Nitrogen Free Extract Content Research Articles

Chemical Quality of Silage Mixture of Sorghum Bicolor (Andropogon Bicolor L. Roxb) and Gamal (Gliricidia Sepium) Leaves with Different Ratios

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the chemical quality of silage mixture of sorghum bicolor (Andropogon bicolor L. roxb) and gamal leaves with different ratios. A completely randomised design (4×4) was applied with four different ratios tried, namely, P0: sorghum bicolor silage without gamal leaves; P1: mixed silage 80% sorghum bicolor + 20% gamal leaves, P2: mixed silage 70% sorghum bicolor + 30% gamal leaves and P3: mixed silage 60% sorghum bicolor + 40% gamal leaves. The variables studied included crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and gross energy (GE) content. The study showed the silage characteristics of P0, P1, P2 and P3 for CP (%) 11.38; 13.71; 14.83 and 15.10; CF (%) 22.53; 21.47; 20.54 and 20.43; NFE (%) 43.56; 42.37; 42.26 and 42.22; GE (kcal/kg DM) 3491.18; 3540.60; 3580.37 and 3588.86, respectively. The results of variance analysis showed that the treatment had a very significant effect (P<0.01) on CP and CF content but not significant (P>0.05) on NFE and GE. It was concluded that silage mixture of sorghum bicolor and gamal leaves up to 60:40 increased CP content and decreased CF and gave the same NFE and GE content compared to sorghum bicolor silage without gamal leaves.

Effect of soaking mangrove fruit (Sonneratia alba) with lime water on crude protein, crude fiber, and nitrogen free extract content as a ruminant feed

The mangrove plant is among the strees found growing in the seaside zone, one part by the mangrove plant that Could be utilized as livestock feed for ruminants is mangrove fruit. Mangrove fruit is usually rarely used so it only rots and pollutes the coast. The aim in thus study is to see effects by mangrove fruit tannin reduction with lime water on crude protein, crude fiber, and NFE content. This study used 4x3 Faktorial pattern group randominsation plan using 2 seplicates. The first factor is the concentration by lime water with 4 levels, that is T1 (1% lime water), T2 (3% lime water), T3 (5% lime water), T4 (7% lime water). The second factor is different soaking times with 3 times, namely 10 minutes, 20 minutes, and 30 minutes. The conclusion of the research on soaking mangrove fruit with lime water gives a very significantly different effect on crude protein, crude fibre, and NFE content. The highest crude protein content is in the A1B1 treatment with a grade of 8.1%, the best crude fibre was in the A3B3 treatment with a value of 24.91%, and NFE was in the A1B1 treatment with a value of 58.07%.

Comparative Studies of selected browses of South-Southern part of Nigeria with particular reference to their proximate and some anti-nutritional constituents in different locations

The study was carried out to determine the influence of locations on the proximate chemical composition and some anti- nutritional components of some samples of browse plant leaves. Five samples each of the leaves of commonly utilized browse plants were sourced from each study location, these were; Gmelina arborea, Daniella oliveri, Sarcophalus, latifolia, Vitex doniana and Ficus thoningii. These were harvested from Obubra in Cross River State and Idoro in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria and used for the study. Generally, few variability was recorded in both locations with values of percentages crude protein (CP) (17.50 to 26.25), crude fibre (26.15 to 45.30), Ash (5.15 to 14.90), ether extract (1.99 to 13.60), nitrogen free extract (7.20 to 41.51) and moisture content (26.29-73.20) which appeared to be relatively higher in samples from Akwa Ibom. The concentration of anti-nutritional factors were generally also low in both location. Phytate 0.21 to 4.03, oxalate 0.35 to 13.30, saponins 0.002 to 3.60, tannin content ranged from 0.35 to 5.10 and alkaloids 0.001 to 2.38. The results showed that the browse plants studied have good levels of nutrients, low and safe levels of anti-nutritional factors. Based on these results, it is therefore recommended that, the browse plants may be actively used in the feeding of livestock in the two locations where it is even seem to be luxuriant and available during the dry season.

