Percent Moisture Research Articles

Proximate Analysis and Mycological Assessment of Suya Sold in Kabuga, Kano State, Nigeria

Suya is a cherished food delicacy which can serve as a source of infection as it can harbor pathogens of clinicalimportance. However, there is paucity of data on mycological assessment and proximate analysis of suya soldwithin Kabuga area, Kano State, Nigeria. Therefore, this study examined the proximate composition andmycological qualities of suya sold within this area in Kano State. A total of thirty-six samples were randomlycollected from selected suya spots from the study area and microbiologically analyzed. Total fungal counts,identification of fungi and proximate analysis were NH determined using standard microbiological techniques. Atotal of fifty-one (51) fungal isolates were obtained from all the suya samples collected. The highest frequency ofoccurrence was shown by Aspergillus spp (16) while Fusarium spp had the lowest frequency of occurrence (10).Proximate analysis revealed the mean percentage of moisture as 24.00 - 48.00%, crude protein (24.64 - 46.32%), crudefiber (5.25 - 8.75%), fat (8.80 - 17.30%), carbohydrate (0.11 - 14.58%) and ash (1.05 - 2.45%) contents. This studyshowed the presence of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Fusarium and Rhizopus spp in suya samples examined and hencethe need to improve on good hygiene practice by the suya vendors to control associated health risk.

Depthwise variation in selected soil properties as influenced by tillage and residue management in sandy loam soil of North-West Himalayas, India

The present study aimed to determine the effect of varying tillage and residue management in a sandy loam soil under maize (Zea mays L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) sequence. The research was carried out at ICAR- Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Research Centre, Chandigarh, research farm, located at Panchkula, Haryana, in maize (kharif)-wheat (rabi) cropping sequence during 2009–2017. Six treatments implemented were Conventional tillage (CT); Deep tillage once in three years (DT); Conventional tillage with integrated nutrient management (CT-INM); Conventional tillage with brown manuring in maize + cowpea (1:2) and wheat + pea (4:1) ratio (CT-BM); Conservation tillage (CST) ; Conservation tillage with brown manuring (CST-BM). The compaction level attained under conservation tillage based systems were lower than the corresponding levels in the conventional tillage control. The highest percentage of macro aggregates was found in CST-BM treatment (48%), followed by CST (45%) and CT, DT and CT-INM recorded much lesser macro aggregate (29.3, 28 and 31%). Conventional tillage (CT) reduced macroaggregates with a concomitant increase in microaggregates (<0.25 mm) percentage. The mean soil moisture percentage average in surface (0–15 cm) and sub surface soil (15–30 cm) were found to be higher under DT, CST and CST-BM treatments over CT and CT-INM treatments. In general, the soil moisture was found to be proportional to the amount of biomass added under various treatments. The mean soil available nitrogen were 15.4% and 17.5% higher under CT-BM and CST-BM treatments respectively, over the control (CT).

Response Surface Methodology and Textural Profile Analysis for Optimization of Fruit Peel-Based Extruded Snack (Elbow Macaroni)

Fruit peel (papaya and banana peel) waste, an agricultural by-product of the fruit processing industry, has abundant phytonutrients and is utilized as a new raw ingredient to develop extruded snack products (macaroni). In our study, macaroni was formulated by response surface methodology (RSM) and textural profile analysis (TPA) using a texture analyzer. The three critical ingredients A = FPB (i.e., papaya and banana peel blend mixed in the ratio of 5 : 2), B= finger millet, and C= semolina were selected to optimize macaroni with balanced nutrition and wholesomeness. Individual 3D plots of the different quality response variables were superimposed, and the maximum sensory scores in terms of texture, colour and appearance (C&A), and overall acceptability (OA) were 5.9, 6.6, and 6.1, respectively. The optimized critical, independent parameters (A = 30.66 g, B = 26.67 g, and C = 12.66 g) were observed for nutritional parameter as energy = 318.3 kcal, protein = 9.6 g/100 g, fiber= 2.7 mg/100 g, and calcium = 26.4 mg/100 g and textural profile (25.1 g force, 0.8 (dimensionless), 22.64 N, 0.91 mm, 20.66 N/mm for hardness/firmness, cohesiveness, gumminess springiness, chewiness, respectively). The proximate composition of optimized fruit peel macaroni was reported to have 5.06, 9.7, 2.7, 1.33, 1.42, and 79.79 percent of moisture, protein, fibre, fat, ash, and carbohydrate, respectively. Thus, instead of disposing and causing environmental hazards, the fruit peels act as promising sources for food supplementation and can be utilized for the nutritional enrichment of snack foods. The present work proposes an alternative method of utilizing food processing wastes (fruit peel) to develop useful value-added extruded food products. Such a replacement in innovative snacks may help in combating malnutrition and reduce the risk of obesity due to overconsumption of snack products.

