Proximate Principles Research Articles

Evaluationof feeding different forms of therapeutic diet on the feed intake, digestibility, feed efficiency, and growth of calves experimentally infected with foot-mouth disease virus.

Oral ulcers induce acute weight loss due to anorexia in foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infected cattle. We hypothesized that providing a palatable form of a therapeutic diet (TD) in different physical forms would increase the feed intake, digestibility and restoration of body weight. A TD was formulated with 19% CP and 2.9 Mcal ME/kg on dry matter basis. Bull calves of 10-12months with mean body weight of 123 ± 1.3kg were experimentally infected with FMDV (n = 18) and offered one of the following three forms of the TD (n = 6/group) for 6weeks post-FMDV infection (WPI): (i) TD in mash form (TDM) (ii) TD in cooked form (TDC) and (iii) TDC + customised nutrient supplement (TDCNS) such as Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, and Se. The CNS was fed before the TDC. A group of uninfected control (n = 4) was fed TDM. Green fodder was offered in the afternoon. Dry matter intake (DMI) of TD and green fodder were recorded at 24h interval till WPI 6. Body weight (BW) was recorded at weekly interval. Digestibility trial was conducted at WPI 6. The palatability of the TD was scored from 1- 4 and healing of tongue ulcers was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve. The results indicated that the physical form of TD increased the total DMI by WPI 3, which was supported by the restoration of BW and higher palatability score. The digestibility of all the proximate principles except EE was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the groups that were fed TDC. It was concluded that feeding TD irrespective of the physical form, restored the ADG and DMI in the calves by WPI 3. Further, feeding cooked form of TD increased the digestibility in the FMDV infected calves and supplementation of CNS hastened the healing of glossal ulcers.

Proximate principles and total phenolic content of Melia dubia Cav. leaf varies across altitudinal gradients in South Gujarat

Five Melia dubia populations were identified through altitudinal gradient (12, 64, 253, 341 and 381 m msl) and four individuals from each population were selected following the selective sampling method through the subjective judgment of the observer. Leaf samples were collected in the winter season of 2020-21 from all the locations. Substantial variations (p &lt;0.05) were recorded in proximate principles and the total phenolic contents in M. dubia leaf fodder along an altitudinal gradient. Crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE) and crude fibre (CF) content were significantly maximum at the highest altitude site (Dinbari; 381 m msl) with values of 10.14, 3.23 and 16.81%, respectively. The maximum ash content (15.68%) was recorded in leaf samples collected from Nanapondha (64 m). Conversely, the highest OM (87.53%) was recorded from Mahal (253 m). Acid in soluble ash was recorded maximum (1.27%) in Mulchond, located at 341 m altitude. Leaf nitrogen-free extract was highest (29.83%) at the lowest altitude (12.00 m), i.e., Navsari population and lowest (57.28%) at the highest altitude of Dinbari (381.00 m). Total phenolic content was maximum [102.28 GAE mg/g (10.22%)] in M. dubia leaf samples of the Navsari population, representing the lowest altitude. The study revealed that most of the proximate principles were higher for populations located at higher altitudes. The hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that among all the five populations, the Dinbari population was found to be more diverse in terms of proximate principles of leaf fodder than others that might be used for further selection and improvement.

Floral diversity and nutritional value of forages in Pulikulam cattle breeding tract

Documenting the floral diversity in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract (Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts in Tamil Nadu) and the nutrient content of predominant forages were important for maintaining Pulikulam cattle under zero input grazing system of management. Hence, a study was carried out to document the forage biomass, botanical composition, and nutritional profile of the forages present in the Pulikulam cattle breeding tract. The number of edible forage species other than shrubs and trees documented in the grazing tract at Sivaganga, Madurai and Virudhunagar districts was 10, 8 and 9, respectively. Pennisetum clandestinum recorded significantly (p &lt;0.05) highest biomass (133.25, 148.25 and 115 g/m2) and botanical composition (31.32, 34.99, and 26.31%) in all the districts. Variability was observed in proximate principles, fiber fractions and mineral contents between forages. Zinc was not detectable in Aristida setacea and both zinc and copper were not in detectable levels in Echinochloa colona.

