Major Source Of Protein Research Articles

Assessment of Heavy Metals Bioaccumulation in Vegetables Grown in Three Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Nigeria

Vegetables are among the major sources of proteins and vitamins in human diets. However, they have high potential for contamination by heavy metals which pose serious public health threats. A study was conducted to assess the levels of heavy metals bioaccumulation in two leafy vegetables: Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and Cabbage (Brassica oleracea).grown in three local government areas (Giwa, Sabon-gari and Hunkuyi) of Kaduna State. The four heavy metals assessed were: Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co) and Zinc (Zn) in the two leafy vegetables: Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to detect and analyze heavy metals bioaccumulation in the vegetables and soil samples. The sampling locations were selected on the basis of anticipated magnitude of the extent of contamination of the water used for irrigating these vegetables in such areas. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized design with three replications. Data obtained was analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test used to separate significant means at 5% level. The result obtained revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) in the heavy metals bioaccumulation in the vegetables and the soils on which they were grown. The result showed that the concentration for Co and Cu were lower than the maximum permissible limits standards as such were non-lethal. However, the accumulation of Pb and Zn in the vegetables was above tolerable limits. This inferred that, vegetables from Sabon-gari, Giwa and Hunkuyi grown along road sides and irrigated with water containing agricultural residues accumulated higher concentration of Pb and Zn. This can be attributed to the intense use of agro-chemicals such as fertilizer and pesticides as well as domestic and industrial discharges in the area. This also suggests a high probability of lethal toxicity due to Pb and Zn in these vegetables. It is therefore recommended that, people should abstain from consuming these heavy metals contaminated vegetables due to significant health implications they posed on to the public health. More so, consumption of vegetables irrigated with waste water or close to road side should be avoided.

Whole-exome sequencing of selected bread wheat recombinant inbred lines as a useful resource for allele mining and bulked segregant analysis.

Although wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the main staple crop in the world and a major source of carbohydrates and proteins, functional genomics and allele mining are still big challenges. Given the advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, the identification of causal variants associated with a target phenotype has become feasible. For these reasons, here, by combining sequence capture and target-enrichment methods with high-throughput NGS re-sequencing, we were able to scan at exome-wide level 46 randomly selected bread wheat individuals from a recombinant inbred line population and to identify and classify a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). For technical validation of results, eight randomly selected SNPs were converted into Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers. This resource was established as an accessible and reusable molecular toolkit for allele data mining. The dataset we are making available could be exploited for novel studies on bread wheat genetics and as a foundation for starting breeding programs aimed at improving different key agronomic traits.

Management of Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) and Yellow Mosaic Virus Disease Infesting Blackgram, Vigna mungo (Linn)

Background: Pulse crops have a unique position in sustainable crop production as they provide highly nutritive food and keep the soil alive as well as productive. They play an important role in the Indian agriculture economy being the major source of protein in Indian dietary. Due to its more luxurious growth and more vegetative canopy, number of insect pests and diseases attack from seedling to maturity stage especially sucking pests like whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.), which is the vector of the drastic disease, yellow mosaic virus disease (YMD) and cause losses ranging from 30-80% per cent. Methods: The field experiment on the management of whitefly and yellow mosaic disease (YMD), was conducted by integrating different combination of insecticides and yellow sticky trap during Kharif, 2018 and 2019 at instructional farm of VBKVK, Udaipur. Seven treatments comprising of different combinations of seed treatments at the time of sowing, foliar spray at 30 and 45 DAG and yellow sticky traps were evaluated. Result: Among the different treatments, seed treatment with Imidacloprid 600 FS @ 5 ml/kg, first foliar spray of Diafenthuron 50 WP @ 0.1% and second foliar spray with Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.5 g/l at 30 and 45 DAS respectively + yellow sticky trap resulted in significantly less YMD incidence (18.91%) and the minimum mean whitefly population and highest seed yield of blackgram. The above treatment was followed by seed treatment with Imidacloprid 600 FS @ 5 ml/kg and two foliar spray of Acetamiprid 20 SP @ 0.5 g/l at 30 and 45 DAS + yellow sticky trap, which recorded 20.31% disease incidence of YMD and mean whitefly population of (3.77 and 1.44/plant, respectively after first and second spray) and black gram yield of 10.01 q/ha.

