Pennisetum Purpureum Research Articles

Brachiaria Hybrid and Pennisetum purpureum Supplemented with Pueraria phaseoloides Increased the Concentration of Rumen-Undegradable Protein in Forages for Ruminants

Supplementing tropical grasses with leguminous forages is known to improve the nutritive value of forage-based diets. However, it is not clear how basal grass forages supplemented with Kudzu (Pueraria phaseoloides) affect the nitrogen (N) and crude protein (CP) fractions of grass/legume forages. The aim of this study was to determine the N and CP fractions and in vitro ruminal CP degradability of Brachiaria hybrid (B. ruziziensis × B. decumbens × B. brizantha) and elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) supplemented with Kudzu at a target CP content of 133 ± 0.6 g/kg of dry matter (DM). The grass/legume forages were evaluated for total N, buffer-soluble N (BSN), buffer-insoluble N (BISN), non-protein nitrogen (NPN), neutral detergent-insoluble N (NDIN), acid detergent-insoluble N (ADIN), CP fractions A, B1, B2, B3, C, rumen-degradable protein (RDP), rumen-undegraded protein (RUP), and in vitro ruminal CP degradability. The CP concentration of Kudzu was 217 g/kg DM, while grass forages ranged between 79.9 and 112 g/kg DM. The BISN, CP degradability parameters b, and potential degradability were approximately 56, 41, and 74%, respectively, higher in grass forages supplemented with Kudzu. The concentrations of RUP in the grass forages (23.9–32.5 g/kg DM) were significantly improved when they were supplemented with Kudzu (72.0–79.9 g/kg DM). Therefore, we concluded that basal grass forages supplemented with Kudzu to a target CP content can improve the amount of RUP supplied by the forage portion of the diet. This can have a positive effect on forage utilization and animal performance while reducing the cost to feed for ruminants.

Assessment of self‐heating and spontaneous combustion of Napier grass using thermogravimetric analysis

AbstractNapier grass is a potential solid biofuel that can be used as a renewable energy resource. Nevertheless, its tendency for self‐heating and the subsequent self‐ignition remain unknown, which are common problems in solid fuel. In this work, thermal decomposition characteristics of Napier grass in air and inert conditions were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the pertinent kinetic parameters were established using model‐free methods. The average activation energy of Napier grass thermal decomposition is 285 and 382 kJ/mol under oxidative and inert conditions, respectively. The linear plot obtained through model‐free methods shows a high linear correlation coefficient at conversion ranges of 0.2–0.7 during combustion and 0.4–0.6 during pyrolysis. The ignition and burnout temperatures were evaluated, and ignition index of Napier grass was established. Average ignition temperature obtained for air was 217°C while 200°C for inert condition. The burnout temperatures between 691 and 984°C were observed. This research facilitates in understanding fire threat posed by tendency of Napier grass to self‐heat and provides valuable information for safe conditions of Napier grass storage and transportation.

In Vitro study of the nutritional and pharmacological contribution of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach leaves: Natural food used by guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) breeders in Gabon

In Vitro study of the nutritional and pharmacological contribution of Pennisetum purpureum Schumach leaves: Natural food used by guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) breeders in Gabon

Income over feed cost of the Indonesian-Bali pure breed cattle fed the formulation supplement of agricultural by-product in the urea red palm sugar block

