Major Source Of Protein Research Articles

Evaluating Poultry Litter as a Feed Supplement: Perspectives of Ghanaian Livestock Farmers

Cattle, sheep, and goats are crucial to human development, serving as major protein sources, income providers, and as a hedge against economic risk in Ghana. The demand for protein from these animals has significantly outpaced supply, partly due to insufficient or unavailable feed resources. This study investigates the use of poultry litter as a feed supplement for livestock. Data were collected from 125 livestock farmers raising cattle, sheep, and goats, using a simple random sampling technique and a structured questionnaire. Results show that cassava husk is the primary feed source, with all respondents (100%) unaware of poultry litter as a potential feed supplement. Interestingly, a majority were aware of irradiation as a decontamination method for food products. Logit regression analysis indicated that farmers’ likelihood of using irradiated poultry litter as feed is influenced by the number of animals they own. Based on these findings, it is recommended that farmers be educated on the nutritional and economic benefits of using poultry litter as a sustainable feed supplement.

Purchase, consumption, and ownership of chickens and chicken products among households in Maputo, Mozambique: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundChickens are an important source of animal protein, nutrition, and income in many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). They are also a major reservoir of enteropathogens that contribute to the burden of illnesses among children. Food systems present a risk for transmission of enteropathogens from poultry to humans, but there is a lack of population-level data on the pattern of purchase, ownership, and consumption of live chickens and their products in LMICs to better characterize that risk. MethodsTo assess chicken purchase, ownership, and consumption practices, we conducted a population-based survey using a structured questionnaire in Maputo, Mozambique in 2021. Multi-stage cluster sampling was used to obtain a representative sample of households in our study area. To minimize sampling bias and ensure a representative sample, we applied survey weighting using district-level population data and estimated weighted population-level values. ResultsHeads of 570 households in Maputo completed our survey. Approximately half of these households purchased broiler chicken meat (weighted percentage of households: 44.8 %) and eggs (46.5 %) in the previous week of the survey date, while indigenous chicken meat was less popular (1950, 1.1 %). The most common source of chicken products was corner stores (i.e., small convenience shops on streets), followed by wet markets. Live chickens were raised by 15.6 % of households, and chicken feces were observed on the floor or ground at the majority of these households during house visits. DiscussionOur findings suggest that poultry provides a major source of animal protein in this setting. Given the predicted growth of poultry farming in LMICs in the coming decades, implementing One Health-based food safety measures at primary sources of chicken products, such as corner stores and wet markets, will be critical to controlling zoonotic pathogen transmission risks.

Pulses in India: Comprehensive Analysis of Production, Challenges, and Strategic Vision for 2030

Despite of immense growth of Indian agriculture, food and nutritional security is still a challenge due to biasedness towards wheat and rice. As production of pulses in the recent decade has not increased in pace with the increase in population. Pulses are a major source of protein in Indian diet and also environment friendly. Therefore, the increase in pulse production will act as an accelerator for nutritional security. This study analyses the nutritional value of pulses, status of pulses economy in India comprising of import, export and consumption status as well as a strategic vision for 2030 towards promotion of pulses in the country. Pulses form one of the most important group of crops in India, which is also responsible for yielding large financial gains by amounting to a large part of the exports. Of all categories of people, pulses form an integral part of the Indian diet, providing much-needed protein to the carbohydrate-rich diet. For farmers, pulses are an important crop because they can both sell them and consume them, which helps farmers maintain household food security and creates economic stability. Being leguminous crops, they help in restoring soil fertility by utilising nitrogen from the air (nitrogen fixation). Therefore, pulses are mostly grown in rotation with other crops. They need less moisture and survive even in dry conditions. India is the largest producer as well as consumer of pulses in the world. The top pulse-producing states in India are Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, collectively contribute significantly to the country’s pulse output, yet current production fails to meet domestic demand, leading to imports. The common pulses across globe are black gram, green gram, horse gram, peas, cow peas, pigeon peas, lentils and chick peas. A long-term vision is required for pulses in India because of various aspects like lower yield compared to global average, wide gap between demand and supply, rapid population growth and nutritional as well as environmental value. In this article the challenges and constraints in achieving projected demand of pulses and government policy support for achieving this projected demand have been discussed, addressing the complex dynamics of pulses economy in India.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Nutritional Quality and Shelf Life of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Produced in Benue State Nigeria

