Low Dry Matter Content Research Articles

DISTRIBUIÇÃO DE LARVAS DE NEMATÓDEOS GASTRINTESTINAIS DE OVINOS EM PASTAGENS DE INVERNO

The aim of this work was to study the dynamics of nematode larvae of sheep on winter pasture species. A completely randomized design was used. The treatments were composed by two different dry matter offers of each forage species (black oat 5% and 12%; ryegrass 10% and 20%). A total of 28 Suffolk female lambs were used. Pasture was taken every fifteen days and samples were separated into superior and inferior fractions and sent for counting and identification of parasite larvae. Lambs were evaluated each fifteen days for parasitological evaluations. Ryegrass (104.53 L/g MS) presented higher (p 0.05) in the worm burden. Otherwise a trend of linear increase in the number of fecal egg count was observed in the treatment with black oat with lower dry matter content. Sheep rearing in high stocking rates leads to parasitic infection of animals and environment contamination by pathogenic helminth larvae. KEYWORDS: gastrointestinal nematodes; pasture; sheep; Trichostrongylidae.

The use of Italian ryegrass silage in a low input dairy cow feeding system in Austrian organic agriculture

Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam., var. italicum) is widely known for being well suited as forage for dairy cows due to its high energetic value and promotion of high forage intakes. Performance under the conditions of organic agriculture is promising as well. Winter feeding of Austrian organic dairy cows is commonly based on preserved forages like grass silage, and when milk yields are moderate and concentrate prices are high, hardly any concentrates may be supplemented at all. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of including 30 % Italian ryegrass silage (RG) in a grass silage-based diet on the performance of organic dairy cows, with hardly any concentrate supplementation (0.7 kg DM day−1 and cow). The nutrient composition of Italian RG fulfilled expectations (118–133 g CP; 5.96–5.98 MJ NEL kg−1 DM) and its inclusion in the diet was found to improve energy intake (+3 MJ NEL d−1 and cow), but did not facilitate a better energy balance (92–93 %). Grass–clover silage, which was the main forage component, unfortunately had an unfavorable fermentation quality associated with low dry matter content (209 g kg−1). This led to only moderate forage intakes (12.3–12.5 kg DM) and therefore an inadequate energy supply of the cows and ruling out any positive effects of Italian RG.

Phenotypic analysis of tuber yield- and maturity-related traits in white yam (Dioscorea rotundata)

Inadequate yield potential of available varieties and their long growth periods are two of the factors limiting yam ( Dioscorea spp.) production. Identifying yield- and maturity-related traits and breeding for them will enhance production. Ten morphological/physiological traits: time of shoot emergence, time of tuber initiation, plant height, shoot dry weight, time of shoot senescence, tuber fresh weight (tuber yield), tuber number/plant, tuber parenchyma colour, tuber dry matter content and tuber dormancy period were assessed in eight accessions of D. rotundata (white Guinea yam) on the field in 2008 and 2009. Shoot dry weight and plant height were identified as the major tuber yield-related traits. Early field emergence and tuber initiation, short tuber dormancy period and low tuber dry matter content may also be related to tuber yield. High yielding accessions were low in tuber dry matter content. Moreover, early and late maturing accessions could be separated by time of attainment of uniform parenchyma colour within a tuber, length of tuber dormancy period and time of shoot senescence. Accessions were identified that may be used as parents for developing mapping populations for some of the traits assessed in the study. Key words: Dioscorea rotundata , tuber maturity, tuber dormancy, dry matter content, yield related traits, senescence.

