Nutritive Value Parameters Research Articles

157 Microbial inoculant effects on limpograss silage

Abstract Warm-season perennial grasses are the main forage sources preserved as silage or haylage by livestock producers in subtropical and tropical regions; however, the nutritive value and silage fermentation parameters are often less than desirable. Microbial inoculants have been used to improve grass silage nutritive value and fermentation characteristics with inconsistent results. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of a microbial inoculant on nutritive value and fermentation parameters of ‘Gibtuck’ limpograss (Hemarthria altissima) silage. Treatments were silage treated with SiloSolve FC (68.1 billion CFU/g, Lactobacillus lactis and Lactobacillus buchneri) or control (no microbial inoculant) distributed in a complete randomized design with 10 replicates. The inoculant level used was 0.5 g/Mg of forage. The experiment was conducted in Ona, FL in May 2023. Twenty 4 × 4 m plots of established limpograss were harvested at 15-cm stubble height with 58-d regrowth interval. The forage was chopped to a particle size ranging from 10 to 18 mm, placed into mini-silos (PVC pipes with rubber), and sealed immediately. The inoculant was applied with a hand sprayer before ensiling. The silos were opened after 60 d for analysis. There was no difference (P > 0.05) between the inoculant and control treatments on DM concentration (25%), DM recovery (96%), NDF (67%), and NFC concentrations (14%); however, silage treated with inoculant had greater CP (8.5 vs. 8.0%; P = 0.03), IVTD (56 vs. 54%; P = 0.01), and NDFD (53 vs. 51%, P = 0.02) and lesser ADF concentrations (38 vs. 40%; P = 0.02) than control. The inoculant did not affect (P > 0.05) silage pH (4.2) and lactic acid concentrations (1.5%) but resulted in greater acetic acid (2.5 vs. 2.0%; P = 0.01), propionic acid (1.6 vs. 1.0%, P < 0.01), and total acid concentrations (5.6 vs. 5.0%; P = 0.04), and decreased butyric acid (0 vs. 0.2%; P < 0.01), isobutyric acid (0.1 vs. 0.4%; P < 0.01), and NH3-N concentrations (4.4 vs. 5.3% N; P < 0.01). Aerobic stability (140 h), mold (1.1 log cfu/g) and yeast (2.2 log cfu/g) count were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inoculant treatment. At the genus level, there was no difference (P > 0.05) in relative abundance of Lactobacillus (85%), Enterobacter (4.0%), Enterococcus (1.8%), and Weissella (0.2%) between inoculant and control, but silage treated with inoculant had less Clostridium (1.0 vs. 2.3%, P = 0.04), Pediococcus (0.2 vs. 0.3%, P = 0.03) and greater relative abundance of Lactococcus (2.8 vs. 0.5%, P < 0.01) and Bacillus (0.2 vs. 0.1%, P = 0.01). At the species level, the inoculant was effective to increase the relative abundance of Lactococcus lactis (from 0.02 to 0.48, P = 0.002) and Lactobacillus buchneri (from 1.4 to 1.9, P = 0.03). SiloSolve FC is a promising microbial inoculant to be used in warm-season grass silage in subtropical and tropical regions.

Assessment of the Nutrient Value and In Vitro Rumen Fermentation Characteristics of Garlic Peel, Sweet Potato Vine, and Cotton Straw

