Nitrogen Free Extract Research Articles

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.

Structural and functional investigations of wall material extracted from banana peels

ABSTRACT The core objective of the current study was to extract heteroxylans from banana peel. Firstly, banana peels were dried to make fine powder, and their nutritional profile including moisture, crude fat, crude ash, crude protein, crude fiber, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) was noted. Secondly, the heteroxylans were extracted from banana peels, and their bioactive profile was assessed, including total phenols and flavonoids contents, and their activity was assessed through commonly used antioxidant assays including DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS+. Heteroxylans were extracted through alkali extraction method, and their structural characterization was assessed through XRD and FTIR. The results showed that moisture content in banana peels were 60.73 ± 0.85% and 15.77 ± 0.33% in air dried and grounded banana peels, respectively, crude fat 3.94 ± 0.10%, crude protein 6.06 ± 0.15%, and NFE 48.13 ± 0.32%. The total dietary fiber of banana peel powder was 45.3 ± 0.45%, insoluble dietary fiber 34.23 ± 0.30%, and soluble dietary fiber 15.63 ± 0.25%. The bioactive profile of heteroxylans content in banana peels include TPC (19.83 ± 1.10 mg GAE/g), TFC (22.73 ± 0.90 mg QE/g), DPPH (40.73 ± 0.80 mg TE/g), FRAP (39.63 ± 0.73 mg TE/g), and ABTS+ (83.43 ± 0.70 (mg TE/g). The yield of extracted heteroxylans was 9.95 ± 0.17 g/100 g. Further, the structural characterization through XRD showed the amorphous nature of banana peels heteroxylans, and FTIR showed the typical spectra in which different functional groups were observed. Conclusively, the current study showed that banana peels’ heteroxylans has unique nutritional, bioactive, and structural profile and can be utilized for various industrial purposes to enhance technological and nutritional properties using as food additive and way toward the sustainability

Effects of heat stress and high dietary antioxidant supplementation on the ileal digestibility of nutrients and certain minerals in pigs

Heat stress (HS) can impair the pigs' intestinal integrity, jeopardizing nutrient and mineral digestibility. Our study aimed to investigate HSs' impact on the ileal digestibility of nutrients and minerals in pigs and whether high dietary antioxidants (vitamins C and E, and micro-minerals Se and Zn) supplementation can improve their digestibility. A total of 24 Danbred barrows weighing 65.1 ± 2.81kg were distributed into four different groups, which were placed in thermo-neutral (TN) (19.5 ± 0.9°C, RH- 85.9±7.3%) and HS (28.9 ± 0.9°C, RH- 60.4 ± 4.3%) condition and fed with their respective dietary treatment. Pigs in the TN room only received the basal feed (B) (TC), and in the HS room, B (HC), elevated 1 (elevated dietary antioxidants) (HT1), and elevated 2 (dietary antioxidants doubled) (HT2) diets were given in ad libitum. Pigs were euthanized at the end of the trial for the collection of digesta from the ileum. Nutrient (crude protein (CP), fat, fiber, ash, organic matter, and nitrogen free extract (NFE)) and mineral (Ca, P, Zn, Se, and Na) content were measured from diets and digesta. Aside from crude ash (P < 0.05), HS did not significantly affect the ileal digestibility of other nutrients and minerals in pigs (P > 0.05). However, pigs fed the elevated 1 diet (HT1) had significantly greater digestibility (P < 0.05) of CP, crude ash, Zn, Se, and Na than HC. Further increase in vitamin and micro-mineral supplementation (HT2) did not improve the pigs' ileal digestibility of the measured nutrients and minerals. In conclusion, pigs can be resilient to HS adverse effects on the parameters studied. Antioxidant-fortified diet at elevated 1 level could improve pigs' nutrient and mineral digestibility under the HS challenge.