Chemical Composition of Spent Mushroom Paddy Straw (SMPS) and its Nutritive Value in Cattle

Background: An experiment was conducted to study the chemical composition of spent mushroom (Pleuroyus ostreatus) paddy straw (SMPS) and its nutritive value in cattle. Samples of the SMPS were collected from various mushroom farms of Assam and were analysed for proximate principles according to the AOAC (2012) and fraction of fibre were estimated according to the Van Soest method (1991). Methods: Three digestion trials were conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of SMPS (difference method) by using a group of six mature healthy and non-productive cows of approximately same age and similar body weight. In first trial, only para grass was fed to animals, in second trial, para grass along with GNC were fed together and in third trial, SMPS and GNC were fed together to determine the digestibility for various nutrients of the SMPS. Result: The average chemical composition of SMPS were 42.65±1.33, 76.30±0.40, 7.23±0.24, 1.31±0.06, 21.25±0.76, 23.69±0.49, 46.51±0.57, 62.03±1.18 and 49.26±0.67 per cent of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF, TA, NFE, NDF and ADF, respectively. The DCP and TDN content of SMPS were 4.75 and 59.76 per cent, respectively. From the results obtained, it could be concluded that Spent Mushroom (Pleurotus ostroeatus) paddy straw had higher CP and total ash and lower CF and higher nutritive value (DCP and TDN) compared to paddy straw and could be used as a maintenance types of roughage source for feeding to cattle.

Nutrient utilization and energy balance profile in probiotic supplemented Asian elephants

Aim: A study was methodized to evaluate whether supplementation of probiotics could impact the utilization of nutrients and energy in Asian elephants. Materials and Methods: Eighteen elephants were randomly selected for 60 days experiment including five days of the digestibility trial and divided into three groups with six elephants each i.e. control with no probiotic (T1) and the other two with probiotics Lactobacillus acidophilus in T2 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae in T3 groups at 1 × 109 CFU/gm concentrate per 50 kg body weight/ day orally. Results: : The intakes of ether extract and total ash revealed significant whereas the digestibility coefficients of total ash and acid-insoluble ash exhibited a highly significant effect of treatment. However, other values of intakes and the digestibility coefficients of proximate principles and fibre fractions could not reveal any significant effect. Practical nutritional worth, plane of nutrition and energy balance profile were also found to be non significant among the groups. Increasing trend of intake and the digestibility of energy; and the relative difference was associated with increased DM intake and NDF digestibility. The mean values for TDN%, NR, digestible DM and OM intakes and TDN intake were obtained to be higher for probiotic supplemented groups than the control group. Conclusion: It is concluded that probiotic supplementation could not exhibit any significant effect on nutrients and energy utilization in elephants. However, further research is needed to examine the effects of high doses, strain and viability of the probiotics.

Formulation and Proximate Analysis of Makhana-Enriched Laddoos

Formulation and Proximate Analysis of Makhana-Enriched Laddoos

Proximate principles and dry matter digestibility of fodder maize and sugargraze in response to potassium management

