Pennisetum Purpureum Research Articles

Study on the characteristics of Napier grass fibre reinforced porcelain filler particulates poly lactic acid matrix biocomposite

This study investigates the complex properties of a novel biocomposite by a conventional process, which is composed of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) as the matrix, porcelain particles as fillers, and Napier grass fibre as reinforcement. The primary objective was to evaluate the mechanical, crystalline, water absorption, morphological, and antibacterial properties of the biocomposites in relation to the individual components and their synergistic impacts. When 25 g porcelain particles were added to PLA with Napier grass fibre, mechanical tests demonstrated a 25% increase in tensile strength (maximum tensile strength of 39.76 MPa) and a 30% increase in flexural strength (maximum flexural strength of 41.29 MPa). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed a strong interfacial bond between the fibre and matrix, with porcelain particles serving as bridges to facilitate stress transmission. The biocomposite exhibited reduced water absorption due to the inherent hydrophobic nature of porcelain, which enhances its resistance to bacterial growth. The study demonstrates that combining Napier grass fibre with porcelain filler particles synergistically enhances the properties of PLA, creating a viable biocomposite material suitable for use in packaging, automotive, and sustainable building industries.

MXene/biochar composites for enhanced wastewater reclamation and bioenergy production: A kinetics and thermodynamics study

The study explores the synthesis and utilization of biochar (BC) and multi-layer MXene to MXene/biochar (MB) composites for wastewater treatment. Simultaneously, it also investigates their energy generation potential through biomass and soil property assessments. The integrated column and batch treatments have shown significant results, elevating total dissolved solids from 63.7 to 125.5 mg L-1 with column treatment, while reducing them to 6.37 % and 1.35 % with BC and MB treatment, respectively. BC with high carbon content, demonstrated increased hydrophobicity, which was amplified by the integration of MXene, thereby enhancing its potential for advanced wastewater treatment. Treated wastewater exhibited elevated nutrient concentrations (Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Na, and NH4+), promoting the growth of Pennisetum purpureum. WW_B shows promising energy potential, with a higher heating value of 25.03 MJ kg-1 and a lower heating value of 23.57 MJ kg-1. They demonstrated high volatile matter exceeding 70.9 wt. %, and a fixed carbon from 10.02-27.53 wt. %, signifying their potential for efficient conversion and bio-oil yield during pyrolysis. The ultimate analysis emphasized significant carbon, with oxygen content ranging from 43.42-47.78 wt. %., influencing combustion characteristics. MT_B exhibited its suitability for energy production through thermochemical conversion, underlined by its high flammability and low volatile ignition values. In the absence of BC, the Ea ranged from 24.77-77.88 kJ mol-1 in wastewater and from 21.67-69.6 kJ mol-1 in MB treated wastewater. Meanwhile, when soil contained BC and was irrigated with wastewater, the Ea varied from 24.66-80.91 kJ mol-1. In the case of MB treated wastewater, it ranged from 25.01-75.79 kJ mol-1. The research thereby affirms the potential of MB composites to advance water and energy sustainability setting us for broader nexus-based applications.

Identification and characterization of microplastics contamination in domestic sewage wastewater irrigated of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) agricultural field

Identification and characterization of microplastics contamination in domestic sewage wastewater irrigated of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) agricultural field

Effects of Palm Oil Deodorizer Distillate on the Ruminal Environment of Sheep.

This study aimed to assess the impact of palm oil deodorizer distillate (POD) on the ruminal environment, including (i) microbial community, (ii) ruminal degradability, and (iii) apparent digestibility in sheep. The data used were derived from twenty rumen-cannulated sheep fed five isoproteic and isofiber diets based on elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg-1 POD on a dry matter (DM) basis. Rumen fluid samples were collected three hours after feeding directly from the ventral sac of the rumen via a cannula and then subjected to DNA extraction, which was subsequently used for 16S rDNA amplification, followed by sequencing and diversity analysis. In this study, the microbial diversity was dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, followed by Euryarchaetoa, Actinobacteria, and Tenericutes, in the ruminal environment, and was slightly modified when supplemented with the POD up to 100 g/kg (10%), leading to only a slight decrease in the diversity index. The ruminal degradability, ruminal fermentation parameters, and apparent digestibility were slightly compromised by the inclusion of up to 25 g of POD per kg of DM, and larger inclusions interfered with the ruminal degradability of fibrous fractions and the apparent digestibility of dry matter. This lipid supplement showed good results for feeding sheep and is an inexpensive and abundant alternative in the regional market.

