Ppm Zinc Research Articles

Effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the biology of Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Abstract Background Because of its ability to absorb UV radiation and possess catalytic, antibacterial, and semiconducting properties, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are increasingly being used in consumer goods. Because nanoparticles are used so often, accurate methods for determining any associated toxicity are crucial. The greater wax moth, Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is a suitable experimental model organism due to immune defense of the larvae is very strong. Also, larvae are a good model for carrying out toxicity studies. In this study, to determine the effects of zinc oxide NPs (ZnO NPs) on the biology (larval development time, the weight of the last stage larvae, the pupal development time, the pupal weight, the eclosion rate, the maturation period, the adult weights, the adult longevity, and the percentage of adults) of G. mellonella, zinc oxide NPs were added to the larvae diet (honeycomb) at different doses (100, 500, 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm). Results Results showed that pupal weights significantly decreased at 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm doses of zinc oxide NPs when compared with control. Adult weight increased at 100 ppm zinc oxide NPs and the adult longevity of G. mellonella in the group exposed to 5000 ppm zinc oxide NP was longer than the control group. Finally, total male longevity extended in 500, 1000, 3000, and 5000 ppm zinc oxide NPs groups when compared to the control group. Conclusions The findings of this study contribute to evidence that the negative effects of ZnO NPs on biological properties on G. mellonella. In addition, the study reveals the adverse effects of zinc oxide NPs on a model experimental organism and provides an idea for researchers working on this subject in terms of new studies that can be done in future.

GPUF 3: A new high yielding foxtail millet variety (Sateria italica)

GPUF 3, a new foxtail millet variety was developed at the Project Coordinating unit, ICAR- AICRP on Small Millets, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bengaluru for cultivation in zone 5 and zone 6 of Karnataka state.  It has been evolved through pureline selection from germplasm IC 479864. This new variety matures in 85-90 days. This variety has semi compact and oblong shaped inflorescence. The grains are oval in shape and yellow in colour. This variety is moderately resistant to leaf blight and rust diseases and it is tolerant to shoot fly damage. GPUF 3 grain contains high calcium than check SiA 3156 and it contains iron content of 39.4 ppm, 11.6 per cent protein and 43.2 ppm of Zinc. Fodder contains high crude fiber, crude protein and crude fat content than check variety SiA 3156. New variety GPUF 3 recorded an average grain yield of 29.89 q/ha in station trials, 26.33 q/ha in Multilocation trials and 15.16 q/ha in farm trials with a mean grain yield of 23.79 q/ha across all the trials. GPUF 3 registered an average grain yield of 23.79 q/ha with a 19.12 per cent increased yield over check variety SiA3156. In All India Co-ordinated trials, GPUF 3 yielded 2753 kg/ha across the locations and ranked 11th across the locations in AICRP trials. This new variety is recommended for release in the Annual Plant Scientists Group meeting held at UAS, GKVK, Bengaluru on 1-3rdMarch 2021, Annual ZREP workshop of Zone-6 held on 5th April 2021, Annual ZREP workshop of Zone-5 held on 8th April 2021 and State varietal evaluation committee (SVEC) meeting held on 13th to 16th December 2021. NBPGR, New Delhi has issued national identity number IC 635733 for this variety. Because of its superior performance in zone 5 and zone 6 of Karnataka, this variety has been recommended for cultivation in the southern (Zone 6) and eastern (zone 5) dry zones of Karnataka state. Keywords: Coordinated trials, Foxtail millet, Grain yield, Inflorescence, Variety

Evaluation of different non-fasting molting methods on laying performance and egg quality during molting and post molting periods.