Introduction and aim: The specific nutrients needed for tissue synthesis in ruminant animal’s growth required balanced nutrients arising from ruminant animal fermentative and intestinal digestion. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate feed supplement utilization of agricultural waste ingredients providing specific valuable nutrients in balancing the absorbed products of digestion to meet animal's requirements increasing animal economical production. Methods: Data of dried matter consumption, average daily gain feed conversion, feed cost and animal live weight price of yearling calves in Bali pure breed cattle were used to assess the economical animal production focusing on income over feed cost of different the levels of agricultural waste ingredients formulated in the urea red palm sugar block (URPS-Block). This formulated URPS-Block was fed to the Indonesian-Bali pure breed cattle with basal diets of king grass (Pennisetum purpureum). The unused waste of expired red palm sugar was used to change molasses function due to its unavailability and high prices in some areas. The yearling calves generated by Bali pure breed bull mated naturally with Bali pure breed cows were used in this study. Data were analyzed by a covariance model in the Double Latin Square design. Results: The economical productivity focusing on the income over feed cost (IOFC) of both male and female yearling calves by treatment comparisons of different levels of URPS-Block feed supplement showed that the treatment of URPS-Block supplement with 300 g/animal/day (R2) produced the highest income over feed cost (IOFC) of IDR 18,975.- and 21,100.- in female and male yearling calves, respectively. This IOFC of male yearling calves indicated the comparative outstanding of 6.95 percent more efficient for economical production over female yearling calves in Bali-pure breed cattle Conclusion: This study gives preliminary information on the treatment of the URPS-Block feed supplement of 300 g/animal/day (R2) producing the highest income over feed cost (IOFC). The results may help animal producers in planning strategies for beef farm to keep animals with the economical productivity using URPS-Block supplement from agricultural by-product for beef cattle farm sustainability. Implications: The treatment of the URPS-Block feed supplement of 300 g/animal/day (R2) could be used as the first rank choice of the highest feed supplement, followed by the treatment of the URPS-Block feed supplement of 150 g/animal/day (R1) and 450 g/animal/day (R3) to be the alternative choices for the economical animal production compared with treatment without URPS-Block (R0) in male and female calves of Bali-pure breed cattle.

The Effects of Papaya Leaf Extract and Turmeric Extract Inclusion on Total Apparent Digestibility of Nutrients and Methane Gas Production in Bali Cattle

This research evaluated the effects of papaya leaf and turmeric extract supplementation on the total apparent digestibility of nutrients and methane gas production in Bali cattle. The livestock used were 18 Bali cattle that were distributed into treatment without papaya leaf and turmeric extract supplementation (P0), Supplementation of 0.0075% turmeric extract g/kg live weight/day (P1), and supplementation of 0.00375% turmeric extract per kg live weight per day + 0.00375% papaya leaf extract per kg live weight per day (P2). The basal diets were 60% elephant grass cv. Taiwan (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan) and 40% concentrate. The ration provision was three per cent dry matter of body weight. The observed parameters included feed consumption, feces production, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, crude protein digestibility, crude fat digestibility, crude fibre digestibility, nitrogen-free extract digestibility, and methane gas production. The research results indicated that the treatment did not significantly affect feed consumption (P>0.05) but did affect crude protein digestibility, crude fibre digestibility, nitrogen-free extract digestibility, and methane gas production. This study concludes that the feeding of elephant grass cv. Taiwan (Pennisetum purpureum cv. Taiwan), with the addition of papaya leaf extract and turmeric extract, does not have a positive effect on feed consumption and feed digestibility; thus, it cannot suppress methane gas production in livestock.

Compressed biogas plants in India: Existing status, technological advances and challenges

The application of compressed biogas (CBG) in day-to-day livelihood has garnered significant attention in modern day era. It is considered as a potential solution to curb the increasing energy demand and other environmental concerns. The process involves anaerobic digestion (AD) (hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis and methanogenesis) of organic substrate under an optimum operating condition (pH, temperature, etc.) via anaerobic microorganisms. This paper aims to describe some major facts about different technological options related to pre-treatment, AD, cleaning and up-gradation system. It also highlights the practical challenges related to high investment cost, inadequate infrastructure, clearance and approval issues, poor feedstock supply chain management etc. in adaption of CBG plants in India. The review examines the significance of both dry and wet continuous digester systems, which includes its advantages and challenges, considering factors, such as feedstock characteristics, process stability, and operational efficiency. It was also found that the type of feedstock and its availability in existing market plays a vital role in smooth functioning of CBG plants. Therefore, the study presents a comprehensive review discussing potential feedstock readily available for CBG plants in Indian market. It was concluded that the usage of agricultural waste (such as Napier grass) has higher CBG potential compared to other feedstock. At the same time, the study presents a broader aspect to policy makers and governing authorities to reframe the existing structure for financial assistantship, regulatory laws, subsidiary schemes etc. for CBG plant owners. It also gives an opportunity to technocrats, industrialist and investors to come-up with an indigenous technology with in-house manufacturing units to promote CBG production in India.

