Dry Matter Percentage Research Articles

Agronomic characteristics and rain use efficiency of sorghum in a semiarid region

Sorghum culture highlighted in animal nutrition because it allows its cultivation of green conservation as silage. This study aimed to evaluate the divergence of agronomic and productive characteristics of 32 sorghum cultivars in the semiarid region. The randomized block design with three replications was used. It was evaluated the dry matter percentage (DM), fresh matter production (FMP) and dry matter production (DMP); stem proportion, panicle, and leaf blade in the plant DM; plant height, nº plants ha-1, stem diameter, leaf number, leaves and panicles length; rain use efficiency (RUE) in kg MS ha-1 mm-1, and water accumulation (WA) in kg ha-1 and kg ha-1 mm-1. The data were analyzed using the Scott-Knott procedure at a 5% significance level. The FMP and DMP showed the formation of two distinct groups, which may be crucial in choosing a more productive cultivar. Moreover, cultivar 17 stood out for presenting high leaf blade participation while cultivars 9, 19, 23, 24, and 32 in panicle participation in DM, which is considered nutritionally better due to higher digestibility than the stem. Besides, for the RUE and WA, two distinct groups were also formed, which can be great to determine cultivars that have higher xerophilic potential, and thus use them for the production of silage in semi-arid conditions. Experimental cultivars showed greater results than those commercials. Studies that evaluate the animal performance of cultivars (3, 6, 9, 17, 19, and 31), could be conducted to prove their nutritional values since these cultivars stood out for presenting interesting productive characteristics.

Subalpine Fir (Abies laciocarpa) and Norway Spruce (Picea abies) Seedlings Show Different Growth Responses to Blue Light

Blue light (BL) affects different growth parameters, but information about the physiological effects of BL on conifer seedlings is limited. In northern areas, conifer seedlings are commonly produced in heated nursery greenhouses. Compared with Norway spruce, subalpine fir seedlings commonly show poor growth in nurseries due to early growth cessation. This study aimed to examine the effect of the BL proportion on the growth and development of such conifer seedlings in growth chambers, using similar photosynthetic active radiation, with 5% or 30% BL (400–500 nm) from high pressure sodium (HPS) lamps (300 μmol m−2 s−1) or a combination of HPS (225 μmol m−2 s−1) and BL-emitting diodes (75 μmol m−2 s−1), respectively. Additional BL increased transpiration and improved the growth of the Norway spruce seedlings, which developed thicker stems, more branches, and a higher dry matter (DM) of roots and needles, with an increased DM percentage in the roots compared with the shoots. In contrast, under additional BL, subalpine fir showed reduced transpiration and an increased terminal bud formation and lower DM in the stems and needles but no change in the DM distribution. Since these conifers respond differently to BL, the proportion of BL during the day should be considered when designing light spectra for tree seedling production.

Effect of Different Rates of Bacteria (Rhizobium leguminosarum) Inoculated in Seed on Yield and Some Quality Parameters of Common Vetch (Vicia sativa L.)

This research was conducted at Akdeniz University, Faculty of Agriculture's research greenhouse in 39 plastic pots. Different bacteria solutions (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 mL bacteria solution per 1 kg seed) were inoculated in the seeds of common vetch plant (Vicia sativa L.) with each replication. In addition, the most convenient bacteria dosage and differences between bacterial and artificial fertilizer applications were determined by applying (13 applications in total) sole fertilizer so that 1 kg of nitrogen (N) falls per decare in 1 pot and by applying control (non-inoculated seeds) for 1 pot. Analyses revealed that bacteria solution applications of 45 mL on plant height; 5 mL on plant nitrogen content; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 25 mL on plant phosphorus content; 25 mL on plant potassium content; 0, 5, 35, 40 and 45 mL on fresh weight; 55 mL on root weight; 30 mL on number of bacteria in soil; 30 mL on dry matter percentage and 5 mL on crude protein percentage have taken the first place. Fertilizer application did not sustain in any first place for any of the features, which indicate that bacteria applications can give better results.

