Mixture Of Cassava Research Articles

Effect of harvesting date and cultivar on yield, chemical, quality and production of biscuits from mixture of cassava and soft wheat flour

Effect of harvesting date and cultivar on yield, chemical, quality and production of biscuits from mixture of cassava and soft wheat flour

Production Performance, Feed Intake and Nutrient Digestibility of Etawa Crossbreed Dairy Goats Fed Tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia), Cassava Leaves and Palm Kernel Cake Concentrate

This research aimed at the intake, digestibility, production, and milk quality of Etawa crossbreeds dairy goat (ECDG) fed conventional mixed forage; tithonia (Tithonia diversifolia) (T) and cassava leaves (CL) with palm kernel cake concentrate (PKCC). A completely randomized design (four treatments and four replications) was used in this study. The treatments consisted of followings: A was company rations (50% company forages + 50% company concentrate(CC)), B (50% (T+CL) + 40% CC + 10% PKCC), C (50% (T+CL) + 30% CC + 20% PKCC), D (50% (T+CL)+ 20% CC + 30% PKCC). The variables analyzed were as follows; milk production, milk quality (total solid, lactose, protein, fat, solid non-fat, water content, specific gravity, pH, Ca and P minerals), dry matter intake (DMI), organic matter intake (OMI), crude protein intake (CPI), dry matter digestibility (DMD), organic matter digestibility (OMD), crude protein digestibility (CPD). Data analysis used analysis of variance—a further test to determine differences between treatments using Duncan's multiple ranges. The Analysis showed that the treatment had no significant effect (P>0.05) on feed intake, digestibility, production, and milk quality. Using palm kernel cake concentrate and a mixture of tithonia and cassava leaves was able to maintain the feed intake, feed digestibility, production, and milk quality of ECDG. Replacement of company forages with a mixture of cassava and tithonia and replacement of company concentrate with PKCC did not affect the intake, digestibility, production, and quality of Etawa crossbreed dairy goat's milk. The combination of 50% (cassava and tithonia) + 10% company concentrate + 40% PKCC was able to maintain the intake, digestibility, production, and quality of Etawa crossbreed dairy goat milk.

Functional and physicochemical properties of wheat, cassava, and bamboo shoot composite flours and bread

The need to combat food insecurity and malnutrition has seen industries focus on enriching indigenous staple foods with locally available nutritious but underutilised food crops. Bamboo shoot (BS) is one such crops that has drawn significant global interest owing to its high nutrient content, health-promoting elements and low fat. This study aimed at evaluating the proximate composition, physicochemical, and functional properties of wheat-cassava-BS composite flours and their respective loaves of bread. Five levels of BS (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10%) were substituted for wheat-cassava using 80:20 percent wheat: cassava mixture as control. The flours were analysed for water absorption capacity, Normal Falling Number (NFN) and dough softening. Bread samples were baked from each of the formulated composite flours and analysed for nutritional composition and physical properties. Water absorption increased with an increase in BS substitution while there was a reduction of 16.8% in the normal falling number from the control. Dough softening increased with an increase in BS inclusion up to 7.5%. All the bread made from BS flour had significantly different (p < 0.05) physical properties (loaf volume, density, specific volume, and Browning Index [BI]) from the control. However, the crumb BI for all the BS composite-bread samples were not significantly (p > 0.05) different. Bamboo shoots had 16.6% ash, 19.7% fibre, 29.4% crude protein, and the lowest energy-to-protein ratio of 9.78 kcal/g. The proximate components of the blended bread increased with an increase in BS substitution. Composite bread with 10% BS had the highest total ash, crude fibre, and protein at 4.51%, 5.26%, and 26.4% compared to the control that had 0.66%, 0.88%, and 1.55%, respectively. Results of this study show that BS flour can be blended with wheat-cassava composite to increase BS utilisation and improve the nutritional value of developed products, thus providing diversification in bakery products. Key words: bamboo shoots, composite bread, cassava, physicochemical, functional properties, proximate composition

The Madurese Tajhin Pheddis Tradition In Developing Social Integration In Kuala Mandor Kubu Raya