Inclusion levels of tree and herbaceous legumes on nutritive quality of grass silage: results from on-farm trials

The escalating prices of protein concentrate supplements and increasing demand for dairy products in Ethiopia call for preservation of surplus forage during the growing season, to be fed to dairy cows at time of feed shortage. The objective of this on-farm study was to evaluate the nutritive quality of Napier and Desho grass silages with tree legume (sesbania) and herbaceous legumes (alfalfa, lablab, and faba bean) as legume components. Napier or Desho grasses were ensiled in bags with each legume at 0, 20, 30 and 40% inclusion levels (fresh weight). Replicates included nine and six farms in Mecha and Ad’aa districts, respectively. Silage bags were opened after 60 days, samples were taken for chemical analyses and evaluated for physical features. Data were analyzed using a completely randomized design in SPSS and differences among means separated using Duncan’s. Silages were firm at Mecha and fairly firm at Ada’a. No mold appeared. pH values varied from 3.94 to 4.5 and increased (p < 0.001) with increasing levels of legume inclusion. The crude protein values followed a similar pattern to that of the pH. The fiber contents, NDF (p < 0.001) and ADF (p < 0.05/p < 0.01) declined while that of ADL increased (p < 0.001) with increasing legume inclusion levels. The different legume-based silages were assessed as highly palatable and revealed that the use of tree and herbaceous legumes can improve the nutritive quality of grasses.

Extraction and Characterization of Cellulosic Fiber from Banana, Sugarcane, and Napier Grass

Cellulosic fibers are one of the trend studies being conducted from the recent research due to their cost-effectiveness and abundance as biomass waste products from different plantations. The study aims to fabricate a dew extractor machine and analyze and characterize fibers based on their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties. The machine achieved the required torque, which is 370.645 N.m, and a speed of 28.82 rpm for the initial process for the sources of fiber by using a chain drive. Among the three fibers, the banana shows greater tensile strength with 221.225 MPa - 418.59 7MPa for untreated and 191.376 MPa – 715.428 MPa for treated. Napier has the smallest value of tensile strength with 77.944 MPa – 146.731 MPa for untreated and 76.048 MPa – 287.689 MPa for treated. The chemical properties of the fibers were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy shows all three fibers have a similar single-, triple- and double-bond, namely a secondary aliphatic alcohol, alkene, and a non-conjugated alkene functional group. It can be concluded that treated fibers can withstand more stress, stretch even more, and therefore are more elastic than untreated fibers.

Integrated application of morphological, anatomical, biochemical and physico-chemical methods to identify superior, lignocellulosic grass feedstocks for bioenergy purposes

Grasses have sufficient potential to be used in the biofuel industry due to many reasons. Hence, systematic assessments of the lignocellulosic biomass obtained from six grasses namely Arundo donax, Chrysopogon zizanioides, Coix lacryma-jobi, Pennisetum purpureum, Saccharum spontaneum, and Sorghum bicolor have been performed to assess their potential for bioethanol production. Selected morphological (height, internode diameter, number of internodes, fresh biomass, dry biomass, total volatile matter), anatomical (vascular bundle, stain intensity), analytical (crystallinity index of cellulose, thermal stability, hemicellulose, moisture content) and biochemical (α-cellulose, acid insoluble lignin) parameters were investigated and statistically analysed to detect the superior grass species. The study indicates that S. spontaneum harbours promising biofuel potential by having high dry biomass (56.33 g), α-cellulose (55.88–67.76%), but lower thermal stability (Tmax: 344.37 °C). Comparable ligno-cellulose properties with respect to dry biomass (54.60 g), α-cellulose content (45.95–64.14%), Tmax (360.51 °C) have been observed for A. donax. However, relatively higher lignin contents (∼17–23%) and crystalline cellulose (43.63%–46.96%) in S. spontaneum and A. donax might have resulted into lesser saccharification yield (216.04–230.08 mg/g). On that aspect, S. bicolor and C. lacryma-jobi might be useful since they possessed lower lignin (14.03–16.56%) and crystalline cellulose (32.51–33.02%) leading to higher glucose yield (263–420.06 mg/g). Taken together, this study indicates that integration of morphological, biochemical, and analytical properties of biomasses are complex, yet useful to predict a ‘superior donor plant’ for bioenergy purposes.