Antifungal activity of Olea europaea subsp. sylvestris tar against Fusari-um oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the causal agent of Bayoud of the date palm in Southwest Algeria

Bayoud, a vascular disease of date palm, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (FOA) is the most damaging disease of date palm in Algeria, with no effective control strategy yet available. This research aims to esti-mate the antifusarium activity of the Olea europaea subsp. sylvestris tar growing in Bechar (Algeria) against FOA, the cause of Bayoud disease of the date palm. The values of physicochemical analysis of the tar such as density value, index of refraction, pH and dry matter percentage were also deter-mined. In order to identify FOA pathogenic isolates, a specific PCR assay was used to verify that the isolated strains were the Bayoud pathogen FOA. Tar extracted from O. europaea subsp. sylvestris was tested for its antifungal activity against FOA. The physicochemical analysis results of vegetable tar showed a density value of 1.08, an index of refraction 1.5110, a pH of about 3,7 and 35% of dry matter. The specific PCR analysis allowed absolutely that all the isolates corresponded well to the Bayoud pathogen. The results of the antifungal activity revealed that the O. europaea subsp. sylvestris tar has a great percentage of inhibition against FOA, with minimal inhibition concen-tration value 2,1 μg/ml. This confirms the possible implication of vegetable tar in triggering date palm defence against its pathogen and confers a prom-ising strategy for effective control of the bayoud disease.

Effects of energy and essential fatty acids content in breast milk on infant's head dimensions.

Essential fatty acids (EFA), including linoleic acid (LA) and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), are indispensable for proper brain growth especially in the first months after birth when it develops most rapidly. Since fats, especially EFA, in breast milk are highly variable between mothers, we indirectly examined whether milk energy, LA and ALA content in breast milk affect volume and shape of the infant's head. The study encompassed 60 mothers and their healthy term-born infants between the third and sixth month of lactation. The percentage of macronutrients and dry matter in human milk samples was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and LA and ALA concentrations in breast milk were determined using gas chromatography (GC). Infant head measurements were taken using standard anthropometric equipment and methods. LA content in breast milk was found to be positively associated with head volume in boys. Furthermore, ALA content was positively associated with the head height-to-length ratio thus with more arched head in infants irrespective of sex. No relationship was found between milk energy content in mothers' milk and infant head dimensions. This is the first study to demonstrate a relationship between EFA concentration in human milk and infant head dimensions. Given that LA and ALA in human milk are variable in women and due to the extremely rapid growth of nerve tissue in the first months of life, adequate supply of EFA in breast milk should attract the attention of public health sciences.

Economic and biological evaluation of Сhinese cabbage [Brassica rapa L. var. pekinensis (Lour.) Kitam.] hybrids grown in the Right-Bank Forest Steppe of Ukraine

Purpose. To study the economic and biological characteristics and to reveal the genetic potential of various hybrids of Chinese cabbage depending on the climatic zone of cultivation.Methods. In the experiment, hybrids of Chinese cabbage ‘Pioner F1’ (control), ‘Villi F1’, ‘Manoko F1’, ‘Orient Star F1’, ‘Vitimo F1’, ‘Sprinkin F1’, ‘Summer Highland F1’, ‘Suprin F1’, and ‘Richi F1’ were evaluated. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications with a single plot area of 21 m2. The container seedlings (40 days old) were planted in the middle of April according to the scheme 70 cm by 25 cm.Results. Having been planted at the same time, seed germination over the studied hybrids was not simultaneous. The first sprouted seeds (4 days after seeding) belonged to hybrids ‘Villi F1’, ‘Manoko F1’, ‘Orient Star F1’, and‘Summer Highland F1’. Seeds of the other hybrids started active germination on the 5–6 days after seeding. The highest yield of the cabbage heads was obtained from hybrids ‘Villi F1’ (31.7 t/ha) and ‘Sprinkin F1’ (28.7 t/ha), which was 10.0 and 7.0 t/ha more than in the control variant. The yield of ‘Summer Highland F1’ was 24.9 t/ha and ‘Suprin F1’ 24.6 t/ha. Under the conditions of unstable soil moisture, hybrids ‘Villi F1’and ‘Sprinkin F1’ appeared the most productive and ensured yield increase of 10.0 t/ha and 7.0 t/ha, respectively, compared to the control; and crop commercial quality was high. The highest percentage of dry matter (DM) content was in ‘Summer Highland F1’ (6.2%) followed by ‘Sprinkin F1’ (5.9%), which was 1.1% and 0.8% more than in the control. There was no significant difference between the values of the total sugars content over the variants. They ranged between 1.7 and 2.1%, which was similar to the control values. The content of nitrates in the cabbage heads of the studied Chinese cabbage hybrids was within the tolerance limit and amounted to 600 mg/kg (raw mass).Conclusions. Phenological observations of plant development and their biometric indices, depending on the varietal characteristics, indicate that under the conditions of unstable soil moisture, hybrids ‘Villi F1’ and ‘Sprinkin F1’ were more yielding and ensured yield increase of 10.0 t/ha and 7.0 t/ha, respectively, compared to the control. The crop commercial quality was high. The long growing season of ‘Richi F1’ (93 days) did not affect the crop quality and yield and demonstrated the lowest productivity compared to the control and the other experiment variants.

