Populations Of Total Bacteria Research Articles

Influence of grain type and fat source on performance, nutrient utilization, and gut properties in broilers fed pelleted diets

The influence of grain type and fat source on the performance, coefficient of apparent ileal digestibility (CAID), and intestinal characteristics in broiler starters fed pelleted diets were studied. The experiment included 8 treatments arranged as a 2 × 4 factorial with 2 grains (wheat and corn) and 4 fat sources (soybean oil, fish oil, tallow, and palm oil). In all fat sources, corn-fed birds had a higher weight gain than those fed wheat-based diets. However, improvement in the weight gain of birds fed wheat-based diets supplemented with tallow resulted in a significant (P < 0.001) interaction between grain type and fat source. Inclusion of wheat and tallow increased feed intake compared to corn and other fat sources, respectively. Pellets made from wheat were harder (P < 0.01) than those based on corn. Broilers fed corn-based diets, had higher CAID of fat, Ca, and phosphorus (P < 0.01) than those fed wheat-based diets. Soybean oil inclusion, also increased (P < 0.01) fat digestibility compared to other fat sources. An interaction occurred between grain type and fat source where pellets made from corn and soybean oil had higher protein digestibility compared to the other treatments (P < 0.01). Feeding wheat-based diets increased pH of gizzard and proventriculus compared to corn-based diets (P < 0.01). Highest viscosity value was observed in wheat-diets supplemented with fish oil, and palm oil (P < 0.01). The pancrease, gizzard and cecum were heavier in corn-based fed birds compared to those fed wheat-based diets (P < 0.01). A significant interaction between grain type and fat source was noted for Lactobacillus spp. and the total anaerobic bacteria population in the cecum. Overall, the effect of grain type on weight gain, CIAD of protein and cecal microbiota differed depending on the fat sources. Feeding corn and soybean oil resulted in better gut development and growth performance in broilers fed pelleted diets.

A Microbiological and Sensory Evaluation of Modified Atmosphere-Packed (MAP) Chicken at Use-By Date and Beyond.

Consumers are responsible for a large proportion of food waste, and food that has reached its use-by or best-before date is often discarded, even if edible. In this study on fresh chicken, the suitability of use-by dates currently used in the EU was evaluated by using microbial and sensory analyses. This was carried out by analyzing bacterial populations of chicken breast fillets (M. pectoralis major) at three different time points (use-by date, 2 days past use-by date, 4 days past use-by date) and two different storage temperatures (4 °C, 8 °C). A discrimination triangle test was performed to check for sensory differences between chicken breast fillets cooked at the three selected time points for both storage temperatures. A consumer preference test was also performed for chicken breast fillets that had been stored at the highest recommended temperature (4 °C) and after being cooked at the three time points. Changes in populations of total aerobic count (TAC), Enterobacteriaceae (EB), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were recorded over time. Despite large differences in bacterial counts at the selected time points, with TAC populations of approximately 6.5 and 8.0 log CFU/g at use-by date and four days after use-by date, respectively, storage for two or four extra days had no significant effect on the sensory parameters of cooked chicken compared with chicken consumed at its use-by date. Since the TAC populations were close to or above levels that are associated with spoilage, more work is needed to explore if shelf life can be extended.

Optimizing agricultural sustainability: enriched organic formulations for growth, yield, and soil quality in a multi-crop system.