Biosynthesis of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles using <i>Pennisetum Purpureum</i> and Application in Removal of Cadmium Contaminant from Water

This study evaluated an innovative approach to synthesize magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) through a green synthesis method  using Pennisetum purpureum extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The green synthesis of MgO NPs is cost-effective and  environmentally friendly. Characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier- transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the successful synthesis of nanoparticles with unique properties. Debye-Scherrer  equation is used for the determination of particle size, which was found to be 15.7nm. The potential application of MgO NPs in the  removal of cadmium (Cd) contaminant from water sources was investigated through batch adsorption experiments. Cadmium pollution  poses a severe threat to ecosystems and human health due to its toxic nature and persistence in the environment. MgO NPs, with their  high surface area and reactivity, efficiently adsorbed and immobilize cadmium ions from water. Adsorption isotherm models indicated  that Langmuir isotherm is the best model to describe the adsorption of Cd2+ on magnesium oxide nanoparticles prepared by elephant  grass extracts. It was found that a removal of greater percent of Cd2+ could be accomplished through adsorption with 0.05g of  magnesium oxide nanoparticles, an initial concentration of metal at 5ppm pH of 10 and at contact time of 65minutes.  

Effect of dietary inclusion of Pennisetum purpureum (Napier) grass on growth performance, rumen fermentation and meat quality of feedlot sussex red steers

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth performance, fermentation indices and meat quality of Sussex steers fed totally mixed rations that composed of graded inclusion levels of Napier grass (NP). Three experimental diets designated as diet 1 (0.0 g kg–1 NP: Control), diet 2 (300 g kg–1 NP grass) and diet 3 (600 g kg–1 NP) were formulated. Twenty-four male steers aged 8 months with an average body weight of 185.0 ± 30 kg were used. In a completely randomized design, the animals were allocated to the diets and fed for 120 days. Dietary NP inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) the animals’ average daily gain and increased the feed efficiency. The steers’ daily feed intake and final body weight decreased (P < 0.05) with a 600 g kg–1 inclusion level. The fermentation indices were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion. While the inclusion reduced (P < 0.05) warm muscle temperature, it had no effect (P > 0.05) on carcass dressing percentage, warm and cold initial and ultimate pH. However, 600 g kg–1 inclusion level reduced (P > 0.05) warm and cold carcass weights. Meat physical attributes, moisture characteristics and tenderness were not affected (P > 0.05) by dietary treatments, except for the 7-days aged meat thaw loss, which increased at 600 g kg–1 inclusion level. Inclusion of 300 g kg–1 increased meat protein and fat, but dry and organic matter contents decreased with increasing inclusion levels. Dietary inclusion of NP grass up to 300 g kg–1 in steers’ diets improved feed intake, carcass traits and yielded meat high in protein and fat.

Effects of concentrate supplement on dry matter and water intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of N’dama bull calves fed Napier grass basal diet

Effects of concentrate supplement on dry matter and water intake, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance of N’dama bull calves fed Napier grass basal diet

Phytostabilization of fly ash from a coalmine in Botswana and biovalorisation of the recovered Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schumach.)

The disposal of fly ash (FA) from coal power plants polluting the air, soil, and groundwater is a major environmental concern. Phytoremediation to rehabilitate fly ash dumpsites is a promising alternative but has practical concerns about the disposal of harvested biomass. This study investigated the effect of supplementing fly ash with fresh sewage sludge (FSS), aged sewage sludge, food waste, and compost (COM) to enhance the phytoremediation potential of Napier grass and its subsequent utilization for ethanol production. The highest removal of Mn (1196.12 g ha−1) and Ni (128.06 g ha−1) from FA could be obtained when Napier is grown in the presence of FSS and inorganic fertilizer (NPK). In addition, the highest bioethanol yield (19.31 g L−1) was obtained from Napier grown in fly ash with COM + NPK, thus providing additional economic benefits aside from the remediation process. Given the significant levels of heavy metals present in the pulp and bio-slurry after ethanol production, further research is required in this area to determine the best ways to utilize this waste such as converting it into biochar.