Cowpea plays an important role in the lives of millions of people in the developing world, providing a major source of dietary protein that nutritionally complements low-protein cereal and tuber crops. However, during storage, cowpea is attacked by a number of biological agents, which result in losses in the quality and quantity of stored seeds. This research investigated the application of Cobalt-60 gamma irradiation on the proximate composition and shelf life of locally produced cowpea seeds in Benue State, Nigeria. Cowpea seeds were irradiated at doses of 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy, and 500 Gy and stored for four months. Proximate analysis revealed no significant difference (p ≥ 0.01) in protein, fat, ash, crude fibre, and carbohydrate content between irradiated cowpea seeds and the control. However, a significant difference (p ≤ 0.01) was observed in moisture content across all doses. After four months of storage, weight loss analysis indicated significant differences between irradiated and non-irradiated seeds of cowpea. Control samples experienced greater damage from insect infestation, resulting in the highest percentage of weight loss compared to irradiated samples. Notably, 500 Gy exhibited the least weight loss among irradiated samples, highlighting a dose-dependent effect of gamma irradiation on weight loss and its potential impact on shelf life. Irradiation doses, of 500 Gy for cowpea, can effectively preserve the nutritional components and extend the shelf life of cowpea, offering an alternative to chemical preservation methods.

Advancing Chickpea Breeding: Omics Insights for Targeted Abiotic Stress Mitigation and Genetic Enhancement.

Chickpea is a major source of proteins and is considered the most economically vital food legume. Chickpea production is threatened by several abiotic and biotic factors worldwide. The main constraints limiting worldwide chickpea production are abiotic conditions such as drought, heat, salinity, and cold. It is clear that chickpea is treasured for its nutritive value, in particular its high protein content, and hence study of problems like drought, cold and salinity stresses are very important concerning chickpeas. In this regard, several physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms are reviewed to confer tolerance to abiotic stress. The most crippling economic losses in agriculture occur due to these abiotic stressors, which affect plants in many ways. All these abiotic stresses affect the water relations of the plant, both at the cellular level as well as the whole-plant level, causing both specific and non-specific reactions, damage and adaptation reactions. These stresses share common features. Breeding programs use a huge collection of over 100,000 chickpea accessions as their foundation. Significant advancements in conventional breeding, including mutagenesis, gene/allele introgression, and germplasm introduction, have been made through this method. Abiotic tolerance and yield component selection are made easier by creating unique DNA markers for the genus Cicer, which has been made possible by developments in high-throughput sequencing and molecular biology. Transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics have also made it possible to identify particular genes, proteins, and metabolites linked to chickpea tolerance to abiotic stress. Chickpea abiotic stress tolerance has been directly and potentially improved by biotechnological applications, which are covered by all 'Omics' approaches. It requires information on the abiotic stress response at the different molecular levels, which comprises gene expression analysis for metabolites or proteins and its impact on phenotype. Studies on chickpea genome-wide expression profiling have been conducted to determine important candidate genes and their regulatory networks for abiotic stress response. This study aimed to offer a detailed overview of the diverse 'Omics' approaches for resilience's to abiotic stresses on chickpea plants.

Abstract 4136316: BMP10 as novel marker for right atrial dilatation and pressure in precapillary pulmonary hypertension

Introduction: Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (precPH) leads to increased right atrial (RA) stretch and pressure. The right atrium is the major source of bone morphogenetic protein 10 (BMP10) in adults. Aim: This study aims to investigate BMP10 in relation to RA dilatation and pressure overload. Methods: We studied BMP10 mRNA in fresh RA tissue of N=5 Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) patients and N=9 controls and protein expression in paraffin-embedded RA tissue of N=4 Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) patients and N=6 controls. We prospectively included 48 precPH patients (N=22 idiopathic PAH, N=14 hereditary PAH and N=12 CTEPH, and N=16 controls. To study BMP10-induced transcriptional activity, we assayed serum samples in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC) with a BMP-responsive transcriptional luciferase assay. BMP10 activity was calculated by subtracting BMP activity after incubation with antibodies for Alk1Fc and bone morphogenetic protein 9 (BMP9). We assessed correlations between BMP10 activity and RA dilatation (RA max volume>79 ml/m 2 for male or >69 ml/m 2 for female) and right ventricular (RV) dilatation (RV end-diastolic volume>108 ml/m 2 for male and >96 ml/m 2 for female). In a cohort of CTEPH patients that underwent pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA) we assessed the effect of pressure unloading on BMP10 activity. Normality of data was checked and statistical differences between groups were tested using an independent sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: BMP10 mRNA, protein and downstream activity were higher in the precPH RA tissue (Figure 1A-F). High systemic BMP10 activity was associated with RA dilatation and high RA pressure, but not RV dilatation in precPH (Figure 2A-C). Finally, pressure unloading after PEA in CTEPH patients results in a reduction in BMP10 activity (figure 2D). Conclusions: Local RA BMP10 expression and activity is increased in precPH. Increased systemic BMP10 activity was related to RA dilatation and pressure. Pressure unloading of the right heart leads to a reduction of systemic BMP10 activity. Future studies are needed to determine whether increased BMP10 release is an adaptative mechanism or can be used as therapeutic target.

