Crude Protein Ratio Research Articles

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PLANT DENSITY ON THE FORAGE YIELD AND SOME FORAGE QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF MORINGA (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

In sustainable animal husbandry, the use of highly adaptable shrub and tree species as alternative forage crops has gained importance in recent years. One of these plants is moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.), which is considered one of the promising feed sources due to its high nutritional value. This research was carried out to determine the potential of Moringa as a forage crop for the Mediterranean climate during 2020 and 2021 growing season in the experimental areas of the Department of Field Crops, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ege, Türkiye. The effects of four different plant densities (60x20 cm, 60x30 cm, 60x40 cm, 60x60 cm) on the some forage quality and digestibility traits were investigated. The Moringa cultivar "PKM-1" was used as plant material and plant height, stem diameter, dry matter, herbage yield, crude protein, crude ash, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were examined during two consecutive vegetation periods. In the study conducted in Mediterranean ecological conditions, the average values of the moringa plant for two years were obtained as Plant height 159.2-170.3 cm, total herbage yield 3.310-6.970 kg/da, crude protein ratio 17.12-18.15%, ADF ratio 35.31-37.85% and NDF ratio 45.66-49.71%. Increasing the planting density increased the herbage yield and the highest value was obtained from 60x20 cm planting density. In addition, 60x20 cm planting density is also suggested in terms of protein , ADF and NDF traits.

PSLBII-28 Effects of dietary protein manipulation on greenhouse gases and ammonia emissions from feedlot beef steers

Abstract Black Angus steers [n = 112; body weight (BW) = 401 ± 3.6 kg] were used in a randomized incomplete block design to evaluate the effects of 3 rumen available protein to microbial crude protein ratios (RAP:MCP) on growth performance, and gaseous emissions from feedlot steers. Steers were blocked by initial BW and randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment rations. Diets were fed rations either Deficient (-150 gּ animal-1ּ d-1; DEF), Balanced (0 gּ animal-1ּ d-1; BAL), or Excess (+150 gּ animal-1ּ d-1; EXS) in RAP: MCP. Steers were allocated and housed in cattle pen enclosures (CPE), and treatment diets were delivered daily as a total mixed ration. The present study consisted of two 42-d periods. Refusals were collected weekly and BW every 14 d. Gas measurements were obtained daily in sequential order from all CPE. Data were analyzed with R statistical software (4.2.3). The linear mixed effect model procedure within the “lme4” package was used with CPE as the experimental unit, treatment and week as fixed effects, and block and period as random effects. A contrast coefficient matrix was constructed to test for linear and quadratic effects. Initial, intermediary and final BW were not different for steers receiving the varying RAP:MCP (P ≥ 0.239). A treatment effect (P = 0.004) was observed for mean dry matter intake (DMI) where EXS steers consumed 0.46 kg more DM compared with BAL steers, but DEF steers had similar DMI to those fed EXS and BAL (P = 0.189). Average daily gain (ADG) was only affected by treatment (P = 0.007) on d 0 to 14 where steers receiving DEF gained 0.6 kg more than those fed BAL (P = 0.010), but those fed EXS had similar ADG. Similar to ADG, gain to feed (G:F) was affected by treatment (P = 0.012) only during d 0 to 14. Mean CH4 production from steers fed DEF and EXS were 20% and 13% greater (P = 0.010) compared with those fed BAL, respectively; however, CH4 from EXS vs. DEF steers was not different (P = 0.149). Mean cumulative NH3 emissions increased linearly by treatment with EXS steers emitting up to 52% more NH3 compared with those receiving DEF (P < 0.001). Similarly, EXS steers had increased SO2 emissions by up to 44% compared with those fed DEF (P < 0.001). Emissions of CO2, N2O, and H2S were similar (P > 0.100). The manipulation of RAP:MCP in the diets of feedlot steers can drastically reduce NH3 emissions without affecting growth performance and may be a valuable tool to reduce air pollution from beef production systems.