Utilizing agricultural and industrial wastes, potent reservoirs of nutrients, for nourishing the soil and crops through composting embodies a sustainable approach to waste management and organic agriculture. To investigate this, a 2-year field experiment was conducted at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi, focusing on a pigeon pea-vegetable mustard-okra cropping system. Seven nutrient sources were tested, including a control (T1), 100% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN) through farmyard manure (T2), 100% RDN through improved rice residue compost (T3), 100% RDN through a paddy husk ash (PHA)-based formulation (T4), 75% RDN through PHA-based formulation (T5), 100% RDN through a potato peel compost (PPC)-based formulation (T6), and 75% RDN through PPC-based formulation (T7). Employing a randomized block design with three replications, the results revealed that treatment T4 exhibited the significantly highest seed (1.89 ± 0.09 and 1.97 ± 0.12 t ha-1) and stover (7.83 ± 0.41 and 8.03 ± 0.58 t ha-1) yield of pigeon pea, leaf yield (81.57 ± 4.69 and 82.97 ± 4.17 t ha-1) of vegetable mustard, and fruit (13.54 ± 0.82 and 13.78 ± 0.81 t ha-1) and stover (21.64 ± 1.31 and 22.03 ± 1.30 t ha-1) yield of okra during both study years compared to the control (T1). Treatment T4 was on par with T2 and T6 for seed and stover yield in pigeon pea, as well as okra, and leaf yield in vegetable mustard over both years. Moreover, T4 demonstrated notable increase of 124.1% and 158.2% in NH4-N and NO3-N levels in the soil, respectively, over the control. The enhanced status of available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the soil, coupled with increased soil organic carbon (0.41%), total bacteria population (21.1%), fungi (37.2%), actinomycetes (44.6%), and microbial biomass carbon (28.5%), further emphasized the positive impact of T4 compared to the control. Treatments T2 and T6 exhibited comparable outcomes to T4 concerning changes in available N, P, soil organic carbon, total bacteria population, fungi, actinomycetes, and microbial biomass carbon. In conclusion, treatments T4 and T6 emerge as viable sources of organic fertilizer, particularly in regions confronting farmyard manure shortages. These formulations offer substantial advantages, including enhanced yield, soil quality improvement, and efficient fertilizer utilization, thus contributing significantly to sustainable agricultural practices.

Disease-Suppressive Soils Induce Systemic Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana Against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato

Arabidopsis thaliana accession Col-0 seedlings were transferred into an autoclaved soil/sand mixture amended with either 10 or 20% (wt/wt) soil from fields in Washington State that are suppressive to take-all or Rhizoctonia root rot of wheat. Three weeks after transplanting, these plants had population sizes of 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) or phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA)-producing pseudomonads of greater than 5 × 105 colony forming units per gram fresh weight of root with rhizosphere soil. When the plants were challenge-inoculated with Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000, both soils induced systemic resistance in the leaves against bacterial speck to a level similar to that induced by P. simiae WCS417r, P. fluorescens Q2-87 (DAPG+), P. brassicacearum Q8r1-96 and L5.1-96 (both DAPG+), and P. synxantha 2-79 (PCA+). Pasteurization of the soils before adding them into the soil/sand mixture eliminated DAPG- and PCA-producing pseudomonads from the Arabidopsis rhizosphere and significantly reduced induced systemic resistance activity. However, populations of total culturable aerobic bacteria were similar in the rhizosphere of plants grown in soil/sand mixes amended with untreated or pasteurized suppressive soils. This is the first report of induction of systemic resistance in Arabidopsis by take-all and Rhizoctonia-suppressive soils and the ability of PCA-producing P. synxantha 2-79 to induce resistance. [Formula: see text] The author(s) have dedicated the work to the public domain under the Creative Commons CC0 “No Rights Reserved” license by waiving all of his or her rights to the work worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law, 2024.

Unveiling the Ecological Ramifications of Aerial Pesticide Application by Drones on Soil Microbiota in Rice