Effects of Dietary Supplementation of Vitex doniana (Black Plum) Leaf Meal on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Carcass Traits, and Relative Organ Weights of Broiler Chickens

Introduction: Evaluation of using plants, such as Vitex doniana leaf meal as an alternative feed resource in broiler diets decreases the feed costs. The current study examined how air-dried Vitex doniana, Black Plum Leaf Meal (BPLM) could affect broiler chicken growth performance, hematological parameters and serum biochemical indices, carcass yield, and relative organ weights.
 Materials and methods: In a completely randomized design, 54 Arbor Acre broiler chicks aged 28 days old were allocated to two treatments. Each group included 27 chickens with three replicates (nine chickens per replication). The chickens were fed two diets, including basal diet (control) and basal diet with 5% dry matter BPLM for two weeks. 
 Results: The results of the nutrient composition of BPLM revealed 17.16% crude protein, 11.10% crude fiber, 1.70% ether extract, 7.10% ash, 39.0% nitrogen-free extract, 2413 metabolizable energy (kcal), 1.34% calcium, and 0.06% phosphorus. As a rich source of phytic acids, BPLM contains (14.69 mg/100g), tannins (3.23 mg/100 g), and oxalates (20 mg/100 g). The results showed that chickens fed a 5% BPLM-supplemented diet had lower feed intake but improved growth performance compared to the control. There was no significant difference in hematological and serum biochemical indices, carcass traits, cut-up parts, and relative organ weights.
 Conclusion: Incorporating BPLM into a finisher broiler diet decreases feed intake but improves growth performance. In addition, the results showed no effect on hematological and biochemical parameters or relative organ weights in chickens supplemented with BPLM.

Nutrient Composition, Physicobiochemical Analyses, Oxidative Stability and Antinutritional Assessment of Abundant Tropical Seaweeds from the Arabian Sea.

Foods enriched with nutritional compounds and biological activities, especially antioxidants, are considered healthier for human and/or animal consumption. Seaweeds are rich sources of biologically active metabolites and are used as functional foods. In this study, proximate compositions, physicobiochemical characteristics and oil oxidative stability were analyzed for 15 abundant tropical seaweeds (four green-Acrosiphonia orientalis, Caulerpa scalpelliformis, Ulva fasciata, Ulva lactuca; six brown-Iyengaria stellata, Lobophora variegate, Padina boergesenii, Sargassum linearifolium, Spatoglossum asperum, Stoechospermum marginatum; and five red-Amphiroa anceps, Grateloupia indica, Halymenia porphyriformis, Scinaia carnosa, Solieria chordalis). All seaweeds were analyzed for the proximate composition, including moisture content, ash content, total sugar content, total proteins, total lipids, crude fiber, carotenoid content, total chlorophyll content, proline, iodine content, nitrogen-free extract, total phenolic content and total flavonoid content. Green seaweeds showed higher nutritional proximate composition, followed by brown and red seaweeds. Among the different seaweeds, Ulva, Caulerpa, Sargassum, Spatoglossum and Amphiroa showed high nutritional proximate composition compared to other seaweeds. High cation scavenging, free radical scavenging and total reducing activities were observed for Acrosiphonia, Caulerpa, Ulva, Sargassum, Spatoglossum and Iyengaria. It was also observed that 15 tropical seaweeds contained negligible amounts of antinutritional compounds, including tannic acid, phytic acid, saponins, alkaloids and terpenoids. Nutritionally, green and brown seaweeds provided higher sources of energy (150-300 calories per 100 g) compared to red seaweeds (80-165 calories per 100 g). Additionally, this study also confirmed that tropical seaweeds improved the oxidative stability of food oils and, therefore, might be recommended as natural antioxidant additives. The overall results confirm that tropical seaweeds are potential sources of nutrition and antioxidants and may be explored as functional food, dietary supplementation or animal feed. Additionally, they may also be explored as food supplements for fortifying food products, as food toppings or for garnishing and seasoning foods. However, a human or animal toxicity analysis is required before any conclusive recommendation for daily food or feed intake can be made.

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.

The feasibility of Sorghum (Sorghum vulgare) fodder as poultry feed ingredients seen from growth performance, nutrient content and fiber profile of Sorghum fodder.