Qualidade nutricional e esverdeamento pós-colheita de tubérculos de cultivares de batata

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as características físico-químicas, a qualidade nutricional e a suscetibilidade ao esverdeamento pós-colheita de tubérculos de cultivares de batata. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de 11 cultivares (Ágata, Ambra, Annabelle, Asterix, Atlantic, Cupido, Daisy, Fontane, Innovator, Markies e Voyager). As cultivares Ágata, Ambra, Annabelle, Cupido e Voyager apresentam tubérculos com polpa de menor firmeza (6,82 a 8,25 N) e baixos teores de matéria seca (14,46 a 17,57%), carboidratos (10,97 a 12,51%) e amido (10,21 a 12,26%), adequados para o mercado fresco, a preparação de massas e o uso culinário. Já as cultivares Atlantic, Fontane e Innovator apresentam polpa firme (9,14 a 9,55 N) e elevados teores de matéria seca (19,68 a 21,63%), carboidratos (14,49 a 15,90%) e amido (14,29 a 15,74%), adequados para fritura. As cultivares Asterix e Markies apresentam teores intermediários dessas características e são indicadas para o preparo de massas e fritura. As cultivares Innovator e Markies apresentam melhor qualidade nutricional, com elevados teores de minerais (P, K, Mg, Cu e Mn) e de proteína, enquanto as cultivares Ágata e Ambra apresentam menor qualidade nutricional e proteica. A cultivar Voyager apresenta maior esverdeamento pós-colheita que as cultivares Annabelle, Fontane, Markies, Ambra e Atlantic.

Microbiological, chemical, and sensory characteristics of Hispánico cheese manufactured using frozen high pressure treated curds made from raw ovine milk

A novel procedure to overcome the seasonal shortage of ovine milk used for cheese manufacture was investigated. Curds made from raw ovine milk in spring months were treated at 400 or 500 MPa of pressure, and frozen for 4 months. After thawing, they were added to fresh bovine curd made from pasteurized milk for the manufacture of experimental Hispánico cheeses. Experimental cheeses exhibited lower dry matter content, less firm texture and higher total free amino acid concentration than a control cheese made from a mixture of pasteurized bovine and ovine milk. Cheese obtained using curds pressurized at 400 MPa showed the highest levels of esterase activity, total free fatty acids, 2-propanol, 2-butanol, 2-pentanol and ethyl hexanoate. The use of frozen pressurized curd made from raw ovine milk for Hispánico cheese manufacture seemed not to have altered its flavour characteristics but increased the yield of the ripe cheese.

Species distribution models reveal apparent competitive and facilitative effects of a dominant species on the distribution of tundra plants

Abiotic factors are considered strong drivers of species distribution and assemblages. Yet these spatial patterns are also influenced by biotic interactions. Accounting for competitors or facilitators may improve both the fit and the predictive power of species distribution models (SDMs). We investigated the influence of a dominant species, Empetrum nigrum ssp. hermaphroditum, on the distribution of 34 subordinate species in the tundra of northern Norway. We related SDM parameters of those subordinate species to their functional traits and their co‐occurrence patterns with E. hermaphroditum across three spatial scales. By combining both approaches, we sought to understand whether these species may be limited by competitive interactions and/or benefit from habitat conditions created by the dominant species. The model fit and predictive power increased for most species when the frequency of occurrence of E. hermaphroditum was included in the SDMs as a predictor. The largest increase was found for species that 1) co‐occur most of the time with E. hermaphroditum, both at large (i.e. 750 m) and small spatial scale (i.e. 2 m) or co‐occur with E. hermaphroditum at large scale but not at small scale and 2) have particularly low or high leaf dry matter content (LDMC). Species that do not co‐occur with E. hermaphroditum at the smallest scale are generally palatable herbaceous species with low LDMC, thus showing a weak ability to tolerate resource depletion that is directly or indirectly induced by E. hermaphroditum. Species with high LDMC, showing a better aptitude to face resource depletion and grazing, are often found in the proximity of E. hermaphroditum. Our results are consistent with previous findings that both competition and facilitation structure plant distribution and assemblages in the Arctic tundra. The functional and co‐occurrence approaches used were complementary and provided a deeper understanding of the observed patterns by refinement of the pool of potential direct and indirect ecological effects of E. hermaphroditum on the distribution of subordinate species. Our correlative study would benefit being complemented by experimental approaches.