The purpose of this article is to find out about a) the Tajhin Pheddis Tradition of the Madurese Community in Kuala Mandor B Kubu Raya. b) The Tajhin Pheddis tradition is a means of realizing Social Integration in West Kalimantan. The type of this research is a qualitative approach with ethnographic methods. Primary data were obtained from interviews with the traditional leaders of Madura. While secondary data in the form of literature on the tradition of tajhin pedhis. Researchers also conducted participatory observations and interviews with informants. Henceforth, all data were analyzed using interactive analysis techniques. The results of this study are tajhin peddhis which is carried out by ethnic Madurese, especially the people in Cahaya Baru Kuala Mandor B, which is a Selamatan which is held in the month of Muharrom. Tajhin peddhis in the form of rice porridge topped with a mixture of cassava, sliced omelet, nuts and chilies. Tajhin peddhis as a form of gratitude to Allah for His gift. This tradition is a vehicle for the formation of social integration in the form of normative integration, namely a social bond that occurs because of an agreement on values and norms.

Profitability of bioethanol production using cassava (Manihot esculantus crantz) and sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) as raw material

Ethanol imports into developing countries such as Ghana over the past decade have been on the increase. Corn, sugarcane and wheat are major crops that are normally used globally to produce bioethanol. The use of cassava and sweet potato as raw materials for ethanol production has also been demonstrated. Cassava and sweet potato, which grow excellently in Sub-Saharan Africa, could therefore be used as excellent and readily available local raw material for ethanol production to replace the seventy (70) million litres and more of ethanol imported into Ghana in 2016 for various uses. The search for the optimum processing conditions to hydrolyse and ferment sugars from the starches in cassava and sweet potato had been the major focus of all the studies in the past. The price of ethanol produced with cassava and sweet potato compared to the price of ethanol produced with other feedstock in the global market would largely determine the competitiveness and sustainability of producing ethanol with cassava and sweet potato. The objective of this work is to evaluate the cost benefits of ethanol production using cassava and sweet potato as raw materials. Sika bankye (cassava variety) and Apomuden (sweet potato variety) were cultivated and harvested at ten (10) months and three (3) months maturity respectively for the study. Liquefaction, saccharification and fermentation of the cassava and sweet potato varieties to produce ethanol were carried out with Liquozyme SC DS, combination of Spirizyme Fuel and Viscozyme L and Bio-Ferm XR (Lallemand) yeast, respectively. The study indicates that the production of ethanol with a 1:1 mixture of cassava and sweet potato using a 10,000 litres per day capacity ethanol distilling plant generates a net profit of between 9% and 30% over a period of five years. The findings indicate that ethanol production with cassava and sweet potato is a profitable venture. Key words: Cassava, Profitability, Bioethanol processing, Sweet potato, Fermentation, Alcohol yield, Feedstock

PENGARUH BERBAGAI CAMPURAN DAUN SINGKONG DAN ONGGOK TERFERMENTASI ASPERGILLUS NIGER TERHADAP KUALITAS BAHAN KERING, SERAT KASAR, DAN PROTEIN KASAR

This study aimed to determine the effect of various mixture of cassava leaves and cassava waste fermented by Aspergillus niger on dry matter, crude fiber, and crude protein. This research was carried out in August 2021--September 2021 at the Animal Nutrition and Feeding Laboratory, Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were cassava waste without mixture + Aspergillus niger 1% BK (P0), cassava leaves without mixture + Aspergillus niger 1% BK (P1), cassava waste 20% + cassava leaves 80% + Aspergillus niger 1% BK (P2), cassava waste 40% + cassava leaves 60% + Aspergillus niger 1% BK (P3), and cassava waste 60% + 40% cassava leaves + Aspergillus niger 1% BK (P4). The variables observed in this study included dry matter, crude fiber, and crude protein of product of fermentation. The data obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance with a significance level of 1% or 5% and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that fermentation with Aspergillus niger 1% BK could reduce the crude fiber content in a mixture of cassava waste and cassava leaves from 18.24% to 12.45% after fermentation, and could increase the crude protein content of fermented products. While the best response of fermentation of mixture of cassava waste and cassava leaves on the chemical quality of dry matter, crude fiber, and crude protein was obtained in a mixture of 40% cassava waste + 60% cassava leaves + Aspergillus niger 1% BK which produced 20.48% crude protein with low crude fiber of 10.81%.
 