Proximate composition and mineral profile of elephants forages in the Savannah ecological zone of Ghana

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the proximate and mineral composition of various parts of Balanites aegyptiaca, Mitragyna inermis, Cassia sieberiena, Kigelia africana, Detarium microcarpum, Terminalia laxiflora, Ficus platyphylla and Climber plant (Liana) as feeds of elephants in the savannah ecological zone of Ghana. The proximate composition was carried out using the methods of the Association of official analytical chemists (AOAC) and the mineral profiles were determined by atomic absorption and flame photometric methods. The highest content of Crude Protein, Crude Fibre, Ash, Moisture and Nitrogen free extract were 12.0% ± 0.01, 15.3% ± 0.01, 14.6% ± 0.0, 7.5% ± 0.01, 76.6% ± 0.01 for Ficus platyphylla, Tamarindus indica, Balanites aegyptiaca and Detarium microcarpum, respectively. The mineral profiling also found appreciable levels of Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Zn, Cu, Fe, Se and Mn at concentrations (mg/kg) of 4.6 ± 0.00, 0.4 ± 0.01, 0.4 ± 0.01, 5.1 ± 0.01, 0.11 ± 0.01, 1.07 ± 0.008, 0.25 ± 0.005, 0.063 ± 0.0005, 37.48 ± 0.001 for Ficus platyphylla bark, Liana, Terminalia laxiflora bark and leaves, Mitragyna inermis bark, Terminalia laxiflora leaves and Mitragyna inermis leaves, respectively. Presentation of the presence of these important nutrients would be a guide to zoo managers and wildlife practitioners on the best quality of feeds to select for wild elephants.

Effect of graded levels of Awara (A soy-food) waste on feed intake, growth performance, and carcass yield of broiler chickens

Large quantity of Awara waste (or residue) is generated in most parts of Nigeria year round and little or no economic importance attached to it. This study was designed to determine the effect of graded levels of Awara waste (AW) on feed intake, growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens. Four hundred kilogram (400 kg) AW was collected and allowed to dry under a shade and milled. It was incorporated into 5 isonitrogenous and isocaloric starter and finisher diets (designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) in which the content of soybean meal was substituted with Awara waste by 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% respectively. Two hundred day-old broiler chickens of ROSS 308 strain were used. They were randomly distributed into the five dietary treatments. Each treatment had 40 birds with 4 replicates of 10 birds each. The design used was completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. Required management practices were strictly observed. The experiment lasted 42 days. Birds fed 0% and 5% AW significantly (p<0.05) had highest final weight, total weight gain and daily weight gains; low daily feed intake and total feed intake; and had best feed conversion ratio followed by those fed 10% in most cases while those fed 15% and 20% had lowest growth indices and feed intake as well as poorest feed conversion ratio. Similarly, the birds fed 0% and 5% AW significantly (p<0.05) had highest dressed weight followed by those fed 10% while those fed 15% and 20% again had lowest. The entire cut parts and organs’ weights were not significantly different (p>0.05) by the treatments. Also, the proximate composition of the experimental diets was significantly similar (p>0.05) among treatments. The contents of protein, ether extract and nitrogen free extract in the faeces increased with increased AW in the diets. Treatments T3, T4 and T5 had higher protein, ether extract and nitrogen free extract in the faeces while T1 and T2 had lower. Birds fed T1 and T2 had higher digestibility while those fed T3, T4 and T5 had lower. It can be concluded that soybean meal can be substituted with AW by 5% without deleterious effect on feed intake, growth performance and carcass yield of broiler chickens.

Proximate analysis of selected agricultural waste for their nutritional potential