Effect of Different Feeding Methods on Milk Production and Composition of Lactating Punganur Cows

The present experiment was conducted during January–August, 2021 at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, India to study the effect of different feeding methods on production performance in lactating Punganur cows. A lactation study of 90 days duration was conducted on 16 lactating Punganur cows which were distributed (CRD) into four treatment groups comprising of 4 animals each. Animals of Control group were maintained as per the feeding practice followed by the farmers rearing Punganur cows in Chittoor district (Hedge lucerne, Paddy straw and Concentrate mixture), T2 group fed with Super Napier grass Paddy straw and Concentrate mixture, T3 group fed with Paddy straw, concentrate mixture and UMMB and T4 group fed with TMR. The average FCM yield (kg d-1) was highest (p&lt;0.05) in T4 followed by T3 or T2 and lowest in T1. The Protein and lactose content (%) of milk was highest (p&lt;0.05) in T4 and lowest in T3, while Fat and SNF (%) remained unaltered. The efficiency of milk production (kg/kg FCM) of DMI and TDNI lowest (p&lt;0.05) in T4, While CPI and DCPI lower (p&lt;0.05) in T4 or T3 as compared to T2 or T1. The cost economics of milk production indicated that the feed cost (`) per kg FCM yield was lowest (p&lt;0.05) in T3. The study concluded that the feed conversion efficiency in terms of DM, CP and Gross energy was highest for TMR group, while cost economics of milk production was better in Paddy straw, concentrate mixture, UMMB and TMR group.

Assessment of Moringa oleifera meal supplementation on the antioxidant status of crossbred heifer calves

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the anti-oxidant effect of Moringa oleifera meal-supplementation in the total mixed ration, replacing the compounded concentrate mixture for crossbred heifer calves. A total of twenty-one crossbred heifer calves were selected and grouped into three treatments based on body weight and age. The leaves (84%) and soft twigs (16%) of Moringa oleifera were mixed to prepare the Moringa oleifera meal. Compounded concentrate mixture, ground nut straw, hybrid napier grass, mineral mixture and common salt were used at 50, 23, 25, 1 and 1%, respectively to formulate the control total mixed ration (T1). The compounded concentrate mixture was replaced with the Moringa oleifera meal at 5.0 and 7.5 % to formulate total mixed rations T2 and T3. The whole blood was collected from each calves in the morning before feeding and watering at the beginning (0 day), middle (at 60 day) and end (at 126 day) of the experiment. The total leukocyte counts, total erythrocyte counts, haematocrit and platelet count of crossbred heifer calves differed non-significantly (P&gt;0.05) between the treatment groups, and were within normal physiological range. The serum albumin, glucose, creatinine, urea, alkaline phosphatase, alanine amino transaminase, calcium and phosphorus differed non-significantly between the treatment groups. However, feeding with Moringa oleifera resulted in higher (P0.05) higher after feeding with the 5.0 and 7.5% Moringa oleifera meals. Feeding with 5.0 and 7.5% Moringa oleifera meal in the total mixed ration, replacing the high protein compounded concentrate mixture, to growing crossbred heifer calves had no adverse effect on haematological and biochemical constituents, and resulted in a non-significant (P&gt;0.05) higher antioxidant capacity in the crossbred heifer calves.

Urban sewage sludge stabilization by alkalization-composting-vermicomposting process: Crop-livestock residue use.

Waste management practices are vital for human health and the environment in a world where natural resources stress is expected to increase with the growth of population. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential use of crop-livestock residue as a bulking agent associated with the ideal level of hydrated lime for the stabilization and sanitization of urban sewage sludge through the alkalization-composting process. Therefore, we determined the alkalization efficiency on the heavy metal concentration in urban sewage sludge, quantified the viable eggs of helminths in pure and alkalized sludge, and measured the rate of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) surviving in the vermicomposting process using different levels of alkalized urban sewage sludge associated with crop-livestock residue. Four sequential trials were carried out in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The lime alkalization reduced the levels of Ba, As, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mo, Ni, and Zn compared to the pure urban sewage sludge. Using 30% w/w of lime in the urban sewage sludge (SS-30) for composting process reduced the viable helminth eggs by 71, 72, and 69% for sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum; SB), fresh chopped Napier-grass (Pennisetum purpureum; NG), and bovine ruminal content (BR), respectively. The ideal level of hydrated lime for stabilization and sanitization of urban sewage sludge was found to be 30%, which was able to reduce the heavy metals. The residues have the potential as a bulking agent for the composting of urban sewage sludge when associated with alkalization. The lime alkalization decreases the total number of helminth eggs and the number of viable eggs. The possibility of starting a vermicomposting using the mixtures is promising, evidenced by the earthworm survival in composting urban sewage sludge mixed with crop-livestock residues after 45 days of composting. The earthworm survival is maintained by an association of at least 80% of the crop-livestock residues.