The ecological consequences of aerial pesticide application by drones on soil microbiota in rice fields were investigated in this study. The quantitative and qualitative effects of different pesticide treatments, both applied via drones and power sprayer, were examined on soil bacteria, actinomycetes, and fungi. The average population of total bacteria and pseudomonas in the rhizosphere soil tended to be slightly higher in the drone-sprayed treatments compared to the power sprayer treatments. It is evident that the drone spraying treatments resulted in higher average populations of actinomycetes and fungi (124.75 CFU × 105 g-1 soil and 21.12 CFU × 104 g-1 soil, respectively) compared to the power sprayer treatments with average populations of 127.75 CFU × 105 g-1 soil for actinomycetes and 22.5 CFU ×104 g-1 soil for fungi. Qualitative assessment of microbial groups revealed that, the abundance of G -ve bacterial groups are higher when compared to G +ve bacterial groups in rhizospheric soil before harvest of the crop. The distribution of fungal genera varied due to pesticide applications. The mean per cent occurrence of Curvularia spp., Penicillium spp., and Trichoderma spp. was slightly higher in the drone-sprayed treatments (9.85%, 8.51%, and 8.33%) compared to the power-sprayed treatments (2.48%, 2.24%, and 2.00%). However, the mean per cent occurrence of Aspergillus species (A. ochraceous, A. niger, and A. flavus) was relatively higher in the power sprayer treatments (9.14%, 12.81%, and 4.09%) when compared to the drone-sprayed treatments (3.75%, 2.31%, and 0.83%). Overall, this study underscores the need for further research to comprehensively understand the implications of different pesticide application methods on soil microbial communities and their potential impact on soil fertility and ecosystem functioning over time.

Effects of Supplementation of Insoluble Dietary Fiber Obtained from Cinnamon Spent Bark Waste on the Performance of Nile Tilapia (&lt;em&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/em&gt;) Fingerlings

Dietary fiber supplementation has proven benefits on fish health and growth. Cinnamon spent bark waste is the cinnamon bark residue after oil distillation. It is a rich source of insoluble dietary fiber with very low contents of soluble dietary fiber. This study aimed to investigate the potential of using water-extracted insoluble fiber from cinnamon spent bark waste as a functional ingredient in the diets of Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. Four experimental diets were prepared by replacing a commercial feed with extracted dietary fiber at 0 (control), 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% levels. Fingerlings of O. niloticus were assigned to the four experimental diets and the feeding trial was conducted for 12 weeks. The results revealed that the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, Fulton’s condition factor, and survival rate of fish were not significantly different among the experimental groups. Fiber supplementation at 1.5% significantly increased (p&lt;0.05) the total aerobic bacteria population in feces, whereas the coliform counts in feces at 0.5% and 1% fiber supplementation were significantly lower (p&lt;0.05) than the control. There was a significant increase (p&lt;0.05) in red blood cells count at 0.5% fiber supplementation. Moreover, insoluble dietary fiber supplementation significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased the white blood cell counts in blood. Results suggested that insoluble fiber supplementation affected gut microbial populations and blood parameters of O. niloticus fingerlings. However, further investigations on gut microbiology and hematology are needed to ensure the use of insoluble dietary fiber from cinnamon spent bark waste as a functional ingredient in the diets of O. niloticus fingerlings.

Effect of Chemical Weed Management Practices on Weed Dynamics, Soil Microorganism and Nutrient Uptake in Blackgram [Vigna mungo (L.)

An investigation was carried out at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, Kalaburagi, India, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka, India during kharif 2021-22 to study the effect of pre and post emergent application of weedicides on seed yield, weed dynamics, microbial population and nutrient uptake by weeds in blackgram. The results revealed that, significantly lower weed density (grassy weeds, sedges and broad leaf weeds (0.71) and weed dry weight (0.71) was observed with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (control) followed by sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS [grassy weeds (1.08, 1.26 and 1.83) sedges (1.03, 1.57 and 1.47) and broad leaf weeds (1.72, 2.06 and 2.11 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively]. Weed control efficiency was significantly higher with sodium acifluorfen 16.5% + clodinafop propargyl 8% EC @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 20-25 DAS (89.52, 90.31 and 91.17 at 25, 50 DAS and at harvest respectively) that was on par with hand weeding. Hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS recorded significantly higher population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes (13.82, 12.49 and 5.25 cfu x 106 g-1 soil respectively). All chemical weedicides applied either pre-emergent or post-emergent significantly reduced population of total bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes. Significantly higher nutrient uptake by weeds was recorded with weedy check (71.03, 32.00 and 56.67 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). Where as, higher nutrient uptake by blackgram was with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (126.25, 28.20 and 109.30 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively). After the harvest, soil available nutrients status was higher with hand weeding at 25-30 DAS and intercultivation at 45 DAS (141.38, 42.10 and 298.53 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively) and significantly lower nutrients were observed with weedy check (122.93, 30.17 and 220.10 kg ha-1 nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively).

