Socio-economic Importance Research Articles

Potential Distribution of Pilocarpus microphyllus in the Amazonia/Cerrado Biomes under Near-Future Climate Change Scenarios.

Pilocarpus microphyllus Stapf. ex Wardlew. (Rutaceae) is an endemic and threatened medicinal plant species from tropical Brazil. Popularly known as "jaborandi", it is the unique natural source of pilocarpine, an alkaloid used to medical treat glaucoma and xerostomia. Based on Species Distribution Models (SDMs), we modeled the suitability of P. microphyllus's geographical distribution considering three Global Circulation Models (GCMs) under two future climate change scenarios (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5). The quantitative analyses carried out using ten different SDM algorithms revealed that precipitation seasonality (Bio15) and precipitation of the driest month (Bio14) were the most important bioclimatic variables. The results evidenced four main key areas of continuous occurrence of the plant spreading diagonally over tropical Brazilian biomes (Amazon, Cerrado and Caatinga). The near-future (2020 to 2040) ensemble projections considering all GCMs and scenarios have indicated negative impacts for the potential loss or significant reduction in suitable habitats for P. microphyllus in the transition region between the Amazon and Cerrado into central and northern Maranhão state, and mainly in the Caatinga biome over the northern Piaui state. On the other hand, positive impacts of the expansion of the plant habitat suitability are projected over forest cover protected areas of the Amazon biome in the southeastern Pará state. Since the jaborandi is of socioeconomic importance for many families in the north/northeast Brazil, it is urgent to implement public policies for conservation and sustainable management, thus mitigating the impacts of global climate change.

Stromal-vascular fraction of adipose tissue using in the repair of distal biceps tendon tears

Distal biceps tendon rupture is most commonly found in working-age men, making the treatment terms and functional recovery level of significant socio-economic importance. Modern scientific research aims to minimize the number of complications, particularly recurrent ruptures. Attention is drawn to modern technologies aimed at stimulating regenerative processes, including the use of the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of abdominal adipose tissue. The article presents the results of the practical application of SVF in the surgical restoration of the distal biceps tendon of the shoulder. The aim of the study: to improve the results of surgical treatment of distal biceps tendon rupture, shorten recovery times and reduce the incidence of complications using stromal vascular fraction obtained from adipose tissue. Materials and methods. The study was carried out by evaluating the results of surgical restoration of the distal biceps tendon in 34 patients who were divided into 2 groups – with intraoperative introduction of SVF at the reattachment site (n = 14) and without it (n = 20). At follow-up examinations after 3 days, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, the results of the patients were evaluated using the VASH, DASH scales and the range of motion in the affected elbow joint was measured. In addition, a general blood analysis and quantitative determination of C-reactive protein were performed before the operation and at follow-up visits. Results. There was no difference in the level of C-reactive protein and the general blood analysis score between patients in both groups at all study time points. It was found that after 2 weeks, the VAS score was significantly lower in the study group. The DASH score on follow-up examinations after 2 and 6 weeks was significantly better in the study group. Also, at follow-up examinations after 2 and 6 weeks, a greater volume of supination movements was observed in the study group. Conclusions. The using of SVF did not lead to the development of postoperative complications. The using of SVF allowed the reduction of the recovery time and decreased in the incidence of complications, as well as improved functional outcomes.

Underexplored Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Associated with Artisanal Cheese Making in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities

Artisanal cheeses are prepared using traditional methods with territorial, regional and cultural linkages. In Brazil, there is a great diversity of artisanal cheeses (BAC), which have historical, socioeconomic and cultural importance. The diversity of the BAC between producing regions is due to the different compositions of raw milk, the steps involved in the process and the maturation time. The crucial step for cheese differentiation is the non-addition of starter cultures, i.e., spontaneous fermentation, which relies on the indigenous microbiota present in the raw material or from the environment. Therefore, each BAC-producing region has a characteristic endogenous microbiota, composed mainly of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). These bacteria are responsible for the technological, sensory and safety characteristics of the BAC. In this review, the biotechnological applications of the LAB isolated from different BAC were evidenced, including proteolytic, lipolytic, antimicrobial and probiotic activities. In addition, challenges and opportunities in this field are highlighted, because there are knowledge gaps related to artisanal cheese-producing regions, as well as the biotechnological potential. Thus, this review may provide new insights into the biotechnological applications of LAB and guide further research for the cheese-making process.