This experiment was conducted to determine the nutrient composition of three agricultural by-products, namely garlic peel, sweet potato vine, and cotton straw, calculate their relative feeding value, effective energy value, and other indexes, and comprehensively evaluate their nutrient value by combining with rumen in vitro fermentation technology, with the aim of providing data references for the development and utilization of non-conventional feed resources for ruminants. The results showed that: 1) the dry matter (DM), ash, ether extract (EE), and crude protein (CP) contents of cotton straw were significantly higher than the other two feeds (p < 0.05), while the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents of garlic peel were highly significantly higher than the others (p < 0.05); 2) the relative feed value (DMI, DDM, TDN, RFV, and RFQ) and effective energy value (GE, DE, ME, NEm, NEg, and NEL) indexes of cotton straw were significantly higher than garlic peel and sweet potato vine (p < 0.01); 3) after 48 h of in vitro fermentation, the dry matter degradation rate (IVDMD) of sweet potato vine was significantly higher than the other two feeds (p < 0.01), and the cumulative gas productions (mL) and estimated gas parameters (a, b, a + b, and c) of sweet potato vine were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those of garlic peel and cotton straw; 4) the sweet potato vine had lower pH but higher NH3-N compared to garlic peel and cotton straw (p < 0.05). The sweet potato vine had higher propionate, iso-butyrate, butyrate, iso-valerate, and total VFA than the other two roughages, which also had the lowest acetate-to-propionate ratio. Garlic peel produced the lowest acetate, while it produced the highest valerate (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that all three by-products have high potential as livestock feed based on their nutritive value parameters. Comparatively, sweet potato vines exhibit higher feeding value due to their relatively moderate NDF content and superior rumen fermentation performance.

Effect of cold plasma treatment on the quality and nutritional value of plant materials. Scoping review

Cold plasma treatment is a new technology for non-thermal processing of food products, which helps to increase the expiration date of plant foods without adversely affecting their nutritional value and organoleptic parameters. The work was aimed at analyzing studies into the effect of cold plasma treatment of plant materials on their chemical composition and secondary plant metabolites, as well as organoleptic parameters. The review includes articles published in English in 2015–2023. The search for scientific literature on this topic was conducted across Scopus and Web of Science using keywords. The studies show that the effect of cold plasma treatment on proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and organoleptic parameters of plant materials depended primarily on the exposure time, intensity, power, frequency, gas flow rate, as well as the amount and type of processed plant materials. Due to the high oxidation potential and antimicrobial activity, cold plasma technology can provide an effective way to increase the shelf life and expiration date of plant materials without adversely affecting the organoleptic parameters, physicochemical parameters, and nutritional value of the product. However, limitations exist for its widespread industrial implementation. Further studies are required to determine specific treatment parameters for different types of materials and to confirm the safety and possible toxicity of cold plasma-treated food products.

Nutritional Value and Technological Parameters of Milk From Organic and Conventional Farms in Poland

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess the nutritional value and technological parameters of milk produced in organic and conventional farming systems, taking into account the breeds of cow, feeding system, and season of production in Poland. A total of 413 milk samples were analysed, of which 220 were from Simmental cows raised on organic farms and 193 were from conventional farms, including 64 from Polish Black-and-White cows fed in a traditional system, as well as 65 from Simmental cows and 64 from Holstein-Friesian cows fed in a TMR (Total Mixed Ration) system. The milk was analysed for content of fat, protein, lactose, and urea; somatic cell count; suitability for processing (active and titratable acidity, casein content, protein-to-fat ratio, heat stability, and rennet coagulation); and content of biologically active substances (whey proteins, fatty acids, and macro- and microelements). Simmental cows from organic farms had the lowest daily milk yield, with the lowest concentrations of basic nutrients. However, it was a richer source of α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin and lysozyme and had the highest content of PUFA s. It also had a favourable protein-to-fat ratio and the shortest rennet clotting time, but it contained less Ca, Mg and Zn than milk from farms using a TMR system. The season of production had a greater influence on the composition, nutritional value and technological parameters of milk from farms using traditional feeding, including organic farms, compared to those using a TMR diet. Milk from organic farms obtained in the summer season contained more dry matter, including total protein, β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme. It was also characterised by a more preferable fatty acid profile, i.e. lower content of SFA and higher of UFA, including MUFA and PUFA . In turn, milk from the winter season contained more fat and showed better heat stability. At farms using traditional feeding regimens, both organic and conventional, the production period had a more significant impact on the differentiation of the content of mineral components in milk (mainly macroelements).

