Animal Feed Protein Research Articles

Production of Animal Feed Protein from Vignaunguriculata and Cicerarietinum

Single cell proteins are rich essentialin nutritive aminoacids,the building blocks of protein are highly essential for the maintenance of the living system. SCP is used as animal feed and dietary rich food for humans. Many raw materials are used for the production of SCP. This work was carried out to extract a single cell protein from yeast using Vignaunguriculataand Cicerarietinums substrate. The maximum yield of crude protein was observed in 15days of fermentation

CRISPR/Cas9 editing of three CRUCIFERIN C homoeologues alters the seed protein profile in Camelina sativa

BackgroundThe oilseed Camelina sativa is grown for a range of applications, including for biofuel, biolubricants, and as a source of omega-3 fatty acids for the aquaculture feed industry. The seed meal co-product is used as a source of protein for animal feed; however, the low value of the meal hinders profitability and more widespread application of camelina. The nutritional quality of the seed meal is largely determined by the abundance of specific seed storage proteins and their amino acid composition. Manipulation of seed storage proteins has been shown to be an effective means for either adjustment of nutritional content of seeds or for enhancing accumulation of high-value recombinant proteins in seeds.ResultsCRISPR/Cas9 gene editing technology was used to generate deletions in the first exon of the three homoeologous genes encoding the seed storage protein CRUCIFERIN C (CsCRUC), creating an identical premature stop-codon in each and resulting in a CsCRUC knockout line. The mutant alleles were detected by applying a droplet digital PCR drop-off assay. The quantitative nature of this technique is particularly valuable when applied to polyploid species because it can accurately determine the number of mutated alleles in a gene family. Loss of CRUC protein did not alter total seed protein content; however, the abundance of other cruciferin isoforms and other seed storage proteins was altered. Consequently, seed amino acid content was significantly changed with an increase in the proportion of alanine, cysteine and proline, and decrease of isoleucine, tyrosine and valine. CsCRUC knockout seeds did not have changed total oil content, but the fatty acid profile was significantly altered with increased relative abundance of all saturated fatty acids.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the plasticity of the camelina seed proteome and establishes a CRUC-devoid line, providing a framework for modifying camelina seed protein composition. The results also illustrate a possible link between the composition of the seed proteome and fatty acid profile.

Extraction and Identification of Cactus Opuntia dillenii Seed Oil and its added Value for Human Health Benefits

Cactus Opuntia dillenii presents multiple health benefits. The current study aims to investigate the seed composition and content of prickly pear fruits from Iraq. Results obtained showed that Opuntia dillenii contained 9.5% of seeds of the entire fruit while extracted oil presented 6.5% of total seed composition. Fatty acid analysis revealed that the polyunsaturated linoleic acid (72.9%), the saturated palmitic acid (15.12%) and stearic acid (7.51%) presented the main seed fatty acids of Opuntia dilleniid. Other essential oils were detected but at low percentage. Interestingly, stearic acid content in Cactus oil presented 7.51%, which is much higher than soybeans (~3%) that are considered as the largest source of animal protein feed and the second largest source of vegetable oil worldwide. Stearic acid presents neutral effects on the concentration of blood serum LDL cholesterol and does not exhibit cholesterolemic effects on human health. The analysis of cactus seed oil demonstrated a strong antioxidant ability estimated by their capability to reduce oxidation. Treated cake with BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) at concentration of 0.02 mg/100g of butter from cactus seed-oil exhibited lower peroxide values ranging from 0.67 to 1.5 milli-equivalents (meq) peroxide per 1 kg of oil throughout 15 days of storage time at 4 °C. In contrast, treated cake with 0.11 mg/100g of butter from cactus seed-oil presented lower peroxide values ranged from 0.69 to 2.5 meq peroxide per 1 kg of oil among all treatments. Because of its high-saturated fatty acid composition (>22%) and rich linoleic acid (72.9%) composition, Opuntia dillenii present an alternative source with several health benefits by lowering cholesterol risks and for biodiesel production.