Prediction of fresh herbage yield using data mining techniques with limited plant quality parameters

The purpose of this study was to ascertain the fresh herbage yield, fertilizer dosage, and plant characteristics of the Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrid grown in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as their interrelationships. For this reason, data from the Sorghum-Sudangrass hybrid were used to assess the predictive performance of several data mining techniques, including CHAID, CART, MARS, and Bagging MARS. Plant traits were measured in Konya and Sanliurfa during 2021 and 2022. The descriptive statistical values were calculated as follows: plant height 306.27 cm, stem diameter 9.47 mm, fresh herbage yield 10852.51 kg/da, crude protein ratio 9.66%, acid detergent fiber 33.39%, neutral detergent fiber 51.85%, acid detergent lignin 9.76%, dry matter digestibility 62.88%, dry matter intake 2.34%, and relative feed value 114.68 (average values). The predictive capacities of the fitted models were assessed using model fit statistics such as the coefficient of determination (R²), adjusted R², root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), standard deviation ratio (SD ratio), and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). With the lowest values for RMSE, MAPE, SD ratio, and AIC (246, 1.926, 0.085, and 845, respectively), and the highest R² value (0.993) and adjusted R² value (0.989), the MARS algorithm was determined to be the best model for characterizing fresh herbage yield. As a solid alternative to other data mining techniques, the MARS algorithm was shown to be the most appropriate model for forecasting fresh herbage production.

FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY OF INTERCROPPED ANNUAL RYEGRASS WITH BERSEEM CLOVER SOWN AT DIFFERENT SEED MIXTURE RATIOS UNDER RAINFALL CONDITIONS OF MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATE

This research was carried out under rainfall conditions of Mediterranean climate with the aim to study the effects of different seed mixture ratios on forage yield and quality characteristics of mixture. Annual ryegrass sown as pure produced higher green forage yield than berseem clover sown as pure and the mixtures. In the mixture of berseem clover at 20% seed rate and pure annual ryegrass, higher hay yields were determined compared to the other mixtures. As the seed rate of berseem clover decreased, the proportion of berseem clover in the mixture yield and the crude protein ratio of the herbage decreased linearly. In terms of total LER, BC80-AR20 and BC20-AR80 mixtures were the two most advantageous mixtures, while the aggressivity value of annual ryegrass showed a positive value and became the dominant species. Pure sown berseem clover had lower ADF, NDF and higher crude protein content than pure sown annual ryegrass and other mixtures tested. According to these results, it can be said that berseem clover can be included in the mixture at low seed rates for high forage yield under rainfall conditions, while berseem clover can be grown as pure for high forage quality.

Effects of a biotechnologically produced Pleurotus sapidus mycelium on gut microbiome, liver transcriptome and plasma metabolome of broilers

Submerged cultivation using low-value agro-industrial side streams allows large-scale and efficient production of fungal mycelia, which has a high nutritional value. As the dietary properties of fungal mycelia in poultry are largely unknown, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of feeding a Pleurotus sapidus (PSA) mycelium as a feed supplement on growth performance, composition of the cecal microbiota and several physiological traits including gut integrity, nutrient digestibility, liver lipids, liver transcriptome and plasma metabolome in broilers. 72 males, 1-day-old Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to 3 different groups and fed 3 different adequate diets containing either 0% (PSA-0), 2.5% (PSA-2.5) and 5% (PSA-5.0) P. sapidus mycelium in a 3-phase feeding system for 35 d. Each group consisted of 6 cages (replicates) with 4 broilers/cage. Body weight gain, feed intake and feed:gain ratio and apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein, ether extract and amino acids were not different between groups. Metagenomic analysis of the cecal microbiota revealed no differences between groups, except that one α-diversity metric (Shannon index) and the abundance of 2 low-abundance bacterial taxa (Clostridia UCG 014, Eubacteriales) differed between groups (P < 0.05). Concentrations of total and individual short-chain fatty acids in the cecal digesta and concentrations of plasma lipopolysaccharide and mRNA levels of proinflammatory genes, tight-junction proteins, and mucins in the cecum mucosa did not differ between groups. None of the plasma metabolites analyzed using targeted-metabolomics differed across the groups. Hepatic transcript profiling revealed a total of 144 transcripts to be differentially expressed between group PSA-5.0 and group PSA-0 but none of these genes was regulated greater 2-fold. Considering either the lack of effects or the very weak effects of feeding the P. sapidus mycelium in the broilers it can be concluded that inclusion of a sustainably produced fungal mycelium in broiler diets at the expense of other feed components has no negative consequences on broilers´ performance and metabolism.

