Multiple Range Test Research Articles

Respon Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Microgreens Beberapa Varietas Tanaman Caisim (Brassica juncea L.) pada Berbagai Jarak Tanam

The diminishing amount of land available for agriculture and the growing demand for nutritious food have made it necessary to find alternative sources of fresh vegetables. Urban farming, especially the cultivation of microgreens, can help meet this demand. Microgreens offer several advantages, such as time and cost savings, and they require minimal space while growing quickly. However, the optimal spacing for different types of microgreens is not extensively documented, as research on microgreens is still limited in Indonesia. The Brassicaceae family is one of the most commonly cultivated families for microgreens. This study was carried out at Room A, Faculty of Agriculture, Singaperbangsa Karawang University, Campus 2. The experimental method used was a factorial randomized block design (RBD Factorials) with two treatments for varieties and three for spacing, repeated five times, resulting in 30 experimental units. Factor I, Varieties, consisted of v1 (Tosakan) and v2 (Shinta). Factor II, Spacing, consisted of j1 (1 cm x 1 cm), j2 (1 cm x 2 cm), and j3 (2 cm x 2 cm). The data were analyzed using an analysis of variance (Uji F) at a 5% level. If the results of the analysis of variance were significantly different, the study continued with a multiple range test (DMRT) at a 5% level to determine the best-performing treatment. There was an interaction between the treatments for microgreen varieties and spacing on parameters such as plant density, dry weight of the plant, and fresh weight. There was a significant effect of the variety on the parameter of chlorophyll content, and a significant effect of spacing on the parameters of plant growth rate and the age of leaf appearance. Additional types of plants are needed to determine significant differences related to spacing and their interactions.

Respon Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Beberapa Tanaman Microgreens Famili Brassica terhadap Jenis Media Tanam

This research aims to determine the growth of Brassica plant species under various planting media. The study was conducted in a room at Building A, Faculty of Agriculture, Campus 2, Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, in Margasari Village, East Karawang District, Karawang Regency, West Java. The experiment took place from April to May 2024. The research method employed a Randomized Block Design with a factorial pattern consisting of two factors. The first factor is the Brassica family (t), divided into three levels, while the second factor is the planting media (m), also divided into three levels. There were a total of nine treatments, each repeated three times, resulting in 27 experimental units. Each unit contained seven plant samples. The effects of treatments were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), and if the F-test at the 5% significance level was significant, a post hoc Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was conducted. The experimental results showed an interaction between Brassica family and planting media on growth parameters, including plant height growth rate, leaf emergence age, fresh weight, and dry weight. Cabbage plants grown in soil yielded the best results in terms of fresh weight, while purple cabbage plants grown in cocopeat media performed best in terms of dry weight. Radish plants grown in peatmoss media exhibited the best growth rate, leaf emergence age, fresh weight, and dry weight. Broccoli plants grown in soil showed the best results in terms of leaf emergence age, while broccoli plants in cocopeat media excelled in fresh weight.

Physical Characteristics, Moisture Content and Organoleptic Properties of Afkir Laying Hen Meat with Different Marination Durations in Pineapple Crown Extract

Afkir laying hen meat has a tough texture, making it less desirable to consumers. Pineapple crown extract is known to improve the texture of spent laying hen meat due to its bromelain enzyme content. This study aims to determine the effect of marination duration using pineapple crown extract on the pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic value of spent laying hen meat. The study was conducted using a Completely Randomized Design with 4 treatments (different marination times of 0, 2, 4, and 6 hours) and 5 replications. The parameters observed in this study included pH, cooking loss, water content, water holding capacity, texture, and organoleptic values. Test data were analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance with a 5% significance level, and if significant effects were found, the analysis was followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Organoleptic test data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis method, and if there were significant effects, further analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney test. The results showed a significant effect (P<0.05) of marination time using pineapple crown extract on the pH, water content, and organoleptic parameters, including taste, texture, color, and overall preference, with no significant effect (P>0.05) on cooking loss, water holding capacity, or the aroma attribute in the organoleptic test. Marination time also decreased the toughness of afkir laying hen meat texture, as analyzed descriptively. Marination for 2-6 hours decreased pH and water content, tenderized the texture, and improved meat preference. Keywords: Afkir laying hen; bromelain; tenderness; pineapple crown; marination

