Molasses Research Articles

Enhanced Efficiency for Biogas Production from Distillery Wastewater as Mixed with Molasses and Glycerol Waste in the Anaerobic Co-Digestion

This experiment was conducted to decide the impact of molasses and glycerol waste on upgraded methane production in anaerobicco-digestion with distillery wastewater. Co-substrates used for biogas production in the anaerobic co-fermentation process ofdistillery wastewater (DW) were molasses (ML) and glycerol waste (GW). The co-substrate concentration in all batch experimentsvaried between 1% and 5% (v/v). To study the efficiency of biogas production, the optimal ratio was chosen for operation in thePFR continuous reactor. Optimization results indicated that anaerobic co-digestion of DW with 5% GW and 1% ML could improvebiogas quality and quantity. HRT for 30 days allowed R2 (95% DW: 5% GW) to produce maximum methane production per 11 m3CH4/m3mixed wastewater, followed by R1 (99% DW: 1%). ML) 6 m3CH4/m3mixed wastewater and control (100% DW) could onlyproduce 2.7 m3CH4/m3mixed wastewater methane. As co-substrates, GW and ML can be balanced to coordinate the C/N ratio andpH of DW. In particular, the C/N ratio of the mixed sewage can be balanced, and the concentration of ammonia nitrogen within ananaerobic digestion tank can be diluted. Therefore, GW can be used as an optimal co-substrate as it improves the C/N ratio, dilutestoxic compounds within DW, and provides lower prices, thus increasing the potential for methanogenesis within DW affected toincrease biogas production.

Investigation of the effect of different additives on the qualities, <i>in vitro</i> degradation, and rumen fermentation profile of indigo waste silage

<abstract> <p>Natural indigo dye production produces indigo waste as a by-product. Our purpose of this study was to examine the effects of calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>), cellulase (CE), molasses (MO), and their combinations on the silage quality, <italic>in vitro</italic> degradability, and rumen fermentation parameters of indigo waste silage. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used for the experiment. Indigo waste was chopped and ensiled in a small-scale silo with no additive (control), Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>, MO, CE, Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>:MO, Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>:CE, MO:CE, and MO:CE:Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>. After 30 days of storage, the silages were tested for quality and chemical composition, as well as an <italic>in vitro</italic> fermentation. The ruminal fluid inoculum was collected from two beef cattle with a body weight (BW) of 200±10 kg, and the inoculum had been pre-heated before being transported to the laboratory. Silage with MO, CE, or their combination increased the amount of lactic acid (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). The silage pH was lowest in MO:CE (4.5) and was highest in Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>:CE (10.6) in indigo waste (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). In comparison to the control (19.5% CP), the CP content of all additives increased by 20.7% to 21.5% (<italic>p</italic> = 0.02). The addition of Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>:MO and Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>:CE resulted in a reduction of NDF content by 60.7% and 59.4%, respectively, in comparison to the control group (72.4%) (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). Silage with additives had no effect on the cumulative gas production or gas kinetics, except that the constant rate of gas production for the insoluble fraction (c) was higher in MO (<italic>p</italic> = 0.03). <italic>In vitro</italic> dry matter degradability (IVDMD) was higher in CE and MO and highest in MO:CE-treated silage (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). The <italic>in vitro</italic> organic matter degradability (IVOMD) increased in Ca(OH)<sub>2</sub>:MO compared with the control (<italic>p</italic> = 0.03). The additives alone or in their two combinations in silage reduced the ruminal ammonia-nitrogen (NH<sub>3</sub>-N) concentration (28.0 to 31.5 mg/dL) when compared to the control (32.7 mg/dL) (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). In addition, the highest total volatile fatty acid (VFA) level was found in the silage of the MO (92.9 mmol/L) compared with the control (71.3 mmol/l) (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01). The proportion of propionic acid and butyric acid increased (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01) whereas acetic acid decreased (<italic>p</italic> < 0.01) in the rumen of silage with MO and CE. In summary, the addition of MO and CE has the potential to be used in the silage of indigo waste.</p> </abstract>

Characterization and Application of Non-Formaldehyde Binder Based Citric Acid, Maleic Acid, and Molasses Adhesive for Plywood Composite.