 Keywords: Aspergillus niger, crude fiber, crude protein, Dry matter, fermentation

The Effect Levels of Cassava Leaf and Palm Kernel Meal Fermented Used Bacillus amylolicofaciens in Laying Duck Feed

This study aims to determine the level of administration of a mixture of cassava leaves and palm kernel meal fermented with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in rations on egg index, shell thickness, shell strength and color index of duck egg yolk. This study used 160 laying ducks aged 14 months and weighing ± 1500g. This research method is an experimental method using a completely randomized design (CRD), with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The treatment is feed that uses a mixture of cassava leaves and fermented palm kernel cake (CLPKCF). The treatments were Ration A 0% CLPKCF, Ration B 6% CLPKCF, Ration C 12% CLPKCF and Ration D 18% CLPKCF, each experimental unit consisted of 10 laying kamang ducks. The results of the analysis of diversity showed that the application of the CLPKCF mixture in the ration of laying ducks had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the egg index, shell thickness, shell strength and color index of duck egg yolk. The conclusion of this research is the use of CLPKCF ration up to 18% level in the ration can maintain the quality of duck eggs. In this condition, the egg index was 0.80, the shell thickness was 0.28, the shell strength was 4.73 kg / mm and the egg yolk color index was 14.83.

Influence of binary mixtures of cassava starch and rice flour on the chemical and sensory characteristics of gluten-free bread

In this study, response surface methodology based on simplex- centroid design was used to optimize the gluten-free bread formulation with rice flour and cassava starch as independent variables. Bread formulations were evaluated by physicochemical analysis and descriptive sensory analysis encompassing appearance, structure, texture, and aroma parameters by a trained sensory panel. The five formulations composition showed statistical differences concerning aw, lipid and protein content. Carbohydrate was significantly correlated with specific volume and lipids with protein. Overall, rice flour's addition improved lipid and protein, whereas further rises in cassava starch allowed developing bread with higher specific volume and sensory scores. The optimum combinations of the variables to maximize scores of porosity, texture, elasticity, and protein content, should be obtained with 51.75% of rice flour and 48.25% of cassava starch. The use of the simplex-centroid design and the response desirability function in the optimization was useful for evaluating the influence and potential of the binary mixture of rice flour and cassava starch on the sensory quality and chemical characteristics of gluten-free bread. These research findings open the scope for further investigation of rice flour and cassava starch and their useful application in gluten-free bread processing.

THE EFFECTS OF ENSILAGE ON THE NUTRITIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF POULTRY WASTE - CARBOHYDRATE MIXTURE AS LIVESTOCK FEED

In a laboratory study, the results of ensiling caged layer poultry waste with carbohydrate source to enhance its usefulness as feed ingredient for livestock were reported. Poultry waste (20%) mixed with cassava or sorghum flour was ensiled in test-tube silos and sampled at intervals during a 14-day storage period. In both mixtures, the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and pH values were significantly. in Nigeria, poultry waste was affected (P<0.05) with time after ensiling. The DM values were higher (P<0.05) on day 10 than on day 0,5 or 14. The poultry waste-sorghum mixture increased in CP level (P<0.05) from 8.0% on day O to 9.1% on day 14 while in the cassava mixture CP increased from 7.0% on day 7.6% on day 10. There was a drop in pH from 6.4 to 4.6 in both mixtures at the end of the storage period. The results showed that ensiling cassava or sorghum flour with poultry waste enriched the nitrogen content of the mixture thereby enhancing its usefulness as livestock feed.