The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility of fodder Sorghum as poultry feed in terms of growth performance (plant height and fresh weight), nutritional quality (moisture, ash, crude protein, extract ether, crude fiber, extract material without nitrogen, and metabolic energy), and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX). The study used a completely randomized design with six treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of planting times of 24, 48, 72, 120, and 240 h and a control (0 h). The results showed that there was a significant effect (p ≤ 0.05) when planting Sorghum fodder (SGF) on growth performance and moisture, but it had no significant effect on fresh weight, ash, crude protein, extract ether, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract, energy metabolic aspects, and SEM-EDX. SGF is suitable as a feed ingredient for poultry in terms of nutrition and contains ZrO2, which functions as an antifungal.

Evaluation of raw milk quality from multipurpose cow in Jos, Nigeria

This study aimed to access the milk yield and quality of White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali cows in Jos North and South Local Government Areas of Plateau State Nigeria. A total of one hundred (100) respondents were interviewed and subsequently milk samples were collected for laboratory analysis, microbial quality assessment and milk composition. The results showed majority of the respondent were males of varying ages with 34% attaining secondary education. Moisture content, fat and nitrogen-free extracts were significant (P&lt;0.05) between the two breeds while the other parameters were not significant (P&gt;0.05). Total bacterial count (TBC) and Total coliform count (TCC) of White Fulani were higher in Jos North than south (3.8x 105 and 2.9x105) while Sokoto Gudali breeds had higher values of total bacterial counts in Jos North than Jos South. Bacillus spp, Escherichia and Webseilla aerogenes are the most dominant bacteria in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali cows’ milk. This study concludes that poor quality of cow milk results from unhygienic practices and animal husbandry at farm level which predispose famers, consumers and the public to the risk of contracting milk borne zoonotic infection and associated bacterial resistance.

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.

Is the nutritional composition of safflower oilseed meal sufficient for alternative or complementary aqua feeds-raw material?

Safflower (Carthomus tinctorius L.) is grown in many countries, even in arid regions. Due to its important nutrients, safflower has the potential to be used as raw material for the nutrition of many animals and aquaculture species. For this reason, the objective of this study is to determine crude protein, crude oil, ash, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) values, as well as amino acid, fatty acid, and mineral values, utilizing safflower meal is used instead of fish meal and soybean meal, wheat and canola meal as raw material for aquaculture feed. On a dry matter basis, the crude protein, crude oil, and NFE values were found at 19.42% ±0.32, 8.76% 0.21±, 2.84% 0.1± and 62.68% ±0.88 respectively. Safflower meal contains significant arginine, histidine, and phenylalanine levels, with C18:2 n-6 being one of the most abundant fatty acids. According to the fatty acid values examined, the total saturated fatty acid values were to be 9.79%; the total monounsaturated fatty acid values are 27.58%; total n-6 PUFA values are 61.49%; total n-3 fatty acid values are 0.55% and total n-3 HUFA values are 0.22% in safflower oilseed meal. In terms of potassium and magnesium content, similar to soybean meal and fish meal. Safflower oilseed plant meal or oil can be used as complementary raw material in both marine and freshwater fish feeds. At this point, observing the balance of essential amino acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the diets and conducting detailed studies would be effective at further closing the gap in this field.

Effect of peanut meal degraded by enzymolysis and fermentation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune function of yellow-feathered broilers

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the effect of peanut meal in vitro degraded with protease, Lactobacillus plantarum ( L. plantarum) or both on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune function of broilers. Diets contained 20% of raw peanut meal (control, CON) or degraded with protease (PPM), L. plantarum (LPM) or both (BPM), matching 4 groups of yellow-feather broiler chicks (6 replicates of 20 chicks each) from 1 to 63 d of age. Results showed that PPM, LPM and BPM increased (P < 0.001) the contents of peptides, acid-soluble protein and organic acids, but decreased (P < 0.001) nitrogen-free extract and phytate phosphorus. The PPM, LPM and BPM increased (P ≤ 0.003) feed intake, body weight gain, the digestibility of dry matter, energy, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, valine, and blood profiles of IgA, IgG and B lymphocytes. The BPM showed more pronounced (P < 0.05) effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and immune parameters than CON and LPM. It is concluded that peanut meal in vitro degraded by enzymolysis and fermentation can improve the nutritional properties and the application as feed for broilers.