Emissions of formaldehyde from wood-based panels, such as plywood, are gaining increased attention due to their carcinogenic impact on human health and detrimental effects on the environment. Plywood, which is primarily bound with a urea-formaldehyde adhesive, releases formaldehyde during hot pressing and gradually over time. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of non-formaldehyde adhesive types on plywood performance. In addition, plywood performance was assessed by comparing Jabon wood (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq) veneer with other Indonesian wood veneers such as Mempisang (Alphonse spp.) and Mahogany (Swietenia mahagoni). To manufacture a three-layer plywood panel, a two-step manufacturing process was devised. The first step involved the use of Jabon veneers treated with citric acid (CA), maleic acid (MA), and molasses (MO), and another step was carried out for various wood veneers such as Jabon, Mempisang, and Mahogany using CA. The performance of plywood was examined using JAS 233:2003. The performance of plywood bonded with CA was better than that of plywood bonded with MA and MO. The Jabon wood veneer resulted in a lower density of plywood than other wood veneers. The water absorption, thickness swelling, modulus of elasticity, and tensile shear strength of plywood from Jabon wood veneer were similar to those of plywood from Mahogany wood veneer and lower than those of Mempisang wood veneer. The ester linkages of plywood bonded with CA were greater than those of plywood bonded with MA and MO because plywood bonded with CA has better performance than plywood bonded with MA and MO.

The Effects of Irrigation, Genotype and Additives on Tef Silage Making.

Tef is known as a multi-harvest crop with high production capacity and outstanding fodder quality. Hence, our overall goal is to develop tef as a new multi-harvest summer crop that can maintain high-quality feed and contribute to both field crops and the livestock industry in Israel. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the ability to preserve tef as silage. Four tef genotypes grown under well-watered (100%) and water-limited (75%) irrigation regimes were harvested at grain filling stage and ensiled with either no additives (control, CTL), or with heterofermentative inoculum (HI), molasses (MOL), and both MOL + HI. Our results showed for the first time that tef could be ensiled, although water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) were lower than those in corn, "the perfect ensiling crop". Most of the tef silage qualitative parameters were better at water-limited irrigation. Additives HI or MOL or MOL + HI also improved silage parameters, e.g., lowered pH and ammonia nitrogen content, but increased in vitro dry matter digestibility, lactic acid and crude protein content, and lactic acid bacteria counts of tef silage. The current results imply increasing the diversity of local ruminant fodder crops, ensuring high-quality feed supply during the summer.

Economical Optimization of Industrial Medium Culture for Bacterial Cellulose Production.

The competitiveness of bacterial cellulose (BC) production with plant cellulose can be achieved by production on cost-effective media. It was found that the bacterial cell number ratio of BC to culture medium increases over time so that from the fourth day, the entrapped cell number in the cellulose network exceeds the suspended cells. Optimization based on 23-full factorial showed that inoculum development at 50rpm and the main culture process under static conditions significantly increases BC production. A cost-effective culture medium containing molasses (ML) and corn steep liquor (CSL) was developed based on the same C/N ratio to HS medium, with 7.24g/l cellulose at C/N ratio 12.6 is competitive with maximum production 8.7g/L in HS medium. The BC production cost was reduced about 94% using the proposed cheap and locally available medium containing ML and CSL, while BC mechanical properties increased by about 50%.

Effects of Reductive Soil Disinfestation Combined with Liquid-Readily Decomposable Compounds and Solid Plant Residues on the Bacterial Community and Functional Composition.

Reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) incorporated with sole plant residues or liquid-readily decomposable compounds is an effective management strategy to improve soil health. However, the synthetic effects of RSD incorporated with liquid-readily decomposable compounds and solid plant residues on soil ecosystem services remain unclear. Field experiments were carried out to investigate the effects of untreated soil (CK), RSD incorporated with sawdust (SA), molasses (MO), and their combinations (SA + MO) on the bacterial community and functional composition. The results showed that RSD treatments significantly altered soil bacterial community structure compared to CK treatment. The bacterial community structure and composition in MO and SA + MO treatments were clustered compared to SA treatment. This was mainly attributed to the readily decomposable carbon sources in molasses having a stronger driving force to reshape the soil microbial community during the RSD process. Furthermore, the functional compositions, such as the disinfestation efficiency of F. oxysporum (96.4 - 99.1%), abundances of nitrogen functional genes, soil metabolic activity, and functional diversity, were significantly increased in all of the RSD treatments. The highest disinfestation efficiency and abundances of denitrification (nirS and nrfA) and nitrogen fixation (nifH) genes were observed in SA + MO treatment. Specifically, SA + MO treatment enriched more abundant beneficial genera, e.g., Oxobacter, Paenibacillus, Cohnella, Rummeliibacillus, and Streptomyces, which were significantly and positively linked to disinfestation efficiency, soil metabolic activity, and denitrification processes. Our results indicated that combining RSD practices with liquid-readily decomposable compounds and solid plant residues could effectively improve soil microbial community and functional composition.