Benefits of isochoric freezing for carrot juice preservation.

Isochoric freezing (IF) at -5°C/77 and -10°C/100MPa was used to preserve carrot juice for 12 weeks. The juice qualities were compared to those using heat treatment (HT) at 95°C for 15s followed by cold storage at 4°C. The native population of total aerobic bacteria, yeasts, and molds in isochoric frozen juice remained below the detection limit for 12 weeks. In comparison, microbes started to grow in heat-treated juices after 3 weeks of refrigeration. The color of isochoric frozen juice appeared more deep orange than the fresh juice due to an increase in carotenoid extractability. IF was not effective in reducing the activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and pectin methyl esterase compared with HT. However, the isochoric samples showed higher carotenoid content, polyphenol content, and antioxidant capacity compared to the fresh and heat-treated juices. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Isochoric freezing was used to produce carrot juice with extended shelf life. Isochoric freezing could be a beneficial alternative to conventional heat treatment for carrot juice processing as the applied pressures reached total inactivation levels of spoilage microorganisms. Moreover, the low processing temperatures better retained desirable compounds and quality attributes of fresh juice throughout its shelf life.

Resistance of Lactobacillus Sp. SKG 34 in The Digestive Tract of Rats Detected Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Technique

In recent years, interest in probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus strains like Lactobacillus sp. SKG34, isolated from Sumbawa mare milk, has surged due to their potential health benefits. This strain holds promise as a probiotic agent, but understanding its behavior in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is essential for effective application. This study aimed to investigate the resistance and persistence of Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 in the GI tract of rats. Rats were orally administered the strain at a concentration of 10^8 cells for 30 days. The probiotic’s ability to modulate gut microbiota and improve host health is a key area of interest. By utilizing techniques like PCR-RAPD, this research sought to elucidate the fate of Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 in the complex environment of the rat GI tract. Results revealed a significant increase in LAB population in cecal contents, from 3.06 x 10^9 cfu/g in the control group to 1.25 x 10^10 cfu/g in the probiotic group. RAPD analysis also detected Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 in approximately 23% of the total population of lactic acid bacteria in cecal contents, indicating its resistance and proliferation within the GI tract. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand the potential of Lactobacillus sp. SKG34 as a beneficial probiotic strain for human application.

Effect of Type and Concentration of Organic Acids on Soil Bacteria Growth

The study was carried out at the University of Kufa - College of Agriculture for the season 2023-2022 to study the effect of the type and concentration of organic acids on the growth of soil bacteria, the first experiment includes the cultivation of bacteria on optional, broth, four types of organic acids were used (Citric acid, Acetic acid, Oxalic acid, Propionic acid) in concentrations (0,25.50.75.100.150) mM factor included four types of bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterobacter cloacae). During this experiment, the minimum inhibitory concentration of these organic acids was determined, the second experiment included planting wheat seeds of a local variety by 4-2seeds per pot and used two types of organic acids (Acetic acid, Oxalic acid) and two types of pathogenic bacteria and biological resistance (Enterobacter cloacae and Bacillus subtilis). The results of the laboratory experiment showed a significant effect of organic acids in reducing the growth of bacteria, the addition of organic acids to the soil had a significant effect on the values of (Ec, PH) in the soil as oxalic acid obtained the highest rate of 6.370 dc m-1 At a concentration of 50 mM, oxalic acid obtained the highest rate of soil reaction score of 6.300 at a concentration of 75.50mM. The results indicate the significant effect of organic acids in inhibiting the total bacteria population in the soil, as oxalic acid obtained the highest rate of 106×114.3 g-1 dry soil at 50mM concentration.