The estimation of productivity and quality of alfalfa feed in the competitive variety testing

Among perennial fodder legumes, alfalfa occupies a special place. This crop culture in many southern regions of the country makes it possible to yield full value bulky feeds with an average nutritional value of more than 10 MJ of exchange energy per 1 kg of dry matter and 16–17% or more raw protein content for the introduction of cost-effective livestock production. The purpose of the current study was to isolate new alfalfa varieties with a high productivity of green mass and seeds, good quality of feed highly adapted to various biotic and abiotic stress factors. In the competitive variety testing of alfalfa sown in 2015 the populations “Sin 18/95” (24.6 t/ha), “Sin 28/04” (26.0 t/ha) and “Sin 17/95” (26.4 t/ha) were identified according to green mass productivity. The same population were identified according to dry matter productivity (6.6–8.1 t/ha). The highest dry matter percentage were identified in the populations “Sin 17/95” and “Sin 28/04” (27.3%), “Sin 24/04” (27.6%) and “Sin 23/04” (27.7%). The best populations in raw protein content were “Sin 5/04” (20.45%) and “A-5” (20.48%). The synthetic populations “Sin 18/95” (0.44 t/ha of average yield), “Sin 17/95” (0.45 t/ha of average yield), “Sin 8/95” (0.46 t/ha of average yield) exceeded the standard variety in seed productivity throughout the years. The synthetic populations “Sin 28/04”, “Sin 18/95”, “Sin 17/95” and “Sin 8/95”, identified among the others due to many traits are going to be studied in further breeding work with the prospect to be sent to State Variety Testing. The identified populations will be introduced into the breeding process as the sources of economically valuable traits.

Physico-chemical Properties of Starches from Two Varieties of Sweet Potato and Yam Tubers Available in Nigeria

The research sought to investigate the functional properties of starches obtained from four Nigerian root and tubers, yam and sweet potato varieties, in order to facilitate their exploitation as substitute raw material for the local food and pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The varieties, namely: white yam (Dioscorea rotundata), water yam (Dioscorea alorta), orange flesh sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and cream flesh sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas), their respective starches were obtained by wet separation techniques and were analyzed for their pasting properties, physic-chemical properties, starch yield on dry and wet basis, functional, starch purity, amylase and amylo-pectin were undertaken in order to determine their suitability for food and other uses. The peak time, pasting temperature, peak viscosity, holding strength, breakdown, set from peak and set back from through ranged from 7.3 – 8.3 mins, 65.4 – 71.3°C, 511.5 – 1001.2 BU, 860.8 – 871.3 BU, 300.1 – 306.9 BU, 240.8 – 248.1 BU and 400.4 – 510.9 BU respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the pasting properties. The crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash, moisture and carbohydrate ranged from 1.55 – 1.85%, 0.09 – 0.12%, 0.12 – 0.22%, 1.32 – 2.05%, 10.72 – 11.09% and 85.59 – 86.20% respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the proximate composition of the starches. The starch yield on dry weight basis, starch weight on fresh weight basis, starch yield from tubers and percentage dry matter ranged from 56.84 – 85.88%, 22.75 – 36.07%, 18.02 – 26.00% and 40.02 – 44.01% respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in the all the parameters. The bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, gelatinization temperature, starch purity, amylase, amylo-pectin and pH ranged from 0.56 – 0.61g/cm3, 86.8 – 99.4%, 103.2 – 125.4%, 59.78 – 60.42°C, 95.28 – 96.55%, 27.25 – 29.37%, 70.63 – 72.63% and 6.82 – 6.91 respectively. There were significant differences (p<0.05) in all the parameters but no significant difference (p>0.05) in the pH. The starches from yam and sweet potato varieties starches can be exploited for diverse uses based on their different characteristics.