Cimicids of Medical and Veterinary Importance.

Members of the Cimicidae family are significant pests for mammals and birds, and they have attracted medical and veterinary interest. A number of recent studies have investigated bed bugs, due to their dramatic resurgence all over the world. Indeed, bed bugs are of significant public health and socioeconomic importance since they lead to financial burdens and dermatological complications and may have mental and psychological consequences. It is important to note that certain cimicids with a preference for specific hosts (birds and bats) use humans as an alternative host, and some cimicids have been reported to willingly feed on human blood. In addition, members of the Cimicidae family can lead to economic burdens and certain species are the vectors for pathogens responsible for diseases. Therefore, in this review, we aim to provide an update on the species within the Cimicidae family that have varying medical and veterinary impacts, including their distribution and their associated microorganisms. Various microbes have been documented in bed bugs and certain important pathogens have been experimentally documented to be passively transmitted by bed bugs, although no conclusive evidence has yet associated them with epidemiological outbreaks. Additionally, among the studied cimicids (bat bugs, chicken bugs, and swallow bugs), only the American swallow bug has been considered to be a vector of several arboviruses, although there is no proven evidence of transmission to humans or animals. Further studies are needed to elucidate the reason that certain species in the Cimicidae family cannot be biologically involved in transmission to humans or animals. Additional investigations are also required to better understand the roles of Cimicidae family members in the transmission of human pathogens in the field.

Genetic structure of pike (Esox lucius Linnaeus, 1758) populations along the Polish coast of the southern Baltic Sea: Comparison to Danish brackish population

The northern pike is a species of eco-evolutionary and socio-economic importance, originally freshwater but adapted to the conditions of brackish bays, lagoons and rivers flowing into seas. It was widespread along the entire coast of the Baltic Sea. A drastic decline in the stocks of Baltic pike in the 20th century caused large-scale stocking activities in the area, often based on non-native material from more abundant freshwater pike populations. Research into the genetic variation and structure of this species in the Baltic Sea is necessary as part of the key knowledge required for the management and conservation of the species. Applying eleven microsatellite markers, we analysed the genetic structure of 495 Baltic Sea pike sampled along the Polish coastal waters and including distant Danish population, collected in Præstø Fjord, in south-eastern Zealand Island. Using traditional F-statistics and a Bayesian approach we confirmed the presence of genetic structure within the analysed region. It was most likely the result of both evolutionary forces and anthropogenic factors. The analyses showed that genetic differentiation observed for the Danish and the others populations generally increased with the geographical distance, populations from the Puck Bay were distinct from the other, and the populations related to the Vistula delta and the Vistula itself form a strong common cluster. Our results contribute to current knowledge on the population genetics of Baltic Sea pike in a previously unstudied area and are in line with calls for on-going conservation, management and restoration activities for coastal Baltic pike to preserve existing genetic differences between different populations and avoid activities that potentially increase genetic homogenization.

Anti-diabetic Attributes of Desert Plant Retama: A Mini Review on its Traditional Uses and Potential Chemical Constituents

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a fast-growing metabolic disorder, which affect millions around the world mostly people from developing nations. The rise of diabetes is further set to rise more in the coming years in all inhabited continents of the world. DM mainly attributed for food and lifestyle changes, less or no physical activity, obese, overweight, and major socioeconomic changes. In recent years, herbal medicine is incredibly growing because many natural products exhibit less or no side effects. It is well-established that nature-derived products protect β-cells and decrease blood glucose. AIM: We aimed to explain anti-diabetic attributes, traditional uses, and potential chemical constituents of desert plant retama. RESULTS: Numerous previous studies support the use of plant derived bioactive substances for human and animal disease therapy and reinforce their importance as a potential source of novel drug candidates. In this line a flowering bush, belong to the genus “Retama” (Fabaceae) are in use of conventional remedy in the Mediterranean basin for various diseases including DM. This potential plant genus has a great medical and socioeconomic importance and provides crucial evidence for its anti-diabetic therapeutic potential. The present review collected various documented information using the following searching engines such as PubMed, Science direct, and Google scholar. We limit our search only to English written documents for the last few decades until date. For data mining, the following MeSH words used in the databases: Retama, diabetes, phytoconstituents, pharmacological potential, anti-diabetic, insulin, in vivo, and in vitro. CONCLUSION: The outcome of this review may set new prospects for the DM patients, along with other standard medication and provide an overall insight to the well-being at the regional and global level.

