat buffalo.

СТРАТИГРАФИЯ ВОДОРАЗДЕЛЬНОГО ТОРФЯНИКА И РАЗВИТИЕ ПРИРОДНОЙ СРЕДЫ ОСТРОВА БОЛЬШОЙ ШАНТАР В ПОЗДНЕЛЕДНИКОВЬЕ–ГОЛОЦЕНЕ

Continued record of paleogeographic events in the Shantar islands since the end of the Pleistocene was restored on the basis of a multy-proxy study of the stratigraphy of the blanket peatland. Biostratigraphical studies included botanical, diatom and pollen analyses. The age-depth model was built using 7 radiocarbon dates. For the first time, data of the environment development were obtained for the coldest part of the Sea of Okhotsk. Synchronicity and metachronicity of paleoclimatic events with regional data and global changes have been established. The Younger Dryas on the Shantar islands was much colder than in other areas around the Sea of Okhotsk. The climate became more maritime after the isolation of the islands at the early-middle Holocene. The influence of the cold sea and the presence of drifting ice were one of the main factors, why the early and middle Holocene optimums were poorly manifested here, and also determined the specifics of climatic rhythm. Models explaining alternation of relatively warm and cold periods with different humidity are proposed. The age of periods with heavy snowfalls has been established, as evidenced by the change in the role of shrub pine in island vegetation. Phases of development of local swamp and zonal landscapes are highlighted. Spruce appeared on the area ~11410–10345 cal. yr. BP, when there was a landbridge, and spruce trees became common in the middle Holocene and especially at the boundary of the middle-late Holocene. One of the controlling factors for the development of swamp landscapes was thermokarst processes. Significant changes in the environment occurred in the Little Ice Age, the most severe conditions were ~500–260 cal. yr. BP. In the last 210 years, the most significant changes in landscapes have been associated with anthropogenic fires.

Polymorphism Exploration of Growth Family (GH, GHRH and PIT-1) Genes Polymorphisms of Local Swamp Buffalo for Productivity Improvement in North Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra

Genetic improvement of livestock productivity can be done through molecular selection on the genes controlling growth traits. Genetic polymorphism of the growth family (GH, GHRH, and PIT1) genes were studied in local swamp buffalo (106 hds.) from a government buffalo breeding station (46 heads) and smallholders (60 heads) in North Tapanuli District, North Sumatra Province. Genotype variants of the three genes were identified by PCR-RFLP method using restriction enzymes of MspI (GH gene), HaeIII (GHRH gene) and HinfI (PIT -1 gene). Genotyping on individual GH_g.1547T>C, GHRH_g.4666G>C, and PIT -1_g.1256G >A loci resulted only one type genotype, respectively TT, CC, an d AA, with one type of allele, respectively T, C, and A. Heterozygosity observation (Ho) and expectation (He) values values and the PIC value for each locus was 0.00. It could be suggested to increase genotype frequenciest of the three growth genes that are positively associated with the growth traits and economic traits of the buffalo.

Selection of local swamp rice cultivars from Kalimantan (Indonesia) tolerant to iron stress during vegetative stage

Abstract. Novianti V, Indradewa D, Maryani, Rachmawati D. 2020. Selection of local swamp rice cultivars from Kalimantan (Indonesia) tolerant to iron stress during vegetative stage. Biodiversitas 21: 5595-5606. Kalimantan with the large swamp area is a potential region in Indonesia to develop local rice cultivars with high tolerance to iron toxicity in tidal lowlands. This research was conducted to select iron toxicity-tolerant in local Kalimantan-rice cultivars, namely: Amas (AMS), Pandan Ungu (PDU), Kambang (KMB), Suatek Merah (SM), Siam Unus Mayang (SUM), Siam Unus Kuning (SUK), and Siam 11 Panjang (S11P). As control, two rice cultivars: Ciherang (iron toxicity-susceptible) and Inpara 5 (iron toxicity-tolerant) were also used. The seeds were grown hydroponically for 35 DAP (days after planting) in Yoshida nutrient solution containing 0 ppm (control), 100 ppm (low), and 400 ppm (high) FeS2 as pyrite treatments. Morphological analysis (plant height, leaf length and width, and leaves number) showed that PDU and KMB cultivars have better characters for tolerating iron toxicity. The highest level of chlorophyll and carotenoid contents during iron toxicity treatment was observed in KMB cultivar. AMS cultivar had the highest proline level under high iron stress. Antioxidant enzyme analysis showed that AMS, PDU, and KMB cultivars had a high percentage increase in the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes when exposed to high pyrite conditions. Based on morphophysiological characteristics, biochemical component, and enzymatic antioxidant activity, it can be concluded that AMS, PDU, and KMB cultivars are potential candidates as iron toxicity-tolerant rice.