The impact of replacing corn with elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) on growth performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in geese

This study investigated the effects of partially replacing corn with elephant grass dry matter (air drass) on growth performance, serum parameters, carcass traits, and nutrient digestibility in geese. A total of 360 one-day-old Hortobágyi geese were randomly divided into three groups: control (basic diet), 12 % elephant grass, and 24 % elephant grass. The geese were raised for 70 days. The results showed that compared to the control, 12 % elephant grass had no adverse effects on final body weight, feed/gain ratio, mortality, serum liver and kidney function markers. However, 24 % elephant grass significantly reduced the final body weight (P < 0.001) and feed/gain ratio (P = 0.026) compared to the control group. Both experiment groups had decreased serum aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.001), triglycerides (P < 0.001), and total cholesterol (P < 0.001). The addition of 12 % and 24 % elephant grass reduced abdominal fat (P = 0.002), but it had no significant effect on slaughter rate, half-bore rate, full-bore rate, breast muscle rate and leg muscle rate. For nutrient digestibility, 12 % elephant grass improved neutral detergent fiber digestibility compared to the control group (P = 0.026). The 24 % grass group had reduced Ca absorption (P = 0.020). Overall, the findings suggest that partially replacing corn with 12 % elephant grass in goose diet can maintain growth performance and carcass traits.It also has no negative effect on nutrient digestibility while improving serum parameters.

Application of ameliorant on the growth and product of pakchong (Pennisetum purpureum cv Thailand) in post-tin mining land

Application of ameliorant on the growth and product of pakchong (Pennisetum purpureum cv Thailand) in post-tin mining land

Investigations on growth performance of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes,1844) under forage crops and aquatic macrophyte feeding regimes

The objective of the study was to assess the growth, survival, and production performanceof grass carp Ctenopharyngodon Idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1844) under differentfeeding regimes of forage crops and aquatic macrophytes. In the present experiment, 650fingerlings (average length, 11.13±0.29 cm and average weight, 13.89±0.81 g) of grass carpwere stocked separately in two earthen ponds (40 x 25 x 2.0 m). Fishes in pond one (T1)were fed with forage crops, chopped Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) from June toNovember 2017 and chopped Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) from January to May 2018.Similarly, fishes in pond 2 (T2) were fed with Azolla (Azolla pinnata) and Lemna (Lemna minor)during the period June to November 2017 and January to May 2018, respectively. Lineartrend analysis for the length of grass carp showed a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in size inboth treatments (T1 and T2) and r2 was found to be 0.94 and 0.95, while increasing trend ofweight of grass carp showed significantly (p&lt;0.05) high r2 for T1 (0.88) and T2 (0.84). It isobserved that the application of forage (T1) and aquatic macrophytes (T2) had no significant(p&gt;0.05) effect on the water quality parameters of each pond. The overall specific growthrate, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of grass carp were significantly(p&lt;0.05) higher in T1 compared to T2, while the survival rate was significantly (p&lt;0.05) high in T2. Keywords:Earthen pond, Feed conversion ratio, Macrophytes,Specific growth rate, Survival

Enhancing growth and milk production of dairy buffaloes through home-grown forages and complete nutrient diet

This study aimed to boost the growth and milk production of dairy buffaloes while increasing farmers' income in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. The approach involved utilizing home-grown forages (HGF), such as napier grass and various legumes (Leucaena, Rensonii, and Indigofera), along with a complete nutrient diet (CND). For growing buffaloes, the CND consisted of 23 kg chopped napier grasses, 3 kg legumes, and 1 kg grower concentrates. For lactating buffaloes, the CND comprised 45 kg napier grass, 5 kg legumes, and 2 kg dairy concentrates. Sixty farmers, collectively raising 348 buffaloes, were trained in HGF production and CND preparation. In a 120-day feeding trial for growing buffaloes, a subset of 20 farmers participated, with 10 feeding their buffaloes CND and the other 10 serving as controls. The control group employed traditional feeding practices, involving tethered grazing on native pasture supplemented by cut-and-carry feeding of mixed native grasses. Implementing CND for growing buffaloes resulted in an average daily gain (ADG) of 0.46 kg or an improvement of 53.33% compared to the 0.30 kg ADG observed with traditional feeding. Moreover, CND implementation reduced feed costs, leading to a 98.54% increase in income per growing animal. In a separate feeding trial for lactating buffaloes, another subset of 20 farmers participated, with 10 feeding CND and the remaining 10 serving as controls (traditional feeding). Feeding CND to lactating buffaloes increased daily milk yield from 4.6 kg to 6.0 kg per animal, reflecting a 30.43% improvement compared to those fed with the control diet. This translated to a 41.31% increase in farmers’ income over a 180-day lactation period. The findings underline the effectiveness of HGF production and CND feeding in improving the performance of dairy buffaloes and increasing the financial well-being of farmers in Nueva Ecija, marking a significant advancement in sustainable dairy farming practices.

Enhancing Milk Quality and Antioxidant Status in Lactating Dairy Goats through the Dietary Incorporation of Purple Napier Grass Silage.