Determination dry matter digestibility of tropical forage using nutrient compisition

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dry matter digestibility (DMD) and nutrient composition parameters in tropical forage (grass, legume, and a combination of both) and determining prediction equation for dry matter digestibility using nutrient composition variables as the predictor. The nutrient composition consists of 62 forages (31 grasses and 31 legumes), included of ash, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen-free extract (NFE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, cellulose and DMD, all expressed as a percentage of dry matter.. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to measure DMD estimated models. Models were validated with the coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute deviation (MAD), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), were taken into consideration. Our result confirm that the nutrient composition can be efficiently used to determine the DMD of tropical forages, grasses, and legumes Prediction equation DMD in tropical forage, grass and legume were DMD = 104.267 - 0.918 ADF - 0.374 Hemicellulose, DMD = 110.409 - 1.363 ADF, DMD = 102.864 - 1.336 NDF + 0.602 Hemicellulose + 0.938 Cellulose, respectively.

Effect of Electrical and Mechanical Stunning on Rabbit Meat Quality Traits

Abstract Increased interest in the production of rabbit meat justifies the need to assess and improve the welfare of these animals not only during the production cycle but also at slaughter. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of different stunning methods on the level of blood biochemical parameters (stress indicators), and meat quality of slaughter rabbits. Rabbits of the Hycole line (n = 60) were subjected to the following stunning methods: mechanical with a non-penetrating captive bolt (group I; n = 20), mechanical by hitting a narrow rod on the head (group II; n = 20), and electrical stunning (n = 20). In the stunning groups there were no differences found in the blood level of insulin, cortisol, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, and protein content (P>0.05). The stunning method did not affect the pH of rabbit meat (P=0.768), but significantly influenced the L* and b* colour parameters. The muscles of longissimus thoracis et lumborum, from the group of rabbits mechanically stunned by hitting a narrow rod on the head, were the darkest (L * = 58.4), with the lowest yellowness values (b* = 4.04). The meat of electrically stunned rabbits was characterised by higher drip loss (P<0.001), lower plasticity (P=0.043), and higher free water content (P=0.043). From the analysed texture measures, only the Warner Bratzler Shear Energy values of the cooked meat were affected by the stunning method. These values were higher in the meat of the mechanically stunned groups compared to the electrically stunned rabbits (P=0.042). The percentage of dry matter, crude protein, extractable fat and water to protein ratio, were affected only by the muscle type (P<0.001). To conclude, the rabbit meat was characterised by good quality, with only slight differences between the groups. No differences were found in the stress reaction of rabbits subjected to the examined stunning methods.

