Mesquite Beans Research Articles

Corn substitution by mesquite bean flour (Prosopis juliflora) maintains growth and improves protein metabolism of Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of mesquite bean flour (Prosopis juliflora) as an energy ingredient in extruded diets for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Two experiments were carried out: the first consisted of a study to evaluate the chemical composition and digestibility of the energy and nutrients of MBF; the second consisted of a growth test, in which juveniles consumed diets containing different proportions of corn substitution by MBF, in which zootechnical, hematological, physiological, and metabolic variables were evaluated. It was observed that MBF has a chemical composition similar to corn, as well as the apparent digestibility of energy and nutrients. The higher sucrose/starch ratio of the ingredient stands out, as well as the difference in digestibility (p < 0.05) between the predominant carbohydrates 87.63 and 99.25% for starch and sucrose, respectively. In the growth assay, no difference was observed between zootechnical variables (p > 0.05), and sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities were increased (p < 0.05), which was not observed for amylase and lipase (p > 0.05). The hematological variables did not change (p > 0.05). Metabolic variables indicate a reduction in gluconeogenesis from amino acids, as can be seen by the reduction in liver transaminase levels (ALT and AST) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), as well as the greater availability of free amino acids in plasmas (p < 0.05). Thus, it can be said that MBF has a high nutritional value and can totally replace corn in diets for juvenile tilapia and the metabolic findings indicate a potential protein-sparing effect.

Protein quality of dehulled-defatted African mesquite bean (Prosopis africana) flour and protein isolates

In this study, the protein quality of dehulled-defatted African mesquite bean (Prosopis africana) flour and protein isolates obtained using micellization and isoelectric precipitation methods were investigated. The dominant amino acids in the dehulled-defatted Prosopis africana flour and protein isolates included aspartic acid, glutamic acid, leucine and arginine, while the first, second and third limiting amino acids were methionine, threonine and valine/tryptophan, respectively. Amino acid profiles and scores, classifications and ratios, predicted protein efficiency ratios (1.79–2.89), biological (12.61–37.97%) and net protein (15.77–50.84%) values, essential amino acid (63.94–87.02%) and nutritional (23.33–70.78%) indexes showed that the dehulled-defatted P. africana flour and its protein isolates were of high protein quality and could be employed in complementing cereal-based and other similar foods whose proteins are deficient in lysine. Isoelectric precipitation method yielded protein with better nutritional quality compared to the micellization method. P. africana flour and protein isolates could therefore be exploited as protein sources in food formulation for tackling protein malnutrition in Africa.

Physicochemical properties, protein digestibility and thermal stability of processed African mesquite bean (Prosopis africana) flours and protein isolates

The physicochemical, in vitro protein digestibility and thermal properties of dehulled (DPAF) and dehulled–defatted (DDPAF) African mesquite bean (Prosopis africana) flours and protein isolates produced by micellization and isoelectric precipitation were evaluated. Isoelectric precipitation method gave higher yield of protein isolate (30.46%) with higher protein content (81.34%) compared to the micellization which yielded 7.95% and 72.04%, respectively. Significant (p < 0.05) differences occurred among the total colour difference (23.63–53.12), whiteness (40.17–67.78), yellowness (36.81–49.26), browning (− 123.22 to 471.59) and flour colour (26.63–55.04) indexes and functional properties except dispersibility of the samples, indicating the effects of defatting and protein extraction methods. Micellized protein isolate recorded the highest oil (322%), water (300%) absorption and emulsion (64.67%) capacities, while the isoelectric precipitated protein had the highest protein solubility (81.75%). The protein isolates exhibited lower foam stability than the flours with micellized protein being the least. Thermal properties of the flours and protein isolates also varied with defatting and extraction methods. The dehulled P. africana flour and isoelectric precipitated protein showed single endothermic peaks with higher thermal stability compared to the dehulled–defatted flour and micellized protein which had two endothermic peaks. Flours and protein isolates showed in vitro protein digestibility between 76.44 and 80.00%, with micellized protein exhibiting the highest digestibility. Knowledge of the physicochemical properties of P. africana seed products would enhance their utilization in various food formulations, thereby contributing to food security in Africa.