Effects of different carbon sources on water quality, biofloc quality, and the productivity of Nile tilapia reared in biofloc-based ponds

Abstract The present study evaluated the effects of different carbohydrates materials used as carbon sources on water quality, biofloc quality, and growth and productive performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in biofloc (BFT)-based cement ponds (25 m x 10 m x 1.2 m; with 250 m3 volume). Nile tilapia fingerlings (44.9±1.9 g) were distributed into nine ponds at a density of 40 fish per 1 m3 (10000 fish/pond) to represent three treatments in triplicates. The control ponds received no carbon source addition; meanwhile sugarcane molasses (MO) and wheat flour (WF) were added to ponds. A commercial diet (30% crude protein) was offered to fish in each pond at levels of 3% and 2% of live body weight of fish in the control and BFT-based ponds, respectively, for 12 weeks. The amounts of feed were divided equally to three equal portions and offered to fish at 9:00, 13:00, and 17:00 h. The control ponds’ water was replaced by 50% every day with new water; meanwhile in MO and WF ponds, water loss via evaporation or leakage was compensated to reach the 1.0 m depth only. The pH value as well as unionized ammonia and nitrite levels, in the present study, were significantly lower, meanwhile nitrate and total suspended solids levels were significantly higher in MO and WF-treated ponds than the control one. The WF treatment resulted in significantly larger biofloc volume and higher total bacterial count compared to the MO treatment. The highest growth and production indices of Nile tilapia were observed in the BFT-based treatments as compared with the control group; particularly at the WF treatment followed by the MO treatment. In conclusion, the WF addition to cement fishponds is a more beneficial carbonaceous source for the efficient water quality, biofloc biomass, and growth and productivity of Nile tilapia reared in BFT-based system.

Effects of Different Additives on the Chemical Composition, Fermentation Profile, In Vitro and In Situ Digestibility of Paper mulberry Silage

Paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) plants are served as a local roughage in China, and they are mostly processed as silage for ruminants. This study aimed to explore the effects of different silage additives on the chemical composition, fermentation profile, as well as the in vitro and in situ digestibility of paper mulberry (PM) silage. Four groups consisting of PM silage, three with additives and one without any additives as the control group (CON), were established. The three experimental groups with additives were set up as follows: CON with 5 × 106 CFU per gram of fresh PM weight of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus plantarum) (LAB); CON with 3% fresh PM weight of molasses (MOL) added to the PM silage; and CON with both LAB and MOL added (LM). After 45 days of ensiling at 20 °C, all of the PM treatment groups increased their ash content and decreased their water-soluble carbohydrate content (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the pH and NH3-N content of the PM silage were lower in the additive treatment groups than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Lactic acid in the LM group was the highest (p < 0.05) among the four groups, and trace amounts of butyric acid was detected only in the CON group. In vitro dry matter digestibility was similar among all groups. Results of the in situ experiment found that the effective digestibility of the PM silage dry matter, as well as the acid detergent fiber digestibility was higher in the LM group than in the CON group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of LAB, MOL, and their combination can improve PM silage fermentation and improve the in situ digestibility of dry matter and acid detergent fiber; however they do not affect in the vitro digestibility of PM silage.

Exploiting the anaerobic fermentation of alfalfa as a renewable source of squalene.