The digestive system of the adult Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae): morphological features and functional properties.

The larvae of the black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), are considered an efficient system for the bioconversion of organic waste into usable products, such as insect protein for animal feed and bioactive molecules. Despite the great interest toward H. illucens and its biotechnological applications, information on the biology of this insect is still scarce. In particular, no data on the structural and functional properties of the digestive system of the adult insect are available and it is a common belief that the fly does not eat. In the present work, we therefore investigate the remodeling process of the BSF larval midgut during metamorphosis, analyze the morphofunctional properties of the adult midgut, evaluate if the fly is able to ingest and digest food and assess whether the feeding supply influences the adult performances. Our results show that the larval midgut of H. illucens is removed during metamorphosis and a new pupal-adult epithelium, characterized by peculiar features compared to the larval organ, is formed by proliferation and differentiation of midgut stem cells. Moreover, our experiments indicate that the adult insect possesses a functional digestive system and that food administration affects the longevity of the fly. These data not only demonstrate that the adult BSF is able to eat but also open up the possibility to manipulate the feeding substrate of the fly to improve its performances in mass rearing procedures.

Evaluation of Seed Protein Content in USDA Cowpea Germplasm

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] is an annual legume crop grown worldwide to provide protein for human consumption and animal feed. The objective of this research was to evaluate the seed protein content in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cowpea germplasm for use in cowpea breeding programs. A field experiment was conducted with a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three duplications in two locations, Fayetteville and Alma, in Arkansas, United States. A total of 173 USDA cowpea accessions were evaluated with the Elementar Rapid N analyzer III for their seed protein contents. The results showed that there was a wide range of seed protein content among the 173 cowpea genotypes, ranging from 22.8% to 28.9% with an average of 25.6%. The broad-sense heritability for seed protein among the 173 cowpea genotypes was 50.8%, indicating that seed protein content was inheritable and can be selected in breeding processing. The top five cowpea accessions with the highest seed protein contents were USDA accession PI 662992 originally collected from Florida (28.9%), PI 601085 from Minnesota (28.5%), and PI 255765 and PI 255774 from Nigeria and PI 666253 from Arkansas (28.4% each). PI 339587 from South Africa had the lowest protein content with 21.8%. The were also significant differences in seed protein contents observed among different seedcoat colors; the accessions with cream color exhibited higher protein content (27.2%) than others. This research could provide information for breeders to develop cowpea cultivars with higher seed protein content in a cowpea breeding program.

Biological fixation of nitrogen by native isolates of Rhizobium sp. symbionts of Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit

Forage legumes such as Leucaena leucocephala, besides being a rich source of protein for animal feed, its inclusion in silvopastoral systems provides fundamental components to improve soil properties. These plants have the ability to establish symbiotic association with the genus Rhizobium sp. and fix biologically atmospheric nitrogen favoring growth and development, being reflected in production increases. The objective of this research was to evaluate the capacity of native isolates of Rhizobium sp. and a commercial strain in biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) in L. leucocephala plants. Two separate bioassays to evaluate the efficiency of the FBN of the native isolates and the commercial strain under greenhouse conditions, followed by a randomized complete block design with 7 x 2 factorial arrangement, seven treatments, two factors: native isolates and commercial strains and bacterial concentrations (106 and 108 cells.ml-1), with three repetitions and five experimental units. The first bioassay was carried out with seeds, determining the percentage of germination, the length and thickness of the stem, number of leaves, dry weight of the aerial part, number of nodule/plant and the percentage of nitrogen accumulated in the area part of the plant. In the second bioassay with 30-day-old seedlings, the same variables of the first bioassay were determined, with the exception of the percentage of germination. In the first bioassay, a greater stimulation was found in the germination of L. leucocephala seeds at a concentration of 108 cells.mL-1. Regarding stem length and thickness, accumulated dry matter, leaf development and nitrogen accumulation, better results were found in the treatments with the native isolates L27, L36 and L38 in a concentration of 106 cells.mL-1 above the commercial strain in concentration of 108 cells.mL-1. The native isolates of Rhizobium sp. exert a positive effect on the FBN and the germination of plants of L. leucocephala, which will allow to conduct future field studies that allow to potentiate the culture of L. leucocephala and silvopastoral systems for bovine feeding.