The Effect of Different Irrigation Frequency and Level on Yield and Quality Characteristics of Silage Sorghum

This study was carried out to determine the effect of different irrigation frequency and levels on silage sorghum plant for yield and quality at the Bingöl University Agricultural Research and Application Field in 2022 using the Master BMR variety as plant material. Randomized complete blocks applying the split-plots experimental design with three replications was used; four irrigation levels (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and four irrigation frequencies (5, 10, 15 and 20 days) were considered as treatments. Percentage of moisture replacement was determined using total moisture loss from evapotranspiration (ET). Amount of water discharged by emitters were predetermined, hence, time was used to determine the exact amount. Properties related to green forage yield, dry matter yield, crude protein ratio, crude protein yield, acid detergent insoluble fibre, neutral detergent insoluble fibre, digestible dry matter, dry matter consumption and relative feed value were investigated. Statistically significant differences between all the examined features were observed. The highest green forage yield, dry matter yield and crude protein yield were obtained from 5-day frequency and 100% level. Highest crude protein ratio from 5-day frequency and 25% level, lowest acid detergent insoluble fibre rate and highest digestible dry matter rate from 20-day frequency and 25% level, highest dry matter intake and relative feed value with the lowest neutral detergent insoluble fibre rate were observed from 25% level with 10 and 20-day frequencies. In conclusion; it can be stated that, to obtain high yield from silage sorghum, it is necessary to irrigate at 5 days frequencies and 100% level. However, high-quality product can be obtained with a 10-day frequency and a 25% level with low yield.

Effects of Different Mixture Rate of Common Vetch (Vicia Sativa L.) and Ryegrass (Lolium Multiflorum l.) on Quality

This research was established in order to determine the quality characteristics of common vetch and ryegrass by testing different mixture ratios in different locations and to measure the effects of mixing ratios. Aneto common vetch and Trinova ryegrass cultivars were used in the trials. The experiment was carried out in the locations of Manisa/Beydere and Ankara/Yenikent in the vegetation period of 2021-2022 according to the randomized blocks trial design. The highest crude protein ratio was obtained from the 100% V mixture with a value of 20.4% from the Manisa location. The lowest crude protein ratio was obtained from the Ankara location with a value of 11.1% from the 100% G mixture. As a result of this study, it was found that the legume and grass forage crops planted as a mixture were better for interrestrial and coastal regions in terms of quality compared to pure stand growing. In fact, it has been determined that forage crops planted as a mixture are more advantageous in terms of quality since they are more resistant to lodging than pure legume stands.

Water productivity, yield response factors, yield and quality of alfalfa cultivars in semi-arid climate conditions

This study was carried out for 2 years (2020 and 2021) to elucidate the effects of water stress on yield and quality of alfalfa cultivars, to determine the water-yield and quality relations and the susceptibility of cultivars to water stress. Three different irrigation treatments (100%, 75% and 50% of full irrigation, I100, I75 and I50) and 12 different alfalfa cultivars (SHN, Osmanağa, Şahin 42, Minerva, Elçi, Riviera Vicentina, Magna 601, Magnum V, Prosementi, Ezzelina, Sunter, Nimet) were used in present experiments conducted in randomized-blocks split-plots design with 3 replications to investigate effects of irrigation levels on water, yield and quality parameters of alfalfa. Present findings revealed that water stress decreased crop water productivity, but increased irrigation water productivity of alfalfa cultivars. Herbage yields of the cultivars varied between 48.20 and 64.98 t/ha, hay yields between 11.42 and 14.67 t/ha and protein yields between 2.22 and 3.07 t/ha. Alfalfa was found to be sensitive to water stress in terms of herbage yield, but more tolerant in terms of hay and protein yields. Morphological characteristics (plant height, number of stems per plant, number of main stem branches and root crown diameter) decreased with increasing water stress levels. In terms of quality traits, while acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude fiber and crude ash ratios increased, crude protein ratios decreased with increasing irrigation water levels. It was concluded based on present findings that water stress resulted in different responses of different alfalfa cultivars and although it increased quality traits in general, it decreased herbage, hay and protein yields. Again, based on present findings, Magna 601 cultivar could be recommended for semi-arid regions.