Genetic Diversity of Indonesian Swamp Buffalo Based on Microsatellite Markers

Indonesia has high genetic resources of local swamp buffalo with good adaptation across regions. However, these animals decline in both population and genetic quality. This research was conducted to study the genetic diversity of Indonesian swamp buffalo. A total of 199 DNA samples (swamp buffalo) from seven provincial populations were used in this study. Genetics identification used three microsatellite markers (CSSM66, ILSTS61, and ILSTS17). Microsatellites were visualized by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (PAGE) 10% with silver staining method. Microsatellite data were analyzed using GenAlEx 6.41, Cervus 3.0, and POPTREE2 software. The results showed that a total of 9 alleles were found from the three loci. ILSTS61 had a high PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) compared to the other loci. The high observed heterozygosity of ILSTS61 was found in swamp buffalo from Riau Province, while the Ho value of ILSTS17 ranged from 0.000 to 0.170. This study identified two clusters for Indonesian swamp buffalo, i.e., cluster I (Aceh, North Sumatra, and Riau) and cluster II (Banten, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara, and South Sulawesi). The two major divergent directions are considered in Indonesia swamp buffaloes across the observed provinces.

Physicochemical Characteristics and Microbiological Quality of the Topside and Longissimus Dorsi of Indonesian Local Buffalo Meat

The physicochemical characteristics and microbiological quality of buffalo meat are influenced by differences in muscle type. This study aimed to evaluate the physiochemical characteristic and microbiological quality of the topside (active muscle) and longissimus dorsi (passive muscle) of Indonesian local buffalo meat. Samples used in this study were buffalo meat from local swamp buffalo, aged more than four years old on the topside and longissimus dorsi. This study used a completely randomized design, with three repetitions in each treatment. All data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The result of the study on the topside and longissimus dorsi area showed a significant difference in the pH and cholesterol levels of the buffalo meat. The longissimus dorsi area had a lower level of pH and cholesterol compared to the topside area. Furthermore, this longissimus dorsi meat has a higher color, protein, ash, fat, essential amino acid, and lactic acid bacterial (BAL) content than the topside meat. However, the topside meat had higher carbohydrate, essential fatty acid, Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) content compared to the longissimus dorsi meat. Longissimus dorsi meat had better physicochemical characteristics and microbiological quality than the topside meat

BC2F2 LOCAL RICE GENOTYPES FIELD TEST AT NON-TIDAL SWAMP IN SOUTH SUMATRA PROVINCE

Non-tidal swamp is one of suboptimal land available to increase rice production in Indonesia. The problems is stagnant flooding during vegetative growth phase of the crop. Therefore, it is important to have rice varieties that tolerant flooding. Crossing and selection have been conducted to obtaine BC2F2 genotype from local swamp rice varieties, i.e. Siam, Pegagan and Pelita Rampak. This research was aimed at knowing the growth and production of several genotypes BC2F2 and their parental varieties, Siam, Pegagan and Pelita Rampak. The research was conducted in non-tidal swamp in Village Sako, sub-district Rambutan, District Banyuasin, South Sumatra from October 2017 to March 2018. Rice genotypes have been used BC2F2 Siam, BC2F2 Pegagan, and BC2F2 Pelita Rampak, and their parental varieties i.e. Siam, Pegagan, and Pelita Rampak. The results showed that genotype BC2F2 had vegetative and generative characters different from those of Siam, Pegagan, and Pelita Rampak. The production of the tested rice varieties was high, ranged from 4.52 to 7.95 tonnes per hectare. The best of each genotypes planted in the first season were SM 2, PGG 4, and PLR 3. While the best BC2F2 of each genotypes planted in the second season were SM 2, PGG 3, and PLR 3.