Insect Oil as An Alternative to Palm Oil and Poultry Fat in Broiler Chicken Nutrition.

Simple SummaryRecently, there has been increasing interest in the use of insects as an alternative sustainable source of protein and fat in animal feed to improve animal production and maintain ecological sustainability. Palm oil is commonly used in broiler chicken nutrition; however, due to the environmental footprint, consumers have formed negative opinions regarding its applications. Therefore, alternatives to palm oil are urgently needed. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Tenebrio molitor oil as a total replacement for palm oil and poultry fat in broiler chicken diets on chicken performance, nutrient digestibility, pancreatic enzyme activity, various blood parameters and lipid fatty acid compositions of liver and breast muscle tissues. Based on the obtained results, T. molitor oil did not show any adverse impacts on performance and improved the fatty acid profiles of liver and breast muscle tissues. In conclusion, T. molitor oil may be a sustainable alternative to palm oil in broiler chicken nutrition.This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Tenebrio molitor (TM) oil as a total replacement for palm oil and poultry fat in broiler chicken diets on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, pancreatic enzyme activity, selected blood parameters and the lipid fatty acid compositions of liver and breast muscle tissues. A total of 72 seven-day-old female Ross 308 broiler chickens were used. The birds were randomly distributed into three groups with 12 replicates each, using two birds per replicate for 30 days in metabolic cages. The basal diet was supplemented with 5% palm oil, poultry fat or TM oil. There was no effect (p > 0.05) caused by the dietary oil replacement on the birds’ performance and apparent nutrient digestibility. Liver size (p = 0.033), the concentration of hepatic triglycerides (p = 0.049) and total cholesterol (p = 0.048) were reduced by TM oil supplementation. Furthermore, TM oil supplementation increased n-3 and n-6 fatty acids (p = 0.006; p < 0.001, respectively) in breast muscle tissue. In conclusion, the use of TM oil in broiler chickens’ diets did not show any adverse effects on performance, nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical parameters. Moreover, TM oil supplementation improved the fatty acid profiles of liver and breast muscle tissues.

Brassica carinata Seeding Rate and Row Spacing Effects on Morphology, Yield, and Oil

Core Ideas Carinata growth and yield was influenced more by row spacing than seeding rate. Rows spaced at 36 cm maximized carinata yield. Carinata branching was favored by wider row spacing. Carinata (Brassica carinata A. Braun) is an oilseed crop with potential as a winter crop in the southeastern United States to diversify crop rotations and provide biofuel production and livestock feed. The objective was to evaluate the effects of row spacing and seeding rate on carinata yield and oil composition. Field experiments were conducted in Jay and Quincy, FL, from 2013 to 2016 evaluating carinata growth, seed and oil yield, and oil composition grown in a factorial arrangement of four seeding rates (3, 6, 9, and 12 kg ha−1) and four row spacings (18, 36, 53, and 89 cm). No interactions between seeding rate and row spacing were detected. Seeding rate did not influence any of the variables studied. In contrast, row spacing affected seed and oil yield, branch production, and pods per plant. Seed yield (ranked from highest to lowest) was 2761, 2286, 1851, and 1572 kg ha−1 for rows spaced at 36, 18, 53, and 89 cm, respectively. Branching and pods per plant increased with row spacing. Neither seeding rate nor row spacing affected oil concentration and quality. Oil concentration averaged 40%, of which more than a third was erucic acid (C22:1). Protein concentration was 31%, and glucosinolate concentration was 93 μmol g−1. The results of the present study demonstrated that carinata can be successfully grown in the southeastern United States, reaching yields and oil quality similar to those reported at other latitudes, and can be a source of biofuel, protein for animal feed, and cropping system diversification for growers.