Background: Global food insecurity is worsening as a result of the speedily expanding human population and this is taking a huge toll on the availability of feed for livestock. Alternative food sources are urgently required as livestock feeds to reduce the stern food competition between man and livestock. Agricultural waste may be able to provide cost-effective sources of nutrients. Aim: The study determines the proximate properties of agricultural waste for their possible use as raw material for animal feed. Material and methods: Consequently, 10 samples of agricultural waste were collected from locations in Edo state where the plants are cultivated in commercial quantities. Proximate analysis was performed on the samples using standard protocols to evaluate their nutritive potentials for utilization as feedstuffs for livestock feeds. The proximate properties of the agricultural waste were compared with plantain flesh (PF Auchi and PF Benin). Results: Significant variations exist among the samples (p < 0.05) with respect to their fat, protein, nitrogen free extract (NFE) and dietary fiber content. The following samples had highest proximate values; corn cob (moisture content at 17.38%), PP Usen (ash content at 7.58%), PP Benin (fat content at 7.20%), CHI Usen (fiber content at 12.70%), PP Auchi (protein content at 19.83%) and PF Benin (Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) at 73.43%). Plantain peels had the closest proximate properties to plantain flesh. Conclusion: The results from the analysis show that the proximate properties of the wastes compare favorably with plantain flesh and will be suitable for livestock feeds production. The production of livestock feed from agricultural waste would also serve as an effective and attractive method to manage the waste. Keywords: livestock, agricultural waste, nutrient, feeds.

Nutritional composition, antioxidant activity and gossypol level of Nazilli glandless cottonseed, cottonseed kernel and their cold-pressed meal

BackgroundThe study was conducted to determine the nutrient composition and gossypol levels of glandless cottonseed (GCS), glandless cottonseed kernel (GCSK) glandless cottonseed meal (GCSM) and cottonseed kernel meal (GCSKM) obtained by cold pressing of cotton seeds and kernels (Glandless Nazilli variety) as a raw material of compound feed industry.ResultFeed and dry matter (DM)-based nutrient analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in DM, OM (organic matter), CP (crude protein), EE (ether extract), ash and NFE (nitrogen-free extract) contents between GCS and GCSK. The DM-based K, P, S, Mg, Ca, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn and Al contents were significantly different (p < 0.05) between GCS and GCSK. The concentrations of nonessential heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Ni and Al) in GCS, GCSK, GCSM and GCSKM samples were below the permissible limits. The linoleic acid (C18:2; ω6) was the main component (55.55%) among the 20 fatty acids identified in GCS oil. The level of unsaturated fatty acids (70.78%) was higher than that of saturated fatty acids (29.22%). Total phenolics concentrations of GCS, GCSK, GCSM and GCSKM samples were 7.87, 2.18, 5.86 and 1.91 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g, respectively. Free and total gossypol levels of GCS and GCSK were 294 and 440, and 521 and 706 mg/kg, respectively.ConclusionThe results revealed that nutritional properties of Nazilli GCS with low gossypol and high linoleic acid content were relatively higher compared to the other meals investigated. The antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds, albeit at low levels in Nazilli GCS and GCSM, may contribute to animal health and production efficiency when used in animal rations.

Fiber and ash content of fermented palm oil fronds using liquid organic supplements as potential feed ingredients for ruminant

Inadequate feed causes low productivity of livestock, which is indicated by a slow rate of development and low body weight. Alternative non-conventional feed ingredients derived from oil palm waste have shown the potential to be used as livestock feed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the fiber and ash content of palm fronds fermented with liquid organic supplements. The waste raw material was obtained after grinding the palm fronds and followed by a fermentation process using liquid organic supplements. This process was continued with fiber and ash analysis at the Laboratory of Nutrition Science and Feed Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University. A complete randomized design was employed with four treatments using liquid organic supplements at levels of 0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%, with four replications. The measured parameters were water content, crude fiber, ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE). The results showed that the addition of liquid organic supplements had no significant effect (P0.05) on the levels of crude fiber, ash, NFE, and water content. Among all treatments, the results were observed in the P3 treatment (8%) which had the lowest crude fiber content and ash content, namely 22 ± 0.589 and 3.72 ± 0.112, as well as had the highest NFE and water content of 78.15 ± 0.501 and 57.9 ± 0.304, respectively. This indicated that the use of liquid organic supplements had the potential to improve the quality of oil palm midrib fiber and positively impact animal feed.

Growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens on diets containing Keratinase-treated and untreated feather meal-based diets

ABSTRACT We evaluated the growth performance and meat quality parameters of broiler chickens fed keratinase-treated and untreated feather meal-based diets using Ross 308 chicks. Seven treatments were used: birds in treatment 1 were not given any feather meal-based diets. Treatment 2–4 birds were fed 8%, 16% and 24% untreated feather meal-based diets, while treatment 5–7 birds were fed 8%, 16% and 24% keratinase-treated feather meal-based diets. Performance parameters and cost-benefit analysis were carried out. The use of keratinase improved the ash and nitrogen-free extract contents of the feather meal. One-way analysis of variance revealed differences (P < 0.05) in the growth performance parameters, carcass characteristics and meat minerals with the exception of Phosphorus. Organoleptic parameters were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the treatments except appearance and flavour. Our study revealed that, feather meal-based diets could be used as a protein source in broiler chickens nutrition up to 24%.

Effects of feed, carbohydrate addition and stocking density on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) production

Shrimp culture rearing systems are dynamic with numerous processes influencing system performance. This research investigated the effects of stocking density, feeding level and C:N ratio on shrimp production, water quality and microbial community composition in a biofloc shrimp rearing system, using a 3 × 3 factorial design. Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were stocked at 27, 120, or 300 individual m−3 and fed 100, 80 or 60% of the recommended daily feed ration. For each combination of stocking density and feeding level, C:N ratios of 7.4, 12 or 16 were created by feeding a mixture of casava and rice bran besides the daily pelleted feed input to culture tanks. After 12 weeks of culture, the harvested shrimp biomass was the highest in the rearing tanks with the highest stocking density, feeding level and C:N ratio (P < 0.05), while the individual shrimp size at harvest decreased with increasing stocking density (P < 0.05). Biofloc biomass (e.g. total suspended solids TSS, volatile suspended solids VSS) and, to a lesser degree, water quality (total ammonia nitrogen TAN, NO2-N) were affected by 2 and 3-way interactions of the main tested factors. The ash, protein, fat and nitrogen free extract (NFE) content in biofloc were affected by stocking density (P < 0.05), and ash and NFE content by C:N ratio (P < 0.05). Regarding the microbial community composition in the biofloc at the highest stocking density, increasing feeding level and C:N ratio led to an increasing microbial richness and diversity (P < 0.05) as a result of nutrient input. Overall, the shrimp production and biofloc biomass were influenced in a similar way by the stocking density, feeding level and C:N ratio applied in the biofloc system. Future research should focus on how the type of carbohydrates and methods of administration affect shrimp growth and biofloc formation, and how this may promote health benefits through the microbial community manipulation.

Effect of Irrigation, Nitrogen Fertilization and Amino Acid Biostimulant on Proximate Composition and Energy Value of Pisum sativum L. Seeds

The study investigated the impact of biological and agricultural conditions on the chemical composition and energy value of pea seeds for poultry feed. In the experiment, the species assessed was pea (Pisum sativum L.), a determinate form, cultivar (cv.) Cysterski. During the field experiment, the response of peas to the following experimental factors was assessed: first factor—irrigation (yes, no), second factor—nitrogen fertilization (0, 20 and 40 kg N·ha−1), third factor—amino acid biostimulant (yes, no). In both years of experiments, representative seed samples were collected, in which the chemical composition was assessed for the content of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and nitrogen free extract. Additionally, in order to assess the suitability of the evaluated pea seeds as poultry feed, the energy value expressed in the form of apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) was estimated. The protein content in pea seeds increased after the application of the biostimulant, both with and without irrigation. Statistically significant differences in the crude fiber content in pea seeds were found under the influence of the interaction of irrigation and nitrogen fertilization. The use of the biostimulant significantly increased the energy value of pea seeds.

Quality Assessment of Dried Striped Dwarf Catfish, Mystus vittatus in the North-Eastern Region of Bangladesh