Response of Landscapes of the Sikhote-Alin Western Slopes to the Middle–Late Holocene Climatic Changes

The response of landscape biotic components of the western slope of the Sikhote-Alin Mountains (Bikin River middle flow) to the Middle–Late Holocene climate changes is discussed. The paleoreconstruction object was the Krasny Yar mari, which developed under the control of multidirectional short-term climatic changes. The last millennium was marked by particularly rapid and frequent changes in the local landscapes. The closely spaced orographic barrier strongly affected the development of biotic components and changes in the swamp hydrological regime. The moisture dynamics within the river catchment considerably controlled the development and change of the peat-forming plants. Several stages of the mari development were reconstructed; each began from the accumulation of eutrophic peat. It was followed by the transitional eutrophic–mesotrophic stage, with a higher role of atmospheric supply. The larch forests appeared in this part of the valley within the Atlantic–Subboreal cooling period. Korean pine developed in the forest vegetation in the low mountain relief at the beginning of the Subboreal and became one of the leading trees ~2.6–2.3 ka BP. The lower role of the Korean pine and birch forest expansion in the first half of the Subatlantic could be related to the fires. The broadleaf–Korean pine forests became widespread in the Medieval Warm Period. Local swamp landscapes changed dramatically in the Little Ice Age, while the slope vegetation was not subject to any major changes. The landscapes were also affected by the fires, which became more frequent. The derivative communities with birch appeared on the mari. Moreover, this part of the valley was occasionally subject to heavy flooding.

11. Blood Chemistry of Local Swamp Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of Aceh

This study was done to determine blood chemistry of local swamp buffaloes in Aceh. Blood samples were collected from 15 local buffaloes slaughtered at the abattoir of Banda Aceh and 16 local buffaloes slaughtered at the abattoir of Aceh Besar using EDTA as an anticoagulant. Measurement of uric acid, cholesterol and glucose levels was done using Easy Touch rapid test whereas hemoglobin concentration was determined using Sahli method. Data obtained was analyzed by t-test using GraphPad Prims 6 software. The results showed that concentration of uric acid, cholesterol, glucose and hemoglobin in the blood of local swamp buffaloes were 13.80±3.62 mg/dl, 139.50±39.71 mg/dl, 81.81±21.34 mg/dl, and 10.86±2.78 g/dl, respectively. In the male local buffaloes, the level of uric acid, cholesterol, glucose and Hb were 12.23±3.94 mg/dl, 126.10±33.99 mg/dl, 73.58±22.54 mg/dl, and Hb 11.20±3.86 g/dl, respectively. For female local buffaloes, uric acid level was 14.59±3.29 mg/dl, cholesterol was 147.70±41.61 mg/dl, glucose was 87.00±19.35 mg/dl, and Hb was 10.64±1.91 g/dl. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no difference in the chemistry profiles in the blood of local swamp buffaloes of Aceh according to sex.