Effect of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (Pome) Concentration and Soil Type on the Growth of Oil Palm (Elaeis guinensis Jacq) in Pre-Nursery

The place of research was carried out at Educational and Research Garden of the STIPER Agricultural Institute which is located in Maguwoharjo Village, Depok District, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research location is located 118 meters above sea level. This research was conducted between March to June 2024. Two components make up the factorial experiment used in the Complete Randomized Design (CRD). The soil type had three levels: A1 = latosol soil, A2 = regusol soil, and A3 = grumusol soil, was the first factor. Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) concentration was the second factor. It was consisted into four levels: X1 was the control (NPK fertilizer), X2 was 150 ml per polybag, X3 was 300 ml per polybag, and X4 was 450 ml per polybag. So there were 12 treatment combinations (3 x 4 = 12) with 4 repetitions, so all the experiment 48 plants. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied at the significant level of 5% to check the observation data. Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was then used at a noticeable 5% level if there was significant difference. The weight parameters of fresh roots and the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves are influenced by the interaction of the soil and POME concentration. The composition, regusol soil and POME 450 ml/polybag provide an optimal combination of treatments. The type of soil has an impact on the weight of fresh and dry crowns, the number of leaves, the chlorophyll content in the leaves, the volume of roots, and the height of the plant. The best type of soil is regusol soil. Plant height, root volume, fresh and dry crown weight, and leaf chlorophyll content are all affected by POME concentration. The concentration of POME 450 ml/polybag showed the best results.

Optimizing low-protein diets with edible dock powder: Integrated effects on growth performance, slaughter quality, Organ weights, Muscle quality, and Cecal microbiota in growing Sanhua geese

This study evaluated the effects of supplementing low-protein diets with Edible Dock Powder (EDP) on the growth performance, slaughter traits, serum biochemical parameters, muscle quality, and cecal microbiota of Sanhua geese. A total of 288 healthy, five-week-old Sanhua geese were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments in a 3 × 2 factorial design, with three crude protein levels (16.00 %, 14.50 %, and 13.00 %) and two levels of EDP supplementation (0 % and 2.50 %). Two-way ANOVA and Duncan's multiple range test were used for statistical analysis. EDP supplementation significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and improved feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) during both growth phases (P<0.01). Lower protein levels significantly reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) and increased the apparent digestibility of gross energy (ADGE) (P<0.01). EDP significantly improved slaughter rate and eviscerated yield (P<0.05), while reducing liver weight and webbed feet yield (P<0.01). Reduced protein levels decreased serum globulin (GLB) and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (P<0.05), with significant interactions between protein levels and EDP supplementation (P<0.05). EDP also significantly altered the cecal microbiota composition, reducing the relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Megamonas, and Collinsella (P<0.05), and affecting KEGG pathways related to protein modification and secondary metabolite degradation (P<0.05). In conclusion, EDP supplementation in low-protein diets improved growth performance, slaughter characteristics, and cecal microbiota, showing potential as a sustainable feed additive for reducing environmental impact and improving the economic efficiency of poultry production.

Chemoselective modification of chitosan with arginine and hydroxyproline: Development of antibacterial composite films for wound healing applications

This study explored the enhancement of chitosan for wound dressing applications through selective functionalization with arginine and hydroxyproline amino acids, combined with polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in composite films. The research employed chemoselective amino acid grafting followed by solution casting to fabricate the composite materials. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis verified successful chitosan modification through the presence of a carbamate bond at 1719 cm−1 and an amide bond shift from 1660 to 1680 cm−1, with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis providing additional confirmation. The composite films demonstrated exceptional properties, achieving maximum tensile strength of approximately 55 MPa and swelling ratio of about 400 %. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in mechanical and swelling properties across formulations (p < 0.05), with analysis of variance (ANOVA) showing a between-group sum of squares of 122,980.519 for tensile strength and 352,306.333 for swelling. Duncan's multiple range test identified distinct groupings for tensile strength (5.67–119.67 MPa) and swelling ratios (320.33–565.33 %), demonstrating the impact of composition on material properties. Thermal stability analysis (25–600 °C) revealed a multi-step degradation process, confirming successful modification and composite formation. The amino acid-modified chitosan composites showed remarkable antibacterial enhancement, exhibiting 60 % greater activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to unmodified chitosan. These findings demonstrate the potential of selectively functionalized chitosan composite films for advanced wound dressing applications, combining enhanced antibacterial efficacy with robust mechanical and thermal properties. Future research directions include formulation optimization and in vivo validation of clinical efficacy.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Dumpsites on Groundwater Quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State