Changes in Feed Quality in Rangeland Sites Grazing by Different Livestock Species

In this study conducted in the Umudum neighborhood of Erzurum province in 2023, three different rangeland sites (cattle, cattle + sheep, and sheep) were examined. The study investigated the existing feed quantity, crude protein, NDF, ADF ratios, and NYD values. It was observed that the rangeland site with sheep grazing had lower feed quantity, crude protein ratio, and NYD value compared to the sites with cattle and cattle + sheep grazing, while it had higher NDF and ADF ratios.

In vitro gas production and digestibility of oat and triticale forage mixtures ensiled with fibrolytic enzymes and inoculants

Objective: To assess the effects of adding fibrolytic enzymes (FE) or lactic acid bacteria (LAB) inoculants to 40 d silages with oat and triticale (O:T) mixtures on the ratio and composition of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and its subsequent in vitro gas production (GP) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) at 24 h. Design/Methodology/Approach: Silages elaborated with two O:T ratios (60:40 and 80:20) treated with low (LD), medium (MD), and high (HD) doses of FE (0.75, 1, and 1.25 g/kg forage in wet basis (WB), respectively), and LAB (0.188, 0.25, and 0.31 g/kg WB, respectively). In both cases (FE and LAB), the control had a value of 0. Subsequently, pH, NDF, acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicellulose (HEM), cellulose (CEL), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), GP parameters, and IVDMD were assessed. GP parameters included maximum velocity (Vmax), fractional rate (S), and lag. Experiments were planned in complete randomized designs (CRD), including factorial and split-plot arrangements. Variance analysis (ANOVA) models included fixed (doses, additives, and FR) and random (place/moment of sampling) effects. Results: LAB improved the IVDMD at 24 h of 60:40 and 80:20 O:T silages. FE did not reduce the NDF of 60:40 silages, but LD and MD increased the HEM and CP, and reduced the ADF, ADL, and CEL; these results are correlated (r) with the improvement of pH pattern, GP, and IVDMD. Study Limitations/Implications: The differences in the NDF of FR mixtures could affect the effectiveness of FE and LAB. Findings/Conclusions: Although FE and LAB did not reduce the NDF, they changed the ratios of ADF, ADL, HEM, CEL, and CP of silages, potentially improving the GP and IVDMD.

Determination of Yield and Quality Characteristics of Some Fodder Beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. rapa) Varieties in Sakarya Ecological Conditions

This research; it was established under the Sakarya ecological conditions and carried out for 2 years between 2021 and 2023 to determine the yield and quality characteristics of some fodder beet varieties. The experiment was set up with four replications in a randomized blocks trial design. Rekord, Rota, Ursus and Zentaur varieties were used in this research. In the study; in tubers; length (cm), diameter (cm), aboveground length ratio (%), yield (kg/da), dry matter content (%), dry matter yield (kg/da), crude protein ratio (%), sugar ratio (%) and weight loss in storage (%) and in leaves; yield (kg/da), length (cm), width (cm), dry matter ratio (%), dry matter yield (kg/da) and crude protein ratio (%) properties were investigated. The most positive data in the study were obtained from the Ursus variety (In tuber: length; 29.1 cm, yield; 19.309 kg/da, dry matter content; 15.9%, crude protein ratio; 9.30%, sugar ratio; 6.35%, and in leaves; length; 61.0 cm, yield; 2.585 kg/da, dry matter content; 14.0%, crude protein ratio; 23.5%).