Globe Artichoke Yield and Quality as Affected by Foliar Application of Seaweed Extract and Cooling Periods of Crown Pieces

This study was carried out at private farm located at Shubrakhet City, in Behiera Governorate during the two successive seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, to evaluate the effect of foliar application with seaweed extract and cooling periods of crown pieces on vegetative growth, yield and quality of Globe Artichoke. The experiments were carried out in a split plot design with three replicates. Each experiment included three cooling periods (0, 15 and 30 days) at 5 C were arranged in the main plots, then the four seaweed extract (control, 250, 500 and 750 mg/l) were arranged in the sub plots. The collected data were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) with the aid GENSTAT 5 package, and significant means were separated and announced using the Least Significant Difference (LSD) at 5%, probability level. The gained results indicated that cooling period at 30 days and foliar application of seaweed extract at 750 mg/l; brought about the maximum vegetative growth characters values of Globe Artichoke, i.e. survival rate, plant height, leaf fresh weight, leaf dry weight and dry matter percentage, also, yield and yield components (early yield/plant, total yield/plant, head length, head diameter, neck diameter, head fresh weight, head dry weight and head dry matter percentage), as compared with the control treatment during both seasons. Likewise, increasing cooling periods up to 30 days and seaweed extract up to750 mg/l; gave the highest average values of all chemical compositions such as total sugars, reducing sugars and total soluble solids but inulin, recorded the highest percentage at 15 days cooling and foliar application of seaweed extract at 750 mg/l, as compared with control treatment.

Effect of glutathione spray on the growth of three genotypes of Cucumis sativus L. affected by water stress

نفذت هذه التجربة خلال الموسم الربيعي 2017 في حقل التجارب التابع لقسم البستنة وهندسة الحدائق - كلية الزراعة - جامعة ديالى، بهدف فهم بعض التأثيرات والتكيفات للنمو الخضري لنبات الخيار المتأثر بالإجهاد المائي وطبقت تجربة الالواح المنشقة - المنشقة وبتصميم القطاعات الكاملة العشوائية R.C.B.D. وبثلاث مكررات وكانت معاملات التجربة هي كالاتي: التراكيب الوراثية للخيار وهي ديمي (V1) وغزير (V2) ووسام (V3) ومستويين من الري هما الري الكامل 100% (I1 ) من السعة الحقلية و50% من الري الكامل(I2) ورش الكلوتاثيون بثلاث تراكيز (0، 50، 100) ملغم لتر-1 ورمز لها (G0، G1، G2). بينت نتائج الدراسة تفوق نباتات التركيب الوراثي وسام في عدد الأوراق والمساحة الورقية اذ بلغت 91.72 ورقة نبات-1 و213.9 دسم2 نبات-1على الترتيب، في حين تفوقت النباتات المروية بالمستوى 100% معنوياً لجميع الصفات المدروسة قياسا مع مستوى الري 50%. كذلك تفوق مستويي الرش 50 و100 ملغم لتر-1 من الكلوتاثيون بجميع الصفات قياسا مع معاملة المقارنة (G0). أظهرت نتائج التداخل الثلاثي بين التراكيب الوراثية ومستويات الري ومستويات الرش بالكلوتاثيون فروقات معنوية في النمو الخضري لنباتات الخيار، اذ تفوقت معاملة التداخل V3I1G2 بأعلى القيم في صفة عدد الأفرع (5.766 فرع نبات-1) والمساحة الورقية الكلية (239.0 دسم2 نبات-1) وتركيز الكلوروفيل (45.72 سباد)، بينما تفوقت المعاملة V3I1G1 في عدد الأوراق (99.66 ورقة نبات-1) ونسبة المادة الجافة في المجموع الخضري (16.00%)، وتفوقت المعاملة V2I1G2 في طول النبات (148.6سم).

Effects of Seeding Density on Growth Attributes of Broadleaf Mustard in Nursery Bed

The productivity of crops is highly affected by the seedling quality, which is governed by seeding density in the nursery. So, an experiment was conducted to explore the effect of seedling spacing in the growth attributes of Broad Leaf Mustard cv. “Marpha Chauda Paate” at IAAS, Lamjung Campus, during Oct 2018. Four spacing treatments viz 0.5 cm × 1 cm, 1 cm × 1 cm, 1.5 cm ×1.5 cm and 2 cm × 2 cm were arranged in RCB Design with 5 replications. Observation of seedling height, leaf area, leaf number, shoot & root fresh weights, shoot dry matter, and dry matter percentage from twenty-three days old seedlings were recorded. The total leaf area was estimated using the Image-J package. Data were tabulated in MS Excel and analyzed by Gen Stat. Treatments differed significantly in seedling height, shoot and root fresh weight, leaf area, root length, and shoot dry weight, while the number of leaves and dry matter percentage did not differ statistically. Maximum shoot fresh weight (1.09 g), shoot dry weight (0.11 g), leaf area (48.24 cm2), root length (4.89 cm), root fresh weight (0.03 g) per plant and shoot dry matter percentage (9.24%) were found in widest spacing (2 cm × 2 cm). However, seedling height was recorded higher in closer spacing. Therefore, the study of the overall characteristics asserted that the seed spaced at 2 cm × 2 cm produced superior seedling over all other spacings.
 Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 8(1): 65-70