Short Communication: Effect of different feed combination on the growth development of spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus) in captivity

Abstract. Kayadoe M, Rochana A, Tanuwiria AH, Sinaga S. 2019. Short Communication: Effect of different feed combination on the growth development of spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus) in captivity. Biodiversitas 20: 526-531. One of the problems in maintaining cuscus in captivity was feed factor. Farmers had given various combinations of feed for cuscus, and several studies had been conducted on cuscus feed. For cuscus feed, it mostly used more than two types of feed, and the most dominant was banana. Inefficiency occurred fresh feed was prepared with more than two types. It can be costly, time-consuming and has more digestibility problem. Therefore, it was necessary to conduct an assessment by limiting the number of feed in two types to see the benefits of the ration (70% carbohydrate feed sources Musa paradisiaca var. mas and 30% from Pometia pinnata leaves, Pongamia pinnata leaves, Ipomoea aquatica, Brassica rapa var. parachinensis and Gryllus spp. The research was conducted for 36 days consisting of 2 periods, namely the adaptation period (5 days) and the data collection period (7 days), 3 times replications. The amount of feeding was limited based on 90% of adequacy of dry matter (preliminary research). The weighting of the initial body weight of cuscus and the final weight was carried out at the beginning and end of the period of data collection. Faecal was collected every day during the period of data collection. Each type of feed and fecal was analyzed for the dry matter. The results showed no significant effect (P&gt;0.01) on dry matter consumption, but significantly affected the digestibility coefficients of dry matter. The preferred ration was 100% M. paradisiaca var. mas, which 49.99g/day, then a combination of M. paradisiaca var. mas with I. aquatica 48.187 g/day and M. paradisiaca var. mas combination with Averrhoa carambola (48.06 g/day), while the less preferred combination was M. paradisiaca var. mas with leaves from forest plants and combination of M. paradisiaca var. mas and animal protein feed sources i.e. Gryllus spp. However, the highest digestibility coefficient was achieved in 100% M. paradisiaca var. mas and M. paradisiaca var. mas combine with Gryllus spp. Furthermore, the relationship between digestibility coefficient and body weight gain showed that the combination of M. paradisiaca var. mas and Gryllus spp. had higher body weight gain compared to 100% Musa paradisiacal var. mas. Based on this study it was concluded that cuscus required a combination of carbohydrate feed sources and animal protein feed sources obtained from M. paradisiaca var. mas and Glyllus spp.

The Use of Lupin as a Source of Protein in Animal Feeding: Genomic Tools and Breeding Approaches.

Livestock production in the European Union EU is highly dependent on imported soybean, exposing the livestock farming system to risks related to the global trade of soybean. Lupin species could be a realistic sustainable alternative source of protein for animal feeding. Lupinus is a very diverse genus with many species. However, only four of them—namely, L. albus, L. angustifolius, L. luteus and L. mutabilis—are cultivated. Their use in livestock farming systems has many advantages in relation to economic and environmental impact. Generally, lupin grains are characterized by high protein content, while their oil content is relatively low but of high quality. On the other hand, the presence of quinolizidine alkaloids and their specific carbohydrate composition are the main antinutritional factors that prevent their use in animal feeding. This research is mainly related to L. albus and to L. angustifolius, and to a lesser extent, to L. lauteus and L. mutabilis. The breeding efforts are mostly focused on yield stabilization, resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, biochemical structure associated with seed quality and late maturing. Progress is made in improving lupin with respect to the seed quality, as well as the tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. It has to be noted that modern cultivars, mostly of L. albus and L. angustifolius, contain low levels of alkaloids. However, for future breeding efforts, the implementation of marker-assisted selection and the available genomic tools is of great importance.