Effect of dietary methionine to crude protein ratio on performance of Ross 308 broiler chickens aged 22 to 42 days

An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary methionine to crude protein (CP) ratio on the performance of male Ross 308 broiler chickens aged 22 to 42 days. The diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous but with different methionine-to-CP ratios. The diets, based on methionine to crude protein ratios, were M0.020 (0.020), M0.025 (0.025) M0.030 (0.030), M0.040 (0.040), or M0.045 (0.045). A complete randomized design was used. A quadratic type of equation was used to determine dietary methionine to CP ratios for optimal performance of the chickens. Dietary methionine to CP ratio had no effect (P > 0.05) on feed intake, live weight gain, live weight, feed efficiency, metabolizable energy intake, nitrogen retention, abdominal fat pad weight, breast meat nitrogen and methionine contents, and meat flavour and shear force values of the chickens, but it affected (P < 0.05) CP digestibility, carcass and breast weights, and breast meat tenderness and juiciness. Methionine to CP ratios of 0.039, 0.038, 0.050, and 0.050 were calculated to result in optimal CP digestibility, carcass weight, breast meat tenderness, and juiciness, respectively. These results may imply that dietary methionine to CP ratio requirements for broiler chickens will depend on the production parameter of interest.

Effect of ploidy on growth, fillet composition and colour of large rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the Black Sea

The purpose of this study was to determine the growth performance and fillet quality parameters of large rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and of different ploidy (diploid-DTS and triploid- TTS) cultured in the Black Sea. This study was carried out in a commercial fish farm in Sinop, Black Sea of Turkey. Triploid groups had a higher weight and a better feed conversion rate than the DTS at the end of the 150-day study. Crude protein and crude fat ratios were respectively higher in the DTS and TTS groups; while ploidy affected the biochemical and fatty acid compositions of the large rainbow trout, it had no effect on the amino acid compositions. The colour of fillets was affected by the crude fat ratio of the fillet. This study indicated that large rainbow trout produced in the Black Sea, regardless of its ploidy, were of high quality, nutritious and healthy for human consumption. Furthermore, it demonstrated yet again that large rainbow trout is of sufficient quality to compete with other salmonid species in the national or international markets.

Effects of Different Mixture Ratios of Common Vetch and Triticale on Forage Yield and Silage Quality

In order to obtain high amounts and quality forage in legume grain mixtures, the mixture ratios must be adjusted well. Since grains are tillered due to their physiology, their ratios in roughage are different from the mixing ratios in planting. This is a factor that increases roughage yield and reduces crude protein rate and yield. In addition, in cases where grains are insufficient in terms of minerals in animal nutrition and are planted in mixtures with legumes, the rapid development and high yield effects of grains should be combined with the balanced nutrition potential of legumes in order to obtain better quality feed. In this study, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 75% Vetch + 25% Triticale, 50% Vetch + 50% Triticale, 25% Vetch + 75% Triticale were planted in Sakarya conditions and the effect of the mixture ratios on grass yield was revealed. Additionally, silage was made from the mixtures obtained and the effect of the applied mixture ratios on silage quality was determined. Field trials of the research were carried out in the trial areas of Sakarya University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture. In the experiment, plant height, green and dry forage yield observations were taken. At the end of the maturation period, silage was made in 2 kilogram containers from each parcel as a silage quality criterion; silage dry matter ratio, silage pH, crude protein ratio, ADF and NDF observations were taken. By calculating the physical and sensory analyzes and flieg point used to determine silage quality, the silages obtained from the mixtures were defined in detail by chemical, physical and sensory analyzes and the flieg point. In the study, the highest green forage yield, hay yield, crude protein, ADF, NDF ratio and flieg point were obtained from 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Vetch, 100% Triticale, 100% Triticale and 50% Vetch+50% Triticale mixtures, respectively.

Nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast from the paper industry as a protein feed for ruminants: A comparison with soybean meal.

We compared nucleic acid-extracted torula yeast (NTY) with soybean meal (SBM) to evaluate NTY as a potential protein feed for ruminants in a metabolic trial using four castrated male goats. NTY was replaced isonitrogenously with SBM at a 25% crude protein (CP) level on a dry matter (DM) basis. NTY has 55% CP and 74% total digestive nutrients on DM. Absorbed N was lower on the NTY diet, but since the urinary N excretion was lower on the NTY diet, no significant between-diet difference in retained N was observed. The efficiency of N utilization (retained N/absorbed N) was significantly higher on the NTY diet. The Lys and Met contents (presumed limiting amino acids for dairy cattle) were higher in NTY than SBM, which may be why N utilization efficiency was higher for the NTY diet. Ruminal ammonia-N and blood serum N were lower on the NTY diet, suggesting that NTY has more rumen undegradable protein than SBM. There was no significant between-diet difference in the visceral disorder indicators or antioxidant activities. Our results indicate that NTY is a safe protein feed with a high CP ratio and high-quality amino acid profile for ruminants that is equivalent to SBM.

