Fibre Retention Research Articles

Sustainability assessment of single slope solar still with glass cover cooling using naturally available fibers

AbstractThe objective of the present study is to evaluate the sustainability of solar still by enhancing the condensation rate using natural fibers on the glass cover. It is accomplished by employing naturally available Banana Fibers (BF) and Jute Fibers (JF) over the glass of the solar still (SS). The experimental investigation on Conventional Solar Still (CSS), Solar Still with Banana Fibers (SSBF) and Solar Still with Jute Fibers (SSJF) is conducted under similar meteorological conditions. The results reported that the glass cover temperatures of SSBF and SSJF are significantly reduced by 23% and 28% respectively relative to CSS. Also, the condensation rate in SSJF is comparatively better than SSBF and CSS. The significant factor for improving the condensation rate is the absorption, retention, and porosity of natural fibers. Nevertheless, the potable water yield of CSS, SSBF, and SSJF is noticed as 2.23, 2.87, and 3.18 L/m2, respectively. Besides, the viability of solar stills is assessed by economic analysis and the cost per liter (CPL) of water obtained from SSJF is about $ 0.029 with a payback period (PBP) of 4.7 months whereas SSBF and CSS are having a CPL of $ 0.034 and $ 0.041 with a PBP of 5.6 months and 6.8 months respectively.

Study on Fiber Clogging Mechanism in Sewage Pump Based on CFD–DEM Simulation

A large number of solid particles and fibrous impurities are always entrained in the fluid transported by a sewage pump, which can easily lead to the blockage of the sewage pump. In view of this, CFD–DEM simulations were conducted in this paper to reveal the fiber clogging mechanism in the sewage pump. A CFD–DEM coupling method with a fiber model was established and verified by an experimental benchmark, i.e., the rectangular flow channel. The method was then applied to a model sewage pump to, after mesh independence tests, analyze the effects of flow rate and fiber length on fiber motion and clogging. The results showed that the position of fiber retention coincides with the position of the vortex, mainly located at the inlet of the impeller, the head of the blade, the middle of the blade, and the tongue in the pump. In the case of a low flow rate, the fiber was more likely to cause blockage in the head of the blade, and in the case of a large flow rate, the fiber would wind around the tongue in the pump. At the same flow rate, long fiber was more likely to stay on the blade’s suction surface.

LaPO4 coating on alumina-based fiber: Strength retention of fiber and improvement of interfacial performances

The characteristics of the interface are the key factors that determine the mechanical properties and fracture behavior of fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites. Design and preparation of coatings which can preserve fiber strength and maintain appropriate interfacial bonding strength are of great challenges. LaPO4 coating is a promising weak interface coating for oxide fiber reinforced oxide ceramic matrix composites. Through this coating, the toughening mechanism of the composite such as fiber pulling out and fiber debonding is triggered. The LaPO4 coating was deposited on the surface of alumina-based fibers by a solution precursor heterogeneous precipitation method. The effects of different precursors and different deposition temperatures on fiber strength were studied, and the mechanism of the strength degradation of the coated fiber was analyzed. It was found that the fibers coated with phytic acid precursor and deposited at 90 °C had the highest tensile strength compared to other coated fibers. The retention of strength is attributed to its loosely stacked coating. Besides, a single fiber pullout test was carried out to evaluate the effect of the coating on the interface of the composites. The results show that the composites coated by depositing citric acid precursor and phytic acid precursor at 90 °C can reduce the interfacial bonding strength by 32.5% and 46.7%, respectively compared to uncoated composites. This study has potential application value in the preparation of ceramic matrix composites used in oxidation and high temperature environments.