POPULASI BAKTERI DAN RESPIRASI MIKROBA TANAH PADA RHIZOSFER TANAMAN JAGUNG ( Zea mays L.) YANG DIBERI PUPUK TERPADU DAN BIOCHAR SEKAM PADI PADA MASA VEGETATIF MAKSIMUM

This study aims to determine the Bacterial Population and Microbial Respiration in the rhizosphere of corn plants due to the application of integrated fertilizers and rice husk biochar soil amendments during the maximum vegetative period. This research was conducted using an experimental method with polybag experiments in a greenhouse from July to September 2021. The experiment was arranged using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 7 treatment combinations P0 (control treatment), P1 (Urea + phonska administration), P2 ( Giving Urea + Phonska + Biochar), P3 (Giving Urea + Phonska + BPF), P4 (Giving Urea + Phonska + Biochar + BPF), P5 (Giving Urea + Phonska + BPF + Compost), P6 (Giving Urea + Phonska + Biochar) + BPF + Compost). Each treatment was repeated 3 times, so as many as 21 units of experimental polybags were obtained. Parameters measured were total bacterial population, population of phosphate solubilizing bacteria, soil microbial respiration, pH, cation exchange capacity, and C-Organic. The results showed that the application of integrated fertilizers (inorganic, compost and biological-BPF) and rice husk biochar had a significant effect. on the total bacterial population, BPF and soil microbial respiration in the corn plant rhizosphere observed at the maximum vegetative period. From this study, it was concluded that the combination of inorganic fertilizer + organic fertilizer + bpf and biochar was the best combination in increasing the total population of bacteria, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and soil microbial respiration.

Evaluation of bigel systems as potential substitutes to partially replace pork backfat in semi-dry sausages

Bigels prepared with olive oil oleogels admixed with κ-carrageenan or κ-carrageenan and gelatin hydrogels (BG1 and BG2, respectively) were characterized with respect to microstructure and textural properties and were used as pork backfat alternatives in semi-dry sausages. Stable oleogel-in-hydrogel type bigels were formed, with BG2 having higher hardness values. Control sausages (CF) were formulated with 20% pork backfat and sausage treatments B1F and B2F had 50% of the pork backfat substituted by BG1 and BG2 bigels, respectively. Moisture, water activity, texture, microbial counts, sensorial and nutritional attributes of the resulting sausages were assessed during fermentation and after pasteurization and storage. Substituted sausages had increased weight loss, moisture, and water activity. Color evaluation revealed that the treatments with bigels exhibited the same trend in color formation and no differences were recorded in L* and a* values of the sausages. Total viable counts and lactic acid bacteria populations were not affected by the addition of bigel systems. Regarding the texture parameters, B2F semi-dry sausages exhibited similar values of hardness and cohesiveness to CF. Sausages formulated with bigels exhibited a reduction in energy (20%), fat (27%), saturated fatty acids (30%) and cholesterol (∼6%) content. B2F sausages had similar liking scores with CF, and they did not show any undesirable sensory attributes. The results demonstrate that bigels are a promising fat alternative to manufacture semi-dry meat products with lower fat content and a better nutritional profile.

The influence of biostimulants on the rhizospheric microorganisms of scorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica L.)