The study evaluated different molt-inducing methods to achieve the main goal of molting in commercial layers during molting and post-molting periods. A total of 400 60-week-old Lohmann Brown layers were randomly divided into five groups (eight replicates of 10 birds for each group). Laying hens in the fasting control group received no diet from day 1 to day 10. The second group received a molt-inducing diet recommended by the breeding company. The third group received a wheat bran-based diet. The fourth group received a commercial layer diet with 8,000 ppm zinc (as zinc oxide, ZnO). The fifth group received an induced molting diet given to the second group with 8,000 ppm zinc, respectively. Egg production in the fasting control group and groups fed a diet with ZnO were significantly lower (p < 0.001) than those in groups fed the molt-inducing and wheat bran-based diets without ZnO during molting. Egg laying in the fasting control group was rapidly reduced and stopped on the 5.9th day of molting. In both groups having molt treatment with ZnO, egg production was similarly reduced and ceased on the 6.9th day and 7.0th day of molting, respectively, none of them differed significantly from the control. Layers fed molt-inducing diet or wheat bran-based diet did not reach the cessation of laying even on the 28th d of molting period. Relative weights of the ovary and growing oocytes of layers subjected to fasting or fed diets with ZnO were significantly lower than those of other groups. During the first two weeks of post molting, layers fed molt-inducing diet with ZnO showed higher egg production than the other two groups (p < 0.01). The eggshell strength in the group fed the commercial diet with ZnO was significantly higher than those fed the molt-inducing diet or wheat bran-based diets at 6 weeks of post molting (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the non-feed withdrawal molting using ZnO is more effective in inducing molting and increasing post-molt egg production and egg quality than other methods using a molt-inducing diet alone or wheat bran-based diet without ZnO.

Effect of Cooking Methods on The Physicochemical and Organoleptic Properties of Inpari IR Nutrizinc and Inpari 45 Rice Varieties

People usually cook rice in various methods, such as using steamer, rice pot and rice cooker. The Inpari IR Nutrizinc variety is claimed to be Zn-rich rice. The quality needs to be traced after it is cooked into steamed rice. This research aim was to study the effect of cooking methods on physicochemical and organoleptic properties of Inpari IR Nutrizinc and Inpari 45 rice varieties. The research design used was factorial randomized block design with 2 treatments i.e., cooking methods (steamer, rice pot and rice cooker) and rice varieties (Inpari IR Nutrizinc and Inpari 45), repeated three times. Results showed that the cooking method by using rice cooker was able to maintain the nutrition better than other treatments. Steamed rice from Inpari IR Nutrizinc has higher nutritional value than steamed rice from Inpari 45 variety, it contained of 54.88% moisture, 0.19% ash, 0.07% fat, 6.03% protein, 38.83% carbohydrate and 14.89 ppm zinc. Consumption of rice with high protein and Zinc content can support government programs in reducing stunting prevalence in Indonesia

MINERAL PROFILING OF RESISTANCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY IN CHILLI PEPPER (Capsicum annum L.) AGAINST FUSARIUM WILT DISEASE

Fusarium wilt is one of potential threat to the successful production of chill. Present study was conducted to observe alterations in the biochemical profiling of chilli leaves after attack of fusarium wilt. For this purpose seedlings of three resistant (Fengaio, Glaxy-2 and BPVLC14-1) and three susceptible varieties (Amber F1, Tejal and BSS-410) were grown in pots under Randomized Complete block Design. Both types of varieties were divided into two groups (inoculated and un-inoculated). Samples were collected from resistant and susceptible type of varieties from both groups (inoculated and un-inoculated) and were subjected to analysis to observe alterations in the mineral profiling by using Nested structured analysis.in response to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. capsici. Resistant group showed 45.05% Phosphorus, 2.57 ppm, Potassium, 0.49 ppm Magnesium, 1.48 ppm Calcium (Ca), 0.29 ppm Zinc (Zn), 0.70 ppm Sodium (Na), 2.90 ppm Iron (Fe) and 0.048 ppm Copper while susceptible group showed 38.89, 2.30, 0.43, 1.35, 0.27, 0.56, 2.33 and 0.04 ppm of P, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Na, Fe and Cu. This experiment showed that resistant varieties expresswd higher mineral contents as compared to susceptible group. Similarly the mineral profile (P, Ca, K, Mg, Zn, Na, Cu and Fe) was greater in un-inoculated lines/varieties (58.58, 2.86, 0.56, 1.63, 0.31, 0.86, 3.71 and 0.056) as compared to inoculated varieties (25.35, 2.01, 0.35, 1.20, 0.25, 0.41, 1.51 and 0.039). These finding are helpful for researchers and scientists not only to develop a strong management strategy toward Fusarium wilt but also supportive to develop biochemical markers to identify source of resistance against Fusarium wilt of chilli.