Social and economic factors influencing intrahousehold food allocation and egg consumption of children in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Adequate intake of high-quality nutritious foods during infancy and early childhood is critical to achieving optimal growth, cognitive and behavioural development,and economic productivity later in life. Integrating high-quality and nutrient-dense animal source foods (ASFs), a major source of protein and micronutrients, into children's diets is increasingly considered essential to reducing the global burden of malnutrition in low- and middle-income countries. While eggs are an ASF that shows promise for mitigating child undernutrition, interventions promoting egg consumption among children have had mixed results in improving egg intake and child growth outcomes. As part of an evaluation of a demand creation campaign promoting egg consumption, qualitative research was carried out in September 2019 to assess sociocultural and household factors affecting egg intake among young children living in Kaduna State, Nigeria, where a thriving egg industry and childhood stunting rates of 50% exist. Methods included freelisting exercises (11), key informant interviews (11), in-depth interviews (25)and FGDs (4). Results illuminated cultural rules that restrict egg consumption among children living in low-income households. These rules and norms reflect social and economic valuations that foster male dominance in household decision-making and guide food purchasing and intrahousehold food allocation that allow men to consume eggs more regularly. Study results highlight sociocultural considerations when selecting food interventions to address child malnutrition in low-income contexts. Interventions encouraging increased consumption of ASFs, and specifically eggs in young children, should be informed by formative research to understand sociocultural norms and beliefs guiding egg consumption.

A Review: Evaluation of Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal as a Dietary Protein Source in Poultry Diets

The increasing global population poses a problem in achieving food security. Poultry is one of the major animal protein sources for humans and the main difficulty of the poultry industry is seeking a suitable protein alternative to be integrated into poultry feed. Black soldier fly larvae (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) are one of the edible insects that are a great solution to this problem since they have various advantages, which include bioconversion of different organic wastes and the absence of competition for human resources. Several studies have already examined the effects of the addition of BSF larvae in the poultry diet, and most suggested that it is a promising alternative protein source that can replace soy or fish meal. The BSF larvae can also be used in different species of poultry, such as ducks, turkeys, and quails. However, there are several barriers to using BSF larvae as a feed ingredient in poultry feed, such as safety, price, and consumer acceptance. Despite these obstacles, BSF larvae production is still a promising industry due to the numerous benefits it brings.

Genome editing in chickens

Chicken (Gallus gallus) is a major protein source and an important model organism in the avian species. Although genome editing has enabled genetic modifications of various organisms and has a significant impact on academia and industry, its application to chickens has been comparatively delayed owing to difficulties in handling their one-cell fertilized eggs. Thus, researchers have attempted to produce genome-edited chickens using primordial germ cells (PGCs), which are precursor cells of sperm or eggs. Currently, genome-edited chickens can be produced with the development of avian biotechnologies, PGCs culture methods, and germline chimerism systems, in particular. In this review, we describe the current status of genome editing in chickens, including avian biotechnologies, with a primary focus on the achievements of Japanese researchers. In addition, we discuss the remaining issues and make suggestions for future research.