Oxidative stress resulting from an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants can cause damage to certain cellular components. Purple Napier grass, a semi-dwarf variety, is characterized by its purple leaves and contains anthocyanins, which provide it with antioxidant properties. This study examined the effects of feeding purple Napier grass ("Prince") silage to lactating dairy goats on blood antioxidant activity, milk yield, and milk quality. Eighteen female Saanen crossbred goats, weighing 52.34 ± 2.86 kg and producing milk for 14 ± 2 days, were systematically divided into three groups based on their lactation period in the previous cycle as follows: early, mid, and late lactation. In a randomized complete block design (RCBD), treatments were randomly allocated to six animals in each block. The dairy goats were fed a total mixed ration (TMR) consisting of the three following treatments: control (100% Napier Pakchong 1 grass silage), 50% (a 50% replacement of the control with purple Napier grass silage), and 100% (100% purple Napier grass silage). The results show that goats who were fed a diet including 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of certain milk contents, especially with regard to lactose, when compared to those who were fed a control diet, as well as a diet with a 50% replacement of purple Napier grass silage. The somatic cell count (SCC) of these goats was reduced. In terms of antioxidant activity, dairy goats who were fed 100% purple Napier grass silage showed higher levels of enzymes in both plasma and milk, including glutathione s-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The plasma and milk of these goats showed lower levels of malondialdehyde. The dairy goats who were fed a 100% purple Napier grass silage diet showed higher concentrations of anthocyanins, including C3G, P3G, Peo3G, M3G, Cya, Pel, and total anthocyanins in milk, when compared to the control group and the 50% replacement group. The increased replacement of purple Napier grass silage led to significant differences in lactose levels, somatic cell count, glutathione S-transferase, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical, and the composition of anthocyanins. This study provides evidence to support the use of purple Napier grass silage as a beneficial source of roughage for lactating dairy goats.

The correlation study of several chemical extractants to assess plant copper uptake from tropical soils polluted with heavy metals

Glass-house experiments were conducted to study the correlation between Cu uptake by several plants and soil Cu extracted by several chemical extractants. Heavy-metal contaminated soils from Lampung, the southern part of Sumatra, Indonesia, with different levels of Cu were used. Eight different plants including amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor), caisim (Brassica chinensis var. Parachinensis), corn (Zea mays L.), land spinach (Ipomoea reptans Poir), lettuce (Lactuca sativa), napier grass (Penissetum purpureum), thorny amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus L.) and water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) were employed. The uptake of Cu for amaranth is well predicted by N HCl, Buffered DTPA pH 7.30, N NH4OAc pH 7.00, and M CaCl2; for corn by N HCl and N NH4OAc pH 7.00; for land spinach by N HNO3, N HCl, Buffered DTPA, N NH4OAc pH 7.00, and M CaCl2; for napier grass by N HCl and Unbuffered DTPA. N HNO3 is good in predicting the uptake of Cu by land spinach, N HCl by amaranth, corn, land spinach, and napier grass; Buffered DTPA by amaranth and land spinach; Unbuffered DTPA by napier grass; N NH4OAc pH 7.00 by amaranth, corn and land spinach, and M CaCl2 by amaranth and land spinach. None of the tested methods is good in predicting the uptake Cu by caisim, lettuce, thorny amaranth, and water spinach

Fatty Acid Biohydrogenation, Fermentation, and Digestibility of Ration Containing Napier and King Grass with Different Harvest Ages and Altitudes: In Vitro Study

Fatty Acid Biohydrogenation, Fermentation, and Digestibility of Ration Containing Napier and King Grass with Different Harvest Ages and Altitudes: In Vitro Study

Effect of Using Israel Napier Grass in Feed Ration on Growth Performance of Local Chicken of Cambodia

Effect of Using Israel Napier Grass in Feed Ration on Growth Performance of Local Chicken of Cambodia

In vitro Evaluation of Different Levels of Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) Nut Meal Supplementation on Rumen Fermentation Kinetics and Digestibility