Effects of PyC coating on SiC fibers after ultra-high temperature annealing

In this study, PyC coating with different thickness was prepared on SiC fibers via chemical vapor deposition method. Uncoated and PyC coated SiC fibers were heat treated in Ar atmosphere under different annealing condition. The effects of PyC coating on the mechanical properties of SiC fibers at room temperature were investigated. The morphology, composition, structure and mechanical properties of SiC fibers after high temperature treatment were also studied. The results showed that PyC coating could reduce the dispersion of tensile strength for SiC fibers. Weibull modulus increased from 4.19 (SiC fiber) to 5.59 (PyC700 fiber), while the tensile strength decreased a little with the increment of PyC coating thickness. Furthermore, PyC coating could remarkably retard Si sublimation from SiC fiber at high temperature. Uncoated SiC fiber was converted to porous pure-carbon fiber after being annealed at 2000 °C for 5 h, while PyC700 fiber still showed relative dense SiC core after the same treatment. To a certain extent, the inhibition ability was improved with increment of PyC coating thickness. In addition, PyC coated SiC fibers could maintain more tensile strength after being annealed at 1800 °C for 1 h. The tensile strength retention of uncoated SiC fiber was 27.3%, while that of PyC700 fiber could reach up to 43.2%.

Effects of microplastic fibers on Lates calcarifer juveniles: Accumulation, oxidative stress, intestine microbiome dysbiosis and histological damage

Microplastic fibers originating from fishing ropes and nets are persistent and ubiquitous marine environmental pollutants that pose potentially threat to the health of aquatic species. Therefore, assessing their potential effects on marine biota has become an urgent research topic. In this study, the fate of fibers ingested by L. calcarifer and its consequence on intestine health were analyzed. A total of 150 fish was fed with polyethylene (PE) fibers at 1% concentration for 56 days. Retention of fibers, oxidative stress indicator malondialdehyde (MDA), intestinal permeability indicator diamine oxidase (DAO), intestine microbiome modulation and histological damage were evaluated. The results indicated that the consumption of fibers-contained food did not influence the growth of the fish. Low retention of fibers was observed, indicating effective elimination of fibers from the body of the fish and no significant accumulation after successive exposure. However, intestine oxidative stress was observed, indicated by an up regulation of MDA level. Whereases, DAO level was not influenced by the treatment. Fiber exposure induced intestine microbiome dysbiosis by decreasing alpha diversity especially community richness and inhibiting the growth of Lactobacillus and short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria. Lactobacillus reuteri and L. intestinalis were inhibited significantly, we suggested they can be sensitive indicators for fibers toxicity evaluation in future studies. Slight intestinal damage was observed after the feeding period. We concluded that dietary exposure to PE fibers did not induce acute harm to L. calcarifer. However, chronic effects were observed after the feeding period, including oxidative stress, intestine microbiome alterations, and intestinal damage. These findings provide valuable data for ecological risks assessment of fishing rope fiber in the marine environment.

Development of sanitary napkins using corn husk fibres in absorbent layer – an exploratory study

Corn husk is an agro waste which poses a problem of its disposal. Hence, fibres were extracted from corn husk to utilize it. The fibres extracted from corn husk were coarse with linear density of 86 deniers, had bundle strength of 1.3 g/d and elongation at break of 18.5%. Water retention of corn husk fibres was also found to be 200%, which makes them suitable as absorbent material. Therefore, the possibility of using corn husk fibres in the absorbent layer of sanitary napkins was explored. Corn husk fibres were mixed with wood pulp in different proportions for use in sanitary napkins. The developed sanitary napkins were evaluated for various physical and hygiene parameters like pH, water retention, absorbency and ability to withstand pressure, disposability, bacterial and fungal bio-burden, and presence of common skin pathogens and compared with other sanitary napkins for all the parameters. The water retention and absorbency of corn husk napkins were comparable to branded napkins, which had higher absorbancy probably due to the presence of SAP in their absorbent layer or difference in the quality of top sheet and technology used to manufacture the napkins. The bacterial and fungal bio-burden for the developed napkins was found to be lowest and within acceptable limits of 1000 c.f.u/ml. The common skin pathogen Staphylococcus aureus and uterine pathogen Candida albicans were found to be absent. Thus, use of corn husk fibres for developing various absorbent hygiene products could be sought as an opportunity for transforming waste to useful products.