Zinc alters behavioral phenotypes, neurotransmitter signatures, and immune homeostasis in male zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Anthropogenic activities discharge zinc into aquatic ecosystems, and the effects of long-term and low-concentration zinc exposure on fish behavior are unclear. We evaluated the behavior and physiology of male zebrafish (Danio rerio) after a 6-week exposure to 1.0 or 1.5 ppm (mg/L) zinc chloride. The exposure caused anxiety-like behaviors and altered the social preferences in both exposure groups. Analysis of transcriptional changes suggested that in the brain, zinc exerted heterogenetic effects on immune and neurotransmitter functions. Exposure to 1.0 ppm zinc chloride resulted in constitutive immune dyshomeostasis, while exposure to 1.5 ppm zinc chloride impaired the neurotransmitter glutamate. In the intestine, zinc dysregulated self-renewal of intestinal cells, a potential loss of defense function. Moreover, exposure to 1.5 ppm zinc chloride suppressed intestinal immune functions and dysregulated tyrosine metabolism. These behavioral alterations suggested that the underlying mechanisms were distinct and concentration-specific. Overall, environmental levels of zinc can alter male zebrafish behaviors by dysregulating neurotransmitter and immunomodulation signatures.

Ultrastable Porous Covalent Organic Framework Assembled Carbon Nanotube as a Novel Nanocontainer for Anti-Corrosion Coatings: Experimental and Computational Studies.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have been proposed as a wholly organic architecture sharing high crystallinity, porosity, and tuneability. Moreover, they exhibit highly stable structures against harsh chemical environments, including boiling water, strong acids and bases, and oxidation and reduction conditions, making them good candidates for extreme conditions. For the first time, a porous COF structure based on terephthalaldehyde and melamine was synthesized and employed as a novel nanocontainer for hosting corrosion inhibitors to provide a coating with superior active/passive anti-corrosion properties. In this study, the multi-walled carbon nanotube was utilized as a platform for growing COF (CC) to improve the coating's barrier and thermo-mechanical properties. The zinc cations were loaded into the CC structure (called CCZ) as one of the most promising inhibitors for mild steel. The COF-based nanoparticles' characterization was done by Fourier transform infrared, Raman, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Moreover, the Density functional theory modeling and molecular dynamics simulation quantitatively highlighted the adsorption propensity of the investigated COF structures onto the oxidized CNT-based nanostructures and the interactions of epoxy with these nanostructures. The CCZ nanoparticles (NPs) showed 75% inhibition efficiency in saline solution and 418 ppm zinc ions release after 24 h at acidic pH. The CCZ/EP coating revealed the smart release of inhibitor for 24 h and represented excellent barrier properties after 9 weeks of immersion in saline solution. In terms of mechanical properties, the elastic modulus values derived from the dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer were enhanced by 107 and 137% in CC/EP and CCZ/EP samples compared to the neat epoxy. Furthermore, the yield stress and breakpoint elongation were strengthened by 102 and 63% for the CC/EP sample, respectively. Finally, the highest pull-off adhesion strength in dry (8.53 MPa) and wet (2.7 MPa) conditions, along with the lowest adhesion loss (68.3%), was related to the CCZ/EP sample.