Background: Globally, safeguarding food and nutritional security of ever increasing population demands sustainable crop and livestock production. While urbanization, decrease in cultivable land and stiff feed-fuel-food competition accompanied with skyrocketing price of conventional feedstuffs hinders the sustainable livestock production. Hence, it necessitates search and exploration of alternative feed resources along with judicious utilization of existing feed resources. In this context, Cashew nut meal (CNM) is one such alternative feed resource but the studies pertaining to its optimum level of inclusion in animal diet is scanty. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the effect of incorporating varying levels of cashew nut meal (CNM) as a supplement on in vitro rumen fermentation kinetics and digestibility. Methods: Seven distinct compounded feed mixtures (CFM) were formulated, with CNM progressively replacing 0 (C0), 10 (C1), 20 (C2), 30 (C3), 40 (C4), 50 (C5), and 60 (C6) per cent of the soybean meal (SBM) protein present in the control CFM. Additionally, seven experimental complete diets (T0 to T6) were prepared by blending these CFM with Super Napier (Pennisetum purpureum x Pennisetum glaucum) hay in a 40:60 ratio. These diets were subjected to rumen in vitro gas production (RIVGP) study with cumulative gas production measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96 h post-incubation. Subsequently, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) and neutral detergent fiber digestibility (NDFD) of the diets were determined using a modified in vitro two-stage technique. Later, total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) were estimated using gas chromatography. Result: Analysis of chemical composition revealed that CNM contains good protein of 256.5 g/kg. The potential gas production (D) and the rate and extent of gas production (c) for diets containing CNM ranged from 54.63 to 60.24 mL and 0.036 to 0.043 h-1, respectively. IVTDMD and NDFD analysis of the seven diets fell within the range of 79.12% to 80.80% and 64.72% to 66.47%, respectively. The estimated TVFA for seven diets ranged from 17.87 to 23.65 mM. Further, the metabolisable energy (ME) of diets ranged from 7.89 to 8.08 MJ/kg DM. Importantly, no significant differences were observed in rumen fermentation kinetics parameters, IVTDMD, NDFD and TVFA among treatments (T0 to T6). In conclusion, cashew nut meal could be used as an alternative to soybean meal in compounded feed mixtures of ruminants up to 30% (w/w) without any adverse effect on rumen fermentation pattern and digestibility.

PRODUCTIVITY OF ELEPHANT GRASS (Pennisetum purpureum) PLANTED WITH LEGUMINOSE AT VARIOUS DOSAGES OF BIOORGANIC FERTILIZER

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; The purpose of this study was to determine the productivity of elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) planted with leguminosae at various doses of bioorganic fertilizers. This study used a completely randomized design with two factorial patterns. The first factor was the type of leguminosae (T= without leguminosae; R= Arachi pintoi; L= Alysicarpus vaginalis; and the second factor was the dose of bioorganic fertilizer (D0= 0 kg Nha-1; D1= 100 kg Nha-1; D2= 200 kg Nha-1; and D3= 300 kg Nha-1) There were 12 treatment combinations, each treatment was repeated 5 times so that it consisted of 60 experimental units. The observed variables included growth, yield and growth characteristics variable. The results showed that there was no interaction between leguminous species and fertilizer dosage, both leguminous species only increased leaf area per pot, bioorganic fertilizer D1 and D2 doses tended to increase, while D3 dose increased leaf dry weight, total forage dry weight, and leaf area per pot of elep- hant grass (Pennisetum purpureum). It was concluded that the type of leguminous did not affect the productivity of elephant grass, the dose of bioorganic fertilizer increased crop yields, the highest yields at a dose of 300 kg Nha-1 bioorganic fertilizer.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Modeling and Optimization of Specific Cutting Energy Required for Cutting Napier Grass Using RSM

Modeling and Optimization of Specific Cutting Energy Required for Cutting Napier Grass Using RSM

PRODUKSI DAN KANDUNGAN NUTRIEN HIJAUAN RUMPUT Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott, DENGAN PEMBERIAN PUPUK ORGANIK CAIR HASIL VERMICOMPOSTING LIMBAH SAPI POTONG

Fertilization is a very important effort for Dwarf Elephant Grass (Pennisetum purpureum cv Mott) to achieve forage production and high nutritional quality following its potential. This research aims to determine the yield of dry matter, crude protein content, and crude fiber of Dwarf Elephant Grass by application of liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) resulting from vermicomposting of beef cattle waste. The research was conducted at the Field Laboratory of Forage Crop, and the Ruminant Animal Nutrition and Feed Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Padjadjaran University from January to June 2018. The research method used was the experimental method with a Completely Randomized Design using 3 treatments, namely P1 (5,000 L per Ha), P2 (10,000 L per Ha), and P3 (15,000 L per Ha), and 6 replications. Data were processed by analysis of variance and continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test. The results showed that giving LOF increased the production, increased the content of crude protein, and decreased the crude fiber content of Dwarf Elephant Grass forage. Giving LOF from vermicomposting beef cattle waste at a dose of 15,000 L per Ha resulted in the highest forage dry matter yield (1,925 kg per Ha), one-time cutting at dry season, and the best nutrient content seen from the crude protein content (13.95%) and crude fiber content (28.53%).