Influence of storage length on the nutritive value of baleage

AbstractHigh‐quality forages can benefit from being harvested as baleage when the environmental conditions are not favorable for dry hay production. Currently, it is recommended that baleage should be fed within 9‐months post‐harvest; however, mild winters can reduce the demand for these stored forages. Data are limited on the changes in nutritive value of baleage stored beyond the recommended timepoint. Therefore, the objective was to determine the effect of storage length on nutritive value of forage harvested and stored as baleage. This study evaluated baleage harvested from 2016 to 2018 in Tifton, GA, consisting of either bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L. Pers.), or a mixture of bermudagrass and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Baleage was sampled for nutritive value analysis at 6‐weeks and 9‐ and 12‐months post‐harvest, with a subset of bales sampled at 24 months. Regardless of forage, crude protein, total digestible nutrients, and in‐vitro dry matter digestibility at 48 h were not impacted in bales sampled up to 12‐months post‐harvest (p > 0.07). However, acid detergent fiber increased when baleage was stored beyond 6 weeks but did not change from 9 to 12 months (p < 0.01). In the subset of bales stored up to 24‐months post‐harvest, all nutritive value parameters evaluated were negatively impacted (p < 0.01). The prolonged storage period may negatively affect the baleage plastic integrity, resulting in a decline in nutritive value if anaerobic conditions are not maintained. Future research is warranted to evaluate the changes in the fermentation profile of baleage under extended storage conditions.

Innovative Applications of Tenebrio molitor Larvae in the Production of Sustainable Meat Sausages: Quality and Safety Aspects.

With the world's population continuing to grow, ensuring sustainable protein sources for everyone is becoming increasingly challenging. Despite meat being considered unsustainable, people find it challenging to abstain from consuming it. However, one solution to this dilemma could be the incorporation of mealworms into conventional meat products, i.e., sausages. The incorporation of mealworms into sausage formulations appears to shift the fatty acid profile towards higher levels of monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly omega-3s, potentially enhancing the nutritional value and offering health benefits. Therefore, our study aimed to improve the nutritional value and safety parameters of traditional sausages by enriching them with the flour of mealworm larvae. For this purpose, the larvae were reared on a sustainable substrate with brewery by-products, brewer's yeast, and carrots. They were used frozen and freeze-dried in sausage recipes, replacing pork in different proportions. The analysis of the product's chemical safety parameters (biogenic amines, nitrates and nitrites, volatile fatty acids (FA), and peroxide) and nutritional value (including collagen, cholesterol, amino acids, FA, and hydroxyproline) was carried out in an accredited laboratory. The results of our study have demonstrated that the incorporation of mealworms into sausages, particularly through freeze-drying, increased fat content and enhanced the profile of FA, including omega-3s while reducing protein and cholesterol levels, and altering collagen content, suggesting improved nutritional value and potential health benefits without compromising the safety of the product. Therefore, we are highlighting that the addition of mealworms influences the quality of amino acids positively and maintains biogenic amine levels within safe limits, alongside a negligible impact on nitrates and nitrites and a reduction in peroxide values. These findings indicate an overall improvement in sausage quality and safety without compromising safety.

Оцінка товарних кондицій помісей першого покоління антонінсько-зозуленецьких та галицьких рамчастих коропів

Purpose. To characterize age-1+ hybrids obtained from the crossing of Galician framed carp (GFC) and Antoniny-Zozulenets framed carp (AZFC) according to a set of commercial conditions in comparison with parental lines. Methodology. The objects of the study were age-1+ hybrids of the reciprocal crossing of Galician and Antoniny-Zozulenets carps grown in pond conditions of the “Karpatskyi Vodogray” LLC. The study was conducted at the end of the growing season according to methodological recommendations. The body of the experimental carp for analysis was divided into its constituent parts: scales, fillet with skin, entrails, fins and bones. In the process of work, blood was removed, its weight was attributed to the entrails. The head was separated from the carcass by breaking it off between the occipital bone and the first vertebra.Each part was weighed separately and presented as a percentage of the total body weight. Findings. The obtained results showed that the yield of the main part of the fillet with skin in crossbred groups of age-1+ carp was 48.7–52.0% and was higher compared to purebred offspring.In comparison with the original maternal line, crossbred age-1+ ♀GFC ×♂AZFC had a higher index of relative fillet weight by 3.15%, and the similar 1.6% superiority was observed in crossbreds ♀AZFC × ♂GFC. At the same time, with an increase in the average weight of age-1+ by 28.9–68.6% in the 2023 studies, the relative weight of the carcass increased by 2.4–11.0%. At the same time, the relative weight of the head decreased by 5.3-6.1%, and the relative weight of the entrails increased by 0.7-4.7%. In general, the inedible part of the studied groups of fish was in the range of 27.2–32.4%. In terms of the yield of fillets per 1 ha of fattening pond, the superiority of interbreeding groups of age-1+ was 31.5–62.7%. The obtained results indicate the expediency of their use as new highly productive commercial lines in pond farms of the Polissiya zone. Originality. For the first time, a comparative analysis of the nutritional value parameters of age-1+ carp from reciprocal crossings of Galician and Antoniny-Zozulenet framed carp and the original pure lines cultivated in the conditions of Ukrainian Polissiya was carried out. Practical value. The obtained results will complement the studies of previous years and will allow providing recommendations on the use of these hybrids for commercial cultivation in the Polissiya zone of Ukraine. Keywords: carp, weight, market conditions, edible and inedible body parts.