Analysis of global Napier grass (Cenchrus purpureus) collections reveals high genetic diversity among genotypes with some redundancy between collections

Genetic diversity amongst genotypes of several Napier grass collections was analyzed and compared with the diversity in a set of open pollinated progeny plants. A total of 114,881 SNP and 46,293 SilicoDArT genome-wide markers were generated on 574 Napier grass genotypes. Of these, 86% of the SNP and 66% of the SilicoDArT markers were mapped onto the fourteen chromosomes of the Napier grass genome. For genetic diversity analysis, a subset of highly polymorphic and informative SNP markers was filtered using genomic position information, a maximum of 10% missing values, a minimum minor allele frequency of 5%, and a maximum linkage-disequilibrium value of 0.5. Extensive genetic variation, with an average Nei’s genetic distance value of 0.23, was identified in the material. The genotypes clustered into three major and eleven sub-clusters with high levels of genetic variation contained both within (54%) and between (46%) clusters. However, we found that there was low to moderate genetic differentiation among the collections and that some overlap and redundancy occurred between collections. The progeny plants were genetically diverse and divergent from the germplasm collections, with an average FST value of 0.08. We also reported QTL regions associated with forage biomass yield based on field phenotype data measured on a subset of the Napier grass collections. The findings of this study offer useful information for Napier grass breeding strategies, enhancement of genetic diversity, and provide a guide for the management and conservation of the collections.

Effect of Liquid to Solid Ratio in Rumen Content on Feedstuffs’ in Vitro Fermentability and Digestibility

The amount of fibrous feed consumed by tropical cattle has an impact on the rumen’s liquid-to-solid ratio and feed passage rate. Feed fermentability and digestibility are influenced by ratio. Several in vitro procedures use varying liquid-to-solid ratios, which may or may not be applicable to the local situation. The purpose of this study is to compare the local cow rumen conditions with the liquid-to-solid ratio employed in the in vitro investigation. There were two experiments done for the study. First, the liquid-to-solid ratios in various in vitro experiments (Tilley and Terry = T1, Theodorou = T2, and Sutardi = T3) were compared to the circumstances in the rumen of local cattle (T0). Second, it was determined whether the various liquid-to-solid ratios used in various in vitro techniques were similar in terms of the feedstuffs’ fermentability (pH, NH3, VFA), digestibility (DMD and OMD), and fermentability (DMD and OMD) (F1 = Napier grass, F2 = maize, and F3 = soybean oil meal). The first experiment was fully utilized, and a 3 x 3 block factorial randomized design was used (second experiment). The liquid-to-solid ratio of T3 (1: 40) was discovered to be more comparable to the rumen state of nearby cattle (1:46). Different in vitro techniques had no discernible impact on pH, VFA, DMD, or OMD, but T3 produced more NH3 than T1 or T2 did. With F3 higher than F2 or F1, the major effects of fermentability and digestibility were discovered inside the feed. It is found that every feed studied produced higher NH3 concentrations thanks to the Sutardi method’s liquid-to-solid ratio, which is more akin to the rumen of local cattle. As a result, it is advised to evaluate feedstuff fermentability and digestibility for local cattle using the Sutardi method.