PSV-14 Performance and Consumer Preference Between Bone-In and Boneless Striploins Using a Precision Dry-Aging System (Agenator)

Abstract To determine effects of moisture loss on dry-aged beef, strip loins from 12 low Choice carcasses were collected. One loin from each carcass side was randomly assigned to bone-in or boneless treatment. Loins were assigned to 1 of 4 aging treatments: bone-in-wet (BW), bone-in-dry (BD), boneless-wet (bW), or boneless-dry (bD). Dry-aging loins were placed in individual dry-aging chambers for 40 d, precisely controlling relative humidity (70%), air velocity, temperature (2°C) and mass (±5 g). Data were continuously recorded to calculate percent and rate of moisture loss. After aging, bone-in loins were de-boned, and dry-aged loins were trimmed of dried surfaces. Percent moisture loss, trim loss, and yield were calculated. Two steaks per dry-aged loin were cooked to 71°C, one for Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF), and one for consumer evaluation of tenderness, juiciness, and flavor and preference ranking. Percent and rate of moisture loss of dry-aged loins were analyzed as a completely randomized design (CRD), with day as repeated measures. Mean separations were conducted using LSMEANS with SLICEDIFF function at P < 0.05. Percent trim loss, total moisture loss, yield, and WBSF were analyzed as a CRD. Affective consumer testing utilized a Tukey HSD adjustment at P < 0.05. A treatment-by-day effect occurred (P < 0.05) for percent and rate moisture loss. Lower moisture loss in BD loins occurred after 2 d aging and daily rate of moisture loss through 31 d aging compared with bD. The bD loins had the greatest (P < 0.05) total moisture loss, trim loss, and lowest yield. The BD loins had higher degree of liking (P < 0.05) for tenderness and preference ratings compared with bD. No differences (P > 0.05) were seen in WBSF. Intact bone reduces rate of moisture loss in dry-aged loins, increasing total yield and consumer preference compared with boneless loins.

English

One of the most important effects of acidic rainfall is on the soil. It can affect other environments such as surface water and groundwater, plants and animals. In this study, to investigate the sensitivity of the runoff and sediment production of Gachsaran Gypsum Formation to acidic rainfalls and its density change, parts of Gypsum Mountain watershed the area in Izeh Township in Khuzestan province was selected with the area of 1202 ha. This investigation in order to determine the productivity of runoff and sediment in 8 points and with 3 replicates in Gachsaran Gypsum Formation in intensity 1 mm in a minute and the densities of distilled water, pH=4 and pH=5 in four slope aspects (northern, southern, eastern, western) with using of Kamphorst rainfall simulator, was done. In this investigation also, in order to determine the relationship between the sediment and runoff produced by rainfall simulator and some soil physic-chemical characteristics, like percent of gravel, sand, clay, silt, pH, EC, soil moisture, calcium carbonate, organic materials and sodium rate in slope, different aspects in Gachsaran Gypsum formations were done. To analyze data, SPSS and EXCEL packages was used. Summarily, in Gachsaran Gypsum Formation, soil chemical properties had the most important role in runoff production in precipitation with distilled water, soil physical properties had the most important role in sediment production in precipitation with distilled water; however, in acidic rainfall, soil chemical properties had the most important role. Key words: Acidic rainfall, Gachsaran Gypsum Formation, soil erosion, Kamphorst rain simulator.