Spatio-temporal patterns of rangeland forage nutritive value and grazer selection with patch-burning in the US northern Great Plains

Understanding how management influences forage nutritive value and grazer selection within grazing seasons is an ongoing effort for researchers and land managers globally. We used six, 65 ha pastures managed with patch-burn grazing and stocked with either cow-calf pairs (0.45–0.5 ha • AUM−1) or gestating ewes (0.4–0.48 ha • AUM-1) to explore how patterns in rangeland forage drive grazer selection in semi-arid rangeland over four summer grazing seasons at monthly intervals. We used near-infrared spectroscopy to determine nutritive value parameters from monthly forage clippings. We evaluated livestock performance as the average daily weight gains of each animal. We used mixed-effect models and ordination to compare patch and grazer types across the time-since-fire gradient and found that time-since-fire was significant for all measured variables. Cattle and sheep consistently preferred recently burned patches throughout grazing seasons. These recently burned patches typically contained available forage with higher crude protein and moisture content, lower biomass, and lower acid detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, and neutral detergent fiber compared to intermediate time since fire patches and patches burned three years ago. Differences between patch-burn grazing with cattle and sheep were observed as additional patch contrasts for available biomass and crude protein, but grazer type and ecological site were not statistically significant factors for the nutritive value ordination. Our study indicates that patch-burn grazing is capable of imposing and maintaining heterogeneous, grazer selection, forage biomass, and nutritive value patterns desirable for heterogeneity focused land management, regardless of grazer type. These findings are especially relevant to the northern Great Plains where introduced grasses are homogenizing the structural environment of remaining rangelands. With prescribed fire currently an uncommon practice throughout the region, these findings provide a baseline of expectations for practitioners and land managers implementing patch-burn grazing and illustrate how grazing livestock can benefit from the patch contrast in forage nutritive value and biomass.

Does fall manure injection cause differential growth and forage nutritive value in small grains?

AbstractProducers utilizing fall manure injection have reported increased growth and greenness in small grains growing on the injection band compared to small grains growing between injection bands. To determine how producers utilizing fall manure injection in small grains should manage potential differential growth, 24 sites under fall manure injection were established. Soil samples were taken in‐band and between‐band 1 month after manure application and at silage harvest for soil NO3‐N. Small grain growth stage was assessed 1 month after planting and at silage harvest, while dry matter (DM) yield and forage nutritive value parameters were assessed at silage harvest. Soil NO3‐N was elevated in‐band compared to between‐band 1 month after manure application (p < 0.05); however, this did not persist until silage harvest. No differences in growth stage were observed 1 month after planting in 2021; however, growth stage means were consistently elevated in‐band in 2022, likely due to earlier planting dates in 2022 compared to 2021. Growth stage at harvest was the same in‐band and between‐band at each site. Small grain DM yield was only increased in‐band compared to between‐band in three of 24 sites. Two of the three sites planted with wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) showed significantly increased DM yield in‐band, suggesting DM yield response could be species dependent. No consistent differences in forage nutritive value parameters were observed. As no consistent differences in small grain DM yield and forage nutritive value were found at harvest, we recommend no changes to management practices for producers utilizing fall manure injection in small grains.