Synthesis of Mesoporous Silica and Graphene‐Based FeO and ZnO Nanocomposites for Nutritional Biofortification and Sustained the Productivity of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Considering nutrient delivery and micronutrient use efficiency problems, mesoporous nanosilica (mNs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)‐based iron and zinc nanocomposites were formulated. Prepared nanocomposites were characterized for FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, FE‐SEM, HR‐TEM, and AAS to examine surface functional groups, morphology, and structural composition. XRD spectrum confirmation with SAED image of nanosilica and graphene oxide nanocomposites confirms the polycrystalline and crystalline nature with 30–70‐nm crystal size. The SEM revealed that the modified surface of mesoporous nanosilica and reduced graphene oxide are well‐distributed clusters and are composed of targeted micronutrients. The impact of nano Fe and Zn foliar application was evaluated on rice grain fortification, productivity, and micronutrient use efficiency. The iron and zinc uptake at 60 days after sowing (DAT) and at harvest was significantly increased with foliar application of mNs and rGO‐based Zn at 30 ppm + Fe at 5 ppm nanocomposites as well as led to nutrient fortification by increasing grain uptake and content, with the application of 30 ppm zinc and 5 ppm iron through mNs resulted in an improvement of the rice grain yield by 53% over conventional fertilization. Besides significant increment in grain yield, foliar application of mNs and rGO‐based nanocomposites (Zn at 30 ppm + Fe at 5 ppm) increased the Zn and Fe use efficiency by 527 and 380%, respectively, over conventional micronutrient fertilization (ZnSO4 and FeSO4).

Nutritive value of azolla as poultry feed-a review

Azolla has great prospective as poultry feed due to its high content of proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B12, a-Carotene), growth promoter intermediaries and minerals. Azolla contains (on DM basis) 20.4–28.5% crude protein, 2.37–6.70% ether extract,12.6–17.5% crude fibre, 15.7–19.9% total ash, 30.0–47.0% nitrogen free extract,48.2–54.8% neutral detergent fibre, 36.5–37.1% acid detergent fibre,0.80–2.22% calcium and 0.35–1.39% total phosphorous. It contains 9.10–26.2 ppm copper, 83.9–2418 ppm manganese, 30.0–225 ppm zinc, 283–1569 ppm iron and 206–632 ppm carotene. The total flavonoid and total phenolic contents (µg/ml) in methanolic extract are 56.2 and 87.3, respectively. It has good potential for imparting rich colour to egg yolk due to presence of a-carotene pigment. It has higher potential to proliferate without inorganic nitrogen fertilization and high rate of growth in water. Azolla on meal basis can be included in broiler ration and pullet chick ration up to a level of 5 and 10%, respectively without any adverse effect on their performance. Fresh azolla at a rate 200g/duck/day in White Pekin duck feeding was economical. Higher levels of inclusion of azolla limit its beneficial effect due to decrease in feed consumption owing to higher level of fibre comprising mostly of ADF and lignin in azolla. Azolla production through low cost technology can be popularised and supplemented in the diets chicken and ducks either in fresh or dried form for economic production of meat and egg.

The effect of zinc supplementation in different types of feed on the performance and health status of IPB-D2 chickens

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation in various diets on the performance and health status of IPB-D2 chickens. Subsequently, about 180 one-week-old IPB-D2 chickens were used in the study and were fed the treatment diets for 12 weeks. Also, this study employed a completely randomised factorial design with six treatments and three replications of ten birds each. These treatment diets included A1, which contained nutrients based on SNI (2013) without Zn supplementation, A2 which is a combination of A1 and 60 ppm of Zinc, B1 which contained nutrients 5% higher than SNI without Zn supplementation, B2 which is a combination of B1 and 60 ppm Zinc, C1 which contains nutrients 10% higher than SNI without Zn supplementation, and lastly, C2 which is a combination of C1 and 60 ppm of Zinc. Furthermore, the data were analysed using ANOVA, and the parameters observed were the body weight, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, blood profile and the villi surface area of the jejunum. Consequently, the results showed that C2 significantly (P<0.05) increased the body weight and body weight gain when fed to the finisher and grower chickens, respectively. More so, when the finisher chickens were fed the 10% SNI diet, there was an increased body weight gain and also a significantly (P<0.05) decreased feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, the addition of 60 ppm zinc increased haemoglobin significantly (P<0.05), whereas C2 decreased leukocytes significantly (P<0.05) in chicken blood. However, the treatments had no effect on feed consumption in the villi surface area of the jejunum. Therefore, the study concluded that supplementing the IPB-D2 chickens with 60 ppm zinc in a 10% SNI diet resulted in the best performance and health status.