In Vitro Digestibility Study: Evaluating Plant Proteins Digestibility in Anabas testudineus and Channa punctata

Protein is the most important component of any fish feed for its role in growth, especially during the larval stages, and its high cost. Fish meal continues to be a major source of protein in fish feed production. But its supply cannot keep pace with everexpanding aquaculture production, leading to its high cost. Plants are being considered as potential replacements in the search for new alternatives to fish meals. But their application depends significantly on their digestibility in target species. The present study aims to determine the protein content of four locally available plants Moringa oleifera, Ipomoea aquatica, Lemna minor and Salvinia natans, and test their digestibility in vitro by using the pH drop method in two important food fish Anabas testudineus and Channa punctata, of Assam, India. The crude protein in all plants ranged from 19-29%, and the highest crude protein was observed in Lemna minor (29.9 ± 2.34%). The in vitro digestibility was estimated by calculating the RPD% (relative protein digestibility) using casein as a standard reference. Digestibility of the plant proteins exhibited species-specific variations. The RPD% ranged from 50.39% to 75.39% in A. testudineus, and 41.38% to 54.02% in C. punctata compared to that of casein (100%). The highest RPD% was observed in I. aquatica (75.39%) for A. testudineus, and the lowest (50.39%) in L. minor whereas, in C. punctata, the highest RPD% was observed in L. minor (54.02%) and the lowest in I. aquatica (41.38%). The digestibility of all plant proteins was comparatively higher in A. testudineus than in C. punctata. Our results indicate that I. aquatica and L. minor may be a suitable replacement for animal protein in the diet of A. testudineus and C. punctata, respectively, because of their good protein content and high digestibility. Moringa may be considered for utilization in the fish feed as it recorded good protein and digestibility. This information may be useful in developing a cost-effective, plant-based protein diet for the two fish species for their mass production. Keywords: Anabas testudineus, Channa punctata, In vitro digestibility, Ipomoea aquatica, Plant proteins

Prospects of dietary seaweeds and their bioactive compounds in sustainable poultry production systems: A symphony of good things?

Modern poultry production systems face numerous economic, environmental, and social sustainability challenges that threaten their viability and acceptability as a major source of animal protein. As scientists and producers scramble to find cost-effective and socially acceptable solutions to these challenges, the dietary use of marine macroalgae (seaweeds) could be an ingenious option. Indeed, the incredible array of nutritive and bioactive compounds present in these macroscopic marine organisms can be exploited as part of sustainable poultry production systems of the future. Incorporating seaweeds in poultry diets could enhance feed utilization efficiency, growth performance, bird health, meat stability and quality, and consumer and environmental health. Theoretically, these benefits are mediated through the putative antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antithrombotic, neuroprotective, hypocholesterolemic, and hypoglycemic properties of seaweed bioactive compounds. Despite this huge potential, exploitation of seaweed for poultry production appears to be constrained by a variety of factors such as high fibre, phenolics, and ash content. In addition, conflicting findings are often reported when seaweeds or their extracts are used in poultry feeding trials. Therefore, the purpose of this review paper is to collate information on the production, phytochemical components, and nutritive value of different seaweed species. It provides an overview ofin vivoeffects of dietary seaweeds as measured by nutrient utilization efficiency, growth performance, and product quality and stability in poultry. The utility of dietary seaweeds in sustainable poultry production systems is explored, while gaps that require further research are highlighted. Finally, opportunities that exist for enhancing the utility of seaweeds as a vehicle for sustainable production of functional poultry products for better global food and nutrition security are presented.

Synergistic effect of Balanites aegyptiaca essential oil and storage materials on cowpea seeds

The cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) is a legume produced and consumed all over Africa and especially in Nigeria. These beans are a major source of protein in the region. The cowpea weevil (Callosobruchus maculatus L.) is a major pest that affects cowpea seeds. Therefore, cowpea farmers need effective non-toxic pesticides to replace synthetic chemicals. The present research tested the effect of Balanites aegyptiaca L. essential oil on cowpea weevils.
 This research quantified weevil proliferation and cowpea seed qualities. The samples were treated with 5, 10, and 15 mL of B. aegyptiaca essential oil diluted in 1 mL of acetone and stored in five storage materials, i.e., jute bags, polythene bags, sacks, plastic containers, and glass bottles. The study featured a completely randomized design with three replications of each treatment: treatment time – 90 days, storage temperature – 30 ± 5°C, check – 0.125 g of aluminum phosphide, control – acetone.
 B. aegyptiaca essential oil proved to be an effective insecticide against cowpea weevils. The treatment achieved 100% mortality rate at 10 and 15 mL of B. aegyptiaca essential oil after 72 h of exposure in glass bottles, plastic containers, and jute bags. In addition, B. aegyptiaca essential oil demonstrated a potent activity against oviposition and survival of immature cowpea weevils. Cowpea seeds packaged in glass bottles, plastics containers, and jute bags showed significantly less damage than those stored in sacks and polythene bags. Glass bottles were the best storage material in terms of safety and shelf stability, followed by plastic containers and jute bags. 
 B. aegeptica essential oil has potent insecticidal properties and can be used as pest control during grain storage.