The study was conducted to compare the effects of dumpsites on groundwater quality in Uyo Metropolis of Akwa Ibom State. It aimed at examining the effect of dumpsites from physicochemical and heavy metal content of borehole water and determining the water quality rating of boreholes in the study areas. Three (3) dumpsites, namely Uyo Village Road Dumpsite (UVD), Atiku Road Dumpsite (ARD) and Ediene Uyo Dumpsite (EUD) were used for the study. The triangular sampling method was used to select three boreholes in each dumpsite area, giving a total of thirty-six (36) samples on replication for the three dumpsites and control. The water samples were collected in well-labeled pretreated 1-litre plastic bottles and were immediately transported to the laboratory for analysis. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and means of significant parameters were separated using the Duncan multiple range test at 5% level of probability. The result showed that mean pH was 7.49 in control, significantly lower than 8.22–8.66 in the study areas. Electrical conductivity was 245.33–580.67 μs/cm with 335.00 μs/cm as control. Mean temperatures were 28.53–28.67 oC and 28.0 oC for control. Also, values obtained for turbidity were 3.47–4.21 and 3.47 in control. DO in control borehole water was 3.07 mg/l while that of dumpsites was 3.18–3.37 mg/l. The calculated water indices were 1871.92, 33492.86 and 32288.10 for UVD, ARD and EUD respectively. The findings revealed that mean values in water quality parameters like Magnesium, Dissolved Oxygen, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel and Zinc were above the permissible limit of the World Health Organization for drinking water, indicating higher evidence of groundwater pollution in the study area. The study generally showed that borehole water samples from the three dumpsites were unsuitable for drinking. Public awareness among borehole owners and users within the dumpsite environment on ground water contamination by dumpsites was recommended among others in the study area and the water should be treated before human consumption.

PERFORMANCE AND STABILITY FOR GRAIN YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF SIX-ROW BARLEY CULTIVARS UNDER VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTS IN KURDISTAN REGION-IRAQ

This study was aimed to investigate yield and yield components of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) under six different environmental conditions E1- E6 including two sowing date S1 and S2 at three location (Qlyasan, Kanipanka, Chamchamal) in KIR using 10 barley cultivars (C), Numar, Rafidain, Al-warka, Al-Amal, IPPA 265, IPPA 99, Arivat (local), Samir, Qalay 1, and Ukraine (Common cultivated). Experiment was applied using to complete randomized blocks design. The stability analysis was done using the linear regression model. The differences between the means were compared through Duncan multiple range test. The results was revealed that the mean sum of squares due to cultivars, environment, and C x E were highly significant for all studied characters. The cultivar Numar which had highest mean grain yield (3.559) th-1, high bi value1.96 and low S2di 0.058) considered optimal yield stability cultivar. The combination C1E3 gave the top grain yielding (6.91 th-1) due to very high GS, high NS and good TGW performances.

Pengaruh Kombinasi Amelioran Vinasse dan Pupuk Kalium Terhadap Pertumbuhan dan Pigmen Warna Daun Aglaonema sp.

Vinasse is an ameliorant that can improve the chemical and physical properties of soil, but its use needs to be combined with inorganic fertilizer. One fertilizer can be used is potassium fertilizer which can increase the growth and colour pigment of Aglaonema sp. This research aims to obtain the best combination of Ameliorant Vinasse and Potassium fertilizer on the growth and leaf colour piment of Agalonema sp. This research on screen house at Campakasari Village, Campaka District, Purwakarta Regency, West Java from February 2024 to April 2024. The method used was a single-factor Randomized Block Design (RBD) with 8 treatments and 4 replications, resulting 32 experimental units consisting of: A (Control KCl 300kg/ha), B (Control Vinasse 10ml/l), C (Vinasse 10ml/l + KCl 200kg/ha), D (Vinasse 10ml/l + KCl 300kg/ha), E (Vinasse 10ml/l + KCl 400kg/ha), F (Vinasse 20ml/l + KCl 200kg/ha), G (Vinasse 20ml/l + KCl 300kg/ha), H (Vinasse 20ml/l + KCl 400kg/ha). The experimental result will be tested with an F-test, and if significant, will be further tested with Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 5% level. The method for leaf colour pigments uses questionnaire data scoring and analysed using multiple linear regression. The result showed that treatments significant affected on the growth and leaf colour pigment of Aglaonema sp. Treatment F (Vinasse 20 ml/l + KCl 200 kg/ha) give the highest yield for plant height(38,8 cm), number of leaves (9,50 leaves), number of shoots (2,25 shoots) and provides a strong correlation regression the visual appearance of leaf colour pigment and supporting factors of Aglaonema sp. on cosumer interest. Keywords: aglaonema sp., ameliorant vinasse, potassium fertilizer