Formulating diets based on whole cassava tuber (

Context Formulating rations with high energy and protein feeds such as cassava tuber and gliricidia, is an important strategy to increase liveweight gain (LWG) of bulls and improve profitability of smallholder farmers in Indonesia. Aims Two on-farm experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of increasing the supplementation level of a mixture of cassava (Manihot esculenta) whole root tuber powder and fresh gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) on feed intake and LWG of Ongole and Bali bulls given fresh corn stover and elephant grass, respectively. Methods Two experiments were conducted, each with five treatments: a basal diet of fresh corn stover (Experiment 1 for Ongole bulls) or elephant grass (Experiment 2 for Bali bulls) fed ad libitum or this diet supplemented with a combination of cassava tuber (whole root tuber including peel, sun-dried and ground) and fresh, chopped gliricidia (1:1) on estimated dry matter (DM) basis, at DM levels of 0.4, 0.8, 1,2 and 1.6% liveweight (LW)/day. Each experiment was run for 18 weeks, consisting of a two week adaptation and 16 week experimental period. Parameters measured included basal DM intake, supplement DM intake, total DM intake, total water intake, faecal pH, daily LWG, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and income over feed cost (IOFC). Key results Increasing supplement level linearly (P < 0.05) decreased basal diet intake, but linearly increased total DM intake and LWG (P < 0.05) in both breeds. Basal diet DM intake was reduced at the rate of 0.43 kg/kg of supplement DM consumed for both Ongole and Bali bulls. Water intake and faecal pH were not affected (P > 0.05) by increasing supplement intake. Inclusion of cassava tuber and gliricidia supplement up to 1.6% LW/day, increased total feed DM intake (up to 3.28 and 3.18% LW/day, for Ongole and Bali bulls, respectively) and LWG (maximum Ongole bulls 0.69 kg/day and Bali bulls 0.46 kg/day). Daily income over feed cost (IOFC) increased significantly (P < 0.05) in association with increased supplement intake in both Experiments 1 and 2. Using the derived model without supplementation, the value of IOFC was only IDR 7802/day and IDR 7687/day, for Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. The highest IOFC was achieved at a supplement intake of 1.6% LW/day with values of IDR 13 949/day and IDR 12 543/day for Experiments 1 and 2 respectively. Conclusions The addition of a cassava tuber and gliricidia mixture up to 1.6% LW/day increased LWG and profit for smallholders fattening bulls. Implications Formulating a ration with cassava tuber and gliricidia can be economically beneficial in cattle fattening systems in Indonesia.

Hybridization of Selected Nigerian Lignocellulosic Biomass Feedstocks for Bioethanol Production: Modeling and Optimization of Pretreatment and Fermentation Process Parameters Using Response Surface Methodology.

In this study, hybridized feedstocks (mixtures of biomass) of cassava peels plus yam peels, as well as corn cobs plus rice husks biomass, were optimized using the response surface methodology centered on the statistical design of experiments (DOE) of the Box-Behnken design (BBD), to produce bioethanol. The feedstocks were locally sourced, hybridized (mixed), pretreated, and fermented before being distilled in a UOP3CC continuous distillation column. The BBD was applied using a 3-level, 3-factor process variables using pH, time, and particle size, and indicated as X1, X2, and X3, respectively. The bioethanol yield from the two hybridized biomass feedstocks was predicted by the developed quadratic polynomial models from BBD. For the hybridized biomass mixture of cassava peels plus yam peels, the optimal condition was statistically predicted as pH 5.00, fermentation time of 120.00 hours, and particle size of 362.5 microns, the predicted bioethanol yield under the optimal condition was 115.75 mL per 1500 g of hybridized biomass and the average volume of bioethanol obtained was 125.00 mL per 1500 g of biomass, which is within the projected range of the model equation, same applies to rice husks plus corn cobs hybridized biomass, but with a better prospect for bioethanol production.