Mesquite bean ( Prosopis juliflora ) meal in diets of Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ): Nutritional value, growth, physiological responses and health

Two experiments were conducted to assess the nutritional value and potential use of mesquite bean (Prosopis juliflora) meal (MBM) to substitute corn in extruded diets for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Digestible energy and the content of protein, soluble carbohydrates and amino acids were measured for 160 Nile tilapia juveniles (average weight 25.58 ± 5.52 g), allocated to eight treatment groups (four fed the experimental diet, and four fed a reference diet). To determine the inclusion potential of MBM, 384 fish (average weight 21.85 ± 1.01 g) were used and allocated to 24 tanks (1,000 L capacity). The experimental design was completely randomized with six levels of substitution (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%), and four repetitions. After the feeding experiment, tissue samples (blood, liver, muscle and intestine) were used to analyse metabolic and haematological variables. MBM produced apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) similar to those of traditional diet ingredients: 81.85% dry matter (DM), 83.02% crude energy, 88.57% crude protein, 82.88% lysine and 82.57% methionine. Differences were observed in the digestibility of soluble carbohydrates (p < 0.05), with MBM having higher levels of starch (72.19%) and sucrose (88.99%). A 20% substitution with MBM produced a decrease in zootechnical performance (p < 0.05). Enzymatic activity of amylase and sucrose seemed to be induced in response to the proportion of their respective substrate in the diets. We observed a reduction in the efficiency of dietary protein utilization, with reduced levels of plasma amino acids (p < 0.05), owing to the increase in the enzymatic activity of muscular alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT and AST) and the deaminase glutamate dehydrogenase in the hepatic and muscular tissues. Haematological variables did not indicate any adverse effects of MBM on the health status or survival of the fish (100%). Therefore, we conclude that MBM may be a viable alternative to corn meal in the diet, enabling substitution of up to 20%.

Quantification of Fusarium mycotoxins in Nigerian traditional beers and spices using a multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS method

Traditional beers and spices play important roles in the diets of millions of Nigerians. Unfortunately, these products may be colonised by fungal infestation and subsequent production of mycotoxins. In the present study, a total of 229 food commodities consisting of 99 traditional beers (burukutu = 54, pito = 45), 58 traditional spices (dawadawa = 17, ogiri = 20, okpehe = 21), and 72 indigenous beans (African locust beans = 30, African castor beans = 21, African mesquite beans = 21) were analysed for Fusarium mycotoxins and their modified forms using a multi-mycotoxin LC-MS/MS method. All the sample types were found to be contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins. In general, 77% (176/229) of the samples analysed were positive of at least one Fusarium toxin at an individual incidence rate of 75% (traditional beers), 74% (traditional spices), and 82% (indigenous beans). Deoxynivalenol was the most prevalent mycotoxin in the traditional beers at an incidence rate of 61%, while fumonisin B2 was the most dominant mycotoxin in traditional spices (rate–33%) and indigenous beans (rate–58%). Evidence of a cocktail of Fusarium mycotoxins was observed in all the sample types. This study reports for the first time a wide spectrum of Fusarium mycotoxins in traditional beers, spices, and indigenous beans of Nigerian origin.