The study was carried out to evaluate the forage quality of maize and sugargraze as influenced by different potassium management practices. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design in which two fodder crops, viz. maize and sugargraze, were taken as the main plot, and different potassium management regimes were taken as a subplot. Results revealed that the quality parameters of sugargraze and fodder maize crops, viz. Dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, ash content, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, and acid detergent lignin were significantly influenced favourably by potassium management. Comparing the quality parameters, remarkably highest CP (9.70%), total ash content (9.87%) as well as potassium uptake (230 kg/ha) were obtained with 50 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 foliar spray; however, higher ether extract (1.73%) was recorded in 50 kg K2O + KSB + 2% K2SO4 foliar spray. The fibre fractions, viz. NDF (66.1%), ADF (35.4%) and ADL (4.70%) recorded considerably lower values with 25 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 foliar spray over control. The higher values of TDN (59.3%), DMD (63.6 g/kg), RFV (94.7%) and DMI (1.92 g/kg) were recorded in fodder maize over sugargraze with an application of 25 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 foliar spray. Therefore, considering all the studied parameters, it can be concluded that getting higher quality green biomass production of fodder maize and sugargraze with the application of 25 kg K2O + KSB + 2% KNO3 would be a more feasible agro-practice.

Proximate Composition and Fibre Fraction of Pearl Millet Fodder as Influenced by Different Nutrient Management Practices

Background: Quality traits of forage crops are largely influenced by various agronomic management practices at field conditions in different climatic strata. Judicious use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients may sustain soil health, fodder productivity and quality. Keeping above facts in view an experiment was conducted for evaluation of nutrient management practices to increase fodder quality of pearl millet. Methods: The experiment was carried out during kharif season (2019-20) at Agronomy Research Farm, ICAR-NDRI, Karnal and laid out in randomized block design with eight treatments, viz., T1: Absolute control; T2: 100% RDF; T3: 100% RDF + Cow urine foliar spray; T4: 100% RDF + PGPR; T5: 100% RDF + PGPR + Cow urine foliar spray; T6: 75% RDF + Cow urine foliar spray; T7: 75% RDF + PGPR and T8: 75% RDF + PGPR + Cow urine foliar spray. Each treatment had three replications. Result: The results showed that the fodder proximate principles viz., dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and total ash content increase by 27.04, 21.33, 24.06 and 31.17% respectively, with T5 treatment than absolute control. The cell wall constituents such as neutral detergent fibre (63.99%), acid detergent fibre (39.50%) and acid detergent lignin (5.60%) were also lower in T5 treatment over the other treatments. It can be concluded that the fodder quality of pearl millet significantly better with application of T5 treatment, that was found statistically at par with T4 treatment. Which, will further strengthen and sustain the performance of livestock in terms of health and milk production.

​​Qualitative Analysis of Apple Pomace based Maize Silage for Animal Feeding

Background: Himachal Pradesh is one of the important apple producing state in India and a substantial quantity of apple fruit is utilized in processing for the preparation of juice and the left-over apple pomace remains a pollutant owing to the un-hygienic nature of apple pomace and its quick bio-degradability. Only a small fraction of apple pomace is traditionally being utilized in animal feeding due to the rapid spoilage of the wet pomace. The utilization of apple pomace in animal feeding remains a challenge and thus an attempt was made to ensile the maize through incorporation of apple pomace. Methods: The study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of maize silage incorporated with different levels of apple pomace and to study the effect of feeding silage on milk performance of crossbred cows. In the experiment apple pomace was incorporated in maize silage at 10, 20 and 30 per cent level. Result: On studying the proximate composition of different silage it was found that silage (T3) containing 80 per cent maize, 10 per cent apple pomace and 10 per cent mulberry leaves showed promising results. In T3 the proximate principles viz. dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, neutral detergent fibre acid detergent fibre, total ash, acid insoluble ash and pH were in ideal range and was at par with the silage formed by ensiling of sole maize crop. In the animal feeding trial, on feeding of apple pomace based maize silage 10.21 per cent higher milk yield was recorded with significantly higher milk fat, SNF and proteins. The net return on feeding of apple pomace based maize silage to crossbred cows was ₹ 149.00 which was higher than the control group (₹143.00 cow-1 day-1).