The effect of high levels of Glycyrrhiza glabra powder on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity, intestinal microbial flora, intestinal morphology and breast muscle fatty acid profile in broilers

In order to investigate the effect of licorice medicinal plant on performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile of breast muscle, intestinal microbial flora, blood constitutes and immunity of broiler chickens, an experiment using a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replications, 10 chicks per repetition and a total of 120 pieces of one-day-old male broiler chickens of commercial strain Ross 308 were performed for 42 days. Experimental treatments included three different levels of licorice (0, 300 and 400 mg/kg feed). Data was analyzed using SAS statistical software and averages were compared at the 5% probability level with Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that although variation in feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was not significant in any of the rearing periods (P≥0.05), the highest feed consumption, weight gain and the best feed conversion ratio was observed in the final period of chickens were fed with Diet containing 400mg/kg licorice. Also, according to the data, the best European index was related to this treatment. In addition, the use of two levels of licorice had no significant effect on carcass characteristics or intestinal microbial flora; however, the highest increase in body weight and the lowest number of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria were observed at the higher level of licorice. However, these high levels did not lead to a decrease in abdominal fat. According to the results obtained, different levels of licorice led to a significant reduction of harmful fats such as cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and LDL (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, although the level of HDL was not significant (P≥ 0.05), its highest amount was seen at high levels of licorice. In addition, the lowest amount of total protein, albumin and globulin was observed at the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice. According to these results, although the amount of glucose was lowest its level was not significant (P≥0.05), Also, the use of this same level of licorice had no significant effect on the function of the humoral immune system in response to antigen injection (SRBC Antibody against sheep red blood cell) or antibody titer against Newcastle virus and influenza (P≥0.05). Nevertheless, according to the data, the highest antibody titer against Newcastle virus and SRBC antigen was associated with this treatment. These results also showed that high levels of licorice led to an increase in the number of Bifidobacterium. Villi width and crypt depth decreased at the high dose of licorice, but the ratio of villi length to crypt depth increased. In addition, the use of different levels of licorice could not reduce the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. Therefore, based on the results of this research, it is recommended to use the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice to supplement the diet of broilers of Ross 308 strain.

LANDRACE PIG SPERM QUALITYIN COCONUT WATER -EGG YOLK DILUENT ADDED WITH BOVINE SERUM ALBUMIN)

Young coconut water–egg yolk (yCW-EY) diluent used for semen preservation often produces inadequate sperm quality caused by damage to the sperm plasma membrane and DNA due to radical attack during storage. This research was designed by adding bovine serum albumin (BSA) as an additional supplement to the yCW-EYdiluent, because apart from being rich in amino acids, BSA also acts as an antioxidantthat can ward off free radical attacks.This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BSA supplementation in yCW-EY diluent to maintain the sperm quality of landrace pigs. Semen was collected from two three-year-old landrace pigs using the massage method, evaluated macroscopically and microscopically, and then preserved in yCW-EY diluent with BSA added at various levels, namely 0% (control), 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 and 1.5%. The diluted semen wasstored in a cool box at a temperature of 15-20 oC, and sperm motility, viability and abnormalities wereevaluated at the 48thhourof storage, while sperm viability wasevaluated until the 72ndhour of storage. Data analysis was carried out by using analysis of variance and continued with the Duncan Multiple Range Test. Supplementation of 1.25% BSA into the yCW-EYdiluent resulted in higher sperm quality and was significantly different from the control (P&lt;0.05), with a percentage of sperm motility reaching 49.00%, viability 58.20%, and longevity 61.26 hours. Sperm abnormalities in all treatments were still far below the maximum SNI standard, namely 4.20-5.80%, and did not show significant differences between treatments (P&gt;0.05). It was concluded that the addition of BSA to the yCW-EYdiluent was effective in maintaining sperm quality oflandrace pigs, with the best BSA level being 1.25%.