Socioecological systems along the US/Mexico border

Socioecological systems along the US/Mexico border

Mesquite bean and cassava leaf in diets for Nile tilapia in growth

This work evaluated the inclusion of mesquite bean bran (Prosopis juliflora) and cassava leaf bran (Manihot esculenta) in diets for Nile tilapia (85.22 ± 3.13 g). Three hundred and thirty-six fish were distributed in 28 fiberglass tanks (120 L) in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme for two sources of oil and four levels of bran (0, 5, 10 and 20%) (n = 4). After 60 days, growth performance (feed intake, weight gain, apparent feed conversion and survival rate) and fish body composition were evaluated. Heights and density of villi were measured for morphometric analysis of the intestinal mucosa. Animal performance, body composition and villi density were not affected (p &gt; 0.05) by the source and level of inclusion of bran. There was a significant effect of the level of inclusion of bran on villi height, with a linear trend, indicating that the higher the inclusion levels of bran, the lower the height of the villi. The bran studied can be used in diets for Nile tilapia up to 20% without compromising growth performance and body composition change, but the presence of these by-products can result in a deleterious effect on fish villi.

Female White-Tailed Deer Body Condition and Diet After a Large Spring Wildfire

Abstract Frequency of large rangeland wildfires may increase in the southwestern United States and northeastern Mexico as a result of exotic grass invasion and reduced emphasis on livestock production, but effects of such fires on white-tailed deer ( Odocoileus virginianus ) are poorly documented. A large wildfire burned s 90% of the 6 151-ha Chaparral Wildlife Management Area in southern Texas during March 2008, creating an opportunity to study short-term effects of wildfire on white-tailed deer food habits, body condition, and pregnancy. We harvested 26 female deer between 7 April and 20 June 2008 and recorded dressed body weight, body condition, number of corpora lutea, and number and size of fetuses. We used rumen contents to quantify forage classes consumed. Deer ate prickly pear ( Opuntia engelmannii ) pads and emergent grasses during April and shifted to forbs and browse as vegetation communities recovered. Deer consumed mesquite ( Prosopis glandulosa ) beans and prickly pear fruit during mid-June. Body condition measures did not vary during the collection period, suggesting deer were able to acquire sufficient nutrients to meet requirements. Fetal development rate appeared normal. Precipitation (11.4 cm) during late April and May probably allowed vegetation to recover from the wildfire. White-tailed deer are resilient opportunists and were able to maintain body condition and pregnancy after a large-scale wildfire.

Digestibility of agro-industrial byproducts in 200 and 300-g Nile tilapia

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and gross energy (GE) of the following agro-industrial byproducts: cassava leaf (Manihot esculenta), mesquite bean (Prosopis juliflora), cotton (Gossypium species), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), soursop (Annona squamata) and African oil palm cake (Elaeis guineensis) for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fish from two weight classes (200±11 and 300±32 g) were stocked in tanks and fed a reference diet plus 30% of one tested byproduct with the addition of 0.1% chromic oxide. The fish were routinely moved to digestibility aquariums for feces collection, in a completely randomized design (n=3). The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) values between the two weight classes were similar, but differed between the byproducts for DM, CP and GE. The highest ADC DM, ADC CP and ADC GE for 200-g and 300-g tilapias were, respectively, 0.58 and 0.53; 0.77 and 0.78; 0.66 and 0.62 for the soursop bran and 0.52 and 0.51; 0.77 and 0.80; 0.66 and 0.60 for the palm cake, respectively. The cotton and cocoa bran had the worst results of ADC of DM in two weight ranges (means of 0.34 and 0.37 g/100 g, respectively) while the mesquite bean had the lowest ADC of CP and GE, with means of 0.28 and 0.14 g/100 g for 200-g and 300-g tilapias, respectively. The byproducts analyzed may be used in formulating diets for Nile tilapia adults, observing their contributions to the digestibility of nutrients and energy for the species.