TAMARIND TREE SEEDLINGS IN PROTECTED ENVIRONMENTS AND SUBSTRATE

This study aimed to evaluate the formation of tamarind tree seedlings in different protected environments and substrates. Five protected environments were used and substrates using combinations of different proportions of humus, cattle manure, vermiculite, and cassava stems. The environments with screens and the environments with polyethylene films were conducive to the emergence of the tamarind seedlings. All the substrates presented adequate conditions for the emergence of seedlings in these environments. The environment covered with bacuri straw was not favorable to the emergence of the tamarind seedlings. The substrates containing cattle manure provided the best conditions for emergence in the environment covered with bacuri straw. The greenhouses and the screenhouse with the aluminized screen and the substrates containing manure provided the largest number of leaves, larger plants, and larger diameters. The mixture of cassava stems and cattle manure, as well as the mixture of three or four tested materials, are conducive to the development and accumulation of biomass in tamarind seedlings. The mixture of humus with vermiculite or cassava stems is not indicated for the biomass accumulation in tamarind seedlings. Greenhouses and screens are indicated for the formation of high-quality seedlings.

Bioavailability of Iron and the Influence of Vitamin a in Biofortified Foods

Inadequate eating habits, among other factors, lead to nutritional deficiencies worldwide. Attempts have been made to control micronutrient deficits, such as biofortification of usually consumed crops, but the interaction between food components may affect the bioavailability of the nutrients. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of pro-vitamin A on the bioavailability of iron in biofortified cowpea and cassava mixture, compared to their conventional counterparts. The chemical composition of the raw material was determined, and an in vivo study was performed, with Wistar rats, using the depletion-repletion method. Gene expression of iron-metabolism proteins was evaluated. Results were compared by analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey test (p < 0.05). Biofortified cowpea (BRS Aracê) showed an increase of approximately 19.5% in iron content compared to conventional (BRS Nova era). No difference in Hemoglobin gain was observed between groups. However, the animals fed biofortified cowpea were similar to ferrous sulfate (Control group) regarding the expression of the hephaestin and ferroportin proteins, suggesting a greater efficiency in the intestinal absorption of iron. Thus, this study points out a higher efficiency of the biofortified cowpea in the bioavailability of iron, regardless of the presence of pro-vitamin A.

The changes of starch and sugar on fermented of mixture of cassava and sweet potatoes using local tape ragi

The aims of this study is to determine the change of starch and sugar content on cassava roots and sweet potato substrates through local “Tape Ragi” fermentation. The type of research is experiment with solid substrate fermentation method. The cassava roots and sweet potato mixture substrate is made with variation of concentration 1:0; 1:1; 1:3; 3:1 and 0:1. The tape ragi used is obtained from the traditional market of Bone regency of South Sulawesi province which is the result of selection in previous research. Analysis of starch content on products using enzymatic methods. The principle of analysis by such methods is starch extracted by dimethyl sulfoxide and acid, hydrolyzed by enzyme amyloglucosidase into sugar. The sugar content is determined by the determination of total sugar, and the starch content is 0.9 times the sugar content. The results of this study shows that the fermented mixture of cassava roots and sweet potatoes using local tape ragi B causes changes in starch and sugar levels. Level of starch on cassava roots subtract treatment (K), mixture of cassava roots and sweet potato with ratio 1: 1 (K1J1) and cassava roots and sweet potato mixture with ratio 3: 1 (K3: J1) decreased. The treatment of sweet potato substrate (J) and cassava roots mixture and sweet potato mixture with ratio of 1: 3 (K1J3) actually increased to 24.84% from 22.78% before fermentation and 33.57% from 27.48% before fermentation. All variations of the substrate treatment experienced a change in the increase in the amount of sugar content after fermentation using local tape ragi.

Influence of Physico-Chemical Parameters on Fuel Briquettes Properties Formulated with Mixture of Biomasses