Characterization of the physicochemical properties of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) cultivated in Korhogo in the North of Côte d’Ivoire

Sweet peppers are consumed less in Korhogo, in the north of Côte d'Ivoire, than other hotter peppers. In addition, the sweet pepper is underexploited, it encounters problems of conservation, distribution. This study is a valorization of the sweet pepper. The physical properties are: 5.8-6.93 cm for length, 14.21-15.03 cm for circumference, 34.28-42.65 g for weight, 91.19-91.80 % for humidity, 0.49-0.61 % for ash content. The contents of biochemical elements are: 5.42-5.54 for the pH, 2.92 meq / 100 g on average for the titratable acidity, 177.45-254.57 mg / 100g for reducing sugars, 3,42-4.29 % for total sugars, 0.36 % on average for lipids, 0.73-1 % for proteins, 2.03-3 % for fibers, 6.62-6.93 % for total carbohydrates, 32.64-34.7 Kcal / 100 g for energy value. The amounts of vitamin C, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins are respectively: 26.67-51.25 mg / 100 g; 116.16-131.28 mg / 100 g; 1.97-4.43 mg / 100 g; 14.74-19.12 mg / 100 g. The contents of anti-nutritional compounds are 363-388.67 mg / 100 g for oxalates, 20.08-22.20 mg / 100 g for phytates. Sweet pepper contains 0.14 % DM on average phosphorus, 0.33-0.37 % DM for potassium, 0.30-0.31 % DM for calcium, 0.167-0.174 % DM for magnesium, 2.76 -3.80 ppm copper, 7.5-7.92 ppm iron, 0.59-0.69 ppm manganese, 16.24-16.34 ppm zinc, 6.46-20.15 ppm sodium. Processed before consumption, Sweet pepper constitutes a significant source of food fibre, natural antioxidant, and mineral elements for local population.

Effect of the physicochemical properties of zinc oxide sources on their bioavailability in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. The bioavailability of a trace mineral source is related to its intestinal solubility (bioaccessibility), which in turn is determined by its physicochemical properties. It is still not clear which characteristics are more relevant in affecting solubility and bioavailability of mineral sources. Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a common feed additive used to supplement zinc in the diet of monogastric animals. However, different sources have shown variable responses on animal bioavailability. 2. This study hypothesised that different sources of feed grade ZnO have various physicochemical features that lead to distinct bioavailability values. Feed grade ZnO samples collected from the feed industry worldwide were characterised for their physicochemical features and tested in broilers to allow bioavailability determined. 3. A total of 135 male Cobb broiler chickens were fed a standard starter diet from day 1 after hatching up to d 7. At d 8, animals were allocated in individual cages and fed one of the following dietary treatments during 15 days: a basal diet with 23.5 ppm of zinc and seven test diets with supplemented ZnO or zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) at 6 or 12 ppm. 4. Different sources of ZnO showed an effect of solubility in the stomach and supplementation influenced total Zn levels in the ileum. The bioavailability of the different sources varied from 49% to 160% in relation to ZnSO4. Aggregate size of particles seems to explain most of the variability in the bioavailability of the different sources tested in broilers. In conclusion, physicochemical properties of ZnO can partly explain the variability observed in terms of biological value.

Using Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles to Improve the Color and Berry Quality of Table Grapes Cv. Crimson Seedless.

Producing high-quality table grapes is becoming a challenge in the warmer area of the world due to the global increase in temperature, which negatively affects anthocyanin biosynthesis and other fruit quality attributes. Nanotechnology is a growing field that can be a very useful tool to improve crop productivity and sustainability. The red color is one of the major fruit quality parameters that determine table grape marketability. This study aimed to investigate the role of the zinc element in improving the marketable characteristics of Crimson seedless (Vitis vinifera L.) table grape berries i.e., color, firmness, total soluble solids and sugars; besides its role in activating PAL and SOD enzymatic systems. Additionally, this paper investigated the additive advantages of zinc when applied in nanometric form. Five concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles, ZnO NPs (0, 25, 50, 100 and 250 ppm), were compared to zinc oxide in mineral form at a concentration of 250 ppm to investigate their effects on the marketable characteristics of Crimson seedless grape cultivar. The treatments were applied as foliar spray on three-year-old Crimson seedless vines grafted on Richter 110 rootstock grown in one of the major table grape production area in Egypt. The experiment was arranged in completely randomized block design and each vine was sprayed with five letters of the solution. The use of the lowest concentration (25 ppm) of ZnO NPs achieved the highest significant enzyme activity (PAL and SOD). Moreover, the T.S.S, sugars and anthocyanin content in berries increased significantly in association of decreasing acidity. On the other hand, the use of a 50 ppm concentration led to an increase in fruit firmness. Collectively, our data showed that 25 ppm of zinc nanoparticles improved PAL and SOD enzymes activity, improved red coloration in table grape and was more effective than the 250 ppm zinc oxide mineral form.