Inclusion of psyllium in milk replacer for neonatal calves. 1. Effects on growth, digesta viscosity, rate of passage, nutrient digestibilities, and metabolites in blood

Based on research in other species, inclusion of psyllium in milk replacer might improve nutrient utilization and gastrointestinal function in neonatal calves. Male Holstein calves were fed a milk replacer (22% crude protein, 20% fat) either without or with psyllium (1.1% of dry matter) from 2 d through 28 d of age. Milk replacer was reconstituted to 12.5% dry matter (DM) and fed at 12% of calf body weight (BW), adjusted weekly. Water was offered ad libitum but no starter was fed. Three calves per treatment were harvested weekly to sample digesta from the rumen, abomasum, jejunum, proximal colon, and distal colon. Mean daily intakes of water, DM, crude protein, and metabolizable energy did not differ between treatments. Average daily gain of BW did not differ between treatments. Digesta from the abomasum and colon of calves fed psyllium was more viscous than digesta from control calves. Mean retention time of digesta in the total digestive tract tended to be greater for calves supplemented with psyllium (9.7 vs. 8.4h). Feces and digesta from the proximal and distal colon of calves fed psyllium had lower DM content than feces and digesta from control calves. Total-tract apparent digestibility of DM (92.8 vs. 94.1%) was lower for psyllium-fed calves, likely as an effect of the addition of the more poorly digestible psyllium; digestibilities of energy and ash also tended to be lower. The prefeeding plasma glucose concentration (10h after previous feeding) tended to be greater for psyllium-fed calves but concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate, cholesterol, urea N, and total protein did not differ between treatments. Blood components did not differ between treatments at 2h postfeeding. Inclusion of psyllium in the milk replacer of neonatal calves increased digesta viscosity and slowed passage of digesta through the gastrointestinal tract.

DRY MATTER, MINERAL COMPOSITION, AND COMMERCIAL STORAGE PRACTICES INFLUENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SKIN PITTING CAUSED BY CADOPHORA LUTEO-OLIVACEA ON KIWIFRUIT ‘HAYWARD’

SUMMARY In recent years a postharvest disease of kiwifruit caused by Cadophora luteo-olivacea, characterized by a pitting of the skin appearing after 3 or more months of storage, has been reported in most Italian packinghouses. This work reports the disease occurrence in northern Italy over a period of five years and the effects of commercial storage practices and kiwifruit dry matter or mineral composition on disease development. Throughout the experiments, C. luteo-olivacea was identified based on morphology and sequencing the ribosomal region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2. Monitoring of seven packinghouses in 2001-2003, showed that skin pitting occurred when controlled atmosphere (CA) composed of 2% O 2 and 4.5% CO 2 was established within 8 to 12 days from the beginning of storage, while, when CA was established within 25 or more days, C. luteo-olivacea was absent. In 2002, the kiwifruit of 19 orchards were monitored during storage in which CA was established within 8 to 12 days. Before storage, the dry matter (DM), nitrogen, calcium and magnesium content were measured. DM was inversely related to the incidence of C. luteoolivacea (R 2 = 0.5269) and the nitrogen content was directly related to skin pitting (R 2 = 0.5015). During 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 different batches of kiwifruit, healthy or infected by C. luteo-olivacea, were analysed at the end of their storage. The disease incidence was significantly associated with dry matter (Pearson’s correlation coefficient: -0.853) and nitrogen content (0.815). A significantly lower calcium content was registered in some infected compared to healthy batches in 20042005. Batches with predisposing factors, such as low DM and high nitrogen content, should be more carefully managed, reducing storage life and avoiding an excessively fast and stressing CA establishment.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO FÍSICA E FÍSICO-QUÍMICA DE RIZOMAS E AMIDO DO LÍRIO-DO-BREJO (Hedychium coronarium)