Evaluation of pre-plant incorporated manure and phosphorus fertilizers on alfalfa yield, nutritive value, and residual soil characteristics

Managing adequate levels of plant available P in soil is an important management practice for boosting alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) yields and nutritive value. Although several ways of supplementing P at various stages of plant growth are in practice, pre-plant application of P through various organic and inorganic nutrient sources are largely under-investigated. Therefore, a three-year study was conducted at the New Mexico State University Rex. E. Kirksey Agricultural Science Center, Tucumcari, NM USA, to investigate the impact of manure (pre-plant applied @ 22.5 Mg ha−1vs. no manure) and inorganic P sources (00-46-00 or 11-52-00) applied to soil either in one-time bulk (336 kg P2O5 ha−1 preplant incorporated) or split applications (112 kg P2O5 ha−1 preplant incorporated with an additional 112 kg P2O5 ha−1 surface-applied annually) on the yield and nutritive value of alfalfa and residual soil characteristics. Results demonstrated that pre-plant manure application had statistically no advantage in improving the alfalfa forage yield compared to control (p > 0.05), although there was strong evidence of a consistent yield increase trend in all manure treatments. Forage nutritive value parameters such as ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber), K, and Zn were significantly improved by manure supplementation. Manure application improved most soil quality parameters, especially the soil Nitrate-N, Olsen P, K, S, and Zn contents. Inorganic P fertilizer type or application strategy had no significant impact on alfalfa yield and nutritive value and soil characteristics. Most interactions (both two-way and three-way) among the tested treatments had no significant impact on the study parameters.

Suitability of Lupinus albus L. Genotypes for Organic Farming in Central Northern Bulgaria

Cultivars suitable for organic production systems differ in many aspects from those adapted to a conventional one. The present study aimed to evaluate 23 white lupine genotypes for a range of traits: stability, biomass productivity and related parameters, tolerance to Fusarium oxysporum, and nutritional forage value. The goal was to identify white lupine genotypes suitable for organic production conditions in Central Northern Bulgaria. Among the genotypes, Solnechnii, Termis Mestnii, and Tel Keram exhibited the highest dry mass productivity, surpassing 14 t/ha. Solnechnii and Termis Mestnii showed no symptoms of F. oxysporum infection but were unstable in terms of forage yield. On the other hand, the genotypes Bezimenii 1, Barde, 17 Nahrquell, and WAT showed a satisfactory level of stability. Ranking according to basic parameters of biochemical composition, energy, and protein nutritional value determined ranks 1 and 2 for Pink Mutant and Kijewskij Mutant. A genotype with a good balance and complex suitability for organic conditions, considering stability, productivity, and tolerance to F. oxysporum, was identified as Bezimenii 1. This genotype exhibited both stability and productivity while demonstrating high resistance to F. oxysporum (infestation index of 7.18%).

Soil carbon and nitrogen responses to forage cropping systems following irrigation retirement

AbstractLimited annual precipitation and increasing scarcity of irrigation water are forcing farmers in arid and semi‐arid regions to convert irrigated fields into dryland farming, yet their impacts on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fractions are not fully understood. This study evaluated changes in soil C and N fractions and forage production under four cropping systems after irrigation retirement in a semi‐arid condition. Treatments included an annual winter wheat forage (Triticum aestivum L.) (AWW), a perennial wheat (PW) forage (T. aestivum L. × Thinopyrum spp.) (PW), a mixture of native grasses (NG), and a pasture crop (PC = AWW and NG mixture). Evaluation of various soil C and N fractions, forage dry matter yield, and nutritive value parameters suggested that soil inorganic N and potentially mineralizable N (PMN) were 38%–45% and 36%–44% greater in autumn 2020 and 62%–68% and 46%–55% greater in spring 2021 under AWW and PW, respectively, than NG and PC. Soil potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC) was 58%–129% and 64%–138% greater under NG and PW than AWW and PC. The responses of other soil C and N fractions varied with soil sampling dates but not with crops or crop × sampling date interaction. Total forage dry matter yield was 4016, 7849, 12,517, and 13,869 kg ha−1 for AWW, PW, PC, and NG, respectively, and PW had the best forage nutritive value. These results suggest soil C and N mineralization could be enhanced by adopting perennial systems, including NG, PW, and PC, while PW maintains good‐quality forage production.