Quality assessment of briquettes derived from carbonized cassava peel and sawdust as sustainable domestic sources of energy in Oyo State, Nigeria

About 80% of Nigeria’s rural and semi-urban population uses fuelwood, which accounts for 37% of the country’s energy demand. This results in the annual loss of 350,000 to 400,000 hectares of forest, increased carbon emissions, and loss of biodiversity, affecting ecosystems and quality of life. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical and combustion properties of carbonized cassava peel (CP) and sawdust (SD) hybrid briquettes as an alternative to fuelwood. Factors considered were CP/SD ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100), binder concentrations (5 and 10 g), and residence times (10, 20, 30 min). The briquettes were produced by applying a low compaction pressure of 2.4 MPa. The briquettes exhibited densities of 320.00-627.79 kg/m³, moisture content of 4.37-8.22%, water resistances of 87.26-99.85%, ash content of 5.73-41.03%, calorific values of 20.01-32.30 KJ/kg, and carbon content of 55.25-57.07%, respectively. ANOVA and Duncan’s multiple range tests revealed that CP/SD ratio is the most significant factor influencing the physicochemical and combustion properties of the briquettes. This study successfully showcased carbonized CP/SD briquettes as an alternative cooking fuel in Oyo State, leveraging the abundance of CP and SD and the feasibility of low-pressure compaction without costly equipment.

Influence Marination Length Using Evaporated Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) Extract on Microbiological Quality of Beef Se'i

Experiment was conducted to determine the influence of marination length using evaporated roselle extract (Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn) on microbiological aspects of beef se’i. The completly randomized design (CRD) with 4 treatments 4 replicates was applied in this experiment. Those treatments were P0 marination length of 12 hours without roselle extract; P1 marination length 6 hours with 5% roselle extract; P2 marination length 12 hours with 5% roselle extract, and P3 marination length 18 hours with 5% roselle extract. The parameters measured were pH, moisture, water activity and total plate count. Data compilled were analyzed using variance analysis and Duncan’s multiple range test. The result of analysis showed that pH and moisture of beef se’i significantly affected by marination length using evaporated roselle extract (P&lt;0.05) but no significant (P&gt;0.05) on water activity and total plate count. It was concluded that beef se’i produced through the marination process with different lengths of time (6, 12 and 18 hours) using evaporated rosela extract, showed characteristics of decreased pH, increased water content with high water activity and total plate count tended to decrease. The best marination length of this study was 12 hours using rosela extract.

Assessment of Nitrogen Volatilization and Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Urea with N-stabilizer in a Productive Oil Palm Plantation (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.)

Nitrogen fertilization plays a crucial role in supporting plant growth. However, nitrogen in the soil can be lost through rainwater leaching. To address this issue, the concept of fertilizing N-stabilizer-coated urea was proposed. The aim is to reduce nitrogen loss on the field due to vaporization and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this N-stabilizer-coated urea in reducing nitrogen loss through vaporization, improving GHG emissions, and its impact on plant growth and leaf quality. The research was conducted at IPB-Cargill Jonggol, Bogor, West Java, oil palm education and research station from August 2021 to March 2022. The experimental design employed a completely randomized block design. The fertilizer treatments included four types of nitrogen fertilizers: urea (46% N), coated urea with N-stabilizer (46% N), ZA (21% N), and NPK (15-15-15, 15% N). Additionally, a control treatment without any fertilizer application was included. All treatments were replicated three times. Data analysis was done using the SAS (Statistical Analysis System) 9.0 program. The F-test was conducted, followed by DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test) advanced tests at a 5% error level. The results revealed that urea with N-stabilizer fertilization significantly reduced NH3-vaporization by 53% in the first week compared to the application of normal urea. NH3-vaporization level from ZA and NPK was &lt; 1% compared to urea application. Field application of urea with N-stabilizer showed no significant difference in greenhouse gas emission (GHG) compared to the other nitrogen fertilizer types. The GHG values ranged from 7.10 to 7.29 g CO2-e.m-2 per day. The use of N-stabilizer-coated urea could be an effective approach to minimize nitrogen loss through vaporization and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining comparable results to other nitrogen fertilizer types in terms of GHG emissions on the field.