Dried fish is a popular and in-demand fish food item in Bangladesh, and it is regarded to be the most cost-effective form of nutritional protein, which helps to alleviate malnutrition among the disadvantaged people. A consumer survey reported a slew of concerns regarding the physical, visual, and organoleptic aspects of market available sun-dried fish. The current study evaluated the organoleptic, nutritional, and microbiological quality of dried striped dwarf catfish, Mystus vittatus, which is one of the most popular dried fish in Bangladesh. To highlight the quality disparities among the samples, an experimental sample was made in the laboratory with the utmost hygiene and sanitation. Experimental samples had the highest features score than marketed ones, according to organoleptic analysis. Except for moisture and ash content, the experimental sample had greater mean lipid, protein, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free-extract (NFE) values. The mean (±SD) moisture content of the experimental, drying yard and market sample were 19.82±1.7, 21.44±2.7 and 24.3±1.4%; lipid content were 12.30±2.12, 10.54±1.76 and 9.04±2.41%; protein content were 43.01±.10, 41.74±.79 and 39.67±3.18%; ash content were 16.11±1.70, 17.91±3.70 and 20.77±3.24%; crude fiber content were 1.78±.08, 1.56±.08 and 1.54±.13% and NFE content were 7.01±1.08, 6.80±.77 and 4.67±1.01%, respectively. The mean Total Plate Count (TPC) of dried M. vittatus from the experiment, drying yard, and market samples, respectively, was 4.51±0.11, 5.33±0.25, and 6.39±0.18 log cfu g-1. The results show that commercially manufactured dried striped dwarf catfish has low organoleptic, nutritional, and microbiological quality. Commercially manufactured dried fish requires improved hygiene and good manufacturing practices (GMPs) to ensure consumer safety and health.

Development and quality evaluation of low calorie cake and biscuit prepared with jackfruit seed flour

Cake and biscuits are the most consumed bakery products all over the world due to their nature, affordable cost and availability in different varieties. As high ratio bakery products contain high calories, the challenge is to find new sources that will reduce calorie content as well as add to the nutrition of the products. In our study we made composite jackfruit seed flour (JSF) to formulate low calorie cakes and biscuits. Each of the products was prepared with 10%, 20% and 30% JSF and compared the calorific value and proximate component of the products with control (without JSF). The crude fiber, crude protein, ash and nitrogen free extract (NFE) content of cake samples significantly increased with the addition of JSF where 30% JSF blended cake had the highest value at these proximate component as 2.06%, 8.65%, 1.69% and 47.9%, respectively and control cake had the lowest value as 0.15%, 8.4%, 1.44% and 46.6%, respectively. The calorie content, crude fat and moisture content were found to be gradually lowered in JSF treated cake samples and the lowest value was found in 30% JSF blended cake sample as 4.23 Kcal/g, 9.27% and 30.35%, respectively where as the control cake sample had 4.87 Kcal/g, 10.86% and 33.25% respectively. In the case of biscuits, the calorific value was found lower in 20% JSF blended cake (4.21 Kcal/g) compared to the control cake (4.39 Kcal/g). The moisture, protein and fat content were found lower in JSF treated biscuit samples where the lowest value found in the 30% blend at 2.83%, 10.85% and 12.19% compared to control biscuit as 3.16%, 11.2% and 12.57%, respectively. All the proximate components statistically varied (p C3&gt; C2&gt; C0 (cake) and B1&gt; B2&gt; B3&gt; B0 (biscuit).

Phytochemical, Proximate and Mineral Composition, Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Properties Evaluation and Comparison of Mistletoe Leaves from Moringa and Kolanut Trees

This study evaluates the chemical properties of mistletoe leaves powder from moringa trees (MLPM) and mistletoe leaves powder from kola nut trees (MLPK). The MLPM and MLPK were subjected to phytochemical analysis, vitamin A determination, lipid peroxidation inhibition activity, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) analysis, proximate and mineral composition analysis, alpha-amylase inhibitory activity and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. Total phenol, steroids, and tannins concentrations were higher in MLPK than in MLPM; steroids was higher in MLPK than in MLPM; whereas total flavonoids and saponins concentrations, were equivalents. MLPK had greater vitamin A concentrations and DPPH than MLPM. The lipid peroxidation inhibition of MLPM and MLPK did not differ significantly. MLPM had higher moisture, crude fibre, and ash content than MLPK. Furthermore, MLPK had larger fat, crude protein, and nitrogen-free extract contents than MLPM. The MLPM and MLPK have similar Zn (0.9 vs. 1.3 mg/kg), Ca (20.1 vs. 13.1 mg/kg), Mg (66.1 vs. 70.2 mg/kg), and P (185.8 vs. 183.5 mg/kg) contents. The alpha-amylase inhibitory action of MLPM (40.40%) and MLPK (35.07%) were similar. MLPK (44.37%), on the other hand, has a stronger alpha-glucose inhibitory action than MLPM (32.47%). Finally, phenol, steroids, tannins, and steroids varied between MLPM and MLPK, with phenol, steroids, and tannins being greater in MLPK. The MLPM had higher vitamin A concentrations and antioxidant activity than MLPK. The MLPM and MLPK inhibited alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase activity.