Socio-Economic Importance and Potential of Wild Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants of the Western Himalayas, India

India's Ayurvedic medicine system is becoming popular worldwide because these medicines are based on natural herbal products and have no side effects on health; somewhat, it improves and strengthens the body's immunity. Today people’s awareness is increasing about health, the side effects of allopathy medicines on health, and their inclination and faith toward Ayurvedic treatments are railing with time. Ayurvedic medicine system is based on traditional herbal knowledge, identification of herbs in natural habitats, and formulations. The present study involves the survey and analysis of local healers of Shivalik hill in the Western Himalayas to discover the most used herbs and their economic potential from national and international market perspectives. Therefore, a survey and analysis were conducted in randomly selected 37 villages of six development blocks. The survey interviewed 195 local healers and people based on the scientifically designed questionnaire. During the 2019-2022, the thirty-one wild medicinal plant species were identified with, highlighting ten highly valued plants. These plants have high demand from local healers, vendors, or the pharma industry. Further analysis of the importance and value of each part of the plant shows this: leaves (15%), flowers (13%), roots (21%), seeds (27%), oil (2%), wood (4%), juice (11%), tuber (4%) and whole plant (4%). Study shows that local healers can. This study also emphasizes the cultivation of these herbal plants on a large scale and can potentially raise the financial status of local people and healers. The study highlights the potential of these herbal plants found in the study area to enhance rural livelihood and community resilience and calls for the integration of medicinal plants in conservation and development strategies.

Anuran diversity in a West African Valley

Anurans are subject to strong anthropic pressures in Benin, as in most of the West African countries, due to their socio-economic and environmental importance. To protect these organisms and to gather basic knowledge, an anuran biodiversity study was conducted in the lower Ouémé Valley in Benin. Anurans were inventoried in five types of habitats in four municipalities. Visual and auditory detections were used to observe, count and/or catch specimens at night, aided by headlamps. Five physico-chemical parameters were simultaneously measured. Species were determined using identification keys, authenticated by specialists at the Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Science’s Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin. Our study observed 28 species, with several species living in degraded forests. Afrixalus fulvovittatus (Cope 1860) was recorded for the first time in Benin; and the taxonomic status of three anuran species, Sclerophrys sp., Hyperolius sp. and Arthroleptis sp., still require clarification. Among the species inventoried, Hyperolius torrentis is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN category. Anuran distribution was closely related to ambient air temperature and soil humidity, with abundance increasing with low ambient air temperature and high soil humidity. We note the importance of protecting these organisms’ habitats in order to maintain the optimal environment for their growth and breeding.

Ecosystem responses of shallow thermokarst lakes to climate-driven hydrological change: Insights from long-term monitoring of periphytic diatom community composition at Old Crow Flats (Yukon, Canada).

Shallow waterbodies are abundant in Arctic and subarctic landscapes where they provide productive wildlife habitat and hold cultural and socioeconomic importance for Indigenous communities. Their vulnerability to climate-driven hydrological and limnological changes enhances a need for long-term monitoring data capable of tracking aquatic ecosystem responses. Here, we evaluate biological and inferred physicochemical responses associated with a rise in rainfall-generated runoff and increasingly positive lake water balances in Old Crow Flats (OCF), a 5600 km2 thermokarst landscape in northern Yukon. This is achieved by analyzing periphytic diatom community composition in biofilms accrued on artificial-substrate samplers at 14 lakes collected mostly annually during 2008-2019 CE. Results reveal that diatom communities at 10 of the 14 lakes converged toward a composition typical of lakes with rainfall-dominated input waters. These include six of nine lakes that were not initially dominated by rainfall input. The shifts in diatom community composition infer rise of lake-water pH and ionic content, and they reveal that northern shallow lake ecosystems are responsive to climate-driven increases in rainfall. Based on data generated during the 12 -year-long monitoring period, we conclude that lakes located centrally within OCF are most vulnerable to rapid climate-driven hydroecological change due to flat terrain, larger lake surface area, and sparse terrestrial vegetation, which provide less resistance to lake expansion, shoreline erosion, and sudden drainage. This information assists the local Indigenous community and natural resource stewardship agencies to anticipate changes to traditional food sources and inform adaptation options.