PROFITABILITY ANALYSIS OF CATFISH PRODUCTION IN KANO METROPOLIS, KANO STATE, NIGERIA

Fish is an important dietary element and a major source of animal protein in human diet for many Nigerians. The demand for fish has been on the increase because of geometrical increase in human population, this has resulted to a significant gap created between fish demand and supply. It is obvious given the importance of fish production that efforts must be made to encourage entrepreneurs to go into the business. However, many have shown doubts on the productivity and profitability of fish production, particularly on a smallholder level. This study therefore, examines the profitability of catfish production in Kano metropolis, Nigeria. Two stage sampling procedure was employed to select respondents for the study. Primary data were collected with the use of well-structured questionnaire administered to 120 catfish producers. The tools of analysis employed were descriptive statistics, gross margin and net farm income. The study revealed that Majority of the producers (69%) are male. Furthermore, 85percent of the fish producers have attained post primary education. The gross margin (GM) was ₦657,420, while the enterprise profit which is the net farm income was estimated at ₦598,128 and 0.33 return to capital for the farmers. Some of the challenges confronting the respondents in their business includes high cost of feed, lack of government support and lack of training. Thus, there is a need for provision of training for higher level of productivity, subsidizing of inputs such as feed by the government and participation in cooperative societies by the fish farmers for financial and inputs assistance by relevant Non-Governmental Organizations.

Multi-Modal Analysis of human Hepatic Stellate Cells identifies novel therapeutic targets for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Background and aimsMetabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) ranges from Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL) to Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with fibrosis. Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs) into fibrogenic myofibroblasts plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of MASH liver fibrosis. We compared transcriptome and chromatin accessibility of human HSCs from NORMAL, MASL, and MASH livers at single cell resolution. We aimed to identify genes that are upregulated in activated HSCs and to determine which of these genes are key in the pathogenesis of MASH fibrosis. Methods18 human livers were profiled using single-nucleus (sn)RNA-seq and snATAC-seq. High priority targets were identified, then tested in 2D human HSC cultures, 3D human liver spheroids, and HSC-specific gene knockout mice. ResultsMASH-enriched activated (A) HSC subclusters are the major source of extracellular matrix proteins. We identified a set of concurrently upregulated and more accessible core genes (GAS7, SPON1, SERPINE1, LTBP2, KLF9, EFEMP1) that drive activation of (A) HSC subclusters. Expression of these genes was regulated via crosstalk between lineage-specific (JUNB/AP1), cluster-specific (RUNX1/2) and signal-specific (FOXA1/2) transcription factors. The pathological relevance of the selected targets, such as SERPINE1 (PAI-1), was demonstrated using dsiRNA-based HSC-specific gene knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of PAI-1 in 3D human MASH liver spheroids, and HSC-specific Serpine1 knockout mice. ConclusionThis study identified novel gene targets and regulatory mechanisms underlying activation of MASH fibrogenic HSCs and demonstrated that genetic or pharmacological inhibition of select genes suppressed liver fibrosis. Impact and implicationsHere we present snRNA-seq and snATAC-seq analysis of human HSCs from NORMAL, MASL, and MASH livers. We identified additional subclusters that were not detected by previous studies and characterized the mechanism by which HSCs activate in the MASH livers, including the transcriptional machinery that activates HSCs into myofibroblasts. For the first time, we described the pathogenic role of activated HSC-derived PAI-1 (a product of SERPINE1 gene) in the development of MASH liver fibrosis. Targeting of RUNX1/2-SERPINE1 axis may provide a novel strategy for treatment of liver fibrosis in patients.