Cellulose Nanofibrils as Reinforcement in the Process Manufacture of Paper Handsheets

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to better understand the effect of micro/nanofibrils added as reinforcement on paper handsheets, their physical-mechanical performance and barrier properties, and to determine the ideal cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) proportion to increase such paper properties. Mechanically produced CNF were added at increasing amounts (0%, 2%, 5%, 8% and 10%) to commercial Eucalyptus pulp to produce paper handsheet samples. Morphology, crystallinity, physical-mechanical and air barrier properties of the paper handsheets were evaluated. The results suggested that adding CNF has decreased the presence of empty spaces inside and on the surface of the paper handsheets by up to 61% due to the interaction between fibers and nanofibrils. The paper handsheets became denser, more compact and resistant to passage of air, as well as with greater mechanical performance with higher CNF content (10%). The bursting index is approximately 5 times higher on paper with addition of 10% of CNF compared to control paper handsheets. There were significant gains in the studied properties without any change in CNF/fibers surface charge or the use of any cationic polymer to assist the retention of nanofibrils and fibers. This study highlights the potential of CNF as additives in papermaking process, increasing its properties.

Three-dimensional visualization and characterization of paper machine felts and their relationship to their properties and dewatering performance

Polymeric felts are commonly used in the papermaking process on the paper machine wet end, in the press section, and in the dryer section. They provide an important function during paper manufacturing, including as a carrier or support; as a filter media assisting with water removal on the paper machine; in retention of fibers, fines, and fillers; and in some applications, such as tissue and towel, to impart key structural features to the web. These felts can have highly interwoven complex internal structures comprised of machine direction and cross-machine direction yarns of varying sizes and chemical compositions. Here, we present a non-intrusive three-dimensional (3D) image visualization method using advanced X-ray computed tomography (XRCT). This method was used to characterize the complex 3D felt structure and determine the water removal characteristics of some commonly used paper machine felts. The structural features analyzed include porosity; specific pore-yarn interfacial surface area; 3D pore size distribution; 3D fiber or yarn-size distribution; and their variations through the thickness direction. The top, middle, and bottom layers of the felt have very different structures to assist with water removal and impart paper properties. The size distribution of the yarns, as well as the pores in the different layers of the felt, are also inherently different. These structural features were non-intrusively quantified. In addition, variation in the structural characteristics through the thickness of the felts and its potential role in papermaking is explored. In addition to the 3D structural characteristics, permeability characteristics and water removal characteristics, including rewetting of select felt samples, have also been experimentally determined. It is interesting to observe the relationship between key structural features and permeability and water removal characteristics. These relationships can provide additional insights into press felt design, as well as ways to improve product properties and the dewatering efficiency and productivity of the paper machine.

Reactive dyes for living cells: Applications, artefacts, and some comparisons with textile dyeing

AbstractAn inclusive chemical definition of “reactive” dyeing of textiles is introduced, encompassing the CI Azoic, CI Mordant, CI Reactive, CI Sulphur and CI Vat dye application classes. Such reactive dyeing increases fibre retention of dye and makes application practically possible. The analogous application of dyes and fluorescent probes as microscopic stains in biology and medicine is outlined, focussing on using reactive fluorescent probes with living cells. Parallels with textile dyeing are noted, eg, enhanced probe retention and facilitation of probe application. However, the primary purpose of using reactive probes with live cells is detection of properties of biological systems: to identify biological structures and chemical/biochemical contents; assess biological functions and physicochemical properties; and determine changes in locations of cells and cell components. Problems occurring with such probes are outlined, particularly the problematic character of many standard protocols, and localisation artefacts arising with reactive probes whose reactant and product species are physiochemically significantly different. This latter problem is explored via a case study of possible reactant/product artefacts with probes for reactive oxygen species. Comparison of experimental observations of probe localisations with the localisations predicted using quantitative structure activity (QSAR) modelling indicates that such artefacts can occur with a significant proportion of chemically diverse, widely used, commercially available probes, as well as with experimental compounds reported in the literature. A graphical flowchart is provided to assess possible occurrence of reactant/product artefacts arising with reactive fluorescent probes localising in various organelles of living cells.

Co-culture with peritoneum mesothelial stem cells supports the in vitro growth of mouse ovarian follicles.