293 Awardee Talk: Innovations in Bovine Reproductive Management: What the Future Holds

Abstract At least 1 billion people globally still experience inadequate protein intake of which 16.5% represent children under the age of 5. To further complicate matters, resources for food and agriculture production will become more limited as the planet becomes more populated and urban areas expand. This demands a dramatic and timely increase in agricultural efficiency to meet the global food demand within a sustainable framework. As the human population grows and dietary preferences increasingly include animal protein, global meat consumption is expected to increase by 30%, requiring a 72% increase in current meat production to meet these goals. One major protein source cattle, represent a major opportunity to increase overall efficiency of our herds globally. In the past 50 years, we have seen drastic increases in innovative technology, specifically in the area of reproductive biology and management. This talk will focus on what has been accomplished to date and what the future may hold for cattle producers around the world. More specifically, focus and discussion on embryonic mortality which is the number one driver of reproductive inefficiency. This project was supported by Agriculture and Food Research Initiative Competitive Grant no. 2017-67015-26457, 2019-67015-28998 and 2022-67015-33675 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Evaluation of seasonal cyclicity of testicular development in adult Himalayan snow trout, Schizothorax plagiostomus

Schizothorax plagiostomus commonly known as snow-trout, is a popular game-food fish, found in the cold waters of the rivers, streams, tributaries and lakes of the Hindukush- Karakoram- Himalayan mountains/ foothills even at the elevation of 1180–3000 m above from the sea level and is considered to the be major source of animal protein. In recent past, there has been a severe decline in Schizothoracine population due to uncontrolled anthropogenic activities and climate change. Therefore, there is an urgent need for critical analysis of annual gonadal development in Schizothorax species. In this study, the seasonal variations of testicular architecture and development were examined in adult S. plagiostomus at Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. Testicular-somatic index were found to be ranged from 0.254 ± 0.06–7.104 ± 1.62 with maximal value recorded in September-October and minimal in April-May. Testicular histology revealed abundance of undifferentiated spermatogonia, meiotic spermatid and spermatozoa in pre-spawning and spawning capable phases respectively. The ultra-structure of spermatozoa showed 1.78 ± 0.27 µm long ovoid shaped head without any acrosome, 0.35 ± 0.05 µm long ellipsoidal mid-piece and 22.5 ± 0.65 µm long flagella. We further have evaluated the milt/semen volume, estimated the sperm density and motility in male brooders. Notably the spermatogenic capacity was found to be consistent in two breeding seasons i.e. spawning capable (September-October) and residual spawning (February-March) phases. In summary, this is the first comprehensive qualitative and quantitative report of the seasonal variations of the spermatogenic output in adult male S. plagiostomus. This data may provide valuable information for the conservation management and artificial breeding program of S. plagiostomus.

Effect of Consuming Beef with Varying Fatty Acid Compositions as a Major Source of Protein in Volunteers under a Personalized Nutritional Program.