Evaluation of storage stability of poultry by-product meal incorporated fish feed under aerobic storage condition

The research focused on development of fish feed utilising poultry by-product meal (PBM) as a substitute for fish meal (FM) and evaluating its shelf life under aerobic packaging conditions. Initially, a basal diet (C) was formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for optimal growth of Tilapia by using FM as the major protein source. After analysing the nutritional composition of PBM, an isoproteinaceous diet (T) was formulated by replacing FM with PBM. The product was packed in HDPE bags and kept at room temperature and analysed for physico chemical and microbial characteristics for 45 days at weekly intervals. Moisture content of both C and T decreased significantly (p0.05) was found between C and T. The TBARS value of both C and T followed an increasing trend. This increase in C was not significant (p<0.01) between 28th and 35th day, and between 42nd and 45th day but that of T increased significantly (p<0.01) throughout the storage period. T consistently displayed the highest TBARS value during storage period. Tyrosine Value (TV) of both C and T also increased during storage and was significant (p<0.01) up to 42nd day of storage. C exhibited the highest TV throughout the storage period. Similarly, total viable count (TVC) of both C and T increased on storage. The increase in TVC for C was not significant (p<0.01) between 21st and 28th days, whereas that of T was significant (p<0.01) throughout the storage period. On 45th day, T exhibited highest count and was significantly different (p<0.01) from C. Throughout the 45-day storage period, no observable coliform count or yeast and mould count was noted in either C or T. The present study indicated that fish feed can be effectively prepared by utilising PBM and can be stored under room temperature up to 45 days. Keywords: Poultry by-product meal, fish meal, fish feed, storage stability

Standardization of Various Chemical Seed Priming on Seed Quality Parameters in Black Gram (Vigna mungo)

Black gram is an important pulse crop in India. It is a major source of dietary protein for the poor people and provides nutritional security. It is mostly grown by the small and marginal farmers under resource constraints situation particularly in rainfed and rice fallow conditions. Seed priming is one such effective technology to achieve high growth, vigor, better stand establishment. The current study aimed to study the standardization of various chemical on crop growth in black gram. A laboratory experiment was conducted in Factorial Completely Randomized Design (FCRD) with three replications using various concentrations (1%, 2%, 3% and 4 %) as first factor and different durations (4 and 6 h) of priming as second factor and different chemicals such as ZnSO4, MnCl2, MgSO4, CaCl2, KCl and KNO3 as third factor. Seeds were primed with different chemicals in different concentrations and in different duration evaluated for its quality parameters to find out suitable seed priming technique. Among all treatments seed priming with ZnSO4 1% for 6 hours recorded higher germination (98%), longest root length (22.17 cm), shoot length (19.15 cm), higher seedling dry matter production (0.93 g seedlings-10), fresh weight (8.93 g seedlings-10) and vigor index (4004) than control under laboratory experiment. The results indicate that use of ZnSO4 1% for 6 hours enhances the seed performance regarding seed quality characters.

Effects of Processing and Preservation Technologies on Keeping Quality of Labeo rohita: Attributes of Nutritional, Microbial and Sensory

Background: Fishes being major sources of protein are susceptible to post-harvest losses. Appropriate processing and preservation makes food healthier, safer, tastier, and more shelf-stable. Therefore, an attempt was made to evaluate the effectiveness of different processing and preservation technologies on keeping quality of Labeo rohita (rohu fish), a widely found ray-finned species in South Asia that is important for aquaculture. Methods: Raw fish fillets were subjected to different processing and preservation technologies including freezing, sun drying, mechanical drying, salting, microwave processing, and marinating to determine their effects on keeping quality. Consequently, sensorial attributes, proximate composition, mineral (calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn)) contents and microbiological analyses were carried out. Obtained data were analyzed statistically and compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Fisher’s LSD test at 5% level of significance. Results: The moisture, protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate contents were 13.01-77.29, 8.62-52.57, 0.86-18.69, 1.34-12.72, and 1.13-27.22%, respectively in different processing and preservation technologies. Drying manifested to be the efficient method in terms of preserving proteins and fats while retention of sensory attributes was obtained in freezing. The contents of Ca, Fe, and Zn were 120.05-227.97, 0.54-1.14, and 0.72-2.04 mg/100 g, respectively. In addition, maximum retention of Zn, Fe, and Ca contents were observed in freezing, sun drying, and marinating, respectively. Furthermore, total bacterial count was in the range of 0-2.6×104 Colony Forming Unit (CFU)/g and no coliforms were detected in any of the raw and processed fish fillets. Results of microbiological study revealed that microwave processing is highly efficient to reduce microbial loads in processed fish. Conclusion: Combination of different processing and preservation technologies might be useful to the efficient management of fishery resources. Therefore, further research into these combinations is essential to ensure that the nutritional value of fish is preserved.