The important roles played by the ovarian microenvironment and cell interactions in folliculogenesis suggest promising approaches for in vivo growth of ovarian follicles using appropriate scaffolds containing suitable cell sources. In this study, we have investigated the growth of early preantral follicles in the presence of decellularized mesenteric peritoneal membrane (MPM), peritoneum mesothelial stem cells (PMSCs), and conditioned medium (CM) of PMSCs. MPM of mouse was first decellularized; PMSCs were isolated from MPM and cultured and their conditioned medium (CM) was collected. Mouse follicles were separated into four groups: (1) culture in base medium (control), (2) culture in decellularized MPM (DMPM), (3) co-culture with PMSCs (Co-PMSCs), and (4) culture in CM of PMSCs (CM-PMSCs). Qualitative and quantitative assessments were performed to evaluate intact mesenteric peritoneal membrane (IMPM) as well as decellularized ones. After culturing the ovarian follicles, follicular and oocyte diameter, viability, eccentric oocyte percentage, and estradiol hormone amounts were evaluated. Quantitative and qualitative evaluations confirmed removal of cells and retention of the essential fibers in MPM after the decellularization process. Follicular parameters showed that Co-PMSCs better support in vitro growth and development of ovarian follicles than the other groups. The eccentric rate and estradiol production were statistically higher for the Co-PMSCs group than for the CM-PMSCs and control groups. Although the culture of early preantral follicles on DMPM and CM-PMSCs could improve in vitro follicular growth, co-culture of follicles with PMSCs showed even greater improvements in terms of follicular growth and diameter.

Thin synthetic fibers sinking in still and convectively mixing water: laboratory experiments and projection to oceanic environment

Synthetic fibers with diameters of several tens of micrometers are the most abundant type of microplastics in the marine environment, yet the most unknown regarding dynamics in the water column. Experiments proposed here are a proof-of-concept of qualitative and quantitative characteristics of fibers’ motion in still water and in the presence of thermal convection. For 12 sets of fine fibers (nylon (1.12 g/cm3) and polyester (1.35 g/cm3), 1.9–14.8 mm long, diameters 13 and 20 μm), 84 measurements of sinking velocity in still water were acquired. In still conditions, fibers settled smoothly and slowly, preserving their initial (accidental) orientation. Sinking rates of fibers with lengths <5 mm varied between 0.5 and 3.7 mm/s (the bulk mean of 1.6 mm/s). Fibers with similar properties showed 4-fold different sinking velocity, which is supposed to be the effect of their different orientation while settling: vertically oriented fibers (19% in the experiments) settled faster than those with inclined orientation (48%), and horizontally oriented fibers (33%) settled with the smallest velocities.Convective mixing of water, heated from below, principally changed the manner of sinking of fibers: their motions became unsteady and 3-dimensional. In 78 measurements for 4-mm long nylon fibers (using the “light knife” technique), only about 56% of fibers showed downward velocity component (mean 1.33 ± 0.78 mm/s), which was twice as small as in still water, however the ratio of max/min values increased up to 14. Fibers could move in different directions and follow circular motions of a convective cell. Our findings suggest two possible mechanisms retaining fibers in the water column: entrainment of some particles in horizontal and vertical motions and slowed sinking due to unsteady flow around the fiber. The retention of fibers leads to decrease in integral downward particle flux (up to 4 times in our experiments).

Beating of Eucalyptus Pulp Fibers under Neutral and Alkaline Conditions – A Valley Beater Study

Beating is one of the most important and complicated processes that influences paper production and paper quality from both a process and a paper property standpoint.&#x0D; With increasing costs, environmental regulations and competitiveness in the today’s global market, paper and board producers revisit existing production process to decrease production costs. New approached with additives such as new developed in-situ precipitated paper fillers materials have the potential to reduce production cost and increase profit margins.&#x0D; For this research bleached eucalyptus Kraft pulp adjusted to a pH of 7.5, 11.0 and 12.3, and laboratory manufactured in-situ precipitated calcium carbonate with a filler level based on oven dry fiber content of 20.9% and 41.7% and a pH of 7.5, and commercial produced precipitated calcium carbonate filler of 10% and 20%. All pulp suspensions were beaten for 80 minutes with samples taken at the unbeaten level and 20 minutes increments.&#x0D; The beating curve over 80 minutes beating time show that pulp suspensions with in-situ produced filer material have a higher dewatering ability with increasing filler content compared to the pulps with commercial PCC and different pH values.&#x0D; Viscosity slightly decreases for pulp suspension with commercial and in-situ produced filler content. Pulp suspension at a pH of 12.3 showed a significant decrease in viscosity over the 80 minutes beating time, superseding the filler containing pulp suspensions.&#x0D; Basis weight decreased over beating time for all pulp suspensions, which can be explained with an increased fines production during beating and lower fiber retention during handsheet forming.&#x0D; The breaking length index increase for all pulp suspensions till 40 minutes of beating time for the filler containing pulp suspensions.&#x0D; Tear index and burst index curves based on beating time are similar for all pulp suspensions with a maximum at 40 minutes beating for the tear index and 60 minutes beating for the burst index. High filler containing pulp suspension showed the lowest tear index.