Managing Forbs Preferred by Greater Sage-Grouse and Soil Moisture in Mesic Meadows with Short-Duration Grazing

Mesic meadows provide valuable water and forage resources for wildlife and livestock in the arid western United States. Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), a species of conservation concern, rely on these habitats because they support forb species of high importance to broods during late brood rearing. Because mesic meadows comprise a small fraction of the landscape, identifying grazing strategies compatible with maintenance and production of mesic resources is vital to balancing livestock production with suitable conditions for sage-grouse. We evaluated relationships between short-duration grazing treatments and habitat components important to sage-grouse in mesic meadows. In 2019 and 2020, we implemented short-duration (16 d) grazing treatments that varied by season (Early: early June; Late: early August) and intensity (control: 0%, moderate: 30−40%, high: 70−80% relative use). We evaluated cover and biomass percentages of high importance forbs (HIF), soil moisture, and noxious weed cover before and after grazing and again after pasture regrowth (Early: ≈13 wk, Late: ≈6 wk). Short-duration treatments did not reduce HIF cover or biomass. Early-season (P = 0.018) and high-intensity (P = 0.04) grazing increased HIF cover during the pregrazing sample period from 2019 to 2020, suggesting positive effects of these treatments on HIF cover during the pregrazing sample period. Postgrazing HIF cover and biomass percentages remained similar across treatments. Percentages of HIF biomass after regrowth were greater (P = 0.04) in early-season than late-season treatments in 2020. Seasonal declines in soil moisture from pregrazing to regrowth sample periods were greater (P < 0.001) in early-season treatments than late-season treatments but not associated with grazing intensity (P = 0.60). Cover of noxious weeds remained unchanged under short-duration treatments. Our study emphasizes the potential of early-season, high-intensity grazing to increase HIF cover and biomass for brood-rearing sage-grouse in mesic meadows over short time intervals.

Assessment of in-vitro proximate composition and mineral analysis of different combinations of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves and ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes as herbal supplements in the possible prevention and management of hypertension

Hypertension is one of the most common causes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and is among the leading causes of death globally. Recent reports revealed that hypertension and related cardiovascular complications are gaining more importance in sub-Saharan Africa, especially in Nigeria. Plant herbs such as moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves and ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizomes are popular folklore for the management of hypertension, but limited scientific information is available on their possible synergistic effect in militating against the scourge of high blood pressure. This study sought to evaluate the effect of combination of moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves and ginger (Zingiber officinale) root in different proportions. The proximate composition and mineral analysis of these combinations was assessed. Sample A contained 100% powdered moringa leaves, sample B contained 100% powdered ginger rhizomes, sample C contained 50% powdered moringa leaves and 50% powdered ginger rhizomes, sample D contained 25% powdered moringa leaves and 75% powdered ginger rhizomes, while sample E contained 75% powdered moringa leaves and 25% powdered ginger rhizomes. The proximate composition of moringa leaves and ginger rhizome showed that moringa had a higher percentage of moisture, fat and carbohydrate than ginger while ginger had a higher percentage of protein, fibre and ash. Upon combination at different proportions, a number of positive synergy was observed. The different combinations of the two herbal plants show increased percentage of the proximate compositions and minerals compared to the lower individual percentage in nearly all parameters assessed. This can be harnessed to achieve the desired nutrient and nutraceuticals aimed at managing hypertension.