STUDY ON THE RESPONSE OF THE SAFARI POTATO VARIETY TO SPRAYING WITH THE NUTRIENT SOLUTION HORTIPHYTE AND THE SEAWEED EXTRACT STYMULANT FORTE

An experiment was carried out in vegetable fields, Department of Horticulture and Gardening, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Mosul University for the spring season 2018. To find out the effect of foliar feeding of a seaweed extract (Stymulant forte) in concentrations of (0, 3 and 6) g. L-1 and Hortiphyte nutrient solution in concentrations (0, 2 and 4) ml. L-1 on the potato crop class A (Safari). The experiment was carried out with 9 factor treatments according to the Randomized complete block design (RCBD), with three replications. The results of the studied treatments were tested according to the polynomial Duncan test at a probability level of 0.05. The results showed the superiority of the treatment of spraying seaweed extract at concentration 6 g. L-1 was significant, given the highest significant values for average stem length and number of aerial stem. plant-1 , and the percentage of dry matter for the plant%, while spray treatment was superior to 3 g. L-1 was significant in the leaf area index, treatment of spraying feeding solution in two or four ml concentrations. L-1 was significant at average stem length (cm) and number of aerial stem. plant-1 , with an increase of (5.10 and 15.35%), respectively; compared to the comparison treatment. The two characteristics of chlorophyll and the percentage of dry matter per plant were not different from the comparison treatment. As for the results of the total yield, it was given the treatment of spraying the seaweed extract at a concentration of 6 g. L -1 is the most significant value for the number of tubers. Plant-1 , average weight of tuber (kg), yield of one plant (kg), percentage of dry matter for tubers%, and production rate per area (tons. ha-1) compared to the rest of the treatments, and reached (13.111 tuber. Plant-1 , 0.126 kg, 1.63 kg, 16.127%, 87.390 ton. ha-1 ), respectively. The treatment of spraying the nutrient solution affected the 2 or 4 mL concentrations. 1 liter-1 morally by giving the highest significant values for the average weight of the tuber, the yield of one plant and the percentage of dry matter for tubers and total production per area compared to the no-spray treatment, and with an increase of 11.11 kg, 11.68 kg, 7.43%, 11.54 tons. ha-1 ), respectively. It did not differ from the comparison treatment in terms of the number of tubers. plant

THE RESEARCH OF THE TYPES OF MOISTURE BONDS IN PROTEIN-CARBOHYDRATE CONCENTRATES OF CHEESE WHEY

The purpose of the research is to improve the technology of producing cheese whey proteincarbohydrate concentrates, in terms of binding moisture with the main components. Objects of the research were natural cheese whey obtained in the production of Rossiyskii cheese and ultrafiltration cheese whey concentrates with protein dry matter percentage of 35 and 55%, produced with the use of MMS Swissflow UF industrial ultrafiltration unit with ceramic membranes. The chemical composition and Physico-chemical properties of raw materials and the finished product have been studied using standard methods. Three stages of sample dehydration have been identified. They conform to moisture release with different bonds and energy. Stage I is the production area where unbound moisture is heated and removed, and water molecules are held by weak capillary forces. Stage II is the production area for immobilized moisture removal. Stage III is the production area for chemically bound water removal, which conforms to the residual moisture after drying the sample. An increase in the least mobile water and a change in the ratio between different types of moisturebinding have been observed with an increase in the protein mass fraction in the dry matter of the samples. It has been found that the Maillard reaction occurred in cheese whey concentrates with protein dry matter percentage of 35 and 55% at the temperatures above 78 and 70 °C, respectively. The temperature range of the unbound moisture release was increasing during the drying process due to an increase of the protein content in concentrates as well as the rate of interaction between proteins and lactose leading to non-enzymatic browning of dry products. It has been established that drying cheese whey protein-carbohydrate concentrates with protein dry matter percentage of 35, and 55% is inexpedient at temperatures exciding 130 and 173 °C, respectively.