The use of alfalfa is a promising response to the increasing demand for squalene. Ensiling could enhance the squalene content of fresh alfalfa and silage. To investigate and exploit the anaerobic fermentation of forage as a new squalene source, alfalfa was ensiled without (CON) or with molasses (ML) and sunflower seed oil (SSL) for 10, 40, and 70 days. Naturally ensiled alfalfa was of poor quality but had up to 1.93 times higher squalene content (P < 0.001) than fresh alfalfa. The squalene-producing bacteria were found to be cocci lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Adding ML and SSL decreased squalene content (P=0.002 and P < 0.001) by 6.89% and 11.6%, respectively. Multiple linear regression models and correlation analysis indicated that squalene synthase was the key enzyme for squalene synthesis. The addition of ML and SSL altered the structure of LAB communities, mainly decreasing the relative abundance of cocci LAB, which was responsible for squalene synthesis, and changing the fermentation products (lactic acid, propionic acid, and ammonia-N) influencing the squalene-related enzymes, thereby decreasing squalene production. Compared with squalene production from the reference bacteria (Pediococcus acidilactici Ch-2, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Bacillus subtilis, engineered Escherichia coli), alfalfa silage had the potential to be a new squalene source. Natural ensiled alfalfa was a promising source for squalene, and ensiling was a potential pathway to obtain novel high-yield squalene bacteria. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of homofermentative lactic acid bacteria and powdered molasses on fermentative losses, chemical composition and aerobic stability in whole-plant soybean silage

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effects of homolactic bacteria and molasses (MOL) in whole-plant soybean silage on dry matter (DM) losses, content of organic acids, bromatological composition, in situ degradation of DM and aerobic stability. Mini-silos (n = 200) were blocked (n = 5) by phenological stage and assigned into a 2×2 factorial treatment arrangement with 2 levels of microbial inoculation (INO, 0 or 105 colony forming units of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus per kg of fresh forage) and 2 levels of powdered MOL (0 and 40 g/kg fresh forage). Mini-silos were opened after 90 days of fermentation. Total losses were lower in silos with MOL. Whole-plant soybean ensiled with the combination of INO and MOL had the highest DM recovery. Adding MOL increased lactic acid content and decreased ammonia nitrogen content (marker of proteolysis), pH and buffering capacity. MOL reduced the contents of NDF. Silage with both INO and MOL had the highest DM content. MOL increased DM degradation. No effects were detected on aerobic stability. INO does not show positive effects on soybean silage nutritive quality when not associated with MOL. Molasses has a positive impact on whole-plant soybean silage by decreasing fermentation losses and pH, while increasing silage nutritive value.

Amelioration of Organic Carbon and Physical Health of Structurally Disturbed Soil through Microbe–Manure Amalgam

Less precipitation, high temperature, and minimal natural vegetation are characteristic of regions having an arid climate. The harsh environment massively destructs the soil structure of that area by burning soil organic carbon, leading to deteriorated soil nutritional quality, creating a significant threat to agricultural production and food security. Direct application of organic wastes not only substitutes lost organic carbon but also restores soil structure and fertility. This study was conducted to assess the impact of organic amendments, i.e., farm manure (FM), poultry manure (PM), molasses (MO), and Exo-Poly Saccharides (EPS) producing rhizobacterial strains i.e., M2, M19, M22 amalgams as treatments. To assess the impact of treatments on soil carbon and structure restoration to hold more water and nutrients, a 42-day incubation experiment using a completely randomized design (CRD) under the two-factor factorial arrangement was conducted. Macro aggregation (0.25 to &gt;1 mm), carbon retention in macro aggregates, active carbon (dissolved organic carbon, a mineral-associated organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon), total organic carbon, the carbon mineralization activities, and water retention capacities were observed to be highest in soils that were treated with (FM + M2, FM + M22, PM + M19, and MO + M19). Finally, we conclude that organics mineralization by microbial actions releases organic glues that not only impart particle aggregation but also conserve organics as aggregate entrapped carbon. Amalgamated application of microbe–manure combinations directly impacts soil structure and organic carbon contents, but in an indirect scenario, it improves the fertility and productivity of the soil. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to use organic manures and microbes in combination to restore structurally degraded lands.