The objectives of this research were to evaluate the chemical composition of Hedychium coronarium rhizomes and isolate and characterize their starch by conducting physical and physicochemical analyses. The chemical composition of isolated starch granules was also determined, as well as shape, size, particle distribution size by laser diffraction, paste viscosity by rapid visco-analysis, swelling power, water solubility index, thermal property by differential scanning calorimetry, and crystallinity by X-ray diffraction. Rhizomes presented high water content and low lipids, carbohydrates, ash, protein and fiber levels. Due to its low dry matter content (17.3%), with 21.97% of starch, as well as long fibers and latex, which hamper starch extraction, the white ginger lily rhizomes are not interesting as a starch source. The isolated starch showed 99.2% purity, with 37.2% of amylase content. The starch granules presented an irregular polyhedral shape and average size of 38.2 ? m . The crystalline structure of the starch granules was type A, which is maintained by strong internal associative forces that reduce water solubility. The starch gelatinization temperature occurs between 73.1oC and 78.7°C. The starch paste viscosity profile showed high stability at 95°C and high tendency to retrograde, suggesting its use in adhesive and food industries. KEY-WORDS: Hedychium coronarium ; physicochemical and functional properties; paste viscosity; starch thermal property.

A multi‐trait test of the leaf‐height‐seed plant strategy scheme with 133 species from a pine forest flora

Summary1. Westoby’s [Plant and Soil(1998),199, 213] Leaf‐Height‐Seed (LHS) plant strategy scheme quantifies the strategy of a plant based on its location in a three‐dimensional space defined by three functional traits: specific leaf area (SLA), height, and seed mass. This scheme is based on aboveground traits and may neglect strategies of belowground resource capture if root functioning is not mirrored in any of the axes. How then do fine roots fit into the LHS scheme?2. We measured 10 functional traits on 133 plant species in a ponderosa pine forest in northern Arizona, USA. This data set was used to evaluate how well the LHS scheme accounts for the variation in above and belowground traits.3. The three most important plant strategies were composed of multiple correlated traits, but SLA, seed mass, and height loaded on separate principle components. The first axis reflected the widely observed ‘leaf economics spectrum’. Species at the high end of this spectrum had high SLA, high leaf and fine root nitrogen (N) concentration, and low leaf dry matter content. The second axis reflected variation in seed mass and fine root morphology. Plants at the positive end of this spectrum were plants with large seeds and low specific root length (SRL). The third axis reflected variation in height and phenology. Plants at the positive end of this spectrum were tall species that flower late in the growing season.4. Leaf N concentration was positively correlated with fine root N concentration. SRL was weakly positively correlated with SLA. SRL was not correlated with fine root N concentration. Leaf litter decomposition rate was positively correlated with the leaf economics spectrum and was negatively correlated with the height and phenology spectrum.5. Leaf traits, seed mass, and height appear to be integrating properties of species that reflect much of the variation in plant function, including root function. Fine root N concentration was positively mirrored by the leaf economics spectrum, and SRL was inversely mirrored by seed mass. The leaf and height axes play a role in controlling leaf litter decomposability, indicating that these strategy axes have important consequences for ecosystem functioning.

The effects of early post-mortem pH and ultimate pH on level and amount of destructured zones in cooked cured hams

Effects of early (1h p.m. and 3h p.m.) and ultimate pH (24h p.m.) on level and amount of destructured zones in cooked cured hams were evaluated. In experiment 1, electrically stimulated (50 V, 14 Hz, 2 x 90s) and non-stimulated carcass halves, both in combination with two cooling procedures (2 degrees C from 30 min p.m. vs. 120 min p.m.) resulted in 1.5-35.2g/kg destructured zones in silversides and 58.4-120.0 g/kg destructured zones in topsides. A high temperature 1h p.m. in silversides (P=0.067) and topsides (P=0.054) was identified as the most important predictor for the defect. In experiment 2, cooked cured hams from topsides selected according to ultimate pH groups (pH<5.5, pH 5.5-5.7, pH>5.7) showed between 12.3 and 61.8 g/kg destructured zones. Ultimate pH was specified as most important, however, statistically still not significant (P=0.135) predictor for the defect. Chemical analysis resulted in low crude ash and high dry matter content as being characteristic for the defect.