Intoxicação espontânea por vagens de Prosopis juliflora (Leg. Mimosoideae) em bovinos no Estado de Pernambuco

Descrevem-se três surtos de intoxicação por vagens de Prosopis juliflora no Sertão e Agreste de Pernambuco, na região semi-árida, em animais pastejando áreas invadidas pela planta ou que ingeriram as vagens como alimento concentrado. Em duas fazendas nas que a doença ocorria esporadicamente foram observados casos individuais. Em outra, o surto afetou um rebanho de 1206 bovinos, dos quais adoeceram 112 (9,28%) e morreram 84 (6,96%), enquanto os demais 28 (2,32%) recuperaram-se e ganharam peso após a retirada das vagens da alimentação. Clinicamente observou-se, principalmente, perda de peso progressiva, atrofia da musculatura da face e masseter, mandíbula pendulosa, protrusão de língua, dificuldade de apreensão e mastigação dos alimentos, torção da cabeça para mastigar ou ruminar, salivação excessiva, disfagia e hipotonia lingual. Nos exames laboratoriais constatou-se anemia e hipoproteinemia. Na necropsia havia caquexia e diminuição de volume e coloração acinzentada dos músculos masseteres. Na histologia observou-se degeneração de neurônios do núcleo motor do trigêmeo, degeneração Walleriana do nervo trigêmeo e atrofia muscular por denervação do músculo masseter com substituição por tecido fibroso. Recomendam-se medidas para a profilaxia da intoxicação e discute-se a necessidade de desenvolver pesquisas para determinar a viabilidade econômica e sustentabilidade da utilização da algaroba como alimento animal ou humano e para produção de carvão, lenha ou madeira.

Neurohistologic and Ultrastructural Lesions in Cattle Experimentally Intoxicated with the Plant Prosopis juliflora

Intoxication by pods of Prosopis juliflora (mesquite beans) causes an impairment of cranial nerve function in cattle and goats. In goats, vacuolation of neurons in the trigeminal motor nuclei has been reported. To study the lesions in cattle caused by consumption of P. juliflora pods and dry ground pods, eight 6- to 12-month-old male cattle were divided into 4 groups: group 1 was fed a ration containing 50% of pods; groups 2 and 3 received a ration containing 50 and 75% of dry ground pods, respectively; group 4 was the control. After 200 days, all cattle were killed and sampled for histologic evaluation. Samples of the trigeminal motor nucleus were examined by electron microscopy. All cattle from groups 1, 2, and 3 showed clinical signs resulting from impaired function of cranial nerves V, IX, X, and XII, starting 45-75 days after consumption of the plant. The main histologic lesions were vacuolation and loss of neurons in trigeminal motor nuclei and other motor cranial nerve nuclei with Wallerian-like degeneration in the cranial nerves. Mild denervation atrophy was observed in the masseter and other masticatory muscles. On electron microscopy, neurons of the trigeminal nuclei had markedly swollen mitochondria, with the mitochondrial cristae displaced peripherally, disoriented and disintegrating. Intoxication by P. juliflora seems to have a novel pathogenesis, characterized by a selective, primary, chronic, and progressive injury to mitochondria of neurons of the trigeminal and other cranial nerve nuclei. Cranial nerve degeneration and denervation atrophy of the muscles occurs as a consequence of the neuronal lesion.

PROTEIN EXTRACTABILITY, FRACTIONATION AND AMINO ACID COMPOSITION OF SOME LEGUMINOUS SEEDS FOUND IN NIGERIA

Protein content in eight minor legume seeds grown in Nigeria was determined, and protein was fractionated into albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin. Seed protein concentrates (SPC) were prepared from legume seeds; and extractabilities of protein N, total N content, yield and the amino acid profiles are reported. The globulins and glutelins were the major fractions. Mucuna seeds (velvet bean) appear to be the most promising species for obtaining SPC based on the high values for extractability of SPC, protein N and total N. Amino acid composition shows that the sulfur-containing amino acids, methionine + cysteine, were the most limiting amino acids in the seed proteins. Lysine content (9.12 g/100 g) of Mucuna seeds was high. Prosopis africana (mesquite bean) contains remarkably high levels of methionine and lysine (3.55 and 6.50 g/100 g protein, respectively), which make it a good potential supplement to the starchy tuber and cereal diets of the local population. It was concluded that Milletia thonningii, Adenanthera pavonina (coral seeds), Lonchocarpus sericeus and Mucuna seeds have a promising potential as sources of low-cost protein for possible use as food/feed supplements.