Yem bezelyesi çeşitlerinin farklı fenolojik dönemlerdeki verim ve kalite özellikleri

Agricultural areas that rely on a single crop for production experience negative soil characteristics, while the benefits of these locations are further diminished by short-term winter fallows. In the ecological conditions of the Aegean Region, cotton-cotton and maize-maize production patterns can be given as examples of this type of production. With the adoption of a sustainable agriculture approach in recent years, the use of winter annual forage crops is quite important in terms of preventing this situation. The inclusion of forage pea in the production patterns both contributes positively to the soil properties and is a potential source of quality roughage. In line with this information, 8 different forage pea varieties (Kirazlı, Ulubatlı, Ürünlü, Gölyazı, Özkaynak, Töre, Taşkent, GAP Pembesi) were harvested at 3 different phenological stages (10%, 50%, 100% flowering) in Aydın ecological conditions. Some agronomic characteristics such as plant height (cm), stem diameter (mm), herbage yield (kg da-1) were measured in the experiment. After the measurements, ADF (%), NDF (%), ADL (%), protein properties and relative feed value were determined. While lower values were found in terms of yield and fiber values in early mowing, higher values were found in terms of crude protein ratio and relative feed value. At the same time, the variety-environment interactions showed differences in both years. Our results demonstrated that 100% flowering is preferable in terms of yield. Differences were observed among the varieties according to yield and quality characteristics. In terms of herbage and crude protein yields, Töre, Taşkent and GAP Pembesi were the most prominent common varieties. In terms of relative feed value, Ulubatlı and Ürünlü are the varieties with high values.

FORAGE YIELD AND QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS OF WINTER LEGUME / GRASS MIXTURES HARVESTED AT DIFFERENT PHENOLOGICAL STAGES

Winter forage crop mixtures are very important sources of quality forage as well as the benefits they bring to the soil and the main crop. In areas where year-round production is carried out, leaving the soil fallow during the winter months and producing maize-maize or cotton-cotton causes fatigue in the soil and facilitates the increase of pests. For this purpose, forage yield and quality characteristics of 12 different winter forage crop applications (4 pure and 8 mixtures) were investigated between 2014-2016 in Büyük Menderes basin. The experiment was designed according to the split-plot experimental design in randomized blocks and mowing operations were carried out in 2 different phenological periods with 4 replications. Hay yield (kg da-1), ADF (%), NDF (%), ADL (%), crude protein ratio (%), crude protein yield (kg da-1) and relative feed value averages were measured. According to the results obtained from the experiment, there are differences between crude protein ratio and relative feed values. When analyzed in line with the production purpose, 75% forage pea + 25% oat mixtures stand out in terms of crude protein yield, while 55% forage pea + 45% annual ryegrass stands out in terms of relative feed value. Due to the changes in mowing times depending on the characteristics, it is thought that it would be ideal to perform mowing operations between 50%-100% flowering.

PATH COEFFICIENT AND CORRELATION ANALYSIS IN SECOND CROP SOYBEAN [Glycine max (L.) Merrill