Impact of Sow Transition Diet and Genetic Line on Sow Reproduction Under Heat Stress Conditions

Abstract The objective was to evaluate a sow transition diet and genetic line for farrowing duration and sow lactation characteristics. One batch of second parity sows (n = 78) were farrowed at the NCDA Tidewater Research Station in July. Sows consisted of two genetic lines, one selected since 2012 for young age at puberty and the other selected for old age at puberty. From day 109 of gestation until day 3 of lactation, sows were fed either 2.73 kg of a corn-soy lactation diet (3322 Kcal ME/kg, 0.99% SID lysine) once per day or 1.36 kg twice per day of a transition diet (3489 Kcal/kg, 0.71 SID lysine). The transition diet contained 45% wheat middlings, 8% added soybean oil, 3000 FTU/kg of phytase and 500 ppm zinc sulfate. Continuous traits and categorical traits were analyzed in SAS using linear models and chi-square tests, respectively. Results showed sows fed the transition diet farrowed numerically faster (P = 0.18) than those receiving the lactation diet (3:04 vs. 3:47). Transition diet fed sows tended (P = 0.10) to have a shorter wean-to-estrus interval than sows fed the lactation diet (5.27 vs. 5.69 days). Sows from the young puberty genetic line tended (P = 0.07) to have a greater average daily feed intake during lactation when compared to old puberty line females (4.92 vs. 4.71 kg). Young puberty sows also had a greater (P = 0.03) percentage of females exhibiting estrus by day 7 after weaning when compared to the old puberty genetic line (80 vs. 57%). No differences (P = 0.39 to 0.87) were detected between diets or genetic lines for stillborn piglet percentage, average piglet birth weight, average piglet weaning weight or litter size at weaning. Results suggest young puberty sows are more likely to return to estrus under the conditions of this study.

Effects of oregano (Lippia origanoides) essential oil supplementation on the performance, egg quality, and intestinal morphometry of Isa Brown laying hens.

Background and Aim:The use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the feed of poultry, has contributed to an increase in the antimicrobial resistance of foodborne pathogens worldwide. Hence, the development of new effective alternatives to antibiotics that do not hinder productivity is imperative. For this, the aim of the present study was to determine whether oregano essential oil (OEO) extracted from Lippia origanoides is a suitable alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics (GPAs) for improving the performance, egg quality, and intestinal morphometry of ISA Brown laying hens.Materials and Methods:A total of ninety-six 70-week-old ISA Brown laying hens were randomly assigned to four treatment groups with four replicates per treatment and six hens per replicate. The treatments consisted of four different diets that were formulated according to the nutritional requirements of the genetic line and the production phase with and without the addition of GPA and OEO: NC, which did not contain OEO or GPA; GPA, which included 50 ppm zinc bacitracin as a GPA; 80OEO, which included 80 ppm OEO and no GPA; and 150OEO, which included 150 ppm OEO and no GPA.Results:All of the OEO and GPA treatment groups had a better feed conversion ratio than the NC group. However, the addition of 150 ppm OEO to the diet improved the percentage egg production and egg mass, as well as the external and internal quality of the egg compared with the other treatments. In addition, both the 80OEO and 150OEO treatments improved the yolk color, shell thickness, and shell color, as well as parameters related to the intestinal morphometry compared with the NC group.Conclusion:The findings of this study indicate that 150 ppm OEO can be used as a substitute for GPA to improve the performance, egg quality, and parameters related to the intestinal morphometry of ISA Brown laying hens.