Beef is an excellent source of nutrients; unfortunately, most nutritional recommendations suggest limiting or even avoiding it. Studies have shown that the fatty acid composition of meat influences weight loss. This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the anthropometric and serum lipid changes after a food intervention that included frequent beef consumption (120 g consumed four days/week for four weeks). Volunteers were randomly assigned to the commercial or Wagyu-Cross beef groups, with the latter beef possessing higher fat and MUFA contents. Both groups exhibited reductions in body measurements and lipid profiles; however, the Wagyu-Cross group exhibited greater changes in weight (−3.75 vs. −2.90 kg) and BMI (−1.49 vs. −1.03) than the commercial group, without a significant difference between them. No significant group differences in lipid profiles were observed; however, the Wagyu-Cross group exhibited a more favorable change in decreasing the TC concentration (−7.00 mg/dL) and LDL-C concentration (−12.5 mg/dL). We suggest that high MUFA beef could be included in weight-loss programs since it does not affect weight loss and hasn’t a negative influence on lipid metabolism.

Functional characterization of the pUceS8.3 promoter and its potential use for ectopic gene overexpression.

The pUceS8.3 is a constitutive gene promoter with potential for ectopic and strong genes overexpression or active biomolecules in plant tissues attacked by pests, including nematode-induced giant cells or galls. Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important agricultural commodities worldwide and a major protein and oil source. Herein, we identified the soybean ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzyme gene (GmUBC4; Glyma.18G216000), which is significantly upregulated in response to Anticarsia gemmatalis attack and Meloidogyne incognita-induced galls during plant parasitism by plant nematode. The GmUBC4 promoter sequence and its different modules were functionally characterized in silico and in planta using transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and G. max lines. Its full-length transcriptional regulatory region (promoter and 5´-UTR sequences, named pUceS8.3 promoter) was able to drive higher levels of uidA (β-glucuronidase) gene expression in different tissues of transgenic A. thaliana lines compared to its three shortened modules and the p35SdAMV promoter. Notably, higher β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymatic activity was shown in M. incognita-induced giant cells when the full pUceS8.3 promoter drove the expression ofthis reporter gene. Furthermore, nematode-specific dsRNA molecules were successfully overexpressed under the control of the pUceS8.3 promoter in transgenic soybean lines. The RNAi gene construct used here was designed to post-transcriptionally downregulate the previously characterized pre-mRNA splicing factor genes from Heterodera glycines and M. incognita. A total of six transgenic soybean lines containing RNAi gene construct were selected for molecular characterization after infection with M. incognita pre-parasitic second-stage (ppJ2) nematodes. A strong reduction in the egg number produced by M. incognita after parasitism was observed in those transgenic soybean lines, ranging from 71 to 92% compared to wild-type control plants. The present data demonstrated that pUceS8.3 is a gene promoter capable of effectively driving dsRNA overexpression in nematode-induced giant cells of transgenic soybean lines and can be successfully applied as an important biotechnological asset to generate transgenic crops with improved resistance to root-knot nematodes as well as other pests.

Soybean

Chao Fang and Fanjiang Kong introduce the polyploid staple crop, soybean - a major source of dietary protein and oil and model species for root nodulation and plant-developmental studies.

Metabolic and Developmental Changes in Germination Process of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek) Sprouts under Different Water Spraying Interval and Duration

Mung bean is one of the world’s most important legume crops and is a major protein source, particularly in developing countries. Various polyphenolic compounds and nutrients accumulate in mung bean sprouts during germination. Mung bean sprouts are consumed globally as an excellent food source of bioactive phenolic compounds. The contents of phenols and flavonoids and antioxidant activity were monitored for four days after germination under four different spraying conditions using three mung bean cultivars. On the third day after germination, the sprout extract showed the highest antioxidant capacity. The length and thickness of hypocotyl of mung bean sprouts appeared to be the most suitable for consumption on the third day after germination. Using high-performance liquid chromatography analysis, eight phytochemicals were identified, and neochlorogenic acid was identified for the first time in mung bean sprouts. End products (neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, vitexin, and isovitexin) showed certain trends in their contents for four days, while intermediates (caffeic acid, catechin, syringic acid, and p-coumaric acid) were highly responsive to watering condition and cultivars. Watering interval significantly affected the length of root and lateral root development. Both cultivars and watering conditions and/or their interaction significantly affected the biochemical and physical traits of mung bean sprouts. The results suggest that watering conditions need to be considered as an important factor to improve food quality of mung bean sprouts. Our phenotypic and metabolic profiling would provide potential information for production of mung bean sprouts that fit consumers’ preferences.