Livestock farming and women empowerment in rural Bangladesh: a mixed method approach

BackgroundIn Bangladesh, livestock farming is not only a major source of animal protein, but it also provides opportunities for women to contribute to household income. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify the empowerment status of women livestock farmers, factors influencing women's participation in livestock farming and its impact on women's empowerment.MethodsThe study was conducted in the Mymensingh district (administrative unit) of Bangladesh, due to the active participation of women in livestock farming activities. A total of 200 women were surveyed between May to November 2018. Additionally, prior to the final survey, 02 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were performed to gain insight into the context of the study areas. Furthermore, a total of 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews were performed with 12 experienced women livestock farmers to collect data regarding the challenges they encounter in livestock farming. Women empowerment was measured using four domains: decision-making process, ownership of assets, social and political awareness, and freedom of mobility. Descriptive statistics, and Heckman's endogenous treatment effect model were applied to analyze the data.ResultsThe results revealed that majority (75%) of women who are involved in livestock farming had a medium level of empowerment. Women's decision to participate in livestock farming was positively influenced by farm size, knowledge, extension contact, and training. According to the average treatment effect on the treated (ATT) value, the empowerment status of women is 16 points higher among participants in livestock farming compared to non-participants. Furthermore, women in rural areas face several obstacles such as economic issues and inadequate marketing facilities, which may prevent them from engaging in livestock farming.ConclusionsEducating women through raising awareness and providing training is warranted because there is a notable disparity in the empowerment status of women who are and are not involved in livestock farming. This will help women improve their social awareness, decision-making capacity, and mobility. Livestock initiatives that encourage women's involvement could be generated by various rural-focused organizations.

Efficacy of Botanicals and Insecticides against Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Homoptera; Aleyrodidae) in Mungbean

Background: Mungbean is the major pulse crop of India. Pulse constitute the major source of dietary protein; therefore, it has ability to fulfil required protein recommended dietary allowance for vegetarian population of India. Pulse crop attack more than 200 insect pests. Methods: Efficacy test of Botanicals and Insecticides viz., Kaner powder, Garlic extract, Azadirectin 1500 ppm, Dasparni Ark, flonicamid, thiamethoxam, Imidacloprid and Dimethoate against B. tabaci was conducted in mungbean during Kharif 2022-2023 at Students’ Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (UP), India under field conditions with nine treatements including control in three replication. Result: The results demonstrated that Thiamethoxam 25 WG (50 g a.i./ha) was the most effective insecticide among all treatments, with a significant population reduction above control, followed by Imidacloprid 70 WG (5ml/l). Among the botanicals, Azadirectin 1500 ppm (5 ml/l) was the most effective against whitefly infestation in mungbean and could be applied as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides for whitefly management.

PSLBII-30 The effect of different soybean meal batches and protease supplementation on nutrient utilization by broiler chickens

Abstract Soybean meal (SBM) is the major protein source in broiler chicken diets. However, the thermal processing of SBM may have an impact on its protein quality, reducing its solubility when over-processed. In this context, the use of exogenous protease may reduce the negative effects that the over-processing of SBM may have on protein digestibility in broiler chickens. The present study investigated two batches of SBM in broiler chicken diets supplemented or not with protease. One-d-old male Cobb 500 (n = 360) were randomly distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (SBM batches: A and B; Protease inclusion: 0 and 50 g/t of diet). SBM protein quality was evaluated through crude protein (CP), KOH solubility, and urease activity test (UA) in batches A and B. Scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize the structural organization of particles from SBM A and B. On d 26, ileal digesta content was collected from 6 broiler chickens that were euthanized to determine the apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ileal digestible energy (IDE). Data obtained were submitted to ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey test with a significance declared of 5% using the GLM procedure on R Software. Protein quality assessment demonstrated KOH solubility of 85% and 75% for SBM from batches A and B, respectively. For UA analysis, SBM batch A presented 0.09 and batch B of 0.01 mg N/g (Table 1). Microscopy images emphasized visual differences in particles from batches A and B. In SBM particles from batch A, disorganized cluster structures and asymmetric pores were observed, whereas in the SBM particles from batch B, insignificant pores and large cluster aggregates were visualized in a denser structure (Figure 1). The SBM batch B presented decreased AID of DM, CP, and IDE (P < 0.05). Protease supplementation improved the AID of CP (P < 0.05) in broilers at 26 d of age, regardless of SBM batches, but no effect was observed for DM and IDE (P > 0.05; Table 2). In conclusion, SBM from batch A had greater values of KOH solubility and UA, suggesting an appropriate thermal process, and ensuring protein quality, which is demonstrated through improvement in nutrient utilization by broiler chickens. The use of 50 g of exogenous protease per t of diet improved the ileal digestibility of CP, regardless of SBM batches.