Using atmospheric emissions as CO2 source in the cultivation of microalgae: Productivity and economic viability

This study approached the use of atmospheric emissions as a source of carbon for the cultivation of microalgae in high rate ponds (HRPs), continuously fed with domestic sewage pre-treated in a septic tank. To do so, two HRPs were used: one had CO2 at a concentration of 99.9% (HRP 1), and the other had gas from the combustion of gasoline (HRP 2). Biomass yield, sewage treatment efficiency and the economic viability of using these two sources were assessed. The results showed that the CO2 source did not influence the domestic sewage treatment or the yield and biochemical composition of biomass, since there was no statistical difference (p < 0.05) between the values measured for both ponds. The mean yield values were 6.00 and 6.12 g m−2 day−1, respectively for the HRPs 1 and 2. As for the mean concentrations of ammonia nitrogen and the percentages of removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), they were in the average for both HRPs (26.4 mg L−1 and 31.2%). The negative Net Present Values (NPV) showed that in this study the investments for installing external CO2 sources are not economically viable for any of the two studied sources, when the biomass produced in the HRPs is used for the production of biofuels and as source of protein for animal feeding. The initial investments, allied to the prices of the biomass, were the factors that mostly influenced the economic analysis, contributing to the lack of attractiveness in this scale. Despite this, the use of atmospheric emissions along with domestic sewage as a cultivation medium means the biomass produced in this study has less environmental impact when compared to similar biomasses.

Volatile fatty acids impacting phototrophic growth kinetics of purple bacteria: Paving the way for protein production on fermented wastewater

Nutrient losses in our food chain severely surpass our planetary boundaries. Resource recovery can contribute to mitigation, for instance through converting wastewater resources to microbial protein for animal feed. Wastewater typically holds a complex mixture of organics, posing a challenge to selectively produce heterotrophic biomass. Ensuring the product's quality could be achieved by anaerobic generation of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) followed by photoheterotrophic production of purple non-sulfur bacteria (PNSB) with infrared light. This study aimed to determine the most suitable PNSB culture for VFA conversion and map the effect of acetate, propionate, butyrate and a VFA mixture on growth and biomass yield. Six cultures were screened in batch: (i) Rhodopseudomonas palustris, (ii) Rhodobacter sphaeroides, (iii) Rhodospirillum rubrum, (iv) a 3-species synthetic community (i+ii+iii), (v) a community enriched on VFA holding Rb. capsulatus, and (vi) Rb. capsulatus (isolate ‘v’). The VFA mixture elevated growth rates with a factor 1.3–2.5 compared to individual VFA. Rb. capsulatus showed the highest growth rates: 1.8–2.2 d−1 (enriched) and 2.3–3.8 d−1 (isolated). In a photobioreactor (PBR) inoculated with the Rb. capsulatus enrichment, decreasing sludge retention time (SRT) yielded lower biomass concentrations, yet increased productivities, reaching 1.7 g dry weight (DW) L−1 d−1, the highest phototrophic rate reported thus far, and a growth rate of up to 5 d−1. PNSB represented 26–57% of the community and the diversity index was low (3–7), with a dominance of Rhodopseudomonas at long SRT and Rhodobacter at short SRT. The biomass yield for all cultures, in batch and reactor cultivation, approached 1 g CODBiomass g−1 CODRemoved. An economic estimation for a two-stage approach on brewery wastewater (load 2427 kg COD d−1) showed that 0.5 d SRT allowed for the lowest production cost (€ 10 kg−1 DW; equal shares for capex and opex). The findings strengthen the potential for a novel two-stage approach for resource recovery from industrial wastewater, enabling high-rate PNSB production.

Bioconversion of Scotch broom into a high-quality organic fertiliser: Vermicomposting as a sustainable option.