Selenium efficiency in protecting sperm quality and testicular parameters of South African indigenous Zulu rams exposed to heat stress.

The study investigated selenium's (Se) efficiency in preserving South African Zulu rams' sperm quality and testicular parameters when they were exposed to heat stress. Indigenous Zulu rams (20) between 2 and 5 years old were allocated into four groups, namely the Se, testicular heat stress (THS), selenium plus testicular heat stress (SeTHS), and control. Each group comprised five rams; the groups were balanced according to the rams' body weight and scrotal circumference. The Se and SeTHS groups received sodium selenite orally bi-weekly for 5 months. To induce heat stress, testicular heat insulation bags were wrapped around the testes of the rams receiving the THS and SeTHS treatments for 49 days. Semen was collected from the rams weekly from the third month onward; the first two months were for Se & THS acclimatization. In addition, testicular measurements were taken bi-weekly. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the sperm quality data. Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare the groups' data for significant differences. The results showed that the Se-supplemented rams' scrotal circumference was smaller (p < 0.05) compared with the other groups. The Se, SeTHS, and control groups demonstrated similar total sperm motility; in contrast, the THS and SeTHS groups recorded low and high total sperm motility, respectively, compared with other treatment groups (p < 0.05). The semen from the rams that received THS without Se displayed a significantly higher number of immotile sperm cells (p < 0.05) and poor sperm quality, including total and progressive motility, and kinematic parameters when compared with other treatments, suggesting that Se protects sperm against THS. We concluded that selenium protected some sperm parameters (TSM, PSM, MV, VCL, VSL) of THS- treated rams while others did not improve (RV, NSM, C, STR).

Effect of Heat Stress on the Expression of Circulating Cyto(chemo)kine and Inflammatory Markers in Broiler Chickens Selected for High- or Low-water Efficiency.

Water scarcity is a current, significant global concern that will only increase under the pressure of climate change. Improving water efficiency of poultry is a new and promising area to help temper agriculture's future impact on fresh water availability. Here, we explored the effects of acute heat stress (HS) on circulating stress and inflammatory markers in 2 lines of broilers divergently selected for water efficiency. Male chicks from low (LWE) and high water efficient (HWE) lines were raised in 12 environmental chambers (2 pens/chamber, 6 chambers/line, 20 birds/pen) under normal conditions until day 28. On day 29, birds were subjected to thermoneutral (TN, 25 °C) or HS (36 °C) conditions, resulting in four treatments (2 lines × 2 environmental conditions). After 3 h of HS, whole blood was collected (8 birds per line × environment) and analyzed for target gene expression and plasma cytokine levels. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA, with line, environment, and their interaction as main factors, and means were compared using Tukey's multiple range test. Gene expression of heat shock protein (HSP) 27, HSP70, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, c-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), C-C motif chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4), CCL20, nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat (NLR) family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), NLR family CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5), and NLR family member X1 (NLRX1) were increased by HS, with no differences between the lines. HSP70, IL-10, and NLRC3 were lower in the HWE as compared to the LWE lines. Additionally, there were interactive effects between line and environment for HSP90, IL-4, and CCL4, where HS induced HSP90 expression in the LWE only, and IL-4 and CCL4 in HWE only. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene expression was significantly lower in the whole blood of the HWE line; however, plasma protein levels were not different. Overall, most of the effects seen on cyto (chemokines) and inflammatory markers were due to acute HS, with only a few genes differentially regulated between the lines. This likely indicates that the divergent selection for water efficiency for four generations did not elicit changes in inflammation and stress molecular signatures.