Functional response traits in relation to land use change in the Montado

The socio-economic changes of the last decades have resulted in changes in traditional land uses with consequent abandonment of large farmland areas in the Mediterranean region. We assessed the response of species richness and composition, and species functional traits to decreasing land use intensity in a Montado system, an agro-pastoral system characteristic of the Alentejo, Southern Portugal. Additionally, we investigated whether plant functional types can be established based on the response to decreasing land use intensity in these systems. Consistent with previous studies, species richness decreased sharply after land abandonment, and this was associated with a strong turnover in species composition from grazed to abandoned sites as the vegetation changed from herbaceous to shrub dominated communities. Pronounced differences in functional traits were found for different successional stages. Therophyte life form, short plant height, high specific leaf area (SLA), low leaf dry matter content (LDMC) and small seeds with dispersal structures were dominant in grazed plots. Within abandoned plots, chamaephytes dominated in plots abandoned for 10–15 years and decreased in favour of nanophanerophytes in plots abandoned for 20–30 years. Plant height, LDMC and seed mass increased with abandonment time while SLA decreased. Functional response groups sufficient to describe vegetation change were identified combining life form and SLA. Therophytes with medium SLA were the dominant functional group in grazed areas, while nanophanerophytes with medium or low SLA were associated with later phases of abandonment. At intermediate stages of succession the dominant group was chamaephytes with medium SLA but functional diversity was highest as all the groups, except hemicryptophytes with medium SLA, were represented. These changes in functional composition can be translated into effects on key ecosystem properties. The increase in LDMC indicates an increase in flammability while trends in both LDMC and SLA suggest decreased decomposition, and thereby carbon and nutrient cycling. These will need to be considered in combination with consequences for other ecosystem properties for future management.

A study of the physicochemical and sensory properties of organic and conventional potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) before and after baking

SummaryThe objective of this study was to investigate if there were any differences in the physicochemical and sensory properties of organic and conventional potatoes (cv. Orla). The conventional potatoes had a lower dry matter content (P ≤ 0.05) and a slightly softer texture (P ≤ 0.05) than the organic potatoes. The trained panel perceived the conventional baked potato to be slightly softer, less adhesive and wetter than the organic baked potato (P ≤ 0.05). However, the consumer panel found no significant difference between the organic and conventional baked potato samples for the sensory attributes of appearance, aroma, texture and taste acceptability.

The annual ammonia budget of fertilised cut grassland – Part 1: Micrometeorological flux measurements and emissions after slurry application

Abstract. Two commercial ammonia (NH3) analysers were customised to allow continuous measurements of vertical concentration gradients. The gradients were used to derive ammonia exchange fluxes above a managed grassland site at Oensingen (Switzerland) by application of the aerodynamic gradient method. The measurements from July 2006 to October 2007 covered five complete growth-cut cycles and included six applications of liquid cattle slurry. The average accuracy of the flux measurements during unstable and near-neutral conditions was 20% and the detection limit was 10 ng NH3 m−2 s−1. Hence the flux measurements are considered sufficiently accurate for studying typical NH3 deposition rates over growing vegetation. Quantifying the overall emissions after slurry applications required the application of elaborate interpolations because of difficulties capturing the initial emissions during broadspreading of liquid manure. The emissions were also calculated with a mass balance method yielding similar fluxes. NH3 losses after slurry application expressed as percentage of emitted nitrogen versus applied total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN) varied between 4 and 19%, which is roughly a factor of three lower than the values for broadspreading of liquid manure in emission inventories. The comparatively low emission factors appear to be a consequence of the low dry matter content of the applied slurry and soil properties favouring ammonium adsorption.