Wild Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link) shrubs are widely distributed throughout the world and, in some countries, are considered to be a threat to other plant species. The use of plant biomass from Scotch broom as a fertiliser seems to be the optimum solution for its disposal because it contains considerable amounts of macronutrients. However, its direct application to soils may cause phytotoxicity due to the release of polyphenols, which could negatively affect crop growth. This study evaluated the efficiency of vermicomposting in processing this leguminous plant on an industrial scale. Vermicomposting substantially reduced the biomass of Scotch broom (by 84%), mainly as a result of the loss of volatile solids. Simultaneously, the initial population of earthworms ( Eisenia andrei) increased remarkably throughout the process, offering the possibility of obtaining earthworm protein for animal feed. A nutrient-rich and stabilised peat-like material without polyphenol-associated phytotoxicity was obtained after 42 days of vermicomposting. Lower values of microbial biomass and activity, indicative of stabilised materials, were recorded at the end of the trial. These findings suggest that vermicomposting is an environmentally sound management system for Scotch broom and could easily be scaled up for industrial application.

Decoupling Livestock from Land Use through Industrial Feed Production Pathways.

One of the main challenges for the 21st century is to balance the increasing demand for high-quality proteins while mitigating environmental impacts. In particular, cropland-based production of protein-rich animal feed for livestock rearing results in large-scale agricultural land-expansion, nitrogen pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Here we propose and analyze the long-term potential of alternative animal feed supply routes based on industrial production of microbial proteins (MP). Our analysis reveals that by 2050, MP can replace, depending on socio-economic development and MP production pathways, between 10-19% of conventional crop-based animal feed protein demand. As a result, global cropland area, global nitrogen losses from croplands and agricultural greenhouse gas emissions can be decreased by 6% (0-13%), 8% (-3-8%), and 7% (-6-9%), respectively. Interestingly, the technology to industrially produce MP at competitive costs is directly accessible for implementation and has the potential to cause a major structural change in the agro-food system.

Insects for Income Generation Through Animal Feed: Effect of Dietary Replacement of Soybean and Fish Meal With Black Soldier Fly Meal on Broiler Growth and Economic Performance.

The ever-increasing animal feed costs are driving many vulnerable communities involved in animal husbandry out of business. The high cost is mainly driven by the protein source, which represents the most expensive component in animal feed. In conventional feed, protein is obtained mainly from soybean and fish meal (SFM). The present study explored potential of partially replacing this SFM with black soldier fly prepupae meal (BSFPM) in Cobb 500 broiler chicken diets. A SFM-based diet was compared to three experimental diets formulated by partially substituting SFM with BSFPM at 13.8, 27.4, and 42.0% of the crude protein (CP) in the starter feed and 11.0, 37.2, and 55.5% of the CP in the finisher feed of diets D1, D2, and D3, respectively. Dietary effects on average daily feed intake, average daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, breast meat sensory attributes, and the economic implication of their use in broiler production were evaluated. Replacement of SFM with BSFPM did not affect daily feed intake, daily body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, aroma or taste of cooked breast meat. A 16.0% higher Cost Benefit Ratio and 25.0% better Return on Investment was recorded when the birds were reared on the highest concentration of black soldier fly (D3) compared to the conventional diet which was 19.0% more expensive. The implication of these findings for the promotion of insect mass production enterprises for animal feed protein, and their potential for income generation and job creation particularly in developing countries is discussed.

Estimation of soybean leaf area, edge, and defoliation using color image analysis

Soybeans are an extremely important crop in the United States, providing the largest source of animal protein feed and a main source of vegetable oil in the country. The goal of this research is to identify methodologies to estimate percent defoliation of the soybean canopy and leaves using RGB images taken in the field. The Mahalanobis distance classification method was used to process sets of images and calculate leaf area (number of pixels) corresponding to two classes (leaf and background) with eight different color groups. The Canny edge detection algorithm provided an efficient method for detecting leaf edges, and threshold t2 = 20 was found to be the optimal value for estimating soybean leaf edge. The segmentation results showed a performance of 96% for soybean leaves using Mahalanobis distance classification. Two statistical regression models (polynomial and logistic regression) for defoliation of soybean were developed based on individual images of trifoliate leaves taken from the field. The models both utilized leaf area and edge to provide estimates of soybean defoliation; however, a logistic equation has potential to provide greater understanding and more accurate estimates of defoliation with variations, especially at low defoliation. The R2 and root mean square error (RMSE) of estimated and observed defoliation of trifoliate leaves were 0.90 and 6.16%, respectively. The validation of soybean canopy defoliation and its corresponding trifoliate leaves defoliation also provided reasonable correlation (R2 = 0.96 and RMSE = 1.85%). This approach could lead to use of remotely sensed imagery for estimating defoliation in soybeans and timely intervention with integrated pest management strategies.