Exploring the anticancer and antioxidant properties of Vicia faba L. pods extracts, a promising source of nutraceuticals.

BackgroundPulse crops are considered the major sources of proteins, dietary fiber, micronutrients, and bioactive phytochemicals. Among the numerous pulse crops, broad beans (Vicia faba L.) have received particular attention due to their nutraceutical, functional and economic importance. Our attention was mainly focused on the broad bean pods (VFs), which are the primary by-product of the domestic and industrial processing of broad beans and an attractive source of valuable ingredients.MethodsIn order to investigate the VFs properties, the flours from broad beans of three different harvest periods were extracted with acetone, methanol and 70% aqueous ethanol and the dried extracts were analyzed, qualitatively and quantitatively, and tested for their antioxidant through DPPH and ABTS assay and anticancer activities using the MTT assay and immunofluorescence analysis.ResultsThe VF extracts demonstrated a good in vitro radical scavenging activity from the first stage of collection of all the V. faba L. extracts. Additionally, the extracts were tested for their cytotoxicity against a panel of cancer and normal cells and the outcomes indicated the ethanol extract as the most active against the melanoma cell line Sk-Mel-28, without affecting the viability of the normal cells. Finally, we found out that the ethanol extract interfered with the microtubules organization, leading to the cancer cells death by apoptosis.

Culling and mortality of dairy cows: why it happens and how it can be mitigated

The United Nations estimates that the global population will total 9.7 billion in 2050. Rapid population growth pose a significant obstacle to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly eradicating hunger and poverty. In view of the expanding population growth, food production ideally should triple to prevent massive food shortages. Sustainable food and nutrition security is the focal point of the dairy industry. Dairy production plays a pivotal role in addressing and advancing global food and nutrition security. It serves as a major source of protein, calcium, and phosphorus in many families in developing countries with a fast-growing population. Consequently, the dairy industry is expected to grow by approximately 26% in the next 10 years and produce an estimated 1077 million tonnes of milk by 2050. However, the growth and distribution of the dairy industry is limited by many factors such as culling and mortality of dairy cows. Several studies highlight reproduction failures, old age, poor milk yield, diseases (mastitis, lameness, and dystocia), and heat stress as some reasons for culling of dairy cows. Hence, this review highlights the factors influencing culling and mortality in dairy production farms, and discusses mitigating measures to limit culling.

Aquaculture omics: An update on the current status of research and data analysis.

Aquaculture is the fast-growing agricultural sector and has the ability to meet the growing demand for protein nutritional security for future population. In future aquaculture is going to be the major source of fish proteins as capture fisheries reached at its maximum. However, several challenges need to overcome such as lack of genetically improved strains/varieties, lack of species-specific feed/functional feed, round the year availability of quality fish seed, pollution of ecosystems and increased frequencies of disease occurrence etc. In recent years, the continuous development of high throughput sequencing technology has revolutionized the biological sciences and provided necessary tools. Application of 'omics' in aquaculture research have been successfully used to resolve several productive and reproductive issues and thus ensure its sustainability and profitability. To date, high quality draft genomes of over fifty fish species have been generated and successfully used to develop large number of single nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs), marker panels and other genomic resources etc in several aquaculture species. Similarly, transcriptome profiling and miRNAs analysis have been used in aquaculture research to identify key transcripts and expression analysis of candidate genes/miRNAs involved in reproduction, immunity, growth, development, stress toxicology and disease. Metagenome analysis emerged as a promising scientific tool to analyze the complex genomes contained within microbial communities. Metagenomics has been successfully used in the aquaculture sector to identify novel and potential pathogens, antibiotic resistance genes, microbial roles in microcosms, microbial communities forming biofloc, probiotics etc. In the current review, we discussed application of high-throughput technologies (NGS) in the aquaculture sector.