Recycling cellulose nanofibers from wood pulps provides drainage improvements for high strength sheets in papermaking

The recyclability of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) is one of its most promising features. However, the performance of recycled CNF is not fully established. In this work, we engineered CNF sheets from refined and homogenized industrial virgin pulp (BEK), industrial recycled pulp (DIP) and lab-scale recycled pulp (LRC). These original CNF sheets were then soaked and recycled using a standard disintegrator to produce recycled CNF sheets. The key changes with recycled CNF sheet properties were tracked and compared to their original CNF sheets. Fiber retention and sheet uniformity measurements revealed a higher proportion of fiber aggregates with original CNF from DIP and LRC, compared to BEK. The proportion of fiber aggregates increased even further with recycled CNF. These results are consistent with the well-established formation of strong irreversible hydrogen bonds which hinder complete refibrillation. The tensile index of original 10K1P (10,000 PFI revolutions refined and 1 high-pressure homogenized pass) CNF sheets made from recycled DIP and LRC fibers at 110 Nm/g was only 10% lower compared to those made from virgin BEK fibers. Interestingly, all recycled CNF sheets from homogenized fibers successfully retained about 80% of their original CNF sheet strength. Remarkably, all recycled CNF sheets also had significant reductions in sheet drainage times, with the standout being the reduction from LRC 10K1P at 84 min to R-LRC 10K1P at 1.14 min of drainage time. The combination of high sheet strength and sharply reduced drainage times provide a rare example of the recycled product being superior to the original product.

Design of a vane mixer with controlled extensional/shear strength ratio and its application for carbon fiber/polyamide 6 composites

AbstractIn this work, a novel melt mixing method and its corresponding mixing device are developed. The extensional/shear strength ratio of the device can be controlled by adjusting its eccentricity. The structure and working principle of the device are introduced in detail. Carbon fiber (CF)/polyamide 6 (PA6) composites are prepared via this novel mixing device. The influences of eccentricity and mixing time on the morphology, CF length, thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties of CF/PA6 composites are studied. Scanning electron microscopy results show that CFs uniformly disperse in the matrix and interfacial adhesion between CFs and PA6 is improved. It is observed that CF length and its distributions can be optimized by changing eccentricity. The maximum average fiber length is about 351 μm. Differential scanning calorimetry results exhibit that the Xc increases 6.5% when eccentricity is 2 mm. Mechanical test results show tensile strength and modulus increase first and then decrease with the increasing eccentricities or mixing time. Electrical property measurement shows an obvious increase when eccentricity is 2 mm due to good fiber dispersion and long fiber retention length. The experimental results indicate that the novel mixing method and its corresponding apparatus provide an environment‐friendly and effective way to prepare polymer‐based composites.

Enhancing the radiative heating performance of down fibers by layer-by-layer self-assembly

Filling materials and fabrics with radiative heating properties have promising applications on personal thermal management and demonstrate a series of advantages in reducing the energy consumption and improving the convenience and lightweight of warm clothing. However, the fluffiness of the down fibers is usually decreased after the functional modifications and coating, resulting in the deterioration of warmth retention and appearance. Although the warmth retention of the down fibers can be improved by decoration of Zr (Ⅳ), it is not a good way to address the problems originated from the low-loading and poor washability of Zr (Ⅳ) due to the weak interactions between the down fibers and Zr (Ⅳ). Herein, we report a novel and facile layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly strategy to fabricate the Zr (Ⅳ) modified down fibers with high Zr (Ⅳ) loading, excellent radiative heating performance and washability. The surface temperature of Zr (Ⅳ) modified down fibers is increased by 3.75 °C after being exposed to the infrared radiation source, which exceeds the state-of-the-art chemical modified down fibers. More importantly, the radiative heating performance of Zr (Ⅳ) modified down fibers deteriorates less than 5% after 8 wash cycles, exhibiting good washability. The excellent radiative heating performance is attributed to the robust coordinate bonds between phytic acid and zirconium ions. In addition, the prepared down fibers have natural fluffy velvet flowers and high fluffiness without any broken fibers owing to the moderate LBL self-assembly process. This work paves the way for the low-damage functional modifications of the down fibers and other protein materials.