Controlling Water Quality through a Biofloc Technology (BFT) in Aquaculture Production Systems

Information on dynamics of water quality is essential in fish rearing. The use of biofloc technology (BFT) improves fish production in regions with low water availability. This study was carried out to evaluate the use of locally available carbon sources to control total ammonia nitrogen and other water quality parameters in aquaculture production system. Completely randomized design was carried out with three different carbon sources (wheat flour, rice bran and molasses) and four different treatments [wheat flour (WF), rice bran (RB), molasses (MOL) and rice bran and molasses mix in 1:1 ratio (MIX)]. Each treatments had three replicates. Control tanks were maintained excluding additional carbon sources. Carbon to Nitrogen ratio was 10:1.The experiment was carried out in 80 L, fiber glass (15) tanks with indoor conditions for 60 days. A number of 30 male guppy (Poecilia reticulate) individuals were stocked in each tank (mean weight 0.1481±0.0500 g and standard length 1.8±0.2 cm). Water quality parameters; pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and temperature were measured on daily basis. Total ammonium nitrogen, nitrite and nitrate were measured on weekly basis. The total ammonium nitrogen in the control (1.1746±0.1709 mg/L) was significantly higher than the biofloc treatments (p&lt;0.05). Control (0.0897±0.0374) and wheat flour treatment (0.0939±0.0152) showed a significantly higher nitrite values than other BFT treatments (p&lt;0.05). Nitrate in control (1.1871±0.1331) and wheat flour (0.3779±0.1044) treatment showed a significantly high values than other BFT treatments (p&lt;0.05). DO, pH and temperature variation was similar among the BFT groups (p&gt;0.05). Overall results indicated that there is a significant effect which led to a paramount balance of standard water quality in aquaculture production system through different carbon sources (ricebran, molasses and ricebran:molasses mix) based biofloc system. Keywords: Water quality, Carbon sources, Carbon ratio, Total ammonium nitrogen, Aquaculture production systems

Optimizing Anthocyanin-Rich Black Cane (Saccharum sinensis Robx.) Silage for Ruminants Using Molasses and Iron Sulphate: A Sustainable Alternative

Anthocyanin-rich black cane (aBC) is a grass rich in lignin and carbohydrates, with an abundance of anthocyanins. Silages of aBC produced with molasses (MS) and/or ferrous sulphate (FS) mixtures may have beneficial effects on silage quality and animal performance in ruminants. However, the addition of MS and FS to ensiled grass is relatively unexplored. Therefore, this study systematically evaluated the effect of their administration at different doses to select an effective treatment to modulate the ensiling characteristics of aBC. In the first trial, fresh or pre-ensiled materials (PBC) were compared with ensiled PBC treated with: 0% MS 0% FS, 4% MS, 8% MS, 0.015% FS, 0.030% FS, 4% MS + 0.015% FS, 4% MS + 0.030% FS, 8% MS + 0.015% FS, and 8% MS + 0.030% FS on a fresh matter basis. The quality of ensiling characteristics was determined in laboratory-scale silos after 42 d of preservation. Based on these results, the second trial was further conducted in rumen cultures to ensure that the selected treatment would not impair rumen fermentation. For this, ruminal biogases, rumen fermentation profiles, and microbial communities were evaluated. Ensiled PBC with the incremental addition of MS and FS resulted in the observations for anthocyanin contents and the ensiling characteristics of the aBC silages. The combination of MS (4%) and FS (0.030%) incorporated into silages had the highest silage production effect among the experimental treatments. This combination demonstrated the sustainable mitigation of the ruminal biogases of methane and carbon dioxide without impairment of total gas production. Concurrently, this combination improved total volatile fatty acid concentrations, modulated cellulolytic bacteria, and suppressed methanogenic bacteria in rumen fluids. The results presented here indicated that addition of a mixture of 4% MS and 0.030% FS to aBC resulted in an optimal balance of ensiling characteristics and is suitable for use in ruminants.

Characterization of Green Manure Sunn Hemp Crop Silage Prepared with Additives: Aerobic Instability, Nitrogen Value, and In Vitro Rumen Methane Production