Identification of the Dietary Protein Sources and Their Association with Serum Phosphorus Levels among Patients with Kidney Failure

Background: Major dietary protein sources double as major sources of phosphorus with implications on serum phosphorus in kidney failure (KF) patients. Objectives : To identify the dietary protein sources of kidney failure patients and its association with their serum phosphorus (SP). Methods: Cross-sectional design involving 22 patients with kidney failure ≥ 18 years, recruited from the Renal and Dialysis Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Sources and amount of protein and phosphorus were determined using quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Serum phosphorus was obtained from patients’ hospital records. Correlation between dietary and serum phosphorus was determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 at a 95% CI at p ≤ 0.05. Results: Mean age was 46.2 ± 2.5 years. Sources of protein and phosphorus were cereals, animal protein (AP) and legumes and nuts (L&N). The highest contribution for both protein and phosphorus was from cereals (65.7% and 63.4%) respectively. There was no significant correlation between all sources of phosphorus with SP (AP r 2 = 0.120, p = 0.595; L&N r 2 = -0.045, p= 0.843; cereals r 2 = 0.117, p = 0.604) howbeit, legumes and nuts showed a negative correlation. Conclusion ; Main dietary source of both protein and phosphorus was cereals. There was no significant correlation between all sources of phosphorus with serum phosphorus levels. Appropriate medical nutrition therapy by qualified nutritionist/dietitians is recommended for this group to prevent protein energy wasting. Keywords: kidney failure, protein, phosphorous, protein energy wasting, serum phosphorous. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-16-04 Publication date: August 31 st 2022

Evaluation of dietary fish meal analog with or without supplementation of natural feed additives as the substitute of fish meal in juvenile Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica

We investigated the nine experimental diets containing fish meal (FM) and/or fish meal analog (FMA) as the major source of animal protein to determine the optimum FMA level as the substitute of FM protein in the diet of juvenile Japanese eel. In addition, two natural feed additives such as Song-Gang stone (SG) and Yucca meal (YM) were supplemented in the diet to evaluate their efficacy as the immunostimulants. The diets are as follows: 100% FM + 0% FMA in diet (FMA0), 90% FM + 10% FMA in diet (FMA10), 80% FM + 20% FMA in diet (FMA20), 70% FM + 30% FMA in diet (FMA30), 60% FM + 40% FMA in diet (FMA40), FMA0 + 0.4% SG (FMA0SG), FMA0 + 0.1% YM (FMA0YM), FMA20 + 0.4% SG (FMA20SG), and FMA20 + 0.1% YM (FMA20YM). Nine groups of Japanese eel each with three replicates were distributed (initial weight of 9 ± 0.2 g) in rectangular tanks receiving flow through water. Each group of the treatment consisted with 15 fish and fed one of the diets for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed with the FMA0 and FMA10 diets showed no significant differences in weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE), and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Meanwhile, fish fed with FMA20, FMA30, and FMA40 diets showed significantly lower WG, SGR, FE, and PER than the fish fed with the FMA0 (control) diet. In addition, there were no significant differences among fish fed with the SG- and YM-supplemented diet groups. However, lysozyme activities in fish fed with the FMA10, FMA20, FMA30, and FMA40 were significantly lower than the fish fed with the FMA0SG, FMA0YM, FMA20SG, and FMA20YM diets. After 7 days of injection with V. Anguillarum, cumulative survival rates of fish fed with the FMA0SG and FMA0YM diets were significantly higher than the FMA0 diet group. The results revealed that the FMA could replace up to 10% of FM as a protein source in the diet of Japanese eel and both of the natural feed additives (SG and YM) could improve replacing rates of FMA from 10% to 20% without compromising growth and health status of fish.