Production Characteristics and Body Composition of Juvenile Cobia Fed Three Different Commercial Diets in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

AbstractThe effect of feeding three commercial diets on production characteristics and body composition of juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum reared using recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) was assessed in a 56‐d growth trial. Juvenile cobia (mean weight ± SE, 29.2 ± 0.7 g) were stocked into three 8‐m3 tanks in each of four RASs at an initial density of 1.2 kg/m3. After stocking, fish were fed one of three commercial diets: Hybrid Striped Bass diet (HSB; 44% protein, 12% lipid), Finfish Gold diet (GOLD; 42% protein, 16% lipid), or Marine Grower diet (MG; 50% protein, 15% lipid), all at a targeted feed rate of 3–5% of body weight per day. At 2‐week intervals, 10% of the population of each tank was collected to determine mean weight, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), and biomass. At the end of the rearing trial, the entire population of each tank was harvested to determine production characteristics and survival. In addition, fish were sampled to determine whole‐body composition, hepatosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat ratio, energy retention (ER), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and protein productive value (PPV). Final weight (311.0 g), weight gain (281.8 g), SGR (4.23% per day), FCE (85.7%), biomass (11.20 kg/m3), and ER (32.7%) of fish fed the MG diet were significantly greater than those of fish fed the HSB and GOLD diets. No differences in survival, gross energy, ash, or crude lipid content existed among fish fed the three diets. Lowest dry matter content, lowest PPV, and highest protein content were observed in fish fed the HSB diet. Highest PER was observed in fish fed the GOLD diet. Although the cost of production per kilogram for rearing juvenile cobia with the MG diet would be greater, this cost could be offset by the 15% reduction in rearing time required as compared with the HSB and GOLD diets.

Field assessment of the balance between greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions from grassland under various N-management regimes

Materials and methods A field-plot experiment (2 x 1.5 m per plot, n=3) was carried out, with grass-derived and maizederived slurries of high and low dry matter (DM) content. Plots were spread using splash-plate application. In addition, one of the combinations of maize-derived slurry DM content was spread on three additional plots simulating trailing shoe, in order to compare both slurry application techniques. Control plots include no N fertilization and 60 kg N ha of calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) fertilization. Two treatment applications were carried out in April and July 2009 under contrasting climatic conditions. Continuous flux measurements were taken after slurry application. Ammonia was measured using a photo-acoustic analyzer (INNOVA 1412 Trace Gas Analyser, INNOVA Instruments, Copenhagen, Denmark) coupled to a dynamic chamber. Carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide were measured using static chambers and an Infra-Red Gas Analyzer (CO2, PP Systems EGM-4, PP Systems, Hitchin, Herts., UK) or a gas chromatograph (N2O, Varian) for the analysis of the gases. Ancillary data (air and soil temperature, rainfall, soil moisture, soil ammonium and nitrate concentration) were also collected. Cumulative fluxes were calculated for the first week following fertiliser application (Figure 1). Background fluxes (control plots) were subtracted from fluxes calculated for treatments plots. These treatments were compared using ANOVA with slurry dry matter and slurry types as main factors.

EVALUATION OF DRY MATTER IN SOUR CHERRY (PRUNUS CERASUS L.)

Dry matter of fruits may be an essential parameter in fruit processing. Especially in the very energy-intensive freeze drying process, high values of dry matter in the freshly harvested fruits contribute to a lower requirement of energy and to lower costs. In sour cherry often processed by freeze drying, little is known about the dry matter content of various cultivars. For that reason, the parameter was evaluated in 33 cultivars during the years 2005-2007. Dependent on cultivar and year, values between 10.7% (‘Montmorency’ in 2007) and 28.2% (‘Stevnsbaer Viki’ in 2006) could be observed. In the average over the years, ‘Montmorency’ was characterized by the lowest dry matter content (13.1%). Maximum values were very different for all the other cultivars ‘Stevnsbaer Viki’ reaching 23.9% and ‘Stevnsbaer Birgitte’ 24.1%. In spite of clear variations between the years, cultivars differed significantly. The results show that cultivars with a high dry matter content are available for using in freeze drying. The content of dry matter was highly correlated to the content of soluble solids (correlation coefficient 0.91). Therefore the investigation of soluble solids can be used for rapid testing of dry matter of a wide range of genotypes.