Morphological characteristics, dry matter yield, and nutritive value of maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum spp.) grown under different planting densities in the central highlands of Ethiopia

IntroductionMaralfalfa grass (Pennisetum spp.) is known for its high dry matter productivity and nutritive value. However, information on agronomic management practices to improve yield and nutritive value in Ethiopia is sparse.Materials and methodThe experiment consisted of 7 plant densities (33,333 [75 cm × 40 cm]; 26,667[75 cm × 50 cm]; 25,000 [100 cm × 40 cm]; 22,222 [75 cm × 60 cm]; 20,000 [100 cm × 50 cm]; 16,667 [100 cm × 60 cm]; and 13,333 [125 cm × 60 cm] plants per hectare, and arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications.ResultsThe results indicated that the year had a significant (P<0.001) effect on measured traits. Plant densities had no significant (P>0.05) effect on the number of nodes and leaves per plant, leaf length, and basal diameters. The number of tillers per plant varied significantly among plant densities only in the first year at the 1st harvest. Plant height in the first year was significantly (P<0.01) greater than in the second year.DiscussionAnnual dry matter production and annual crude protein production of Maralfalfa grass were not significantly affected by plant density. Nutritive value parameters (CP, Ash, NDF, ADF, ADL, and IVDMD) were not significantly (P > 0.05) influenced by plant density. Using a lower plant density could reduce the amount of planting material, transport, and labor costs.ConclusionHowever, further studies on Maralfalfa grass should be conducted in multi-locations of Ethiopia both under rain-fed and irrigated conditions with various agronomic practices.

Quality Production of Sainfoin Swards Challenged by Global Change in Mountain Areas in the Western Mediterranean

Legume-based livestock forage systems are widespread and socially relevant agroecosystems that are essential for delivering high-quality forage. Therefore, it is critical to determine how climate change and management might affect the functioning of forage agroecosystems. The objective of this study was to explore the potential of sainfoin swards under different management regimes by combining results from an experiment on species diversity effects on yield developed under extreme climatic conditions and a survey of sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) swards and nutritive value in mountain regions in Catalonia, Western Mediterranean. Our results show that 12–59% of the variability in forage nutritive value parameters was accounted for by management. Young cattle-grazed swards showed higher nutrition quality that decreased faster than sheep-grazed or only mown swards. Mixing sainfoin with orchardgrass increased fiber content (e.g., +22% neutral detergent fiber) and decreased protein (−26%) and lignin (−11%) compared to sainfoin monocultures. However, under the extreme climatic conditions of the last three years, the only diversity effect found on yield was the identity of the species present. We propose that a combination of different sainfoin management regimes might be beneficial regionally for both quality forage production and overall biodiversity conservation, whereas traditional systems may be vulnerable to changing climatic conditions.

Examining the Optimal Amount of Moringa Leaf Extract to Improve the Morphological and Inner Quality of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Moringa leaves contain a proper amount of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, hormones, macronutrients, and micronutrients. Therefore, it is applied as a natural, inexpensive, and simple-to-make biostimulant to boost nutritional value and growth parameters in a variety of plants. The main purpose of this study is to determine the optimal concentration of Moringa oleifera L. leaf extract (MLE) as an effective biostimulant to improve nutritional and physical quality in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). To do this, three concentrations of MLE (6, 8, and 10%) were foliar sprayed to the plant leaves at a rate of 25 mL plant−1 for every two weeks from transplantation till harvest, while control plants (Ø) were sprayed with distilled water only. Our results show that MLE greatly increased cabbage growth, nutrient content, pigment content, and nutrient absorption, while a high concentration of 10% MLE could also significantly reduce nitrate content in cabbage leaves. In comparison to the control plants, sprays of 6%, 8%, and 10% MLE reduced nitrate content by 23%, 14%, and 12%, respectively. However, the lowest nitrate content was found for the plants sprayed with 6% MLE. Except for the dry matter, all the growth parameters, mineral content, and pigment content were significantly higher after spraying with 10% MLE, while better vitamin C and lower nitrate were found in the plants treated with 6% MLE. A Pearson correlation reveals that head weight has a positive correlation with head diameter, head height, chlorophyll a, and carotenoids at p levels of 0.01 and a positive correlation with chlorophyll b and vitamin C at p levels of 0.05. Vitamin C and dry matter, on the other hand, had a negative connection with nitrate content.