Chemical Compositions of Leaf Protein Concentrate and Bagasse of Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) Leaves obtained from three Different Locations in Benin City, Nigeria

To optimize food and feed production in Nigeria and meet protein demands, viable options need to be explored. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the chemical composition of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Freshly harvested Pride of Barbados leaves were obtained from three different locations in Benin City and processed for its leaf protein concentrate and bagasse using heat coagulated method. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse were analysed for proximate and mineral compositions using standard analytical procedures. Proximate analysis revealed that the dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, ash, and nitrogen free extract contents of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrates were 91.17%, 31.12%, 8.33%, 7.92%, 8.2%, and 35.3%, respectively. Pride of Barbados bagasse had a lower crude protein (9.22%) but higher fibre content (10.72%) compared to those of Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate. Na, K, Ca, and Mg were the most abundant minerals in Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Chromium was very low in the leaf protein concentrate and bagasse. Proximate compositions were significantly (p&lt;0.05) affected by location. Pride of Barbados leaf protein concentrate and bagasse can be used as livestock feed ingredient.

Effect of Dietary Meat Content on Weight Gain, Mortality, and Pre-Pupal Rate in Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae.

Simple SummaryRecently, using insects to process food waste has attracted much attention from researchers. In this study, we investigated the extent to which meat can be included in the diets of immature black soldier flies. Based on our results, it was found that the meat content should be less than 80%. In addition, previous studies have shown that the protein and fat content of immature black soldier fly diets are important for growth and survival. However, it became clear in the present study that it is necessary to pay more attention to the nitrogen-free extract content of a diet than to the protein and fat content.This study aimed to determine the protein content and the ratio of meat that can be added to the diet of black soldier fly (BSF) larvae for the sustainable recycling of food waste using insects. We conducted experiments feeding refined diets to BSF larvae with adjusted protein content and diets with minced pork, and analyzed the correlations between dietary nutrients and larval weight gain, mortality, and pre-pupal rate. The nutrient that was positively correlated with increased larval body weight and pre-pupal rate in both experiments was nitrogen-free extract (NFE). Diets with high concentrations of minced pork showed higher mortality of BSF larvae and were negatively correlated with dietary NFE content. It has been suggested that BSF larvae have reduced body weight and survival due to excessive protein and fat in their diet. Depending on the raw material and ratio of food waste, it may be necessary to adjust dietary protein and fat contents before treatment. The results of this study suggest that the NFE content of a larval diet influences the larval weight gain, mortality, and pre-pupal rate of BSF larvae in a great extent, a finding that has not been reported by previous studies.

Dietary Inclusion of Citrullus lanatus Seed in Fish Feed: Proximate Analysis, Growth Performance and Feed Utilization in Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings

One of the factors militating against fish farming in Nigeria have been lack of adequate feed that are formulated to meet the nutrient requirement of culturable fish species. To this end, the study on dietary inclusion of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed in fish feed: the proximate analysis, determination of growth performance and feed utilization in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was carried out between August and October 2019. The proximate analysis and economic viability were determined according to standard methods. The experimental diet was set up across varying proportions: 0% as the control, 15%, 20%, 25% and 36% inclusion levels respectively. The result of the proximate analysis for the experimental diets showed that diet 3 (20.00% inclusion) had the highest crude protein content; lipid level was highest in diet 4 (25% inclusion); while diet 1 (control) had the highest dry matter, ash and nitrogen free extract contents. The result of the experiment showed that 36% watermelon seed inclusion yielded the highest growth performance and feed utilization in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. However, there was no significant difference (P &gt; 0.05) in relation to inclusion percentages of watermelon seed on growth performance in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. In conclusion, relatively high proportion of watermelon seed inclusion in fish feed formulation is hereby recommended in order to improve growth performance and feed utilization in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings.