DRIS indices as nutritional guide for aonla cultivation

Diagnosis and recommendation integrated system (DRIS) norms were computed from the data on leaf mineral composition, soil available nutrients, and corresponding mean fruit yield of 100 aonla orchards in Akhnoor, Raya and Purmandal areas of Jammu region during 2016 and 2017. The DRIS norms derived primarily from leaves suggested optimum leaf macronutrient concentration as 1.74-2.96% nitrogen (N), 0.13-0.23% phosphorus (P), 0.73-1.04% potassium (K), 0.18-0.27% sulphur (S), 1.72-1.93% calcium (Ca) and 0.35-0.55% magnesium (Mg) while, the optimum level of micronutrients as 9.34-11.93 ppm zinc (Zn), 89.24-156.98 ppm iron (Fe), 7.24-10.42 ppm copper (Cu) and 8.97-21.64 ppm manganese (Mn) in relation to fruit yield of 16.55-114.24kg/ tree. Likewise, DRIS indices for soil fertility developed from soil samples collected at 0-30 cm depth corresponding to similar level of fruit yield, the optimum limit of soil available nutrients (mg kg−1) was observed as 109.44-442.78 kg/ ha N, 8.84-15.46 kg/ha P, 93.17-199.15 kg/ha K, 6.79-11.42 mg/kg S, 0.35-4.36 mg/kg Zn, 2.81-13.42 mg/kg Fe, 1.44-4.43 mg/kg Cu and 0.28-2.84 mg/kg Mn. Primary DRIS indices developed on the basis of leaf revealed K as deficient in 55 per cent of the orchards followed by N in 25 per cent and Ca and Mg in 15 and 5 per cent, respectively, whereas Mg was identified as excess in 45 per cent orchards followed by N, P, K and Ca.

Effect of probiotics administration at different levels on the productive parameters of guinea pigs for fattening (Cavia porcellus).

Background: For more than 50 years, antibiotics have been used to maintain animal welfare and improve efficiency. Recently, antibiotics were found in the muscle, liver, and kidney of guinea pig carcasses put up for sale and human consumption, which is a public health issue. Probiotics are supplements of live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate doses, could replace growth-promoting antibiotics.Aim:This study analyzed the effect of the administration of an oral probiotic mixture on the guinea pigs productive performance (Cavia porcellus).Methods:Fifty male guinea pigs, weaned at 14 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design of five treatments with ten repetitions for each group. The treatments were CONTROL group without probiotic; PROB 1 given 1 ml of probiotic; PROB 2 with 2 ml of probiotic; PROB 3 with 3 ml of probiotic; and antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) was given 300 ppm zinc bacitracin. The microorganisms used in the probiotic were Enterococcus hirae, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus frumenti, Lactobacillus johnsoni, Streptococcus thoraltensis, and Bacillus pumilus. Productive parameters were evaluated from weaning to 70 days of age. Results:No statistically significant difference was found between the treatments on forage dry matter intake (DMI), concentrateconcentrate DMI, or total concentrate DMI (p > 0.05). Similarly, no statistical difference was found between the treatments in terms of final weight or weight gain (p > 0.05). Regarding the feed conversion ratio (FCR), there was a significant difference between treatments (p = 0.045); the CONTROL group had the highest FCR, followed by the AGP group, with the best FCR observed in the PROB 3 group (p < 0.05). In addition, significant statistical differences were found between CONTROL and PROB 2 (p < 0.05). Likewise, a significant linear effect of increasing doses of the probiotic was found (p = 0.01), which indicated that the feed conversion was better with a higher dose. Conclusion:The treatments evaluated in this study significantly impacted the FCR in guinea pigs for fattening. Increasing doses of probiotics had a linear effect on FCR.