Mathematical modeling of thin layer drying characteristics and proximate analysis of Turkey berry (Solanum torvum)

In the present work the drying characteristics and proximate analysis of Turkey berry (Solanum torvum) were analyzed under open Sun drying and greenhouse drying with two different glazing materials (UV polyethylene sheet and drip lock sheet) under passive and active modes. The drying rate under different modes of drying are 18.73 g per hour in drip lock greenhouse active mode, 12.50 g per hour in UV polyethylene sheet greenhouse active mode,15.22 g per hour in drip lock sheet greenhouse passive mode, 11.84 g per hour in UV polyethylene sheet greenhouse passive mode and 10.65 g per hour in open sun drying. Twelve mathematical models were chosen to determine the drying characteristics of Turkey berry. From the statistical analysis it is found that modified Henderson and Pabis model is the best drying model describing thin layer drying characteristics of Turkey berry in both open Sun drying and greenhouse drying. The goodness of the fit achieved is based on the values of coefficient of determination, R2, sum square error, root mean square error, and reduced chi square, ?2. From the proximate analysis of dried Turkey berry it is found that more amount of carbo-hydrate is retained in UV polyethylene greenhouse dryer under passive mode. In drip lock greenhouse dryer under passive mode the retention of vitamins such as protein, vitamin C, and ash content showed a positive sign. In drip lock green-house dryer under active mode the retention of calcium, iron and dietary fibre is found to be high. Finally it is observed that more amounts of nutrients are retained in greenhouse drying than in open Sun drying.

Effect of honey-flavoured diets on the performance and relative organ weights of finisher broiler chickens

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of honey-flavoured diets on performance, nutrient retention, organ weights and economy of production. 0ne hundred and twenty 4-weeks old 'Anak 2000' broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four treatments, replicated three times with 10 birds each in a completely randomized design (CRD). Four diets were formulated such that diet 1(0%) contained no honey and served as the control, while diets 2, 3 and 4 contained 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% honey-flavour, respectively. The results showed that diet 4 containing 1.5% honey flavour significantly (P &lt; 0.05) improved the final body weight (1977g), weight gain (1327g), daily weight gain (47.29), feed/gain (2.18) and protein efficiency ratio (2.16) than broiler fed other diets including the control. Broilers on the control diet had the least values of body weight gain (1754g), weight gain (1104g), daily weight gain (39.43g), worst feed/gain (2.59) and protein efficiency ratio (1.80). Broilers fed diet 4 had the highest (P&lt;0.05) nutrient retention of protein (83.80 %), ether extract (86.80 %) and crude fibre (70.50%) while broilers on the control diet had the lowest retention values of protein (65.20%), crude fibre (63.30%) and ether extract (73.70%). The dry matter retentions were similar across the treatments with highest numerical values of 82.80% recorded by birds on diet 4 and least value of 78.80% on diet 1(control). The liver, heart, lungs, kidney and caecum weights did not differ significantly (P&gt;0.05) across the treatments but were numerically higher with increased in the honey-flavoured diets. The gizzard and caecum weights were significantly (P&lt;0.05) increased with increase in honey flavoured diets. Cost per kg feed increased as the level of honey-flavoured inclusion in the diets increased 1.5 % with value of ? 58.00/kg compared to the control diet with ? 47.01/kg while the revenue generated showed that birds fed diet 4 (1.5% honey) were the most economical to produce with value of ? 597.15/bird compared with those on the control (₦ 496.80/bird). Addition of honey at 1.5% demonstrated superiority in this study with no adverse effect on bird's performance and organ.