Forage chain in extensive pig farming: Performance and meat quality traits of Cinta Senese vs Large White x Cinta Senese pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of two different feeding managements on growth performance, carcass, and meat traits of 40 pigs: 20 Cinta Senese pure breed (CS) and 20 Large White x Cinta Senese (LWxCS) crossbred pigs. Twenty barrows (10 CS and 10 LWxCS) were reared outdoor in a rotational pasture system according to the farm forage chain; pigs were supplemented with concentrate when needed (P); twenty barrows (10 CS and 10 LWxCS) were placed into outdoor fence as control and feed only concentrate (F). All pigs were slaughtered at 154 kg of live weight, on average. Carcass was dissected into anatomical cuts; tissue composition of lumbar sample joint was assessed and physical and chemical analysis on the Longissimus lumborum were carried out. Growth rate was similar among genotypes and feeding management, despite the differences in concentrate administered between P and F animals (488 vs 750 kg/head, respectively). As regard carcass and meat quality traits, rearing system showed almost no significant differences. CS showed a higher carcass yield (82.17 vs 79.63%), lower percentage of lean cuts (55.20 vs 60.40%) and a higher percentage of fat cuts (40.20 vs 34.47%) than crossbreed. As regards sample joint composition, CS showed higher percentage of fat. In chemical-physical analysis, few differences emerged for drip loss comparing CS and LWxCS (1.99 vs 2.77%) and for the moisture percentage comparing P and F (69.84 vs 68.57%).

Experimental Study on Coal and Gas Outburst Risk in Strong Outburst Coal Under Different Moisture Content

Coal and gas outburst is an extremely serious dynamic phenomenon involving the comprehensive action of many factors, and remains a major disaster that needs to be solved in coal mine production. Considering the significant influence of moisture content on coal and gas outburst, it is necessary to carry out experimental research on coal and gas outburst under different moisture content conditions. The coal of the serious outburst coal seam in the Luling coal mine, which has had several coal and gas outburst accidents, was selected as the experimental sample. Firstly, the gas desorption law and outburst index characteristics of coal under different moisture content were studied, and the influence of moisture content on gas outburst parameters of coal was obtained. Then, the simulation tests of coal and gas outburst under different moisture content were carried out by using a triaxial coal and gas outburst simulation test system. Based on the above experimental research, the influence of moisture on coal and gas outburst was summarized, and the energy calculation and prevention countermeasures of coal and gas outburst under different moisture content conditions were carried out. With the increase of moisture content, the adsorption constant a, the initial velocity of gas diffusion Δp, and the gas desorption index of drill cuttings K1/Δh2 decrease, but the Protodyakonov coefficient f increases, all of which have an exponential relation to moisture content. Meanwhile, with the increase of moisture content, the threshold of coal and gas outburst pressure increases, and the intensity and energy of outburst decrease. At 0.45 MPa pressure, the outburst of 1.47% moisture content is the most serious, the outburst of 5% moisture content is weakened, while the outburst of 10% moisture content is not triggered. Five percent moisture content can be used as a critical index of hydraulic measures to prevent coal and gas outburst in No. 8 coal seam of the Luling coal mine. This research can provide new insights into the theoretical study of coal and gas outburst in serious outburst coal seams and the control of coal and gas outburst by hydraulic measures.

SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF SATURATED HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY, PERCENTAGE POROSITY AND ORGANIC MATTER CONTENT OF AN ULTISOL IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

The wet and dry seasons in tropical soils not only differ markedly in precipitation, moisture content and irradiation but also can potentially affect some of the key characteristics that define different soil types. The seasonal effects on saturated hydraulic conductivity, percentage porosity and organic matter status was conducted in an Ultisol in Imo state Nigeria in 2016 and 2017. Four different land uses was used for the study. Samples were collected in the rainy and dry seasons of 2016 and 2017 through the sampling of the horizons of the land uses through the different profile pits dug in the land uses. Collected samples were prepared using standard procedures. Results indicate obvious variations in the soils saturated hydraulic conductivity in both rainy and dry seasons of 2016 and 2017 with the first dry season having the highest percentage of total porosity. Similarly the dry season had the lowest moisture content with the second dry season having the highest percentage moisture content of 17.2. All the parameters studied showed obvious variations in both seasons. Thus having a good knowledge of the seasonal variations in soil hydraulic parameters will unarguably preform land users on the potential dangers that may disrupt the food supply chain. Improving the organic matter content of the soil through mulching and fallowing will reduce the seasonal variations that are usually encountered by land users.