Scorzonera (Scorzonera hispanica L.) is a particularly valuable species among little-known and rarely cultivated vegetables. It is a root vegetable of high dietary and nutritional values. The suitable microbiological activity of the soil favors the growth and development of scorzonera. Biostimulants can positively affect the communities of rhizospheric microorganisms of cultivated plants, including this important vegetable. The studies established the influence of biostimulants on the microbial communities in the scorzonera rhizosphere. Before setting up the field experiment, scorzonera seeds were dressed with fungicide Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS or biostimulants Beta-Chikol, Bio-Algeen S-90, and Asahi SL. The laboratory microbiological analyses of scorzonera rhizosphere soil were conducted and determined the total population of bacteria and fungi. The obtained rhizosphere isolates of fungi Albifimbria, Clonostachys, Epicoccum, Penicillium, and Trichoderma sp. were tested to check the influence on fungi pathogenic to scorzonera (Fusarium culmorum, Fusarium oxysporum, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Rhizoctonia solani). The experiments showed that biostimulants, especially Asahi SL and Beta-Chikol, favored the development of rhizobacteria populations (including Bacillus sp. and Pseudomonas sp.). All biostimulants (Beta-Chikol, in particular) and the fungicide decreased the population of rhizospheric fungi and limited the occurrence of polyphagous fungi in the rhizosphere of scorzonera. Biostimulant Beta-Chikol and fungicide Zaprawa Nasienna T 75 DS/WS were most effective in stimulating the development of antagonistic fungi. Clonostachys rosea, Trichoderma sp., and Albifimbria verrucaria predominated as antagonistic rhizospheric fungi.

The Shallot Growth and Yield from True Shallot Seed using Biochar, Compost, and Organic Pesticide in Wanasari, Brebes Regency

The practice of environmentally friendly shallot cultivation is nowadays widely applied by farmers, beside reducing environmental contamination and producing agricultural products that are safe for consumption, it can also increase shallot production. This study aimed to determine the effect of biochar, compost, and organic pesticides on the growth and yield of shallot, and the activity of microorganisms in the soil. The study was conducted in Klampok Village, Wanasari, Brebes Regency from January to July 2020 using a complete randomized block design with nine treatments which were a combination of biochar, compost, organic pesticides, recommended dose of pesticides, and farmers’ dose of pesticides. The shallot seed used was the Bima Brebes variety. Soil characteristics, compost nutrient contents, plant growth, shallot yield, and total soil bacteria population were measured. The study showed that the yield of shallot was 16.7 tons/ha obtained from adding compost and recommended doses of pesticides. The treatment of biochar, compost, and organic pesticides, although it has not been able to increase the growth and yield of shallot, it can be applied for shallot cultivation as it can increase the total bacterial population of soil, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, reduce production input costs, and environmentally friendly.

Potential of Methanotroph bacteria as non-symbiotic nitrogen fixation in rice paddy fields in Morowali regency

Nitrogen makes up about 78% of all the gases in the atmosphere. Although it is very abundant in the atmosphere, nitrogen cannot be used directly by plants. The aims of this study were to isolate, characterize and identify the morphology and physiology of methanotrophic bacteria, calculate the total population of methanotrophic bacteria and analyze the chemical properties of paddy rice soil in Morowali Regency. Results Based on the gram reaction test, 11 isolates were gram negative, 11 isolates were catalase positive, 11 isolates were capable of nitrogen fixation, five isolates were yellowish white, five isolates were white, one isolate was yellow, six isolates had a convex elevation, and five isolates had a flat elevation. Based on the identification results, the Witaponda sub-district produced five isolates, three isolates from Bumiraya, two isolates from Bungku Barat and one isolate from Bungku Tengah District. Based on the results of the calculation of the number of bacteria found in Witaponda subdistrict as much as 54.05x106 Cfu/mL Bumiraya as much as 40.21x106 Cfu/mL, Bungku Barat as much as 12.06x106 Cfu/mL, Bungku Tengah as much as 11.65x106 Cfu/mL. The results of the analysis of soil chemical properties showed that pH, CEC, organic C, P205, K were classified as low in both irrigated and rainfed rice fields.