Understanding the agronomic impacts of defoliation strategies in “Bulldog 805” Alfalfa + “Tifton 85” bermudagrass mixed stands

AbstractBackgroundThe incorporation of legumes, specifically alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), into bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.)‐based pasture systems in the southeastern United States has increased in recent years as an alternative to synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilization.MethodsA small plot evaluation was conducted in Shorter, Alabama, and Tifton, Georgia, USA, to evaluate the impact of harvest height (HH) and harvest frequency (HF) on agronomic characteristics of alfalfa+bermudagrass mixtures in southeastern United States.ResultsResults from both locations revealed that the longer the HF and the shorter the HH, the greater the alfalfa retention was in the stand (p < 0.01). HH did not impact any of the reported nutritive value parameters, while longer HF resulted in lower total digestible nutrients, lower crude protein, higher acid detergent fiber, and lower 48 h in vitro dry matter digestibility (p < 0.01). Both HH and HF impacted forage accumulation at both locations (p < 0.01). HH resulted in different trends at each location, while longer frequencies generally increased forage accumulation.ConclusionsThis research confirmed recent findings from comparable evaluations in the southeastern United States, in that increasing HH and decreasing HF improved alfalfa retention while having a negligible effect on nutritive value or forage accumulation.

First Record of the Edible Mushroom Lepista sordida in Western Algerian Forest: Nutritional Value and Physicochemical Parameters of Mycelial Culture.

The exploration of the western forests of Algeria led to the remarkable discovery of the first occurrence of Lepista sordida, an edible wild mushroom of significant culinary importance for the local community, traditionally consumed in its natural state. This discovery was made possible through the use of various methods, including macroscopic observations (revealing a violet color) as well as microscopic observations conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a cylindrical shape with distinct contours. Additionally, molecular analyses were conducted. Genomic DNA was extracted from the mycelium, followed by DNA amplification using specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1 and ITS2). After PCR reactions and sequencing of the obtained amplicons, the nucleotide sequences of the mycelium were submitted to the GenBank database of NCBI with the assigned accession number: MZ928450.1. These sequences were subsequently used to construct the phylogenetic tree. Furthermore, an in-depth study of physicochemical parameters was undertaken to determine the optimal conditions for cultivating the mycelium of this edible wild mushroom, including pH, temperature, relative humidity, and light. Different temperatures were examined: 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 °C. The effect of pH on mycelium growth was studied using a PDA agar medium with buffered values of 4, 5, 5.6, 6, 7, and 8. Similarly, six levels of relative humidity were tested: 14, 50, 74, 80, 95, and 100%. A study on the impact of light on mycelium growth was conducted by exposing Petri dishes inoculated with PDA to a light intensity of 500 lux for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 24 h. The results clearly demonstrated that variations in these different physicochemical parameters significantly influenced mycelium growth. For the Lepista sordida strain, growth was favored at pH levels of 4, 5, 6, and 6, with no growth observed at pH 7 and 8. The optimal temperature range for mycelium growth of Lepista sordida was 20-25 °C, while no growth was observed at 30, 35, 40, and 45 °C. Relative humidity levels of 74, 80, and 95% showed no significant differences. Optimization of mycelium growth and primordia production in Lepista sordida were successfully achieved. Optimal conditions for the primordia phase were identified as 25 °C, with humidity ranging from 90 to 95%. A nutritional analysis of fresh sporophores was conducted using established analytical methods. Notably, the nutritional composition of Lepista sordida sporophores exhibited high significance for the following parameters: moisture content (67.23 ± 1.90%), ash content (9.35 ± 0.66%), fat content (3.25 ± 0.24%), protein content (17.22 ± 0.38%), and carbohydrate content (63.83 ± 1.23%).