Running Title: Gluten-Free Biscuit for Autism Children Gluten-Free Biscuit for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Made from Modified Taro Flour and Coconut Pulp Flour

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is common in children, many of whom require a gluten-free diet. This study explored gluten-free biscuits made with modified taro flour and coconut pulp flour, which are rich in carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and protein. The goal was to assess the physical, sensory, and chemical properties of biscuits made with different ratios of these flours. The research used four formulations of taro flour to coconut pulp flour: P0 (100:0), P1 (70:30), P2 (50:50), and P3 (30:70), with five replications. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 5% significance level. Results showed that the P2 (50:50) formulation produced the heaviest biscuits (5.32g) and scored highest in color (3.82) and taste (3.78) in sensory tests. The P3 (30:70) formulation was rated best for aroma (3.56) and texture (3.82). Chemical analysis revealed that P0 (100:0) had the highest water (1.85%), ash (2.22%), and carbohydrate content (61.32%). The P2 (50:50) formulation had the highest protein content (4.42%), while P3 (30:70) had the most fat (49.03%) and fiber (7.96%). This study concluded that modified taro flour and coconut pulp flour are effective in creating nutritious, gluten-free biscuits, offering a suitable alternative for children with ASD.

The Effect of Adding Coconut Dregs (Cocos nucifera L.) on “Wajik” Characteristics

This study aims to determine the effect of adding coconut dregs on the characteristics of wajik based on organoleptic and chemical tests. The research design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 5 treatments, namely A (without adding coconut dregs), B (addition of 1% coconut dregs), C (addition of 2% coconut dregs), D (addition of 3% coconut dregs), and E (addition of 4% coconut dregs) with 3 replications. The research data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and continued with Duncan's New Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) analysis at the 5% level. The results showed that adding coconut dregs had a significant effect on, fat content, crude fiber, sucrose, total energy, and organoleptic including color, aroma, taste, and texture. However, it had no significant effect on ash content. The best treatment was wajik with the addition of 3% coconut dregs, with ash content of 0.78%, fat content of 14.31%, protein content of 2.58%, crude fiber of 6.42%, total energy of 329.51 kcal, and a liking level for color 3.80 (like), aroma 3.84 (like), taste 3.60 (like), and texture 3.80 (like).

Effect of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)-Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) composite flour on quality properties of pasta.

Non-wheat flours are gaining attention as substitutes for wheat flour, offering the potential to optimize local resource utilization and alleviate the demand for wheat. The study investigates the use of non-wheat flours, particularly a blend of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) and Bambara groundnut (BG) (Vigna subterranean), as a partial replacement for wheat flour in pasta production. The aim is to improve the utilization of local resources, reduce the reliance on wheat, and enhance the nutritional quality of pasta. The production of OFSP and BG flour took place at Agricultural Research Council Roodeplaat Campus. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, and significant means were separated using the Duncan multiple range test. The research found that pasta made from composite flour significantly influenced its composition and cooking characteristics when compared to 100% wheat pasta. The most nutritionally enriched pasta was achieved with a blend of 50% wheat, 25% OFSP, and 25% BG, featuring higher protein, ash, and fiber content. Consumers preferred pasta made from a composite flour of 70% wheat, 15% OFSP, and 15% BG. This research suggests the potential for producing pasta using OFSP and BG composite flour as a viable option. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The practical application of the research on orange-fleshed sweet potatoes-Bambara groundnut-based pasta has the potential to improve nutrition, stimulate local economies, enhance agricultural sustainability, and promote food security in regions where vitamin A deficiency is a concern and wheat importation is high.

Comparative study on productivity of Hybrid Napier CO3 and CO4 with the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers

The present study aimed to assess the growth parameters, herbage yield and chemical composition of CO3 and CO4 (Pennisetum perpureum X Pennisetum americarnum) at the Livestock farm Eastern University, Sri Lanka from July to September 2018. Four different treatments; inorganic fertilizer 100%, Organic fertilizer 100%, Control and Inorganic+Organic fertilizer 1:1 (weight basis). Plant height, leaf length, number of tillers per clump, leaf area, yield and total ash content were measured at two-week intervals from the 4th week up to the 8th week and data were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test at 0.05 significance level. Results indicated that the productivity of CO3 is superior to CO4 in terms of growth and yield under (T4) CO3 with 1:1 mixture of inorganic and organic fertilizer. The highest (p&lt;0.05) fresh matter yield of 18.07 t/ha, with a dry matter yield of 3.83 t/ha was recorded in the sole application of inorganic fertilizer. A similar yield was obtained in CO3 with the 1:1 inorganic and organic fertilizer mixture. CO3 showed the highest total ash content (18.44%) on dry matter basis. Hence, farmers can save half of the cost of inorganic fertilizer by using farmyard manure along with half of the recommended dose of inorganic fertilizer for fodder cultivation