Multinutrient Block Biological Test with the Addition of Green Betel Leaf Juice on Consumption, Digestibility, and Retention of N for Thin-tailed Sheep

Multinutrient block (MNB) is a supplement with a fairly high water content and included Intermediate Moisture. Thus, it needs to be added such preservatives ingredients, among others, green betel leaf. This also has antiprotozoal characters, so this green betel leaf has an impact on the fermentation process in the rumen. The purpose of this study is to examine the biological quality of MNB added green betel leaf in thin-tailed sheep in terms of consumption, feed digestibility, and nitrogen retention. This study used a randomized design group consisting of 3 treatments and 6 replications. The material used was MNB consisting of 50% molasses, 30% fermented rice straw, 6% clam shell flour, 3% salt, 4% urea, and 7% bentonite. This research involved 18 Thin-tailed Sheep with the weight of 11.94 ± 2,14. The addition of green betel leaf on MNB as much as 0% on T0, 3% on T1 and 6% on T2. Feeding process included commercial concentrate 65%, napier grass 25%, and MNB 10%. Each treatment was implemented on the 6 sheep as the test. The results revealed that the addition of green betel leaf juice in MNB had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the consumption of dry matter, consumption of agrie matter feed digestibility and N retention. Moreover, the provision of green betel leaf juice by 6% in MNB did not result in the consumption, digestibility, and the retention of N value in thin-tailed sheep. This research was conducted and obtained permission from the Faculty of Animal and Agriculture, Diponegoro University Semarang.

Nitrogen utility on income over feed cost in complete feed napier grass cv gama umami based with different calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus) substitution levels

The purpose of this study was to determine the N efficiency and economics of complete feed based on Napier grass cv Gama umami with different levels of Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus). The Ewes used in this study were 15 with 11.3±1.34 kg of body weight at the age of 8 months. Complete feed treatment given to livestock objects, namely T0 = Napier grass cv GU 60% + Concentrate 40%; T1 = Napier grass cv GU 45% + Concentrate 40% + Calliandra 15%; T2 = Napier grass cv GU 30% + Concentrate 40% + Calliandra 30%. The sample collection phase consisted of treatment feed, leftover feed, and urine which were collected for seven days. The resulting data was then processed using One-way ANOVA with data that had differences in further testing using DMRT (p<0.05). The experimental results showed that the addition of Calliandra levels in complete feed did not affect nitrogen retention in sheep (p>0.05). Economic figure on feed with the addition of Calliandra to complete feed showed a higher income when compared to feed without using Calliandra (p<0.05). The most effective use of Calliandra level with the highest income is seen in giving as much as 30%.

Effect of Ensiling a Total Mixed Ration on Chemical Composition and Fermentation Quality

The approach of using high-moisture agricultural by-products with ensiling technology will improve feed efficiency. This research aimed to assess the impact of ensiling on chemical composition and sensory characteristics of silage quality with different ingredients. The experimental design was a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were Napier grass silage as control, fermented total mixed ration with Napier grass (FTMR - Napier grass) and fermented total mixed ration with rice straw (FTMR - rice straw), all of which were packed in plastic bags (25 kilogram) under ensilage condition. The bags were opened after 0, 7, 21 and 60 days in ensiling. The result showed that the content of dry matter and crude protein ranged 35.34 - 42.50 and 11.62 - 11.98, respectively. The silage had lower dry matter than the fermented total mixed ration, whereas there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) in the content of crude protein. There was a significant difference (P &lt; 0.001) in pH value among experimental diet. The lowest pH value of fermented total mixed ration and Napier grass silage were obtained after 7 and 21 days of ensiling, respectively. In addition, Napier grass silage had higher pH value than fermented total mixed ration (P &lt; 0.001). The Napier grass had lower ensiling quality score than FTMR (P &lt; 0.001). By contrast, the score was not statistically different between FTMR –Napier grass and FTMR – rice straw. However, all experimental diets were in good and very good rang of ensilage. These results indicate that Napier grass silage and fermented total mixed ration should be used after 21 and 7 days of ensiling, respectively. The fermentation technology could preserve feed in plastic bags (25 kilograms) for 60 days.

The evolution and expansion of RWP-RK gene family improve the heat adaptability of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.)