The feeding values of Dinanath grass and Sweet Sorghum fodder at the post-flowering stage for crossbred heifers

The feeding value of Dinanath grass with sorghum fodder at the post-flowering stage was compared in the present study Sixteen crossbred heifers (274±11 d) and weight (85.3±4.9 kg) were grouped in 8 pairs based on their age and live weight. One animal from each pair was randomly allotted to one of the two groups T1 and T2. In T1, the animals were offered Dinanath grass fodder, whereas, in T2 sorghum fodder ad-lib, the fodders were enriched with urea, @ 0.4 and 0.2% on a fresh weight basis, respectively. They were also given 1 Kg concentrate mixture (40% wheat grain; 40% groundnut cake; 20 % gram husk), 30 g common salt, and chalk 30 g daily for 13 weeks. The body weight of the animals was calculated weekly multiplication, of length (cm) and heart girth (cm) of the animal divided by 11200. After 21 days of adaptation, a 7-days digestibility trial was conducted to compare intake and digestibility data. The samples were chemically analyzed for proximate principles using standard techniques. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using suitable methods. It can be concluded that Dinanath grass and sorghum fodders both are equally inferior in nutritive value in the post-flowering stage and should not be continued for a long period as the sole feed without nutrient supplementation.

Influence of Spatial Configurations on Quantitative Melia dubia and Qualitative Performance of Hybrid Napier (Pennisetum purpureum P. americanum x ) and Soil Biota Status

Study intended to develop suitable -hybrid Napier (HN) silvi-pasture and sole cropping systems through assessment of Melia dubia growth, physiology, forage yield, proximate and mineral principles of hybrid Napier under 5 years old planted at 2 x 2, 3 x 3, 3 x 2, 4 x 4 M. dubia and 4 x 2 m spatial configurations. Study revealed that growth, physiological attributes, fresh and dry forage production, and proximate and mineral matter principles (average of two years; three harvests in each year) were higher under silvi-pasture systems as compared to sole cropping. Among silvi-pasture, HN attained significantly maximum plant height and number of leaves under (2 x 2 m)-HN, lengthiest M. dubia leaf (96.76 cm) and widest leaf under (3 x 2 m)-HN, and tillers under sole HN cropping system. Among studied physiological M. dubia attributes, specific leaf weight was maximum in sole HN cropping, chlorophyll content index was maximum of forage from (2 x 2 m)-M. dubia HN system, leaf area and leaf area index was maximum for clumps under (3 x 2 m)-HN system. Significantly higher total fresh and dry M. dubia forage yield was obtained from (2 x 2 m)-HN and (3 x 2 m)-HN, respectively. Significantly maximum dry matter and crude M. dubia M. dubia fibre was in forage from sole cropping system. However, maximum crude protein, ether extract, nitrogen free extract, ash and nitrogen were recorded in forage from (2 x 2 m)-HN system. Whereas, phosphorus and potassium was higher in forage from (3 x 2 m)-HN M. dubia M. dubia system. Integration of HN as understory crops, increased microbial populations in all land use systems. Among different silvi-pasture systems, closest spacing had more bacterial and actinomycetes populations, while fungi were highest under sole cropping. The study divulged out that tree-crop interactions under different spatial configurations were positive. Hence, HN could be adopted as intercrop for higher forage M. dubia yield and better nutritive quality .

Carcass characteristics and proximate composition of Mithun (Bos frontalis) carcass

In order to study the carcass characteristics, six mithun (Bos frontalis) of either sex were slaughtered and their body tissues were analysed for proximate principles in the present investigation. The physical carcass characteristics like the carcass length, weight, dressing percentage etc. were also determined. The data analysis revealed that the mean carcass length and weight were measured as 162.10±6.15 cm and 242.25±36.75 kg, respectively. The overall dressing percentage was found to be 60.65±1.68% in mithun, while the subcutaneous fat thickness was recorded to be 42.15±2.15 mm. The heaviest organ of the mithun carcass was observed to be the stomach (68.2±0.1 kg), the lightest was recorded to be the pancreas (0.45±0.10 kg). The nutrient composition of mithun meat was excellent with protein content of 18.74±1.25% and fat content of 0.48±0.03%. This study further recommended the need of a detailed study on the effect of mithun meat consumption on human health in future.