Nitrogen application affects maize grain filling by regulating grain water relations

Grain water relations play an important role in grain filling in maize. The study aimed to gain a clear understanding of the changes in grain dry weight and water relations in maize grains by using hybrids with contrasting nitrogen efficiencies under differing nitrogen levels. The objectives were: 1) to understand the changes in dry matter and percent moisture content (MC) during grain development in response to different nitrogen application rates and 2) to determine whether nitrogen application affects grain filling by regulating grain water relations. Two maize hybrids, high N-efficient Zhenghong 311 (ZH311) and low N-efficient Xianyu 508 (XY508), were grown in the field under four levels of N fertilizer: 0, 150, 300, and 450 kg N ha–1 during three growing seasons. Dry weight, percent MC and water content (WC) of basal–middle and apical grains were investigated. The difference in the maximum WC and filling duration of basal–middle and apical grains in maize ears resulted in a significant difference in final grain weight. Grain position markedly influenced grain drying down; specifically, the drying down rate of apical grains was faster than that of basal–middle grains. Genotype and grain position both influenced the impact of nitrogen application rate on grain filling and drying down. Nitrogen rate determined the maximum grain WC and percent MC loss rate in the middle and the late grain-filling stages, thus affecting final grain weight. The use of high N-efficient hybrids, combined with the reduction of nitrogen application rate, can coordinate basal–middle and apical grain drying down to ensure yield. This management strategy could lead to a win–win situation in which the maximum maize yield, efficient mechanical harvest and environmental safety are all achieved.

Sucrose- and formaldehyde-modified native starches as possible pharmaceutical excipients in tableting

BackgroundStarches have been shown to be important across various disciplines such as the pharmaceutical industries, food industries and also paper industries. Starch is basically a mixture of polymers consisting of α-d-glucose as the monomeric unit. The goal of this study is to modify the native starches which were obtained from Zea mays, Triticumestivum and Oriza sativa through cross-linking (using sucrose and formaldehyde at different concentrations) and also to assess the utilizability of the modified starches as potential excipients [binder] for tableting of paracetamol.ResultsMaize and rice starches cross-linked with 2.5% sucrose gave the least percentage moisture content. The batches cross-linked with 40% formaldehyde showed the highest moisture content. The densities (bulk and tapped) of maize wheat and rice starches showed a reduction with the increasing concentration of the cross-linking agent for sucrose, which is the reverse case for formaldehyde. The different concentrations of sucrose and formaldehyde cross-maize, wheat and rice starches had pH values between 4.50 and 5.52. The onset and end set of the glass transition temperatures were varied for all the starches modified with formaldehyde. The melting peak temperatures obtained indicated that the formaldehyde-modified rice starch had significantly lower melting temperature than those of wheat and maize starches.ConclusionsThis study reveals that various concentrations of sucrose and formaldehyde had some influence on the properties of the native starches and resulted in the production of new starch motifs with improved or new functionalities suitable for use as drug excipients in tableting.

Production of Hydrolyzed Collagen from Common Carp Cyprinus carpio L. Scales by Synergistic Enzyme Systems

Fish skin, bones and scales are a good source of collagen, for the sake of exploitation these fish wastes of high commercial worth and convert them into food, therapeutic and pharmaceutical products. Therefore, the study included extracting collagen with acetic acid at a concentration 0.5 M and pepsin enzyme 0.1% from fish Cyprinus carpio scales and then producing hydrolyzed collagen protein. Chemical content of the scales was estimated from the percentage of moisture, protein, fat and ash, as it was found (55.36, 35.85, 2.47 and 5.99) %, respectively. The metallic elements represented by (Ca, P, Fe and Zn), they reached (153430, 1887.5, 71.455 and 48.045) µg.g-1. The collagen yield by the two methods mentioned above was 16.40% and 5.30%, respectively. Diagnosis of collagen extracted with acid using FT-IR technique and determination of the active groups in it, the presence of amides A, B, I, II and III was observed at frequencies 3413.39, 2924.52, 1653.66, 1548.56 and 1240 cm-1, respectively. Hydrolysed collagen was prepared using Collagenase enzyme followed by Pepsin enzyme, the highest degree of hydrolysis reached 43.56% after four hours. The electrophoresis of collagen extracted with acid and enzyme was carried out, as three bundles of collagen α1, α2 and β were obtained with weights (126, 100 and 180) KD, respectively.