Sunn hemp (SH, Crotalaria juncea, L.) is a tropical multiple-purpose legume. The green manure SH (GMSH) crop might display protein ecology in sustaining ruminants; however, its silage features remain unclear. To efficiently prepare GMSH crop silage, additive treatments consisting of control (no additive, CON), molasses (MO), Acremonium cellulase (AC), and Lactobacillus casei TH14 strain inoculant (TH14) were implemented using a completely randomized design. Repeated measurements were done after silage (AE conditions) in a small-scale silo system for 120 days and after aerobic instability (AE + AIS conditions). Briefly, ensiling loss and aerobic stability ranged from 150 to 175 g/kg and 8.3 to 104 days, respectively. In AE conditions, the pH ranged from 4.33 to 5.74, and MO or AC was desirable (p &lt; 0.01) for lactic acid fermentation. AC reduced the fiber contents. MO increased soluble non-protein nitrogen by decreasing insoluble nitrogen. TH14 increased the ammonia nitrogen level and in vitro methane production. In AE + AIS conditions, AC led to more air damage to the chemical compositions and reduced digestibility in vitro. The results show that an optimization of additives could effectively modify GMSH crop silage to make it a good protein roughage source; however, more studies are required for effectively feeding ruminants.

Effects of partially replacing dietary corn with molasses, condensed whey permeate, or treated condensed whey permeate on ruminal microbial fermentation

Corn is a feedstuff commonly fed to dairy cows as a source of energy. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether partially replacing dietary corn with molasses or condensed whey permeate, in lactating dairy cow diets in a dual-flow continuous culture system, can maintain nutrient digestibility by ruminal microorganisms. Furthermore, this study evaluated whether treating condensed whey permeate before feeding could aid the fermentation of the condensed whey permeate in the rumen. Eight fermentors were used in a 4 × 4 replicated Latin square with 4 periods of 10 d each. The control diet (CON) was formulated with corn grain, and the other diets were formulated by replacing corn grain with either sugarcane molasses (MOL), condensed whey permeate (CWP), or treated condensed whey permeate (TCWP). Diets were formulated by replacing 4% of the diet dry matter (DM) in the form of starch from corn with sugars from the byproducts. Sugars were defined as water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) in the rations. The fermentors were fed 52 g of DM twice daily of diets containing 17% crude protein, 28% neutral detergent fiber, and 45% nonfiber carbohydrates. Liquid treatments were pipetted into each fermentor. After 7 d of adaptation, samples were collected for analyses of volatile fatty acids (VFA), lactate, and ammonia, and fermentors' pH were measured at time points after the morning feeding for 3 d. Pooled samples from effluent containers were collected for similar analyses, nutrient flow, and N metabolism. Data were statistically analyzed using Proc MIXED of SAS version 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.); fixed effects included treatment and time, and random effects included fermentor, period, and square. The interaction of treatment and time was included for the kinetics samples. The TCWP and MOL treatments maintained greater fermentor pH compared with CWP. Total VFA concentration was increased in CWP compared with MOL. The acetate:propionate ratio was increased in TCWP compared with CON, due to tendencies of increased acetate molar proportion and decreased propionate molar proportion in TCWP. Lactate concentration was increased in MOL. Digestibility of WSC was increased in the diets that replaced corn with byproducts. The partial replacement of 4% of DM from corn starch with the sugars in byproducts had minimal effects on ruminal microbial fermentation and increased pH. Treated CWP had similar effects to molasses.

Exploring the diversity mechanism of fatty acids and the loss mechanisms of polyunsaturated fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins in alfalfa silage using different additives

The purpose of this study was to explore the diversity mechanism of fatty acids (FA) and the loss mechanisms of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) and fat-soluble vitamins in alfalfa silages treated with molasses (ML), lipase-producing-Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), propionic acid (PA), sunflower seed oil (OL) and without additives as the control (CON) for 70 d. The results exhibited that natural ensiling led to the losses of PUFA, C18:3n3, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene and increased the FA diversity due to the appearances of C11:0 and C18:2 trans-912 relative to the fresh alfalfa material (FAM). Similar to the control silage, great PUFA losses were observed in ML- and OL-treated silages. In contrast, LP (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001) and PA (P = 0.053 and P = 0.044) reduced the losses of C18:3n3 and PUFA compared with the control. Adding LP increased the contents of C16:0 (P < 0.001), C18:1 trans-9 (P = 0.014), and C18:2n6 (P = 0.001) than FAM. Furthermore, ML, OL, PA and LP increased (P < 0.001) the C11:0 content relative to FAM, and LP- (P < 0.001) and PA-treated (P < 0.001) silages had lower C11:0 content than the control, ML- and OL-treated silages. Compared with the control, adding ML, OL and PA reduced (P < 0.001) the β-carotene loss, and PA (P < 0.001) and LP (P = 0.001) reduced the α-tocopherol loss. Adding LP slightly increased β-carotene (4.9 %) relative to FAM. Next-generation sequencing results showed that undesired Citrobacter and cocci lactic acid bacteria (LAB) included Weissella, Pediococcus and Lactococcus were predominant in the control, OL- and ML-treated silages. The low abundances of these bacteria were detected in PA- and LP-treated silages but they had high abundances of Lactobacillus (> 58.0 %). Spearman correlation and redundancy analyses revealed that these cocci LAB and Citrobacter led to the increases of lipoxygenase activity, contents of C11:0, and C18:2 trans-912, and the losses of PUFA, C18:3n3, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene, while Lactobacillus altered these indexes oppositely. Moreover, Pantoea (r = -0.70 and -0.68), Sphingomonas (r = -0.81 and -0.76), Aureimonas (r = -0.81 and -0.78) and Devosia (r = -0.83 and -0.80) correlated negatively with the losses of α-tocopherol and β-carotene. In conclusion, ML, PA, and LP improved fermentation quality. Adding PA and LP altered the bacterial community in alfalfa silage, which in turn reduced the FA diversity and losses of PUFA, α-tocopherol, and β-carotene.