Soybean is the most widely grown leguminous and nutritionally important crop in the world. The selection criteria in soybean breeding suitable for second crop (double cropping) are expected to vary according to the main product conditions. Fourteen soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes were studied in 2014, 2015 and 2016 to determine selection criteria for plant breeders using correlation and path coefficient analyses in soybean under second crop conditions. Randomized complete block design with four replicates was used for laying out the field experiments at research fields of Ege University. Variance analysis was perform for each characters and it was concluded that the genotype x year interaction was statistically significant at the 1% probability level in terms of all the traits examined. According to results of the correlation analysis, it is seen that six traits are positively correlated with grain yield, while the other traits are negatively correlated with seed yield. The six characters are pod numbers per plant (r= 313.3*), days to 50% flowering (r= 0.270*), days to maturity (r=0.286*), plant height (r=0.027ns), first pod height (r=0.181ns) and crude protein ratio (r=0.112ns). Path coefficient analysis showed grain yield positively and directly effected by pods number per plant (0.5532) followed by day to maturity (0.2483), plant height (0.1920), crude protein ratio (0.0403), first pod height (0.0266) and days to 50% flowering (0.0104); Grain yield was negatively and directly effected by 100-seed weight (-0.1697) and crude oil ratio (-0.0097). In conclusion under the second crop conditions, pod number per plant could be used as a selection criterion due to its high direct and positively effect on grain yield.

Amazon river prawn is able to express endogenous endo-β-1,4-glucanase and using cellulose as energy source

The present study aimed to identify and characterize cellulase from the functional genome in the hepatopancreas of Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum). Growth trials with post-larvae of M. amazonicum validated the endogenous expression of cellulases based on analysis of gene expression via RT-PCR and evaluated the effects of cellulose-rich diet on the growth performance and body composition in the Amazon river prawn. The endo-β-1,4-glucanase gene was identified as a part of the functional genome in the hepatopancreas of M. amazonicum whose entire coding region corresponded to 580 amino acids (aa), with a molecular mass of 63.6 kDa and tertiary structure of the (α/α)6 type. A 60-day growth experiment was designed encompassing five treatments and three replicates using isoprotein (36.98 ± 0.30%) and isoenergetic (19.76 ± 0.18 MJ/Kg) purified diets. The starch in diets was replaced by distinct cellulose levels, ranging from 0% to 35% of cellulose content. The polynomial regression analysis showed that the optimal dietary cellulose level for increased growth performance in post-larvae of M. amazonicum should be between 23.41% and 29.60%. In relation to body composition (crude protein and protein efficiency ratio), the best cellulose values in diets were estimated at 20.54% and 18.97%, respectively. The gene expression analysis via RT-PCR evidenced that endo-β-1,4-glucanase is expressed in prawns fed upon diets containing cellulose from the beginning up to the end of the feeding trial, thus validating the previous genetic assay. Therefore, we conclude that M. amazonicum expresses the endo-β-1,4-glucanase enzyme and prefers diets rich in crude fiber (19–29%), used as a protein-sparing energy source.

Effect of Solid State Fermentation with Whey on Nutrient Composition of Pomegranate Peel Supplemented Sunflower Meal

The aim of the study is to improve the nutritional value of sunflower meal by solid state fermentation (SSF) using agricultural wastes such as whey and pomegranate peel.&#x0D; Experiment was conducted with six groups. First group SM (sunflower meal) + TW (tap water), the second group SM + W (whey), the third group SM + W + 0.5% PP, the fourth group SM + W + 1% PP, the fifth group SM + W + 1.5% PP and the sixth group SM + W + 2% PP, respectively. The mixtures were prepared to complete 100 grams of sunflower meal with 0, 0,5, 1,0, 1,5 and 2,0 grams of pomegranate peel (PP), respectively. Each group consisted of eight replicates. Prepared mixtures were placed in 500 ml erlenmayers and 120 ml tap water was added to the mixing of first group and 120 ml whey was added in other groups and then mixed homogeneously. Four of the erlenmayers prepared for each group without being fermented were dried at room temperature. The remaining erlenmayers were fermented in 32°C±2 for 48 hours. Dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, crude fiber, phytic acid ratios and phytase activities, antioxidant activities and yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) numbers were determined in fermented and non-fermented feed samples.&#x0D; As a result of solid state fermentation with whey by adding pomegranate peel to sunflower meal, crude protein ratio, antioxidant activity and yeast count increased, and phytic acid ratio decreased. In conclusion, sunflower meal with functional properties was obtained. In addition, wastes such as whey and pomegranate peel were used as feed and environmental pollution was prevented.&#x0D; Keywords: Sunflower meal; pomegranate peel; whey; solid state fermentation; functional meal