Modification of Jute Fibre by Etherification Method for Diverse Textile Uses

Etherification of jute fibre with butyl chloride was carried out at a temperature of 300C for a period of 2 hours in different solvents. Sodium hydroxide was selected as swelling agent for cheap and availability. Petroleum ether was used as a solvent in this research. The degree of substitution, the percent elongation, and bundle strength and moisture regain of the butyl substituted jute fibre was studied. It is observed that the bundle strength of the butyl substituted jute fibre decreases and percentage of moisture regain of the butyl substituted jute fibre decreases with the increases of substitution. The extensibility of the butyl substituted jute fibre increases up to about 10 times of its original value of 1% extension at break with the increase of substitution.

Charcoal preparation from jute stick: A new approach for sustainable economy

An investigation had been done to produce quality charcoal at different temperature ranges on a laboratory scale. A proximate analysis had been carried out to determine the percentage of moisture, volatile matter, ash, and fixed carbon in charcoal by standard methods. The jute sticks were carbonized at a range of 250oC to 750oC temperature in an electric muffle furnace. Higher yields, 40-45% were obtained at 250oC, and yields decline (8-10%) with increasing temperature up to 750oC. The yield of charcoal was calculated after the determination of moisture, where the average moisture of jute charcoal is about 9.88%. The carbon purity of jute charcoal is identified from FT-IR analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that thermal decomposition of the analyzed charcoal occurred in three main phases where the thermal decomposition of the charcoal occurred in the range of 340-550°C where the weight loss was 75% and the rest 1% of inorganic materials become ash.

Evaluation of dried tomato pomace as a non‐conventional feed: Its effect on growth, nutrients digestibility, digestive enzyme, blood chemistry and intestinal microbiota of growing quails

AbstractThis work evaluated the effect of sun‐dried tomato waste (SDTP) on growth, carcasses, digestibility of nutrients, digestive enzymes, blood chemistry and intestinal microbiota of 250 one‐week‐old growing Japanese quail. The birds were randomly distributed into 5 equal groups. Group 1 was fed on the basal diet (BD) (control), Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were fed on the BD containing 3, 6, 9 and 12% SDTP respectively. SDTP significantly improved the body weights and gains at 3 weeks of age compared with control, and the 6% SDTP level seems to be the optimal level used throughout the first 3–5 weeks of age. With 6, 9 or 12% SDTP, the percentages of liver and giblets and the meat percentages of moisture and crude protein were improved significantly relative to control or 3%. In quail diets, the percentage of ether extract was reduced with increasing the SDTP. The studied levels of SDTP did not significantly change the digestibility of DM, OM, CP or NFE. The highest levels of amylase and lipase enzymes were recorded in the 6% SDTP, opposite to control. SDTP at 9 and 12% significantly decreased the total cholesterol than all other treatments. The highest and the lowest HDL levels were shown in 12 and 9% SDTP respectively. The 12% SDTP showed the highest SOD, TAC, IgM, IgG and Complement 3 values among all groups. The different levels of SDTP significantly reduced the MDA content than control. The highest caecal E. coli and Salmonella spp counts were found in control and 6% inclusion level followed by 9% and finally 3 and 12% SDTP. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of SDTP can enhance the growth and health status of growing quails via improving the nutrient digestibility, digestive enzymes, and blood chemistry and reducing the intestinal pathogens.

Influence of putrefactive decay of the hoof horn in sheep on its biochemical and biomechanical properties and hemodynamics in sick animals