Effects of Replacing Ensiled-Alfalfa with Fresh-Alfalfa on Dynamic Fermentation Characteristics, Chemical Compositions, and Protein Fractions in Fermented Total Mixed Ration with Different Additives.

Simple SummaryAlfalfa (Medicago sativa) is commonly used as a high-quality protein source in fermented total mixed ration (FTMR) for ruminants. This study evaluated the fermentation characteristics, chemical compositions, and protein fractions of FTMR using fresh-alfalfa as the main ingredients replacing ensiled-alfalfa. The results showed that fresh-alfalfa FTMR exhibited a similar pH, propionic acid content and neutral detergent fiber, nonprotein, and variable to slow protein and indigestible protein levels in comparison to ensiled-alfalfa FTMR. Therefore, the use of fresh-alfalfa as a main ingredient in FTMR is promising.Alfalfa (Medicago sativa) is one of the high protein ingredients of fermented total mixed ration (FTMR). Additionally, FTMR is widely used to satisfy the nutrition requirements of animals. This study was conducted to confirm the fermentation characteristics, chemical compositions and protein fractions changes when replacing ensiled-alfalfa with fresh-alfalfa in FTMR with additives. Three additives were separately applied to fresh-alfalfa total mixed ration (TMR) and ensiled-alfalfa TMR, including molasses (MOL), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP) and MOL plus LP (MOL+LP). The same volume of distilled water was sprayed onto the prepared TMR as performed for the control (CK). Each treatment included 18 repetitions and opened 3 repetitions at each fermenting day (1, 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 d). The results showed that fresh-alfalfa FTMR (F-FTMR) exhibited slight changes in the fermentation characteristics during the first 7 d and showed similar trends in terms of the pH and organic acids content to ensiled-alfalfa FTMR (E-FTMR). The lactic acid contents of F-FTMR were significantly lower than those of E-FTMR at 60 d fermentation and the ammonia nitrogen contents were lower than E-FTMR during the entire fermenting period. The crude protein of the F-FTMR was enhanced after 60 d of fermenting. F-FTMR supplemented with MOL+LP exhibited a lower nonprotein nitrogen content, variable to slow protein and indigestible protein contents, and higher fast degradable protein and true protein degraded intermediately contents at 60 d fermenting, indicating that it effectively inhibited protein degradation.

Effects of carbon sources on the culture of giant river prawn in biofloc system during nursery phase