Analyzing the genomic and transcriptomic architecture of milk traits in Murciano-Granadina goats

BackgroundIn this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular basis of lactation as well as to identify the genetic factors that influence milk yield and composition in goats. To achieve these two goals, we have analyzed how the mRNA profile of the mammary gland changes in seven Murciano-Granadina goats at each of three different time points, i.e. 78 d (T1, early lactation), 216 d (T2, late lactation) and 285 d (T3, dry period) after parturition. Moreover, we have performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for seven dairy traits recorded in the 1st lactation of 822 Murciano-Granadina goats.ResultsThe expression profiles of the mammary gland in the early (T1) and late (T2) lactation were quite similar (42 differentially expressed genes), while strong transcriptomic differences (more than one thousand differentially expressed genes) were observed between the lactating (T1/T2) and non-lactating (T3) mammary glands. A large number of differentially expressed genes were involved in pathways related with the biosynthesis of amino acids, cholesterol, triglycerides and steroids as well as with glycerophospholipid metabolism, adipocytokine signaling, lipid binding, regulation of ion transmembrane transport, calcium ion binding, metalloendopeptidase activity and complement and coagulation cascades. With regard to the second goal of the study, the performance of the GWAS allowed us to detect 24 quantitative trait loci (QTLs), including three genome-wide significant associations: QTL1 (chromosome 2, 130.72-131.01 Mb) for lactose percentage, QTL6 (chromosome 6, 78.90-93.48 Mb) for protein percentage and QTL17 (chromosome 17, 11.20 Mb) for both protein and dry matter percentages. Interestingly, QTL6 shows positional coincidence with the casein genes, which encode 80% of milk proteins.ConclusionsThe abrogation of lactation involves dramatic changes in the expression of genes participating in a broad array of physiological processes such as protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium homeostasis, cell death and tissue remodeling, as well as immunity. We also conclude that genetic variation at the casein genes has a major impact on the milk protein content of Murciano-Granadina goats.

Impact of water deficit in the relationship among alfalfa traits

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship among traits related to yield and nutritive value of alfalfa genotypes grown under deficit and full irrigation conditions. Seventy-seven alfalfa genotypes were evaluated in two different cuts, the first one with full irrigation, and the second, with water deficit. A randomized block design with three replications was used. The evaluated traits were vigor, plant height, dry matter biomass, stem-to-leaf ratio, dry matter percentage, leaf and stem protein contents, in vitro dry matter digestibility, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and lignin. Significant interaction between genotypes and environments was reported for vigor, plant height, and lignin. The correlation between traits and path analysis of dry matter biomass was performed for each cut, aiming to identify auxiliary traits for indirect selection. Water availability did not alter the phenotypic and genotypic correlations, only their magnitudes. Regardless of the environment, plant height is one of the most promising traits for the selection of alfalfa genotypes with higher dry matter biomass since it showed a high direct effect in the same sense of its phenotypic correlations. However, the coefficient of determination obtained by the model applied to full irrigation was higher than that of the water-deficit environment, indicating the importance of variables not included in this study in the determination of alfalfa dry matter biomass under dry conditions.