Ecological, morpho-agronomical, and nutritional characteristics of Sulla flexuosa (L.) Medik. ecotypes

The present work was part of assessing wild genetic plant resources of forage interest in Northern Morocco and aimed to study the agro-morphology and nutritional value of Sulla flexuosa (L.) Medik. (Hedysarum flexuosum L.) ecotypes. The seeds of twenty-one wild S. flexuosa (L.) Medik. ecotypes were collected from 21 sites. The edaphic and climatic characteristics of the collection sites were studied and testified to the remarkable adaptability of S. flexuosa (L.) Medik. These 21 ecotypes were cultivated in three complete randomized blocks design for two consecutive years. Statistical analysis showed substantial variability between the collected ecotypes. Principal component analysis and heatmap analysis allowed to distinguish four groups of ecotypes mainly based on nutritional parameters (fiber content and digestibility), forage production (dry matter yield, number of leaves per plant, and total number of branches), and reproduction (number of inflorescences per plant and, weight of thousand seeds and seeds per plant). Furthermore, the present study pointed out the value of ecotype 1, which was dual purpose with its high productivity, nutritional value, and reproductive parameters. Ecotype 4 was also highlighted as having late flowering but intermediate productivity, which can be used mainly for haymaking as the drying period could coincide with the last rainfall in the region.

Nilai Nutrisi dan Rendemen Ekstrak Metanol Pelet Katuk Depolarisasi sebagai Parameter Standar Mutu Produksi

Standardization of the quality of the depolarized katuk pellet production process as a feed additive is very important to maintain product quality. The production process requires dry katuk leaves (DKK) as raw materials which are then processed into depolarized katuk leaves (DKD), and continues in the pelleting process to become depolarized katuk pellets (PKD). Quality standard can be done by measuring the parameters of nutritional value and also the yield of methanol extract. Nutritional values were obtained from the results of proximate analysis, namely the percentage of dry matter, ash content, crude protein, crude fiber, crude fat, beta-N, calcium, phosphorus, and gross energy (Cal/g). Mean while, the yield of methanol extract was obtained by maceration using methanol solvent. This study aims to evaluate the nutritional value and yield of crude methanol extract of katuk leaves (DKK, DKD, PKD) which can be used as a quality assurance standard for the depolarized katuk pellet production process. In general, the nutritional value of DKD and PKD had the same value as that of DKK, except for calcium which was quite high (P<0.05) in DKD and PKD, and the percentage of crude fiber was lower (P<0.05) in PKD compared to DKK and DKD. The percentage of crude fat in pellets (PKD) was higher (P<0.05) when compared to DKK and DKD. The yield of methanol extract was very high (P<0.05) in DKK, compared to DKD and PKD. The nutritional parameters and the yield of the katuk leaf extract can be used as quality assurance standards for the depolarized katuk pellet production process.
 
 Keywords: depolarization, katuk, methanol, nutrition, pellet

Effect of cutting management on the forage production and quality of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray)

Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) is an underutilized drought tolerant annual legume, originating from the Sonoran Desert, that may be a beneficial forage/hay for beef cattle in the Southern Great Plains of the US (SGP). The SGP has erratic rainfall and periods of intermittent drought exacerbated by high summer temperatures. In 2020 and 2021, a split-plot design was used to evaluate 13 genotypes of tepary bean and a forage soybean (control) at El Reno, OK, USA to compare production of plant biomass and forage nutritive value parameters under seven harvest regimes. Genotypes were used as the main plot and cutting management as the sub-plot. Biomass production of all tepary bean genotypes equaled that of soybean (p > 0.05), while several genotypes had superior forage nutritive value traits (p ≤ 0.05). Overall, a 15-cm cutting height and 30-day harvest interval produced the best overall product (average dry biomass of 5.8 Mg ha−1 with average relative feed values (RFV) of 165). Although all harvest regimes reduced total seasonal biomass, forage nutritive value increased. However, the tradeoff between forage production and nutritive value may be unacceptable to most producers. Further agronomic and breeding research is needed to encourage producers to grow tepary bean as a forage/hay in the SGP.