A Nutritional Comparison Study of Three Oaks Species Grown in Gara Mountains

The preferred livelihood assets for meat and nutritious milk in thousands villages of Kurdistan rejoin/Iraq are sheep and goats. They generally rely on free roaming in rangeland during the growing seasons. In order to maintain their livestock during the scarcity of forages at winter seasons, the leaves and twigs of (Quercus aegilops, Q. infectoria and Q. libani) are harvested and dried as (dry leaf faggots) at autumn season to use as major substitute of feed. This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional values of those three oaks species’ leaves at the same time of collecting period. Gara Mountains were chosen due to the wide presence of all three species. Leaves samples were collected at late September 2015 at elevation about 1250 MASL. The results have shown differences in chemical composition. Q. libani recorded higher content of dry matter (DM), ash and crude protein (CP), and lower content of crud fiber (CF). Higher content of ether extract (EE) was recorded in both Q. aegilops and Q. libani. The higher content of nitrogen free extract (NFE) and potassium (K) were recorded in Q. infectoria. While Q. aegilops recorded higher (CF) content. All Quercus species can be used as alternative feed substitute for small ruminant especially with some additives (such as salt, vitamin, and water), but more nutritive value was Q. libani then Q. infectoria followed by Q. aegilops. Therefore, the priority should be for Q. libani in foremost followed by Q. infectoria when dry leaves faggot were made.

Different Aspergillus niger Strains and Inoculum Levels Affect the Nutritional Composition of Olive Leaves in Solid-state Fermentation

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Aspergillus niger strain and inoculum level on the nutritional composition of olive leaves. The experiment had a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments with two A. niger strains (ATCC 200345 [A] and ATCC 9142 [B]) and three inoculum levels (104, 106, and 108). Olive leaves were milled to 2 mm and fermented in solid-state by two different A. niger strains and analysed for nutritional composition. Crude protein (CP) was increased linearly as the inoculum level increased. Ether extract (EE) and crude fiber (CF) were decreased linearly in A strain or quadratically in B strain with increased inoculum levels. Crude ash and nitrogen-free extract content did not differ among groups. Strain A increased neutral detergent fiber (NDF) at higher inoculum level, whereas NDF was decreased as inoculum level increased in B strain. The lowest acid detergent fiber (ADF) was obtained from the B strain or 106 inoculum level. The results showed that the effect of two strains on CP and ADF changed similarly with increased inoculum levels. However, two strains affected EE, CF, and NDF content differently with increased inoculum levels. The optimal situations were 108 inoculum level for higher CP, A104 or B104 for higher EE, B106 for lower CF, B106 or B108 for lower NDF, 106 inoculum level or B strain for lower ADF. B strain at 106 inoculation level can be preferred to obtain an average CP and EE content and lower CF, NDF, and ADF content.

Association of saponin concentration, molecular markers, and biochemical factors with enhancing resistance to alfalfa seedling damping-off

Fifteen alfalfa populations were tested for resistance to the seedling damping-off disease sourced by Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium solani, and Macrophomina phaseolina. In a laboratory experiment, saponin treatment significantly diminished the mycelial growth of the causal fungi of alfalfa damping-off disease. Roots of the fifteen alfalfa populations varied in saponin and lignin content. Selection for the considerably resistant plants leads to the best growth performance, desirable yield, and high nutritive values such as crude protein (CP), crude fier (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE), ash, and ether extract (EE) contents. For the PCR reaction, 10 SSR pairs of the JESPR series primers and the cDNA-SCoT technique with seven primers were used. SSR and SCoT revealed some unique markers that could be linked to resistance to damping-off disease in alfalfa that appeared in the considerably resistant alfalfa population (the promised pop.). SSR and SCoT markers can be an excellent molecular method for judging genetic diversity and germplasm classification in tetraploid alfalfa. We recommend breeding for saponin concentration in the alfalfa plant may affect resistance to some diseases like root rot and damping-off because saponin might improve plant growth, yield, and nutritional values.