Growth, nutrient retention and serum metabolites of broiler chickens fed high fibre hulled sunflower seed cake

The nutrient value of high fibre (22% Crude protein) hulled sunflower cake (HFSC) substituted at 0, 25, 50 and 75 for soybean cake on protein was assessed using 180 day-old unsexed Anak broiler chicken. The diets contained about 23 and 20% crude protein as well as 2.95 kcal/g and 2.85kcal/g metabolizable energy at the starter and finisher phases respectively. At the starter phase, inclusion of HFSC above 25% significantly (P&lt;0.05) reduced body weight (BW) and protein efficiency ratio (PER). At the finisher phase, inclusion of HFSC up to 50% increased crude fibre retention while 25% HFSC increased PER. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in values of glutamate oxumate pyruvate transaminase at the starter and finisher phases. At the starter phase total protein (TP) and glucose (GL) were reduced at 75% HFSC diets, while above 25% HFSC inclusion reduced creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations. At the finisher phase TP and albumin concentrations were reduced significantly (P&lt;0.05) when above 25% HFSC was included. There was significant increase in glucose concentration except at 75% which did not differ from values obtained with 0% HFSC diet. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) decreases in concentration, of creainine and urea nitrogen except at 50% and 25% of HFSC inclusion respectively. At the overall (starter and finisher) live weight and feed efficiency of 50% did not differ (P&gt;0.05) from values obtained with 0% HFSC. This study suggested that not more than 50% of HFSC could replace soybeancake in broiler chicken diets.

APPARENT NITROGEN CORRECTED AND TRUE METABOLISABLE ENERGY OF PROCESSED THEVETIA OIL FOR BROILER FINISHER BIRDS

Sixty, finishing broilers aged 35 days were used to determine the Apparent, Nitrogen corrected and True metabolisable energy value of thevetia oil. The oil was subjected to heat treatment of 110oC for 25 minutes. Four experimental diets consisting of a basal diet and three other diets in which thevetia oil was substituted for 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0% of the basal diet. The experiment lasted for 10 days, made up of a 7-day adjustment period and a 3-day total collection period. Protein and fibre retention were significantly (P&lt;0.05) influenced by dietary thevetia oil level. Three regression equations were derived for estimating the metabolisable energy value of thevetia oil viz: y = 2990 + 61.9x (AME), y = 3076 + 59.8x (TME) and y = 2848 + 57.2x (AMEn). The Apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of thevetia oil was determined to be 9180 kcal/kg and 9056 kcal/kg respectively.

Dwarf versus tall elephant grass in sheep feed: which one is the most recommended for cut-and-carry?

Tall- and dwarf-sized elephant grass cultivars have been developed for cut-and-carry system. Dwarf clones have better digestibility; on the other hand, tall-sized cultivars are more productive. The aim was to verify which grass would be most recommended for cut-and-carry: tall-sized (Elephant B and IRI-381) or dwarf (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott) elephant grass cultivars to feed 24 male sheep, aged between 4 and 5months, uncastrated, weighing approximately 24.08 ± 1.76kg body weight which were sampled on intake, digestibility, performance, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, microbial protein synthesis, metabolic parameters, and ruminal degradability. This research was divided into two experiments: experiment 1 lasted 38days, seven for adaptation and 31 for data collection. Elephant grass cultivars were supplied with a mineral mixture. Data collected were intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, metabolic parameters, microbial protein synthesis, and performance submitted to a completely randomized design. For experiment 2, three rumen fistulae animals were sampled, lasting 20days. In this case, a randomized block in split-plot design was applied. Both designs were with P < 0.05 and analyzed through SAS statistical software. Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 cultivars provided greater intake, digestibility, weight gain, feeding time, nitrogen retention, production and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis, dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) degradability, and DM, crude protein, and NDF, but shorter rumination time rather than Elephant B and IRI-381. There was also a significant difference for glucose, triglycerides, plasma urea, total serum protein, urinary urea (mg/L), and urea excretion in urine (mg/day). Dwarf elephant grass cultivars as Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37 have greater nutritional value than tall-sized Elephant B and IRI-381. Dwarf elephant grass is recommended for cut-and-carry system.