Review on The Impact of Climate Change on Approach to Epidemiology of Livestock Diseases Control

The livestock sector globally is highly dynamic. In developing countries, it is evolving in response to rapidly increasing demand for livestock products. In developed countries, demand for livestock products is stagnating, while many production systems are increasing their efficiency and environmental sustainability. Currently, the world is facing a number of challenges, of which Global climate change is a priority area. Agriculture and livestock are amongst the most climate sensitive economic sectors in the developing countries. Climates comprises many factors including temperature, rainfall, humidity, winds and altitude hat can have both direct and indirect effects on animal production and health. It can also affect the quality and quantity of feedstuffs such as pasture, forage and grain and the severity and distribution of livestock diseases and parasites. Infectious diseases of animals are of huge socioeconomic and public health importance. The earth’s temperature has risen at an average of 0.3 to 0.7 °C since 1900 & 20-30% of all vertebrate animals are expected to get extinct if the average temperature rises by 2-3 °C. The early consequences of global climate change (GCC) are well documented. However, future impacts on ecosystem health, and on the health of humans, domestic animals, and wildlife, are much less well understood. A two-pronged approach must be adapted to tackle the alarming situation arising out of climate change impacts. Adaptation may involve the measures for future adaptation to the disease onslaught and the Mitigation focuses on reducing the level of agents/factors leading to the climate change. One health concept in one health triad needs to be followed in spirit to avert the otherwise sure to come impacts of climate change.

Tick-borne pathogens and body condition of cattle in smallholder rural livestock production systems in East and West Africa

BackgroundThe majority of the African population lives in rural areas where they heavily depend on crop and livestock production for their livelihoods. Given their socio-economic importance, we initiated a standardized multi-country (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia Tanzania and Uganda) surveillance study to assess the current status of important tick-borne haemoparasites (TBHPs) of cattle.MethodsWe assessed pathogen prevalences (Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Babesia bigemina, Babesia bovis, Ehrlichia ruminantium, and Theileria parva) in the blood of 6447 animals spread over fourteen districts (two districts per country). In addition, we screened for intrinsic (sex, weight, body condition) and extrinsic (husbandry, tick exposure) risk factors as predictors of infections with TBHPs.ResultsThere was a large macro-geographic variation observed in A. marginale, B. bigemina, B. bovis and E. ruminantium prevalences. Most correlated with the co-occurrence of their specific sets of vector-competent ticks. Highest numbers of infected cattle were found in Ghana and Benin, and lowest in Burkina Faso. While T. parva was seldomly found (Uganda only: 3.0%), A. marginale was found in each country with a prevalence of at least 40%. Babesia bovis infected individuals had lower body condition scores. Age (as estimated via body weight) was higher in A. marginale infected cattle, but was negatively correlated with B. bigemina and E. ruminantium prevalences. Ehrlichia ruminantium infection was more often found in males, and A. marginale more often in transhumance farming. High levels of co-infection, especially the combination A. marginale × B. bigemina, were observed in all countries, except for Uganda and Burkina Faso. Babesia bigemina was more or less often observed than expected by chance, when cattle were also co-infected with E. ruminantium or A. marginale, respectively.ConclusionsTick-borne pathogens of cattle are ubiquitous in African’s smallholder cattle production systems. Our standardized study will help a wide range of stakeholders to provide recommendations for TBHP surveillance and prevention in cattle, especially for B. bovis which heavily impacts production and continues its spread over the African continent via the invasive Rhipicephalus microplus tick.Graphical

Exploring the Determinants of the Relationships between the Land-Based Sectors with the Wider Rural Business Base in Scotland: An Empirical Analysis

Over the past two decades, the relative socio-economic importance of land-based sectors has declined in comparison to non-land-based businesses such as tourism, food and beverage activities. However, policy implementation and research have primarily focused on the economic contributions of land-based businesses, leaving businesses outside these sectors and in rural areas, referred to as non-land-based businesses, largely overlooked. Therefore, this study aims to examine the importance of non-land-based businesses and the key determinants of the relationships between non-land-based businesses and land-based (farming, forestry and landed estate) sectors in rural Scotland. Through a survey of 1500 businesses whose primary focus is not agriculture, forestry or landed rural estates in four Scottish regions, the key findings of the logit model reveal that businesses located in rural areas are more likely to have relationships, both direct (supplying or purchasing goods/services) and indirect, with farming, forestry and landed estate sectors than their urban counterparts. Focusing on rural businesses, the results show that business size, sectors, business age, exporting, importing and business constraints related to cash flow, digital connectivity and government financial support significantly influence their relationships with land-based sectors. The results of crosstab analysis also reveal differences in business performance, business challenges related to Brexit and future plans between non-land-based rural businesses having relationships with land-based sectors in different rural classifications: accessible/remote small towns, accessible rural areas and remote rural areas. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to support rural businesses and future land-based and non-land-based sectors in rural Scotland.