CARACTERIZAÇÃO DE PROPRIEDADES FUNCIONAIS DO ISOLADO PROTEÍCO DE SEMENTES DE ALGAROBA (Prosopis juliflora (SW) D. C.)

O isolado protéico foi obtido da farinha desengordurada de semente de algaroba (Porsopis juliflora (SW) D.C.) por meio da extração alcalina (pH 10) e posterior precipitação com ácido clorídrico a pH 5. No processo de obtenção , 75,7% das proteínas da amostra inicial foram extraídas e 62,3% foram recuperadas pela precipitação. Caracterizou-se as propriedades funcionais do isolado protéico em termos de solubilidade, absorção de água e de óleo, propriedades emulsificantes e propriedades espumantes em pH diferentes (3, 5, 7 e 8). o isolado apresentou alta solubilidade em pH ácido e básico, com exceção da faixa de pH 4 ao 6. A absorção de água e de óleo, possivelmente, foi influenciada pela textura compacta do isolado. A capacidade emulsificante foi maior em pH 3 e menor em pH 5. A atividade emulsificante e a estabilidade de emulsão apresentaram pequenas variações, exceto em pH5. As propriedades espumantes dependeram diretamente da solubilidade das proteínas. A presença de cloreto de sódio melhorou a solubilidade, a capacidade emulsificante e as propriedades espumantes em pH 5.

Bite-Count vs Fecal Analysis for Range Animal Diets

This study indicated that the and fecal analysis methods give similar results for estimating major components of cattle diets in Texas. The method could not be used on large, brush-infested pastures with rough terrain; however, the fecal analysis metnod was easily used under such conditions. Other advantages of fecal analyses were: samples were collected with a minimum of field work, diets of wild and domestic animals could be obtained, and bad weather and poor field conditions were not problems. Major disadvantages of the fecal analysis technique were: forages with dense stellate trichomes were overestimated; mesquite beans were retained in the digestive tract for abnormally long periods; the laboratory phase required a trained technician; and the work was tedious. Knowledge of the species consumed by grazing-animals, season by season, is fundamental to proper grazing management. Commonly used methods for obtaining diet composition have included: direct animal observation, forage utilization, and identification of plant material collected by esophageal fistula from stomach contents, or from fecal material. Many researchers consider the esophageal fistula technique the most accurate (Harris et al. 1959; Rice 1970), and Cook (1964) found it less time consuming than other methods. However, identification of individual grasses or individual forbs is often impossible with fistula collections. Because of the obvious disadvantages of working with fistulated animals in large pastures; areas with rough, rocky, terrain; or areas heavily infested with brush, other methods that offer reasonably accurate data are often needed. Ideally, a method for determining grazing-animal diets will: (1) allow free animal movement and completely natural selection of all available plants and plant parts regardless of pasture size; (2) allow for diet determination regardless of Authors are graduate research assistant, professor, and technician, Department of Range and Wildlife Management, Texas Tech University, Lubbock 79409. At present, Sanders is assistant professor, College of Forestry, Wildlife and Range Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow. This study is a contribution of the College of Agricultural Sciences, Texas Tech University No. T-9-161. The authors wish to thank R.A. Brown for his support during conduct of this study. Manuscript received January 29, 1979. terrain; (3) be equally useful for wild and domesticated animals; (4) not require slaughter of test animals; (5) require a minimum of animal care; (6) be relatively objective; and (7) allow identification of each individual plant species consumed. Microscopic examination of fecal material fits the criteria outlined. Baumgartner and Martin (1939) identified food items in squirrel diets more than 40 years ago by microscopic examination. More recently plant species consumed by sheep (Hercus 1960), cattle (Malechek 1966; Free et al. 1971), and horses (Regal 1960) were identified by examination of feces and/ or rumen contents through a microscope. Unequal digestibility among plants (Regal 1960) appears the most serious source of error in determining diet composition from fecal examination. Also, the laboratory analysis method is tedious (Ward 1970). A technique commonly used and that also meets the criteria outlined is a variation of the feeding-minutes method termed the bite-count method used by Reppert (1960) and McMahan (1964). Free et al. (1971) working with steers obtained diet information comparable to the esophageal fistula method using the technique. Because of brush infestation and the rough topography of most Texas ranges, obtaining usable diet information for management or research purposes is a major problem. Despite its limitations, microscopic evaluation of diets from fecal material seems to offer a viable choice. Therefore, the objective of this study was to find out if the fecal examination by microscope technique could provide diet compositions similar to those obtained from the method.