BackgroundAlong with global warming, resulting in crop production, exacerbating the global food crisis. Therefore, it is urgent to study the mechanism of plant heat resistance. However, crop resistance genes were lost due to long-term artificial domestication. By analyzing the potential heat tolerance genes and molecular mechanisms in other wild materials, more genetic resources can be provided for improving the heat tolerance of crops. Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) has strong adaptability to heat stress and contains abundant heat-resistant gene resources.ResultsThrough sequence structure analysis, a total of 36 RWP-RK members were identified in elephant grass. Functional analysis revealed their close association with heat stress. Four randomly selected RKDs (RKD1.1, RKD4.3, RKD6.6, and RKD8.1) were analyzed for expression, and the results showed upregulation under high temperature conditions, suggesting their active role in response to heat stress. The members of RWP-RK gene family (36 genes) in elephant grass were 2.4 times higher than that of related tropical crops, rice (15 genes) and sorghum (15 genes). The 36 RWPs of elephant grass contain 15 NLPs and 21 RKDs, and 73% of RWPs are related to WGD. Among them, combined with the DAP-seq results, it was found that RWP-RK gene family expansion could improve the heat adaptability of elephant grass by enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and peroxidase gene expression.ConclusionsRWP-RK gene family expansion in elephant grass is closely related to thermal adaptation evolution and speciation. The RKD subgroup showed a higher responsiveness than the NLP subgroup when exposed to high temperature stress. The promoter region of the RKD subgroup contains a significant number of MeJA and ABA responsive elements, which may contribute to their positive response to heat stress. These results provided a scientific basis for analyzing the heat adaptation mechanism of elephant grass and improving the heat tolerance of other crops.

Improving the quality and reducing harmful microbes of total mixed ration silage with dried soybean curd residue

The production of safe and high-quality silage has always been the main concern. This experiment aimed to investigate the impact of waste dried soybean curd residue (SR) and Lactobacillus plantarum CCZZ1 on the fermentation quality and microbial community of total mixed ration (TMR) silage based on Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum). Napier grass was made into TMR, and SR at 3%, 6% or 9% on dry material basis was included, which replaced the equivalent amount of corn meal, then they were inoculated without or with Lactobacillus plantarum CCZZ1 (105 cfu g−1; LP). The research results showed that incorporating SR even at 3% resulted in significant reduction in ammonia nitrogen content (87.3 g kg−1 total nitrogen vs. 109.7 g kg−1 total nitrogen), increased lactic acid content (34.4 g kg−1 DM vs. 25.5 g kg−1 DM), and higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus (94.5% vs. 32.2%). Additionally, it led to decreased relative abundances of pathogenic microorganisms such as Escherichia coli (< 0.1% vs. 9.68%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (< 0.1% vs. 9.46%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae (< 0.1% vs. 8.53%) during the ensiling process. When SR was used together with LP inoculation, they were further improved. These findings suggest that the inclusion of SR, even at a 3% level without LP inoculation, can effectively improve the fermentation quality and microbial profile of TMR silage based on fresh Napier grass. This offers a promising technical approach to utilizing SR and producing safe and high-quality TMR silage based on fresh grass.Graphical

Pertumbuhan dan Produksi Hijauan Rumput Gajah Pakchong Panen Pertama pada Pemberian Dosis Pupuk dan Umur Potong Berbeda

The Pakchong-1 hybrid cultivar is a highly productive forage grass cross between elephant grass and pearl millet grass (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum). The research objective was to determine the growth and production response of Pakchong-1 elephant grass to different fertilizer doses and cutting ages. The study was conducted at the JASTRU (Jonggol Animal Science Teaching and Research Unit) of IPB University. This study used a 3 x 3 factorial completely randomized design (3 doses of nitrogen fertilizer x 3 cutting ages) with 4 replications. The data was analysed using ANOVA and the Duncan Multiple Range Test. The fertilizer doses used were 100, 200, and 300 kg ha-1, and the cutting ages were 50, 60, and 70 days. The research results showed that the cutting age significantly increased plant height (180.53 – 210.90 cm), dry leaf weight (3.90 – 5.63 tons ha-1), dry stem weight (2.32 – 4.38 tons ha-1), and total dry weight (6.22 – 10.02 tons ha-1). However, biomass production was not affected. There was an interaction between the fertilizer dose and cutting age in terms of the number of tillers (1.99 – 5.15 tillers per clump) and the number of leaves (5.55 – 11.18 leaves per plant). Based on the research, the optimal point for obtaining the best results in terms of plant height growth, number of leaves, number of tillers, production of fresh biomass, dry weight of stems, dry weight of leaves, and total dry weight of Pakchong-1 elephant grass was a cutting edge of 60 days and the addition of 100 kg ha-1 of fertilizer.&#x0D; Key words: cutting age, fertilizer dosage, forage production, growth of pakchong