The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of physico-chemical parameters on fuel briquette properties produced from a mixture of cassava and plantain peelings, and corn cob. FTIR and XRD of each biomass was determined and fractional factorial design used in classifying influence of physico-chemical parameters on degradation rate and strength of briquette. The results show that the three biomasses have similar infrared spectra. The mains functional groups present are; OH alcohol, C-H, C-O and C-C. These could produce hydrogen bond during densification. XRD reveals presence of cellulose and starch in the three biomasses. Cassava peelings have the highest amount of starch compared to others. Thus, cassava peelings can play the rule of binder. Results also reveal that for degradation rate of briquette, the average absolute error (AAE) ranged from 0.00% to 2.82% and varies between 0.00% to 2.88% for strength. These AAE are closer to zero and can be considered negligible compared to observed responses. This demonstrates the reliability of the models. Besides, adjusted R², absolute average deviation (AAD), bias factor and exactitude factor obtained are in accordance with interval indicated for validation of model. The influence of evaluated parameters for degradation rate of briquette in descending order of importance are: the briquetting mass, moisture content, briquetting pressure, time before demoulding, diameter of mould, particle size and briquetting temperature. For strength, pressure and particle size are the most influential parameters followed by briquetting time, moisture content, diameter of mould, briquetting mass and briquetting temperature. The influence levels of the different parameters on the strength and degradation rate of briquette simultaneously show that particle size, moisture content, briquetting pressure and briquetting mass are the most important. However, they act in opposite directions for degradation rate and strength of briquette.<div><br></div>

ANALYSIS OF THE COSTS AND RETURNS BETWEEN MAIZE AND CASSAVA BASED FARM ENTERPRISES IN EKITI STATE, NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH

The performance of the agricultural sector in Ekiti state despite all the measures taken to improve it has become unsatisfactory. It has become a matter of concern to all and sundry in the agricultural sector in Ekiti state. Available statistics show that the annual growth rate of agricultural component of the gross domestic product (GDP) declined from 9.2% to 2.1% between 1998-2010. Moreso, the average growth rate in maize production of -9.75% is far below the expected 4.14% average growth rate of 3.8% below the average population growth rate of 3.8% per annual. Similarly, the average annum growth rate of maize production is also far below the average growth rate in food demand. Against these backdrops, it become necessary to examine the profitability in maize and maize/cassava farm enterprises in Ekiti state, Nigeria and subsequently make recommendations based on the results of the study.&#x0D; A multistage random sampling was used to select 360 respondents from five local government areas of Ekiti state. Both primary and secondary data were collected for the Study Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and costs and returns analysis. The results of the study show that both enterprises (i.e. maize and maize/cassava farm enterprises) are not viable. Also, the results reflect that about 75% of the farmers were illiterate with an average family of persons. The recommendations from the results of the study are: (a) the farmers are advised to select farm, then do the farming with the mixture of cassava with the view to enable them significantly increase their level of farm income. (b) All the participatory members in the agricultural sector should adopt measures to reproduce the cost of farm product.

Caracterización bromatológica de pellets elaborados a partir de subproductos agropecuarios para la alimentación de bovinos

Con el propósito de caracterizar nutricionalmente una mezcla de Yuca (YC) (Manihot esculenta),Gallinaza (GA), Harina de Soya (HS), Harina de Arroz (HA), Aceite de Soya (AS), Cultivo deLactobacilos (CL), se realizó un análisis bromatológico a pellets a partir de estas materiasprimas, con los siguientes niveles de incorporación en la mezcla, (YC) 15%, (GA) 30%, (HS)15%, (HA) 30%, (AS) 5%, (CL) 5%. El estudio bromatológico se llevó a cabo en el Departamentode Zootecnia (DZO) de la Universidad Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Brasil. Se realizaron pruebaspara Proteína Cruda (PC), Materia Seca (MS), Cenizas (CEN), Fibra Detergente Neutro (FDN),Fibra Detergente Acido (FDA), Extracto Etéreo (EE), Materia Orgánica (MO), CarbohidratosNo Fibrosos (CNF), para los cuales se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: PC: 13,16%, MS:93,61%, CEN: 29,98%, FDN: 30,91%, FDNcp: 16,88%, FDA: 21,20%, FDAcp: 11,90%, EE: 12%,MO: 70,02%, CNF: 27,98%. Se concluye que los pellets de la mezcla de subproductos presentancaracterísticas nutricionales con alto potencial para ser utilizados como una alternativa dealimentación para ganado bovino en tiempos de escasez de alimento a partir de subproductosagropecuarios disponibles en toda la Región Huetar Norte de Costa Rica.