Effects of resistant starch on anti-obesity status and nutrient digestibility in dogs.

This study investigated the effects of corn resistant starch (RS) on the anti-obesity properties, nutrient digestibility, and blood parameters in healthy beagles. Four spayed and six castrated beagle dogs were divided into a control group (CON) with a diet comprising rice and chicken meal and a treatment group (TRT) with a diet comprising corn with an increased RS content by heating-cooling and chicken meal. All dogs in the CON and TRT groups were fed a 1.2-fold higher energy diet than the daily recommended energy requirement for 16 weeks. Throughout the study period, the body weight of dogs in CON increased, whereas no change in body weight was observed in TRT, resulting in a significant difference in body weight between the two groups at the end of the experiment. Moreover, a significant reduction in the apparent total tract digestibility was observed upon the analysis of dry matter, nitrogen-free extract, and organic matter in TRT compared with that in CON. The complete blood cell composition and biochemical parameters were within the reference range in both groups. A significant increase in the concentration of serum adiponectin was found in TRT at the end of the experiment. These results suggest that the corn RS may be beneficial for weight management owing to its reduced nutrient digestibility.

Productividad y valor nutricional de frijol común con fertilización orgánica en Durango, México

Biofertilizers help to increase crop yields and nutritional quality, reducing the use of agrochemicals that affect ecosystems and human health. The objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and nutritional value of the Pinto Rarámuri variety bean, under an organic fertilization scheme in rainfed conditions in Durango, Mexico. Sowing was carried out in open fields in Villa Montemorelos, Durango, using a randomized complete block design with six treatments [manure tea (tea), sewage sludge (sludge), super lean (lean), commercial organic fertilizer (foc), chemical fertilizer (fqf) and control] five repetitions, 30 plots and five plants per plot as experimental unit. The variables were: emergence percentage, height and pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed thickness and length, weight of 100 seeds, yield, crude fiber percentage, protein, ash, fat, and nitrogen-free extract. A two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's comparison of means (p ≤ 0.05) were performed. The treatments showed statistical difference, the highest yield and weight of 100 seeds was presented by sludge, fqf and foc; while the highest number of pods and plant height was obtained by sludge and fqf. The lowest yield, pods per plant, seeds per pod and plant height were observed in control. The nutritional value presented statistical equality between treatments. The use of organic fertilization is a sustainable alternative to increase bean productivity in the state of Durango, without disturbing its nutritional quality.

Comparative analysis of the main economic and biological parameters of maize hybrids that determine their productivity

Corn kernels are characterised by the presence of all the nutrients, macro- and microelements necessary for growth and development in an easily digestible form. Considering the differentiation of soil and climatic zones of cultivation, the breeding process is designed to establish hybrids of different maturity groups. The research purposes to evaluate maize hybrids of different maturity groups for a set of economic and biological traits of productivity, high-yield stability, and further cultivation in production conditions suitable for mechanised harvesting. Methods used in the research include informational, theoretical analysis, synthesis, analogy, comparison and generalisation; research identification, and measurement. During the research, a systematic analysis was applied, considering the uniqueness of technical, productive, and economic conditions for growing hybrid corn. The research results demonstrate that to achieve successful regulation of maize hybrids productivity and improve their quality, it is necessary to select for suitability for specific soils and climatic zones, considering the biological requirements for seeds and developing effective agrotechnical means designed for processes occurring at different stages of growth and development. The seeds of corn hybrids, formed by breeding, were determined by a high nutrient content: In mid-early corn, the content of crude protein was 9.2-9.9%, crude fat – 4.2-4.4%, BER (nitrogen-free extractives) – 82.5-83.3%, starch – 71.4-73.7%; in the medium-late group, the content of crude protein ranged from 9.8-10.4%, crude fat from 4.1-4.6%, BER from 80.6-82.2%, and starch from 70.2-74.1%. The medium-early group of hybrids obtained the optimal height of 245-276 cm, the weight of 1000 seeds – 308-344 g, the ratio of node height to plant height – 0.445; the medium-ripening group respectively 296-351 cm, 318-382 g, 0.455