Parasites of African catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>) cultured in selected homestead ponds in Rivers State, Nigeria

Fish are a major source of protein to humans and one of the constraints to improved fish production in Nigeria are parasites/parasitic diseases. A study to evaluate the parasites of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822) cultured in selected homestead ponds in Rivers State, Nigeria was conducted from January to June, 2023. One hundred and twenty catfish were randomly selected from two homestead ponds (sixty fish per pond) and categorized (sex, weight and length); each fish was analyzed for parasites (ecto and endo) using standard parasitological techniques. Descriptive analyses (mean and percentages) were used to represent data obtained and chi-square test was used to determine the level of significance with a P<0.05 considered significant. An overall parasite prevalence of 30 (25.0%) was recorded in this study (P<0.05) and four parasites were observed; Ichthiphitrius 14 (11.7%), Chilodinella 6 (5.0%), Trichodina 6 (5.0%) and Crytobia 4 (3.3%). Male and female fish had parasite prevalence of 8 (16.0%) and 22 (31.4%) respectively (P>0.05).According to weight, parasite prevalence values of 4 (16.0%), 4 (17.4%), 8 (28.6%), 8 (30.8%) and 6 (33.3%) were recorded for 140 – 160g, 161 – 180g, 181 – 200g, 201 – 220g and 221 – 240g respectively while according to length, parasite prevalence values of 8 (21.1%), 10 (24.4%), 7 (26.9%) and 5 (33.3%) were recorded for 20 – 22cm, 23 – 25cm, 26 – 28cm and 29 – 31cm respectively (P>0.05). Proper management practices should be adhered to in aquaculture to increase yield and reduce the detrimental effects of fish parasites.

Molecular Regulation of Shoot Architecture in Soybean.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) serves as a major source of protein and oil for humans and animals. Shoot architecture, the spatial arrangement of a plant's above-ground organs, strongly affects crop yield and is therefore a critical agronomic trait. Unlike wheat and rice crops that have greatly benefitted from the Green Revolution, soybean yield has not changed significantly in the past six decades owing to its unique shoot architecture. Soybean is a pod-bearing crop with pods adhered to the nodes, and variation in shoot architecture traits, such as plant height, node number, branch number and number of seeds per pod, directly affects the number of pods and seeds per plant, thereby determining yield. In this review, we summarize the relationship between soybean yield and these major components of shoot architecture. We also describe the latest advances in identifying the genes and molecular mechanisms underlying soybean shoot architecture and discuss possible directions and approaches for breeding new soybean varieties with ideal shoot architecture and improved yield.

PERFORMANCE OF BROILER CHICKENS IN RESPONSE TO DIETS CONTAINING GRADED LEVELS OF ENERGY-PROTEIN CONCENTRATE

The 42-day study investigated the use of maize and local fish waste as components of an energy-protein concentrate (EPC) in broiler chicken diets, to address challenges in conventional feeding. Maize, used as the source of energy concentrate (ME), and local fish waste as the source of protein concentrate (CP) were mixed in the ratio 3:2 with maize containing 8.9% CP, and local fish waste containing 61.5% CP, while the energy content of maize and local fish waste were 3350kcal/kg and 2760kcal/kg, respectively. One hundred and fifty Arbor Acre broiler chickens of 5 replicates with 10 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design were fed diets with varying inclusion level of EPC at 0%, 50%, and 100% replacement of major energy and protein sources. Results revealed that for final weight (FWT), weight gain (WG) and feed intake (FI), birds fed diet with 0% and 50% EPC replacement performed similarly (710.76g, 668.46g, and 970.66g), (663.15g, 621.79g, and 944.57g) at 21 days. At 42 days, the FWT, WG and FI of those on 0% EPC were also similar to those on 50% EPC replacement (2.25kg, 2.21kg and 1.50kg), (2.21kg, 2.17kg and 3.60kg) respectively, but performed better than those fed 100% EPC replacement diet (356.08g, 314.66g, and 564.03g). However, the feed conversion ratio was not significantly affected. The study emphasized nutrient density of EPC and its efficient utilization for broiler performance. The findings support refining dietary formulations to optimize broiler performance and promote sustainable production practices.