Composition of the Beans of Parkinsonia aculeata

1. The pods, whole beans, and seeds of Parkinsonia aculeata have been analyzed. Hemicelluloses, celluloses, and lignins compose approximately 73 per cent of the pods. 2. The composition of the whole bean is similar to that of alfalfa hay or mesquite beans. 3. The principal proteins of the seed are albumin and glutelin. 4. If proper means for grinding these beans or seeds are available, they should provide a good emergency forage.

Composition of the Pulp and Seeds of Adansonia digitata

1. The pulp and seeds of Adansonia digitata have been analyzed, and the results agree with previous analyses of Pelly. 2. A feed analysis shows that the seeds have a composition similar to the seeds of Chenopodium album or a mixture of mesquite beans and pods. 3. About 50 per cent of the pulp is soluble in water. Reducing sugars, acids, proteins, and ash comprise about one-half of this amount; the remainder is probably chiefly pectic substances. Neither the pulp nor the seeds gave tests for starch. 4. The principal protein of the seeds is a globulin, which apparently has never been isolated before. 5. The tree has an economic significance since it furnishes food to carry several species of Dysdercus (cotton pests) through periods when cotton seeds are not available.

Methods of Determining Forage Preferences of Stock

When range stock are confronted with a variety of vegetation, which usually is the case, it is only natural that they should exhibit preferences for certain plants. These preferences are due largely to the palatability and the abundance of the individual species, coupled with the ease with which it may be fed upon. In the measurement of such preferences by recording the actual extent of the feeding of stock upon the various forage plants the occurrence of the plants necessarily is a limiting factor. An emphasis in preferences may be brought by a scarcity of certain desirable feeds, such as mesquite beans, acorns, and flowering shoots of nolina and yucca. This emphasis is evidenced by an excess of travel and search, and frequently by a quickening of travel to a run while moving from one feeding place to another one. Where ranges have been grazed for a number of years an indication of -the forage preferences of stock may be gained by determining the changes of vegetation resulting from feeding. In various modifications of application these two methods should afford satisfactory information on the forage preferences of stock. The writer's experience in the use of these methods was gained in work undertaken by the Ranch Experiment Station, which is Substation No. 14 of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, located on the Edwards Plateau of Texas. Inasmuch as we were concerned with the distance of travel, the behavior of the animals after nightfall, and the close and continuous observation of an individual animal, it was impracticable to do any of the work from horseback; but, when the observations required are less complex and detailed, it should be satisfactory and largely preferable to make observations of the feeding habits of stock wholly or in part from horseback. Ordinarily the ease of approach to range animals by horseback would be helpful, and, in taller grasses than our curly mesquite, the elevated position on horseback would be a decided advantage in noting all the plants that are fed upon. Bulletin No. 367 of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station reports the results gained in three years of detailed observations. The methods used are discussed in this bulletin; they were developed from preliminary work with our three types of range live stock, and perfected in the course of several months of experience in conducting the study. Leaving out of considera-