The sex specific differences on nutritional composition of adult wild field cricket,Brachytrupes portentosus (Lichtenstein AAH, 1796) in Bangladesh

Wild field crickets (Brachytrupes portentosus) were found to have a sex-based demand in the market of Bangladesh. This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of sex on nutritional composition ofB. portentosus. Both the male and female adultB. portentosus were found to have high nutritional value. The average weight and dry matter of female species were significantly higher compared to maleB. portentosus. On the basis of dry matter contents, the crude protein (62.1 g/100 g) and crude fibre (9.4 g/100 g) was higher in male than the protein (48.8 g/100 g dry matter; DM) and fibre (8.8 g/100 g DM) content of female species. However, crude fat content was lower in male (22.1 g/100 g DM) than female (29.9 g/100 g DM)B. portentosus. Nitrogen free extract was lower in male (2.8 g/100 g) than female (7.9 g/100 g). Consequently, the energy value was higher in female (496.6 kcal) than the male (458.3 kcal) in 100 g dry matter. High performance liquid chromatography results revealed nine essential and six non-essential amino acids found in adultB. portentosus with slight variation in males and females. Females contained all essential and non-essential amino acids in higher amount than males except for alanine, phenylalanine and threonine. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results showed that both male and femaleB. portentosus contained palmitic acid, stearic acid, palmitoleic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid. However, myristic acid was only found in adult femaleB. portentosus. The atomic absorption spectroscopy results showed higher mineral contents (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Zn and Fe) in both sexes ofB. portentosus. However, male contained higher Ca and K compared to femaleB. portentosus while Zn and Fe were almost same in both sexes.

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%.

English

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing fishmeal with black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) meal on growth performance and carcass composition of African catfish fingerlings. Five isonitrogenous (40% CP) diets of 0 (Control), 25, 50, 75 and 100% fishmeal with BSFL were used in triplicate. A randomized complete block design was used, and 600 fingerlings (0.46&plusmn;0.02g) were randomly selected and stocked at a rate of 40 fingerlings in 15 plastic tanks respectively. Results showed that the treatment diets significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected growth indexes, feed utilisation indices, and carcass composition of fish. Furthermore, 25% fishmeal could be replaced by BSFL meal without significantly reducing growth indexes and feed utilisation indices. However, water quality and condition factors between treatments were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) affected by the diets. Decreased concentration of crude protein, ash, nitrogen free extracts in carcass composition of fingerlings with corresponding increase in dietary BSFL meal inclusion was observed. Increasing inclusion levels of BSFL meal and decreasing levels of fishmeal increased the concentration of ether extracts and fibre contents of the body composition. Therefore, BSFL meal protein can be used to partially replace fish meal up to 25% to improve growth performance and feed utilisation. Key words: Feed utilization, fishmeal, indices, insect meal, proximate analysis.

Comparative evaluation of nutritive value of maize stover treated with chopped and mineralized groundnut and soybean stover

This study assessed the value of upgrading the quality of crop residues. The study involved improvement of quality of maize stover with urea, groundnut powder, soybean powder, mineralized groundnut solution and mineralized soybean solution. The nutritional value of the ground groundnut, ground soybean, mineralized groundnut solution, mineralized soybean solution, and the feeds improved with the ground legume stover and the solutions were assessed for nutritive value using laboratory proximate chemical analysis procedures. The stover were chopped before being mixed with urea, ground stover or the solutions and then offered to animals. Effect of upgrading maize stover with selected legumes was studied for nutritive value by proximate analysis. Five(5) samples of each feeding material were subjected to proximate analysis to determine their nutritive value in terms of crude protein (CP), gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE) and nitrogen free extractives (NFE), crude fibre(CF) using the AOAC methods of 2016. Samples were also evaluated for neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), using the Van Soest and Moore Method of 1991 calcium (Ca) using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS-2016) and direct determination of phosphorus by Atomic Absorption Flame Spectrometry (AAFS-2017).