Anadara granosa substitution in feed to improve the zinc, protein of the feed, serum albumin, and body weight of malnourished rats

The objective of this paper was to evaluate zinc and protein feed levels of Anadara granosa flour substitution and its effect of feed on serum albumin and body weight of a malnourished rat (Rattus norvegicus). This study comprised two stages: 1) analysis of protein and zinc level of the feed, and 2) feed test on rat using separate sample pre–test and post-test control group design. The malnourished rat was treated with dried rice; the dried rice was substituted with 12.5%, 25%, and 50% of Anadara granosa flour. Further, at room temperature, the flour can be kept for six months. This study revealed that the Anadara granosa-substituted feed had zinc levels between 0.999 ppm - 2.296 ppm and protein levels of 14.81% - 26.39%. On the other hand, the non-substituted feed had 0.791 ppm of zinc, and the protein level was 8.46%. Provision of the feed substituted with Anadara granosa flour increased the albumin serum level (p = 0.000) and the bodyweight of malnourished rats significantly (p = 0.002). This study revealed that substitution of Anadara granosa flour in feed could improve the zinc and protein level of the feed, which in turn improved the growth of malnourished rats (as the albumin level and the bodyweight also improved).

Removal of Zinc from Wastewater through the Reduction Potential Determination and Electrodeposition Using Adsorption-Desorption Solutions

The rubber product manufacturing industry generates large volumes of wastewater containing on average 10 ppm of zinc. Presently, zinc is removed via a chemical precipitation process generating hazardous precipitate that requires secure disposal. This study evaluated the removal of zinc through adsorption on Palm Shell Activated Carbon (PSAC) and subsequent desorption in hydrochloric, nitric (0.1 and 0.2 M), and citric (0.2 and 0.5 M) acids to produce solutions for the electrodeposition of zinc to achieve the permissible discharge level of 2 ppm. The highest desorption efficiency was achieved using HCl. Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) was applied to determine the reduction potential of zinc in desorption solutions. The presence of KCL and a buffer solution improved the electrodeposition of zinc. The chloride-based solution showed the best electroreduction behavior of zinc with a well-defined reduction peak as compared to the nitrate and citrate-based solutions, with a wider reduction peak and no peak, respectively. The chloride-based solution, selected for theelectrodeposition experiments, showed 64 % reduction in zinc concentration within 10 min. The prolonged to 30 min electrodeposition resulted in only 7 % of further increment. Overall, the obtained results confirm the feasibility of zinc removal through the electrodeposition from the adsorption-desorption solution, which provides an effective alternative to the currently industrially used chemical precipitation method.

PSIII-2 Considering a large creep pellet as a means to improve suckling and early weaned pig performance

Abstract This study evaluated the benefit of creep feeding with large pellets (10mm diameter, Masterfeeds, London, ON, Canada) on pre- and post-weaning pig performance. Litters from two farrowing groups were assigned to one of 2 treatments: Control (no creep n= 25 litters) and Creep (large creep pellets n = 24) during the suckling phase. Pellets were provided beginning 7 d after the first sow farrowed within a group until weaning at 21 d. Pellets were placed in shallow plastic feeders three times/day (100-150 g at a time as needed) to ensure access to fresh feed. Creep pellets contained 2500 ppm zinc and ferric oxide-dyed biscuit crumbles were added at 5% inclusion in Phase 1 nursery diet. Therefore, fecal zinc concentration at 2 to 3d prior to weaning and red fecal coloration 2 to 4d after weaning were used to identify “eaters” from “non-eaters”. Pigs were weaned at 21 ± 2 d into pens based on suckling treatment. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block with the sows as a random effect (PROC MIXED, SAS Inst., Inc., Cary, NC). Post-weaning fecal swabs data were analyzed by frequency test using the PROC FREQ procedure in SAS. There was no difference in pig weight prior to creep pellets. At weaning, Control pigs were heavier due to greater daily gain (P &amp;lt; 0.01; Table 1) than Creep pigs. However, there was no difference in d34 BW due to greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) daily gain of Creep pigs in the post-weaning period. A greater proportion of Creep pigs were identified as “eaters” on d2 post-weaning (43 vs 33%, □ 2 = 0.004; Figure 1). Lighter weight at weaning in Creep pigs may be due to temporary distraction from suckling; however, exposure to large creep feed pellets pre-weaning improved pig feed intake and growth post-weaning.