Evaluation of cassava processing and utilization at household level in Zambia

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is the second most consumed staple food crop after maize in Africa and is the main food security crop after maize in Zambia. A study, aimed at analyzing cassava processing and utilization at household level in Zambia, was conducted. Surveys were conducted in five districts (Kasama, Samfya, Mansa, Serenje and Kaoma). A structured questionnaire was administered to a total of 300 randomly selected households. The percentage of households that were involved in processing were 4.3% for income, 34% for consumption and 58% for both income generation and consumption. Levels of awareness and usage of improved cassava processing methods across the districts were low, ranging between 20% and 26%. The only improved processing equipment that farmers used often (69%) was the hammer mill. Product development and utilization were still at a low level (ranging between 9% and 18%) in Zambia. Cassava is mostly consumed in its traditional form for its leaves, as a snack, and for preparing nshima (cassava flour alone or a mixture of cassava and maize meal, called maize-cassava nshima). The limited knowledge of cassava products’ diversity and the low usage of improved equipment are challenges to the production of confectionery products that could lead to increased cassava consumption. There has been no significant change over the last two decades in cassava processing and product development, which could spur cassava development. This calls for more efforts to support Government policy in diversifying crop use and crop diversification in order to create wealth.

Influence of dissolved organic matter on sorption and desorption of MCPA in ferralsol

MCPA (4-chloro-2-methylphenoxyacetic acid) is an acidic herbicide, widely used in paddy fields. The presence of dissolved organic matter (DOM) modifies the sorption-desorption of herbicides in soils. In this study, effects of DOM on sorption- desorption of MCPA were tested using three typical ferralsol soil types from China: rhodic ferralsol, haplic ferralsol and paddy soil. DOM preparations were extracted from the paddy soil (DOMP), from a compost mixture of cassava stems with chicken manure (DOMC), and from rice straw (DOMR). Sorption-desorption of MCPA in the tested soil types was shown to follow pseudo first-order kinetics, and the calculated isotherm data fitted well with a Freundlich equilibrium model in the range of the studied concentrations. MCPA was weakly sorbed by the soils, producing low Freundlich coefficient values (Kf) (0.854 to 4.237). The presence of DOM reduced the Kf whereby DOMC had the strongest and DOMR the weakest effect. Presence of DOM also promoted MCPA desorption from the soils, again with DOMC having the strongest effect and DOMR the weakest. DOM coating changed the soil particle surface, as demonstrated by electron microscopy, and DOM also directly interacted with MCPA, as shown by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The experimental data were interpreted to suggest a competing sorption of DOM to ferralsol and an increased solubility of MCPA in the presence of DOM. The results indicate that the environmental risk of MCPA leaching to groundwater and surface flow is increased by presence of DOM, for instance as a result of organic fertilizer use.

Improvement of Protein Bioavailability by Solid-State Fermentation of Babassu Mesocarp Flour and Cassava Leaves

The worldwide demand of food is continuously increasing along with its selling price. Higher food costs affect the access of poor communities to nutritious food, so become a priority problem to be solved, according to the United Nations. This study provides an alternative and viable contribution to the enrichment of food for poor communities using agricultural byproducts. Samples of a mixture of cassava leaves and babassu mesocarp fermented in solid-state way with Rhizopus oligosporus were submitted to evaluation of protein quantity and quality, by the comparison of the digestibility before and after the solid-state fermentation. The assessment of essential amino acids, relative nutritional value and protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) estimated the quality of the protein. The solid-state fermentation increased by 15.2% the amount of crude protein and improved quality, resulting in a food with relative nutritional value for 98.18%, equating to the casein (100%). The PDCAAS of fermented mixture (BMF + 32% CLF) showed results similar to beans and protein textured soybean (PTS) reported, indicating a good source of amino acids (0.6037 to the fermented mixture, 0.6296 for beans and 0.6481 to PTS). The SSF also reduced by 94.18% the amount of cyanide present in the mixture, which is a substance derived from the cassava leaves. By the obtained results, it was observed that the use of SSF in byproducts from agroindustry can produce more nutritious food for humans by the transformation of energetic food in structural food which has a higher amount of proteins.