Multi-indicator precautionary approach frameworks for crustacean fisheries

Implementation of precautionary approach (PA) management systems has generally proven to be a betterment over historic management practices in sustainable use of fisheries resources. However, PA management systems can minimize the application of holistic assessment advice. Single-indicator approaches, typically featuring a measure of stock biomass or abundance, have emerged as dominant in developing methods for PA frameworks. This often leads to advice generated from these frameworks being applied within narrowly focused decision-making pathways and can minimize management application of important ancillary factors. We argue this outcome is counter to the intent of PA management systems and that multi-indicator PA frameworks are a better approach. In this analysis, we detail the multi-indicator PA system development for demonstrative case studies focused on three lucrative fisheries resources in Newfoundland & Labrador, highlighting how multi-indicator PAs are potentially a better approach for the management of stocks with a contrasting range of ecological roles, socioeconomic importance, and data quality. The work is intended to generate a discussion on how PA frameworks should evolve to best suit management purposes.

Стратегическая оценка потенциала развития туризма и выставочно-ярмарочной деятельности на Да льнем Востоке России

The Russian Far East possesses an enormous natural and economic potential, however, its sectoral structure is represented mainly by extractive and manufacturing industries. Certain limiting factors impede the economic development of this microregion and the implementation of its strategic development priorities. Tourism and exhibition and trade fair activities are the largest inter-industry complexes with a significant multiplier effect on the local strategic goals. The research featured tourism and exhibition and trade fair activities as both interconnected and independent complexes that stimulate the economic growth, increase employment, and improve the quality of life in the Russian Far East. The authors assessed the regional potential for tourism, recreation, exhibitions, and trade fairs based on all resources available, their territorial combinations, the local economic turnover, and the needs of the local population and tourists. The analysis provides a comprehensive and systematic solution to such major issues as economic diversification, emigration, long-term economic growth, and the quality of life in the region. If the sphere of tourism, exhibitions, and trade fairs acquires substantial state support, the microregion will be able to implement a number of breakthrough projects in these industries. The Russian Far East will be able to meet the goals of its strategic development only if the federal and local authorities realize the socio-economic importance of tourism, industrial exhibitions, and trade fairs.

Seascape Genomics and Phylogeography of the Sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus).

Permeable phylogeographic barriers characterize the vast open ocean, boosting gene flow and counteracting population differentiation and speciation of widely distributed and migratory species. However, many widely distributed species consists of distinct populations throughout their distribution, evidencing that our understanding of how the marine environment triggers population and species divergence are insufficient. The sailfish is a circumtropical and highly migratory billfish that inhabits warm and productive areas. Despite its ecological and socioeconomic importance as a predator and fishery resource, the species is threatened by overfishing, requiring innovative approaches to improve their management and conservation status. Thus, we presented a novel high-quality reference genome for the species and applied a seascape genomics approach to understand how marine environmental features may promote local adaptation and how it affects gene flow between populations. We delimit two populations between the Atlantic and Indo-Western Pacific oceans and detect outlier loci correlated with sea surface temperature, salinity, oxygen, and chlorophyll concentrations. However, the most significant explanatory factor that explains the differences between populations was isolation by distance. Despite recent population drops, the sailfish populations are not inbred. For billfishes in general, genome-wide heterozygosity was found to be relatively low compared to other marine fishes, evidencing the need to counteract overfishing effects. In addition, in a climate change scenario, management agencies must implement state-of-the-art sequencing methods, consider our findings in their management plans, and monitor genome-wide heterozygosity over time to improve sustainable fisheries and the long-term viability of its populations.