Effectiveness of Chironomid Larvae in Compare to Other Fish Foods on Growth Parameters and Body Protein of Two Economically Important Fishes

With the increasing human population, the demand for healthy, nutritious but cheap food also increasing day by day. The product of aquaculture mainly fish is more efficient to improve global food security. Along with the seafood, the effort is going on for more production of freshwater fish. For that reason, proper growth and sufficient proximate principles in fish are essential with a low-cost but healthy fish diet. Trichogaster fasciata and, Heteropneustes fossilis were fed with fourth instar larvae of Chironomus striatipennis (F1), dry Tubifex (F2), and granular floating type aquarium fish food (F3) respectively to observe the nutritional effect of different fish meal. Fish fed with F1 showed effective food conversion ratio and specific growth rate in comparison to fish fed on F2 and F3 respectively. The average daily gain was 214.3 % and 47.61% respectively in two fish when fed with F1. Percent gain weight increased from 1.12 (7th day) to 15.03 (28th day) in T. fasciata and 1.497 (7th day) to 8.21 (28th day) in H. fossilis when fed on F1. The result also showed that the protein level was increased steadily in both fishes when fed with F1 in comparison to other foods. It may be concluded that live larvae of Chironomus striatipennis were more effective fish food than dry Tubifex and aquarium fish food. It is a natural organic fish food with a negligible wastage used for fish and keeps the culture medium clean and debris-free with an ecofriendly environment.

Rheological Characteristics and Proximate Principles of Sorghum Flour and Sorghum Bran for Possible Use in Baking

The quality of sorghum flour and sorghum bran was evaluated in terms of the rheological properties and proximate composition compared with cassava flour, wheat flour and wheat bran at different levels of combination. Results show that sorghum flour seems comparable with cassava flour, as composite with wheat and hence can be a suitable alternative, particularly in non-cassava growing areas. The 50/50 wheat bran/sorghum flour appears to be promising and can be further explored in making whole grain bread. Sorghum bran also seems promising as an alternative to wheat bran and can be recommended for use in baking. In addition, its rich protein and fibre contents can be explored in novel, fibre-rich functional food formulations as well as in animal feed.

Physical and Sensory Evaluation of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica) Beverage

Millet is one of the indigenous foods known to human and called for its superior nutritional and therapeutic use. Fermentation is one of the most commonly used methods in preparing millet based food products and it has been shown to improve the bioavailability of nutrients. The present study emphasizes on formulation of fermented product with foxtail millet flour as a ready-to-drink beverage. A Lactic Acid Bacterium (LAB) namely Lactobacillus acidophilus conquers a significant part in these developments, has an extended and safe history of practice and consumption in the fabrication of fermented beverages and foods. The methods used for processing foxtail millet are soaking (8 hrs), sun drying, milling, preparing foxtail millet slurry (60%), boiling (80oC), addition of complementary ingredients (almond paste 10%, coconut milk 10%, sugar 20% and cardamom powder 2 g), cooling, fermenting with probiotic strain (Lactobacillus acidophilus 0.2 mg/200ml), incubating (at 37oC for 24 hrs) and bottling. Optimization of probiotic foxtail millet drink was carried out by trained sensory panel members against control (without foxtail millet). Quality characteristics namely proximate, sensory and physicochemical properties like pH were investigated at 12 hours interval for 2 days. The fermented foxtail millet beverage possessed significantly higher values of proximate principles (81% moisture, 3.4 % ash, 12% carbohydrate, 2% protein, 1.6% fat) than control. Scores for all sensory parameters reduced with the increase in storage period. From the present study, it could be concluded that foxtail millet based fermented beverage not only serve as a nutrient dense drink but also it acts as a carrier to deliver beneficial micro biota which would nourish the gut. Recent research studies on fermentation and biotechnology reveal that, daily consumption of probiotics could positively protect human from non-communicable diseases such as ulcer, colitis and cance