Reducing salt level in food: Part 1. Factors affecting the manufacture of model cheese systems and their structure–texture relationships

Abstract A model lipoproteic matrix able to mimic hard-type cheese was produced with controlled structural and textural properties. Changes in the microstructural and rheological properties of these model cheeses made from different milk concentrate powder, anhydrous milk fat, salt contents and pH values at renneting were characterised. Rheological properties were measured by texture profile analysis, fat globule and protein aggregate size distributions by laser light scattering. Microstructural properties of the model matrices were studied by confocal laser scanning and scanning electron microscopy. Significant differences between the matrices were found for the structural, physico-chemical and rheological parameters measured. Cheeses with higher dry matter content were significantly harder and contained more insoluble proteins than cheeses with lower dry matter content. The salt concentration and the pH at renneting had significant influence on cheese hardness and adhesiveness of rheological parameters. The model lipoproteic matrix presented air bubbles and powder aggregates which could not be avoided during the manufacture of products. However, compared with classic cheese making with rennet or acid coagulation, the technology used here allows model cheeses to be produced rapidly with a good reproducibility of texture.

Chemical Composition of Some Tropical Foliage Species and Their Intake and Digestibility by Goats

The chemical composition and water extractable dry matter (DM) of foliages from Erythrina (Erythrina variegata), Fig (Ficus racemosa), Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill), Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) and Mango (Mangifera indica) and the feed intake, digestibility and N retention when feeding these foliages were studied in two experiments. In Experiment 1, 12 male goats, 3.5 months old and weighing 14.6 kg, were randomly allocated to a diet consisting of one of the foliages in a change-over design with three periods. The foliages were offered ad libitum at the level of 130% of the average daily feed intake. The Erythrina foliage had a low content of DM and condensed tannins (CT) and a high concentration of crude protein (CP) in leaves plus petioles (193 g/kg DM) and stem, while the Mango foliage had a low CP (69 g/kg DM) and high DM content. The other foliages were intermediate. High content of CT was found in the leaves plus petioles of Jackfruit foliage and in the stem of Fig and Mango foliage. There was a difference in feed intake, nutrient intake, apparent digestibility and N retention between the foliages, with Erythrina, Jackfruit and Kapok foliage being significantly higher in these parameters than Fig, Jujube and Mango foliage. The water extractable DM could be used to estimate N retention, but not DM digestibility in this study. In Experiment 2, 4 male goats weighing 13.4 kg and 6 months old were allocated to a 4x4 Latin square design. The treatments were: water spinach ad libitum and Fig, Jujube or Mango foliage ad libitum +0.5% of BW as water spinach DM. Feed intake, apparent digestibility and N retention were not significantly different among the foliage diets, but higher than for water spinach alone (p<0.05). Supplementation with water spinach to a diet consisting of low quality foliages such as Fig, Jujube and Mango, increased DM and CP intake, apparent digestibility and N retention, compared to feeding these foliages as sole feeds.

Reducing salt and fat content: Impact of composition, texture and cognitive interactions on the perception of flavoured model cheeses

Abstract To better understand which composition levers are available to reduce salt content in food without altering flavour perception, this paper aimed at quantifying the impact of texture and composition (salt, fat and dry matter) of a model cheese: (i) on salt and flavour perception, and; (ii) on profile texture and flavour release. Variations of salt, fat and dry matter highly influenced texture perception and instrumental texture parameters. Differences in aroma release and olfactory perception (“blue cheese” odour perception) between different model cheeses were highlighted when salt and fat content varied. However, a major result of this study showed that salty perception was not influenced by texture characteristics of model cheeses. Furthermore, olfactory perception modified texture perception but only for model cheeses with low fat and low-dry matter contents. Variations in salt content and sensory interactions therefore seem to have a greater impact on products with low fat content than on those with high-fat content.