Origin and evolution of the bread wheat D genome.

Bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a globally dominant crop and major source of calories and proteins for the human diet. Compared with its wild ancestors, modern bread wheat shows lower genetic diversity, caused by polyploidisation, domestication and breeding bottlenecks1,2. Wild wheat relatives represent genetic reservoirs, and harbour diversity and beneficial alleles that have not been incorporated into bread wheat. Here we establish and analyse extensive genome resources for Tausch's goatgrass (Aegilops tauschii), the donor of the bread wheat D genome. Our analysis of 46 Ae. tauschii genomes enabled us to clone a disease resistance gene and perform haplotype analysis across a complex disease resistance locus, allowing us to discern alleles from paralogous gene copies. We also reveal the complex genetic composition and history of the bread wheat D genome, which involves contributions from genetically and geographically discrete Ae. tauschii subpopulations. Together, our results reveal the complex history of the bread wheat D genome and demonstrate the potential of wild relatives in crop improvement.

Nutrient Utilization and Gut Microbiota Composition in Giant Pandas of Different Age Groups.

Proper feeding and nutrition are vital for maintaining the health of giant pandas (GPs), yet the impact of dietary changes and gut microbiota on their nutrient utilization remains unclear. To address these uncertainties, we investigated nutrient intake and apparent digestibility, as well as gut microbiota composition across different age groups of giant pandas: sub-adults (SGPs), adults (AGPs), and geriatrics (GGPs). Our findings revealed notable shifts in dietary patterns from SGPs to GGPs. As they aged, significantly more bamboo shoots and less bamboo were consumed. Consequently, GGPs showed significantly reduced crude fiber (CF) intake and digestibility, while crude protein (CP) did not alter significantly. In addition, 16S rRNA microbial sequencing results showed that unidentified_Enterobacteriaceae and Streptococcus were the dominant genera among all age groups. The relative abundance of the genus Enterococcus in GGPs was significantly higher than that in SGPs and AGPs (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated the importance of bamboo shoots as a major source of protein in GGPs' diet, which can effectively compensate for the certain nutritional loss caused by the reduction in bamboo intake. Age-related changes in bacterial abundance have an effect on specific nutrient apparent digestibility in the gut of GPs. The data presented in this study serve as a useful reference for nutritional management in different ages of GPs under healthy conditions.

A sucrose-binding protein and β-conglycinins regulate soybean seed protein content and control multiple seed traits.

Expanded agriculture production is required to support the world's population but can impose substantial environmental and climate change costs, particularly with intensifying animal production and protein demand. Shifting from an animal- to a plant-based protein diet has numerous health benefits. Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is a major source of protein for human food and animal feed; improved soybean protein content and amino acid composition could provide high-quality soymeal for animal feed, healthier human foods, and a reduced carbon footprint. Nonetheless, during the soybean genome evolution, a balance was established between the amount of seed protein, oil, and carbohydrate content, burdening the development of soybean cultivars with high proteins (HPs). We isolated 2 high-seed protein soybean mutants, HP1 and HP2, with improved seed amino acid composition and stachyose content, pointing to their involvement in controlling seed rebalancing phenomenon. HP1 encodes β-conglycinin (GmCG-1) and HP2 encodes sucrose-binding protein (GmSBP-1), which are both highly expressed in soybean seeds. Mutations in GmSBP-1, GmCG-1, and the paralog GmCG-2 resulted in increased protein levels, confirming their role as general regulators of seed protein content, amino acid seed composition, and seed vigor. Biodiversity analysis of GmCG and GmSBP across 108 soybean accessions revealed haplotypes correlated with protein and seed carbohydrate content. Furthermore, our data revealed an unprecedented role of GmCG and GmSBP proteins in improving seed vigor, crude protein, and amino acid digestibility. Since GmSBP and GmCG are present in most seed plants analyzed, these genes could be targeted to improve multiple seed traits.