English

Although&nbsp;&nbsp; the nutrient composition of hemp products provides evidence that these potentially serve as valuable livestock feed ingredients and may enhance human health, the cultivation of hemp was prohibited due to the high content of the &Delta;-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Recently, regulatory changes by several countries allowed the cultivation of industry hemp under a license that permits plants and plant parts of the genera Cannabis with a THC lower than 0.3%. The concern of a higher THC value still remains; thus, it is justified to test the nutritional and safety properties of Hemp Seed Cake (HSC) in animal feed. The objectives of this study were to determine the nutritional (proximate principles, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids), and safety properties (mycotoxin, heavy metals and cannabinoid profiles) of HSC and feed manufactured with the ingredient for use in animal feed. Three replicate samples of HSC and two replicate samples of each feed manufactured with 0, 10%, 20 and 30% of HSC were analyzed by reference laboratories for parameters identified under study objectives. The results of the nutritional values were consistent with published results. Similarly, the safety parameters were below the detectable levels and maximum legal levels.&nbsp; The results of this study confirm that HSC can safely be used as animal feed ingredient. Key words: Hemp, &Delta;-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinoids, safety, heavy metals, hemp seed cake.&nbsp;&nbsp

The Nutrient, Mineral and Anti-Nutrient Studies of Two Indigenous South African Spices

The two South African spices named Lippia javanica (Izinziniba) and Foeniculum vulgare (Imbambosi) were studied for its proximate principles, minerals, vitamins and anti-nutrients properties. The experiment shows that L. javanica had higher figure in its lipids, fibres and carbohydrates contents. This implies that L. javanica may help the body to maintain an internal distention for proper peristaltic movement of the intestinal tract than F. vulgare will do. While, the protein, ash, moisture contents were more in F. vulgare, this may be the reason, more elemental composition were observed in it because the level of ash, moisture and protein contents determines its minerals or inorganic components. Elements such as Nitrogen (N), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and Sodium (Na) were observed to be more to mentioned few, the Ca/P levels of both plants was observed to be more than 0.5 which is the minimum ratio required for favourable calcium absorption in the intestine for bone formation. Likewise both plants shows no significant differences in its anti-nutrients levels such as the phytate, oxalate and tannin contents, but L. javanica had more of Vitamin A and E levels, compared to F. vulgare with better Vitamin C, Cyanide and Saponin contents. In general, spices have been reported to contribute to the average requirement for different nutrients. Polyphenols such as tannins have anticancer properties, so beverages such as green tea that contain large amount of these compounds might also be good for maintenance of human health despite its anti-nutrient properties. Comparatively, L. javanica has a better nutrient composition than F. vulgare.

Effect of Maternal Betaine Supplementation on Growth, Plane of Nutrition, Blood Biochemical Profile and Antioxidant Status of Progeny Pigs

Background: Dietary supplementation of methyl donors like vitamins B9, B12, choline and betaine have been reported to reduce oxidative stress not only in sows but can also reduce oxidative stress in offspring through epigenetic modulation of DNA. However, cell proliferation and fetal development and oxidative stress associated with it is not uniform during the whole length of gestation. Hence this experiment was conducted to study the effects of maternal betaine supplementation on growth, plane of nutrition and antioxidant profile of progeny pigs.Methods: Eighteen crossbred (Landrace X Desi) sows were randomly distributed into three groups of six each in an experiment based on completely randomized design (CRD). The sows in control (T0) were fed standard ration to meet their requirements. Supplementary betaine at 3 g/kg DM were provided either during late pregnancy (d 76 onwards till parturition) only or throughout the length of gestation to the sows of groups T1 and T2, respectively. The samples of feed offered, residue and faeces were analyzed for proximate principles following the standard procedures. Blood samples from the progeny piglets were collected and antioxidant status of the piglets assessed by the measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) by using standard kits.Result: The serum concentration of SOD was comparable (p greater than 0.05) among the groups, whereas serum concentration of catalase was higher (p less than 0.05) in piglets born to the dam exposed to supplementary beanie during gestation, the best response was observed whilst betaine was supplemented in the maternal diets during the whole length of gestation It was concluded that supplementation of betaine at 3g/kg in the diet of pregnant sows improved the antioxidant capacity of piglets borne to them.