Comparative nutritional evaluation of the leaves of selected plants from the Poaceae family (bamboos and grasses) for sustainable livestock production in Ghana

BackgroundSustainable animal feeding is essential for reducing poverty among Ghanaian smallholder livestock farmers. However, seasonality has a severe impact on the availability and quality of conventional animal feedstuffs, necessitating alternate feed sources.ObjectiveThis study evaluated and compared the nutritional characteristics of the leaves of three bamboo species namely; Bambusa balcooa (Beema), Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro and Bambusa vulgaris; and three conventional types of grass, namely; Cenchrus purpureus, Megathyrsus maximus, and Brachiaria decumbens.Materials and methodsThe plant biomasses were subjected to the standard analytical procedures of proximate and detergent fiber systems to highlight their dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extract (EE), ash, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL). Other nutritional characteristics were estimated using the chemical compositions.Statistical analysisData was analyzed using Generalized Linear Model procedures in Minitab Statistical Software at a 5% significant level.ResultsResults showed a significantly (P &amp;lt; 0.05) higher DM (~918 g/kgDM), CP (~153 g/kgDM), and EE (~153 g/kgDM) in B. vulgaris leaves. O. abyssinica leaves had the maximum ash (~139 g/kgDM) while those of M. maximus had the highest carbohydrate (~709 g/kgDM) and CF (~492 g/kgDM). Compared to the grasses, the bamboo had a higher pool of DM (~910 vs. 836 g/kgDM), CP (~133 vs. 75 g/kgDM), EE (~137 vs. 82 g/kgDM), ash (~134 vs. 89 g/kgDM), hemicellulose (~79 vs. 28 g/kgDM), dry matter intake (~25 vs. 24%), digestible dry matter (~58 vs. 53%), and relative feed value (~111 vs. 105). In contrast, the grasses had higher mean ADF (~461 vs. 402 g/kgDM), cellulose (~417 vs. 397 g/kgDM), and ADL (~5 vs. 0.4 g/kgDM).ConclusionThe study suggests that bamboo leaves could have high nutritional characteristics to supplement or even replace conventional grasses and other crop residues in the diets of ruminants, especially during the dry season.

Nutritional and Physiological Responses of Sudan Desert Sheep and Nubian Goats to Water Restriction

This study was conducted to compare the nutrient utilization,concentration of some rumen metabolites, blood urea nitrogen and somephysiological responses to water restriction in Sudan desert sheep andNubian goats. Three yearling uncastrated intact males from each species,averaging 18.37 kg (for sheep) and 13.21 kg (for goats), were randomlyallotted to four treatments in a completely randomized block design witha 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects ofanimal species and water restriction. Both species were offered either adlibitum feed and water or water restricted to 50% of ad libitum level withad libitum feed. Animal species resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.01) increasein dry matter intake, water intake, faecal dry matter and respiration rateand a decrease (P&lt;0.01) in water intake: dry matter intake ratio in sheepcompared with goats. Sheep showed also higher (P&lt;0.05) urine volumevalue than goats. Rectal temperature was not affected by animal species.Dry matter intake, faecal dry matter and urine volume decreasedinsignificantly with water restriction. However, water intake and waterintake: dry matter intake ratio decreased significantly (P&lt;0.01) withtreatment. Rectal temperature and respiration rate values were almostsimilar at the two levels of water intake. Species x treatment interactionshowed a significant (P&lt;0.01) increase in water intake in sheep comparedwith goats given water ad libitum. Water intake, however, decreased inboth species as a result of water restriction. Animal species induced asignificant effect on the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter,organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract and totaldigestible nutrients. Ether extract digestibility did not differ betweenspecies. Goats had lower digestibility coefficients and total digestiblenutrients compared with sheep. Except for ether extract digestibility, the&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; 233Sulafa M. H. Hassouna and Asim A. A. Lutfidigestibility coefficients of nutrients as well as total digestible nutrientsincreased with water restriction. Sheep had the highest nitrogen balancevalue. Nitrogen balance showed similar trend whether it is expressed as apercentage of nitrogen intake or digested nitrogen. Species x treatmentinteractions were not found for digestibility and nitrogen balance data.Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen were not affected significantly byspecies. Water restriction did not induce a significant effect on rumen pHand blood urea nitrogen. A significant species and treatment effect onblood urea nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen, respectively, was recorded.