Silagem de capim-elefante inoculada com fungos celulolíticos isolados do rúmen

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the inoculation with Aspergillus terreus and/or Trichoderma longibrachiatum on fermentation, chemical and microbiological composition of elephant grass ‘Cameroon’ silage (Cenchrus purpureus). Treatments were A. terreus at 105 colony forming units (CFU)/g (AT15), T. longibrachiatum at 105 CFU/g (TL20), a mixture of both at 105 CFU/g (MIX), and a control group without inoculation (CONTR). The design was completely randomized with seven replicates. The MIX silage was most stable, while CONTR, AT15, and TL20, had lower dry matter losses. There was no effect of inoculation in the chemical composition of silages. Only MIX silage (4.40) had pH above the minimum of 4.2 for humid grass silage and above the control (4.05). Bacteria from Diplococcus genus was identified at the opening of TL20 and CONTR silages. After air exposure, the population of rods, Lactobacillus, and total lactic acid bacteria was higher in theTL20 and MIX. The inclusion of a T. longibrachiatum and A. terreus mixture increases dry mater loss and silage pH. T. longibrachiatum was more efficient in maintaining populations of total lactic acid bacteria after opening; therefore, this strain has potential as an additive for elephant grass ‘Cameroon’ silage.

Advancing dysphagia-oriented multi-ingredient meal development: Optimising hydrocolloid incorporation in 3D printed nutritious meals

Dysphagia (DP) is a growing health concern in today's ageing population, leading to high demand for DP-oriented food. 3D printing is a promising novel technology for developing new attractive and appetising products. Therefore, we aimed to develop a 3D-printed shaped meal, to serve as a nutritious DP-oriented food. The texture was modified with the addition of different thickeners: 2.0% (w/w) k-carrageenan gum (KC) and 1.0 or 1.5% (w/w) guar gum (GG), xanthan gum (XG), locust bean gum (LBG), and gum arabic (GA). Upon characterising and mapping the rheological behaviour involved in extrusion-based 3D printing, the higher concentrations of GG, XG, LBG and GA were found to significantly increase the yield stress and apparent viscosities of the ink formulations. In addition, the colour attributes were examined, while a low population of total viable bacteria (TVC) was observed. The DP-oriented formulations had high fibre content, regulating bowel function and glucose metabolism in the elderly. According to the International dysphagia diet standardisation initiative (IDDSI), KC/XG1 and KC/LBG1 were classified as level 5 indicative of minced and moist dysphagia diet, while KC/GA1, KC/GA1.5, KC/XG1.5, and KC/GG1.5 were classified as level 4, that can be bitten or chewed if the tongue control is reduced. All ink formulations demonstrated high printing precision with excellent self-supporting capability and smooth surface texture that were easy to extrude and print complex samples. This study provides valuable insights into addressing dysphagia by developing a nutritious meal using 3D printing.

Impact of Stocking Densities on the Microbiota of the Cloaca, Eggshell, and Egg Content of White Egg Layers in Colony Cages

Food safety is a major concern for commercial poultry producers and consumers. Currently, there is also pressure from retailers and legislators to increase the space per hen in cages. Five different density treatments consisting of six (208 in2/bird), nine (139 in2/bird), twelve (104 in2/bird), fifteen (83 in2/bird), and eighteen birds (69 in2/bird) per cage were examined in colony cage environments. Microbiological tests were performed at 39, 55, and 68 weeks of age. The populations of total aerobic bacteria; E. coli/coliform; Enterobacteriaceae; and yeasts and molds from an eggshell rinse, egg content, and cloacal swabs were enumerated. The prevalence of Salmonella spp. in these samples was also monitored. Overall, no bacteria were detected in any of the egg content, and there were no differences (p &gt; 0.05) between treatments for the shell rinse. Stocking density did not influence the eggshell microbiota of the hens. Hens housed at 104 in2 per hen showed higher levels of total aerobic bacterial counts from the cloaca compared to hens at 208 in2 and 69 in2 per hen. Hens housed at 139 in2 per hen had the highest level of cloacal molds. This research demonstrates that stocking density does not influence eggshell microbiota or Salmonella contamination of the eggshell or cloaca, thereby indicating that allowing more space per hen will not positively or negatively affect the prevalence or concentration of foodborne pathogen-associated bacteria in or on the eggs.