Extraction and Processing of Pharmaceutical Grade Microcrystalline Cellulose from Dracaena arborea Stem

Cellulose is an abundant renewable biodegradable polymer regarded as a promising feedstock for chemical productions with its versatility evaluated as a useful structural and functional material for pharmaceutical and industrial applications. It is a straight chain polymer which appears in cell walls of most plant and consists of D. glucose units, with absence of coiling or branching and can be derived from variety of sources including: annual plants, microbes, animals etc. Three basic types of cellulose often exist in nature as - alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (ϒ). Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) sourced from cellulose, occurs as a purified and partially depolymerized alpha cellulose from plant parts such as D. arborea stem possibly by severe acid or alkaline hydrolysis. D. arborea plant is a palm – like tree of 1.5m height with several branches, often used as a boundary mark, a non-selective habitat and belongs to the family Asparagaceae, sub family Nolinoideae. With alkali hydrolysis of the D. arborea stem, the percentage yield of MCC from the alpha cellulose is 54.32%. Physicochemical analysis of the MCC reveals it to have a pH of 7.80 and physicotechnical analysis resulted in values as recommended in the official monogragh. Proximate principles of the extracted MCC, depicted percentage fiber content as 65.78% and low lipid and protein content as 0.6 and 0.4% respectively. Elemental analysis shows the composition of sodium and iron as 41% and 35% respectively but absence of lead and other deleterious materials. FTIR analysis suggests the presence of carbonyl groups, 6- membered cyclic ring (aromatic structure) with ortho and meta - OH substitution and long aliphatic chains. The x-ray diffraction study gave a percentage crystalinity index of 6.02 at 2q = 22 and 2q = 34.

Nutritional potential of Solanum nigrum linn berries grown in home garden

Background: Solanum nigrum Linn is an annual herbaceous medicinal plant which can be cultivated in a natural setting. Normally this plant reaches a height of 35–100 cm. The flowers petals are greenish or whitish with bright yellow anthers. Black or purple color berries grown in bunches are noticed in this type of plants. Leaves, raw and ripe berries are consumed in different regions with a different culinary style. Aim and Objective: The present study was aimed to analyze the nutrient content of the dried berries cultivated in a home garden. Materials and Methods: Matured berries were harvested, shade dried and stored in air tight containers. Proximate principles, mineral, vitamin and phytochemical constituents of the dried berries were analyzed using standard procedures such as AOAC, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and spectrophotometer methods. Results: The study findings revealed that moisture (10.27%), ash (6.68%), fiber (1.4%), carbohydrate (40.4%), protein (3.86%) and fat (2.55%) were present in the sample. Energy content was found to be 186 kcal/100 g. Mineral analysis indicated that Ca (32 mg), Fe (0.56 mg), Al (0.42 mg), Cu (0.25 mg) and zinc were below detection limit per 100 g. Thiamine hydrochloride (0.37 mg), Riboflavin (0.24 mg), niacinamide (0.37 mg), pyridoxine (0.26 mg), folic acid bile-duct ligated, Vitamin C (5.42 mg) and beta carotene (7.52 mg) were present per 100 g of the dried berries. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids (3.3%), tannins (1.3%), saponins (2.9%). Conclusion: The findings focus on the nutritional attributes of the herb which can be utilized in our household.