Transcriptomic study of pedicels from GA3-treated table grape genotypes with different susceptibility to berry drop reveals responses elicited in cell wall yield, primary growth and phenylpropanoids synthesis

BackgroundGibberellins (GA3) are the most sprayed growth regulator for table grape production worldwide, increasing berry size of seedless varieties through pericarp cell expansion. However, these treatments also exacerbate berry drop, which has a detrimental effect on the postharvest quality of commercialized clusters. Several studies have suggested that pedicel stiffening caused by GA3 would have a role in this disorder. Nevertheless, transcriptional and phenotypic information regarding pedicel responses to GA3 is minimal.ResultsCharacterization of responses to GA3 treatments using the lines L23 and Thompson Seedless showed that the former was up to six times more susceptible to berry drop than the latter. GA3 also increased the diameter and dry matter percentage of the pedicel on both genotypes. Induction of lignin biosynthesis-related genes by GA3 has been reported, so the quantity of this polymer was measured. The acetyl bromide method detected a decreased concentration of lignin 7 days after GA3 treatment, due to a higher cell wall yield of the isolated fractions of GA3-treated pedicel samples which caused a dilution effect. Thus, an initial enrichment of primary cell wall components in response to GA3 was suggested, particularly in the L23 background. A transcriptomic profiling was performed to identify which genes were associated with these phenotypic changes. This analysis identified 1281 and 1787 genes differentially upregulated by GA3 in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless, respectively. Concomitantly, 1202 and 1317 downregulated genes were detected in L23 and cv. Thompson Seedless (FDR < 0.05). Gene ontology analysis of upregulated genes showed enrichment in pathways including phenylpropanoids, cell wall metabolism, xylem development, photosynthesis and the cell cycle at 7 days post GA3 application. Twelve genes were characterized by qPCR and striking differences were observed between genotypes, mainly in genes related to cell wall synthesis.ConclusionsHigh levels of berry drop are related to an early strong response of primary cell wall synthesis in the pedicel promoted by GA3 treatment. Genetic backgrounds can produce similar phenotypic responses to GA3, although there is considerable variation in the regulation of genes in terms of which are expressed, and the extent of transcript levels achieved within the same time frame.

Vermicompost Influences Processing Quality Of Potato Tubers

The effect of vermicompost on dry matter and specific gravity of potato tubers under ambient storage condition was studied. Vermicompost was used at four rates viz. 0, 2, 4 and 6 t ha-1 over the four varieties of potato viz. BARI TPS-1, BARI Alu-28 (Lady Rosetta), BARI Alu-25 (Asterix) and BARI Alu-29 (Courage). Results demonstrated that processing parameters such as dry matter percentage (%) and specific gravity increased with increasing vermicompost levels while they decreased with the increasing storing period. Lady Rosetta and Asterix potato varieties can be safely stored at normal room temperature up to 60 days. There was no interaction between vermicompost rates and crop varieties. Hence, the potato growers of Bangladesh can use vermicompost at 6 t ha-1 for achieving better yield without affecting processing quality.&#x0D; SAARC J. Agri., 17(2): 173-184 (2019)

Dry matter concentration and corn silage density: Effects on forage quality

Considering the hypothesis that density and dry matter (DM) concentration may be used as indicators of silage nutritional quality, the aim of the present study was to determine density and maturation stage (i.e. DM concentration) of corn silages under farm conditions in Brazil, establishing relationships between density and physical and chemical characteristics. In a completely randomized design, 20 bunkers of corn silage, each from a different farm, were used for data collection. Using a coring machine, 5 samples of silage were extracted from an exposed face of each silo and samples were analyzed for density of compaction, plus concentrations of DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total digestible nutrients (TDN), total carbohydrate (TC), non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) and starch (STA), as well as electrical conductivity. There was significant variation in many of the parameters measured with the greatest variation in density on a natural matter basis. Negative correlations were observed between percentages of DM, NDF and ADF in the silage and silage density on a natural matter basis (P&lt;0.05). On the other hand, DM% was positively correlated with concentrations of STA, TDN and TC (P&lt;0.05). Density on a DM basis showed positive correlation with STA but was negatively correlated with NDF and ADF (P&lt;0.05) indicating that the more fibrous material is harder to compact. A technology transfer program seems warranted to inform Brazilian farmers of these findings and the importance of harvesting forage at a stage of growth when quality would be better to increase the probability of achieving adequate compaction of the ensiled material and hence better quality of material at feeding out.