Advancing coral microbiome manipulation to build long-term climate resilience

Coral reefs house one-third of all marine species and are of high cultural and socioeconomic importance. However, coral reefs are under dire threat from climate change and other anthropogenic stressors. Climate change is causing coral bleaching, the breakdown of the symbiosis between the coral host and its algal symbionts, often resulting in coral mortality and the deterioration of these valuable ecosystems. While it is essential to counteract the root causes of climate change, it remains urgent to develop coral restoration and conservation methods that will buy time for coral reefs. The manipulation of the bacterial microbiome that is associated with corals has been suggested as one intervention to improve coral climate resilience. Early coral microbiome-manipulation studies, which are aimed at enhancing bleaching tolerance, have shown promising results, but the inoculated bacteria did generally not persist within the coral microbiome. Here, we highlight the importance of long-term incorporation of bacterial inocula into the microbiome of target corals, as repeated inoculations will be too costly and not feasible on large reef systems like the Great Barrier Reef. Therefore, coral microbiome-manipulation studies need to prioritise approaches that can provide sustained coral climate resilience.

Femoral neck fractures

Femoral neck fractures (FNF) are the most frequent fractures in the older population and are also of high socioeconomic importance due to the high risk of mortality. The diagnostics are based on the clinical examination and imaging procedures. The classification systems used in the routine clinical practice are oriented towards the prognosis and are therefore a valuable aid in making decisions for the selection of the treatment procedure. Early surgery is decisive for the success of treatment. Older patients (> 60years) with arthritically damaged hips and a high degree of fracture dislocation benefit from prompt hip replacement (bipolar systems, total hip arthroplasty, dual mobility systems). In contrast, joint-preserving surgery by osteosynthesis is indicated in younger patients with a low degree of dislocation. This article summarizes the clinically relevant aspects of FNF and gives an overview of current treatment strategies with inclusion of the scientific literature.

Environmental sustainability and economic viability of the Compost Barn system in Brazilian dairy farming

Dairy farming has great socioeconomic importance in Brazil, and the last decades have registered a constant evolution of the production chain, seeking to increase quality and production efficiency. In this context, the production systems have intensified and adopted new technologies. The Compost Barn system has stood out as a confinement option for dairy cattle, for its lower implementation cost than other confinement systems and the possibility of giving an adequate destination to the animals' waste. Besides the search for greater production efficiency, the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems has been increasingly discussed, and dairy cattle farming is associated with many potential environmental impacts. It is essential to identify and mitigate them for the consolidation of a production chain socially fair, economically viable and environmentally correct. Thus, this literature review aims to evaluate the economic and environmental feasibility of the Compost barn system within the national dairy farming scenario.

Система государственных закупок как один из факторов социально-экономической поддержки малого предпринимательства в России

The article considers the problem of small business participation in state and municipal procurement. Despite all the socio-economic importance, small business is not very actively involved in public procurement, although the state has recently created quite good conditions for this activity. In their work, the authors analyze the reasons why small businesses do not want to participate in the system of state and municipal procurement. In addition, based on the analysis, the authors make proposals that can help solving the problems of attracting small businesses to the public procurement system.

Characterization of cowpea cultivars for grain size, color, and biofortification

ABSTRACT Cowpea crops have high socioeconomic importance in the Northeast region of Brazil. These crops generate employment and income; in addition, it is an excellent source of protein, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber, and contributes to the food security of thousands of people. Biofortification of cowpea with iron, zinc, and proteins can contribute to prevent the higher hunger. The objective of this work was to assess iron, zinc, and protein contents in cowpea grains of different cultivars and the effect of grain size and color on the contents of these nutrients. Twenty-four cultivars with variation in size and color of the seed coat were evaluated. Iron contents ranged from 7.12 to 8.60 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 7.75 mg 100 g-1. Zinc contents ranged from 4.46 to 4.93 mg 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 4.71 mg 100 g-1. Protein contents ranged from 31.50 to 36.24 g 100 g-1, with an overall mean of 33.57 g 100 g-1. Grain size ranged from 13.55 to 37.88 g, with an overall mean of 21.50 g. The cultivars Caldeirão, BRS-Guariba, and Pingo-de-Ouro-1-2 have higher iron contents; BRS-Aracê and BRS-Imponente have higher zinc contents; BR-14-Mulato, BRS-Guariba, BRS-Aracê, and BRS-Inhuma, have higher protein contents; and BR-3-Tracuateua and BRS-Imponente have larger grain sizes. The size and color of the seed coat do not influence the iron, zinc and protein contents of the evaluated cowpea cultivars.