Sheep breeding is currently an intensively developing branch of animal husbandry. However, one of the limiting factors of its further economically viable development is the mass distribution in the conditions of large sheep-breeding farms with a non-walking technology for keeping purulent-necrotic and putrefactive lesions in the tissues of the distal part of the limbs. The etiology and pathogenesis of these pathologies is currently not fully scientifically substantiated and detailed. In this regard, we assessed the effect of putrefactive decay of the hoof horn in sheep on its biochemical and biomechanical properties, as well as on hemodynamics in diseased animals in comparison with clinically healthy ones. According to the results of the studies, it was determined that during the putrefactive decay of the hoof horn, the percentage of moisture was higher by 12.37%, and the inorganic residue (ash), fat, protein and sulfur was lower by 73.84%, 36.84%, 5.92 % and 3.82% than in its normal morpho-functional state, respectively. This, in turn, had an impact on the biomechanical properties of the hoof horn, namely, during its putrefactive decay, a decrease in compressive elasticity by 3.82%, tensile strength by 28.76%, resistance to repeated bending by 9.61% was recorded relative to similar biomechanical indicators in samples of the hoof horn obtained from clinically healthy sheep. At the same time, in the hemodynamics of diseased animals with putrefactive decay of the hoof cover, in a comparative aspect with similar hematological indicators in clinically healthy sheep, a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and platelets by 28.94% and 7.03%, a decrease in hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit value by 22.88 % and 8.80%, an increase in the number of leukocytes and erythrocyte sedimentation rate by 89.14% and 44.70%, respectively.

Evaluación fisicoquímica de frutos de Malpighia mexicana A. Juss.

Malpighia mexicanaA. Juss.,is a native species of Mexico and Central America, and its fruit is consumed locally, mainly in the southern and western states of Mexico.The lack of research on its nutritional composition and gastronomic uses makesit a little-marketed fruit with limited consumption, therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical composition of the ripe fruits of M. mexicana. The analyzes were performed in triplicate based on the methodologies described by the AOAC; The percentage of moisture, proteins, lipids, ashes, crude fiber, pH, degrees Brix (°Bx),and Free Nitrogen Extract (ELN) were determined. The fruit contains a high percentage of moisture (80.3%), and ashes (minerals) (2.81%). The results of this research clarify the chemical-nutritional nature of the fruit, however, more studies are needed to elucidate its nutraceutical potential.

Performance Assessment of Soil Moisture Meter under Sandy Clay Loam Soil

Background: Irrigation performs a substantial function for the growth of Agricultural vegetation. Soil supplies essential nutrients for the growth of plant and provides anchor support to the roots of the crops. Soil Moisture permits the requirement for water system to be measured ahead of a yield giving indications of misery. Knowing the soil moisture status empowers exceptionally productive water system, giving the water as and when required and wiping out the inefficient utilization of water when water system isn’t required. Methods: Sandy clay loam soil contains a decent arrangement of plant supplements and supports most sorts of plants and yields. So in the field plentiful accessibility of this soil its texture is discovered by estimating soil moisture. Result: Within the research we developed a soil moisture meter based on capacitive type sensor the output is analog voltage which is calibrated to soil moisture percentage and its performance is comparatively investigated with different moisture sensor under sandy clay loam soil. The proposed model is highly emphasized on the soil moisture percentage that is the level of water content in the soil. The percentage value is displayed in the LCD. The deployment cost is highly reduced in the proposed model.

Accessing the nutritional variability of Butia odorata: a food with identity

Butia odorata (Arecaceae) is a palm species in southern Brazil and eastern Uruguay, which produces tasty fruits consumed by humans and animals. Despite the ecological and sociocultural relevance of the species, B. odorata is endangered by extinction. This study aimed to characterize physical aspects, chromatic parameters, chemical, and centesimal composition and determine the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of fruits of B. odorata. Fifteen accessions of B. odorata from Pelotas and Capão do Leão (RS-Brazil) were evaluated for bunches weight, fruit yield, fruit diameter and height, total soluble solids (TSS), pH, total titratable acidity (TTA), TSS/TST ratio, color parameters, total phenolic compounds, total carotenoids, antioxidant activity, percentage of moisture, dry matter, vitamin C, crude fiber, fat, ash, protein and pulp yield. There was genetic variability among the analyzed accessions for several parameters. Some of them influence consumer acceptance, such as coloration and sugar content, which highlights the possibility of selection for genetic improvement. The fruits showed a rich composition in fibers, vitamin C, total carotenoids, and total phenolic content, which contribute to health maintenance. With the growing demand for functional foods, Butia fruits represent a potential product for nutritional enrichment in diets.