A six-week nursery culture of giant river prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii was conducted in a zero-water exchange biofloc technology (BFT) system. Water quality, microorganisms, proximate composition and growth performance of prawn were compared by using five different carbon sources: wheat bran (WB), rice flour (RF), molasses (MO), maize starch (MS) and palm kernel expeller (PKE). These carbon sources were added at a carbon-nitrogen ratio of 15:1. Fifteen 125 L polyethylene tanks with water volume of 100 L were used for this experiment. Each tank was stocked with 100 postlarvae (average initial weight 21.9 ± 2.3 mg). Each treatment was randomly assigned in triplicate. The water quality parameters viz. temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and ammonia-N did not differ (P > 0.05) among five different carbon treatments. MO based BFT system had significantly (P < 0.05) lowest nitrite-N and the highest biofloc volume than other treatments. The postlarval survival (88.6 %) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in MS treatment and followed by RF (73.0 %), MO (68.3 %), WB (61.0 %) and PKE (56.3 %) treatments, respectively. Significantly (P < 0.05) better FCR (2.21) was obtained in MS treatment. The final weight, weight gain and specific growth were similar (P> 0.05) among the five treatments. Higher gross return, net return and benefit-cost ratio were obtained in MS group than WB, MO and PKE. Significantly (P < 0.05) the highest lipid (1.97 % dry weight) was obtained in MS bioflocs and followed by RF, WB, MO and PKE bioflocs, respectively. The present study indicated that MS carbon source for biofloc technology enhanced M. rosenbergii postlarval survival and growth.

Effects of Different Carbohydrate Sources on Alfalfa Silage Quality at Different Ensiling Days

This study was evaluated the effects of different carbohydrate sources on the fermentation profiles, chemical compositions, and correlation of fermentation profiles and chemical compositions with water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) silage. Alfalfa was harvested at early flowering stage from the third cutting in September 2018, wilted to 32% dry matter (DM) and chopped into 1–2 cm pieces. Treatments included the addition of pectin (PEC), starch (STA; powdered corn), molasses (MOL), and fructose (FRU), as well as distilled water as a control (CON). Afterward, 300 g of prepared alfalfa was packed into polyethylene bags, vacuumed, and sealed, after which they were stored at room temperature for 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 d. FRU and PEC additions resulted in desirable fermentation profiles and chemical compositions throughout the ensiling period. FRU and PEC rapidly decreased the pH and increased Fleig’s point, exhibiting lower pH and higher Fleig’s point from 3 d to the end of ensiling. Acetic acid (AA), propionic acid (PA) and ammonia nitrogen (AN) contents of FRU and PEC were lower at 30 d after ensiling. Higher lactic acid (LA) contents were found in FRU and PEC from 7 d to the end of ensiling and higher LA:AA ratios from 15 d to the end of ensiling. Butyric acid (BA) was not detected at any point during the ensiling period. Additives exhibited higher DM content from 7 to 30 d after ensiling. The WSC content decreased as the number of ensiling days increased and was stable from 15 d to the end of ensiling. PEC, STA, and FRU exhibited higher WSC than CON. FRU and PEC improved the fermentation quality throughout the ensiling period. Thus, FRU and PEC or related agricultural byproducts may offer alternative additives for improving the alfalfa silage fermentation profile.

BUDIDAYA IKAN PATIN (Pangasius hypopthalmus) BERBASIS BIOFLOK DENGAN PENAMBAHAN MOLASE PADA RATIO C : N BERBEDA

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisa budidaya ikan patin (Pangasius hypopthalmus) berbasis bioflok dengan penambahan molase pada ratio C : N berbeda. Ikan patin yang digunakan adalah ikan patin dengan panjang rata-rata awal yaitu 6 cm. Wadah yang digunakan adalah kontainer sebanyak 12 buah ukuran volume 40 L dan diisi air tawar sebanyak 35 L dengan padat tebar 15 ekor dalam satu wadah. Pemberian molase kedalam media budidaya ikan patin dilakukan 2 jam setelah pemberian pakan. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode rancangan acak lengkap (RAL). Penelitian ini terdiri dari 4 perlakuan dengan 4 ulangan yaitu P1=Kontrol (tanpa penambahan molase), P2= rasio C : N media 15, P3= rasio C : N media 20 dan P4= rasio C : N 25. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa budidaya ikan patin (P.hypopthalmus) berbasis bioflok dengan penambahan molase ratio C:N berbeda tidak memberikan pengaruh yang berbeda nyata terhadap laju pertumbuhan spesifik, pertumbuhan mutlak dan kelangsungan hidup ikan patin. Namun hasil rata-rata menunjukkan bahwa perlakuan rasio C : N media 20 (P3) memberikan laju pertumbuhan spesifik,pertumbuhan mutlak dan kelangsungan hidup yang tertinggi yaitu berturut-turut 19,6gr, 2,26 gr dan 62,38%.