The effect of equilibration time on semen freezing of local swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with combination extender of lactose and glycerol

Eriani K, Sari N, Ihdina M, Rosnizar. 2017. The effect of equilibration time on semen freezing of local swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) with combination extender of lactose and glycerol. Nusantara Bioscience 9: 77-82. This study was to determine the different time of equilibration on semen of swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) which was diluted by adding Tris-Egg Yolk extender of lactose and glycerol cryoprotectant combination. Fresh sperm of the swamp buffalo (B. bubalis) was diluted by using Tris-Egg Yolk extender of lactose cryoprotectants combination 0 mM (L0), 60 mM (L60), 120 mM (L120) and glycerol 3% (G3), 5% (G5), 7% (G7) with the equilibration of 2,5, 3, and 4 hours. The parameter used in this study was the percentage of sperm motility and live treatment. The results of the 2.5-hour equilibration with a combination of cryoprotectants L60G7 showed the best quality in all parameters. The results of the 3-hour equilibration with combination of cryoprotectants L60G7 showed the best quality in all parameters whereas the best quality in all parameters in 4-hour equilibration was the combination of cryoprotectants L120G7.

Improved open-sun drying method for local swamp rice in Uganda

“Kaiso” and “Supa” are the main local swamp-rice (Oryza Sativa) varieties currently grown in Uganda mainly by smallholder farmers on small gardens (0.5 – 2ha). Due to lack of mechanized drying equipment and owing to the low volumes of their harvests, these farmers use open-sun drying methods, where the paddy is spread on tarpaulins, cemented floors or bare ground. In most cases the paddy is badly dried and is highly fissured. Such paddy on milling contributes to low levels of mill recovery and head rice count of the milled rice. Compared to other varieties and countries, the mill recovery and head rice levels are ostensibly low. The study aimed to improve the above method under the Ugandan weather conditions with a view to increase the mill recovery and head rice levels. Paddy of the predominant “Kaiso” variety was dried in sun on cemented floor at ten depths: control (farmers’ method), 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 and 110 mm. The results showed that the best paddy drying depth was between 70 and 80 mm. However at these depths, the paddy takes 7 – 8 days to dry. To reduce the drying time, the paddy was first set to dry at 80 mm depth for two days; after which time, it was divided into three different potions that were further dried at different depths of 80, 40 and 30 mm. The results showed that samples whose drying depths were reduced to 40 mm and 30 mm took four days to dry while samples whose depths remained at 80 mm took 7-8 days. There were no significant differences in mill recovery values (p = 0.2968) and head rice levels (p = 0.5890). Improvement index in mill recovery was 1.14 and that of head rice was 1.24. Average aflatoxin level in the samples whose depth was reduced to 40mm was 4.8ppb and that reduced to 30 mm was 2.3ppb. From these results, it was recommended that “Kaiso” variety should be dried at 80 mm depth for two days and drying depth should be reduced between 30 and 40 mm for subsequent drying. It was further recommended that the method be tested with other swamp varieties before general conclusion is drawn that it can work for all swamp varieties.Keywords: Head rice, mill recovery

Separation and quantification of milk casein from different buffalo breeds.

Understanding the milk protein expression profile in different buffalo breeds plays an important role in improving hybrid selection and determining the effects on milk protein synthesis. The aim of this research is to compare the differences in milk protein content, composition and distribution between River buffalo and their crossbreeds for hybrid screening. Four groups of milk samples that included Nili-Ravi (N), Murrah (M), a Nili-Ravi-Murrah crossbreed (M-N), and a crossbreed of river buffalo with local swamp buffalo (C) were collected. The protein composition of the buffalo milk was determined by RP-HPLC. A gel-based proteomic approach consisting of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis coupled with mass spectrometry was utilised for the detailed protein characterisation of milk from different breeds. The results of this analysis showed that the river/swamp buffalo crossbreed (C) displayed the highest content of total protein (4·46%) and κ-casein (11·14%) but the lowest content of α-lactalbumin (6·79%). By selecting 23 different protein spots among the four types of milk that contained the most spots corresponding to κ-casein, β-casein and αs1-casein, correlations between the crossbreeds, protein polymorphism and phosphorylation could be made. The results of this study indicate that crossbreeding a swamp buffalo with a river buffalo has a notable effect on the protein content and composition that may be exploited for producing high-quality raw milk in food technology applications and dairy food production.