Dietary supplementation of sodium butyrate enhances lactation performance by promoting nutrient digestion and mammary gland development in dairy cows

This experiment was to evaluate the influence of sodium butyrate (SB) addition on milk production, ruminal fermentation, nutrient digestion, and the development and metabolism regulation of the mammary gland in dairy cows. Forty Holstein dairy cows averaging 710 ± 18.5 kg body weight, 72.8 ± 3.66 d in milk (DIM), and 41.4 ± 1.42 kg/d milk production were divided into four treatments blocked by DIM and milk production. Treatments were control group, low SB, medium SB, and high SB with 0, 100, 200 and 300 g/d of SB addition per cow, respectively. The study lasted for 105 d. Production of milk, milk protein and lactose quadratically increased (P < 0.05), while fat-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk and milk fat yields linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing SB addition. The digestibility of dietary dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein linearly increased (P < 0.05), whereas the digestibility of ether extract, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre quadratically increased (P < 0.05). Ruminal pH quadratically decreased (P = 0.04), while total volatile fatty acids (VFA) quadratically increased (P = 0.03) with increasing SB addition. The acetic acid to propionic acid ratio increased (P = 0.03) linearly due to the unaltered acetic acid molar percentage and a linear decrease in propionic acid molar percentage. Ruminal enzymatic activity of carboxymethyl-cellulase and α-amylase, populations of total bacteria, total anaerobic fungi, total protozoa, Ruminococcus albus, R. flavefaciens, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, Fibrobacter succinogenes, and Ruminobacter amylophilus linearly increased (P < 0.05). Blood glucose, urea nitrogen, and non-esterified fatty acids linearly decreased (P < 0.05), while total protein concentration linearly increased (P = 0.04). Moreover, the addition of SB at 200 g/d promoted (P < 0.05) mRNA and protein expression of PPARγ, SREBF1, ACACA, FASN, SCD, CCNA2, CCND1, PCNA, Bcl-2, GPR41, and the ratios of p-Akt/Akt and p-mTOR/mTOR, but decreased (P < 0.05) mRNA and protein expressions of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9. The results suggest that milk production and milk fat synthesis increased with SB addition by stimulating rumen fermentation, nutrient digestion, gene and protein expressions concerned with milk fat synthesis and mammary gland development.

Effect of glucose on biodegradation of hydrocarbons in crude-oil polluted soil undergoing bioremediation

Bioremediation of crude oil polluted soil can be enhanced by addition of easily assimilated carbon sources such as glucose. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of increasing concentration of glucose on biodegradation of hydrocarbons in crude-oil polluted soil undergoing bioremediation. Some hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria and fungi were used as bioremediation agents in the study. Soil artificially polluted with crude-oil was divided into 5 setups: CT (control), S1, S2, S4, and S8. Suspension of the bioremediation agents and nutrients were added to the setups. About 5, 10, 20, and 40 g glucose were added to S1, S2, S4, and S8 respectively: equivalent to 1, 2, 4, and 8 % glucose concentration. Soil moisture in the setups was maintained at 10-20 % during the experimental period. Total hydrocarbon concentration (THC), and population of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB), total fungi (TF), &amp; hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF) were determined on day 1 and 21. Results obtained showed that increase in HUB occurred only in setup S1, and setup S1 had the highest extent of hydrocarbon degradation (18.93 %). Setup S8 had the lowest extent of hydrocarbon degradation (0.79 %). It is concluded that glucose concentration of 1 % and below will enhance biodegradation of hydrocarbons in crude-oil polluted soils, whereas high glucose concentration will retard hydrocarbon biodegradation. Also, the study indicates the possibility of fungi not partaking in hydrocarbon degradation when glucose is made available.