Sustaining the Future of Animal Feed Protein

Sustaining the Future of Animal Feed Protein

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Editorial and News

Vicia narbonensis-Avena strigosa mixture, a viable alternative in rainfed cropping systems under Mediterranean conditions

The demand of vegetable protein for animal feed and the need to diversify the crop rotation in rainfed Mediterranean climates has led to study the viability as new forage crop of the Vicia narbonensis-Avena strigosa mixture. Therefore, a 3-year field trial was conducted at two different and representative locations of the area to evaluate the capacity of both species to form a balanced mixture and to define its potential for high yield and forage quality. Different seeding ratios (65:35, 50:50 and 35:65) were compared with their pure stands and the standard mixture Avena sativa-Vicia sativa (65:35). Forage mixtures establishment and growth varied according to the environmental conditions with a negative influence of a dry year 1 for legumes (&lt;300 mm) and a wet year 2 for oats (&gt;630 mm). However, competition ratio indicated that there were not significant differences between mixed treatments, displaying intermediate ground coverage values, dry matter yield and crude protein regarding pure stands. Higher dry matter yield than control mixture in addition to similar crude protein, acid-detergent fibre, neutral-detergent fibre and digestible dry matter values, were produced at 35:65 in dry years and 65:35 and 50:50 in rainy years with loamy and clay soils, respectively. The appropriate development of both species in the mixture at different soil and rainfall conditions, as well as a good yield often higher than control mixture and a great forage quality, confirm to the narbon bean-black oat mixture as a viable and profitable crop alternative in rainfed cropping systems under Mediterranean conditions.

Screening of Seed Soluble Sugar Content in Cowpea (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Vigna unguiculata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (L.) Walp)

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) is a legume crop grown worldwide to provide protein, starch, soluble sugar, amino acids, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins for human consumption and animal feed. Soluble sugar is an important physiological trait in cowpea seeds. It not only plays an important role in storability and abiotic stress tolerance in seeds, but also provides energy to the human body and improves cooking quality by giving a desirable taste and mouth feel. Therefore, this research aimed to evaluate variation of cowpea seed soluble sugar content, and assess the soluble sugar content of cowpea varieties with different seed coat colors for cowpea consumers. A total of 113 cowpea genotypes were used, including 89 USDA GRIN germplasm accessions and 24 advanced breeding lines developed from University of Arkansas, AR, USA. Seed soluble sugar content was measured using a Spectrophotometer by phenol-sulphuric acid method. The results showed that the seed soluble sugar contents among 113 cowpea genotypes exhibited a wide range varying from 32.6 mg/g to 86.1 mg/g with an average of 54.5 mg/g. The five highest soluble sugar contents in seeds were found in the Arkansas cultivar Empire (86.1 mg/g), USDA germplasm accession PI583202 (84.5 mg/g), Arkansas advanced breeding line 09-655 (82.1 mg/g), USDA accession PI601085 (81.6 mg/g), and Arkansas advanced breeding line 09-529 (80.9 mg/g), and they can be used in cowpea breeding programs to develop new cowpea cultivars with higher seed soluble sugar content. It was also observed that the soluble sugar contents in Arkansas commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines were higher than those in USDA germplasm and the seeds with colorful coat may have soluble sugar levels desirable by consumers.